'til we meet again...

Our family has had an adopted grandma. Oma Jones has been such a big part of our life for so long that we consider her family and we love her like our own grandma. She has been sick the last several weeks and we have known that her time to go home to her Heavenly Father was coming soon. Last Sunday we took all of the kids into the care center where she was to visit one last time. She was not coherent at all but the kids all got the chance to give her a hug and a kiss and tell her that they love her. It was very emotional. The next day Kent and I went back in to check on her and she was actually more coherent and we were able to talk to her. She said she was ready to go home to Don (her husband that has been gone for quite a few years). We told her that it was okay and that we would miss her but that we would all be okay if she was ready to go. Yesterday she was not awake much at all and then at around 5:30 she just peacefully passed away. We will surely miss her but we are so glad that she is now free from pain and we know that she is having a sweet reunion in heaven.Ashley and Grandma OmaThe kids with Oma last October

Life was easier when the kids were in diapers!

For all of you "young" moms out there, this is for you. Enjoy every moment because it goes by too stinkin fast and before you know it, your babies are teenagers/young adults and you lose all control over them!!! I love all my kids and have enjoyed (almost) every moment being there mom. But oh how I miss the days when my older kids would sit on my lap and tell me that they would love me forever. It's so hard to let go and watch your kids transition into adulthood when all you can do is stand by and hope that you have done all you can do to make them want to choose the right. Prayer is a wonderful thing! So far my kids have done great and I'm hoping and praying that they continue to do well. For now I'm enjoying the time I have left with my little ones at home and savoring every moment that my youngest tells me that she'll love me forever. Trust me, it was much easier when they were in diapers!