Grandma Joyce

Early Saturday morning, Great Grandma Joyce finally went home to see Jesus. We are sad to lose her this side of heaven but happy she is where she has wanted to be for a while now.   These last few months she was waiting patiently to meet Jesus.  

Jenny, Jessi & and I were able to visit with her over Christmas Break.  Although she was getting weaker she was still able to talk to us clearly.  We are so thankful for this time we had with her. 

We have many wonderful memories of Grandma Joyce and she has many great stories of raising 4 boys. 

 

A few things I will remember.....

Her christmas letters were signed with Always learning, always moving, always praying.   She did this for so long until her body started failing her.  She volunteered at the library, church and many other places.  She read lots of books and did crossword puzzles to keep her mind sharp.  And I have no doubt she was praying until the end.    

Her love for Jesus and her desire to learn more about him was evident until her last days.  I was able to visit with her a few weeks ago and she had the sermon notes from her church.  She had a laugh about how the notes were to be used while she listened to the sermon online but she would get them in the mail after the sermon was over.   

She sent birthday cards and an anniversary card every year without fail.  In each of these cards she included a $5 or $10 bill.  The kids were always so excited.   (This last year she finally decided she couldn't keep up with the demand anymore)  I still don't know how she was organized enough to get them to us on time and remember.   

A few pictures I was able to find....both with my grandpa who passed away in 2005. 

Fish Tank

I got these pictures from Brad's phone. This is the fish tank at his office. The crab is getting so big. It also looks so peaceful.

 

Winter Practice

Just some baseball practice for Bo in 35 degrees.

 

Kraken

Brad took Darby & Bo to the Kraken game the other night. I was at Ollie's indoor soccer game and Colt & Brody didn't want to go. 

 

The Kraken lost but these 3 had a fun time! 

 

Basketball Buddy

 Darby was a guest player in a basketball tournament.   On our way out of the last game she saw one of Abi's friends so we took a picture.

Morning Beauty

The kids took these beautiful pictures on their drive to school.

 

Middle School Basketball

Darby played on her middle school basketball team. She was chosen to be on the Varsity team and there were a few skeptics about her size and experience. She didn't disappoint and quickly proved why she had a significant role in the team.  We loved watching her play and are sad her season is over.

We made all the boys come to her last middle school game. 

Grammy also came to watch.  She played most of the game and showed off her defensive skills. 

 

Go Blue! National Champions!

We are in Husky country so it was hard to be cheering for Michigan. But we stood our ground and wore our Maize and Blue to school. We also had fun cheering the Michigan team to a National Championship.

 

Arcade Games

We met up with some of our old soccer friends at Arena Sports Mill Creek. We usually see them for a Christmas party but it was too hard to coordinate so we went for January instead. Surprisingly, we didn't have a sports conflict so we were able to meet them. It was also nice because the kids were able to play in the arcade while the adults chatted a bit.

 

 

 

 

All of us

We had everyone but Sean at Papa Bob's house so we had to get a picture. 

 

Boys in the Boat

We went to see The Boys in the Boat with the cousins.  (Darby & Sayler opted out).   Brian, Angie, Andrew, Abi and Shirley joined us too.  I think we took up half the theater.  We all really enjoyed this heartwarming movie.
 

Cousins

The kids spent a lot of time with their cousins at Papa Bob's house. They had a Mario Kart tournament and played soccer and ultimate frisbee in the backyard. It was very muddy but that didn't stop them. Even with the age difference everyone feels included in these games.

 

The Christmas Shirt

John was wearing a Christmas shirt that Brad really liked. John offered to let him try it on but Brad said no because he was playing the "Don't cross anything on your body game" and he was afraid that would cost him the game. Whe he finally got out he asked John if he could put it on.   He needed a picture....and later we learned he needed it for proof that he wore it.  

 

Christmas Day

We went to my cousin Adam's for Christmas afternoon/dinner. You never know what you are going to get with this family.  There was food, football, games and a wild gift exchange.  

Ollie was Eva's best buddy. 

Some played left, right, center or the don't cross anything on your body game. 

And we got a few family photos.