Granny Nannying Rocks!

I am so blessed! For the next few days I get to GRANNY NANNY! Tonight Bill and I packed up our boys and came to Ed and Kriss's house to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Bodell for a few days while Ed and Kriss fly to Nauvoo to meet with the missionary department there. (No announcement yet. They are just "checking things out".)

We got here and had grilled chicken salads for dinner, because Grandpa wants to watch what he eats. He is really health conscious... except when it comes to dessert. Boy he LOVES a homemade apple pie with ice cream. And he doesn't even care what flavor of ice cream! I made an apple pie, tonight, but the only ice cream was mint moose tracks.... and he literally LICKED THE PLATE!!!! He was so darling and appreciative of everything we made him. Grandma ate really well and enjoyed everything.

She was very cute and smiley tonight. She seemed like she knew all that was going on. She did not act at all confused about anything... which often times she does. But tonight we all sang some old favorites together. Good Morning Mr. Zip, Zip, Zip and Good Ship Lollipop. She sang every word loud and cream.

Cole likes to tease Grandma. Since his left vocal chord is paralyzed, he can make some crazy growling noises. He loves to do it really loud right in Grandma's face. Then he just grins at her. It really freaks her out. We all think it is hilarious! She does start to smile after a few times, and she "gets" that he is playing with her.

We played train game, and Grandma and I were dealers. She kept being sneaky, and flipping the cards over so that the other players could not see what they had to choose from. It was not like she did not know what she was doing... She totally Did! She was just being silly and sneaky! She would look around with this cute sparkle in her eye waiting to see who would notice it! I loved that Brighton got to see her being so fun and sneaky. Which, by the way, we should mention that Brighton got 135 points and Grandpa got 139 points!!! They both rocked the game! Bill got 85 points. YIKES! Not Billy's best game:)

After train game and apple pie, it was time to go get ready for bed. We were in the dining room. I told grandma to lean back in her wheelchair, so that I could push her into their bedroom. (They sleep in the fireplace family room for those that want to picture this.)

As I started to pull grandma away form the table Grandpa hollered "Wait!" He startled me.

"What?" I asked him.

"I have to kiss my darling's hands goodbye before she leaves me." And then she gave him the goofiest lovey-dovey smile ever! And Grandpa kissed on her hands and made gooey eyes at her.

"Ummm, grandpa, we are going to the other side of that wall right there. Just right there, around that corner. We will be there waiting when you walk those 20 steps."

They both just smiled at each other and then I took grandma around and as I was walking the most beautiful spirit of peace and joy came over me. That was it. Someday, when one of these two people who I love so much passes to the other side of the veil, I will be certain of 3 things:

1. That they will have said a proper goodbye. Grandpa never lets an opportunity pass to tell his sweet bride how much he loves and admires her. He will never have to worry about his last words being harsh ones. Or even anything other then words of the utmost love and respect.

2. That the person who does pass on is really so close! We can't see them, but they are just right around the corner, waiting for us.

3. That I will never know a greater love than this man has for this woman. It is the perfect example of charity to me. The pure love of Christ. Each of us have been blessed to have their example to lead us in our relationships. Are we making use of what they have taught us? I don't know that I am. I need to try so much harder to remember their sweet example of love, honor and respect.

I am so glad I am a Bodell Kid! There's nothing I'd rather be!

I love you all, and I am thankful for our family and heritage of love.

Charise