May Visit

We had such a wonderful time visiting and spending quality time with both sides of the family. It is so strange how fast time goes by. We were here just 9 months ago and it seems like it hasn't really been that long. Honestly, the main reason we came to visit was to see Cheryl. I can't even go into how much of a great influence she is and what an amazing example of love she is. I am so grateful that we were able to spend some time with the Smith side of our family. I can honestly say, I love each and every person so very much and I'm grateful for the knowledge we have of eternal families. We laughed and cried together- and then cried a little more. I know Cheryl says she is at peace- and just like a testimony, I think we are all leaning on her peace to get through this time. I feel like her spirit will always be missed- at each and every family dinner, each family reunion, each time we get together for a baptism, blessing, temple sealing, or graduation. Every time a baby is born, every time we lose one more sibling or parent. We will be missing her as well. It is surreal. I know its happening, its right before our eyes- but there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. Our sister- is leaving us. She will be missed, thought about, remembered. We will hug her children a little longer- and I hope they know how much we thought of their mother. The one person in the family- who everyone only has sweet memories of. She is a very giving, kind, and celestial person. Truly- her sweet spirit will be missed. 

Marty & Macy Building the Tree House

Cheryl said that she "wanted Macy to know that what I said was true." 

And with the huge help of Home Depot and a team of good men, they built Macy's tree house. 

Even Uncle Bryan got to help. Macy said " The tree house is like my mom, because she has a big imagination."

What a wonderful and happy thing to have happen for her. 

As it happens, Marty's brother in law works at Southwestern Energy

with Bryan. He happens to be a Mormon Bishop out in Katy, TX. 

Wow, how cool is that?

Siblings Picture

Bryan, Steven, Mike, Penn

Jenn, Cheryl, Lisa, Julie, Rachel, Mary Anne

On May 11th, 2013 we baptized Isaac & blessed Sadie Jane. That was a very special day for our family. Isaac said the next morning: "I guess now that i'm a member of the church, i'd better pray to see if its true." So he went downstairs and said a little prayer- came back upstairs, and said "I hope I get my answer soon, I should get it before I leave Utah- don't you think?" I just said "I hope so." I told him that often we get our answers from the scriptures and that when we get home-we will begin again to read the Book of Mormon. He sure got some wonderful gifts that will help him. Scripture cards and stickers, coloring books, and a nice new tie; He even got some pink bubble gum from Aunt Jenn. Grandma Robinson got him a very nice new church outfit. 

Uncle Todd gave a very nice talk about baptism and the three steps that we need to take to get back to our heavenly Father. The first one was baptism, the second is the Temple, and the third was to CTR- choose the right. He had written these principles on some stones taken from the Susquehanna river where the priesthood was restored. It was very special to Isaac. If you really think about it- he will treasure those stones forever!

Grandpa Robinson spoke about the gift of the Holy Ghost and how it will guide you your whole life to make righteous decisions. He is a wonderful man- and is full of the spirit. I love my dad- very much. 

Then baby Sadie Jane Smith was blessed. She looked radiant. Perfect. I have written down what her blessing says and will put it in a special folder. I am overly grateful for a husband who honors and keeps his covenants. It is one of those days where I looked at my husband Bryan, and am so grateful that he is my eternal companion. He is a straight arrow and I know I can trust him to uphold the priesthood in our home and teach our boys the true principles of the gospel. There is no greater gift than that- I am truly grateful for that. 

One of the special things that happened- was that Isaacs great grandpa Chapman Meeks Morrell briefly spoke about his sister taking him to the Manti temple to get baptized and that he found out later that my grandma LaWanna was baptized on the same day in the Manti temple. He also mentioned that he and grandma were also married on the same day. We all thought that was really cute. It is a very special and rare thing that Isaac's great grandpa spoke at his baptism & even said the closing prayer. When I originally asked him he said " I am too old and feeble to go." Well, I don't know if he was joking or what- but either way when I saw him walking through the doors with his cane- I was very happy!  I always want to be true to the gospel because I respect my parents, grandparents, and grandparents for being True to the Faith. I hope our children recognize what a sacrifice our ancestors made to keep the commandments of God; And know that God will not be mocked. I have a great testimony of this gospel- and I am grateful for the foundation my grandparents gave me. My grandpa always said to live your life so that we can be proud of you. A HUGE part of that is being active in the church.