Families are Forever

My testimony has been strengthened so much this last week, and I am so grateful that I have the knowledge that families are forever. My sister, Jenny, gave birth prematurely on Monday to beautiful twin boys, Jax Lane and Rook Vernon. They lived for a little more than three hours after they were delivered, giving Jenny's husband, Chris, the opportunity to give them each a name and a blessing. Then Jenny and Chris were able to say emotional hellos and goodbyes to them. I was fortunate enough to be able to fly out to D.C. with my parents and brothers to be with them for a few days, and attend the graveside service for the baby boys. The service was so beautiful, and I learned some things that I hadn't known before. Jen and Chris' bishop is President Faust's son, and told us some things his father had taught him. He taught us that there is a key to the priesthood that has not been restored yet, but when it is restored at the resurrection, Chris will be able to raise Jenny out of her grave, and as she stands beside him, he will be able to raise the baby boys out of their graves, and give them to Jenny to raise. Bishop Faust went on to say that Jenny will be able to raise them, and will not have to worry about any of the things we worry about now, so her experience raising them will be far better than it would have been now on earth. The spirit was so strong throughout the service. My dad was able to dedicate the grave, and Chris' dad gave an emotional talk and testimony. Little Lilly (Jenny and Chris' 2 1/2 year old) let two blue balloons go up into the sky for her baby brothers, Jax and Rook, and I couldn't help but think about how much they would have loved playing with their spunky and fun big sister, and how much she would have loved them. I can't even imagine the pain that Jenny and Chris are going through right now, and I cry every time I think about it, wishing that I could take some of the heartache from them. One thing is for sure, though, and that is I know that someday they will be with them again, and those baby boys will be able to enjoy their amazing mom and dad and sister, and they will all live together forever. I know this is true.

WE LOVE YOU JEN, GUS, AND LILLS! WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU!

AF Canyon

One of our favorite things to do as a family, is go up the canyon for a hot dog roast. We went a few weekends ago with our good friends, The Reeds, and had a blast. The kids all loved being with each other.

Berkley and Bella getting a drink.

Brooklyn and Savanna roasting marshmallows.

Savanna and her new pet snails.

She LOVES these girls!

Me and Jennifer

Savanna eating smores with Daddy!

Rocco enjoying himself.

Bear Lake

We went to Bear Lake a couple of weekends ago with some of our friends, and had a blast! The kids were in heaven playing on the beach, feeding the carp, swimming, and eating lots of treats. We LOVE weekend getaways!!!

Couldn't Resist

Tim and Lucia's Wedding

Mike's little brother Tim got married this weekend, and we are so happy for them. They are perfect for each other. I wore three-inch heels from 9:00 in the morning, to 11:00 that night, and about died. Needless to say, my awesome husband gave me an early Mother's Day foot massage that night to relieve some of the pain. It was a blast, though. Lucia's family knows how to party, for sure. Everyone danced all night, including the kids. Berkley's and Madd0x's shirts were soaked with sweat by the end. Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day. Warning: There are a TON!!!

Waiting for pictures to be over with at the temple.

Our Family

Me and my snuggle boy.

Savanna and Lucia

After the luncheon.

Savanna and her buddies (The Jones twins).

Maddox - happy as a clam.

Justin Jones, Andrew Cichoski, Brennon and Jaxon Jones, Berkley, Savanna

Maddox and Parker - Thanks to all the Jones boys for helping the entire day, from start to finish. Maddox loves all five of them!

The kids having their own little party at the reception.
(Brennon, Savanna, Jaxon, Lizzy, Isabelle - all of them are in first or second grade)

Berkley being a big brother.

Finally, an almost decent family picture (every other one in this pose, Berkley was making ridiculous faces).

Berkley helping Lucia's mom put the flowers on the cake.

Bunny ears (Savanna and Brennon).

Savanna dancing with Max

The line.

Lucia and Berkley dancing (another one of Berkley's highlights).

Berkley and Parker (cousin/favorite babysitter/one of Berkley's heroes).

Berks helping out again.

Justin and Maddox (Mad LOVES him and followed him around all night).

Savanna and Daddy dancing.

We Love Visitors!

Last week, Grandpa came to visit, and then uncle Brandt came a few days later. Grandpa could only stay for an hour or so, because he was just driving through, but had just enough time to read and play with the kids. He has the unique ability to make them more hyper than we have ever seen them before, and they are always so sad when he leaves. Brandt and Maddox have a bond unlike any other. It's like they were best friends in the last life. Maddox attaches to Brandt, and we have to pry him off before Brandt leaves. It is so fun to watch them thogether! Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the last couple of weeks.

Mom Life

Berkley hasn't been so happy this week (not enough sleep), but he has said a lot of funny things in his delirium, making me laugh, and making him angrier. Mike told him that he had to eat his sandwich before he could have more cheetos yesterday, and Berkley interupted yelling, "NO, NO, NO, NO, A BUNCH OF NOOOOOOOOOOS!" He is also starting to say really big words that he doesn't know the meaning to in his everyday sentences (another product of sleep deprivation, I think), that make me laugh inside - and not out loud - as not to disturb his fragile state. I think his crying and whining this week has actually entertained Maddox, because Maddox has been great!

Here's a happy picture of the grumpy man this week because I couldn't find a mad picture.