July 1, 2008 - Not a happy day



At 3 AM grandma (Ann S. Powell) went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Mom died at 3 A.M. at the hospice house. Dad was with her. Victoria and I arrived just after she died. Victoria gave her grandma a kiss goodbye for the last time. I then took her out of the room and explained to her what had happened. She was upset for a few minuets and then asked if Grandma went to be with Aunt Marie and I told her yes they were visiting with each other and Grandma was telling Aunt Marie about all the things that Tori could do since Aunt Marie had seen her. Victoria was eased and began playing with some toys they had there. I rejoined Dad to make sure he was all right. We stayed with Mom until Thomas the representative from the funeral home came. Then we went to the family room and chatted with him. Thomas and I then went back to Mom's room and got her ready for her ride. Her visitation was Wednesday July 2 which was Daddy and Dan's birthday -- not really a celebration. Mom didn't want a visitation; however, Dad and I talked it over and agreed a family viewing, then a closed casket for public visitation. Afterwards, Dad and I were both glad for having the visitation because some of the people were not able to be at the graveside service. July 3rd at 11AM we had the burial -- a graveside service. Elder Howard Rushing officiated. He had been visiting her since she was diagnosed with the cancer and had continued his visitation throughout her chemotherapy and hospitalizations. It was hot!!! Even under a tent it was hot. I think Mom would have been pleased with the funeral arrangements.
Kristen and Christian's Rehearsal
The Bride and her court!

The Bride and her Flower Girl. Kristen and Victoria.
I remember when Kristen was Victoria's age!


Checking to make sure no one is wanting to come into the Bride's room.


Bride and Mother
Kristen and Sharon
at the
Mackey House
April 19, 2008


Reach for the sky!

Reach for the dreams even if they make you cry!

Kristen getting into the gown!

Ring bearers and Flower Girl



Does she have them wrapped around her finger?

She was shy at first. Then within minutes the three were instant friends.

What a pretty flower girl needs not one ring bearer but two!

Rehearsal April 18, 2008



OK I am a little prejudice; however, she is mine!

Victoria was the flower girl for her (?4th) cousin. She did wonderful on the directions given to her the night of the rehearsal dinner. She has been enamored with Kristen since she met her about 2 months ago. Kristen asked her to be the flower girl last year and of course we said yes! The dress in this picture is one that I made her. She was to wear it to another occasion but it was decided she needed to wear something else. Since I cut the pattern out Victoria has lost weight in the upper torso and has grown at least an inch!!!