Fall Back Friday for Fall

A little Fall Back Friday since it's Fall. :)  As I was combing through pictures and organizing them, I came across this gem.  This was the last time I went on a vacation with my dad and may have been the most recent picture I have with him.  I've seen him a few times since then, my younger sisters wedding and when my brother left on his mission before that.  What great memories I have.  I'm glad I have a few pictures from when he was still involved in my life.  Although when Dave was driving to Vegas in June this year he stopped to get gas in Beaver, where these pictures were taken about 12 years ago, and saw my dad there.  He never talked to my dad but took a picture and sent it to me asking if it was the same man.  Pretty weird coincidence.  For a little humor, here's the conversation between Dave and his co-worker who was in the truck with him at the gas station.

Dave: "I think that's my father-in-law."
Co-Worker: "You think? You don't know who your father-in-law is?"
Dave: "No, not really.  It's complicated"
 

Disclaimer...this is not a pity post, just reminiscing and wanted to share.

Jackson Trip in September

Every year we look forward to the annual trip to Jackson, Wyoming.  This year was no different.  We went on a lot of walks, enjoyed the beautiful views of the Tetons, went shopping, swimming and went on a hike around part of Jenny lake.  As I looked through my pictures, I realized there were a lot of pictures of Tatum and I, but very few of Dave.  Our trip this year was filled with a lot of Dave going golfing and the girls doing all the fun stuff. :)

Tatum had a lot of fun with a lot of hands to keep her busy.  She even slept in a big girl bunk bed.  She really is a joy in my life. Since she's turned 2, she doesn't stop or slow down much.  Oh boy does she pick things up quick.  She loves walks so much at home, I knew she would love them in Jackson.  She is a lot better with car rides and not getting so anxious since this trip.  It's a daily question from her, "walk? car?"  I love it!  Winter will be interesting, but luckily we have some more fall weather to enjoy first.

Thanks for all those that went this year.  We had a lot of fun and definitely enjoyed the break from our normal routine.  Get ready for picture overload!!

 I'm not sure what better view you can wake up to than this.  I love it!  The air was so fresh and the scenery was so beautiful.

Someone...(great Grandpa) taught her how to throw rocks, twigs, and leaves into the stream and on the road. She was pretty proud of herself.  She is getting so big!

 Leaf races with Great Grandpa.

 Great Grandpa and Nana playing games. I'm really glad I didn't get involved because those two are super hardcore competitors. 

Although they look pretty normal here, they soon would be galloping like horses and flying like airplanes.

The rain came too quick to avoid, the walk was more important than the threat of rain.

My little slice of heaven, the Grand Teton.

Farmers Market band

This is one super happy Mama that found some really smooth local honey.

This really should be a postcard or at least hanging in my house.

4 hour trip home.  She was invaded by ....well everything. :)

One of three pictures with Dave and it's sideways on my blog.  :)  Oops.  Hiking around part of Jenny Lake

Memories of my Grandma

My Memories of my Grandma

The world lost a wonderful Grandmother, mother, wife, daughter, and sister today. I am so thankful for the gospel and the knowledge that I will be with her once again and be able to enjoy spending time with her.  She loved the gospel and would share stories of her mission on Temple Square and the many wonderful people that had affected her through it. I'm thankful she was able to be in my daughters life and as I heard today that Grandma had passed I was able to explain to Tatum why mommy was sad and who she was sad about for losing but happy to know my Grandma will be in heaven lifting up others with her uplifting spirit and dancing to music whenever possible. Tatum is the reminder of my purpose and what the most important part of my life is. Tatum kept saying "mom sad.... Okay?" Each time brightening my mood so I can tell her "mommy's okay."

Watching Grandma slowly decline in health and losing her memory was very sad to watch. She loved music and I remember her telling us about the roadshows she use to put on. I am thankful for that love of music she gave me.

My grandma was a lover of the written word and of writing it. I have shared that love with her and am thankful for it.  I learn, grow, and work through my emotions through writing (cheap therapy). Hence the long blog post...

I loved having sleepovers at her and Grandpa's house when I was young. We would watch tv shows, because they had cable that was cool and work on household chores.  It may not seem like much but I looked forward to the quality time with them and I knew they loved spending their time with me.  We loved going on drives where they would show me the beautiful homes and neighborhoods in Sugarhouse and Sandy and always take the long way to go to dinner which always included ice cream.  She was so thoughtful to always point out the RM waiters. The last few years my Grandma didn't have to hold back...ice cream with every meal or sometimes for the meal.  I definitely got my love of sweets from her!!  I hope I get to do that when I grow up. :)

Grandma loved Ogden and telling us stories of when she lived there. Every time I told her I lived in Roy, I had to clarify...near Ogden and Riverdale Road. Her face would instantly light up and she's say "I lived there!" She proceed with giving me directions to where she lived which is now a fountain by Weber State.

She loved birthdays and holidays so we could get together as a family and remember all the great memories. I'm thankful for those times! My family is so important to me!!

For now, until I see you again Grandma, I will keep my eyes open for the little things that remind me of her and "God Be with You Till We Meet Again."

God be with you till we meet again;
By his counsels guide, uphold you;
With his sheep securely fold you.
God be with you till we meet again.

 Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus' feet,
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
When life's perils thick confound you,
Put his arms unfailing round you.
God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;
Keep love's banner floating o'er you;
Smite death's threat'ning wave before you.
God be with you till we meet again.