week in review.

This week has been a bit insane.

As you may remember, DH's Uncle David died last weekend. The girls and I decided to drive out for the funeral. Uncle David was was the darling husband of DH's Aunt Jean (my FILs sister). For me, I've always known Uncle David with Aunt Jean. Melanie might be able to help me with dates more, but I believe Jean and David met in Jean's late 30s. Their only daughter Elly was born when Jean was 40(?) David really wanted to hang on long enough to see Elly leave for college, then graduate from high school. He didn't quite make it. This make me sad.

The funeral was very nice. It was almost enjoyable. There were 3 different officiants contributing to the service - people who really knew and respected David. They told stories from people who really knew him. The music was so very David - cowboy and celtic. I discovered that it was very hard to cry and be sad listening to Cowboy songs. I want Cowboy music played at mine.

David's daughter from his first marriage was there (so was his son). His daughter brought her two boys - A and C. I've been hearing about them for years since Sarah and A are only 6 mos apart. We've not met them before. Sarah and A hit it off amazingly well and they can't wait to get together again. C is a little younger than Sydney. Life was so much easier having playmates for the girls.

The girls were really good on the trip. On the drive home, we detoured slightly and stopped at the Mall of America. We only had one stop. The girls didn't know we were going until we pulled into the parking lot and I suggested they take their dolls with them. The girls had a budget they could spend. Sarah started getting her doll's hair done, but then noticed that they would pierce ears at the store. So, she walked out with her dolls ears pieced. We also found out that her dolls eyelash problem is a manufacture defect and if we send her to the doll hospital, they will repair it for us. She just needs to be away from the house for 4 weeks.

And, the massage was really, really good!!

Way cool! I'm heading for a 100 minute clinic given by the massage school.

The impromptu trip - but not one I wish I was taking

Yesterday morning, my Uncle David died. He was just the sweetest guy. I adore his family. Aunt Jean (his wife) is my FILs sister. She found love later in life, not marrying until she was around 40. Elly, their daughter, was a little unexpected but provided quite the spirited life for Jean and David.

David was very sick but was trying to hold on until Elly left for college this fall. Elly is a senior in high school this year. He was just too weak and tired to hold on any longer. He made it to his 73rd birthday last weekend.

The girls and I will drive to minnesota tomorrow for Tuesday's funeral. I wasn't sure if I was going to bring them, but Sarah really wanted to come. She wants to help make Elly feel better. This child of mine is such a sweet soul.

Sydney, well, she just wants to be where I am.

So, we'll hop in the car, drive LOTSSSS of hours and be there for our family. I'm thinking about coming through Minneapolis on the drive home and stopping by the American Girl store. It only adds another hour of driving time to make that little detour. I'm thinking we will stay in Minneapolis on Tues night to take a couple of hours off the driving time on Wednesday. The hours are long, but when adding bathroom stops for three girls - yea, another hour or two.

I'm just glad I have the flexibility in my life that I can do this. I wish it wasn't the last week in the semester so Joe could come too. Aunt Jean is very special to Joe.

Home improvements

Yippee!! We just ordered new lights for the outside of the house, and a new ceiling fan for the bedroom.


Soon, I won't be able to whine about the mis-matched ceiling fan. I will only whine about the multiple finishes in the bathroom.

And, I shopped for the fan "guy style." I bought the first one I liked with a reasonable price. I fear there might be a better one out there, but I can live with this. And, because I ordered it through the guy in the 'ask a question' section of the website, when I asked if he had any discount codes, he dropped $50 off the order!

Big YEA!

Is cleaning the house before my ILs arrive on Monday.