Kate Avalie Swickard- Funeral

Those who were unable to attend can view the funeral at www.jenkins-soffe.com and click on her obituary. I went up to see Kate on Friday, October 29th as we knew she was passing and only had a few days left to live. I took some video of her for my brother Michael and he sacrificed so much time to help care for her. Also my mother, who sacrificed the last 11 years to help take care of Kate. She was there from the beginning at there at the end. Both Michael and my mom fulfilled their missions in doing everything they could to ease Kate's suffering in life. The funeral services went well as Kate was beautifully dressed in a white dress that Michael and I had purchased for her. Noelle Lind and her friends sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" and her sister Michelle played the piano. They did a beautiful job and brought the Spirit into the program. Also, Bishop Findlay was so wonderful to us and there for us every day and although I just got to know him this last week felt such a kinship with him. Also, Bishop Avery from my parents ward was so kind to come over and visit with the family multiple times. There were many others who came and we felt so blessed and so grateful for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our membership in that church. Members have been there all along and served Kate and my family so it was no surprise that they came at the end and offered their support. All done willingly and without cost or a fee. As Bishop Findley said, you learn to love those you serve and people learned to love Kate because of their service to her.

Kate Avalie Swickard Oct 25, 1999 - Nov 1, 2010

My niece, Kate passed away Monday, November 1, 2010 at 11:58 a.m. She was going to be Alice in Wonderland this year for Halloween but she began slowly declining in the last week and was unable to celebrate the holiday this year.
We are comforted by our faith that we are all children of our Heavenly Father and that she has returned home after a sinless life but one filled with a lot of personal suffering. She has earned her reward in Heaven and blessed many lives.
A viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, November 5th at Jenkins Soffe Funeral Chapel located at 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095. On Saturday morning an open casket will be from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Kate will be buried at the Orem City Cemetary in a small ceremony for family and close friends.

Funny

I spent a lazy weekend at home as it rained in Utah all weekend, and I just didn't feel like doing anything. Which of course means I have to catch up more this week. I'm trying to reorganize my closet and clean things up at home. Wow, I have a lot of stuff.
Sunday afternoon after we had eaten dinner my mom came down to my place so we could watch gymnastics. Individual world's was coming on on Universal Sports, a channel my mom does not get. We enjoyed watching the routines although not much has changed with the scoring and politics in gymnastics and we really did not agree with the beam final and especially high bars. Such a disappointment for the Netherlands who should have won their first gold at worlds.
Afterwards we searched the Internet and then I drove her home @ 10:00 p.m. We were chatting in the car about Disney and that we need to reimburse Michael for some purchases. My mom was just listing some of the things she had purchased and blurted out my Christmas present. We just laughed for a good 10 minutes. She couldn't believe she had said it. I told her not to worry, that by the time Christmas comes around I will have forgotten it.

Kate's Birthday

We went to the Cheesecake Factory Saturday to celebrate Kate's birthday. Enjoyed good food and visiting with one another. We all got Kate her new Halloween costume. She is going to be Alice in Wonderland, and will be a really cute Alice. Although she was beautiful as Belle last year. Kate is a little sleepy because she had been given Benadryl earlier. Happy Birthday Kate! We love you -

Michael is the BEST

I have said it before and I will say it again - Michael is the best brother ever. So glad to have him. He always does the nicest things for others and even though I love the gifts, I'm not just referring to that. I can always depend on him and he is always willing to help at great sacrifice to himself. His life has certainly been one of service. I love you Michael!!!
Before leaving for California for school Michael got me another Halloween gift. We both love Halloween. Thank you - Isn't it cute!
I just realized this is the old one. The new one was at my parents and I unwrapped it the morning I left. It is also a Disney graveyard one. I will have to take a picture of it.

Soy Flour

Tyler used to always tease me that my cooking made him sick or always say "yuck, what is that." Well last night I actually did make myself sick and am still recovering from it. In my attempt to eat less sugar and carbs I saw a chef use soy flour, which I can purchase at Winco. So I thought I would give it try. First of all, it is much stickier than regular flour and has a funny smell to it when it is wet. That should have been my first clue but I determined to persevere. Needless to say I did not eat much of the tortilla I made but enough that I was sick all night and still this morning. Tyler is right - YUCK! Never trying soy flour again. Threw the hole thing in the garbage.
Not all of my attempts have been bad. I also saw a chef make french fries out of jicama, a root vegetable that I had never tried before. I purchased a small one this last week to try and and cut them into small shoe string sizes and put some Neeley's spice blend on it that I use for the peach BBQ sauce. This actually turned out to be really good. The only thing I have to work on is getting it softer so that the fries are not still crunchy. But they were still good, even crunchy.

Day of Caring

In September volunteered for Day of Caring with work. We weeded and planted at Sunset Elementary in Provo. Lots of fun. I enjoy doing it each year.