Remembering

As I sit here contemplating all that we've been through in the last year, I'm in awe. It's hard to think that the path wasn't there. The road untrod. That today we look back and remember where we've come and see what was then. Living in a world that is so different from then. I can't explain how our lives have changed. Our perspective widened. Our patience and understanding magnified. Especially our testimony of our Savior and knowing how much he's carried our family through out the last few years. Remembering all that has happened and looking forward to our future together as a family.

Right now things are harder than they've ever been financially for us. I have to admit. We are struggling. But for some reason I do not fear. For some reason my faith is so strong, and my understanding that we will be ok. My heart swells with joy to see my 2 children playing together. Laughing! Smiling! And healthy. Healthy. Such happiness I couldn't have imagined just a few short years ago.

What does the future have in store for us? Where will our lives take us in another 5 years? 10 years? or even 50 years?

I'm so grateful for this last year. The changes we've made as a family. The changes I've made as a Wife, Mother, Daughter, and a person. Come what may and love it!

The First Year

All of us at Dad's Institute Graduation. You are right under the Diploma.

3 more months and you'll be here!

Less than 1 month left and you'll be here!

You arrived!

We loved you before you were even born.

Daddy was so tired, but very proud.

In Labor waiting for you to come.

This is your first picture. You were screaming!

We were trying to get a whole family photo, but Ben didn't want his picture taken.

Freshly bathed.

Right after your first bath, you were cold. So we snuggled for the first time.

Our most recent family photo.

Christmas Morning.
(We left that afternoon for Primary Children's. You were so sick.)

Finally Home, but still struggling.

Ben loves you!

4 Generations
Grandma JoDee, G-G (Grandma Hunter), Symi, and Mommy (Brittany)

Sleepy Baby.

Sitting up

Not happy in the basket.

Sleepy baby again.

Just cute as a cupcake!

Bright eyes!

(This is one of my favorites, you were starting to feel better. This picture you had just finished smiling when the flash went off and Ben suddenly snuck into the photo. You 2 were so cute I just couldn't resist.)

Side by side.

Ready for a winter Drive!

I sat you in the bouncer and turned around for just a moment. When I turned back around you were fast asleep, holding onto a toy.

Giggling with Ben.
(This is when your hair started to fall out from all the trauma.)

We would smoosh you into the couch for Family Prayers.
Dad loved to leave you in there and let you watch everyone else getting ready for bed.

Learning to sit.

Big Beautiful Blue Eyes

Crawling and into many things!

Hugs from Ben.

Another sleeping baby.

Happy Halloween!

Sitting with Ben.

Smile!

Hold her arms Ben she's trying to get the camera.
Ben: Ok Mommy we're ready!

Love you two!

Kisses!

Easter Egg!

Kisses!

Mommy and Symi

Another picture with you and Ben.

At an indoor archery shoot. You slept almost the whole time.

My #1 and #2.

Starting to crawl backwards.

Pulling yourself up onto everything and your tongue was always sticking out!
Concentration!

Snuggling with Mommy.

Very Happy Baby Girl!
(You hair started to grow back in and get long!)

Proud to be a climber!

Baby girl our lives will never be the same without you! We love you so much. Despite all that we've been through in the last year, it's one that has been cherished and loved.