Bunch of Ramblings

Well, in about 15 minutes, it will be March 1st. Yes, that is the 3rd month of the year, which means that next month, April, is the month my baby boy turns ONE...a whole year old. Let's not think about that right now because it brings a little tear to my eye to think about how fast it has gone!

Not much has happened here at the Minder household...besides me running around like a chicken with my head cut off...but that's pretty normal. Nic worked over 70 hours last week and will be about the same this week...which means me and the kids are on our own. Can I just say that I can't WAIT till basketball season is over? Now, don't get me wrong, I am very proud of my husband and I know he has such a passion for those boys, but I miss my husband...my helper...and trust me...I need that helper BACK RIGHT NOW! I definitely can't wait to get back to a normal routine. But then again, what's normal for us? Ha. We live anything but a "normal" life.

You see, Nic doesn't have a "normal" job. He doesn't go in at 8 and come home at 5. Although we have been blessed to have him on the day shift...he goes in at 6 and is off at 2. Yes, that does sound wonderful. Except it doesn't end there. He usually will work overtime and even at night. He works security at the bank on his days off. He has SWAT training once a month, on his day off. He carries a pager, just in case he has a call out. During the summer he spends hours at night riding a bike. He has court some days on his days off. He doesn't have a "normal" weekend. His weekend is during our week. And on those weekends he still works. No, his job is not "normal". Does he HAVE to do all of these EXTRA things? Not necessarily, but he does it because he loves his family. He loves us enough to work those extra hours so I can stay home with my babies. And for that, I am grateful. I am grateful that he sacrifices his time to financially support his family.

When you add the basketball season on top of that, you can only imagine how much I get to see my husband. He goes straight from work to practice and then gets home maybe an hour before the kids go to bed. Then he is up and at 'em at the butt crack of dawn and does it all over again...sometimes going from work to a game...and gets home around 10, sometimes later. As you can imagine, I think I almost had a complete melt down on Sunday morning when, after getting up barely being able to get ready because a 2 year old decided to wake up and want to be with her mama, racing around the house getting breakfast, juice, formula, getting kids dressed, changing them because of putting the outfit on backwards, putting on Hayden's shoes at least 3 times because she didn't want to leave yet, putting her coat on 2 times because she wasn't done playing, getting the kids in the car, going back in the house after realizing I had NO idea where Colt's car seat was (which was in his room), backing out of the house realizing I forgot my purse with all the diapers and cups and pacis in it, returning to the house, dropping the kids off at the nursery...one of them throwing a fit, and then sitting down in my parenting class to finally breathe. Yes, I wanted to just melt down as I looked around the room and looked at the couples sitting side by side, hand in hand, while my husband was out protecting the county. That's when I knew for sure that "normal" wasn't part of my life.

All that to say, in a few short weeks we will be able to actually eat dinner together at a decent time and just relax in the evening...maybe:)

Please don't get me wrong...I am EXTREMELY proud of my husband and the job he has and I am not trying to complain of not having a "normal" life because that would just be boring, right? No, I don't always agree with his duties and sometimes just want to SCREAM at the department and ask them if they have a family of their own:) But I know this won't be forever.

Ok, anyways...wow that was a huge rambler...this is what we have been up to.

Tuesday night Nic had his last home game. Thursday we went to another basketball game, cause who wouldn't want to go to another basketball game that wasn't even to watch your husband coach? :) Wait...was that Thursday or Friday? I forget...oops.

Saturday I got to spend some time running around with Whit and then meeting up with the family for dinner...Sarah brought a guy home, which was huge because it is my little sister and huge because that guy is Whit's brother. The boys met us at my parents after work to eat. Everyone survived the dinner...well...dad almost didn't after getting "the eye", but that was quickly forgiven after 4 dozen roses! I even behaved...kinda. It was a blast though and it was just so wonderful to see my sister so happy.

This weekend I hosted a Cloth Diaper Party for Amber, a friend from college whose husband works with mine. She let me borrow a few different kinds of diapers to see if I would like using them. I LOVE THEM! When she first approached me about cloth diapers a couple months ago, I wanted to laugh and just say, "don't waste your time...I don't want anything to do with them." But then she told me how she uses them and how they are totally different from the way they used to be. I kind of then got a little interested...so...last week Nic and I met with her and her husband and she explained all about the new way of cloth diapering and I was instantly interested and wanted to try right away. After all, who wouldn't want to save money?! Anyways, I decided to do a party and invited some friends to hear about it from Amber. That was pretty exciting for me. After all, it goes hand in hand with my passion with Shaklee:) So far my favorite are the Fuzzibunz...and Hayden can't even take them off because they are snaps...hehe. I am excited to order our own and start using them regularly. Nic was VERY against it at first but after talking with Dustin he was more interested and is now on board!

