Monday, August 29, 2011

Happy Anniversary!


Happy Anniversary Cass and Trev!

I can't believe it's already been 2 years since you were married and yet I feel like Trevor has been a part of the family for much longer. I want you both to know how much I love you and how proud I am of you and the choices you are making and the good lives you are living. It's obvious how in love you are and I hope you will always keep it that way. Being married isn't all fun and games. It takes work and constant nurturing but if you always make it a priority and remember to put each other first, it will be much easier. Thanks for your love and kindness and generosity. Sam and the boys absolutely adore both of you. You mean the world to them and it's always a treat if they know you will be visiting or they can see you. I appreciate your good examples of respect, love of the gospel, dedication to each other, love for life, finding joy in the journey and all the other wonderful things your represent. You are a beautiful couple with so much in store. You're future is bright with so much to look forward to. I hope you cherish each other from here to eternity! Have a very Happy Anniversary! I love you with all my heart!!


Monday, May 9, 2011

Happy 25th Anniversary Honey!

Okay, So I hijacked my wife's blog to post this. I hope she will appreciate it and not be embarrassed by it. Either way she's bound to know that I love her. Sorry no fancy borders, or cute little pictures of me when I used to have hair because I just don't know how to do such things. To all of our friends and our kids friends I hope as you read this you will smile at the memories that involve you. Enjoy!

May 9, 2011
Dear Julie,

I have been thinking about writing this to you for some time now. I have waited because I wanted the timing to be right. Writing for me is an emotional thing. I have to be in the proper frame of mind to truly articulate the thoughts of my heart. Today feels like that day. Here lately, actually on May 2nd, we have passed a milestone in our marriage, twenty five years together. We both know that we have been together longer than that, but officially as husband and wife we celebrate twenty five incredible years. It seems to me that every memory I have is filled with you. I feel lucky when I think that I have been with you longer than I was without you in my life. I mean we started dating on December 3rd, 1982, that is 28 ½ years ago. I can still remember borrowing Dave’s truck to take you out on our first date, and I still smile when I think about spilling gas on my shoes.

I remember sending you on that treasure hunt to ask you on our first date. I remember how instrumental carrots were in our first kiss. I remember the excitement, the butterflies in my stomach when we first kissed and I am glad to say that I still feel that way every time we kiss even now. I remember saying good bye to you at the MTC, and how much I looked forward to our clandestine meetings at the fence while I was there. I remember talking to you on tape while I looked at the moon and the southern cross in the skies of Uruguay, hoping you’d still be there when I got home. I remember sweating like crazy in the cramped phone booth at Christmas time when I got to call you from the mission field. I remember butter nut balls!

I remember how gorgeous you were when I stepped off that plane in Portland. I remember you living at the Rader’s so that we could be close. I remember wanting to ask you to marry me for so long, but having to wait until I could afford the ring. I remember a box of chocolates with a ring inside. I remember a beautiful sunshiny day in Oakland when we were married and my life became complete.

I remember Tahoe, no heater, and meatloaf. I remember highway 101, the ferry out of Seattle, and the World’s Fair. I remember the Cunningham’s basement apartment, watching MASH after the news, and a quiet candlelight dinner on our first anniversary. I remember dinner every weekend with Julie and Cory, master mo, Knot’s Landing, popcorn and lemonade, doing laundry at WyMount and big beak. I remember road trips to California with a loaded down Honda Civic. I remember campouts at Cory’s parents cabin along the Ogden river.

I remember long talks on the phone while you worked at WordPerfect. I remember a cute little red headed daughter crying out so strongly for her first breath. I remember you never looked more beautiful than at that moment. I remember Robert and Tish. I remember our Maxima. I remember calling out C A S S I D Y for my little girl to come running. I remember that little girl getting her groove on to the theme of a “Different World”. I remember you crying as you dropped off Cassidy at the babysitters.

