Goodbye, G'ma

I love you G-ma. Thank you for your legacy. You were so smart and caring. You always looked at things for bright side and you were always interested in others. You mothered your family so well. I pray that I will be the kind of mother and grandmother that you are. Thank you for my family legacy and I look forward to passing it on.

My beautiful grandparents, Carlos and Mona Baldwin:

My precious G-ma left this earth for heaven Aug 25th. She has been in pain for many years and her health had been declining such that it was very hard for her to get around or get out of her home. In recent years her spine was so bad that she couldn't look up at all. It is sad for those of us here but I am so glad she is pain-free for the first time in so long and that she can look up. When I called her or visited, she would always put on a positive face in spite of her challenges. She would admit that she hurt or was having a rough day but she would take the time to talk with me and keep a positive attitude. She always asked about our family and her great grandkids. She would even admit when she was starting to forget little details between my kids but always wanted them to come close and talk with her. And they were comfortable with her. She was always encouraging me to take care of myself. She wanted to know that we had what we needed and would often help with clothes or things for my kids. My kids really love my G-dad and visiting their home as well. They set up a swing set and a zipline and made sure they had toys for the kids. My G-dad even gets down on the floor with them.

G-ma loved me and encouraged so much through the years. She had high standards and I always wanted to please her. I could always feel how much she cared for me. You know when you feel totally accepted and loved for who you are? That is how I felt with my grandparents. And their home is one of the most comfortable places I know.  My grandparents are such a funny couple. My grandma is as honest as they come and my granddad loves to tell stories and often spins tales if you know what I mean. :)

(2013)

(2014)

Below are some pictures from her memorial service, mostly of my cousins and their spouses, and sweet baby Callahan (Pat and Emily's first child). They played Clare De Lune by Claude Debussy, her favorite piece of classical music. She almost always had a radio in the kitchen and her bathroom that played classical music. She loved cats. Throughout the years she had Siamese cats. Prior to the memorial service we had a viewing for family only. It was very hard but it was also such a special time where we shared memories of Grandma. There were lots of tears but lots of laughs. Olivia wrote my Grandma a letter as she processed her grief and I think she summed it up well.

Thanksgiving

The kids love Thanksgiving every year.

They love playing with the Little People Mayflower.

And the 1st Thanksgiving Set

They also love visiting with family. This year we went to the Baldwin side of the family and had a wonderful day with Rebecca's grandparents, dad, aunts and cousins. Olivia played some piano pieces she's been practicing for her recital. If you look closely, you can see another thing the kids like doing... There's a paper chain of all the things we're thankful for draped on the piano. :)

Of course, Grandpa was more like a toy than a person.

The whole family. It's funny to see our kids peppered throughout the crowd. :)

Our own growing family.

The Baldwin cousins: Hunter, Mallory, Rebecca, Patrick and Matthew

Emma in her adorable turkey shirt. :)

Happy Holidays, Part1 - The Baldwins

This year we got to spend time with family on all sides. We started off with a visit from Rebecca's mom and dad. The kids are always excited when they visit and this was no exception. 

Grandpa reading to the boys

Not surprisingly, one of their favorite things was a box big enough to hide each of them in.

Both Gabe and Ezra got Tee Ball sets. Gabe went nuts every time he hit the ball. He would throw the bat up over his head and go running after the ball.

The next day, we went to visit with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Baldwin in Kannapolis. We also got to see Aunt Bethany, Uncle Phil and Aunt Kelly, as well. 

Aunt Kelly made the kids go on a scavenger hunt for their gifts. She hid puzzle pieces all around the house and made the kids go find them to put it together. Unfortunately, even with the help of the adults, the kids couldn't find all the pieces. Fortunately, we did find enough to figure out the clue.

We had a wonderful time visiting with everyone and can't wait for the next time!

Family Visits

This week, we went to visit both sides of Rebecca's family: the Fenskes in Durham and the Baldwins in Concord.

On Friday, we got to go visit with Rebecca's mom's family in Durham and see her Uncle Charlie, Aunt Nancy and cousin Sarah. Also got to see Grandma Jean and Grandpa Bill, but for some dumb reason, I didn't get a picture of them....

Then on Saturday, we went and had lunch with the Baldwin side down at Aunt Bethany and Uncle Phil's in Concord. 

The kids getting some help from Hunter, Matthew and Great-grandpa.

The 5 Baldwin Cousins. The last time they were all together was at our wedding in 2000!

4 Generations of Baldwins.

We had a wonderful time at both places and we hope to be able to see everyone again soon!