Fancy

"Fancy" is what Ruby wants things to be when Mr. Matt and Ms. Josie get here tomorrow. She's already decided what "fancy" clothes to wear and what "fancy" hairdo she wants (two buns). I told her that they would love her no matter what she looked like. She said she just wanted to be fancy "for the joy of them coming" or something.

This afternoon, I sent Ruby for some trips around the garden for her poor attitude. Before too long, Jadelyn had to be sent, too. The girls were goofing off on their trips, so Isaac wanted to join them. Before I could get outside to join them, they were happily marching around the garden, with Ruby singing at the TOP OF HER LUNGS "With Jesus in the Family", and I think "Silent Night", and probably some other things I didn't hear. Amazing what some trips around the garden can do for the soul. ;)

When I got outside, Isaac was in the tree, and Ruby was asking if she was done with her 4 trips, yet. I told her she had probably gone more than 4. Which surprised her. Silly gal. The kids then headed off to the sandbox to pick rocks for Mr. Matt and Ms. Josie. You see, Ruby wanted the house to be "fancy", too. So she was going to spread the rocks all over the windowsills. (Mind you, I've just about got all the windows cleaned last week and this week.) I said maybe they could put them in a bowl to show to Mr. Matt and Ms. Josie. They decided to leave them in cups outside. Okay by me, "fancy" kiddos!

Tonight, when putting Lynnie to bed, we prayed, talked some, and sang. "Goodnight, Little Jadelyn" (like every night), then she wanted Jesus Loves Me, then she busted out singing a solo - "Silent Night". When she was done, she told me that was my goodnight song. Because I hadn't sung. She had just sung to me. Special times.

Oh, one last thing to remember for today - when Ruby came out from her nap, she had the cutest, biggest smile, and I THINK she told me she loved me on the way to the bathroom. She was kinda quiet. Not for long, though, noisy gal! Later she told me that she brought out her soft blanket because she thought she didn't sleep long enough, and that I might lay her down in my room. I told her she slept long enough. She then wanted to go get Isaac, who was awake, but she told him to stay in bed in case they hadn't slept long enough. Crazy kids. Makes me wonder how often they're laying awake in their beds waiting 'til it seems late enough! =P

OH!!! Jadelyn finally realized yesterday (I think) that she can get out of her bed and come out of her room when she wakes up from her nap. Crazy gal used to stay in there and yell, "Moooomy!!! Mooooommmmy!!!!" when she woke up. Just like she used to in her crib. Goofy girl.

Quick randomness....

We have a trusted babysitter. One. Ms. Evelyn comes every other week so David and I can go on a date. The kids love her. But apparently Ruby is getting bored with her. Last night when we got home, Ms. Evelyn said that Ruby had asked when Caitlyn, Ms. Evelyn's niece, will come with her again, 'cause it's more fun when Caitlyn comes. Then, I was talking to Ruby about it today, and she said that she wants a new "baby nurser". I asked what a "baby nurser" was. She said something like, you know, the person who watches kids when their parents are gone. I told her that was a "baby SITTER". So, she said she wants a new babysitter. So she can see someone new. Sorry, kiddo. Safe, good, Christian babysitter over meeting someone new. =P

Also learned that Jadelyn told Ms. Evelyn that she didn't want Ms. Evelyn to put her to bed, "Mommy do it". Ms. Evelyn told her that she was going to put Jadelyn to bed, but Mommy would check on her when I got home. Stinker kids.

Today, I watched the 5 year-old son of a friend from church. It went well. Relatively. Besides normal childhood stinker-ness. Poor kid wanted to watch a movie - yeah, we don't do that. Then, we went outside and he wanted to come inside. Crazy. We stayed outside. Gotta learn to love the outdoors sometime, right? =) Anyhow, overall it went quite well, which is really good seems as how we might have him every Wednesday morning.

Ruby and Isaac agreed that they wanted to give this kid their wooden train set. Their awesome wooden train set. The one that Gram and Pucka got them. The one that Isaac loves to set up and watch and watch and watch. That one. What to do? I want my kids to be generous and unselfish, but to be honest, that's probably my favorite toy we have in this house. So...they offered it to his Mom. When she realized it was the WHOLE SET, she turned them down gently. Her son was sad. I was relieved. That's wrong, isn't it? =O

Oh, Ruby gave this poor kid some lessons in "farm" life. First, I overheard her telling him about when one of our chickens was killed. Then later, she was educating him about mouse poison. Something like this: "So, see this here? There is food for mice in here. And they think, 'oh, this is good for me! If I eat it, I will grow big and strong!' And then they eat it, and they walk around for a while, and then they die. 'Cause it's poison. My daddy put it in there. With gloves." She's so matter-of-fact...

