How do you explain it ...

I went to her funeral today. I saw her mom sobbing for her little girl. I heard her dad speak of her as if she was still here ... it was so heartbreaking. Through it I could not help but notice several key things.

1. Family. There were seven rows of seats saved just for family. I saw that without family we are nothing. They only reason why Val and James could go on - is because of family.

2. Friend. The entire chapel but the spill over was filled with friends, ward members, coworker, bishops, teachers, doctors, nurses - all coming to show support. Not many words were said but the love in the room was incredible.

3. The Gospel. The most powerful lesson came when James Fransden (the dad) stood up. Read the most heartfelt letter to his little girl and boldly bore his testimony of the Gospel, our Savior, eternal families and trials. I was amazed. So many times I want to feel closer to my Heavenly Father. I want to feel his love and feel that he has a purpose for me. It seems though, that those times come only after a serious trial. James had the spirit with him in a way that I have never seen. I was mesmerized. At the same time, am I willing to go through that in order to feel close to the spirit? Sometimes that is not a choice we make, but rather a road we must take.

I love the Frandsen family. After they put little Vittoria in the car to take her to Price to be buried. I stood among 200 people watching the parents. I stood in a corner not knowing what to say. I saw people approach the parents to say their regrets. Not me. I stood back, almost hiding. I did not want to be close to them - not because I did not love them, but I just did not know what to say. What to do you anyway? Then as the parents came walking by the big group of people, James (the dad) stopped, looked at me and came toward me. I stood there in silence. He came and gave me a big hug. I lost it. All he could say is "we sure love you guys" and walked away. In the midst of losing his baby girl - he made time for ME. This is truly a divine family. I love you. I pray for you.

Park City/Canyons Resort Date Night

The food was so yummy and because of our awesome
coupons - it was only $7 per person for three courses!

On the gondola at the Canyons Ski Resort


The date night was a blast - too bad there was no love connection , but still a good time. We did 1. free concert at the Canyons 2. Stroll down history Main Street in Park City 3. Salad, appetizer and full dinner for pennies on the dollar.

Relaxed, a bit chilli and full tummies later - we headed home. Jael and Steve were so awesome to come with us. Kellen and Zee were also fun to be around.

Sadly, Tyson and I just don't have many date nights. This was our first in about 4 months. I realize how important theses are - but with test, the business, appointments, issues with the 4-plex, date nights are put on the back burner - but oh man, I sure do love them when they come.

Weekend with the Kids

I don't want to forget and post about how fun it was to watch Sophie (3), James (6) and Mandolin (1). My awesome sister, Jael, and Steve pretty much stayed with us the entire weekend to help me watch the kiddies while Tyson went to Logan to clean another apartment.

I was ready for the kids. I had kid food, kid toys and had a full schedule of free events for us to do. Here is a quick recap of the events:

Friday: Dinner, McDonald's Playpens, Movie and sleep

Saturday: Breakfast, cleaned up, Wheeler Farm, Balloon hats, feeding ducks, throwing rocks, Murray Park, picnic lunch, playgrounds, get keys locked in car, play some more, get into car, go home, nap, more snacks, get ready for wedding, go to receptions, eat dinner, dance, go home and sleep.

Sunday: Wake up, get ready for church, go to church, come home, get all packed, go to mom's house, dinner, games, pack for departure, say goodbye, crash in bed.

It was a very awakening weekend to the work that comes with kids - but also how fun it could be. Debbie always tells me "they don't all come at once" which is SO awesome.

James found a "new" friend at the wedding reception

Who wouldn't love to be with these kids?