Carters

My Letter to Daddy, I read this at his Funeral...

2009-06-22T16:25:00.003-06:00

I spoke at my daddy's funeral April 22, 2009. I usually don't speak at such events especially my sweet daddy's! Shortly after his passing we rushed to Wheeler Mortuary to start his Obituary, and it was THEN when daddy was nagging at me to speak at his funeral! What?!? "No Daddy, I'm a mess!" Needless to say, that nagging didn't stop until my talk was over! Ironic huh? I know I said a few words before I read my daddy's letter. Tim had given me the idea to write him instead of thinking of some other spiritual things, that I'm not even aware of:) I put the original in the casket with daddy but I did keep a copy...here it is:

Dear Daddy.

Who would've thought I'd be writing you this letter, not just an ordinary letter, but a letter of Thanks, Gratitude and Love.
Daddy I miss you, and I am & will be okay. We have made some sacred promises and I promise daddy not to let you down.
I want to thank you daddy for bringing me into this earth. It was a fun journey having picked you to be my eternal friend & father. I want to thank you for being strong, but for also melting like sweet chocolate when I needed you.
I remember the times, especially being young when I would fall and you would quickly run to pick me up & make it all better...
Well daddy its kinda like our time right now.
You fell & now you will make it better, you sacrificed your mortal being to make us all better & for that daddy, I will be forever grateful.
Last week when we were sealed as an eternal family, you proved to us, but most importantly the lord, your faithfulness to the gospel & the blessings received from staying true, clean and pure.
You earned your "Golden Ticket" as you would say, the the Celestrial Kingdom in which I promise to see you there.
Just like you told me a few short weeks ago....
"its temporary baby girl, its just temporary".
I really enjoyed our last conversation, while in your final hours...
Although you were not responsive, I still saw your little grin, just like the one you have today.
Daddy, I know your proud of me & that's why I'm on this pulpit today.
You know I am strong, just like my mommy, Although you are "SHOCKED" because you know this isn't really my thing.
I love you daddy. Thank you for putting up a good fight.
I miss you, miss you more than ever. My heart hurts but is slowly healing,
as I know you will forever be alive in my heart.
I know you are not too far away. I want to read the Lyrics of a child's prayer.
I sang this to you daddy, remember when you were scared? Because I know it always makes me feel better when I am scared.

Heavenly Father, are you really there?
And do you hear and answer ev’ry child’s prayer?
Some say that heaven is far away,
But I feel it close around me as I pray.
Heavenly Father, I remember now
Something that Jesus told disciples long ago:
“Suffer the children to come to me.”
Father, in prayer I’m coming now to thee.

Pray, he is there;
Speak, he is list’ning.
You are his child;
His love now surrounds you.
He hears your prayer;
He loves the children.
Of such is the kingdom, the kingdom of heav’n.

I am thankful for the gospel, as I know it to be true. I love the comfort of being part of an eternal family. I believe and know that there is an eternity. I feel our Saviors love, and I am forever grateful for his atoning sacrifice.

Daddy, you are my SuperMan, my strength, my best friend.
I will forever cherish our memories and of course you said it best
"After this, my baby, we will never be separated again"
I love you daddy and I will forever be your "baby girl".
Enjoy the Celestial Kingdom and enjoy your new perfect soul.

I say this in the name of our beloved son and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

April 11, 2009 I finally got my day!

2009-06-16T15:56:00.000-06:00

(Still waitin of some pix of Tim and I from the photographer!) My Parents and I were sealed in the American Fork Temple! Yes, it wasn't no San Diego Temple, but it was still the Lord's house, which is just as important. Immediately following the beautiful ceremony with my parents, my husband of 2 years and I were sealed for time and all eternity! Some people looked down on Tim and I for not getting sealed in the temple in the first place, however I explained to Tim prior to our engagement, the importance of my daddy being there for our temple wedding. Daddy had been working diligently for 14 years to go to the temple and had yet to see any of his 8 children married in the temple. I was overwhelmed with such love and the beautiful spirit on that day. After finding out that daddy only was going to be on this earth and in his mortal body for such a short amount of time....it was perfect. Daddy had been struggling but was yet so blessed with the strength and courage to walk, and to be able to kneel at the alter with first my mom and then with me, and only me! I was the only one out of the 8 children to be sealed to my parents! I got my moment! Yes, I am still sad that daddy wont be here for the birth of our future children, or my graduation, anniversarys or other very special events in my life, however I got THIS and nobody, nobody can take that away! How true the gospel is! After almost exactly one week after this beautiful ceremony, daddy had passed on to the other side. I knew it was his last journey on this earth, and don't let me fool you by sounding so excited, in fact I was sooo scared, because I knew daddy would be gone soon after our marvelous day. How true it was. I am so thankful for eternal families, and I am SO proud of my parents, myself, and Tim for being worthy for this special day. Whenever I am having a hard time dealing with daddy's death, I just think and reminisce when I was looking at him in the Celestrial room with that little smirk he always had! Tim and I choose to be sealed the same day as my parents so mom would have someone to celebrate on the many anniversary's to come. Such a special day, and I am glad I waited and got MY day!

