When I packed that box, I was about 33 years old. My parents were around my age now. Our kids were 1 and 6 and I felt like time was on our side. They were little and we’d have them at home with us for what seemed like forever. Bless my heart- I just didn’t know, but the older I’ve gotten- I see how it all goes by so quickly and seems to be gaining speed by the day. 

This year, it was our kids’ turn to be at their in-laws’ houses for Easter, but they all stopped by to eat on their way home on Sunday afternoon. With their initials being the same, Jack came in wearing one of his daddy’s baby outfits. Little ones are wearing their daddies’ baby clothes before we can turn around good. Somehow our little family of four has turned into a wonderful little circus with another attraction joining us in July. In a couple of weeks, we’ll start the enjoyable process of renovation again- this time adding a bonus room upstairs to accommodate our growing family and another baby bed. It’ll give everyone a little more space when they visit since they come in here looking like they’re boarding the Titanic for a transatlantic voyage. 

I miss the days of having small children and creating all the magic of childhood for them, but I do love this adult children season, too, and I especially never comprehended what a grandchild would do to my heart. You all tried to tell me, but I guess you have to find out for yourself. When Jack reaches out for me, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for that baby. He melts me. Completely melts me. Turns me into a puddle. And I’ll soon have another one to hold and love and will become Punkin to another little angel. 

I hope all is well in your world. I just wanted to stick my head in and say hello. Weren’t we just vacuuming tree needles out of the rug? Life goes fast, so we best enjoy and savor the moments God gives us along the way. 

Joni

Carson and Anna Kathryn stopped by to have dinner with us one Sunday night in November. Carson came in with his cap on backwards which isn’t an unusual look for him. At some point, he turned it around and, when we looked over to talk to him, we saw DAD brazenly embroidered across it. I stared at it while my brain tried to process what I was seeing on top of my son’s head. They both started laughing at our dumbfounded faces and announced that they were expecting in July! Let me just say- these two got right down to business in 2025. Engaged in May. Married in September. Due in July. They haven’t even finished their wedding thank you notes. I’d just gotten used to Carson, the husband, so it will take me a little while longer to grasp Carson, the father. 

It was very early in the game when they told us, so we sat on the secret until they were ready to share the news at Christmas. At every Christmas family gathering they attended from north Mississippi to south Alabama, Carson would walk in with his hat on backwards and eventually turn it around and wait for someone to notice. It was a fun Christmas party activity to watch people be surprised and then do backwards math in their heads. 

When we got back to our house from Waffle House on Christmas Day, the happy couple went back to their bedroom and opened the results of their blood test and found out the baby is a BOY! They didn’t want a big gender reveal, so they’d just packed blue and pink balloons. They blew up the appropriate one, tied it to their golden doodle, Nash, and then let him loose. It was a wonderful Christmas gift! We can’t wait for all the fun we’ll have with “the boys”. I was really happy the cousins, who’ll be close in age, will be the same -especially since they live in the same town. 

I’ve had a month or so to process the fact that I’m going to be advancing in the ranks of grandmotherhood. Grandmother of one- you think of a young, cute grandmother who doesn’t really look old enough for the title. Grandmother of multiples- well, that conjurs up images of a more seasoned mamaw with gray roots driving around with a van full of car seats and crumbs and wearing shoes clearly chosen for comfort. I’ll take it- well, except for the gray roots. 

We’re feeling so blessed for the leaves that are starting to fill out our little tree. Our family is growing. Life is changing. God has been so gracious to us- much more than we deserve. We can’t wait to meet the little grandson He is knitting together in his mother’s womb. I wonder if he’ll have Carson’s glowing blue eyes or Anna Kathryn’s pretty chocolate brown. I wonder if he’ll have his daddy’s tender heart and love for baseball or his mama’s bubbly spirit and musical talent. Whatever he is, he will be perfect in his Punkin’s eyes and I can’t wait to meet my little boy’s little boy. No matter if their arrival comes after years of waiting or surprises us with its impressive promptness, each one is fearfully and wonderfully made and a miraculous gift from the Father’s hand. Looking forward to the happy moments of 2026. 

We’ll talk soon,

JONI