Grace and girls camp

Because we were on a family vacation last year during girls camp, this was Grace's first year going
and to say she thought it was the best thing in all of forever, well, that would definitely be an
understatement. She was truly in heaven. Just so happy for our girl and the amazing memories she
has of the last several days. And so very thankful for her incredible leaders who made it all possible.

A week of World Cup excitement and WA gorgeousness

One of the happiest weeks ever for Jacob and our boys. Because of Campbell's amazing kindness in
securing the tickets and Jacob's incredible generosity in making the trip in general happen. Two unreal
World Cup games combined with the beauty of Washington—it was a good, good week for these boys.

I just wish Jacob could have gotten a few more photos of our darling oldest during some of the fun, but since
he and Kelsey drove out early on their own trip, to be with her family who lives in the area, he wasn't at every
activity. Which is exactly as it should be. But I do miss seeing his handsome face in many of these.

Oh it was a good week for these five though. I'm so grateful they could experience it together.

Love them so

Oh these two are the most darling! I'm so happy that they were able to take a fun
Disneyland trip with Kelsey's family, after Kelsey's cute sister returned from her mission.
And that they sent me this photo. They truly are the best—just love them so crazy much.

She's doing really well...

 ...and I'm so beyond grateful.

Professional photos and twinning

I love this picture of Matt (below) so much, I can hardly stand it. Just the photo by itself is the best and this son of mine is tremendous and I adore him. But there is also an additional story with this picture, and it's kind of the best, so I had to share.

Matt works for the same company as Jacob does. He started as an intern just about two years ago and worked his head off in that capacity, until he became an analyst, just over a year a half ago. Where he continues to work and contribute a whole lot. Having him at the same company as Jacob is a super happy thing for us and Jacob especially loves interacting Matt at work on a regular basis.

A couple of Sundays ago, when Matt was here visiting, he asked me to cut his hair because he was getting work pictures taken that week. Cutting my kids' hair isn't my favorite thing to do because I'm not a professional in any way, so I always worry I'll mess it up. But I told him I would and jokingly told him the only payment I would require, is him sharing his work photo with me.

A few days later, he did share this photo with me. And did I mention I love it so much?! I mean c'mon. 

But what anyone else wouldn't know is that this picture is also hilarious for a very specific reason.

I guess when Matt was about to have it taken, he asked some coworkers if the tie he was wearing matched the jacket he was wearing too closely. They said it might, so a random coworker said Matt could wear his tie and Matt quickly put it on. And his photo was taken.

Well...just over five years ago, Jacob also had his picture taken at work. It's one of my favorites ever, because he's so handsome and darling. And I honestly don't know if Matt has even seen this photo, but if he has, it likely hasn't been for years. Yet here it is.

Can you even with the two of them? For heaven's sake, the ties even have a similar texture.

I kind of love them both so much, it's ridiculous. And the fact that these two, who have incredibly similar personalities (in all the best ways) would take these identical pictures, more than five years apart, makes me all kinds of happy.

It's just the greatest really, I'm such a fan of both of them. And also...those matching eyes. I can barley handle it.

One extraordinary dad

He’s who they never hesitate go to when they are happy and sad, disappointed and ecstatic.

He’s who they want to find when they need wise words, encouragement or someone to just listen without interruption.

He is who they want to talk to about the world, the gospel and how to be  better people and love more like Jesus.

He is where they find calm and peace, plus adventure and a push to stretch and be uncomfortable and grow.

He meets them where they are at and loves each of them for exactly who they are, right this moment.

He never stops loving them, serving them, answering their phone calls and texts and showing up to make
 sure they know their dad always has their back.

He is who makes it easier for them to believe in an all-loving Father in Heaven who only wants what is best
for them and truly desires nothing more than to be together with them forever.

He’s everything a father should be and they count it as one of their greatest blessing that he is their's.

So do I.

I’ll never stop thanking my Heavenly Father for him.

A summer night and the cutest dance friends

 

C&K ~ Three years

It’s been three years today and I’ve never once thought of their wedding day without that feeling
of pure magic and joy returning to me. They were made for each other and I believe intended for
each other by God, far before three years ago. I’m just so grateful for who they are, how well they
live this beautiful life given to them and for their constant example to me of faith in the Lord,
especially when their hearts ache for certain parts of mortality to be different. Love them forever.

His love

I will never as long as I live, forget how God showed up for me in the temple yesterday.
I’ve never witnessed anything like it and was not expecting any part of it for sure.

We have been through the absolute ringer of late, I don’t even have words for how
heartbroken I’ve been for weeks and weeks, for multiple reasons. And have been trying so
hard to trust, but some days it has been difficult. A lot of days it has been difficult.

But yesterday, my Father in Heaven made sure I knew He was there and beyond aware
of me. Over and over and over again. I’m so grateful for Him. And want to do this as
well as He knows I can. I’m so humbled by the reminder and love Him so much.

And can’t get over how well He loves me.

Ben's senior trip

 At the beginning of the month, Ben went on a senior trip to Mexico, with several of his friends and
the extended family of one of those friends. He honestly had the greatest time and we are so thankful he
could go and that his friend's family made the trip possible, plus feel extra safe and happy for us moms.

We do something else for our kids when they turn eighteen/graduate from high school, so Ben paid for the trip
himself. I'm just so glad he made it happen and he and his buddies could have the most amazing five days.

Just love this boy and his incredible self so much and especially adore the friends he has surrounded
himself with the last many years. It has been the happiest thing for this mom to watch.

My darling grandpa

The fastest of twenty-five years. I miss his voice, his jokes, his laugh, how he called me "my honey." I love being
named after him. And especially love this photo of him with his five kids, with my sweet mom right there in the
middle. Oh heaven must be so happy with his laughter ringing out on a regular basis and my grandma and two
of his children alongside him. I miss them all so much. But today especially, I miss my grandpa. One day closer.

Honoring Scott's life

 Jacob and Matt drove deep into Idaho this weekend, to attend Scott's memorial and to make sure his parents and
sister, as well as Annie and Stone, felt our family's support. They loved seeing where Stone and Annie are river guides
this summer and especially enjoyed the time outdoors, running the river and camping in such a beautiful place. 

Mostly, the memorial was touching and sweet and our admiration for Scott's parents continues to grow with every
interaction with them. They are honoring their boy just so very well. I continue to sense how constantly he brags about
them in heaven, because he's just so proud of them and grateful to be their son. They are always in our prayers.

I'm so thankful for the weekend Jacob and Matt had with everyone and their willingness to sacrifice to be there
when it mattered. I wish more than I could say that I could have joined them.

Forever thinking of Scott and his incredible light and goodness. And beyond thankful for my absolute
 knowledge of heaven that makes the deep ache I feel for so many who have gone on ahead, and for
those left behind for a time, just a little more bearable.