New Year’s Eve December 31st 2022

Ridge rang in the New Year by hosting an epic party at our house! We had a house full of 7th graders and loved every second of it! Jake and I mc'd a game mash up of 

don't forget the lyrics, dance off, and fear factor.

 

2021 Year in Review

What a year 2021 has been! In January Ridge graduated from primary and became a deacon. Kara had her 9th birthday. We spent a lot of time skiing in January and February. Jake and I were in charge of the 6th grade "un-dance" for Valentine's this year. (Because of Covid they weren't allowed to hold a dance this year). Jake and I came up with a game show idea, calling it "The Game of Love." The kids loved it! The first part of March our family all got sick with COVID. Thankfully we were better before spring break so we could enjoy our family vacation with Shane and Geana's family to Puerto Morelos Mexico. We had a great time there! We wrapped up the end of the school year- Ridge graduated from 6th grade, Gunnar finished 9th, Kara 3rd and Dalton 11th. The kids are now in 4th, 7th, 10th, and Dalton is a Senior! Time is flying! We spent the first part of the summer with the boys all going on their high adventure trips. Dalton, Jake, and the rest of the priest's went to Capital Reef and did some awesome hikes, Gunnar and the teachers went to Moab and did a lot of mountain biking, and Ridge went camping with the deacons to Mantua. Ridge also did a week long PALs science camp at Fremont in June. Kara did a cooking and sewing camp at Heritage Hall and also did a dance camp. I turned 40 in June and Jake and my sister's threw me a fun birthday party. The first part of July Jake was in charge of our Ward's youth conference. I got to tag along as the self appointed photographer. We stayed at Camp Atoka by Monte Cristo and Jake tooke the youth on an interactive tour of the living water's that feed Weber County. From a hike to a mountain spring, kayaking Causey Reservoir, floating the weber river, hiking to the top of 9th street trail overlook, biking the river parkway, and ending at the Ogden temple. The middle of July we took a family trip to do some downhill mountain biking at Grand Targhee ski resort outside of Driggs Idaho. We went with the Beeson's and the Loos.' Dalton, Gunnar and their buddies- Kasen, Braxton, Ryder and Gage all went biking at Big Sky for the first half of the week and then met us at Targhee for the last half of the week. We got to Targhee Wednesday night. Thursday was our first day biking all day. It's lift serve downhill mountain biking so you and your bike ride the lift up then you ride your bike down. We were having a great day! I was riding the last trial of the day and was the last of the group we were riding with. I was following Jake, Dave Beeson, and Trae and Julie Loos. The trail had some fun burms and whoops. I was on the last of the whoops. I thought it was rolled at the top like the previous ones had been but this last one was squared off at the top to make it a jump. I wasn't expecting to jump and I was sitting in the saddle and when I hit the jump I landed top heavy and was bucked out of the seat and summersaulted over the handlebars and landed hard on my left shoulder, hit my jaw-split my chin and cheekbone open, and continued to bounce and slide down the hill until I finally stopped. I knew immediately that my shoulder was broken. I drug myself to the side of the trail with my good arm and started to hollar for help. I remained conscious, but was definitely dizzy and light headed. Jake and our friends heard me hollar for help and immediately came back to find me. Dave Beeson got to me first and helped me hold my hoodie to my face to stop the bleeding. Thankfully we were the last chair of the day so the next people to come down the trail were the patrollers so they were able to radio for help and get my shoulder in a sling. The medics got me off the mountain in a side by side and got me to the medical station. They called an ambulance because my blood pressure and heart rate were low and they were concerned about internal bleeding and organ damage. The paramedics checked me over and hooked me to an EKG. They said I was stable enough to make the trip to the hospital without having to ride in the ambulance so Jake drove me down in the truck. My shoulder hurt like a son of a gun, every bump in the road was excruciating! We got to the ER and they immediately did an x-ray on my shoulder and determined that yes, my shoulder was in fact broke. The scapula (shoulder blade) was snapped completely in half with the entire bottom half covered in tiny fractures. They gave me some IV pain meds then spent the next 4 and half hours doing cat scans and MRI's to make sure there wasn't any internal organ damage. The doctor said that with how bad my scapula was broken they were shocked that I didn't have any organ damage. Had I landed on my head instead of my shoulder I would have been paralyzed or dead. Apparantly a scapula break is the 2nd most painful break there is. (The first being a broken femur.) I definitely believe it! The ER doctor did