Saturday, January 15, 2011

Well, I’m finally feeling better after an awful head cold.  I still don’t know how many boxes of Kleenexes I’ve gone through.  Thank you to Grandma Mary for watching Olivia so I could rest up.  Let’s see. . .what else has been going on.  We got our new dining room set on Friday and I’m in love.  I’m excited to post some before and after pics, but I think I’ll wait until we get our new flooring in.  That should be some time by the end of the month.

Today, we had a ham dinner over at my parents’ house.  It was supposed to be our New Year’s Day meal, but so many things prevented it from happening until now.  It was delicious!  Olivia loves playing piano at both sets of grandparents and did just that today with Grandpa Sailing.  Grandpa kept telling her it was a Yamaha and then he’d ask her what it was.  She could never remember.  Then, as we were getting her to bed tonight, out of the blue she said, “Grandpa has a Yamaha!”  It was too cute.  We made the mistake of leaving her “banklet” over there today and she was beside herself.  So, grandma and grandpa were kind enough to bring it over to her.  She sleeps with about a million things (and takes inventory of it all each night) but she cannot be without her two Gogums, her Lily and her banklet.  She is now sleeping soundly. LOL. 

And, here are some pics totally unrelated to anything that I just talked about. . .

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

It has been snowy and extremely cold the last few days (temps in the negatives!)  There hasn’t been school in two days!  And, I have been a bit under the weather.  Needless to say, Olivia and I have been holed up in the house all week, so we were thrilled to have visitors today.  Laura and my nieces, Julia and Rebekah, came over this afternoon.  I think my cat, Tobey, enjoyed their company as much as we did.  As ornery as he is. . .Tobey is one good kitty.  He loves people. . .especially children.  He was in heaven with all the attention he got today. 

Rebekah and Tobey

Julia and Tobey

Here is Tobey pretending that he’s a baby.  Yes, he’s definitely my social butterfly.  And where is Autumn during all this?

Hidden away from all the attention. . .waiting for her one on one time with me. 

And trying to stay warm in this cold weather.  Hope you are all doing the same!

In the words of Olivia, “my cats are silly!” 

We all love them immensely.  They add so much to our family!

Wal-what?

So, Ryan was almost late to work this morning because he couldn’t find his wallet.  Olivia had just woken up and he was looking all around the house for his missing wallet.  (He eventually found it and all was well.)  Later this afternoon, Olivia was taking a bath with a walrus bath toy.  Her eyes lit up and she said, “A walrus. . .like daddy’s.”  I didn’t catch on and I kinda laughed and said, “Daddy doesn’t have a walrus.”  She was very persistent in talking about daddy’s walrus.  Finally, Olivia said, “Daddy couldn’t find his walrus. . .it was missing.”  Then, I realized she was talking about his wallet.  I tried correcting her, but she wouldn’t accept that it wasn’t a walrus.  I had to chuckle at the thought of Olivia thinking daddy was searching all over the house for a walrus.  She must have decided a walrus must be pretty important because she carried it around all day.  She even named him “Comfy.”  That girl always keeps a smile on my face.

Wednesday, January 11, 2011

Since my cousins were in town for my grandpa’s funeral, we all got together on Sunday.  All of us were there minus my cousin David.  Here are our attempts at a group picture.

Take One. . .pretty good although Gus wanted in the picture.  I think Izzy took the picture.  She’s a pretty good photographer!

Take Two. . .thought Olivia might want in the picture. . .guess not.

Take Three. . .Best of the bunch and it came back blurry.

Take Four. . .We decided to have the picture taken on my grandparent’s old barstools.  Izzy and Olivia looked so cute sitting in them and then Olivia decided to jump out at the last minute.

Take Five. . .Olivia still didn’t want her picture taken and Abbey decided to reach up and lick Jeff’s ear.  Eh. . it’ll have to do.

Monday, January 10, 2011

I felt like a child tonight crossing my fingers and my toes in hopes for a snow day tomorrow.  The thought of getting out, driving in this weather and getting Olivia out in the cold. . .especially when I don’t feel good wasn’t a pleasant one.   And, I got my wish. Schools are closed!  Now, if only Ryan didn’t have to go to work. . . .

I haven’t felt up to taking pictures lately, so this will have to do.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

All three of Olivia’s babies are sick.  As you can tell, they all needed their own bottles of “Tylenol.”  Poor things. 

Now I’m getting a sore throat.  I may be in the same boat as they are come tomorrow. . .with my Tylenol in tow.  But, we’re supposed to get some snow, so it might be a good day to just stay in our pajamas.  It was an exhausting weekend.

