Missing Jared

Last weekend was the one-year anniversary of Jared's death. We went to Rexburg to be with Heath's mom and Jared's girlfriend, Stephanie. Stephanie brought Jared's dog, Bubba with her. It was so fun to see him. We hadn't seen him since he was a brand new puppy, and now he is huge!

This is Jared's headstone. I took Micah and Abby there. Micah remembers Jared very well. He remembers spending time with him and he remembers how great Jared was with him.

Even though Jared isn't with us, we still think of him often and miss him so much. We love you, Jared!

Quick Funny

The past few days, Micah and Abby have been playing so well together. It's been super cute. Yesterday, they asked if they could jump on the trampoline with the sprinklers on underneath it. I told them to go put their swimsuits on while I set up the sprinklers. When they came outside, Micah had a lime green, silver, white and black swim shirt on, with red, blue, orange, and yellow Lightning McQueen swim trunks. It was quite the ensemble, so I told him to go change because he didn't match. I could tell this didn't sit well with him. He just kind of looked at me all disgusted like and said, "Only girls care if they match."

Enough said. :)

Happy Birthday, Valerie!

Today would be my sister's 34th birthday. I still miss her like crazy. Last night, I was thinking that if Valerie were here right now, I'm sure she would have a family of her own and our kids would play together. I'm sure Valerie would still be running- probably marathon's. I'm sure she would be a college graduate, but probably a stay-at-home mom. She would be a wonderful mother. I am sure of that. She would probably be involved in church leadership, community service, and just making a great life for her family. Plus, I know she and I would be having tons of fun. We had lots of plans for things that sisters do together. That's probably what I miss the most. When my friends tell me about the things they do with their sisters, I have to admit, that I do get a bit sad, and although I try to fight it, I get a bit jealous too.

I remember one time, it was actually my birthday, probably my 14th or 15th. Valerie gave me a travel size bottle of Jergen's lotion. I always thought that was sweet because she was only 10 at the time, and didn't have any money of her own. But, she found a way to get me something. That's how she was. She always looked for ways to make other people happy.

The week before Valerie died, she came to Provo and we spent the day together doing some Christmas shopping. We had so much fun! We laughed constantly and just really enjoyed the day. I remember when it was time for her to leave, I thought how great it was going to be when she started college the next year, and we were in the same place again. That was not to be, and to this day, I believe that Heavenly Father gave us that day so I would always have that memory. The memory of my little sister.

I still miss her so much. I wish she was here to get to know my kids. Abby's full name is "Abigail Valerie". She looks a lot like Valerie too. But, I know we will be with her again. That I know, just as sure as I know of my love for my own children. I guess for her birthday this year, I will remember what a blessing the Plan of Salvation is and how grateful I am to know that even though Valerie is not here with us, she is a huge part of our family, and always will be.

I love you, Valerie! Happy Birthday!