More Birthday Fun!

Okay so this post should have been before the surprise party but I didn't have the pictures yet...so here it is a little late. The weekend we went to see Jadon when he got home from his mission, we also celebrated Randon's birthday with his family. He got to choose what we had for lunch and we had a little gift opening, too. He got some really great tie's and shirts. He also got a couple of gift cards and the moble me (a new thing for the Iphone/ computer). But the highlight of the gift opening was Zach's card to Randon. I have pictured it here because it would just be so much better for you to see it, then for me to explain it. There are also a few pictures of Randon's reaction to the card. He laughed til he almost cried. It was pretty funny.

IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY SHOUT HOORAY!!!

Happy Birthday Randon! I threw him a Surprise Party for his 27th birthday and it worked out perfectly! Some friends came and took us to get Ice-cream while everyone else snuck in the house. When we got home and everyone shouted "SURPRISE" Randon acutally jumped! It was fun. We played charades and visited and ate cupcakes! We just had a really good time! Happy Birthday Randon!Make a wish!

Blowing out the candles!

Stacy, Pat, Chris, Melanie, and Randon

Meagan, Johnny, Brittany, Phil, and Christina

Close-up!

WELCOME HOME JADON!!!

Randon's Brother Jadon just got home from his Mission to Eugene Oregon, so we went to Mesa this weekend to visit. It was a lot of fun. We always love hanging out with family. We played lots of Mafia and other fun games. We will be going back this weekend to hear him speak in church, and Krissa and I will be singing a special number as well. WELCOME HOME JADON!

Farewell

Even though they tell you your Grandma only has so long to live...and you prepare yourself and you visit when you can, you are never fully ready to say goodbye. At least, I wasn't. I went this weekend to see her, knowing it would be the last time. So I sat with her and I held her hand, and I tried to be as normal as possible. She didn't speak very often or very loud, so when she did I leaned in like everyone else, hanging onto her every word. When it came time to leave I didn't think I would be able to do it. How do you say goodbye, knowing it will be the last time in this life? So I stooped down and gave her a hug, and I kissed her cheek and I held her hand and I told her I loved her. And she said goodbye. And as soon as I got out of the room I lost it. I wasn't there last night, but my sister related what happened. A lot of the family was there because my Grandpa had asked for a blessing. After the blessing they sang "Love at Home" (a favorite of my Grandparents), then had a family prayer... and then she was gone. I am so grateful to have the gospel! I can't imagine what it would be like not believing that there is life after death. And even though I will miss her terribly, I know I will see my Grandma again. I have been very blessed to have known her. So here are a few songs that have given me comfort...a tribute to my wonderful Grandma Udall.

Grandmother

You give me a kiss. You give me a hug.

You smile when you see me too.

I wish every child in the whole wide world

had a Grandmother just like you.

You read me a book. You sing me a song. 

You whisper you love me too.

I wish every child in the whole wide world

had a Grandmother just like you.

I'll try to be good; I'll do what I should.

I'll whisper, I love you too!

I wish every child in the whole wide world

Had a Grandmother just like you!

Each Life that touches our for Good

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know?

Than Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs, 

We hold forever in our hearts

a sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

GRANDMA UDALL

My heart is very full tonight, and I just feel like I have to write something. My mom called me today with the news that my Grandma will probably only be with us another week. I have been a blubbering ever since. Then I read my sister Dena's Blog with a Tribute to Grandma and I blubbered some more. When death is so near it really causes you to reflect on so many things. In this case it has caused me to reflect on my Grandma's life, my relationship with her, and my own life. It's just so short. So I'm gonna tell you a story about her. When I was about 8 my Grandparents were on a Mission in Nauvoo, IL. So we were encouraged to send them letters as often as we could. Well I got this little leather key chain, in the shape of a boot... from somewhere? I think it was like the Fair or something (if my 8 year old memory serves me right). Whichever way I got it, for some reason I sent it to my Grandma...I don't know why...8 year olds do strange things. Anyway, a few weeks ago I was in Safford visiting my family so I stopped in to see my Grandparents for a little while. She asked me if I had put my name on anything of hers that I wanted. I said no. Later, I was in the kitchen getting a drink of water and on the counter were my Grandma's keys...with the little leather boot keychain on them! It was all tattered and faded and old. So I went back in the living room and said, "Oh my gosh! You still have this?" And she said, "I love it. I never got a new one, it's my favorite keychain." I almost cried. Then I said, "Well Grandma, this is what I'll put my name on. I want the boot." I cried later. I don't know why, it's just a stupid boot keychain that a stupid 8 year old girl sent her Grandma because she wanted to give her a gift....but she kept it. All this time. It just made me feel really special. Knowing I gave her something she loved and has kept for so long. I'm grateful for my Grandma and her wonderful life and love, and all the things she has taught me.