Speaking of Heaven!

OK so today I had to run in to town to get gas in the car and drove by Arctic Circle. I usually try to avoid looking at their advertisement sign because I'm always tempted but I gave in to it today. Guess what they have now???? Sweet Potato Fries!! Have you heard of these?? Have you ever tasted them?? Speaking of Heaven!! Now I'm not one to even think about enjoying anything that has to do with sweet potatoes -- it used to bring horrific thoughts of Thanksgiving when they try to smother and disguise them with marshmallows -- but last year Ken and I tried them at a local BBQ rib joint and I loved them! Who would have thought! So now every time I drive by Arctic Circle, which is every time I go in to town, I'm going to be tempted by the newest thing on their menu -- Sweet Potato Fries! If you haven't had them before, give it a try! You better get them soon or I might eat them all....

We Cry While the Angels are Singing

What an emotional weekend this has been! I teach in Relief Society (the women's class in church) and the lesson this week was on the Plan of Salvation (or after-life). I was very teary as I told the women of my grandmother - my only grand parent left and the one I knew best. She has recently been at an assisted living facility but due to her recent decline in health, was to move back to my parent's home to live out her last days.

I remember when she lived just across the street when I was young and I would visit her and loved to look at all the little ceramic and glass trinkets and animals she loved to have on display. Later, after my marriage, I worked close to where she lived and I visited a few times during my lunch hour. I was always amazed at the colorful furniture she had! And more recent, when she lived with my parents and pretty much kept to the one room set aside for her. She loved to read - my mother was always trying to keep good books on hand for her.

Well, this morning, my mother called me with the news that my grandmother has left this life and continued to the eternities. I cried.

I will miss her deeply. I loved the way she talked. I loved the way her kisses were always a little wet. I loved her fingernails and wished that they could have been passed down to my genes, but alas, I wasn't that fortunate. I loved that she was always happy and loved to talk about all the goings-on of her family. I loved that she made me feel loved when I was with her.

I am sad that I wasn't able to see her before she left us. But I can imagine her in heaven -- keeping busy with all there is to do there.

Love you Grandma!!

Surrounded by Love

Mom invited all of us to a final summer dinner on the deck. It was good to get together with my brothers and sisters and their families. And the kids sure love to see their cousins and go crazy. The food was great! You should have seen Krista's dessert! It makes me a little sad to live far enough away that I can't just drop in more often. Love you all!

More Pictures from Ken's Trip

Here's a few updates:

My appointment with the foot doc went well this week. I can now start wearing shoes and trying to get my foot back to normal motion. It's great but makes my foot hurt again.

Hannah's scabs are all gone and she's looking pretty good now. Hooray! At least I dont' have to worry about school pictures looking silly.

And Ken got back safely from his motorcycle trip to Milwaukee for the Harley-Davidson 105th anniversary celebration. He had a great time but we both were eager to see each other after two weeks of separation.

Here's some pics of his trip...