Gary's Graveside Service

My Uncle Parley and Aunt Charlene, cousin Karen, her husband and Mike
My mom's brother, Uncle Parley, Karen, husband and Todd

All of Gary's sons and his best friends were the Pallbearers. I thought I didn't have any tears left after the viewing the night before, but apparently I did. Mike and Randy were in charge of the music. Since there were no plugs at the Cemetery, that was quite a task, but they did a remarkable job. You can see Dennis holding his ear plugs in place which they passed out to all of us, but I had heard some of these songs before from Gary, and I loved them.

Graveside Service Cont.

My cousins, Toby, Julie, Diane and Susan

Ron, Gerry, Jolene and LuAnn

The Stout Cousins!!

Telisa, you were missed every second! Chad was home sick and Tara was also very sick and has been in bed ever since the luncheon ended. The purple shirts were given to all Gary's kids by Randy Graves, one of Gary's best friends and band buddy. They have the name of Gary's band "Kalaban" and the album cover that Gary designed.

The Three Wives Club- My Sisters

On October 12th, 2009, as Den and I were stuck on the 93 North freeway from New Hampshire to Boston, I received the most shocking phone call of my life. My brother Todd called to tell me he thought our brother Gary had passed away. He was standing outside his Condo, the police wouldn't let him in; just told him that there was a deceased man inside. I immediately called his wife, Lena and she confirmed through wails of tears that Gary was indeed dead. Shock, sadness, grief, bereavement and heartache ensued for me and my entire family. There was a small part of me that was relived because of Gary's intense physical pain for years and years, but my heart bled for his wife and 7 children. Gary's is my younger brother and he truly suffered physically like no else I know. Even though I knew, I still wasn't prepared for his early death.
Gary's wishes were for no funeral, just a viewing and a graveside service with an opening and closing prayer, the eulogy read and four songs of his choosing played loudly! I had my concerns, but it turned out the songs were very appropriate and quite lovely. I could just see Gary sitting at his drums playing his heart out to these tunes. After, his Chinese Ward provided a very nice luncheon at a nearby chapel. For me the day was very uplifting and healing. As you see pictured are me with his two former wives and current wife, the love of his life; Lena, Pam and Carin, whom I love very dearly. Telisa was unable to attend, so she sent a cookie bouquet to me and Stephanie. We loved it!!!!! I'm trying to understand what I need to learn from Gary's untimely passing. Maybe, that in life, we need to love our family more, forgive faster and never ever ever judge one another!!

Thankful Sabbath!

It's been two weeks since I posted my last "Thankful Sabbath", so as they say on "Dancing With The Stars" (yes, I admit I watch it!) here are the top thirteen reasons, in no particular order, for me to be thankful:

1. My wrist surgery went well, and I have less pain than I have had all year!

2. Experiencing morning scripture study with the Peters' Girls this past week--they know 24 hymns in Spanish and their Scriptures are used and worn, evidence of daily study.

3. Treavor and Sara dropping by on Sunday to show us how well Owen is walking now! It's especially endearing because after about 3 or 4 steps, he burst into laughter!! He is happiness in motion!

4. Getting a phone call Saturday night by Tiffany inviting me over to Tristen's house for the purpose of sewing Halloween costumes! Tristen and Tiffany have taken on very elaborate Princess costumes for their daughters! I remember those days! I made it until after midnight!! Are you proud girls? They were going to pull an all nighter!

5. Women's Conference at some random chapel, Dinner at Zupa's, Ice Cream at 31 Flavors and Shopping with Tara, Tristen and Sara--FUN night!! Laughing is my favorite!!

6. Receiving a cute new Halloween decoration made by Tristen!!!

7. Gunnar sharing with me that he finished reading the entire Book of Mormon!

8. Receiving an excited phone call from Telisa telling me that Bodie can say: Grandpa, Jesus and Ball!

9. Sabrina's volleyball game! She's quite the blocker!

10. Unexpected sleepover Saturday night with Sabrina and Whitley. Grandpa brought them here after the BYU game!

11. Listening to Mylee break out in song and dance! So cute!!!

12. General Conference Weekend! talks by Elder Bednar, President Uchdorf, President Holland and President Monson!!!!!!! There was more that I loved, but those hit home!!!

13. Watching Dennis spend time with his sons! After Priesthood Session they came back here, barbecued some steaks, corn on the cob, watched Football and Movies!

Reflections of Christ

Thankful Sabbath!

Today in church the Primary gave the Sacrament Meeting. I bawled through the whole thing! Not only because I was moved by the songs and the darling children who sang them, but also, I was reminded of the many years I sat in the congregation watching my own children sing and say their parts at the microphone! I have been wanting to do a post a week on what I am thankful for, so I decided to start today!!! Here is what I am thankful for this week:

The announcement that came in the mail from Bodie that he is going to be a Big Brother sometime in April!

Redd survived his horrible fall from the stairs and his eight staples are now removed!!

I got to watch my Grandson Gunnar play football with my Granddaughter Sabrina!! I needed her there to explain the game to me! (Proud grandma alert!!) Gunnar is one awesome athlete!

Taking a ride in Travis and Kim's beautiful new family van-"Gladys"!

My YW lesson is over for this week!!

Den and I finally made it to the temple Thursday late afternoon!

My clothes smell so clean now!!! (New washer and dryer!) I love love the smell of clean clothes!!

Fall is coming which means less yardwork!!

Spent an unexpected couple of hours with Travis yesterday before the BYU game! (long story!)

Was able to see and spend time with most of my family members this week.

I only made my bed once this entire week!

Tiffany's post in Joan's Girls reminding me why I love my dad. Thanks Tiff!

The sweet letters that Den and I , as well as my dad have received for the past three weeks, from all the Peters' girls!

Treavor chose to attend his Saturday Session of Stake Conference over the BYU game!! Wow Treav!

September 11- Hope and Healing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWc_EKLs4E

Travis loves Kim equals five daughters!

Peters family revisited!

Garden Park Ward has sentimental reason for Travis and Kim, as well as, Treavor and Sara. Their engagement pictures were taken here! So, it was a thrill for me to revisit the place where their first photo shoot together all started!

Travis, Kim and Girls!!

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication

Kim's prayer was answered when she was called to be a member of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Dedication Choir! They performed at the final session in the Celestial Room for the first Presidency, as well as, all those who were in attendance by satelite. Dennis and I accompanied Sabrina, Whitley and Bailey to their Stake Center where the girls excitedly and emotionally watched their talented mom. The plan was after the meeting and a yummy dinner made by all the Peters, we were going to take family pictures, as well as, Morgan's birthday photos. Kim particularly wanted some shots of the family at the Temple. Everything was going as planned except for the rain storms that showed up and quite literally put a damper on things. I got a few shots of Morgan before it started to pour. About an hour later, we drove to the temple and had about a 15 minute window between the dark clouds and rain showers! So, this is session one. Look for session two photos next week, if the weather cooperates!

Jovie Hazel!

Jovie just wanted the prize at the end of the shoot! (a popsicle!) But she is so photogenic!! I love it!

Grace and Trinity

The Charmer!

The Model!

Sansom Sisters!!

Grandpa Dennis and I babysit these adorable granddaughters for a few days last week. I couldn't resist in taking the opportunity to snap a few photos while their parents were away since summer is fading away fast! One of the reasons why I love photos so much is to see their personalities shine through!!