Remembering my hero...

Tomorrow it will be 2 years since my dad passed away. He truly was and is my hero. He taught everyone by his example how to live a great life. Time has gone so fast. It's strange, the day is still so vivid in my mind. I remember every detail..what I was wearing, what I felt like, how he looked (which was so peaceful, like he was sleeping and would soon wake up)and even though it seems like it was yesterday, it also seems like it was forever ago.

I am so lucky to have had the chance to spend 32 years with the most amazing man I've ever known as my father. He was so kind, caring, patient, generous, giving, and full of unconditional love. He was firm when he needed to be, but we all knew inside he was a big teddy bear. I had so much respect for this man as I was growing up(and still do)that I was never afraid of the punishment I would receive if I did something wrong, I was more hurt by the feeling that I had let him down.

My dad was never concerned for himself but always put others first. Our love for each other was more important to him than any suffering that he had to go through. He never complained. Just like his amazing sister who suffered with cancer for 13 or 14 years and never complained once but just kept serving others. We would ask my dad how he was doing, and through his scratchy, weak voice, that he could barely speak with, as he was in pain holding his head would say "I'm doing great".

I am so proud to be the daughter of this amazing man. I miss him with all of my heart and wish I didn't have to live the rest of my life without him, but I know that he is and will always be there for me. I hope that I can make him proud and carry on the amazing legacy that he has left for us to folllow. I love you dad!

Photos of a great man

As you can see from the photos my dad loved life. he loved to be with his family and his grandchildren, and his grandghildren love him soooooooooooo much! He was always so willing to join in on any activity with the family, whether it be fishing, or riding tubes in the lazy river, he loved having fun with his kids and grandkids. Even Sienna (Devan and Becky's dog) loved grandpa! Sienna knew grandpa was the only one that would let her get away with laying on the sofa :) Shad's son Brenan had a special bond with grandpa and had him baptise him in the river. This man was deeply loved by all!

Valentine's Day

This year was me and Sam's first Valentine's day together. I wanted to do something special for Sam cause he had to work all weekend. He always works so hard and does so much for me! I baked him a delicious dinner of halibut and crab cakes. It was soooooo good, not to brag but mmmmmm, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! Then I made a yummy lemon raspberry cake (I've been craving one since our wedding. That was the flavor of the middle layer of our wedding cake that we served, and they were supposed to save us a piece and they forgot, and I still think about it!) Then I sent him on a treasure hunt with cute heart clues to find his Valentines treasure. It was such a good night. Sam wrote me an amazing poem, that of course made me cry, and he's helping me buy an office chair that I am in love with, even though he thinks it's a waste of money and I'm crazy :) Thank you Sam for being so good to me! I love you so much!

Valentine's Day Poem

Sam wrote me the sweetest poem for Valentine's Day! I told him not to buy me flowers, cause he just did a week ago, and I told him not to buy me chocolates cause I'm trying to eat better. This was WAY better than both!!! Thanks Sam! I Love you!

Here is the poem...

Roses are not always red anymore
and violets are usually blue,
To use the word love would be understating
the way I feel about you.
For divine was the power
and inspired was the process,
God found me this perfect person
it is you sweetie I must confess.
If only every man could spend just
one moment in my life,
no wait, I dare not, for they
all would want you for their wife.
So gracious is your person
so giving is your soul,
you better me, complete me,
and forever make me whole.
Without you life is pointless
and simply has no cause,
it’s amazing that you picked me
guess you didn’t see all my flaws.
Forever I have wandered
and for you I have always sought,
I’m so happy that I have you
forever, for always, and no matter what!

late night thoughts...

I couldn't sleep tonight (as is the case for most nights) and since it was too late to call family and friends to chat, I thought I would catch up on their lives through the wonderful world of technology. I have been reading blogs for the past hour or so, and most have been reflecting over the past year. I couldn't help but start to do the same. I read my sis-in-law's Becky's blog and got a little emotional thinking about the blessings that have been showered upon my whole family.

I've been thinking about my dad a lot during this holiday season, which stirs up so many emotions. I miss him so much, but feel so happy thinking of so many wonderful memories. It's funny how life works, and I'm sure my siblings will agree, that although it has been a great hardship having him gone, all of our lives have been so blessed in the time since he passed. (it will be 2 years in Feb)

I had so many anxietys of him being gone. Not being married at the time, the feeling of not having him be there when I someday got married was so overwhelming. My husband would never know him... My kids would never know him... Who would I go to for advice? How would I survive without him? My brother told me that he would probably be able to help me more from above than on earth, and I thought, "Are you crazy? How could he help more not even being here"? But it's true...

I am now married to the man of my dreams, that I know with all my heart was due to divine inspiration. I know my dad had a hand in it. And he WAS there when I got married... And my kids WILL know him...

I am so grateful for such amazing parents! For a mother who is sweet and patient beyond all other, and so willing to sacrifice such much for her children. For a father who was such a great example of the kind of person we all should be. For my brothers and sister and brothers and sisters in-law who would do anything for me. For my neices and nephews who show me so much love and let me love them like they were my own. For the best mother and father in-law that I could ever ask for. But most importantly for my amazing husband. He is such an example to me. He is so worth the LONG wait and all the years of worrying it would never happen. He is my fairytale come true!

My life is truly blessed!

Our Christmas Nativity

Every year as long as I can remember, for Christmas Eve we have a family program with singing and talents and stories. But the best part is the story of the birth of our Savior. My mom would help us kids dress up, then my dad would read the story of Jesus' birth from the bible as we would act it out. It was always my favorite part of christmas. We would do it even as adults! Once we had grandchildren in the family, they were able to carry on the tradition that I was so fond of as a child. It is so sweet to watch! As Chuck reads the story from the bible, and the kids act it out, I can't but help have such wonderful memories of my dad, and how he was so much like our Savior. I'm so thankful for a wonderful family and their great examples to me!

The Glorious angel!

Sabrina was the angel (turned hippie) this year. it reminded me of when she was about 4 years old and before the traditional christmas program the kids had gotten out the halloween costumes and Sabrina was dressed up like a vampire. When it came time to do the program she refused to take off the vampire costume and put on the traditional nativity costume, so that year in the nativity we had "the christmas vampire" It was hilarious! Sabrina always keeps us smiling!