I Am Thankful For...

It shouldn't take a holiday to make us stop and take stock of the things that we are thankful for (and hopefully it doesn't.) But it seems it does take a holiday to make me actually write them down. So as 2007 comes to and end and I reflect back...here are just some of the things that I am thankful for.

-I am thankful for my dad ...and feel blessed to have had him for 83 years.
-I am thankful Steele's dad... for his life of service .
-I am thankful for my mom...for her love and her courage to move forward.
-I am thankful for Steele... for his patience and his ability to make me laugh.
-I am thankful for my children...for helping me to grow far beyond my capabilities.
-I am thankful for sister...who sees my strengths, where I only see weaknesses.
-I am thankful for my brother...who stands taller than any giant.
-I am thankful for my friends...who always lift me and give me a reason to smile.
-I am thankful for good food...it always brings my family home!
-I am thankful for my puppy...who loves to curl up by my side.
-I am thankful for warm fires...they get me through long winter nights.
-I am thankful for the gift of laughter... it truly IS the best medicine!
-I am thankful for the sound of fall leaves under my feet when I'm walking with a good friend.
-I am thankful for our home...and the feeling of peace that it gives me.
-I am thankful for "email"...it keeps me in touch with my family, everywhere!
-I am thankful for summer days on the beach... and the comforting sound of the waves.
-I am thankful for every man and woman that has served our country...I can never repay them!
-I am thankful for faith...it allows me to go forward even on my darkest days.
-I am thankful for good health...and grow more thankful everyday!
-I am thankful for my memories...and pray they are never taken away.
-I am thankful for this life...it's ups, it's downs, and the opportunity I have to experience it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Is Halloween!

Fall leaves, cool crisp air, dressing up in costumes,







carving pumpkins,










"The Nightmare Before Christmas"










and "Young Frankenstein"








...these are just some of the reasons that Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! Even though my children are getting older and the days of "trick or treating" are long gone , I STILL have not outgrown Halloween.

Of course, I wasn't able to be in the New York City Halloween Parade like some of my children... (see Bre's blog)









But we were lucky enough to have a few special "trick or treaters" come by the house! Look who showed up!











Most of them were adorable....

But others were a little FRIGHTENING!
(Yes, this is Tammy!)

A Happy Halloween was had by all!!

A Life Remembered

It hardly seems possible, but just a few weeks after losing my dad, Steele lost his dad. Harold Larson passed away on October 22nd. On this day the world lost a great man. Harold was not a showy man, he went about everything he did in a very quiet manor. He spent his life serving others and never asking or expecting anything in return. He never liked to be in the spotlight, but he certainly deserved it.

He was ALWAYS the "go to" guy! We would "go to" him when we needed help with plumbing, we would "go to" him when we had a question about our electricity, we would "go to" him when we needed advice on building retaining walls or laying tile, but in true "Harold Larson" form...he CAME TO us when we started building our home! He was there everyday bright and early. Many days he was there longer than Steele. I could be wrong...but when our home was done, I think Harold may have been even more proud of it than Steele was. One thing is for sure, we could never have done it without him. Harold wasn't just our "go to" guy...he was everyones "go to" guy. He gave of his time freely to all, but especially his children. He helped each one of his sons build their homes.

In recent years, Harold's health wouldn't permit him do all he would have liked to, but he was still able to enjoy time with his family and friends. Some of our most cherished memories in recent years were Sunday dinners with "Grandma and Grandpa." Although he didn't say much at the dinner table, his gentle laughter and quiet presence were always felt. In May, when our son Nick got married, "Grandma" worried that the reception might be too much for him. She knew Grandpa wanted to be there, so she brought him early, figuring they could leave if he got too tired or the crowd became too much. "Grandpa" surprised us all...he not only stayed the entire evening, but he had the time of his life! (I think Grandma was ready to go home long before Grandpa was!)
The world lost great man with the passing of Harold Larson and the void will be felt by many! He truly was one of the Lord's finest!

Big Brother Is Watching!

When I was young...he terrorized me,
When I was a teenager...he teased me,
When I was in my 20's... he tolerated me,
And now that I'm in my 50's... I find he teaches me.

These are just a few of the things I've learned from my big brother Bob!

