11 July 2010

The Nice Thing About Funerals

Sorry it's been so long - things around here have been slightly insane.

My mom's mom, "Grannie," moved in with us about a year ago. For a year before that, my mom lived with her in Utah after my grandfather died to take care of her. On Saturday, July 3, 2010 at 2:22 AM, Grannie died very suddenly. The doctors wouldn't even call her sick until around 6 pm on Friday.

The nice thing about funerals is: you get to see family. Josh and Karissa had a heck of a time getting there, but they did. Ashley, Hannah, and Rachel flew over from San Fran and then back up to Seattle when it was over, and Jereme came down from school.

I haven't seen Ashley, Hannah, and Rachel in a year - unbelievable! Hannah and Rachel have grown so much. It was great to see how much fun they have together and how much they love each other. I haven't seen Josh and Karissa since Grannie moved in, which is about a year also. Somehow that doesn't seem right! And it's been a few months since I've seen Jereme. I miss them all so much when I don't get to see them all of the time - especially those 2 little girls (sorry sibs, but its true.) There is something magical about smiles from those girls.

For those of you looking at the picture of me and siblings thinking, "Geez, you don't look good, Lauren," I would like to inform you that I had spent the previous day in a car, couldn't sleep because I was on a bed with a GINORMOUS dip in the middle, and had a massive head ache from the heat. For those of you looking at me in that picture thinking, "HOLY CRAP! SHE'S WEARING PINK!" Yes, I know. And it's not just pink. Its like...bubblegum pink! Be impressed. I got to teach Hannah how to work the buttons on my sweater during the viewing and she told me she liked my pink sweater, so I knew it was a wise choice.

We buried Grannie with her favorite sweeties in her hand and a few packets stuffed in her coffin to go. I was going to post a picture of it to prove it, but was informed that was rather morbid, so I decided against it. Before the coffin was sealed, my mom opened the package that was in her hand so she could get to the candies easier.

Isn't this girl cute??? (The baby is Rachel for those of you who don't know...)

I'm so fortunate to have such an amazing family. I wish we could have seen each other under happier circumstances, but hopefully we can do that soon. I miss you each so much!

Things that induce laughter/smiles/happy feelings in me today:

1. My mom has moved me into Grannie's room (which used to be my room), so I get to put my books on the shelves again. I'm excited. And so are my books.

2. It was a bit of a rough Sunday at church today; luckily, Bryce was there.

3. Why do some people feel the need to tell you things that they should probably keep to themselves until they know you better or until you ABSOLUTELY HAVE to know?

4. I GET TO SEE ALLI SOON!!!

5. My cute new bedspread. A special post regarding this matter to follow soon.

6. I finally signed my contract at work, which means I have health insurance and a salary! I also got put into my office on Friday. YAY.

7. I'm coming down with a cold. How do I know? Well, aside from the runny nose and general crap feeling, I'm STARVING. It doesn't matter what I eat or how much of it I eat, I cannot stop my stomach from growling. AUGH.