'Til we meet again Jenne..

Jenne McCarchy was not only my in-laws neighbor, she was a friend, a daughter, a mother, a grandma. You couldn't spend with her 5 minutes without laughing and feeling that you truly found a trust worthy friend. She might have been on her 60's but she lived and acted like 20's. Originally from Indonesia, she traveled a lot, swam a lot (teaching at YMCA) and even used to have several day cares. Once she had more 80 kids! She was good with children and adults.. She has been leaving with her folks for a number of years to look after them(80's), but now she was looking after her 2-year-old grandson Kaleb during the day since both parents worked full time. I met Jenne when we moved with my in-laws earlier in April this year.. Pretty soon we became good buddies.. she wanted to hang out a lot with us for the social part for Kaleb since Samuel is only a year older than him. And she literally knew all the fun places around Omaha for children. Although I was working part time, we still tried to hang out 3 or 4 times a week. Soon we became good friends. We said good bye when we left to the Island thinking we would see her and Kaleb in a year and a half and still may hang out like this summer...

Three months ago, Jenne was diagnosed lung cancer. Although she started treatment right away, it had already metastasized to several areas through out her body. After being out of the hospital for few weeks she came home to be with her family for the weeks or days she had left. We know plans don't always work the way we want. When we came back in November, I visited her and talked briefly since she was leaving to the hospital again.. Unfortunately by the time she came back, and got to visit her, she couldn't talk or even eat anymore. I still visited her for the last three days before she passed away.

She was always taking care of everybody, but now was every body's turn to take care of her.. at least that is what i told her.. She did more for me than what I did for her. The last night I visited her I reassured her to not be afraid, because Heavenly Father was waiting for her besides a lot of other friends and family. I gave witness of the gospel and the plan of salvation. It doesn't end here, it is just part of the journey and there was much to come. Before I left I sang to her the hymn "till we meet again". The day after Christmas day, Jenne passed away holding Joe's, her father, and her aunt's hands. We miss you Jenne and like the hymn says.. "God be with you 'til we meet again".

Christmas is here..

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE JEVNE KLAN!
Few days before Christmas, grandma got these cute set of rain deer ears.. Samuel thought is was cool but Benjamin just fell in love with them. As soon as he would see them he yelled for them until he could put them on or somebody would do it for him.. Here with grandpa after family prayer saying night night.. well, picture first though..

On Christmas day, that was the first thing he saw and put on, after the sucker in his stoking that obviously he already knows is candy.. He looks soooo adorable..

Samuel was very excited about opening the presents, Benjamin didn't really care since didn't understand, as long as he had his candy from his stoking, which he kept carrying everywhere.

Once the stacking cups where unwrapped, Benjamin really got his attention on them.. and Samuel finally with his so anticipated tool box set.. Who is the doctor kit for? Anyone?

(Left) As we were opening presents, Jay's brother Tyler, who is on a 2-year-mission for our Church in Germany, called on skype.. so we got to talk to him for a while.. it was great to do that, especially when he only gets to call for Christmas and Mother's day.. so glad we were here for that.

(Right) I forgot to mentioned that Omaha had a blizzard, it was so much snow that when we were opening presents we couldn't help to notice a neighbor country skiing on the street.. just passed in front of the house.. hilarious...
Earlier in the month, we had a Christmas party at our ward.. and what can I say.. Santa came too.. We started by coloring a long banner they had for the children to keep them busy before the food was served.. Even Benjamin wanted to color.. or just eat the crayon.. When it was time to sit on Santa's lap, Benjamin didn't think he was that great..

So mami had to jump in.. although he settled down fast after giving him the candy cane.. But Samuel decided to act "tired" rubbing his eyes, which is another way to say don't want to be here. Daddy got to sit in Santa's lap too..

Christmas was really especial because we were all together, well.. we missed you Tyler. Remembering the birth of our Savior was a great time to rejoice together as he eternal family we are.

Happy holidays to all!

Quick trip to Arkansas..

Most of my mother-in-law's family lives in Arkansas. Her only brother Jay lives in Georgia but decided to visit the rest of the family with his only daughter Danielle, who we have never met (we, meaning the kids and I). So we decided to meet them in Harrison, Arkansas for a couple of days.. long drive for Grandma. Kids handled it pretty well, although we took a lot of books, few movies, and the play hut.. of course they are so spontaneous that anything can create a game..

Of course, it also was at the same time as the basketball and bowl game for BYU.. so without a question had to watch it at the hotel...

However, a loved this last picture on the left because it shows everybody's interest, including Benjamin's falling pants! haha

Later at the restaurant a member of each family introduced the rest and got to know and tease each other. We were glad for everybody to see the children and commented highly of them... Here a last picture with uncle Jay and his daughter Danielle.. Good to see you all!