This summer has been particularly warm. Last month we all went to Fish Lake for Bill's hunt and the colors were amazing! I'm so glad we could go. He did get a little buck along with Jason, Gracie and Shaun all got theirs too. We did do a some family pictures with Emily and her family this month but it still looks like summer even though it's not. We were hoping for fall colors but were a few weeks to early.
My dear, sweet grandma passed away on the 12th of October. It was a complete shock. Her memory had gone down hill a lot since my grandpa passed away 17 months ago, but other than that her health was great! My dad called me at work and gave me the news of her passing and I rushed to be with my mom. She had lost her dad just 4 weeks before and she was still mourning the loss of him. I couldn't even fathom the loss she was feeling! She was very close to my grandma. She was her friend and the one who took care of her. My heart completely broke for my mom. I was able to see my grandma for a few minutes before her body was taken away. My mom thinks it must have been a massive stroke due to some blood clots that were in her neck.
Ever since my grandpa died my grandma would say that she was just "ready to go" and she didn't know why she was still here. She got pretty depressed and her quality of life was pretty sad. Even my mom was praying for the Lord to take her this year. She didn't want to see her deteriorate and forget those who she loved so much. We were suppose to be moving her that very weekend into full time care for her Alzheimer's, but ended up having a funeral for her instead.
Emily and I spoke together. We shared our memories as well as our brothers. It was hard but I'm glad we did it. My mom and Annette spoke and then Gen and Aberdeen sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow. It was a good funeral (as far as funerals go anyways). The next day we went to Brigham City for the burial and had lunch at the Maddox after with all those who attended. We were all pretty dang drained after that. The whole week had finally caught up with me! I guess the one benefit is all the time I got to spend with my family. They're the best and I love being with all of them!
I am thrilled for my grandparents and can just imagine that reunion! The pure joy they must have felt to be young, healthy, and most importantly together again. My regret will always be that I didn't listen to the promptings that I had received just a week before during conference to go see my grandma. For some reason I always felt like I had to bring her a treat or something when I'd visit her, but it was conference Sunday and I was still in my pajama's and hadn't gotten ready for the day. I brushed it off and figured she wasn't going anywhere and I'd visit her soon! A week later she was gone and my heart broke that I didn't listen to the Spirit that day. You never know when your time is up. Or when someone else's for that matter.
I know this was a very long post, but this is my way of journaling! I'm awful about keeping a journal since my kids were born so this is it! Here are a few pictures of our life these past few months :)
Prepare for complete PHOTO OVERLOAD!!! Seriously.
Tristan and Koda while hunting with their dads
Our one and only family boating trip this year
First day of 3rd and 6th grade
Ms. Davies class in the portable
Ms. Einzinger's Class
Passing time at football practice
Stella's new violin!
Game Day
Sunday drive around Skyline Drive
Bill's best catch of the day while fly fishing
A little hike together while the kiddo's are at school. Not a bad way to spend the day!
(Aside from the blisters that is)
Practice Time
Fish Lake Overlook
Beautiful leaves. Beautiful kids.
Pretty cool to have your name and number on a sign! Oh, and real men wear pink ;)
A few of our current family pics
I'm sorry but how gorgeous is this girl! Love her.
Rocking the afro!
I love this little family of mine with all my heart and soul! Even when we drive each other crazy. I don't know what I did to deserve them, but I love being a wife and mama. My whole world right there.