A day of remembrance and celebration

As we sat in the funeral home last week making arrangements for my 

dear mother in law's funeral, I sat quiet as her kids tried to figure out a day that everyone could be there... A couple of phone calls and text messages were made to confirm dates.

 I heard someone say, "looks like November 23rd will work for everyone".

 I immediately thought to myself, that's my Birthday, but it didn't take my brain but a second to realize that it wasn't about me, (nor did I want it to be)  I was ok with that. 

The day was going to be about a special lady in my life... my Husband mom! 

I knew Joanne loved me from the first time I met her, I always felt like I belonged in the "Hemmer family". I was her 1st daughter-in-law, and Rick and I gave her the 1st grand baby, that alone was enough to give me high rankings! 

In the early days Joanne and I loved to shop together and go to craft shows, she was my shopping buddy. As odd as it may seem Joanne taught me how to apply make-up (she never knew I was watching her) I would watch her routine of skin care first and then

 marvel at the way she "did her eyes". 

She was a beautiful women in so many ways. Her faith was strong, she loved her family so much and she was my husbands number one fan. Those two were always goofing-off and 

picking on each other, all in fun. 

Joanne was the perfect grandma, our kids could do no wrong and they loved going to "grandma's house". She would often call us and asked if we needed a date so the kids could come over....often for a sleep-over which was a nice break for us.

I was "OK" at the funeral until I watch my three grown children and their 3 cousins escort their sweet grandma out to the hearse that would take her to her final resting place.

 I shed a few tears as I thought of each of these 6 grandkids and how they adored their Grandma. There was a special closeness that I know not all are as fortunate to have with their grandparents. I mourned for their hearts, 

I know they all share such great memories with their grandma Hemmer. 

This photo at the visitation make me smile, my brother Randy (center) alway lights up a room...

The faces on my grandkids Carson & Audrey is one of "Is he serious or kidding" 

and the smile on my SIL Chris say, Yep he's kidding, ha ha ha.

 Randy always takes time to chat with the littles, here he is talking to Carson (his grand nephew) they are discussing what Carson has been up to lately.

These little great-grand kids were so lucky to have know their grandma Joanne. 

Uncle/Grandpa Brad stepped right in here to probably share something sweet with them.

Rest well dear Joanne, I am the next "Grandma Hemmer" in-line.

 I hope I can leave as wonderful a legacy as you have. We miss you, but know we will see you again someday....give Grandpa a hug from all of us.

* * * * * * * * * * *

My kids/spouses/grands all came over to our house after the funeral,

they refused to let my birthday slide by without a little celebration

I am so blessed by the best family ever

These three are so fun. 

Drawing names for Christmas from Gavin's mexican sombrero

Rick gifted me with this new Fitbit watch for my birthday, 

FINALLY, numbers I can see without my reading glasses.

So many fun watch faces to choose.

I have no doubt at all how much I am loved....they all know me well!

Thank you Brianna, Chris, Audrey, Carson, Brice, Jenny, Scarlett, Lewin, Gavin and Rick for making me feel so special on a day that started out feeling so sad.  Love you all.