a great job stitching up my chin and cheekbone, both of which were split open to the bone. My jaw was sprained and I also cracked a few ribs. Unfortunately they weren't able to do surgery because the scapula itself is too thin to be able to hold a plate and screws so the only way for it to heal was to keep it immobilized. I spent the next 7 weeks in a sling. I am so grateful for Jake, family, ward members, and friends who brought in meals and treats, who checked in on me and made sure we were all taken care of. I am now completely healed for the most part, the scapula sticks out a little and I have some scars on my face and arms, but I have full use and mobility of my shoulder and I am so grateful! The first part of September we were lucky enough to get to spend a week in Lake Powell with some awesome friends! I had to wear my sling the entire time and wasn't able to do a lot of the fun water sports I would've liked to have done, but I had a blast watching all the kids and getting to make some great memories! Dalton was super stoked to land a flip on the wakeboard, and I was stoked to catch it on camera! Kara, with Gunnar's help, caught a 10 pound catfish! Dalton and Ridge raced on the mountain bike team in the fall and both had successful and fun seasons. Dalton didn't have quite the year he had the previous year (taking 1st in Region and 3rd in State), but still finished out his Senior year strong and earned his letter award again this year. He has a job working at a custom woodworking shop and also drew a once in a lifetime elk tag in the middle of race season! To say his fall was busy would be an understatement. His hunt was successful and he shot a massive 6 point bull! Gunnar saved up his money and bought himself a new dirtbike this fall that he has been spending every spare minute riding. Kara has been taking dance, cheer, and piano lessons and enjoys practicing her new skills. The end of October my Grandma Marlow passed away. I had the priviledge of speaking at her funeral. As sad as I am, and as much as I miss her, I am so grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and the plan of salvation. I am grateful she is no longer in pain and is enjoying her reunion with my Grandpa. In November Jake and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary by spending a week in Kauia, Hawaii. We loved every second of it! We hiked to multiple beautiful waterfalls, did a river kayak tour, Jake went on a goat hunt, I fell in love with Hawaiian shave ice and poke bowls, we snorkeled with turtles and watched 12 turtles swim onto shore to beach for the night. We did a bike ride along the coast, found some beautiful beaches, went to church at the local ward and loved watching their primary program. At the end of their sacrament meeting all the ward members sang a beautiful Hawaiian song to all the visitors that brought tears to my eyes. We enjoyed every second of this trip but the highlight was probably hiking the beautiful Napoli coast. It was absolutely breathtaking! December was filled with all things Christmas. Ridge is taking choir at the Junior High this year and we thoroughly enjoyed listening to them sing at the Christmas concert. We had our annual Ward Christmas breakfast, had a big Weston extended family Christmas party where Jake and I were Mary and Joseph in the nativity program. We spent Christmas Eve with Jake's family at his parents' house. I loved watching all the kids interact with their cousins and grandparents' and couldn't help thinking how quickly they are all growing up! Christmas morning was magical with our little family. I love these 4 kids with all my heart! I find myself getting emotional at random moments thinking that Dalton will be graduating soon and our family dynamic will be changing. He keeps reminding us that he won't be here next Christmas because he'll be on a mission. As happy and proud as I am at the amazing young man he is, I am also struggling with change and how dang fast the time has gone! I am really wishing I could turn back time a bit and hold on a little tighter and a bit longer... Christmas afternoon my family all came over and we had a festive meal of fancy finger foods and enjoyed watching the kids do their cousin gift exchange. We missed my Dad this year, he was home with a nasty cold that he didn't want to share with the rest of us. He was able to join us over Facetime for a bit. Jake is still loving his job at Thermo Fisher and being able to work from home. One silver lining from Covid is he didn't have to travel too much this past year. It's been nice having him around so much. I just started working as a ski instructor at Snow Basin this winter. I teach two days a week. I am also still teaching a once a week group fitness class at EOS. 2022 is looking like it's going to be another big year. Dalton will graduate high school and leave on a mission. Gunnar will be turning 16. Ridge will be turning 13 and Kara will be 10 in just a few days. I've set a few goals for myself personally and we've set a few family goals. Hoping and praying for no broken bones this year!

