Well, so much for my goal of keeping up this blog! I can't believe we are three weeks into October with only ten days to go until November. And our schedule isn't slowing down anytime soon. So, I bet you're wondering what exactly we have been up to.
On October 4th, Craig's Grandma Jo passed away at the age of 90. Watching her health dwindle away the last couple days of her life was very hard. Craig was in Texas and was unable to return home to say good-bye to her. We were told her time here on Earth was getting short so in the days previous to her passing, I tried my best preparing Hunter and Brody for what was to come. Brody was ok with the situation mainly because he couldn't comprehend exactly what was going on. Hunter on the other hand had a hard time accepting that the end was near. I told him to keep Grandma Jo in his prayers and when he prayed, his prayers were to keep her alive so he would have more time with her. Hunter loved his Grandma Jo dearly and he knew he wanted to see her one more time. I debated on whether or not to take him. On October 1st he told me he had to go to the nursing home. There was no way he was going to school the next day. His exact words were, "School can wait. Grandma Jo may not." Ugh. Deep words from a seven year old! That night I talked it over with Craig and with his sister Melissa and we came to the conclusion that he would go to school on Wednesday and I would bring him to see her after school.
On Wednesday, October 2nd, it took a lot of convincing to get that little boy on the bus, but he did. Melissa told me to tell him that she wanted to come too but had to finish out her day at school. I went to Jo's earlier in the day to see how her condition was and if it would be acceptable to bring Hunter. She slept the entire time I was there but seemed peaceful too. I talked it over with Craig's mom and aunt and we all agreed that it would be ok for Hunter to come after school.
I picked up Hunter and we ventured into town. I tried my best explaining to Hunter that Grandma Jo was very tired and she may not talk to him and he was ok with that. He just needed to be near her. While we were there, she slept the entire time (about an hour and a half total). Hunter did talk to her a little and he read books aloud. Grandma Jo was a teacher so I'm sure she loved hearing his little first grade voice reading children's books. After our time there we had a nice evening out with family for supper and talking about memories of Grandma Jo and what needed to be done in the days to come to prepare for a funeral. At bedtime, Hunter was very thankful for the time he had with her that day and once again his prayers were to keep Grandma Jo alive because he was not ready for her to leave Earth.
I went back to the nursing home on the 3rd while Brody was at school. Her condition had gotten worse, but she still seemed at peace. I had a few moments alone with her and I told her how much I loved her and considered her to be my own Grandma. (My last grandparent passed away in December of 2005.) I thanked her for always accepting me and never judging me and that even though we would all miss her here on Earth, we knew she was ready to be in the arms of our Savior.
Grandma Jo passed away early Friday morning. I did not tell Hunter before school. He needed to go because I knew he would be missing a day the following week. After sending him on the bus, we got ready and headed into town to be with family. Finley was such a comfort to all of us that there is new life in this world. We spent a few moments at the nursing home and then proceeded to the funeral home to make arrangements. After a busy and emotional day, I went home to get Hunter off of the bus and tell him the news.
Once he walked in the door, I asked him to sit down so we could talk. I told him that Grandma Jo had gone to heaven that morning. I was unsure as to what his reaction would be right away. He was mad. Very mad. I let him go downstairs and blow off some steam. He was literally yelling "God, you said you could do anything! I prayed for you to keep her alive for a little longer! Why couldn't you do that for me?" It broke my heart hearing him be so upset. After a few minutes I went downstairs and asked him if we could talk. He curled up in my lap and started to cry. He had a lot of questions. First, why didn't God answer his prayers. I reminded Hunter that here on Earth we want a lot of things. We want life the way to go we want it to. But, God's will will always be before ours and He was ready for her to come home. He was ok with that. He was also very concerned that since she passed away that now his other two great-grandparents will any day. I told him that we do not know when their time will be and when it does come that it won't be easy, but for now we need to enjoy the time we do have with them here on Earth.
After getting him calmed down, I asked if he wanted to go to Grandpa Neal's and Grandma Connie's house. He did. On the way I gave him a book to read that the funeral home gave to Brody about what to expect in the upcoming days with the loss of a loved one-sadness, the visitation, the funeral and the burial. He was looking through it and reading it on the drive and all of a sudden I heard him crying. I asked him what was wrong and he said he really appreciated me giving him the book but it wasn't helping. It was only making him more sad and miss Grandma Jo more. I'm pretty sure his maturity level is beyond that of a 7 year old.
We spent the evening with Craig's parents and Hunter was able to talk a little more with them about what had happened and what was to come. I think it was healing for all of us that night. I am so blessed to be married into such a wonderful family with caring people.
Craig returned home on Saturday. It was so wonderful to see him. Saturday evening we spent time with family and had supper together. We were busy getting photo boards ready for the visitation which would be on Sunday. It was great talking about our memories and being around loved ones from near and far.
Sunday and Monday were busy with the visitation, funeral and burial. It was emotional but at the same time we were all able to find comfort in knowing she was no longer suffering here on Earth and we know she is in her eternal home. And with the sadness there is also great joy. Monday evening we went to Craig's other Grandma's and brought supper over to celebrate her birthday. We figured even after having a day of saying good-bye, we still needed to celebrate the wonderful people who are still here with us.
Here are a few pictures of us with Grandma Jo this summer:
Grandma Jo meeting Finley.
Grandma Jo with Brody, Hunter, Finley and Craig
Grandma Jo and Hunter hugging. They hugged for about 5 minutes until we had to separate the two of them. And then they hugged again. Hunter said this is his favorite memory with Grandma Jo. Being in her arms and hugging her.
