"EE AW" From Heaven

Lots of catching up to do...

The last week of school brought challenges at home and school! Our air conditioning went out, so we came home each night to balmy 82-85 degree temperatures...hot enough to make us all grumpy! We are so blessed to have people such as Dale and Joella around us, who saved the week by loaning us their window air unit. We put it in our bedroom and for a week or so, all 4 of us stayed in the same room...let's just say we were happy to have it fixed! Zane was on the floor and Mason was in the pack and play in our bathroom! We're finally back to normal and everyone is comfortably sleeping in their own beds!

The last week of school went quickly, and we were sad that Zane was attending his last week at Jo's house. He has gone there since he was 10 weeks old! Fortunately, he will still be able to go there a few days next year, those days that I have to work but he doesn't have school yet. That makes it seem like it's not truly "over" for him! Jo made him the nicest memory book, with messages from her family and his daycare friends. We will enjoy looking at that in the years to come! The last day at Jo's house was a "fun day." She said there would be NO NAPS for the big kids, and that they were all to bring their swim suits! I'm sure that was a good use of the kids' energy the day before summer break!

Zane, Mason, Sam, Madelyn, & Erika

Mason enjoying the bounce house
The "big boys" Ryan, Zane, Sam

Jo and the gang!

We went home Memorial Weekend and were anxious for a long weekend. Boy, was it long! Sunday, May 30th, Matt's dear Grandpa Beggs was called to Heaven. He had been sick and suffering for so long, we knew it was probably coming, but was very hard even so. He was such a kind, caring, funny, amazing person and he is already sorely missed! Matt went with his mom to the hospital Sunday morning and they got there in time to say good-bye. We spent Sunday and Monday at Grandma's house, then headed home Monday night so I could work my last day, getting my room packed up. We then went back to Iowa Wednesday to pay tribute to the legacy left by Roy Beggs. I know I am a better person for knowing him!

Planting a tree in honor of Grandpa

Zane and Mason helping

Since I was done with school and Matt wasn't working, we decided to stay in Iowa for the week. It was nice to be able to help out when needed and just be able to spend time with family, which was something near and dear to Grandpa's heart! Friday night we took Zane to see Shrek Forever After. It was really fun to have a night with just Zane! Saturday the races were rained out, so we ended up back at Grandma's house and spent the afternoon playing cards, as Grandpa would have wanted to do. Sunday we were back at Grandma's and Matt grilled steaks for us before everyone left for home.

My boys wrestling...

What a team...

Matt & Mason pulling Zane

This was a sight...

Kids will be kids...

What a tough week for us. It brought back so many memories, from just 2 short months ago, of Grandma's passing. We have some amazing individuals to remember, and are so lucky that we have the honor of calling them our Grandparents.

Zane-isms

• After receiving word on Sunday that Grandpa had passed away, I decided to tell Zane, so he would know what was going on. He had a confused look on his face and said, "Is Papa Ee-ah living with God now too?" I told him yes and he said, "Oh, he just got a strike!" (A few weeks ago during a thunderstorm, Zane and I were talking about God bowling with the angels, and with Grandma Kathol...)
• At Grandpa's memorial service Wednesday, Zane picked up a hymnal, opened to a song, and said "What are we singing Mom?" I said I didn't know and he said, "Are we singing 'We miss Papa?'" As he did this, he ran his finger along the words. Too precious!
• At Grandma's house this week, Zane looked at me and said, "Mom, do you miss Papa Ee-ah?" I said yes and asked him if he did, and he said, "Yeah, sometimes!"
• On the way to Grandma's house, Zane said, "Mom, who planted Papa Ee-ah's corn?" I replied that Uncle Jack did. Zane let out a huge sigh and said, "Oh, good job, Jack!"

Mason's Marvels

• This weekend Mason got very attached to Uncle Brent. He always wanted to know where he was and be with him! He said his name like this..."Buh-ent"
• On the opposite side of things...Mason wouldn't let Uncle Jack get close to him! He'd say, "Juh-ack," and would let him pick him up, but he would not let him get close! We'll have to work on that!
• Mason will pick things up and throw them away, saying "tash" on the way there!