That's it! I'm just trying to not get behind.

Catching up...well, sorta....

Thought it was high time that I catch up on my notecard blurbs and such. It's only been FOREVER, right? =P

First of all, since I last really updated, I gained two 5 year-olds and still can't believe they're that old. And they're already a month and a half in to their 5th year. YIKES! We had Christmas, during which Ruby was upset with her doll, which, by the way, was the most expensive gift I purchased. Lovely. I forget exactly what she said, but it was something to the effect of why didn't I get her what I got Isaac (2 train cars for his wooden train set) or Jadelyn (a felt book). I don't remember. We really gotta work on teaching gratitude around these parts, I tell ya. =P We recently spent 10 days at my parent's house in Alabama. Well, the kids and I did. David joined us on the weekends. The big event? My sister Shelley was out from Oregon, and whenever she's on this side of the U.S., we like to see her. =) Also, I got to meet my youngest nephew, Xander, for the first time, and also got MUCH better acquainted with my cutie-pie niece, Selah. Now I just have one nephew to meet. Sorry, Eric...Ruby is really chomping at the bit to meet you, but I've joined in the mentality of Southerners completely and have no desire to visit Michigan in the cold. And in the spring/summer, Ruby will be incapacitated so yeah...I don't know when we'll meet you. Hopefully before you're two, 'eh? =P

Okay, okay...note cards...

Isaac is now wearing underwear to bed. First kid. So proud. Wondering why he doesn't keep his pants dry during the day, too. =P He IS getting better on that. Manor.

Jadelyn is now sleeping in a big kid bed. Fantastically. We started out by having her sleep in Isaac or Ruby's bed in the room with one of them, while the other one slept in her crib, which they LOVED. This way, Jadelyn witnessed appropriate big-kid bed behavior. (Stay in bed and be quiet). This went on for around 2 weeks, until we finally got her bed set up. She gets a sticker if she was "still and quiet" during a nap or at bedtime. She's done REALLY well. I was quite scared about this transition, because Ruby and Isaac did HORRIBLY, but live and learn - stickers ROCK! =)

Ruby told me that she was having a party, but only those who were older than 59 could go. She then asked how old I was. I told her I was 31. She decided that was old enough. Way to change the rules, 'eh? =P Then I asked her what we were going to do at her party. She said we were going to count in different languages. Where, where, oh WHERE did this kid come from, anyhow? =)

At mealtime, Isaac informed Ruby, "Ruby, I just gobbled my food up like a turkey" and then I was all done. I think this was in an effort to get Ruby to eat something she didn't care for, but I can't be sure. =P

I love that my little man Isaac is so quick to forgive. That child can be smacked up by Jadelyn, and pretty much the minute she apologizes, he forgives her and goes about playing with her again. Wow. You inspire me, I-see. And amaze me. I need to learn this skill!

Isaac heard a noise in my belly, and thought that maybe this noise was coming from "next to [the] blender". This is what I get for explaining that the stomach grinds food up like a blender. Isaac was quite surprised when informed that there wasn't a real blender in my stomach. Sorry, Buddy.

Jadelyn wrapped an exercise band around my leg, counted, "1,2,3,4,5" and then took it off, and I was done exercising. Little Physical Therapist in training? =)

When I get hurt, Jadelyn is often quick to say, "I kiss you" before giving me a smack-a-rooni. Sweet gal! (Sweet, that is, except for the times she is the one to inflict the pain. Be GENTLE, girlie!!!)

I was noticing recently that the 2T clothes were the clothes that were fitting Jadelyn the best. I couldn't figure out why the 18 month clothes weren't fitting so well...until I realized that she is 2 1/2. Yai. Guess I'm used to super small kiddos. =P

One day Ruby informed me that it was a "crazy day. I just fell in the potty." Oh, that girl makes me laugh!

Isaac was singing the ABC song. Except that it went something like, "A B C D F F G!" David corrected him, and Isaac shot back, "Daddy, you're funny. I'm singing it the best a 4 year-old can." (See how behind I am? He's stinkin' FIVE now, and this happened when he was FOUR! Wowzers.) Oh, I have another note that I'm not SURE what it's about, but I think at the end of the ABC song, Isaac sang, "but instead I'll dump them over". Niiice.