It's Okay Daddy, you can go now....

2009-04-23T22:18:00.004-06:00

Wow...It is still so surreal. I don't even know where to begin with this one. All I know is I really miss my daddy. I keep thinking he is going to come walking in the door any minute. The reason for my title is because the last hours of my daddy's life were scary, traumatizing, beautiful, and extremely sad. Saturday night (April 18Th 2009) mom had needed some much needed rest, I offered to stay up for a few hours aand keep a close on Daddy, as he had a hard day. He wasn't able to walk early that morning, as he had been struggling the night before, we quickly learned that he had lost all ability's that early morning. Daddy also had us a bit nervous earlier, as he had mentioned that he "was done", we didn't quite know what he meant, but he was in and out, and the "Boys" (My Brothers, Shane, Mike, My hubby Tim, and brother in law Ryan) gave him a blessing of release. We thought it was his time, but it didn't quite feel right. It was a busy day, as we were prompted to do our fun raising yard sale and Navajo Taco sale...we put it all together in an evening. We dropped the sale to surround daddy and be there for him...Hospice brought him in a hospital bed where he spend his last day and night. Before mom retired to bed, she specifically told me to not leave daddy's sight and to keep an eye on his breathing as he was rasping more and more. My little sister and I cuddled up on the couch next to daddy and was watching Beauty and the Beast. An hour went by when Daddy had started hick-upping and it started to get worse and worse..I was scared. I went and woke mom after about another hour of his hick-up episode and was quickly assured by the Holy Ghost that my daddy wasn't going to make it. I quickly ran into the room and woke Tim. I told him "Daddy isn't going to make it"...I was hysterical. I didn't want to believe what I was saying was true. My knees were weak and my stomach hurt..my heart ached like it never ached before. I know it was a miracle that I was able to pull myself off the floor and clean my tears, I knew I had to be strong for daddy because he was scared too. When I returned to the couch next to daddy, I went ahead and took the time to say my final goodbyes..even though he couldn't respond, he would kind of moan to let me know he could hear me. I said several things that night and also made several promises to daddy. I will share a few things.. I began by telling daddy how much I loved him and how much I will miss these moments. I cuddled up to him and asked him to tell my babies how much I love them and that I cannot wait to meet them, "daddy I'm so jealous that you get to meet them first, but I am so excited to have them and know you were just with them and you will be such a BIG part of their spiritual lives. Remember to kick them down from heaven and send them with a birthmark on their bums so I know you sent them" I also sang to daddy A Child's Prayer in which I sing every time I'm scared or I am in desperate need of a "spiritual moment". I know he was laughing when I sang to him because everyone knows that I am a horrible singer and just simply don't sing. I reminded Daddy of the last time I sang that song, we were at my cousin Ryan's mission farewell and I whispered to my sisters "tell me when to start" in which the microphone was in front of me so everyone heard it! Ryan was like my brother in which he passed away on my Graduation day May 23.2003..who would have thought that daddy would be the next one to see him and Ryan would be welcoming him with open arms. I asked daddy, please give Ryan a big hug for me and tell him how much I miss him. "Daddy...please visit me often, as I will really need you." I promised daddy that I would be strong and that I will take care of mommy and my little sister. I also promised him that I will keep a current temple recommend so that no matter what, we will be together for the eternities. After an hour I gave him a big kiss. From that moment on, I held his hand in one hand and put my hand on his heart up to his very last breath. "Daddy, I wont leave you until your there..I promise". Daddy got worse as his lungs had filled up with infection and fluid, he was sufficating. Daddy would get really scared when his airways were blocked or if I let go of his hand..I then would look him in the eyes and rub his sweet chest "its okay daddy, you can go now" I would repeat myself and would also let him know that "we will be okay". Daddy took his last breath while we listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir "Lilies in the field" and him staring at the beautiful lilies on the TV. I am thankful he went peacefully at 8:15 A.M. April 19, 2009 after a long suffocating night and a courageous fight to stay with us. The gurgle still haunts me as I still cannot let the sink drain or even stand the sound of a humidifier. They say time heals...time hurts and I hate it. Time makes me miss him more, time makes me sadder and sadder, time is A LONG time away from my daddy! My eyes are sad and my heart hurts, how will I be okay without my daddy? My testimony has grown and I am so thankful to have the gospel in my life. How can anyone deal with such tragedy without the gospel? I miss my daddy more and more everyday. I cannot explain the hurt I feel. I am thankful he isn't in pain anymore and I cannot wait to reunite with my sweet daddy. I will miss his warm embrace, his loving words, his wisdom, his strength, his courage, his testimony, his prayers, his love and commitment, his comfort, his laugh, his smile, his stories, his EVERYTHING* I love you my daddy. (I spoke at my daddy's funeral and I will post it soon)

