Grandpa

 The end of Jan my Grandpa Passed away unexpectedly so we made a trip at the drop of the hat to Utah to be with my Mom and her Siblings as they made the arrangements for the Funeral. We left very early the day after he passed away due to complications during surgery. I had the car all packed (poorly packed) but packed all the same and then I got the kids up and just put them in the car, Doug stayed home to finish work until more plans were made, then he and my dad Drove down. So our kids really don't sleep in the car, I can't complain they sleep in their beds so WELL, they just don't sleep in the car really ever, Audryn being the exception to that. So I put the kids in the car and they are all kinds of freaked out wanting to know where we are going and why dad isn't coming, etc. I decided to go ahead and tell them that Grandpa Had passed away lucky we had just had family home evening on the plan of salvation and the next week on our bodies and spirits so we were prepped for the talk about death. I have to say I felt really good about it, they asked their questions and I felt like the spirit guided me and I was able to answer them in a way they could understand and without too much that they were not yet ready for. I thought it wise to prepare them that my Mom who we were about to pick up might be a little emotional and upset and explained to them why. I was feeling great about the chat, we pull up to my parents house and James says "OH No Grandpa went to Heaven and he forgot his truck!" I turn around to see Addy crying and james befuddled at how that happened, yeah Wrong Grandpa for starters, My dad came out in his bathrobe to ease their woes, and we had another family home evening on what goes to heaven with us.

 While we were traveling my little guy decided to puke a lot, which is so hard with him I never know if it is just him or if he has a bug, I was really not sure, but I certainly didn't want to show up and get everyone else coming in for the funeral sick, so we opted to stay in a hotel that first night to see what was going on. I think he did have a bug so I am glad I made the call, we got everyone feeling better and slept and then we were able to spend time with our cousins, mine and theirs, and Aunts and Uncles. I didn't take very many pictures while we were there which I should have, I don't know when we will all be together again. We don't see each other often.  But I did take picture of the kids the day of the funeral. Doug's Sister in law was kind enough to watch the kids during the viewing so they didn't go to that, but the older two sang with their cousins at the funeral. They did such a good job. When we were practicing I had a kid bocking like a chicken, I had fingers in noses, and dancing, all kinds of fun, but when it came time to shine, they did and their sweet spirits filled the room with love.

 One handsome dude, he is all about asking me to take his picture lately.  He is really just at a fun age.

My Grandpa was one Amazing Man, whom I will miss dearly. He had many talents but one of them that he had mastered was his ability to show his love for others. I am very thankful for the relationship I had with him, and for all the time and love and support he put into me. I hope that when the day comes that I get to be a grandparent that I will be as good at it as he was. I always knew that even though they didn't live near us that I could go to my Grandma or Grandpa with anything and they would be in my Corner, helping me, and as a young adult that happened a lot, Grandpa was there, Always there. I am very thankful for him and all he taught me and the example of love he was.

Our kids really keep us grounded and laughing even in the tough times, so as we were coming back home, the weather was terrible there was a storm and it was yucky, It had started snowing at the funeral so the dedication of the grave was done with the snow falling in the background, which was almost peaceful a little cold but really thought provoking. Anyway as we get home our sweet kids who are so aware of others and their needs say Mom is Grandpa going to be alright? Yes, he is in Heaven with Grandma he is quite happy, but what about his body we left it in the snow.... He needs it after he is judged shouldn't we take care of it and get it out of the snow? I assured them his body was taken care of, to which James says well I hope so no one wants a cold body after leaving heaven He will not be happy with you if you don't take care of it for him. No, I suppose not. The kids have been sweet to keep him in their prayers and his kids which I think is just so sweet, sometimes I have know idea where they come from. I think we are in for a crazy year......