Fresno's beautiful fall backdrop was a fun setting

for some family photos.















We were already dressed up, so why not?







Thank you, Chrissy!

for bringing your equipment and taking our photo.
(if you look close, you can see the remote in her hand










The family just didn't feel complete
without my dear sons and daughter in law
and my cute grandbabies,
but being with just my husband and 4 children was very healing.
I loved being confined together in a the car for the 24 hour drive (each way).
Steve and I grinned from ear to ear for 48 solid hours.


it was wonderful.

Rusty and Rembrandt


The day we left for California to attend dad's funeral,

Rusty was unable to get up

and he would not eat.

I knew the signs....

it was exactly how Scooter acted the day we had to put him down,
11 years ago.

The timing was terrible.

We said our good-byes and Zach (Chrissy's hubby) took him to the vet,
who confirmed our fears....cancer.

Rusty was a sweetheart.

I miss him.

....and so does Rembrandt.

Ever since we arrived home from California,

we have showered all of our love on Rembrandt.

The attention we wish Rusty was here to get, is all directed at Rem.

Come to think of it,

maybe it is displaced love and attention for Tom, my dad, and Wyatt too.

Anyway, it makes us feel good to do it.

He gets extra petting and treats, baths, grooming, and he sleeps inside.

. . . I don't even like indoor pets . . .

dear me

The day after Thanksgiving,

we visited the monument to the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building.


******

At 9:01 life was normal





At 9:03, it was forever changed





168 people died

the small chairs represent children





Among the survivors is MSG William H. Bonebreak,

Brittany & Ili's former Bishop









Ella left a chalk heart next to the children's memorial wall




Afterward, we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant






then, we hugged the babies good-bye.

Mike does this trick.

It involves a toothpick, spoon, and fork

.....and defying logic and gravity.

Once again, we were treated to his trick at Thanksgiving


******

Brittany and Ili hosted our fun visit

in Oklahoma City




After a delicious dinner ....




Ili built a bonfire for a great time in the fall air












mmmmmm smores!

August 2009



I just returned from my father's funeral.

It is just too hard to write about.

So I refer to THIS

I am doing ok.

There are so many angles to this thing, it is hard to come to terms with it all.

Seeing my dear mother without her companion is the hardest;
she is living with my sister now.

Hearing dad's voice on his voice-mail is strange.

I have some of mom and dad's furniture in my house,
but it doesn't seem to belong.

Seeing dad in his casket was a true face to face with mortality.
He was handsome and peaceful
and looked like he would just wake up and speak to me.

So I am taking it slow and letting the feelings come naturally.


I really am happy dad is at peace, even a little envious.