Remembering Grandma

Yesterday we celebrated Grandma Miller's life. We didn't have a funeral, a graveside rather. I think I might be converted! It was so much more intimate. There was about 120-130 people there.

I think my brother in law who spoke said it perfectly when he said that Grandma didn't have any friends because everyone was family to her. That is so true! I often worried that people would take advantage of her kindness because she was so kind and loving to almost everyone.

Once again Jared and his brothers built a beautiful casket. When I heard it was going to be white, I'll admit that I was worried. But as soon as I saw it I thought it was gorgeous!

I think this was one of my favorite moments of the whole day. The kids jumped right into the back of Poppy's truck without any bit of hesitation. I would have never done that when I was little! I would have been way too scared!

And now the following pictures are simply for memories sake-

Aunt Lu (Grandma's sister), Grandpa Miller and Aunt Kathi.

Savanna Hatch, Grandpa and Kayla McCleve

Yvette and John Willis (Vet, I love this picture!)

Dallin Hatch, Reed McCleve and Caleb Hatch

Michael, Burt and Jared

13 of the 15 great grandchildren singing "I am a Child of God.

The Hatch Family, including a few Miller's and a few Garfield's.

At the luncheon- left to right- Kimber, Kayla McCeleve, Addie, Rachel McCleve, Marley Hatch, Brendon Hatch and Bently Hatch.

This post wouldn't be complete if I didn't include Joyce and Larry Fields. Spending lots of time with Grandpa meant spending lots of time with them. They grew up with Grandma and Grandpa and sort of adopted each other when they were younger. Grandpa didn't have any sisters so as a little boy, he told Joyce that she could be his sister. I have never seen anyone fulfill that promise more. They live in Wickenburg, AZ but spend the summer in Show Low. Every morning Larry plays tennis and would stop in to check on "Willy" after his game. I saw them at least once a day and always got to have a fun chat with them. They are really good hearted people who love Grandma and Grandpa. They are both very spry and lively. Larry called me "Kobe" for short and it always made me smile. I'll miss seeing them so often.

The Hatch's have four birthdays in September. Kathi celebrated on the 18th, Karen on the 19th, Savanna on the 23rd, and Yvette on the 26th. So to celebrate we got a cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday at the luncheon. Karen was such a good sport to share her birthday with the funeral.

The Miller brothers- Uncle Karl, Grandpa and Oswald. You thought Grandpa was sweet? Put the three of these guys (I don't want to leave out their deceased brother, Edward. I am sure he was just as wonderful.) together and you have the most wonderful, kind and funny guys I have ever known.

Remembering Grandma

Yesterday we celebrated Grandma Miller's life. We didn't have a funeral, a graveside rather. I think I might be converted! It was so much more intimate. There was about 120-130 people there.

I think my brother in law who spoke said it perfectly when he said that Grandma didn't have any friends because everyone was family to her. That is so true! I often worried that people would take advantage of her kindness because she was so kind and loving to almost everyone.

Once again Jared and his brothers built a beautiful casket. When I heard it was going to be white, I'll admit that I was worried. But as soon as I saw it I thought it was gorgeous!

I think this was one of my favorite moments of the whole day. The kids jumped right into the back of Poppy's truck without any bit of hesitation. I would have never done that when I was little! I would have been way too scared!

And now the following pictures are simply for memories sake-

Aunt Lu (Grandma's sister), Grandpa Miller and Aunt Kathi.

Savanna Hatch, Grandpa and Kayla McCleve

Yvette and John Willis (Vet, I love this picture!)

Dallin Hatch, Reed McCleve and Caleb Hatch

Michael, Burt and Jared

13 of the 15 great grandchildren singing "I am a Child of God.

The Hatch Family, including a few Miller's and a few Garfield's.

At the luncheon- left to right- Kimber, Kayla McCeleve, Addie, Rachel McCleve, Marley Hatch, Brendon Hatch and Bently Hatch.

