G'day Mate

I haven't been online much lately. Last Friday, the phone rang at 5am, which is never a good thing. It was my Mom calling to say that Gram had a very bad night. In fact, she had "coded" and was in critical condition. The good news is that she is FINE!!! In fact, after a few days in ICU she was moved to a regular room. Yesterday, she was moved to a nursing home for a brief rehabilitative stay!! Amazing!

Through difficulties, opportunities often arise. As a result of all this with Grandma, my Aunt, Uncle and Cousin have flown in for a two week stay from Australia. I adore them. My Aunt and Uncle were here in June. However, my cousin Alisha hasn't been "stateside" in nearly NINE YEARS! We keep in regular contact via email and such, but it just isn't the same as being able to squeeze her! She met Gabi and Ellie for the very first time. They LOVE her. We all do. She is staying here at the house with us for the two weeks. YIPPPPEEEEEEEE!!!! I am so very very very happy!!!!

I Love NY

Ellie traveled to NYC for the very first time to meet her Grandma Sylvia and Grandpa Kenny, along with the rest of the family. Everyone was quite smitten with her. Gabi enjoyed spending time with her cousins, particularly Charlotte who is only a year and a half younger than her.

Busy Week

My Gram had open heart surgery on Tuesday- she now boasts a pig's valve- working in her very own body!! She is 83 and quite an amazing woman! Thankfully, she is pulling through remarkably well. I must tell you ,this is a woman who had 12 children in 15 years! Can you IMAGINE??? I sure as heck can't!!! She was born and raised deep in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch community. In fact, her Mother was born Amish. She married a Mennonite, and therefore became one. Gram attended the Mennonite church until just recently when she moved back to the Rochester area. She is a hard working, no nonsense woman who I am so proud to call Grandma.

In other news, we have taken advantage of this amazing weather! What a treat it was!! :) Can't wait til summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, Nicki has finally chosen a chosen a college!! Da da da dum..... introducing the newest member of the freshman class of 2008 at...... Albany College of Pharmacy!!!! She is going for her PharmD. I'm so very proud of her!!!!

Wordless Wednesday