Ruby once questioned if there was "anybody eating gum?" to which Isaac replied, "you want mine?" Awww....

Ruby once asked Isaac, "are these precious baby chipmunks, Isaac?"

We broke the last of my favorite glasses from our wedding. There had been 16 of them. We've only been married for almost 10 years. I was sad. Isaac decided we could still use it, 'cause the bottom was intact. No matter that the edges were all jutted and jagged and would slice my lips to smitherines! Frugal fella. Except for that he wants to spend money all the time. To buy a garden sprayer. And a little truck with a camper that he can pull Ruby around the garden with when she has a cast. You know, normal things like that. =P

One evening at supper, I glanced across the table at Ruby, who was unsuccessfully trying to get a pea out of her nose. David had to help her. I swear, this child is WAY impulsive. Way.

Ruby informed me, "I don't like to be a kid." Why ever not? Because she "can't boss [others] around". Yai. Though just yesterday she told me that when she's a grown-up she'll wish she was still a kid, so she could go to work with Daddy, like Isaac did yesterday. Bad case of "the-grass-is-always-greener" syndrome, if you ask me.

When she was still a wee four-year-old, Ruby told me that when she's five, she will try Jalapeno Poppers. But if they're still too spicy, "I'll try when I'm next oldest".

Ruby was asking Isaac once if he will be nice and visit her when she has surgery and a cast. Isaac says he will be very nice. And not hit her. (Yeah, there shouldn't be any hitting going on now, either...though I don't think he really hits Ruby. Huh.) And he will bring her toys. And push her in her stroller or wheelchair. And just overall take care of her. Someday, when Ruby realizes how much Isaac loves her, their friendship will be priceless.

David was feeding the kids one day as I was working on the fire. Ruby mused that if I died sometime, maybe she would marry Daddy. Isaac then said that maybe HE would marry Daddy. Ruby said that Isaac couldn't marry Daddy, 'cause Isaac's a boy. This was a very sweet conversation to listen in on until they started wishing that David or I would die. I think I had to put the kabosh on that one. =P

I love how Jadelyn gives me kisses at night. She tells me where she wants to kiss me, "your cheek. Your 'nother cheek. Your head." etc. If it's not a good smack, she'll announce, "that's not good!" before re-kissing me. When she's done, she'll say, "that's 'nuff!" I also love how Jadelyn pants exaggeratedly when she's pausing from a run. And her crazy faces.

David and I have recently started going on dates 2 x a month. This is way up from the 1-2 times a year we'd been averaging. =P When I informed Ruby that we were going on a date, she asked if it was our "anniversary". And if not, why were we going on a date? Yeah, we need to get out more. =)

We love our neighbors, Tom and Tina, as do the kids. Most of the time, Tom will give the kids candy before we leave. One day, he was a bit belated in giving them candy. After we left, Ruby said, "I thought he might give us candy [before we left] but I didn't beg!"

On Christmas day, we spent a couple hours in the morning at the nursing home, handing out gifts and such. Ruby also handed out little shreds of colored paper she cut. She also hands 'em out at church, and yesterday, at Wal-Mart. But I digress. When we were coming home, we were talking about how we would open presents that evening when David got home from work. Ruby asked if I would give her medicine to sleep 'til Daddy got home. (I'm assuming this is due to us talking about them giving her medicine to help her sleep during her upcoming surgeries.) Um....no. Glad she didn't say this in a public place, or people would be like, "Oh, I see! THAT'S how Kim gets all three of her kids to take daily naps!" Yeah....no. =P On that same ride home, I said something about Ruby being a duck to which she responded, "last I checked [I'm not a duck]". Ha.

Ruby once said, "I smell a skunk. Oh, it's just Isaac's smell." Cracks me up.

I recently told Jadelyn when picking her up, "boy, you're getting big!" To which she responded, "I not boy, I Nini!" Oh, yeah. Right. =)

Ruby recently told Isaac something like, "if you want babies you can't marry Grandma. Because Grandma can't have babies." You know. Just in case you were wondering why you shouldn't marry your grandma. =P

On a walk the other day, a neighbor lady stuck her head outside to call her dog, who was barking at us. Ruby said with astonishment, "she looks old, but she speaks so clearly!"

