Ladedadee--life goes on!!

I'm chillin with the Cardinals game! Go Big Red!! Speaking of chillin--Pat and I went to the pumpkin patch with Em's class today. It was sunny and gorgeous, but there was a cold wind that blew thru my head and denim jacket. We were glad to get a hot cup of drink and feel the warmth of TJ Maxx. :) Yes, retail therapy for the bereaved. :)

We had the funeral last weekend in Jeff City. Pat got here on Thurs and we had a cake and punch event at the nursing home. So many workers came by to chat and hug, plus an OLD cousin of Mom's and Mrs. Knowles. We were glad to be able to get and give closure to those who cared for and cared about Mom and Dad for 5 years. I didn't plan on getting sick, but after having Kat home all week, I took myself to the dr and had a sinus infection and bronchitis--yuck! I told our dr that I was the "designated family hugger" so I needed good drugs fast and he complied. I felt better by the w/e, but sounded awful.

Pat went to the airport to pick up my Aunt Phyllis and Karen, Mom's best pal, since 1950---we've only known Karen since 1963. Those two brought more sunshine than a million weathermen. Such dear souls. We went to JC on Friday and enjoyed a lovely dinner downtown big JC with our family. It was a good meal and good to see everyone. Mom's little brother in Denver is not in good health and so I was not expecting to see his boys---aka my "little cousins" b/c they are way younger than us. So fun!! We retrieved Jessica from Joy and Wayne and saw some friends downtown too.

On Saturday, we had visitation at the church---so many old friends, from grade school, high school, church, neighbors, co-workers, family members. Such an encouragement to collect hugs and good wishes from so many!! My sister, Pat gave a wonderful eulogy as we said good bye to Mom. The ladies of Our Saviour's fed a wonderful lunch and we sat and visited and took a few pictures. It was pretty cool to have all our first cousins in the same room at the same time---prob won't ever happen again. :( It started to rain as we left for the cemetery. My brothers had dug the hole for the ashes container on Friday. After the pastor said a few words, they got to put her in, and we took turns covering the box with the dirt. Really can't believe that she's gone.

We were pretty tired when we got back to KC. Aunt Phyllis bought us pizza--yay! We met again at Bob Evans for lunch on Sun in honor of Miss Em's 6 bday. Then Pat took them to meet their relative and the girls watched Em's "Little Mermaid" movie while I made a choc cake. We celebrated after church--and Em had a good day.

We can't believe that our "nursing home years" are over. We can't believe how sad we are, but totally thought we were "ready" for this. I did connect with some friends and cousins that I had been missing, so am determined to do better to stay in touch even tho I get "busy" or "overwhelmed". Also reminded how much a card, a hug, a pat on the arm or a box of cookies mean at times like these. We especially were glad to have all our cousins there--so many made long trips, with old guys or little kids or not....just took the time and it meant a bunch to us and won't be ever forgotten.

Pat and I hope to work on thank you notes and finish up some other "stuff". We have to work at the elem school tomorrow too. The teachers will be tickled to have 2 listeners instead of one. :) I have also been practicing my Arbonne on Pat. We are getting ready to do a Pampermint foot scrub/cream now. Fun stuff. Have to curb the "bereavement eating" too---yikes!! :) Could share a ton of details gleaned from the weekend, but will close now as the Cards are WINNING!! Hang on boys, hang on!!