July 11, 2007

Two years ago today, I remember waking up to a beautiful summer morning. But with a heavy heart. I knew that today was going to be the day that Mom was going to leave us and start a new journey. The day before Mom wasn't doing very good at all, and we all knew that her body was getting tired and starting to shut down. As I started to get dressed for the day, Jennie had sent me a message and told me that I needed to get out to the house as soon as I could because Mom wasn't doing very good at all. So I rushed to wake up my little ones, pulling them out of their beds by their toes and throwing clothes over their little bodies. As I was hurrying to do this Dad and Jennie both called me again saying, "You need to HURRY, Mom doesn't have much longer!" We all piled into the suburban and I raced to Mom and Dad's as fast as I could. The whole time wondering how I was supposed face what I had waiting for me inside that house! For days I'd tried to prepare myself for this moment.....nothing you do can prepare you! The minute I walked into the house I could hear Mom's raspy breathing. My kids and I made our way over to Mom. I kissed her on the forehead and told her that I loved her and that I was going to miss her, but that we'd all be okay here and not to worry. Then Bryndi, Britton and Bradyn gave her a hug and told her that they loved her very much. Mom didn't want to go. In between every raspy breath you could hear her saying "No." Dad kissed her and calmed her down. Within minutes she totally relaxed. Each breath she took becoming more and more shallow and more and more spaced out until she took her very last breath and then let go. For just a minute I felt as if my own heart had stopped. Mom was gone. Part of me felt a sense of relief while the other part of me just wanted to wake up from this terrible nightmare! I do remember such a peaceful feeling coming over us after Mom had passed. I think that was Heavenly Father's way of letting us know that He had her by the hand and that all is going to be okay. From the time I had gotten to the house till the time that Mom passed away was only ten minutes. I'm so glad that you waited for the Rigby's Mom! We love you very much, and think of you every day!

THE DAY GOD CALLED YOU HOME

God looked around His garden

And found an empty place.

He then looked down upon His earth,

And saw your loving face.

He put his arms around you

And lifted you to rest.

His garden must be beautiful,

He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering,

He knew you were in pain,

And he knew that you would never

Get well on earth again.

He saw your path was difficult,

He closed your tired eyes,

He whispered to you "Peace be Thine"

And gave you wings to fly.

When we saw you sleeping

So calm and free of pain,

We would not wish you back to earth

To suffer once again.

You've left us precious memories,

Your love will be our guide,

You live on through your children,

You're always by our side.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you did not go alone.

For part of us went with you

On the day God called you home.

The Beginning of Many Happy Years

It was thirty one years ago today that Mom and Dad decided to be married. It all started June 16, 1978 at the Parker church. Mom had a beautiful wedding dress. Dad was dressed in a baby blue tux. Mom's favorite color was blue so all the bridesmaids were also wearing beautiful baby blue dresses.

And here they are with their wedding cake that was made by Grandma Miller.

A few years later, June 16, 1983, Mom and Dad were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. Jennie and I got to be there too. I was only about 4 years old but I still remember bits and pieces of that day. I remember being in the nursery in the Temple and tracing my hands on a piece of paper. Then I remember walking through a hall, dressed in my white dress and entering into a room that was full of people all dressed in white. As a little kid, this is kind of a crazy thing, all that white. I then remember kneeling down at the alter with Mom, Dad and Jennie. The next thing I knew all the people dressed in white were crying and hugging us. I remember looking into the mirrors and seeing our little family going on and on and on. What a neat experience!

Mom and Dad made it a habit to go to the mountains on their anniversary. They both loved being in the mountains with each other, so what better way to spend their anniversary.

This was their 22nd wedding anniversary, in Kilgore. Dad had picked her some wild flowers, which she called Redneck Roses, which she absolutely loved!

This was the next year in Davis Lakes.

Dad even took Mom to Davis Lakes for their very last wedding anniversary, June 16, 2007.

I just want to say Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Happy Birthday Kelly

June 4, 1985, Bryan Kelly Larson came into the world! Mom and Dad were so proud and most of all excited....finally a boy! After bringing three girls into the world it was time for a change! I remember Mom always talking about how cuddly Kelly was as a baby. He loved to laugh and be silly.

This is Kelly on his First birthday playing with all his new toys.

Kelly with his awesome birthday cake. I don't know how old but if I was to guess I'd say six. (Kelly let me know if you can remember how old you were in this picture.)

Kelly always enjoyed being in the mountains with the family. Loved to go fishing, hiking, camping and hunting.

I don't know who caught the biggest fish that day, but it looks like fun! Kade, Kelly and Dad.

I always thought he was part monkey!


Happy Birthday Kelly! I love you!

Welcome To The World Jennie

On May 27, 1981, Mom and Dad welcomed their second baby into the world. A beautiful baby girl with brown hair, dark eyes and the perfect little smile! They named her Jennie Lee. Jennie always found a way to make everyone laugh right from the start!
Here she is at 3 months old.



Playing outside, 10 months old. Nice hat!!

4th birthday! Jennie loved celebrating birthdays, but only if it was her own! Haha! :)

What the???? Who's that skinny fella? What a cute little 6 month old Jennie
and look at that sweet little 3 year old holding Buckwheat the kitty!

Jennie holding her little girl, McKynlee! Hope you had a great birthday Jennie!

Happy 50th Birthday Mom

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Mom, Happy Birthday to you!! That's right today Mom would be celebrating her 50th birthday! As I was digging through all the family pictures I realized we didn't take very many pictures of Mom holding her birthday cake. However I did find one. I couldn't count the candles on the cake to see how young she was that day...and of course there was no date on the back of the picture, but I'm gonna guess and say May 2004, she would have been 45.

Mom on her 41st Birthday.

We always had fun celebrating Mom's birthday. Some years it fell on Mother's Day so we'd get the opportunity to celebrate Mother's Day and Mom's birthday on the same day. We all missed Mom yesterday on Mother's Day. We have this family tradition of going up to the mountains on Mother's Day and cooking hamburgers. Yesterday was a beautiful day and we did make it to the mountains, and as always the food was great. Even though Mom wasn't physically with us yesterday, I know she was walking along the creek with us and enjoying her Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day Mom

I LOVE YOU MOM!

Mom's smiles can brighten any moment,

Mom's hugs put joy in all our days,

Mom's love will stay with us forever

and touch our lives in precious ways...

The values you've taught,

the care you've given,

and the wonderful love you've shown,

have enriched my life in more ways

than I can count.

I Love you Mom!

My Mom

Mom began her journey in life May 11, 1959. She immediately touched the hearts of all those around her. She used to tell us about all the fun times she had as a kid and how much she loved her mom and dad. On June 16, 1978 Mom and Dad, her best friend since fifth grade, decided to get married and start their own family. Through the years they were able to bring us six kids into the world and raise us the best they knew how. We always had so much fun together. Mom was such a joker and loved to tease us and always try to make things interesting. There were lots of good times and of course there was always a fair share of tough times. But Mom and Dad always hit these hard times head on. The hardest times were the times that Mom found out that she had cancer, and she heard those words more than once. I was always so amazed at how strong Mom was. She tried so hard for so long to fight her battle with that ugly cancer. On July 11, 2007 she was relieved of all her pain and suffering. Her journey here on earth had come to an end. She gracefully returned home with Heavenly Father. I miss her more than words can say, as do her grandkids. I know I will get to see her again. As for now Heavenly Father has a different mission for her. I can't wait for the day to come that I can wrap my arms around her and tell her how much I love her. One of these days Mom!