Goodbye to Grandma Cate

Today my heart is aching. I feel regret for time not spent, memories not shared and hugs not given. My Grandma Cate passed away this day and I know I will miss her greatly until I can see her smile and feel her hugs again. The past 10 years our visits have been few and far between, but her welcome always warm. She never missed my children’s birthdays. A card with a cherished monetary amount always came. Her beautiful cards graced my mantle or kitchen window - reminding me I was not forgotten.

I wish I could record here the many things I will always remember - things like her homemade rolls and raspberry jam. The cupcakes, cakes and cookies that greeted my children. The Sunday dinners of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls and delicious dessert. The many Women’s Chorus concerts she and grandpa attended in college - always followed with ice cream and fries at Carousel. I remember her sitting in the same row at the temple the day I received my endowments. She was the second person we announced our first pregnancy to. She was the one I went to for comfort when my doctor said I had another month to go instead of two weeks when pregnant with Daylin. Just this past year we ate BYU creamery ice cream on the lawn at Wyview together with lots of her great grandchildren. That day we ice blocked down the grassy slope while small apricots fell above our heads. To Anya, she will always be remembered as the Jam Grandma who made jam with her carefully gathered apricots.

I could write pages of memories. Her smile, raised eyebrows, and contagious laugh is a part of who I am. I regret that there will not be more. I regret that she will not hold my little Emma in this life. I ache for the sadness in my mothers eyes and the trying days to come. Grandma, I love you. Grandma, I know you are happy now - surrounded by those who have gone before you. Tell great grandma Ostler “Hi” for me. Our relationship is not over - but now a truly long distance one. I’ll see you again someday - please, watch over us until that time comes.

I love you Grandma.

Your Granddaughter Heather



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Emma's Blessing Day

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to give Emma a name and a blessing in church.  She did well and was pretty darn cute in the blessing dress if I do say so myself.  And I do.  My mom and dad were able to make it out for the blessing and agreed she was pretty darn cute too.  So since we are not the most objective of people, I am including some pictures of the family gathering around Emma.  What do you think?




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Emma is Here!

OK, so as a "new" parent I understand that I am overly enthusiastic about my tiny little baby Emma.  We like to say that she is in the houseplant phase.  Much like a houseplant we feed and water her and keep her clean, and she does very little other than grow and let us know when she is not happy.  I realize that she does nearly nothing, but I am still enthralled!  So it is hardly surprising that Heather and I feel compelled to post still more photos of our dear little houseplant.  My deepest appologies if you have lost interest.  Still, if you are reading this you might actually care to see more pictures of her.  Either way, here they are.


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Emma is Born!

The fateful day of birth is come and gone!  Emma was born on 6/16/2011 and weighed 6 lbs, 8.5 oz.  She is doing great as is Mom.  The kids and Dad are all thrilled and she has already had many visitors.  We are happy to show her off.  In the spirit of that, here are some pics of the days in the hospital.


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