Have you ever been to a potty training party?

Me neither! But there's a first time for everything! :) We didn't bribe her with toys while she was potty training (I did use candy a little), but we thought a fun Cinderella cake was well-deserved for our big, potty trained girl! Hurray!! We weren't really planning a party per se, but it sort of worked out that way. I ordered the smallest cake possible and then we invited my mom and sister and our neighbors (whom S loves) to help us eat the cake. And then, how can you possibly have a cake for a 3 year old without candles? I don't think so! We had a fun time together. S squealed with delight when the doorbell rang and she ate up the attention the whole time.

Me and my girl (holding still with nary a silly face, how
did that happen?)

Our neighbors and S, enjoying the attention

S carrying her cake

S watching the balloon she was keeping afloat, with
my mom and sister in the background
(nice photo Daddy :)

I worried about potty training and tried to make it happen several times over a period of many months. I thought it was supposed to be easy with girls, but it sure didn't seem that way. But when S was finally ready it really didn't turn out to be that hard. Huh. I'm a big believer in potty training when your child is ready, not when you're ready (cause now I'm an expert potty trainer - ha!!).

warmer weather

It's been an unusually mild winter here and a very warm February. We've started getting outside a little more because of it. S was dying to get to the park! It's good to get out, too.

She LOVES to swing!

But some days...are harder than others.

This day she wanted a pink shirt and headband
so she could be like mommy :)

memories of Dad

I just want to share some pictures and memories of Dad today.

Dad could be pretty silly--certainly not all the time.
I love this picture because it shows that side of him.

Dad and I shoveling snow around Christmastime one year.
I spent a lot of time working alongside my dad. I appreciate
that he taught me how to work and think and solve problems
and that he listened to my ideas and helped answer
my questions.

Dad gazing out into the Pacific Ocean at Seaside, Oregon.
He always enjoyed nature.

Mom and Dad at their 50th wedding anniversary.
I just love the way he's looking at my mom.

Mom and Dad with my nephew, who got to spend
a lot of time at their house as he was growing up.

Dad, Mom, and I on a train ride during one of our
family reunions.

Mom and Dad relaxing at another reunion

Mom, Dad, and my sister, Lori, at Yellowstone

Dad and I at an Indian ruin in Arizona. When I was
a teenager we took a family vacation down through
Arizona and visited many ruins.

Mom, me, and Dad at my graduation from Ricks College.
Dad was always there at the important events in my life.

This is at my brother's wedding reception. He's holding
my niece. I love his big, happy smile.

My wedding day. Dad was the last one to give me a hug
after we were sealed. I'll never forget that.

Goodbye Dad

My dad passed away last week after battling cancer for over 2 years. It was really hard watching him grow weaker and weaker over the last little while. I'm truly thankful that I could be there to help when I could, even though I didn't do much. I felt honored to serve him. Towards the end, we just prayed that his suffering would be over. Finally the time came and it was still a blow to all of us, even though we knew it was coming. Death feels so final and permanent! We had some special, sacred time with him as a family at the end that I will always remember. I will also always remember some heart-wrenching moments

We just had his funeral and everything went really well. Many cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends came both to the viewing the night before and the services. I appreciate all the effort made by so many to be there. It was really good to visit with family I don't see very often. The talks and music were comforting and a good tribute to Dad. My uncle Doyle said Dad was a "master machinist" and I didn't realized he was that good. 

My parents' ward has done SO much for my mom! They've been amazing. Some neighbors put flags in the yards of all the houses along their street. They collected money and gave it to my mom so she could buy something to plant in Dad's honor. They provided a wonderful luncheon. They have just loved and looked after them the whole time they've been there, which really isn't very long.

I appreciate my friends and family from Nathan's side who have reached out to comfort me and Nathan during this time. It's a hard time. After the funeral I felt so drained. I heard my mom describe the day as a "dark day." Saying goodbye to Dad is heartbreaking. Seeing my mom suffering and in anguish is torture. 

