Thank you hurricane

 Grandmas funeral was scheduled for Sunday and on Saturday afternoon we went to mom and dads to watch the hokie game and see everyone.  Sarah came down with Angela and Mary and Robbie were there.  After dinner we got a text from a friend who lives about 5 minutes from us asking how we were doing because the weather was awful and the wind was picking up.  All forecasts showed the hurricane going away from us but instead we got tropical storm conditions.  Brent and I packed up the kids and left and drove through the worst weather and thankfully made it home safe.  Waves were crashing next to the tunnel and I've never been more glad to see my house at the end.  The power went out on the bridge tunnel right after we passed and I'm so thankful! Can you imagine?  The kids were played out and fell asleep in the car before we got out of Newport News.  Angela had sent me a message saying if we couldn't get into our neighborhood to go to her parents house but I think they got it worse so glad we made it into our street.   We weren't sure if we would make it out of our neighborhood the next day because the only way into and out of our street was completely flooded.  People were kayaking down their streets in Chesapeake and several roads were completely impassable. 

 We did make it out to the funeral. We drove through a lot of water.  The check engine light finally went off of my car this week - I think it finally dried out. Sunday afternoon a neighbor sent me a text saying don't hurry home that we had lost power and that schools were closed the next day.  Tree limbs were falling all over the place so we decided to spend the night with mom and dad. We made it safe the night before - we weren't sure with power out and tree limbs down if we should tempt it again.  But as a result got extra time with our wandering hokies.  Angela's parents were flooded too so I know they were missing Angela and the boys.

 These two are so cute together. Since then Norah asks me to count the days until she sees Isaiah again. I have to say marys wedding on September 9 to norah because 300+ days is just too depressing.  We've been looking up plane tickets but Anglea and James have to move out of their place that they just moved into because of asbestos - for three months - then they are scheduled to move to another base a few months after that.  Thankful for facetime and videos that we can send back and forth with them right now.

 Joel LOVED Gideon and was always wanting to hold him. 

Journal

When Sarah and I graduated from college Grandma gave us this journal to share.  She said in a note that we could pass it around every six months but I've had it for a few years now so I guess its time to pass it back to sarah. She started it the day we were born. I guess having surprise twins 6 weeks early is something to write about! I like this one part where she wanted to babysit us so mom and dad could go to church but mom wanted to take us for the first time.  Grandma writes something about measles, colds, flu but how it was the last time she would interfere hahahaha  I love grandma but I don't think that was the last time she gave her strong opinion

Tonight I got it out and wanted to share this last journal entry when we graduated from college.

May 9, 2002

Dear Abigail and Sarah,
Just as quickly as you turned this page is how quickly you grew. It has been an enjoyable time following your wonderful life.  Such happy memories.  Some of which I will recall.

Shopping. It was fun to take you both shopping. I would tell you how much money I would allow  you and you would hit the sale racks. After selecting a bunch of clothing we would head to the dressing room when we had these piles. 1. Definitely. 2 Possibly, 3 reject. Then came decision time as you added up the items you wanted. Sometimes (but rarely) you would have to put something back but most of the time you were on  the mark.  You learned well.

Nebraska trips. Going to visit Lois and Wayne.  We took you twice and we will never forget camping in the Snowy Range, meeting all those relatives from all over the country, horse back riding, mom dad larry, Karen, abbey, and jerry going hiking and getting lost. Lois, Wayne, Howard and me thought we were going to have to raise you.  And Abigail - porta potties - How funny you were. You would stand outside the door - suck as much air in your lungs, fling the door open, do your business, and come out and let out a big gush of air. You were so funny.  And James' look up sheer delight when he was put on that horse. I have always been sorry I didn't have a camera

Beach week - that was a great time and we had such a good time. Jeffrey and Kerri were at a condo down the beach and they had a pool so you would walk up there. Remember James how he would get as far from the water as he could when we would walk. He loved the pool though.

How about camping. We told you when you could take showers we would take you camping. One day you tugged at grandpas leg and said "we take showers now" GP said "what did you say" and you repeated it. He wanted to know what you meat and I said "Its time to take them camping" We went to Emerald Isle with the Kelly's. At night we would all sit on the beach, Ann would hold one of you and I the other just watching the water and setting sun. 

Heres one on you sarah. We went out to eat one night and when we go to the table all these bottles (condiments) were sitting there. You picked up a bottle of catsup, slapped it down on the table all the while inquiring "what's this" when the catsup shot up in then splattered all over the table - talk about embarrassment.

We took a number of trips to va beach for the day and had great fun, but traffic got so heavy we stopped - a pity.