I remember a cute little fuzz ball of a hairdo as Sammie came into our lives. I remember hurting so badly as I watched her in the newborn ICU. I remember a trip to Island Park with my girls but without you. I remember you eating seafood in Boston while I stayed home and babysat. I remember our move to Folsom. I remember finding our friends Dana and Ward. I remember tomato worms and a barbeque. I remember flipping my burgers. I remember Sammie bumping her head really hard and the race to the hospital. I remember you going to Japan. I remember the miraculous phone call after my break down and our prayer. I remember Cass and Sam in the plastic pool. I remember how cute they were at Easter. I remember legs up, red hair hair flying and a big bird big wheel zooming down the hill. I remember doing roofs by myself as we tried to make a go of things. I remember how hard it was to talk with a grin as big as mine when I called my Dad to tell him we had a little boy. I remember the coat and the sponge incident. I remember listening the Giants games on KNBR. I remember Sunday dinners at Rod and Sheri’s. I remember how hard it was to leave Folsom.

I remember our condo on Bengal Blvd. I remember receiving my barbeque for Father’s Day. I remember Cassidy checking the trash to see where we had been that day without her. I remember how well things went that first year with IDRS. I remember a really great Christmas and lots of snow. I remember trip after trip to the Oregon Coast, little beach, best friends, and fireworks.

I remember our house in Sandy and how happy we were to have a place of our own. I remember the smilingest little boy we could ever imagine. I remember Hassle boys running back and forth. I remember a hole in the tramp, a bee sting on the lip, Bailey, children’s prayers helping them open the door, and a chocolate lab for Christmas. I remember baseball games in the backyard, leaves by the bag full, a split lip for Boo, and fires in the pit I dug by the garden. I remember little boys following behind me as I mowed the yard pushing their plastic mowers. I remember taking down a bees nest from the eaves and how funny I looked. I remember 9/11. I remember drives through the mountains in the fall, and how special our home felt all the time. I remember plums from our tree. I remember how the snow hung on the limbs of the trees and how quiet the world seemed after it would snow. I remember walks with Satchel and bike rides on Sundays on the trail in Draper. I remember how much the boys (and sometimes the girls) loved riding in the back of the truck on the way home from church.

I remember a little surprise we named Quinn, thank the Lord for surprises. I remember a yellow bedroom for Cass. I remember walking on the roof on Christmas eve. I remember more long talks on the phone while I was at Paramount. I remember the emotion of realizing that my youngest was graduating from pre-school. I remember Denise’s pre-school for our boys and the Hassle’s. I remember trips to Gilbert in the Spring. I remember Lauren and Cassidy. I remember the decision to come into this business. I remember the decision to leave Mony and then the decision to leave Doug Andrew. I remember the talks we gave when we left our Ward in Sandy and all the things that I had learned there. I remember the day we left for Idaho and all the tears that only began on that day.

I remember more long talks on the phone while I traveled to Idaho Falls. I remember Hawaii with the girls, and Cassidy’s texting. I remember the little farm house and the boys helping with harvest. I remember the cousins coming to visit and the huge hay bales they played on. I remember long drives to take the kids to school. I remember hearing Cassidy cry almost every night. I remember Sheri and her kids coming to stay with us. I remember building this house and what a dream come true that was. I remember an awesome Christmas, the best one yet. I remember coaching football, watching our boys play ball, teaching Cassidy how to drive a stick and helping her buy her first car. I remember Samantha not being in too much of a hurry to drive. I remember the Rick’s boys knowing a good thing when they saw it, or should I say when they saw them. I remember Bryson asking Sammie to the dance. I remember the day Bryson died. I remember long walks on a winter’s night with Satchel. I remember pulling the boys around on sleds behind the four wheeler. I remember our garden, the sunflowers, pumpkins and tomatoes. I remember fires at the fire pit. I remember the day Cassidy got married and the day Samantha left for school, how proud I was and yet how sad I became without my girls around. I remember how happy I was every time I drove up to this house. I remember how I felt every time the moon would rise above the foothills behind our home. I remember how we have always been better when we spend a lot of time together than when we don't.

