Always Remember

Always Remember Me by Justin Kunz

You may remember my post about my cousin Tammy and her husband Bryce. Unfortunately, just 100 days after his diagnosis with cancer, Bryce passed away on October 25th at the age of 33. I have read through her posts the last few days and cried, and prayed that she and her baby girl will be comforted and taken care of. They seem to have a great support group and Tammy has a vibrant spirit that is just amazing.

Because of Bryce’s passing and the fires that have devastated much of our region, I was comforted when sitting in the Saturday night session of Stake Conference listening to our church leaders. We were lucky to get a visit from our newest apostle, Quentin L. Cook, who also spent time in San Diego yesterday. He told us how he gathered the LDS families together that had lost their homes (somewhere around 45 families) and talked with them. He shared this quote with them and with us:

“No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God . . . and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we come here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven. . . .” (Orson F. Whitney)

This quote was used in a talk given by Spencer W. Kimball back in 1955 called Tragedy or Destiny. (I’m hoping to get Rob to add it to WhiteBinder, but for now I’m using the source I found it from.) The whole talk is wonderful and provides comforting and straightforward words for those who suffer tragedy and ask the questions “why me, or, why now?” I am so grateful for my belief that there is a greater plan and that we will all be reunited after we die. There are so many trials in this life, each person having their own unique experience. I hope that I will learn the lessons I need to from watching, and mourning, and sympathizing with those around me. I trust that the Lord is watching over us all and that His plan is best.

The above painting was done by my good friend’s husband who is a fantastic artist. I hope you will look at his site, JustinKunz.com to get a good look at his talent. This painting reminded me of Tammy and little Dani, so I hope he doesn’t mind me using it.

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Office Party

Hunter (Darth Vader), Sabrina (Cheerleader), Rob (Quarterback), Hannah (Sleeping Beauty), Emma (Vampire)

Halloween just wouldn’t be the same without some sort of costume trouble. Hannah’s crown was sitting on the stairs and as I was running down them calling out, “Let’s Go!”, I accidentally stepped on it and broke it. I hugged her and said, “I’m so sorry sweetie.” She was really good about it answering calmly but sadly, “it’s ok Mommy.” I cut some pink ribbon to tie in her hair and we ran out the door.

Rob’s office party was a lot of fun. It was the first time the kids had actually been inside to see Daddy’s office and that was what they were most excited about. We went trick or treating down the hallways, ate a yummy dinner, played games, and watched part of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”The kids were all very cute in their costumes and got lots of compliments. We are still waiting for word on the status of the scheduled Trunk or Treat for tonight. Rumor says it may be canceled due to the dirty air. The atmosphere would be great though. The moon glows an orange-red color that would be perfect for the festivities. 🙂

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Ash Friday

This is a picture my brother Chris found of our city. It looks so horrible, almost Biblical. It doesn’t seem this bad living in it. There is a great metaphor in this for life too right? You get used to the dimness when you’re in the middle of it.

 

School has been canceled for tomorrow because of the ash and unhealthy air conditions. The fire is moving away from us into the more mountainous areas, so we are not in danger here. Friday we are planning to hunker down and watch movies, and maybe sneak in some extra cleanup jobs. Here are the latest stats on our fire:

Acres burned: 26,000 / Containment: 30%
Destroyed: 14 homes, 12 outbuildings
Damaged: 8 homes, 12 outbuildings
Injuries: 4 firefighters
Time of Start: 5:55 p.m. 10-21
Official cause: Arson
Point of Origin: Silverado Canyon and Santiago Canyon roads, then crossed Hwy. 241 to the west; moved toward Portola Springs, Northwood village of Irvine.
Firefighters: 1,000
Evacuations: 43,000 people
Location: Silverado Canyon and its 700 homes are “far from being out of the woods,” fire officials say; firefighters have had success keeping the fire away from Trabuco and Live Oak canyons, the most endangered communities. Modjeska Canyon appeared safe for now (5:45 p.m.)
Costs: at least $10 million in damages

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My Quarterback

Rob’s office encouraged costumes today as a warm-up for the big family Halloween party they’re having tonight. Here is Rob in his costume. I wonder where he got this idea. 😉 I expect he’ll win first prize!

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Last Minute Costumes

I am a big fan of the Family Fun magazines and web site.  They always live up to their name with unique ideas for crafts, activities, trips etc.  I was just thinking about how Halloween is approaching and thought I’d check there for last minute ideas in case Rob and I decide to join in on the dressing up.  Here are some quick ones that I thought were really cute:

Black Eyed Peas

 

Quarterback

Road Trip

Smartie Pants

 

 

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