A Sad Day

Dave's dad hadn't been feeling well for a while, so it wasn't entirely unexpected, but when his mom called with the news that he passed away on the night of Ryan's birthday we were still caught off guard. I am so thankful that Dave had the opportunity to go to Idaho to see him a few weeks before and really was able to say goodbye. He was a great man and we will miss him dearly.

All six of us went to Boise for the funeral service and Dave and his sister, Susan, gave wonderful tributes. Later I called my mom and told her I wouldn't be speaking at her service because I just bawled the whole time. She said she understood.

Marcia is incredible and I was so touched at her love for Bob, evident even at the viewing. She held it together much better than I did.

I am amazed at the strength and courage his mom has shown throughout this time. Caring for him before he passed away and helping others grieve even as she is now.

We all went to a park and watched the kids jump around with their cousins and just kind of kept busy for the 20 hours we were there. It's sad that it takes an event like this to get the whole family together, but we did get to meet darling 2 year old Aluinn and play with him and sweet 4 year old Eva. The Christensen boys are all growing up into such handsome men. It was healing to see everyone together. And knowing that we will be with Bob again brings great peace.

October 2010

Losing a Friend

It's sad that it takes death to realize how we should live. The day after Thanksgiving my 43 year old healthy neighbor died very unexpectedly. It was a shock and we were all saddened by the loss, but there is an ultimate comfort in knowing we will see our loved ones again. I am forever grateful for my knowledge of eternity and the plan of salvation.
Even though we miss people when they are taken from this earthly life, we gain great peace when we let the Lord heal our hearts.

The funeral service was so incredible and no one wanted it to end. It was such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman who lived her life serving her family and others. Teaching everyone along the way how to give.

I am sad that I didn't take the time to get to know her better, and as I listened to the many wonderful things people said about her I realized that I wanted to become a better person just for knowing her as I did.

I miss you, Debbie.

Wanda

I am not sure why, but when we were through decorating our gingerbread houses, Wanda came to visit. I had never met Wanda before and don't know quite what to make of the situation! The kids were in hysterical fits of giggles...Dave, not so much. I love it when the kids really play together.

Are Gingerbread Houses Just an Excuse to Eat Candy?

Every year I make each of the kids their own gingerbread house and they decorate however they want. This year I realized they love this tradition because they can eat all the candy they want...duh!

BEFORE....

AFTER...

DURING!