Christmas Activities While Mama's in Town!!

My sweet, sweet mama realized what a hard summer and fall I've had with my dad's cancer, and with his passing in November, my mom decided to surprise me and fly out to be with me for a few days. Life is always better when you're mama is around right? Right!!! Having her here distracted me from sadness and it was so much fun hanging out with her during the holiday season and since it had been years since we we've done that, it made it all the more special! So here's what we did last week while she was here!!!

Festival of Trees

Lydia's dance company performs at FoT's every year and this year was no exception. It was fun to kill two birds with one stone; walking around and admiring all the trees, then seeing Lyd's perform on stage!!
There were so many cool trees this year and of course we had to hit the kid's corner. Lydia loved being inside the bubble and fishing for a treat!

Here's Lydia and Lizzy before their performance of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

Once again, Lydia killed it and did awesome! She practiced a lot at home so she had most of it memorized! I just love how much my girl loves to dance! It makes me so happy! Way to go Lyd's. You did amazing!!!

2010 Visit With Santa @ Flip's

For the past two years Lydia has gone to see Santa at Flip's (where Lydia's dance class is) and we love it! Nate got to participate this year and I have to say, it was the cutest thing ever! Lydia walked up to Santa and Jake said, "Lydia wants to tell you what she wants for Christmas." And before Santa could say anything, Lydia just blurted out while holding 5 fingers, "5 dolls and a dollhouse!" Precious!

Nate was a champion with Santa! He sat on his lap and wouldn't stop smiling. It was awesome. Mo's husband Matt said it was the best...he didn't even have to work for a smile! As you can see in the pic, Nate liked Santa so much, he even gave the 'ol Thumb's Up!!! I guess he liked Santa! Hilarious!

We did a craft and were then on our way!

Christmas Tree Hunting

We headed to our favorite place to find our Charlie Brown tree and find it we did! We bought our 9ish foot tree for $13!!!! We love it! Lydia really got involved this year and helped rummage through the trees with us!

Nate was cold, possibly miserable, but ALWAYS has a smile on his face!

Tree Decorating

Before we went to meet Santa Mom and I had gone shopping all morning and afternoon until our feet were killing us..literally! So after we dropped the tree off at home, we went shopping some more then came home about 9pm to decorate! Oh how I love real trees! I love this one; it fits perfectly in our front room!

A Christmas Carol

Hale Theater

Mom and I headed out on Saturday afternoon to see A Christmas Carol. It was awesome...did not disappoint! I love going to plays with my mom! If she lived in the same town, we would for sure have a TON of girls' nights!

Lights at Temple Square

Of all the years that my mom has flown out to Utah, she has never been to Temple Square when the lights are out so we made it a priority to go this trip! It wasn't really that cold and the fog made for some pretty cool pictures! And since the devotional was going on across the street, we pretty much had TS all to ourselves!

I just love all the different nativities they have all over!

Nate stayed like this the whole time; all bundled up and warm!

We had so much fun with my mama for those 5 short days! Thanks mom for flying out and knowing exactly what I needed! You're the best!!!! I love you!!!

After my mama left, I tried to keep our holiday activities going. My Aunt Susan told me about this live nativity that they do in SLC so we invited our friends the Newell's to come check it out with us.

It was pretty cool. They had people dressed up as Shepard's and had live animals! They were even passing out free hot chocolate, bagels and Lion House rolls with honey butter! Heck Yeah!

The manger scene was awesome! I loved it! It really was a cool idea. There were lit paths and you'd come to different sections and they'd have a little scene set up! The only problem was how crowded it was...too many people! But it didn't ruin the experience for me!

They had a real baby playing Jesus! It seemed so much more real to me actually seeing Joseph and Mary in a lowly manger while holding Jesus Christ, our Lord! It was awesome!

Lately, I've felt so much more love and respect for the Savior! I thought I couldn't feel any more love for Him than I already do but every time someone has talked about Christ lately, I cry. Knowing that he gave up His life for me, experienced every sadness that each of us has felt and knowing that He endured the exact pain that my father felt has really helped me grieve my father's death! My dad wasn't alone in his pain and that's comforting to me to know that Christ loved us all so much that He would go through that for each of us! What an amazing sacrifice to carry the sins of the world!

