The Chamberlains

On December 18, my best friend's dad from growing up passed away. He had Alzheimer's for the last 6 years. It was a very painful thing for their family to go through. His name was Elbert Harry Gaudig, but I always knew him as Bud. I remember the first time seeing his name on a piece of mail at the Gaudig's. "Who's Elbert?!?" I said. "That's my dad!" Leah replied. "No it's not! Your dad is Bud!" "Yeah, but his real name is Elbert. He doesn't like Elbert, so he goes by Bud." I was so blown away!

To understand what the Gaudig's in general and Bud in particular mean to me, you have to know a little of my background. The home I grew up in wasn't particularly happy all the time. It wasn't all terrible, but a lot of it was tainted by my dad's blowups. We never knew when they would happen and we never knew when it would get physical, mostly for my brothers, but sometimes for the rest of us. Now, there has been a lot of healing that has gone on and a lot of change on my dad's part since then, but as a kid, the Gaudig's home was my safe place. I was always welcome. So welcome that I had no qualms about helping myself to something to eat in their fridge or pantry. I spent so much time there I practically lived there. Sleepovers, barbies, climbing cherry trees and eating all their peas out of the garden. I must have been such an obnoxious neighbor kid, but I never felt that from them. I knew I was wanted and loved there. Bud took us camping, on road trips, to U of U football games, bought us treats, everything. Bud was kind, patient and fun. He was what I wished my dad was. And he filled that role for me.

I was able to say goodbye before he passed. I spent several hours with Leah and her siblings by his bedside reliving old times. How I love their family. His funeral was held on Christmas Eve and they gave me the privilege of speaking. I was incredibly honored. God put the Gaudig's into my life when he knew I would need them most. He sure knows what He is doing. Bud is the reason I chose to find someone more patient and loving as a husband and father than my own was. I'll be forever grateful!

Family parties galor, Illuminaria at Thanksgiving Point, Vox Humana Choir performances in Eagle Mountain and at Temple Square (I got to sing one of our songs in a quartet), and of course gingerbread houses with the Michaelson's. 

The BIG 1-0! We celebrated at Airborne trampoline park, with apple pie, and a new lego base plates for building houses and all kinds of things on. We sure love this quiet, smart, builder. He has a calming influence and makes our home what it is! Love you Park!

I got to go to Disneyland sans kids! I went with Scott's sisters and it was a "slow" couple of days. If it's this crowded on a slow day, there is no way I'd come on a busy day. But we had a great time enjoying each other's company and riding all the best rides.

Can you believe that this girl is 12? She is officially a young woman. Responsible, sweet, thoughtful. She loves to be a good friend to those who don't have friends, and she loves to serve. For her birthday we went swimming. She got a new pair of earrings and the new Harry Potter book...and then the day after her birthday her new phone arrived! She was so excited!

There is nothing like being able to make a giant pile of leaves to play in. The whole neighborhood ended up at our house to play in the leaves.