The Dance

Last week I went to Samantha's and McKinley's Dance Recital. It was fun to see them and they both did a great job. This is their per-dance pictures such beautiful girls. Great that they are both in the same class.

Sam getting ready to start.

After the Dance, I think they were pleased with their performance. Such cute girls and I love that they are such good friends.

Spring is popping out all over

After the white and dull colors of winter it is so good to see the colors of spring.   I have enjoyed all the pastel colors this year they have made my heart happy especially all the yellow.  Enjoy the little bits of color I have been enjoying.

I love driving around and see a flash of yellow here and there.

Stole this beautiful picture from my niece Julie. Temple Square at its finest.

What is spring without baseball??

I Can Do Hard Things --- Hard Move

The end of January our realtor, Matt Johnson called to tell me that he had had  a lot of calls about the house. He didn't want to put any pressure to start showing the house again but just wanted me to know. After thinking about it for a few days I decided it was time. So the 1st of February we showed the house. The next week we showed it 8 times, on Saturday the 8th we had an offer and on 

Sunday it was under contract. It was time!!! 

The couple who put the offer on the home asked what I was going to do with Jack's Jeep. Actually I think I was the one who brought it up that I was going to sell it. The wife said that she wanted to buy it so I put her in touch with Mark, the Jeep expert. After talking to Mark she bought it the next week. So hard to see it go!!!!!! Jack loved his Jeep so much. After he couldn't drive anymore there were times I would find him just setting in it listening to the radio, loved being in it and everything about it!!!!!! I knew I couldn't sell it until he was gone.

The next hard thing was moving up to Mom's. Not moving up to Mom's but moving out of our home.  I am so thankful for the boys' help and also the Grandkids, down to the youngest. All were super and worked so hard carrying box after box out. At 10:00 the Ward came in full force to help. They had the truck loaded by noon and the boys took everything up to Mom's to unload everything into her garage.  There is no way I could have done this without everyones help. I am so blessed with so many in my life who have been there for me at this time. They have helped in so many ways, the Ward has been fantastic in so many ways. They have made me feel loved.

It was harder to leave this home than I thought it would be. Even when you know it is the right thing to do and the right time to do it it is not always easy. I closed on the house the 20th of March. Some good memories here and I hope the next people enjoy the house as much as we did.

Definitely not a perfect house but it was our home for 15 years.

Ist Annual JPB Memorial Shootout

To remember and to celebrate Jack on his birthday we decided to  go shooting. So on Saturday March 8th we all went to the Bountiful Range.

This is the text Mitch sent to us all.

       

Carter could hardly hold the gun but loved it and wanted to go back the next day.

Jake emptied his gun all at once which I think surprised him, but he had the biggest smile when he finished. Wish I had a picture of it.

The girls getting ready and getting instruction from Mark.

Good shot Larsen.

Larsen firing Mitch's pistol, feeling the kickback.

All that went, by the smiles I think a good time was had by all. Family time great way to remember Jack, Dad and Grandpa.

Back row: Mitch, Larsen, Mike, Mark, and Dylan. Middle row: Me and Jackson. Front row Carter, McKinley, Sam and Jake.

Way to go Jackson!!!! Dylan not far behind. I am surprised I even hit the target. Next year hopefully I will do better to make Jack proud. I just notice why am I the only adult in the shootout???!!!! and was beat by all!!!

 Just had to put this picture of Tyler up. He wasn't at the shootout, but while they was here all the kids went shooting. Ellie got this great picture.

Funeral With Honors

(this is a long post but I wanted it documented, also credit for the pictures go to Claudine Cable)

People came from far and wide to honor and celebrate Jack's life. I feel very honored that we had people from a lot of the places we lived in our life, which tells you how much Jack was loved. We had people from Harlowton, Umatilla, Washington, friends we knew in Germany, not to mention all our family that came from all over. We had a viewing before the funeral at the Church house.

Karl and Mom

Rick, Brett and Wayne

Natasha, Rustin, Copper and Amelia 

DeAnne (Jack's niece), Jimmy and Ronnie Bell. Jimmy was Jack's Gunner Sargent when he was Company Commander in the Marine Coup while we lived at Camp LeJune NC, they drove to be here for the funeral from Mississippi. Jack would be so honored.

Kathy, Me in background Dick (my brother) and Jennifer

Michael and Larsen

My cousins Bruce (also the mortician) Becky(she played the organ) and Dick Pace

Cousins Newel and Claudia Perry and daughter Valerie

Terry Brown, Kristy and Ellie

Julie and Kim with Rick in background.

Julie's family

Mitch

Mark did a great job on the program for the funeral. Everyone did a wonderful job and I was so proud of them. Even though no one wanted to speak they came through as I knew they would. I have had many people tell me how much they enjoyed the funeral. I think Jack would have been pleased and so proud of his kids. It isn't on the program but President Morris also spoke.

At the cemetery it was a cold but beautiful day.

They had to be oh so careful.

Mark

The Honors Ceremony was very impressive I am so glad we did it. Jack didn't want one as he felt he didn't deserve it. I think the Grandkids needed to see this and remember their Grandpa served his country well and with pride. Yes he deserved it. 

Hard to hear Taps

I think the flowers were beautiful thanks to Michelle for her help with them. I am glad for this picture.

This is Betty and Glen Tinker, Travis' parents, Betty passed away suddenly about a month after Jack so am glad to have this picture.

                                                                                    Kathy and Gunny Bell

Me talking To Linda Gates we knew them when we were in Germany 46 years ago. So good to have them come.

Love this picture of Grandma and Mike, the love shows. Larsen is a cutie in the background.

Ofcourse the Relief Society did themselves proud with the meal they fixed for us. Not pictured were the Funeral Potatoes and ham. Merrilyn thought the potatoes were yummy.