My Daddy's Obituary

2009-04-23T22:13:00.001-06:00

MacArthur Douglas Halona
(April 21, 1951 - April 19, 2009)

MacArthur Douglas Halona

MacArthur Douglas Halona, 57, of Springville, UT, returned home to his Heavenly Father surrounded by his family, on April 19, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born April 21, 1951 in Gallup, New Mexico to Wallce E. and Betty J. Halona. He spent his childhood years on the Navajo reservation in Tohatchi, New Mexico. At the age of 8 he came to live in Springville through the Indian placement program, graduating from Springville High School in 1969. He attended BYU where he performed with the Lamanite Generation and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 1985. He loved fishing, hunting, yard work, woodcutting, camping, the BYU Cougars, and the Utah Jazz. He was a talented artist and enjoyed studying Church History. Above all he cherished spending time with his family.

He married his best friend Pamela Sue Pendergraft on June 7, 1980 in Orem, Utah and was sealed as her Eternal companion in the Mt. Timpanogas Temple April 11, 2009.

He is survived by his parents; his wife of 28 years; sons and daughters: Leigh (C. Lee) Vornkahl, M. Shane Halona, Jeremy (Delores) Halona, Michael Halona, Utahna (John) Erickson, Desiree’ (C. Ryan) Raulston, Andrea “Gia” (Timothy) Carter, and Melody Baldwin Halona; nine (soon to be ten) grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday April 22, 2009 at 11 a.m. in the Springville Fifth Ward at 245 S. 600 E. A viewing will be held Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S. Springville or at the church on Wednesday one hour prior to the services. Interment, Springville Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Wheeler Mortuary to help cover funeral expenses.

