LOSING A FRIEND

Today Larry miller passed away. I don't remember life with out Larry's name being spoken of at the dinner table. Not that he and I had a real personal relation, but he was a dear friend of my parents. When my dad first went out on his own, starting his CPA firm, Larry was one of his first clients. I was able to get to know his sweet wife, Gail, a little bit better, and have always admired her. Other Miller family members lived by my parents for a few years and I got to know them a little too. But mostly I know how Larry has impacted my life. As a huge Jazz fan, I am grateful for his involvement in Utah sports. I have heard of a small portions of his giving to the community. I have heard stories that tell of his testimony of the restored Gospel. I can indeed say that I am thankful that "after all, I knew this guy". He will be missed. You can read the press release here.

Radom thoughts to my family

Bailey - today it kind of freaked me out when you sat by me on the bench instead of playing with Reagan and Isaac in the play area at the mall. You are getting so big. I feel so bad that you spend energy being scared at night sometimes (just like I used to). I wish I could take it away!

Isaac - You can borrow my fingers anytime to do your math homework.

Reagan - I love how we determine how to do your hair by you telling me how many piggies you want. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

Gracie - I am mad you got so big overnight. But I love to feel that first tooth and sit you on the floor to play. You are so cute!!!

Brandon - you are amazing! Maybe one day I will be as good of wife as you are a husband.

Dad and Mom - I am sorry you are losing such a special friend. I am praying for you guys and his sweet family.

give oh give

my wonderful sister-in-law Jodi, posted this on her blog the other day and I decided to participate -- (and yes I did copy her word for word (even this part, I just changed the name and relation), so if that is any indication of my extreme level of laziness, you won't be getting this homemade gift within the next fortnight)
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations: 1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! 2. What I create will be just for you. 3. It'll be done this year. 4. You have no clue what it's going to be. It may be a song. It may be a self portrait or maybe even some creation I haven't yet dreamed up. I may draw. I may bake you something and mail it to you. It may not be big or impressive. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure! But lets be honest here. This is me and I will likely do something amazing. =) So come on, sign up! 5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.
The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

ORANGE YOU GLAD...

My sister -in-law called yesterday to invite me to go shopping for Easter clothes for the kids. We planned on grabbing lunch at the mall today and then hitting the kid stores. Perfectly timed, my Children's Place ad and coupon came in the mail yesterday. I looked through it and then proceeded to go online. I wanted to be prepared. This is serious stuff and it is already mid-February. I showed Brandon some of the options we had, he definitely had his opinion. So after a fun lunch with my dad, brother,sister -in-law, two nephews, Reagan and Grace we made our way to Children's Place. The kids were crazy, but I managed to get the main components of my kids' Easter clothes.... in my husband's favorite color. Picture taken with my crappy phone camera.

Abundantly Blessed

2008 has been quite the year for the Pfunder Pfamily. Many times we have asked ourselves just how possible would it be for things to get worse. We asked very quietly though, because we are keenly aware that things could be much worse. Now, as the year is coming to a close and we can see a light at the end of the tunnel, it is becoming more and more evident just how blessed we are!!! How grateful we are for health. My blood pressure is down and it doesn't seem that I should have any problems with it from here on out. Gracie, sweet Gracie, is perfect! In fact she is even starting to get a little chubby! Last night she even played in her crib quietly until she put herself to sleep. We thought the trial we went through to get Gracie her was plenty to realise the blessings of our family and friends...
I was wrong!!!
Now that we are starting to stand on our own again, we can feel the support we had over the last two months even more!!!
TO OUR FAMILY: We love you!! Your prayers have been felt. Your love and concern has meant the world to us. What comfort it is to know that we will always be cared for... mentally, physically, and spiritually. Whether near or far, you have kept us standing.
How grateful we are for friends who showed their concern, yet treated us no differently. We are so blessed to live in this country. Times are scary. The economy is rotten. Finding employment is not easy. However, food is readily available, we have health care, and we can worship as we please. I think of the people in Zimbabwe, where Brandon served his mission, who are fleeing their homes due to disease and hunger. We are sooo blessed.
I hope I will never again take for granted the opportunity to work. I will try not to complain about long hours, being under paid, or lousy Christmas gifts from work (as I did with the apron Brandon received last year). Instead, I will thank my Heavenly Father that we are blessed to have a paycheck!
We are so grateful to feel the love our Heavenly Father through out this year! Through all of our trials, we have felt Him strengthening us! We are Abundantly Blessed!

New Tradition?

Tonight, my family joined my parents at Energy Solutions Arena (ESA) for a Christmas sing-a-long.  My mom announced last night that we were all to attend the forced family fun event.  My brother and sister's families were able to quickly come up with "prior" engagements.  Due to our lack of PfunderPfamily close by, we were unable to do the same.  Not to mention we feel hugely indebted to all of our family(both sides) this year.  So after a quick bite to eat at Noodles & Co. (that made the deal a bit sweeter) we headed down to the good ol' ESA.  Upon entering to the the free event, we were given vouchers for a free hot dog and soda (we passed on the hot dogs),Bee's tickets, Miller Motor Sports Park tickets, and a popcorn at the movies.  Isaac didn't want to let go of his vouchers.  There was a 30 piece Orchestra, Big Buhda emceed,  the Jazz Bear, and Santa (who Isaac went up to and hugged).  One section was reserved for military families.  There was a live link to Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan with the loved ones who are serving there.  "I love you Daddy" signs were held up and there was crazy waving whenever the cameras were on either side.  It was very moving.  Almost every time I looked at my dad he was wiping tears from his eyes.  I told him to stop it!  After having a fairly emotional day myself, seeing my dad so touched,  and thinking of these families... I cried too.  I am extremely blessed!  Especially to have my little family all together for the holidays! Did you see the news story on the family having to give back their adopted six month old? :(  Back to happy.  Bailey almost caught a T-shirt from the bear, my free soda was Coke Zero(what could be better), and Reagan was awesome.  She sat up tall, held up her program with the words in it, and sang her little guts out!  Who knew she could READ?!?  GENIUS!!!  

Santa might need to shop at the zoo

Just thought I would let you all enjoy what has been stuck in my head for DAYS!  This song has been sung in our home so much that Reagan has learned all of the actions and can find the album on iTunes...I can't do that!  This is what the 1st grade will be performing at this years Jingle Jam.  I don't know how I will keep Reagan off the stage.  Hopefully by then, Isaac may develop some rhythm... maybe not.  What he lacks in rhythm and tune, he makes up for in personality.  Our favorite... the puffed out stomach for "hippo hero".  Enjoy... or humor me at least.