Dad

Three weeks ago I got a phone call that I will never forget. My dad, unexpectedly and without explanation, had passed away. There are no words to describe what it was like to receive this kind of news. Nothing can prepare you for loosing one of the people you love most in the world. After I got over the initial shock, I was engulfed with the kind of grief that was so intense I almost couldn't breath.

We immediately booked a flight a left for Utah the next morning. The next couple of weeks were emotionally and physically exhausting. I was amazed at the outpouring of love and support that we received from friends and family members. I was also amazed at the peace and comfort that I received from my Father in Heaven. I am so grateful for my knowledge of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have no doubt that I will see my dad again. I know that he is happy. I have still had difficult times over the last couple of weeks, and I'm sure there are more to come. I am still grieving; hearing a Dave Matthews song or walking by the pharmacy counter at Walmart is enough to start a flood of tears. But I am at peace.

Yesterday, one of the Sisters in my ward asked me, "what was your dad like?" I didn't even have to think before replying, "He was amazing." I feel so blessed to have been raised by such an amazing person. My dad was kind and fun to be around. He was always cracking (stupid) jokes that you had to laugh at (even if it was just a courtesy laugh). My dad was always so supportive of me; I could always spot him in the audience at piano recitals, tumbling meets, softball games and dance competitions. I never had any questions about the way my dad felt about me, he let me know every day of my life that he loved me and that he was proud of me. He also let me know how much he loved my husband and kids. I loved to watch him play and interact with my kids, they always had so much fun together. I am so grateful for the time we had to spend together, and for all the memories we made. I love you, Dad!

Colby's Medical School Graduation May 2009

Washington D.C. March 2009

Skiing at snowbird. December 2006

Meeting Abigail. November 2008

Giving Ammon a motorcycle ride. Summer 2007

Skiing with dad. Winter (around 1987?)

Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

Family pictures 1981.

Me, Dad and Jen 1979.

Halloween Time

This year, we kicked off our Halloween celebrations when Grandma and Grandpa Frost were here visiting. We were going to carve pumpkins, but it was a little early and still so warm they weren't going to last until Halloween. So instead of carving pumkins, we make Halloween lanterns out of mason jars and tissue paper.

Every participated in the "lantern making fun,"

and they turned out great!

The trunk or treat is always one of the highlights of Halloween, probably because the kids get so much candy in such a short amount of time. This year was no exception, there were a TON of kiddos at the trunk or treat and our kids had a blast hanging out with their buddies and collecting mounds of candy.

Abbi and her buddy Logan with Colby and his buddy Jason.

Abbi and Lily

We also got together with some friends to celebrate this fun holiday. I love this picture of the "Harry Potter crew."

All the kids from tallest to smallest.

Even some of the moms got in on the fun.

My friend Janene and I in our costumes.

Because a ton of candy is never enough, we also went trick or treating on Halloween night. I may be biased, but I thought my kids were the cutest ones out there!

Abbi will still tell you that her daddy is a "party pooper," because he wouldn't dress up for Halloween... maybe next year?

The best part of trick or treating in Texas is the nice, warm weather. Everyone sits out in their driveways to hand out candy, you don't even need a jacket. We also saw some great Halloween decorations and a real haunted house.

Man, I love these boys.

Colby with our friends, the Williams out trick or treating (he may not have dressed up, but at least he pulled the wagon!)

We hope y'all had a great Halloween too!