Grandpa Parker (Steve's grandpa) died on Oct. 4. We had gone to visit him and Grandma in July and only a couple of weeks after we were there, he got sick and really had a hard time of it. I am so sad that he had to suffer and not feel good, so I am a little bit comforted to know that it didn't last a long time for him. Steve and I went to Utah for the funeral. My mom kept the kids here at home. I missed them terribly, but it was so much easier without them. Especially since they had just made that long drive. Steve hates driving anyway, and with grouchy bored kids, he almost goes crazy. I am so, so, so glad we had the opportunity to visit Grandpa. The kids always love going to their house and playing in their beautiful yard, inspecting the garden, feeding the fish and looking at Grandpa's awesome mustang.
I hate to admit it, but it was actually a really nice time for Steve and I. That sound so selfish of me. We were enjoying ourselves while we were there for something so sad. It was nice to be able to just get up and go somewhere without worrying about getting kids ready, naptime, mealtimes, a diaper bag, etc. We got to go to "Music and the Spoken Word" at Temple Square on Sunday morning. Steve had never been, so he was extra excited about it. We toured the conference center, swam at the hotel, went out for meals at places we had never been, visited and took pictures of several temples we hadn't seen before. Grandpa's funeral was really nice and I loved hearing stories about him. At the cemetery, the army did their ceremony, which I love. Makes me fiercely proud to be an American when I see the soldiers there playing Taps, shooting the guns, and honoring someone I loved. It reminded me of my dad's funeral, which was also nice.
I will post pictures when I can. As you know, I am not so great about getting things up on here. I (once again) promise to do better. :)
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A struggle with sadness
So, at the beginning of the summer, we found out that my Grammie has cancer. She went in to have fluid drained off of her lungs and they found cancer cells in the fluid. At first they couldn't confirm what kind of cancer it was, but yesterday we found out that it is lung cancer and now it has spread to both of her lungs. She was going through chemo treatments, but because of other health issues, she has had to stop for now. She's been sick for a long time, but now it's so much worse. She had breast cancer back when I was a little girl, and now she's just suffering so much. My mom is retiring early so that she can help out as much as possible. I'm torn between wanting her to get better and wanting her to just not be hurting so much anymore. I feel selfish when I think that I don't ever want her to die because I know she's been miserable for a long time. She has lost tons of weight...almost 50 pounds in 2 months. She needs to have surgery for another problem, but keeps getting it put off because she isn't strong enough for it. I always thought that I'd lose it when my dad died. But, surprisingly, I wasn't as devastated as I thought I would be. I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I'll lose it when Grammie dies. She's been such a big part of my life and such a good friend to me my whole life, I don't want to lose her. I don't know exactly what to do to help her now either. I don't understand why some people have to go through so much pain and heartbreak and others don't have as many issues. I guess someday I will understand.
First day of school
School is back! This year I have an 8th grader (Becka), a 4th grader (Jake) and a 1st grader (Rachie). Aren't they all adorable???
Rachie's 6th Birthday!
Party guests (we missed Kelsie and Halle, who couldn't make it)
Pascal cupcakes
Climbing Rapunzel's "hair"
Hide and Seek with Pascal
"Painting" the tower
Rapunzel!!
Labor Day fun
On our way home from the beach on Labor Day, we got a call saying that Dana and Derek, and Brandon and Afton's families were up at a fun place in Hockinson called Alderbrook Park. They invited us to join them. So, we quickly stopped off at home to unload the car, then we were on our way. It was fun! There were inflatables, sprinklers, a pool, climbing structures, mini golf, paddle boats, sports of all kinds, even a dunk tank. The drinking fountains had pink lemonade in them instead of water! It was a fun way to enjoy the nice sunshiny day.
Kayla found a fuzzy caterpillar
Rachie's turn to hold it
Jake on the paddleboat
Daddy and Rachie
A weekend visit
The Summers family decided to make a quick trip out here for Labor Day weekend. We were so happy to hear that! We visited them in July and had so much fun. I hate that we only get to see each other every other year or so. They came and we all went to spend the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's beach house. We had tons of fun shopping, going on the wave runners, playing on the beach, at the park, enjoying s'mores and just being together. I only got one picture of Kaisley and Rachie playing at the park after church on Sunday afternoon. We were having too much fun to remember the camera I guess!
The smoke made funny spots on my lens, but I did find this shot of us having our yummy campfire treats. :)
Tea time!
Went into the playroom to check on the kids and their friends and this is what I saw. :) Hannah wants to be big like her sisters and brother!
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