L.O.V.E.

 is for the way you look at me!

is for the only one I see!

is very, very extraordinary!

is even more than anyone that you adore!

Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart!

I love you so so so much!

Oh, and who could forget the cutest, bestest little Valentine of all??

Notice how he is not smiling in any of these pictures.

Well, it took a lot out of him just to get a couple of good ones.

The rest look like this:

Our poor guy is just having a rough Valentine's Day.

Hopefully he will feel better when we go out on a little family date tonight!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

The "Farewell"

Yesterday was Grandma's "Farewell."

No, it was not a funeral. 

We will see her again someday.

The day was beautiful.

The sun was shining, the birds were chirping, and the angels were singing.

All of it was for her... For our dear Grandma Ruth.

Grandma's single, yellow rose. Her wish.

We sure do pray for Grandpa.

He has lost the love of his life for a short period of time.

We admire his strength.

Grandma asked my dear husband to speak at the services prior to the burial.

He did a wonderful job.

I know Grandma loved it.

Ryker was such a good boy throughout the entire day!

We were some proud parents.

We are very grateful that families can be together forever.

It was nice to spend some time with Austin's siblings.

We were able to laugh, joke, and reminisce on memories of Grandma.

Grandma was loved by so many people.

Grandpa told us to take some of that love home.

Now, we can each have a sweet, little reminder of Grandma's Farewell with us for some time.

The day was perfect.

We love you Grandma!

Yipee!

Guess what?!?! My little sister, Kelly, just got...

ENGAGED!!!

To this guy, Kenny Packer:

Aren't they just adorable together?

We are so excited for them!

Let the wedding planning begin! :]

Grandma

At 5:50 pm on February 8, 2011, our dear Grandma peacefully passed from this life. She battled numerous cancers for twenty years. She put up a good fight; until her body could bear it no longer. 

Our Grandma had so much love to give. She cared for everyone. She had a special gift of making each individual feel like they were the most special person in the entire world. She cared so much for all and was loved by many. We love you, Grandma. We know that you are no longer experiencing the pain that you had to bear for so long. We are so grateful to know that we will be able to see you again through the power of this great gospel. Rest in peace.

[Picture taken from my Father-in-law, Brad.] 

[Picture taken from my Father-in-law, Brad.]

Until we meet again...

The Day We Played Basketball With the Packers...

This past weekend, a serious game of basketball was played... 

Well, as serious as family vs. family basketball gets!

My family and the Packer family united to have a fun-filled Saturday morning.

Everyone sure had a good time. Family members of all ages joined in on all the fun!

Ryker even enjoyed himself!

Looks like fun, doesn't it?!

P.S. Austin, Ryker, and I are in Vegas for the weekend for a fun, family getaway!

Have a good weekend yourself!

New Years!

We had a very lovely, low-key time bringing in 2011 [which we absolutely enjoyed].
It was mainly due to the fact that Ryker had not been feeling very well the couple of days prior.
He also had not had a daytime nap in three days and was barely sleeping though his nights.
So, we thought it was best to stay home and let him have some peace and quiet.

But before we put Ryker down for the night, we showed him a couple of fireworks.
We thought he would enjoy them due to the fact that he loves, loves, loves lights...
Boy, we were wrong!
He cried [a very, very loud cry] during the first one, so I took him inside while Austin enjoyed
lighting a few more with my family.

They were beautiful.

And what is New Years without resolutions??
Just to name a few:

• Successfully complete P90X [which I will post more on later].
• Learn to cook... My family says that I should go on the show, 'Worst Cooks in America.'
• Journal more.
• Keep up on laundry. Ryker alone has more laundry than both Austin and I!
• Continue to be more patient.
• Serve more.
• Make my husband lunch to take to work/school each day.
• Be more diligent in all areas of my gospel.
• Get Austin to write down some goals... ;]

Ryker's Baby Blessing

This past Sunday, we were able to have our son given 'A Name and a Blessing.'

I am so very grateful to have a husband who is worthy of blessing our children into our church.

As my eyes filled with tears during the prayer, I was overcome with the spirit; 

knowing that we are sealed to Ryker forever.

Austin and I are so blessed to have such loving family who came and supported us this day. 

There is nothing better.

Mamy and Poppy 

Grandma and Grandpa 

Doesn't Ryker look like he is glowing in every single picture? Perfection.

Afterwards, we celebrated with a lunch - buffet style!

We love our family!