Happy Halloween

Dad

This has been a hard post for me. Dad passed away very quickly and expectantly this past week. My dad and I didn't always have the best of relationships. When my parents got divorced while I was in late high school, my mom took it very hard. She coped by making us choose which parent to love. And of course, I chose mom. The next years were almost dad-less. I saw him a few times, but nothing meaningful. It wasn't until after I was married and had my kids that my dad became a part of our lives. I think he would be the first to admit he was a much better grandpa than he ever was a dad. I'm extremely grateful that the last few years have been much better for dad and me. I was finally able to understand that even though dad didn't say or show much affection, he loved me. Our last words together, even we didn't know they would be our last, were "I love you."

Some things I want to remember about dad:
*He loved spending time with Todd and Amy--there were countless fishing trips where he would patiently bate the hooks and take the fish off.
*He supported his grand kids--He came to baby blessings, ballet performances, and graduations. This is especially wonderful because it meant long drives to either Provo or Westminster.
*School was important to him--He encouraged his kids and grand kids to finish their educations. He was especially proud of Todd for not giving up, but finishing his degree.
*He was very generous--The fights we would have over who was going to pick up the check.
I love you, dad. You are missed very much.

Sailing

For my birthday, Todd, Kathy, Todd, and Amy gave me a two hour sailing lesson. We finally made it this last Saturday. Todd, Amy, Ann, and I drove to Redondo Beach to have this great experience. It was AWESOME!!! It really was a lesson, with our "skipper" teaching us all about how a sailboat works, the names for all of the sails, and how to make the boat go where you want it to go. We all got to spend time at the rudder and let me tell you, it's not as easy as it looks. It was an absolutely wonderful birthday present combining two of my favorite things...sun and surf. Thanks kids for a great time.

Conference weekend

I love General Conference. I love listening to all of the general authories, especially the prophet. I love listening to the MTC and the great music. I love the idea of watching church in my pj's. And I love having Amy, Todd, and the kids here for the weekend. This October was no exception. The talks were wonderful and full of great ideas to help us improve our lives. And the activites between sessions were lots of fun. Carson entered a lego competition, so we spent some time building a great castle. And then there were the crafts Amy and I worked on. OH, what fun!

Catalina

Ann and I have been talking about going to Catalina for a very long time. We finally made it! The weather was perfect and we played tourist, doing all of the things Catalina is known for: the glass bottom boat, a bus tour around the island and to the airport, a walk on the beach, and dinner at a great restaurant. We even saw several bison. But no flying fish. It was a great day spent with my best friend.

Tayson's Baptism

I have a hard time believing he's already eight and old enough to be baptized. It seems like only yesterday that we were swaddling Tayson and bouncing on an exercise ball to get him quiet. And now he is dressed in white, ready to make important promises to our Heavenly Father. I couldn't be prouder of him. Tayson's baptism was one of the most spiritual experiences that I have had. The spirit was so strong. I'm grateful that I was able to be there and join in the great weekend.

Washington DC and Todd

Washington DC has always been a special city for me. I love the history that it represents and the patriotism I feel when I visit there. Because Todd has been working there for a while and I didn't get to see him on my Utah trip this summer, I felt a great "pull" to go visit both DC and him. Let me just say two words: awe--some. What a great adventure we had. Highlights for me were a semiprivate tour of the Capital, new stamps in my passport, Mary Poppins, my iPhone tutorial, the firefly walk, and great food. But the best thing of all was my one on one time with Todd. I loved having him all to myself. He has grown into a most amazing man, not my little boy any more, and I am so proud of him. I love you Todd. Thanks for the wonderful memories.