Remembering Grandma Rosanne

 

Grandma Rosanne passed away the day after Easter in Decatur, Illinois. We were sad to hear of her passing but felt grateful to Carol for caring for her and being by her side these last few months. Also, we were glad that we were able to see her when we were in Illinois this past December. She seemed to be already slipping away at that point, refusing to eat anything on her lunch tray and looking around the nursing home cafeteria with a sort of melancholy gaze. But I remember the sparks of joy in her eyes upon seeing us, and how carefully she handled a school picture of Ramona I gave her (I made sure to label the back, as she always requested).

Here is a photo of the first time I met Rosanne, back when Forest and I were dating:

She was such a lovely person. Although she spent quite a bit of her life in Illinois, Rosanne was always an Arizona girl at heart. She asked to be cremated and have her ashes scattered in Sabino Canyon near Tucson. Carol and her brother John arranged for this to happen over Memorial Day weekend and invited our family to be there.

So we set out for an exciting 14+ hour road trip there, piled into our minivan with pillows, snacks, and a wide-eyed, cranky baby who refused to nap more than one hour total.

We made a stop in Albuquerque New Mexico, where Forest dropped me off at Robertson's and Sons Violin Shop while he took the girls to McDonald's for lunch. I walked in with my disheveled hair and sweatpants and asked to try out some cellos in the $5,000 range. Eventually, I was led to a room full of beautiful cellos where I got to play three or four instruments. I was only in there for about 10 minutes but what a refreshing pit stop it was for a music dork like me!

Paula by the violin shop

Finally, we made it to Uncle John's house in Tucson and rolled out of the car to greet and hug family. It was my first time meeting John and his wife Cynthia--I wish I had smelled a little less like barbecue sauce (I accidentally sat on a packet in the car) and been better groomed for this first impression, but they kindly pretended not to notice. Our girls were thrilled to be out of the car and reunited with their cousin Aubrey.

The next day, after some much needed rest, we were treated to the famous Desert Museum (which we discovered was more like a lively zoo than a compilation of inanimate exhibits normally associated with the term "museum"). The girls loved seeing all the animals and cacti, and although it was hot and dry, we were told it was much cooler than usual, so we were thankful for that!

 Back at the hotel, our big girls spent the afternoon doing their most anticipated activity: swimming!

They also had a lot of fun playing in the hotel room. I think they made a fort out of a curtain and some pillows.

John and Cynthia were kind enough to invite us back over to their house for dinner and miniature golf.

Mika was pretty serious about her game.

There were coloring supplies and stickers too, which were put to good use by this crew:

The next morning it was time to take Grandma Rosanne to her canyon.

We skipped most of the hike and took a tram ride up. Paula's face got pretty rosy from the heat.

When we made it to the spot that seemed right, we let the kids play in the stream and took some pictures.

Paula was pretty fussy after just a few minutes of this, so I put her in the carrier and started walking back to the tram, worried her crying would ruin the moment when it was time to scatter the ashes. As soon as I made it up the hill, however, I realized the baby had fallen asleep on my back, so I decided to return to the stream and say goodbye to Grandma Rosanne. Carol and John had found a nice shady spot under a tree with a view of Grandma's favorite peak. This would be Rosanne's final resting place.

Paula stayed asleep in the carrier for the rest of the tram ride back. I sat across from these two:

By the time we loaded up the car in the parking lot, Paula woke up from her power nap. But then it was Mika's turn to snooze--she didn't even wake up when we got to John and Cynthia's house, so I laid her on one of their couches and she didn't even flinch for a solid hour.

We spent the rest of the afternoon watching the kids play, enjoying family, and looking at pictures and memorabilia from Rosanne's life.

Grandpa Sewell and Forest

Also, it was Cousin Tyler's birthday, so we celebrated with cake.

After a few group photos, it was time to say some goodbyes.

Our family with Crissy, Aubrey, Carol, and Grandpa Sewell

Our family with Cynthia, John, and Aubrey

The next day was Memorial Day. It was also our travel day to get back to Colorado. This time, Paula slept a tiny bit longer in the car . . .

. . . and Mika and Ramona kept busy with Happy Meal toys, road trip bingo, and their favorite dress up game on my phone.

You know it has been a successful family road trip when there are moments like this:

Farewell for now, Grandma Rosanne! Thanks for sharing Arizona with us.

Eight is Great

I think that this my first time making a post here but what better time than to celebrate the 8th anniversary of being married to my best friend and most amazing woman I know.  Sometimes it feels like we were just married, sometimes it feels like we have known each other forever and sometimes it feels like we have been married for exactly 8 years today.  The thing is, all those feelings are perfect.  Ivy, I love everything about the woman you are and are working so hard to become.  You have helped me become a much happier and much better person over these last 8 years.  I am enjoying every moment with you and looking forward to an eternity of moments together.

Love you forever,
Forest

Now, cue up the dramatic and inspirational montage music and enjoy some potentially embarrassing pictures.....

Cello Mom

I spend a lot of time being a cello teacher these days. Giving lessons, arranging music, organizing recitals, trying to come up with thoughtful "awards" for each of my students . . . I love it all. Out of all the paying jobs I've ever had, it is by far my favorite. I'm like a cello mom who gets to be involved in the musical growth and progress of each student.

Our most recent recital was a success--six of my twelve cellists participated, plus one bass player. Everyone sounded really good and there were lots of smiles: nervous smiles during performances and smiles of relief once it was over, but smiles nonetheless.

Ramona and Mika were front-row audience members, which made Forest a little nervous, but they did great. For the most part quiet when they were supposed to be quiet, and clapping when they were supposed to clap. 

Thanks to all three of my daughters for being so supportive of me and sharing me with all of my cello children. I may not get paid to be your mom, but that really is the best job of all. (Happy Mother's Day to me!)