So, I'll start with the Funeral...

I'm working a little backwards here in the timeline...AND...oh my...AND...I only took THREE PICTURES during this trip. Shocker...I was completely baffled when I looked at my camera and it makes me so sad! Actually, I did take a ton of pictures...they just happen to be on my dad's camera (he's got a sweet camera). So, I'm (im)patiently waiting to get copies of those. Ü

I flew out at 6am on Friday morning and arrived in Las Vegas in time for breakfast! The flight went well...my boy kicked me the ENTIRE flight...I couldn't decide if he liked to fly, or if he was ticked. But it was a crowded flight, it always amazes me how many people go to Vegas....and you can just feel their excited vibe, it's pretty cool. Friday just consisted of spending time with Grams and dusting her house a bit, running errands, hugging my mom, and just helping get things ready.
Saturday was the funeral...we had most of the day to prepare, with the viewing at 3pm and the funeral at 5pm. One thing I loved helping prepare was the the pictures of PopPop...seeing his life and the love he felt for us all was such a wonderful thing! It helped seeing those pictures. The mortuary people did such a wonderful job on him, he looked so peaceful with a hint of a smile. They did such a good job in fact, that it almost felt like he would sit up and say "How's my Sarah-bear doing?"
I was reminded at how much PopPop had a sense of humor. He had left instructions as to what was to be done at his funeral....such as it wasn't to be longer than an hour, more than half should be singing and no long tributes "If they knew me, then knew my accomplishments, and if they didn't know me, they'd just be bored." But I think we all did a good job remembering him and sticking to his wishes. What a wonderful man! Everyone who came had their own story about Brother Jones...

And we, as his family, are his legacy. He taught his children to love and to be faithful, intelligent people....and because of his wonderful example to them, his grandchildren are filled with integrity and that love that was passed on.

We all stayed one more night in Vegas. Then headed up to Springville, Utah for the burial.

I had to snap one picture on our way out of town of NewYork NewYork where I used to work at the spa...can't say I miss it, but I'm always amazed at what work is put into these hotels to make them one of a  kind.

We lucky enough to be able to stay all together in a hotel close to the gravesite. It was so nice to take the little time we had and spend it together as a family.

The grave dedication was short and sweet (thank goodness, since it was freezing cold outside). My sisters and I sang the song "Each life that touches ours for good." Then the grave was blessed.

This is Laura's baby, Carl...totally won us all over with his little jibberjabber.

It was a wonderful weekend, despite the circumstances. Being able to pay tribute to PopPop....part of that being the time we spent together as a family, remembering and laughing. He would have loved that!

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