Today I finally called the doctor to take Colton in. He has been struggling with ear infections for awhile and just can't get rid of it. He has been pulling his ear like crazy and even has scratches to prove it. He has been screaming during the night and nothing comforts him. It was time to call the doctor...again. SO I took him in, watched him take a TON of wax out of his ear (gross), and then listened as he announced that he has another ear infection. Poor little guy. So, another round of medicine here we come! Hopefully this time it works!

Tonight Nic and I were able to get out with Jas and Whit to the ND game while Starla watched the kids. It was nice to sit back and relax and just laugh with friends. I'm telling you...I think basketball is going to be part of my life for the rest of my life...you would think I was used to it by now!

I am excited for March. I don't know where God will lead us, but I sure am excited! I am most excited to see my husband again!! WOOHOO!

Now that I have completely made no sense and have lost you, I am going to try to get some sleep!

Colton is 10 months!

Dear Colton,

Today you are 10 months old. You are now in the double digits for months. Why are you growing so fast?

This month has been a really fun month to watch you grow. You are "real" crawling now!! And man do you move...FAST! But of course you have to keep up with your sister. You still follow her everywhere and just adore her so much...even when she is falling off the couch on top of you. You giggle at her all the time. I love listening to you 2 in the car because with you facing opposite directions, she makes faces at you and you laugh SO hard! Your laugh is very contagious! I can't help but laugh to myself. Sometimes I don't know how you put up with her! She is going to make you into a tough guy, that's for sure! When she puts you in a head lock, you just smile and giggle! When she tackles you or pulls off your diaper, you take it all in. You are starting to be more independent...you want to hold your bottle by yourself and only like to be held for a couple of minutes. You love to wonder through the house for hours and are quite content. You go from the playroom to Hayden's room to your room. Your favorite thing to play with is a basketball and you throw it up and chase it! You love to pull yourself up on everything and anything. You are small, but you sure are mighty! You don't like to miss a thing. You are still the little charmer you've always been, which makes me VERY nervous for the years to come:)

You still are nursing during the night. You go to bed around 8 pm and sleep through until 5:30 and eat and go to sleep until 7:30. Some nights however, you like to snuggle around 3. You still love to nurse during those early hours. You are taking 1 really good nap a day, usually around the time Hayden does. Occasionally you will take an extra one in the morning...but it tends to be short.

You have spoken your first word this month-"uh-oh"...it is sooo funny! You still have 6 teeth, although I think 2 more are trying to come through on the bottom. You are still fighting that darn ear infection and are on your second antibiotic. Bless your heart. But you still laugh and smile through it all. You still LOVE table food more than baby food and love noodles, green beans, mashed potatoes, squash, bread, and many others...but you love bananas and other fruits best.

Colt, you bring such joy to my life. I couldn't imagine life without you. You bring a smile to my face the INSTANT I think about you or see you. You are a happy baby. I can already tell you have a big heart. You are a handsome little guy and I just can't get enough of you. I continue to pray for you everyday and I know God has such a special plan for your life!

I love you my sweet boy!

Love you always,

Mommy

February 17-A Day of Saying Goodbye

What a LONG week this has been. I think I experienced EVERY emotion there could POSSIBLY be!

We started off the week with Valentine's Day...Nic and I were able to go out to eat with some of our dear friends, the Spiveys. Dinner was DELICIOUS and the conversations made me laugh like I haven't in a long time...which was a good emotion. Tuesday Nic had SWAT all day...which made for a lonely day and then he had a game. Wednesday we headed for Spencer, IN as soon as I was done with babysitting. We went straight to the funeral home for the 4 hour viewing...I wasn't sure what I would feel or what I would do when I first walked in and saw Grandpa's body. I thought I wouldn't want to look and just start balling.

However, he looked absolutely beautiful and peaceful. He, of course, was dressed in a handsome suit, with his American Flag pin. Nic was able to help my grandma and mom pick out what he was to wear. I knew then that although his earthly body is still here, his soul isn't. He is in heaven in his new, glorified body.

