Gingerbread House

Ben always decorates the kids when we are done with the ginger bread house. I wish I had a picture of him because he was covered in frosting and he wasn't trying to decorate himself.

This is a tradition we started a few years back and we love it. The kids love to decorate the house. I think next year we will try a train. Fletcher kept sneaking the candy when he thought no one was looking. He would take it to a corner and eat it. It was funny. I love having our own traditions that just our little family does. I know that this is one the kids will love and remember forever.
This is the house we didn't like this kit as much as the other ones we have got, but we still had fun. We finished our night driving around looking at Christmas lights. Such a fun night.

When we went to dinner for my Dad's birthday my Mom presented us with this poem. Karen Nelson a really good friend to our family wrote this of my Dad.

I have been struggling so much lately. I think so much happened in such a short time that I am having a tough time coping. Some days I feel like it gets harder to have my Dad gone. A lot of times I feel cheated. So many times I pick up my phone to call or I have a free day and I want to call him to go to lunch. The other day I stopped at his grave and ask him to go but he was a little busy;) It is so hard to have your parent who you have known since you came to this earth and have gone to for advice and comfort gone. I know that he is still around. I have felt his presence several times since he has gone and for that I am thankful. I know that he was sick and that it was his time to go, but it doesn't make the missing him much easier.

The other struggle is leaving Las Vegas. I miss my friends down there everyday. I think about my primary kids constantly. I don't think there has ever been a time in my life when I was happier or more confident than when I lived there. I don't know what it was? I was sitting in the foyer at church this Sunday and the Primary President was walking the halls and I was so jealous of her. I miss my presidency, the teachers, and the kids. It was one of the best times in my life. I keep trying to figure out a way to get down there but haven't yet.

Sorry this is kind of a downer post. On happier notes I am thankful for Ben and my kids. I wouldn't survive without them. I love mine and Ben's relationship more the last year than I ever have. We compliment each other so well. A lot has happened to get us where we are. Some things I would go through again and than there are the things that I am thankful for the knowledge gained but as for going through that again, no thank you. I am so thankful to be around family for the holiday season. I missed that last year.

This Friday I will be another year older and I am thankful for my life. I feel blessed to have the people I have in my life and all the people I have come in contact throughout my life. Watching my Dad and my friend Becky, I am so thankful for health. I am thankful for our extended family and all of our friends. Even though I am struggling a bit life is definitely good.

My Dad....

Today my sweet, fun, and courageous Dad would have been 60 years old. Holy Moly!! It has been 4 months since he left this life. It has been a long 4 months. I think about him everyday and miss him. Sometimes it seems to get harder rather than easier.

Last night we went to my Dad's favorite restaurant Sizzler to eat. We never understood why he loved to eat there so much, but last night we smiled thinking about my dad. A special friend of my Dad and Mom and our family wrote a poem about my Dad that I will treasure forever. I have some awesome memories of my Dad. I feel blessed to have had the relationship I had with him. Happy Birthday Dad. I love you so much.

Thanksgiving amony other things

So I was lame and didn't get any pictures on Thanksgiving. This year was my very first year hosting Thanksgiving at mine and Ben's home. It's a lot of work. I think everything turned out pretty good. We were all starving because the turkey took forever. Emotionally it was a lot harder than I expected it to be. We just past the 4 month mark since my Dad passed. We all kept expecting him to be there. I do know that it was good we did it somewhere else this year and that my Mom had a break. It is crazy how we all know it was my Dad's time and that we wouldn't want him here sick and suffering anymore, but man some days I miss him so much it physically hurts. Today I got Ben's little truck sideways because I could and it is fun and my Dad pops into my head. He always made winter driving fun. It's those things I miss, but am thankful I have those memories to make me smile.

Life in Cache Valley is cold. I have been freezing. I love having my family close but I have been so homesick for Vegas. I have been trying to figure out a way to get down there for a couple of days. I haven't had any luck yet. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving:-)

First Snowfall

Well we have officially had our first snowfall for this winter season. How do I feel about that? I think I am in for a long winter. I am pretty much cold all the time. I have a cup of hot chocolate every morning to get the body warmed up. I will admit that the snow was beautiful.

