The last few weeks...

I know, you expect more from me than this... but, the last few weeks have flown by. My Grandpa, Opa, went to live with Jesus almost two weeks ago. We are all missing him so much. We drove up to Colorado for the funeral, and to spend some time with my family. It was good to be there, but also very difficult. It was great to see that my Grandpa was loved by SO many people. Here are a few pictures from our Colorado trip...

Uncle Justin (my brother) with Claire and Luke

Me with my Grandma Elva (Oma)

Luke spent lots of time playing with bubbles outside! Papa Gerry taught Claire how to bounce and catch the ball!
All of the kids released balloons after the funeral. Claire said "I think Opa will catch my balloon in heaven." It was a very sweet time. (Thanks for the idea Becky!)

Since we have been back we have had lot's of great friend time. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of the kids with there best buddies...

Claire and Luke, the best of friends, most of the time! :)
Claire, Luke, and Gracie Claire
Luke holding "Baby Bake" (Translation- Blake)
Luke and his best buddy KJL... How cute are these two?
Luke and Big buddy Ezra! Ezra teaches Luke how to do all the cool, fun things that big kids do!

This and that...

1. I wanted to share my latest creation with you. It is entitled the "Honey bee bag". Check out more pictures on my etsy site.

2. Claire and Luke got to have a camp out in our bedroom a few nights ago. Our upstairs AC is broken, and won't be replaced until Saturday. They loved sleeping in there zebra tent!

3. Thank you for your prayers for my family. My Grandpa is still with us, but he is very weak.

4. We had a great Fourth of July! Our good friends Kelsey and Lisa had us over for a cook out! The kids went swimming, we did a lot of eating, and then went and saw some great fire works. Fun was had by all!

Fun with sparklers!

Claire and Kaylen love to play dress up!
Luke had a great time making a festive hat.
Are these kids cute or what!?
Luke participating in the silly face contest.
Mommy and Luke
Daddy and Luke
Just a bonus picture... my handsome little guy.

Sadness

I got a call from my Mom this morning, letting me know what I have been dreading for weeks. My Grandpa, "Opa" took a turn for the worst this morning. They think he will leave us in the next day or two. I came out of my bedroom crying, Claire and Luke were very concerned. Claire started the following conversation (again). We have had this conversation SO many times in the last few weeks, but I think she keeps bringing it up so that I will understand... she gets it, but I don't think I do.

C: Mom, why are you sad?
E: I'm sad b/c Opa is very sick.
C: Will he get better?
E: No, He is going to live with Jesus soon.
C: Oh, but Jesus lives in my heart!
E: Yes, He does, but Opa can live in your heart too.
C: Don't be sad Mommy.

Kids really understand more than we give them credit for. Maybe I will learn something from her. Please keep my family in your prayers. We will probably making the trip up to Colorado sometime next week.

Walk with me...

This post may get long. Lot's of things to talk about... a fabulous memory, Canada, and funny, funny Claire.

Let's start with the memory. Picture this... Me with a side ponytail and HUGE bangs. I was wearing my favorite NKOTB Joey t-shirt with a sweet ribbon t-shirt ring. I was with my Mom, and a few of my favorite friends from my girls scout troupe. The location? The NKOTB concert at Texas Stadium. I think I was in third or fourth grade. I can remember the noise and the heat like it was yesterday. I am actually sitting here smiling, because I can remember how truly ecstatic I was. Yes, we were screaming, and yes, I kept the paper fan that they were handing out. I even kept the ticket stubs, and collected streamers from the police line tape. I made a collage out of the whole thing.

Why am I telling you all of this? Well, it's not because I am embarrassed, because you know YOU did it too! I'm telling you this because one of the new NKOTB songs is out, and it is GREAT (it's called "Summertime"). You must go to itunes and buy it. It will make you remember things that you only thought you wanted to forget! :) If you know me well enough, none of this should be surprising you. Girls, I can't wait to hear similar stories... comment away!

Next, lets talk about Canada. Jeff got to bring me along on a business related trip to Whistler, British Columbia. It was nothing but fabulous and amazing. I have never been to such a beautiful place. I spent lot's of time at the spa, and lot's of time reading. A much needed break. Jeff played golf, and we also got to go to the top of a glacier. Amazing. One night we went to a "rock and role" themed dinner. The entertainment was none other than "Loverboy". Don't remember him? He sings "Workin for the weekend" and "Almost paradise". It was hysterical and lot's of fun.

The golf course in Whistler.
Jeff and I on top of the glacier.
A view from the ski lift.
A black bear that we spotted on the way down... they were everywhere!

And now for my sweet Claire. She is getting to be such a big girl. After she wakes up from her nap she has been helping me create things. Her latest creation involves threading buttons onto a stick in color order. She calls her creation a "button stick". I hope she grows up to be a crafty little thing!

Claire making a "button stick".