Oregon

The kids and I headed off to Oregon to help take care of Grandma Terry--who fell down the stars and broke one ankle and sprained the other really badly.  Turns out we weren't really very helpful, luckily my in-laws live very close to my parents and took the kids a lot so that I could actually get some things done for my mom. 

We did have some fun in Grandpa's hot tub though

And I got my mom's upstairs bathroom amazingly clean...of course, she can't go upstairs for quite some time, but I'm super proud of her tile!

While we were there my Great-Grandma Opal died.  She was 101, so although it wasn't really a surprise, it was kind of sudden, which I guess is good.  Jeremy was out in Oregon helping his Dad with some projects, so we were both able to go to the funeral.  Because Grandma was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and therefore was to be burried in clothing one would wear in the Temple; I was given the honor of helping to dress her for burial.  It was an interesting experience, and although I'm not sure what I expected, it was nothing like I anticipated.  I'm greatful that I had the chance to say good bye in such a humble way.  There was a mix up with some of the clothing that had been selected, so Grandma Opal was burried in my Temple Dress, in exchange I kept the little suitcase that she had used to carry her temple clothes in.  I feel like in addition to being family, that she and I are linked in a special eternal way now.  She was a great lady, full of fun and life and even in her last years she was able to remember pretty much everything that was going on with everyone.  We gave our daughter the name of Maeli Opal because of my Grandma Opal and the kind and gentle woman that she was.  I look forward to the day when the two of them will get to really know each other. 

I also stole her desk before anyone else could claim it!