I think there are very few moments in my life where I have had my heart melted the way it was a couple of days ago.  Camilla and I were playing in the living room.  Out of nowhere, she put her nose to my nose and quietly said, "Mama Mama" and then gave me a big silly grin.  Tears pricked my eyes instantly and I felt this overwhelming happiness all over.  It was an incredible moment.

She is saying "mama" much for frequently.  It wasn't her first word but she says it far more than any other now.  I love it.  She is also signing "nurse" and "eat".  She wants to know the name of everything and she's been fascinated with the recent snow storms (don't eat the yellow snow Camilla!).

Here's an irresistible little video from last Friday night when we were snowed in the house.

February photos

 

This past month Camilla started running, climbing, pointing to ask what something is, signing "all done", shaking her head "no" and keeping up her usual cute antics.

 

Aunt Tessa and her children Alexa and Triston came into town for Grandma Mullen's funeral.  We were so happy to take advantage of the time they were here.  Ryan and Camilla planned something fun every day.  They explored Wonderscope, shared a picnic at the park on a warm day and went swimming.  It's so funny how cousins can instantly bond together. 

 

We are looking forward to spring at our house.  Bring on the sunshine, jacket weather and walks outside!

 

 

Grandma Mullen

Our family lost it's beloved matriarch in January, Grandma Fidelis Mullen.  I don't think it's completely sunk in for us that she is actually gone but I know that she will be missed by many in the Mullen family. 

Let me tell you a little bit about her.  I first met Grandma Mullen 9 years ago (she was only 87 years old then, practically a spring chicken!).  When I first met her, she was sitting in her arm chair at Aunt Veronica's house knitting hats for children which she would later donate.  She was a tiny woman, soft spoken and tender hearted.  She welcomed me into her family immediately and made me feel special from the start. 

Grandma was 97 years old when she passed away.  Here are some of the secrets to her longevity:

1.  Grandma Mullen never learned to drive a car, so she just walked everywhere or took the bus. 
2.  She ate oatmeal everyday at breakfast for the past 10 years.
3.  She was a mother to 8 children, 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandson.  She had a lot of love to give.
4.  Grandma Mullen was a faithful Catholic her whole life.  She attended church almost every day and was known to be a "prayer warrior" by her family.  She loved Heavenly Father and devoted her life towards service to others. 
5.  Grandma never had anything bad to say about anyone.  My father-in-law says he cannot think of one bad memory with his mother.  She was always kind and patient.
6.  Grandma never took herself too seriously.  She loved a to laugh and smiled frequently.

Christmas 2011

Grandpa Mullen, Grandma Mullen and their 8 children (photo from sometime in the late 1950's).  My father-in-law, Mike, is the baby of the family.  Isn't he cute with his little striped shirt there on the far right end?

Newly wed Grandma and Grandpa Mullen.

Grandma Mullen as a little girl (photo from around 1920).

 Another photo of the Mullen family from the late 1950's.

Ryan, Camilla and Grandma Mullen August 2012.  It was the first and only time Camilla Fidelis Mullen was able to meet her namesake.

 

Let me tell you how Camilla became Camilla Fidelis Mullen.  The September before Camilla was born Ryan and I called Grandma Mullen to wish her a happy 96th birthday.  We were talking on the phone and I asked Grandma about her name.  I had been investigating Mullen family names in some geneaology paperwork my mother-in-law had given me and I was really drawn to the name Ada who was one of Grandma Mullen's 1/2 sisters.  Grandma told me that when she was little she hated her name, Fidelis, because the other children would make fun of her.  She said that as she got older she learned that her name meant "faithful" and she knew that with a name like that she could be strong and brave.  She said she always cherished having a name that was so different from other people and it made her feel unique.  Camilla's middle name wasn't a difficult decision after that conversation.

 

Grandma Mullen, you are truly one of the most beautiful people I have ever met.  Thank you for your example to our family and your love.  We will miss you.