Happy New Year!!

Well, it's 2011 and a year that is full of hope and promise for us. At this moment in time, I am excited!
To catch everyone up a bit, my last post was done on the day of my Dad's funeral. It was a beautiful day full of sunshine, we couldn't ask for better weather this time of year. Dad is buried at the Veteran's Cemetery at Camp Williams. It has breathtaking views of Mt. Timpanogos to the right and the Wasatch Front to the left...even more striking with snow on them. It was a lovely graveside service with a group of family and friends. His casket had a flag draped on it and taps was played by an enlisted Army officer. The flag was folded and presented to me, it was so touching. Many people shared stories and thoughts and we left, simple and to the point! I am so proud of my Dad today. I hope he was happy with the way we handled his last tribute.
We visited with as much family as we could before leaving on the 19th to return home to our boys. Christmas came in a hurry as Karl and I furiously worked to prepare. It all came together and it was a wonderful day. We are so thankful for all that we have. We are especially thankful for the opportunity we have to celebrate Christ's birth together as a family.
I was doing fine with the mourning until Christmas night when I was up late thinking of everyone I had called or needed to call to wish a Merry Christmas. Before I knew it, I had thought that I had to talk to my Dad. It hit me hard because I wasn't prepared for that moment. It is the first holiday without him and I miss being able to pick up the phone and say, "Merry Christmas!".
Today I am taking it day by day. It's been a rough week as my emotions are finally starting to let go. I believe that the many blessings I received throughout this experience helped me through, but now is the time for healing. It is day to day.
Karl and the boys worked outside in the yard today and I took down the Christmas decorations. I love having the decorations up because they are beautiful to look at. It was hard taking them down this time. We are getting rid of the tree and the ornaments this year because they are in bad shape. Seems like a great thing for a new start to the year. We had visits from Kathy Kilgannon, who is Karl's co-worker and from Karl's cousin Justus Adamson, his wife and their boy. It was wonderful to again see family and so nice to have them in our home. They are the #1 cousins in our book now. :-)