Egg-cellent Easter!

We woke up to goodies in our baskets, and our yard full of eggs! That sneaky Bunny came while we were sleeping and left a whole bunch of cool stuff. Tayler was the first to see the goodies, as she was up at 6:45. She then came in to tell me (she's allowed to look but not touch until everyone is awake) that she'd been left a CD she's being wanting, a Junie B. Jones book (one of her favorite series of books) and a lot of candy. PLUS, our back yard was littered with colorful little eggs. Unfortunately, as we told her the night before, Tayler had to wait for Carson to wake up before we tore into everything. Which meant a PAINFUL wait until 9:30!!! She passed the time by trying to see everything in her basket and listening at Carson's door for sounds of him waking! Once everyone was up, it was time to see the goods! Tayler was SO excited about what was in her basket, and it was really neat because this is the first year that Carson "got it". He got a really neat car that he's been pushing around the house all day, and a blue punch-balloon that he was just happy as can be about. And of course, CANDY.

Then it was out to the yard! Off to search for eggs full of goodies. Again, this is the first year that Carson was able to participate without constant encouragement. The look on his face when he saw another egg was absolutely priceless! He'd scurry over and grab it, then carefully put it in his basket. It was adorable. And Tayler, being the great big sis that she is, let Carson get all of the "easy" eggs. She went for the trickier ones, hidden in plants, and other places in the yard. And since the hunt, then breakfast, then a trip to Home Depot, and yard work, we've found TWO more eggs! What a treat! Hopefully we've got them all now!

We also went to sit on the Easter Bunny's lap last week. And, as you can see, Carson likes the Easter Bunny just about as much as he liked Santa. It's a wonder he got anything in his Easter basket! Tayler looks so sweet and beautiful as Carson experiences a nervous break-down!

I think Papa Doug would approve

Make You Over!

So, there's a blog that I read from time to time that is doing something SO COOL! The author of this blog (who lives locally) is hosting a make over! You can nominate someone you know who would appreciate a "new look" and they'll be put in the running to win a complete makeover! How awesome is that!?!??!?! Go here and check it out! I already know who I'm nominating! Can you think of someone who totally deserves this??

Beautiful Day

Today, wives, brothers, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousin, nieces, nephews, and friends, gathered to say good bye to a man who was described today as generous, kind, loving, hard working, loyal, smart, and honest. I felt PROUD as I sat in that congregation to be the granddaughter of such an amazing man. He touched so many lives. Helped so many people. He was loved by all.

The day was really beautiful. We got to see so many family members we don't see nearly enough. We got to hear really neat stories we'd never heard about our Papa Doug. There were a lot of things that made me smile today. There were also several things that made me cry. Watching my mom approach her dad for the last time, touching his hands, and feeling like I could physically sense her heart breaking. That made me cry. Watching my oldest cousin, broad-shouldered, handsome, and a total "guy", being brought to tears several times...that made me cry. When several of Papa Doug's close friends and his family members gathered before the service, and we went around and introduced ourselves, and it came around to an elderly man who my Papa Doug has known since his early years of marriage said "My name is Russell Sumsion, and Doug was my best friend" all while choking back tears. That made me cry. But, even with all of that, even though we were gathered to lay to rest one of the greatest men I'll probably ever know, I had a feeling of peace through out the day. A feeling of Papa Doug looking down at all of these people who love him, and smiling. I hope he was. I hope he saw how many people came to say goodbye. How many nice things were said. How many good memories past around. I hope he heard it all.

Not everyone in attendance today will agree with this (including my husband) but I truly feel like Carson did his best to be a good boy. He didn't to bed as early as he usually does last night, but got up at the same time, so the day began rough. Funerals are long, and don't allow a whole lot of freedom to a young 18 month old fella to really let out his creativity. So, he played with his cars a little bit, ate some crackers, read some books, looked over the program pointing out "Papa", and then he'd had it. Absolutely had it. So, my awesome husband took him out of the chapel area, and let me stay to hear the speakers without the distraction of an "active" child. As you can see above, he and Carson did a little bit of exploring, and Carson was able to get some of his "wiggles" out.

