Kacey and Lanae are MARRIED!

On the morning of December 13, 2008, we received a "white wedding." The snow fell most of the night and all morning, offering a challenge in getting to the Bountiful Temple. Many of us were late reaching the temple, so Kacey and Lanae had a few sweet moments together in the Celestial Room prior to the sealing.
I won't soon forget the leap in my chest from the pride I felt as Kacey entered the Sealing Room. We could see that Lanae was already a bit emotional and so that started my tears flowing as well. The sweet, yet powerful approach of the Sealer ("Hatch") left us all feeling inspired to improve our celestial marriages. He offered two strong admonitions for couples: "keep working at it and stay righteous." He was a cute man, even if he kept calling Lanae, Lynette until Kacey corrected him. He reminded us that the marriage was binding even if he got the names wrong.
My favorite part of the sealing was when he asked Kacey and Lanae to consider who had witnessed this event. He reminded us that angels were present and that angels are people--some we know and miss and others we have not yet met. I'm certain Grandma Marilyn was there, along with Kacey and Lanae's children (she's probably giving them tips on how to make life more interesting for their parents). This was a tender moment as I realized the implications of their children accepting this union and making plans to join them (soon, I hope).
The luncheon and reception were just as wonderful and the day stands out in my memory as one of my top five. I wish we could go back and enjoy that day all over again! My birthday and Christmas were anticlimactic in comparison. Love it! Thanks to all who supported us in this wonderful time.

What a Wonderful Life!

Doug and I can't believe how very fortunate we are these days! Life is going along so well. We're finishing the basement so I can move my office home--that way I can work smarter, not harder and save the overhead (so I can spend it!). Doug, his brother, Dustin, and the boys totally framed the whole thing over the weekend and have a good amount of the sheetrock up, too. And, of course, Krystle and I have great plans for the decor.
Kacey was just ordained an Elder and he and his fiance, Lanae Hunt, will be married in the Bountiful Temple on December 13. We are so proud of him and his efforts to be the man we've always dreamed he could be in life. It's great fun to make preparations for the wedding and reception. We're really hoping everyone we love can make it to the PAR-TAY! The lovely couple plan to live with Brett and Sam in their cute little house for a few months before they head off to work for the security company for the summer. They plan to earn enough money for a good down payment on a house during those months. The location isn't certain yet, but we're hoping for somewhere tropical to visit.
Krystle returned from her Oregon nightmare and found a "normal" family to nanny for in North Ogden. She works there three days a week and also cleans at Mountain West Research three times each week. She's having a blast catching up with her friends and family and looking forward to starting college in the fall.
Kody is a Senior this year and gearing up for college with his accelerated courses. He is hanging in there for Box Elder's worst ever football season. He's been playing running back for the first time in his life and that's been fun. The JV games are best and last week he scored TWO TOUCHDOWNS! He's still trucking around on the moped he and Doug purchased while I was in Michigan (grrr). He's looking forward to the end of football season and getting back to work and Shopko and Domino's. He's planning to go with Kacey and Lanae to sell security systems this summer and earn big dough.
Keaton is in 8th grade now (my baby--how can this be happening?). His football team (along with Kyler) is ROCKIN' this year. They play in the mini bowl this weekend. He plays offensive guard and linebacker on defense and is eating it up! He's dropped about 25 pounds since this time last year and is thrilled not to be an "X" player. Keaton is the President of the Deacon's quorum and loves the social part of school.
We're looking forward to the holiday season---we are so blessed.

Feeling old. . .

So, last week was big for Doug and me as parents. Krystle turned 18---it just doesn't seem possible. Wasn't it just yesterday that she was toddling around the house getting into everything? I always thought old people were whacked when they'd say how time flies---so, it's hard for me to admit that I'm feeling that way now. I really do feel like I've been ripped off! Where did the time go? I want a do-over! Actually, I'm so very proud of the young woman that our Kryssie has become. She's so responsible, honest, funny, beautiful and spiritual. She is a great sister and daughter. I guess if she's got to be all grown up, I'd just as soon she start making me some grandbabies! That will be exciting stuff! The rest of the crew is doing well--we're all addicted to American Idol this year (cheering for our Utah boy, David Archuleta). Kody is heading to the Junior Prom next weekend, so there's another milestone to make me weep. He is amazing--looking into college scholarships, possibly joining the military and such. He is more responsible than his 16 years should warrant. Keaton is working very hard to do better in school and we're proud of him. He and Moses are saving up for a new b-ball hoop, since our backboard shattered. They deliver fliers locally and earn good money each month (and get lots of exercise walking). Mo is working to memorize his time tables and loves that Spring is showing up at last. Kacey visited his girlfriend in Hawaii in February and now wishes he was back there, I'm sure. She'll come home the end of April. He's working at Domino's and keeping up on all the reality shows. Our family sounds so boring. . . but we like to keep it simple.