Harriet Oliger

Grandma passed away Wednesday morning.

I cried, got mad and made Noodle Kugel with Ricotta Cheese. I was/am a mess. I really believed that God would heal her and now struggle with the fact that even though he can, he doesn't. Even with this anger have have towards God (don't worry, I hear He's big enough to handle my angry heart), I am well aware that she was a blessing. That many go through life without the precious moments to pull them through.

Grandma made dinner for me nights Cory had class. I worked so hard, she'd say, taking care of a baby and working.

Grandma made anyone feel welcome. Come to her home with a hungry stomach and not only would she feed you, but send you out the door with arms full of leftovers. In fact, I'd just have to hint at having a Saturday free and she'd be organizing a Saturday breakfast for the entire family.

Grandma taught me to quilt, to make magic out of ordinary things, to appreciate the creativity is small crafty items.

Grandma was special. She loved my baby. She loved my husband. I am going to miss her. Miss playing cards. Big family get togethers at her house. Miss the camper and flying kites at the beach.

I will probably be sad for a long time that she won't see Michael get married or Jocelyn grow up. She'll never hold my future babies...G.G.'s girls (or boys). But it's okay to be sad. Being sad makes you realize what you had and I know exactly what I had and will praise God even today for giving her to me as a gift.

The memorial service for Grandma will be at 2:00pm on Sunday at Hardage Giddens Rivermead, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, FL followed by a get together at Mom's place 257 Whispering Woods, Orange Park, FL 32003.

Our Orlando Adventure

We met the mouse!

Our first trip to Disney was a huge success. It was cold. It was wet. It was worth it. No lines and lots of unique experiences. Great time with family. Cory & I even got some time alone as Jocelyn slept in her stroller through Epcot - we could not have asked for more.

Trip highlights included: Hollywood & Vine

They have a buffet lunch where little ones can play with favorites from playhouse Disney. Leo and June from the Little Einsteins were there. Jocey was beside herself. We could not get into the restaurant fast enough. She danced and got to give hugs and kisses to her favorite Disney characters. I tell you what, I would gladly pay Disney prices for this experience again. Best part, I have the whole thing on video so I can keep this precious moment forever.

Paradiso 37 - Featuring cuisine from the Americas, this was a great place to eat at downtown Disney. I highly recommend the Margaritas.

Transportation (buses, boats, monorail, we could have saved loads and bought Jocelyn a bus pass).

Dumbo and similar rides.

She likes flying around high in the air. We went on the triceratops ride at Animal Kingdom twice, Dumbo (in the rain) and Aladdin's Magic Carpet ride. She would have stayed on these kind of rides all day long.

There are so many other special memories that I am sure I am forgetting something wonderful. (Like Jocey falling asleep in Paul's lap during the Hall of Presidents or her running excited to Daddy after she met Goofy.) It was all truly magical!