A tribute to my youth....

Cameron and I were talking about the recent fad on facebook to post a picture of your celebrity look-a-like (according to others). I couldn't think of anyone I had been told I looked like until Cameron kindly reminded me of how my family used to call me Kaiya. In case you didn't remember who Kaiya is here is a little reminder.




Good thing my siblings are so loving and affectionate with all the other things they called me (nobby nose, bubble butt, man hands) or I might have a complex.

The newest member of our family...

Josie Dakota (aka Kota) joined our family last Sunday night. Totally unexpectedly I might add.

My sister-in-law informed us late saturday night that her sister had to give the new black lab puppy they had gotten their son for Christmas away because their older daughter was absolutely terrified of her, even though she was a really good puppy. I have been saying for a long time that we were absolutely NOT getting a Dog until we were done having kids but when I heard the story suddenly it became appealing.

Cameron and I discussed it a little that night. Brigham over heard us talking about someone giving away a dog and thought that my Dad was giving away Sioux. He was sobbing in the back of the car asking why my Dad had to give away Sioux. We quickly reassured him that it was not Sioux we were talking about but seeing how much he loved Sioux was a convincing arguement, and he didn't even know he was trying to convince us. On Sunday she was brought over to my Dad's house for us to have a look. We fell in love with her right away....especially Brigham. And she came home with us that night.

The hardest part so far was seeing this 7 year old boy have to say goodbye to his puppy at my Dad's. He was just heart broken, and we felt awful for him and his family. Thank you to the Hill family for allowing us to take your precious puppy. We love her already!

Little things make me happy...

The past 4 months have been difficult, to say the least. But I have learned to find joy in the smallest things because somedays its all I have.

Today after church the boys and I were walking home in the snow and Cameron stayed at the church to help shovel the walks. Brigham ran ahead of me and a few seconds later comes running back with 2 sand shovels in his hands. He gives one to Max and then yells to me while passing by, "I'm going to help Dad shovel the snow at the Church!" I wasn't sure whether I should be proud that he wanted to help his Dad or laugh at the fact that he thought he could be a lot of help with his sand toy. Ha ha. It made me smile so I took a couple of quick pics to capture it.

We miss you and love you! We were blessed to have you!

Thank you all so much for the outpouring of love! Here is my beautiful mother...

Ardene Ressler Bullard

On August 18, 2009 the light of our lives and heart of our family was suddenly and unexpectedly taken. Despite her valiant efforts, she was overcome by an aggressive and sudden infection.

Ardene was born on March 18, 1955 to Peter J. and Reah O. Ressler in Roy, Utah. She was the youngest of 10 children along with her twin sister and best friend, Arlene. She was raised in Roy and attended Ricks College and Weber State College. She was married to her high school sweetheart Lonnie M. Bullard on May 5, 1977 in the Salt Lake Temple. She dedicated her life to her husband and to raising nine wonderful children. She excelled in and deeply loved being a mother. She loved the out-of-doors and was passionate about sports and fitness, especially tennis, playing on many teams and in many tournaments. She never shied away from competitive games, even with women half her age. She had a passion for life and was involved in all the activities of her children. She stood side-by-side with her husband in community, business, and recreational events. Ardene and Lonnie were inseparable in life, one name rarely mentioned without the other. They know their relationship is eternal.

Ardene was blessed with an unwavering testimony of the gospel and a great love for her Savior. While raising her nine children, she served in many ward and stake callings, among her favorites were: missionary at Hill Cumorah Pageant, camp director, Young Women’s President and Relief Society President.

She is survived by her husband Lonnie and children Melissa (Samuela) Ita’aehau, Michael (Andrea), Shannon (Cameron) Garber, Kendrick (serving in the Tuxla Gutierrez, Mexico Mission), Anna, Denis (serving in the Johannesburg, South Africa Mission), Valek, Madison, and Dema. Also survived by soon to be eight grandchildren, father, Peter J. Ressler, and siblings Boyd Ressler, Susan Howes, Judy Daugherty, Holly Everton, Chris Ressler, Pam Woodall, Coral Taggart, and Arlene Racker. She was preceded in death by her mother Reah, and brother Laurie.

A viewing will be held at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah, on Thursday, August 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A viewing will also be held from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at the Farmington North Stake Center at 729 W. Shepard Lane, Farmington, Utah. Funeral services to be held at 11:00 AM in the Farmington North Stake Center. Internment at the Farmington City Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff of the Intermountain Medical Center for their heroic efforts, compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Perpetual Education Fund or the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Ardene will be forever remembered as selfless, loving, and without guile towards anyone, always showing unconditional love. Oh, how we will miss her.

Way too long...

I know it's been way too long since i've posted, and it will probably be a few weeks until i'm ready to catch up. But yes we still exist. Here is one picture for proof!