Grandmother

On September 18th, Shelby's grandmother, passed away. She was 12 days shy from turning 83 years old. She was a precious lady, and the mother to my wonderful mother-in-law, Paula. Although I didn't get the chance to be around her much, I know that she was a Godly woman who loved the Lord & served Him as long as she physically was able. 

We knew that taking the girls wouldn't be the easiest thing, but there was no doubt in my mind that we should all go. We explained her death as best as we could to them. They knew that she was in Heaven with the angels. I don't know what their little minds really took in, but they were so excited to be staying in a HOTEL! Having Georgia & Ivy Jane there lightened the mood. Everything is fun at the hotel...even riding on the luggage cart!

...and the mini frig! I was in the bathroom getting ready for the visitation & I heard chomping sounds. I looked around the corner & Ivy Jane was standing at the mini frig "eating ice"...in her diaper & Toms...LOVE her. 

Although the circumstances were very sad, there were some sweet family times. Some of Ivy Jane's & Georgia Claire's favorite people...Jules, Heather & Great Grandma (and babies Sarah & Emily)...

I had my "bag of tricks" with me loaded with toys, books, snacks, juice, milk, etc. to take with me to the visitation! The girls did really well. It was from 6-8pm & we went to eat afterwards, so they had several snack breaks while greeting friends of the family.

I said the girls did really well...until Ivy Jane went to time out. She is a mess, I tell you! I love that I'll always have proof that she was in time-out at her great-grandmother's funeral.

 

Poor Georgia Claire was EXHAUSTED by the time we got to the restaurant to eat supper...she was snoring as soon as her head hit the pillow that night!

Melody, Gary, & Paula...my mother-in-law & her siblings. I love this picture of those 3!

 A quick picture of the family that attended, after lunch, and before getting on the road to head home.

 Five miles down the road the girls were OUT!

Funerals have a way of making you reflect on the things that are truly important in this life of ours. Family is so very important to me. I hope & pray that my girls will grow up with the same love for family. I'm also praying that they grow to love & trust our Savior so that one day we will all be reunited when our life on this Earth comes to an end & our wonderful time in Heaven begins!