Father's Day, Grandma's funeral, Memorial Day, and Misc other things.

Father's Day:   My sweetheart is the best husband, father in the whole world.  He is an incredible father.  He loves each of his children and  I have enjoyed watching him teach, play, read to, and discover each of our children.  He is very good at pointing out the good and encouraging each child to do the very best they can.  He truly is a blessing to me and to our children.  He has been with me every step of this parenting adventure.  His patience and guidance helps me daily.  I cannot imagine trying to raise my darling children without his calming influence. These pictures are from a quick trip we took to Park City for a "free" weekend with the timeshare for a condo there.  Other than listening to the presentation and them changing our room 4 times we had a great time and ended up with a fabulous room with a hot tub off the deck and a spiral staircase leading to a loft room for Shelby to have to herself.  We went on the alpine slide and coaster and had a fabulous time together.  Great way to start our summer.

Memorial Day:    We took flowers to Joshua's grave as a family.  Rachel fell asleep on the 5 minute drive to the cemetery and so she was grouchy for pictures.  We also went to see Derrek's grandparents new, beautiful headstone picked by his aunt. 

 

My beautiful, angel Grandma Rushton passed away a short five days from my last visit with her.  I was not particularly sad.   She lived a beautiful, great life full of service and happiness.  I hope to have such a great resume of happy children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who serve the Lord when I pass away.  She finally got to go home which was her deepest wish.  She will be reunited with her son she lost many years ago and always missed.  My grandfather wanted his oldest granddaughters to be the pall bearers.  Scary and very nontraditional but we didn't drop her as you can see by the pictures.  The final picture is my brothers and sister and my parents.  I am truly blessed.  We also have a few sisters-in-law.  The rest of the kids and spouses were gone by this time.   

Grandma and Grandpa Rushton

I am very blessed to have had all 4 of my grandparents alive during my childhood and even into my adulthood.  I have always considered their wisdom and knowledge a blessing in my life.  My Grandma and Grandpa Andrus have been gone for about 10 years but my Grandpa and Grandma Rushton are still alive.  I love them both.  Recently they have had some changes in their housing arrangements and I went to see both of them.  My Grandma Rushton is suffering from Dementia and what appears to me to be Alzheimer's.  She recently has had to be placed in a nursing home for her own safety and welfare.  When I went to see her she looked like a beautiful angel.  Sweet, calm and almost glowing.  She was absolutely beautiful.    I introduced myself and of course there was no recognition.   She usually recognizes me as my mom but today she did not.  She asked me if I was coming to take her home.  I told her no it wasn't quite time for her to go home.  I sensed she was not talking about any earthly home just about our heavenly home.  She informed me she was waiting in line and was trying to be patient.  She has always been such a great example to me.  Her testimony of our Savior's love has often filled my soul with peace.  As she was talking the song "Temporary Home" by Carie Underwood was going through my head the chorus is
"This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This is just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know
This is my temporary home"

I also had the opportunity to visit my grandpa.  He is 92 and living in an assisted  living place he moved to take better care of grandma.  He has done a fabulous job helping her and loving her through her illness. We visited about each of the families he loves so dearly and each of their accomplishments and worries.  He is so proud of each member.  He is excited about Great-grandchildren that are coming in the fall.  New jobs those who are still looking for jobs.  His missionary grandsons etc...    Then he said I lived with her for 64 years and it is lonely without mom.  He misses her but knows this is best for her. 

I am so blessed to have them in my life.  Here is a picture from a reunion a while back.