Week 43

Monday was Veterans Day! We celebrated daddy for serving our country by saying thank you and taking him out to Bob Evans for dinner. It was an all about Daddy evening.

 

  I love Choir Tuesday's! Kk comes home singing like a song bird and Gg and I come home and clean the house or make dinner. Well today when we came home we decided to bring in the Alvin & the Chipmunks cd too. Oh my gosh the giggles and delight that this cd has brought our family over the years. You could listen to it all year long because you adore listening to Alvin get into trouble. Our house is starting to fill with Christmasy cheer! We put up the Christmas village over the weekend and mommy put out some snowman decor... it's starting to feel a winter wonderland! It's too bad we don't have any snow to make it feel more "Christmasy" though! 

Thursday night Gg started her First Communion Classes. It's a crazy thought that she is old enough to accomplish this huge step in our faith already. Mommy was a little apprehensive about this 7 p.m. start time in Indian River but we were home by 8:40 and you both were very eager to get to bed. Trying to keep you awake in the car was not easy! We started out singing Christmas Carols... but after 5 minutes I was singing alone. My "beautiful" singing voice must has lulled you to sleep! Silly girly girls! 

I delightful moment in the evening was Gg was getting out of the shower and she said, "Mom can you help me with my towel hair, just on 'this day'?" Instead of saying today, sometimes Gg says "this day". I love that! Another lovely moment was when Lilly was hacking, Gg shouts, "Oh I think Lilly has a cough ball!" Yep, it's the little moments that make being a mommy perfect I tell ya! 

Friday night we were watching Cupcake Wars; this episode was for Barbie. The show had mentioned that Barbie was a role model and daddy said, "really she's a doll, how is she a role model?" Gg chimed in quickly, "Dad, Barbie has her own clothing and SHE has been to Africa!" It was so matter of fact and made so much sense to Gg. I love the reasoning behind this; after some prying it turns out it's because Barbie is an entrepreneur and a humanitarian. Entrepreneur means she builds businesses. Humanitarian means she cares for and wants to help other people. One day you'll appreciate this darlings!

Tonight Kk said, "mom, if I could just read all day I would." I said, "me too, it sounds delightful!" Then Kk replies, "Is there a job that I can do that would let me do that?" To which I said, "Of course! You could be an Archivist (which is someone who responsible for organizing, collecting, and preserving important documents and other types of records.) Or an Editor (They develop ideas for stories that their staff writers should write, and then check them for accuracy and errors once they’re complete. This occupation requires a ton of reading and editing, often on a tight deadline.) Or a Lawyer (Being a good lawyer requires a ton of research, and in many cases, research means reading. If snuggling up with a legal contract, patent filing, or a thick volume of legislation sounds like fun to you, then you might just be cut out to work as a lawyer.) Or an English Professor (One of the biggest jobs that English professors have is to instill a love of reading and literature in their students.) Or a Proofreader (Proofreading might not be the most glamorous job in the world, but it’s an important one. Without proofreaders, the books and articles that we read would be riddled with missing words, grammatical errors, and missing punctuation. In short, reading anything at all would be pretty miserable if proofreaders weren’t around.) Or a Historian (Historians analyze, interpret, and research the past by studying historical documents and artifacts. To do their jobs effectively, historians have to spend a great deal of their time reading books, diaries, newspapers, historical accounts, contracts, and other types of documents so that they can develop an accurate representation of a person, time, culture, or event.) See there are lots of jobs where you can spend your day reading... however it won't be fairy or unicorn books... but it's reading nontheless! I think you would make an amazing Editor or English Professor, I could really see you as a Historian or Archivist too. As of now Kk you love factual information just as much as fantasy... so I could totally see you doing something with facts too!  

Saturday is our swimming class day! You both LOVE swimming! I never have to argue with you to go. You both are always so eager that by 8 a.m. you have your swim suits and towels on and ready to go... it would be great but we don't leave until 10:30. Awe well, it's the best half hour ever! You both are now more confident about floating on your backs, holding your breath (which you have been doing for 2 years now) but for a longer count under water, you also are getting really good at the back stroke too! We are thinking about signing you up for the December or January swim too!