Kara's Baptism Spotlight

From the first moment I looked into Kara's eyes I knew that she was a precious daughter of our Father in Heaven and that she had an amazing strong and beautiful spirit. Kara had a rough start to this mortal life, but our Father in Heaven has always been mindful of her and kept her in his care. The Lord has definitely had his hand in Kara's life and has led her to be part of our family. I am so incredibly grateful that Kara is my daughter and we can't imagine life without her. From the time Kara was a baby she has had a very strong compass and a sensitive spirit that has sought out righteousness. She has a love for music, especially primary songs. I find it no coincidence that the first song I ever sang to her was "I am A Child of God' and Kara was able to feel the spirit testify of the truthfulness of that song and was immediately comforted. I know that Kara is a beloved daughter of God and I know that she knows that. Our Father in Heaven has incredible things in store for you Kara!
A few fun things about Kara: She has such a zest for life and gets so excited about whatever big thing is coming up next on the calendar. She is so smart and remembers dates and times of activities she's looking forward to and counts down for weeks! She is very social and loves spending time with her cousins and friends. Kara has 8 cousins that have a birthday within a year of hers! How lucky is she! Pretty much the first thing she asks every day after school is, "can I play with a friend?" She loves school and enjoys learning and especially socializing! Her favorite subjects in school are
She loves to play the piano and can hear a tune somewhere and then go figure out how to play it on the piano- it amazes me! She loves tumbling and dance and wants to play every sport. So far she's tried out softball and indoor soccer. She has a ton of energy! She loves to ride 4 wheelers and dirt bikes, loves to go camping, and loves to ride her horse. She loves to snow ski in the winter and knee board in the summer. Funny story about when she learned to knee board- she was 5 and Ridge was 8 and she was watching Ridge knee board and she said I want a turn! Jake and I both thought oh, boy this isn't going to end well! We thought she was way too little and there was no way she would be able to knee board. But she jumped right on that knee board and was able to figure it out her first try! She has always thought she could do anything Ridge can do and she keeps up with him pretty good! She has now decided that this summer she's going to learn to wakeboard- and I'm sure she will! She loves her brothers, even though they like to tease and pester her a lot! And trust me, she can hold her own with them just fine! She is excited to get to have her big brother Dalton baptized her today! She's also so excited to have her Daddy confirm her. Kara is our little snuggle buddy and we love that about her! Every morning she wakes up and comes into Jake and I's room for her morning snuggles!
Kara your Dad and I are so proud of you for making the choice to be baptized and to covenant to live your life following our Savior's example. We love you so much! Bentley we are also so proud of you for also making the choice to be baptized today! I want both you girls to look around you for just a minute and notice all the people who are here to support you today! You are both so very loved! Our Heavenly Father is so proud of you! I know that as you keep your baptismal covenants and strive to live your life so that the Holy Ghost can always be with you, you will have the comfort and guidance you need to follow our Heavenly Fathers' plan for you and He will bless your life. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Daltonisms

10/24/2008
This morning we're eating breakfast and I'm telling the boys they need to eat so they're bodies will be strong and healthy. And I tell them that heavenly father created their bodies in his image. Dalton says,"how come Heavenly Father and Jesus have girl hair?" I asked him what he meant by that. He says, "In pictures they have longish hair like girls." I was stumped for a second so I said, "maybe they don't have any hair clippers." Dalton says,"well maybe they should create some!"
We were driving home from Dalton's field trip and we drove over the river. Dalton says, "I love rivers, they're so rivery!"
This afternoon Dalton was helping me put laundry away. After about the third trip of taking laundry from downstairs all the way upstairs Dalton says, "we need a conveyer belt to put the laundry on to carry it up the stairs for us!" I didn't know he knew what a conveyer belt was!
10/31/2008
Today was Halloween so we made the rounds to visit all the grandparents and great-grandparents. We were visiting my Grandma Dalton at the assisted living center in Layton. Dalton is holding her hand looking at her finger nails. He says,"your finger nails are sure long and poky. Are they for Halloween?" Poor boy isn't used to seeing pretty fingernails because his mom has never had them!
11/16/2008
We're getting ready for church this morning and Dalton is downstairs taking the cushions off the couch and building something out of them. He says, "I'm building a spaceship so I can travel to Mars to see if any life exists there!" Where in the world does he come up with this stuff?!

