Weekend at the Love Shack

 I know it's been almost two weeks since we headed up to Pensacola for my grandmother's memorial service, but it's taken us that long to get back in the swing of things. I guess the more kids you have, the longer it takes! But it was a great weekend. The kids did as well as they could on the 18 hours in the car (roundtrip)... well, the littlest one got a bit cranky a few times! We all piled into "The Love Shack"- my grandmother's little house on the water that she and my grandfather cleaned up, aptly named and lived many happy years in, and then she lived many peaceful years in alone. She always valued that independence, and kept her "Love Shack" in tip-top order.
Did I mention it's tiny? For my Grandma, who topped out at 4 feet 8 inches (I may be being generous!), a little house suited her. But pile 6 adults, 3 busy kids, a dog and many other family members, friends and well-wishers into the 2-bedroom, 1 bath cottage and it got "cozy" real quick! And did I mention the plumbing was being iffy? We just played off the port-a-potty in the yard as paying homage to the old days of outhouses like Grandma grew up with. But Grandma would have loved it- all that love under one roof. Except for the dirt on the floor. (And maybe the "outhouse!") She never woulda gone one day without sweeping and vacuuming that floor- but Dad promised to get it back in tip-top shape before he left, Grandma!
A wonderful memorial service was held for Grandma at her other long-time home, Good Shepherd Lutheran church, with the rest of her family- the sweet congregation there and the many precious people that cared for her. It was very moving to see so many people come out (in the pouring rain!) to honor her memory and share their kind words about her. My dad and my cousin Anna shared their own wonderful words during the service, and the Pastor gave a wonderful service, sharing her love of music and clearly sharing about the Savior Grandma loved. I only wish my wiggly, noisy children would have let me fully hear everything that was said... ah well. I suppose that's one way to lighten the mood- spend the whole time whispering threats to your children!
Thank you to all for your kind words, cards and shared memories. Grandma was well loved and leaves a special legacy with us all!
"In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you." John 14:2

And now maybe I'll be spurred back into action with this here blog- I know I totally missed Rosemary's 10 month update, which fell the day after Grandma passed. I have plans for a 10.5 month update, with great milestones- she's fully mobile!! How's that for a teaser! (And maybe I'll be pressured enough to deliver soon! ;)