When we got home from Connecticut after Thanksgiving, I dragged our luggage up to the third floor closet and stacked it neatly, knowing we wouldn’t need it again until our next family trip in March. This morning, I dragged them back out.
Casey’s grandmother died yesterday, so we are packing up and heading to Indiana tomorrow to be with family and to celebrate her life. It was somewhat unexpected, so we’re using today to tie up loose ends and get ready to go.
Obviously the details of travel preparations are quite trivial in the bigger picture, but we’re doing our best to get our house and selves ready to go on short notice. Last night, we made a gigantic pot of soup for dinner, in an effort to use up a lot of the fresh produce in our stocked fridge. We will be eating a LOT of greens for dinner tonight!
This morning, I tried to use up a bit more by baking us some travel treats using fresh bananas and carrots. In order to bake during waking hours, this has to happen…
It’s really cold outside today, so Cullen and I are having a low key (rare) day at home. This means LOTS of laundry to wash, sort, fold, and pack!
As soon as the suitcases came out, the dogs went into hiding. Can anyone find them for me?
Other than packing, cleaning, and eating everything perishable in our refrigerator (someone’s gotta do it, right?) – I’ve just been hanging out with Cullen and watching him find joy in household objects.
Even though he doesn’t know what’s happening, I always find that he can cheer me up when I’m down or sad. His life is so simple, and he finds happiness so easily. I hope he stays that way as long as he can.
We’re off to Indiana tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll be with family all week – a silver lining to a sad occasion. We’ll get to see aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over – some of whom haven’t seen this little guy since he was nine weeks old! He’s changed quite a bit since then.
I have a few posts planned, so I’ll still be popping in here, but I might be quiet in the comments and on email for a few days. Thanks for understanding!
49 Comments so far
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So sorry to hear about his grandmother. I hope you all have a very safe trip!
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Terrible news, I’m so sorry. What a lovely little smile to make the coming days easier.
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abusiness-ideas.com Reply:
April 13th, 2013 at 4:20 am
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Enjoy spending precious time with family.
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My condolences to your family.
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I hope your family finds peace and comfort over the coming days. It is wonderful to have such innocent joy to lift your spirits. Safe travels and warm memories.
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so sorry to hear about your loss. hope you and Casey get plenty of support this week.
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Thinking of and praying for you. That face is sure to cheer anyone up!
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I’m so sorry to hear about Casey’s grandmother! Have a safe trip and my condolences to your family.
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Sorry to hear about Casey’s grandmother. I’m glad Cullen is putting a smile on both of your faces today :)
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So sorry to hear the news of the loss to your family. Safe travels.
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So sorry to hear about Casey’s grandmother. Safe travels! And I absolutely love the pictures of Cullen tumbling into the laundry basket. The simple things, indeed.
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So sorry to hear about Casey’s grandmother. That is never easy news. Safe travels and prayers for your family.
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Sorry about your loss. Man a little one like that would brighten up my day too.
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I’m so sorry about Casey’s grandmother. You all are in my thoughts.
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Thinking of Casey and your family. Safe travels.
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I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s hard to pick up and leave unexpectedly. It adds stress to an already sad time. Good luck getting everything finished and I hope traveling goes well.
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Thoughts and prayers with you and Casey. Safe travels!
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Really can’t decide who wins the Cutest Prize: Cullen or the dogs.
Okay, Cullen wins. Only this time…
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so sorry to read this–wishing you a safe and easy trip
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So very sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Safe travels.
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My condolences as well. It’s nice you’re going to a celebration of life rather than a funeral. Safe travels and enjoy the time surrounded by family and friends.
On another note of cleaning out the fridge and green soup, I’m emailing you a link to an awesome recipe for next time you have a lot of greens to use. It is amazing!! (and I know you will put your own twist on it to make it even better… mushrooms added after perhaps…)
Take care and all the best to you and the family.
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Thoughts and prayers with you all in this sad time. Travel safe!
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Sorry to hear about Casey’s grandma. Hope the trip goes well. I absolutely adore all the silly Cullen photos. Keep them coming!
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Hugs regarding the loss of Casey’s grandmother. It’s good that y’all will be able to attend the funeral and be with family. That’s the best thing to do in times like these. I’m wishing y’all safe travels.*
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I’m so sorry to hear about Casey’s grandmother.
Have a safe trip.
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Oh I’m so sorry to hear about Casey’s grandmother. Have a safe trip :)
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I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending good thoughts for peace and comfort.
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So sorry for your loss, safe travels!
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Sarah G Reply:
January 15th, 2013 at 9:21 am
Ditto.
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Casey, so sorry for your loss. :(
The photo of the dogs hiding brightened my morning–thank you for posting during a difficult time for your family.
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I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. :o(
Your post got me wondering if you cloth diaper when you travel?
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So sorry to hear about the sudden loss in your family. I hope you guys have a safe trip.
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So sorry for your loss!
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Sorry for your loss :( We just went through the same thing when my husband lost his grandmother one week before Christmas. Celebrating her life, as you mentioned, is the best way to cope.
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so sorry for your loss, will be holding you and yours in the light! safe travels!
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So sorry to hear about Casey’s grandmother….have a safe trip.
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Very sorry to hear that. Unplug and enjoy your time with family!
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So so sorry for your loss :( How wonderful that Cullen is unaware of things like that and that he is able to find happiness everywhere. I think little kids are full of lessons for all of us! Hope you are able to enjoy your family time and that your travels go smoothly!
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sorry to hear about casey’s grandmother. Have a safe trip. and yes, my dog does the same thing when our suitcases come out!!
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I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort surrounded by family during this difficult time.
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Emily, so sorry anoint Casey’s grandmother. I love how you put it, a celebration of life. I live all the photos in thus post today, as normal, tho Cullen enjoying the laundry basket and the “boys” hiding under his crib, just too cute for words.
Safe journey “home”. Rejoice in a family reunion celebrating a matriarch who I’m sure was loved by all and lived her life to the fullest. Blessings.
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So sorry to hear about Casey’s grandma. :( Those pics of Cullen are adorable! Safe travels! Enjoy your time w/ family.
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Sorry to hear of your loss.
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My goodness he is beautiful! Growing so fast. So sorry for your loss. I hope your family time is a blessing.
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Sorry for your family’s loss, but I hope you enjoy your time with family.
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I always feel so silly doing Jillian in the living room too but she gives you a good workout so it’s worth it – have you ever tried her Yoga Meltdown DVD? I enjoy that workout as well!
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I’m sorry for your loss. Safe travels. I love your kid. He’s too cute.
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You take the best pictures ever!!! Cullen is soooo adorable!!
Sorry for the family loss.
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