Boy, It's been a long time since I've blogged. I have to say I miss it. Life after a deployment is not always easy. A lot of adjusting going on whether we like it or not. And just when we were getting things back to normal wouldn't you know our lives got flipped upside down again. I received a phone call from my mother explaining that my grandmother (Granny) went in to surgery, had a massive stroke, and wasn't going to survive. I haven't seen my Granny in over 2 years and all I kept thinking was "NO! not yet!" I wanted to see her one more time. Get that final hug that could never be mistaken. Losing a close family member is something I haven't had to do yet. Everybody has their time I know but it has taken me awhile to write this post. It seemed more final writing it down like this I guess. And I didn't want to face all the emotions that come with it. We immediately had to change our planes for the funeral. I was so grateful that Don could be there with me along with the kids. I knew she was happy to see all of us there. Along with my family, my sisters were there and my brother. My aunt and uncle from Utah and two of their kids and my other aunt and her family and uncle and his children who live there. It was a beautiful funeral, If there is such a thing, and we actually all had a wonderful time just getting to know one another again. I know that is exactly what she was wanting for a long time. A family reunion. And she got us there.......But we missed her, In the kitchen, making every southern dish you can think of from scratch. The kitchen was here domain. She knew it like the back of her hand. In fact in the last couple of years she had become pretty blind I was told but you never would have guessed it as she moved about making this and that for family and friends. As I was looking through the cupboards for some jam for the kids I found a whole stash of plum jelly that she had made 2 weeks before. I wanted to take one with me and savor it, never letting her memory fade. My grandpa Evan (Pa) was so strong. I wasn't expecting that but I should have known that he would be that way. That's how she would have expected him to be. My Pa told me that after he came home from the hospital and started off to bed he went in to his bedroom and saw the bed all done up and made just right. It was then he knew that she knew she was not coming back. And he almost didn't want to pull down the sheets. I wouldn't have, I know I'm not as strong. She was in a lot of pain and despite everybody asking her not to get this very risky surgery, she decided she just couldn't live that way anymore. And for that reason alone I am grateful that she is where she is, happy and safe from any pain. For my mother and her two sisters I decided to make bracelets that were all the same. I also made one for their mother to ware for all eternity. I was hoping this would help in the healing process for them. But it turned out that it was for me as well. I got to place the bracelet that I made for her on her. I was a little leery at first. I think any funeral is hard that way. But it became very personal and I knew she loved it. Oh, I miss her! She was good to us all and now she is just getting everything ready for when it's our turn to pass through the Vail. She's just like that. That's what I like to picture any way. I cant wait to see her again and receive the hug I'm aching for. I miss you Granny.
This is my mom and her dad, my Pa.
Me, Sister Tiffany, my Mom Faye, Sister Mandy, and Sister Natalie.
My Uncle Harold and his kids: Alisha, Timmy and his wife Leandra.
Cousin Alisha, her mom Aunt Brenda, My wonderful Pa, Sister Mandy and her son Tyson. My mom, My awesome aunt Linda, My sweet, sweet aunt Margret. Sister Tiffany, cousin Cami, daughter to Aunt Linda, Cousin Lindsey,daughter to aunt Margret. That's not the whole crew but you get the point.
They were SCREAMING the happy birthday song in the most annoying way only ten 8-9 year old boys can. Note to self: We will be skipping this part next time! 
