Cornelius Chronicles

This week we had joyful comings and sad partings.  We adopted three little mice, Buttercup (tan), Licorice (black), and Popcorn (white with tan spots).  However, Popcorn came to us unwell.  On Saturday morning little Popcorn passed peacefully away in his sleep.  It was too brief a time to know and love him.  He will be missed, but we are grateful we could love him and care for him.  We gave him a beautiful burial by the jasmine bush in the front yard.  Maeve said a beautiful graveside prayer on his behalf and kind words were offered about him by Maeve, Mom, and Dad.  Maeve has left two memorial stones to honor and remember Popcorn.  Until we meet again, little Popcorn. 

The two little boys and I got to stay a couple of extra weeks at Grandma Phillips' house and of course had lots of fun.  Here are a few silly pictures of Grandma House Fun. Rub a dub, dub.  Two silly boys in the tub! Checking out Grandpa's ride-on lawn mower.  Maybe this could be his chore next Summer.  ;)    We saw snow falling!  It didn't last long and it didn't stick, but we sure had fun tasting it and feeling what it's like to be cold outside!  Brrrr!  Silly selfie with Mommy.  Duck lips! We also had fun helping out at Grandma's Primary Cub Scout Pinewood Derby and Pizza dinner party, playing every day with our cousins Madison, Marissa, Kaleb, Anneke, and Zoie, jumping on the trampoline as often and as long as we want, visiting Grandpa Phillips in the cemetery, watching lots of movies, and enjoying beautiful walks around Morgan in the nice autumn weather, to name just a few of the many things we did....

  Check out the special little guy who just turned 5!  Owen, you are amazingly mature and always know your own mind.  You are not easily swayed from your course and have a great intellect.  I am constantly amazed at how smart, funny, and kind you are.  You are playful and thoughtful, always full of interesting and never ending questions. It is my delight to be your mother and watch you grown and progress.  I love you so much and can't wait to see what adventure and growth the next year will bring.  You are amazing! This year Owen was lucky enough to spend his birthday at Grandma's house.  He celebrated at Classic Fun Center with his cousins and got to share the celebrations with his generous Cousin Anneke who's birthday is 2 days before Owen's.  We had a great time eating cake, opening gifts, playing on lots of blow up bounce house toys, and riding fancy scooters around the skating rink.  Best party ever!  Happy Birthday, Owen! ...

I need to bear witness to the greatest miracle I have experienced to this point in my life.  When I got the call from my sister Karen that my Dad had passed way it came as quite the shock.  We knew he was sick, but we figured we had a little more time left with him.  While his illness may have lingered, when death finally came it came unexpectedly fast.  That was a mercy from the Lord to my parents.  The next 2 days were spent in a rush and whirlwind of sleepless nights and a to-do list too long to be done, but it was.  That was another blessing from the Lord to me.  Within 36 hours of my Dad's passing the whole Cornelius family was on an airplane headed to Morgan for the funeral and to be with family.  To say I was tired, overwhelmed, and fighting to keep bursts of tears at bay would be an understatement.  After 2 flight delays and a very long trip from Houston, Hobby Airport to my Mother's front door in Morgan, Utah the last thing I...

  A Final Scouting Sendoff to a lifelong Scouter   All of my Dad's flags on display to welcome mourners and to celebrate my Dad. One last chance to show off my Dad's pretty sweet and highly organized Boy Scout trailer.  At rest for the viewing. A few of Dad's treasures and mementos to share with family and friends.  He really LOVED scouting. Graveside Services Pallbearers.  All the grandsons and sons-in-law were pallbearers.  Mom with Daddy's two sisters, Aunt Sally and Aunt Lana All of Kevin and Mary Jane's children, Karen, Jenny, Royal, Liz, and Audrey All, but one of Kevin and Mary Jane's Grandchildren. and only great grandchild.  Olivia Rose was unable to attend. Young Family Cousins from Loyd Grey, John Heber, and Mary Jane families Mary Jane with Garfield Cousins    Mary Jane with her big brother, Loyd Grey Young.   Mary Jane with T.J. and Bill Young, her nephews from ...