So Long, Farewell!!

Last night we had our final dinner with my sister and her family before they headed out this morning to their new home in Montana. Mom made a wonderful meal and it was a great time. Many people keep asking me if I am sad that my sister is moving. I have honestly thought about it and as I dove away last night I did have some tears that ran down my face but they quickly disappear when I think about the opportunity that has been given to this wonderful and deserving family. God is Good! He is taking care of them in ways that we never would have imagined. How can I cry for long when I know deep in my heart that this is God's will. Am I sad that my sister, brother-in-law and my children's cousins no longer live 15 minuets away? Of course but it is kind of hard to be sad when something so wonderful is happening. So to my beloved family that hasn't lived more than 30 miles away (and sometimes no further than a step outside my door) for over 13 years I wish you a safe journey and until we see each other again....Adieu!!!

Finally!!

Well here it is. The post I said would be here a week ago has finally made it's way to my computer. I decided to squeeze the last couple of weeks into one slide show. You will see us at our church camp out at Eagle Lake. You will see the kids first day of school (sniff, sniff). You will see pictures of the going away party for my sister and her family (my heart is breaking more and more as the day draws nearer) and finally you will see the arrival of my Grandmother's piano.
I have to tell you a little about that. Back in the 80's my Grandfather bought my Grandmother a piano. In the mid 80's I was taking piano lessons here in NV. Then we moved to CA and my family couldn't take the piano so I stopped taking lessons. From as long as I can remember I always thought if they ever have to give away that piano I would love it and cherish it. Well fast forward 20 years (boy am I showing my age) and my Grandfather is up in Heaven and my Grandmother is moving in with my Aunt and her family and the piano can't go with her. I am shopping one day and my phone rings. It's my dad and he says that if I want the piano it is mine, my heart jumps, but I have to pick it up by the 29th (this call is taking place around the 10th). My heart sinks. I tell him that I will pray about it and talk to my hubby. Well on my way home from the store I go by my In-Laws to pick up my kids and I just happen to mention the phone call I had received. Without hesitation they both said that they would make the 9 hour trip to go get Grandma's piano. Wow. Well let me back up about 10 years and clue you in a little. 10 years ago it was my 1st Christmas with my hubby. I just happened to mention to my soon to be mother-in-law about the bell collection my Grandmother always had on her piano at Christmas time. I don't know why but I always loved those bells. To my surprise I received a bell that Christmas and one every year since. I have always displayed my bells on a shelf that I have but every time I put them out I feel like they should be on a piano. Well this year I get to do that thanks to my In-laws. I will now cherish the piano because of the memories it holds and because of the memories that are yet to come. I know my Grandma was sad to see it go but I can't wait to have a place to showcase my Christmas Bells just like her and I hope that knowledge will bring her a little peace about having to let go of a piece of her past. Thank you Grandma for the piano and all the memories. I will forever cherish them!!
Now on with the show!!

I know, I know...

I know I promised to blog this last week but it just didn't work out that way. The kids started school at their new school on Monday and then that night R got sick...8 times. Gross.
The next day E went to school and I took R to the doctor.. he had strep throat. Tuesday night E stayed at grandma's and grandpa's and they took her to school on Wednesday. On Thursday R finally got to go back to school. I had my first week of school all planned out and well we all know what happens to plans. So I had to pack 5 days of chores into two days. I got it done. You might ask why the rush? My sister's going away party is at my house on Sunday and I knew D wouldn't want me being the crazy lady I am when I am in cleaning mode on his day off today. Well to make a long story short I was going to catch you all up with photos today as well but in my cleaning pallooza I misplaced my camera. ARRGGG! So all I can say is photo's coming soon. I hope!!

Yes..We are still alive!!

My oh my has it been forever since I posted anything. The last couple of weeks have been CRAZY. We just got back from our last camping trip and the kids start the new school year at their new school tomorrow. So my camper is sitting in the back yard completely dirty and filled with all our camping stuff and I am going to be leaving it that way. At least for now. After we get through our first day I will post about what's been going on in our lives and get everyone up to date. Then just maybe I will try to tackle that big box o' mess in the back.