This post wouldn't be complete if I didn't include Joyce and Larry Fields. Spending lots of time with Grandpa meant spending lots of time with them. They grew up with Grandma and Grandpa and sort of adopted each other when they were younger. Grandpa didn't have any sisters so as a little boy, he told Joyce that she could be his sister. I have never seen anyone fulfill that promise more. They live in Wickenburg, AZ but spend the summer in Show Low. Every morning Larry plays tennis and would stop in to check on "Willy" after his game. I saw them at least once a day and always got to have a fun chat with them. They are really good hearted people who love Grandma and Grandpa. They are both very spry and lively. Larry called me "Kobe" for short and it always made me smile. I'll miss seeing them so often.

The Hatch's have four birthdays in September. Kathi celebrated on the 18th, Karen on the 19th, Savanna on the 23rd, and Yvette on the 26th. So to celebrate we got a cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday at the luncheon. Karen was such a good sport to share her birthday with the funeral.

The Miller brothers- Uncle Karl, Grandpa and Oswald. You thought Grandpa was sweet? Put the three of these guys (I don't want to leave out their deceased brother, Edward. I am sure he was just as wonderful.) together and you have the most wonderful, kind and funny guys I have ever known.

A week with Grandpa Miller

(Dec. 08- Going out to feed the peacocks at Marlene's.)

Since Grandma died we just didn't feel like Grandpa Miller should be left alone. He forgets to do some of the important things like eat and take his medicine. It's hard to explain his situation. He is still one of the smartest people I know, yet some of the simple, everyday things seem to be easily forgettable. His short term memory is well, short!

So, since we didn't want him to be left alone I was given the privilege of going to Show Low everyday to "Grandpa-sit." It has been so fun! Sure, I get nothing done at home, but who cares! This has been the most wonderful opportunity. I wouldn't trade it for anything. He is so kind and so funny. He is so pleasant and so easy going. He has always been one of my favorite people, but this week just reconfirmed that feeling.

He lets me do my thing and never complains. I asked him the other day while I was getting ready to vacuum if I was going to bother him. He replied "I'm too old to be bothered." He lets me clean right around him and never says a word. I'll admit that he loves clutter and I hate it, but I just organize and de-junk and he lets me do my thing, no problem.

It's fun to watch him with Kimber. (Since Addie is gone she gets all his attention!) She would sit on the ground by his chair and play Barbies while he watched her and talked with her. He also love to tease her. While playing with a barrel of monkeys the other day he teased her that she was a chango. He also likes to tickle her belly and say that he is going to get some "pons" or "ponson".

He is so easy going. All I have to do it say "Grandpa, are you ready for lunch? It's at the table." He jumps right up and eats everything on his plate. A big accomplishment! Yesterday I asked him how his lunch was and he replied "better than downtown." As long as he has his ketchup and Tabasco (which he eats on EVERYTHING!!!) he is good to go.

He always has something witty to say and always keeps me laughing. Recently while cutting his hair I told him that I hope I do a good job. He made me laugh when he said "I always say the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is about three days." I wish that was true for women!

Today is my last day since the family will all return this afternoon for the funeral tomorrow. It's has been such a pleasure spending so much time with him lately. I wouldn't have traded this time for anything.

A week with Grandpa Miller

(Dec. 08- Going out to feed the peacocks at Marlene's.)

Since Grandma died we just didn't feel like Grandpa Miller should be left alone. He forgets to do some of the important things like eat and take his medicine. It's hard to explain his situation. He is still one of the smartest people I know, yet some of the simple, everyday things seem to be easily forgettable. His short term memory is well, short!

So, since we didn't want him to be left alone I was given the privilege of going to Show Low everyday to "Grandpa-sit." It has been so fun! Sure, I get nothing done at home, but who cares! This has been the most wonderful opportunity. I wouldn't trade it for anything. He is so kind and so funny. He is so pleasant and so easy going. He has always been one of my favorite people, but this week just reconfirmed that feeling.

He lets me do my thing and never complains. I asked him the other day while I was getting ready to vacuum if I was going to bother him. He replied "I'm too old to be bothered." He lets me clean right around him and never says a word. I'll admit that he loves clutter and I hate it, but I just organize and de-junk and he lets me do my thing, no problem.