Forever Daddy's Baby Girl

2009-03-25T20:30:00.005-06:00

As I mentioned before in an older post "sad day" I was optimistic about my dad's future as I knew his health would slowly deteriorate from the recent chemo therapy. As I read my old post over and over again, it is now so clear that I knew this treatment wouldn't work but yet I still sat and held on with every strength of hope and faith that I could possibly have. I now simply realize that Heavenly Father was trying to get through my thick head and prepare me for one of the worst days I would experience in my life. On February 23, 2009 (the day before our 2 year anniversary & 3 days before our Bahama cruise)my sweet husband was not his usual self. Tim is always so happy, full of jokes and always smiling...I knew something was wrong. As I kept to my work (those of you who don't know...Tim and I took over the family daycare so my mom could spend some quality time with my dad, and so Tim and I could turn the place around and put some peeps in their place)running back and forth across the center something didn't feel right. When answering the never ending ringing telephone, I was surprised to hear that it was my little 14 year old sister. As we said our quick hello's Melody sounded very concerned and had asked me "why are there so many cars at the house?" (her school is across the street from my parents home) I simply said "oh, they must just be visiting daddy." Dad was taken to the hospital on Sunday February 22, 2009 after pleading with my mom to take him because something was very wrong! Dad had been very confused, he couldn't carry on a full conversation let alone a sentence. He would start speaking fine and then end up speaking complete gibberish! After going out to a movie (a typical Saturday with my parents) it became very clear that dad had not a clue what was going on! He couldn't walk up the theater stairs without falling, nor could he open the door without stumbling across the lobby. I was scared. After spending most of the day at the hospital and running several tests on my dad, the Dr.'s concluded that everything was OK, but encouraged us to call dad's Oncologist first thing Monday morning. I didn't want to hear that he was OK, because he wasn't!! I spent the long night on my knees pleading with the Lord to "make my daddy better"! The following day at work I was ready to run out the door on my lunch break to go pick up an Anniversary gift for Tim. I got to the desk to say bye to my hunny,when I had quickly asked him if he had heard why there was so many people at my dad's house. Tim had said "your mom will be over in a while to talk to you". I instantly freaked out saying.. "is my daddy OK?" "Is he dead?" "Why are you not telling me!?!?!" "What the hell is going on!?" Tim in his very loving voice asked me to go for a walk, I refused of course as I started getting extremely upset, he asked if I would go for a drive with him. Refusing again, he finally gave in and said "alright let's go into the office". I walked in and I should have sat down. Tim, who had tears running down his cheeks simply said "your mom talked to dad's Oncologist today and........I'm sorry baby, but your dad only has 2-3 months to live". I lost all feeling in my legs and dropped to my knees crying like I have never cried before. Hysterical, I cried and cried and cried. Re' (my older sister) was in the other room came rushing in to my side asking what was the matter. I cried harder. Nothing could make it better. Nothing. As I continued to cry, my mom showed up and being the amazing mommy she is, she pulled me to my feet and held me. She is so brave! Not even a tear, just her strength and her encouraging words whispering into my ear "it's going to be alright, we will be OK and daddy will be OK". What!?! My mom never ceases to amaze me on how strong she is. She is amazing. I was still crying, my heart hurt. She calmly lead me out to the car to go see dad.
I walked into my parents house trying to find "some" strength, it was when I saw his humbling face, I lost it! Embracing my mom I whispered "I can't do this! I can't!". After a few deep breaths, I walked over and put my head on my daddy's chest. I was overwhelmed with the love & the peace we shared. I stopped crying the instant I heard his heart beating and was instantly comforted. The rest of the day was very overwhelming and most of it is still a blur, however the spirit that I felt so strong when I embraced my dad is still with me. I don't know how I am getting through each and every day. Working over 10 hours a day running a Daycare Center, so I can continue to help provide the quality time mom and dad need, and to help my sister Re' cope and to spending each afternoon with dad. I can't help but wonder, why am I doing this? Will I regret this? Why can't I spend my days with my daddy? It is then, when I know why!! Daddy knows that I am the strong one, and he believes in me! He knows that I will be OK and that I...Gia...will be forever in his presence in which he will lead me and guide me each and every day. He is going to take care of me! What a blessing to know that daddy will always be with me. He will never leave me! Daddy will always be there no matter what, all I need to do is stay strong and hold on to the Gospel, and have faith. It is going to be tough and I know it is only going to get harder. The worst is yet to come. Like my daddy said "it's only temporary baby girl, it's only temporary". Dad is sacrificing his life to help his family grow, to be stronger and to follow thy Gospel. I know this is to be true! He has fought so hard for the family to be together forever...for eternity! That is all dad has asked of his children, and I am happy to say...I'm ready daddy, let's go get sealed! Hopefully in the next few weeks we will be sealed as a Eternal family and I will also be sealed to my wonderful husband for Time and all Eternity on the same day so my mom will have us to celebrate with! I love you daddy. You are my superman, my strength, my best friend. For now I will cherish each and every moment we will share together. All I ask of you daddy is to first give Ryan a big hug for me and then to play lots with my babies and send a part of you with them as you kick them out of heaven to be with us...lead me and guide me and I know you will be waiting for that wonderful day when we are together again. I love you daddy and I will forever be your baby girl.

I'm now a Scentsy Consultant!

2009-01-25T19:20:00.002-07:00

I am so excited to be a Scentsy Consultant! I know tonz of peeps are doing it in Utah, but I have such an awesome privilege of having a great clientele from work (our family daycare) so I already got the hook up!! I have only been doing this for about 2 weeks and have almost hit my thousand dollar mark! I have always been obsessed with candles and having my house smell marvelous that this is perfect for me! Scentsy's anyone?!? Check out my website at www.scentsy.com/wicklessfun

Sad day...there is more to come....

