March 20, 2009

• High compliment

  Hello all. It's been several hours since I posted last. I got off of the computer and got dressed, made myself a list and headed to Lowe's. I picked up new blinds (plastic to replace the crappy metal ones) for the back bedroom. I also picked up a shade for our bedroom to replace the crappy metal blinds in our room. I had to have the shade cut, which turns out the guy cut it about 1/4" too short (I remedied that by shimming (sp?) it with a carpenters pencil. Ha!). That was a pain in the ass, but I worked it out.

  Anyway, obviously I came home with that and got to work. I took down the old stuff, cleaned the windows and put up the new stuff. I also took down the sheers in our bedroom and washed them, dried them and hung them back up. I washed the dishes... well, I turned on the dishwasher. LOL. And I finished putting mud in the holes in the walls in the utility room (wow, that's an awkward sentence).

  The fellas are here replacing our siding and gutters. I will be so glad when that is done. Right now its just a noisy pain in the ass, the dogs want to bark and see whats going on... its a circus in the house... and they can't go outside till these fellas are gone because its super important that there's no mud on the siding. I don't know, just telling you what I have been told by the repair man himself. Nonetheless, it will be nice when it is done.

  I talked to Mom for a bit this morning, I always enjoy that. She's presently working on putting all her bills on auto-pay. I think it's working her nerves so far... I know it will be a good thing when it is done, but in the meantime its really been a hassle. We had a good talk, Dad's visit, Casie staying a few extra days in Louisiana, bills, working around the house... just about anything. She told me that Maw-Maw had been by and Mom had read her my post about Pops visit. She said that Maw-Maw really seemed to enjoy it which made me very happy. Shortly after that Mom had to run, had an appointment she needed to get ready for, so we wrapped our conversation up.

  After talking to Mom I called Maw-Maw, see what she was up to, how she was doing. I miss talking to her. I promise myself I am going to do better about calling her every day, or at least every few days... but somehow I never manage it (occasionally I will do it for a while, but it always falls by the way side). I feel terrible about it. She's my last grandparent. I love her dearly and I always feel better after hearing her voice. Especially when she's got an amusing story to tell. My Maw-Maw has a way of making you chuckle at something, even if you maybe shouldn't find it funny. She's a mess and I love her. Anyway, she told me that Mom had read her my blog and that it brought a tear to her eye. She complimented me on how I write and that the words were like looking at a picture. This is quite possibly the highest compliment I have ever received from anyone in my life. I say this because my Maw-Maw, like my Pops and myself don't go on and on about much of anything (that I know of anyway, haha)... it really takes some doing for them (and me) to let on about something being impressive. We just don't get overly excited (enthusiastic might be a better word cause we all know how excitable I can get!) about stuff. So, for her to tell me how much that meant and how beautiful the words were, how clearly she could see it... well, its a big deal... to me, if it isn't to anyone else that doesn't really matter. During my conversation with her the guys arrived to work on the house and the dogs were in full tilt so I cut our conversation a bit short just to avoid her not being able to hear me through all the commotion. It was a good conversation though. I can't wait to see her in a few weeks.

