Reflection on 4 years ago

Around our house, we say that the antidote for worry is praise. And praise comes through reflection. Today marks the 4 year anniversary of our move to Memphis...coincidentally, it was also THE most stressful day of my entire life. I think more painful than childbirth...well, I've had c-sections, but you know what I mean.

On this day 4 years ago, we had packed up our two bedroom house in San Leandro into a 20 feet long moving truck. We were very budget minded, and packed ourselves. Not very smart for a mom who had a nursing 6 month old and a husband who has a very high tolerance for chaos. We had several friends who offered to help us load, but one by one, they backed out or could only help for a brief time.

When we finally shut the door on the moving truck, Robert and his dad took off in the cars for their 3 day journey across the country. In the meantime, a friend took me, Adam, and Jackdog to a hotel so we could catch our planes the following day. I first had to get Jackdog checked in. He couldn't fly Southwest with us, so I had to ship him with American. Only, the temperature in Dallas (where he had a layover) was too cold for him to fly there...AA put him on a later flight. Then, I had to go back to the hotel, get my friend and Adam and come back to the airport for our flight.

It had been such an emotional and exhausting week, that once the flight took off, I lost it. Fortunately, Adam was in his carseat or with a caring flight attendant. But I spent most of the 4 hour flight in the bathroom vomiting. Stress had never before taken its toll on me that way. And I remember feeling the "closure" of that season of my life. The six years of memories, friends, experiences. But the excitement and fear of the unknown of what lay ahead of us in Memphis. The pilot actually escorted me off the plane after we landed where my sister was waiting for me. Within a day, I felt better and could operate as the moving coordinator again.

I pray that we never endure that experience again and I am so glad that God brought us to Memphis. When I read this, I'm so blessed to see His hand over the last 4 years. If you are reading this, and you are in my Memphis life, thank you for being a new friend and for making my life so rich. If you are part of my California life, I miss you so much and am so glad you were part of my journey for a while. My experiences there have definitely shaped who I am today.

Micah the Rocker

Last weekend, we discovered that, even with a serious temperament, Micah is a rocker. It started with the preparation for Walt's 5th birthday party at Rock'n'Romp. The invitation said to come dressed like a rocker. We already know that Adam can keep a beat, and knew that Micah could sing. What we discovered after I spiked Micah's hair, was that he can really own the rocker persona.

At Rock'n'Romp, which was hosted by the Center for Southern Folklore:

1. Micah learned to run (and in a sea of hundreds of kids and parents, this wasn't easy for either of us.)

2. Micah learned to sit'n'spin as if he's been doing it his whole life; and

3. Micah learned to rock, like head bang, scream your head off and dance, kind of rock.

I loved it! And at this age, he was in my arms or lap for most of the rockin'. SO much fun. I know it won't be long before I'll cramp his style. But we had a great time and I loved learning just a little more about this little man in my life!

Of course, Adam always rocks this look.

Yes, his hair is purple...

Adam calls their band "Star Wars Musical."

Highlights from Christmas

Christmas was a wonderful time again for the Grisham family. It was our third year to participate in Advent Conspiracy and we certainly slowed down even more this year. Despite having 4 different family Christmas gatherings, they were all spaced out and easy on our schedules. Each one was unique and enjoyable. And Neighborhood Church had some really great events to guide us in our "relational giving" and "loving all."

My favorite Christmas highlights were:

• Caroling at the Cooper Young gazebo: The young families in my neighborhood gathered to sing carols and then were followed by the holiday concert of our neighborhood school choir. It was cold, old-fashioned, and fun. A little ghetto (we do live in the city!) and I had to take down the Christmas lights the next morning to keep them from being stolen. But for a brief moment, we had an idyllic, Stars Hollowish little neighborhood!

• The Clean Water party at the Spicklers: This was the second year they have given this party and we collected $500 for Living Water International. The best part was hanging out with my favorite people near the festive twinkle lights!
• The Christmas service at NC. I invited a guest musician and neighbor, Art Edmaiston, to join Robert for this service and was moved to tears during their performance. On soprano sax, he played O Holy Night, What Child is This, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, The First Noel and Silent Night. It was one of the most worshipful experiences I have had this year.
• Christmas morning at the Grisham home. This was a first for us. Santa actually visited us at home this year! We all really loved it. Santa brought us a Wii and a few games. We spent the morning creating our Miis. And then after breakfast, we talked about Compassion International with Adam and he helped us choose to adopt Gino, a boy his age from the Phillipines. We look forward to getting to know Gino as we pray for him and write him letters.

Adam's letter to Santa. Actually, the first letter he has written.

• Family Christmas Gatherings (and various pictures)

Adam and Yoda, gift from Aunt Megan

Aunt Megan reading the Nativity Story...

Micah demanded to sit in her lap while she read.

Adam's gift from Pa Max and Mama Jerri, his own scooter!

Up was in this Christmas! From Nana and Pa Rick

Yes, Jackdog got a snuggie from Bugula...spoiled dog!

And the newest future addition to the family,

Stephen Wilson, met the whole Fuller fam this day!

Even Granny got in on the Wii action. She's a pro at bowling!

And Pa Howard painted this beautiful wooden rocking horse for Micah.

Addie gave him a ride (and apparently Adam wanted a ride as well...)

We hope your Christmas was wonderful too!

Surprise!! Robert's 35!

Since Robert's birthday is exactly a week before Christmas, he normally gets jipped when it comes to celebrating. Since 35 seems to be a big deal (I mean, it's half way to 70!), I thought it would be fun to surprise him with a bash. With a few co-conspirators, we pulled it off and he had NO idea! What fun! Here are a few snapshots of the night. Not pictured are the videos of some of his college voice recitals and the "amazing" re-editing of the youtube popular Hitler parody.

35 IS a lot of candles!

Happy Birthday, hon!