Tayler, on the other hand, was an ANGEL. And I mean, a total angel. We talked a little bit last night while driving to the viewing, then again this morning while driving to the service, about reverence. About showing respect. About how we act in a church. About how we act so that Papa Doug up in heaven would be very proud. And she did fantastically. There were MANY temptations. Kids ran. Kids were screaming (including her brother!). But, all the while, Tayler was as sweet, and respectful as she could be. Brian and I were so very proud. And, at the end of the service, while we were waiting for the chapel to clear, Tayler looked up at me and said "Mom...I bet Uma sure is going to miss Papa Doug A LOT, huh?" It was very sweet.

There were several pictures displayed where Papa Doug as a child looked SO MUCH like Carson. It was really amazing. I'm hoping to get my hands on a few of those to have in my house. It was really special to see.

There was a part of my Uncle Todd's speech today that I really liked. He said there were a few things he knew Papa Doug would want him to tell the people in attendance. Things like "a family is the most important 'organization' you will ever belong to". Things that Papa Doug lived his life by. One thing was

"Do not let weddings and funerals become your family reunions."

Really simple. But, I found it really profound. I think Papa Doug would have really liked it.

Papa Doug had the BEST Smile.

As usual, I didn't take NEARLY as many pictures as I would have liked to. Visiting, children, and eating seem to really get in the way of photography for me. But, I did get a few nice pictures.

Ralph Douglas Sansom 1934-2010

On Monday night, one of the most special people in the world to me left this Earth. My Grandfather, lovingly known by all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as Papa Doug, passed away with my mom, my Grandma, two more of his daughters, his son in law, and a grandson by his side. I'd just seen him on Saturday morning. Brian, the kids and I made a last minute trip to Vancouver where Papa Doug was in the hospital because there were some health issues discovered on top of the health issues he was already dealing with. The outlook wasn't good, and I needed to see my Grandpa. I am SO GLAD that we went. I honestly feel that Papa Doug knows I love him, and that my children and husband love him too. I held his hand, talked to him, rubbed his feet, touched his arms, and told him how much I loved him. My kids had the opportunity to kiss and hug this man who much to my dismay, they will not be able to grow up knowing. While I am very happy that Papa Doug is no longer in pain, and no longer uncomfortable, I can't help but feel so upset that he's gone before my kids really got to appreciate him. Papa Doug was so much more to me than just a Grandpa. He took such an interest in all things having to do with his family. He was smart, hard working, loving, honest, generous, and caring. I have so many fond memories of him. I remember loving to go into his t-shirt drawer when my sister and I would spend the night with him and my Grandma, searching for the perfect t-shirt to be that night's pajamas. I remember him mashing potatoes with a hand masher with such seriousness you'd think he was preparing a meal for the President. I remember being told "Get out of here!" when we'd sneak into the kitchen to steal turkey before dinner was ready. I remember planting trees with him on the Compound. I remember 4-wheeler rides with him, while he proudly pointed out various interesting places on the property my grandparents own. I remember when I bought my house, he came and took me to buy a hose, a fire extinguisher, and other important things a 22 year old might not think of as a new homeowner. I remember him mowing my lawn, and helping me make my new house look more like a home. I remember my first car purchase, trying to decide on a make and model, and having my Papa Doug research every make and model I'd mentioned, comparing each on safety, reliability, and cost. I remember him co-signing on MULTIPLE loans for his grandkids so that we could establish credit, and buy cars. I remember driving to visit him and my Grandma, and him carefully checking the air in my tires, and filling the ones that needed it before letting me leave town to head home. I remember him making our school lunches when he and my Grandma came into town. He made the BEST sandwiches. I remember taking baths when we'd spend the night with my grandparents, getting out, getting dressed, then going out to my grandpa in the living room, handing him a towel, and having him dry our hair by rubbing the towel really quickly on our heads. I'm not sure it was really the most effective hair drying technique, but we loved it. I remember him coming to the rescue of my mom, my sister and I in Redmond when things there got really bad, and moving every one of our possessions into his house in Walla Walla in one afternoon. I remember him paying my mother's, his adult daughter's, tuition when her life was turned upside down and she needed to start over. I remember him eating a torn up piece of white bread in a glass of milk with a fork. I remember him getting angry and worked up when I went to Tennessee with him and my Grandma because he didn't know where we were going and he wanted my Grandma to give the directions better. I remember him standing along side my Grandma, smiling at her lovingly while she spent time with her family, discussing family history and memories for hours and hours. I remember him loving my Grandma SO MUCH. Holding her hand. Carrying heavy items for her. Being absolutely head over heels over her. I remember getting into bed with my Grandparents on that trip to Tennessee when there was a thunderstorm that scared me to death. I remember giving him pedicures and facials and having him appreciate them so much. I remember seeing him cry when he buried one of his grandchildren, and thinking to myself, how much I loved his soft heart. I remember planning my wedding, and leaning toward a small wedding in Hawaii with only mine and Brian's parents and siblings, but then thinking that Papa Doug likely wouldn't be able to make that trip, and having that, right then, make up my mind to get married here. I remember him holding my newborn son, and having a feeling at that moment that every single thing was right in the world. I remember my son and daughter adoring him, snuggling and kissing him, and thinking he was as wonderful as I have my entire life.