On this Earth I'll never understand the magnitude of what He did for us but as of late my heart has been so full of gratitude for my Savior that I'm beginning to comprehend the magnitude of His love for each of us! And for that, I am grateful!

Thanksgiving Week!

My brother David flew in for our dad's funeral (I'll eventually blog about that when I'm ready). He passed on November 15th and the funeral was November 19th. We drove down to Price and spent a couple of days then headed back home to spend some time with David at our house. David had the idea to go up into the mountains, explore and take some pictures, so that's what we did.

If my dad had the choice he would have LIVED in the mountains. They were his absolute favorite place to be so I thought it perfect to go up and remember my dad surrounded by what made him so happy!

Big Cottonwood Canyon
I could not believe the wind. It was seriously blowing us over. On the trails I had a death grip on Lydia because I was scared she would fly over the edge.
Lydia loved it and thought it was hilarious! Jake stayed in the car with Nate.

Here's my bro enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery!

When we got home from Price I walked into the kitchen and found these beauties on the counter.

We actually got a few bouquets from family and friends and I have to say it meant the world to me. It was so sweet and so thoughtful so thank you, thank you, thank you for your thoughts and prayers! It feels nice to be surrounded by such love kind gestures.

We finally finished our Thankful Tree. I love it and it was nice to look at all day long and be reminded of all that I have and all I have to be grateful for, even though it's been such a sad and stressful year!

We have loved the snow and have had a lot of fun playing in it!

Daddy took Lydia out front to make a snowman.

Here is our classic snowman.

And Jake wouldn't be a Ute Fan without transforming our classic snowman into a Utah Football Player!

After the tons of snow we got the other day, I took Lydia out back and pulled her around for what seemed like FOREVER on the sled in the backyard (wow, what a work out that was)!!!

We lasted so long and played so hard that snow started forming and making snowballs around her hair. It was so funny!

We also had Lizzy over to play. They had tons of fun playing out back!

It's been a fun week and a nice distraction from all the sadness in the family. Thanksgiving was the perfect time to reflect and remember how truly lucky I am and how blessed my life really is! I have an amazing family and wonderful friends. What more could a gal want or need? :)

My Dad's Obituary

PRICE - Brent Lamond Frandsen, age 65, gave up his long and courageous battle with cancer on Nov. 15, 2010 at Pinnacle Rehabilitation Center. His parents dedicated their lives in giving him loving and excellent care in their home until four days before his passing. It was truly a labor of love to have such a wonderful son.

Brent was born on Nov. 30, 1944 in Cedar City to Bert Hyrum and Ada Rae Craw Frandsen, he was the first grandchild to Bert's parents and born on grandpa's birthday, his middle name was after Ada's father. Bert was in Europe on the front lines, and did not receive word until Brent was 3 1/2 months old.

Brent has been a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many capacities, he loved the youth and taught many classes he taught seminary, was Elders Quorum President, home teacher, choir member, executive secretary and much more. He attended college at KC University where he made the Dean's honor roll twice; he also graduated from CEU then went to A.C. in Logan and became a registered nurse, he carried that title for 30 plus years, he enjoyed helping people and had a very tender heart. He was a hard and dependable worker all his life, he managed a service station, worked for a gas company and also an asbestos plant for eight years before becoming an R.N.

He had a passion for raising beautiful tropical fish, he also enjoyed keeping his aquarium decorated beautiful and sparkling clean. He enjoyed coin collecting, camping at Joe's Valley, studying the scriptures with his daughter Tammie, having a long game of chess with his brother Robert. He was in seventh heaven teasing his sister Darlene. Brent loved and had deep respect for his bishopric, temple friends, and also his four-wheeling friends.

Brent was preceded in death by his brother, Garry; sister-in-law, Cora; both sets of grandparents; and many aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his parents; brother, Robert (Darlene) Frandsen of Price; Sister, Linda (Brent) Duke of Hurricane; seven children: Garry (Robyn), Michele (Daryl) both of Fresno, Calif., David (Nora) of Kansas City, Mo., Erin (Jacob) and Jenny all of Salt Lake City, Tammie of Springville, and Adam in college at Logan; son-in-law Jared Underwood; three step daughters: Michelle (Joshua) of Tooele; Sarah (Scott) of Clinton, and Rachel (Ryan) of Stansbury Park; 19 grandchildren, 10 step grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

We will all treasure the lasting memories you have planted in our hearts. The family of Brent gives a special thanks and deep appreciation to the doctors, nurses, aids, social workers, and all friends and neighbors for all their love acts of kindness.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hospice or Pinnacle Rehabilitation Center.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Nov. 19, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. at the Price LDS 7th & 8th Ward Chapel (995 E. 700 N.). A viewing will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will be at the Price City Cemetery. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Brent at www.fausettmortuary.com.