It was still a weird feeling though. Sometimes I caught myself just staring at him, willing him to miraculously start breathing again and then I would wake up and know everything in the last 3-4 weeks was just a dream.

We went through all the emotions, and sometimes, to tell the truth, it was like my body was there with a smile on my face but I wasn't fully there. Maybe it was just from being tired. It was hard to watch my mom and grandma hug one person after another, welcoming their condolences trying their hardest to be strong. They were tired...more tired than any one person could be. I prayed time and time again for God to wrap His arms around my mom, grandma, Jan and their siblings as well as my grandpa's siblings.

I couldn't believe the number of people that had stopped by. People my grandma had worked for years ago, family I honestly have never even met or knew of, friends from home.

My grandpa has 7 kids...I finally got to meet ALL of them this week. My dad and I talked about how it is sad that it took a funeral to bring everyone together. My grandpa also has 5 siblings, 4 still living. We were able to see all of them. He has 2 sisters and 2 brothers. I kind of smiled when I saw all four of them together because they hadn't been all together in who knows how long and they were able to be together. I was also smiling because I think I was taller than all of them...where in the world did grandpa get his height? I think he stole that gene from all of them.

One of the most touching, heartbreaking moments of that night was when Jean, the oldest brother (who is on oxygen) took off his tubes, walked up to the casket, and just took in the moment. He walked away with tears in his eyes like he couldn't take another moment.

I also found out that night that I, along with my sisters and Nic, was going to be talking at the funeral.

Remember that last post about how I hate to show emotion in front of ANYONE?? Well...I showed A LOT of emotion to cover me for the rest of my life that next day.

The funeral was beautiful, flowers surrounded the room from various friends and family. Grandpa's casket was beautiful with a bouquet of flowers on top that represented him as a husband and father and then there was a smaller bouquet by his head that represented him as a grandfather. There was also an American flag folded in the other corner that represented him serving his country.

Pastor Tom opened the funeral with kind words and reflections on Grandpa's life. Sarah and Kristen followed with verses that my grandpa had come to absolutely love in the last weeks of his life. I was proud of them. Until Kristen, on the very last verse broke down...then I think everyone just lost it. And of course I was up next...great. However, through broken tears and many pauses, I was able to communicate, somehow, everything that my grandfather meant to me. Nic followed with a wonderful, beautiful speech of his experience with my grandpa and Jan ended with her own reflections.

One of the hardest things to watch during the funeral was my grandma and my mom. They were in the first row, I was in the third. I wasn't sure if my grandma was going to make it through the funeral but somehow she did. After the funeral we all had only a moment with grandpa one last time.

It was hard...really hard...knowing they were going to close the casket and we would never see him again (until heaven). It was hard to watch my mom lean over just sob. It was hard to watch them take off his jewelry. It was hard to watch them close the casket and drape the flag over the top. It was hard to watch all the men carry the casket out the door.

We then went to the grave site. I was so proud when the military veterans (not sure exactly what they called) presented the flag to my grandma and then the sounds of the 21 gun solute firing and tapps.

We then went to Aunt Donna's for a wonderful meal. It was a bittersweet time because I knew that once we left her house, we wouldn't know when the next time we would see our family members. It took my whole life for EVERYONE to be together and we were together because of a death.

Anyways, those were very hard days, but it was an also an amazing celebration of grandpa's life. It was such a blessing to see everyone who my grandpa has touched in one way or another. Yes, God is good.

If you think about it, please continue to pray for my grandma, mom, and her siblings. I know it will take a long time for life to get back to "normal," if it can ever be that again. Mom says that she has been proud of Grandma's strength the last couple of days....but there will be days when I know they will feel like they can barely breathe. I know there will be better days than others but just continue to pray.

Goodbye, Grandpa

Just a warning...the following post is not a post to make you feel sorry for me. It is a post that is allowing me to process everything and therefore all over the place.

Today was a bittersweet day. It was a day that my grandpa left us on earth to join Jesus in heaven. It is a day that we knew was coming, it was no shock. It was a day that was inevitable. But it was also one of those days that you dread. It is a day that you don't think can really happen. And for me, it was a day of my insides being twisted and turned.

