In Loving Memory

Tonia Eileen Townsend Eccles

April 2, 1970- March 27, 2008

My sweet, brave, stalwart friend ended her long battle with pain and adversity in typical Tonia like fashion, making sure that everyone was taken care of before she allowed herself to rest. She was able to help at least 3 people with her final physical gift. She was surrounded by her loving family including her 5 children.

Tonia was the strongest, most generous, loving, compassionate, thoughtful, understaning, spiritual person I have ever known. She is my hero and I enjoyed and treasure our years of friendship more than I can say.

She loved her family and serving them brought her utmost joy and she was so proud of her children, Austin, Riley John, Sageryann, Brady and Kayonia and enamored of her loving elf of a husband Ryan. She and Ryan were constantly trying to "out-do" each other in being kind and thoughtful to eachother.

She found great peace being in the outdoors and riding her horse Trigger. I enjoyed hearing about all of her adventures hiking the hills, fishing the lake in her boat and watching the ducks and geese, growing her beautiful flowers and delicious veggie garden.

I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I had in calling her my friend, loving her and feeling her love for me. I will miss her so very much, yet find great comfort in knowing that I will be able to see her again and that she is now at peace with her loving Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

LOVE YOU FOREVER TONIA!!!!

Happy Spring!!

We hope you all had a wonderful Easter! So sorry that it has been so long since we have written. We are doing well and so glad that spring is finally here! Shawn and Tamie are looking forward to their trip to Chicago in April and the kids are really excited about spending some time with their cousins. McKenna and Jonah both received high marks during their last SEP's. We are so proud of them both and grateful that they are enjoying school.

Tamie's brother Eric was married to Nell Elizabeth Harris on March 8th at the Homestead in Midway, Utah. We had a wonderful time and it was great to see family and friends we have not seen for quite some time. McKenna was the flower girl and she preformed her duties wonderfully. This is a video of the evening's events. The next morning we received word from Uncle Randy that Grandma Ernie (Erleen) had passed away peacefully around 3am. She had colon cancer and had been just waiting for her time to come. We love you and miss you Grandma, but know that we will see you again soon. Say hello and give a hug and kiss to Grandpa Harry, Aunt Maxine and Uncle Art.

We received some very sad news this week. Tamie's childhood friend Tonia Eccles was in a tragic car accident on the 18th and is paralized from the neck down. We have added a link to her blog, please read about her and include her and her amazing family in your prayers and donate to her medical fund if you can. toniaeccles.blogspot.com

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

We are all enjoying our celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and want to wish you all A Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2008! We have been having a great time going to the various parties and festivities that are so abundant this time of year. Some highlights have been Gardner Village (Elf Hunt), The Gateway (Santa vs The Snowman @ Clark Planetarium), Temple Square (Lights, Singing, Dinner at the Pantry, I am a Child of God exhibit), playing with the cousins and eating fabulous food! So glad that you stopped by and would love for you to leave us a comment.

You've Had A Birthday, Shout Hooray!!

Well we have been celebrating Jonah's birthday over the past two weeks. He official birthday was on the 19th. We were up at Snowbird Ski Resort over his birthday which was so beautiful and relaxing, we had a small family party with the cousins while we were up there and then we had his friend party on Friday as there was no school. He had a wonderful time and recieved some fun gifts. His favorites being the Game Cube and Bionicles.

The Gatelys

Here we are

Confessions of a Booger Eater

Shawn took this video today and this is the Griffin that we know and love. He is getting quite the sense of humor. And we are enjoying every minute of him. Hope you do too!

The Yard Sale

Well I did it. I had a yard sale with my neighbor Teri. Shawn told he would pay me what ever I thought I would make on it not to have it. And I told him that it was not the money, but rather the motivation to clear stuff out and get rid of it. I made $40, but I got rid of a lot of stuff that I would have donated and made some people happy. Shawn has since asked that I don't do anymore. I enjoy yard sales when they are over and I feel 20 pounds lighter. I am now inspired to continue clearing out stuff and we will see what happens when I get down to his things. WATCH OUT!!!