My grandpa’s service was beautiful.  My dad played the piano and sang a song that he had written quite a few years ago.  My uncle, dad and cousin spoke and did an amazing job of expressing who my grandpa was.  Some of the things I didn’t even know. . .like, how much he volunteered for United Way or how he wrote down the dates of the pastor’s sermons in his bible.  It makes me wish that I had gotten to know him a bit better in my adult life.  There are so many things I did know, but never really talked to him about.  For example. . .his 46 years at Beech Aircraft as an aeronautical engineer, his service in World War II and the loss of his infant son.  He wore many hats, but I always just saw him as “grandpa.”  I wish I had spent more time getting to know him as a person.  He truly was amazing and will be so very missed. 

Saying Good-bye

My grandpa’s funeral is tomorrow and I can’t get rid of this pain in the pit of my stomach.  Maybe it’s worry as Olivia woke up early this morning with a fever.  Of all the times for any of us to get sick. . .this is not one of them.  And, I don’t do well being apart from my little girl when she’s sick.  Maybe it’s lack of sleep as I haven’t slept good lately.  One night, I get the call that my grandpa has passed away. . .the next night, I’m up with Olivia.  Maybe it’s dread as I have to say good-bye.  Maybe it’s sympathy for my sweet grandmother who wants nothing more than her husband back and for my mother who is missing her dad.  Maybe it’s the realization that we all get older and inevitably face the same demise.  Maybe it’s a bit of everything.  Losing your grandfather is a different feeling of loss than losing your son.  You know, that at some point, you are going to lose your grandparents.  The same does not hold true for your son.  It is still, however, an awful feeling of emptiness and pain and sorrow.  Ryan and I walked into a frequented restaurant today after the viewing of my grandpa and our familiar waitress noticed we were just a party of two.  “Where’s the little one?” she asked.  “With her grandparents,” we replied.  “Ah. . .there’s nothing like grandparents,” she said.  That hit home for me today.  There truly is nothing like grandparents and seeing how close Olivia is to hers really brings it full circle.  I can’t help but envision Olivia in 30-40 years time and finding herself in the same position as me. . .saying good-bye to her grandpa. . .one of the best men she knows.   Nobody is ever ready for that. 

I find great comfort in knowing that my grandpa is with our Heavenly Father.  He’s no longer in pain or afflicted with any worldly ailment.  I find comfort in knowing that he will be buried close by my son.  I don’t know why that makes a difference, but I feel a peace knowing that they are together in heaven as well as on earth.   These comforts are what help us through the hardships of life and they come directly from our Savior.  Amazing to know that my grandpa is there. . .with Him.  I can’t imagine the joyous reunions taking place and the smiles on my grandpa’s face.  It’s difficult to say good-bye, but we will meet again. . .my grandpa, my son and me.   

My Grandpa

My grandpa passed away early this morning.  My mom was able to be there with him and my grandma and for that I am grateful.    He was such a great man and will be very missed.  Please pray for my family and especially my grandmother during this difficult time. 

Olivia Cont. . .

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

As you know, Olivia LOVES music.  She sings amazingly on pitch, has great rhythm and really enjoys playing the piano.  She likes to find a note on the piano and match pitch or sing a note and find it on the piano.  It’s really amazing.  We have musicians on both sides of the family, but she didn’t get it from her daddy or me.  I suspect that music is going to be a big part of her life. . .who knows, but that’s my guess.   We’re probably going to need to buy her a piano at some point too.

My All Time Favorites Part 1

Tonight, I was looking back through old pictures and thought I would compile a collection of my all-time favorite pictures of Olivia.  I only made it through to July 2008 and I was out of space, so. . . this is just the first installment.  What a trip down memory lane.  I didn’t realize how many cute pictures I had of my sweet girl.  I’m hoping to print these pages off for her baby book, but thought I would also share them with you.  Enjoy!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Not too much going on around here.  Ryan had to go back to work today for the first time since Christmas Eve. . .we were sad to see him leave.  Olivia goes back to school on Thursday after a long Christmas break, so hopefully she adjusts okay.  We’ve been busy “remodeling” our dining room.  Ryan asked me what I wanted for my birthday (in about a month) and initially I said a new desk.  But, then, I thought. . .I don’t want to spend the money on a desk when that money could go towards a new dining room table.  So, he decided that’s what I would get for my birthday. . .a new table. . .along with new flooring for the dining room (we now have carpet that we’ve never been happy with.)  Ryan always goes elaborate for my birthday. . .one year I got a new car!  We have tentatively decided on vinyl that looks just like tile.  We brought a sample piece home and it matches our décor perfectly.  I’m sooo excited!!!  Funny the things that excite you when you get older.

And, we purchased our table yesterday and it is beeeeautiful!  I love it!  I can’t wait to share pictures.  We bought the hutch that went with it because they were having a big sale on them, so I need to find a new home for my baker’s rack.  If anyone is interested, let me know.  I can email you a picture. 

