Wow - What a Week!

[NMarti]

Boy - talk about a rollercoaster week of emotional highs and lows! My mother-in-law passed away on Sunday morning. Some here know we had considerable friction but still I was saddened for my husband and my daughters. Tuesday was the funeral of a soldier killed in Iraq who was the son of my husbands friend. It was excrutiating - especially in light of the fact that Travis (my son-in-law) is deploying in a couple of weeks. He has been in training since November at Ft. Bragg. Cara went to see him four weeks ago to say their goodbyes. Now today - my daughter announces she is PREGNANT! I'm gonna be a GRANDMA!!!!!! Wow - I can't believe it. I'm afraid of what the rest of the week is gonna bring - thank goodness it's almost over. She is now on her way to Ft. Bragg to break the news.

Now I'm off to start planning scrapbooks and photos and ... and... all that grandma stuff. :D

[kayser]

Congratulations, Granny! :) Definitely an emotional time for your family. We'll be anxiously awaiting all the pictures!!

[mrod]

Wow, no kidding, Nancy! You've covered the emotional spectrum for sure!

Congratulations! We wish Travis Godspeed and safety!

Mike

[Lorri]

Nanci, I'm deeply sorry for the sadness in your week. And for the anxiety you must feel over your son-in-law's upcoming deployment.

What wonderful news, though, to hear about new life in your family--such affirmations are what keep us going sometimes, yes?!

You will have a blast being a grandmother. There are now four very full scrapbooks on the bookshelf, each dedicated to my now 5 year old grandson! My daughters call me "Grandma Papparazzi" because I always have my cameras with me when we see him. It has been absolute joy to capture these photo memories of his life and I get even more pleasure when I imagine him years from now as he looks through them or shares them with special people later in his lifetime.

Many, many good wishes to you and the upcoming new parents!

Lorri

[Ellen]

What a week indeed! My head spun just reading your post. Big life events seem to come in threes so maybe things will calm down for you.

[NMarti]

Thank you all for your comments. I hope things settle down - but then maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket!:p

Heck I forgot to mention that Saturday we celebrated our 29th anniversary too!

[scrapperjlc]

Wow Nancy! So sorry to hear of the losses in your family and friends. My prayers are with your son-in-law and all of those serving in the wars. I have a cousin who has been in Iraq since December. This is his second tour over there. I'm not even sure how long he has to be there this time.

And, congratulations on the impending arrival of a grandbaby! That is great news! Looking forward to seeing some baby pages posted when the time arrives!

Take care,

Jodi

And, I see that you posted just before I did, Happy Anniversary!!!

[Vesta]

Nancy,

It doesn't seem possible to have so many emotions in one week..sorrow, sadness, loss and then great joy of the announcment of a new addition to your family. You have ran the gamut here Nancy. I will include you all in my prayers tonight.
My condolences to your family and to your friends who lost their son;

Congratulations on the 29th anniversary and the new baby!
Vesta

[tbrannon]

Wow Nancy you have had an emitional week.
Sorry to hear of your MIL, and the loss of the friends son.
My condolences to your family and friends.

And YOUR GONNA BE A GRANDMA......CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!
How exciting!! I wish her the best!!!

Prayers for your Son-in-law, appreciate what he is doing for ALL OF US!!!
Prayers for a safe return to "HIS FAMILY!"

Can't wait to see all the baby pages. CONGRATS and the best to you and your family.

[AngelicKim]

Nancy, what a week. Sorry about your families loss, thoughts and prayers are with Travis and congrats to him and Cara.

And CONGRATS Grandma.

You also forget you got a double Editor's Choice pick this week too.

[kimi_boo]

Little does Travis know that he has so many prayers following him around. :D A Grandma!! How Wonderful!! :D :D :D

Tell them we wish them all the best. I have to agree. Can't wait for the pictures.

[Pauline]

Geez Nancy your head must be spinning with all these emotions!!
A grandma! WOW. Your daughter is going to have a very beatiful baby album, I'm sure! It will be very tough on her though with her husband gone. I feel for her.

