Other Events in Our Lives

For memory's sake I really wanted to post these things, even though the pictures aren't great.

This is Jayda with Miss Pat and Miss Joy on her last day of school at the Houston Preschool. Jayda really enjoyed her time in preschool, making new friends and learning the essentials before going to Kingergarten (gasp!). It was also very handy having a playground right there to enjoy after picking her up.


About a month ago our ward had a primary pajama party for the kids. The kids got to come in jammies and enjoy activities like making prayer rocks, playing games and eating a breakfast of french toast sticks, fruit, bacon, and juice prepared by yours truly. It was fun and HOT in that kitchen!

And lastly, another fuzzy picture of Jayda and Brannon on one of his last days over. These two were hilarious together because Brannon is ALL boy and Jayda is ALL girl. I think they had a hard time understanding each other's foreign ways sometimes, but they also had a very sweet relationship and were very funny to watch interact. I'll miss seeing these two together!

My Aunt Tracy

I know I have a ton of catching up to do, but I just really wanted to post about my Aunt Tracy (in pink). We never got to be that close, although I like to think that we would have been if distance weren't a factor. I always thought that she was very cool, so kind, and had a killer alto singing voice. She served in the military for a good portion of her life and even sang for their band. She wrote a duet for us to sing together at a family reunion once, which was an experience I'll never forget.

About fifteen years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she fought like a champ and beat. Ten years later it returned, to several parts of her body, with a vengeance. She started a blog to update her loved ones about the status her condition. It became a fun way to communicate with her and get to know her better. We also emailed one another fairly frequently, and she was such a great support when I myself was diagnosed with cancer.

Even though her blog posts were about her daily struggles with cancer, I always looked forward to reading them because they were so positive and filled with love and hope. Even on her worst days, she always looked on the bright side, and always encouraged us to do the same, sometimes asking for us to leave jokes or funny stories for her to enjoy. Her and her partner Jan, who took over the updates when Tracy was unable, constantly reminded us to smile, hug the ones we love and let go of the silly things that don't matter. She was a huge inspiration.

Three days ago my aunt passed away, peacefully, in her chair, with Jan and friends by, holding her hands. It was very sad news, but also a relief to know that her suffering had ended, with dignity and support. I wish that I had more time with my Aunt Tracy to get to know her better, but I'll be forever grateful for what she taught me, her example and the role she played in our lives and my mom's life. I hope I can always remember to take her lead and smile, enjoy the good things in life and always be grateful for the ones I love.

Old, But Still Worth Posting

It seems that I keep coming across these random old photos that I think are cool, but never posted. Here are a few of them.

This crazy guy is my dad, who is a great photographer. Even waist deep in the snow, I guarantee you, he's never been happier! I'm rather proud of his mad skills, here's a shot he took in San Francisco.

Way back, I think in September we walked Valley Green for playgroup. I love going down there, especially with good company!

This is just a cute shot of my kids, thanks Alissa!

And speaking of Alissa, quite a few months ago we took a day trip to Intercourse to sample about 500 different jams, jellies, meats and cheeses. It was a lot of fun and I am really going to miss this girl!

We spent our New Years Eve in Jackson and made it just in time to scream HAPPY NEW YEAR at the square in Jackson. It was fun, and COLD!

During that trip, it's become a tradition to go out with my brother Andrew and my sister Jackie. It's one of my favorite parts about going home, I've never been around two funnier people!

Quite a few months ago we spent the evening with our friends the Palmers. We were there long enough to put the kids down there, so Jayda cozied up to Maelie. We got this shot after it finally got quiet in the room, how cute are those two princesses!