Wedding

A few weeks ago, one of my best friends from high school, Sadie, married my cousin, Chace (proof I'm from a small town :) ). It was in Salmon, and I was so happy to be a part of it! It was such a beautiful wedding!

It was so great to see my friends from high school too! I need to do a better job about keeping in touch and visiting them because they are so much fun!

September 22nd

September 22, 1982. my oldest brother, E.J., was born. September 22, 1997, my youngest sister, Erica "Sam", was born.

It is rare that a 15 year old boy would intentionally want a baby sister born on his birthday, but my brother E.J. did. My mom had all 7 of us by c-section, so she was able to choose which day to have Erica. My mom thought she would have Erica on a different day so that E.J. could have his own special day, but E.J. insisted on sharing their birthdays.

It just goes to show the type of brother E has always been to us. In every picture of us growing up his is holding one of us, or teaching us to do something, or just has his arm around us with a huge smile on his face.

Erica has been dreading her birthday this year because she told us that her birthday would now be the most depressing day of the year for my family. It did end up being an especially hard day for us all, but luckily the people of Salmon once again stepped in and showed Erica so much love! My extended family also sent a huge bouquet of roses for my mom to bring up to the cemetery, and they had a wonderful turn out for Erica's birthday party.

And just so you know, my sister is one of the most beautiful and talented 14 year olds you will ever find! I hope she had a great birthday, and hope that somehow E.J. knew we were loving and missing him on that special day!!

E.J. Infanger Memorial Run-The Heart of Life is Good

This spring, after E.J. passed away, we decided that we needed something to look forward to this year. After we found out about his health problems (heart disease) that we hadn't known before the autopsy, I wanted my family to also get heart healthy.

So we decided to try to do the Salmon Half Marathon, which happened to fall about 2 weeks before E.J.'s birthday. I loved this idea because E.J., who is the oldest, and Erica, who is the youngest, share the same birthday. Erica has been dreading her birthday this year because she thinks it will be a depressing day for everyone. We thought if we made the marathon weekend a memorial weekend for E.J. we could focus on Erica on their birthday.

My mom and I designed and ordered shirts, but we really didn't know how many people would show up. After all, Salmon is a long way from anywhere, and it takes a lot of work to prepare to run 13.1 miles.

We themed the weekend, "The Heart of Life is Good". I heard this on a song on E.J.'s life video, and I thought it was perfect for the weekend. This has been an incredibly challenging time for my entire family, but there are still good things in life, and our Heavenly Father is still in charge, and that is so comforting.

We had about 50 people show up for the memorial, including E.J.'s wife and boys, my brother Craig, who lives in California, family and friends from all over Montana, Utah and Idaho. 15 people ran the half marathon, 1 ran the full marathon, and my mom also put on a family 5k for people who didn't want to do the half marathon. We had a dinner and spent time together on Friday the 9th (exactly 5 months from the time E.J. passed away), and the next morning we all got up, cheered each other on, and we finished something that I have always wanted to do.

I miss my brother more than words can describe, but it was such a healing weekend for my family. I couldn't help but think E.J. was watching over us, and maybe even cheering us through those 13.1 miles. I am so grateful for my wonderful family and close friends, and I am grateful for the knowledge that I will see E.J. again one day. And even though this has been the most difficult time in our lives, the heart of life is still good!!

We wanted to make the shirts look like E.J.'s football jersey. The front says "Morningside Mustangs", has a football picture of E, and says "The Heart of Life is Good". On the back it has E.J.'s football number and it says, "Running for heart health and in loving memory of "The Boss".

My incredible family (we are missing Britt).

Some of the runners getting ready to take the shuttle.

Finishing the race!

I love these people!!!

Rascal Flatts - Why - Lyrics

Start of a new School Year

August? Really? As in the month school starts again after summer break? As in we are 1 day away from the first day of school?!?!?!

Yep! It's here! And I can't believe it! This whole year has been a whirl wind, but we are finally getting settled in to Vernal, and so far we are loving being back in the Basin . . . and I am really enjoying my new school (maybe it's because there are no kids there yet :)? Just kidding! All of the people here are great!)!!

It's funny to me because when I tell people I am a teacher most people respond, "Oh, do you teach kindergarten?" Or if I just tell someone I teach Health at the Jr. High, I usually get a laugh followed by a, "good luck!". So I have decided I am going to show the world just how wonderful Jr. High kids are!! Yes, they are full of energy and hormones, but they are the most fun group of kids when you can channel their energy towards learning and positive things . . . and I just hope I am still thinking this way after two weeks of being back in the regular public school :)!

I found this little quote, and I love it because that is totally how teaching is for me! . . .Especially teaching 8th grade Health!! Sometimes you just have to pretend that is the way you had it planned out, and really, no one knows any different. Just keep calm and pretend it is on the lesson plan!!!

