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. 

Welcome Home

This is what welcomed us home last night. Happy Halloween

Happy Fathers Day!!!

I just wanted to take a quick moment to say Happy Fathers Day to such a wonderful father! With the recent news in the Brandon & Christina Standifird Family I have had a lot of time to contemplate and reflect on what type of father I would like to be and how I can become that man. Dad has been the perfect (although thankfully imperfect at times) example of what I hope to become after my children are grown. Just a few things that I love most about my dad:

1) His unconditional love for each of us

2) His constant example of going without so we could always have

3) His love for the Lord and His Gospel

4) His respect and love for a dear sweet mother

5) His sense of Humor

6) His hard work ethic which was instilled in each of us

7) His Dutch Oven Cooking

8) His perfect tan

9) His desire to be better each day and his ability to become such

10) His example to all of us

I love you dad and hope that one day I can fill your great shoes!

On a side note I would be very ungrateful if I didn't say how much I love my Grandpa Gene. What a wonderful strong spirit that we all were blessed to have had in our lives for so long. You will be deeply missed Grandpa Gene, and forever we will be re-counting the unforgettable moments that each of us have shared with you.

Until we meet again!

Knowing this will be our last, sorry mom, I have been trying to savor all those things only a new born does. I hope I can remember them in years to come.

1. The new baby smell.

2. Her soft feet.

3. The way she can make a perfect "O" with her lips.

4. The funny faces she makes when she is asleep.

5. How she wrinkles her forehead when she stretches, it reminds me of a turtle.

6. When she curls in her legs and lays on my chest, she fits perfectly.

7. The quiet moments at 2:00 am when it is just her and I in the dim light and I am alone with my thoughts of the future and all I want for her.

I am so grateful the Lord has blessed and trusted me with this opportunity to be a mother.

We gathered for pictures and some even
turned out.

The Wedding Day

Just a few more pics of the family celebration. Wedding breakfast on Saturday the 17th with the ceremony at the temple.