Look what we lost when you left this world

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. You were a very big influence in my life. Every day I find things that make me think of you. Sometimes I just stand outside under my pine tree and think of making a hut or quilting a quilt. I know that I could still get away with laying underneath the quilt watching busy hands. I could probably entertain the "grands" under there too. My favorite dinners to eat are all things that make me think of you. Thursday's will never be the same again. Once in a while I think about things you would tell me or wonder about what we would talk about. A can of kippered snacks and crackers by the dam are a great way to kick in the memories. Even just grabbing a sandwich and going for a ride makes me think of you. So much has changed in three years. Each year I think things will get easier but they don't. Some things are harder and make me want you more. When you were here and planning and organizing EVERYTHING we didn't know just how much work you put into things and made them look like they were just happening. We are trying to learn to pull things off like you did them but we always seem to leave some important detail out. When I grow up....I will be able to do it all just like you. Each day is spent trying to learn and grow so that some day, some how, I can be just like you. I miss you and think of you often. You will never be forgotten. You left a big stamp all over this world. Love you

Living in a tipi

By Friday, we will be heading out to live in a tipi for the rest of the month. We love this time of year. If you want to drop in to Cache Valley for Memorial Day weekend you can find us camped on the South end of the rendezvous. See you there.

Dog + Chocolate = YUCKY

Bella ate a peanut butter finger last week. We came home late that night and found a sick puppy. We were wondering what was wrong with her. Finally we put her to bed and waitied to see what would happen by morning. Quinten called looking for his candy bars.... I guess Bella knows what the good stuff is:)

Happy Mothers Day

I tell them I get it from my Dad!

Happy Birthday Day TWO

Happy Birthday Dad

Wow, this feels like an instant replay. Ok it is but it wasn't planned. It's just one of those things that happens in life that you life with. Today is my father in laws 83rd birthday. He is a great guy to be around and has taught me a thing or two about baseball. I am as excited to go buy tickets as he is to get them. I also love when spring starts to appear in our great state of Utah. I know he will have his garden in and growing before I even think of mowing or yard detail prior to planting. Being his doctor appointment helpers isn't even as bad as it sounds. The VA hospital can be very entertaining as can the traffic on the way home. Thanks Dad for teaching us to do what we want or at least try. Here's to another year. We love You!!!

Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

Happy Birthday MOM!!!



You are so much fun to be around. You teach us something all of the time. You always want to know how we are and what we are up to. You are level headed and keep us grounded. You have taught me how to be a free thinker. We were allowed to make mistakes and experience the consequences and you were still there for us. We've learned from watching you how to be compassionate and care for others. And best of all you taught us how to drink tequila!!! Seriously though you are loved and honored by your family, and all that you have done has been noted by those that matter. We are grateful that we get to spend so much time with you and we enjoy all that we do together. Happy Birthday. Love Gene and Mandy

Ampa's daze after surgery

Skyler was brave and sat with Ampa. He was not so scary this night he had his bandage off. Skyler found the extra pair of squeaky shoes and was happy to put the squeakers in his shoes and walk all through the house.

Sage came to visit Ampa after surgery. He was happy to sit on the bed and eat a cracker. He also loved sucking on all of Noah's animals.

Thank goodness Nash and Josh wanted to order pizza. M was getting really tired of oats and soup.

All Sage got was to chew on a bottle. Maybe next time you will be able to have pizza with the rest of us.