It's fun to watch him with Kimber. (Since Addie is gone she gets all his attention!) She would sit on the ground by his chair and play Barbies while he watched her and talked with her. He also love to tease her. While playing with a barrel of monkeys the other day he teased her that she was a chango. He also likes to tickle her belly and say that he is going to get some "pons" or "ponson".

He is so easy going. All I have to do it say "Grandpa, are you ready for lunch? It's at the table." He jumps right up and eats everything on his plate. A big accomplishment! Yesterday I asked him how his lunch was and he replied "better than downtown." As long as he has his ketchup and Tabasco (which he eats on EVERYTHING!!!) he is good to go.

He always has something witty to say and always keeps me laughing. Recently while cutting his hair I told him that I hope I do a good job. He made me laugh when he said "I always say the difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is about three days." I wish that was true for women!

Today is my last day since the family will all return this afternoon for the funeral tomorrow. It's has been such a pleasure spending so much time with him lately. I wouldn't have traded this time for anything.

Dear Addie,

I sure miss you! Home just isn't the same without you. Kimber is lonely but I try to keep her busy. We've been up to Grandpa Miller's house everyday this week and have got to spend lots of time with that "Silly Mister" as you call him. It's so fun to watch him and Kimber play. He sure loves you girls.

I'm glad that you are getting to take a little break from this crazy summer and especially this week. Grandpa Richardson says that it's like you are on vacation and I think he's right! I laughed the other night when I called to talk to you and you said that you were "too busy." What a girl you are! Don't worry, my feelings weren't hurt. I would rather you say that than be crying to come home.

Kimber sure has missed you. She just saw a picture of you on my cell phone and said "Addie miss." She followed that with "uh, Mom? I want to call Addie." You two are such good friends that she has been lost without you this week.

She made me laugh so hard last night. Guess what she did? Look-

I know she will be so happy when you come home. So will Mom and Dad. I can't believe I haven't seen you since last Saturday! I never thought that would happen but I can tell that you are having the time of your life. Everyone has taken such good care of you and made sure that you had lots of fun. Be sure to thank them!

I will see you tomorrow! I can't wait!

Love,
Mom

Dear Addie,

I sure miss you! Home just isn't the same without you. Kimber is lonely but I try to keep her busy. We've been up to Grandpa Miller's house everyday this week and have got to spend lots of time with that "Silly Mister" as you call him. It's so fun to watch him and Kimber play. He sure loves you girls.

I'm glad that you are getting to take a little break from this crazy summer and especially this week. Grandpa Richardson says that it's like you are on vacation and I think he's right! I laughed the other night when I called to talk to you and you said that you were "too busy." What a girl you are! Don't worry, my feelings weren't hurt. I would rather you say that than be crying to come home.

Kimber sure has missed you. She just saw a picture of you on my cell phone and said "Addie miss." She followed that with "uh, Mom? I want to call Addie." You two are such good friends that she has been lost without you this week.

She made me laugh so hard last night. Guess what she did? Look-

I know she will be so happy when you come home. So will Mom and Dad. I can't believe I haven't seen you since last Saturday! I never thought that would happen but I can tell that you are having the time of your life. Everyone has taken such good care of you and made sure that you had lots of fun. Be sure to thank them!

I will see you tomorrow! I can't wait!

Love,
Mom

Tonights the night!

I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to watch this again!

Plus, I can't wait to wait this kid's journey again.

If you aren't familiar with the show, he weighed in at 454 lbs. last season and because of a lazy partner was sent home. At the end of the season all of the contestants that are sent home return to the finale for a final weigh in. He had lost 142 lbs at home on his own! He is returning this season to continue his journey. Who didn't love this guy last season? I can't wait!

He did this pretty much on his own-

Can't wait to see what the next few months brings!

Tonights the night!

I can't tell you how long I've been waiting to watch this again!

Plus, I can't wait to wait this kid's journey again.

