Christmas fun

My beauty in her Christmas dress

Christmas morning opening presents

New mittens!

And new jeans! She looks so grown up!

Cute new apron

Claire's presents

My dad got a donut tie. Awesome.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

In loving memory

My Grandpa (my dad's dad) and Claire's Opa passed away last Sunday. His health had been deteriorating these last few years and he was hospitalized last month due to a heart attack. Unfortunately, he never went home. He spent about a week in the ICU and then was transferred to a nursing home where they called in hospice about a week before he died. 8 days before he died, I had a normal conversation with him. After that, he went downhill fast. He barely recognized us and slept 24/7. He kept calling out for his sister who passed away earlier this year. Since we all knew he was dying, all my aunts, uncle and cousins were in town (most of whom live in L.A.) and we all got to say goodbye to him (including Claire, who blew him kisses.) His last words to me were "I love you, too." It was difficult to see him in the condition he was in. He wanted to get up so bad, but couldn't. I was emotionally drained after spending every waking moment at the nursing home (in between students and concerts.) He died peacefully by taking my grandma's hand, looking directly at her and smiling. He knew it was his time. I felt great peace after he died knowing he isn't in any more pain and he can walk and run. He is having a sweet reunion with his sister, brother, son, parents and many others. "Sweet Is The Peace The Gospel Brings" means so much more to me now. I'm grateful to have spent 26 wonderful years with him and long for the day I get to see him again. I love you, Grandpa. You will always be in my heart.

Oct 13, 1925 - Dec 12, 2010