There are some things that I don’t have to remember however. For example I don’t have to remember how beautiful you are, because I am reminded every day...you are just as beautiful today as you have ever been and probably more so. I don’t have to remember how much I love you for it would do me no good because I love you more each day. I don’t have to remember what I wonderful mother you are because you have always shown us…it is a part of who you are. I don't have to remember how blessed we are to have five fantastic, wonderful children because I count those blessings every day. Julie, our memories are more rich and vivid because you were a part of them. Without you none of them would have any meaning. You and I are one. We are and always have been best friends. I wanted you by my side the moment we met and I intend to do all I can to earn your love each and every day. You are one of the noble and great ones and I will treasure you always, for eternity. I love you sweetheart. Thanks for 25 wonderful amazing years.

With Love,

Your Husband, Larry

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sisters.....


So, yesterday was a tough day. I had to say goodbye to yet another sister.....moving to Arizona. How can it be true? Wasn't it bad enough that Janna had to move last June? Now Jennifer less than a year later. Is this some kind of a joke, because I'm not laughing. I feel like a part of my heart has been cut out and still expected to go about my daily life and not miss it. Well, that's not possible. Moving to Idaho Falls more than 6 years ago and being 3 1/2 hours from them was hard enough but we made a great effort to see each other regularly. We had a wonderful time together creating endless memories. Our children love and adore each other and have become so close. Why when things are going so well, does a good thing have to come to an end? I ask myself that everyday. Now we are 15 hours away. I mean how often can I realistically see them in a year? 2 or 3 times? That just isn't acceptable. And yet, I know for their families, this is where they are supposed to be. They have been guided by Heavenly Father and we all know once we get an answer we have to move forward. So, now I have to put on a happy face and act as though this isn't devastating and difficult for me. I will do my best but it won't be easy. I love their children like they are my own. I feel so blessed that my Heavenly Father gave me the gift of two amazing sisters to help me while on this earth. I know he loves me just because of this great blessing in my life. I also know that He has a plan. We don't know what that plan is so we must trust that He knows what's best. Janna and Jenny, you are the best sisters anyone could ask for. Thank you for your love and kindness through the years. I will cherish you in every way and look forward to someday when we will be together forever. I love you with all my heart (even though a part of my heart is missing) :) Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers everyday. May God keep you in the hollow of his hand.....

P.S. I love my beautiful mother in this picture too. I know she is very sad to have all three of her daughters living far away from her. So sorry mom... :(

Friday, March 18, 2011

Trials......


I have had so many thoughts on my mind this week. It hasn't been the easiest week. We received some bad news about a job that we were really hoping Larry would get. Its in Salt Lake so it would mean a move but we were ok with that at this point. We have turned this financial trial over to the Lord a long time ago and we refuse to take it back. We have had our share of financial struggles over our married life but this past year has by far been the hardest. And yet, through it all we have felt peace. Why? Because we have a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ who has literally eased the burdens from our back. He has brought us peace when we should feel despair and hopelessness. I repeat this scripture in my mind almost daily....."wherefore, we must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope..... That's how I choose to live my life. Fear and faith cannot co-exist so I choose faith. Even though this job was Larry's dream job and would mean so much to our family, I know, I know, that Heavenly Father will guide our path and all will be well. I'm not just saying that..... I KNOW it. I have no doubt that He loves me, is mindful of me and my family and he will provide. How do those without the gospel make it through this life with all it's ups and downs without the knowledge of the gospel? I can't imagine. Life is difficult even with this knowledge. Not having it would be a tragedy. So, today, I express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ who have eased my burden and have brought me such sweet peace and joy even through the hard times. I have so much to be grateful for and I will continue to press forward knowing that I am not alone. We can do hard things and we can stand victorious in the end. I am so grateful for a strong husband who constantly amazes me with his level of faith and righteousness. And, to my wonderful children that love and support me and bring me so much joy. The saying goes...."I never said it would be easy, I only said it would be worth it." I believe that to be true.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Happy Valentines Day, my love!

