This weekend was a bitter-sweet weekend for our household. And I have a lot on my mind...and a lot of pictures. So be prepared.
Wednesday my younger brother, Shane, got his mission call.
Early Thursday morning my cute little Grandma died.
Daren and I headed down to Salt Lake Friday night. Shane decided to wait to open his call until we could be there and he also had a few close friends coming into town on Friday. He actually went up to my Grandpa's grave, where my Grandma would also be buried, and open his call by himself Friday afternoon. He didn't tell anyone but my brother...jerk. Anyways, a bunch of family and friend met over at my parent's church. We ate, we laughed, and he read his call!
Where is he going?! FIJI!! I can't even believe it! He will be speaking the Fijian language. He reports to the Provo MTC on May 4th. It's so soon! But Shane is so incredibly happy! And he is SO ready to go! I just have to say that I am SOOO proud of Shane. It hasn't been the easiest road for him to get here but he has never doubted. In fact, he has only gotten stronger. It's amazing how our life is in the Lord's hands and he knows what is best for us, even if it appears to be a huge trial in our life. Shane was planning on leaving in November. If Shane had stuck with his plan he wouldn't have been able to introduce a good friend to the church and he wouldn't have been able to baptize her a few weeks ago. He also would have missed my grandma's funeral. The Lord knows us better than we know ourself. Shane is such a strong person and he is going to make an amazing missionary. The Fijian people are VERY lucky to be getting him! I admire he oh so much! I love you Shaners!
P.S. I'm already planning our vacation to pick him up!
Please ignore the address...and don't stalk my parents.
Or give it out to strangers.
A proud mama!
We had a viewing for my Grandma Sunday night and her funeral was Monday. Both were such wonderful events filled with the spirit. I still can't believe how many great people we have in our lives. People that are so supportive and will always let you cry on their shoulder. For someone reason only certain people trigger my emotions. I saw a cousin that I basically grew up with, I haven't seen her in 8 years and boy did we lose it. I had a hard time containing myself after that. Seeing old young women leaders also trigger those emotions. I am SO grateful for the Plan of Salvation. It's so comforting to know that my Grandma is with her eternal companion again and they are loving each other. She missed him so much and I'm sure he was patiently waiting for her too! She was an amazing woman, full of love and generosity. She had the best toy room a grandkid could ask for. We lived 4 houses down from her for 15+ years of my life. I have spent many, many hours at her house, and so have many of my friends. She always had gum in her purse, the light blue kind. It was always remind me of her. Oh she was a funny lady too! She will be missed!! I love you Grandma!
I am also SO grateful for an amazing husband that I am sealed to for time and all eternity. He was my rock this weekend. He made sure I had everything I needed, including plenty of tissues. He let me cry in his arms all weekend. He stayed up with me in the middle of the night after I got the phone call saying she had passed. He was there for my family. He took beautiful pictures so I didn't have to worry about it. I couldn't have asked for a better husband. I love you baby!
This was actually on Sunday.
Don't they all look so handsome in their black suits?!
The past few weeks have been a somewhat trying time for Daren and I, but I KNOW that Heavenly Father is looking out for us and he won't put us in a situation that we can't get out of. He has faith in us and we need to have faith in ourselves. This weekend was definitely a reminder of that. My testimony and my faith have been strengthened. I am so grateful for an amazing family and amazing friends. It was so wonderful to spend so much time with my family and reunite with other family members that we haven't seen in a long time. Mine and Daren's lives are truly blessed because of all of you!
Thank you to everyone who showed their love and support to my family this weekend, with Shane's calling and with the funeral. We appreciate it more than you will ever know.