I am thankful that my Dad taught me to drive in the snow and not be afraid. That doesn't mean I'm not afraid when I am the passenger. I prefer to be the one in control in those situations. I remember my dad used to pull the parking break on my little Volkswagen to see if I could pull out of the slide. Yep I always did. He always took us to do donuts(my mom hated that). I remember I would come down our street on my way home pull the parking brake and slide right into my parking spot. My Dad was proud and my Mom kept threatening to take my license away. So as far as the upcoming driving this winter I am ready, but as for the cold I would love my Vegas winter please.

Halloween

Don't you love Fletcher! He was roaring at the kids in the neighborhood. So funny. Probably one of the best Halloweens we have had. Wasn't to cold and we weren't running around like crazy people. We stayed home this year. I cooked some potato soup and we let the kids go trick or treating around our neighborhood. After awhile we let them all go without us except for Fletch.
Jarrett the scary zombie vampire. He did his own costume, makeup and everything.

Isabelle as Medusa

McGregor was a Skeleton Ninja

Fletcher the Dragon
We have never lived anywhere where we get more than 4 or 5 trick or treaters. Well that is not the case anymore. I bought 6 bags of candy and they started coming around 6ish and we were out of candy @ 8:20. It was crazy, but a lot of fun. The kids had a blast. McGregor had his funnest year yet. The older kids couldn't keep up with him. It was great.

Finally New Family Pictures!

We finally got some new family pictures. The last ones we got Fletcher was only 3 or 4 weeks old. I cannot believe how much our kids have grown!! One thing about it we have a good-lookin family.

We have had another busy weekend. Friday we went to the Brough Halloween party. It was fun to see everyone. I don't think we have been to one of those in 2 years. Saturday morning Jarrett had a wrestling meet. He won his first two matches, but lost his third. He did good. Wrestling is one thing I hate watching Jarrett do. I want to go and pull those kids off my boy. I don't know who is more wore out me or Jarrett. I got to watch my niece and nephew for a couple of hours. I am glad I am here to do that, I have wanted a closer relationship with them. After that we went to Mantua and my Mom took our family pictures. I think they turned out great. She does a really good job. Then after that we had a Halloween party at my Mom's. It was a little tough with my Dad not there. That was one of the parties he really got into. Friday was the 3 month anniversary of his passing. Lots of emotions this weekend.

Busy Weekend

It was a crazy weekend. The kids had a 3 day weekend so Friday they went Geo caching with Grandma Jodi. They always love to do that. Saturday we got up and headed over to Ben's Grandpas farm in Tremonton. We were going to help with the potatoes and go pick out some pumpkins in the field. We got stopped on the way over by a road full of cattle, so by the time we made it to the farm the potatoes were already picked up. We did get to pick our pumpkins out and we helped them get a truck load to put out front to sell. The kids had a lot of fun playing with cousins, doing farm stuff, making boats out of zucchini, and then floating the boats down the canal. McGregors went the farthest.

McGregor picking his pumpkin out
Fletcher's first time to a pumpkin field. He sure had a tough time walking

Isabelle found the biggest pumpkin. Jarrett is getting so big!!

After pumpkin picking we went to Mantua to a birthday celebration for my Grandma Jeppsen. If she was still alive she would have turned 100 on the 18th. It was fun to talk about her and hear others memories. After that we went back to my mom's to snuggle with baby Gracie. It was a busy day but a fun day. I was glad to be able to spend some family time.

Isabelle and Gracie. Finally she got a baby girl.

As for Ben's new job, he loves it. It is really weird to have him gone everyday. Things are going really good for our family.

13 years!

13 years ago today Ben and I were married. I can't believe it has been that many years and yet I have a tough time remembering life without him. Alot has happened these past 13 years. I am amazed all the time at how good my life is. I am thankful for Ben and want him to know that I love him more today than I ever thought possible.

Logan

Tomorrow it will be 2 weeks since we moved to Logan. Here are some of the things I love about living here: #1 living close to family once again. I was missing family so much. Jodi lives minutes away, Dayna is about 10, so is my brother Tony, Mike is probably 15-20 min., My mom is 30 min., and Ben's dad is 30 min. Pretty darn awesome.#2 I love the scenery.#3 I love that I feel safe, not that I didn't in Vegas I am just more at ease here. #4 I love my kids school and so do they. #4 " I love to see the temple". #5 Ben loves his job. #6 Church music on the radio on Sundays. I know there is more but I can't think anymore.

