11 and Counting

The last eleven days or so have been a little bit crazy for my family and for me.

I lost my first grandparent on Wednesday, January 28. My mother's mom passed away after suffering from heart failure (which is the simplified version of what really happened.) I had a really hard time dealing with this shock for the first day or so. I'm so grateful that I have family who live in the area who I could be with in those first few hours. I received a priesthood blessing from my hometeacher Matt (who also happens to be my co-chair on the music council) as well as words of council and comfort.

The Lord really does work in mysterious ways. My family has been so incredibly blessed through this whole experience and we have all felt our Savior's love in abundance over the last week. Miracles have occured, testimonies have been strengthened, and my family has come closer together.

My personal testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the sealing power, found only through sacred ordinances in the Temple of God, has been reaffirmed ten-fold. I will miss my grandmother dearly but I do not doubt that I will see her again. As my grandfather said to the cardiologist, "The Lord called her home" and she is having a glorious reunion with our family members who have gone on before us.

Two Years Later

Elder Blaine Chadwick

Denver, Colorado South Mission

Spanish Speaking

Returned: December 5, 2008

Elder Michael Hanson

Bacolod Philippines Mission

Tagolog Speaking

Returned: February 5, 2009

Welcome home Elders! It's good to have you back!

There Were Never Such Devoted Sisters

Katie and Me
Jane and Me

I just wanted to let the world know how much I love my dear sisters. They are beautiful, talented, hilarious, and always buckets of joy to be around. Not only are we sisters, but we're friends too. It brightens my day to receive e-mails from Jane and phone calls from Katie.

You are my sunshine!

I love you Jane and Katie!