If you aren't familiar with the show, he weighed in at 454 lbs. last season and because of a lazy partner was sent home. At the end of the season all of the contestants that are sent home return to the finale for a final weigh in. He had lost 142 lbs at home on his own! He is returning this season to continue his journey. Who didn't love this guy last season? I can't wait!

He did this pretty much on his own-

Can't wait to see what the next few months brings!

They say things happen in three's

So once again I have been missing from the blogging world. But, this time I have a really good reason!

For about the last two weeks I have been trying to spend every chance I get with Jared's Grandparents. Two weeks ago Friday, Grandma Miller called and asked Jared to come to Show Low and help Grandpa. He had fallen and she wasn't able to help him up. He weighs about 135 lbs. but she didn't have the strength to help him. Once Jared got up there and realized that Grandpa (who suffers from dementia) hadn't eaten all week and that he needed medical attention, took him right to the hospital. They also discovered that he had double pneumonia. On Tuesday, Grandma joined him. She was admitted for an infection and was just two doors down.

We spent any free time we had at the hospital keeping them company and enjoying our time with them. Jared's aunt (their only child, since Marlene passed away) had also come from Safford. Aunt Kathi was being spread very thin trying to be everywhere and take care of everyone so we tried our best to help out where we could. Once Grandpa was released he wasn't able to be home alone so everyone (a home health nurse, Jared's brothers, me, Aunt Kathi and probably more that I am not thinking of) took turns staying with him. He is so pleasant that it was not a burden at all!

To make a long and confusing story short, Grandma was moved to ICU. She suffers from severe spinal stenosis, arthritis and blocked arteries so the pain her her legs was basically unbearable. After a few days there they decided that Hospice might be the next best option because they would be able to manage her pain better. She wasn't sent to Hospice because she was nearing death, but simply so that they could help get her pain under control. She was admitted on Tuesday afternoon and was doing okay, all things considered.

But, on Thursday afternoon it was like she just gave up. I took my girls up to see her on Thursday night and as soon as I saw her it felt like I was having deja-vu. She looked just like my mother in law did in the days before her death. I told Grandma that I was there and grabbed her hand. She woke up from her sleep and slowly tried to turn her head to look at me and just as soon as she focused her eyes on me, she was once again asleep. I talked to her and told her that I was glad to see her and told her how much I loved her. It was actually pretty difficult to hold back the tears. I kissed her hands over and over because I knew she could hear and feel me.

That night we got the call that they didn't think she would make it through the night. But of course no one can really guess that! She was still with us on Friday as well as Saturday. I was able to leave my kids with a friend (thanks again, Jonni!) and enjoy the day with family and friends at Hospice. Her sister came from Wickenburg, her nephew and niece from Illinois, and most of her great grand-children. It was a great blessing.

After everyone left and all of the family was able to say their good-byes, she passed peacefully a few hours later, at about 2:30 this morning. Both of her pride-and-joys were able to be at her side, her oldest grand-daughter, Yvette and her daughter Kathi. Grandpa was at home but was able to see her body one last time after her death.

It's comforting to know that the pain she has been in over the last few months is gone and that she is with Marlene. I talked to Addie about the fact that Grandma would soon die and when I asked her what she thought about it she said, "I think that her and Grandma Hatch will take good care of Marley's baby brother."

I think you're right, Addie.

(And now in true Kobie fashion, you can expect lots of stories about my time with Grandma in the next few weeks!)

They say things happen in three's

So once again I have been missing from the blogging world. But, this time I have a really good reason!

For about the last two weeks I have been trying to spend every chance I get with Jared's Grandparents. Two weeks ago Friday, Grandma Miller called and asked Jared to come to Show Low and help Grandpa. He had fallen and she wasn't able to help him up. He weighs about 135 lbs. but she didn't have the strength to help him. Once Jared got up there and realized that Grandpa (who suffers from dementia) hadn't eaten all week and that he needed medical attention, took him right to the hospital. They also discovered that he had double pneumonia. On Tuesday, Grandma joined him. She was admitted for an infection and was just two doors down.

