Finding Joy in the Season

I fell off the blogging world there for awhile, but now I'm back. There is no way to catch up on everything that has happened in the last 2 years so I will just begin from here.
Our sweet baby girl is on a mission! She left for the MTC last Wed. We heard from her today and WOW... she is incredible and is loving it! This is her companion Sister Garner. She met her via FB before the mish, so that was a tender little mercy. Can't wait to hear about all her adventures that lie in store.
Mckena and Trevor brought beautiful Tayce into our family on June 30th 2015. Weighing 7lbs 15 oz and 21 inches long. He is my light and has brought me so much joy. He has helped me with my new purpose... hence the title to this post.  Sending Shayla out, has put us as empty nesters.... how can that be already???  Being a mom is all I have ever known, and now that has changed. I will always be their mom, but in a much different way.
TJ and Kierstyn will be having their baby in Oct! Can't wait!! Another little baby to love on.
Three grandsons!! They will be my JOY

Another Chapter

MCKENA IS ENGAGED!!

Yes, its true! My third child, is the first to get married. This post is about 5 weeks overdue, but we have been a bit busy planning a wedding! It has been so much fun, and our goal from the beginning was to not get stressed, have fun, make it simple but great, and enjoy every minute of it! And as of today, we have done just that!
Trevor and Mckena met at UVU. They had class together 2nd semester. Trevor finally got the nerve up to ask for her number and they went on their first date in January, and were pretty much inseparable from then on.
We had a family reunion trip planned for the first week of June to St. George. Mckena invited Trevor to come with us. Well the week prior, Trevor asked for his permission to marry Mckena,  (Earned big points with Rich on that one... it has not been easy for him to think of letting his little girl go) and told us he wanted to propose in St. George. It was a perfect set up! He took her to the top of Dixie Rock and she found a trail of red jewel hearts. (She did not know they were for her) they followed them up which led to candles in the shape of a big heart, and their song was playing! Then she caught on it was for her!! He then of course said sweet words to her about why he loved her, then got down on one knee (yes adorable)pulled the ring from his pocket and proposed!! She was crying the whole time, tears of joy and excitement. She quickly said yes, and we came out from our hiding spots to share in this special moment!!
We are so happy for them, and we couldn't love Trevor any more than we already do! They are so in love and have some wonderful goals that will keep them right on track! I could not be more thrilled that she has found someone worthy to take her to the Temple~ a goal she has always had. Those are the mom moments we pray come to pass.
The big day is August 16th!! Super quick right?! They wanted to get married before school starts again, and so ready set GO!! The Bountiful Temple is where they will be getting married and then the reception will be at my dear sister in laws backyard in Bountiful that evening. So we have been planning, DIY'ing and shopping ever since June 6th, and loving every minute of it!!
Hopefully I will be better at keeping up with these fun events in the next few weeks but no promises.

Chelsea's Angel Day #6

Today is the day we refer to as Chelsea's Angel day, rather than the day she passed away. A few months back we heard this song, and as we listened to the words, memories filled our minds, tears filled our eyes, and peace filled our hearts.
As these anniversary dates approach, it comes with some extra sensitivity, and emotions. It has been 6 years today that she returned home. I'm not sure it gets any easier, I think we just learn how to cope better. So to help us cope this year, we decided to do our own type of therapy and put a video together to that song.

...Dedicated to our oldest daughter Chelsea Franklin, and also to our dear friends who have lost a loved one.

Easter 2013

Happy Easter !

Silver Wedding Anniversary

A lot of things have changed in 25 years!!

              March 22, 1988                                    ~                              March 22, 2013

Moved 12 times

10 jobs

4 apartments

4 houses

4 dogs

4 kids

2 businesses

1 angel

1 missionary

1 college student

1 eternal love

Choosing to marry this guy 25 years ago, was the best decision I have ever made! He is the best husband I could ask for. We were talking the other night, and asked the question, if we would have know what lied ahead of us, would we make the same decision again? And the answer for both of us was YES! We know it is because through it all we have been by each others side and have relied on the Lord as part of our marriage. I am so thankful for our Temple marriage and feel blessed to be worthy of such a good man who took me to the Temple.
We had hoped of taking some big extravagant trip somewhere, but it just hasn't worked out. But that is not what matters. What matters is our marriage has worked out, and for that I am grateful!! Who knew that after just 19 days of dating, a proposal and a 6 month engagement would bring us to this? Heavenly Father did... and I am glad we were both listening.

I love you today and forever Rich Franklin! 

Happy 25th