One year later...

Sometimes, you don't truly appreciate what you have until it's gone.

My Dad was one of those types of people that was always doing little things that you didn't notice until he wasn't here anymore. He was so thoughtful.

He'd be in the store and see something (usually weird, random things) that he thought we might appreciate, so he'd buy it and bring it over. Whenever I called the house and he'd answer, he'd say, "Whatcha need?" That's just the kind of guy he was.

He gave the best hugs, the most sincere advice, and always had a listening ear (even when I was being irrational). He made all of us feel safe and loved.

I know he suffered every day, but he would often pretend that he wasn't hurting as much as he was and go out and do whatever we asked of him. He came to all of my kids games and dance recitals. He helped chauffeur the kids to practices. He was there when I was a working Mom to pick up sick kids from school.

I know how lucky I am to have had such an awesome Dad. I wish I told him more often how much he meant to me when he was here. I know he knew I loved him, but I should have said it more.

I love and miss you so much, Dad. I know I will see you again!

Sick Days

This has been our weekend.

So sad.

Luckily my kids are always troopers when they are sick and don't complain much.

Cough, sore throat, ear aches, and fevers, along with chills, pale faces, and the "smell of sickness" (you all know what I'm talking about).

Taylor's swab came back negative for strep, but Hannah's was positive. They both were given an Rx for antibiotics.

This is the first time that any of my kids have ever been diagnosed with Strep! We have been very fortunate in the past. Also, the Williams household has never had ear infections- ever! Strange, huh? This is why I'm posting. It's just such an unusual occurrence, that I feel it's blog worthy!

We now have some serious treatments going on, and are hopefully on our way to healthy, happy, better smelling kids! :)

In case you were wondering

The diet is going well.

Here is a before and during pic for comparison....

Told you I had 20 pounds to lose.

I'm down 15. Five more to go, which is the reason for the post.

I need strength. This low carb thing is getting old. :)

Funnest Valentine's Weekend, Ever!

Us and three other couples went to our house in Myrtle Beach this weekend to run a 5K.

We all beat our record times, despite the weather.

These are our friends, Travis and Sierra, after the race in the snow storm! It was so cold!

These friends are Charley and Mary. Mary beat all of us girls in the 5K. She rocked!

These are our friends, Dirk and Misty. This was Misty's first 5K. She did awesome! Dirk, of course, won the men. He ran it in 19:31. Again, super great considering the weather!

Yes, you see a snowman AND a palm tree. These things do not go together. It was the first time it snowed in Myrtle Beach in 10 years! Our neighbors said we brought it with us from Utah!

Snow!

We were still able to run on the beach, though, it was FREEZING!

Mary and Charley kicked our butts at bowling.

Travis and Sierra show'n Love!

A little fun at the Loco Burro (a yummy Mexican restaurant in MB).

We told the waitress it was Travis' birthday while he was in the restroom. He was so red faced when she sang to him! Funny, since his birthday is in December.

Jason and Dirk sharing some dessert. They love each other!

Me and Jas getting groovy on the dance floor!

Mary and Charley danced the whole time. They have some moves!

So does Misty! Her and Dirk were hilarious!

A few dummies decided to take a dip in the ocean at 2:00 A.M.!

Dirk was showing what he's made of before we left. Notice there isn't one ounce of fat on him to protect him in the 25' weather! They're all CRAZY!

Tell me that he doesn't look freezing! There was no way I was going to try that!

Overall, this was one of the top trips I've ever taken! We had lots of fun and laughs!

Thanks guys!

I think I peed my pants!

Jason stayed home with the kids tonight while I went to count the book fair money

(I'm the PTA treasurer).

They were going to have a movie night:

"Smokey and the Bandit 2."

This is what I came home to:

These are not your ordinary costumes. Look at their attention to detail! This took some time!

I'd like to point out a few of my favorite parts of their creative movie watching attire:

snow pants, and a couple of my necklaces....

Jump rope around her waist and toilet paper on the front of her spandex leotard....

tighty whiteys, mismatched feet, and sunglasses. It all goes together well with the light saber...

And finally- the jock strap that Jason bought Taylor as a joke for 7th grade P.E. (This is a hilarious story! Jason had Taylor practically in tears thinking that he really had to wear one for P.E.!), the skeleton gloves and did I mention the jock strap!

Really, I think I peed my pants from laughing so hard.

I'm in the office blogging because they all said I had to put on a costume if I wanted to watch the movie. (and risk having a pic of me on the internet? No way!)