Dear Ida Mae

It has almost been a month since my sweet friend Ida Mae passed away.  Her and Carolyn were good friends to us from the beginning of our life in Payson, and it is truly hard to think that I won't be able to laugh with her anytime soon.  It does, however, bring me good comfort to know that she is on the other side, meaning that I am not as afraid of death knowing that she would be one of the people I could see there.  She is definitely one that I do look forward to see again.  If my own family was not available for the picking, I would have liked to have picked hers.  I have been blessed to have meet some of her children, and they are some of the finest people that I have ever met.  I would have been proud to be a granddaughter of hers, but in truth... I felt like one anyway.  I knew that she loved me and my kids.  This is the first photo that I have with Ida Mae.  It was at a ward pool party.  She got a kick out of Emmi's little bikini.

That fall, her and Carolyn hosted a Halloween party.  Ida Mae dressed up for the very first time in her life.

Ida Mae was crazy about babies.  I would always sit beside her in Relief Society so she could hold mine.  Just a week after we brought Jack home, we took him up to meet her.

Through the years, we have been blessed to have been able to go up to the house and visit with Ida Mae and Carolyn.  Carolyn would get out toys out for the kids to play with while we talked.  We always had a hard time leaving.

Instead of a Halloween party, last year Carolyn and Ida Mae hosted a "May Day" party for the kids, and they had food and games for the kids outside.

At the beginning of this year, I got word that she was not doing well. I visited her a couple of times after that, afraid that each would be the last. But Ida Mae is a fighter, and she held on.

Our very last visit was coincidentally on her birthday, when Ida Mae turned 96 years old.  We stopped by after church to say hi.  She was was actually feeling really well that day, and surprised me by knowing all of our names just like old times.  I am so grateful that I took my camera with me that day to capture this sweet moment.  I am grateful to have known this beautiful lady. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, etc., and saint.  I hope to make her proud when we undoubtedly meet again.

Spring

I love my yard in the spring.  Since I have a nice camera now, I decided to take some pictures of my spring flowers.  As a whole my yard is not up to par quite yet; I have some weeding and planting to do.  But right now I am loving this corner of my backyard with my yellow forsythia bush paired with my pink quince bushes on either side. 

Of course, I have to plant some pansies, (Love you Grandpa Hess!)

And the daffodils that I planted last fall have come in beautifully, I just think I need to plant more.

We have even found that 2 of the trees in my front yard have nests in them from last year.. so cool.

And I love the blossoms on my pear tree.

I was an early bird this year and planted my colder veggies back in the middle of March.  My peas are sprouting up nicely,

As are my onions, cauliflower and broccoli... wahoo! I am itching to get the rest of the veggies into the ground, but it is still a bit too early.

Also back in March, one Sunday we stopped by after church to wish Ida Mae a very happy birthday.  She turned 96 this year, and is doing well.  Unfortunately, however, her little legs can't carry her around like they used to, and she is unable to get up and down her stairs, so we don't get to see her at church anymore.  In fact, our priests bring Ida Mae the sacrament for her to take every Sunday, and we were lucky enough to witness it at this last visit.  We all love this lady.

Tea Party with Ida Mae

On Friday, we were invited to a little tea party with Ida Mae, the kids' favorite "grandma" in the ward.  The Binks' and the Wolfe's were invited too.  This party was Carolyn's idea, and she had set out a table with cheese sandwiches, cookies, muffins and punch, and then then all the kids played games like "Mother May I" and "Run Sheepy Run" afterwards, how cute is she?  Even though it was a beautiful afternoon, Ida Mae was happily content sitting under a blanket and watching all the kids play, and getting hugs from each as they left the party.  We sure love these two ladies and are so lucky to know them.  

The Big 3-0!

Yep, I turned the big 3-0 today, and I would be lying if I told you that it didn't make me feel old to say it.  During my 20's I got married, graduated from college, had 4 beautiful children, built a home and became a certified MT.  Part of me thinks, what could possibly top that in my 30s?  Well, time will tell I guess.  But I have to say that the more I think about the future and my 30s, the more I get excited.  As sad as it is to think of maybe being done having children, I am so excited to put that stage behind, and move on to the next stage of parenting.  For school events, recitals, sleepovers and just generally being able to take them anywhere without a diaper bag. Growing up I always loved that I had a younger mom.  She had her 4 kids before she turned 30 and was grateful for that.  I never knew if it would be possible, but I thought that it would be great to be done by 30 as well.  Well, it is not permanent, but Chad and I are pretty sure that we will have no more additions to our brood.  So I have matched my mama, and it feels nice. 

My dear friend Ida Mae's birthday is just 2 days before mine and she just turned 95!  We had to stop by for a visit and wish her a happy day.  For 95, she is as spunky and spry as it comes.  She and her daughter Carolyn are very special to our family.  I don't know what I would do without them.  They are such great examples to me of what it means to be a mother and grandmother.  I guess if Ida Mae can reach 95 with grace and beauty, then turning 30 isn't so bad.  And If I am as healthy and active as she is when I am her age, I will be happy.  So here's to my 30s, and may they treat me kindly.;)