Well, that was our first week of October. Craig was home for the next few days until he had to head back to Texas on the 13th. Our week was filled with doctor and dentist appointments though! He was home, but at the same time I felt like I hardly saw much of him because we were running here, there and everywhere. Just not with each other. We were able to have a fun family night where we ordered pizza and rented a movie. Craig also got an extra day with the boys and they went to the zoo with Craig's cousin, her husband and son. They had a great time while I was at a baby shower for my amazing friend, Kiley.
It was so wonderful celebrating the upcoming arrival of Kiley's little boy who will be here in January. I am beyond excited for Kiley and her husband, Dirk. There is no doubt in my mind that they will make amazing parents. Watching the two of them interact with my kids over the past 7 plus years assures me that their little boy is so lucky to have the two of them as his mom and dad.
Sully, Kiley, Baby Henry, me and Finley at the shower.
Well, that gets us through two weeks in October. Now for the third week. The week itself was short! It was MEA which means only a three day school week for Hunter and only one day of preschool for Brody. Hunter was excited for a break but Brody was disappointed that he didn't get to go to school twice that week. Thursday was spent catching up on laundry and trying to pack for five people while taking care of three kiddos. Talk about busy!! I was seriously wondering if all of this stress would be worth the weekend getaway. I was short on sleep and patience and the boys seemed to push each other's buttons like crazy. Not a good combo. Well, Friday morning came and I finished up packing and was finally ready to go. I was only a half an hour behind schedule. Not too bad, but not how I wanted things to go.
I brought the kids out to Craig's parents. They were kind enough to take our three children for the weekend. Craig and I were invited to a wedding in Eastern Wisconsin for our friend and decided it would be easier and more fun to not bring the kids with. I was very nervous about leaving them. Not that I don't trust Craig's parents but more nervous that I was forgetting something. How many outfits would Finley go through? How many diapers? How much milk did I need to have built up? I knew how to pack for the boys, but for a baby....it's been a good four years! When in doubt-over pack! I was a bit frazzled when I dropped them off. On the way to their place I realized that I forgot the wedding invite on the island in our kitchen. It had all the info and I knew we would need it. So, after say a quick good-bye I left. I tried really hard not to cry in front of them. I knew they would have fun and that they were safe but it was my first time away from my little girl! That first time is always so hard! I kept it together until I drove down the driveway. I would be lying if I said I wasn't sad. The tears began to flow steadily, but then my sister called and calmed me down and told me how much fun I was going to have. Thank goodness for sisters!
So, back home I went to get the invite only to see I was almost on empty for gas. Seriously, I was never going to get out of town!
But finally, I did. An hour and a half later than what I had hoped. But better late than never, right? To the airport I went to pick up my husband for our weekend away. I arrived only about 30-40 minutes after his flight landed so I thought that was pretty good. Plus he had some work he could catch up on. We switched drivers and then headed to La Crosse to pick up our friend, Ryan. It was great to see him and see his work project behind the scenes.
The three of us trekked across Wisconsin and finally arrived at our destination of Lake Geneva, WI late into the evening. We were all exhausted and headed our separate ways to sleep.
The next morning we woke up, had breakfast and explored the Lake Geneva area. Talk about some gorgeous area and homes!! And with the fall colors and the sun peeking through, it was perfect. We went back to the hotel and got ready for Dan and Jennifer's wedding. Craig and I clean up pretty well, don't you think?
The two of us on our balcony before the wedding.
The newlyweds-Jennifer and Dan-sharing their first dance.
Love this man!
So thankful for our friends!
Ryan, Jennifer, Dan, me and Craig
After a fun night of dancing and spending time with friends-old and new we went back to our room to get some sleep. The next morning we attended a wonderful breakfast buffet with the wedding guests and then packed up and hit the road west. We drove and drove and drove. We dropped Ryan off at his apartment in La Crosse and then we were off to the airport for Craig to fly back to Texas. We decided to take a different route home and sneak our way up to the cities along the Mississippi River. A great choice with some beautiful fall scenery! And it was great spending time just the two of us.
This was our first time in over three months having uninterrupted time for the two of us and it was so nice to talk about things and enjoy one another's company. It made me realize again how lucky I am to be married to such a wonderful man and that we still know how to have fun with each other. We both agreed that we need to make a point of taking time for us because if we don't we will have a harder time working, being good parents and being each other's best friends.
Enjoying some fall colors along the Mississippi River
How beautiful is this?
After a tearful good-bye, seriously, why don't they get easier? We have been doing this for years! I headed home to get my babies. I was a little nervous that I would run into icy roads but the coolest temp was 35 and just had some wet roads. No snow or ice! Yay! I did however see some of that white stuff on the ground. It's still too soon and can stay away until after Thanksgiving in my opinion. After 9 hours of driving for the day, I was at my in-laws! I think I was more excited to see them than they were me. They were having too much fun! We packed up, headed home, got ready for bed and that brings us to today.
See, I told you we have been busy!! And there is no sign of it slowing down. This week we have school, Bible studies and working on a bridal shower that will take place this weekend for my sister-in-law, Melissa! Followed by a hayride with my senior high kids from church. And then Halloween next week!! Stay tuned for some cute costumes. So even though the rest of the month is busy, it's a good busy! And it will keep me occupied until the next time my husband comes home in November. Did I really just say that it's going to be November soon? Yikes!