  After talking to Maw-Maw I started thinking about Paw-Paw. I don't know how much I have talked about him here, but he was a truly wonderful man. He never would have hurt a fly, just a gentle, kind man. There have been people who have said we (the Devall family) act as if he walked on water. Well, he didn't, but if there was a man on earth who might have, he was right up there with the best of them. And to those people, who say that as if we are all delusional, you would have had to have known him... if you had, you would clearly understand the love and admiration that we all have for him to this day. I have been blessed in my life to have known and been related to some pretty wonderful people. Paw-Paw was one of them. I have so many fond memories of him. Even if its just the many memories of sitting on the back porch swing with him, trying not to swing (he didn't like to swing) and just wanting to talk to him, or just wanting to be near him. He wasn't a talker, when he had something to say you could bet it was important for you to listen. He didn't ever share his opinion about what might be going on in your life, unless you asked. Then you could bet that he would tell you his honest opinion. It was never mean or hurtful, even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear... he had already given it alot of thought and gave you the answer you'd asked for with nothing but love and sincerity. He was full of knowledge about things that to this day I don't know he knew... I only just learned that he had gone to carpentry school, but then decided he'd be better served to become a police officer. He wasn't boastful or judgemental at all. He was just a sweet, kind, wonderful man. I know, I am gushing... I've already told you that I am emotional and reminiscing about my Paw-Paw is no exception. The more I thought about him the more I wished that he were alive to meet my Lillie, to give her the love that he gave to me. I already know they would have gotten along well. Maybe he already knows her... maybe they met before she was sent to me. I don't know. But I can tell you that there's a picture of the two of them in my mind, one I knew and loved and miss dearly and the one I've not met yet but love more than words can express and can't wait to meet. She's sitting on his lap and her head is cocked back looking at him. She's laughing and cooing at him and he's smiling and chuckling at her. It makes me smile and tear up all at the same time. I realize this picture will never exist in reality, but it does very vividly in my mind. (Oh, and our boy name has changed, if we ever have a boy his name will be Brodey Fischer Dean, to honor my Paw-Paw, the man, the legend (big smile).) Brodey was his middle name, and though he didn't go by Brodey that name only makes me think of him. I have always wanted to name a son I might have after him. I think he would be pleased just the same.
  I have a very clear picture of her with Paw-Paw Leo too, only he's holding her looking at him. He's belly laughing and telling her who she looks like and that makes her squeal with happiness.
  It also exists with Maw-Maw Lillie Mae, her name sake. I think Maw-Maw would be incredibly flattered to have a great, great grandchild named after her. I think she might have just thought that was cool as all get out. She'd have probably had to have a beer with my Pops just to celebrate.
  Again, these are my thoughts, day dreams, fantasies, whatever you want to call them. But it is certainly comforting to think of those who wont get to meet my children and be able to see them there, with them, some how. Call me crazy, it's never bothered me before! Haha!

  So! Have you cried yet? Cause I have been near tears, of joy of course, but tears still yet.

  The plan is still to go to Louisiana for a few days in September. I don't have anything finalized yet. With all the work in the house and getting ready for Pops to get here, getting ready to go to Louisiana for the shower, etc. I just haven't managed to get that done. Its a priority, don't get me wrong, just not as big as getting the floors cleaned, the attic together, the pantry finished, Lillie's room ready... I am sure you can see how it might get lost in the shuffle right now! But I will and when I do I will post it here so that ya'll know when I'll be home for ya'll to see Lillie for the first time. I can't wait for Maw-Maw to see her. Mom and Dad will of course have seen her because they will come up just before or just after she's born. Casie and Chuck will do the same. Tancy's family will also make a trip here shortly after she's born. And even though we will be in Louisiana for Christmas this year I just didn't want to make Maw-Maw wait that long to meet her newest great-grandchild. I should even have some quality time to spend with her. That always makes me so very happy. Outside of visiting with Maw-Maw, one of my favorite things to do is to rummage through a closet or dresser and have her tell me the stories behind what's in there. She's got stuff from when Uncle Roddy, Aunt Judy, Aunt Wanda and my Dad were kids. She has stuff of her Mom's. She has stuff that we played with as kids, that her kids probably played with. Tancy says her house is like the Smithsonian! She's right. Not only does Maw-Maw have these things, they are in great shape and most of it is in its original packaging!! It's impressive.

  Well, I've really taken a trip down memory lane today! I guess I should get back to work in the house. I have managed to get the floors swept. That was bothering me. It's amazing what we track in... and then there's still bits of insulation turning up, stuff off the walls where I am putting mud in the holes... and the puppies and their hair. It's a never ending battle. I still need to put the dishes away and I really need to get something to eat. I just realized the time (2:15) and I haven't had anything since about 8:00. I'm not particularly hungry, but I should eat something any way. I expend alot of energy walking circles around the house trying to remember what the hell I am suppose to be doing. Haha!

  It's a gorgeous day here. I've got all the windows open and enjoying the fresh air. I love days like this. I hope your weather is equally beautiful and you are able to enjoy it. Have a great weekend if I don't blog again before Monday.

  Love to all!

  • 2:19 pm
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