Holiday Gathering of 2010

Grandma Joy

June 4, 1927 - December 28th, 2010

Just before Christmas, Thursday the 23rd of December, our mom and grandmother suffered a stroke that ended her life on December 28th.  The spirit of the holiday quickly changed, in a grand and respectful way.  Travel plans were made as the gathering began and we were all strengthened by each other.

 

Grandma Joy loved, taught and instilled in us her passion for music.  To honor her life we joined together preparing musical numbers for her funeral.  Children, Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren quickly accepted assignments to share.  Somewhere along the way her musical talents crept into the lives of her posterity and they did her proud!

 

 

 

 

 

The great grandchildren had maybe 20 minutes of rehearsal preparing "I know that My Savior Loves Me."  Tender hearts and voices bore testimony of our Savior.

Love the power & parts of male voices by Grandma Joy's Grandsons who sang "How Great Thou Art".

  

 Little rehearsal was needed as the Standifird grandchildren had a quick run through.  

Grateful they learned so well the primary songs, unaware they would be called on to 

participate in the services for Grandma Joy.

We all tried to stay close to Grandpa, letting him talk all he wanted, watching him visit with old and dear friends, and wondering how we could be sensitive to his loss in the hours, days and months ahead.

Our lives our continually blessed by our children.  What amazing men these boys have become; raising families of their own, serving in church callings, supporting one another and giving their grandmother yet another thing to brag about.  I hope in heaven she can push a rewind button and watch the events of this day over and over.

Yet another gathering. . . but she is absent.  Not from our memories nor our hearts and not forever.

Babies Babies Babies

On September 8, 2011, Baby Jack turned a year old.   The events of the past year have been filled with celebrations, gatherings (scheduled and unscheduled) memories, sharing of testimonies and tearful goodbyes. 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                           

Baby Girl Standifird could be here in time for the holidays.  Jonah hopes she arrives on December 18th!

So, Let's talk    about the babies!

The new baby brother will join Lucy and Henry in February!

. . . and this baby comes in March.  It's a boy!

Babies make everyone feel 

better.  We hold them, kiss them,

sing to them, cherish them, and

feel gratitude because their very presence replaces any sadness we may feel with Joy!

Sara Marie Ashby was born on February 10, 2011, in Tucson.  She was immediately loved by her three big brothers and older sister. . . and of course her grandma and grandpa.  Her birth was yet another reminder of eternal families, those who are together here and precious parents/grandparents so recently taken from this brief earthly existence.