February 10, 2015: Caleb's Wink Day

February 10th will always be a day that is embedded in my heart...the day Caleb died.  The day he continued his mission in a place I cannot see.  I know he continues to teach, to love and to touch lives...just like he continues to touch mine.  

Oh how I love and miss our precious boy! 

Mitchell fell asleep snuggling Caleb's favorite dog.  tender.

Josh's 15th Birthday

On January 24th Josh turned 15! He is such a wonderful young man, and I am so proud of who is becoming. The morning of his birthday we attended my niece's baptism. After that we took him to Olive Garden for his birthday lunch. Grandma, Grandpa, John and Alisa came over that evening for his birthday dinner. Josh chose chicken casserole with veggies and a score bar cake for his birthday cake! 

HAPPY 15th birthday Josh!

Sledding at the Cabin

We had the best day sledding at the cabin! My Dad piled some of us on the 4 wheeler and pulled the rest of us behind! When we got to the top of the road we jumped off and took off down the hill on our sleds and tubes! The best part was that Dad would come down to get us when we reached the bottom to tug us all back up again!  It was the perfect day for sledding and even Mitchell dared to go down all by himself this time!

Caleb's 10th Birthday (Part 2)

On Caleb's birthday we always visit the cemetery to sing to him.   We each let a balloon go with a birthday wish and watch it until it disappears...

"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." 

Helen Keller

We love you forever sweet Caleb, you will always be such a special part of our family.

Caleb's 10th Birthday (part 1)

For Caleb's birthday we set out a special treasure chest for each of our boys.  Each year we add something to it to help them remember Caleb.  

 

Caleb always gives the boys something to help them make a fun family memory.  Last year we went to see Brian Regan! This year Caleb gave us a coupon to go to out to dinner and then to the nickelcade! 

Caleb also gives the boys a way that they can feel close to him.  This year since he would be turning 10 years old, he challenged his brothers to read 10 talk from the last General Conference.  He knows that as we listen to the prophet and apostles, we will also feel close to him.  

We also celebrated by visiting the cemetery, eating cake, and watching a DVD with pictures of our sweet boy.  Caleb's birthday is a sweet day to celebrate the miracle of his life and the miracle of eternal families.  As another year passes, we know we are one year closer to being together again.    

We Have a Wolf!

Mitchell is thrilled to be a cub scout and looks forward to his Den meetings each week! 

A Visit to the Payson Temple

On the afternoon of Mitchell's baptism we went with Nana and Papa Moody to see the Payson Temple. We are so excited for the open house this Spring! After spending some time at the temple, Papa took us to Arctic Circle to get Milkshakes! YUM!

Mitchell's Baptism

Mitchell was baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on Saturday January 4th. It was such a sweet day, and we loved being surrounded by our wonderful family!

 

Mitchell's baptism memories in his own words: 

We started in the chapel and we sang the opening song which I chose- My Heavenly Father Loves Me.  The song made me think if it weren't for Him I would be getting baptized today.   I asked my mom to give a talk about baptism.  She used all the letters in the word baptism and gave each of us who were being baptized a white handkerchief to bring to the Payson Temple dedication since I'm old enough to go now.  The clothes felt really special.  I was worried about getting them wet because I could tell they were a spiritual thing.  When I was in the chapel I found out that I was going to be last.  Watching everyone else made me feel anxious, but when my foot hit the water I had a feeling I've never felt before.  I thought, "this isn't going to happen ever again.    Next time I'm in a font I will be the one baptizing people."  The water felt very warm.  Dad held my arm and helped me know what to do.  Then he said a prayer.  He stepped on my feet so they wouldn't come back up.  He put me into the water, and when I came up I was really wet.

Then I changed into my dry clothes and went to get confirmed.  I was in sitting in a chair surrounded with lots of hands on my head.  I could feel the weight of the hands on me.  My dad said a prayer.  He said to remember to be a good example.  When he said "receive the Holy Ghost" I felt like something was going inside me.  I felt warm and surrounded.  After the prayer I shook hands and hugged everyone in the circle.  

Memories of blessings and counsel shared during Mitchell's confirmation:  

* be a good example by using your gifts, talents and good personality.

* The Holy Ghost will help you have a strong testimony and know the church is true.

* Go on a mission and get married in the temple

* you can go to the Celestial Kingdom with your mother and brothers. 

* You will be able to resist temptation.