The week after I got home from Germany I was on the plane again headed for California. Our niece Sarah was getting married in the Redlands Temple. What a BEAUTIFUL day!
The ceremony was wonderful. The sealer did a great job and it made me cry. It brought back so many memories of just a year ago when the two of us were kneeling across the alter, hand in hand, looking into the eyes of my new eternal mate! It was also heartwarming to see the joy in Debbie's face as she watched her only daughter sealed to this great guy. Debbie looked so happy that day and Sarah was just glowing. Sarah has this smile that never quits! Her whole face lights up when she smiles and you could really feel her joy that day. The spirit was really strong in that room and I LOVED IT!!! I am so happy we were able to share in their special day.
While we waited for the bride and groom we snapped some shots of the temple grounds. I have loved visiting the many different temples over the past year traveling around and see how each one has a uniqueness about them. There is such a reverent, peaceful feeling even outside this beautiful place.
Mike's family.....
Cute little nieces and nephews....
Steve with his mom.....
What a wonderful mom!
I love this fountain directly behind us. I went to Education week two years ago and one of my favorite teachers there told us about the significance of this fountain and how it represents God, (At the top).... the first presidency ( second level).... and the 12 apostles (third level) and how the gospel is spread throughout the world all trickling down under the direction of our loving Heavenly Father. I also love this little guy next to me. Nathan is my little buddy! He is one of Mike's kids and he is a cutie! He has a funny personality and makes me laugh!
I misplaced one of my memory cards and had some pictures of Jeff and Heidi who were also there with us. Steve has a super family and they all make me feel so welcome.
Sarah with her new eternal HUBBY!
Here is Nathan signing the book at the reception. I love it! I only wish I could have taken a full view. He was on his tip-toes reaching up as high as he could, and so proud to be signing his own name in the book. I don't know if he was hanging on to the table with his MOUTH to stabilize himself while he wrote or if he was just extremely hungry! :)
Like I said before I lost a memory card and it had some nice pictures of the wedding dinner as well as the reception. I only have these two pictures from that night. When I find it I will be posting more because I had some great shots of the kids with their grandma as well as more family fun, dancing, and visiting. It's a bummer I lost it :( We had a fun time as a family that weekend!
It's crazy I have the first picture from the night and then the last picture but nothing in between. It was a kick-back relaxing night with dancing and everything. Good food and good company. Congrats, Sarah!
Mother's Day 2008....
The next morning was Mother's Day and it was nice to have Steve's brothers and Debbie all together for the day. We had an enjoyable Sabbath together.
Our Little Angel Addison all ready for church...
Debbie posing for a picture for her LDS Planet profile. Hey I love that website. I found the man of my dreams on that site. He's out there Debbie! The perfect man for you is just a click away!
I have really grown to love Jean so much. I have so much respect for her. She is a super mom and has taught her kids the gospel and taught them how to be Christ-like just through her example. She was a single mom to 8 kids. WOW! She is such a hard worker and always lending a hand. She is a great cook and has wonderful pointers (WHICH I AM ALWAYS OPEN TO WHEN IT COMES TO COOKING) especially when it comes to her famous mashed potatoes! :)
She lives with Debbie and helps her with Sam and helps around the home. It was nice when she was here in Utah because it gave me a chance to really visit and get to know her better. When we talk I love to hear stories about how Steve was as a young child. She gets pretty emotional when she talks about her children. You can really feel of the love she has for each of them. Howie adores his MOM! Happy Mother's Day!
Mom in the kitchen putting the finishing touches on our Sunday dinner
Mike using his expertise in carving the turkey....Yummy!
Howie and Jeff cleaning up after dinner. It is crazy to me how every time we finish eating Steve promptly jumps up and begins washing dishes. He said he hated it growing up because there were so many kids in his family that it took hours to wash them all. But seriously it does not matter if we are just home all by ourselves or out visiting friends, you can always find him near the sink cleaning up. What a MAN!
Sharing dessert with the crazy cousins....
Gifts and cards for mom....
These kids love Shawn. He always takes time to hang out with them playing games and horsing around with them. He is also a great example to his younger brother, Sam. Shawn has just recently left for a mission so it was a nice visit to see him one last time before he left.
Shawn looks like he has crashed in the middle of the Sorry game. The younger kids must have worn him to a frazzle. WAKE UP!!!! IT'S YOUR TURN!
I think Debbie is really going to miss her son. He has been blessed with a strong testimony and is more excited than anyone I've ever met as far as entering the mission home to begin his journey as a missionary. He loves people and he loves the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know he will touch many, many lives.
It was also nice to see him as the witness in the sealing room for his sister, Sarah when she was married.
I think this picture is pretty funny of Mike. He has his scriptures propped open as if he is reading but in reality he is really taking his Sunday afternoon nap. Great Pose, Mike!
Jeff and Heidi just relaxing on a Sunday afternoon....
Steve and I are so excited to find out that they are expecting a new little girl in a few months. Their kids are also great and we wished they were able to be here with us as well. We have had the opportunity to visit them at their home in Washington a few times over the past year or so and I have really been impressed as to how kind and welcoming they have been towards me. From the first time we met I felt accepted and loved. Thanks guys!
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2 comments:
Hi Tanya! looks like you and Nathan are getting along fine. I guess you will shortly be his favorite auntie if you aren't already. I couldn't be happier to see you in your "new world"----- this whole new family. I'm so glad you are so comfortable around them and are having so much fun with them. I can't think of anyone who deserves these great blessings or happiness more than you. Love Ya, Siri
Sounds like a cool fountain! I am glad you had a good time! So to be or not to be is Siri. I vote to be!
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