Bree's big week

With all we had going on last week I didn't have a chance to update about Breenas end of the year activities. Breena graduated from her first year of preschool, had a preschool program where she shared with everyone that when she grows up she wants to be a "fairy", had her final day of dance where she earned a certificate for perfect attendance & had a dance recital!!! She did great & we are very proud of our beautiful girl!

A Child's Faith

There are many times I've been amazed at my children.  The first time Breena wrote her name or Eli drew a stick person or Toby finally started to speak to name a few.  But the last time I brought Breena & Eli to see my grandma I was left both amazed and proud of their grace. 

After receiving the call from my mom that grandma was likely within a day of passing I sat down Breena & Eli and explained that Great Grandma's body was dying.  Instinctively Breena said, "well can I see her before she leaves for Heaven?".  I was a bit hesitant to bring them but I couldn't live with the thought of not allowing them to have their final moment with Great Grandma.  I prepared them the best I knew how before we went in to see her.  She was laying in bed, pretty restless.  Occasionally she tried to mumble something that we couldn't understand.  I bent over her so my mouth was near her ear & told her I had Breena & Eli here.  Breena & Eli ran to her bedside to give her the mother's day cards they had made for her.  Breena had taken the time to carefully write "Great Grandma" on her card which is no easy task for a new writer!  They were fearless, it didn't seem to faze them that grandma looked different laying in bed wearing a simple hospital gown..  Her dentures were not in, she was not in control of her arms but my children didn't care.  Breena wanted to give her a kiss so I plopped her on the bed beside grandma.  At that moment, my grandmother who had been fairly unresponsive for a day opened her eyes to look at Bree & said "Hi!  How are you?".  Grandma then puckered up and Bree gave her a smooch.  It was Eli's turn.  She was able to acknowledge him too and he gave her a kiss.  As I was standing next to grandma's bedside I held her hand.  Eli noticed this.  He reached up and took hold of her fingers, lightly stroking his thumb against the top of her hand.  The image of my three year old son holding the hand of my 87 year old grandma is a picture my mind will never erase.  What a blessing for me to witness these last moments.  When it was time for us to leave I asked the kids if they'd like to give grandma one last kiss; of course they did.  They really love her.  At this point Grandma was non responsive again.  But my kids didn't care.  Breena smooched her forehead and Eli gently planted one last kiss on the tip of her nose.   And together (with a hot lump in my throat) we left. When we got in the car Bree said to me, "That's the last time I will see my Great Grandma until I see her in Heaven". 

Our kids have such faith, especially Breena.  She just seems to "get it".  We've been answering a lot of questions about death & heaven the past few days.  We've had many discussions about Angels and God.  I sometimes wonder who is teaching who...I am thankful that they're encouraging me to have a little more faith too.   

Grandmother's Legacy

Tomorrow is Mother's Day.  I get to host lunch at my house.  But one mother will be missing.  This evening, my grandmother passed away.  It was quite unexpected & it hasn't totally sunk in yet.  I did get to see her this morning, she was so peaceful.  I am glad that my last memory with her is that way. 

 

My grandma was a great woman.  I have fond memories of playing checkers & Old Maid with her as a child.  I enjoyed listening to her stories about England.  She was always happy to see us & loved loved loved LOVED my children.  She was an excellent mother & in turn a fantastic grandmother.  The night I got engaged my mom & dad were in Mexico- therefore the first place I drove to show off my ring was to my Grandma's.  She was always encouraging & made sure we knew that she loved us all.  A great woman like her only breeds other great woman. Because of this beautiful woman:

 

I have this beautiful woman: 

 

Who is the single most influencial woman in my life. Her mother was great and in turn taught her to be great.  And she gave me this beautiful sister to look up too:

 

Someone who has a mother's heart that I try to model my own parenting after.   And we have little girls we are raising to someday (it they choose) have beautiful mother hearts of their own:

 

 

And so the legacy of my sweet Grandmother will continue to live on. 

 

Tonight I am thankful and grateful to have many mother's to celebrate tomorrow.  I'll be hugging them a little tighter in honor of the beautiful woman who started it all. 

 

I love you, Grandma.  We will see you again someday.  Happy First Mother's Day in Heaven. 

 

 

Me minus 20 :-)

We are 18 weeks into 2013 & I stepped on the scale this morning. I have officially said goodbye to 20 pounds & 2 pant sizes! Yay!!! Thankful for my husband who allows me to head to the gym at 5am & is always willing to stay home with the kids so I can get in some me time. It's been a great year!

Six Years

Our sixth wedding anniversary is month away.  Last week Dave was away on business so I pulled out our photo albums to show the kids pictures of daddy.   This one popped out at me.  That was such a fun day!  Can't wait to toast to our sixth year of marriage, it just keeps getting better. 

 

 

May 3...<3

"Beam Me Up" by Pink

There's a whole n'other conversation going on
In a parallel universe
Where nothing breaks & nothing hurts
There's a waltz playing frozen in time Blades of grass on tiny bare feet
I look at you, you're looking at me
Could you beam me up?
Just for a minute
I don't know what I'd say in it
I'd probably just stare, happy just to be there holding your face
Could you beam me up?
Let me be lighter
I'm tired of being a fighter
I think, a minute's enough
Could you beam me up?

Ready for summer

We are having a snow storm today. On may 1. I'm so over this, just 3 days ago we were playing in the pool!!