Remembering Jodi

My sweet cousin, Jodi, passed away on March 10 after battling cancer for a couple of years. If you knew Jodi, you loved her. She was the most welcoming and hospitable woman. She always seemed to truly listen in a conversation. She learned how to make her Grandmother Rakestraw's tea cakes perfectly, and those were always welcome at any family gathering. She had a beautiful smile that she quickly and often shared. She was a great wife to Michael and wonderful mother to Bo, Sophie, and Reed. Best of all though, she knew the Lord as her Savior. She relied heavily on her faith, and was such an encouragement and faithful witness to others throughout her illness. Some of the very last words she spoke were "don't be scared" to a sweet friend of theirs who was clearly upset at trying to say goodbye while she was in the hospital. Jodi knew exactly where she was going after her passing, and we are confident she is healed and in Heaven with Jesus now.

It feels incredibly strange to say "she had a wonderful funeral" but she did. The church was packed out which means over 800 people were there. We know several hundred more came to visitation but couldn't make it to the funeral. She and her family are loved by so many; it's a result of the love they give to others. A small group sang worship songs before the service, as the family processed in, and during the service. Michael and all three of the kids spoke as did Wayne and Madi. They all did a wonderful job of honoring and remembering her. Lee delivered a heartfelt message pointing everyone there to Christ. It ended with a video that was a close up of Jodi's hands as she played the ukulele; it was a little hobby she picked up while she was sick. She was playing the Bob Marley song "Three Little Birds" though it's better known as the "Everything little thing is going to be alright" song. As that song ended, Mark Miller came out to play the ukulele and sing the same song as everyone was dismissed. As we walked out, each person was given a mug that Wayne had made up that had a great quote by Jodi on it: "Do small things with great love." I can almost see Jodi smiling and hear her say "I love it."

Thank you Lord for this precious woman. Thank you for the life she lived, and your love that poured through her to so many others. Thank you Lord for healing her and drawing her to you for eternity.

Marching Right Along

March was quite a hectic month.

Both of the girls got to go on pretty cool trips with their classes. Mia and the 9th graders went to Washington DC. They got to see so many cool things! They visited multiple museums and landmarks. I've always thought this trip is such a great combination of education and fun.

Lily and the 11th and 12th graders took a couple of days to go on a Civil Rights Tour through Alabama; they visited Montgomery, Selma, and Birmingham. This is such an important aspect of history for them to investigate and understand further.

David and Jan sent me beautiful flowers and delicious truffles for my birthday! These always brighten up tax season.

The girls were on their school trips over my birthday, so we waited until the returned to celebrate as a family. Ryan grilled up this fabulous wagyu steak (thanks Goldbelly!). Combine this with mashed potatoes, garlic broccoli, and italian crispy bread, and you have a great birthday meal!

The girls gave me a new family game called Wavelength, and we played it immediately. I love playing games, and this one is a lot of fun!

Beetlejuice came to The Fox at the of the month. Unfortunately, I couldn't get away from work, so Lauren got to fill in for me. I heard it was a great show (though not quite as great as New York's). I have no doubt it was wonderful. 

Mom, Dad, and I were happy to meet up with Wayne for lunch at Atkin's Park to celebrate his 50th birthday! Hard to believe it's been a half-century for him. He's a great brother, and I'm very thankful for him.

Lily loves babysitting the sweet Hanbury girls - Ellen, Elizabeth, and Emma!

Easter fell at the end of the month. Ryan and Lily enjoyed serving at the church's helicopter egg drop event. Thankfully, it was a beautiful day!

We love going to church each Sunday, but there's definitely something special about Easter Sunday. We are thankful each day that Jesus conquered the grave to overcome death. What an undeserved blessing He has given us.

Of course, it's always fun for the girls to get baskets full of goodies. They each received some fluffy shorts, candy, and a Chick-fil-a gift card. Lily's basket also had a hat, shower steamers, and a book. Mia's basket also contained a candle, watch, and Beetlejuice worm light.

Time keeps right on moving.