I just wanted to take a minute and express my love for the most wonderful husband on earth. Now, I can say that because he is the most wonderful husband for me. All you women are saying you have the most wonderful husband and you do.....he's the most wonderful for you. So, I can honestly say mine is the best for me. I feel blessed everyday that I was lucky enough to find such a good man. He is kind, loving, generous, gentle, faithful, obedient, loyal, responsible and so much more. He loves and cherish's me and really, what more could I ask for. On this Valentines Day, I want my valentine to know how much I love him. There seems to be so much infidelity and sadness in marriages these days and I just feel very lucky that he loves me unconditionally and is true to the covenants we made in the temple. I have enjoyed almost 25 years of marriage and have loved it. It hasn't been an easy road, but through the trials our love has stayed strong and the bond we share is solid. When trials come we have a choice, we can grow closer or we can fight against each other. We have always chosen to work together as a team and be strong for one another. The end result is 25 years of happiness. Life isn't easy, nor perfect, but my marriage is one thing that has always been a great part of my life. I made a good decision 25 years ago to marry my best friend. Larry, please know how much love and joy you bring to my life. Thank you for sharing your love with me, for always making me number 1 in your life, for being a good example to our children, for making the gospel a priority, making me a better person and best of all for cherishing me everyday. Happy Valentines day sweetheart! I love you so very much. My life is complete only with you by my side. I look forward to many more years of happiness to come! XOXOXO

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Quinners



So, last night Larry and I were out to dinner. The boys all went to the Hillcrest basketball game. When Larry and I got home, laying on our bed were two envelopes. One said Mom with a heart next to my name and the other said, of course, Dad with a heart next to his name. I opened the envelope to find a note from Quinn. Here is what it said,
"Dear Mom,
I just had some extra time in class and was thinking about you and wanted to let you know you are the best Mom I could've ever asked for. And I really mean that when I say it like when I see my friends Mom's they are never really willing enough to help their children and you are. They never really fix me food or even ask if I'm hungry. And I am glad that you ask my friends if they are hungry or whatever and I love that about you. You are just the best ever. I love you so much and I just wanted to let you know that and I am very lucky to have you as my mother. I really, truly couldn't have hand picked a better, more loving Mom. Love You, Quinn"

WOW! What a payday for a mom. I am not posting this because I want to be boastful about how my son feels about me...... it's more that I wanted to share what a wonderful son I have. He is only 12 mind you!!! I mean seriously, how many 12-year olds take the time to think about how much they love their mom much less express it in a letter. I really feel so blessed. Having a good relationship with my children is so important to me and something I work hard at. We have a mutual love and respect for one another. It's little note's like this that make being a mom completely worth it! Thanks Quinn for your sweet note that brought me so much joy and for being a wonderful son. I am the lucky one that Heavenly Father chose to be your mom and for that I am eternally grateful. I love you a million swedish fish...... :)

Sunday, January 23, 2011

A few thoughts.....

I don't have a picture to post but I just wanted to express my gratitude for a wonderful life. I feel blessed to have so many good people in my life that make me happy. I have incredible children that bring me so much joy. I have a great husband who loves me and cherishes me. I have the gospel of Jesus Christ that brings the peace that I need to get me through the hard times. I have good health, a warm home, food on my table and am surrounded by so much love. What more could I ask for? Really not much. Life is hard as you all know, but we can do hard things! We really can. Happy New Year to all you wonderful people in my life. Thanks for making me important to you and for being so special to me. With the Lord by our side we can accomplish anything..... I mean anything. Stay close to Him and you will find more peace, joy and happiness than you thought possible!