A belated Mother's Day brunch

With my Nana being sick, I spent a lot of time being with her and helping care for her.
That also meant that my family at home was being "neglected". Hubby and the girl were so amazing about it. They knew I needed to do this, not just for Nana, but for me, and were super supportive.

This also meant I was neglecting other people in my life.
(who are also totally supportive and understanding)

Mother's Day came and went in a blur. My mother had left to fly home the day before, so we spent that day just trying to regain a little "normal" in our lives.
We did give my Mother in Law a call, but, that is about it.

So, here I am, a week later making a brunch.
We are having my MIL, Hubby's Aunt S, Sis in law and her hubby D, and D's mom over today.
I am so, so, so excited!

When I broached the idea, they all argued with me about it. A whole lot of "You just went through so much, wait some more time" or "No, let's go out instead, you don't need the work!"
Thankfully they all eventually realized this is something I needed to do.

It's like my apology to them.
I love my family, and my in laws are FAMILY, there is no distinction between the two.
They are always there for me when I need them, and I try to always be there for them.
They were always OK with me breaking plans, or not attending functions due to my other needs.

I am always grateful for the amazing family I was born into and the just as amazing family I married into.
Wish all were so lucky.

Borrowed from here

Borrowed from here

I miss my Nana

My grandmother passed away on 5/3/13 after a heroic battle with lung cancer.
She held on longer than she would have liked, and as pleased as I am that her struggle is over....I miss her something terrible.

She was more than my Nana. She was my BFF. She was my birthday buddy. She was my confidant.

We used to have amazing phone ESP. I would pick up the phone to call her (or vice versa) and find dead air. Not really dead...just an already connected phone line. This happened more than 50% of the time.
We even had our little silly thing (she was very hard of hearing)
Nana: How's my girl
Me: Peachy Keen
Nana: Peachy Creme? That's great!
E-V-E-R-Y call started like that!

We are both September babies, just 12 days apart.
Every year we had a "girls day" instead of presents. A day out and about and some lunch.

Oh how she loved her food. I wish I had a little video of how she would smile, with the tip of her tongue sticking out of her mouth, and wiggle in her seat when she knew something she loved was going to be served to her.
The woman could eat pasta at every meal, I kid you not!
Hard to believe she is Lithuanian. The only Italian in the family married in!

My Nana was the happiest person, no matter what she was doing. Seriously, even chores were a good time with her!

There are so many more stories than I have time for.
Maybe my brain just isn't ready to remember them right this second.

High School Graduation

Loving her Santa

My Happy BFF