Family, Isn't it about...

A couple of weekends ago I had the opportunity to go home for a few days and celebrate mother's day with my ENTIRE extended family, all 60 something of us. It was perfect weekend. Literally perfect. As we stood on the stairs of the city and county building in downtown Salt Lake City I couldn't help but get slightly emotional as I was surrounded by all of my cousins, siblings, aunts, uncles, parents and my grandparents. It wasn't necessarily our hilarious conversations but the time we spent together. Watching everyone interact, love, and care about one another filled my day with many special moments. It was a slice of what I imagine heaven to be like. I only wish I could really express how I feel. I know that it is through the eternal organization of family that will lead us back to our live with God again.

The best way I can describe what I feel about the family is through the inspired document given to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Say Saints and people of the world in September 1995, The Family: A Proclamation to the World "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed."
“The Family: A proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct 1998, 24

The sweetest lady I know, Grandma and Me.

Momma Linda and Poppa Ed

Shauna, Amy, Jenny, Heather
(Where are our brothers? Who knows!)