A Twofer Cuz I'm humbled

I was all set to write up this great (and snarky) post about how my parents came to visit over the weekend. They got in town just after New Year's and they brought my little old grandma, who is pushing 90. She has early onset Alzheimer's Disease and she hasn't fully adjusted to not living on her own. And while her short term memory is non-existent, she can recall with full clarity and even annoyity (forgive my fake word) the smallest details about a trip they all took down the California coast 30+ years ago!

(4 generations)

I was going to write how my parents have raised 10 kids with a few extras sprinkled in for good measure. And they have really never lived alone empty nest style more than about 6 months at a time. A sibling (along with their kids and/or spouse) moves back in while waiting for a house to get built, or while waiting for a divorce to finalize or while some other part of their good & crazy life gets settled. And now they have my grandma living with them who is little more than a kid. Complete with the fact that she goes to daycare during the day!

I was going to write how my parents traveled over 10 hours to visit us for only a few days so they could support my 8yrold who was getting baptized. How the weather get's scary in this part of the country and the roads...ahem... aren't always cleared very quickly.. (grrr).

I was going to write a thank you to my parents for all they have done for me and are still willing to do.... (And I'll still get to that.)

But instead...

I'm writing a giant thank you to Jay over at Half Time Lessons.

(And to Deb from Dirty Socks and Pizza)
Tuesday's Tribute
A Jay and Deb Production.


I'm not even sure why? Why would he chose to be a woman if he could? Why he compared Jyl and I and Mom It Forward to Mother Theresa... Or was it Jenny McCarthy??

#GNO started because I was lonely. And I selfishly figured if I taught a couple online friends the Twitter ropes on a Tuesday night in September '08, I would get some more social fulfillment... And I did. Boy did I ever and MORE! #GNO-- where everybody knows your na-a-ame....

Wow, it's amazing to see the stories and willingness unfold from so many women through #GNO (and men...yes you... Jay and Chris and Steve). And humbling. Even surprising that there are so many people who 'get' the Mom It Forward vision. Can we help each other while strengthening ourselves and our families and our communities... Yes We Can! (thanks Bob). And Thanks Jay. I plan to visit you in YOUR community and Mom It Forward... Don't be scared I'll give you warning first!
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12 comments:

Deb said...

you deserve it! and i liked hearing about your amazing and fun parents more than about jay. we don't need his ego any more out of control than it already is!

KatieZ said...

Jeez, did you finally decide to do a new post?! Took you long enough. I have been checking everyday, you must be too busy with the other events that you have. Loved the post today though. Come see mine, I posted about mom too! Congrats on the tribute from Jay and Deb! Too Fun!
Love ya!

Jay @halftime lessons said...

KatieZ - I know, Right??!!

Write, woman, Write!! ;-)

Ok...to set the record straight...nobody is Jenny, and nobody is Mother Theresa...you two just happen to fall in between them somewhere...not that Jenny is on the bad end...maybe my example just plain sucks??!!

Thanks for all you do, and for helping me get started doing what I do.

Loved your parents, btw...what the hell am I gonna do when my kids leave?? I cant be alone with this woman!!

See you tonight, Rockstar.

Jay

Kristina P. said...

You and Jyl have done an amazing job! Even though it takes away from *this* blog, but I'm not bitter.

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

I've been wondering where you've been, too! I need a GNO...when's the next one???

jill jill bo bill said...

We love ya, girl!!!!

Barely Domestic Mama said...

That's a great post.

I just attended my first #GNO last night. I was overwhelmed at first, but it really was a pleasure to be a part of.

Jenni said...

I am glad you had a nice visit with your parents and grandmother! It sounds like your mom and dad should be sainted!

And you TOTALLY deserve the praise, Carissa! You are one of the first bloggy people to be nice to me and I won't ever forget that! :-D

Straight to Your Hart said...

You covered both so well!! Could you see Jay in a skirt? He makes a better Jay I think LOL.

Isn't it so awesome what your Pay it Forward has done?? Blessings is all I can think of to say.

Sticky said...

And now you'll never be lonely again! Couldn't have happened to a nicer person...love ya, girl!

Anonymous said...

Neat post, Carissa!

Melissa Ann Browning said...

That's wonderful that your fam came to visit - love the pic with your dad & grandma. Was the baptism nice? Can you share anymore pics of the celebration afterwards? Was your middle baby happy with her day?

Nice to have you back online :) Hope your world has calmed down and that you're enjoying the ride!

(ps - I also have perpetually cold feet - I have a good testimony for smartwool, too!)


Oh my heck! I was featured. And it didn't hurt or anything!



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