We're into days now, instead of weeks. She graduates in 7 days. SEVEN. And honestly, she's already had her "last day of school" yesterday. She doesn't have to go back to school until next Wednesday and that's only to take her last exam. She was exempted from her other two exams (on Monday and Tuesday, respectively) and today is Senior Trip to Holiday World.
Her Mimi and Uncle Jeff arrive next Thursday morning for the big event and a quick visit. We're all anxious to see them and spend some quality time with them. As far as we can tell, the next time we'll get to visit with that side of our family will be when Shelby & Edward tie the knot..... in a little over 2 years from now. So we'll want to make the most of their visit this time - squeezing every minute out of their time here that we can. I'm very excited for Mimi to meet her first great-grandchild, Emerson! He is the first to carry the Robicheaux name (from our family) into the next generation.
I love this picture of my Dad with Emerson. They have 88 years (almost exactly) between them. Emerson usually smiles and laughs for his Papa even when he's grumpy... and Papa usually livens up when his great-grandson is around to entertain. We get to keep Emerson overnight tonight, so I'm sure he'll get some more "Papa-time" this evening. Love those precious moments with them.
Why is it, when you're expecting company, that you find 1,762,055 things that need some attention in your house??? I hadn't noticed how many little places in our house need just a touch of paint... how many of the radiators have been hoarding cat hair.... how many of the light fixtures are shining out with dim light because they're covered in a light (ok. Some are NOT SO LIGHT) layer of dust... how badly the carpet in my Mom & Dad's room needs steam cleaning.... how grungy some of our towels have become without me even noticing... how often (ok, constantly) the cats jump freely onto the countertops. Wow. So much to do. So few days left to do it all. I'm feeling very overwhelmed. I am thankful, however, for a sweet new friend we've found. Her name is Katie. She's out new Household Helper and so far, she's awesome! She will visit twice a month and lend a hand with the upkeep at the house. I'm looking forward to next Monday, as she's coming to do a whole-house clean as we prepare for Shelby's graduation weekend and our out-of-town guests. I don't know how I could manage it all without her assistance. I'm grateful to one of our friends (Kristen) for linking us up with her. She's been a blessing!
Shelby will FINALLY get to take her truck in for repairs week after next. I'll be glad for her to finally see through a windshield without cracks and be able to open her passenger side door again. It will be great to have her vehicle in tip-top shape before she begins college next month.
Oh... did I mention that the ONLY TREE we had in our side yard was struck by lightning last Sunday? Yep. Blew that sucker right in half. And it was such a beautiful tree. So sad. Thankfully, our sweet son Christian was nearby and came to help remove what was left of the tree with his Dad. Shelby was a big help too, dragging the poor tree out to the side of the house where we can (this weekend) haul it away and go get two more new trees for the side yard. Wanna hear the irony in this story?? Derek and I didn't hear the lightning strike the tree or hear the tree fall because............ (wait for it) ............... ........................... .............................. we were inside the house rehearsing a song (I was playing the piano / Derek was singing) titled, "The Mercy Tree". Badaboom.
Well, Alice and I hope you have a great weekend, peeps. We hope you're blessed with laughter and beautiful weather!