Rest in Peace Grandmary

Today started with a bit of a shock.  My grandmother passed away this morning.  I know that she was old and frail and all life comes to an end but it is still hard to accept.   On one of our last visits with her she asked me if I would play my violin at her funeral.  Since funeral arrangements are not set and might not happen for while I put on the TV for the kids this morning and played my violin for a good hour.  Something that I don't get a chance to do often lately.  I played pieces that she would love and practiced a few a bit more in detail that she would love at her funeral.  It is amazing how music can calm an aching heart and bring joy during a hard time.  I only pray that I can play for her service if my Grandpa decided to have one.  Until then I will play for her whenever I have the chance and remember her memory.  I have many wonderful memories of my grandmother.  She taught me how to sew by hand and  she is where I learned my love of folk dancing.

I have a few specific memories that I love about my grandma.

When I was little, maybe around 4,  I had a bank that had to be broken to get into.  I don't even remember what the bank looked like but I remember during a visit she and I trying to get money out of it with a knife and yes we broke it.  My mom was so upset with her mother and me.  I always found it funny getting into trouble with grandma.

When I was visiting her during high school she brought out some old pictures of her family when she was little.  She had 12 sibling and she asked me to guess who she in a family picture.  I knew instantly and pointed her out.  She asked how I knew so quick and I responded, "You look just like me!".   Yes, my special bond with my grandmother is that I am her.  Her parents were Ukrainian immigrants and my Ukrainian heritage has always been my favorite lineage.   My favorite folk dancing was Ukrainian, Ukrainian eggs are probably one of my favorite holiday traditions and
something I will pass onto my children along with our Ukrainian Easter dinner traditions.  I have even had random strangers come up and ask me if I was Slavic.


I only wish that we were able to visit more during the last 10 years but thankful for the visits we did have and the chance that we had to live in Texas and able to make weekend trips to Albuquerque.  I am thankful that the girls were able to meet my grandparents and have memories of sitting in great-grandma's lap while she sang to them.

Love you Grandma

Sick and at home

So we have started the year off a bit rough with Nathan having a bad chest cold.  He has a horrible cough that hurts him horribly and is keeping him up all night.  Hopefully he finds some relief soon and we can continue back to the gym, story time, library, and parks.

It is rough for a little boy to wait for his blanket to be washed when he is not feeling well.

I didn't catch the pure joy on camera but the moment it came out of the dryer he was beyond happy. 

Last Day of Christmas Break

After the family had all left and we were feeling the after Christmas blues we decided to get out of the house and hit the Children's Museum again on Sunday the 4th.    This will be a once or twice a month thing now that we have the membership and we can no longer take many weekend exploration trips now that Andrew's training is busier then ever.   Here are just a few of the highlights.

Nathan and Dad in the flying bathtub.

The kids love the huge tree house.  They could play in it forever.  The huge windows are great but not good for picture taking with my bad camera phone.  

Not sure what to call this but Nathan especially loves it.  Put the scarves in and they blow out in different areas.

Finally this little reading nook that we didn't find last time. 

We had another great afternoon at this great place with many more to come.

Children's Museum

On our last day of Grandma and Grandpa's visit we went to the Children's Museum of Phoenix before dropping them off at the airport.   Everyone had a great time and of course I only managed to get one blurry picture of Nathan.  Posing for a picture is not really on his agenda.

Going through the car wash with Dad.

Ice cream anyone?

Crafting with Grandma is always top on the list for the girls during a visit.  

Duet

Wonderful memory to start the year. On the first day of 2015 Rosalyn and I played our first duet together and I couldn't hold back the tears.  Every day I am amazed by my girls abilities to play instruments. Second go at it and she was able to focus and play while I was playing an accompanying part.   She has played with the piano before but I though for sure it would take a bit of practice to play while I was playing a different part on my violin but she did it so quickly and she loved it.   My goal this year is to not miss as many practice days with the girls so they can continue to progress and their love for music will continue to grow and blossom.  (At this age practicing  is all on me. I am learning to not get as frustrated and make practicing a joy.  This a constant learning adventure for me as well as for my children. :) ).

Will post video soon.