follow up .... :)

OK --- back to the "happenings" the last month....

so i filled you in on Christmas --- on Thursday we headed to Rochester. The kids were pretty good actually, but the 1 st hour of weather was horrible...white out conditions --- the kind that start to make you nervous --- we pulled off around Utica, and took a long lunch break --- luckily, we were driving out of it - and within 10 min's of being back in the car - there was no snow!

We arrived at my dad's late in the afternoon -- got the kids settled and waited for my dad to get home. It was nice to give him a big hug --- i know he was so happy we were in. I had talked to him often the previous days --- it's hard to listen to your parents in pain or distress ---- funny how even being an adult myself --- you still fall into that "it's my daddy or mommy" --- and seeing them hurting just feels awful. My dad had a smile on his face, and seemed content --- had "said what i needed to say" --- and spent the last moments with his mom. It still makes the tears well in my eyes ---- the thought of saying good-bye ---- I think i mentioned here that I was surprised at how upset i was at the idea or her passing away. I had only known my grandmother sick --- this was such a blessing -- the sadness seemed to come from a place of mourning what she never had - what my dad and his brother never had --- what thank god I have had, and have been able to give to my children.... does this make any sense?

She (my grandma) was dressed in a lovely deep lavender suit --- her hair pulled back as always...and I tell you...not a wrinkle on her face --- she was days shy of 84....with so many years of mental sickness --- she was still so beautiful. And if you could have seen the pictures of her wedding....omg --- your mouth would hit the floor. I'm really not exaggerating...she looked like she stepped off the set of a Hollywood movie....glamorous, and polished....drop dead gorgeous... So we looked through the albums all weekend ---which I meant to bring a few pic's home with me...and forgot --- and listened to the stories of her as a well woman and mother - and aunt.

Friday was her calling hours - My dad, Debbie, myself, Andrea and Phil greeted the visitors - and accepted their condolences.... things wrapped up around 8:30 --- and having been at the funeral home since 3:30 --- we were all starving!!! I can't remember the name of where we went, but the food was amazing --- and we spend hours all together - laughing, eating and drinking with one another...it was a nice way to end the day.

Saturday we headed back to the funeral home - and then to the church and burial --- the service at the church was beautiful --- andrea and I did a reading ---- most of you know how much i LOVE getting up in front of people like that lol but it was nice to do it in her honor. When everything was over, my dad held a lunch --- which again gave the opportunity for laughs and catching up. Billy and I picked the kids up and brought them for this part, little ones certainly lighten the mood...

That night my dad kindly offered to hand home while the kids went to bed - and Billy and I were able to attend a fund raiser that my cousin Gina and my sister helped coordinate ---- great music, and again --- another opportunity to visit with family. I have more pictures to post - some are from that night --- but it's getting late....so they'll be up soon!

I'll leave you with a cute story --- today we were heading out the door, and I had just put Keira in this adorable pink - blazer style jacket from Aunt Drea and Bubba :) --- looking quite "smart" in her grown up little outfit ---when Quinn saw her he said...

"oh mom! Keira looks like she can drive the car all by herself!!!" the things they think of!!!

good night....
genine xxoo