My grandpa went to be with Jesus this past Wednesday. We are heading up to GR today for the visitation tonight and funeral tomorrow. The past several years my grandpa's health has deteriorated from Parkinson's. He would not always understand who I was when we came to visit, but sometimes his mind would be clear and it made me happy that he knew I was there.  Since we don't live nearby, we didn't get to see him very often. I wish that I could have visited with him more over the past years, but I'm grateful that he was able to meet both of my children.   I will always remember him as someone who loved the Lord and lived his life for Him. I know that I will see him again in heaven someday. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be missed!    Here is a link to his obiturary that ran in the Grand Rapids Press. http://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?pid=161309130#fbLoggedOut     

  Ben's preschool class had their Thanksgiving feast at school this morning. Curt and I were both able to attend because my friend Erin watched Lucy for us. During the presentation, the kids sang a few songs. Ben told me later that he was feeling a little shy at first, but by the third song he was getting into it. Ben and his classmates were dressed as Indians and some of the other classes were Pilgrims. After the songs, we all went to the gym to enjoy the food the kids had prepared. They made vegetable soup, muffins, and butter. It was fun to be a part of Ben's special day!    Ben found us in the crowd and had a big smile. :)  Ben with his awesome teacher Mrs. Miller. Curt and Ben Ben and Mom  Trying out his soup. He ate a few bites, but was a much bigger fan of the muffin.

I can't believe that two weeks has gone by without a blog update. Sometimes I forget to take pictures of the things that we are doing and sometimes my phone pictures don't turn out that great. We have been busy living life. It is amazing how a simple preschool schedule can make our week feel full. I went on a field trip with Ben's class last week. They went to a local Kroger and got to have a tour. Then, they shopped for ingredients for their Thanksgiving feast next week. Ben's teacher rode along with me and it was nice to get to know her a little better. He LOVES his teacher! Yesterday was my birthday. Curt took a half day off of work and let me have a relaxing afternoon. I got to sit and read a book without any kid interruptions. That never happens anymore...at least not until both kids are in bed sleeping. :) We decided we didn't feel like going out to eat (it can be hard to keep Lucy happy and it always feels like we are rushing to get out of there). Instead...

It was a chilly night this year for Halloween. I was surprised that Ben still wanted to get out and trick-or-treat. Curt took a big umbrella with them and that came in handy as it started raining by 6:30. I passed out candy at our house and lots of little freezing wet kiddos came to the door. There was a really steady flow from 6-7:00. The cold weather could not keep these kids from their candy! :)   Last Friday, Curt's work had its annual Halloween celebration. It is always fun to see the place decorated and everyone in their costumes. Kids can come in and trick-or-treat around the office and that is something Ben looks forward to all year. I took a few pics on my phone from that morning.    Our cute little duck ready to go to daddy's work.  Curt wore a "knife-thrower" costume as part of his group's Mardi Gras theme. Ben is dressed as his favorite Luigi.   We stopped in a room to look at all of the Mardi Gras food and have a treat. ...