My Dad

We had the memorial service for my Dad on Tuesday, December 23rd. I don't know what more to say, so I thought I would post my speech from the service.

My Mom and Dad met when I was 11 months old. He introduced me to sugar...and I knew from that moment that he was a good man. :)

I've struggled with what to say today. I was with my mom when the doctor said that Dad didn't make it. I feel like that moment is all that I can remember lately and the rest of our memories are just gone.

Through this planning process we've looked at pictures and relived so many memories. My Dad lived a good life and he had a shining smile (and REALLY good hair). I saw pictures of him teaching me to count circle money and how to change the oil in my car. I was reminded of his pride on my wedding day and the days that his grandchildren were born. I saw his smile in so many pictures and was reminded of his love for the people in his family. And his love for me.

The more we look at pictures and share stories the more I remember my Daddy and how proud he was of me and the person I had become...and less about that one moment in time. My Dad was my hero and I will miss him and honor him every day of my life.

Santa Picture

I don't normally do a formal Santa photo. Our local scrapbook store had Santa in one day for a few hours and we would go take some snapshots and be done, but they went out of business. I don't want to wait in a mall or go to the North Pole or any of that. So, when I saw this opportunity to make an appointment with Santa to have some pictures taken at the Little People Gym in Folsom I thought it was perfect. But, I guess it can only be considered perfect if your child is not deathly afraid of Santa Claus and screaming bloody murder when she sits on his lap. That would be how Lucy reacted to having her picture taken with Santa. They tried to have the kids sit alone and Santa would sneak in, but I don't think he could hear well and didn't come out in time. The kids figured him out and Lucy was off and running. Luckily I had planned ahead and wore something that matched the kids because I had a tiny inkling that I would have to be in the picture too. Oh well...memories, right?

Joey did a great job sitting on Old St. Nick's lap, though. I think he even told him that he wanted a new baby brother or sister for Christmas. :)

November In A Nutshell

I didn't realize how behind I was on our family blog. I knew I had things to add and hadn't found the time to do it, but my goodness. I'm sorry that you had to keep hanging on for information about the family. :) I doubt we are that exciting...but I'll try to keep it interesting.

On November 1st Jenn took the kids to see Disney on Ice. We went with Jeddi, Austin, Hannah & Megan. Lucy has never had to sit through a performance before, so this was a new experience...but she did really well. Tyler was the one that got impatient! But, a few small bags of Halloween candy from Halloween the night before, a box of popcorn, and two $20 (each) princess toys (yes, I said princess for each of them...don't ask) and they sat through the whole show.

After Disney on Ice was over we ran (through the rain) to the car and drove up to Lakehills Church. They were having their annual Harvest Festival, so we met Grandma Karla at the church for some ho-down good times. They were serving chili, cornbread, and lots of dessert. They had pony rides for the kids and line dancing for the old folks and kids.

While reading a Parent's Magazine I saw an article on how to make the cutest turkeys out of Oreo cookies. I thought it would be fun to take them into Tyler's class for snack one day. It was so much fun and Tyler seemed really happy to have me there. I guess I'd better enjoy that while I can!

This next picture just makes me laugh. The Saturday after Thanksgiving we went to play tennis with the Guthmiller's. Lucy didn't want to be set down, so she and I made a compromise. Or did we?

Later that same Saturday we hosted a first birthday party our nephew, Joey, at our house. It was so much fun to watch him get excited over his cupcake and to smash it to bits. He would get some in his hands and then CLAP, CLAP, CLAP and send cupcake everywhere. It was awesome. Tyler gave Joey the thumbs up on a job well done with the cupcake. Lucy enjoyed the show!

And last but not least (in December actually) we went to see Sesame Street Live. We got awesome seats in the front row...right next to Elmo and the Gang. Brooke, Aria, and Matea went with us and I'm not sure who had more fun...the kids or Brooke and I! It was a great show.

Tyler is Rockin' the Preschool Thing...

Tyler has been doing so well in preschool and he just loves it! In October he was picked to be student of the week. We got to make a poster talking about Tyler's favorite things and his family. He drew pictures of dinosaurs and our trip to Oregon. He also got his picture take for school and it is JUST THE CUTEST THING EVER!

Dear Jesus, Who Art In Keaven...

Every night before bed we read a story (or tell one...if Mommy's on top of her game), sing two songs (Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Jesus Loves Me), and then we say thank you to Jesus. Tyler knows that Jesus lives in Heaven...or Keaven as he calls it...and thanks him for the things that are important to him that day. Just last night Tyler was thankful for cookies, Cheetos, and all the things that are bad for his body. Lucy thanked Jesus for Grandma...

Happy Halloween!

I'm a little behind in posting our Halloween pictures, but life is insane! We went to a new pumpkin patch this year (so sad...no Apple Hill...Daddy won't do it), and the kids had a lot of fun. We picked out pumpkins and played and got really dirty. Here are some pictures from that day:

Lucy is ready to pick her pumpkin

Tyler is STRONG!

Me and My Pumpkins

They Climbed the Hay Bale for a Better View

She is SO Sassy

I tend to go a bit overboard when it comes to holidays (what I can say...I love them), so the kids had something to wear during the day on Halloween, their costume, and then cute little pajamas. It was an all day affair! Tyler was really into trick or treating this year and he ran from house to house...leading the pack. Lucy was a bit more apprehensive, but she really loved the candy. She wanted to eat each piece that was given to her. Luckily she didn't have too much sugar overload at the end of the night.

Lucy's Song and Dance

It is amazing how a little thing like Lucy can remember the words to nursery rhymes and ABC's. I can barely remember them all! At this age Tyler wanted NOTHING to do with singing or dancing, but Lucy must be somewhat musically minded. She loves to sing and dance. Here are videos showing off her "talents".

Potty Time!

We are not officially potty training Lucy, but she's in the mode to learn about the potty. We pulled out Tyler's old toilet and she uses it right before bath time every night. Tyler will stand and do his thing and Lucy will sit on the potty until she goes. We cheer loudly (Tyler is her biggest fan) and then she gets in the tub. The other night she didn't seem to have to go and finally got tired of sitting there. She got in the tub and then 20 minutes later stood up and said, "Need to go potty." She climbed out, sat on the potty, and peed! She definitely got a pee pee dance for that! Hopefully we will start with the training soon.