saying our goodbyes to an amazing lady

I can't say enough how happy I was that Robert and I were in America when my grandmother passed away. While it seems odd to be happy about such an event, it would have been nearly impossible for us to attend the funeral had it been while we were in Korea. Having the opportunity to say our goodbyes to Grandma as well as meeting new and seeing old family members was priceless. I was thrilled for Robert to be able to finally meet so many of my family members that ordinarily he wouldn't have met. It was also fun to show him around Mitchell which was my old stomping grounds many years ago. 

This time was so much more of a celebration than a time of mourning. Yes, I think of her all the time and I miss her alot, but I have no doubt she is enjoying heaven right now and I couldn't be happier for her. She lived an incredible life and touched countless lives with her sweet spirit and her godly example. I am so honored to be her youngest granddaughter and hope to live my live in a way that resembles her character and her faith. We had a very special relationship and I will treasure that always. One of the sweetest things that God could have given me was when I found out I was pregnant, I realized that my baby would be born in August which is my Grandma's birthday month. While I shed many tears, I also laughed and smiled thinking of all the wonderful memories I have tucked away forever...

Winter Wonderland

We got to celebrate a cousin's birthday together

The whole family getting together for a meal in the old church dining hall :) 

Loved seeing Grandpa enjoying his family 

Robert finally got to see the World's ONLY Corn Palace!!! :) 

Grandpa with his sister and his children 

He may dress like a city slicker but he is a country boy at heart

The time spent with family and friends celebrating Grandma's life was an amazing chance and I am so happy that we were able to be there for it. Though there was sadness at her passing, the time was spent enjoying one another and laughing at funny memories from childhood. My grandma was a social bug (I got that from her) and loved to be at the center of activity. Many times when we were having a big family reunion, she would stay up late with us because she didn't want to miss anything. :) 

Grandma, I love you and will miss you always. Thanks for the example you lived of godliness, ladylikeness, and always treating others with grace and kindness. You were an inspiration to so many and you touched innumerable lives. I look forward to seeing you again one day and can say that I am a better person because I had you in my life. I'll miss getting your letters and I will miss writing to you. Thanks for loving me, encouraging me, and most of all, praying for me. I always knew that you were taking me to Jesus through prayer. I will treasure my candy dish, my corningware dishes, and the teacups you gave me. I will always think of you when I eat dill pickles, Swanns push-ups and personal pizzas, and I will always remember playing with the toys behind Grandpa's chair. I loved sitting in your lap and playing with your hands (they were worn but gentle and I loved how they felt). I loved spending the summers in your backyard and picking food from your garden. You would send us out with old cool whip containers to pick raspberries and I think you knew we would eat more than we would bring in. You were always so patient and I loved watching you and Grandpa together. I loved that he would still kiss you before leaving the house and the two of you would sit in your chairs and pray together. I never doubted that your marriage was the most important thing to you. Thanks for that example of commitment. I will always treasure the Christmas village that you gave me. The times we set it up together and all the times I played with it--now my kids will get to enjoy it. So, thank you Grandma for all the memories and the lessons. I love you.    ~ Jenny 

At my bridal shower 2009- so happy she was there! 

Our wedding- 2009