Sunday, October 18, 2009

Weeks:43-46, a really tough post

Dearest Mason,

The past few weeks have been tough ones in our lives.

We have lost someone very near and dear to our hearts, your Grandma Nancy. You have been quite the trooper through all the hospital visits, the tears, the late nights, the go go go days, all the family and friends (some meeting you for the first time), and the planning and attending of a funeral for your grandma. You have kept us grounded, kept us smiling when the reality sets in that we lost someone we love so much at far to young an age. You even picked up and started walking during this time. Which is a reminder that life does march forward even when your heart is breaking.

Though you will not have physical memories of your grandma, your dad and I, Uncle Nick and Aunt Angela will be sure to keep her memory alive.


In your short 10 months you were loved without reservation by your grandmother and I know you now have a guardian angel.




When we first told Grandma the news that we were having a baby she literally screamed with excitement, she was so excited for dad and I to be parents. She loved being a mom and would always tell me "you have no idea the kind of love you will feel for that baby someday." She was right.

But she also told me she had no idea the love she would feel for a grandchild. She loves you as much as she loves your dad, Uncle Nick, and Aunt Angela.



Here she is when your dad was a baby. My goodness you look like your father.
I know raising her children were some of the happiest times in her life. I believe that was one of God's jobs for her here on earth.

Even when they were all grown up she looked forward to anytime she got to spend with them. She loved who they had become and that's because they are truly wonderful adults.

Your grandmother was a beautiful woman inside and out. She valued family greatly and lived her life always thinking of others.

She loved your grandpa Steve and spent 29 years of her life married to him.

She loved her parents, GG Larry and GG Bert and was truly the apple of their eye.




I feel blessed to be her daughter in law. From the beginning she welcomed me into the family as one of her own. We would talk weekly like old girlfriends about everything under the sun. She was a very funny person who could cook a mean green chili and bake a delicious pecan pie. She loved Holidays and giving gifts and she always made you feel special on your birthday. She loved the company of friends. She loved watching your Uncles and Aunt play sports. She hated to be cold and would constantly be trying to turn up the thermostat, even in the summer. In her youth she was a beautiful skier and a cheerleader. She attended the same highschool your dad graduated from, Arvada High. These are just a few tid bits that made up this amazing woman.


In the 7 years I spent knowing and loving your grandma a true friendship grew. I see bits of her everyday in her children and in you Mason. In a breath of time we will see her again but for now our work on earth is to continue, she would want you to live your life to the fullest always thinking of others and valuing your family, for family is what you have when the rest of the world goes dark. A mothers love never stops and grandmother's feel the same way.
Lastly, I love this picture of your grandma. She is only 18 or 19 in this picture and so radiant.

All my love,

Mom

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Part 3: Family and a beautiful wedding

The remainder of our trip was spent in Banning where a lot of my dad's side of the family lives. It really is my second home and I have a lot of wonderful memories there. Both of my dad's sisters live there and a lot of my cousins. It is where Grandma June and Grandpa Seth lived, whom I miss so much.



We arrived the day before Kate and David's wedding and were excited to be included in the rehearsal dinner activities at my Aunt Kel's house.




It was a bit hotter in Banning than San Diego (by about 20 degrees) so as soon as we arrived we had to go for a quick dip next store at my Auntie Sue's and Uncle Bob's house. Our second cousin's Ethan and Haley were there swimming, what a nice after school activity. Grandma Sue picks them up a lot and they get to go have sweets and swim....






Mason loves other kids and all the cousins had so much fun together.





Grandpa Will had to get in on the swimming action. I think my dad was a fish in a previous life:) Our love for the water comes from both of my parents and I hope Mason can share the same joy.


After we got our swimming fix we headed back to Kelly's to get ready for the rehearsal dinner. I guess I was so excited to catch up with everyone that I forgot to take pictures (it could also have something to do with the whiskey and cokes I had what can I say we are a big Irish Family).





We finally got to meet sweet Karly Anne. My cousin Kelsie and her husband Ricky had their first baby two months after Mason was born. Its great because a lot of us have blogs so we are able to keep up with each other and we couldn't wait to meet Karly and kiss those sweet cheekies. She is one cute lil' bug. For the most part the two got along, I think Karly was more interested in being friends and Mason had to decide if he was game or not. Girls are so much more mature:)


Diaper time. Awww, we miss you Karly.





Karly is becoming quite mobile, I think the next time we see her Mason better watch out.








Just a silly picture of Mason getting into a house plant (have I mentioned he is into EVERYTHING?)




The morning of the wedding, our sexy little bride was excited the big day was finally here.


The wedding was about an hour away at a gorgeous little winery in Temecula. I love weddings and this one was truly beautiful.




Before the ceremony we took some photos. This is my Uncle Mike, whom I was named after, kind of. If I would have been a boy I would have been a Michael. Anyway he is my dad's only brother and the two of them are quite the comic duo. It was so great to see him and he loves kiddos so you can imagine how he gravitated to Karly and Mason.




Everyone was dressed for the affair....



Ethan look handsome as usual.




And Haley was gorgeous in her purple dress.









The flowers were spectacular.


Grandma and Grandpa were glowing and happy.




Mason was adorable.





The bridesmaids looked radiant and flower girls just darling.




The ring bearer, Owen was so cute and full of snails and puppy dog tails.





And of course the bride stole the show. Kate is such a graceful, kind and real person. She is the kind of girl you want as a friend. The two have dated since high school so David has been part of the family for a while, September 18th it became official. He is thoughtful, smart, and funny and they are perfect for each other.

















My handsome husband.

Armstead Siblings: Mike, Sue, Kelly, and Will.


The bride and groom sharing a moment before they great all their guests.



The gorgeous couple.




A beautiful sunset on a lovely day.









Happy Trails to you....