Miss Mom

I miss mom. She passed away a week ago today peacefully in my brother's home after a short battle with a recurrence of the thyroid cancer she had 7 years ago. I have been at peace with it all, but it doesn't make me miss her any less. My family was able to spend some quality time with mom for family home evening Monday before she passed away. Rachel and Lydia played a violin flute duet for her and then played several songs from the primary song book. They played for about an hour, although I don't know that mom was very responsive I am sure she was aware of them playing and enjoyed it. She loves music. After talking things over with dad and my brother  we gave her a blessing reassuring her that we will take care of dad and that it was ok for her to move on. It was a very tender experience as I hugged her, told her I love you and had her be aware enough to respond with I love you back. My family was able to say goodbye... it was a very tender moment where the Spirit was very strong. Wednesday morning was not a surprise when I got a text message saying "Come home". Mom's funeral was a very fitting tribute to her, Jayne, Lyndi, Allen and Brett Smith spoke, Rachel and Lydia did their duet, I sang and Julie Weist sang. It was short and sweet and I feel that mom was pleased. Dad is having a hard time which is to be expected. My news that I am moving to North Dakota had poor timing with everything that was going on and didn't help him much. I am having a hard time coming to grips with the move today, I am excited and scared all at the same time. There is so much to do and I will be in North Dakota where I won't be any help to Barb with packing up. I have to be on a plane on the 9th of November so that I can start work on the 12th. Things are really going to get crazy.

"You're so much handsome now dad"

I put a new picture of myself on my blog.... Rachel had me go look at it, then she asked me to scroll down to look at the old one. She started laughing, I was so round in the face in the old one. She is still laughing.... she said "You're so much handsome now dad". I don't know how to take that! She tried to save face by saying "you were handsome before, we didn't notice that you were so... dorky" trying to make me feel better. Sometimes I don't know how to take my teenagers. She is still laughing....

Crazy

Things are really crazy! Shortly after mom and dad's home flooded dad was admitted to the hospital. He had 3 stints put in, and while there passed out and flat lined. It was really scary for a couple of days, we are glad that he is home now. Mom has actually been improving the last couple of days. She still can't walk but she has been feeling well enough to actually admit that she feels better. The farm and cows are busier than ever, I am refereeing soccer, Barb is going to school and DJB is moving to a new location.... Whew! I have not had any spare time lately with all that is going on and actually once again forgot about my blog. I was reading Jacob's blog which is what me remember that it has been a long time since I have written. I really don't have anything profound to say. Our family is really busy right now. Jacob will be home tomorrow for fall break, Rachel is refereeing soccer and teaching violin. Lydia is playing soccer, they are region champs! Jed has been taking over for Jacob with mowing lawns. Josiah is spending more and more time with his friends, he has become a very social person. Barb is getting settled into her classes and figuring out her professors.