Grandma Craiger

Many of you know that my Grandma Craiger (as you refer to her as also:) has been living here in Plymouth at an assisted living center since July. She came from the D.R. where she lived with my parents off and on for 2 years. She had been having some health issues so they brought her back here. She was doing pretty well at the home, although she has fallen several times over the last 6 months. Last Sunday I got a call that she had fallen and she had requested for the ambulance to come. I knew that wasn't a good sign. Over the course of the next 4 days, her condition worsened to the point of her kidneys and heart failing. Late Thursday evening it came to an end as Grandma took her last breath here on earth and took her first breath in her eternal home in Heaven. It was a very emotional 4 days, not knowing what the outcome would be. God was so good in allowing us all to be near her side her last days of life. We were able to tell her how much we loved her and she could also muster enough strength to tell us the same. She was such a strong woman all of her life, very independent. Even in her state at the assisted living home, she would often say she hated to be a burden and to have to depend on us so much. I am so thankful that she is free from pain now and is living the life she always wanted. Most importantly she is worshiping our Savior face to face! How we long for that someday! As my husband put it, "Her faith has been made sight!". It is still sad for us to picture life with out Grandma. She has always been such a huge part of it. I will miss her sacrificial love and servants heart. She was always willing to give of her self to make sure we were cared for. What an example to all of us she was.

We held a memorial service for her on Tuesday of this week. It was a great time to reflect on her life. Many people shared how she had touched their life in some way.
We managed to get a family picture after a long day of tears, smiles, laughter and food.

The boys did so well hanging out:)

Me, Brandon, Karla
Proud to be called her grandchildren!

Inspiration

I'm excited at the fact that I think I have one room in my house exactly the way I want it. I know it takes time. Scott surprised me last week by telling me to go get the rug I had found here in town. We had been looking for a while and I finally found "the one":) Kmart of all places... they have a 'Country Living' line of homegoods that I love. It's become a cozy place to sit and do our quiet time or look at magazines.

Little by little Scott and his dad have gotten almost all of our trim done in the new addition.

Here is where I'm stumped right now. I am need of some inspiration for our new master bedroom. If you remember our former house, I had 2 old doors as our headboard. I've used those for I think 10 years and I just need something different. I'm considering using one, putting it horizontal, painting it black and putting a ledge on the top. We'll see...I'm open for ideas!

Little Blessing

I had the opportunity to host a baby shower for a newer family in our church. It is their first baby and what a blessing he is! Little Isaiah was born on December 30 and is beautiful.

We had a great turn out on a blustery snowy Saturday.

I had fun decorating with my little baby boy clothes.

Finishing the year out

For New Year's Eve we had some families over to play games and eat of course.

We laughed a lot and actually leaned some too!

Did you know that when gnats sworm they are looking for a mate??? Learned that playing the fun game Malarky.

Little Josh being an alien! Even has the red eyes! Don't worry, it opens easy...

The Birthday Boy

Davis has that fun birthday between Christmas and New Years. I can't believe its been 5 years since he was born. He is such a delight to our family and my lover boy. He still gives me kisses and says he's not going to turn into "those other boys" who won't give mom kisses anymore. Ewe Yuck! We'll see how long it lasts!

Our Christmases

Our week of Christmas was filled with fun, family and more fun. The Yoder side did our annual night in Shipshewana with bingo, swimming, eating and games.

The 3 oldest grandkids. Grandma and Grandpa got them each a sweatshirt from their school. They loved them!

Christmas eve and morning we spent here at home. Reflecting on the real meaning of Christmas and spending time together. Gifts were simple this year. We have so much and really don't need more! One fun thing we did was have the boys draw names and buy 2 gifts for that person at the $1 store. It was fun to see them shop and what they came up with. The funniest?... Hudson got his OWN 3 liter of pop.

We made Reis work for his gift...haha.

The boys each got a nerf gun. We are armed and dangerous around here now!

Uncle John and Aunt Pam got the boys a Texan plaid shirt (to wear with the cowboy boots she brought them in August).

The day after Christmas we headed down to the farm with my side of the family. Sadly enough, I forgot to take my camera and I haven't gotten the pictures taken by others. We had fun hanging out and even got to butcher a couple of hogs. What a great way to round out our Christmases! YUM!