Treasuring Every Moment, our Time in Indiana. Post 2 of 2

Morning came bright and early! The birds were singing and the sun was shining. We walked inside to the house and just felt that warmth you feel when family is gathered.

The days before Grandma had gone shopping for breakfast and in the morning Grampa ran out for more and Jimmy cooked it all for us. It was all wonderful! Ellie just loved it, she ate as much as me! Somehow though, the Dodo got away with having nothing but a cookie for breakfast.

After breakfast we all gathered in the garden to talk and enjoy our time together.

Soon the excitement wore down and there was a quite lull in the day and exhaustion set in. Big time. Randie, Jimmy, Hubby and I ran out to get some emergency energy drinks. Tammy stayed back with the kids, we didn't have to twist her arm to much ;)

Blah! To many choices!

This Calypso drink was AMAZING! It's my new favorite drink! Aside of course from the hazelnut iced coffee. It's my new favorite non java beverage. :)

We found a little friend in the tire rim!

After refueling, we spent some more time fellowshipping in the garden, which was breathtaking.

Randie is in the far left, drinking some sort of energy drink I believe, Tammy is doing something on her phone and Hubby's uncle Todd is letting Didi play with his phone. VERY dangerous!!! But, since he has 2 children of his own, I concluded that he already weighed the risks of letting a 2 year old play with his phone. lol :)Grampa and Grandma are on the right and Ellie is sitting in a garden wagon just taking it all in. I know they loved being outside in the pretty sunshine.

As long as we were outside, I took the opportunity to photograph the full bloom garden, it was ever so beautiful. :)

I was enjoying the beauty of the garden until I came to photograph the little water spewing turtle. I raised my camera to start taking photographs the same time Hubby and Jimmy walked over by me. "So, the turtle is still puking water?" Jimmy said. I just furrowed my brows and tried to ignore the comment for the most part, as to not take away from any of the beauty. But them Hubby had to add in, "So, what is that hooked up to him? A colonoscopy bag? It looks like a colonoscopy bag. That's pretty gross!" To which I could not help but to burst out laughing. Silly, goofy hubby. :) The turtle just did not look the same after that, lol :)

Todd having a conversation with the little ones...

Diana picked flowers to share with her great grandmother. Because of that I found out that Daniel used to around picking all the flowers from her garden to give to his mom. Aawwhh! What a sweet hubby I have. :)

It was soon time to leave for the Memorial service. I was not able to get any photos of the many family members because everything went so fast. But I can say that everything was simple, beautiful and a joyful rememberence of a great woman. Elsie and her husband were both very much in love their entire lives and it showed in their eyes, just like their love for Jesus. Because of them they had a little girl, who got married and had another girl, who got married and had a little boy, who married me, and now we have 2 more little girls and another Elsie added to the family. Wow, what a heritage.

I didn't by any means know her well, I only met her twice. But, I'll never forget the joy and life that shone through her. Nothing but an unshakable faith can produce the type of light and kindness that she had. I'll also never forget the look in her eyes when Daniel and I told her I was pregnant again and that we planned on naming our next little daughter after her. Her joy for children was apparent and the love she had for all was inspiring. I thank God for the Godly heritage that He established so many years ago, and that Diana and Ellie will be brought up in His love and truth.

We were able to meet many extended family members and that was a blessing I shall cherish. All too soon though it was time to say good bye. :'( There were tears but we all look forward to seeing each other later this summer. But for now, it was time to go home

Just the start of a long drive home.....

Toll booth!

Oh yes... the grass felt much greener in Indiana!

The drive really didn't seem quite as long coming home. Hubby and I talked about all that had happened over the past two days, reflected on God's goodness, held hands and sang along to the radio. Although the circumstances surrounding our arrival in Indiana were sad, God blessed our time tremendously. I pray that the rest of the family left the weekend reflecting on the person Elsie was, the legacy she left behind and God's gift of life to us. We praise you Lord!