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!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful!

It's been snowing off and on here for the past few days, and since we haven't HAD to go anywhere in particular, we've been loving it! The above photo is of our pretty little dogwood in the front yard. All of it's branches are frozen so beautifully. It looks like a decoration!

Carson's never really had the opportunity to play in the snow...so we bundled him up yesterday and went outside. He REFUSED to wear his gloves.

Tayler bundled herself up in her usual gear, and enjoyed the little bit of snow we have. She's a pro at a snow angel. She'll stay outside playing around, pretending, and making snow balls for quite awhile. But, when she comes in, she immediately gets into the bathtub and wants some cocoa!

Carson watched her. And looked around. And thought it was pretty cool, until......

About a minute after these pictures were taken he fell onto his bottom, and his hands got into the snow. Then, you'd have thought he'd been doused with lava. His little un-gloved hands were covered in freezing cold snow, and he was MAD. So, he came in, got his cold clothes off, snuggled his mama...and watched Tayler continue prancing it the beautiful white loveliness.

Santa was here

Santa came to the Schienbein house this year with a sleigh full of goodies. No one got any coal, sticks or rocks. And everyone was very happy.

Carson got a neat cup with his name on it from his Aunt Robin which he carried around for quite awhile.

And, although he couldn't care less about his stocking, he found his dad's pretty interesting and assisted him in the revealing of all of it's treasures.

He enjoyed the bows on his gifts as much, if not more, than the actual gifts....and wore this bow on his head for the better part of the morning.

Santa brought Carson a big boy potty, which (much to his mommy & daddy's delight) he's used TWICE! We're so proud.

Tayler had a stocking full of goodies, all resting upon the bean-bag chair she's been wanting for quite awhile. She also got a HUGE bucket of GIRL LEGOS, and a doll she's been pining for from my mom and my sister. Her Aunt Robin sent her clothes that she was thrilled about, and a purse that she's taken everywhere she's been since she got it. Her Grandma Gwen gave her a jewelry box filled with pretty little peices that she's "coordinated" and worked into every outfit she's worn. She's quite the fashionista. She's been building things like crazy with her legos. Some things she'll use the direction book that they came with, and some things, she'll create on her own. Very creative. She's really good.....her daddy couldn't be happier. A kid to play LEGOS with. Pure Brian heaven.

My husband spoiled me rotten. As did my mom and my sister. Far more than I needed or probably deserve, but I really felt blessed. My kids were showered with wonderful things from family and friends in Canada, Vancouver, Kansas, and here. So many people were so generous. I feel so humble this year. And so grateful for our health, and all of our blessings.

My mom, Scott, and my Grandparents also came over a little later in the morning and we made a huge breakfast. Later, Brian and I watched a movie (the Hangover) that Santa'd brought him, and even later on than that, the kids went with my mom to a small family get together at my aunts house while Brian and I stayed home and relaxed. It was a fantastic day.

Feliz Cumpleanos

Tomorrow is a very special day at our house. It's the day that my dear, sweet, darling, handsome, kind, and loving husband, was born. Thirty TWO years ago. In Edmonton, Alberta. Oh, what a glorious day! My husband is my very best friend. He's my support. He's my partner. I feel so very lucky to be his wife. I'm honored to be the mother of his children. And I am absolutely thrilled that

I get to spend my life with him.

I'd like to list a just a few of the things that make him so fantastic.

1. He is SO dang smart. I'm talking way smart. He knows everything there is to know about history. He's super smart with it comes to politics. And he can fix, install, repair, and replace like a professional. (A new dining room chandelier tonight for example. )

2. He is so very kind. He always asks me if he can get me a drink when he goes into the kitchen to get one. He always asks me "How's your _(enter what I've ordered to eat when we're out)__?" He opens doors for me. Carries the bags when we're shopping. Lets me take naps. Brings me treats to work. He is respectful and understanding. And those are only a few

examples.

3. His family is very important to him. He is the BEST DAD. And to see him interact with our children makes me SO HAPPY. He plays games with them, he coaches Tayler's sports teams (and some day I bet he'll coach Carson's too) Our kids absolutely ADORE him. As do I. :0)

4. He knows how important it is to me that our kids eat fruits and vegetables. So, to set a good example, he eats them too...even the ones he hates, so that they'll have good, healthy eating habits.

5. He is very supportive of me. And knows the things I struggle with and is careful to be considerate of my feelings. He makes me feel so loved.

So, tomorrow we'll be doing our very best to make our wonderful husband and father feel special. Some ice cream cake....a couple of gifts....some uninterrupted (well, somewhat) hockey watching, maybe a back rub (Tayler's a pro) or a snuggle. Just a few things to let him know how much he means to us, and how happy we are he's ours.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

I love you with my whole entire heart

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Schienbeins!!!!