Mom's Flowers

These are flowers from my mom's funeral. I dried them and put them in this vase. My friend Janie gave me the plate about "Moms." The picture is from Michelle's wedding...three generations of "oldests." It will be one month, on the 28th, that my mom passed away. This is my tribute spot. It's gotten a little easier but feelings are still tender. We are all moving on, not away from, but towards our own happy reunion with mom. I hope we are all making her proud.

These are some other photos of my family during this transition time...

With dad here in Chandler, our family including Mike, the grandkid table that Michelle headed up for the visitations, me and Michelle in Utah.

This is the beginning of the "change." This is my family at my mom's mom's funeral in July. GGB passed away at the ripe, wonderful age of almost 92. Who knew that when my mom sadly realized, in December, that she didn't really like celebrating her birthdays without her mom she would only have that one to be sad about? My mom died suddenly of heart failure on January 28th at the somewhat young age of 72. What was suppose to be a routine procedure didn't turn out so routine. My mom who has rallied time and time again for the past 15 years didn't rally this time. This amazing woman who has been not only my mom but one of my dearest friends for 47 years is not here any more. These past three weeks have been life altering. Things I never wanted to deal with or think about have come. Things I thought I couldn't handle have been handled. Tears have been shed in abundance time and time again and will continue to be shed in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. But let me share something here...these tears are only for what I am missing, my mom's voice. Just hearing her say "Hi." All the other tears are for gratitude in being able to be a part of her life, of being able to be her daughter. She taught me most of what I know about the Savior, love of scriptures, prayer, serving others, leading kindly, following faithfully, loving family, and much, much more. My faith and feelings tell me that I will hear her voice again. I will know her and see her once again. This whole experience of having to deal with someone I love pass from this life to the next couldn't have been done without two things...my knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement of Jesus Christ our Lord AND my family. My dad has been strong when he could have been weak. My sisters have been my equals in what needed to be taken care of. We have done this together because that is what families do. My own husband and children have figured out how to cook, clean, and carry on in my absence. I love them! My aunts and uncles and cousins have been the background strength and support that has lifted and still supports us all. Families are meant to help and support each other. Families are FOREVER! I thank my Father above every day that I have a mom who left me a legacy of love and faith that will be my comfort and help until I see her again.

This is for my nieces and nephews...do you remember on Thanksgiving Day when you played outside and had soooo much fun? This is the sand pile. See the little green plants? They are pinto bean plants. The container that was full of beans for Emerson to shake got dumped here in the sand. This is what happens when seeds, soil, water, and sunlight mix together! You are all now begining gardners! (I wish I could report that there were pinto beans for making chili now but sadly an older uncle, unnamed, picked the little plants out.)

This is Grandma and Emerson sharing a cuddle moment on the couch.

We have way too much fun!

This is Emerson on his first ever bike ride with his mom (cool new bike) and dad. The weather was just perfect that day. Aren't they a cute family? We all talked up the cool Lightning McQueen Helmet because Emerson didn't really want to wear it. We had to make a few adjusts so it would fit right but it worked. Now if we could just get Uncle Kevin to wear his helmet!

This is Mark, Blaine, and I at the 3/4 mile mark of Camelback Mountain. I didn't make it to the top but when I sent them on their way barely off the starting mark they didn't expect to see me here coming down. It's a pretty strenuous hike from the North/West side climbing 1o00 feet (I think) in about a mile. Some of it is over rocks and boulders and other parts you're pulling yourself up with handrails. It's funny how the cold makes it pretty easy to just keep going, just keep going. Burr!!

This is Rusty our new puppy! Isn't he cute! We picked him up Christmas Eve night. He's bigger now. You'll see more pictures in the future.

Kevin's a Deacon

Kevin, our youngest, turned 12 the end of December. It's a milestone! He's a pre-teen, yikes! He gets to do his own laundry now and he's a Deacon, which we affectionately call "Gee-con" because of the tie always showing under the white church shirt collar. This is the day that Kevin was ordained by his dad. (Notice the shutters? Mark just finished those..awesome!)

I need to back up here. Obviously I haven't blogged for awhile and there's a good reason. You might have noticed that I've changed the background though. There's usually a good reason for "changes" so let me explain by starting back in December....