You see, I don't know how to handle death. I don't really think anyone does. I know my dad's dad died when I was younger, but I don't really remember it. I don't know how to process it all. I think the big problem is I don't like crying...I hate it. I think it is a waste of energy and a waste of time. I hate having red, puffy eyes and that ugly distorted face from a hard cry and a salty mouth. I usually only cry when I am venting and then it is over...no more tears. Suck it up. Or for those big cries I hid in a room...maybe a bathroom...let it all out, then move on. That's my problem. I keep thinking..ok...I know this is the part where I am supposed to cry. It isn't because I don't have any feelings, although my husband thinks I am a cold stone. He says that is it part of the healing process. But I still don't like it. It makes me get a large lump in my throat and then I can't breathe and then I start having panic attacks and then it just goes down from there. So what's the point. Now, although I hate it sometimes it just sneaks up on me the way my dad did when I was little and he would hide under the bed...I don't see it coming and it gets me every time. I think part of the problem is sometimes I am afraid that if I start crying, that I won't be able to stop...or control it. Maybe I feel that if I don't confront certain events that they don't really happen and I don't have to face it. I don't have to feel anything.

Anyways...all that to say...I don't know how to act, or how to feel, or how to even process it all. I thought that I was ready for this day considering the past couple of weeks. But then it ACTUALLY came and I don't want to deal with it. I don't want to have to feel that ache in my heart, that breaking, that pain. I don't want to have to think about grandma going home to a house that her and grandpa shared for years. I don't want to have to think about my mom losing her father. I don't want to have think about my kids not REALLY knowing their great grandfather. I don't want to have to think about the empty seat at Thanksgiving and all other holidays. I don't want to have to think about not having my grandpa anymore. I know I have to face it, but I just don't want to. This is the selfish side of me.

However, it was a sweet day because it was the day that my grandpa got to meet Jesus...he is no longer suffering. He is no longer weak. He is probably dancing with Jesus as we speak singing "Together", my grandparents' song that he sang to my grandma everyday for the week prior to this day. My mom told me that she had left for 40 minutes today to do something. She had been by his side during this whole time and for the 40 minutes that she was gone, grandpa died. My Aunt Jan said that right before he took his last breath that he held his hands up to the sky...this is after he hasn't been responsive for the past 2 days and hasn't moved. In his final days he kept saying that he could see Jesus but couldn't see him clearly. Today he saw him so clearly.

I miss him already. His sweet smile, his sarcasm, the way he got so excited when Colton came in the room, the way he loved us, his presence.

You see, my grandpa was a man of few words, but when he spoke, he had everyone rolling in laughter. He was a man of love. You could see that love through his eyes...the way he loved his family. He was stylish. Yes, my grandpa was the BEST dressed grandpa around. I remember one time a while back visiting in the hospital and he had a gown on with his dress shoes on. His hair was always in the perfect place. He was tall and skinny, but he was strong. He was a hard worker. He finished his whole basement by himself and built his own deck. He didn't ask much help on anything. He was sweet and never uttered a mean word to me. He was protective. He didn't become a Christian until later in life...when I was in middle school. But thank God that day happened because today he got to meet his Savior face to face. He was an amazing guy. I want to remember this ALWAYS. I want to remember the way he looked, the way he smelled, the way he smiled, the way he loved his family. Some people don't see their grandparents often...I saw mine A LOT...I am close to my grandparents. They weren't just family that I saw maybe 2 times a year.

I hold on to the hope and the promise that I WILL see again someday...in heaven.

So although I am messed up in an emotional way, maybe God will use this time to work through me...to mold me. He will use this to glorify Him. He will use my grandfather's life to bring glory to Him...cause that's what this life is about...right? To glorify God?

Sorry if you got lost or this doesn't make ANY sense to you...just deal with it...it is my way to sort things out:)

The viewing will be on Wednesday in Spencer, IN and then the funeral Thursday. Please be praying for peace for my grandma, mom, and the rest of the family. Please pray for strength. Please pray that God will break down these stupid walls so that I could be of comfort to my family...and face the facts.

My Valentine (aka Nic Minder:))

The pic above was while we were in college

This is after 4 years of marriage...my have our bodies changed:)

It is almost Valentine's Day...America's most romantic day out of the whole year. This will be mine and Nic's 12th Valentin's Day together, and our 5th as being a married couple. If you knew Nic and I separately, you would probably think we are the most opposite people that walked this earth...it could be possible.

