Together, Forever

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And now, they are together forever.

My Grandma passed away Friday.

She spoke often of seeing my Grandpa; how he would be there soon to take her to dinner, even though he passed away many years ago. 

All she wanted was to be with him. I sure hope they are going out for drinks and dancing tonight, and every night.

I miss them both so much, but am happy they are reunited in their love, hopefully riding off into the sunset on Grandpa's horse.

Christmas!

As usual, Christmas was jam-packed with gatherings, but even though there was a lot going on, it didn't feel stressful-busy. All the get-togethers were fun  and I know my kiddos had a wonderful Christmas.

84

 

Yesterday was my grandma's 84th birthday. Last time I was over for a visit, I asked her what her favorite flower was and she said red roses. So, after work yesterday, I grabbed some beautiful roses and arranged them in a vase for her. After dinner, we took the kids to see her and sang her "Happy Birthday" a few times, which brought a big smile to her face. She had some candy on her table, which she shared with the kids as they all sat cuddled in her bed. I'm glad we were able to share another birthday with her.

 

A Thanksgiving Visit

Since I have a big trial coming up that will most definitely take up a lot of time around Christmas, I knew I better get in my time off around Thanksgiving. You know, the calm before the storm. Today, the kids and I stopped to get some lunch to take to my grandma. Since she can't join us for the big Thanksgiving dinner, we took a mini feast to her.

Life is a Mystery

Over the course of the last month, we have all been on a rollercoaster with my grandma. Her health rapidly declined to the point where she was in the hospital, given just days to live. Family was visiting - gathering around her, and around each other, prepared for the worst. Since the beginning of July, she has been up and back down, and back up again. We are all quite baffled by this stubborn woman. 

 

I have been over to visit her as often as I can - sometimes days in a row for hours at a time, other times every other day.  Sometimes I take the kids, oher times, I just want to be alone.  Last night, I took Carter with me. Grandma was wide awake when I got there and her smile when I walk in the door is all I need in the world. It feels similar to the first time your baby smiles at you on purpose. Carter and I sat down and chatted for a little bit, and then Carter brought in all of her photo albums and we went through those. He climbed up into bed with her and they snuggled.  She has also been going back and forth with eating/drinking. Sometimes not doing either for days on end. Yesterday was a day of pigging out for her - smoothies, yogurt, chicken, pudding, etc. She wanted a yogurt while I was there, and she and Carter sat there in her bed and shared the entire thing. It was so sweet to watch.  My son has such a kind heart and I love that he is getting this time with her.

Dana, Veronica, & Easton's visit

So Dana, Veronica, and Easton came to visit last weekend. I am super behind in all of my photo processing, so these are just now getting up on the blog. I loved having the opportunity to introduce my kids to their cousin. They both just loved him. Carter wanted to play with him constantly, and Kendall was very intrigued by this new baby.

 

 

We also took Easton over to meet our grandma - totally made her day!

 

 

 

 

 

Eric's mom met up with us at Kathryn Albertson Park so we could do family pictures. I still need to go through those discs. I'm so behind! I really need to get it in gear this week because my surgery is this Friday and I will be out of commission for a while.

 

We had a great time at the park though! The kids got to run around like maniacs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My mom hogging, I mean HOLDING Easton. ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hey my handsome man!

 

 

 

 

We also had a big BBQ/open house Saturday evening so everyone could come visit with Dana and Veronica and meet Easton. We had a ton of food and it was a really great evening.

 

 

Matt and Lori

 

Even my grandma came for a little bit.

 

 

 

 

 

The four musketeers, united once again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is typically how Kendall responds to my camera. ;)

 

 

The three cousins.

 

I was super sad to see Dana, Veronica, and Easton leave. Even Carter told me that they needed to move back because "we never get to see them three days in a row, ever." Definitely made me cry. But it was a great visit and we had a lot of fun while they were here. Can't wait 'til next time!