Funny Kara

A few weeks ago Kara and I were at Jiffy  Lube getting the Tahoe's coolant topped off. Kara says in an exasperated tone, "they're taking FOREVER!!! I'm gonna be five already!!!"

Happy 7th Birthday Ridge

I can't believe my baby boy is already 7 years old! His birthday was yesterday. He choose waffles for breakfast then he ran some errands with me and said he wanted a pizza lunchable for his birthday lunch so that's what he got! We then came home and worked in the yard then he got to open his presents from Jake and the kids and I. He got a huge water gun, 500 water balloons, and his favorite movie The Good Dinosaur. Today we went to church then had all the family over for cake and ice cream. Grandma and Grandpa Weston came, Randy, Ashley, Malory, Maddie and Cooper, Grandma and Grandpa Dalton, Great Grandma Marlow, Brandon, Laura, Blakely, Paislynn and Grayson, Nick, Jen, Annie, and Jesse, David, Kylie, Riley, and Bentley. We had strawberry shortcake made in a bunt pan and made into a dinosaur volcano lava cake and popcorn and ice cream.

Our Foster Story

   Casey Hall (our neighbor, friend and member of our bishopric) called me Friday and asked me to speak in sacrament this Sunday. He said that his speakers that he originally had lined up had something come up last minute. He said I could speak on blessings or basically anything I wanted. I had a lot on my mind that I felt I needed to share so I asked him if I could just basically share my life experiences from the past few years and he said that would be fine. Here's what I said:

   On my list of fun things to do speaking in sacrament meeting didn't make the cut, but on my list of things that strengthen my testimony and bring me closer to my Father in Heaven it did; so for that I'm grateful for this opportunity. I did, however, only get a whopping 48 hours notice so this talk is not going to be profound or eloquent but it's real and raw and personal.

   My  youngest son, Ridge, was born 6 and a half years ago. He was born 6 1/2 weeks premature and both he and I experienced life threatening complications. Thankfully we both pulled through ok, but the thought of experiencing another pregnancy and delivery was terrifying for both Jake and I. I was still recovering from my complications after having Ridge, and Ridge had just been home from the NICU for about a month, when we were at Dalton and Gunnar's swimming lessons and I met a Mom of one of the kids in Gunnar's class. We began talking and she told me that she was a foster mom and began to tell me more about it. Another mom within earshot piped in and told of her story of being raised in foster care. I felt the whisperings of the spirit for me to pay attention and felt some seeds being planted in my heart. I read this poem titled "Just the Same" by Diana Lynn Lacey in the Ensign of April 2011 and it pierced my soul:

Sometimes—

God sends rain

Straight from the sky

To nourish the young flower

and it grows.

Sometimes—

God sends rain from the sky

To the mountaintops,

Then over hills and through valleys

Until it reaches the flower

and it grows, just the same.

Sometimes—

God sends a child

Straight from His realm

Into a mother’s arms

and love grows.

Sometimes—

God sends a child

From heaven to another’s arms,

Then over hills and through valleys

Until he reaches the arms of his mother

and love grows, just the same.

   I felt strongly that I would one day adopt a child and love them just as much as my birth children. Another seed was planted.

