(My Pictures are not downloading - I will add later)
We had a wonderful weekend of family, being surrounded by our kids, and reminders of family and extended family events. Dinners,bridal showers, and a Stake Conference that was full of reminders of the blessings of a righteous family. It mostly has helped me to spend some time reflecting on the goodness of life and the blessings of an Eternal family.
I once again feel deep love and have a renewed appreciation for an incredible husband and father in my Russell. He served an honorable mission, has always been obedient to the Lord. Has great clarity in doing what is right, and in so doing, has been a great example to our children. With six sons and two daughters, a dad’s roll is multifaceted. I have seen our sons follow in footsteps of Integrity, Testimony, Service, and Unconditional Love that is their dad. I know my daughters are very aware of how he treats me and them, and know that is what they can expect as they also choose well, a strong man of faith. I am so blessed.
It was great having Jackson and Heidi here. So comforting to hear my baby babble in his bed first thing in the morning. Smiling that Jackson smile as I open the door. Seeing my girl asleep here at my home at peace in slumber. They truly take a piece of my heart everytime they leave. I watch them go to get on the plane, and wonder if it is ever going to get any easier, I don’t think so. I think as the opportunities to spend time together are harder to create, I can’t wrap my mind or heart around that. So I enjoy while I can when I can. Thanks to Matt for sharing!
Having my Randi and my boys and sweet wives want to be here to spend time together with Heidi and our family was amazing. When we all sat down together last Sunday for dinner, I just sighed, and said “everyone’s here”. Jordan said “mom, not everyone”. That was so true. We missed Brendon, Stephanie, Matt, and Cody a lot these two Sundays that we ate together and relaxed and played. My mind is buzzing for creating a trip to Missouri to see my kids. That is a big undertaking, but it will happen. I need to see where their life is taking place.
Elder Russell M. Nelson in Conference said:
“The noblest yearning of the human heart is for a marriage that can endure beyond death. Fidelity to a temple marriage does that. It allows families to be together forever. This goal is glorious. All Church activities, advancements, quorums, and classes are means to the end of an exalted family.”
This Sunday Skyler was sustained to be ordained an Elder in Stake Conference. I am so grateful that this is the path we as a family are striving to be on. Any chance we have to recommit to it all is great. I feel my Heavenly Father’s love today in gratitude for this journey we have taken so far together, and pray for the outcome we are seeking for.
Goofy stopped to talk to J, but not long enough to take a picture with him.
We visited ToonTown first
Then on to Fantasyland. Jackson did not care too much for Toad's Wild Ride, the Carousel was okay....
but Dumbo, now there is a ride for this boy!
this was a great shot we saw many times in the day. The guys doing what guys do!
Then on to California Adventure for the last couple of hours
At the end of a long day, we were tired, but glad for the day together. Our little guy looking weary....
We have had fun just relaxing and playing and watching him be the cutie that he is. 
He loves his uncle Skyler, and he is so excited to see him. Skyler is definitely his favorite guy to hang out with
Grant and Julia having good laughs, good times.
Jordan thinking over some great factual Church history.
They all had a good visit with Heidi and Jackson. 
I was a bit late into the Italian charm bracelet craze. Mostly due to cost of the charms, but I loved that you could find just about anything at the time that you wanted to add to your bracelet. Mostly I received the charms as gifts from my friends at work, and found some on sale, and hadn't really thought about adding anymore since the mall kiosks have long gone, and they have mostly disappeared from retail.
I recieved a charm for my birthday, representing my anniversary, and this sparked a thought that maybe you could buy them online. sure enough.... I found some good sites that I purchased from with some birthday money generously given by my friends at work. I found italiancharms.com, and most of theirs are $1.95, and a bit more expensive, but Pugster.com had buy 2 get one free last week, and coolcharms has quite a big selection,and you can order custom charms like my Jackson 4/15/07.
4 months ago