We spent any free time we had at the hospital keeping them company and enjoying our time with them. Jared's aunt (their only child, since Marlene passed away) had also come from Safford. Aunt Kathi was being spread very thin trying to be everywhere and take care of everyone so we tried our best to help out where we could. Once Grandpa was released he wasn't able to be home alone so everyone (a home health nurse, Jared's brothers, me, Aunt Kathi and probably more that I am not thinking of) took turns staying with him. He is so pleasant that it was not a burden at all!

To make a long and confusing story short, Grandma was moved to ICU. She suffers from severe spinal stenosis, arthritis and blocked arteries so the pain her her legs was basically unbearable. After a few days there they decided that Hospice might be the next best option because they would be able to manage her pain better. She wasn't sent to Hospice because she was nearing death, but simply so that they could help get her pain under control. She was admitted on Tuesday afternoon and was doing okay, all things considered.

But, on Thursday afternoon it was like she just gave up. I took my girls up to see her on Thursday night and as soon as I saw her it felt like I was having deja-vu. She looked just like my mother in law did in the days before her death. I told Grandma that I was there and grabbed her hand. She woke up from her sleep and slowly tried to turn her head to look at me and just as soon as she focused her eyes on me, she was once again asleep. I talked to her and told her that I was glad to see her and told her how much I loved her. It was actually pretty difficult to hold back the tears. I kissed her hands over and over because I knew she could hear and feel me.

That night we got the call that they didn't think she would make it through the night. But of course no one can really guess that! She was still with us on Friday as well as Saturday. I was able to leave my kids with a friend (thanks again, Jonni!) and enjoy the day with family and friends at Hospice. Her sister came from Wickenburg, her nephew and niece from Illinois, and most of her great grand-children. It was a great blessing.

After everyone left and all of the family was able to say their good-byes, she passed peacefully a few hours later, at about 2:30 this morning. Both of her pride-and-joys were able to be at her side, her oldest grand-daughter, Yvette and her daughter Kathi. Grandpa was at home but was able to see her body one last time after her death.

It's comforting to know that the pain she has been in over the last few months is gone and that she is with Marlene. I talked to Addie about the fact that Grandma would soon die and when I asked her what she thought about it she said, "I think that her and Grandma Hatch will take good care of Marley's baby brother."

I think you're right, Addie.

(And now in true Kobie fashion, you can expect lots of stories about my time with Grandma in the next few weeks!)

Butcher Paper Buddies

The girls and I did the funnest thing today! I have been wanting to do it for a few days now but just haven't had the chance.

My friend recently posted about how they busted out the crayons and butcher paper and colored bubble letters together. I thought, "shoot! Where have I been? Butcher paper!" So I headed down to Ed's IGA and for 45 cents bought 10 feet of butcher paper. Once we got home I pulled out the girls' craft box and my box of fabric and yarn. They each picked everything out on their own. It was so fun! If you have girls (I am sure boys would enjoy it as well) you have to do this!

And here are their masterpieces. Foam flower, pipe cleaner necklace, pom pom bracelet... what's not to love?

Take a close look at the face Addie drew. Check out that nose!

Never mind Kimber's neck in the drawing. She held perfectly still but tracing around her head was not easy!

Butcher Paper Buddies

The girls and I did the funnest thing today! I have been wanting to do it for a few days now but just haven't had the chance.

My friend recently posted about how they busted out the crayons and butcher paper and colored bubble letters together. I thought, "shoot! Where have I been? Butcher paper!" So I headed down to Ed's IGA and for 45 cents bought 10 feet of butcher paper. Once we got home I pulled out the girls' craft box and my box of fabric and yarn. They each picked everything out on their own. It was so fun! If you have girls (I am sure boys would enjoy it as well) you have to do this!

And here are their masterpieces. Foam flower, pipe cleaner necklace, pom pom bracelet... what's not to love?

Take a close look at the face Addie drew. Check out that nose!

Never mind Kimber's neck in the drawing. She held perfectly still but tracing around her head was not easy!