Long time no blog!

 

 I have been missing in action for the last week or more.. Aside from being busy and sick with a cold I was also gone for 4 days. I have to say I have a wonderful, loving and kind husband. It seems the more years we are married the closer we get.. He decided we needed some time away and so we headed to the Oregon Coast for 4 days. What a wonderful time we had. It was a much needed relaxing and refreshing time for us both. My younger children stayed with friends and my older girls handled the household and their own responsibilities. They did great while we were gone and even suggested we needed to do this more often…. LOL.. 

 

I am still battling a head & chest cold, but would like to think I am finally on the winning side!  I was the first to get it and the rest of the family has had it and recovered and I am still battling.. but like I said, I think I am over the worst.  However my kids are taking after me..  mom, did you take your herbs? did you take your nutribiotic?, can I get you a pot of water boiling with eucalyptus oil in it (for breathing in the steam to clear my head), how much vitamin C have you taken? can I make you a pot of herb tea....  LOL.. 

 

I came home to lots of orders to fill, laundry to catch up, a newsletter to get out, soap and lotion to make, October’s menu and grocery list to finish and school work to check on. So far I have about half of that list done.. the other half may take me more time. 

 

The last week or more was filled with a mix of emotions. My son-in-law(Jonathan)'s,  brother passed away due to infections that resulted from complications of his medical condition. He had an aneurism that was operated on about 10 years ago and it left him with a useless body.  It was the end of a long and difficult journey for Jonathan’s family. And in the touching words of his father Rick, “At 4:30pm on  September  26, while holding on to his earthly dad’s hand,  the Heavenly father  took Stephen’s hand and Stephen left his crippled body behind forever.” 

 

When my son in law found out his brother was dying he and my daughter Carolyn immediately left Maryland to come and be with the family. While they were here my grandson Caden celebrated his first birthday. Carolyn’s very sweet mother-in-law, Gayle, said.. it is a blessing to have some happy times in the midst of the sadness.  And so it was. 

 

My girlfriend Sarah and I and took Carolyn and Caden out to lunch one day and had our celebration. Many of you know that Sarah and I delivered Caden. So it was a special time for us to reminisce about Carolyn’s labor and birth. We remembered waiting for the days preceding the birth for Carolyn to call us and let us know she was in labor. She was in California and we were in Oregon/Washington. When we finally got the call it was late at night and we jumped right into action. I finished packing, let the airlines know we need to fly out on the next flight in the morning and then my daughter Hannah drove Sarah and me to the airport. When we arrived she had been having contractions all night but as soon as we got there they stopped! We spent the next couple of days walking and walking and doing all we knew to get the ball rolling. Finally on the 2nd night her contractions started for real and 14 hours later we were holding a 7lb. baby boy in our arms. It was a beautiful home birth and a blessing for this grandma to have the opportunity to be so hands on in the birth of my first grandchild. Sarah and I knew a great deal of satisfaction and praise to the Lord as we sat on the plane coming home. 

 

Last week we were able to celebrate that day twice! Once as I mentioned and the second time with Caden’s other grandparents. We had a great time watching him enjoy his birthday cake! 

-


-


-


 

  -

He is just the sweetest little guy and has a great personality.  Too bad they live clear across the US!!  But I was thrilled and thankful to have them come home unexpectedly and to be able to spend time with them.  They are all now back at Andrews AFB.

 

-

Well that is all I have time for today.. it is time to get some more things knocked off my to-do list!

Comments

  1. Crystal,

    So much enjoyed reading your blog entry and catching up with you.

    That Caden is adorable...what a beautiful boy he is.

    I'm so glad you and Tobin had a wonderful time on your get-a-way.

    Thinking of you and sending my love,

    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  2. Caden is adorable! It's hard to believe it has already been a year since he was born. I remember you telling all about it a year ago.


    The Oregon Coast is one of our favorite vacation spots too! It is beautiful! I am glad you enjoyed your time away.


    I know that head/chest cold thing can drag on. We have been battling it too! Praying you get well soon!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It was so nice to read about your families care & love around you. - You are in a new faze of life where the kids are growing up & it is lovely to read of your journey.


    And wow I too couldn't believe it was 1 year ago you had your first grandchild. WOW How special you were able to spend time with them all.


    Seasons are changing - we are getting plenty of spring rain down here.


    Love Leanne NZ

    ReplyDelete
  4. Crystal - I had no idea that Carolyn is here in Maryland (must have missed that post). She is not too far from me, as the crow flies - about an hour. If she ever needs anything, being so far from home and all - send her my way! That little boy is ADORABLE!


    Kristi

    ReplyDelete
  5. Caeden is adorable. What a blessing to have them here and be able to celebrate his bday one year after you helped bring him into this world. I will be praying for Jonathan's family.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi, Crystal--


    Firstly, I'd like to tell you how much I enjoy your blog as well as your articles and recipes. Your snickerdoodle and apple crisp recipes are some of my favorites! While looking at your desert recipes, I noticed you use Sucanat a great deal. I've looked in my local super market as well as Whole Foods and have not been able to find it. Can you tell me where you purchase your Sucanat from as well as the brand.


    Thanks and god bless!

    ReplyDelete
  7. You still alive, Crystal? I miss reading your blog. Hope all is well.

    Helen in CA

    ReplyDelete
  8. I hope you and your husband had a wonderful time! It's so special that you are so close.

    Blessings,

    ~Farrah

    ReplyDelete
  9. The part about Jonathan's brother dying on 9/26 really touched me. My husband's name is Jonathan and 9/26 is his birthday.


    God bless,


    Brandi

    http://owings8.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

All messages are moderated. After approval your message will be posted. Thank you for your comments!! Crystal :)

Popular posts from this blog

Canning Cabbage

Canning Chicken Noodle-less Soup

Dishwasher Soap Sub