Month of loooove - birth mom edition

We are lucky to have three fantastic birth moms (and one awesome birth father) in our lives. I have said over and over how much we love them, but I want to say it again. We love them. I love them. Ben loves them. And the boys love them. We are so grateful for them. "Thank you" is not enough.

A few weeks ago we went to lunch with Blakey's Birth mom, Kellie, her little boy and her mom. It was so fun to chat and catch up.

We love you all. So much.

The month of loooove - Grandma edition

It's officially that time of year. The time when everyone celebrates the people they love with chocolates, flowers and Strawberry Shortcake valentines. Maybe that last one is just me.

Growing up I had a fantastic relationship with my grandparents (maternal side). I still do with my grandpa, but my grandma has been gone for almost 9 years. She was an ideal grandma. The kind that went prom dress shopping, made me yummy food, never made me drink milk (blek) and slipped me a twenty every now and then. She attended every game, program, birthday party, hiccup, sneeze and everything in between. 80% of my early childhood photos were taken at her house. I still love that house - it's home. She was sweet and feisty. Hilarious and ornery. The best.

Every Valentines Day my mom bought us treats. You know, like heart shaped boxes and furry animal things. But I distinctly remember my grandma each year bringing us her own special heart-shaped box o' chocolates (cue forest gump). I really miss her sometimes and wish my kids had been able to know her. She taught me many lessons and bequeathed to me her head-shape, nose and fabulous figure (sarcasm oozing).


So in honor of love month I want to remember all the people who I love and those that love me back. Here's to remembering my grandma - a damn fine lady.

them with me - their favorite

do not judge my hair

I said she was feisty

Side note - for Christmas this year my very resourceful sister put almost all of our old-school family pictures on cd's. We are officially digital. Which means from this point on there will be some major oldie goodness going on at the 4 Walls.

Griffin's Perfect Day

Each member of our family has their own temple.

Ben's is Seattle.

Mine is Idaho Falls.

Eli's is Mt. Timpanogos.

Blake's is Provo.

And now Griffin's is Draper.

On Nov. 27 we took our little family to the Draper Temple to be sealed to our baby Griffy for eternity. Ahhh. It was a truly wonderful day (aside from the freezing cold temps and ridiculous wind) and we were surrounded by people we love. Our families and some close friends came to help us celebrate the littlest man. We are so grateful to those that traveled to support us.

The big boys were so excited to go back to the temple. Eli told his teacher, friends and everyone else he knew that we were going to the temple so Griffy could be our baby forever. I have never been prouder of them. They were so reverent and happy.

As Ben and I waited in the Celestial Room I looked at him and said

"I love you and the day we were married was wonderful, but this is better"

He said

"I know, because our whole family is here."

Can I tell you how much I love him. He understood exactly. It was one of my favorite moments. Ever.

I am so blessed to have him and our three boys in my life. When Eli, Blake and Griffin walked into the sealing room, sporting their new matching white suits, my heart grew three sizes. It was perfect. I was so overwhelmed with love and gratitude. My testimony of the gospel and the temple was again confirmed. It is true.

I know Griffin was meant to be part of our eternal family and I cannot adequately express the love and thankfulness that we have for his birth parents. They are amazing and wonderful and selfless. They brought us our baby. We love you Nichole and Troy. Thank you.

My heart is full and my life complete.

our three marvelous, miracles

blake was winking at the photographers.

both of our families. we are so grateful to those who came.

did i mention the wind?

ben's entire family.

my family that came.

grandma jan and aunt hailey.

the wall women.

my parents and boys.

ben's parents and eli

grandma jan and eli

**thanks to lucy, valeri and my dad for the fantastic pictures

That Sunday Ben gave Griffin a wonderful blessing. It was the perfect end to our weekend.
We were especially happy that Nichole (griff's birth mom) and some of her family were able to come to the blessing! Love you!

both families

my entire family

aunt hailey and griffy