Grandma Came To Visit

Preston got a surprise phone call from his mom when I was in the hospital to let us know that she was making time to come and stay with us. When I talked to her the morning after I got home, she was so excited about all of the fun she was planning with the kids and to help us any way that she could. We were going to keep it a surprise from the kids, but my chemo brain spilled the beans that same night. Actually it was kind of fun and amazing at what the kids' accomplished knowing and preparing for grandma to come. The playroom was completely disasterized, and when Ky found out grandma could be hurt if the toys were left where she needed to sleep, he slipped quietly upstairs and cleaned up the whole playroom by himself! The boys had to call and tell her that he made sure it was safe for her to come. It was so cute of him. Thankfully it was only a couple of days' wait when the kids found out she was coming, not sure they would have been able to stand it if it had been longer :)

Mom is good at turning everything into a game, even chores. She had all the kids helping with cleanup jobs that we just havent been able to get to. The kids loved every minute of everything they did together because she made everything so much fun. Together we all got tons done and took on and finished monster projects just because mom was here with her Energizer Bunny genes and enthusiasm and energy! The house is a whole different place because she was here.

Mom is an amazing cook. Wish she lived closer so I could learn tons more from her. She got the kids involved in all of the cooking and baking while she was here too. We have a fabulous recipe for chocolate zuchinni bread from a friend. The kids couldnt wait to help mom make it and eat it. Those muffins didnt last long...We had tons of fun with food and learned lots too!

All 4 of the boys in Preston's family are Eagle Scouts. Caiden's older cousin is also now an Eagle Scout too, and has set the bar extra high. Caiden really enjoys scouts and was able to work on his cooking merit badge with mom's help.

 He planned and prepared an entire dinner including a fruit salad, green salad, grilled potato wedges and grilled shake & bake chicken. It was the first time that Caiden had used the BBQ grill. He did an awesome job and everyone raved over the whole dinner, but especially the chicken that tasted amazing! Way to go Caiden and a great big THANX to grandma for helping him!

 Here is Caiden with all of his extra amazing menu items. He was so proud of himself, and rightfully so! His first cooking experience was a great success!

Grandma did SOOO many fun things with the kids during her visit. She treated the kids to one last big hoorah before she left - ice cream at DQ. The kids all loved that and it was a great way for them to end a wonderful week together.

We made sure to get a pict of mom and the kids before she left too.

The kids stood out on the porch to wave to grandma, I stood inside the door and cried. Having mom here has been a wonderful and precious gift to all of us, but esp to me. Mom helped in so many ways, taught me so many things, spent individual time with all of us, and just loved us. It was really extra hard to see her go home. I still cry just like I did that day when I think of the sacrifice that mom and dad both made for her to be here with us, and esp when I think about how much she loves us. We love her so much, and miss her tons already. THANK YOU isnt big enough to say all we want to for all that she does for us. Love you, mom!