Texts and meltdowns

So I got a text from Sarah Grace this morning. Ella was having an emotional morning and apparently had a melt down because she wanted to go to Gramma Debi's. I was a little verklempt. 

So I went into the workroom before school and made a short little video. 

This picture is after she watched. Grandma mission- accomplished. 

So nice that someone in this world wants to be with me that bad. :). Well there might be one or two others, but they haven't gone that extra mile and had a melt down.  Lol

If needed, I'll send you all a short video too! Because that is how I roll. Joy givers, unite!! xo

I'll be with you soon my Ella Bella

Love u, 

Gramma Debi 

Baby girl!

I was sitting here trying to decide what to post first--  and of course Ella, along with her mom, dad, Grandpa, uncle Greg and auntie Sarah was the obvious and clear choice.  I have been attempting to do some photo editing, but I get so wrapped up staring at the pictures of her that I just don't get too far!  I am so glad that summer will be here soon!

Little Ella and Grandma Debi

Anyway, we had a wonderful long weekend in Janesville.  It was so nice to leave the SNOW and get to warmth and green grass down in southern WI.  The MA decided that he could indeed spend a day or two away from the office and more specifically, there was nothing much to do outside with 8 inches of snow on the ground!  And there is that little matter of he held Ella almost as much as I did, he got to mow a lawn and dig in a garden.

Gramma and Grampa

Oddness- that's all I have to say...

What a joy that little girl is!  I understand that she was - quote- bellering- unquote a lot the previous week. BUT she was pretty happy while we were there!  It is an ongoing cycle of feeding and sleeping and changing and holding, that whole baby thing.  We even got out for a walk with everyone over to Sarah's parents' house to be..... yes it was that nice!  Sigh.

The Mad Middle son Greg and Sarah Jane also drove on over for the afternoon, and it was so nice to see them as well!  I do wish the elusive Mike would have come along, but we will see what we can do next time!

So of course you are going to find an over abundance of pictures in this post, but of course you will have to forgive me!  Gramma's are like that!

Family portrait with Manny 

Early morning with Ella

First time holding her

It was such a good weekend!  It was sad to leave them all behind.  I will be emailing a bunch of these photos to you kids!  :)

Until next time (Mother's Day, coincidentally enough) be a joy giver!

Endings and New beginnings....

Sarah Jane and Sarah Grace Oswald

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. Most of the these emotions have been joyful. Unfortunately I have been one sick Mad Art Teacher, but focusing in on Greg and Sarah's wedding has been wonderful.

let the cupcake baking begin

A warm puppy to tuck my toes under and occasionally trip over!

Nice shot Greg- thanks a heap

Rosie, Dee and Debi

Ed and Bill

Rose and Emily

Brother Ed and Dee

However, my mom and dad's farm, my family home, the home of my father and grandparents has been sold.

We all knew this was going to happen, as my mom has been living in Assisted Living for several years now.  Nothing good happens to a house that is sitting empty. Things happen, roofs leak, pipes freeze, etc. and it is better for the house to be inhabited.  None of us were able to live there, so this was the logical choice. The farm is going to good people who will care for the marvelous piece of property that used to provide my family's livelihood, and it is good to know that they will be keeping it in farmland, like it should be.

Beautiful fields and a view for miles

I posted previously about the mixed emotions I had about this event, but it really was tough leaving the place for the last time.  We had gone down to Janesville a few weeks ago to finish going through the house before the cleaners came.

Gotta keep it positive

Going through papers

Going through the cupboards

One last look

Rose and I both had a tearful goodbye.  It was hard leaving your childhood, your memories, your daddy behind in this house.  But we have gathered our nostalgia and a few last possessions and took them home with us, because we know that home is where your family is.  Where you hang your coat at the end of the day.  Where you feel safe and relaxed. Where you lay your head and your heart at night.

We finished collecting items that we needed to rescue, including these chicken dishes that were my Grandma's.  Rose and I split the huge set up.

 A piece of my Grandma Kutz

The Cub Cadet has found a new home... it will be near Dad's tractor when it gets refurbished.

So, besides the impending wedding and my AWESOME accumulation of yet another Sarah Owald, there was one other thing that kept the weekend from being absolutely devastating.  We got the good news from Jon and Sarah!  

FINALLY!!!!

HAPPY DANCING!!!

Gramma Oswald with the kiddos

Grampa Oswald, too!

I'm rooting for a little Debi!  Lol!

As usual, life proves that you have to take the good with the bad, the happy with the sad, the joy with the pain.  Life is not all sunshine and roses, though I would prefer it that way.  I do know that fantastic things are best enjoyed when you contrast them against the painful- and these last few months have been moments in life that while I did not always enjoy, but will never forget.  These are the stories of our lives- stories that I will share with my grandchildren. Stories I am formulating with tears in my eyes: tears of sadness, tears of happiness, tears of reconciling the past and future.  

Tears of joys to come