[RLC12345678]

There is nothing wrong with keeping her in the crate when you leave if that has worked in the past. Why do you feel bad putting her in the crate if it has worked so well in the past? Is the crate really small? If she has never pottied in her crate before, maybe you can get her a bigger crate and put a nice bed and soft blanket in there. I do that for my little girl and she actually LOVES her crate.

I would guess that she is just very confused where exactly she is supposed to go to the bathroom when you are not home and she obviously cannot hold it that long. She is also probably confused about the whole pee pad situation. I would crate her when you leave her at home, still have your dad come let her out twice a day, and just stick with the outside training strictly. I would not add pee pads to the mix. That can be very confusing.