Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family. ~Anthony Brandt

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to attend the funeral of my Grandmother Sargent. It was a great weekend, spent with family....remembering Grandma, so many memories!! All of my siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins (minus one, missed you Liv) were there. It was a sight to see!
Saturday morning, we had the viewing. It was nice to see all those who cared for Grandma Edna, Mother Edna, Aunt Edna, Friend Edna...stop by to give their condolences.

Jen's oldest, Cayden...he's such a cutie and loves his Grampa so much.
After the viewing, my immediate family headed over to Dexter BBQ and had a yummy lunch.

The funeral was Saturday afternoon, so we quickly headed to the church after lunch. The service was just wonderful...my grandparents have left behind this legacy that is absolutely amazing. Everyone who had a part in the funeral did a great job....I especially loved the Eulogy given by my Father.
About halfway thru the program, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came up to the front and sang "I am a Child of God." We all got up there and half the seats were empty! lol. There's something like 24 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren (and like I said before, we were ALL there...minus one). I'm so glad they chose that song to sing, too....it is a very important song..."I am a child of God, and He has sent me here, Has given me an earthly home, with parents kind and dear.....I am a child of God, Rich blessings are in store; If I but learn to do his will, I'll live with him once more....Lead me, Guide me, Walk beside me, Help me find the way...Teach me all that I must do, To live with Him someday." I don't think there is one person in our family that couldn't relate those words to Grandma. She has led us and guided us and walked beside us all through out our lives...her life has been such an example of love and service.

After the funeral services, we drove up to the cemetery in Morley, Mo to dedicate the grave. She's buried next to my Grandfather under a huge pine tree.

The girls love to roam around, looking at all the different flowers on all the graves.

Laura's baby, Carl. Such a cutie with all that hair! They drove all the way from Idaho to be there! It was so nice to see her and play with that cute kid!

Everyone was invited to take flowers from the big bouquet's surrounding the casket. Bella loved her rose....and eventually gave it to my mom.

My momma and I. I can't wait to see her in 2 weeks. She and dad made it possible for James and I to come out for the funeral, and I hope she knows how much I appreciate her for that!

The day started a bit dreary...but as we were standing around the gravesite, the clouds parted and the sun shone thru.

After the gravesite service, the Church members from the Sikeston ward fed the family a wonderful meal. We left a bit earlier than everyone else because we wanted to get changed and head to Lamberts for a 2nd meal. As we walked out of the church....there was a beautiful rainbow stretching across the sky.

Lamberts was good...I ate too much, as always. After we got settled back into our hotel room, Laura and Emily came over and chilled with us. Aube is addicted to this bubble breaker game on James' phone...I thought this picture was too cute.

Sunday morning, no one felt very good...so we took our time getting ready and met everyone over at Grandma's house.

The kiddos got to run and play (couldn't help have flashbacks of running wild and climbing trees as a child). And we adults got to roam around the house....remembering.

Since we were all together as an immediate family (minus Joseph) we took the opportunity to take pictures.

The Siblings (it was a little bright, lol). It was great to be surrounded by my sisters again, even if it was for just a short while.

It's about a 9 hour drive...so we had to head out a little earlier than I would have liked.....early as in an hour later than planned. And being Aube's birthday we had to take some extra time to stop and eat somewhere to celebrate. We (as in I) chose Colton's Steakhouse. Very fitting....since Grandma Sargent's maiden name is Colton. We had yummy steaks and they sang to Aube and brought her an ice cream sundae (she refused to eat it, of course....but much better than Bella's fiasco birthday dinner).

It was a great trip....it was a sad occasion...but it was hard to be sad surrounded by family and memories. I'm grateful for my Grandma and the love she had for each of us. I'm thankful we were able to go and pay tribute to such a great woman! May she have her rest in Heaven surrounded by her husband, sisters, parents and friends who have passed before.

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush
When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers
Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown