Minnesota Trip Just before Christmas 2012

Even though I had just seen my kids a little over a week ago, I had already purchased a roundtrip plane ticket to visit them in MN after my assignment ended in TX.  My job did not officially end in San Antonio, however, I needed to be at my next job assignment in Mesa, AZ to cover for a maternity leave.  I was heart broken to have to leave my Peeps at NEM.  I enjoyed being able to see them again, and spend some time with them.  I was soooooo busy at work though, that I barely got a chance to visit with them. 

Kirk is such a sweetheart.  He drove me to the airport in San Antonio on Saturday morning, then drove the RV to Mesa, AZ with only Chuy and Lily taking turns in my seat.  He arrived at the RV resort in Mesa, got the RV set up, took care of everything to make sure we were settled in for the next 3 months, and picked me up at the Phoenix airport that Wednesday.

I guess I need to back up a little bit here and talk about my trip to MN.  It had only been a couple of weeks since my kid's dad had passed away, and they still had a lot of things to take care of.  So they were fairly busy with all that.  This time did allow me to spend "Grandma time" with the babies.   I totally enjoyed watching Adyson perform in her Christmas program at their church.  She is such a beautiful girl and actress.  She loves acting, and is so good at it.  She can be so animated. 

 Okay, it's time to be done shopping now!  Some of the animation I was telling you about.

 Bella and Isaac putting the finising touches on their gingerbread house (Isaac was eating the jelly beans)

Ady in her Christmas play at church....she's a natural.

We took a trip to the mall to finish up our Christmas shopping.  Ben, Nicki and the kids arrived from WI to spend a few days with us.  I was able to enjoy watching Ady, Bella, and Isaac make gingerbread houses.  It was also comforting to see my adult kids just relaxing and enjoying each other after a stressful past few weeks.  I hated to leave them so soon.  You know, it doesn't matter how old your kids are, they will always be your babies. 

Memorial 12-2012

Maybe this blog should be about the loss of my children's father, but, I'd like to think it's more about the character and awesomeness of my children.  On December 4th, 2012 their father passed away.  What they had to endure prior to his passing is not what I would wish on anyone.  They were faced with many decisions as there was no living will.  Their father had also never really communicated with them regarding what his wishes were should something happen to him.  I'm not saying this to say anything negative about their father, but to let others know how important it is to have their affairs in place or at least made known to their loved ones. 

The kids did an awesome job in planning the memorial in his hometown of Monmouth, IL.  They gave great tributes.  Even Adyson, our 9 year old granddaughter gave an awesome memory of her Papa.  They put a video together with photos of his life, Ben played guitar, Kristy and Ben sang, the grandbabies danced, and all 3 (Kristy, Ben, and Robyn) each spoke about their dad.  It wasn't your typical funeral, but a memorial honoring his life.  There was no funeral home, no church, and no casket.  They had their father cremated.

Ady's Memory

Hi, my name is Adyson. And Rob is my Papa.  So I wrote this to say all the fun things we did together.  Like when he let me watch movies and he made me dinner.  And he spoiled me a lot and those are some reasons I love about him.  And he made me feel happy because he did nice things to me.  Like when he took me to Perkins and made me laugh by telling fun stuff to me.  And I hope he has a good time in heaven.

Kirk and I drove from TX to IL to be with the kids.  I hated that they had to go through all this.  It kills a mother inside to see her children so sad.  I did whatever it was that they needed me to do while they kept busy with arrangements.  I hope they know how proud I was/am of them.  

I'd like to mention my daughter-in-law Nicki.  She was with my son and daughters the whole time.  I know she knows how much I love her and how much it meant to me that she was there.   My sister, Elena was awesome in preparing a meal for over 50 people in under 4 hours.  I don't think I tell her enough how much she means to me.  Kirk was GREAT through this whole thing. 

I think the best part of this....if there can be something good, is the time our family and friends were able to spend together.   I want my kids to know how sorry I am for the loss of their father, and that I am always there for them.