Grandpa Pete

June 2008- My grandpa & me

Maggie girl- Grandpa's good friend

My dear Grandpa

It was a year ago today that my Grandpa Pete passed away in Ogden. It was on his and my Grandma Norma's wedding anniversary. She passed away two years earlier, and I know he was just waiting for the day to be with her again. He always lived such a full life, but I know his heart ached for his Norma when she was gone. But, I just wanted to write about some things on my mind as I think of him today, and most days, like I do my Grandma.

There's so much to be said about him. And anyone who knew him knows that. He was known, among many things, for his sense of humor, love of family, story-telling, kindness, tolerance, love of family and friends and especially his wife, my grandma. He also loved reading. I loved going over to his house and see the stack of books he was working on. Maybe that's partly why I've started accumulating my own pile to work on; I'm just hoping to be more like him. I will always take his and my Grandma's influences with me throughout my life.

I hope that Paul and I can grow old together like they did. They loved each other, stood by each other, and took care of each other as long as I've known them. Honestly, whenever I think of my Grandpa though, I don't believe he's really gone. When Paul and I moved to Iowa it was SO hard to leave our families. All growing up, my family with my cousins and aunt and uncle spent every Sunday evening with my grandparents. It's what I loved, looked forward to, and knew. I always knew, with the rare exception, that we'd do that every week. And it was such a big part of my life. Although, Paul and I lived in Taylorsville after getting married before we moved to Iowa, we didn't go over as much, I still longed to be able to visit him whenever I wanted. Which wasn't possible when we moved here. I loved calling him, though, and hearing how his day and week was, and what was new. He always had such good advice and was a good listener. Some days I feel like calling him, because all I need at that moment, is to talk to him.

In June of 2008 we went to Utah for my brother-in-law's wedding and I got to visit my grandpa for what would be the last time while he was alive, and tell him I was pregnant. I remember showing him pictures from our trip to Europe from the month before, and when it got to a picture with me and Paul, Paul said, "Doesn't Shari look pregnant there?" And my Grandpa just said, "Sure, sure." My dad then whispered that we were talking to him by his bad ear, and we should be louder. So a little bit louder, Paul repeated himself....And then I think I said I was actually pregnant. (By the way, I really didn't look pregnant in the picture, I was only a month along in the picture, so that's why it was so funny he said "sure" and nothing else.)

He was very happy for us. That first picture above was taken right after we told him. I will always treasure that picture. (I also included a picture of Maggie, his boston terrier, who actually died in July 2008, 1 month before my grandpa.) I do have to say that my grandpa was the BEST grandpa EVER. He was such a great person! I'll never forget his stories about his high school days and his crazy stories about his drinking and smoking days and all that he did back then. I'll never forget when he'd pop his dentures out at little kids, or "shove" his knuckles up his nose, as if his fingers were up there (his pointer and middle finger were missing on his right hand since he was very young). The looks on those watching was priceless. :) But his example most of all is what I'll take with me, and look up to. He helped so many people throughout his long life, including me. I don't think anyone who knew him had anything bad to say about him. He was one of the best people I've ever known.

So, to him I say not goodbye but so long for now, and God be with you till we meet again. And I can't wait to see you again!

5th Wedding Anniversary!

So today is our 5th wedding anniversary! Five years just flew by it seems, but yet so much has happened within that time and so many changes have occurred, especially in the last year. But I still can't seem to believe its been 5 whole years. Lately I've been kind of going off on rants to anyone who will listen about how time and life are so weird. When I say that I mean it in a good way... It's just that when you're young time will not move fast enough. You're always waiting until you're 1 year older, and sometimes wishing you were done being so young. Then you get a bit older and you're wanting the hands of time to stop so you can catch up to everything. I'm constantly wondering where time's gone! But enough about this, because I could go on and on, (maybe I'll blog more about this later).

Now let me focus my sole attention to my husband Paul. He is the most awesome guy I know! Not only is he a hard worker, but he enjoys the work and especially loves to see the fruits of his labors. He's the best husband; when I say that, I mean to say that I have no complaints. Really! He's not the type where I have to ask him twice to do something or even AT ALL most of the time. He'll say, "I'm going to mow the lawn" every week and I'll say, "You're doing that again?" Or, "I'm going to work on the garden." And I think, "Wow, he's more dedicated to that than I would ever be." Anyway, I think you get the point.
Also, he is always helping me with anything and everything! Whether it's on the computer, cleaning, anything to do with Ryder, shopping, etc., he is just there for me. No ifs, ands, or buts about it for him. He has a great sense of humor, and is always teasing and making jokes and making me laugh or smile real big. He's gentle and understanding, and he's the best dad! He just loves Ryder to death, and the feeling is mutual. He is very spiritual and loves the Gospel so much.
He shares a love of traveling with me, also. We've been all over together: San Francisco, Houston, Vegas, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Nauvoo, Winter Quarters, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Paris, Barcelona, Chicago....and we have so much fun together! We can't wait for Ryder to grow a love for it too.

Just thinking of him makes me smile. He is such a good, kind, laid-back, dedicated, amazing person. I couldn't have found anyone more perfect for me!

Happy 5th Anniversary, Paul! Here's to many, many more!

Love, Shari :)

Catching up...

It's been 2 months since my last post, so I feel like quite the slacker. But I thought it was about time to add some new info and pics of what's been happening.

So, June came and went in the blink of an eye. Paul, me, and Ryder headed out to Utah on June 18th to surprise my mother-in-law Tracy the following day. My sister-in-law Michelle planned a dinner birthday party for her, and we were the surprise!! And boy was she surprised! It was so fun to see her face, and how quick she grabbed Ryder! ;) That was awesome! Then that Saturday my mom, me, and my sister-in-law Nicole threw Marie a Fairy Tale Room-0f-the-House shower at Mt. Ogden Park. The weather sucked, it rained throughout the shower, but we were under a pavilion, and lots of people came. Marie's so popular! There were Marie's friends, family, church friends, family friends, oh my! Lots of people and tons of great stuff, I was jealous!

After that fun weekend, Paul and I snuck away to the Anniversary Inn in Logan before he had to leave that next week. It was nice to take a break and to celebrate Father's Day and have Grandma and Grandpa bond with their favorite little guy. Then, Paul took off on the airplane back to Iowa, and Ryder and I stayed for 2 extra weeks before Marie's wedding. It was a lot of fun to be around my family and Paul's too. Everyone got to enjoy Ryder!

Then, Paul came back the day before Marie's wedding and we left the following Sunday. Her wedding day was so beautiful! She was a blushing gorgeous bride (Kagen's super lucky!) and it was so nice to be there for the sealing. My whole family's married and we all have kids (except Marie, but she has PLENTY of time!) and we're entering such a different part of life. It's way weird! I find myself constantly saying how weird life is, and how fast time goes by. But it's a good weird, it's just strange to see your siblings all grown up and with their own new families. But I love it! I'm so glad they have found their loves

Anyway, I could go on forever about all the fun stuff that we did, but here's just a few of the things: the zoo, a pool, the movies, Anniversary Inn (twice!), hiking trail, parks, shopping, hanging out with friends, taking family pictures, and I could go on and on! Our trip was awesome!

Paul's mom

shocked at her surprise...us!