- I've learned that his impish grin can still charm my mother.
- I've learned that hiding behind that impish grin is a very tender heart.
- I've learned that sports can bring out both the BEST and the WORST in him.
- I've learned that the quickest way to elevate his blood pressure is to mention another wedding.
- I've learned that time has improved his temperament, but not his singing.
- I've learned that even after 56 years he still loves to tease his sisters.
- I've learned that his hair isn't thinning... his mind is expanding!
- I've learned that his daughters melt his heart.
- I've learned that his family is his greatest source of joy and pride.
- I've learned that he is as good to my children as he is his own.
- Through watching him I've learned that grandchildren really are one of life's greatest gifts.
- I've learned that because he never had a brother, God gave him Allen.
- I've learned that no one feels like a stranger when they're around him.
- I've learned that he has earned the respect of his family, his friends and his fellow businessmen.
- I've learned that he shows great courage, even when he feels afraid.
- I've learned that we could always lean on him, even if he felt it might cause him to fall.
- I've learned that he has done more missionary work through his example, than any full time missionary could.
- I've learned that as he grows older, he reminds me more and more of my father.
- I've learned I'm lucky to call him my brother!

Thanks Big Brother for always watching out for me!

The "Fab Five"...and me!

Although our latest trip to California was a difficult one, it was also the first time in a very long time that we were able to have our complete family there...and that was the best! So here I am with my "fab five" boys! First stop..."Hof's Hut." It just wouldn't be a real vacation without stopping at "Hofs!" Thanks to Steele, Bryan even got "mickey mouse" pancakes, just like he did when he was little!





Here we are at Hofs, but unfortunately we're missing Chelsea, she had school and work obligations. Luckily she was able to fly in later that day, making all of us happier, especially Nick.

Another place that is always a MUST, is Bob and Barb's for a BBQ and swim! You can see why it is always a high priority! We always have so much fun there, and as you can tell there is never a shortage of things to do.

The kids played an exciting game of "round robin" ping pong, then spent a little time relaxing in the hot tub.














Of course you can't have a BBQ without ice cream Sundaes! Here's the birthday girl with her daughters...sorry Barb (I think picture on your camera was better!)











Kori, Dana and Lori smile for a picture. (Aren't they gorgeous?)












If there's a party, Nick will always be the entertainment! Luckily, Joshua finally warmed up to Nick and decided that "he's not scary!"

How grateful I am for my family! From my wonderful parents down to all their beautiful grandchildren! Whether related by blood or by marriage, they are ALL such a blessing in my life and it is truly a piece of heaven on earth to be able to spend time them all!

Returned With Honor

Mom and Dad, Christmas 2006
















VCC flag at half-mast in honor of dad


On the morning of September 6, 2007, my father Jonathan Lamont Davis "returned with honor" to his Heavenly Home. As sad as we all were to loose him, I know there were countless others on the other side who were jubilant to see him. No one fought harder than dad to stay with his beloved wife, family and friends. Because of his courageous fight and the blessings of The Lord, we had my dad for six extra years...each day was a gift. If you were lucky enough to know dad...you loved him. His humble demeanor and contagious sense of humor would set everyone at ease and make them feel "at home" in a matter of seconds. He lived his life with complete honor and earned the respect of his family, his friends, his church and his business associates. He was a great example of how all men should conduct their lives, yet few men do.
Losing my dad leaves a huge hole in my heart, but I have come to realize that I don't have look far to see a part of him in each of his children and grandchildren.

• I see his gentle nature and his tender ways in my sister Sue.
• I see his keen business sense, his leadership skills and his humor in my brother Bob.
• I see his love for family and his unwavering devotion in my mother Alene
• I see his honor and integrity in Jeff.
• I see his kindness and insight in Kristin.
• I see his creativity and his love for life in Nicole.
• I see his "love of the game" and perseverance in Brett.
• I see his uncompromising work ethic and desire to succeed in John.
• I see his beautiful smiling face and his love of dancing in Lori.
• I see his generous nature and his charismatic personality in Brad.
• I see his infectious laughter and his endless charm in Dana.
  
• I see his calm nature and his endurance to the end in Bryan.
• I see his quiet courage and his humility in Blake.
• I see his strong hands and his ability to see the humor in all things in Nick.
• I see his desire to put others first and to "do things right" in Sean.

Presentation of the flag to my mother


Dad lived the last six years with only one third of his heart functioning. This really doesn't surprise me...he was the only one with a heart BIG ENOUGH to do it. I love you Big Daddy!

A Day With Dalton

My niece Kristin, her husband DJ and their 2 year old son Dalton recently moved to Utah. (Not only did they move to Utah...they moved right here to Bountiful! ) So I feel really lucky when I get to spend a day with Dalton. He is so cute and certainly keeps me hoppin'! Here are some of Dalton's favorite things to do when he comes to "Nance's" house.



Sometimes we swim...











Sometimes we dance...















Other times we watch movies



And we ALWAYS have to play CARS! (Isn't it great to be able to have an excuse to play again!)

We love our days with Dalton!