On February 13th my dear, sweet, Norwegian, Grandma Kari passed away. This was such a bitter sweet time for me. The last week of January my mom had called me to tell me that my Grandma wasn't doing really well, which was surprising since we had just seen her and celebrated her birthday. I knew she was getting weak but I didn't realize how little time I had left with her. We decided as a family that all of us would visit and be with her each night and make sure she was comfortable. Some of the pictures in the slide show were taken weeks and days before she passed away. Each time we were there, she was so sweet and made sure that you knew that she loved you. She said it to you with so much passion that you knew she meant it with every fiber of her being. We brought her her favorites because we wanted her to enjoy the end. We shared chocolate covered strawberries, rum balls, Norwegian Liquor chocolates and Diet coke. Towards the end there were a couple of times that you knew she was so close. She talked about dancing with her sweetheart and kissing her Heavenly Father. I remember telling my mom, that I wish I could just see a glimpse of what she is. My mom responded by telling me if I did, I wouldn't want to be here. She passed away being by her only daughter my mom, which I don't think she would have wanted it any other way. I am so lucky to have had such a great example of love, perseverence, patriotism, and faith. I am so grateful for the relationship I was able to have with my grandma. It is a comfort knowing where she is and who she is with. Best of all is if I do my part at I will be able to see her again.
As for all the rest that has happened in the slide show there are picture of us as the Zoo Lights, sledding and Grandma Tootsie's and Grandpa Tom's. I have to tell you my Grandpa is a genius. He created a slope going along the side of the hill so the kids had more time to ride. He created the best the games and designs the best sledding trails around! Then my cute Grandma had prepared lunch for us and as always it was delicious. They are amazing!
Gavin is starting to work on reading. He is putting his sounds together to form simple small words. He is dying to read, he keeps asking me when he'll be able to read big books. Gavin is such an inquisitive kid and has a memory that astonishes me. We were watching the Presidential Address on t.v. and this is how our conversation went:
Gav - Mom I know who that is?
Me - Who is it?
Gav - It is President Owak Obama!
Me - That's right!
Gav - And I know what his favorite sport is...it's basketball!
Me - You're right!
Gav - Doesn't he have kids
Me - Yes, he has 2 daughters
Gav - That's right, and he loves to read his children bedtime stories at night
Me - How do you know all this Gav?
Gav - From the t.v. (he is jumping up and down all excited) and mom if you want to learn more you can visit his website!
He just makes me laugh! Gav is really into Lego's, transformers, and Star Wars. He loves to create things with anything. He enjoys going into his room and turning his Sesame Street songs on high and sing and dance to them. His favorite songs are Furry, Happy Monsters and Tu Me Gustas! His girlfriend right now is McKenna, he'll run away when you ask him. He is anxiously waiting for it to be warm outside so we can play outside all day! Gavin is my cuddler and sweetheart.
As for Bre she just melts my heart. She reminds me of me, she is all girl but can hold her own with the boys. She can be in a tutu and high heels one second, then racing down the steps with the boys the next. She loves to put on make-up and paint her fingernails, but loves to get dirty when she is outside. Bre is into making comparisons with boys and girls. It is either a boy color or girl color, a boy toy or girl toy, for small girls or big boys. She loves to hand out the hot sauce but dies when she may fall victim. Bre is into showing off her dance moves, playing with her babies, dressing up, coloring on everything with anything, and not wanting to sit on the potty! She makes me smile every day!
I am reminded every day just how lucky I am to be surrounded by the wonderful family and friends that I have. They are the ones that make my life so great and keep me going. I owe everything to them for all they do for me. I love them all and am unbelievably happy to know I get to be with them forever!
