Grandma and Jill

August 3, 1996

Grandma Cleland

We recently had another sad event in our family. My Grandma Cleland passed away last weekend. I have been extremely fortunate to have had both of my grandmothers as well as my grandfather live well into my adult life. I also feel grateful on behalf of my children, who are so lucky to have met and gotten to know 3 great-grandmothers.

Grandma was 95. She was unable to take care of herself and had been this way for several years. The last time I saw my grandmother was in 2007 when the kids and I spent a weekend with her in Albuquerque. It was a fabulous visit and memories of that time keep appearing in my thoughts. Unfortunately, I lost my camera before returning home from that trip so I don't have and photos of Grandma to post. Maybe my mom or Erin (who were also with us) will send some to me and then I'll post those. I would also like them for my own memories.

One of my favorite photos of my grandma sits on my mom's dresser. It is of Grandma and I on my wedding day. We were both so young and cute! I've tried to scan that photo but am unable to locate it in my files. Maybe later.

Oh yeah - Let Me Explain the Song

I forgot to explain my song choice tonight! Those of you with younger children may recognize the voice of Hannah Montana coming through my blog. Those of you with younger children probably also know that Hannah's new movie opened tonight. I was there - yep. And I can honestly say that I enjoyed the movie...... I know...... I'm losing my mind. But really, it was a darn cute movie and Lyndsi loved it!

Lynell, Erin and I took our three girls to the movie. We started by sitting behind the little girls and ended with them on our laps. Kinda funny!

Dylan and Louis went to see Monsters vs. Aliens. It was a big night for the both of them because we dropped them off and went to the theater down the street. They were at the movies all by themselves! Big step for moms and boys!

Aahhh - Friday Night

And I should be in bed. I'm going as soon as I'm done here.

Boy was this week crazy. Going back to work after a week off is always a bit of a shock. On Sunday I was feeling refreshed and rejuvinated and ready for the week. Tonight, not so much. Soccer started the week before Spring Break and the games started this week. Steve is coaching Lyndsi's team again and Dylan is playing on the same team he played on in the fall. Both kids have had 2 practices and a game this week. They both have games tomorrow as well. I do like watching the games. Dylan is a darn good little player and Lyndsi is such a cutesie running around out there! Tomorrow the kids will have Grandma Linda there to cheer them on so it'll be extra fun!

We'll have a houseful for Easter. My parents and Erin are coming over as well as Steve's mom, grandma and cousin. Not sure if we'll be having a big breakfast or a big dinner. Haven't decided yet! Guess I should get on that...

I found these pictures from our trip to Seattle. Lyndsi and Robyn's dog, Porter were playing with the rocks and the sticks in Seward Park.

One More Quick Update

We spent several days over Spring Break in Seattle with Robyn. Always fun! We kept it pretty low key, though we did venture to the aquarium. I made everyone visit Pike Street Market (I can't pass it by!) so of course, the kids had to have a picture on the pig. I wonder how many pictures of that pig we have?

We also ventured to see the troll in Fremont (which is also where Dylan had his haircut) and found a gluten free bakery. Yippeeeeee! I had a scone that I didn't make myself! The kids (and Robyn) spent some time trying to fly kites at Gasworks Park but the wind didn't cooperate for us.

Gotta love that troll!

The Flying Apron Bakery - Gluten free and Vegan!

Gasworks Park

And we ate - yummy, fabulous food! Naan and Curry in Renton on Sunday night (the best Indian food I've ever had), Tamarind Tree in Seattle on Monday night (the best Vietnamese food I've ever had) and Kim's house on Tuesday night (the best sushi and steak I've ever had :)). Kim showed us all how to make handrolls so we experimented with carrots, cucumbers, avocado, steamed octopus, seared tuna and raw salmon. My kids are troopers! We all tried the octupus and tuna and I think Lyndsi even went for the salmon!

Check out Lyndsi's handroll!

Just a Quick Update

Check him out! Auntie Robyn was the winner! She convinced Dylan to get his hair cut. He found a picture in a magazine, showed it to Robyn's hairstylist and -POOF! - out came a new kid. Dylan was convinced that he just wanted it thinned so he feels his cut is a bit short. I like it - a lot! I've decided I like the longer front but trimmed up around the ears. Now Auntie Erin has promised to hightlight Dylan's hair. Hopefully that will happen next weekend.

Before and during the transformation.......