Valentine's Day

This year was one of my favorite Valentine's Day. It's not because Jory and I did anything romantic-because in all reality, we weren't even together-but I had the opportunity to be with some of the most amazing people in my world. Laura and Peter flew me out to Missouri to be part of a very special day. They have a very unique story that I won't share it'll make me cry and it's really their story to tell. They waited so long to start their family and a year ago, they were privileged to adopt this amazing little girl. I remember the excitement I felt for them when Laura text me the picture of their little girl. I was at work and sat down and cried-heck, I'm starting to cry now. They have been through so much and have stayed so strong through it all. There is an amazing love in their marriage that I really respect and look up too. No one-in my eyes-deserved this as much as these two.

Over Valentine's Day weekend I got to witness the finalization of this adoption. It was such a happy and joyous occasion. The judge was such a sweet man who had a smile on his face the whole time that put us all at easy.

On Valentine's Day, we drove to the St.Louis Temple and they had Abbie sealed to them. I have to admit, I was a little nervous that it was going to be very hard for me (those that know me well will understand why). However, those emotions luckily never came. I was overcome with such joy and happiness for this little family. Abbie was so peaceful and beautiful. I felt so grateful to have these two as my life long friends. I love that this family WILL be together forever. There is such an overwhelming feeling of love in this family. What an amazing feeling of calmness, reverence and peacefulness being in the temple with them brought me.














The wonderful events from this weekend made me reflect on the my own experience having my Dad adopt my brother and I and then take us to the temple to be sealed to him and my mom. I still remember those emotions well-kneeling at the alter with my mom, dad and brother. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I am so grateful that my Dad loved us enough to adopt Mike and I and have us sealed to him. I wouldn't have it any other way and am so happy to have him in my life. He is a great father and I KNOW he loves me. Thanks Dad-I love you so much.

Me & Snuffy

She has been an awesome sister letting me take her pics twice this week (gotta love school) and didn't complain once! I LOVE you Snuff.


PS-That's not her really real nose ring...

Missouri... here I come!

Ok, so these pics are like REALLY old. But... I PROMISE to post some updated ones when I get back!



I am the luckiest girl ever! Tomorrow after class I get to fly out to Missouri to see these two fabulous ladies. We have been the greatest of friends since 2002 when I first moved out to MO. They are amazing women and I can't wait to see them. Laura and Peter are finalizing the adoption of Abbie Thursday and Saturday we are driving to St.Louis to witness the sealing of this special little family.

I love you girls so much and I can't even stand how excited I am to be together again.

Love it here!

Saturday night my dear friend Jeanie and I went to the Timp Temple. I love the feeling being inside. While here, there's a quiet reassurance of who I am and where I belong. I love that I have the "clean slate," feeling. As an adult, this is the first LDS temple I went through so it has a special place in my heart. Worldly cares, trials and heartaches seem to stay at the doors. When I leave, my load seems lighter and I just want to be a better person. I'm so grateful for the Gospel and the peace that it brings to my life. Thanks Jeanie for going with me and for our wonderful friendship we have.

Sunday our Young Women's had their New Beginnings Night. I LOVE being in the Y.W.'s! It has been such a blessing in my life to be able to teach the girls that I do and work with the AMAZING leaders that I do. I have come to ADORE all the ladies I work with. They have helped me in so many ways and I'm very grateful for their friendship.

To all my girls... I love you very much! You are beautiful girls.