A Few Great Pre-Christmas Photos

Ok. So it hasn't been the best of holiday seasons around here. Mike's grandmother, Nanna, passed away 2 weeks ago and now my mom's Aunt Arlene has also passed away. 2 funerals within a couple weeks do not make for a great holiday. But, we are doing well. Colby is extremely excited about Christmas, especially the decorating and partying. He has made a gingerbread house at school and today was pajama day to celebrate the holiday watching the Polar Express. The kitchen looks like the sprinkle fairies blew up and there is wrapping paper and bags everywhere. A typical Christmas at this house. I love seeing the holiday through Colby's 4 year old eyes. Each year has been different, and this year has been the most exciting. He is BEYOND excited about the holiday, although it was the first year he didn't tell us exactly what he wanted Santa to bring. So, to offset the not so great previous post here are some great pre-Christmas photos. I have more to post from Colby's first Christmas pageant too, but enjoy.

And what does your holiday look like this year???

A Tough Question

This has not been a good week at our house. Rather, a very long, hectic, and very unholiday feeling one. On Friday morning we received a call that Mike's grandmother, Nana, passed away. She was 89 and an amazing lady. I only wish that I had had more time to get to know her and have her be a part of my life. The funeral was today and it certainly has been a long day. It hurts to see my husband and his dad upset. I can only hope that they know how much I care for them and that I am here for them always. So many emotions, both happy and sad, all rolled into one. I can't help but think of losing my own grandmother just a few short years ago. Here is the link to the post I wrote about her. Mamie

The tough question was one posed by Colby. Mike relayed a conversation he had with Colby on Friday morning. We had received the call very early and Mike was waiting with Colby for the bus. The bus picks him up at Mike's parents' house which is right down the street from Mike's grandparents' house. I guess the paramedic truck came out of their road and Colby, not even knowing what had happened yet (we told him about Nanna after school), said "Uh oh, someone got hurt at Nanna's." Yes a coincidence. I think he meant to say on Nanna's street but he said at Nanna's. At dinner that night we were talking about Nanna and how she was now in Heaven with my grandparents, Mamie and Poppy, and she was there to see Baby Jesus. Colby's question hit us both like a ton of bricks. He said he was sad and missed Nanna and understood that she was in Heaven. Then he asked, "But how did she get to Heaven? How did the Paramedic help her get there?" We were both ready to cry and left speechless, unsure what to say. I know we will continue to talk to Colby about this for a few days still. He is so smart and seems to understand so much but yet he is so young and I don't think ready to understand yet. At times he still thinks she'll come back but then he'll yell at Mike and me for saying that we are going to Nanna's house. Yelling and saying it's not Nanna's just Poppy's (Mike calls his grandfather Poppy too.) I just don't know what to say. How would you answer this tough question??? I had posed this question on Facebook too and got no response. Help please!

(And I promise a Happy Christmas post next time.)

Holiday Preparations

Just a few weeks ago, we had no plans on our calendar and now it is full right up to Christmas Day. We have decorated the house. The tree is set up, complete with train and tiny village. And Colby has recieved his video email from Santa. Now we are on to cookie baking, ornament making, and party going. Wow! I'm tired just thinking about it. But for now, enjoy these few photos of our holiday preparations. They include lights, a shephard, and a few other cuties!