Saturday, May 30, 2009

Elijah's Last Soccer Game ...






Today was Elijah's last soccer game and then he had a pizza party afterwards. Mommy, Adrielle, and Ezra were in Indiana for Grandma Julie's funeral. Daddy stayed home with Elijah so he did not miss his last soccer game and party. We also did not feel Elijah could handle a funeral at this age (he is so sensitive and afraid of death). Elijah did very good in his game and he finally got his first ever trophy! He could not wait to get a trophy. Mommy was very sad to miss it, but Daddy took lots of pictures.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Grandma Julie Passed Away...


Grandma Julie passed away on 5/26/09. Will and I were at a Reds game when we got the news. She had been suffering with Alzheimer's disease for a few years now. I feel like we had lost her a long time ago...but this is still so, so hard. I'm so glad she no longer has to suffer with this awful disease. I have so many memories of Grandma that will forever be with me. The night of her viewing the grandchildren all got together (except for me...to emotional and just knew I couldn't handle the situation) and wrote down something to be read at her funeral. It was perfect and so very touching. Here is what was read:

Grandma Julie Bell was an amazing caretaker, wonderful to all of us through her great kindness and patience.

Usually stationed in the kitchen, she will definitely be remembered for her delicious home cooking. You would never leave the her house with an empty stomach--her specialties included the comforts of mac'n'cheese, beef'n'noodles and pie with the perfect crust. Everyone knew where to look for her famous sour cream and sugar cookies topped with red hots and chocolate chips, they were sure to be in a round Tupperware on the lazy Susan. And the is no doubt--sitting--sitting in Grandma's kitchen surrounded with all of her wonders, we've all be told a time or two, "Don't tip the bar stools."

She always hovered around the table, serving everyone else before herself. She even prepared food for Grandpa, bringing him a hot meal to the gas station every night.

Grandma was also very creative and skilled in sewing anything we needed, from care bears to the best tooth fairy pillows, quilts for all the grand babies, and hand-made dolls and clothes for all the grandchildren, individually designed to match each child. From the 70's to the 90's, she kept us up with the latest fashion trends, with matching vests, jumpsuits, and yes, we all wore MC Hammer Parachute pants.

You could always play with Grandma no matter what it is you could imagine, she would be there to play with you. We spent countless hours completing puzzles and playing games from rummikub, memory, Chinese checkers, uno, monopoly, and carom.

We all lost marbles in her shag rug and insisted that the Barbies belonged on the stairs, which also served as the site for our purple slinky, the set for our make believe never ending cruise, and annual family Christmas portraits which grew increasingly crowded over the years.

With the background echo of the highway, we nestled in the red, purple or brown rooms to bedtime stories, goodnight kisses and sayings of "goodnight sleep tight, and don't let the bedbugs bite!"

We woke in the mornings to Grandma's "good morning sunshine" and the smell of blueberry pancakes, dippy eggs, our favorite cereals, and toast with homemade strawberry jelly.

We knew that what ever our favorite foods were, she was going to make it for us that day.

We bonded with Grandma singing in the car, watching her favorite shows, or listening to the crackling AM radio. And in the summertime we would sit outside and help her snap green beans.
As parents, Grandma and Grandpa never missed a single sporting event, choir concert, band concert, and for every event they were sure to bring Aunt Opal and Aunt Thelma with them.

She didn't pick favorites, but made us all feel special to her. Every birthday, every Christmas, Easter and 4th of July was such a great memory at Grandma's house. Every holiday was so special because she created a home for us all, a place for gathering as a family and sharing our time together. We are all blessed for knowing her and for learning to love and care for one another through her example. We love you Grandma Julie Bell and you will be greatly missed by all.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

We Got King's Island Season Passes!

After we went to Claire's birthday party, we went home changed clothes and then we to Kings Island to get our season passes for the summer. The kids were super excited. After waiting in the very long line just to get the passes, we had time for just a couple of rides. The kids love rides. They are so excited we have passes and can come back when ever we want. I'm sure we will be there a lot this summer!

Claire's Birthday Tea Party

Today we went to Claire Kemper's Birthday Party. She turned four and had a tea party. Claire is one of Adrielle's best friends. The party was adorable. They all looked so cute! The boys had a good time too, but they did not want to join the tea party...imagine that :) Happy Birthday Claire!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Preschool program...stage fright!

Here is Adrielle at her end of the year preschool program. She was a little stage fright, but at least she stayed up there the whole time and didn't cry! She looked so sweet. She sure is gonna miss school over the summer time! I can't believe she will be in her last year of preschool in the fall.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Preschool Graduation/Last Day of Preschool...

Today was Adrielle's last day of 3 year old Preschool. They had a little program for the parents at the beginning. Adrielle stood on stage but got a little stage fright. She wouldn't sing or do any of the hand motions. (I will post a video clip soon...too cute!) After the program, the class went outside for a picnic. We had a great time. She had a great year! It went by so fast I can hardly believe today is the last day! She will really miss her teachers and school!


Sunday, May 10, 2009

Finding Worms...



Today was a great day for finding worms. The kids spent almost 2 hours finding worms...too funny! I love it when they all play together.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

We Got A New Jump House!



Today Mommy was online looking at the free-cycle site (a site where you can find stuff for free that people want to get rid of in your area) and she came across a jump-house. Adrielle and gus went and picked it up. We love it! This will be great to use for Elijah's birthday party. We even can set it up in our basement and use it this winter or when it is raining outside. It is so much fun! Adrielle and Gus got to try it out first since she helped mommy pick it up.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Adrielle and Gus part 3...






Adrielle got to have Gus come home with her for the last time of the school year. She took Gus everywhere with her again. Here she is drawing Gus for the Gus book. She is becoming quite the artist! She sure will miss Gus!