After a long week, my grandfather passed away on Saturday, Jan. 24, Anne Marie's second birthday. It was a long week. I didn't have a real father, and my granddad, along with a few other people, filled that role for me. I'm going to miss him a lot.
When I knew my grandfather's death was imminent, I thought we'd just postpone Anne Marie's birthday until things were a little calmer. But, on the day of her birthday, before we knew Granddad was gone, my grandmother said we had to get her a cake, and she called relatives who hadn't arrived yet, and told them to pick up presents on the way. It was only an hour or so later that my grandfather died.
At about 5 p.m., my grandma cleared the kitchen table, and set up the cake. We sang Happy Birthday and opened presents. It was a nice diversion, and it put a smile on everyone's face. In fact, I think that little girl was a blessing throughout my family's tough time. I took her with me to the hospital to see my grandfather and pray with the priest after he was taken off the respirator- the doctors said he would live 30 minutes, and he lived for more than 30 hours. While the priest was praying, Anne Marie sat behind my grandmother and quietly patted her back.
At the funeral Mass, Anne Marie didn't make a peep. I'm not talking about a typical toddler's good day in church. I mean she sat there completely silent for the entire hour, quietly laying in my lap. The only movement she made was when she took a Mary prayer card and held it up to show it to the statue of Mary. It's funny, but it's how I knew my Granddad was there- he didn't tolerate misbehavior during Mass. :) At the burial, she was quiet, didn't try to run around, and even said "Amen" at the right time. All this was after three trips to Twin Falls in the car, several days without a nap and several late nights that ended in hotel rooms.
So here's a few things about both my grandfather and my little girl, who now share a special day:
Ten things I love about Granddad:
1. He was an incredibly spiritual man- he converted to Catholicism after thinking about it for 17 years. It wasn't a decision he took lightly. I think too many people today convert to different religions just to please someone, rather than following their heart. He followed his heart.
2. He cared a lot about his family, and his gifts were always well-thought out. Most of the time, Christmas gifts came from "Grandma and Grandddad," but they were really from my grandma. But, once in awhile, I would get something special from him. When that happened, it was obvious he had thought about it awhile. He made me a dollhouse and doll bed. He made me, my brother and mother stilts. One year, he got us all tackle boxes.
3. He had funny sayings I never heard anywhere else. At his burial, all I could think was, "It's colder than a witches' tit out here." Not a PC saying, but it sure stuck in my mind. :)
4. He took us fishing and skiing.
5. He had an incredible sweet tooth- the man LOVED pie and candy.
6. He was absolutely thrilled to have a great-granddaughter.
7. He was proud of his World War II service, but didn't care for all the show and recognition.
8. He took wonderful care of a son with Down Syndrome in a time when most children with Down Syndrome were institutionalized.
9. He always appreciated a visit.
10. He knew every single lake in the Sawtooths, and could always tell us if it was worth the hike.
Ten things I love about Anne Marie... coming at nap time.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Pioneer woman and belly photos
First, some whale photos. I'm actually losing weight every time I go to the doctors, but she says the belly is still growing fine- my only problem is that it is now taking up my entire pelvis and lap at precisely the same time Anne Marie has a renewed love of being rocked in the rocking chair. The first is 35 weeks. Second is 31 weeks. Matt got the first one out of focus- how does that happen with auto focus? The rest of the 35 week ones I tried to take myself and messed up even worse.
Also, I'm feeling like a pioneer woman these days. We've been lucky enough to have someone supplying us with eggs from their chickens in exchange for Matt's homemade beer (how pioneering is that- eggs from chickens AND the bartering system?) and we're subsisting on elk meat from Matt's brother and dad. It's saving a ton of money! I suppose we'd be more pioneering if we raised the chickens/slaughtered the elk, but I'm still pretty excited.
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| From Blogger Pictures |
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| From Blogger Pictures |
Also, I'm feeling like a pioneer woman these days. We've been lucky enough to have someone supplying us with eggs from their chickens in exchange for Matt's homemade beer (how pioneering is that- eggs from chickens AND the bartering system?) and we're subsisting on elk meat from Matt's brother and dad. It's saving a ton of money! I suppose we'd be more pioneering if we raised the chickens/slaughtered the elk, but I'm still pretty excited.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Stolen
I stole this from Jeni, but it seemed a good way to recap 2008.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Ran 9 miles in one stretch.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I really don't make them.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one super-close. Some friends did.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Butte, MT
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I want to run a marathon.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm probably too tired to do this. I'm not sure if I remember any dates. Sometime in June I found out I was pregnant - don't remember the date, but I remember the setting. Matt gets off work. I say, "come here, I need your opinion." I show him the test, and say, "do you think that's a positive?" He says, "I think it might be." I say, "Whoa, weird."