[msbrad]

Nancy,
Hard to say anything after all that is mentioned. You have definitely had quite a week. That is an emotional roller coaster if ever there was one.

although we may not know why, all things happen for a reason.
I'm saddened, for the losses your family has incurred, the stress with the deployment, and yet so happy to hear of the good news with a baby on the way. Plus congrats on your anniversary.

Keeping your family in my prayers.
m

[Jancy]

Nancy,
So sorry to hear about your families loss, but on a happier note--Your gonna be a Grand MaMa :)
Jancy

[NMarti]

Thank you all so much for your condolences and prayers for Travis.

Cara wanted me to tell her dad so I came home from work tonight and said "you're getting a bit gray aren't you? Starting to look more like a grandpa these days." to which he paused a minute or two and looked at me and asked "and what is that supposed to mean?". I just smiled and his eyes misted over. It was pretty cool. It lasted about 30 seconds though before he said "I've got your grandpa...." :D

Kim - you're right - I did forget.

Pauline - My head is spinning a bit. Funny thing - I feel more creative this week and have done more stuff than in a long time.

[Wags374]

You and your family has really been riding the emotional rollercoaster this week. Hopefully things will smooth out and your daughter will have a happy and uneventful pregnancy.

[Robyn]

Oh WOW Nancy, I've just caught up with this thread. What an array of emotions you must be feeling............ sadness, happiness, apprehension, anticipation.

I'm delighted to hear that you are going to be a grandmother..........oh scrapbook heaven! When will the baby be due? It's wonderful for Cara and Travis, but I guess it does put extra pressure on that whole situation. Travis remains in my thoughts and prayers.

.............I guess the first scrapbooking 'opportunity' will be the scan photo!

[Kathy]

Nancy,

Your week reminds me of that saying that begins with "Life is a journey" and ends with "Holy cow what a ride".

Congratulations on becoming a Grandma and your anniversary and sorry for your loss and worry.

Kathy

[kimh]

Wow Nancy, our friends have said it all.
My prayers also with you for your families loss and praying for Travis.
Thrilled for your good news...Congratulations, you must keep up updated.
29 years!!! Congratulations!
Kimh

[PhilCro]

Sorry for your loss but the best was saved for last. Grandkids - what can you say but they are the best. We have 8 ranging from 5 to 19. What photo ops you'll have. New born, 1st birthday, baseball action and before you know it high school graduation. Time flies so enjoy it all. One graduated 2 yrs ago, another one this year and one next year. Really making me feel OLD, but I still keep up with them. Have fun getting ready for the big event and keep us posted.

[lindajay]

Oh, my, Nancy! You might just need to take a day of R&R to let all of this news settle into your brain and your heart! Sounds like too much, too fast! But, on the happy side, 29 years of marriage and a grandbaby on the way -- it doesn't get much better! :D

Please let Travis know that he is being thought of and prayed for by all of your forum-friends. And your daughter, too, as she enters this exciting 9 months while he's away.

[ChristineV]

Wow Nancy!! What a week is right!!!

I am sorry for your family's loss.

And I am so very excited for you for becomming a Grandma!!! How exciting!!! Just think about all the scrapbook pages, books, photos etc!

[SCRAPPYGIRL]

Nancy,
Sorry for you losses this week. I had a difficult MIL also, but it's still difficult when they pass on.

Congrats on the new grandbaby - I take it this is your first!! Let me tell you, it's sooooo true what they say "If I had known being a Grandmother was this much fun I would have had them first" You don't have to be in charge of their intire life and upbringing, so you can really indulge them when they come to visit. I give mine ice cream for dinner, and let them take chocolate milk in the family room and watch all the movies they want to.
Seriously, it'll be one of the most wonderful experiences of your life! Can't wait to see the pictures.

[NMarti]

Thanks all so much for the kind wishes.

Linda - I don't think she's gonna see this as a happy thing at the moment. She's barely a week or two into that nine months and has already called this morning complaining of feeling sick and her "you know what" are really sore. :eek: I told her "sweetie - you're just getting started" :p :D

Oh I'm gonna love this - the scrapbook page idea are piling up! :D

[Pauline]

Oh Nancy it's going to be a long 9 months and with hubby gone, I guess you are going to get to hear it all. LOL She'd better toughen up. This is the easy part!! Although I do remember how horrible the nausea was with my son. Didn't have any problems with both my daughters.

