Back at it

I just realized I have neglected the blog.  It has almost been a month since I last posted.  The last post was so sad so I need to lighten things up a bit.

It has been a crazy and hectic month since last time.  I have to mention my Gran and then things won't be so sad anymore.  We had an amazing turn out for her visitation.  Many were confused as to why we weren't doing a funeral, but she didn't want one so we were giving her her wish.  The next day we had a burial just with her close family.  It was a great service.  There was a floral arrangement that had ribbons that said "mother", "sister," "wife," "grandmother," and so on.  She was all of those things. My mom took the Mom one and I was given the grandmother one.  I didn't want to just take it because I wasn't the only grandchild, but I was touched it was given to me.  Growing up, we were SO close.  I stole my mom's and made a keepsake for her and myself.  I framed a rose from the arrangement for each of it and put the ribbon over the flower.  It is perfect.  I cut grandmother to make it say Gran.  She wasn't my grandmother, she was my Gran.

Now on to good news.  Even though my Gran passing was very difficult, something very good came of it.  I have a cousin who I haven't seen since I was 10, at least.  She has always lived in the area but there have been so many family issues we haven't been able to stay in touch.  Amazingly, Gran's death brought us all back together.  Lauren hung out with us the night of the visitation, came the funeral and is even planning on attending Evan's 4th birthday in a week.  It is good to have her back in the family and I am sure she is feeling the same way.  We are all excited things are working out this time!

School has started back up.  I have 23 cute ones this year.  It is going to be an amazing year but it will be more difficult with so many.  I am really going to have to work hard to stay on top of things better than normal so I can do my best for these kiddos!

Next weekend is Evan's 4th birthday!!!!  AGH!  I CANNOT believe he is going to be 4.  Every year I feel the same.  That next age sounds crazy and so old.  We are having a pirate party.  We have hats for all the kids, a pinata and am having a cute cake made my Cherry Darling Cakes (Jennifer Pelfrey).  She is so reasonable and will do anything you want!  I bought a pirate ship that came with a treasure chest that will be on his cake.  I know it is going to be very cute!

I just realized, I never mentioned my anniversary present from Ryan!  After nearly two months without my ring and me having to get upset and the jewelers, I finally got it.  Ryan surprised me and bought me a matching band for the other side of my ring for our 5 year anniversary.  I had mentioned it to him a long time ago, more so as a joke, but he did it!  I was very surprised and I love it!  It was very hard to get used to wearing a ring again, but it's like new again, and I love it!

Hopefully, I can stay on top of things better now that things are starting to settle a little bit!

Until next time...

A tribute to the greatest Gran that ever lived...

Well, it finally happened.  Around 1:30 yesterday afternoon, my grandma finally passed.  It has been a long nearly 5 months that she was in hospice.  There was a lot of ups and down, but God finally stopped the inevitable and returned her to her husband.  I am so sad because she is gone.  I have so many fond memories.  She was essentially my only grandparent at all.  I'm thankful I was so close to her.  I am glad her suffering is over now and she has returned home to other loved ones.

Back in March when my grandma entered hospice, I offered to make a video of pictures for her funeral.  I'm so glad I had it 90% done because it was hard to finish now that she has passed.  Luckily, it is done.  I have added the link if you are interested in seeing it.  It will be shown at the visitation.

If any family and friends are interested, her visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 at Hamilton's on SW 9th street.

Here is the link:   A tribute

I love you and miss you, Gran.  Rest in peace.

Until next time...