Weekend with my family

After the funeral. I was able to go and spend some time with my family. I met them at the Theater to see RED (Retired and Extremely Dangerous). It was so funny - I loved it! After, we went to eat at the snow dragon for some yummy Chinese food. I loved every minute being able to spend time with my family. I miss them so much. Thanks for all the talks Paige, for always wanting to include me Cam, and for always letting me feel right at home Mom!

In the morning Dad and I decided to go on a four-wheeler ride up the canyon and just spend some time just the 2 of us. Dad took me on his favorite ride on the canyon. It was so breathtakingly beautiful even though we got rained and snowed on a little bit! I didn't realize how much I've missed the smell of being in the mountains! We went all the way to the top of the canyon. Such an amazing view! While there my Dad and I had a wonderful heartfelt talk, we hugged and I cried. My Daddy is the most wonderful man! I love him so much and miss being able to spend time with him. Dad I know you have been through a lot lately... but I want you to know that we love you and are so proud of you. Thanks for all you do. Love you Daddy!

Grandpa Strate

Today Brent's grandpa passed away. Kent Strate was the father of Ellen Strate Cox, Brent's mother who returned to her Heavenly Father after a long fight with cancer when he was 12.

It was a complete surprise this past Friday when we received word that he wasn't doing well and only had a few days left. We had no idea that he had been bed-ridden for over a month and hadn't been able to eat or drink for weeks. We, and some of Brent's family, decided to go say goodbye to him on Sunday. We are so grateful that we did! It was a very difficult day for everyone.

This morning around 6 am we got a call that he had passed. What a blessing that we were able to make it up there and say our good byes. Below are pictures from his funeral that took place on October 15th.

Conference Weekend

I am so truly grateful for the gospel in my life! For a worthy priesthood holder in my home and to be able to go to the temple and renew those covenants I made with my Heavenly Father. I look forward to each and every conference and the chance to hear from our beloved Prophet and the officers of the church. It is truly amazing to hear direct answers to our trials and problems from those inspired talks.

This year we were able to go up to Salt Lake to spend time with Brent's sister Karen and her husband Ryan. It was so wonderful to spend time with them. We didn't do much but it was wonderful to be able to see family and relax. We were able to stop at Mark & Emily's too. It is always so fun to see them. We really do love all you guys so much! We weren't able to watch all of conference do to the fact that Ryan is not a member and we didn't want to force him... but what we did watch/hear was amazing. I am so grateful for the internet and for the chance I have to watch it during the week, and for the opportunity to read it in next months ensign!

Sunday was my Dad's birthday and it was wonderful to be able to go and see him. I always love spending time with my daddy and all of my family. I love you guys so much. Happy Birthday again Dad. I hope it was a good day for you!

Labor Day Weekend

Brent's brother Mark & his family came down for the weekend. It was such fun having them all here. On Saturday, Em and I took off for a girls day. We went to alot of fun little stores here in town. It was really fun getting out of the house and getting creative. Sunday we went to Bryce Canyon (pictures below). It was so amazing! We went on one hike that went though some of the pillars. It was truly beautiful and fun to go with family. Scott was so cute. He kept saying "WOW" at everything and loved hearing his echo. He had an especially fun time seeing a chipmunk. He got quite close to it too! Monday Em & I again left for girl time. We went down to St. George to see one of her friends and to go shopping. I really loved spending so much time with Emily and gaining a stronger friendship with her. It was so great to spend time with them and Scott. He is such a cute little kid.

Thanks so much for coming down! We loved every minute of the time we were able to spend with you! We definitely need to make a trip up there soon.

Gemma Bean

Since Gemma is practically our kid, I decided it would be fun to throw her a little birthday party. She turned 2 this month. It was really fun to spoil her and to have family and friends come have fun with us. We went up the canyon a little ways to a place called 3 Peaks to eat. We brought hot dogs ... which we had some trouble cooking. It was really windy and a fire took a while to start. Then we forgot to bring skewers to cook them on. After scouring the area we finally found some sticks. It was really yummy and so much fun to have everyone and their dogs there. Thanks to everyone for coming and for the gifts ... Gemma loved them all!

My birthday

My birthday was so wonderful this year! My friend Shanae schemed with Brent the day before to get a birthday cake for me... it was very yummy. Thanks you guys. Its great to have such good friends!

Brent planned a surprise day for me... and trust me it was all a total surprise! Brent arranged for both me and him to have my birthday off. He woke me up at 5:45 AM and told me that I had 30 minutes to get ready. He then lead me to the car and told me to put a blindfold on. He drove us to McDonalds for breakfast, which we ate at the park, and then we continued on our journey. 2 hrs later (and a nice nap) I was told I could take off my blindfold. To my surprise Brent told me where we were going.... the Grand Canyon!! I couldn't believe it!! It was so amazing to see one of the world's greatest wonders. It was truly breathtaking! It was a perfect day with my wonderful hubby! Thanks for making it such a great birthday!

Gemma

We are absolutely loving our little Gemma. She is so fun! It is hilarious watching her run in circles when she is excited to see us home after we have been at work all day. The funniest things are when she can't decide what she wants to do... go outside or play with her toy. She usually runs back and forth between the two trying to decide, and then usually tries to take her toys outside with her. She loves blankets, her toys, Brent's holey sock (especially when we use it as a hand puppet!), and she especially loves giving us kisses! She never barks, but pouts when she is upset at us, and is such a cuddler! She was in heat a little while ago so she had been wearing diapers. She HATES them so much and she walks so funny while wearing them. We love having her in our family. She has fit into our family so well. It takes her a little while to warm up to new people, but she loved us right away. She has made our home a happier place and now we can't imagine life without her. She is so cute!