Nic is patient, I am not. Nic looks for the good in situations, I tend to fall apart and be negative. Nic doesn't let the the little things get to him, while I think the world is ending because someone looked at me wrong. Nic can sing, I can't (but I still belt it out in the car when I am alone). Nic loves to cuddle...believe it or not, and I can cuddle for a couple minutes, but then need my space (I know, I am weird). Nic is athletic, I can cheer (HA). Nic is quiet, I am LOUD. Nic is sociable (for the most part), I tend to only like small crowds. Nic wants to stop at 2 kids, I want 4 (we will see who wins...is there a way to trick him??). Nic chose a career of chasing down criminals, I chose a career of teaching kids who hopefully won't have to come across him. Nic is practical, I am not. Nic is laid back, I am not. Nic THINKS before he speaks, I don't. Nic is street smart, I am book smart with no street smarts. In school I had to study for hours and spend so much time on my work and work HARD to get my grades, Nic didn't and would get about the same grades. I am a list person and write everything down, Nic has all he needs in his head. Nic hates to write, I can write forever. Nic grew having only what he needed, I grew up with everything I wanted. We grew up living 2 completely lifestyles. Nic takes everything in, I tend to be a little dramatic. I am a people pleaser, Nic doesn't care what people thing of him or what he does. Nic can be a procrastinator...I freak out if I am not 10 minutes early or have something done at least 3 days before it needs to be done.

But God brought us together, despite all of our differences. He orchestrated our love story that turned into a marriage. In some ways I believe we are a perfect balance for each other. God has allowed us to go through our dating journey, which lasted about 6 years with 2 breakups, to a wonderful marriage...not perfect by any means trust me. God has chosen this man that I have described to be a perfect match together.

God has used Nic to teach me MANY things over the years. He has taught me how to love deeper. He has taught me how that I don't need "things" to make me happy. He has taught me how to RELAX (ok, ok, we are still working on that one). He has taught me that in everything I do, I need to TRUST God, that he will provide and that he is a faithful God. He has taught me to laugh instead of getting mad. He has taught me that sometimes friends can come and go, but he will always be there when I lay my head on my pillow at the end of the day. He has taught me to learn from the hurt and not to make the same mistake (I am still learning this one as well). As crazy as it sounds, Nic has taught me how to break down the walls around my heart...that sometimes it is ok to cry, to hurt. I have a hard time with this one because, although I wasn't brought up with this thinking, I thought crying was a sign of weakness and I HATE to cry (although ever since I have had kids I am like a fountain).

But you see, although Nic and are COMPLETELY opposite in almost every way possible, God has allowed us to use those differences to become one couple...one unit. Yes, God is amazing.

I am so thankful for God allowing me to be married to such a WONDERFUL, AMAZING guy. He has blessed Nic and I in ways that I could have never imagined.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Memories

Some things to remember from this week:

*Hayden running around EVERYWHERE naked!

*Snuggling with Hayden watching American Idol

*Watching Colton inch his way from room to room

*Watching Hayden vacuum in her diaper

*Having Colton fall asleep on my chest like he used to

*Watching my grandpa hold Colton and repeat "God bless you."

*Yelling at the TV while watching the Bachelor thinking that maybe Brad could hear me say to kick off Michelle

*Going to Chili's with just my little family (thank the Lord for gift cards!)

*Sleeping through most of the night...Hayden and Colt are getting back into a good routine...for now:)

*Hearing Hayden YELL at the TV and pointing her little finger "Rarah, Rarah!" at a girl that had dark long hair on American Idol

*Seeing my 2 sisters on Sunday for about 2.2 hours

*Singing and dancing to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with my 2 babies

*Realizing that basketball season is almost over:)

Let it Snow

It seems like this week went by in a blink of an eye, but at the same time feels like forever! We received a HUGE blizzard Tuesday, which has kept everyone inside and everything shut down. Because I didn't have any extra kids, I spent most of the days inside where it was nice and warm! Hayden has kept Colt and I entertained....man that girl can make me go from crying my eyes out to crying because I am laughing so hard. These days have been filled with grief with the knowing Grandpa won't be around much longer and I truly believe Hayden can sense something is wrong. She has come up to me several times while I am sitting on the floor and just wraps her sweet arms around me and then pats me on the back. She then will hold my face in her 2 little hands and give me her slobbery kisses as if to say, "Don't worry mom, everything will be just fine. I am here with you." She has also been quite snuggly lately, which I LOVE. Colton has been such a sweet boy as well. He lights up the room wherever he goes. His smile is the sweetest thing in the world. I have felt so blessed this week and thankful that God has allowed me to be the mother of these two beautiful, sweet babies. Even when I think I am going to hit a wall just watching Hayden with ALL of her energy, I am still blessed.

