Grandma Dalley, Easter, and Conference Weekend

The Viewing

Mark's Grandma Dalley passed away last week at the age of 96. She was amazing! Her obituary is HERE. Despite her age, she was still not only mentally sharp, but also witty. I cannot put her quick wit and sense of humor into words...she enjoyed the power of words and truly enjoyed people. She was still living in her own home (thanks to Mark's parents living nearby and hired help) and winning blue ribbons at the state fair up until a few months before her death. My kids were heartbroken, especially since they had a visit planned in just 2 more weeks. :( As with other emotions, we have done our best to support them as they process the grief and the surprise from her sudden passing.

The services were a beautiful celebration of her life! We enjoyed hearing the stories from her childhood almost 100 years ago and the ways she reached out to others no matter where she lived. I was particularly touched to meet a young man from her ward who claimed her as his best friend. As I spoke with his mother, I found out that he would help her with her walker into the building every Sunday. He would come visit her every Sunday. Even just a few weeks ago, he stayed all afternoon to help rotate ice packs after a recent surgery. I am reminded that I can do better and help my kids to do better to be more aware of others around us and to adopt grandparents here as others adopt our grandparents when we can't be with them.

The music was beautiful! In addition to Mark's brother and his family singing and his Aunt Carla's beautiful piano arrangement of, "How Great Thou Art," all of the great-grand children sang, "My Heavenly Father Loves Me." It was perfect! Grandma loved nature, especially her flowers and gardens. All of the grandchildren sang, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." It was a double-treat for me to have the privilege to accompany this beautiful tribute to Grandma. The music was powerful, especially after Rob's talk highlighting The Plan of Salvation and our Savior's central role. I cannot think of a better way to teach our children about the power and wonder of Easter Sunday than to have a real-life experience with the death of a loved one!  <3 We love you, Grandma! We know that because of Jesus Christ, we will see this giant of a woman again. Easter was a beautiful and much more personal celebration this year because of the timing of these tender experiences.

Although we would have loved to be able to visit longer with the family members who gathered for the weekend (we had lots of little hands tugging on us), we are happy to have been able to catch up with so many cousins and extended family members.

Conference was incredible---at least what we caught of it with our kiddos and the family (thank goodness for online options to catch the rest and review it later!). :) Temples coming to India and Russia, big changes to minister more precisely and effectively, the sustaining of a new prophet and two new apostles, and a spiritual feast all weekend long! It was such a blessed weekend for our family!!!

Graveside

This selfie elicited a crazy laugh from Mark. This is Mark with his brother, Mike, and His dad making double chins.

Waiting for their turn with pictures: a small handful of the great-grandkids after the luncheon.

Gav, Mark, and Le...crazy boy selfie

Send catching up with her cousin

Easter egg hunt

About to head out for the egg hunt

Mark was able to meet up with two high school friends and catch up.

Grandpa. :)

Ship playing with the toys

Left to right: Mark's brother, Rob; nephew, Parker; dad; Mark; Mark's brother, Mike at the Priesthood session

The kids and I snuck away to Rexburg during the Priesthood session and had dinner with my family (but I didn't take any pictures! :( ) The food was awesome and we enjoyed our time visiting with family.

Send watching conference

Silly Ship and parents' selfie

Our primary presidency put together conference packets for every child in the primary. <3 We have the most amazing people and leaders in our ward! They care so much about our kids. They are making conference trail mix here.

Setting up the tramp for the weekend with Grandpa.