Last weekend, we got together with all of Mark's family and celebrated the precious life of his grandma. Mark's dad wrote the most beautiful obituary for her. You can read it
here.
We loved visiting Grandma when we were down in Houston! This was last Thanksgiving.
Grandma was 94 and still doing great, living on her own! The baby we are expecting soon would have been her 13th grand baby. I never had to worry about my girls at her house, because she was a mom to SIX kids. Nothing phased her. Not only that, but they all adore her.
I love this one from Christmas 2011, when Mark's parents visited at the same time as us. His mom was one of FIVE girls and has one brother. Grandma was such a loving mom to her kids. She loved God completely. I loved it when the pastor who was her pastor before she moved to Houston a few years ago spoke. He said, "Someone mentioned to me that Dorothy was in a bible study too. I said, 'A bible study?? Well, the Dorothy I knew was in ALL the bible studies!!'" Her love for Jesus poured out of her and was so evident to all who knew her. Another quote I loved? This one was from her obituary.
"Dorothy Marion (Davies) Todd died on July 23, 2013 and
triumphantly joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in
heaven."
While we mourned the loss of her here on earth, it was so comforting to know that she was in heaven, dancing with Jesus!
Like many funerals, we used the occasion to spend time with our family. I am SO thankful to have married into such an amazing group!! I didn't take any pictures with all the aunts, uncles and cousins at the funeral, but I took several during the rest of the weekend.
We all met up at Papasitos for an early dinner when Mark's parents flight came in on Friday. Landrie loves her PonPon!
Mark's parents, his two sisters and their husbands, us, and all eight grandkids made for quite a table full!
McKinnan, Ama and Colson chatting and playing with the always-popular tortilla dough. :)
Can you tell I've taken her picture a time or two?? Tatem turns EVERYTHING into a camera...her tortilla, a block, a piece of paper...
Gramm and Tucker are already FIVE!
The two oldest brothers, Cade and Jaxon, getting in some good cousin time.
This little one ADORES time with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins!
Ama, Landrie, Megan
Mark's parents stayed with us, and we were so glad to have the unexpected extra visit with them! The girls got to have a slumber party in Tatem's room, which, of course, they loved. :)
The next morning, we caravanned to Austin for the funeral. It's a little longer than 3 hours, so we traded the grandparents for some cousins so Megan and Greg's family could get some more time with them. :) I looked back, and caught these sisters holding hands. Love it!
Some of the grandkids chowing down when we got to the hotel!
We quickly changed and headed to the church for the funeral. It was a beautiful service. Several aunts and uncles, including both of Mark's parents, spoke and did a great job. Since Mark was a pallbearer, I sat with the girls by myself. We lasted through one cracker and one sucker. Then, after I was sure the entire church could hear their stage whispers, I took them out. It was great to see the extended family!
After the graveside service, we headed to the hotel, where Mark's other grandma, Granny, and his Aunt Judy and Uncle Steve had a reception ready for us! It was just perfect. This picture captures it! We got to sit and relax and talk, while the kids ran around between rooms and played. I think it is so special that both of Mark's grandmas were such great friends too!
Of course we had to get a few group shots! Here is Granny with lots of her great grandkids!
Jaxon, Cade, Colson
Tatem, McKinnan, Granny, Tucker, Landrie and Gramm
Tatem, who is a TOTAL mommy's girl, could not get enough of her Aunt MayMay. She even wanted Megan over me when she got hurt!
Landrie was so glad to see her great Granny!!
As the evening got later, the kids started slowing down.
But the adults could've talked all night! Here's Granny with her kids, Ken (Mark's dad) and Judy.
Granny with Mark and his sisters!
Beth, Granny, Megan and Mark
Grandma, we look forward to the day when we will see you again in heaven!!
