Grandma Mary

My Grandma Mary passed away Tuesday evening. We'd known she didn't have much longer to live but that doesn't make things any easier. She is my first grandparent to die. When you live away from family sometimes it doesn't seem real that they're gone until you go home to visit. I'm 'glad' that I didn't need to see her suffer and that I could remember her healthy but at the same time I wish I had been there to hold her hand, to see her sweet face, to say good-bye and to let her know how much I loved her. I wish I could hop on home for her funeral but it just isn't feasible. I know my family understands our not being there, but it's still hard that I can't be there with them during this time. I also missed my Aunt Vi's funeral (she's my Great Aunt, my Grandma's sister).

I have the fondest memories of my Grandma. I picture her sitting in her chair watching TV or watching my cousin and I play, with a sweet and content smile on her face. I picture her in her kitchen working hard to provide a delicious meal for everybody, whether it was a holiday, birthday or just a normal day. I can see her sitting at the table playing cards with the rest of the family. I picture her in the backyard, as I played about. When I think of Christmas growing up she is in those thoughts. When I was little we would always spend Christmas at their house. As I got bigger it was Christmas Eve. She loved her family and was devoted to us. Though she could be quite stubborn I simply remember her goodness, kindness and love. I remember her sweet smile. I will miss seeing her when I visit the U.P. Life will not be the same without her. I am thankful that God had provided me with such a sweet, sweet Grandma.

(I'd like to find other pictures of her that are on our normal PC and post them at some point. All of these are from this past Christmas).

We've Arrived!!!

Here we are, in our new home state! Today's drive wasn't bad at all. Well, the last leg always seems the longest and it did in this case too. But it all went real well and it is so nice to be settled somewhere for more than a week, even though its a hotel! We have a nice king suite. We checked our house out and it was nice to see it in person. Seems like they have so much more to do, but its all little stuff so I'm sure it really won't take them too long!

This morning shortly after we left I was having contractions and it was freaking me out. There I was driving down the highway in pain! I was worried for awhile there (I've never had Braxton Hicks with the other kiddos), but they finally went away. Silly baby sure likes to keep mama on her toes;) It seems my belly just keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger;) But at my appointment I think they said I only gained like 13 pounds since the beginning, so that's not bad.

I'm off to just chill out and relax, although I'm contemplating bathing the boys but I think they'll do without...mama's just too tired and sore for that. Oh, and please pray for my Grandma Mary. She has fluid in her lungs and didn't remember any of the family last night. It just breaks my heart. I wish I were there to visit with her. But at the same time it is almost relieving because I don't have to see how she suffers and I can remember the good days. I have so many wonderful memories of my sweet Grandma and I hope to have more in the future. Thanks for your prayers!

Family Fishing

Yesterday was a gorgeous day and Zach got the idea to take the kiddos fishing. I don't have a license but I went along and supervised, enjoyed the sunshine and read. A good time was had by all, but Cuddly Boy sure couldn't sit still for long! Nobody got a bite, but we sure had fun.

Pictures

My Mom made this apron for me. Isn't it beautiful? Thanks Mom! It's a bit big, but I love it!

They're Growing Up

Princess opted to stay home with Mom while Dad and the boys went grocery shopping. She knew she would have to vacuum the floors and finish up her math, yet she stayed home anyway. When she was vacuuming she asked, "Mom, when I'm done can I watch 'What Not to Wear'?" She cracked me up! What kind of almost 8 year old asks to watch that show!?!? And we honestly don't watch it that often, but I think when we were at my Mom's in Michigan we watched it a bit.
Little Man is sporting a new look tonight:

He lost his first tooth!

And Cuddly Boy...well today while I watched 'A Baby Story' he said, "When your baby comes it will sleep in your bed and I'll have to sleep in my bed?" Yes that WILL be the case- the boy will be sleeping in his bed by then!

I was just flipping through the channels and guess what??? Extreme Makeover Home Edition is in Mobile- only 45 minutes away!!!! Oh I wish I felt better so I could go and check it out!