Father's Day thoughts...

Father's Day is traditionally a day to make known to our Dad's how much we love them and appreciate them. I find myself melancholy today because I don't get that opportunity. I keep thinking of the things I miss about my dad. The things I don't want to forget. The things I wish I would have said to him, or done with him. The fact that him being gone is unbearable and so unfair. The way I feel cheated not to have my dad with me today and to not be able to pick up the phone and call him. The list of things I miss keeps rolling through my mind. Here are some of the big ones:

1. His voice. The sound of his voice, simple as that may seem. My mom's answering machine still has that voice, and sometimes I call just to hear it. Sometimes I try to hang up before I hear it. He had such a deep, warm voice. I loved to hear him sing. George Strait. Johnny Cash. Gospel music. I miss the way he would ask me, "how's my gal?" and the way he would whisper to me how proud he was of me every time we parted. I miss hearing him laugh and talk and read to my kids. I miss the noise he'd make when he kissed them and hugged them.

2. His presence in a room. He filled up a room, not just because of his size, but because of his aura and who he was. He could be quietly sitting in his chair, but you knew he was there.

3. His eyes. They were so warm. They literally had a twinkle at times...

4. His smile. Hands down, my favorite feature. That crooked smile when he was amused.

5. His laugh and sense of humor. Sometimes his wittiness went right over my head, and I would only laugh at it days later. The biggest compliment to me is when Jon tells me, "you are witty like your dad." I hope so.

6. His love of animals. This ran so deep in my dad. From his horses to his dogs, he knew his animals and loved them and took such great care of them.

7. His love of my mother. I can't say much more without choking up, but my goodness, that man loved his wife. He went to hell and back for that woman. And we all know that she is worth it.

8. His love of his grandkids. They were a beacon of light in his life, especially when he got sick. He knew each one of them.

9. His honesty. He was the most honest person I have ever known. He never lied. Ever. And, he detested lying in others. He lived a life true to who he was.

10. The thing I miss the absolute most about my dad are his big, bear hugs. He gave a little piece of his heart in each one of them. I would give anything for one of those on this Father's Day.

Here are some pictures I love. Do you see what I mean by that smile? So great.

Eskimo kisses. Oh, and I forgot to mention how much I miss that silver hair, that tanned complexion, and those huge hands with the one crooked, pointy finger.

I miss you, Dad. Today and every day.

jon is awesome!

Even though I have no pictures to prove it, I wanted to give a HUGE shout out to my awesome husband who completed his first Half-Ironman this past weekend in Boise, Idaho. For those of you who aren't familiar with this type of race, here is the deal:

Swim 1.2 miles in open water

Bike 56 miles

Run 13.1 (half-marathon)

Amazing! Jon has been training for over a year, and for those of you who know him, you know that that means he has been extremely dedicated. He injured his back early this spring, and that set him back quite a bit, especially in the running department. But, he persevered. He didn't give up, as I surely would have with his injury list!

Then, last week, he got a yucky stomach virus accompanied by a horrible headache. And this is my boy who rarely gets sick! Poor guy even threw up for the first time since I've known him.

So, not great conditions, not ideal circumstances, but he had a great attitude and did it! And, he did pretty well with a 7 hour and 15 minute finish!

Way to go, Jonny, we are so proud of you!!! (unfortunately what he proposed as a "one time thing" has now become an obsession of sorts, so I am sure this is not the last event of this type).

should I worry?

Max ran downstairs giggling this afternoon and when I rounded the corner, this is what I saw. It totally cracked me up. I think he would make a pretty girl. Molly was quite put out that he was dressing in her Snow White outfit. I think that might be why he did it. It seems to be a theme he has going right now.