Yesterday, Ruby drew a giraffe. Then she decided the location of it's head should be moved, so then announced that the giraffe had only 3 legs. Because it "went in a fight with a pig. The pig died." She continued to talk, saying that there was another animal, and it was grey, but we don't know what it was, "probly a cat". The cat lost a leg...two legs. "Poor little cat." I sometimes wonder if Ruby thinks about what she's saying, or just SAYS it. Silly gal.

This morning, David was getting ready to leave for work, and was getting his lunch and giving kisses. Suddenly, from the back room came a little voice. That of my little Ruby. Asking, "Dad, did you forget [to kiss] your precious little girl?" David asked what precious little girl, and Ruby exclaimed, "me!" =)

Oh, yeah! While in Alabama, I had to take Jadelyn to the ER after she fell of a bed and her arm continued to be in BAD pain. I thought she had broken her wrist. Sometimes she would say that her wrist hurt. Or her elbow. Or her upper arm. Anyhow...to the ER we went. She was very brave, still, and quiet during x-rays. When the doctor came in, he didn't know her name, and asked how her leg was. I told him that her name was Jadelyn, and it was her ARM that was hurt. He then examined her arm (which brought her pain) before asking if we'd had x-rays yet. I was MAD! Please look at the x-rays before inflicting pain on my child! Anyhow, he went out and looked at the x-rays. Not broken. YAY! He then said it was probably nursemaid elbow. (Now, Ruby had that when she was 15 months old. And when they popped it back in, her arm was IMMEDIATELY better.) Anyhow, he tried the twist thing on Jadelyn which made her cry and cry, and whadd'ya know. It didn't work. The doctor told me it could take a few minutes. They came in and gave her Motrin and Tylenol with Codeine. Nothing. Discharged us with prescription for the Tylenol with Codeine, which I didn't fill. After leaving, I looked at the paperwork, and it was circled that Jadelyn had a sprain. Now, why didn't he tell us that? Because he didn't want us to know he was wrong about the Nursemaid elbow? Anyways, I wasn't impressed. Her arm hurt her pretty bad for the next few days, and then hurt if ht was bumped wrong for another week - week and a half. I think it may be better now, but I'm not sure. It still hurt her on Sabbath if I moved her wrong. How long are sprains supposed to hurt, anyhow? Her elbow got all bruised and swollen, but looks better now. Oh, and Mom came with me. I was SO glad. At one point, I was feeling sick, and Mom was fanning me with a book. Seriously. If I get nauseous just because my child is in a bit of pain, how in TARNATION am I gonna survive Ruby's surgeries and casting? I don't know.

Okay, I'm "caught up"...now to stay that way....

Sharing...

It's something that we often struggle with in the Dickerson household. It's also something that is precious to watch when it occurs.

Isaac was recently rewarded with a "big sucker" (Daddy's words) for having an ENTIRE day with no consequences. Whoo-hoo!!! =) Anyways, Isaac was quick to share with the girls last night.


He also shared with Jadelyn, but she was in the bathtub at the time, so won't be posting any pictures of that. ;)

Then, at lunch today, he was sharing again. This time with both the sisters at the same time. Oh, the giggles that came out of this! Love these silly gooses. (Yes, I know it should be "geese", but that's no fun. =P)

Okay, gotta get packing. Supposed to hit the road in less than 3 hours and I have MUCH to do!

Heavy heart....

So, I'm a bit delinquent in blogging. Rats. And I won't catch up right now. I just wanted to write something that's really been on my heart.

We found out a while ago that Ruby has Charcot-Marie Tooth disease, which is a neuromuscular disorder that runs in David's family, and which we figured both Ruby and Isaac have, but we had never done the testing. And no doctor's seemed to take us seriously about it, saying she's too young to tell and stuff without really coming out and saying that. She's already showing multiple symptoms, which isn't real normal for being so young. Of course we could be hypersensitive to those symptoms since we've worried she has CMT, but you know. Since we finally got the orthopedic surgeon to take us seriously (I like to think the article from Mayo that I found and forwarded on to her helped in that), and Ruby was blood tested, and has CMT, we found out that Ruby will be having surgery on her hips in April. The dates changed once, but as things now stand, she'll have her first hip operated on April 4th, and the second one on the 16th. I think. Wow. I might be in denial. =P Or just scatterbrained. Either way, I'm scared spitless that something will happen to Ruby. That we will lose her. I just can't shake it. I'm terrified, and feel like we're walking into something really bad. How dark and depressing is THAT?!?!? Anyways, I try to be brave and stuff, but inside, I'm just scared. And I have 3 more months of this.

