Kids, funerals

My grandmother's funeral was small and very sweet. My uncle spoke about how he learned to pray from my grandmother - it was touching.

My two big girls decided that they wanted to see Grandma - so I took them to the casket one-by-one to see her, show them photos of her that were with the casket, talk about Grandma and show them some of the china painting she had done. It's hard to explain to a four-year-old and an almost three-year-old about how that's Grandma's body and she looks like she's sleeping but she's not really in there. I think Elizabeth got it - she asked a few questions and I answered as best I could. She was concerned, though, when they closed the casket. Worried about Grandma -- so I had to explain it again and she seemed to accept my explanation. She stayed with me during the funeral - and fell asleep. Brad sat in the van with the younger two - both of whom also fell asleep.

My great-aunt got to meet the girls. She's seen Elizabeth, but has not seen us since Thanksgiving 2003 - when I was pregnant with Nin. It was good to see her and my cousin. And to have my aunt and uncle meet the girls. They seemed to really enjoy being around them.

That Katherine, she can make me laugh at the drop of a hat. She's cute and funny - just as adorable as they come. We were at my uncle's house after my grandmother's funeral. Nin had to potty. I was in the bathroom with her to make certain she didn't get into anything she didn't need to mess with. Phyllis (my aunt) has a beautiful taupe silky-satiny shower curtain.

Nin is sitting on the potty and says, "Wow, Mommy! Look at that shower curtain!"
Me: "Yes, Nin, it's very pretty isn't it?"
Nin: "Yeah! And, Mommy, it would make a great big Taggie­®! And I could suck my thumb! And I would be so happy!"
Me: "Yes, Nin it would make a big Taggie®, wouldn't it?"
Nin: "Uh-huh! And I would be so happy!"

I wish I could convey with words how Nin said all this. Her expressions and affect were what made it even more cute. That child would be SO HAPPY if she had a great big Taggie®! My aunt and uncle howled with laughter. Aunt Phyllis said, "I'll make her a blanket out of that fabric." Nin will be over-joyed, I'm sure! She's such a tactile child - and she loves silky/satiny things.

I got a sweet photo of Nin asleep in the hotel room this morning (at left). She was crashed in the bed (yeah, she and E slept in the bed with me - Brad got the fold-out sofa - Annie in her Pack 'n Play). We had the lights on, the TV on to check the weather, we were talking, Annie was squealing, Nin was sleeping through it all. Our bed was comfortable! If you're ever in Edmond, the Hampton Inn is very nice - comfy beds, great pillows, nice comforters, and most importantly VERY clean.