2009-01-25T18:00:00.000-07:00

So Weds. my dad started his 4th round of Chemo therapy....that says it all. He called me from the hospital just sobbing when they started his treatment. I didn't know what to say other than "I love you daddy". I hate seeing my dad in so much physical and emotional pain, he is someone who I see as the strongest man alive and my superhero. About 8 weeks ago he had gotten a scan and they had found that the cancer has spread from his liver to his lungs, it was about 6mm, so controllable. This last week it had grown to be 1 1/2 inches in less than 9 weeks! It is out of control! My poor dad has been walking hunched over for about a week now due to severe pain in his liver. We pray it isn't spreading into his spine! Last week was the first time I heard my dad admit that this cancer will take his life.... we haven't talked about a funeral or death before.. but it looks as though we better start pinching pennies and figuring out what steps to take (just in case). I am thankful that he is no longer in denial about this whole thing. I know it Will be a long few months, I just hope and pray that we can get this under control and in remission before it takes his life. I am thankful for all the prayers we receive and thankful for everyday that I do spend with him.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Oakley Drinking Cider!
I know...very late posting on my part! The year started off just wonderful....Not! Just a few days after Christmas Tim's business partner decided to pull out of the company and told Tim he is done! What?!? You have got to be kidding me!? Happy freakin New Year! After Tim gave up a wonderful job to go help him and make this business work, we get shafted! Not only do we loose a sweet salary, but also Health insurance! I don't really care about the money to say the least but the Health Insurance? Yes! It took us a year to get approved for insurance and now to loose it!? As we are, or "was" going to start our fertility treatments this month...that is now on hold! As most people know, my dad has stage 4 cancer and it is not looking very good and I want more than anything for him to meet one of his grandchildren! It has been trial and error for the last few weeks. We have fasted, prayed and fasted some more and prayed some more.... nothing. I have been a religious "craigs list" job add searcher and Tim has been so willing to apply at various of places and has even gone to many interviews...no luck! We have decided to leave it all in the lord's hands and now all we can do is have faith! We know everything will work out and thank goodness we have savings! On a lighter note, we have set some personal goals for this new year, we even made a poster!! Hahaha! Now that the month is almost past we have still kept to our goals and can't wait to let you in on some of it when we accomplish it!!! Keep checking up on us... we have a surprise coming!! But to all our loved ones Happy New Year!!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Christmas was splendid as usual, not to mention it was a white Christmas!! We got to spend lots of time with our family's, open presents, drink lots of hot cocoa (mint, that is) and enjoy a long weekend!! I feel so blessed to have been surrounded with so much love and family during the Christmas Season. Tim and I were like kids on Christmas morning and was more than happy with all that we received! I personally was stoked about the new Nikon camera I received! I had been hoarding my mom's camera almost all year since mine had died, and I was not about to buy another one unless it was a professional camera....what do I know about professional cameras?!? Nothing! I look forward to learning though! I was excited to have Tim open one of his many presents....A new wedding ring!! During the summer we went floating down the Provo River with some friends and Tim had lost his wedding ring in the battle of "saving my life"..hahaha! Good Times! Its a lot like his old one, just without the platinum inlay and $1,000 dollar price tag. I decided that he will probably loose this one too, so I compromised! This was my nephew Hurley's first Christmas as well, I was sooo excited to spoil him rotten!! I got him this awesome "punk rocker" jacket that says Hurley and he wears it every day! I love it! I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas! We miss all our friends and family's that live out of state! Love you guys!

Counting Down The Days.......Three, Two, One!

2008-12-22T22:04:00.003-07:00

Tim and I cannot wait for this Christmas! As you can see, We went ALL OUT! (Santa came early) Yeah! (Can you believe Tim made that bow! Amazing! I love my handy man:) After spending all of 2008 getting out of debt and maintaining a debt free lifestyle, we thought it was AWESOME when we had money put away in savings, and some extra well deserved x-mas money! It has been such a blast finding each other our gifts! For the past 2 weeks we have asked each other every night "should we open just one?" I swear we are worst than kids sometimes! We love Christmas and we are looking forward to having our first x-mas in our new home! Decorating for Christmas has been splendid and we cannot wait to tackle some more upcoming "Gia by design" projects! Can't wait to open those dang presents!!!!

It's A Winter Wonder Land!

