What a Week!

I thought last Thursday was a day, well that turned out to be only the beginning. It really has been like someone hit the "GO" button, and I couldn't find a way to turn it off. I'm not sure they even said, "Ready, Set." They just said, "GO!"

Friday, May 7th
I spent the day with Esaias at work, while the kids spent the day with Grandma Chris (it was a teacher work day). I had fun hanging out with my friends from school. It's so much easier to handle the meetings when I am not there handling all the rest.

Saturday, May 8th, 2010 Isaac's Birthday.

Isaac's new golf clubs!

Isaac had tons of fun finishing his community service for Student Council, ice cream and a movie at Cinema Grill with Dad and 3 of his friends from church, and then a short break before he was off to have dinner with Grandma Layne. What a busy and fun-filled day for a big 10 year old. Can you believe it? I have a 10 year old and a 3 week old. Wow!

Happy Birthday Big Brother!

Esaias 2 weeks old

Sunday, May 9, 2010 Mother's Day
Mother's Day greeted me early, as Esaias likes to rise about 5:30am. I can always remember my first Mother's Day as it came the Sunday following Isaac's birth. I had him out at church that first week, proud to be a new mom.

An early phone call brought sad news for us. My Dad called to tell us that my Grandpa Martin had passed away early this morning. This is my grandfather who had lived in Grand Junction just a few blocks away from us. We were very close. It took me the day to work through my initial feelings of grief, before I could talk with my dad about the funeral arrangements. I will however, be grateful that he passed away on Mother's Day. Maybe this sounds strange, but we all know how when the grief is near we remember often, but over time we forget. I know I won't forget my Grandpa, but I will forget most of the details of this process and time in my life. Therefore, I am grateful that his passing happens to be on a special day of the year. It will allow me a time to always pause and remember him.

Monday, May 10th
I had to cancel lunch with my friend Melissa (bummer) as I waited for the details to be hammered out in regards to the funeral. Soon it became clear that we would need to travel to Georgia to make it to the funeral. Plans must be made and quickly.

Tuesday, May 11th
Ran around town to find summer clothes for Esaias and I, as it was to be 80+ degrees in Georgia, and we had nothing to wear. Picked up Danny and packed like crazy in order to fly out stand by that evening. (Thanks to Mom for having buddy passes for all her kids and grandkids to make it to GA.) We made it!

Chad & Marcus

Wednesday, May 12th
I am not sure you want the entire play by play, but by Wed. we were in Winder, GA and my sister and my brother from Jacksonville, FL. all had made it in too. Both have families of 5. All 15 of us were taking over my dad's house. And we still had 2 more brothers to arrive.

Lilli and Uncle Chad
Stacie, Danny & Esaias, Dad

Thursday, May 13th
Hanging out with cousins was the main event for the kids.

Leilani, Caitlyn, Lilliana, Marina

Tylar, Lafai, Isaac (Kenny missing)

Danny and my sister's husband Marcus got the privilege of dressing my grandpa for the viewing this evening. My brother Chad, my Dad, and my Uncle Tim also went. I am very grateful to have married such a wonderful husband, who holds the priesthood and was so willing to do whatever was asked of him during this time. From all people, not just his wife and kids. I am grateful that my sister married a great guy too, who also holds the priesthood and could share this blessing with our family. It was neat that all the men could go together to share in this special act of service for my grandfather. My other 2 brothers arrive safely later that night. All five of us made it. Amazing!!!

Tristan's first introduction to his new cousin. And his first ride on an airplane.
Wow, what a memorable trip.

Great Grandma Martin holding her newest great-grandchild Esaias!

Friday, May 14th Funeral Day
We celebrated the life of our grandpa, and mourned the loss of him. It was a special day to be there together. Danny had an opportunity to present the eulogy, the grandchildren sang "Families Can Be Together Forever," and my dad spoke about his father. I don't often get to hear my dad speak. And even Isaac shared a special memory. I think that it was truly most important that Isaac got to go to this funeral. He needed the opportunity to work through this grief that was so new to him. He had a very special relationship with Grandpa Martin. I believe his testimony of the plan of salvation has grown, and his faith been tested. I know that it is during these times when we learn the most. My Mina girl, told me she wasn't going to cry. (She's a lot like her mom like that.) She even held true to that, all the way till when it was time to tell Grandpa goodbye one last time and close the casket. Then the tears fell. I tried to hug her and she pushed me away (again...a little too much like her mom). But then she softened and cried, and said goodbye. I am grateful that she too, took the time to say goodbye.

Isaac, Lafai, Lani, Kenny, Caitlyn, Marina, Lilli, Tristan,
(Tylar missing from his chair, was helping Great Grandma get her food.)

Saturday, May 15th
Time to go home. It took longer than we thought to get packed up and leave, so we didn't have much time for playing in Atlanta. But we went to lunch and stopped by the "MOG," the Mall of Georgia, before heading to the airport. I have to say that as far as flying standby goes, especially with a 3 week old, all things went really smoothly. I can see the Lord's hand in our lives. All the other parts of this trip were a challenge, but the traveling, which could've been a nightmare, went very well.

Saying goodbye to Grandma Martin

Sunday, May 16th
Recover!!!!

Monday, May 17th
Reflect!

All in all, we're alive to tell the tale. I do feel as though I've been in some kind of time warp for the last week. So much for easing into things. I am running at full speed again. I guess it will be time to start that exercising and eating right. With only 3 weeks of school left, I have lots to get done before kids are home during the days.

This post may seem kind of dry or lack emotion considering what we've just been through. But as I pondered on what I wanted to say, I realized I wasn't ready to share my feelings about losing my grandpa. Am I sad? Of course. Has it been emotional? Of course. But, I suppose my thoughts and feelings I am still holding close to my heart. And that's where they need to stay for now. I am truly grateful for the gospel. I do not know how I could do all of this without it, without the knowledge that my Savior lives, and that we will live again too. I only hope and pray that I can live my life in a way that allows me an opportunity to return to my Heavenly Father's presence and that I can be with my family forever.

Esaias no worse for the wear! 3 Weeks Old!