With Every End of Life, There is a Beginning of Another

Life is precious. Sometimes we lose sight of that in the every day hustle and bustle. But that's the beauty of Thanksgiving...it's a day set aside to remember all our wonderful blessings that God has given us.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Last week, we lost someone very dear to us. Grandma Tegler passed away. Grandma Teresa was a beautiful soul who loved her family. She was 89 and has been suffering for a long time so it is a blessing that she is out of pain. She was surrounded by her children throughout her last weeks. She managed to open her eyes before she died, to smile at her daughters one last time. Then she let go, and the wrinkles on her face smoothed, almost as if her troubles had faded away. Pam said she looked at peace.

I'm thankful that our last memories with her were happy. Dane and Shannon's wedding brought the whole family back to Iowa, and to see Grandma at the nursing home. She was bombarded with visitors. She was absolutely glowing.

Brian has a lot on his plate with work right now, but was fortunate to squeeze in a trip home for the funeral. He left Friday morning so we were able to spend Thanksgiving together. Daryl flew in from Cleveland. Brian was disappointed to get very little time with his best friend. Daryl was more than understanding and they still managed to get a few hours of video games, OF COURSE. He also celebrated his 29th birthday.

Life truly is a celebration. I think there are reasons for everything, and I have no doubt that the good news we received a few days after Grandma's passing was not accidental.

And what is that news?!...

A BABY!!!

Brian and I decided after Shannon's wedding that we would leave it in God's hands, and apparently he works quickly. I will likely be due in early August and am feeling awesome so far (knock on wood). I shared the news with Brian, Caden, and Daryl at the end of our Thanksgiving meal prayer. I closed with, "Lord, open our hearts to Your Love, and especially to the precious new baby that you have graced us with."

Brian looked at me with a small smile and stated, "You're pregnant." Um, yes, Captain Obvious. He's happy but also hesitant...perhaps overwhelmed? My friends tell me it's a normal guy reaction for the second child. No turning back now! I am completely elated and can't wait to meet the little one. I doubt we'll find out the sex, but I do have an inkling that it's a girl.

Yay baby!

We told my family on Webcam and Brian told his family during his trip home. My Mom told the Klindt's after the Thanksgiving meal prayer. I've called some people but there's so many to tell, so I apologize if I haven't touched base with you yet.

Caden's already sporting the gear

Wait a minute...what does that say?!

Brian's sister Heather is pregnant with their fifth and due sometime early summer, so just as Caden and Isabella are close in age, the next set will be as well. Those cousins are guaranteed to be trouble!

Wow...that was a lot of news, huh. We've had our share of ups and downs lately. Caden was sicker than he's ever been 2 weeks ago with a cough and a fever for 5 days. Brian was out of town, and we didn't leave the house much, so I felt alone and drained. It hurts to see your child so miserable. He's better now! Well, with the exception of getting some molars. Ouch.

On a happy note, it's the Christmas season...I LOVE this time of year. I listen to Christmas music 24/7 starting the day after Thanksgiving. YESSSSSS. Caden was fascinated with the decorations I dug out today, especially my "O Holy Night" snow globe which he insisted that I shake and wind up a billion times. He helped me decorate (and undecorate) the tree. He also hoarded the candy canes. Something tells me those won't stay on the tree.

Caden, please put that back for the 80th time


Thank you for all your support the past couple weeks. We are thankful for each and every one of you. God bless you all, and especially Grandma and for the new baby, "Junior G"!!!