Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Trees, Families, and OG's

Temple lights with friends









Grandma Annie's Tribute Day. Justin was the official photographer, so sadly he isn't in many of the pics.



The grandkids




Festival of Trees!

We just couldn't pass by the U of U Tree without getting a pic!


My favorite tree. It was made of hand blown glass.


The group I belong to: Young Survivor Sisters, did a tree for the festival of trees in honor of young breast cancer survivors! Pink tree and all! Of course Justin and I wore our "Save the Ta-Tas" t-shirts to represent!


Justin's dream tree


Wooden Tree

Monday, December 8, 2008

Beautiful Grandma Annie

I am grateful to have been with my grandmother in her home at the time of her passing. What a tender moment that was. Words cannot describe the beautiful experience that event can be. No one really talks about it, but I want everyone to know although dying is horrible, death itself is a miracle and can be beautiful and sweet. We just can't see the beauty with the limits of our mortal eyes.

I love you, Annie.




Ann Clark Green 1934 ~ 2008
Ann Clark Green, our angel wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed from mortality to immortality on December 4, 2008, in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the presence of her family, a victim of the ravages of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Ann was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, May 29, 1934, to Louise Spence Clark and Sherman O. Clark. She married her sweetheart Paul Hap Green on December 6, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. Devoted to each other in every facet of their lives, they lovingly enjoyed the fullness and goodness of 54 years together. Their union was blessed with five children: Cynthia (Kim) Steadman, Julianne (Brent) Bawden, Michael (Holly) Green, Susan Green and Adam (Melannie) Green.

She attended West High School and the University of Utah. Ann created a home based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. She placed her family above all, taught her family by personal example the importance of faith, prayer, compassion and love. She had a deep and abiding testimony of the Lord's Plan of Salvation and the eternal nature of families. She was a true disciple of Christ whose life was a reflection of Him and what He taught. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served faithfully in many callings. When Hap was called to preside over the Argentina Buenos Aires North Mission from 1986-1989, she served faithfully at his side, welcoming countless missionaries as her own sons and daughters with her special love and devotion; establishing life-long relationships with many.

Ann was a proud descendant of noble ancestry. A great granddaughter of Brigham Young, she honored her heritage by the way she lived her life and her unfailing dedication and commitment to her family and forbears.

Affectionately called "Annie" by her grandchildren, she took special interest in their lives and accomplishments. She had a unique, special bond with each one of them and they adored their Grandma Annie.

Ann was a gifted and accomplished vocalist. As a child she loved to sing. She spent her entire life developing and sharing her beautiful voice in countless venues. Most notably, she sang supporting roles as well as in the chorus of the Utah Opera Company. She also performed with Promusica, and presented countless solo recitals and performances. She was a patron of the arts and gave of her time and talents in numerous community service organizations. Most recently she served as President of both the Utah Symphony Guild and the Utah Opera Guild.

Everything that Ann touched was beautiful. She had an amazing aura of dignity and grace that lifted all those with whom she associated. She was warm, generous and kind. People were drawn to her by her genuine interest in them. She always considered the needs of others above her own. Ann was a pillar of strength, virtue, courage, and wisdom. She was a refined woman of elegance while firmly rooted in all things spiritual. Annie will be missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves a legacy that will live eternally in her family and friends.

Ann is survived by her husband and children; her brother, S. Spence (Jill) Clark of Salt Lake City; and sister, Linda C. Bock, Newtown, PA. She also is survived by 17 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and a grandson, Maximus Paul Green. The family extends their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the caregivers at Huntsman Cancer Hospital and Institute and Millcreek Home Health and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Ann's name to Huntsman Cancer Institute. A public memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 9, 2008, at the Monument Park North Stake Center, 1320 S. Wasatch Drive, Salt Lake City. The family will receive friends and extended family members at the stake center prior to the services on Tuesday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. A private family burial service and interment at Larkin Sunset Lawn was held prior to Tuesday's memorial service. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Thanksgiving Weekend

We had a great Thanksgiving with my family. Dinner was at my mom's parents' house as usual. This year my grandmother was in the hospital, so it was very different eating at her house and not having her there. But we got to visit her later, which was such a treat. Even in her weakened condition, she was able to stay awake for about 30 min to allow everyone a few minutes with her. We had to wear masks, so as not to pass any germs. Hence the sexy Dr. masks.





It wouldn't be Thanksgiving without passing out on the couch in front of a football game after dinner!





Then one of my good friends from High School who I haven't seen in 5 years came in town from Vegas and we had a baby shower for her. It was so great to see and be with everyone and see their kids/babies. It seems like all of them have kids or are expecting. I've got a lot of catching up to do!