Remebering Cody Towse

'American hero' Cody Towse remembered at funeral as everybody's friend

 

There was such amazing community support and unity. Flags were gathered from everywhere that they could be found. The day that Cody's casket was flown into the U.S. to the Provo airport... there was a procession from there to his house in Elk Ridge. Turn up the long Elk Ridge road... there were flags on both sides of the road lining the roads all the way to his house a spanning several miles. Everyone came holidng flags to wave on and show their support. Their were other soliders, officers, EMTs, so many people there waiting to show support for this brave fallen soldier. It helped us to realize the personal sacrifice of freedom, and that its not really free. It is being fought for daily. It was a humbling and special experience to attend. He will be remember for all of the good he did. He had become known in Afghanistan as the "Candy Doc"... he was a trained medic who had recieved such respect as to be referred to as "doc", and becamse known as the "Candy Doc" because he frequently threw candy to the Afghanistan children.

Time Fades Away......

It is now December..... the year will be coming to a close soon.... and I realized that at some point I stopped writing. As I come back to write, and I realize how much time has in some ways faded away, I have so many thoughts and reflections... because I do want to finish our blog for the year. We have had many special memories, and many wonderful tender mercies and memories. But we have also shed many tears, we have lost family and close friends.

As I came back to this blog after so much time, I found it interesting that the last post I made had pictures of both TylerKate in the cemetery at Grandma and Grandpa Blowers grave... remembering those who have gone before us, and the wonderful impact they have had on our life, but it in the very same post, I also had pictures of the temple. Oh, how these two things go hand in hand. To me it felt reassuarance and and sense of peace.... I wouldn't know it at the time that I had posted those pictures... but in just a few short weeks... this would become a theme for us throughout the year.... loss of loved ones. And so it became difficult to write. We were trying to go on, and although we have felt a huge amount of peace and assurance through these times, there is still the process of grieving which is part of our learning experience.... and it was as if time stopped for us... but it kept moving on for everyone else... and before we had the chance to get back on our feet, we would feel loss again. We would feel loss four times.... 3 within 1 month, and then just a few months later 1 more that was really close to our heart.

As the year has been coming to a close, I have realized that I want to continue this blog, fill in the gaps and voids the best I am able... so that we will be able to print this out... as a book... our family journal, as we have done once before.

I wasn't quite sure where I wanted to start today, but then I had this memory in my mind of a beautiful rainbow amid the storm clouds... and I realized how much peace it brought me. Rainbows are a reminder to be of Gods love, and of His promises kept.

They fill me with a sense of hope, and one of the tender mercies I had this year, has often been to see a beautiful rainbow at times when I need that reminder most.

No matter the trials, Gods love and promises remain true and sure.

Brigham City, Memorial Day 2013

It was nice visiting the Brigham City cemetery and remembering lots of ancestors, as well as seeing where Lorenzo Snow's burial spot is. The kids really love taking their time here and are so thoughtful.

 We finished our trip by driving around the Brigham City temple. This was our first chance to see it. What a beautiful place, and great way to end our trip.

More fun times together, and goodbyes... May 2013

 The "Cup Game"

 Just hanging out together. :)

 On a search for "rolie-polies".

 .... and time to say Goodbye! It went so fast. This is always the hardest part!

We finished our trip with one last visit up to mom and dads to say goodbye and see David! We went up to the house several times during our stay... I am not sure why I didn't take more pictures there. Mom and Dad have done such a great job with the house. It looks better and better each time we come. We really love the gate on the front that was designed by mom... with the words... faith, courage, and endure. The kids really enjoyed seeing David in his new "apartment", and its been such a joy to know that he is home where he can be loved and cared for and tucked in each night!

We love you David!!



Alecs Graduation Party

It was fun to get together for a celebration for Alec! I can't believe how fast these kids grow up. 3 of Lauries kids have now graduated highschool, and her youngest is 16!! I don't know where the time goes.... it seems so fast.

We were all so happy for Alec, and happy for the time we were able to spend with him, and enjoy his fun personality!

Brooklyns Playground

This is one of our favorite playgrounds... so many fun things... it really is a creative, fun park!

Scout Mountain

One of our very favorite places to go!! We make so many good memories here... its a true family tradition at reunions!!

 We got a tree swing up and going.... it took some creativity but between all of us we managed it, and the kids had a lot of fun on it.

 From youngest to oldest, all of the cousins are such good friends with each other. They love each other so much and made so many good memories together, and really take care of each other!!

 Danny really enjoyed keeping the fire going! :)

 Sterling cooked us up some special hot dots... wrapped with bacon, and topped with pico de gallo and the works! YUM!!

 I think the stick and pine cone creation was Kaitlyn's.... I love it!!

 We were so happy that mom, dad and David were able to join us at Scout Mountain. I know David really loves coming, and we really love having him there!!

 Ha Ha..... Bret saved us from the scout mountain geyser :)

So much fun! And so many happy faces.. we even had a marshmallow war, and the kids loved to go off exploring and having their own adventures!! :)