There are certain Grandma Goodell memories that put an instant smile on my face. Whenever she came to see us she had a roll of lifesavers for each of us kids. We would run to her and anxiously anticipate our precious gift. Before she would hand it over, she would have us say, "We love you, Grandma Darling!", which we would do without delay.
She
always wore a dress with high heels. I mean always! You wouldn't quite expect that from a farmer's wife, would you? Ever since I can remember, she's had the most beautiful white shiny hair. I have never seen hair so glowing! She would have it done at the salon every week.
I loved going to the farm in Nebraska. We were able to explore and discover as we pleased, despite the rattlesnakes hiding around every corner. I remember driving Grandma's yellow Cadillac when I was about 10 years old. I thought I was so cool. I think I started driving Grandpa's truck earlier than that, but I was something to be able to drive Grandma's car!
When I was really young, I was terrified of the chicken coupe. My older siblings thought it was the best thing to go collect eggs. I saw their hands getting pecked and I thought, "What's the fun in that?" But as I got older, I loved to scare the hens away and see what treasures those mean hens left behind.
Grandma would let my sister, Amy, and I play with her jewelry. We loved to get her big broaches, necklaces and clip-on earings and get all dolled up. We would prance around the house playing like we were something important because we had that jewelry on! It seems Grandma always had jewelry on, especially a broach.
I could go on and on. Grandma and Grandpa only lived 3 hours from us, so we spent a lot of holidays and weekends with them. With her passing, I will treasure these memories even more!
Though my Grandma has suffered from Alzheimer Disease for quite some time, she has lived a wonderful, fulfilling life. I am proud to be her granddaughter!
With Grandma in her retirement home, August 2007. See, she's still in a dress and I'm sure she had high heels on :)
Grandma, Amy Jo, Mom, Me and Tessa, June 1997
Amy Jo - isn't she gorgeous?!
My Aunt Kathy (love her!!!) and mom:
Scott being the only way he knows - the ultimate trouble maker:
Aunt Kathy's family: Nat, Britt, Kali, Uncle Markle, Ambria, Micah, Kathy, David
Uncle Joe's family:
Amy with Stan and Jeff. These are the cousins we were really close to when we were younger. They are sooo awesome!
Topped it off with a visit to Addy.
Then these knuckle heads got here.
Coray went to move their brand new car so Scott could unload their car. As he was backing out, he turned too sharp and hit mom/dad's mailbox. HUGE downer. I felt awful for them.
Amy Charlene brought all the flowers for the funeral. Amy Jo and I attempted to help her with the arrangements. 
With 8 siblings we don't ALL get together very often. I love that despite our differences we still have such a great time together! (I don't know how this is the only picture i took of everyone playing games. Normally, the whole table is full of game playing....)
Most of the family was there by Thursday night. All of us at PF Changs:
left to right:
We just got Kaden's preschool picture back.
Foundation done - 7/6/2010
First day of framing - 7/12/2010. I remember how exciting this day was! Just to see that one wall was remarkable!
Trusses started - 7/21/2010. This was sooo scary watching these framers walk on top of little 2x6 boards, 20 feet high! I could only watch so long before I had to leave.
Framing almost half done - 8/1/2010. Framing took twice as long as we thought it would...8 LONG weeks!
Framing done. Roof done - 8/24/2010
Stucco starting - 9/14/2010
Foam insulation started - 9/16/2010. What a mess!!!! (kitchen/nook)
Paint and trim work - 10/26/2010
Cabinets - 11/1/2010
Granite installed and tile work started - 11/3/2010
Exterior done (except shutters) - 11/6/2010
FINALLY! Moved in and done! 11/24/2010.
Standing in nook looking at family room:
Master bath:
I love the way our half-bath turned out!
Bonus room: (excuse the mess)
Entry:
Dining room:
Library/Piano room:
Ok, that's enough pictures.
Stealing 3rd:
Attempting a bunt:
But I must say, Kaden's practice was so comical! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time! 9 little boys getting football, baseball and soccer all mixed up and meshed together! Love it!
Our Stake is putting on a production called Savior of the World. Chris and I went tonight to see it with one of our workers that has been taking the discussions on/off. We know quite a few people that are in it, so it was so fun to see them. I was so nervous about what our guest was thinking the whole time, I had a hard time enjoying it. Hopefully this weekend when we take Taylor and Ethan I'll be able to relax and enjoy it more. Way to go Richland Stake!
