When it comes to living our lives, Christ doesn't make up the difference. He IS the difference.

Hawaii was so much fun for all of us. It was such a new experience for the kids all the way around. They had their first airport experience, their first ride in an airplane, their first time out of the continental U.S., etc. They were absolute angels on the 6 hour plane ride over to Hawaii. I even got compliments from the passengers on how well behaved my children were. (I'll treasure that moment forever. I'm fairly certain it was because I'd specifically asked everyone to pray that the kids would behave for the ride over. It worked.) Our first 2 1/2 days were on the island of Oahu. That's where Dave and I went almost exactly two years ago. I was able to show the kids where we'd been and tell them what fun we had. Naturally, we visited the PCC and had all sorts of fun playing in the ocean. Hukilau beach, which is the beach nearest to the PCC was the kids favorite. They played in the waves and even did some boogie boarding. "Dum dum, you give me gum gu...

It was two years ago this month that Dave and I took a "second honeymoon" to Hawaii. It was great fun. (Much more relaxing than going with the kids.) We were able to rent a condo right on the ocean, so the breezes blew through our window at night. We enjoyed just being together and experiencing life and all of its wonders together. One year ago this month, we were at the Coral Pink Sand Dunes with my brother, Alden, his wife, Natalie, and their kids. By this point, the tumors in Dave's stomach were starting to bother him and he spent the first day throwing up and feeling miserable. Fortunately, and in answer to our prayers, he felt better for the last two days and had the time of his life tackeling the huge dunes on his 800cc Can Am. There is nothing that we, as his family, wouldn't exhange to have him here, rather than just the memories, but this is our lot. We know that the Lord loves us and that he wishes the best for all of us, but that doesn't necessa...

Aloha! Isn't it nice that aloha means both goodbye and hello? As if our separation will circle back around into our reunion. Likewise, death is an goodbye to life on this earth, but a hello and a coming home on the other side. Only three days left until the kids and I are in Hawaii. I am so excited to show them around the island of Oahu. That's were Dave and I went both times and we just love it there. It was a wonderful experience, and I hope to share with the kids some of the memories that Dave and I made there. We'll be on Oahu for 2 days, and Kauai (with Ben and Lisa and kids) for four. I'm hoping that I'll come home refreshed and ready to get back to real life again. Aloha!

Well, since it's almost midnight, I suppose that I can start writing. Who says I actually have to wait until tomorrow? Doesn't Dave have the most beautiful, catching smile? That's what charmed me from the very beginning. I can't believe that it has been six months since he passed away. It's amazing to think that we've all survived and we aren't that much worse for the wear. Naturally, we miss Dave and think about him often. ( I think about him every day, but I don't want to downplay every one elses feelings.) He was such a powerful man and such a strong influence for good. As I was doing this video, I downloaded twice as many photos as you see, but because I wanted them to fit within the length of the first song, I had to chop all but the most important ones: our family. Just about a year ago, as Dave sat pondering his lot in life and his contributions he questioned the Lord. "Is this it? Is this all I get to do? What have I accomplished?" An...

When we were able to speak with Elder Holland over the phone back in February, I was uncomfortable speaking to a general authority. I was afraid of stumbling over my words, sounding dumb, or saying something that I shouldn't. Dave, however, was completely at ease. He spoke to him as his friend and commented to me later that he would behave the same if the prophet or if Christ were in our home. "He is my friend. I know him and I love him." David did, and David does. Today I was able to drive with the kids down to St. George and meet with Elder and Sister Holland. It was an experience that I will always prize. But what amazes me the most is that I don't feel any different. I don't know what I was expecting to feel, but I just feel like me. He didn't tell me I wasn't doing things right, he didn't counsel me, he just listened, and provided hope. And Sister Holland? Hurrah for the sister's of this church. The backbone of the men, and the sup...

I can't believe that my oldest is already 10 years old. Thanks to Dave's preparation, Caden was able to open a birthday card from him today. It encouraged him to start to prepare for the priesthood that he will receive in two years. I can't believe he's only two years away from being a deacon! Caden had a great birthday. He got to celebrate at school, at the soccer game (where he scored 2 of the 3 goals), and at Applebee's after. Thanks for all of the phonecalls. I think that he really enjoyed his day. Caden is such a hard worker. He strives for 100% when it comes to school. He won't take anything less, but he loves to get extra credit! Last year his overall score was 432/435 total points or something like that. Dave and I sarcastically expressed our disappointment. Caden took the 4-wheeler certification course just 3 weeks ago. He told me that the test would be a piece of cake and so he didn't study. (I was hoping that he would fail and learn th...

Five months and we're still holding onto you, Daddy. We love you and we miss you so much. We're trying to be good so that we can be with you again. Sometimes we feel you nearby. At first, I thought that I was hurting so deeply, that it couldn't possibly get worse, and with every passing day and month, it gets worse. You hurt deeper and love greater. It's like a wound that is deep, and as you clean a little of the dirt and grime away it feels a little better, but you can never fully recover until you get down deep and clean all of the "gunk" out. "I hold it true, whate'er befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'Tis better to have loved and lost Than never to have loved at all." -Tennyson