Hans Hans Bronson....so Brawny and Strong!

Kayli had a solo in the church children's program...she did GREAT and we were very proud of her. Enjoy a little taste of Hans Bronson!!!

Wordless Wednesday...almost!

NOT AGAIN!!

Rain, rain go away!!

We woke up this morning to rain, rain, rain! It kinda set the stage for the way the first school morning would go. Kayli sat right up when I went in to get her...early for both of us!! She asked if it was time to go and I told her it was time to get ready to go. She asked what to do first so I told her she could go potty and then get dressed. Not two minutes later she was on my bed and we were fixing her hair, just the way she wanted it for the first day of first grade :)!!

It sure was quite around the house. G's mom kept Bub over night and it was strange to have him gone and Kayli decided that she didn't like him being gone. We listened to music and ate breakfast...she didn't eat much, she was ready to get going. School is about 5 minutes away and starts at 8:30 but we left just before 8 anyway. I thought we'd be there super early, but when we pulled up there were kids and parents everywhere. With umbrellas in hand we walked to the classroom.

I could not get her to smile once inside the room. No smiles at the desk and just a tiny grin with the teacher. She followed me to the door and I got puppy eyes from her telling me to please stay. That is the face I've been thinking about all day long...I cannot wait to hear how her day went! I'll let you know!!!

A Last Minute Trip

My mom called to tell me that her dad was sick...well, not really just sick, but his body was giving out. I told her to call me and let me know how he was doing everyday and then the kids and I would travel out for the funeral, when needed. All day Thursday I had such a sick feeling in my stomach. And I couldn't help but feel like I was just sitting around waiting for Grandpa to pass away before I bought plane tickets. I prayed about it and talked with G about it and decided that I need to fly out ASAP. I hadn't seen him since April and wanted to get the chance to see him at least one more time before he passed. I packed the kids and we flew to CA on Saturday and as soon as we got there my brother drove the kids and I to the hospital.

This is the first grandparent that I have lost...so, to say that this visit was difficult is an understatement. I understand that I am very lucky that, at the age of 34, all of my grandparents were still living. But, knowing that doesn't make it any easier to loose one. He was in ICU and my mom showed my brother and I back. He looked so miserable, but was awake and able to talk and know that we were there. My grandma would ask him questions about anything and he would answer. My brother did most of the talking, I guess I couldn't find words while I was there. I had never seen someone that I love so much look so awfully close to dying. He talked a little about not being around much longer...seeming to know that his time was close and accepting the fact. The sweet nurses brought Kayli in for a few minutes (which is against the rules) and his face lit up when he saw her. He looked so different to her and she wasn't sure if she remembered who he was (which is sad because she hadn't seen him in a year or so...shame on me). But, he knew who she was and was glad to see her "pretty face".

Over the next couple of days his body slowing decided it was time to go. He declined any kind of help and was ready to go. On Monday we went back down to where he was, kayli and I. All of his daughters, my grandma, sister, cousin, and a few others were there to sign to him and say good bye. That was hard. My grandma was saying that she'd been dating and married to this amazing man for over 68 years.

The funeral was today. The kids and I didn't stay. I feel like I am missing out on saying good bye, but I am glad that I went when I did. I got to see him, talk to him, tell him that I love him, smooch on my grandma's face and watch Hudson climb all over her at the hospital. I got to help Kayli say good bye to her great grandpa. I've gone back and forth between tears of joy for him and tears of loss for my family and me. He was an amazing man of faith, strength, family dedication, and I had and will always have the utmost respect for him.

I love you, Grandpa!