Eleven years!

Eleven years ago on St. Patty's Day I married my best friend! I am not sure where the time has gone. I hope life will slow down a bit in the next couple months and maybe we can sneak in a date or two! This past 6 weeks has been a bit crazy but I cannot imagine having to had endure any of it without sweet Pete at my side. Happy Anniversary and I love you!

St. Pat's

We returned home on St. Patty's Day to learn that the leprechauns had found our home and decorated the table and left golden treasures. The kids are exhausted and just a little temperamental so I did not push my luck with the photos. Sometimes this is as good as it gets and that is okay. Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone!

They even put the hat on the cat and the dump cat left it on!

Rest In Peace

My father passed away on March 10, 2012 after a long fight with COPD. He was with loved ones when he died and had a calm and peaceful last breath. We had a simple, yet traditional funeral per his request this past week. Plenty of tears were shed as death is never easy, however we are all finding peace in that his suffering is done. The kids handled the week very well. Brie kept saying "Bye bye Grandpa, Love you." We were out one day and I said let's go back to grandma's and she said "oh see grandpa!" I said no where is grandpa?, she looked up at me and said,"oh sleeping with Jesus!" That's right sweet baby he is asleep with Jesus forever. PJ just keeps wanting to see grandpa, "just one more time". Maggie has remained the quietest, and Makayla has tons of questions! They all have kept us on our toes this week, trying to answer as simply as one can for each of their ages.

We stopped by grandpa on our way out of town. The kids requested to see "grandpa's bed" be lowered down in the hole so we stayed for the actual burial, however they missed a letter in his last name so we did not see the dirt go over the vault. Thus we had to go back to complete the image for them. It should be noted this photo was not staged by me, they just fell in line and stood silent for about 45 seconds! (moving for a momma to watch!) I had a nephew who gathered dirt from each of the 6 pieces of land that my dad farmed and dumped it on his grave. This I know would make my father quite happy.

A group shot with grandma before we left. My mom, wow, what a woman! She continues to amaze me! Her strength is one to admire. She is doing very well! She is looking forward to a little freedom and Velma time. Unfortunately she had a brother passed away just 2 days after burying my dad, so that has been a bit tough. Direct your prayers to her over the next couple days as she endures yet another funeral. Then I think life will calm down a bit for her.

My dad

My dad has been in the Hospice program for almost 2 years and his fight is coming to an end. I received the call today that he is likely going to be passing away sometime this weekend. Cindy is our hospice nurse and she has been absolutely wonderful for each member of our family. She has brought a great sense of comfort to us and especially my parents. My dad was moved to the nursing home just one week ago. Up until that time my mother was taking care of him and doing a fantastic job of it! She has been by his side endlessly and just an amazing woman. My heart is heavy because death is never easy but he will finally be at peace. I think angel wings will look good on him. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, we all certainly appreciate them.

Granny to the rescue

When I got admitted Pete called his mom and she arrived the next day. Granny has been a true blessing this week. She is amazing with the wash, dishes and keeping up with 4 young kids! It was wonderful having her with us for a week! we are so lucky! We also have to send a special thank you to Pop for letting us borrow her for the week. The kids loved having her and so did I! I definitely got spoiled! A great big hug and THANK YOU!! My mother-in-law is the best in the world and I love her dearly. Thank you Thank you!!

Spin Art

Let the fun begin! Spin art anyone? remember doing this as a kid? the girls LOVED it and they think their Auntie Coke is the best! We used all the papers in one setting!

Schools week

Maggie and PJ put on a concert this past week and they sang all their favorite songs. I was happy that though PJ did not sing he at least did not run away. As usual it was a very cute performance and all the kids did great. PJ is in the front row right and Maggie is on the top left side.

Makayla's only Christmas wish was a guitar. Granny and Pop made that wish come true! We started lessons at a local church group and after 8 or so lessons I feel she is doing quite well. She seems to enjoy it and only rolls her eyes at me occasionally when I tell her it is time to practise.

blood clots + lungs = hospital

For those that are not on Face book here is how my week went. I had a little shoulder pain and asked a family practice doctor on Tuesday "hey do you think I have a pinched nerve". Through a negative chest x-ray, a high resulted blood test, and a CAT scan I was diagnosed with several blood clots in my lungs and put in the hospital! via wheelchair I was escorted to my room, which was in the ICU! because the rest of the rooms were taken on the floor. No one rests in the intensive care I swear. Thankfully I had stable vital signs and a happy heart so I convinced them to let me out on Wed. am! I am on a modified bed rest regimen this week and next. I give myself a shot once a day and take pills once a day based on my lab that I have drawn each day. I hope the beautiful tulips from work and this water jug are going to be my only reminders of this week very soon. I have already thrown my name bracelet into the trash! Pete's mom is in town and is doing a fantastic job of keeping the house together and keeping the kids under control. Thank God for AWESOME mother in laws. As I close I say a prayer that life does not throw any unforeseen turns my way this next week.

Grandma and Grandpa time

We went to my folks for a visit while my doctor was on a bit of a vacation. It was a planned trip prior to my dad getting weaker and I was a bit nervous for the kiddos to see him so weak. However, the kids did EXCELLENT and it seemed to brighten the spirits of the house. We got in quite a few snuggles and a few other things.

The days were filled in with visits from and to lots of family and friends. Thanks to everyone who had anything to do with their entertaining. A visit from Adam's girlfriends puppy was huge hit. We just LOVE puppy Macy!

I packed bikes as their garage is fantastic for burning off some energy.

Grandma and I tied a new fleece blanket for PJ as his original is a bit small. He LOVED it and he was very thankful to his grandma for all her efforts!

Godfather Brad brought over a birthday gift for Brie. A Baby doll with 9 accessories! She was in heaven and loves her new baby!

Gabriellie even got a haircut while we were in town by the great Bailey. We are so lucky she does house calls!A photo after the haircut, so cute!