Back On My Saddle......

Grandma & Papa

It's been a rough two weeks. Some days I feel like several months have gone by and other days it seems like no time at all has lapsed. We lost my grandpa on April 22nd at 3:25am. At the point of his passing it was a blessing to see him go. We had watched him struggle and be in discomfort for about a month. He stopped eating a week prior to his death, he lost motor skills (due to another stroke) and he was no longer even communicating with any of us. The last words I heard him speak was on Easter Sunday. As I sat and held his hand stroking his hair, he uttered the words, "Jenny you have always been good to me, I love you. " I never thought that would be the last time I was actually to have a conversation with him, but it was something I will never forget.

The luncheon was held at my grandma's.
It was a perfect setting and something my Papa would have liked.

The funeral was held this past Friday May 1st. My dad did a great job at running the service. They had a Navy ceremony in which my grandma was presented a flag for his time spent in WWII. My dad, uncle Phil, my sister and I were given the opportunity to speak and share a few stories about my grandpa. Up until that day, I had held myself together and was fairly strong. However, once I entered into the funeral doors, I completely lost it. Pictures posted of Papa with us, my grandma all through out our life was hard to see. It's surreal that he is no longer with us. I miss him. His laugh. His smile. Everything about him. I know only time will heal, but for now it's just hard especially seeing my grandma's sweetheart of 61 years no longer by her side.

Ashton enjoying his food.
So cute!

I put fresh flowers inside of a pair of his boots for the centerpieces.

Heather, Gwen, Sarah, Marcia and Tiffany

Despite our families heartache, I have felt the love and service from so many around me. I have hands down the greatest friends. We have had numerous meals brought to us, flowers, cards, texts, and several phone calls all expressing sympathy for my family. I am grateful for each individual whether it was a small or large gesture, it meant a lot. I took it upon myself to organize the luncheon and the sister's from our relief society were so sweet and generous. There were 5 (see above) who came to help, serve, cook and clean up so our family wouldn't be burdened. It brought tears to my eyes to see how willing they were to help us. I know my family was extremely grateful and especially amazed that people they didn't know would come out and serve for them.

Bear Den, Home Depot Trip

April 2009

In the middle of all the craziness we have managed to keep up on every day things. Cheer tryouts came and went. I think Taylor had a wonderful experience (even though she didn't make it) I am proud of her for trying. Baseball games have continued twice a week. We have won some and lost some. A few field trips for scouts, home depot and the police station just to name a few.

All the Stake Leaders

Yee Haw!

Our girls camp kick off was last Wednesday night. We have some seriously talented women in our stake who have pulled together so many fun things. The theme is western this year and each ward has been given a song, mascot, and value that they are to make a skit from. I am excited to be able to go up for a week and see all of the things I wasn't able to experience as a youth. I am lucky enough to go on each of the hikes since they want all of it on film (yay for photography!)

Minnie, Tiffany and Amber (minus Tishia)

Our weekly running group is still going strong. Running has been so great for me, not only the bonding of friendships, but just to get out and be in the fresh air. The 4 (5--if Tishia decides, no pressure...) is planning on running the Laguna Hills Half Marathon (in California) this coming Memorial Day. We decided that in order to make it enjoyable we all needed a goal to reach for. We have been having to run our long runs starting at 5am because the Arizona heat has decided to kick in. I finally got another pair of running shoes which I desperately needed. The soles are completely coming off of my other ones (I bought 6 months ago!)

Proof I was really got into the FREEZING water.

Last, but not least our good friends the Hunter's invited our family to spend the day at the lake yesterday. It was a much needed stress reliever. The water was a tad cold for my liking, but I was still persuaded into getting in the water to try wake boarding.

Glad to be up out of the water!

Taylor tried for the first time, but got a little frustrated.
Maybe next time T!

These two 4 year olds were too funny

It has been close to 10 years since my feet had slipped into those boots, but like a bike I popped up on the first time. (yay for me) I definitely don't have the skills my husband does (which we were all impressed by). The most classic line of the day came out of Weston's mouth when Doug was boarding, he yelled "Dad you're tough!" It was a crack up.

Yep, honey you still have that wake board touch.
Doug was on cloud nine.

Jared tried his luck with the wakeboard too,
but he decided boogie boarding was
much easier.

The kids have exactly 4 weeks left of school--yikes. With that being said life doesn't get any less crazy, but I do look forward to a up coming getaway to San Antonio with Doug, perhaps a trip to Utah for the 4th and a weekend in California. And who can forget my favorite holiday this month, Mother's Day! Hopefully, two weeks won't go by before I check back in again, but I won't be making any promises.....