our sweet baby boy

It was a blessing to be where Beckett's body was buried this Easter.  As we celebrated and gave thanks for the life of our Savior, we also celebrated and gave thanks for the life of our little Beckett and the gift from our Savior that he too will live again and be reunited with our family.

Since Beckett's birthday was in March as well, we took balloons to celebrate him.  We also each took one balloon and let it go into the air as we thought of the many memories and reasons why we love Beckett and are grateful to be his family.  I know he was there with us that day, and that he too is grateful.

We had sweet friends volunteer their time and their dad's time and resources to create this stone for Beckett.  They lovingly had the insight to ask if the pine trees would be an okay addition.  It reminds us of our time with him here on Earth and that he really isn't as far away as he sometimes seems...

We took time to "let our souls be still" and to walk around the cemetery grounds and soak in the beauty that surrounded us.

It was a bitter-sweet experience.  I was so grateful to have my parents there to help give the necessary attention to each child.
My heart is full of so many emotions as I think about and remember our sweet baby boy.  I still long to hold him, my arms still ache (even though they are usually VERY full), I still feel guilt, confusion, regret and deep sorrow. There is a weight of greater responsibility and concern for myself, my husband and my children as I fear not having the chance to be ALL together forever.  But, I also feel very blessed and hopeful.  I feel deeper love for all of my amazing children and a greater understanding of how they teach and shape who I am becoming each day.  I think as my heart has felt more sorrow than it's ever known, it has also stretched to that same degree in the opposite direction; able to feel more joy, peace and gratitude...my heart is most definitely FULL.
I really am grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me such a wonderful family and for allowing His Son to go through what He did so that I can have my family forever.

an Easter to remember

When the kids were asked what they wanted for Christmas they all REALLY wanted a trip to see Nana and Papa again; like last year--even if it meant less presents again.  

So, thanks to Ty working a little extra, they got tickets to Idaho as their gift from us!

We were able to be there for Easter again!

And, thanks to Grandma Pam they had AWESOME Easter dresses again!

(E was sleeping by the time we got to church, so we left her out of the first few pictures :))

We were thrilled to finally meet Easton and we were very happy to be there for his blessing day! (we don't typically make it to a lot of important family days--nor does our family make it to a lot of our important days--so it was a huge blessing to be there for this and to see and spend time with so many of our family members!)

Once Easton's party had finished up, the Easter hunt began.

(yes, Nathan and Lyndsey were there, along with Grandma and Grandpa Miller, cousin Jessica, and the WHOLE Reese family--I just didn't take enough pictures because 1-we were having lots of fun playing and 2-Evaliegh was at that "cling to mom no matter what" stage)

Evaleigh was more interested in the colorful eggs than getting her picture taken.

We were very grateful to be surrounded by family as we remembered, celebrated and gave thanks for our Savior's Atonement and His ability to conquer death.  We know that He has Risen. We are incredibly grateful for the Resurrection and the hope and peace it gives to this life. Here is a video portraying the Resurrection, as described in the bible.