Thanksgiving

 Thanksgiving was a little weird this year, if I'm being honest. James and the kids are up North with James' family and I had to work so I couldn't go with. Preston's family came from Texas to spend Thanksgiving with mom. So after I got done with work I was able to go over to mom's house and have Thanksgiving with them. It was a nice dinner but also very quiet. James said they had a fun thanksgiving with a yummy dinner and fun games afterwards. It's been fun seeing the pictures and facetiming with everyone. 

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Silly Boy

 With how emotional this past month has been with losing Dad and everything else going on. I have to say it brought me joy to look through the pictures on my phone and come across these silly pictures Avery took of her brother. He is so lovable and silly and makes me smile. Sure do love my kids.

The Jubilee of Trees

 With the holidays upon us I am excited to show mom the various things that take place throughout the county during this time. The first thing is the Jubilee of Trees. It's so fun to attend and always has fun things happening and for the kids to do. We decided to go today because we though it would be a little less chaotic than Saturday. Oh boy were we right. There was hardly anybody there and we didn't feel rushed at all. The kids (Kilian) got to have their picture taken at all the fun little spots. Kilian got to do a little Christmas craft and my mom even spoiled them by buying them a Christmas goodie. Avery got a homemade candy cane and Kilian got a cookie. There wasn't even a line for Santa and he was sitting right next to the train display. Kilian was THRILLED!!!! After we had our fill, we headed over to Cracker Barrell for lunch. before heading back home. It was such a great day and we all had such a fun time spending time together with my mom. I am looking forward to being able to spend more time with her and show her more and more this area has to offer.

Un-Happy Dixie

 Dixie got spayed and is one unhappy pup! She has been super clingy and has developed a case of separation anxiety over it. I'm really hoping that that's not going to last long. We got a puppy sweater looking thing that looks more like a straight jacket. This is to use in place of the cone of shame to prevent her from licking her incision. So far it has been working great, but poor thing is still so unhappy. 😄Hopefully she'll heal fast and be back to her naughty puppy self soon. 😜

Funeral

Nona and Grumpy came up for a few days to spend some time with us and to attend my dad's funeral. The kids always loving seeing them. James was happy to be able to show them the white bison that he's been telling them so much about. I've been spending almost everyday at my moms house when I can. With more and more family showing up everyday her house is starting to get super crowded.

The day before the funeral mom wanted everyone to come over for dinner. The garage was cleaned, tables and heaters set up. Byron and his family insisted on cooking for everyone. It was very chaotic but nice to spend time with everyone again.

November 4th we had a viewing from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM We got to see dad laid out in his casket and spend time together as a family. At 12:30 they asked anyone who isn't family to proceed to the chapel for the funeral. We had a small family ceremony where Preston helped add the final touches to Dad's temple clothes, we said our final goodbyes, had a family prayer and then the casket was closed and we all followed it to the chapel. Mom wanted me right by her and held onto me really tight as we followed the casket into the chapel. My sister Denese opened the funeral with a prayer, then my sister Kari spoke about my dad's life. Then we listened to the song "Love Me" by Colin Raye which had everyone crying. My sister Nancy talked a little more about Dad before we sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" and closed with a prayer. We all filed outside, to watch the casket get loaded into the hearse before we each got in our respective cars to head to the cemetery. After they placed Dad's casket over his burial plot, I was able to give an opening prayer. Then the American Legion and Utah Honor Guard gave dad military honors. This included a gun salute, the playing of taps and then folding up the flag and giving it to my mom. The flowers were placed back on the casket and the casket bearers places their flowers on Dad's casket. Kilian was so upset he couldn't help carry the casket, so I helped him take off his flower and told him he can go place his flower too. He was very pleased that he got to do this. After Byron gave a dedicatory prayer to close out the service. We didn't stay for long at the cemetery because it was so cold. We all headed back to the church for a luncheon that the Relief Society was kind enough to supply. It was a very beautiful day for Dad's funeral (minus the cold wind).