The last couple of weeks have been good. I have loved being with family. My sister drops by a lot, which I love. I was even able to spend the day with my Grandma Losee yesterday. We are still unpacking:( I will admit I have been a little lazy about the unpacking. We have what we need and I am just taking my time getting to everything else. The kids have made a lot of friends, a majority of them being right here in our neighborhood. They seem to be thriving. I have had to dig out the warm clothes once again. It has been pretty darn cold. As much as I loved the warmth of Vegas, I think I forgot how much I love fall!!!! As I have thought a lot about life the last couple of weeks I know without a doubt we are where we are supposed to be right now. I don't know why we were only able to spend a year and a half in Vegas. I do know that I am stronger and more sure of myself and my family. I made friendships in Vegas that will last forever. I came to love so many people down there. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I have really been missing my Dad. I think that is pretty normal. It has only been 2 months since we lost him, but I know that he is where he is supposed to be and I know that he is happy and doing things he has wanted to do for a long time. I am so thankful for the gospel and the knowledge it gives me. I know that my dad is still around and I know that one day I will be reunited with him. I know that everything Ben and I have gone through the last 5 years has been for our good. Just some thoughts I have been having.

To all my friends in Vegas, thank you for your friendships and examples. My life will never be the same because of you. I hope to see you soon:) Make room for me this winter because I will need to come and thaw out.

This is the view from the back of our house. I have missed these mountains.
I get to see this several times a day.

Moving Day!!!

We had originally planned on moving the 29th of September, but we ended up moving out of Vegas on the 27th. The move was a lot more difficult than we planned, emotionally and physically. At first we rented a big Uhaul truck, we figured we could fit everything in there. What were we thinking?????? We ended up getting the big Uhaul, a smaller Uhaul truck, and a trailer. For the first time in my life I had to pull something. YIKES!!!!

To say it was hard to leave our sunny Las Vegas was an understatement. Some of our bestest friends showed up and bid us farewell. They stood at our house and waved as our family pulled away from the curb and headed onto our next journey.

We headed to St. George the first night. That was good, because we were all so tired. We got up the next morning and said goodbye to Ben's family in St. George and headed north. Thankfully the trip north was uneventful. Ben was pretty worried because neither Jodi or myself had ever pulled anything and we were definitely pulling. Jodi was in her car with Isabelle and Fletcher, McGregor rode with Ben in the "big" truck, and Jarrett and Shadow rode with me. Ben's truck was getting a whole 4-5 miles per gallon!! After our stop in Fillmore Jarrett and I headed ahead of everyone so we could get the keys to our new house.

Everyone did awesome. Our kids are such troopers, that was a long couple of days, I mean weeks.

We want to thanks everyone who helped up load up in Vegas. You guys were awesome. Thank you Jodi for coming and helping with everything. And thanks to our family who helped us unpack in Logan:)

Shadow rode in between mine and Jarrett's seats. He did really well because that truck was pretty rough riding.

My co-pilot taking a little break. He is such a good boy:)

On The Move Again....

I have decided that life does not turn out at all like you plan. In some aspects it is better than you could have ever imagined and then in other aspects you are left thinking "What?!". Alot has happened the last couple of years to our family and it is still happening. As most of you know shortly after we said goodbye to my Dad Ben was laid off from his job. After a month he has found a job. He will be working for a company in the Cache Valley. We are definitely going to freeze this winter! So many mixed emotions come with this move. I was so afraid to move and live in Las Vegas, but after a year and a half our family loves it here. We are so sad to leave our Vegas sun, our friends, the school, and our ward. We have made so many friendships and so many people have touched our lives. I know that my life will never be the same after living here and knowing the people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I am a better person for living here. So much is good about Vegas. Such an unexpected surprise how much I have grown to love this town. On a happy note about moving north is that we will once again be close to our family. We are excited about that. I think, well I know for sure that McGregor is ready to be close to family and the rest of the kids are like me and Ben. So onward and upward. We are going to trust the Lord once again. We know that he knows what is best for us. We will keep everyone posted on what is happening with us:)

Another piece of good news, my sister Susie had her 2nd child last night. She had a healthy, beautiful baby girl. Little Gracie, I can't wait to hold and snuggle her.

A Great Weekend!

