Mother's Day

Mother's Day came and went. And as you can imagine, it is a rather hard time for my family, it's a rather emotional day. It's been 2 1/2 years since my dear mother passed away and I still have a hard time believing she's no longer here with us. Living without my mom has been very difficult. In fact, I'd say losing her has been the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. She was such an amazing mother, sister, daughter, wife and friend. She wasn't just my mother, but one of my best friends. One of the hardest things for me is not being able to call her and tell her about my day, good or bad. She was always so understanding and had wonderful words of wisdom to give. She was always willing to lend a shoulder to cry on, give you a hug when times were tough, or laugh with you when you needed a friend.

Shortly after she passed away me and my siblings were given this poem. I don't remember who gave it to us, but I'm pretty sure it was one of my relatives. But I keep this up in my house and every time I read it, it gives me such comfort.

We little knew that morning

that God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly.

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you.

You did not go alone,

for part of us went with you the day God called you home.

You left us peaceful memories.

Your love is still our guide.

And though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken

and nothing seems the same,

but as God calls us one by one,

the Chain will link again.

My mother was the perfect example to me. Not only in how to raise my future children, but also in how to be a good wife. My dad was completly spoiled (in a good way). But it's not because he made her do any of the things she did (packed his suitcase before vacations, woke up early to make him his freshly squeezed juice each morning, made sure lunch was ready for him when he came home for a lunch break, made sure he had a never ending supply of washed and folded socks in his sock drawer, the list goes on and on) she did it all because it was her way of showing him she loved him. She wanted to do them. I don't know if I'll ever be as good as a wife/mother as she was (sorry Jon :) ) But I know that her example to me and my siblings has made a world of a difference. I know she's smiling down on me and my family each day. Watching over us and guiding us.

It may have been a car accident that took her away from us, but it was no accident. The Lord needed her on the other side, helping him with his work. I know she's busy doing missionary work. I know she's happy and patiently waiting for us to join her. I feel her love around me every day and know that she's proud of me. Mom, I'll love you forever and miss you for always.

Happy Mothers Day!

Gina Rae Whitaker Lindhardt

August 7, 1963 - October 7, 2006

I LOVE YOU!

The view

We've offically moved out of our house and up to the ranch. Heres the view from our back porch. Jealous?...that's what I thought. It's absolutely beautiful up there.




And this here is Jon's new favorite toy. Ok, well it's not actually his but he's loving getting to use it. Moving this rock was the task on hand yesterday.