2.24.2013

Our Shinning Star, Avalon.



February 22, 2001 my baby sister returned home to our Father in Heaven.  I remember the day like it happened only a moment ago.  I was seven years old, bouncing around our home, anxiously awaiting the phone call that would announce the arrival of my baby sister.  I thought finally, another girl in the home to help keep the boys at bay!  Finally a baby sister to dress up, teach dance to, laugh with and love.  The phone call letting us all know we could go visit her and our parents in the hospital couldn't come fast enough.  When the phone call finally came I could barely stand still long enough for my grandma to tell me my mom wanted to speak with me.  Full with so much excitement I thought it might spill out of me, I answered the phone.  My mom sweetly said, "Avalon had a blood clot.  Do you know what that means?"  At the age of seven I instantly knew what had happened.  I knew baby Avalon wouldn't be coming to our home, instead she was with our Father in Heaven.  I know the Spirit spoke the words to me that my mom could not, and shouldn't have had to at that time.  I know in that moment Jesus Christ was carrying my mother and holding my hand.That was one of the hardest days of my life.  However, that day I learned more, felt more love, relied more on my Heavenly Father than ever before.  I gained the important testimony of Eternal Families.  I am so grateful for that incredible blessing.   It has now been 12 years since my family said goodbye to her and I know we all still miss her everyday.  I can't wait to meet my sister in Heaven.  I so look forward to that joyful day when we will chat, hug, giggle and love.  Until then I am grateful to have an angel in Heaven looking over my family.  I will do all I can and be all I can to make her proud and be able to live with her again as an eternal family.



Read at Avalon's funeral by my parents:

"One of the ways we have chosen to remember Avalon is by registering and naming a star after her.  The Star will bare her name and will stand as an eternal memorial to her and as a symbol of our undying love for her as a cherished member of our family.

We have a goal as a family to live together forever with our extended mortal family and with our Heavenly Father.  Just as the wise men on that storied night so many years ago had the new star to guide them to the Christ child, we will have our star in the heavens as a constant reminder and navigation point to guide us to our eternal destination.  As we struggle through the storms of our mortal journey, we will have our star to shine down and brighten us during our darkest nights.  As her brothers and sisters experience the trials and triumphs of this life, they will have their star shining down on them to share their tears and their laughter.  As her parents, we will labor to fill the void left in our lives, but we will have our star to warm and to heal our broken hearts.  We will have our star; forever we will have our star."

Avalon, we love and miss you. Please lead us home.

2.17.2013

Love Is In The Air

I have always had a sweet place for Valentines day in my heart.  I look forward to the flowers, treats, kind words, cards, celebrations, rosy cheeks, pink lips, dolled up girls, sweet men and happiness surrounding love.  This year I wanted to do something special for my family to show how much I love them.  So......I cut out HUNDREDS of hearts and heart attacked every room in our home.  It was an explosion of pink and red!  I also woke up early to make heart shaped french toast lathered in NUTELLA (a personal favorite), peanut butter, syrup, cool whip and strawberries.  I filled my day with all things LOVE.  I watched romantic movies, spent lunch with one of my best friends laughing so hard we were brought to tears, throwing valentines parties in EVERY dance class I taught, eating a heart shaped pizza for dinner and going out for a night of treats and laughter with a sweet guy.  It was a happy day.  What can I say, I love.... LOVE.  This is a video of snippets from the day (because I always have a camera on hand and have to make a video of anything semi-interesting).



I thoroughly enjoy the celebration side of Valentines day, but that is not the reason I look forward to it.  My mom has always made it a point to celebrate our love as a family on Valentines day.  Although I like to think we do this every day, it is always nice to have a special day for it.  My family is my everything.  I wish I could express how much I love them in words but it is simply impossible.  I do try to show my love for them everyday though with smiles, conversations and my favorite, hugs.  I like to think LOVE is the glue of this gospel.  It holds everything together and keeps us strong. It is through love we teach, learn, repent, serve and change.  One of my favorite scriptures comes from 1 John Chapter 4.  All of it is excellent but verse 8 says something special to me.  "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." Out of everything that could be said following the words "God is", love was used.  I hope we can always remember the importance of pure love.




2.03.2013

Blast from the Past.

Every year our family seems to re-find this video. And every year we laugh hysterically as we watch.  When I found it yesterday I couldn't resist uploading it.
This video was filmed (rather we stuck a video camera on the table and ran to turn it on and off) at about 3 a.m. after celebrating Jessie's 13th birthday. Prepare yourself for some epic dance moves and incredible lip-syncing.  Love my cousins! Especially this one. 






Love you sissy! Can't wait to see what the future holds for both of us.  One thing is for sure, sleepovers (and Backstreet Boys) are always a must.