Now, this one is a little worrisome. The gun and the dress. The cackle, along with the dress and gun were a little disconcerting. Max is such a funny little guy. He keeps us laughing!

for your viewing enjoyment!

potty buddies

(back when they were still in diapers)

OK, this is just funny. Today, while Ian was napping, I was mowing my huge lawn all by myself (which is easy a two hour project), when Molly came out and tapped me on the arm. I pulled my tunes out and asked her what she needed. "Max needs wiped," she replied. Oh dear. I was covered in grass and was not happy about the prospects of trekking it into my newly vacuumed house. I hemmed. I hawed. I finally looked at Molly and said, "can you do it?" Her eyes got wide and she said, "I think I can." (that's the spirit. Must be all those bedtime stories with subliminal messages). And, she trotted off. I walked to the back door and called in to Max, patiently waiting on the potty.

"Max, Molly is going to wipe you, ok?" I call tentatively.

"Does she know how to did that?" he calls back.

"Sure. Make sure you both wash your hands really well!"

"OK!" they both call back.

I am sure this was a huge mistake, and could have been a mess. But, it wasn't! And, it's probably inappropriate on a number of levels, but it's me, doing my best. And, it made me smile.

More to life...

OK, enough about me, I know I am awesome, but scroll down my blog to check out how cute my kids are! I feel like my marathon post has just overshadowed my other recent blog posts!

I did it!

Here I am, finishing my first marathon, with my awesome running buddy, Brittany! It was so super fun! It turned out to be a gorgeous day. We ran in Newport, by the water, and the sun felt so good after 20 + days of rain in Portland! We ran well and felt good. That is me with the hot pink socks. I am so tough, huh? My time was 4 hours 19 minutes, which was just under my goal, so I felt good about that. Please forgive me if I gloat, brag, and walk around with a big head for a few days. I am still on cloud nine!

a clip! too cute not to share!

Molly's ballet recital

Here are some cute shots from Molly's ballet recital last week. She is the tall one.....they did a cute beach dance, and looked so great in their leis and sunglasses. She loves her class with all of her friends! She is so sad it's over for the summer!

Here she is with two of her friends that moved away on us!

our little ballerina! She loves it so much!

We are so proud of Molly. She is a sweet sister, and a darling dancer. She has a wittiness that makes us smile every day!

Olivia's research project

Olivia did a research project on Monarchs. This was a huge project that included poetry, original artwork, the tri-fold board and attachments, a creative writing piece, and a research paper. Whew! She worked on this from April until the first of June. It was overwhelming with our big trip right in the middle, and I am proud of how hard she (we) worked and how much she learned! Good job, Olivia! (and isn't her butterfly dress fun?)

weekend plans...

Please excuse me while I go run 26.2 miles, and then promptly fall into a large heap for a few days. Wish me luck!!!

Max's funny...

We were sitting at Target Cafe the other day having a d.coke (lemonade for the kiddies) and soft pretzel, when Max informed me that his pretzel had too much salt on it. I got my napkin and started brushing some of it off for him. Then he nonchalantly said, "my wife doesn't like me to eat a lot of salt."

Gotta love this guy!!!

A little clip from the Wizard.

Here is a clip for your viewing enjoyment. Olivia is the 4th soldier from the right. I especially love the spear routine! So cute!

Off to see The Wizard...

Olivia was in her school play this past week. They did The Wizard of Oz. Olivia was a soldier. She did such a good job, especially considering she missed all of the rehearsals and most of the practices while we were out of town. She was such a sport and gave it her all anyways. She sang the songs for all of our family while we were away. She is just such a good gal! Here she is with her teacher. She is the BEST, and has been so good for Olivia. We are so glad we will have her again for fourth grade.

Here is the little star with the flowers her daddy brought to the performance.

On stage! She is the second soldier from the right!

Good job, Olivia. Performing is not her favorite thing, but just like everything she does, she gave her best effort and did a great job. She is so brave and strong!

