As part of the party package I got from House Party I received this Wii game. It is sooo much fun. You can compete (up to 4 players) with dance moves to great music. The kids love it and it's actually a good little work out and you don't even realize it until you are sweating. Even Carter gets into the action. It's a video game that I actually want the kids to play. It's great especially in cold weather when they can't go out and run around.
I went to get my nails done tonight and the place was closed! Traffic was terrible and I decided to brave the freeway. Believe it or not it was moving better than the surface streets. Anyways...I really wanted to get my nails done so I started to think of places to go. I had a feeling to take the next exit so I did. As I was waiting at the light I noticed that the car ahead of me had a unique license plate holder. Printed on it was a Norwegian flag and a saying "Uff Da". I have NEVER seen or heard anyone else use this phrase except my grandparents. It was as if my cute Grami was saying hi. It made me happy to see that.
Her funeral was really great actually. We have such a fun family. It was so fun to have all of the cousins together again. It's been too long. But what's cool about our family is that it was as if time hadn't passed. We laughed and cried. But we laughed the most. We are loud and obnoxious sometimes but I wouldn't have it any other way. We celebrated her life in a way that would make my Grami proud.
I miss her very much. It's been a draining couple of weeks. But she gave us the best Christmas present ever. We all got to be together even if was only for 2 days. I love you guys!
I just found out that my Grami passed away this morning. I knew that it would happen last night or today. My mom got there yesterday and so all of her children were with her. This is so surreal. She was healthy a little over a week ago. She drove herself to the doctor's office with some minor back pain. He sent her up to the hospital for some tests. The doctors fixed a spot on her esophagus. She was fine. Then all of a sudden her kidneys stopped working and she got pneumonia. It has been an emotionally draining week.
She was such a cute little lady. I have had a chance to reflect on her life and the fun times we got to share with her. She had THE most amazing dress up clothes. It was so much fun to go to her house and play. She always had Trident (original flavor) in her purse. My friend, Michelle, and I called it "memory gum" growing up. I got her hooked on lemon pies. She would stock pile them in her freezer. I remember the smells in her house. To this day I try and find bubble bath and shampoo that smells like her. I always have. I have a smile on my face right now. She makes me happy.
When they took her home this week the first thing she wanted was to make sure that all the great grandchild's Christmas presents were wrapped and mailed out. That was the kind of woman she was. We should get them Monday. I can't wait.
This has been hard on my kids, especially Addison. She and I have cried together several times. It's going to be hard to tell them. It's 8am and the house is still quiet. I think that's a tender mercy of the Lord right now. I really do.
I am looking forward to seeing my family this week. I love you Grami. I am so happy that you are with Papa. You are in a great place. I love you and can't wait to celebrate your life this week.
Taking a bow in the finale
Sometimes when I'm sad or stressed I play the piano and sing. Today I was playing one of Hilary Weeks' songs. If you don't know who she is she is an amazing LDS singer/songwriter. I just love her. Anyways...I was playing through one of her books and got to this song "Just Let Me Cry". I know that I am not the only one going through a hard time right now. I love the lyrics and thought you might too.
I believe that everything happens for a reason
we're not just tossed by the wind and left in the hands of fate
but sometimes life sends a storm that's unexpected
and we're forced to face our deepest pain
When I feel the heartache begin to pull me under
I dig my heels in deep and fight to keep my ground
Still at times the hurt inside grows stronger
and there's nothing I can do but let it out
So just let me cry
I know it's hard to see
but the pain I feel isn't going away today
so just let me cry
until every tear has fallen
Don't ask when and don't ask why
just let me cry
When I agreed that God could put this heart inside me
I understood that there would be a chance that it could break
But I know He knows exactly how I'm feeling
and I know in time He'll take the pain away
But for know just let me cry
I have felt joy the kids that makes my heart want to sing
and so my tears are not a surrender
I know I'll feel that way again
but for now
for this moment
just let me cry
I know it's hard to see
but the pain I feel isn't going away today
just let me cry
until every tear has fallen
Don't ask when and don't ask why
Just let me cry
I believe that everything happens for a reason
My heart is aching for all my friends and family who are going through some hard times. Please know that I send my love and prayers your way!!
Love,
Tami
I am hosting a Fun, Fit and Guilt-Free House Party on Jan 9th! Wanna come? I am so excited. 
