Reality

After my spring break last week, I am left to wonder who chose for me to live in the bitterly cold state of Indiana. Thanks to my mom and Harry, I was able to go to Florida with them and spend about five days in Bonita Springs, Florida, with our "snow bird" friends, Gary and Susan Woods. (I am quite scared that Susan is not returning to Fort Wayne. LOL) Life was wonderful, minus the fact that I missed Doug and McKenna like crazy! Doug was not on spring break last week so he spent his evenings loving life watching basketball without me "nagging" him. Meanwhile, McKenna was with her dad in North Carolina. However, I executed every amount of time in the sun possible knowing I would be returning to gloom and cold. Really the hardest decision that we made all week was whether to go to the pool or the beach and where we would eat for dinner. It truly was a rough life! :-) While there we were able to see Dirk, Karen, and Kaleb a few nights. I am now approaching my final 9-10 weeks of school and it is back to reality. I will say that I believe that I am ready for the daily grind to slow down. I don't see that happening any time soon. For five days, I couldn't quite seem to put all of the emotions that I have been feeling on hold. Several nights I woke up at three in the morning not being able to close my weary eyes just thinking, thinking, and more thinking. My heart aches for my family as we continue to try putting one foot in front of the other in our daily lives after the death of my Aunt Vicky. The good thing is that while time continues to move on at a rapid pace, we are able to hold fast to the memories that will be cherished forever. I'm left thanking God for making relationships stronger than they have ever been. I love my family! So...while vacation was absolutely wonderful (and I wish I could go back tomorrow) I found that it doesn't take the things that are continuously on our minds away from our hearts. Thank you Gary and Susan Woods for letting us share your wonderful condo for the week. You were wonderful hosts, and I certainly appreciate you allowing us to stay with you. And...thank you Mom and Harry for letting me be the third wheel on your vacation. Your love and generosity is extremely appreciated! Below are a few pictures from my trip.

My "new" home on Naples Beach...don't I wish!

The "snow birds"...Gary and Susan Woods The sunset was beautiful on Naples Beach.

My nephew Kaleb...isn't he soo cute?

Grieving Our Loss

The last few days have been filled with much grief and sadness. Last Wednesday, my Aunt Vicky passed away from a seizure after fighting bacterial meningitis the last couple of months. This was fairly unexpected as she had been at home for the past couple of weeks recovering and making substantial gains. While my heart aches, I feel truly blessed that I had the opportunity to spend so much time with her over the last several months. With this tragedy, many out of town relatives returned back to Fort Wayne to attend the funeral. Many of whom I hadn't seen in years. The funeral was a beautiful celebration of Aunt Vicky's life that also had Matthew and Casey's friends doing the "Cupid Shuffle". It was exactly the way that Aunt Vicky would have wanted it. There are so many memories that I will never forget, but a few are the huge smile that lit up whenever she saw you. You always knew it was coming from deep within. The lake will never be the same without her standing in her nightgown making her infamous fluffy pancakes, even though we are all grown up. Our memories will last a lifetime, but she will be sorely missed as we begin to experience "firsts" for awhile.
On Saturday evening after the funeral, I had everyone (and I mean everyone) over to my house for pizza, drinks, snacks, relaxing, and visiting after the long day. We were finally able to meet Kaleb (Dirk and Karen's baby) for the first time as they made the trip up for the funeral. Below are pictures from the last few days...

The Ostermeyer's

The famous smile of Aunt Vicky!!
McKenna's new BFF, Casey (they have a special bond)

My new nephew Kaleb! (so adorable) All four cousins and Casey

Matthew and McKenna smiling for the camera

McKenna, Chase, and McKenna posing..trying to get a good one

First photo session of all four cousins

Maddie and McKenna loving on one another

Swimming & Birthdays

We have a had week consumed with birthdays with a couple of them being milestone birthdays! Allison tuned 18 on Feb. 27; my dad turned 60 on March 2; and Dane turned 20 on March 4! Unfortunately, we have not had a chance to celebrate all the occasions due to scheduling conflicts between everyone! We are hoping to get that done this evening or early this week. It is nice when the children are older and don't feel the need to "have to" celebrate on their actual day (like the 8 year old in our home). Pictures will be posted when we get that celebrating in.
Currently, our weekends are busy attending show choir competitions around the state with Allison. Yesterday, we were in Shelbyville, Indiana, where DeKalb's Classic Connection won grand champion! (It's not quite like winning a state championship in basketball! LOL) However, they are 2010 state champions, so we are anxiously awaiting to see if they make the state finals this year. (Can you hear the enthusiasum in my voice?) Actually, their show is captivating and fun to watch, but when you are their from 10 AM until 1 in the morning...it just wears on you.
McKenna is in week two of swim lessons and seemed to enjoy the water much more this week. This week she told me, "The water is tolerable!" Below are a few pictures from her lessons. Have a happy week!

Jumping in...watch out!!!

Practicing her strokes with her instructor...
Kick, kick, kick!!!

"Where are my goggles?"