I went on a trip...all by myself

My mom and I went out to Ohio to visit Becky.  I haven't been on a trip like this years.  I haven't been on a plane in years.  I was hoping to feel well enough to go, and I was so grateful that I was able to.  We had so much fun being together and doing girl stuff:  sight-seeing, shopping, cooking together, and just talking.  My mom, my sister and I are perfect travel companions.  We visited Kirtland and saw the beautiful green everywhere.  So different from where I live.  It was cool and rainy that day.

We drove over to a ferry and took it out on Lake Erie to Put-in Bay.  We drove a golf cart around the island, had lunch, and enjoyed the sunshine.

I think we went out to ice cream 3 times.  Ohio is known for it's yummy ice cream.

 Visiting Chagrin Falls.  Such a beautiful little town.  It looked like one of those places that I always have dreamed about living.  Beautiful old homes, nice small town shopping area, and not too far from a big city.

 

We also just hung out and slept way in.  I don't think I ever adjusted to East Coast time.  I just stayed up late and woke up late as though I was still in California.  Joey had a good time with the girls while I was gone.  They played with friends, went swimming, roller skating, and to the movies.  I missed them a lot, but I felt so refreshed and, thankfully, not too worn out :)

 

A life well-lived

My Grandpa Pebley passed away nearly a month ago.  It was the night of Abby's birthday and I got a call from Dad who told me what had happened.  Even though I knew that my grandpa had been sick with cancer off and on for really, the past few years, it was still a surprise.  The hardest thing about life is losing those you love.  Even though I know that I will see them again, that they are at peace...it is still hard.  We miss them and everything that they have taught us.  I am so glad that I grew up close to my Grandpa. 
I have so many memories of camping trips and Grandpa building things in his garage.  He loved to fix things.  It seemed like he and my Grandma were at every event of my life.  Orchestra concerts, soccer games, track meets, piano recitals.  They came to my wedding and helped us move into our apartment in Bakersfield.  He traveled to every baby blessing and helped us fix up our little old house and helped to paint our newer one.  I think everyone in the family has something painted, fixed or built by Grandpa.  He loved his family and was so proud of them.
I loved his jokes.  He always had a good one on his mind, ready to tell at the next occasion.  I realize now how important these jokes were.  When you always have something funny to look forward to, you can't help but enjoy life whether it is going well or not.  In the back of your mind there is always something to laugh at.
My Grandpa served in the Korean war but never spoke much about it.  He earned a Purple Heart.  He is a man of great faith, love of family, and love of country.  I admire his patience and kindness.  He had such a love for life and lived a full one each and every day.
The funeral was a sweet experience as we got to talk about the man my Grandpa is.  He has touched all of us in my family and many others.  I'm glad that we got to have him for so long.
I put in lots of pictures.  It was such a special weekend with family.  Memorial Day we got together and shared stories and memories with one another.  The kids drew pictures to put in the casket.  We all laughed when Abby yelled out, "I'm drawing a ghost!"
I will miss my Grandpa dearly, but I know that I will be see him again and I hope that I can be has great a person as he is.
  

 The Pebley girls with my Grandpa's sister and a few of his brothers.  He came from a big family.

 My grandma and her brother and his wife.

 

All of the Grandsons were the pall bearers. 

 My cousin, Garrett, is in the Air Force and presented my Grandma with the flag.  Such a sweet moment.

 

Going Out on Top

Olivia finished the 4th grade by earning her school letter AND getting on the Principal's List for all 4 quarters of the school year.  That means all A's and no A minuses.  She was very responsible this year finishing her work and getting it in.  She earned her school letter by participating in different school activities and sports.  It was a stretch for her especially when she had to do sports but she learned to finish what you start. 

Thank You Teachers

I'm always so grateful for all the work that my girls' teachers put into their job.  They are busy ladies with families of their own.  These are our gifts this year.  I almost didn't make them but I did it at the last minute.  It's pretty much all I did one day.  I even sat at gymnastics with a needle and thread hurrying to get it done.   

 

Much to do...

I have so much to blog about that I will get to in the next few days, but for now, this sign was placed on one of our toilets a few days ago.  I laughed.  And I know who it was.

Bubbles

Abby got an automatic bubble blower for her birthday.  It claims to blow up to 500 bubbles in 60 seconds.  The girls twirled in the bubbles and I am certain they thought it felt like magic.

A Spoonful of Sugar

I smiled last week when Sammie was dusting the living room.  Not only because she was cleaning, but she was in such a happy attitude about it.  She was humming very dramatically "A Spoonful of Sugar" to herself.  She flipped the little duster across the tables.  I love these moments of peace in our home.  I just want to freeze them.
Sammie is also very excited that she can do this now: