My Family, My Memories

Never have I been so happy for a Friday! It was exhausting last week at my grandma's funeral. Would have never missed it but I feel like we are all still recuperating from emotion, lack of decent sleep and colds. There's some truth to "time heals everything." I definitely feel a little less sad every day thinking of my grandma and have started feeling kind of pleased and grateful for the times and memories I do have with her. It may help that I've been wearing some of her things around this week! Like a crazy colored scarf that still smells like her and is ultra warm or these dramatic flower costume jewelry earrings that weigh a ton. I remember touching them in her jewelry box since I was very little. Wearing them today to work was like a little secret of my very own, like I was getting a constant hug from her every time I thought about them or they got in the way when I got a phone call! I love her!

And there is something to be said for explaining things in toddler terms. Death isn't easy but there's something kind of healing and refreshing about talking about the dirt and heaven and angels to Peyton. She is so curious, wants to constantly talk about Grandma El, has now started "missing" her too and saying things like she wants to save a cookie for her. I think Grandma would be flattered!

We all have so much to be thankful for. Hard to always remember but appreciate and value those crazy families and times you were born into!

Check out my Slide Show!

Check out my Slide Show!

The best lesson we could learn from our grandparents is to cherish every moment we have with them.

I received some sad news today. My grandma El passed away overnight. Shocking, unbelievable, surprising, still pretty surreal actually. I guess it sounds cliche' but I feel so sad thinking about all the things I wish I'd had one more chance to tell her: like how she shaped me into the woman I am, how she taught me to love baking and cooking, how I hope to someday have gorgeous white hair like she had my WHOLE entire life. She was a beautiful, stoic and strong woman who I already miss immensely. She gave the best hugs and kisses, I remember the last one in January. I will always miss the way I could tease her and make her giggle, I am envisioning it right now! Things I've learned to love and appreciate from her and will never forget are:

• hen and chick succulents-I am naturally drawn to them now




• chex mix-which no one can quite make the same as she




• a love for pretty, girly things-trying on her teeny clothes when I was like 11, doing our nails with one of a million polish colors, trading earrings on every visit, clothes shopping with her




• great dishtowels and pillow cases! Crisp, white, absorbant. She had the most gorgeous linen closet and trunk. Looked through it again in January when I was there




• that I can make a mean gravy-it's my job each thanksgiving since she taught me how when I was probably about 8yrs old




• kitchen shakers-for salt and pepper, for cinnamon sugar, which she always had available for us everytime we would visit as kids




• beautiful, intricate quilts-the fact that her hands touched every inch of the one she gave me on my wedding day



• undivided love, admiration and pride in our family

I know in the days and weeks to come, I will remember so many more reasons that my heart has broken a little bit today. I was such a lucky girl to have 4 wonderful grandparents for almost 30 years and am thankful she got to see me grow up and become a happy mother and wife myself. I will love and miss her always.

Grandmas hold our tiny hands for just a little while... but our hearts forever

My beautiful grandma and beautiful daughter. October 2004. Thank god for sweet memories.

There's a first for everything!

I made a new friend this year! At practically 30 yrs old, who would have thunk it! She is interesting, funny, thoughtful and could be the most creative person I know. While sharing advice on a couple topics with me, she shared her blog with me. This is where I really decided that I want one too! Thanks Kim! We'll see what comes of it, but for now, I'm excited to have a little me time, a chance to have my own thoughts, some quiet time to brainstorm, rejuivinate and feel a teeny bit creative myself again :) After a wonderfully low-key and relaxing weekend, while Lane and Peyton are napping, it's easy to do.

I hope this is a chance for me to stay connected to my friends and even myself! I hope I feel inspired to post, inspired by other posts. I'm excited to see if I end up looking interesting on the internet :) And not because of some embarrassing photo!

Wish me luck, visit me once in awhile! Cheers!