Week 42

Monday was Gracie's 8th birthday and mommy's last day at Central! It is unbelievable that my little Gus Gus can already be 8. That number is harder to accept than 7... I think because it's a big transition in independence. Mommy longs for the days that I needed me to feed you yogurt or want me to play My Little Ponies. *sigh* As long as you'll always snuggle me, I'll be ok. xoxo

 

 Tuesday I began a new chapter in our lives -- driving to school together and leaving school together EVERY DAY! 

 Wednesday was a stay at home with daddy in your pj's day! You played in the basement, you played on the wii u, you played the Monster High game again (which is really fun)! It is similar to truth or dare which is a really fun game too when you're older... kinda. 

Saturday Kailee woke up not feeling well and missed swim lessons, then Sunday mommy woke up feeling gross and missed Church and then slept all day and went to bed at 7. :-/

It has been a crazy week with no school Wednesday but hopefully next week will start feeling routine. I look forward to driving you to school, being able to leave at 7:45'ish and make it to school in record time! I look forward to having mid-day "I love you's" and smooches in the hallway. I am making extra effort to get into that lunch room to smooch you both every day! I miss my girls!! 

xoxo 

Happy 8th Birthday Grace Elizabeth!

Dearest Gracie,

My love for you is never something you have to doubt. It's much different than any kind of love you will ever have in your lifetime. A mother's love is something that runs deep into the soul and no matter what the circumstances, that love is endless and will always be there. We had to have this talk a few days ago, one day you were pretty naughty (so naughty we had to cancel your friend birthday party - sassy mouth gets you in trouble every time sis!) Anyway on that day you said, "You don't love me!" Well, to which I said, "darling there will be days where I do not like the choices you make. Just like when you don't like the choices I make but my love for you is something completely different. My love for you and your sister is a forever no matter how naughty, mean, or nasty you are I will always love you." I hope as you grow older you truly know this!

It's amazing to me how many new concepts you are learning, in math you're starting to add two digit numbers, subtract and your starting to understand what multiplication is about. Reading your doing wonderful, you read every night for at least a half hour before lights out but some nights if we let you go longer, you will read for an hour or more! You never really liked chapter books until this year, you could read and comprehend them but you wouldn't just pick one up and read it, so to see you do this now feels like such a big girl thing to do. You're really into science experiments and magic lately too! You want to know how everything works and why. All wonderful things... mostly we have to look up answers on the internet because my mommy knowledge doesn't seem to be enough for you anymore. Boo Hoo.

Your love of animals is still strong! You love on Lilly like she's your baby. Every morning you give her fresh water, you make sure her food is full, and you even brush her daily. You loved those Woolybear Caterpillars that were found every where this Fall. You would bring them inside the house and try to keep them. We attempted to but couldn't find any milk weed and had to let him go free when he wouldn't eat any of the lettuce we gave him.

This year we went camping with our friends the Conklin's for a week during the summer, you played with Kailee and Autumn all week pretty well! We let you ride your bike around the loop we were on (only because we could see you through the trees). I was very impressed with how well you all played together. Then Auntie Tab came, you and Kailee played so well with Veda and Grayson. While I thought you would be more into baby Grant, you really weren't. While you enjoy talking to babies that seems to be the extent of your interest.Over this past weekend you stayed at Gramma Deb and Grampa Lou's house with Allie and Abby. You 4 hoolies had a ball! You played for hours non-stop in the playroom together, no problems at all. It's nice to see you compromise with others. I'm proud of the choices you have been making!