Last night, while sweeping up the house, I thought about how if things go fine, and I have my Ruby home with me, even if she's in a half body cast and cranky as all get-out, and even if my most independent child is again almost completely dependent, I need to be thankful and not complain. Not even once. Which would be so not like me. I'm a complainer. I've also realized that I need to savor every moment I have with my kids. I need to get rid of distractions and take time to really get down, dirty, and play with them. Somehow over the past two years or so, I've forgotten how to do that. Sad. I miss the joy I had when I began on this parenting journey. And I hope to recapture it.

I'm so very blessed, and I need to remember that.

Blurbs....

David was going out of town for meetings, and was going to be gone one night. Ruby asked him if he was going to eat bagels at the hotel. She then asked him not to. Because if he did, it would "break my heart" because she wouldn't have any bagels to eat. Oh, my dear, sweet, dramatic Ruby. =)

David asked the kids to be big helpers for Mommy while he was gone to his meetings. This did not appear to happen until we were outside, and I was cleaning up the yard of stuff. (How does "stuff" pop up all over my yard, anyways? =P) Anyways, on this trip, I was carrying one of the kid's bikes out to the barn. Ruby then remembered that she had told Daddy she would help me while he was gone, so she proceeded to grab onto the bike and "help" (aka pull down on the bike, making it more heavy, and pull back, making me need to walk slower) me. It's the thought that counts, right? =)

According to my notes, I mentioned something about needing/wanting/something arms that could reach the fridge from an undocumented location (so therefore I don't remember it). Isaac said that I might need "a special machine" to help me with this. That boy and his machines.

I love how Isaac says "large". You know, that really big one over there. It's very large. Things like that. He's just a cutie. =) I also love how he gets his sister's attention, "Hey, gowos" instead of "Hey, girls!" Now to correct that speech problem......

Isaac got his wish and his sisters came out to the top of the playhouse to blow bubbles with him. First it was Jadelyn. Then, Ruby joined them when she was done with her trips around the garden, and after the girls came inside, Alpine the cat joined Isaac. He was well loved that day! =)

David had to bring the nursing home's minibus to the meetings, so he drove it home after the meetings were over. The kids all got to go for a ride, and boy, were they excited! =) Sometime after, we were having a lunchtime conversation. Isaac wants to know when he can go to school (presumably so he can ride a bus). We then talked about how we were going to homeschool because some of the things that are taught in public school are not things that we want them learning right now. We talked about church school and how there aren't any around here. We talked about how Grandpa was a teacher at a church school and how that church school closed down soon after Grandpa went on disability. We talked about how Aunt Tracy worked really hard to try to get that school re-opened for years, as she wanted her kids to go there. We talked about how it takes a LOT of money to re-open the school. The kids were wondering if it would take so much money that if we had it here, it would fill our house. Or at least our living room (I think). Then, Ruby had a solution. We will just go to our bank and ask them for all our money, which we could then give to Aunt Tracy to re-open the school. I had to educate Ruby that we didn't have enough, and how banks only give you the amount of money that you had in the bank. So, resourceful Ruby came up with another idea - we will just go to our bank, then another bank, then another bank, then another bank until we had enough money. Somehow I don't think she completely caught the gist of my "bank education". ;)

Ruby asked Isaac and Jadelyn to not "distract" her with toys on the day that she has to get her cast/have surgery. Because she is going to walk around and walk around, since she won't be able to with the cast on. I wish we could have it over, already. The "anticipation" (to put it positively) is difficult. Quick update: second-opinion-doctor pretty much agreed with the first doctor as to the plan of care. So, we're waiting on the CMT blood test, and if Ruby has CMT, surgery it will be. If not, casting it will be. Results are supposed to be back on the 22nd of December, but I'm hoping and praying for an earlier date. I'm worn out from waiting. =P

Overheard Ruby telling Isaac that she would help him open a container for the ornaments or Christmas lights or something because it was hard for Isaac, and Ruby is older. Oh, being one minute older than Isaac is something that Ruby will NEVER let Isaac forget! =P

Jadelyn drew a yellow-banana-shaped oval and later told me that it was a "banana!" I was impressed. She then pointed to a round green circle that she had drawn and told me it was an "apple". I was getting really impressed. Until she pointed to another green circle and told me it was a "banana!" Rats. =P