School activities - there were many. One in particular, you were in a skit and we attended. Were you out in front where we could see you - oh no. It looked like you forgot to get/stay on the back row. (not like little sister mary)

I could go on and on, but I don't want to leave out church for church and God have been a very vital part of your life and have made you who you are today. How does one even get through life without following Jesus. you both have a strong religious background which will sustain you through the difficulties you face. 

One more thing. When I started this journal little did I think I/we would be so close in your life, seeing you as often as we did. I thought once a month at most. But we have been included in so much of your life and I am thankful for it. Nothing would I change.

This in no way will replace the wonderful albums your mom has kept up.

Now go out and enjoy what life has to offer always remembering how much you are loved and how proud we are of you. Life is just beginning.

Much much love,
Gramma

Done waiting

Four years ago on October 5, 2012 my grandfather entered heaven.  He held on longer than he probably should have because he didn't want to leave my grandma. 

Last night my grandma passed away.  October 5, 2016.  She couldn't wait another year to be with my grandpa. And all day today I can't help but think about how perfect that ending was for two people who loved each other so much. 

She told me once she fell in love with him when she was 13.  (When your son is 10 it puts this all in a whole different perspective)  But they loved each other so much and as I told Colin last night, I have no doubt Grandpa was right there with Jesus welcoming her into heaven.

It was expected and we were praying my grandma wouldn't have to suffer much longer. But its so hard today to realize that she and grandpa are really gone. They were a HUGE part of my life.

I went two weeks ago to see her and she looked smaller than Norah lying in bed.  I just kept telling her I love you when she would open her eyes and recognize me.  She tried to talk but couldn't and just kept looking at me and nodding.  It was a moment I will always remember.   She loved well and I always knew how much she loved me. 

 

We hadn't told the kids that grandma was that sick but yesterday morning Norah and I were driving to Walmart and Norah asked me why How-How died.  Colin talks about How-How all the time.    Then she asked me if Ooo-Eee was going to die.  I wasn't sure what to say so I said yes, Ooo-Eee probably was going to die soon.  (I didn't expect it to be later that night) 

Today Norah keeps catching me crying.  Each time she tells me "I miss Ooo-Eee" and then will pause and say "remember water country." When we were at water country this summer  I told the kids about one summer when Grandma took Sarah, James and I to water country (I think Mary was too little that time)  James would climb up all the stairs then get to the top of the ride and then chicken out.  So then my grandma would walk him all the way down.  After several times of this she got tired of not riding any rides so  she went on the ride and made James walk down all by himself.  The kids loved that story and I guess it stuck with Norah.  I think it must be Norah's favorite Ooo-eee memory right now! 

Its been fun to read all the comments people have made on facebook.  Brent commented that everyone wrote a paragraph sized comment about my grandparents.  It shows how loved they were and how well they loved others.  I feel very blessed and grateful to have been able to call them Grandma and Grandpa

Zoo Day

On Sunday we met Angela and the boys at the Zoo. 

This boy is so full of joy and has the best laugh.




Kisses from Mama.

 

 Its a great start when your cousin brings you a cake pop

 Gideon is the sweetest and happiest baby

Such a gentlemen.  He always looked out for Norah.  Such a sweet boy.

This part was hilarious.  Isaiah said that he was tallest and should get the tallest otter head.  Well Norah wasn't so sure about that and had to inspect.  We tried to tell her the one she had was the girl and the prettiest but she wasn' thaving that. 

No I'm the tallest she declared and stood on tiptoes

hahaha its a good thing Norah and Isaiah love each other so much because it could easily go the other way.

It was a great weekend with cousins. We will see them at a party for Angela's dad Sunday and then they fly out early Tuesday morning.  It was much too short a visit. I wish Japan was a lot closer.

Cousins!

We have been loving having Angela and the boys here for a few weeks.

 Saturday we had a full house with family.  We saw Isaiah and Gideon and Angela last week for a few hours and ever since then the kids have been asking when they got to see their cousins again. When your cousins live on the other side of the world its very special to spend time with them when they are here.  We had everyone over to our house Saturday -  even Mary and Robbie came.  We were just missing James but unfortunately that might be a few years. 

 This little guy is absolutely adorable and so sweet and snuggly

 Isaiah looks just like James, even down to his facial expressions.  Its so fun to see in person.

 These two are a few months apart and just love each other.

 In Japan they take pictures with the peace sign. Norah was convinced Isaiah just didn't know how to give someone bunny ears.  She tried to teach him and he tried to show her but neither one listened to the other.

 Ma-Ma-Maa and Grandpa (or Oma and Opa) with ALL their grandchildren.