Learning Curve

Okay, so our computer of about 19 months officially died. Very annoying that a "large" purchase expired so quickly, while our previous refurbished computer lasted about 5 years and still works! (It is just VERY slow!) So, thanks to our fabulous neighbors (who we are going to miss terribly when we move) loaned us a MAC computer. I have been converted! So, this is my first post from a MAC, so patience please while I get it right. (I just figured out how to cut and paste - YAY ME!)



Easter was beautiful! I bit chilly, but sunny skies with kids running around discovering eggs. Stephen was obsessed with the dyed Easter eggs in the fridge. He thought every time the fridge opened, he would grab an egg and spike it on the floor. (Thank goodness they were hard boiled.) The bunny brought the kids plenty of goodies, but the chocolate was the number one hit. I think Stephen ate more chocolate than anything that morning. Kate definitely figured out the best way to hunt for eggs, the more eggs the more candy! Stephen is still at the age of discovering and eating! Kate cleaned up with multiple baskets full of eggs!

Expect Great Things

It is official, David has accepted a great position with K0HL'S. Yeah, David has a job! One slight change, their headquarters is Milwaukee, Wisconsin. So, the Ledlie clan is moving. It is a BIG change for everyone and a great deal to swallow. As I have learned from my grandmother, when life presents lemons, I will make lemonade. During one of the last conversations I had with Grandma Ruby before she died, I told her that some people thought I should be more upset about my husband loosing his job. And how I believed that this would not be the worst thing to happen to us, we would get through this and I chose to remain positive. I then told her that I learned this from her. I said, "When life presents lemons," she responded, "I made lemonade." A perfect last memory.

David will be a Category Marketing Manager for K0HL'S specifically, Men's, Young Men's, and Children's clothing. He starts later this month and we will follow after selling our house. So, if anyone is looking for a great house with great interior design let us know!

Healing

We are home, settling back in from our trip to Lynchburg. Grandma's services at both Westminster Canterbury and Euclid Christian Church were beautiful and inspiring. Her strength, faith, loyalty, and friendship... unwavering. She choose to stay positive no matter what life dealt. I love how she said, "Tough times won't last, but tough people do."

Thought out the past 3 weeks I have had multiple conversations with Kate about what was happening. I know the conversations have provided her with understanding, and yet have healed me at the same time. When Grandma died she was very sad, but so happy when I told her she was now her guardian angel. Kate's face beamed and she said to me, "Will she come to see me and give me kisses and tell me that she loves me?" I told her she would in her dreams, and she replied, "When she does, I will come wake you so you can see her too." (I just love you Kate.) And at times I just had to laugh... Kate understood we were going to Lynchburg to celebrate Grandma's life and bury Grandma's body. On our way to the cemetery she asked if she could bring her cup and I said no, we would leave it in the car. She replied, " Well the cup would be good to fill with dirt and fill into the hole." LOL, Goodness knows what had been going though her mind! She did really well and tried to be quiet during the service. It was hard not to hush her at times because of the sweet things she would say about Grandma and she even drew a picture of her. I am sure that Grandma was smiling down at the girls in their matching dresses, and Stephen in his seersucker pants. She loved her great grandchildren and in her past five years, they brought her immense joy.

Grandma Ruby

My Grandma Ruby passed away around noon today. It was very peaceful and my Dad was by her side, along with one of her best-friends, Catherine. Based on the past two weeks, we knew this was coming, but it still never easy no matter how you prepare. I know that 90 years is a feat and her life was AMAZING, but how can she really be gone? How can all my grandparents be gone? I feel blessed that they were in my life for so many years. More than anything, it is a constant reminder of the importance of a grandparent.

Memories

Here are a few great pictures of the first time Grandma met Stephen in October of 2007.

Ruby

I keep thinking about my Grandma Ruby and I am going to see her tomorrow. I keep think about her AMAZING life. How can 90 years seem short?

My Sunshine

Is Josie not the best photographer? It helps to have a good subjet too.

I have pondered over this post, how do you put your feelings into words at this time. I too agree with Josie's reflection of this time of year. I always love the spring, the weather warming up, crocuses appearing overnight with their strong shades of yellow and purple, followed by the forsythia and daffodils. And the white blossom Bradford pear trees... I can vividly picture how their blossoms engulfed the window of Grandma's room and breathless by the sea of trees outside the cafeteria windows at DC Childrens as we waited for Claire. How ironic we are at this path again?

In true Grandma form, she gushed all over the kids the moment we arrived at the hospital. We were the best medicine. Kate and Stephen each sat on either side of Grandma playing Play Dough and the next thing I knew, Grandma was playing too. Then she was even more excited to know that Josie and family were coming Wednesday, Doris and family were coming Thursday, and Kirk and Amanda were coming on Sunday. She doesn't want people to make a fuss over her, but I could tell she was happy.

Wash, Rinse, Dry, Repeat, Repeat, Repeat...

I now understand why my mother hung a sign in her laundry room that read, "Is there life after laundry?" My answer is a firm, NO, because it never ends! Since we were in Lynchburg and David is in and out of town with interviews, "Mount Laundry" (as David calls it) was piled high. I feel like all I have done the past two days is unpack bags, and do laundry. Which reminds me, the dryer is quiet, time to switch out the clothes!

We did get out and enjoy this beautiful weather and play at the park and we even got ice cream. Kate was true to form and got her favorite, pink ice cream aka strawberry, and Stephen had a baby chocolate cone that was precious! I don't think he expected the cold wen he took his first bite, his expression was priceless! Josie was able to capture the moment, so I am sure we can post a picture.

For a moment, the house is quiet... the kids are asleep, the dogs are asleep, and I am thinking about what needs to be done next.

Say a little prayer for my strong, witty and dignified grandmother tonight. She is in the hospital getting some fluids and needed rest. Hopefully in the morning she will be feeling better, stronger, and able to keep some food and liquids down. She is an amazing lady, I am proud to have the Jones girls blood running through my veins. Even with her weak physical state, her mind remains sharp as a tack. Love you Grandma.

(These are some pictures of our visit last month.)