Update

Just thought I'd update so I'm not leaving all of my avid readers hanging out there... I flew to Utah last week to be with my dad and family after a call from my mom which went something like this, "Dad has taken a turn for the worse, and is in ICU." That was my answer, and I hopped on a plane a few hours later. My dad spent 4 days in ICU where he stabilized and got the medications out of his system that were causing him problems. When he came out of his fog, he realized that he was unable to feel his legs. A neurologist assessed him and diagnosed him with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which is an auto-immune disorder in which antibodies that attach viruses start attacking the myelin sheath around your nerves. It is something that usually comes on after a stomach virus or a respiratory infection, both of which my dad has had in the weeks preceding his hospital stay. Most people with GBS make a full recovery, and we are praying that that will be the case with my dad. He has been moved to the rehab wing at the hospital and is doing rigorous Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy several times each day to regain his strength. He is sick of the hospital and is having a hard time sleeping, but considering last week the doctors were saying things like "possible stroke or brain tumor" we are all feeling very blessed to have this diagnosis. My dad is a fighter and will get strong and healthy again sooner than the average Joe, I just know it!

Thank you to all of my great friends who took care of my family in my absence. There were meals coming in and playdates being had every day. Jon was very relieved for the help. I was a little conflicted about that, since I secretly hoped he could see what life is really like when he travels and I tow the line, but my friends are too kind to share my vengeance.

I am home now, and putting the pieces all back together. And missing my dad and Utah family like crazy!

praying for him...

My dad's in the hospital. He's not been doing well. I am having such a hard time being away right now, and was just looking through pictures on my computer and came across this one that made me smile and wish he could be here now to read to my kids. I love you, Dad. The kids send all their love, Papa. And we are all praying for you.

The flour game

I thought there should be documentation somewhere of us playing "The Flour Game" (with powdered sugar). Here's how it works. We go around the table, clapping a rhythm and naming things in a chosen category (i.e. forest animals, cousins, Thomas Trains) and if someone messes up the rhythm, they have to cut the flour from top to bottom. As the tower gets smaller and smaller, you have to be really careful not to let the coin drop (or for Easter, the candy). If it drops on your watch you have to go in after it with your teeth. It all makes for great fun and lots of silly laughter!

Here is Jon showing Molly how to have a steady hand.

She goes it alone...

I force Max to get the dang jellybean.

Olivia gets it. (Ian wants to know WTH?)

Good times...

Easter-y stuff...

Easter was super fun and low-key this year. We colored eggs Saturday with friends, and woke up Sunday morning to filled Easter baskets and eggs hidden all over the house. The kids had a great time hunting for eggs, and playing with their little goodies. You might have thought it was Christmas by the ridiculous hour they woke us up at, but we were (mostly) good sports and let them have their fun. Max got a nerf gun, because what says Easter like shooting...

Funny Molly, she's always posing this way. Don't you love the way she wears Easter?

Olivia got The Princess and the Frog and was so excited, although she was a little miffed that the Easter Bunny brought her a boy chocolate bunny. That hare has some nerve.

And, here's my baby. I think this says it all. He ate two of these on Easter, and we finally found someone to pawn off all those darn jellybeans on...

After the morning festivities, we had cinnamon rolls and watched General Conference. (Ask Molly and she will tell you that the Prophet says we have to have cinnamon rolls for Conference.) It was a very uplifting, happy family day. Notice that I am not even mentioning the fact that it has been raining for 9 days straight.

Watch this lots of times!!!

My nephew, Jake, produced this commercial. Watch it lots of times, and feel free to pass it on! He is a doll, and is hopefully going to remember me when he is rich and famous!

hmmm.....what do you guys think?

I hate my fridge, but it functions fine, so what do you guys think about this fix? Most of my DIY projects fail miserably, so I am nervous to try it out on such a huge appliance, but maybe it would be awesome???

Chalkboard Fridge

In the MAY 2006 issue of COUNTRY HOME magazine, they featured my former home. I used to live in an old farmhouse on a 500-acre Christmas tree farm (idyllic, right?).

In the kitchen, an old fridge worked just fine, but it was a bit of an eyesore. So with a few coats of green chalkboard paint, I not only give it a facelift, but made it functional, too. You could write, with a piece of chalk, all over the fridge. Notes, grocery lists, tic-tac-toe…whatever your heart desires.

I just scanned this from the magazine and thought I’d share it. Sometimes the simplest idea can have the most dramatic effect. Don’t ya think? I love chalkboard paint.