I’m trying to start the year off with a more positive attitude, more spring in my step and a better outlook on life.  Ryan and I had one of the best days yesterday.  We went shopping, went out to lunch, washed my car and went to a movie.  We haven’t spent a whole day alone together in a looooong time.  It was amazing and both of us really needed it!  Thanks to Grandma Mary for watching Olivia. . .they always have a blast together.   I promise I’ll get around to posting new pictures of Olivia someday soon!

Cousins

I had to share another treasured Christmas gift that I received.  My brother-in-law, Joel, took these pictures and created this awesome collage.  I apologize that it is a picture of a picture, but I wanted to share it.  I have chosen the place on the wall and I can’t wait to hang it up.  Olivia adores all of her cousins. . .she has 6 on the Glunt side (pictured below) and her best buddy, Izzy, on my side of the family.  What a lucky girl!

My Grandpa

My grandpa was released from the hospital this week, however, Hospice has been called in.  I found out today that they have given him only 2-6 weeks to live.  That’s hard to take.  He is in the late stages of Alzheimers/dementia and is now completely bed-ridden.  I’m hoping to go see him tomorrow, but how do you say good-bye?  I want to tell him how wonderful of a grandpa he has been. . .how thankful I am that he was able to see me graduate college, get married, get to know my husband and meet his great-granddaughter.  How do I tell him to look for Logan once he gets to heaven?  How do I tell him how much I love him?  Please pray for my family. . .especially my grandma who must watch the love of her life slip away.  As sad as it is. . .I know my grandpa will be in a much better place with no suffering or pain.  I try to rejoice in that.  And I feel so blessed to call him Grandpa. 

Happy New Year

Olivia has grown a lot this past year and has accomplished so much.  This past year, she not only started OT therapy, but preschool and gymnastics as well.  These have all been very good for her.  Currently, she loves her Gogums and Lily and her “banklet.”  She enjoys jumping on her trampoline, playing with her trains, watching Dora and Leapfrog DVDs, drawing, reading books, singing and listening to music.  Every day, she has a new “favorite” that she’ll play with  nonstop for days.   She’ll talk your leg off and always make you smile.  I’m so proud of all that she has accomplished this year and I look forward to the many blessings ahead in 2011.  May you all have a very happy and healthy New Year!

Happy Birthday Kaleb

Olivia was so excited to celebrate her cousin Kaleb’s 3rd birthday today. 

Olivia and Grandma

Our little ball of energy sitting still for a quick picture.

The awesome Lego cake with Kaleb’s “guys.”

Kaleb and Olivia. . .best buddies.

Julia and Alex engrossed in a game. LOL.

Here is Kaleb opening one of his many awesome gifts. 

What a great party!!  Hope you had a great birthday, Kaleb!

Bubbles

I thought I’d share one of my Christmas gifts. . .bubbles for the laundry room.  Ever since we painted it green over a year ago, I’ve wanted these circles!  I finally got my wish and spent the day creating bubbles in the laundry room (but, unfortunately not the kind that clean your clothes.)  We finished about half of the room and ran out of circles, so it looks like we’ll need to get more.  But, it’s turning out just as I envisioned it. 

Christmas #3

Today, we celebrated Christmas with Ryan’s family.  The best part of the day was being able to spend time with Ryan’s sister and family who recently moved to Arkansas.  It was great to see them again.  I could tell that Olivia has really missed seeing them.  She doesn’t quite understand why she doesn’t see them as frequently anymore.  Thanks everyone for a great afternoon!

Have you ever seen so many presents?

Olivia’s first present that she opened. . .her very own Arkansas Razorbacks t-shirt.

She had to take time out to read her new book.

And among her favorites was her new scooter!  I thought it might take her awhile to get the hang of it, but I was wrong.  She picked right up on it and away she went! 

Christmas Through The Years

Merry Christmas

We woke up this morning around 8:15 am (our usual time) and found that Santa had visited our house last night!

I think Olivia would have been content with just the items in her stocking.  She was in no rush to open presents.  In fact, it took us 3 hours to get all of them open.

She opened each one and wanted to play with it.  So, it was a very laid back, enjoyable morning in our house as we casually opened and enjoyed each present. 

And, we had to stop for a chocolate milk break.

By the end of the morning, however, even the cats were exhausted.

And so was one certain little girl.  She laid down for about 2 minutes and then she was ready to play again.  LOL.

One of her favorites was the art easel that she got.  She has already made some great masterpieces.

Around 1 pm, we headed over to my parents for a turkey dinner. 

Here is Olivia enjoying her present from her Great Great Aunt Mary.

Olivia and Great Great Aunt Mary

Olivia and Grandma Sailing

I wish I could say the rest of the day went great, but this afternoon we got a call that my grandpa was being taken to the hospital.  His blood sugar was high, his blood pressure was low and he had a 104 temp.  He is currently resting in the hospital with possible dehydration and an infection.  Please say a little prayer for him. . .that’s just not a call that you want to receive any day. . .especially on Christmas. 

But, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!