My heart aches because my Papa isn't here anymore. But, I'm happy he's with his parents now, and with the grandchild he lost, and many friends that went before him.

His obituary is being worked on by my Grandma and his kids. I find it sad that there are things I'm finding out now, by reading the "drafts" being passed around, that I never knew. He was a greater man than I even ever knew. He will truly be missed. There won't be a day for a long time when it doesn't hurt to think that he's gone. I love you Papa Doug, and can't wait to see you again someday.

"As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death."

— Leonardo da Vinci

Fun Stuff

We've been trying to find fun stuff to do over the past week or so.....it's tough when the weather is cold (and rainy some days!) and you're stuck in the house ALL THE TIME. So, last week when it was NOT raining one day (but still very cold...bummer) we decided to walk over to a park in our neighborhood. It's small, but there's some pretty cool stuff to do, and when you're the only people braving the weather, it can be a pretty good time!

the swings are always a big hit with Carson

Tayler showed Carson what this big yellow tube could be used for....but he didn't really dig it

Tayler discovered that she LOVES climbing trees...and she's pretty good at it too!

Then yesterday, the kids and I met up with a friend of mine from high school and her two kids. She has a daughter who's 4 and a son who's just younger than Carson. So, the kids had a really good time together at the Children's Museum. They have all sorts of cool things to do there, and it's always pretty good for a few hours of fun. Tayler had been a couple of times before, but this was Carson's first....and likely not his last!

Tayler looks so grown up in this picture! Sniff, sniff..

Then today, while Tayler was in school (dang school always getting in the way of fun. :)) Carson and I went over to my friend Tara's with Mary and Amelia. And Tara's house is ALWAYS a good time. I LOVE seeing Carson interact with other kids. He and Nolan get along so well. Watching them play together never ceases to put a smile on my face. Nolan is SO dang SWEET, and I'm so glad Carson gets to play with him!

Carson totally dug Nolan's tee-pee. So cool

Watching these two play on this HUGE bean bag chair was hilarious. And throw in Leroy the pug? Too cute for words...

I love this picture of these two. Buddies!

Monday, the plan is to go with the kids from today, plus my friend Juanita and her son to the local gymnastics center for a day of open gym. It should be a LOT of fun!

Just like his dad!

Brian loves Nutella. I mean LOVES IT. He goes through jars of it at an astounding rate. Brian's dear son, Carson (like his father) is a bit of a picky eater. Or, it's probably better described as a "naughty" eater. As in, he only eats on his terms. He wants to feed himself. He wants to eat what he wants to eat, and only when he's good and ready to eat it. And lately, he has had a little bit of a cold...and with that has come even more finicky eating. So, during a desperate time last night, wanting my baby boy to eat something so badly, I spread a little bit of Nutella on a piece of whole wheat bread. Hoping I could get my little guy to at least eat that. And eat that he did. He did try to eat only the Nutella, but when that proved to be too challenging, he broke down and ate the bread as well. VICTORY! He was a mess afterward, and required a #2 bath for the day...but it was worth it! And these pictures make my day!