Even Miracles Take A Little Time

I have a family here on earth, they are so good to me, I want to share my life with them through all eternity.

On Saturday, September 25, Savannah Natalie was sealed to us for time and all eternity in the St. Louis temple.


The events of the weekend began on Thursday when the Bauman's arrived from Arizona. How thankful we are that they came! We miss them and their family dearly, and it meant SO much to us to have them with us. After the airport, Panera was our first stop for some salads, soups, and mac n cheese. That evening we cooked up some good lettuce wraps and spent time catching up.

On Friday, after breakfast with the Baumans, Savannah and I went to greet the Reynolds family at the airport. Ellie was so excited to meet her very first cousin! Apparently she had been talking about going on the airplane to meet Savannah for awhile. After they headed off to get their rental car, we waited for my Grandma, aunt, and cousin who were arriving about an hour later. After lots of hugs and kisses, everyone got settled into their hotels, and we all headed to Oklahoma Joe's for dinner. Some great BBQ was had by all, and Grandpa got his first hold of Miss Savannah.


On Saturday morning, we headed out early with Grandma to get to the temple by 10:15. When we arrived, my family greeted us. My youngest brother Brennan (6) had written a book about "his niece" and how he loved her! Adorable! Then "Grammie" and "Grandma" headed into the infants room in the temple to get Savannah fed and ready, while Todd and I took care of paperwork. Many friends and family were there with us for that special occasion, and we are so grateful for their sacrifices to be with us. It was a beautiful, simple, exciting, and joy-filled event.

After the sealing and some pictures outside, we all headed to the Old Spaghetti Factory for some pasta in their big banquet room. Despite a scheduling mistake on my part, the lunch was wonderful and we highly recommend them for any large family or friend events. They were very accommodating and the food and service was excellent!

The drive home was special as Todd and I reflected on our little family, the Savior, and the Plan of Happiness.

On Sunday, we prepared for the blessing. She looked beautiful in her little dress, which was also my dress as a baby. It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends for that special moment. Todd did a beautiful job, he sounded like such a happy daddy, and we are so thankful to have that special blessing for her to remember always.

Imma came to church also, and we are glad that she was able to meet family and friends. After church, we served up some great pulled pork sandwiches for lunch, and spent the evening playing games, talking, and taking pictures. On Monday, after visiting a few church history sites, it was time to say good-bye to everyone who had come into town. The long anticipated weekend was over, but we felt such an outpouring of love and support from our family and friends.

It is only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ that our families can be together forever. I can't say that the last six years have been easy, they have been hard. Every time mother's day rolled around, or a baby blessing, or a baby shower, seeing someone expecting, etc., it was hard not to dwell on our own hearts desires. I know that our trials are given to us and designed specifically for us to help us return to live with our Heavenly Father. In no other way can we come closer to the Savior. But we must put our trust in Him. We must know that whatever we go through is designed to help us better know the Savior and know how to follow Him, to help us become like Him.

Heartaches are a part of this life, but casting our burdens upon Him gives us power to complete our purposes. Heartaches can be replaced with joy when we wait patiently for blessings and answers to prayers. By putting forth our faith, fasting, praying, and ever-striving to follow Christ, we are strengthened during times of difficulty. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Now we have a new focus. How to teach her in this every-changing world of shifting values. How to keep her safe. How to keep her healthy and strong. How to teach her of the Savior's love. This is why we have prayer, scriptures, and prophets.

Thank you again with all our hearts to everyone who has fasted, prayed, and yearned with us over the last several years. We are grateful and blessed because of you.



Go to the board!