[Wendy]

Nancy ...

I am just so delighted for you all about the baby ... I know that the last months have been bad and I am sure that this is just the good news that you all need :)

Its wonderful !!! :)

Wendy

[G. OReilly]

Nancy.....

Sorry to hear about all the bad news,,,,But then the good news of becomeing a Grandmother....WOW....Great.!!!!..I know you will just love it.

It just seems like yesterday that I became a granddad....my granddaughter is now 15...time goes by so fast.Enjoy your time with your Grand daughter Or Son ? .....

Regards
George

[jo]

I'm just catching up here -- what a ride you've had this week! But the best part is the baby! I'll keep your son-in-law in my prayers, too. Let's hope he'll be home for the birth of his child.

[crljean]

Everybody else has already said everything. Just let me add my sympathy for your losses and my congratulations on the new grandbaby. I'm expecting #7 and can barely wait. There's nothing like it! I'll add Travis to my prayer list.

[kroberts]

Nancy,

I'm glad your week ended better than it began! Congratulations on the grandbaby.:) My prayers will continue to be with your son-in-law and family.

[Diana]

Nancy,

Congratulations on the grandbaby news! Travis is really going to hate leaving with his wife expecting. We'll pray for the best for them.

Diana

[NMarti]

Thank you all so much. Well - it's on a downward spiral again. Cara just called and her MIL is NOT happy and made sure they knew it and lectured them on how irresponsible they are. Cara is hysterical and 1400 miles away and I can't do anything about it. Please won't this week end!!!!!:eek: She has to drive 1400 miles back home with her too! (they shared driving duty to be able to go see Travis one last time before he left and so Cara could tell him)

Travis is ecstatic, by the way.

[Diana]

Oh, how petty on the MIL's part! She certainly could have bitten her tongue....what a way to put a damper on a young couple's joy! She sounds like one of those MILFH (I had one, but now she's gone).

Diana

[apasskey]

Hi Nancy - What to say?? My thoughts and prayers are with you. It has been a difficult week for you filled with mixed emotions. Aren't mixed emotions exhausting?

I hope your friends here can bouy your sprirts like they did mine!! I think this forum is one of the best discoveries I have ever made and I cherish all the warm and kind folks here who take the time to send love and condolences!!

Hugs, Andie

[kayser]

Wow. I hope this is only because of the stress she's feeling from her son leaving- it's a time to feel joy and celebrate life. My Nancy prayer section is getting longer :)

[kroberts]

Nancy,

What a long trip home for Cara after giving Travis some happy news before he is deployed.:( It's hard to believe how insensitive a mother can be to her son and his wife, especially given the separation they are facing. I'll say more prayers for Cara and Travis (and will pray that her MIL will bind her tongue on the long drive home, think about what she has done, change her attitude and apologize).

Hugs to you,

[Pauline]

I think this would be a very difficult time for all three of them and Travis' mother must be terrified for her son. Still very unsensitive to if not be happy about the news, be happy for them because it's what they want. There are probably all kinds of thoughts going on in her head and thinking she might loose her son is a big one.

Cara is dealing with the emotions of having her husband go to war and not know if he'll come back and the hormonal swings that go with pregnancy. Hopefully it won't put a wedge between the two of them as now is the time when they should have a bond and help each other get through the long difficult months ahead.

[CarolLHB]

Oh Nancy-what a week indeed! Glad for your "Grandma" news. Congratulations-

Hang in there, kid-:)

[lindajay]

Nancy, everyone's emotions must really be on edge. Poor Cara! I wish there were another way for Cara to come home. On the other hand, maybe the time together will provide MIL some time to mend the damages. Prayers, prayers and more prayers coming your way.

