Grandma Leona Volk

Eleanor missed her first class of ballet because she was sick, so she was extra excited to go to ballet and tap!! She's the cutest 3 year old ballerina that I know!

Adelaide is now 10 months old!! 10 months?! I can't even believe it! She's such a happy baby and loves to give big smiles when she sees her dad and siblings. She waves to everyone and it makes everyone happy. 

Eleanor spent the whole day painting! She cried when she had finished painting this entire book haha. 

The girls and I helped with a morning service project of painting. The weather was so nice and I loved the reminder of happiness that service brings to all those involved.

And Adelaide loves spaghetti! 

I taught preschool this week and when we talked about the number 3, we realized that these two preschoolers are both THREE!

Grandma Leona Volk passed away on Monday, September 20. We cried and felt so grateful that we were able to see her a few weeks ago at Aaron's cousin's wedding. The biggest blessing is that Adelaide Leona was able to meet her great-grandma Leona, her name sake. Grandma Volk's favorite color was purple so we wore her favorite color to the funeral. As we sat in the Catholic church, I reflected on the life Grandma Volk lived. She and grandpa Volk were able to attend our wedding in Colorado and at the time, I didn't realize what a sacrifice that was for them to fly to Colorado from North Dakota. They also have a lot of grandchildren and I know they haven't been able to attend all of their grandchildren's weddings. Grandma and Grandpa Volk taught their children to love prayer, church attendance and music. I'm sure it was devastating for them when their son, Duane, my father-in-law, joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but during the funeral, I said a prayer of gratitude that Duane was courageous enough to follow the spirit and join the church. I'm sure the principles of faith and prayer and family taught in Duane's home as a boy are what laid a foundation for Duane to recognize the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ that has been restored on the earth today. We love you, Grandma Volk and we'll do our best to keep your memories alive for our children and our future generation. What sweet reunion it was for Grandma Volk to be reunited with her husband that she adored! They taught us all about the power of loving and serving your spouse. 

After the funeral, we spent the day out on the farm. We all had a blast and cried as we drove away, realizing that this may be the last time we'll be there for a visit. 

The kids had many questions as we watched the Catholic funeral. During our family home evening lesson, we reviewed the plan of salvation as a family. I pray often that our children will remember the simple truths taught in our home. When we returned from North Dakota and Eleanor knelt beside her bed to say her little prayers, she said, "Bless Grandma Volk that she will be resurrected one day." 

The good news of the gospel is that we will ALL be resurrected one day and families can be together forever!