Kate singing songs from Frozen

Susan Loscutoff Memorial Slideshow

Babushka's Memorial Service

Thank you to all who came and supported us at Mom's memorial service.  And if you could not make the service, thank you for the thoughtful cards and kind words.  The service was a beautiful tribute to Mom's life and her strength, positive attitude, intelligence, kindness and love.  The Loscutoff brother's and wives really have bonded together over the past month and have drawn close and strong as a cohesive and loving family.  Babushka would be very proud! 

In the morning, before the service, Walter and Robyn came over to our house to make Mom's special spicy guacamole.  They used 24 avocados and tons of garlic, lime juice and serrano peppers.  Yummy!

 Kate and Maggie got all dressed up for Babushka's celebration.  They looked so cute!

 We brought home the flowers, pictures, guestbook, etc. after the service.  It all looked so beautiful, I had to take a few pictures to remember it all.

Kate's special week

A couple of weeks ago Kate had her special week at school in which she got to share all about her family and interests.  Each child makes a special poster that is displayed on the classroom wall all year long and Kate was so excited to share her poster with her class.

 On the second day, Kate got to bring in items from home to show her class.  She chose to bring the chapter books that Babushka left for her before she passed away.  The books include "Black Stallion", "Big Red", and "Misty of Chincoteague".  Kate has already read two of the chapter books with me and she is excited to read them all soon!

 Kate also brought in Babushka's special blanket.  We made the blanket for Babushka this past Christmas.  It was a special photo blanket with pictures of the Loscutoff family, including pictures of Babushka.  Kate likes to snuggle under the blanket to remember Babushka.

 The last item Kate brought into share was the soundtrack from the new Disney movie, "Frozen."  Her class listened to the music all week long at snack time and I guess it became a huge hit with the kids.

On the very last day of Kate's special week, the kids made a book about all the things they love about Kate.  Ms. Kirsten read the book to the whole class and Kate was so excited to hear the sweet things the class wrote about her.  It was super cute!

Trying out my new camera

Will got me an amazing SLR digital camera for Christmas.  I have a lot of reading to do to learn how to use my camera correctly.  I took these photos back in December while I was trying a few things out. :-)

Meet the newest member of our family...

We have a new dog...well, she is an old dog, but she is new to us.  Lexi is a 10 year old golden retriever mix that has been Babushka's companion for several years.  After Mom passed away there was a lot of discussion about where Lexi should go.  We all wanted to keep her in the family and our home seemed like the best option.  

Lexi joined the Loscutoff family as a puppy 10 years ago as Uncle Walter's dog.  Due to Walter's living arrangements, he thought it be best for Lexi to stay at Mom's house where she could have more freedom to roam.  Over the years, Lexi became a special companion to Mom and was always by her side.  She is a very calm and kind dog.  As many of you know, Will and I do not claim ourselves as "dog people" but Lexi feels like a family member.  It is very helpful that she is already trained and house-broken.  She doesn't jump up on people or chew furniture.  She mainly lies around and loves to be petted.  We are very excited to have us join our family!

Deeply loved, deeply missed Mom and Babushka; forever in our memories

This is the obituary written by Walter and Robyn.  I wanted to share it with all of you.

Susan Marie Loscutoff passed away Wednesday, January 8th, 2014 after living with multiple sclerosis for over twenty years. Susan is lovingly remembered by the families of her three sons (including two grand-daughters), all Loscutoff and Carlson relatives, her generous neighbors, a host of nurses, and an army of UC Davis students who helped her with dinner and provided immense support. Despite her disease Susan maintained an enormous degree of independence and control: planning her own care, maintaining a household and hosting family dinners and events. The unexpected loss a mother, teacher, confidant, task master, and friend shocked all; Susan battled back against devastating set back time and again, helping those around her find solace and normalcy in a storm of disease and hardship. Her strength, positivity, character, and love lives in all who had the opportunity to share time with her. We move forward knowing tomorrow is a little less bright but that the world is better immensely for her being in it.