Easter at the Stewarts

Had a great Easter. Due to Saturday ballgames, we celebrated on Sunday. Bri and Jarod had invited Missionaries for dinner, so they got in on the furry rabbit stuff. They were good sports about it. Next year I hope Saturday works out better for us. We had a great time.

Aunt Loo coordinated outfits and made alterations.

 Liv

 Jakes

 Benz

 Bay

 Zeke

 Gav

 Laynie

 Ady

 Ike

  Pip

 Laynie, Benz, Ike

 Audrey

Look whose EIGHT!

Messing up the order of posts, but left out two posts in March that were journal worthy. Our sweet granddaughter Laynie was baptized on March 12, 2016. It was an eventful day. She was so excited to be baptized. She ask me to speak on baptism.  I had seen a story of the 3 "Bears" of Baptism. Bearing the name of Jesus Christ, Bearing one another burdens, and Bearing testimony of Christ. I presented her with 3 bears each with a tag reminding her of her promises to the Lord.  It was a beautiful day.

Laynie and I

 Laynie with her family

 I made gummy bear reminders with the 3 "Bears"

 Her reminder "Bears"

 Family and friends gathering...

 Loves the picture of these two together.

 Papa enjoying snuggle time with Liv.

I

Precious Memories

Woke Monday morning with the urge to go into the office, open the hutch drawer, and take out a note card, to write my Mom a short note. It had become a weekly habit for me. The the events of the last week flooded my mind. She was gone. I came to understand, that a lot of my thoughts were geared to her. Wondering if she was comfortable, wondering if she was getting visitors, if she was eating, if she was warm, saying short simple prayers for her. So now what? I reflect on my life. How can I be more like her?  How can I honor her? How will my daily thoughts of her change?

Serving others was her ultimate attribute. She gave even when it seemed she had nothing left physically, spiritually, monetarily to give. She gave her last dollars to those she felt needed it more. . She gave spiritually until her mind was no longer able to sort through reality and mental torment. She gave emotionally, leaving her youngest son the last breath of  her mortal existence. She was the epitome of all that was good in the world.

These hands have done more for others, than one can imagine. Her good deeds could fill volumes.

Planning a funeral in 4 short days was challenging, to some would be impossible. I am lucky to have 7 wonderful siblings who after hours of conference calls, practicing and composing songs to be sung, preparing beautiful talks, came together for a beautiful celebration of her life. I am hopeful she got to be present too.

Cute Rachelle did the flowers for Mom's "Treasure Box" a term my little Granddaughter uses instead of casket. I love that she said that, for it is surely holding the body of one of Gods greatest treasures.

Pictures of viewing family and friends.

I loved how green the valley was from atop the cemetery's hill. Her final resting place is surrounded by the beautiful mountains, that encompass the valley. The air was crisp, and fresh, and the clouds had pockets of sunshine running through them. At one time during the grave side service a patch of blue in the shape of a heart was in our view, not a doubt in my mind it was from Mom. It was cold we didn't linger long. We did sing the orchestra to her one last time.

I am glad this day was full of  "Precious Memories"