You are a great friend; your besties include (Alynna - 5 years being besties, Lia, Grace E., and Kora). You love to eat candy! Your favorite color is teal. Your favorite thing to do is either play with your toys (Monster High Dolls - yes I finally gave in to that after avoiding it for 2 years!) or d.s. Your favorite tv show is Full House or Haunted Hathaways or anything educational that happens to be on. You love those shows where you learn something; like How it's Made or How the Planets Formed. You're just like your daddy!

You dislike having your picture taken still, but this year when I attempted round 1 of school photos you were very smiley and happy. They turned out cute for sure! You're coming out of your shell too, Mr. Hitsman (the custodian at Ottawa) said that finally after 5 years of him smiling at you, talking to you and waving to you - you FINALLY wave to him and say hi. He just thinks you're a little doll, he loves that shy personality. He always has taken a liking to you and Kailee since day 1. He's a grandpa who doesn't get to see his grandkids often, so you being kind and sweet really brightens his day.

You have the funniest personality too! You try and make everyone laugh, which I adore. By everyone I mean anyone besides Kailee. You are having a rough time being kind to your sister...but we're working on it. You should know I mean business all the time... I think you just love to hear me repeat the same thing over and over again. Grace if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all. I think I say that a dozen times from 3:05-7 p.m. when you go to bed! Oh yeah, your bedtime is now 7, you're moving on up to a later bedtime. You read until 7:30 and then lights out. You use to love to sleep in but this year you're right on the ball, you get up out of bed and get ready for school without any qualms! I appreciate that more than you will ever know!

I am so proud of you my little Gus Gus, I know you're not a fan of that nickname but I love it. As long as it's just mommy calling you that; you don't mind. It's when daddy starts in with the teasing that you get upset. Ah not to worry he loves you too. Teasing is daddy's way of showing his love. I hope the next year goes a little slower and we have a million more laughs! I love you baby girl! xoxo

Week 41: Super Girls make Halloween Great!

Gg has been really into list making and organizing. Gotta say I L-O-V-E IT!! We went back over to Miss Kellys new place it is coming together. She has all the carpet ripped out and is going to get the floors redone. It is gonna look fab!

 

 

We carved up some punkins on Sunday evening at home! Instead of carving though we actually did a "light bright" punkins... see far below! 

On Monday we went to Grandpa Bob & Grandma Sandee's to carve punkins. That was pretty fun! Gg did an upside down peace sign and Kk did a smiling jack-o-latern.

  

Our cool light bright punkins! Look sweet!

  Halloween 2013 was kinda a "bust" since our day started out gloomy, rainy and terribly icky out! Mommy was home for the morning so it made it so I could go to your Halloweeny Parties at school!! Daddy and I took turns going to parties which was fun! 

After the Halloween parties at school we went to Boyne City and starting our Trick or Treating at Bob Mather's Ford where we visited Grampa Lou who was dressed up too... well kinda... he looked like a greasy mechanic... turns out that's what he really is! 

Then we went trick or treating at Grampa Lou & Gramma Deb's house too! Where you made out like little Super Hero bandits!

We made our way back to Petoskey where we stopped to visit Aunt Gina, Uncle Ben, Makenna and Lyrica who were all dressed up too! They bought you these really cool Halloween bags which were full of candy so it made not trick or treating in the rain much easier! 

Then we finished up our trick or treating at Grandpa Bob and Grandma Sandee's house. Where you received many more pieces of candy... and a friendship bracelet maker, which was really cool too.

Once we made it home, we went next door to deliver some little goodies to our new neighbor boys and then we trick or treated a few houses in the rain! The last house we went to was Grandpa Bill and Grandma BJ's. We got to see Grandpa Bill's acknowledgement for creating the crest for the Airforce. It was really cool! He even gave us a copy of his article. It is a huge honor because he created that more than 60 years ago and finally after all these years he was honored for it. 

I hope that you always remember Halloween 2013 as the Super Girls who made Halloween extra special! 

Week 40

We had to go buy winter boots and a new winter coat for Gg! Thankfully we are prepared!! Last year we were not so prepared and I decided we are buying boots early. We actually went to Traverse City on Sunday to get my camera repaired. Its taking blurry pictures again... grr so annoying.

