A Tribute with Gratitude.

As some of you may already know, my father-in-law unexpectedly passed away last Thursday.This experience has been exhausting and grueling, but nevertheless surprisingly uplifting.

I never quite grasped the magnitude of influence this man has had on people until we were faced with his passing. Dennis's dad (Dennis Sr) was truly a man of God. He had a genuine care and liking for children, the elderly, and less fortunate people. He tirelessly served people in his community and was especially drawn towards widows. Dennis and I had the opportunity last weekend to meet and dine with a 92-year-old widow named Lenore. Lenore took to Dennis Sr and was greatly saddened by his death. She told us that he “treated me so well.” She was precious and I couldn’t help but feel sorrow for her loss. The weekend of his death I was amazed at the amount of flowers, meals and visits the Blackburn family received. There was countless stories of Dennis Sr’s gracious love towards people in the community. People loved him and were devastated with the news.

He and his wife had just been called to be mission presidents a couple weeks prior to his death. They had become close to Elder Robert D. Hales through the years while meeting with him occasionally to discuss mission plans. We were honored and fortunate to have Elder Hales speak at his funeral. The service was inspiring. I believe everyone at the funeral was influenced to be a better person.

Through this all, the most astonishing part was my husband. Dennis was resilient, strong and faithful. Not once did he question God or portray anger. Instead, he and his family clung to the Gospel and demonstrated nothing but love and service towards each other. They are examples of truly devoted family members.

I am so grateful for my husband. I have been blessed beyond belief to have him in my life. This experience has brought us significantly closer while my love for him as increased twofold. With the Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow, I encourage all of us to be more grateful, more selfless, more forgiving and more humble as we reflect on our blessings. Never take any relationship for granted and tell those you love how grateful you are to have them in your lives.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

It's official. The flu has caught me.

Well actually just a cold. I called in sick to work today and I'm hanging out on the couch to see if I can rid my body of this cold by watching t.v. all day. I'll let you know if it works. And yes I have reason to believe that Mrs. Erin Bradley passed on her sore throat to myself and Lacey. Love you anyway Er.

Stay healthy this holiday season by taking lots and lots of Airborne.

If you need me, I'll be here...

I've been looking forward to this very short weekend trip for weeks. It's finally here. I will be spending the next couple days in some warm weather and in the company of great friends. St. George here we come.


Hopefully Dennis makes it through the weekend.

Have a great weekend.

Great Halloween Costume.

So this year for Halloween Dennis and I decided to be a little creative. And by creative I mean disgusting. To spice things up at our annual DG Halloween party we decided to go as something controversial. A mannish lesbian and a transvestite of course. Dennis really does make a beautiful woman.(Thanks for the pic Jess)

One comment from the night: "Dennis's arms remind me of Kelly Ripa's."

Yes indeed.

On a healthier note--my next "project thankful" goes to Dennis. I know. Big surprise. But really, he deserves it. He is an awesome husband. Mostly because he can put up with me in a stylish fashion. I could go on and on about his many superb qualities but to spare you the cheesy details I'll just stop at he's perfect for me. Love you Denny!

**On a side note. That fat suit girl sitting next to me is Brynn. The Biggest Loser at its best.

Project Thankful

So I don't even know who this infamous "Marta" is but apparently everyone else does. She's made blog history. But I did come across her "Project Thankful" for the month of November and decided to post it on my blog as well, like many other bloggers are doing. What a great way to publicize your gratitude. I don't do this enough.

So for my first "Project Thankful" I thought I say how grateful I am for AMAZING parents. I'm obsessed with them. I must have done something right in the pre-earth life because I am SO BLESSED to be their child.

Pappa Engar:
I love going to movies, going on bike rides or just hanging out with my dad. He is the BEST. As well as being my dad, he is a best friend that I can talk to about anything, while he never judges or criticizes me. He is extremely smart and well educated in his opinions and beliefs. I can always ask my dad political or historical questions and he always knows. I look up to him so much. I genuinely enjoy my time with him and can't get enough!

Mamma Engar:
My mom. Words can't describe how grateful I am for her. She is the epitome of selflessness. Whenever I need something she is HAPPY and willing to do anything. I love going to lunch, going to the ballet, going shopping and watching movies with my mom. She is a great listener and will take time out of her day to do anything for me. I truly love her with all my heart.

More "Project Thankfuls" to come!