   I went on with my busy life of raising my three rambunctious boys and still recovering and healing from my c-section complications. I got called to be the young women's secretary and then a few months later the young women's president. I felt overwhelmed and inadequate but decided to trust the Lord and rely on him to help me fulfill my calling and my responsibilities at home. My time in young women's blessed my life and I learned how much I was capable of loving those young women as my own. I met a young women's president in our stake who was a foster mom and another seed was planted. I also had two of my young women who I absolutely adore who were adopted through foster care, they babysit for me quite often and are the sweetest two girls ever! Pretty soon it seemed like everywhere I went I was running into foster parents and foster families who would tell me their stories. The spirit was whispering to me that this was something I needed to do. This continued for about 2 years. I kept pushing it aside and kept it to myself. I kept trying to convince myself that I was way too busy and had too much on my plate to even consider such a thing right now. I hadn't mentioned anything to Jake about the promptings I had been receiving. One day Jake came home from work and told me about a coworker of his who had adopted their son through foster care. He told me he had talked with him quite a bit and he felt prompted that we needed to become foster parents. I broke down crying and told him that I knew we needed to as well but I was scared. Jake expressed to me that he felt it was something we needed to do now. I told him that I wouldn't consider it until our house was finished and I was released from young women's. We really didn't have a room for another kid at that time and I knew my sanity couldn't handle the demands of foster care while serving as young women's president. A few months later our house was finished and I got released from Young Women's. Jake asked if I was ready to do foster care and I told him I would at least do the pre service training classes and then make a decision afterwards. I knew we needed to do foster care, I just wasn't 100% sure if the timing was right. While in the classes I became even more nervous and apprehensive about it. They make sure you know exactly what you're getting yourselves into and it is terrifying!
  I was volunteering at the school one day when I passed another mom in the hall I didn't know very well. I got the strongest impression that I needed to talk to her. As I talked with her I found out that she was a foster mom. She has 3 biological boys the exact same ages as mine. It was so comforting to talk with someone who totally understood what I was going through and could relate with all my worries and fears and answer so many of my questions. Since then she has become one of my best friends and we have been able to help each other through the crazy challenges foster care brings. Jake and I completed our foster training classes in March of 2013. Jake asked me if I was ready to become licensed. I told him that I was still nervous about it and that I really needed to pray hard about it. I knew it would be the most challenging thing I had ever done. That night I prayed with all my heart fervently asking my Father in Heaven if foster care was the right thing for our family at that time. I opened my scriptures to Matthew 25:40 "in as much as you've done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Tears streamed down my face. The words of the hymn "Because I have been given much I too must give" entered my mind. I knew there was a little girl out there who needed me. She needed to know that she has a Heavenly Father who loves her. The Lord needed me to teach her that. I knew that our family needed to do foster care and that it was the right time. We got our license in July 2013. 
  On September 9, 2013 I got a phone call about a blonde haired, blue eyed little 19 month old girl. They didn't even know what her name was yet, or for sure what her age was. She had just been removed and they were keeping her at the DCFS office and were wondering if we would take her? I had the most peaceful assurance come over me. I called Jake at work and he immediately felt that same peace and said, "go get her." I asked the boys what they thought and they were so excited and said, "go get our little sister!" From the minute I first saw Kara I felt so strongly that she was supposed to be part of our family. But as you all know, it was a rough and rocky road. For 15 months it was back and forth as to whether she was going back to her birth mom or staying with us. In September 2014 we had the court documents in our hands stating that DCFS was asking for termination of parental rights and we would be able to start the adoption process. Unfortunately the night before the hearing we got a phone call from the caseworker saying there had been a change in plans and they were now asking for an extension and giving her bio mom one more chance. I knew that this was not going to be good for Kara. In July 2015 they started expanding visits with her mom and allowing unsupervised visits. In October 2014 I went to a team meeting and was told that at the end of November Kara would be going back to live with her bio mom permanently.  I was heartbroken. My mother's intuition was screaming that this was not a good thing for Kara. I was worried about her safety and honestly felt that her life was in danger. There were so many red flags. I expressed my concerns privately to every professional involved in the decision making process. Jake and I set up private meetings with the caseworker, her supervisor, and guardian ad litem. I researched and sought out legal counsel. I found out that Kara, Jake and I had basically had no legal rights in this situation. I felt completely helpless. I was struggling with having faith and trusting God, and also thinking about the scripture that says after all that you can do. I knew that God had a plan but didn't know what it was or how it would work out. Jake and I went to the temple and put Kara's name and everyone's involved in making decisions for her on the prayer roll. We asked our family and ward to please fast for her. I was fasting and praying for a miracle. I didn't want her to leave. I was worried sick. I started having major anxiety and panic attacks. I would wake up in the middle of the night with a panic attack and unable to breathe. The only way I could calm down was by having Jake give me a priesthood blessing. The only place I was able to feel any peace was at the temple. Jake and I were at the temple in November 2014 praying and fasting for a miracle for Kara, for peace, and to know what the Lord would have us do. During the temple session an impression entered my mind of the story in the Old Testament of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. I'm sure that was the hardest thing Abraham had ever done. But Abraham loved and trusted the Lord. He was obedient and prepared to do what was asked of him. Right before he was going to sacrifice his son the Lord stopped him, the Lord sent a ram to be sacrificed instead. I know that wasn't just a coincidence that that story entered my mind at that time. I know that the Lord was telling me that I had to let Kara go back to her birth Mom. I was devastated. 