But I do know that Dad lives on! I know he is free from the pain he bore for so long. I know he is with loved ones who have died. I know that because of Christ's Atonement, the bitter sting of death is gone! I know I will see my dad again. I know there is more to our existence that just this life on earth. It is such a comfort. Having Dad gone is still painful and he will be sorely missed, but the separation isn't permanent and it isn't final!

Dad lived a good, full life. He served the Lord faithfully through his life, even to the very end. He was a devoted husband and father and his family was always a priority. He worked hard all his life and found satisfaction in his work. He left a legacy to his 9 children, 5 sons- and daughters-in-law, 25 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren that will forever bless our lives. It's amazing to consider the influence of one good man.

I'm so grateful that I've had his influence in my life. I hope I can honor him by the life I live and by how I teach my child. I love you, Dad.

Display table at funeral - Dad was a handyman
Growing up, I thought he could fix anything!

Flags on their street

My nephews were the pallbearers

Dad's "pine box"

My brother with my mom

My cutie and I

Our family - minus Dad :(

Someone had a birthday

Yep, that'd be me!! I had a great birthday with celebrations lasting 3 days. One day just isn't enough ;-) Nathan picked up Kneaders french toast for us for breakfast, which I LOVE. He gave me a nice indoor/outdoor thermometer and crystal goblets that just arrived today. I love pretty dishes. We intended to go out to eat at The Cheesecake Factory but the wait time was too long so we changed plans and ate at The Macaroni Grill instead. Nathan's brother and his family joined us which was really fun. I always enjoy hanging out with them. After dinner we had cake and ice cream with my parents and my sister and her daughter who happened to be in town. It was great to spend time with family and friends.

Nathan's mom invited us to dinner for my birthday and we had a delicious meal with good conversation and some singing afterwards. And the next day my friends, Becky and Monica, took me out to dinner. My mom and sister watched S so I was able to just go and visit with my dear friends.

In addition the Relief Society brought a card by, my neighbor dropped off a loaf of sweet bread, and I received many birthday wishes on Facebook. Nathan also bought flowers for me! All in all, I felt VERY loved and that always makes me feel humble and grateful for so many wonderful people in my life.

S and Daddy making my birthday cake: brownie
mousse chocolate cake. It was delish!

Our little family at Macaroni Grill

Fun times at Macaroni Grill

Blowing out my candles

Jesus wants WHO for a Sunbeam???

He wants THIS cutie!! Yes, she is officially a SUNBEAM! And, believe me, she shines every day! I am so thankful for the sunshine she brings into my life!

It was S's first official day in primary and it turned out to be my last. I was released from the primary presidency the same day. I'm sad that I won't be in there with her, though I'm sure I'll be visiting from time to time. It's nice to be released and I love thinking about all the meetings I don't have to go to now, but it'll be pre-tty weird going to gospel doctrine and relief society again. It'll be good, though. We also started our church meetings at a later time now, which is SOOO nice!

New Year's Eve and other goings-on

Nathan was able to have lots of time off during the holidays this year and it was really nice to have him home and have time together without having a lot to do. New Year's Eve wasn't too big of a deal. We spent some of the evening with Nathan's sister and her family and came home early to get S to bed. He fell asleep getting her down and I read my book (Seabiscuit) until just before midnight when I woke Nathan. We had a New Year's Eve kiss, got ready for bed, and called it a night. (We're party animals, what can I say?)

Nathan's sister

and her youngest daughter

and her next-to-youngest daughter
All beautiful!

This little girl LOVES to make faces.

The owl jammies and Minnie Mouse
slippers were just too cute!!

Nathan's oldest brother, Jim, was visiting Utah during the holidays. We invited them to go bowling on the day of New Year's Eve and had a great time. It was S's first time bowling and she came in 2nd place! Mommy came in first (amazingly, since she is a very inconsistent bowler)! I'd like that to be a tradition for our family in the future.

We had a get-together one evening for all the family to visit with Jim and his family. S so loved having her younger cousins there to play with. She was acting pretty crazy which is not the norm when she's away from home.

Jim and 2 of his kids

S and Grandma

S and Grandpa

We've taken a liking to cold hot chocolate.
We first had it at Kneaders and loved it.
Nathan found a recipe online and tried
it out and it was very yummy, too!

The "stache" family ;)