Here you leave today...

At my Dad's funeral my Uncle Kim paid a great tribute to my Dad, but one of my favorite things that I often think about is when he said "Driving a nice car was never important to Kenneth, but every year Kenneth took his family on a vacation". (Or Something like that)   Maybe it was his way of trying to teach this selfish daughter that the "things" in life don't matter. Maybe he wanted to build his kids character...Driving around in a big blue rainbow van will do that you know.  Maybe my Dad knew how much I would need those memories to get me through not having him here now.

These trips weren't always expensive or to some place exotic, unless you count the white mountains of Arizona exotic.  Some of our favorite vacations were camping trips to Browns Springs, trips to Utah and Colorado, and  we even got to go to Disneyland a few times.

Going to Disneyland was easier to do once we got older, and we went four times as much in the last 10 years than we did the 20 before...Sadly yes I am that old.  Anyway...My Dad and Sisters were planning a trip to Disneyland when Kristin came home from her mission.

And so we went...We didn't go until February, but we went.  Some days I wish I wasn't such a sentimental person.  When I landed in LA I got a little choked up, knowing Dad wasn't going to be there to pick me up this time as he had the other times I had flown in for our trip, but it was okay.

The trip was great, it really was, it was also really hard.  One of those firsts, one of those times you realize you didn't realize yet another area where you depended on Dad.  We had a great time, laughed a lot, cried a little, slept a little, walked a lot, ate way to much, got a little wet, but it was great!  There were quite a few times when I would look over my shoulder thinking that Dad was there. Maybe He was.

Mom wanted to get us all matching shirts
Grumpy shirts just seemed fitting
My Dad loved Grumpy. 

A slideshow of more pictures to come later...they are all trying to upload right now.

Thank you to the angels who lovingly gave us a generous gift that we used to pay for the trip.  We pray that your family is blessed for what you were willing to do to help us remember Dad. How blessed we all are.  

Disneyland

teaser of what is to come... so much fun!!!

It is...

Today was a good day, actually a great day.  One that I might just actually label a fabulous day.   Why you may ask....well just pull up your comfiest chair and I will tell you...(You should know that I never say anything in a few words, it always ends up being a novel)

It wasn't a great day because after spending 98.72% of the last two days in bed I finally had enough energy to get out of bed - or off the floor (I could be found guilty of not sleepy in my bed for the last month...don't ask...I don't even know).  - although that was really nice.  (even if I did sleep through 3 alarms and woke up an hour and a half later than I should have)

It wasn't really great because my natural curly hair actually decided to look decent today.  I love it when on days that I am running REALLY late I don't have to worry about blow drying & straightening my hair.

What made it really great wasn't that I ran in the door to work over an hour late to see three new hires waiting for me, only to hear one of my favorite co-workers telling these new hires how great I am when in all honesty I still don't have a clue about half of the stuff I am supposed to be doing.

It also wasn't the really nice compliment that the friend responsible for getting my job gave me letting me know that everyone at my new company was glad I was there that made the day great, even if that did make me a little bit happier inside.

Not even getting through four of the stacks of un-filed papers on my desk made it really great, although it did relieve some of the OCD anxiety I have been feeling since starting my new job. There is just something so satisfying about not having stacks of paperwork everywhere, and even better knowing what is in those stacks of paperwork.

Even though I was so happy to see one of my most favorite Texan's and visit with a few former co-workers that isn't what made it really great. A few people that I really miss.

What made my day really GREAT was all of these things. What really put the smile on my face and then warmth in my heart was that moment on my drive home when I realized that finally all of those years of my parent's quite examples had paid off.  That moment when I realized that actions speak louder than words. That moment that I realized that even when I get discouraged and wish I could just get things right for once that there is some of my Dad's goodness inside of me after all.  Tonight I realized that all of those times my Mom and Dad silently taught me that people are more important than programs, than statistics, even than the bottom line -might just have sunk in a little more than I thought. What made the day really great was the view of the HUGE full moon coming up over the mountains...my own sweet reminder that My Dad isn't far away.  What made my day Fabulous was when I blinked the tears out of my eye and heard my Dads voice say "I Love You Becca Boo, You're doing just fine" And that was what I needed to finish off this really great day... And you know what's really amazing... for once I didn't argue with Him.

An afterthought....sometimes I go back and read these after I publish them just to make sure they make sense...because they always sound so much better in my head....Anyway....


This post might sound like I am "tooting my own horn" but that wasn't my purpose. It really wasn't. Truth be told - I am like the million other women who feel the need to argue with every positive thing that is said about them and because we are so willing to argue with our own positive qualities sometimes we are to quick to judge when others do it. So if you are like me...Which I am really hoping you aren't...Go ahead and say it...."Doesn't she think she is just the bees knees" to which my response is "No I'm not the bees knees, but I am a daughter of two pretty Amazing Fathers and that my friend is all the reason I need to feel so happy for what They continue to help me to become."


And to everyone else....feel free to remind me of this the next time I have a really bad day.  

Girls night out with Miss Moe!

Little Miss Moe and I had a fabulous girls night out! We were rolling on the floor laughing, read some great stories, sang together and even painted our nails. Love this little princess!

Do you have birthdays in Heaven?

I have really been struggling this week knowing this week would bring a day that I used to celebrate, a day I used to enjoy calling my Dad to call him an "old fart".  I struggled with the fact that since He isn't here He can't turn 66 because do they really have Birthday's heaven.  But I have been humbled, comforted and blessed with many camouflage moments to help me.  So today instead of mourning what I can't celebrate because Dad isn't here I am choosing to celebrate and remember that He was here, and that there is still a part of Him that still is.  So Happy Birthday Dad.  Thanks for what you taught me. For what you showed me. For what you gave me. For continuing to help me. 

Here is a poem that my sister Heather wrote for my Dad's funeral. I thought it was appropriate today.  

The Lord must have needed a carpenter,

A man to work with wood

To mold the mansions and carve the mountains with all the detail he could.

God must have needed a mechanic to help to fix things to stay

A man that could help things continue on no matter what time of day.

Father must have needed a teacher to help men learn & grow

To become the people they are supposed to be & to learn what they should know.

God must have needed a small smile

A soul so sweet & kind

That he found a man with a heart so big that no enemies would be left behind,

A man who knows and loves him and who can help others through.

God must have needed a hero and that’s why he took you.

by Heather Penrod

Looking forward to the day we are together again.  

A gift from heaven

My sister in law Amy is amazing! And I love her so much for bringing us this sweet little angel.

 Gracelynn Faith Penrod 

January 16, 2012 10:31 pm 

5 pds 15 oz 

18" long

Picutres with Aunt Heather, Aunt Kris, Big Sis Kaelee, Grandma & Daddy....

But just you wait....

Pictures with Aunt Bec soon to come! 

 (I get to see her on FRIDAY!!!)

She has been waiting a long time for this....

Sister Sue finally has a little sister now! After 3 little brothers (who I adore) she finally has a sister to play dress up with!!! I know she is going to be an amazing big sister!