First snow of the season occurred on Tuesday, October 22nd! We had a about an inch on the deck by the time we went to school. But it didn't stick around. **Thank goodness**

Daddy has been duck hunting with Mr. Mark and now he thinks he is a duck commander.Lord he is having too much fun.

This past Thursday was donuts with dads. Daddy took you both and then Ash and Al came to enjoy some goodies with you 3 too. You have such a great daddy.

On Friday Miss Kelly became a home owner and we are super excited for her.We went over to their new house Saturday; which was super cool! She discovered she has wood floors under the icky carpet! so that's a huge plus! We can't wait to come over and help her get it all in order!

Silly hoolies dressed up your gi-normous turtles from Uncle Lou in your "jump suit" pj's!

Week 39

Our girls all ready for picture day!

Gg went home with Lia after school on Tuesday so Kk and mommy had a little time together!

Cotton candy clouds first thing in the morning - breathtaking!

The sunrise on the way to church! Splendid I say!

Week 38

My baby is throwing her hat into the arena of student council representative of her 2nd grade class. Big sissy did it way back when she was a 2nd grader and won. Either way Gg you wrote a great speech and I know if you win you will make your classmates proud. xoxo

Well Gg you did not win student council rep for your class but it was not because you didnt try hard. You are a good girl Gg and we are so proud of you for making the effort. You came home feeling a little sad (Honestly I was sad too) but after a little snuggle time you perked up. xoxo I love our Tuesday afternoons together Gg... while Kk is at choir we chat and make dinner or snuggle and enjoy a book or show. Either way the quality time feels perfect. xoxo

Saturday, October 12, 2013 Aunt Gina and Uncle Ben got married. Mommy did both of your hair and you looked like little princesses! You walked Makenna down the aisle. It was so sweet.

After the reception (where you danced your little hearts out), Makenna came back to our house and we had a slumber party! It was fun! Gg slept on the couch, Makenna started out on the other couch and rolled off onto the mattress with mommy, Kk decided she couldn't sleep in the living room so she slept in her bed. I think you all had fun though!

Week 37

It has been an emotional week again my little loves. We buried Great Grammas ashes on Tuesday and that was extremely emotional. It was a long week. Mommy had a rough week at school, you both can feel that and I apologized. I think we are getting back into our after school routine finally. Friday is Pink Game Day at school which means a portion of the proceeds at tonights Varsity football game will go to benefit Breast Cancer Research through a charity. You each have a "Pink Game" Tshirt from last year so you feel all set for today! It makes me smile to know that you both have so much school spirit already. Mommy was not really into the school spirit thing years ago but now that I see your excitement I totally am for it! Mommy even bought a Pink Game Shirt too!
Here are a few pictures from our week.

 

Mommy was given the huge responsibility to  write Great Grandma's obituary since I am the oldest Grandchild. So, here's what mommy wrote:

Ruth Matelski, 76

Ruth Ann Matelski went to Heaven to be with the love of her life on September 27, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Ruth was born on January 2, 1937 to Walter and Lila Burgess. 

She married Louis Matelski on November 10, 1956. He preceded her in death on July 7, 1980. They were blissfully married for 24 years. 

Ruth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved spending time with her family. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters were her whole world. Ruth loved puzzles, reading, and flowers.

Ruth taught us many lessons throughout her blessed life, many of which we hope will be carried on for generations. She lived her life by example, keep a tune in your heart and don’t be afraid to sing it. A friendly smile could go a long way and brighten someone’s day. She was a pillar of strength; it shined through after the death of her soul mate, while caring for her young family. She was strong, funny, beautiful and brave beyond what most people only dream of. Ruth always treated everyone like family.

Any attempt to quantify how much she was loved and how respected she was, and how much she will be missed (especially by her children, grandchildren and sisters) will be woefully inadequate, it defies description. 

