Weekend Fun!

This last weekend Olivia got to play the piano for the first time and LOVED it!

She loved playing with Grandma and she was pretty darn good too.... we may have to get a piano and do lessons in the future!

Daddy and Grandpa were out hunting, that's why there is a hunting book on the bench next to her!

Our trip to South Dakota...

We spent this last weekend visiting family out in South Dakota. 

I was super nervous about having Olivia in the car for 10 hours.  We decided to try it two ways.  On the way out we left at about noon on Friday.  Most of the drive was spent awake, happy and playing.  We stopped a couple times to get out and stretch our legs and to eat dinner.  She took two hour naps randomly in the car which was great.  I was so happy with how she did! She hardly fussed at all!

On the way back we left right after dinner.  Our plan was to feed her, play with her for a couple hours then she would go down for sleep the rest of the trip.  That is mostly how it went... She slept for a majority of the trip, she woke up at about 1am for about an hour.  We played, drank a bottle, read some books then she was out again.  The way back went equally as well as the way out.

The next time we go out we will probably do it the same way.  We took Monday off to catch up on sleep and laundry and took the baby to daycare.  By having her sleep the entire drive home at night, she stayed more on her normal schedule then she would have if we traveled during the day.  She was a little off at daycare today - very clingy.  When she got home she was a bit off too.  Whenever I left the room she would she would have a break down.  Hopefully she is better tomorrow!

Overall the trip went great! It was so good to see my family and to meet my newest nephew.  The only bad thing is that I didn't take ANY pictures! That is so unlike me, I can hardly believe it.   Next time I guess. 

Olivia's 9 Month Photos taken by Christy Bode Photography

Christmas Cactus Revival

My husbands grandmother who he was super close with passed away in 2009.  We inherited her Christmas Cactus that she has had for so many years.  We kept it as is for the first couple years and it was struggling.  This past winter we re-potted it in a much larger pot and viola! It has grown so much and is blooming for a second time this year.  Maybe it's because we still are getting snow (4 or so inches a couple nights ago). 

I am so glad I have been able to keep it alive! This is my one and only plant.  I am thinking about getting some big planters for outside our front door.  Right now it is pretty plain.  Just not sure what to put there.  The area gets pretty much no sun... need to do some research on that one. It would have to be something that can thrive on its own.  I do not have a green thumb!

Dear Grandpa...

I am sorry I never got to come visit you before you went to heaven.  I am so glad you are no longer in pain.  They say in heaven the blind can now see.  I hope you are taking in everything you haven't been able to see for so long.  Be sure to watch over Grandma, she needs to feel your presence.  Please know that we all miss you very much.  We will think of you often and tell your stories to our little ones.  Rest in Peace Grandpa.  We love you.

Rest in Peace Grandpa...

If I could write a story
It would be the greatest ever told
Of a kind and loving Grandpa
Who had a heart of gold

I will remember all he taught me
I'm hurt but won't be sad
cuz he'll send me down the answers
And he'll always be MY GRANDDAD

Wilfred Claus Hinrichsen
02-12-1930 - 07-17-2012
a life well lived. I love you ♥

I wish peace on my entire family especially my Grandma on the day they honor my Grandpa and set him to rest for eternity.  How I wish that I could be there.

Heavy Heart

Today I am praying hard for my Grandpa and Grandma.

Yesterday morning my grandpa had a heart attack and was full of pneumonia.  This all happened after they discovered that he had a bowel obstruction so he went in for surgery on that.  This caused his body (kidney) to stop working as it had so he needed to start dialysis but they didn't think his body could handle it. Overall - he has been through a lot in the past two weeks.  They were originally going to stop all treatments and put him in hospice after the heart attack but now they are continuing treatment but he would still be on DNR (do not resuscitate). They aren't sure what will happen next.

I am extremely lucky to have all my Grandparents still.  It is such a treasure.  My husband has none left so I am grateful.  It is hard when they get sick.  Who I worry most about is my Grandmother.  I pray she is strong enough to be there for him and that she has enough support.