Joe.

So, funerals. Can I just say that I am glad to have a knowledge that we will live with our loved ones again someday? I ended up having a lot harder time with this than I originally thought I would. I knew he was going for a while, and know he is in a much better place, and much happier now, all of that. But I found myself thinking about all of the memories I have of my Grandpa, and how I won't make anymore with him. Mike stayed home with the kids, we just figured it would be less crazy that way. I love my kids, but they are crazy! And it was nice to just BE for a little while. Not like I was away on a resort vacation or anything, but it was nicer than if they'd have come. There were a few times where I really wished Mike were there to hold me while I cried--but my sweet brother in law came over and rubbed my back, and I felt loved! He has always felt like an older brother to me, and has always been so sweet to me. (Unlike my own brothers! ;) ) It was a great funeral, as funerals go I guess. My mom's uncle is an Ameritus member of the Quarom of the 70, and he gave an excellent talk. He spoke about my Grandma Jean, my Grandpa's first wife. She passed away just before I was born--of Cancer. He said that he had never told anyone, but right before she died she called him to make sure her kids were all going to be ok, and I think a little to ease some of her worries about herself. It was so great to hear him talk about her that way, because although I never knew her, I have always felt a connection to her that I cannot quite describe. I have always worried about her "salvation" and want to be able to see her one day.

The Military did a sweet little tribute honoring my Grandpa's service. I am sure he loved this great honor!

My cute brothers, looking stalwart and brave.

Assistance Requested!

(#1)

(#2)
OK, so I mentioned before I have been looking for a new bedspread for Bailey's room, and I think I have narrowed it down to 2. I thought I'd ask for your votes--I am so bad at making decisions! You don't need to take her room color or anything into consideration, because I am planning on painting ASAP! (Mike isn't aware of any of this, but he loves me anyway) So let me know what you think!

Death and Taxes

My cute grandpa died on Wednesday, gone home to be with his sweet wife! It hit me a lot harder than I thought it would. I've known he was on his way home for a while now, and knew I was ok with the idea. But when my mom called to tell me I was just struck. I was on my way out the door to dinner at a neighbors, which ended up a good distraction. Then I came home and my mom called again, and I lost it when we hung up the phone! I think a lot of it was realizing life is so short, and am I savoring the time with my own parents enough? And I really will miss my sweet grandpa Joe! He has not been himself for a few years, at least to me. He has had a hard time remembering me, probably in large part because he couldn't see or hear me--but that was so hard on me. When I was a little girl and he would come to visit, he would always take us out to the store to get a toy, and a Happy Meal! We had to sneak around, which I thought was fun--but it turns out it was because my grandma was even more of a penny pincher than he was! He always made me feel so special, and I am grateful to have had him in my life. He was such a good man! One of the things I am most happy about him passing for is that now he can realize what an impact he had on people's lives. He carried around SO much guilt from things he had no control over, and it was something I always tried to tell him was silly. Now he can know that for himself! Below is his obituary--I thought it was sweet & thought I'd include it.

P.S. I posted a silly thing before this, but check it out too!
Joseph L. Sellers
At the conclusion of a long and productive life, our father Joseph L. Sellers has gone to the next stage of his progression surrounded by his children, to be with his dear wife Erna, his parents, two brothers and many other friends and family.
Joseph was born in his grandfather Lucas' home in Rexburg on January 5, 1919. He is the first of nine children born to Joseph Fischer Sellers and his wife, Myrtle Pearl Lucas. Joseph grew up in Hibbard, where he attended elementary school with his father as Principal.
Joseph was active in sports. He played basketball and baseball. He graduated from Madi- son High School, after which he attended the University of Utah, studying medicine.
In 1939, Joseph was called to serve in the Hawaiian Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served an Honorable mission and his scheduled return in December 1941 was delayed by the bombing of Pearl Harbor; he remained an additional four months to assist in the cleanup from that terrible tragedy.
Joseph entered the Army Air Corps upon his return to Idaho and served as a gunnery instructor, passing on the skills he mastered as a skeet shooter. The constant gunfire resulted in permanent loss of hearing.
At the end of the war, Joseph met Mary Jean Isaacs in Idaho Falls. In May of 1946, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Together, they had six children. They were later divorced.
In 1964, Joseph married Erna Martha Wirkus in the Idaho Falls Temple, and they lived together in their home in Hibbard until her death in August of 2007.
Joseph was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served as a Bishop, Stake Clerk, Sunday School Teacher and many other callings.
Joseph was an accountant in Rexburg for many years, but his real love was farming. He loved to see things grow and flourish. Even this last year he assisted with the yardwork and planted potatoes in the garden.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, little Robert James at 18 months, and Gordon, who was killed in a car accident. He is survived by his brothers, Dee and Keith Sellers; his sisters, Norma Rounds, Dorthy Anderson, Bonnie Hammond and Linda Keele; and his children, Steven Field, Robert Sellers, Mary Jo Rodgers, Valerie Cobabe, Reggie Sellers, Tony Sellers and Monty Sellers. He also had 26 grandchildren as well as 35 great-grandchildren.
His family wishes to express their gratitude for the many hours of service, prayers and love shown to their father from his neighbors, friends and church members in the Hibbard and Rexburg area.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, at the Hibbard LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday evening at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church prior to services. Burial will be in Rexburg Cemetery.
Family Tribute

Confessions...

Ok, here it is, 12:09 AM, and I am blogging. What a nerd--I ought to be in bed. But Mike is gone, and here we are. I was just thinking about a funny addiction I have. I love new bedding. To me, there is just about nothing better than a nice new set of sheets! (Freshly out of the dryer is pretty good too) But I also love new comforters. One time Mike took a picture of our kids on our bed to work, and one of the girls said "How often does your wife get new bedding?! Last time I saw a picture of your bed you had a different blanket." Funny, but true. I get an itch, and I can't stop looking online for sales ( I hate paying full price for anything!) I want to get Bailey a new bed set too, so it's twice as bad. I bought what I thought was a new Duvet set off of Wal*Mart's website about 6 months or so ago, but when I got it it was only a duvet cover, not the actual duvet. And when I put in on the down comforter I already had, and put it on my bed, much too small. We bought a nice, highly pillow top mattress when I was pregnant with Kyle (LOVE IT!!) But it is really high (My mom has a hard time getting up to sit on it when she is here) And the duvet I bought barely covers the top, and NONE of the sides, which really bugs me! I love the print and all, but cannot stand that it doesn't fit right. So I am on the quest again. Tonight I was crazy enough to take the kids out (they were seriously suffering from Cabin Fever) We went to McDonalds playplace, and then ventured to Kohls. There was a sale on Luggage (60% off) and Mike has been dying for new luggage with all of his travelling. We have not purchased luggage in our entire marriage, so I broke down and bought a set. It ended up 70% off with my handy Kohls coupon, and now we are the proud owners of a 7 piece luggage set. But it was AWEFUL trying to shop with the kids--especially since I had my double stroller, and then had to wheel the huge ol' luggage out. I am sure people thought I was crazy, but I KNOW I am, so no loss there. I also broke down and bought me a pair of shoes I have been wanting for months, but waited and waited until they went on sale 50% off (again--I LOVE Kohls--if you haven't been, you need to. My sister hates it, because she doesn't have one super close to her, and just about everytime she asks where I got something I say "Kohls!") I actually bought 2 pairs, one in black & one in brown. (50% off means that's ok--right?) OK, well there's my random, midnight blog for you all to enjoy!