Summer Craziness!!

Well hello blogging world! It has been a while! Just a quick update on what we've been up to the past few months!

May

• Finished the school year.
  
• Packed and moved.

June

• Spent a week with my family in Salmon.
  
• Spent a week with my sister-in-law, Adrienne (E.J.'s wife) and boys in Iowa.
  
• Went to DISNEYLAND with our Hansen family!

July

• Went to Salmon for the 4th.
• Infanger family reunion, again in Salmon!
• 
• HAWAII to visit the people and places where Branden served his mission.

And that is how a summer goes by so fast that I still have a room to unpack, and school starts in two weeks! AHHH!!

Mountain of a Man

E.J.'s football coach wrote this poem about him, and I thought I would share.

Mountain of a Man

Let me tell ya a story about a mountain of a man,

He was only here for a short time, but I’ll tell ya what I can.

He was born and grew up on the banks of the Salmon River,

He never said a foul word and he still made QBs shiver.

He could bugle in the big ones, and knock em’ down with ease,

He reeled in the monster fish and he loved his family.

He served a mission for his church where again he proved his worth,

He wrapped up big running backs and brought them back to earth.

All-State, All-American and he finished with multiple degrees,

Whatever he put his mind to he would accomplish it with ease.

He started a beautiful family with his wife and his two boys,

They will carry on his legacy, spreading his message of joy.

It will be tough for all of us to continue on without him present,

His smile, laughter, and friendship, were truly heaven-sent.

His amazing family was his rock, and he showed the very same love,

I know that he is safe, with the heavenly father above.

I hope the angels were on their toes when he received his reward,

I guarantee you one thing; no one up there is bored.

I’d love to be real selfish and keep him here with me,

But God needed a hero, and so it will be.

Carry on my good friends and remember the good times each day,

A big smile, “I love ya buddy”, the man I speak of is my good friend E.J.

He showed us all how to live our life… do good whenever you can,

He laughed, and loved, I’ll never forget this MOUNTAIN OF A MAN!!!!!

-Coach Hunt

April 16, 2011

My brother touched thousands of lives across the country. In fact, the day after his memorial in Iowa, my sister-in-law received a letter from Mitt Romney. We have received hundreds of letters, cards, emails, flowers and food, and it has touched my family beyond words. Thank you to those of you who have been the comforting arms around us this past month, and especially for the prayers that have carried us through this terrible time. We could not make it through without all of you and without the knowledge of the gospel! I know I will be with my brother again one day!

(Notice who is behind me in all of these pictures -- I am so grateful for my amazing husband, and all he has done for me the past month!)

Please do not take anything for granted in your life because sometimes things leave you when you least expect it! Tell your loved ones every day how much they mean to you and be grateful for every day you have with your them!

One Month

April 9th: the day that shattered my family's world to pieces.

I can't believe it has been a month since my brother died. Honestly, it is harder now than ever. I have never dealt with anything so final in my life, and I have tried everything in my power to change it, knowing I can't, knowing that I have to go through this life without my brother no matter how much I want him here. It makes me feel powerless. I hate it.

Someone suggested that it may help the healing process if I wrote to E.J. to tell him what has been going on since he has been gone. If I wrote E.J. to tell him what has gone on this past month, it might go something like this:

Every day for one month I have cried.
Every day for one month I have missed you.
Every day for one month I have also been missing a piece of me.
Every day for one month I have asked why.
Every day for one month I have begged you to come back.
Every day for one month I have tossed and turned at night.
Every day for one month I have woke thinking it was all just a dream and coming to the realization every day that it wasn't a nightmare, but my new reality.
Every day for one month I have tried everything in my power to turn back time or to somehow bring you back.
Every day for one month I have looked at your number in my phone, but I still have not got the courage to erase your number.
Every day for one month my mind has been flooded with memories of the amazing, larger than life, person that you are.
Every day for one month I have considered myself one of the lucky ones to have been blessed to have you in my life.
Every day for one month I have felt your love and the love of my Savior comforting me.
Every day for one month I have wondered what work you are doing on the other side because you have never been idle, and I know you wouldn't start now.
Every day for one month I have thought of the day when you can "fish hook" me again after one of your huge, crushing hugs; the day we can share a Diet Pepsi and you can explain this all to me!
But until that day, I will continue missing you. I love you, brother, and I know I have a lot of work to get to where you are, but I am trying every day to be a better person because of you. I LOVE AND MISS YOU!!!!!!!

Missing my brother!!

Wow. It has already been two weeks since my brother passed away. I didn't know my heart could ever hurt so badly and still keep beating. Everything is a blur every day, and I still feel like I am in a gloomy dream. I hope one day I can be happy again. I thought going to work would help, but it is the time I have the worst break downs. I will forget him for a few seconds, but then when the thought enters my mind again I lose my breath, my mind stops working and I am dumbfounded. However, I am going to try to focus on his amazing 28 years -- so here are a few pictures I found last night that I thought I would share. These were taken when I went to watch a few of his college football games in Sioux City, Iowa.

