6 Months Ago

Six months ago our lives completely changed. It was a day just like the rest until I got the terrible phone call that Brian was no longer with us. Our world was flipped upside and turned inside out. Brian was such a great husband and father and every day that goes by we miss him dearly. I miss having him there to talk with, laugh with, hold my hand, even having him get mad at me when the sign he was painting didn't work out right and jus being able to see his face. The kids miss him throwing them in the air, tickling them, mowing the lawn, rocking them when they are hurt, putting them to bed at night and a million other things that he did. We've had to make lots of big changes in our lives. We sold our house, moved in with parents, had a baby, changed schools and in some ways have had to grow up faster than most kids. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him a hundred times a day. When I pass a construction site, or hear a motorcycle, look in my kids faces and see him there, when I spend time with his family, when I see a little girl holding her Daddy's hand, or a little boy at T-ball with his dad I think of him. Some days are harder than others, but the most amazing thing about this whole crazy life, is that I am still here. As much as it hurts to have him gone, we still go on living. We laugh and play and spend lots of time with family. We especially love our sweet little Eli, who spent his last little while with Daddy in Heaven. We sing songs, we color, we say prayers to a loving Heavenly Father. We go to church (why? I'm not sure since I don't hear a darn thing). We go on vacations, we have Birthday parties and we do all of this because we know that Brian wants all of us to be happy. We love him so much and miss him, but we know one day we will see him again. We love you Bri.

Happy Anniversary

Dear Brian,
I am forever grateful that 9 years ago you chose to make me your wife. Our wedding day was one of the happiest days of my life. We had great times together and I know that we still have so much more to do and be together. It was hard that we didn't get to spend the day together, but I know that you have important things to do right now, and that you are working hard to do what is needed of you. I want you to know that even though we couldn't be together, it was still a very special day. I felt so much love from those around me. The kids and I first came to the cemetary, then spent the day with my sisters, I went to dinner with my brothers/brother-in-laws, got lots of messages of love from family and friends. It was very comforting to know of the love that surrounds me, but best of all is my testimony that we can be together again someday. I am so grateful for the Gospel and for the choice we made to be sealed eternally.
I love you forever.

Love, Colette

Preschool

Cole started preschool the beginning of the month and had so much fun that I put him in 2. I have 2 neighbors that teach so I signed him up for both. So he is gone M-Th mornings. We both LOVE it, Hallie - not so much. She'll walk around the house saying "Tole,where are you?" She's getting used to some one on one time with Mommy and loves going on walks to pick Cole up. Man time sure flies!!

Hello Again - Part 1

Life is always crazy busy around here, so here are some pics of life for the past few months

Since we've been gone

Well a lot has happened since we've been gone.
We had lot's of fun with Halloween, ate great turkey for Thanksgiving, enjoyed all our Christmas gifts and spending time with family, and had a Happy New Year. The best part - Brian got a job working for Zions (Hallelujah). So life will hopefully settle down just a bit. Here's some pictures to make up for some of our lost time.

Happy Birthday Hallie!!!

Hallie picked out her party dress and put it on all by herself (too bad mom didn't let her wear it)

She loved playing with the ribbon from the presents,

but Cole thought she needed some help opening them

and then Abby did too.

Snuggling with her new doll and her Grandma (she LOVES her grandma's)

Testing out the cake

Loving the cake

Happy Birthday Hals! We love you, Dad, Mom & Cole.

So stylish

I think spaghetti is a good color for her.

Nothing like hamburger stroganoff to give your hair that healthy glow

I think she got some food in her mouth - but at least she looks good, right?

And for the latest fall fashion, a new way to wear your food...

putting raisins in your ears!!! He is so fashionable (especially in those awesome PJ's)