Grandpa Melvin

This is a hard post to write because today, March 27th (yes Ally's birthday), Grandpa Melvin went to be with his precious Savior and Lord Jesus. I have had a hard time about how to feel about his death - happy or sad. He was diagnosed in December with pancreatic cancer - and 3-12 months to live. He missed Grandma Arlene so much and just wanted to go to heaven. His health had been failing for sometime. He wasn't as sharp and witty as he was. He could still tell us some good stories from the early days - but sometimes they were hard to get out. So even though I will miss him greatly, I am celebrating his new life with Jesus where he can see and walk again!

He leaves a huge legacy - in family and friends. Everyone has a story about how Grandpa Melvin touched or taught them. He was one of the most godly men that I ever knew. I knew that if I was ever confused that I could always call him and he would share scripture that would tell me what Jesus wanted me to do. I might have been his grandchild, anyone who walked in the door was family to him. He loved to sing and loved it when we sang with him.

My friend Cam, put it well - he has been promoted to the "Good Ol' Iowa Farmer - sitting on the front porch of heaven club." Grandpa will be missed, but I am sure that he isn't missing this place!

This is a picture of his 90th birthday party. He was so thrilled to have 90 years to live here, but he was so ready to be with Jesus.

Donuts

Tana is our third child and you can tell it by our actions. We would have NEVER done this with our first and probably a little later with number 2, but Tana - ahhh it won't hurt her!

Well let's just say that she LOVED the powered sugar donut! She is so proud of her self.

Another Attemp

I think that we got some good pictures for our card out of this sitting, but Tana is the girl of many many faces. Her face does not hid what she is feeling. We think that Ally is a Drama Queen, I think that in the future that Tana might out-do her - and that SCARES me.

The first two before bathtime didn't go terrible, but it is always fun to get pictures of kids in their PJs by the tree.

As you can tell, Tana didn't want to have any part of this...

Really - again mom - I thought I told you how I felt...

And we are done.

Some of you might remember us before kids - but we used to have these silly snowmen. We everyone has their own and we bought Tana's this year, they made the family Christmas pictures.

Attempt

Here are one of many attempts at getting a good picture for the Christmas card. I know that I am biased, but these are the sweetest and cutest kiddos ever!

The Star - Year 2

Every year the star on the tree is the big deal - there is only one star and only one person gets to put it on. Last year the kids declared order. Last summer Drew reminded us that it was his turn.

Drew and his proud moment with the star.

Getting ready for the big moment on Daddy's shoulders.

Ta Da!!!