Alma 40

11: Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection-Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.

12: And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are recieved into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

Luckily, I have an amazing husband who knows the scriptures well and found these verses for me. I LOVE verse 12. As some of you may know, my dad passed away last night, November 15th, just before midnight ending his battle with cancer. Although I am completely saddened by his passing, I could not be more grateful for the knowledge I have of life after death. To imagine my father in no more pain and in a complete state of rest and peace brings so much joy and peace to my mind. My father struggled with tongue cancer for over 2 years, in constant pain, fighting to recover and beat this horrible disease.

What a wonderful time, knowing my father is happy, with no more worries or sorrow. What a joyous reunion I'm sure he had with his baby brother last night as he passed through the veil.

I will miss my dad greatly, but I know I will see him again one day! Until then, I will live with the memories I have of my father and cherish them always!

I love you Papi!

Enjoy your paradise!

Temple Visit

"Friends are angels

who lift us to our feet

when our wings have trouble

remembering how to fly"

That statement could not have been more true yesterday when I needed some uplifting.

I recieved a phone call from my aunt yesterday saying that "today was probably the day that my dad would pass". His blood oxygen levels were really low and his body was shutting down rapidly. Jake was out of town, but luckily I was with friends when I got the news. And of course my amazing friend Margo had suggested earlier that we go to the temple. Well, she was right. That was the exact place that I needed to be.

So my friends took me to the 3:30 session at the Bountiful Temple yesterday and what an experience it was. I felt so close to my Heavenly Father and I was so grateful to be surrounded by three of my closest friends.

After the session, we all sat in the celestial room for quite a while just quietly talking and thinking; my friends all shared experiences that helped me cope with my father's death. Earlier in the day I was overwhelmed with sadness but in the celestial room I had a vision come to my mind that brought so much peace to me. I envisioned my father in no more pain. He was healthy, strong, able to walk, talk, laugh and sing and his younger brother who had passed from cancer many years before was welcoming him on the other side and that made me so happy! My dad wasn't in pain anymore; he was done suffering and I was so grateful for that vision put in my mind. I know when he does pass, it will be a lot easier on me if I just remember that he is going to a place with no pain, only happiness!

My father has suffered a lot in this life and when he passes, he will be freed from all of that pain. My husband also reminded me that this should be a joyous time because he's gone through so much in his life and when he's gone it will finally all be done. He made it through this life and I know that the Lord is pleased with the choices he's made here on earth, reconnecting with his seven children and coming back into the church!

I am so proud of him and could not love him more.

To my friends Anabel, Margo, Lynette and Melynda: I could not have made it through yesterday without your support and phone calls. It meant more to me that you'll ever know! I was uplifted by your kind words of love and support. I am so blessed in this life and could not love my friends more!

I spoke to my aunt today and my dad is still hanging on. I spoke to my dad on the phone last night while he listened on the other end, saying how much I loved him and how proud I was of him. He has had the most amazing attitude throughout this whole journey and I couldn't be more impressed with him. As I spoke to him, my friends were all in the car crying along with me as I said my goodbye's and I felt at peace with what the Lord has in store for my father as he exits this world and continues on his journey in the next life with his little brother Garry by his side!

I love you dad! I'm so grateful for the time that our Heavenly Father has given us these past three years. What an amazing plan our Father in Heaven had for us, giving us the chance to reunite and for you to meet your grandchildren. We had the chance to get to know one another after years of seperation and for that, we were eternally blessed.

"The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow. Either He will shield you from the suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it."

Turkey Trot 5K, ESPN Gameday and Thankful Tree!

My wonderful SIL Ducka (Jessica) was part of a team of people who put together a 5K run and I wanted to support her so I ran it. One of Ducka's responsibilities was to make a route to run and let me tell you, it was so hard for me! There were a few hills and if you know me, I don't do hills. They suck! So it was definitely a challenge since I had only run twice in the past 6 weeks. Thank goodness it was only a 5K!