I have been so excited for this weekend. We don't get very many visitors. This weekend we had about 13 on Saturday and 5 for the rest of the weekend. We love when family comes to visit. Our weekend consisted of Isabelle's baptism, good food, Mt. Charleston, Lee's Canyon, lots of Wii, and a good card game. Oh and some swimming.
We were so excited to play with Grandma! I think we had some fun. We even went 35 miles on empty in my car. That proved to be an adventure, but we were blessed and made it to the gas station. Myself, I thought it would have been easier to get gas before we left, but what do I know. Everybody from the north was melting down here so we took them up to Mt. Charleston to cool off. We didn't do anything spectacular, but it was just fun to be together and have some good family time. Thanks everyone who came, we needed that:)

Baptism

Our Isabellee got baptized this past Saturday. It was a great day. We had family come and support us. We cannot tell them what it meant to us for them to make that loooonnnnggg boring drive and take time out of their lives to come and share this special day. Isabelle was the only one from our ward, which made it extra special. We had Britnee, Niks wife play her guitar and sing Isabelle's favorite song, I Love To See The Temple. She did an amazing job. Isabelle was so excited. She was suppose to get baptized on Aug. 6th, but with the passing of my Dad we had to postpone. Isabelle was more excited than she gets on her birthday or Christmas. She told me that it was going to be her best day ever. I am so thankful for her and the choice that she made to be baptized. She is a very special girl.

Fletcher's Birthday

McGregor's Birthday

One more birthday.....

Happy Birthday Fletcher!!! I can't believe my baby is 2, that went so fast. I am so thankful Fletcher came to our house. What a joy he has been. I love his snuggles. I love how he loves animals. So many things to love about Fletcher. Happy birthday buddy, we love you:)

Happy Birthday Gregor!!

Well our Gregor turns 5 today. I can't believe he is already 5. McGregor is our comedian. He thinks he is pretty funny. We had a rough go with Gregor a few years ago with his health, but thankfully he is doing well. McGregor is contagious. People are drawn to him. There has always been something extra special about our Gregor. He has an awesome imagination, he is so smart and inquisitive. I love his laugh, when you hear it you can't help but laugh along with him. I am so thankful that Gregor is part of our family. I asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday and he said just eat cake and "hobos"(tinfoil dinners). That's something we can do. I love that I get to see his smile everyday.

1st Day of School

Well this morning we started school once again. This year Jarrett is in the 5th grade, Isabelle is in the 3rd, and McGregor will be doing preschool. First of all I can't believe Jarrett is in 5th grade, this is his last year in elementary! I don't feel that old. Dropping them off this year was so much easier than last year. I remember being physically ill last year. None of us knew what it was going to be like in Vegas. This year they couldn't wait to get there and neither could I. It is such a great school with awesome teachers.

It has been awhile since I have posted anything. What has happened this past month? Well, we had Isabelle's 8th Birthday but because of the passing of my dad we had to postpone her baptism. She will be getting baptized this Saturday. Then we had my Dad's funeral, it was awesome, a real tribute to my Dad. The viewing the night before was amazing, so many people, at times the line was a 2 hour wait. My Dad touched many lives and was a friend to whomever he came in contact with. We left Utah Saturday to come home and Monday Ben was laid off. Our life has been turned upside down this last month. Ben has interviewed for a job in Logan and has applied for so many jobs. We think it is a very good chance we are going to have to move. Ben has applied for jobs across the country. Myself, I don't want to go any farther from family, Vegas has been far enough. But just as the hymn " I will go where you want me to go dear Lord". We are going to take whatever comes first. I can't thank our families enough for all their support and love. You are truly amazing and we are blessed with the families we have. I want to thank everyone for your friendships and support through this difficult time as we said goodbye to my Dad. Yesterday was a month since my Dad made his journey home. It went by fast, but it feels like forever since I have seen and talked with my Dad. Today my Mom and Dad have been married for 39 years. I love both of them and am blessed to have such examples as they have been to me throughout my life. Life has taken on a different meaning to me this past month. I am so thankful for the Gospel and the knowledge that I have. As hard as it has been to let my Dad go I know without a doubt that I will see him again. I also know that if Ben and I just have faith Heavenly Father will take care of us and Ben will find a better job than he had and we will be better off than before. I am so thankful for Ben, I would be lost without him. He is my rock. I was looking at my kids yesterday and feeling so blessed to have them in my life. Each one of them brings something special and different to our family. I am thankful for Ben's family and all that they do for us. I am thankful for the phone calls and prayers on our behalf. This last year I have had the chance to get to know Jodi better and become closer with her. You have helped us so much. You have been there for me through the toughest times. Thank you, and I love you. I am thankful that we have lived in Vegas, because it has given me the opportunity to get to know Ben's McGregor family better. I have loved our visits. My Mom, what can I say. I am so blessed and thankful to have her as my Mom and my friend. I have watched her go through so much. I cannot tell her how much it touched me to watch her take care of my Dad that last week of his life. She was so loving and gentle. Mom your strength amazes me, it always has. My heart aches for you. I love you. To my siblings, thank you for being you and helping me through all the hard times. I couldn't have made it without you. Life is definitely a learning experience, I hope that I learn what I am supposed to and become the person I am supposed to be.

