Uncle Bob

My uncle passed this morning at 3:30am. He was ready. They, the family and especially the doctors, were amazed he lived this long. They were helping him stay comfortable for the past few days, and I suppose he finally decided he didn't have to hold on any longer. My aunt, cousins, Mom and Dad all had a chance to say goodbye and his immediate family all reassured him that he could let go...that he didn't have to hold on any longer. I am sad. I am. But on Friday, while I was thinking about him, I felt peace. I'm so grateful to know that there is life after this one, and that families are eternal. I will see him again. And I'm sure my grandma and grandpa welcomed him with arms wide open.

A Girl Named Zippy

A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel is hilarious and wonderfully written. A Girl Named Zippy was worth every moment spent reading it. It was refreshing to read about a happy childhood. I was particularly impressed with her parents who really supported her curiosities and fostered such creativity in a young child. Books will make me laugh, but no books have made me laugh out loud like this. I'm sure I looked like an insane person as I worked on the stair climber while reading this book...trying hard to stifle my laughs. Oh well. This is a book to put on your books-to-read-before-I-die list. It's light, funny, and all around good. 4 stars

This is for Grammy

I know this will make my mother-in-law proud, and my sister-in-law cry: last night I put curlers in Sammy's hair, and she is rainbows, sunshine, and all up in-your-face cute! The story goes that when Analisa was little, Peggy put curlers in her hair every night. No one knew that Analisa had straight hair until one day she didn't have her hair all curled up...who knew my mother-in-law was so bent on torturing her daughter for the sake of ringlets? Analisa says she remembers it and hated it, but you've never seen a cuter little girl...with the exception of my girls that is. I've been wanting to carry on with the curler toture for a long time now, so yesterday, I finally took a trip to Walmart and bought some sponge curlers. They didn't seem to bother her at all and boy does this little girl look cute. We will definitely be doing this more. We are planning on cutting Sammy's hair, but maybe we'll put that on hold until the Green's come to visit in May. They've got to see this.

All Dogs Go To Heaven

Marcus: Callie, who should say prayer? Mommy or Daddy?
Callie: Daddeee
(Marcus says prayer)
Marcus and Jenny: Amen
Marcus: Callie, say Amen.
Callie: (pause...thinking about it...) Woof

hmmmm have we already led her astray?

Family is Family

Today I talked with my mom. During this conversation, I learned that my uncle is dying. He wasn't expected to make it through last night, so they aren't sure how much longer he has. I think the last time I saw Uncle Bob was at my grandma's funeral...that was 10 years ago. Though I haven't seen him in years, family is family. He is my uncle. I have a lot of memories getting together with them when I was younger. I adored my cousin, Lori. Over time, we didn't see them as much and they moved further away. All my grandparents have died. That was horribly sad and hard for me. I have dealt with death before. But it's a different story when an uncle or an aunt dies. Grandparents are "old." You expect them to die. It's sad, but it happens. My uncle? It's closer to my parents. He's not that much older than my mom...though I think his lifestyle was harder on his body. And then the thought occurred to me that this isn't just my uncle, but he's my mom's older brother. I can't imagine losing Ted. I look up to him. He, with my sister, paved the way for me. He protected me when I was younger...and though we don't talk everyday, I know he's still got my back if I need him. He's my big brother. I don't know the last time my mom talked to Uncle Bob, but he's still her older brother. He's her Ted. And that breaks my heart. Tomorrow she and my dad will be driving up north so she can say goodbye. I wish I could be there. I wish I could say goodbye, thank you for helping create some of my childhood memories, and I love you. No matter the circumstances, the distance, the past -- even if filled with regrets, family is family. You love them and grieve them when they are gone. I love my family. So, for what it's worth....I won't be there at your bedside tomorrow, but Uncle Bob, goodbye, thank you, and I love you. I'll see you again.

Our Little Sammy

Sammy has been sick and upset for awhile now. I was telling Marcus that it seems like Samantha just isn't happy anymore. Ever. I was sad because it really did seem like she had grown out of her happiness or something. It had just been so long since she's been happy and not screaming during the day. Well, today we got a glimpse of our old Sammy. She was in a good mood for the majority of the day, which was nice. Tonight I started looking through some old pictures, and I got a bit emotional (I have been all week when it comes to Sammy. Post on that later.) I haven't really looked through pictures in a long time, and it was fun to see some of our old favorites. I know I'm her mom, but really, Sammy has the cutest smile. It's infectious. What a sweetheart my little Samantha is. I realize it's overkill, but I know some family who may be interested in seeing these again.

Only a couple months old maybe. She was sitting up and then tipped over. She just looks like a little doll.



Perhaps not the highlight of Samantha's babyhood, but she looks so cute in this after-surgery shot. Sammy Green turns Russell Crowe.

I love those blue eyes.

A nurse at the BYU Health Clinic had her daughter make Sammy a headband. This is the one headband that has ever truly fit Samantha's head, and she looked so cute in it -- it looks like she's just starting her '80's aerobics workout, all smiles and full of joy.

This is my all time favorite of Sammy. It's her little smirk that makes me smile. And as her hair grew back in after her surgery, it grew in the perfect pixie cut. I love this picture!

Just watching the cars go by.

I'm not sure what it is about this picture...I think it's more the memory of it because she doesn't look particularly cute. It was a long day. Callie had been sealed to us, we had lunch at the Kelly's, and we were headed home. From the temple to our apartment, approximately 1 mile away, she peacefully fell deep asleep. She rarely sleeps in the car.

Later that day she was all giggles. I guess she just needed a wee nap.

Walking and feeling confident.

Walking on grass is a little different, but she figures it out.

Before surgery #2.

I know I'm biased, but I have the cutest little girl.

Interesting Article

Marcus showed me this article the other day. I found it very interesting. Worth reading.

http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/ci_11960981