Thank You Thursday (Week 2)

I literally don't know where to begin.

2011 has been a roller coaster ride so far.  There have been lots and lots of downs marked by a few very big ups.

Those "ups" have been so big for me that I truly believe they are miracles.  Miracles I feel I need to acknowledge and thank God for.

Thank you Heidi for capturing these special moments on your camera and sharing your pictures with me.   I'm glad I can look back when things aren't going so smoothly and remember just what God has done and can do for me and the ones I love.

Thank you Derik for taking a few days off and being super dad and super mom, so I could share a few unforgettable days with my mother, my dad, and my sisters, my nieces and nephews and some very dear extended family.   Thank you for serving me in so many ways.  

Thank you Uncle Dean (and Pat) for being there for my mother and my father.  Thank you for your countless and selfless acts of service, it means the world to me that you have been there to help us all.  Thank you for being generous and kind and an example of what a great man should be. 

Thank you Arda and Kathleen and all the many others who were behind the scenes, cooking and preparing food for our celebration of my mother's special day.  The food was beautiful, delicious and was much appreciated. 

Thank you God for allowing me these sweet moments over the last few weeks.  Thank you for hearing my prayers.  Thank you for answering them in your own way and in your own time.  Thank you for allowing me to grow and to learn and progress.

I believe in Forever Families.

I believe in the principals of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I believe the temple is God's House.

On Thursday March 17th my mother went through the Oquirrh Mountain Temple.

What goes on in a temple is SACRED and not a secret, so I can't and won't write much about this.

I have always loved my mother.  We really misunderstood each other, for a better portion of our lives, but through it all my mother always told and showed me that she LOVED me. Her influence and example have been monumental in shaping my life and who I am.  

I don't think there are words enough to describe my joy in knowing she and I can be eternally linked. 

Thank you Dad for allowing Mom this opportunity.  You looked so handsome in your suit.  I love who you are working to become.  

 Friday March 18, 2011
My mom, my oldest sister and myself as well as my Aunt Pat and Uncle Dean drove down to Manti Utah and did a session together in the Manti Temple.   It is a beautiful place.  It was a beautiful experience. 

I cannot wait to go back!

March is a busy month for birthdays in my immediate and extended family.

Happy Birthday Eric, Emily, Isaac, Braden and Nyles!

Thank You Cozette for throwing together a birthday bash at Fat Cats Bowling so that we could all be together and celebrate.

Thank you Reece for making our party so much fun!

Saturday March 19, 2011
My Uncle Dean invited the Ward clan down to his pasture to let the kids go for a horse ride.

The kids all loved it.  Thank you for taking that time out of your schedule Uncle Dean!

After the horse rides we went to a park in Provo to feed the ducks and let the kids play around in the playground for a while.

 

 After the park we were able to go to my Grandma Benson's home and visit with her.  I think my children are very blessed.  They have had the privilege of getting to know two of their GREAT Grandmothers!

I save the last of my post for my Dad.

I know your road is rough right now.  I know you can emerge from all this a better man. 

I know you can find forgiveness and happiness if you keep applying the Saviors Atonement in your life.  

Thank you for trying.  

We all make mistakes and we all fail.

 It's what we do after our mistakes and our failures that really matter.

I love seeing light in your eyes.  I love watching you learn and grow.  I love the thought of you finding real happiness.  I love seeing you cry, because it means your heart is being softened.  I love watching the miracle of the new you emerging. 

I don't think I can say thank you enough for the wonderful memories and feelings I've had over the last couple of weeks.  I am blessed!