  Kara went back to her birth mom on November 30, 2014. It was the hardest thing I've ever experienced. She lived with her birth mom for two months. During that time DCFS asked me to go there 2-3 times a week and help teach her mom how to parent. It was traumatizing for Kara to have me leave each time and not be able to leave with me. She would scream hysterically, begging to go home. I would try my best to stay strong for her and keep it together until after I got in my car to drive home. One day as I was driving home sobbing I began to pray. I was discouraged and depressed. I felt abandoned by God. I couldn't understand why he would put us through this. I was trying to do what he had asked of us. I was trying to do a good thing! Why did it have to be so hard!!! The impression came to my mind, "this isn't about you. Be still and know that I am God. Trust Me." I was immediately humbled and subdued. I then asked God, "What do you want me to do?" The answer came strong and clear. Focus on her Mom. From that day on I did all that I could to truly try to help her Mom. I grew to love her and served her with all my heart. I was able to see others more the way our Savior does. I didn't know what the future was going to bring, but I wanted to be a positive influence in all of their lives. They are all God's children and I wanted them to know it. 
        This is what I wrote in my journal on January 21, 2015 about that experience driving home after receiving the prompting to trust God. I immediately stopped my pity party, my fears and doubts melted away. I knew that I needed to trust God. He has a plan, he knows what he's doing. This experience has changed how I am now going about this whole situation. I have allowed the Savior's atonement to carry me through. It's more than I can carry alone. I am putting my faith and trust in Heavenly Father. My prayers have changed. Instead of begging and pleading for Kara to stay with us like I did in the months before the home trial placement, I am now praying to know what the Lord wants me to do. I'm praying to align myself with his will and to be an instrument in his hands. As I've allowed myself to be led by faith, I've felt His promptings and peace come. I've been able to see others more the way Christ sees them. I've been able to reach out and love those who are burdened with broken hearts and spirits due to their life circumstances. I've been able to feel genuine love and concern for Kara's mom, boyfriend and extended family and friends. I've witnessed first hand the struggles and afflictions of others, that I never would have known before doing foster care, and have felt genuine love and compassion for them. I've tried to be Christlike. Through all of this I've felt the spirit teaching me and guiding me along the way. I'm able to feel at peace and have a deep understanding that all will be well. I have a deeper appreciation for the atonement of Christ. I have a renewed appreciation and love for the gospel and it's teachings. I know that following Christ's teachings is the one sure way to find peace and happiness. I have a greater appreciation for the gift and power of prayer. I have felt the prayers of many on mine and my family's behalf. I appreciate the blessing of the temple and the peace I feel there. I have grown to love and cherish the scriptures and find peace in the teachings found within. I have a greater appreciation of family home evening and know that it is divine counsel from our Heavenly Father to help strengthen families. I am grateful for priesthood blessings, they have saved me from multiple panic attacks! I am so grateful for Jake. He is a wonderful husband and father, he has such a strong testimony. He has helped carry me through this trial and helped lift me up when I was at my weakest. I am so grateful for my boys and appreciate them so much more. I don't know what the future holds, but I do know that Heavenly Father is in charge. He has a plan and I am at peace following his plan wherever it may lead me.
  On Friday, January 30, 2015 about 5pm I got a phone call from the caseworker saying that Kara had been removed from her Mom's home and she was on her way to our house to bring Kara back to us! In February both Kara's parents signed over their legal rights so that we could start the adoption process.
  On August 17, 2015 we were able to finally adopt Kara!!! On September 25th 2015 we were able to have her sealed to us in the Ogden temple. It was such a wonderful day! The boys were able to be there as well and witness the sealing. My great Uncle, Ken Alford, my Grandma Dalton's brother, was our sealer. My Grandma, who was also my best friend, passed away last October, right before Kara went back to her mom. It was a really rough fall! I have felt my Grandma close through all of this. I know she has been doing all she can from the other side to help Kara. The feeling that was in that sealing room I will never forget. It was the most serene and peaceful feeling I have ever felt. The thought entered my mind, "I bet this is what heaven feels like. Peaceful and full of people you love, and just an overwhelming feeling of love and that all is as it should be."
  This whole experience has greatly strengthened my testimony. I know that God is in charge. He has a plan for each of us. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is central to that plan. I am so grateful for the Gospel. For the guidance and direction it gives me in my life. I know that by following our Heavenly Father's plan we can have peace and happiness in our life.
  I want to talk a little bit about the nature of God and his plan for us. God loves us. He knows us individually. He has a plan for each one of us and wants us to choose to follow his plan. He knows infinitely more than we do. He wants us to have Faith in him. He wants us to trust him. He promises us in John 14:8 "I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you."
  In Doctrine and Covenants 82:10 the Lord says, "I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise"  The Lord does what he says he's going to do. We can trust him and have Faith in Him.
  In Isaiah 55:8 the Lord says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. Saith the Lord." God gives us commandments to protect us and keep us safe. To protect us from extra and unnecessary pain and grief. But he also knows that we're human and we all make mistakes. That's why he has provided us a Savior and a way to repent.
  Another important part of God's plan is the raising of children. My favorite Ensign article of all time is in the December 2007 Ensign by President Gordon B. Hinckley titled, "These Our Little Ones." The entire article is amazing! I just want to share two quotes from it:
"It is so obvious that the great good and the terrible evil in the world today are the sweet and the bitter fruits of the rearing of yesterday’s children. As we train a new generation, so will the world be in a few years. If you are worried about the future, then look to the upbringing of your children. Wisely did the writer of Proverbs declare, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Behold your little ones. Pray with them. Pray for them and bless them. The world into which they are moving is a complex and difficult world. They will run into heavy seas of adversity. They will need all the strength and all the faith you can give them while they are yet near you. And they will also need a greater strength which comes of a higher power. They must do more than go along with what they find. They must lift the world, and the only levers they will have are the example of their own lives and the powers of persuasion that will come of their testimonies and their knowledge of the things of God. They will need the help of the Lord. While they are young, pray with them that they may come to know that source of strength which shall then always be available in every hour of need."
  I know that this is true. I pray that we will all cling tightly to the gospel and teach our children to do the same so we can withstand the storms of life. I am so grateful to live in this wonderful ward and will forever to grateful to all of you for all the fasting and prayers you have offered on Kara's behalf. I am also so appreciative to my Heavenly Father for all he has blessed me with. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Kara's Preschool class pictures

