Vicky Day

Thirteen years ago, my sister Vicky was called home right before Christmas. Being a part of her life was one of the greatest gifts I could have asked for.

Since her passing, I've learned that grieving isn't something that you go through once for someone. Grief needs to be revisited from time to time. Sometimes grief can even catch you off guard when you hear or see something that reminds you of your lost loved one.

In October 2012, Elder Bowen put words to what I had already felt, "Sometimes people will ask, 'How long did it take you to get over it?' The truth is, you will never completely get over it until you are together once again with your departed loved ones. [We] will never have a fulness of joy until we are reunited in the morning of the First Resurrection."

Sometimes when Vicky is on my mind (whether peacefully or grievously), I write her letters, poems, or stories. Sometimes I incorporate her memory into school projects. Sometimes I tell my husband and children stories about her. When I do this, I find more lessons from her life. I grow more and realize her gifts to me and my family are endless.

This is a picture that always brings a smile to my face. Vicky and I decided to switch our outfits (and you can hardly tell; she's so small); it just shows the kind of fun-loving person she was. Love you Vicky. Save me a spot up there.

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts. Merry Christmas.

#Sharethegift

My Goofs

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Yesterday was the birthday of Link and Lydie's Grandma Doll. We decided there was no reason why we couldn't celebrate Grandma's birthday even if we weren't with her on her big day.

 And how can you celebrate without cake?

  

Lydie Bug helped me make a heart-shaped cake in honor of Grandma which nicely doubled (or tripled, rather) as my midterm exam comfort food and our family night treat for later. When Brad got home, we had our family night lesson and discussed Grandma and Grandpa's service in the Medford Temple and how it helps families be together forever. 

We're very thankful to have so many good examples, like Grandma, in our lives.

 

Last, we called Grandma and ate! (Brad said our parents should have birthdays more often.)

New Houses

Our family recently moved, and of course, while any moving situation is difficult and exhausting (even our seven block exodus), having two kids under two complicates it somewhat. The time and labor intensive process of packing up all your belongs, performing an extra deep cleaning you won't be around to enjoy, and reorganizing everything at a new place, becomes even more stressful. Luckily, Brad and I engaged three survival strategies during our move:

1. Recruit Myrna. Even though my mom stayed with us only a few weeks earlier for Lincoln's birth (before we received the news that we had to move), she traveled back down to help us pack, move, clean, unpack, and watch kids. Her help was immeasurable. I don't know what we would have done without her; she preserved my emotional health in a very real way. Love you Mom!
2. Enlist family for manual labor. The day of the actual move my sister Lisa and her family drove an hour and a half to help out and lend their truck; how great are they? Also my brother Gus and his family came to help even though they were already moving my niece. Gus showed up about 20 minutes before Lisa, and he moved so much in the first load, I was worried there wasn't going to be anything left for the others! (Don't worry though, they still had plenty to do.) They did everything so quickly when it would have taken us hours and hours.
3. Forget about it all for minute. Right before moving day we took advantage of our old neighbors TV box and just played! Brad was the architect and Lydia was the tenant. As the pictures and movie show, it was a success:

Why Little Girls Need Daddies

It's been awhile since we've posted anything because we're not so good at this blogging thing. For instance, we have a new bundle of joy we have yet to brag about on here, but first, I wanted to quickly share this short post while I was thinking about it.

Miss Lydia loves to play outside, rain or shine, and today was rain. Lydie was so desperate to go outside, so Brad finally gave in. I waited inside with Lincoln wondering what in the world Brad and Lydie Bug were up to. When Link finally fell asleep, this is what I found:

 Their Rainy Day Masterpiece

 Are moms allowed?

 She was so happy she couldn't hold still for a picture.

For Lydia, the best part is running in out, rain or no, as you can see here.

 Best friends

Valentine's and President's Day Weekend

Brad and I enjoyed our three day Valentine/President's Day weekend. I thought I'd just share some tidbits.

First of all, for Valentine's Day Brad and I decided indulge inn a fancy waffle breakfast with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Everything was divine, but we learned a few things. For instance:

• DO color the whipped cream pink
• DO NOT try to color the waffles purple, unless you want mostly normal looking waffles with puce border (I guess mauve is more accurate, but puce sounds more dramatic). Tastes fine, looks disgusting.

Valentine's night we headed to Rexburg because Lydia missed her grandparents and cousins. Lydia loved being at Grandma's house.

When Grandma told Lydia she had a "grandkid drawer," Lydia took it a little too literally.

We convinced Grandma and Grandpa to come to Big Jud's with us.
 Brad took on the Big Jud.

Here's the comparative, baby to burger shot: 

 I got in trouble for doubting, but he made it. Brad conquered the Big Jud.

 
We spent lots of time with the Anderson cousins – though we were bad at taking pictures. Abigail and Saylor took it upon themselves to serve as Brad's "shoes" all weekend while Rigdon kept Lydia occupied.   Grandma Myrna hosted Sunday dinner for Andersons, Aunt Linda, and us. We had a blast.

Lydia chased Linda's dog around forever. She was fearless, and I worried way more about the dog getting hurt than Lydia.

Before we left Rexburg, we saw Uncle Chris, Aunt Ashley, Cousin Johnathon, Aunt Jenny, and soon-to-be Uncle Daniel.

Last but not least, we announced our new arrival. It's a boy!