Lately...

Lately I've been living life, not blogging and playing with my precious kids...a lot.  Lately I've had a really --make that extremely--messy home.  Lately I've been thankful for so many blessings that God has given me, starting with the fact that I have His word to read.  It makes me rethink that "to whom much is given, much is expected..." verse when I have His Living Word in my grasp daily.  Lately I've been prioritizing the things that matter most in life like my relationship with God and my role as wife and mom.  As you can see, lately has consisted of some deep thoughts. 

Right around the time my little man turned four, I called my dear Grandma Ginny and we had a really long talk.  She was so fond of my little ones, always wanting pictures and to hear stories.  This time I wanted to talk about her.  I asked her a ton of questions about my Grandfather Louis, who was raised primarily in an orphanage.  I realized at the age of 31, I really hadn't taken much time in my life to ask those who have cared about me for years much about their lives.  It was one of the coolest conversations to learn all about my Grandfather and one that I'll never forget.  I';m ridiculously thankful that I had a random notion to call Grandma that day to talk and ask all kinds of questions about my family.

About 2 weeks later Grandma Ginny was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, dying a week later.  I am so very blessed because in that time I got to go home and tell my Grandma in the hospital how much she has meant to me all these years.  I got there only a couple days before she became incoherent.  Telling someone you love dearly is one of the hardest things I've ever done, but also one of the biggest blessings I was given. Thank you Grandma for being so wonderful to me my entire life.  Thank you for being one of my best friends when I grew up in Nactown...I know Heaven is your blessing.

The day before Grandma got diagnosed with cancer, I learned that my Grandad, Marvin, had passed away in Houston.  He had gone to the hospital only a couple weeks before from a fall that resulted in a broken hip.  He just couldn't seem to recover during his hospital stay.  By the time I understood how serious it was, he was incoherent, so I said my goodbyes at his beautiful burial.  The Air Force was present, playing Taps.  It was so simple, elegant and beautiful.

My Grandfather was one of the most handsome men ever.  He was also one of the kindest men, always very "proper" as my GranMary pointed out.  He would greet you with a hug and kiss on the cheek each time you saw him, and see you off waving in the driveway until you couldn't see him any longer.  He has some of the coolest war stories known to man, like the time his plane went down.  Obviously he lived many more years to tell about it.  He was so loved during his time here on earth and will continue to be loved in his eternal place of Heaven.  I got to see my Grandad in August and am thankful for that.  I love you and miss you, Grandad!

So the last month has been a little bittersweet.  On one hand, both my Grandparents on opposite sides that have gone to be with the Lord lived full, lovely lives, while on the other hand, death in any capacity is just hard.  As an adult (sounds funny to admit I'm really an adult, but yes, I am bye golly!) going through this has given me a more mature perspective on my life here on out.  Time for and with my family is my utmost priority.  So while my house might be the messiest thing you've ever stepped into, just know that we're having a good time!  ;-)

Here are some happy child's play  moments from the last month...

Reid wants to ride his bike all the time...it's fabulous!

 Mischief awaits!  She is still the sweetest, but such a little ball of personality

 The Sweetest...they were holding hands.  I had to get snap happy!

 Oh he makes me laugh all the time.  He is a ham and full of so much life...and questions.  Please someone with tons of knowledge on China help me...the boy REALLY wants to go there.

 They'll kill me for this pic one day, but I found it very sweet.  I said "give each other a kiss" and they did. :)