This sweet little girl is in a three year old preschool class at my neighbor's house twice a week. She is doing so awesome! She asks me every day if it's a school day. She loves practicing her letters, coloring, and doing her homework. I was talking to her teacher the other day and she said that Kara is one of the smartest kids in her class! I'm so amazed at the progress she's made these past few months!

Kara's Temple Sealing Day

Brandon and Laura Butler, Jeff and Candace Kusuda, Leanne, Tyler and Amy Anderson (Uncle Craig left before the picture was taken), Pam and Jeff Dalton and Paislynn Butler, Aunt Delores and Uncle Ken Alford, Ashley Weston, Joyce and Dallas Weston, Neil and Lisa Cox, Grandma Fae Weston, Geana and Shane Weston, (Bottom row): Blakely Butler, Braxton Weston, Dakota Weston, Kade Kusuda, Cameron Weston, Ridge Weston, Gunnar Weston, Alayna Weston, Kara Weston, Dalton Weston, McKenna Kusuda, Gavin Kusuda ( Brian and Peggy Adams took these pictures) The rest of our family and friends left before this picture was taken: Doug and Sharell Weston, Lori and David Burgett, Nick and Jen Taylor, Craig Anderson, Sonja Hammond, Megan and David Bush, Rex and Pam Weston, Don and Kelly Weston, Brent and Rebecca Weston, Dave and Allison Beeson, Ben and Tara Hale, Ed and Brittney Hall, Casey and Alyson Hall, Nicki Seamons, Casey and Bobbi Jo Nelson, Judd and Shalee Cook, Gary and Becki Westergard, Bryce and Erin Moyes, Jen and Deric Kennedy, Logan and LuElla Checketts and Bishop Jerry Jensen and his wife Kit Jensen 