Below are some pictures of Hayden's first time playing in the snow...yes...first time.

Adam and Jamie left Thursday and I thank God that they had safe travels. I already miss them though:( I can't believe how big my little Rori is getting...She has such a wonderful personality....and she is just so darn gorgeous. The week started off with me making her SCREAM but by the end I think she was growing rather fond of me! I did get some smiles and giggles out of her!! I just love watching Adam and Jamie with her. They are such amazing parents. You can just see the love flowing from them.

Last night Nic and I decided we just needed to get away from everything even if it was for a couple of hours. We had just visited with grandpa...it was a hard visit...we both cried most of the way home. I know I have said this before...but I have never had to really deal with death, especially with someone so close to me. I don't think I know how to deal with it. Part of me wants to rejoice because I know my grandpa will be meeting Jesus soon. He will be in no more pain. He will be strong again. But the other part is just torn because I just don't want to let go. I don't want to lose my grandpa. He is such a wonderful man, full of love and humor. He is my sweet grandpa. Last night when I was at my parents I had my grandma embraced in a hug and she just cried...she kept saying she was just so scared and doesn't know what she is going to do without her best friend. I think that is the hardest...watching her and my mom go through this process. I just have to trust that God will put a peace in their hearts and hold them tight.

Anyways...back to the "getting away from everything"...Jason and Whitney had called and asked us to go bowling. Brooke was awesome enough to come watch the kids...well...watch TV since the kids were already asleep:) Now...I haven't been bowling since college so I was a little nervous! But the two hours of just having fun and laughing was so refreshing and so wonderful. Even though I STINK at that stupid game, we had a blast and for two hours I didn't have to think about the past week and a half. Thanks Jas and Whit for that time! and thanks Brooke for letting us get away! PLEASE DON'T GO TO COLLEGE!

On to a different subject (sorry...I know...this blog is all over the place!). So remember how Hayden has decided she wants to be awake during the wee hours of the night? And remember how my Colt decided he wants to sleep THROUGH the night and be a good little boy?? Well...for 3 straight nights BOTH of my babes slept through THE ENTIRE NIGHT!!! Amazing, isn't it??? That's what I though...but I got too cocky and bragged about it to too many people...which leads me to last night...BOTH kids were up at ALL different times of the night...what's up with that?!?!

So, needless to say I was a tad tired today. But so were the kids. They both took a LONG nap and somehow, without knowing it dozed off as well...oops! I really did plan on doing the rest of the laundry and vacuuming. Oh well. We then headed off to Nic's game at Bethany. They won by a lot...again! Let me just tell you...Nic is one stud muffin out there coaching! Hehe!

Well...let's hope...maybe...for one of those good night sleeps where my children decide to sleep all the way through.

I love this picture above. I know that she was just throwing snow up but it resembles the way that I have been these past couple of weeks...in complete surrender to God. I found myself in this position many times lately. Below is from Jesus Calling from the other day.

I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you, long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My Power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying, and you will have strength to spare.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.

"Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always." Psalm 105:4

Grandpa Moves In

Grandpa and grandma are now moved in with my parents! It is actually kind of home-y. Adam and Nic moved out the furniture in the sunroom and brought up a twin bed and a dresser and TV. There is still a couch and a room divider for privacy. Hospice brought a hospital bed and some other necessary items. Sarah bought some flowers and everything was set up on Sunday.

Grandpa got to come home Sunday afternoon. I cannot tell you the difference it made with him being in a home environment with all of us together. He was smiling, talking, eating like crazy. A whole different person. He just kept saying how blessed he was and was just so happy. He wasn't making much sense but hey, I will take it:) According to him he is giving us his house because he loves Nic's company so much and he is buy the Goethel's house with a pool. Could I get that in writing?!

I know we don't have much longer with him, but I am thankful for this time that God has given us as a family. We have been able to see relatives that we haven't seen in years and have been able to spend time with Adam, Jamie and Rori...which you all know is very special to me.

I pray that these next couple of weeks will be filled with laughs, memories, and smiles. I pray that God will bring a comforting peace to my grandma and mom. I pray we take every second that we have with grandpa and hold it close.

We are very thankful for Hospice. They send people to the house to help take care of Grandpa, take care of prescriptions, and will even come a couple hours a week to stay with Grandpa if mom and dad need to get away. They have made life around here a little easier.

God has been very good to us through this hard time. He is a faithful God.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers...we couldn't be more thankful!