More memories of dad

My dad as a little one! Greg's Dental School Graduation!

My dad, doing what he loved...

Grandpa's Love

Tell me little one as I hold you close to me,
Can you see yourself bouncing high on grandpas knee?

Can you see his smile as warm as the sun,
Or his big, strong arms as they embrace everyone?

Tell me can you see him riding on Big Blue,
Tilting his hat saying, "Howdy, how are you"?

Can you hear his voice so warm and deep,
Speaking words of kindness and seeking out lost sheep?

Have you seen him work until the job is done,
Hoping his efforts will bring us all a bit more fun?

Have you seen his eyes looking over the ranch meadow
Twinkling with joy as his family is together?

Did you know that he never thought of himself,
Only of others and what he could do to help?

So tell me little one, now what do you see,
Is he here, beside us, lifting tenderly?

Did you see all the angels that rejoiced in song
When he returned to his heavenly home?

Tell me all about the tears that were shared
When all of his loved ones welcomed him there.

Oh little one, how I miss him so.
Of all of his greatness I want you to know.

As the days turn to years, and memories start to fade,
Remember his legacy and the path he has paved.

There will be no question as to how we should live,
He has made it clear- we should love, serve and give.

Just like our Savior on this earth long ago,
Your grandpa loved you and wants you to return home.

Our sights will now be set upon the heavens above.
We are not left alone, we are led by Grandpa's love.

Reading Time

Science Already??? Nathan really loves Talmage. He is so sweet to him and loves to help.

Talmage gets his FIRST haircut!

This is it...the big day! He seems pretty excited about this! A snip here and there and he was done! What a sweet little guy.

Thank you

I want to thank each of you who for your love and prayers. I can feel such a lift at this time. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that has made such a beautiful plan. I know I will see my dad again and all the others that I love so much. We went to the temple tonight as a family. I cannot explain what joy I felt there. It was so amazing to feel such peace. Anyway, please know how much I appreciate each of you.

Going back to the Farm...

Some of us went out to the farm to be together and enjoy something my dad loved...it was so sad to be there without him. He was missed. It was great that we could go together and be there with so many people that we love. It ended up being really a nice day. The whole group!
The kids were trying to move this hay bail for a long time...then Nathan came along and helped seal the deal.

Greg roping.


Sarah and Talmage-Giddy up!

Sweet Aunt Jeannie.

The kiddos-having fun

More haytime. Who would have ever guessed that haystacks could be so entertaining.

Our family-minus Talmage who was sleeping in the car.

Nathan and Talmage. Yee haw!

Sarah and Greg

Nathan would pretend he was roping and pull on the cord. Not yet, Nathan...

Talmage with Grandpa's rope.

Fun at the Copples!

Aunt Jeannie, Uncle Ken and Candice were so good to help watch the kids. They love it over there. There are dogs, chickens, gardens, swings, slides, tramps, even a turtle! It is like a real farm. I am so thankful to all the family and friends who helped so much with the kids. We could not have done it without everyones help.

Talmage can crawl!

Talmage learned to crawl! It was almost as soon as we got to Arizona. It was like he just blossomed. That cute little guy got moving!

The Days following...

If I were to be completely honest, I would say that the days following the news about my dad were some of the hardest in my life. It is all a blur. Almost like a dream that I keep hoping is not real. Through all of the sadness of those days, there was also alot of beauty. I saw so many people love, serve and give their time just becuase they cared. I saw people bring food, keep a water supply stocked, write letters, send and receive phonecalls, write lists, make visits, send flowers, provide listening ears, open hearts, and many stories were shared...the list goes on. People were there by my moms side constantly. I am so thankful to everyone for showing me what it means to be Christlike. For showing how you get in and get the job done, even in difficult times. Here are a few pictures of some of the the things that brought light and joy during those few days.

Nathan and Talmage in their matching shirts...buddies.



Ashley playing and helping entertain the kids! She is a really good wrestler.



Uncle Edwin working some magic!

The cute babies-(just missing Sutton) They have such a way of bringing things into perspective.

My Dad

My hero, a cowboy, kind-hearted, genuine, hardworking, selfless,

an angel.

My Grandpa

What I Love about Grandpa...

Nathan "I like to ride horses with Grandpa. That makes me happy."

Sarah "My Grandpa loves me and wants us to love everyone."


















Talmage (what he would probably say) "My grandpa made me feel special and he has the best name. I hope I can grow up to be just like him one day."
















My dad passed away on January 5, 2009. Words cannot ever express the love I have for him. I feel lucky to have had such an amazing father. It is amazing how even the littlest things have now become sacred. I found a paper he had written some directions on and I wanted to save it, just to remember his handwriting. I was thinking about our last week with him here. We rode horses, we sat together and talked, we ate, we went to the ranch, we listened to music, and he held my children and many of his grandchildren on his knee. I left for California thinking that was the most wonderful week. I was so thankful for my dad. I did not know that I would be turning around less than 24 hrs later to tell him good-bye. Had I known, would I have done anything different? Maybe, but I would not trade those seemingly simple events that took place for anything in this world. My dad was a builder. Everything he did and every person he came in contact with was made into something more grand, just by being near him. I love him. I will miss him. I want my children to know of his greatness. As time goes on and memories start to fade, a man like my dad will never be forgotten. He is my hero, a cowboy, kind-hearted, genuine, hard working, an angel, and many more things. Most importantly, he was my dad. For that I will be forever grateful.

Back to the farm!

We got to go back to the farm and squeeze in a little bit more riding before we had to go back to cali. I think I rode more in these few days than I have in years...between babies, nursing, etc. it has been a long time! We had so much fun.

Nathan and Griff-cowboys

Saige and Megan-looks like heaven is smiling on these beautiful girls

This little guy loves his daddy!

I guess when we have to "round up" the boys, this makes it literal...playing in the cow stalls.

The cowgirls on the hay.

More of Talmage and Dad

Kings of the haystack!

Sarah and dad

My dad-looking out for everyone.

This may be the first time we have been on a horse at the same time since we were dating...I thought we better document such a momentuous occasion!

Meet Piglet-Savannah's cute little pig.

My cowboys-aren't they cute?

My Dad and Griffin

Tough guy

Riding is fun!

Nathan with his new rope that Grandpa got for him.

Hanging out on the hay.