My granddaughter is brilliant!

OK, I have to brag. I believe that it's not just a grandmother's right it's her responsibility.
My daughter called and told me that my six year old granddaughter picked up her copy of Twilight and started reading it to her. Not just reading one word at a time, reading it fluently. She had her read to me on the phone and I couldn't believe it. I know the comprehension isn't on that level--at least let's hope not--but I still think that's pretty impressive.
Thanks for letting me crow!

Dad's Funeral

Dad passed away on Oct. 4th at 3:45 pm. We held his funeral yesterday. It was very emotional and hard for me through Saturday but since then I've felt the most amazing peace. I just feel so good about where he is right now. Mom is such a rock. I know she'll have some rough nights but she is just amazing. I can't wait til I get to see him again!

It's getting close

The hospice nurse was here yesterday morning and told us we only have a day or two left with dad. I had a hard time keeping my emotions under control but today has been a lot easier. All of my brothers and sister are here and Brad, my husband is here today. We have been talking about the funeral arrangements and I think we have it all put together. Dad has always wanted Jon's wife Liatt to sing at his funeral. She has an amazing voice and his favorite singer is Patsy Cline. Several years ago at one of his high school reunions she sang "Crazy" by Patsy and she has agreed to sing that song at the funeral. It is going to be amazing.

Dad

Dad has been asleep most of the day today. Yesterday he was awake and alert a good portion of the day. His sister, Marilyn, and her husband Don came to visit. When he saw them he wanted to play pinochle. It was so cute to see them all playing like old times. Dad couldn't keep the cards straight but he had a good time anyway. Today is Leisa's anniversary so she is going to stay home and I'll stay overnight with mom. It's kind of unnerving when I go home. I feel like I need to be with dad all the time. I don't know how much time we have left and I want to make the most of it.

Dad

I had a very exhausting day yesterday. Well, the day wasn't exhausting but I was. I guess the stress caught up with me. Dad slept most of the day and I slept right along with him. He got up and had breakfast, then went back to bed. My brother,Don brought him ham and bean soup for lunch and he got up for that. He was sitting at the table and was trying to ask for something. He kept pointing at the table, the salt shaker, and his plate but he couldn't say what he wanted. Then he started moving his hands like he was milking a cow. He wanted a glass of milk! We laughed about that all day. We watched "The Ultimate Gift" in the afternoon and when Leisa came to spend the night, I went home. I slept good. This morning mom said he was very restless last night even after taking his sleeping pill. In the middle of the night he got out of bed and was fumbling with the blankets on the end of the bed. He kept saying "I can't find it". Mom asked him what he was looking for and he answered "The Holy Grail!" I don't think he found it. She gave him another sleeping pill and he's still asleep. I'm just getting ready to go over and sit with him and be there when he wakes up.

Dad

Dad had a "bad" day yesterday. He fell trying to get out of bed and he was weak and disoriented all day. Tonight is game night-as many of us as can come over and play games. Dad loves to play chickenfoot and we can all play at once so it's a perfect choice. Leisa and I have been taking turns staying at the house overnight but our families are starting to miss us so we are going to set up a schedule with the boys to take turns. Dad has been sleeping through the night fairly well but you never know when mom will need help. Mom loves to feed us so she is fixing sweet and sour chicken, rice, and Chili's Chicken Carribean Salad. YUM!!!!!!!!!!

My Dad

I haven't done much of anything lately except spend time with my mom and dad. Dad has been battling lung cancer for the last 13 years. His chemo treatments had been getting more and more difficult so he decided to go on hospice 6 months ago, in March. He has done OK until the past couple of weeks. He is getting weaker and more disoriented. He doesn't think he has much time left and we reluctantly agree. Even though we have been expecting this for a long time, it's still hard to go through. Please keep him in your prayers.

Cool Camera Straps

I was just at my neice's wedding and her new husband's aunt had the coolest camera straps. I had to run home and check them out. When I went to her web site one of the straps is a match to my purse and wallet! Here's a picture of it. Of course, I bought it-I had to, right? Check out the other neat patterns at cottoncandybynatalie.etsy.com

You'll love them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe it's been almost a year since I posted. Shame on me. I will get back on a schedule and write once a week. This week at work has been busy. I'm having fun playing with the Summerfest kids. Next week we take them camping for 3 days to Heise Hot Springs. Tomorrow I work a trade show for my Cherish Bound business. I finished the "Falling In Love" book for my niece Whittney. She wants to give it to her future hubby, Ryan. They get married on Aug. 23. I wish I could post pics of the book but I won't be able to until it gets here.