The Legacy

This picture was taken at my Grandfather's funeral a week and a half ago. This is the whole family except for four people...I think. There are twenty-four grandchildren and 46 great-grandchildren. The Grandchildren

Siblings

Everything went well with the funeral. Many members of the family participated in the majority of the funeral which made it seem very personal. My cousin Wes had the message and I really appreciated all he had to share. His overall theme was a challenge as to how we use our days while we are here. Grandpa lived a lot of days and thankfully loved the Lord for all his days. I was also reminded today as my sister shared in our ABF class at church about something else that Wes shared...what really matters in our lives is how we live out the dash...referring to our tombstone where there are two numbers and a dash in between. When it's all been said and done, what will God have to say about my dash. Did I live a life pleasing to Him?...that's my desire.August 20, 1916 - May 18, 2008

On Wednesday before the funeral, Kevin and I took the kids to the house where my grandparents lived. It was such a special time to be there by ourselves...so peaceful and full of wonderful memories. It was certainly a different feeling driving up the hill this time. but as I walked around the property shooting pictures of the kids, all the memories came flooding back.I have played many hours on this swing set as a little girl. I have ran, skipped, rolled down, mowed, picked raspberries, eaten watermelon, laid in the sun, played kickball and caught lightning bugs on this beautiful grassy hill.I have driven up this driveway many times with extreme excitement after a long trip in the car. Stepping inside the house was probably the hardest part. I washed and dried lots of dishes in this sink right next to my grandma. She taught me to wash the glasses first.

Caedmon wearing Great-Grandpa's hat and thinking to himself "You been farmin' long?" One last picture before going to Grandpa's funeral.

We were so very lucky to get to stay with my cousin Dan, his wife Ashley and their sweet little boy Sam while we were there. They have another son waiting for them in Guatemala while his adoption is being completed...baby Joe is a cutie. Ashley and I are blog sisters and I love keeping up with what's going on with their family. They just bought a new home and it was such a treat to finally see it in person.

Kaiya and Sam with a prompting from their mommies :)

The kids enjoyed playing with Sam and we loved catching up with Ashley and Dan. Thanks again for such an awesome time and wonderful hospitality! It's your turn to come see us now. :)