Death & Taxes--the inevitable

To quote Benjamin Franklin: "'In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes."
Well this month we've had a taste of both of those inevitable events. Our property taxes came in the mail, OUCH! They went up quite a bit from last year, even though our house value dropped, how does that work? Ahh, such is the life of a homeowner! Thank goodness Dan has a job right now!
Death is another inevitable and feared event of life. Dan's mom Darla isn't doing so well and it is difficult to watch her daily deterioration. The doctor said that she has at most 2-3 weeks left. She is in advanced liver failure and unfortunately the doctors cannot do anything to stop it. Hospice started last week and have been great. They have been so caring and supportive. It takes truly amazing people to work in Hospice. We really appreciate all of the love and support of our family and friends, thank you so much!
On a brighter note, Darla did fulfill her life-long dream of being a college grad from BYU. She graduated Monday with a BA in business through continuing education. Go Darla! Right now Darla, Dan, Mauri, Jenna and Grandpa Boyd are all enjoying the colossal monument of Mt. Rushmore. Dan said it is beautiful and truly awesome sight. I think it is great that they all get to spend some time together. While they are off sight-seeing I got to watch my cute niece Abbie. It is so cute to see Josh and Abbie play together. They are really great friends.
I really miss Phoenix, especially since we're expecting 2 feet of snow in Park City tomorrow, bbrrrrrrrr! It has been great weather here so far, in the 80's. The leaves are changing color and are absolutely gorgeous. I LOVE autumn!

Dan the Man

Dan turned 29 on Sept. 2nd. The kids and I gave him a few presents, which Josh was very excited about and "helped" Dan open them by ripping the paper to shreds. I made his favorite cake, spice cake with cream cheese frosting and Dan and I went out on a date to an amazing Sushi place called RA in Ahwatukee. The best were the Vegas rolls! If you ever have a chance go there! It was a fun day and it gave us a rest from all of the packing.
I know that it is well past Dan's 29th Birthday, but I had to post how amazing my husband is! So I made a list of 29 things I love about Dan!
1. He makes me smile everyday
2. He takes our kids on daddy dates (He took Josh to the BYU game last Saturday, sooo sad they lost)
3. He lets me sleep in a few extra minutes and gets up with Josh to give him his oatmeal
4. He is an amazing kisser . . . etc.
5. He always opens the door for me
6. He is very hardworking, even when he doesn't love what he is doing
7. He has an awesome sense of humor, he cracks me up all the time!
8. He is always ready at a moments notice to give me or the kids a priesthood blessing
9. He always eats what I make for dinner
10. He love BYU, even after they have a disappointing game.
11. He always puts our family first, in everything!
12. He cleans the toilets and the showers so I don't have to
13. He make the best fajitas I've ever tasted
14. He loves me even though his ski skills are far superior (He's double black diamond, I'm bunny hill)
15. He always says "I Love You" as the last thing he tells me on the phone, when we're talking, and at night
16. He waited for me to finish my degree at BYU, even though it meant loosing his Arizona residency and therefore having to pay more the first year at ASU Law School
17. He always snuggles with me when we watch a movie
18. He always offers me the last bite when we are splitting some kind of food
19. He has never yelled at me in the whole five years we've been married
20. He is always willing to change diapers
21. He makes a great dragon when he and Josh play dragons & knights
22. He adores our children
23. He is very gregarious and makes friends easily
24. He has made me much more geographically conscious (he was a geography major at BYU, and yes, he does know where every country is and their capital)
25. He has shown me how to have greater patience and not hold grudges
26. He always wins in tickle fights
27. He can sleep through my snoring and talking in my sleep
28. He is the best dad to our kids, they absolutely adore him!
29. He is everything I've ever wanted in a man, friend, husband and father, he is WONDERFUL!

I love you Dan!