Happy Birthday Gama (aka my Mom). We had a yummy dinner last night at Great Gama’s house (aka my Grandma) to celebrate. The boys made Gama birthday cards to give her. Evan insited on writing his own words and Seth wanted to draw Gama’s face on his. They loved seeing her and helping her blow out the candles on her cake. We had a wonderful evening spending some time together.
And thanks to the wonderful mother that raised me and taught me most everything I know. I’m so greatful for you and appreciate all you have done and still do for me. I love you.
Evan helping Gama blow out the candles on her birthday cake.
The boys show off their birthday cards.
We had such a beautiful and wonderful weekend in so many ways. Jonny’s brother and his wife came to town to be sealed in the LDS San Diego Temple. They were married 2 1/2 years ago and have been waiting and working towards this blessing ever since. Since Jamie used to live in San Diego and work in that temple, I think it held a special place in her heart and she wanted to be sealed there.
On Friday night the family went out to dinner to spend some time together. It was great to see people we haven’t seen in awhile and introduce Levi to his aunt and uncle. Then on Saturday we drove to the Temple to watch the sealing. The Spirit was so strong as we listened to the officiator talk to Andy and Jamie about love and marriage. Like the song says, “the spirit of God like a fire is burning…” The Spirit was certainly burning in my chest and bore witness to me of the truth of His word. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room as we all watched them receive this most precious blessing to be sealed together for all eternity. As beautiful as a wedding is, I always feel a bit of sadness when the mnister gets to the “until death” part. What a wonderful gift we have in the abilty to be sealed and joined together in God’s house not only until death, but for all eternity.
Afterwards we took some pictures then we all went to a celebratory lunch.
Andy and Jamie at the Temple. It was a beautiful sunny day. The sky was so blue, it looked almost unreal. Jamie even got to wear her wedding dress again. She looked so beautiful, and they both just glowed with happiness and joy.
Later that night we all went to Big Corona beach in Corona del Mar for a bonfire. Even though it was late, the boys were so excited to go. They had a blast playing in the sand and making smores. Although they didn’t really care if the marshmallows were roasted – they just wanted to eat as many as they could. And even though it was a little chilly, we had to drag the boys home to bed well past their bedtime while the rest of the group stayed to play.
(I’ll post some more pictures of the kids when I get them from others that took some really good ones)
On Sunday, Andy and Jamie visited their old ward in Fountain Valley then came to our house later that evening after we got home from church. We were able to bless Levi while they were in town, which was a wonderful bonus (but more on that in the next post).
Happy Birthday Papa! We love you and are so thankful for all you do for our family.
We celebrated Papa’s birthday yesterday with a yummy steak dinner. The favorite part for the boys was blowing out the candles on the cake, ah, I mean pie (key lime pie is one of his favorites). They were also very excited to give Papa the birthday cards they made on Saturday. We got out the construction paper and the “sparkles” and had a great time with a little craft project. Seth drew a picture on his, but Evan wanted to write a birthday message. He wrote “Happy Birthday Papa, Love Evan” all by himself. He was very excited. I think we all had a lovely birthday evening.
Some helpful boys getting ready to blow out candles.
The birthday cards the boys made for papa.
A big shout out to my little sister Karen (aka Aunt Kiwi). Another part of the busy weekend was driving out to the IE (Inland Empire) to attend her graduation from Cal State San Bernardino. After many long hours, countless projects and papers, nutty professors and enough stress and grief to give the average middle-aged man a heart attack, she finally got her Masters Degree in Education. I am so proud of her (and I admit, a little jealous). I’ve always wanted to get a Masters Degree and be able to wear one of those cool hoods (those sashes you wear around your neck after getting a graduate degree). And the eduction one has a nice light blue color – some majors have pretty ugly colors. My mom and I both cried a little when all the graduates walked in. She has worked so hard (all while teaching her obnoxious 4th graders full-time over the last few years) and it was such an exciting event. I’m so glad I got to see it. Congratulations Karen!!!
Karen getting “hooded.”
The Graduate!
Karen and Mom.
Karen and I.
Me, Karen and our sister Mollie.