Ruby was helping Jadelyn put crayons away when she excitedly said, "Mom, look what we did! We alternated them!" Then, "there,you have alternated crayons, Jadelyn." I love Ruby's organization (except the fact that she hides things all over the house. And sometimes I need those things. And Ruby sometimes forgets where she hid them. =P) and her big-word-usage. =)

Ruby was being the "Mom" for Isaac, and "baby" Isaac just wasn't settling down to sleep like Ruby thought he should. Which prompted this outburst, "I have to stay up late when you keep messing around." Oh, Ruby...you have no idea....=)

I looked out the window last Sunday to see the sweetest thing EVER. Walking from the barn to the house were my three kiddos. Isaac holding Jadelyn's hand, and Ruby holding Jadelyn's other hand. Then, when crazy Hickory would charge at them, Ruby and Isaac would circle around Jadelyn to protect her from having the dog jump on her. Seriously SO SWEET! I love moments like that. Hickory kept pestering them, so I had to go save them. My sweet little heroes! =) Ruby also informed me that while we were at Noah's birthday party, Noah's Daddy was acting like a lion (or Ruby was pretending he was a lion. Or something. I need to not get this far behind in blogging. =P), and Ruby was protecting other kids. Ruby and her no-fear. Except of this surgery/cast/blood-draw business. =P

Ruby had been very excited about Jadelyn's upcoming 1/2 birthday. And she had great plans. To sing "Happy 1/2 birthday to you! Happy 1/2 birthday to you! Happy 1/2 birthday, dear Jadelyn! Happy 1/2 birthday to you!" She forgot that on the actual day, but on the big day we went to Wal-Mart. I had completely forgotten that it was Jadelyn's half birthday. Until Ruby informed the lady behind us in the check-out lane that Jadelyn turned "2 1/2 today!" Ruby, my walking calendar. =) Today, she said, "today is....wait.....don't tell me.....1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11....December 11th!" That girl.

The other day, Ruby came out of her room. Jadelyn was lying on Ruby's new bean bag (for positioning her comfortably when she's casted). Instead of the usual, "Hi, Ruby!" Jadelyn called out, "Hey, sister! I on your Pack 'n Play!" Ruby, of course, quickly informed her that it is NOT a Pack 'n Play, but a beanbag. =P

Jadelyn likes to say "7 clock" when asked when something will happen. If Ruby and Isaac ask her when they can have the toy she is playing with, she will answer, "7 clock", and Ruby and Isaac will then start quickly counting from 1 - 7, inform Jadelyn that it's now 7 o'clock, and then ask for the toy. Well, Jadelyn doesn't always fall for that now. She also answers "7 clock" when asked "why" or maybe even "where" questions. Not helpful to get a response of "7 clock" to those types of questions. Just so you know.

The other day, after Jadelyn screamed (for the millionth and second - or maybe more =P) time in her life, Isaac asked, "why does she always scream?" Ruby piped in, "she's saying, "Mommy, may I have a consequence, please?"" Ha!

Today, I asked Jadelyn what her name was. "Jadelyn", she responded. (Not "Nini! =O) Then, I asked what her middle name was...pause...."Jadelyn", she responded. So I then asked her what her last name was...."hmmmmmm..................Stinky Poo!" Oh, dear. Guess I should be more careful with my nicknames. =O

Tomorrow is Ruby and Isaac's 5th birthday. I simply cannot believe it. 5 just seems so....OLD. =O It was a little sad for me saying goodnight tonight to my 4 year-olds for the last time. How does time pass so quickly?

Grandma...

Today at 12:05pm, my dear Grandma fell asleep in Jesus. Ruby, in particular, has had a lot of questions about this. "Is Grandma still in her bed?" "Are her eyes closed?" "Does she know she's dead?" All questions have been answered to the best of my ability. Ruby gave me a snippet of childlike wisdom (not verbatim, here, 'cause you know, I have memory issues). "Jesus said it was okay for Grandma to die, and that's why she died even though we prayed for her." Yes, even when it's hard, I will trust that Jesus knows what is best. The next thing my Grandma knows, she will be seeing Jesus' face when He comes to call her home. And I'm still incredibly thankful that I was so fortunate and blessed to have that sweet, dear, strong, patient, amazing lady as my Grandma. I love you, Grandma. Thanks for being you.