Family Costume

This year for Halloween we were a lego family, sort of. When we were out as a family we were a lego family, but for school parties the kids dressed in something a little more comfortable - I will post those later.

As usual, Jordan gets the credit for the costumes. I came home one night and he excitedly showed me a picture of a lego man, and said this is what I am going to be for Halloween. I responded ok, make 2, and then as Halloween came closer I thought it would be so fun to have the kids be little lego pieces, and thus the family costume was born. I did paint, and paper mache Jordan and I's costume, and I did the kids completely - but all of the fancy work was done by Jordan.

The kids loved each having a color, and Ethan loved his hat, we have had to tell him several times that it is ok for Ryley to wear the red hat.

Family Photos 2011

We did family photos over the thanksgiving weekend, and my sister in law did it again. There are some fantastic pictures - although I am a little jealous that Jordan and I didn't get pictures done on the steps, the pictures all turned out soo cute! These are just some of my favorites.

Halloween Parcel

Since Stephen isn't around, and is busy serving his mission. I get to come up with all kinds of fun parcels to send. His birthday was in the mtc, and we used dearelder.com and sent a package to him that way. Unfortunately his birthday was on Labour Day, so his package was a day late. Then I got a box and filled it with all things green to make him feel like a real greeny when he went out to Ogden.

I have a green eggs and ham book that I have been working on, but haven't finished - someday he will get that.

For now we are sending him a Halloween survival kit. My Aunt Sandy and my mom both pitched in to help with this one. I found the idea here and thought is would be a great package to recieve!

Thanksgiving

This was a hard weekend. Actually it was fine for me until Sunday and Monday, but on those days there was a bunch of random tears.

We hosted dinner this year, and I made a bunch of little turkeys for place settings. I found the idea on pinterest, and I think that they turned out super cute!

I am so grateful for my family, and for the support that we have. I am grateful for my extended family and the strength that I have found through them.

I am grateful that I have a home that allows me to have my family around me. I am grateful for my children and the joy that they bring into my life.

I am grateful for the plan of salvation, and for my knowledge that I can be with my family forever.

I am grateful that we have a day set a side to really think and ponder on the things that make our life full, and our hearts happy.

Daddy's Hands

I remember Daddy's Hands folded silently in prayer
and reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare
you could read quite a story in the callouses and lines
years of work and worry had left their mark behind.

I remember Daddy's Hands how they held my mama tight
and patted my back for something done right
There are things that I've forgotten that I loved about that man
but I'll always remember the love in Daddy's Hands.

Daddy's Hands were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy's hands were hard as Steele when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in Daddy's Hands.

I remember Daddy's hands working till they bled
Sacrifices unselfishly just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I'd live my life again
and never take for granted the love in Daddy's Hands

Daddy's Hands were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy's Hands were hard as Steele when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in Daddy's Hands.

Daddy's Hands were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy's Hands were hard as Steele when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in Daddy's Hands.

There was always love in Daddy's Hands.


My Dad asked me to sing this song by Holly Dunn at his funeral, maybe he knew that I would need it to help me cope with the loss later. I often find myself singing this song, and just remembering, just thinking about what a great man my father was. I miss him so much it hurts, but strangely this extremely difficult task of singing this song has helped me, and given me a mechanism to work through the pain.

Arizona together

At the end of August my Family made a trip to Arizona. This was A trip that my Dad had wanted us to make since he was re diagnosed. This trip was planned and canceled about 3 times, because my Dad had a change in treatment, or my brothers couldn't all make it work. Regardless at the end of August this wish of my Dad's was brought to reality. My whole family - All 4 of my brothers, everyone's significant others, my gang of 5, and my Mom and Dad spent a week at my parents home in Arizona.

We really had a great time. It was HOT, like really HOT, but we had a lot of fun. We went to the aquarium, did some shopping, watched some movies went to an indoor amusement park, and sat in the pool.

Dad couldn't walk far, and he had a lot of pains, but he was with us every step of the way.

When it came time to leave it became really emotional because Stephen was flying to the mtc from AZ. When I drove away with Jordan and the kids it was the last time that I would see Stephen for 2 years until he finished serving. There were a few days before Stephen flew out that it was Mom, Dad, Eric and Stephen - so they took advantage of all being endowed and did a temple session in the Mesa Temple. My Dad left the temple knowing that after he said goodbye at the airport he would not see Stephen again in this life.

What an example of faith. My Dad stood strong and said goodbye to his son knowing it would be a while before they were reunited. Stephen got on the plane and started his mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints knowing that he would come home, and not have his home anymore, and not have my Dad there to welcome him home.

Writing this now, I can also say that Stephen was able to talk to my Dad early in the morning before he passed away - in fact a small miracle. It took over an hour to get ahold of Stephen after my Dad said that he would like me to make the call. Stephen got to talk to my Dad, and shortly after lost the ability to focus and concentrate on anything.

I can also say that Stephen has felt my Dad with him, and although it is a hard struggle to go through he had, and is being well taken care of and the love of the people in Utah has been a huge strength to him. He has also had the blessing of being able to teach the plan of Salvation and have a personal testimony so fresh and strong to add to his teaching.

Ryleys First Haircut

I have some catching up to do, we have been a little preoccupied the past month. Ryley had her first haircut on the August long weekend. We had been down at my Aunt Sandy's place the weekend before, and Ryely came upstairs with her crazy morning hair, and I got a lecture.
"Muff, your hair never looked that bad. That girl needs a haircut!" Now I also thought that a haircut would have been a good idea, but in my defense her hair was done every day and the crazy mullet was only seen just before bed, and first thin in the morning. Ryley sat great for the haircut and was thrilled to get and icecream afterwards. Unfortunately I can't do as many things with her hair since I lost the length of the mullet, but it does look better.

Dad is laghing

Last night we went out for dinner as a family to enjoy one of my Dad's favorite foods. We were at a small Vietnamese restaurant, and being a large group we waited a long time for our meal to come. We waited and talked, and my kids behaved quite well. Our meal finally came and we all ate - Ethan even ate, but Ryley refused. She refused to eat, but besides that was well behaved, and acting like herself. As the dishes were being cleared, and we were getting ready to leave Ryley puked all over me. My family all started laughing and cleared out as I was gaging, and trying not to puke myself. My brother and his girlfriend came back in to help Jordan with Ryley and Marly had a huge smile on her face. I told her next time Ryley would be sitting on her lap, and she responded whatever Rob is laughing at you.

How true - my Dad would have found great humor in my discomfort, and without a doubt he was laughing at me last night. Thanks for perspective that will always be an uncomfortable memory that will put a smile on my face.