Thank you Gramps!

Yesterday we said good bye to a dear man.  This Sunday Gramps would have turned 94.  I have many fond memories in the short time I knew him.  He was a quiet man but always willing to share a story from his experiences.  The first summer we were married Granny helped me plant my garden.  When it was time to get the potatoes in Gramps made a special trip into Olds to get me a proper potato fork and burlap sacks to store them in.  One of my fondest memories is in the fall while we bring cattle home.  Gramps would always watch and always comment on how big the calves were.  He was always able to appreciate the blessings in the harvest no matter what the quality.  I can still picture him with his coffee thermos sitting in the tractor baling away at the age of 85.  I know part of Tim's passion for farming was passed down from the hours spent with Gramps. 

 

He was always wandering (or in the later years quading) around the farm inspecting things.  Until this past year he could rarely sit in the house for too long.  Something around the farm needed checking or fixing.  When we were having a long day on the farm he would quiet often bring pop and chocolate bars out.  One would think to grab several different kinds of chocolate bars but not Gramps - it was always an Oh Henry!  One of my life lines to keep me sane (especially in the winter) was to visit Granny and Gramps at the farm.  Something I am sorely going to miss this winter with Granny in Cochrane.  Every time we would get there the boys would run to the cookie jar to get a snack and then run into the living room to pull the balls out of Gramps' foot stool.  From there Gramps would roll the balls across the room into their legs.  It was a game that each of them adored.  The footstool made the move to Cochrane with them and the boys continue to enjoy playing with the balls.  Gramps was one of the gentlest most sincere men I knew and I am forever grateful that I was able to call him my Gramps.  

 

Through all this we have had several opportunities to share with the boys (especially Connor) about heaven.  Tim told the boys that Jesus came and took Gramps to heaven.  Later in the day Connor asked me "how did Jesus get into Gramps' room to take him to heaven?"  Even from heaven Gramps quiet manner is teaching his offspring about his love for God.  A gift that I cherish and pray I'll be able to do one day.

 

We went and saw Granny last night and reality hit when Gramps' chair sat empty.  I know he is in a better place now and watching us from heaven but I will forever miss this quiet man.

 

I love you Gramps!

The Butterfly Net

This past Wednesday I headed down to my parents place for the day.  It is a 2 hour drive.  I was a little nervous as this would be my first trip that far without Tim.  I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how to get things to Connor in the back of the Yukon while I'm driving.  Even if I set treats and a drink in the back for him he inevitably needs something passed to him along the way.  Right before we left I thought "butterfly net".  We quickly found it and used it several times through out the trip.  It worked fabulously and our trip went very well and beats throwing things at him!  I only had to stop once to settle Lexi down.   

Catching up

I realized the other day that I hadn`t posted anything for a while so here are a few pictures of the kiddos.

 I didn`t have time to get Lexi a Halloween costume so this was her way of dressing up for Halloween.  Her feet were supposed to come out of the holes but she wasn't cooperating very well.

 Our little super heroes.  Connor was spiderman but he didn't want to wear his mask and Kale was captain America.  Beside them are their pumpkins they got to decorate.  They so badly wanted to carve a pumpkin themselves but I didn't trust them with a knife so they got a hammer, nails, buttons and stickers instead.

 Our little lady will be 8 weeks this week.  Hard to believe.  I took the kids down to see Granny and Gramps Friday night and then after church yesterday we went to visit again.  Granny was quite convinced that she grew an inch in those 2 days.  I had to agree with her - she seems so long all of a sudden.  I guess we will find out next week at her doctors appt.  She is smiling quiet a lot lately I just never have my camera ready at that moment.  She is also starting to talk to us lots.  She seems to like chatting with Connor the most. 

 I myself am feeling good.  The 6 week milestone has past so I am able to lift more things and start working out again.  It feels great to get the heart rate going.  I still have to take it easy but it has been very freeing to be able to lift more things.  My carpal tunnel numbness has disappeared finally.  It was a very weird feeling not being able to feel the ends of my middle fingers for nearly 4 months.

 The snow has fallen and looks like it is going to stay.  The boys go out regularly to play but not as long as before so they have started to pull out the inside toys.  One day they decided it was time to move their animals home from pasture (just like daddy).  So they lined them up in rows and backed the trucks up to load them up.  Tim has started to play hockey again so of course the hockey sticks and balls are out again too. 

We sold calves this past Friday.  With that and all the snow we have Tim has started to do chores again and the boys are eager to get all dressed up to go help him.  They are out as I write this and Lexi is napping - what a great way to start the week - silence and a cup of coffee.