[NMarti]

Well a plane ticket is booked. She does not want to ride home with her and I don't blame her. His dad is flying out there tomorrow to try to get MIL under control and mend some fences but she does not want to go 1400 miles with her right now. We can always cancel the flight if necessary but at least she knows she has an alternative way home. Pauline you are so right about the hormones! She is a mess and may be taking some things harder than she should but I know and understand her feelings. You see, my MIL actually wondered aloud if I intended to "keep" my second daughter because we were having a really hard time when I found out I was pregnant because my hubby had lost his job. Yeah - history does repeat itself.:rolleyes:

[msbrad]

Nancy,
We're here for you and do send Cara all our hugs. Hope our support will add to helping her through. And I hope she will be able to hook up with some of the military wives groups.
I'm glad she is flying home. 1400 miles is a long drive even w/o stress, and hormones, and emotions....

IMHO~ regardless of the "stress" mil is having, with deployment....still no excuse for her insensitivity and rudeness to Cara. She is HIS wife and THEY are starting a family. This baby represents their love. They need support!

Diana, Love your acronym very appropriate.

here is another one...
ES+BATM

m

[kroberts]

Nancy,

I'm so glad you booked a plane ticket. I went to sleep last night wondering if that was possible. A 1400 mile road trip is way too long when travelling in a good frame of mind. That will be better for your daughter and grandchild.

As Pauline said, her MIL is terrified for Travis and often people do/say terrible things in that state of mind. The bad thing is that once it's said, it will be a long time before Cara and Travis forget it (if ever). I'll pray that things get better for all of them.

[NMarti]

Thank you all so much. I'm just so overwhelmed with the support and kind words. Cara is in a better frame of mind today and she is very glad we booked the ticket. If I was wasn't hobbling around on a broken foot (yes this week on Wednesday but mentioning it was trivial compared to the rest of the week) I would hop on the plane myself and go out there. She'll be home Monday and we can start planning and getting excited about this new grandbaby. I REFUSE to let next week be like this past one.

[msbrad]

Oh Nancy..the foot too!
for sure, next week will be better.
I do hope for you...all the way to great as Cara will be home!
m

[virgo1]

Nancy,
Things can only get better. Cara will be home soon and you will have each other again. Until then, big hug. Double Congratulations on becoming a grandma and 39 years.:)
Eva;)

[NRiceDesigns]

If I was wasn't hobbling around on a broken foot (yes this week on Wednesday but mentioning it was trivial compared to the rest of the week)

OMG my friend, I don't know whether to laugh or cry... it's like having a nightmare & you're afraid to awaken because it just might be real.

Congratulate Cara & Travis for me & tell Cara not to let the MIL dampen her excitement over the pregnancy. Maybe the baby is just what she will help her through Travis' deployment. Yes, the MIL's emotions are raw now with Travis shipping out, but she needs to get a grip... if she feels bad now, she needs to consider how she will feel if she alienates Travis & his wife by telling them they are irresponsible!

OK... since Cara's MIL is 1,400 mi away, I assume you did not break your foot kicking her in the TOOT, so... how did you break it?

[Robyn]

Yes Nancy, how did you break that foot?

[kayser]

I didn't know about the foot- do tell! And, thank goodness it's Saturday, and this week is almost over. You can start fresh tomorrow!

[mayva]

I too am at a loss as to what to say since it has already been said.
Just that I hope things will begin to settle down for you soon.
And I'm sure the news of the new grandbaby will help with that a lot.
Being a grandma is wonderful! Congrats to you and your family!

Hugs.....:)

[NMarti]

:D No Nita - wasn't that way (but I thought about it). It is so silly maybe that's why I didn't mention it. :o I had on a new pair of leather shoes. They are a pretty heavy leather and not broken in yet. I bent my foot and sort of got up on my toes while squatting down and the leather creased across the top of my foot. I sort of leaned forward and it creased more and "pop"! Two small bones on the top of my foot near the base of my toes. It swelled up pretty bad but I didn't go get x-rays right away. By the next morning it was considerably swollen and I thought I better check it out. :rolleyes:

[Robyn]

What a way to break your foot, it's quite funny really if it wasn't for the fact of what a lousy week you've had!!

[kayser]

I was hoping for something more daring, like you were chasing down a bank robber or even that you were rescuing Sophie... well, a girl mUST have a pair of shoe broken in.

