Yet Another Sick Day

Last night was pretty rough on Amber. She had to get up a few times because the girls were not feeling well. When morning came around both of the girls were feeling pretty rotten. Ashton barely had a voice and was running a temperature. Abby was still sleeping after I picked her up from the couch. Allen was feeling pretty well and he was the only one that went to school today.

I came home to an empty house because everyone went to the doctor. Both Ashton and Abby had something that needed a prescription. I hope they feel better soon. I feel awful that they look and sound this way.

Preparing for Christmas

Abby and I spent the morning together as usual. I decided that I would enforce some tough love in the form of limiting the binky availability. Our opinions collided a few times and we each compromised (read as she would find them after yelling at me). She is tons of fun in general. She kept me running around.

Ashton also was here at the usual time. She had a substitute bus driver and she tried to park in our driveway. Later on Ashton really wanted to draw some pictures. She asked me to draw a large picture of a bird and I complied. A few minutes passed and she triumphantly returned to show me the coloring she did with the bird. Truthfully, I was a little disappointed with my drawing but when I saw her color job I was legitimately impressed. She turned my sorry looking bird into a nice scene with a tree, grass, clouds, and even eggs ready to hatch. When I told her I really liked it she gave me a sincere look of appreciation and I had to hug her. It was a really great moment we shared.

Allen got home and things began to move a little faster. Dinner needed to be made, cleaning needed to be done, and kids needed attention. Shortly after he arrived home, we received a delivery from the florist in Hastings from my work with their condolences. Allen had it in his mind that I must be a great employee if my employer is sending me gifts. I think that inspired him to make a gift for Amber. He went to great lengths to collect the necessary items for the gift and all of the kids helped me wrap it after bath time was over. I won't spoil what it was, Amber could read it and ruin the surprise!

Mind Numbing Day

I had an early (but not first-thing-in-the-morning early) shift at work that lasted into the late evening. Before I had a wife and kids that kind of shift was great. I could sleep in a little and I wouldn't have to be at work very late. Now that kind of shift guarantees that I don't see much of anyone. Amber had a very long shift today, too. We are both tired. The kids were pretty much in bed when I got home.

Due to all of this I can't really recall anything really different or great that happened. Allen stayed home from school, Ashton got on the bus by herself, and Abby got up a little later than everyone else. Typical day in our house.

I did happen to spot my Dad and my brother-in-law Brad at my work today but I was tied up and didn't have much of a conversation with either one.

Christmas Picture

 

All is Done

Today was Mom's burial.

It was a rainy day and it did not let up. Early in the day it was freezing rain and our road and driveway was a sheet of ice. I went to church for the testimony meeting. It was really great to hear other people remember Mom. There were several moments that tears were in my eyes.

Karin told me that in the process to plan for the memorial service songs were selected based on Mom's requests. They tried to find a song with the word "grant" in it. Mom always did make a big deal out of hymns that my name appeared in. I miss her.

Siblings

The last two or three days have been full of emotion. Geoff, Gregg, and I spent some time to reacquaint. I felt like it was a great time and I will always remember it. I wish that I could have even spent some time with Karin but she has had some immediate responsibilities with preparing Mom for burial.

I went with Geoff this morning to pick up Steph from the airport. She came at Karin's request to help with the all important details. Geoff and Steph also came over for dinner and to take it easy. We had a great time and I know the kids appreciated seeing their aunt and uncle. While we watched a movie together Ashton whispered to me that she really liked having guests and was happy Geoff and Steph were here at the house.

Mom Has Passed On

At 6:40 p.m. Friday, November 30.

Many tears have been shed. We will always remember her.