There are literally no words to describe what an amazingly wonderful day it has been! It's hard to believe this day has finally come! From the second we walked through the temple doors there was such a wonderful feeling of tranquility and peace. The sweet temple workers took Kara and the boys and got them dressed in white clothes and ready to go into the sealing room. Jake and I went and talked with one of the workers and made sure all the paperwork was correct. The worker we talked with shared some very spiritual experiences she had had while working in the temple. Jake and I each had a worker assigned to us who stayed with us and directed us to a small sealing room just down the hall from the large sealing room where our sealing would take place. My Uncle Ken Alford (my Grandma Dalton's brother) would be performing our sealing. Uncle Ken met us in the small sealing room and talked with us for about fifteen minutes or so. While he was talking I noticed how much he resembled my Grandma and reminded me so much of her. I got the strongest impression that she was there. Of course she would be! A few workers brought the kids up to us and then they had us all walk into the sealing room together. The sealing room was full of our family and friends. The thought came to me that this must be what heaven is like. Peaceful and full of loved ones who are so familiar and dear to us. It was so neat having Uncle Ken perform the sealing. He's someone I've known and loved and admired my whole life. He gave me my patriarchal blessing when I was fourteen. He and Aunt Delores have always had the strongest marriage and have been wonderful examples to me of what a good marriage is like. Uncle Ken shared the story of when he was sealed to my Great Grandparents James and Anelda Mae Alford (Kara's middle name is Mae after Anelda) in the Salt Lake temple when he was about seven years old and how he still remembers looking at the curtains in the sealing room. Uncle Ken talked to the boys and explained to them that they don't need to be sealed to Jake and I because they were already born under the covenant. He talked for a few more minutes asking the boys questions and making sure they understood the sacredness and importance of this day. He then asked Jake and I to come forward and have Kara sealed to us. He had the boys come and stand up close so they could see what was happening. It was one of the most sacred and special experiences of my life. I am overwhelmed with gratitude to my Father in Heaven for allowing my baby girl to mine forever. I am so grateful for the temple and the sealing powers that bind us on earth and in heaven. Losing Kara for those few months last fall has given me such a greater appreciation for her, my boys and my  husband. I thank the Lord every day for the privilege of being their mother and Jake's wife. I am so grateful to get to have them forever! Elder Fisher, a member of the quorum of the seventy happened to be visiting the Ogden Temple that day and sat in on our sealing, he even got a little emotional the spirit was so strong! Later on Jake's Aunt told me that she felt very strongly that Jake's Grandpa Eldon Weston was there as well. My Aunt Leanne told me that she also felt my Grandma Dalton there as well. After we left the temple we had a luncheon of sub sandwiches, salads and desserts at our house. It was a wonderful day!!!

Kara's Blessing Day!!!

Today was Kara's blessing day!!! Jake gave Kara the most beautiful blessing today at the beginning of our Sacrament meeting. I recorded it with my phone because I think one day Kara may want to hear it again. This is what her blessing said: "Our Father in Heaven with the power and authority of the Melchizedek priesthood which we hold we lay our hands on this child to give her a name and a blessing. The name which has been chosen is Kara Mae Weston. Kara at this time we wish to give you a blessing. In the three short years you have been on this earth you've already seen so much of what this world has to offer and also what our Father in Heaven has to offer. Kara you're surrounded by so many inspiring people who care for you. Our Father in Heaven has blessed you with more than you may recognize and I bless you that you will come to recognize these blessings. Our Father in Heaven has planted you in the most fertile soil on this earth. In a loving family, among wonderful neighbors, a ward and community that holds our Father and his son Jesus Christ in high regard and recognize the importance they are in their life. I bless you that you will have that same understanding and realization in your own life. I bless you that you will be filled with gratitude for all those who have blessed your life so far. I give you a special blessing that you will continue to develop a strong and lasting bond with your Mother Alayna. Come to trust and love her as your own. I bless you that that you will become close to the spirit. Understand and recognize his promptings in your life as God will have you do. Our Father in Heaven clearly has a purpose for you Kara. He has blessed you and taken you from where you were and placed you on this path for a reason. I bless you that in time you will come to understand those purposes and be able to fulfill the things our Father in Heaven has in store for you; which are many and great. I bless that you will continue to develop strong mentally, physically and socially and the challenges you have faced will become strengths to you and add to your life experience and add to your testimony and the person you are and not take away. Kara I wish to express my love for you and the love of those around you and hope that plants deep into your heart so that love may strengthen you now and the rest of your life.
I leave these blessings on you and any others our Father in Heaven sees fit in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."