Winter Thaw...and Spring cleaning

We got home from a 4 day trip to Springville yesterday. We left when it was 1 degree here. We got there and there wasn't any snow...we could see grass! I think we had forgotten what it was.

I had a list of things to do, so I didn't get to visit with my sisters as much as I like to. I only saw Shana for about 10 minutes, and my attention was divided. The I later found out that she has a "like" so she will be getting a phone call this week.

Mom and I got to go on a date. I honestly can't remember the last time we did a mommy daughter date. We went and saw Dear John. We both loved it. We hurried to get there at 7 and got there at 7:01 and the movie was already playing. I thought, why are they ruining the whole thing by telling this at the begining? So after about three minutes, I leaned over to mom and said " I think we came at the wrong time" I searched my purse with the light of her phone for the tickets, and found them..7:40. So we hurried out giggling. We went and got ice cream and then reentered at the right time.

Martha took Jeffrey and Katie skiing. They had so much fun. I have never been, but they might be addicted now. They especially liked riding the lift all the way to the top and back.

Maryann Katie and I all got to go to IKEA. We spent about 2 1/2 hours there, and loved every minute of it.

I also spent a lot of time cleaning Grandma's and Grandpa's house. Here are my thoughts on that:

Clean out your crap!

I meant it!

Every time you put something away, or save it, think "Someone is going to have to sort through this when I die" (G & G haven't died, just in nursing home)

DO NOT SAVE:

25 ice cream buckets

Baggies of dried crunched plant

500 picture frames

30 saints

1,000,000 little scraps of paper with notes on it.

150 Hot Pocket cardboard things in various boxes

15 seat pillows

DO SAVE:

8 page (front and back) handwritten letter from Grandpa to his Mother in 1942 When he was in the Military

Letter from Grandma to Grandpa on 45th wedding anniversary

Random jewelery..enough for all posterity to each get some, only worth the memories.

SHOULD HAVE BEEN SAVED BUT CAN'T BE FOUND:

Mini silver spoons promised to Julie and Amber

Little milking stool

Cuckoo clock

Boston Rocker

How do you divide up stuff that really only has sentimental value, and you are not sure who it would be worth more to?

After all the work, we went and saw G&G and they are so happy. They don't remember or miss the stuff they have treasured for 60 years. Gone, forgotten, never missed. We will treasure our little keepsakes because of the memories they hold.

One of the most prominent things about Grandma is her saints, rosaries, statues, prayers ect. But I am not going to have saints on my dresser in memory of her. Mom and I might be burning in hell for what we did with her "Holy Box".

When Grandpa was here in October I cut his hair and I saved some of the locks (they were like 5 inches) because I will always remember his white hair. I have always loved it, and have cut it many times.

I remember Grandpa threatening once that he was going to spank us with a belt.

His very reluctant, strained hugs

His shocked reaction to the kiss on his cheek I always gave him

His VERY worn white t-shirts (they were see through, and never a stain)

I remember Grandma

making us saltine crackers and country crock,

lightly toasted english muffins with country crock

her little cough and touching her knees, then rubbing her legs

Her saying "You never say never mind to Grandma"

wet wash cloth in a baggie to wipe our hands when we went any where

The cloth diaper around her head to keep her hair flat to dry.

I love those two so much. I am so blessed to be able to call them mine. The are great examples to me of patience, and kindness. I will be sad when they are no longer on earth with us.