::a birthday::

It's Ken (Kris's dad's) birthday today.

We've been thinking about him a lot today and missing him.

We're so grateful for the gospel and the promise of more life after this one. Can't wait to see him again someday.
For now we miss him and just hope he knows we're wishing him a happy birthday today.

Loves.

::::

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." --Timothy 4:7


Kris's dad Ken passed away this afternoon and boy are we going to miss him. But we are so grateful for the amazing life he led and the faithful example he was to all of us. He loved his family so much and would do anything for him. His sons turned out the same way and I'm so grateful for that. He's truly left a legacy and large shoes for us to fill.

"And may I say that this life never was intended to be easy. It is a probationary estate in which we are tested physically, mentally, morally, and spiritually. We are subject to disease and decay. We are attacked by cancer, leprosy, and contagious diseases. We suffer pain and sorrow and afflictions. Disasters strike; floods sweep away our homes; famines destroy our food; plagues and wars fill our graves with dead bodies and our broken homes with sorrow.

When the faithful saints depart from this life they “are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow” (Alma 40:12), and they remain in this state until the day of their resurrection.

If we have lived the gospel we shall come forth with celestial bodies which are prepared to stand the glory of a celestial kingdom. We shall continue to live in the family unit, and as Joseph Smith said, “That same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.”
--Bruce R. McConkie, "The Dead Who Die in the Lord", Ensign, Nov. 1976, 106

And in honor of my dear Father in Law, I leave you with a bit of a song.

"I’ll look for you in old Honolulu
San Francisco, Ashtabula
Yer gonna have to leave me now, I know
But I’ll see you in the sky above
In the tall grass, in the ones I love
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go"
--Bob Dylan

Ken, we'll really miss you. Thanks for being you.

::inspiring::

I just can't stop thinking about this girl and her family.
Don't follow the links unless you're prepared to be touched and have your heart broken.
They just lost a beautiful little baby. Unexpectedly and suddenly.
She was writing all about what happened on her blog--keeping everyone posted and expressing faith that he would survive.
Then after she lost him she's written more--about faith, about prayer. She's taken the time to communicate her feelings to all of us though she's been in such pain. At a time when it would be so easy to think of nothing but herself she's been careful to communicate and explain important things.
I am amazed and strengthened by this story and by her faith. And my heart is broken.
The story starts here. The post that touches me the most is here.
What a great example she is. My heart goes out to her and her family. I'm sure yours will too.

::thankful::

(I just wrote this post and it got deleted--I'm very disappointed and I know this recreation won't be the same--I'll try though)

I haven't been feeling very good for the last week. I got a really yucky cold that's laid me low. I've been a little homesick. It would be so nice to be where I could have moms taking care of me.
It's made me think a lot about family.
When I think about it, I think that I've got to be the luckiest person on earth where family is concerned.

I was sent to the perfect family for me. I think my parents are two of the best, sweetest people that I know. They take such good care of me, even when I'm far away. And my siblings? I love them to death. They're wonderful ambitious, smart productive people, and I know they really care about me. I couldn't ask for more.

So don't bother asking me to trade. I won't do it. No way.

And to continue on--
I think I couldn't have found a better family to marry into. Not only did I get Kris, which would've been enough, but I scored two parents that I really love, and some great siblings too. I feel so close to my inlaws. And I know that's a serious blessing, and that it's not always that way, so I really appreciate it.

Nope, nope. Not trading them either.

And finally:

It doesn't get better than this little family. It's perfect. The best, sweetest husband ever, and the cutest little mischievous boy. I love them so much.

It makes me so grateful for the gospel I believe in. For the knowledge that these family ties--so solid, so tangible--don't have an expiration date. That we can be together and keep loving and supporting each other forever.
The thought of that keeps me going through the hard times, as do you my beloved family.