How can someone put into words, some thing that was so amazing, and so right? Yesterday, I sat in the temple with my complete family. My husband and I were able to spend just a few moments in the Celestrial room together before we were sealed. Everything that had happened the week prior was nothing but a memory, and we were finally at the one place I had been dreaming about for months, a year to be exact! Sitting in the sealing room, I looked around and saw all familar faces, and was surprised at everyone who came to support us. I am grateful for not only my family and friends, but for Mark's also, for coming to love and support us.



This past week proved to a very difficult one for me. My family started to get sick. In fact, Mark, had to go to urgent care Friday night. For some reason our finaces were very different this week, and I wasn't sure if we even had the money for gas to get up to the temple. Work for both Mark and I this past week was very hard and stressful. This past week has been a hard one with weather!! Driving to Casa Grande on Friday, the desert looked like more like a lake. Saturday morning we woke up and had to hurry around trying to get ready... ONLY to discover that we (meaning me)had left a dress for Cami to wear at our house in Hereford!!! Plus with all the rain, my hair would NOT do anything right.


As soon as we got to the temple, everything stopped, and I was able to enjoy being there.



The sealing was such a great experience. I didn't think I would cry, but I couldn't help but get emotional at the thought that Mark and I were going to finally be forever. We were given the best gift, Grant was able to observe the sealing. Though, he couldn't be sealed to us, he was able to at least watch. He struggled with me not being able to hold him, but I feel he did very good considering he missed us. After the sealing of us to Cami, the sealer said we could get Grant. As a family we hugged and Grant lightly and so tenderly kissed his sister as we held each other.

I strongly believe that our Heavenly Father knows and plays an important key in ours lives. I truly believe that Jesus came and was reserected so that I could be forgiven of the things I have done. And because of that, I was given the oppurtunity to be "glued" to my family for forever.

A Siblings Bond

There is nothing like a siblings bond. I was blessed with great brothers and sisters, though I didn't always appreciate them growing up. I do have very vivid memories of my older brother, Rusty. As far back as I can remember, he was my defender. I recall being in kindergarten or 1st grade, and being bullied by these twin boys in my class. I still remember getting sent to the principles office with Rusty, because he came to my rescue. After moving to Casa Grande, I had a hard time adjusting to the new school. I remember one morning before school started, I was crying. Rusty was off playing basketball, but he stopped and came to be with me. Soon after we started not liking each other again... But he is still to this day, one of my hero's. I love him, as I do with all my siblings.

I imagine the relationship I have with my brother, and I hope someday my own children will be friends and defenders for each other. Grant already has taken a special bond with Cami. He is always wanting to be near her. I get after him, but then realize that he only wants to love her as much as he can.





Whenever he can, he wants to hold her, kiss her, or just cuddle with her. This past Saturday I went outside to feed the chickens. Grant was way in to his movie, and Cami was sleeping in her bouncer. I figured it would be ok. I came back to find Grant had picked Cami up and was trying to hold her. She wasn't crying, but it sure made me panic. He just wants to be with her all the time.



When he wakes up in the morning, or from a nap, he wants to see the 'baby'. He is quick to help her out. She knows who he is, and is always looking around for him. As soon as he is in sight, she is all smiles. As a mother, there is no greater joy than watching their bond grow.

My hottie hubby!!

Can I just state the obvious? I am married to the hottest guy who ever lived! Today is Wednesday... That means in 2 1/2 days, he will be mine forever. On Monday I received a call from the Mesa temple, and I couldn't help but tear up. Looking back on this year, I wouldn't have changed a thing.

I am sure many people thought we got married because we had to, but we didn't. We got married because every day he would come out to the house, have dinner, help give Grant a bath, then put him in bed, and then we would have a little time together. At the end of the night he would have to go back to his parents. It tore us apart having to leave each other. We did everything as a family, and after praying about it, we felt we should just get married. Yes, it was (and still is) risky, but we did what we felt was the right thing to do.

I am so in love with him, and am glad that he loves me just as much. Every day our bond strengths with the challenges that we face together. We are not perfect, and I still get upset with him. But, he makes me work it out. And together, we find our way. I don't think there are enough words to express all of how I feel, but I know we were right. Mark you have put up with me for an entire year. You have never been upset at me, and you continue to love me, even with my imperfections. This has been the best year of my life, and marrying you has been the highlight of it all. Together we have welcomed a beautiful daughter, and are raising 2 amazing kids. I can only imagine how exciting and wonderful our eternity is going to be. You are the one person who reminds me to laugh, and laugh some more. The best part of my day is falling asleep next to you, and waking up aside you. Mark thank you for being my best friend!

Sealing!

For those that don't remember, Mark & I got married because we didn't know how long it would take for my sealing cancellation to go through. I am HAPPY to announce that we are going to be sealed on Saturday January 23rd at 11:15 AM. We are planning on having a picnic after and invite our family & friends to come (Uh-mmm Kimberly & Ross!!). I am so excited to celebrate our one year anniversary! I love Mark more everyday. He is the better half of me, and I am not complete without him. If you have any questions let me know! Guest going to the sealing need to be there at 10:45. See you guys then!!

Goodbye, Hello!

It has been a few weeks since I've posted anything, and I apologize. They sure have been busy! Christmas Eve we spent it with Mark's family. It was a very nice night, and I enjoyed the program that Ruth put on. I'm amazed at how creative and thoughtful she is! Mark, myself & the kids spent Christmas morning out here. Grant didn't fully understand the gift thing, and opened every present under the tree. Which was ok, Cami is way to young to care!!

After we opened gifts, the family came out and we had the BEST cinnamon rolls ever (thanks to Bethany & Ruth's recipe!!)


After breakfast, we had to hurry to my parents house in Casa Grande for lunch. We were a little late, but Megan & Rusty stayed there until we arrived.



Mark decided to go to the Dunes for New Years Eve, and so I decided to stay in Casa Grande with my family for the week. It didn't make much sense to put the kids in the car every other day, for 2 and a half hours. It was the longest week of my life! I missed Mark SO much!! But I am glad he had fun at the dunes!



I had to be home this past Sunday because... I started back to work on the 4th. The first day was not as hard as I imagined, but Tuesday and Wednesday were extremely hard! Mark & I decided that I would work until the end of March, and then I would be a stay at home mom & wife. My prayers have been answered, and I am so excited!!



I have been so blessed this past year! I married the man of my dreams, and together we welcomed a beautiful daughter together. I have been able blessed with health and a healthy family. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.


(Marcus & Grant exchanged gifts! It was so cute, they really do love each other!!)