1 year

It's been a year since my dad passed away.  We decided to get together as a family on the one year anniversary to remember my dad and his amazing life.  We met at the cemetery where my dad is buried and spent a few minutes remembering him.  One thing about this year...it was freezing!  My dad's funeral was actually a pretty nice day for January and there wasn't much snow on the ground.

We had a moment of silence and then my sister and my mom said a few words.  We sang the song that the grandkids sang for him at the funeral.  We all wrote a personal memory of my dad and tied it to a balloon, then let them go at the same time. 

A Houtz get together always includes some kind of food, so we headed to Alan and Sherrie's house for dinner and treats.  It was nice way to spend some time with my family to remember my dad. 

It has been an interesting year, adjusting to life without my dad.  My mom has been amazing, even though it has been hard on her.  We all miss him so much.  I think of dad every time I work in my yard, or plant my garden, or open a bottle of canned salsa, dill pickles, or work with any tool.  I had so many good memories with my dad and I really do miss him.  I know he is in a better place but it is still hard to not have him with us.  I love you, dad. 

38

I'm not sure if it's just me but 38 doesn't really inspire any emotions.

I do enjoy that I'm older than most of the professional athletes I watch on tv.

I like to think that I'm still younger than most of the power brokers that make the world go round.

I know that I'll never make the Top 30 Under 30 list and my time is dwindling on making a list for Under 40.

Still, I am really comfortable with where I'm at in life right now.  I like being 38 - it seems to fit.

It's even better when people give me presents.

Dede and Ear Piercing

Kennedy's wanted to get her ears pierced for the past couple of years.  I guess everyone feels the need to poke a hole in their body at some point.  Tara and I made her promise that she would wait until after her baptism. We wanted her to be our little girl for a few days more.

Baptism on Sunday - check.

Guess what Dede wanted to do first thing after school on Monday. Yep - off to the mall they went.

Kennedy actually did pretty well. The whole thing happened so fast she wasn't quite sure what to think. Before you knew it, our little girl turned into a tween right before our eyes.

Kennedy's Baptism

Years ago Kennedy told me that she wanted to get baptized.

Right then.

She was 3 years old.

For the past several years she has patiently waited for her 8th birthday.  When her birthday finally arrived last month, we learned that she would have to wait a little longer for the January Stake baptism. After 5 years of holding on, what's another couple of weeks.  Kennedy used the time to buy her dress and take some photos for the announcements.  They turned out great!

Well, the big day finally arrived.  We invited both of our families, and many of our friends to celebrate Dede's baptism.  It was an amazing event.  We filled the Relief Society room with so many people who love Kennedy and it was very touching to see all the wonderful influences Dede has in her young life.  She is a special girl who touches many hearts.  I know she was pretty emotional when she saw all the people who came because of her.

One of the best moments of the ceremony came when Tara was speaking.  For the past six weeks Tara and her mom have been working on a quilt for Kennedy.  As Tara shared how the Holy Ghost can provide us with comfort she presented Dede with her own special comforter.  It was a great moment and one that I'll remember forever.

The baptism and confirmation went off without a hitch (even though Kennedy threatened to leave her toe out of the water so she'd have to be baptized a second time).  As I laid my hands upon Kennedy's head in the blessing I was impressed with how much our little girl will accomplish in her life.  I know that Heavenly Father loves Kennedy.  She is a choice spirit who will influence many for good.  She is a major part of my life and I hope that I can live up the responsibility of being her dad.

Thanks to everyone for making Kennedy's baptism such a special day.  It was wonderful to see our little girl growing up and to know that she wants to do what is right.  Tara and I couldn't be prouder as parents than when you see your children making good choices for the right reasons.  We love you Kennedy!

Photo of the Day

Nothing like a big icicle!