Memories of Papa John

I have been thinking alot lately about my dad and how much I miss him. Tomorrow it will be three years since he passed on. I have often wished that I could turn back time and tell him that I love him again. I remember leaving Jonna's house the day before he died and I didn't take the time to wrap my arms around him and tell him that I loved him. I sit and replay in my mind that day at the hospital and how emotional it was for all of us (especially my mom). I know she misses him too!

Anyways I just want to post the poem that I wrote for his funeral program. I know that it is not the best written poem ever, but I prayed that day to my Father in Heaven that he would help me to write what was in my heart. I will always be grateful to Heavenly Father for sending me to earth to be raised by such wonderful parents. My mom & dad did everything they could so raise us in righteousness and to show us unconditional love. I just hope that I can live my life the way my father lived his. He truly was a man with a huge heart. He loved everyone, no matter what! He never judged anyone and welcomed everyone into our home. He would give you the shirt off his back and a meal to fill your belly. He loved to serve and was always so happy! I want to be just like my dad and I wish the world could be more like him too! I love you Dad!

What Is Heaven Like?

I often wonder what Heaven is like.

I wonder what I'll see.

Is it like the wind in your hair as you ride a bike?

Or the sound of the water in the sea.

Is it like the love in a child's eye?

Or the sight of a Christmas Tree?

Or maybe the smell of homemade apple pie?

Oh, how wonderful that will be?

You see that through the years I have seen

Little glimpses of Heaven

in the eyes of someone dear to me.

You see this someone is my Dad

and I'll tell you what I've seen.

Heaven is like long talks with dear friends.

And doing Missionary work.

Heaven is a listening ear to get you through the day

And singing funny songs that you will never forget.

Heaven is sweet little treats he gave to all the kids

And going for a ride on the mountain

just to see what we could see.

Heaven is like going fishing and bringing home a feast.

And going camping up on the hill come rain or shine.

Heaven is playing a card game

And swimming in Pete's Flume

Heaven is being pushed in the tire swing

so high you could touch the sky

And going to family reunions

to catch up on family ties.

Heaven was coming home and seeing his smile

And always getting a bear hug.

Heaven was the quality time we all had with our Dad

And all the homemade Christmas presents

he would make inside his shed.

Heaven is like the smile on his face

as he held each new grandchild.

And Oh how proud he is of all these little ones

who call him "Papa John"

Heaven is the Love for my mom

And the Love she has for him.

His gentle touch and the love in his eyes,

has helped me through my life. And even though he went to Heaven

I know that if we try to be a little like by Dad;

we will see little glimpses of Heaven in our eyes.

I know that I will miss my Dad, but I can't wait to see

that glimpse of Heaven in his eyes as he will someday greet me.

I love you Dad!

Love,

Becky

Wow, where is the time?

I know I have not blogged for a few weeks, but I have been busy getting kids done with school! Today is the last day! I really don't know if I am excited or dreading the fact that we really don't have anything planned for the summer besides a few family reunions and lots of swim days. Hopefully my neighbor Nancy doesn't get too sick of us using her pool! Well, the kids did really well is school is year. Shelby and Conner both made the honor roll. Kara received a few award, one was for perfect attendance! She is also going to do a few weeks of summer school. Her teacher asked the class if there was anyone who would be interested in doing summer school and yes her hand went straight up! She loves school! So anyways that is about all that is going on in our lives. Just trying to keep the fort upright! Hope all is well with everyone!
Love
Becky Randall

No Macaroni & Cheese for Lunch!

Well, I don't know if you know this about my Carson ! He LOVES Mac & Cheese! He eats this everyday for lunch! Well, today was different for some unknown reason! I asked him what do you want for lunch and he usually would respond mac & cheese, but today he said,"I really don't like mac & cheese. I want chicken nuggets. Anyways I just thought that this was a great day! I didn't have to make mac & cheese. I can seriously make it in my sleep! :)

Mom picked a Bikini out of the Garden!!

Yesterday was an exciting day! We finally picked the first vegetable out of the garden. I came inside to show everyone and the excitement grew. Carson went running down stairs and said to Shelby "Mom got a Bikini out of the garden!" We all got a pretty good laugh out of that! So far the gopher has not got to any of the plants yet. We hope that it will continue to grow lots of food!

Mom I have Speed Bumps!

Today we took a trip to Costco! We got all of the groceries and we sat down to eat a famous Costco hot dog! Carson was sitting across the table from me and he said, "Mom I am cold!" He asked to use Tessa's blanket and wrapped it around himself. He then asked me "Why do I have bumps on my arms and legs?" I then explained to him that those are goose bumps and that is the way your skin reacts to cold. After sitting there a little while longer, he said to me, "Mom I wish my speed bumps would go away!!" I laughed out loud and I think everyone in the food court was wondering what was so funny! He is so full of it! I love some of the things he comes up with. Although, sometimes when he asks question that are followed by "but WHY?" I have to be honest that I want to climb a tree and hide!

Happy Happy Birthdays

It is that time of year again! Carson started the birthday celebrations on March 29th. He turned 5 years old! It is hard for me to believe that he is five. He is so sweet and such a joy to have in our family. He will start Kindergarten in Aug. CRAZY! Next, we have Kara's Birthday! She turned 7 on April 4th. She is getting so big. She is such a help to me and loves to hold Tessa! She is an awesome big sister! We went to Gilligan's Island at the Queen Creek Performing Arts Center with a group of her friends and siblings. It was so fun. Today is Conner's birthday! He is 10 today! I can't believe that he is in double digits. He is also such a joy to have in our family. He is always willing to help and has such a sweet spirit. Shane & I are so lucky to have wonderful kids who love each other and are happy and might I add sometimes stubborn! They do keep us busy but we would not want it any other way! We hope that they all have wonderful birthdays and are so glad that they chose to come to our home!

The innocence of a five year old

Yesterday we went to walmart and as I was parking the car, Carson asked me why we have to go to the doctor sometimes? I told him that we have to try and keep our bodies healthy and that the doctor helps us do that. He then told me that one day he wants to grow up to be a doctor. Mallory (who is a copy cat to Carson) said " I want to be a doctor too!" Carson then replied well you will just have to be my assistant. She agreed and off we were on our Walmart adventure.


Then today Carson asked me "Mom when is Papa John coming back to the earth?" I explained to him that I did not know for sure when he was coming back but he would come when Jesus came. I then told him that because we don't know when they are coming we need to make sure that we are good and choose the right all the time. He looked at me and said "Well mom, you don't choose the right all the time!" Nothing like a wake up call from a five year old. I then asked "Why do you say that?" He said "Well you say naughty words all the time!" OK, how do I respond to that. I said "What naughty words?" Then I thought do I really want to ask that question. His reply was well you always say "no Carson" or "don't do that" or "Not right now" Boy I was so relieved that he really didn't know bad words. He is so Cute!


Back to our Walmart Adventure (we have alot of these!) Shane & I celebrated our 15 year anniversary today. Boy how time flies when you are having fun (or might I say CRAZY life!) Anyways, I was walking around Walmart and I asked my sister in law April "What you do get someone who you have been married to for 15 years. Carson spoke up and replied "Maybe you should get him a new BRAIN!" We laughed so hard at him! Anyways, We ended up getting Shane the Wii Fit. I am sure the kids will enjoy it more than Shane. Shane was so sweet and got me 15 red roses delivered to the house. They are so beautiful. He is so sweet and I don't tell him enough how much I love him! Fifteen years ago was the day that I made the best decision of my life. He truely is my best friend and I love him! (Did I already mention that I LOVE HIM!) HaHaHa :)