My Dad

What to say about my Dad. Words cannot describe my feelings for my Dad. I will try to express my feelings as best as possible. My Dad was funny, loved maps, honest, valiant, a fighter, a friend, loved to joke, loved history, loved racing and cars, loved to go on drives,
loved airplanes, but most of all he loved his family.

My Dad is my hero. We have had to watch my sweet Dad for the past 11 years struggle with his health. He was a fighter. He worried so much at the end that we would be mad that he had chosen the path we had. No way, we love my Dad so much and we didn't want him to hurt anymore. He definitely did not choose the easy way out, he fought hard right up until his last breath.

I cannot even describe my feelings today. I feel privileged and blessed to call him my Dad. He has taught me so much about life. He would do anything for you and never judged. He was honest in his daily life, always. He did love to swear. I am going to miss my Dad's smile, our phone calls, lunches, his laugh, and how he would call me sweetheart. I love you Dad and I already miss you so much it hurts.

Jarrett's New Pet

Everyone meet Shadow

This little guy is a baby Leopard Gecko. Jarrett bought him with his own money. I usually wouldn't go for a reptile, but there is something so cute about this little guy. It has been fun for Jarrett and the other kids. Jarrett gets a little grossed out when feeding time comes, but I am sure he will get better with it.

Some more Utah

I was bad this last trip. I didn't get hardly any pictures. We had to go back up and get Jarrett. While we were there we went to a family reunion and celebrated the 4th with Ben's family. It was kind of a hard trip for me this time. #1 problem was my allergies, they were so bad. #2 my Dad had a stroke the week before and was back in the hospital. I have had a lot of emotions to work through this last little while. Alot of ups and downs, some crying and some anger, sadness and disappointments. I am sad for a lot of reasons, but #1 is for my Mom and Dad. My Dad was told that he doesn't have the 5-10 years that the pump normally gives. He doesn't have the luxury of living that long. With the way he has been doing I will be surprised if he is still with us next year at this time:( It was an extremely hard trip up there this time.

Willard Bay

We had a nice warm day up in Utah, so we headed to the "bay". It was Fletcher's first time on a boat and he loved it.
All of the kids got to ride in the tube. McGregor didn't want to at first, but we got him in there and he loved it.

These two liked to act like they were scared, but I know they had a fun day. They loved the tube.

We had a few mechanical problems. The boat died. At least everybody got to ride in the tube. We were stuck in the middle of the lake for probably about an hour maybe a little less. Then some good Samaritans came along and gave us a tow.

Even though the boat broke we had a great day. I forgot how much I love being on a boat, but also how much I hate the bugs on Willard Bay. It was a fun relaxing day. Our trip up north was so much fun. We got to spend time with everyone we wanted to this time. I decided I couldn't worry so much about trying to please everyone and it made for a great trip. We left Jarrett up there for a week:( It has been a day and I already miss him. We will be heading up again for the fourth and I can't wait to play some more:)

A day with Grandma Jodi

On Monday we headed to Logan to spend the day with Grandma Jodi. As you can see she has the Logan river in her backyard. It was high when we were there, and it was supposed to get worse.
We went to the park,

Hung out at the house,

Played with the dog and birds, went to a movie, grilled some really good chicken, and had some ice cream.

Jodi was putting the watermelon in the river to keep cold. You can tell by her face the water was extremely cold!