Wednesday, Back from Moms

 Well, it has been a crazy time, but I am back and ready to face life here, I think.

My back is better; I am just left with a pain in my right hip that is pretty aggravating. I have a steroid pack to take, and I have been avoiding it, as I cannot sleep more than 2 hours when I take one, but I have to get this under control.

Mom had a beautiful funeral with over 150 relations there. We filled the cultural hall at mealtime. 

Here you can see James, Danny, William (red hair) and Kelsa all pretending to sing at the funeral. Mom had 76 great grandchildren and 52 were there to sing. By the way that is my frizzy mop. I told you I had a lot of hair and I wasn't kidding. The little twin boys were a hoot during the funeral. Running back and forth as their parents tried to catch them. Talk about double trouble.

Here is the whole family after the graveside service, with the sun in our eyes. Don't those kids look happy! 

William not happy about dressing in a suit. 

We took the kids to a Korean BBQ and they had a good time. James and William.

James, William and Kelsa at the church. 

These kids had so much fun with their cousins.  Lots of running and screaming (outside) It is too bad the only time all of us get together is when there is a funeral. But funeral starts with FUN. If you have a firm belief in the afterlife as did mom, this was an occasion to celebrate.

We stayed at an air B&B. It had 4 bedrooms one with bunks, so we all had room to spread out.  It was much cheaper than a hotel and the kids could run and play as needed.

I spent most of Thursday, Friday, Sunday and part of Monday cleaning and throwing away so much stuff. Mom was not a packrat, but she was very frugal and everything she had was worn to the nubs.  As in no one wanted it and neither did the secondhand stores. Bag after bag of trash. The 5 kids took turns saying what they wanted, (I wanted nothing) then grandkids were next. After that there was a neighbor going through a divorce that took many things from the kitchen and most of the left-over furniture. It was so much work, but I just filled bags and went through albums and sorted pictures. Went around and took hooks and nails off the walls, scrubbed sinks, toilets. tried to keep from bending over. Did so much wipe down of shelves, drawers. Just trying to get the house empty so it can be put on the market. Sissie and I will probably go back down in a couple weeks to help with the final go through of the house. Probate will take 6-8 months, so happy I am not in charge.

It was nice to see nieces and nephews and their kids. Also was able to see my sister in laws whom I love and miss so much. We had so many laughs and some tears.  She was a great woman in so many ways and left quite a legacy. Went into the hospital in pain on Thursday and passed Saturday morning.  So, it was quick and she was sharp to the end.  At 97.5 I think that is a great life. So happy she is with Joel and Bob now.

I have yest to unpack the car of the odds and ends I brought home. Mostly pictures and paperwork. I just rested yesterday as I needed the downtime after driving 6 hours home. Today I need to take stock of the shop and see where I stand.

I have one wedding dress to do and several piles. Got to touch bases with Sissie and Lil sis is supposed to come over later. Had to run to Albertsons for a prescription last night and picked up a 1/2 gallon of milk on special for .99. Gas is down to 2.99 on the reservation. I will go out there to fill up.

We talked to Sluggy this morning (Sis and I). She is still in the hospital from a knee replacement.  She sounded good. We are trying to plan a trip in November depending on her health.

I want you to all know I felt your prayers sustain me.

Well, I need to go pay attention to something.

Have a great and productive day

God is good

Kim