July 11 Matt's brother got married, and we went to Glacier that week for our first real family weekend without any extended relatives. Then a week later we went to Redfish Lake for our family reunion.
8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
A healthier pregnancy, not allowing as much stress in my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
My inability to control my fast-food habit.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just some icky colds.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A refinanced mortgage.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Anne Marie's. She's really a good little girl. She travels well, is slow to throw a fit, and has a great grasp of the English language!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Both the Democratic and Republican parties. The state Democrats for their dirty tactics in the Minnick/Sali race, and their excitement over winning when their focus on that particular race caused them to lose several around the state. There was ridiculous name-calling in our county commission on both sides. There were racist comments that were allowed and considered acceptable in the National Republican party. Pretty disgusting year for politics.
14. Where did most of your money go?
I have no idea, but it's gone.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting our mortgage refinanced. Now I'm really excited about Thomas Michael cannellini.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Twinkle twinkle little star," and "Frosty the Snowman." Anne Marie learned all the words to both this year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Sadder. It's a tough time for our country, and I hate to think of people who are hurting.
b) fatter. I have a bowling ball belly. I think without that, I would probably have been a little thinner.
c) It's hard to say- we're always poor this time of year.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
running, cleaning.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Working.
20. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No, but I was already in love.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, Law and Order and Desperate Housewives.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No
23. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read enough. I read cookbooks this year. Sad.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sadly, I didn't have one of those either.
25. What did you want and get?
Some quality time spent with Matt before the next baby was born.
26. What did you want and not get?
A car that will fit everyone, including Thomas and Rosa ... it's planned for 2009.
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved Lars and the Real Girl too, Jeni, but I never would have thought of it on my own!
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30. I'm not sure what I did! I'm getting too old to remember.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It really was pretty satisfying. I had my family and we were healthy and happy. I would have liked to have been able to spend more time with Anne Marie, and I wish my dearest friends were closer.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Awesome, as always.
31. What kept you sane?
I'm not sure I am sane. :)
1. What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before?
Ran 9 miles in one stretch.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I really don't make them.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No one super-close. Some friends did.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No.
5. What countries did you visit?
Butte, MT
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
I want to run a marathon.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I'm probably too tired to do this. I'm not sure if I remember any dates. Sometime in June I found out I was pregnant - don't remember the date, but I remember the setting. Matt gets off work. I say, "come here, I need your opinion." I show him the test, and say, "do you think that's a positive?" He says, "I think it might be." I say, "Whoa, weird."
July 11 Matt's brother got married, and we went to Glacier that week for our first real family weekend without any extended relatives. Then a week later we went to Redfish Lake for our family reunion.
8. What was your biggest personal achievement of the year?
A healthier pregnancy, not allowing as much stress in my life.
9. What was your biggest failure?
My inability to control my fast-food habit.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just some icky colds.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
A refinanced mortgage.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Anne Marie's. She's really a good little girl. She travels well, is slow to throw a fit, and has a great grasp of the English language!
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Both the Democratic and Republican parties. The state Democrats for their dirty tactics in the Minnick/Sali race, and their excitement over winning when their focus on that particular race caused them to lose several around the state. There was ridiculous name-calling in our county commission on both sides. There were racist comments that were allowed and considered acceptable in the National Republican party. Pretty disgusting year for politics.
14. Where did most of your money go?
I have no idea, but it's gone.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Getting our mortgage refinanced. Now I'm really excited about Thomas Michael cannellini.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
"Twinkle twinkle little star," and "Frosty the Snowman." Anne Marie learned all the words to both this year.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Sadder. It's a tough time for our country, and I hate to think of people who are hurting.
b) fatter. I have a bowling ball belly. I think without that, I would probably have been a little thinner.
c) It's hard to say- we're always poor this time of year.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
running, cleaning.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Working.
20. Did you fall in love in 2008?
No, but I was already in love.
21. What was your favorite TV program?
The Office, Law and Order and Desperate Housewives.
22. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No
23. What was the best book you read?
I didn't read enough. I read cookbooks this year. Sad.
24. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Sadly, I didn't have one of those either.
25. What did you want and get?
Some quality time spent with Matt before the next baby was born.
26. What did you want and not get?
A car that will fit everyone, including Thomas and Rosa ... it's planned for 2009.
27. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved Lars and the Real Girl too, Jeni, but I never would have thought of it on my own!
28. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 30. I'm not sure what I did! I'm getting too old to remember.
29. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
It really was pretty satisfying. I had my family and we were healthy and happy. I would have liked to have been able to spend more time with Anne Marie, and I wish my dearest friends were closer.
30. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Awesome, as always.
31. What kept you sane?
I'm not sure I am sane. :)
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