Brother Branden

As soon as I heard the news about my brother's death around 4:30 pm on April 9, I left to Idaho Falls to meet up with my family to fly to Iowa to be with his wife and boys. My dad had called my brother, Branden, who was serving a mission in Hawaii. He wasn't supposed to come home until the end of May, but his mission president's wife urged him to go home and be with his family (her brother died a few years ago the same way). Branden went straight back to his apartment, packed in ten minutes, and went straight to the airport to catch a flight to Salt Lake.

The rest of our family woke up at 5 (or that is the time our alarms went off, but of course no one could sleep) to fly to Salt Lake and touch down long enough to pick Branden up and jump back in to the plane to head to Iowa. I will be honest, I was not in the mood to try to put on a smile, I didn't want to have to face another brother and think about the fact that I will never be with all of my brothers and sisters again on this earth. It was so hard! When I saw Branden walk through the doors we all just broke down and sobbed. We still had signs for him because we wanted him to know we were proud of him and loved him. We also had some amazing family who met us with a huge box of food (lasted through our 3 day trip to Iowa!), balloons and signs for Branden, so they pretty much saved us! (I will be doing an entire post on our family later because I have never seen anything like these earth angels I call my family!)

I feel so bad because Branden's homecoming was a sad day for us, and people have hardly talked to him about his mission. I am just in awe by the unselfishness and loving brother I have! Most people would be sad about the fact that no one had seen them in two years and was barely noticing them, but it probably didn't even cross his mind. However, we are going to make it right with Branden. Next month, my dad and Branden are speaking on my birthday in Salmon, and we are going to throw him a big party the night before. I am so grateful for such a loving, selfless brother. I have the best family in the world, and I just wish I could be more like them!

I am going to end my post now because I have so many emotions running through me I could go on forever, but two of those emotions are love and thankfulness, and I wanted to express that today.

(Keep in mind this picture was taken after the most traumatic night of our lives followed by no sleep! -- picture stolen from Aunt LeNell, thanks!)

I love you, brother!!

As most of you probably know, my brother passed away about a week ago. I haven't had the courage to really talk about it yet, but I thought I would share the obituary that my mom wrote. Words can't explain how terrible this has been, but at the same time, I am more grateful than ever for my faith, family and friends.

Earl James Infanger, son of Jim Bob and Sharon Infanger, died on April 9, 2011, in Denison, Iowa.

E.J. was born in Salmon, Idaho, on September 22, 1982, the first of seven children. He was raised on the banks of the Salmon River and loved to explore the mountains. E.J. was active in church and boy scouts activities and received his Eagle Scout Award. He enjoyed sports throughout his school years, but football was his all-time favorite. He was recognized as an all-state linebacker his senior year of high school.

E.J. went on to play for his high school coach, Ryan Nourse, who transferred to Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. During E.J.’s college football career he received many awards including the All-American Linebacker award. He was also the recipient of the National Champion of Character Award in the NAIA football division. He graduated from Morningside College with a Bachelor of Science degree in History.

E.J. continued his education at the University of South Dakota serving as a student senator where he helped initiate plans for the new student center. He received his Master of Public Administration with high honors (4.0 gpa) and was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha and the Golden Key International Honour Society. He worked for Habitat for Humanity, Mitt Romney’s presidential election campaign and Hyperion. Most recently he served as field director over 33 Iowan counties for Governor Terry Branstad’s successful campaign.

E.J. married Adrienne Ann Bielenberg on December 30, 2005, in Salmon, Idaho. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 4, 2006. They welcomed their first son, Hunter James on March 23, 2009 and their second son, Gage Robert on October 11, 2010.

E.J. was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served an honorable mission in the Virginia Richmond Mission from 2002 to 2003. He had a vibrant personality and was full of compassion and love for all. He was a loving husband and an outstanding, loving father. E.J.’s smile and contagious laugh are forever imprinted into the hearts of all who knew him.

E.J. is survived by Adrienne Ann Infanger (wife), Hunter James Infanger (son), Gage Robert Infanger (son) all of Denison, Iowa; Jim Bob Infanger (father), Sharon Infanger (mother), Don Weeks (maternal grandfather), Idell Weeks (maternal grandmother), Vera Infanger (paternal grandmother), all of Salmon; Craig Infanger (brother) of Arcata, California, Emily Hansen (sister) and husband Casey and daughter Myka of Logan, Utah, Branden Infanger (brother), Brittney Infanger (sister) Jayden Infanger (brother) and Erica Infanger (sister) all of Salmon, 20 Aunts and Uncles and 52 first cousins.