[Pauline]

Nancy I told you you should lie about how it happened! :eek:

[kroberts]

Nancy,

You could write a book about this week or make a scrapbook page.:D A photo of your broken foot could be used for the background...:eek:

Hope next week is MUCH better!

[lindajay]

Oh, Nancy! When you were describing the foot-thing, I FELT it in my own foot -- Ouch! I was going to say that was "adding insult to injury." But then I realized it was actually "adding injury to insult." :rolleyes: What OTHER mishaps are you keeping from us? (Seems like you and old Job could be in some sort of competition!)

[NMarti]

Linda
The name Job did come to mind - you know the biblical guy who learned NOT to say what's next! :D I had a bad January and then a sad February and now March is awful! Like I said - I want 2007 to be OVER and it's just getting started. I have officially adopted the theme song for the year as "Stand Back Up" by Sugarland.

Pauline - I should have - it would have been more fun. ;)

Kim I had a week like this in 1997. My grandma had a heart attack on Sunday, my mom had one on Monday, on Tuesday my cousin's son got hit by a drunk driver and was seriously injured, on Wednesday Cara got hit by a car while I was at the hospital but was not hurt, on Thursday my brother was admitted to the same hospital where eveyone else was with kidney stones, and on Friday they told us my grandmother would not come home and she died on Saturday. I promptly applied for permission to have a nervous breakdown on Sunday but the beds were all full of other family and everyone told me I had to be strong for everyone else. :rolleyes: I got over it but this week was sure coming close again. The year 2000(the cancer year) was just as bad and so was 2003. I won't even go there.

[Robyn]

We love you Nancy! We know that you've got guts and determination, and you WILL get through this too!

[Pauline]

Geez Nancy don't you believe in things happening in 3's!! It's a wonder you have survived. My goodness I thought my life had some drama in it last year but you beat me out hands down! At least with my drama it happens one kid at a time and we've been having a good year. (so far)

[kroberts]

Nancy, I can see why you call your gallery "My Escape from Reality!"

Hoping and praying that this is a better week for you!:)

[kimh]

Geeze...I've missed a bunch of posts in this thread. Hope this week is starting out better Nancy. Thinking about Cara making it home safely.
MIL needs to keep her trap shut!! She will only be hurting herself in the long run...too bad for her!
We're all here for you!
Kimh

[kImages]

Nancy - I'm sure that sharing the bond of having difficult MIL's was not one that you really wanted with your daughter. Luckily she does have your terrific support and given the length of this thread you certainly have all of ours! :)

Sorry for your losses this week and congrats on the impending grandbaby. Be sure to tell Travis once again thank you for the job he'll be doing - it is appreciated.

[Lorri]

Nancy, I think you need to snap a good shot of those shoes and feature them in their very own scrapbook page.
"ATTACK OF THE KILLER SHOES" or something equally attention grabbing!

[NRiceDesigns]

Nancy, I think you need to snap a good shot of those shoes and feature them in their very own scrapbook page.
"ATTACK OF THE KILLER SHOES" or something equally attention grabbing!

Wonderful title for the layout. Nancy, I think I'd return those shoes.

I hope this week is better for you "Ms. Job" & try to remember that everything eventually turned out better for Job than it was in the beginning.

Look on the bright side - you'll never run out of ideas for layouts. ;)
Keep your chin up. You're strong, so I know you'll come through this... I just wish it would pass quickly. We're here for you. Love ya girlfriend,
~N

[NRiceDesigns]

Nancy, looks like Kev had you in mind with his latest creation...

http://www.photoshopelementsuser.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20707

[NMarti]

Nita
I love that!!!!! I can think of a great layout for the other end of the barrel. :eek: I'll be nice though, I promise. Last week is behind me. I got through Sunday with no new problems so things are already looking up!

[NRiceDesigns]

I got through Sunday with no new problems so things are already looking up!

One good day! WOW - that's something to be thankful for!

[Shari]

Oohh Nancy - I have just had a minute to read part of this post. What a week is right. I have been praying for Travis since you first told us he had to go back. This will be a bittersweet time for your family. Like me right now - it is one day at a time. Buy oh how lucky for your daughter and grandbaby to have such a creative Grandma - I can just imagine some of the wonderful images you will come up with.
Shari