My niece Morgan is the coolest kid ever. But to be more serious, she has been the greatest friend I have ever had. She has taught me and reminded me to be more childlike by being loving to anyone and everyone. As for Morgan sister Jane Elizabeth (cutest name by the way) she is just too cute, but right now she just eats and sucks on anything she can. :)
Morgan came at the most perfect time. Coming home from the mission was one of the hardest trials thus far and Morgan helped me. She was my friend when I had no one, or at least it felt like that at times. She helped me find purpose again. And maybe that is something that only return missionaries can relate too.
After being consumed with the greatest work on this earth, I found myself and my purpose in life. Teaching the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is all I want to do everyday, all day long. But when I came home I had to start my own life, and that felt so empty. Its one of the hardest things to explain about myself. Some people get it, and others don't. But Morgan gave me purpose! I don't love Morgan more than my other nieces or nephew(s), Morgan was just that kid who helped me during a vital time of my life. And each child in my family will have and has had moments of teaching me. (No Favorites!)
Right after the air port coming home
from the Mission holding Morgan,
she was only two days old!
It took forever to get my bluetooth back from her
Can you tell that we're related? That's why we're BFF's
My awesome brother-in-law Ryan. He has shown me that real men burp, pass gas, and may smell really bad after a work out, but also would do anything for his family and actually does. He is so loving, seeks to understand people, fights hard to keep his family happy, is a hard worker and loves the Lord. He is so amazing!
Jane has her eyes open in this one
My sister-in-law Becca. Becca is now by far one of the most humble people I have come to know. She is of course so loving and patient and treats my brother with amazing love and kindness. She sets a tone in her home of security, awareness, sincerity, love, and diligence. I am excited to see this family grow, with me being the favorite aunt...jk!
Emma Leigh is so dang funny!
My sister-in-law Lynda. Can we just say wonderful! This woman seems to continue to fight even when all odds are against her. And what makes her even more amazing in my eyes is that while I was on my mission she would receive all of my weekly letters and forward them on to every family member and friend for the full 18 months. Some might think that that isn't a big deal, especially with technology, but to me it was. She showed her love to me by serving me diligently the whole time i was gone and away from family. And to add to her service she was one of three or four people who wrote me consistently the whole time I was gone. Most might not understand, unless you have served a full time mission, that letters were so important. I needed to hear from family and she kept me alive while i was gone and i will never forget that nor her service. p.s. she is an amazing mother of two beautiful children who maybe considered autistic but in our eyes, so very perfect; Hailey and Westley.
These additions to my family has brought me the greatest joy and sense of purpose. I have felt so alive watching life take its course through creation. It can be an overwhelming feeling when thinking about such an eternal principle as creation. And when thinking about creation, family, life, etc... you can't help but think about our true creator Jesus Christ. I wanted to take this moment in my life to publicly pronounce my thanksgiving for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who has suffered all, so all of our imperfection can become perfect in Him, in His Atonement. I am so thankful that our family is a forever family because of the sacred ordnance's that are given to us through the temple and priesthood authority that is once again upon this earth. I am grateful for the doctrine placed before us through tangible scriptures such as the Holy Bible and Book of Mormon; And even more, through our living prophet. How joyous I feel that our Heavenly Father, has given us His Son, Jesus Christ, to make a way to come back unto Him. How hopeful I feel by the prophetic doctrine that by grace we are saved, after all we can do. (Book of Mormon - 2Nephi 25:23)
V.S.