2008-12-22T21:03:00.006-07:00

We woke up this morning to a Winter Wonder Land! It was crazy! Yes, we have had some snow fall the past few days, but nothing compared to this! This afternoon most of the roads in Spanish Fork were closed and our power went out! There were cars all over the sides of the roads! Come to find as I was driving to work in Springville, literally 5 miles down the road, it was a heck of a lot better than by our house! (We live by Spanish Fork Canyon) I couldn't believe the Overnight Snow Fall! We took some pic's tonight of Oakley out in the snow! We went to take him out to go potty and he just SUNK!! It was sooo funny. He was hopping around like a little bunny! The most funny is when he came inside, he has snow stuck to his belly and arm pits! Hilarious! Enjoy our Pics!

Halona Christmas Party!!

2008-12-22T20:41:00.005-07:00

This year at the Halona Christmas Party, Gia's brother Mike was in charge and had came up with a "ugly Christmas Sweater contest"! It was AWESOME! Gia's brother Shane won wearing a XXXL Womens Sequin Vest! We all wore some nasty sweaters, Tim's was too small and Gia looked like the perfect "Relief Society President"! Not to mention Gia looked Eighty! LOL. Everyone including Hurley and Oakley wore a sweater! We loved it! We had tonz of fun eating Mutton Stew, Fry Bread and lots of Treats! We played some games and just enjoyed each others company. Merry Christmas Halona's!!

Ohh LaLa La.....The Festival Of Trees

2008-12-09T22:52:00.003-07:00

This past Saturday Tim and I went out on a HOT date! Yay! I love it when Tim takes me out! He took me to the Festival Of Trees at the Expo Center in SLC! I am obsessed with ALL decor and it is one of my passions to decorate so this was a BIG treat for me! It was so beautiful! I found a lot of great ideas and Tim also found an awesome tree that he wished he could have! I also saw the Tohatchi Branch! LOL! I grew up in Tohatchi and attended a very small chapel and some one had made a gingerbread house that looked just like it! You would only understand if you saw it! Lol! It was so much fun and I cannot wait to buy more Christmas Decorations! After the Festival Tim took me out to Ruby River, which just happens to be one of my favorite Steak Houses! I am not much of a meat eater until you mention a prime rib from Ruby! Yum! It was so DELISH! We had so much fun being together, like always, but it was a lot more fun being out and about! I love you Unnie BunnY!! Muah!

Gia's First Time SnowBoarding

2008-12-05T21:18:00.001-07:00

Well last Weds. we went Snowboarding! It was Gia's first time ever! (Isn't she so cute?) We were impressed on how fast she learned, she couldn't plow, but she definitely rocked at toe siding! She took off really fast until she got scared and would fall over laughing and screaming...it was funny, although she made up for it the whole 5 days after! She got pretty beat up considering she went against Dr's wishes of not participating in such events! We had fun, even though it wasn't snowing nor did it snow much so far this year at all! The snow was packed hard but we had a good time! Gia is excited to go again and this time...hopefully she won't be as sore! It will definitely be a fun snowy winter for us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-30T08:46:00.004-07:00

This year for Thanksgiving we did our traditional Thanksgiving Breakfast at Gia's parents house and we actually didn't have to leave the state to spend Thanksgiving with Tims family! Our very first Thanksgiving we drove all the way to Oklahoma and last year we drove to Idaho to his Grandparents along with his parents. This year Tim's mom prepared a gorgeous and delicious meal! Although, We were still pretty stuffed after Breakfast though! It was nice to have some of Tim's other siblings up for the weekend! We were Thankful to be together as a family! Each year at Gia's parents all the kids (6 out of the 8) bring a newspaper and we begin our lists and make out a blueprint plan for Black Friday! This is our 2ND year doing Black Friday and we really enjoy the all nighters, trills and excitement that comes with it, along with all the catty people! (Gia is just as sassy and can take anyone down with just a look, LOL) This year we really, really wanted to get a new T.V.. As we are both blind and trying to read subtitles on our little 27" wasn't working for us anymore, instead we would end up not knowing what the heck was said and then to be lost the rest of the shows/movies! I had been secretly been hoarding money every payday for the last 3 months and wanted to surprise Tim so badly with a new TV for Christmas, however knowing that the particular TV probably would not only weigh a 100 LBS but also take up some valuable floor space~So I decided to tell him on Thanksgiving day so he would be able to throw some punches on Black Friday to get it!! So Thanksgiving night, we stayed up all night and headed for Walmart at 1:00 AM! We scoured the store and found the 50" Plasma 1050P that we wanted! We parked our butts on the palette and hung out until the sale began at 5:00 am! At 4:00 am my sister Tahna had called frantic (from SLC) hoping there was an extra TV that I could grab for her. We had 2 right behind us and so I told her to cruz her butt here and get it! Long story short, at 4:35 am there she was and at 4:55 we heard screaming and ripped our TV off the pallet and into the cart! Tim received a battle wound to the finger, but it was well worth it!!! We helped Tahna load her's and made a dash to the checkout to meet Re and Buzz (and of course baby Hurley) and Gia's mom! What a great deal we all got! We were exhausted and went home to sleep it off! We were too excited to really sleep not to mention the sun was shinning at 7AM!! LOL! We called Gia's parents over to help us with the wall mount since Tim and I are not even near "Handy"! We love our new TV and have now become couch potatoes! (Don't know if that is such a good thing!) It was a very fun busy Thanksgiving and Black Friday! Lots of fun memories, full tummies and sleep deprivation! I am so thankful we got to spend the whole weekend with family, and I am so happy and thankful to enjoy another Thanksgiving with my Daddy. We hope to have many more with him... we will keep our fingers crossed and just count ourselves lucky to have another holiday with him! Love you Daddy Nack!:)