She is survived by her children, Louis (Debbie), Judy (David), Richard (Kim), Ben (Kim), Jeff (Shawn), Joe (Suzie), Debbie Gillispie and her 19 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Her sisters; Oralee (Gary), Audie (Nelson) and Patty, nieces, nephews, cousins, many in-laws and countless friends. 

She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, her infant daughter Sherry, sister; Winona and brother; Leslie. 

In keeping with Ruth’s wishes there will be no service. She is forever loved.

Week 36: Great Grandma Ruthie

On Sunday Sept 22 Great Gramma Ruthie had a massive stroke. Which meant should could not talk, her right arm and right side of her face was paralyzed. We prayed and prayed and prayed for her to recover but on Tuesday Sept 24 the doctors told Grampa Lou and all his siblings that Great Gramma would not recover. They moved her up to the third floor at the hospital in hospice care and now she awaiting her day for God to come and bring her home to his kingdom. At the gates of Heaven I know Great Grampa Louie will be awaiting her with open arms because he has been without his bride for 33 years. Great Gramma wanted to live to hold her Great Great Grandbabies but instead she will see them from Heaven. Please know my darlings that Great Gramma adored you. She has all your pictures in her home that date back to your birth until recently. She loved you both endlessly. This has been a rough few days here in our home. Mommy has be extra tired and extra weepy... but you both have been really good girls in understanding that. I am such a lucky mama to have such amazing daughters.

On Wednesday we went to the hospital so mommy could go into the hospice room and see Great Grandma one last time. You both waited with Gramma Deb in the waiting room and read your books. Mommy was so worried about should I let you go in and give Great Gramma a kiss good bye or not. After seeing Great Gramma myself, I knew it was the right thing because Great Gramma was sleeping so peacefully we decided that no one should disturb her. After we left Gg realized she didn't give Great Gramma a kiss. So, I told Gg to just pray that Gramma Deb will hear that she wanted her to kiss Great Gramma for her. Gg said, "so, if I pray to Great Gramma Joy will she feel my kiss?" To which I said, "I don't see why not?" Then Kk piped up all matter of fact, "wait, what? kisses cannot be felt through a prayer." Then Gg chimed back, "It's MY prayer Kailee and if I think it it is so." The most perfect power of prayer moment thus far. I love you my darlings. P.S. Gramma Deb did hear your prayer Gg and she gave Great Gramma a kiss for you.

Friday, September 27 at 2:42 a.m., Great Grandma Ruthie went to heaven to be with Great Grandpa Louie. Right now my darlings I envision them embracing in a hug and kiss that could make the largest fireworks look small. I envision Great Grandpa Louie sweeping Great Grandma Ruthie off her feet and hugging her so tight it makes exhale deeply into his ear a sound that gives him shivers down his spine. I envision them dancing the Polka together, enjoying a new kind of  peace - one that can only be felt by being with your soul mate. Great Grandpa Louie and Great Grandma Ruthie were not married that long before God decided it was time for Great Grandpa Louie to come home to Heaven. His going home to Heaven made Great Grandma Ruthie have this renewed bravery, she was a spit fire but the good kind. The kind that loves so deep you wish you could be her. She would sing endlessly... fun old songs... some of which I have written about already. It's a sad my loves but it's also a rejoicing day. Great Grandpa and Great Grandma are now hand in hand forever in a place where there is no more pain or suffering. She gets to live her "happily ever after" now. xo xo

Gramma Debbie just told me that 2:42 a.m. was the time I was born! How beautiful that Great Gramma waited until the exact time I was born to climb the stairs to Heaven with God.

Those hands have helped others, arranged flowers, stroked great grandbabies cheeks, pulled hair, smacked some asses, cared for sick ones, caressed a dying husbands face, held every one of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, buried her infant daughter, brushed away my tears when Grandma Joy passed away a year ago, held more hands and patted more knees than we will ever know. I hope these hands are now holding onto Grandpa Louie so tight and she never lets go!

4th of July 2013

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