Playing Catch Up

It's been a little quiet on the blog lately, and that's because there has been a lot going on. Let's back up a couple of weeks...

- On April 19, I left with my Mom and Sisters to go to Women of Joy in Tennessee. We were there until Sunday, the 22nd. We had a great time, and the conference was excellent.

Mom, Becky, Me at the Conference

- On April 24, I got a phone call from my mom, telling me that my Papa had died in his sleep. This is the first death in our family, and I wasn't sure how I would react. I decided that I would go with my parents to California, and leave Michael home with Andrew. Since I had just left Michael the weekend before, it was really hard for me to leave him again so soon. I'll admit, I cried when we said goodbye at the airport. He, of course, had no idea what was going on and just kept waving, saying "Bye Bye, Mommy..." which made me cry even more.

I flew out on the 26th, and it was a LONG day of travel. I had a delay, which led to a missed flight, which led to a long layover, which led to me being exhausted by the time I finally arrived.  I'm so glad I went. I was able to see family that I haven't seen in years. To spend time with my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins was priceless. It was a beautiful military funeral.

My Grandma receiving the flag
My Aunts and Uncles sit beside her

My grandmother had Alzheimer's, and really wasn't sure what was going on, or who anybody was. That is the hardest thing to watch. When a mother doesn't recognize her own children. I pray that never happens to me. Once you tell her who you are, she gets very excited and knows you, she just doesn't recognize many people. A few times over the weekend, Grandma would say, "Papa's gone. He's not with us any more." So, we know that she did eventually remember what happened.

Cousins - Cindy, Me, Matt, Mikey, Andy

My Grandma with all of her kids
Mike, Shelly, Kevin, My Dad, and Maureen

The funeral was on Friday, and Saturday we drove over to Santa Cruz to spend time time at the Boardwalk. It was beautiful weather, and we all had so much fun.

Me with Mom and Dad in Santa Cruz

Me and my cousin Mikey in Santa Cruz

 Later that day, we drove over to my Aunt's house, and all hung out with Grandma.

Sunday, we spent the day with my Aunt, cousins and Grandma. I did have to opportunity to go visit my childhood friend, Cara. She lives only 45 minutes from my Aunt, so I took the car while my parents were in church. It was so good to visit with her and her family. She has the sweetest little baby, Ellie, and I only wish Michael had been there to play with her. Unfortunately, we forgot to take any pictures while I was there.

We flew home Monday, and that trip was a lot less eventful. It was so good to be home, and back with my boys.

- On this past Tuesday, I started a new job. I will be babysitting for 4 little boys this summer. The oldest is 9 and the youngest is 2 months! One of the little boys is the same age as Michael, their birthdays are 1 week apart. The other little boy is 5. I will watch them on Tuesdays and Thursdays - All Day, 9am - 8pm. Plus I get to bring Michael with me!  I'm so excited that I was able to find a job that pays what I needed, and I can bring Michael with me. Andrew and I have been praying that I would find something, and this just fell in my lap. Something only God can do! We are so thankful for this opportunity, and excited for Michael to have some kids to play with a couple of times a week. Also, this helps with any baby fever that might creep up. I'll have my hands so full that the thought of adding another to our family anytime soon, will not even enter my mind. And I get to cuddle with a little baby all day long!

So, that's what's been going on around here. Hopefully I will get back in the swing of things, and start blogging some more. I also have a few more recipes I need to post.