A 15 Year Old Dream Came True!!

2008-11-19T20:10:00.004-07:00

Saturday November 15th my sisters and I had the time of our lives!! My Sister Re's Birthday is coming up so my sister Tahna and I had the best gift idea ever....why not take Re' to see New Kids On The Block?!?! We talked with the family and ended up raising enough money for an extra ticket for Re'! We had gotten the Sweetest Floor Seats (row 30)!! All growing up my sisters and I LOVED LOVED NKOTB!! We had posters of them and we even had the Barbie's of our Crushes!!!! I am happy to say that "dang I had and do have amazing taste" even at 5 years old!!! I vividly remember us in our New Kids PJ's dancing and singing "The Right Stuff"!! We would always talk about how cool it would be to meet them!!
Tahna and I had gotten these tickets weeks before the concert and we could hardly contain ourselves!! I work with my sister Re' so I had a hard time keeping this secret from her! All I wanted to do was jump up and down and share my excitement! Tahna and I have been counting down each day, and when the day finally came we showed up on Re's doorstep to kidnap her! Her husband was in on the big surprise and had told her that he had movie tickets so she would be ready...when we kidnapped her we played "happy birthday" by NKOTB's 1986 album and gave her, her ticket! Afterwards we went up to SLC to Tahna's house to get ready, after all we wanted to dress up all eighties!!We were SO HOT!! We got to the concert and of course we needed to spend some OUTRAGEOUS dollars on some T-Shirts! We got to our seats and we could not believe how close we were to the stage! We danced and sang our hearts out! I personally kept yelling " I LOVE YOU DONNIE"!! LOL!
About 1/2 way through the concert we noticed a HUGE "something" behind us just 2 rows back..it was covered with a black tarp... well the whole place went black and a light shinned at this "something" and it ended up being a rotating mini stage with a grand piano on it and NKOTB had came out of nowwhere!!!!! We were inches from them!!! If it wasn't for a girl right in front of me, I would have touched my Donnie!!! Oooohhh! I however GOT DONNIE WHALBURG TO WINK AT ME!!!!!!! I almost fell off my chair!! He even posed for my camera!! I was on cloud 9! I got 3 of them to make some kind of gesture and eye contact on me!!! It was heavenly! I enjoyed this concert sooo much and I want to thank my Timmy for finding the tickets and also for letting me "love" and "obsess" about Donnie for the night! I had such a blast with my Sisters, it was so fun to be out together like old times! I am sooo happy that we got to share our 15 year old dream together!!!! LOVE U MY SIS'S!!!

It's been one year......

