The Passing of My Dad

February 14, 1923 - February 6, 2009

My dad passed away a little over a week ago. I was able to be there with him when he died, along with my mom, brother, sister and niece. It was a very spiritual experience for me and my family. Nicole and Jenny has given my dad a very wonderful tribute in their blogs. My dad was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. I love him so much. I couldn't have asked for a better father and mother. I have been truly blessed to have them as my parents. I know he is in a better place where he was received by many loved ones. I will always shed a tear for you daddy because you will always be missed and because I know you are happy and free of pain. Someday, you will even be happier when you are there to greet your sweetheart when the time comes. Mom and Dad have been together for almost 59 years and together they are one forever and forever!!

Happy 17th Birthday Jordan

I can't believe our baby has turned 17 years old!! Doesn't seem like that long ago he was just a little guy. All the kids came for his birthday except for Stacy, who would of loved to be here. We had dinner and ice cream and cake. The kids all got involved in Jordan's new Guitar Hero World Tour system playing guitar, drums and singing. Watching football and playing a board game was also done while the little kids had fun playing and laughing with each other. It's always nice to have an excuse to get all the family together. I look forward to the get-togethers when we ALL will be together again. I love my family so much!!! Happy Birthday Jordy!! We love you!

Hardware Ranch

We took the family (except Justin's family) up to Hardware Ranch Saturday morning. We wanted to show Jamie (Stacy's boyfriend) one more fun place before they had to head back home. It had been awhile since we had been there. We went for a Leavitt Christmas Party years and years ago and then there was hardly any snow. But, this time there was lots of snow and lots of Elk. Chayse really liked it I think. He said he did and was looking quite cool in his snow hat and sunglasses! The wagon ride didn't last a long time, which was good because we were getting pretty cold by then. We had a good time and the mountains were pretty with all the snow. After, we got back to town, we all went to lunch at Grist Mill. I hope we can go again another time with Justin's family. Taylor and Kai would really like it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year everyone! We started our New Year right by spending it with family at Justin and Jenny's home. Gary, I, Travis, Jordan, and Stacy and her boyfriend Jamie were there. We ate lots of yummy food, played Guitar Hero, ping pong, and played a board game that Justin was excited about that they got for Christmas. It was fun once we caught on. Watch out Jenny and Justin, I'm coming back for revenge some time. I won't be nice like Gary insisted I be. Ha Ha I can't even remember the name of the game but I'll do better next time, I hope. I hope this new year will bring lots of happiness for our family and friends. It will start out a little sad, however, for us as Stacy and Jamie heads back to New Jersey on Sunday and as of right now not sure when we'll see Stacy again. But, we all do have alot to be grateful for and hope as time goes on in the year 2009, we will always remember whats really important in our lives. I know it's my family who's the most important thing in my life!!!
Happy New Year

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

We all had a very nice Christmas up here in the North Pole - OOPS!!- I mean in Hyde Park. It sure seems like its the North Pole here with all the snow and cold temps!! Anyway, we hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. We sure did!! All our family was together again on Christmas Eve. It was great!! Stacy got home late Tuesday afternoon. We are so glad she's here! After we picked her up we went and visited my parents. I gave them their blankets I made for them and they were so excited!! I was so happy to see them excited for them. After, we met Justin, Jenny and the kids at Tepanyki (I probably misspelled it but hopefully you get it) restaurant for Gary's birthday. Wednesday, on Christmas Eve, we all went sledding and have lots of fun. After, we had lunch, opened presents and enjoyed each other's company. Brandon, Nicole and the kids stayed at our house that night on Christmas Eve. It was so fun to have little kids again on Christmas morning!! They bring such joy to our family and especially this year on Christmas morning. Nicole's dad and brother came up that afternoon and had Christmas dinner with us. We all had a nice day and we are ever so grateful for all we have, especially each other!!! Dad and I love each one of you kids and grandkids so much! Life wouldn't be worth it without you guys. You make life worth living. We love you all so much!!!! Happy Holidays to you all!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY!!

Today was Gary's 55th birthday. Wow!! Now he can qualify for senior discounts, YEA!! He spent the most of the day going to work and then shoveling snow until Brandon, Nicole and the kids came by. When Travis got off work, we had Dominoes Pizza. We love the Philly Steak and Cheese Pizza!! Chayse was anxious to have cake, so we sang and had Gary's cake and ice cream. Happy Birthday Gary!!
P.S. We missed you Justin, Jenny, Taylor and Kai and Stacy!! See Ya Soon!!

A Happy Reunion

Friday night, Gary and I went to Grey Cliff Lodge Restaurant in Ogden Canyon to meet up with my friends, JoAnne and Kris and their husbands. We get together every year at Christmastime. This has been a tradition for us for about 30 years. We were all roommates at Ricks College years ago. Actually, JoAnne and I were friends during high school too and she is also Gary's 1st cousin. We take turns having the party. We used to have it at each others homes but the past few years have been meeting half way at a restaurant because we found it is easier for us all not to have to travel so far. JoAnne and Greg always had to do the most traveling since they live in Provo and both Kris and I live in Cache Valley. I hope this will continue on for as long as we are able. It has been a fun tradition and fun to catch up on each others lives as life is so hectic these days we don't get a chance to keep in touch like we hope to.