First Prayer

Last night after we had put Myka in her bed she knelt down in her bed, folded her arms, closed her eyes, and said her first prayer completely by herself! It went like this:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Bless Dora, Elmo's song, the sheeps, the frogs . . . (a pause)

AMEN!

Haha at least she remembered everything important :)!! I couldn't possible love this little angel of mine any more!!

Family Pictures

Last weekend we were able to get our pictures done by my friend who is starting a photography business. Anyone in Northern Utah/Montana who is looking to get some done we thought she did an excellent job!

Myka was so funny during pictures! She kept pulling monkey faces and just wanted to "walk, walk". If we told My to smile or look at the camera she would look the opposite way and pull a face ha! I was surprised she was able to get so many good ones of My because she would not sit still! It was fun though, and we were happy to get them done because Myka is growing and changing so fast! We also finished the night with a little In-N-Out so that was the cherry on top of a great day!

Dear Dora

Dear Dora,

You are obviously doing an excellent job of educating my daughter! I was holding Myka's hand while we were walking down to the basement of our condo. She normally counts the stairs, but this time I couldn't understand what she was trying to say, until I made out the word, "tres", followed by "cuatro, cinco, seis". Haha I had no idea My knew any Spanish, but heck, keep it up Dora!

A Satisfied Mother

My LOVE!!

I know I should express it every day, but since today is Valentine's, I decided it is a good opportunity to remind Casey how much I love him and how much he means to me!!!

Some of the reasons I love him:

• He has a heart of gold!! He cares so much about other people, and a lot of times he sacrifices himself for others to be happy (especially Myka and I!)!
• He is the most amazing dad in the world!! I'll admit sometimes I get a little jealous, but he and My are the best of friends, and it is so amazing to see!
• He is working so hard in school to give our family a good life! (This semester he has straight A's!!)
  
• He has never (not even once!) put me down in any way! He makes me feel like a princess every day!
• He puts up with me, which I know can be really hard at times!
  
• He never loses his temper! He is always able to talk about things that are bothering him in a calm way.
  
• He is so much fun to be around!! Before we even dated we became best friends, and we have just grown closer ever since!
• He is the hottest man I've ever seen, and he gets better looking to me by the day :)!!
  

Okay, so I could go on all day about why I love my husband, but I just hope he knows today and every day that he and our daughter are my whole world!! It really doesn't matter what happens to me in this life as long as I have them by my side!

A few pictures of us over the past years. . . these are only the beginning of our wonderful journey ahead!! I LOVE YOU CASEY BABY!!


One of our dates to Zion National Park.


Engagement Picture


Wedding Picture


3 1/2 years of marriage!!

Looking Back

I know it has been a new year for a few weeks now, but since I haven't been released to workout and start on my new year's resolutions it feels like the new year is just starting for me! To kick it off I thought I would look back on the last year for our little family!

January

• Said good bye to southern Utah :( and moved to Logan
• The first two weeks we lived here we were homeless so an old mission companion of my dad's let us stay with them (We are so grateful for the Warrens!!)
• Moved into the condo we are renting
  
• Casey started school at USU

February

• I started student teaching at Logan High School

March

• Survived the inversions in Logan
• Took a fun trip to Disneyland and Laguna Beach with my family
  

April

• Finished student teaching
• Offered a job at Thomas Edison Charter School
  

May

• GRADUATED college!!
• I turned 24!
  

June

• Enjoyed our family in Vernal while Casey worked for his dad
  

July

• Spalding training in Logan
  

August

• Casey turned 25!
• New teacher training beginning of August
• Started my first year teaching job at TECS

September

• Survived my first month teaching!
• Casey was busy with school
• Myka kept growing by the day (she still is!!)
  

October

• Celebrated our 3 year anniversary
  
• Went to Vernal for Halloween (My was superwoman)
  

November

• Celebrated Thanksgiving in Salmon with all of my family (except Branden)
  

December

• Myka turned TWO!!
• Casey and I took a trip to Las Vegas for our Christmas presents to each other and watch the MAACO Las Vegas Bowl and KA by Cirque de Soleil
• Celebrated Christmas in Vernal with the Hansens
  
• Spent NYE in bed after having my gallbladder removed

We were so blessed in so many ways last year! The most exciting thing is that my little girl is not a baby anymore!! I was about in tears yesterday looking at her baby pictures because she is never going to be that small again!! She is such an angel, and she makes me so happy every day of my life! If I have Myka and Casey (and the rest of my family) in my life then nothing else really matters!!

And even though 2010 was a great year, 2011 is going to be even better!! We have such amazing things to look forward to this year, and I am so excited for it!! This is going to be the best year ever for my family, and I can't wait! Bring on 2011 (a few weeks late :)!)!