2008-11-09T18:59:00.002-07:00

Last year on November 9th we had lost one of our many babies.... we didn't know at the time that I was carrying a set of twins, I passed the first baby naturally and for the other (our baby girl) she was just as stubborn as her mumma and decided to stick around in my fallopian tube. On December 11th Tim had rushed me to American Fork Hospital due to severe pain in my abdomen. We learned there that our second baby had grown for over 12 weeks in my fallopian tube. I had been bleeding internally for more than 2 1/2 weeks and we were informed that if we had waited 24 more hours they would have lost me. We were crushed by the news and I was scared to undergo emergency surgery and wanted nothing more than to have them save my tube. The surgery was successful and we were blessed to have a successful recovery. We feel as if though our babies were a little scared to come and we now know why. The lord knows us best and will only put us through what we can handle.... we know that this trial was to help both of us prepare and to be grateful for our blessings. We know it will happen, not on our time but the lords and WE WILL BE READY!! We are excited to start our new year and we will then take the time we need to do EVERYTHING in our power to get pregnant....including the help from a Fertility Specialist. I am stoked to start a new chapter of our lives! Anyways...We found this video on YouTube and we just wanted to share and I dedicate this to all the women in the world who have fertility problems. I bawled through the whole thing...so ladies....grab a tissue!

2 Years Ago......I got my Prince Charming

2008-11-05T08:46:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was our 2 year anniversary when Tim proposed to me!!!!!! I cannot believe it has been 2 years! It has definitely been the BEST 2 years of my life. Tim has been a dream come true and an answer to MY prayers!! I never met someone who makes me feel like I do......he is my everything. My heart is so full of love for him and I cannot wait to be his eternity:) I attached the picture we took just moments after the proposal! When Tim asked me to marry him, it was in front of the Salt Lake Temple and he told me that he wanted to take me there someday....Well we made it a goal and on November 17, 2007 we received our endowments at the Salt Lake Temple.... We are now awaiting for my dad to receive his priesthood (any day now) and when he does we will be on our way to San Diego to be Sealed!!! What a Happy Day!! I love you Timmy:)

My Nephew Hurley Ryan Raulston

2008-11-04T20:54:00.004-07:00

This past Sunday our Nephew Hurley was blessed! Gia is having the time of her life with the little man. It has been a trying year for the two of us.....loosing our twins in an over traumatic way and also dealing with our 4 other Miscarriages and yet Gia still finds so much happiness through baby Hurley. Hurley was born on August 11th which was only a few weeks from our July 5 due date, however he has been a HUGE comfort to Gia, knowing that Hurley was just with "our baby girl". We know it sounds a bit crazy, but when Gia talks to Hurley about "our baby girl" he always gives her the biggest smile and a look that only the two of them share (so we think:). We know he was with her. Hurley was such a BIG blessing not only for his parents who waited almost 6 years for him, but for us as well. We needed this little man and Gia is sooo excited everyday to be a HUGE part of this little guy's life and we were thrilled to be a part of his special day. I love you Hurley "My Chubbas"! (We love his Traditional Outfit, True Blue Indian)

Our Mini Vacay!

2008-10-10T15:30:00.002-06:00

So last weekend we hit the ShipRock Fair! Gia is from a little town called Tohatchi New Mexico (Navajo Reservation) and ShipRock is only an hour away from there. Gia is obsessed with their traditional jewelry and traditional outfits! And Tim is OVERLY obsessed with their traditional food! :P Well we sat in traffic in ShipRock for over 2 hours! It was worth the wait!! At this fair they sell these unbelievable turquoise jewels for super cheap prices!! We were mainly looking for a Cradle Board for our "someday" baby.... girl:) Tim wanted nothing but the FOOD (and trust me Tim and his brother had more than enough! Haha!) We also kept our eyes out for Our new little nephew Hurley, since he is getting blessed really soon, the family wants to keep it traditional. We arrived around oneish on Friday and the weather held up. We stayed in Cortez Colorado at a hotel and when we awoke the next day it was POURING!! Those of you not familiar with the Reservation, all it is is tumble weeds and dirt EVERYWHERE! When it rains it turns into the biggest muddy mess you would ever experience! Needless to say, we got to walk in all 4 miles of this outrageous Muddy Flee Market! We had mud up to our knees and we lucked out and didn't slip once on this slippery mud! Well we ended up buying Hurley his whole shebang including these tiny moccasins! We bought Gia a HUGE turquoise ring and our someday baby a couple barrettes, bracelets and earrings . It rained the whole way home and we even got a ticket on our way home!! Gia for once didn't get it for speeding but a burned out headlight and her license wasn't valid for some weird reason...we wondered why we couldn't see! LOL! Anyways we are happy we made it home safe and sound, mutton sandwiches and all! We were most excited to show off all of our cool things we bought! We loved our Mini Vacay and we can't wait to go again next year!