My sweet friend Melynda ran it with me. Thanks Melynda for sticking with me for as long as you could! I am still so dang slow that she ended up smoking me! But it was so much fun! I just adore running and I'm so glad I finally figured out how to beat my knee problems!! Woo Hoo!!! I beat my average pace but I didn't beat my time, dang it!
My stats:
Distance: 3.2 miles (a hiar longer than 3.1 :)
My Time: 30 Min 54 Sec (I wanted under 30 min)
Average Pace: 9 min 54 Sec (I got under 10 min miles)
I think I came in 12th place overall and Mel came in 7th! Some of the mom's with jogging strollers cheated because it seriously was a challenge with those hills. So much fun though!!

While I was running the race, Jake had already been up 5 1/2 hours standing on the cement hoping to catch a glimpse of himself on national television! He went with a few of his buddies to ESPN's Gameday. They had a blast. Here are the two signs that Jake had made for Gameday!

Unfortunately, we all know how this day ended. But before the Utes got torn apart, Jake said that this game had the loudest crowd he had ever heard at home...for the first two minutes of the game anyway. He said the Ute Walk had more people than ever show up...too bad the Utes never did! Sorry Honey!

My wonderfully talented friend Anabel was in charge of decorating for a Stake Relief Society activity last night and she made these adorable little trees with little dresses all over them to go along with the theme of the night. After the activity was over, practically everyone wanted one of these little guys! Seriously so cute! All my friends are so talented and Anabel is definitely one of them :)

I was lucky enough to get one of the trees and my friend Lynette came up with the idea to turn it into a Thankful Tree for Thanksgiving. So every day until thanksgiving, we are putting little leaves on our tree that I made to remember how lucky and blessed we actually are. At the end of the month we will see how full our tree actually is, as it will be filled with all the blessings we have in our life.

Even though we are going through such a rough time right now, I do realize how lucky I am to have such wonderful family, great friends and knowledge of Christ and all that He did for me. He has experienced every pain that I am going through right now and I'm grateful to know that I can turn to the Lord any time and He knows EXACTLY what I'm going through! This is what we came up with for our first three thankful's:

Jake: Family, Faith and Football

Erin: Eternal Families, Great Friends and Jesus Christ

Lydia: Heavenly Father, Jesus and Larry

I love Lydia and all the things she comes up with on her own. I am one blessed lady and it's the perfect time of year to be reminded of that!

Price Trip

I was able to take the kids and go back down to Price to visit my dad. Its been five weeks since I've seen him and wow, I can't believe the change I've seen in him. Hospus has come in to help take care of him to make things easier on him and on my grandparents.

It's really hard to sit and watch cancer take my father's life so I have to sit and think about Heavenly Father's plan for us and remember that families are eternal. I also don't want to see my dad suffer anymore so I hope that He can ease his pain in one way or another. My father has battled tongue cancer for over two years and I can't begin to imagine his pain. But I love his strength and even though his trials have been so great, he has ALWAYS had a positive attitude. Throughout this whole experience, my dad hasn't complained once. What an example of strength and faith he is to me.

My Grandfather and Grandmother had a wonderful time playing with Nate and Lydia! Nate seriously smiled and talked the WHOLE time and Gma ate it up!!! Here they are playing with Grandpa!
One thing I realized more than ever on this trip was how great the love is between a mother and father to their children. My grandmother is 85 and my grandfather will be 90 next year and to see the dedication and love that they have for their son is absolutely amazing! The lengths a parent will go to to bring comfort and care to their child is immeasurable.

I went to bed about 10pm that night and as I walked by dad's recliner, I saw my 89 yr old grandfather sleeping on the couch next to him. They never leave his side and haven't for months; always their taking care of his every need. They are up all hours of the night taking care of him, giving him his pain meds and filling his water and feeding bags. The saying "I would die for my children" was brought to a whole new light for me. It's true, I would do ANYTHING for my kids and I know that now more than ever as I watch a husband and wife care for their son as he continues to the end of his journey in this earthly life.

I know that my grandparents mission in this life was to care for each of their three sick sons. Even though they are in their 80's, I know without a doubt that the Lord has sustained them, giving them the knowledge of the Gospel for comfort. He has also given them an enormous amount of Strength, Faith and Love so they would be strong enough to be able to endure the pain of losing children before their own time.

I love you Grandma and Grandpa! You amaze me!