(This is Ryker's poster that we did for him. The darling little boy above is Noah, and he actually was across the hall from Ryker and passed away while Ryker was there. His Dad actually assisted with an LDS priesthood blessing with Ryker once. If you double click on the picture, it will give you a better picture!)We participated yesterday in the first Fun Run/Walk event for the Intermoutain Healing Hearts group we are in. We are also part of the angel group. These are awesome support groups, and not only do they lend their support to families, they also assist in the education and awareness of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD'S). We (Mike's parents, my two sister in-laws, my sister-from-other-misters Courtney and Abby, Abby's hubby, and I) walked/ran a mile yesterday to help raise awareness of CHD's. There was an awesome turnout, and it was overwhelming the support all of the families that are affected by CHD's felt. My sister-in-law also came and brought our adorable niece too. We had a special presentation to honor our angels too. It was beautiful and sweet. We read the angel's name, rang their individual bell, and released a balloon in their honor. It was interesting because as the balloons were launched, even though we did each balloon separately, they all congregated together in the sky. I liken this to losing our angels. Even though they have left this world individually, I know that on the other side they come together, and are close friends. It really was such a wonderful experience.
My sister Heather turned 24 yesterday. She and I will be the same age for about the next 5 weeks (yes, my Mom had us about 11 months apart, Heather literally about walked right out.) Heather is one of my best friends. She and I spend a lot of time together. Since I have started school again and with my work schedule, we have not been able to spend as much time. She is having a baby boy (his name will be Tatum) right around the first of January. She always is smiling, and is rather spoiled, as a result of many years of giving in to her and now her husband too. I once complained to my parents about her being somewhat spoiled, and their reply was less then sympathetic. It went something like this: "Mom and Dad, Heather is spoiled." (their reply)"Well, you have to deal with it because you made her that way." Heather is so funny, when she laughs, you have to laugh with her. Anyways, Happy Birthday Heather!!!
To close off my pretty-near perfect day yesterday, Mike's family got together at the Texas RoadHouse in Sandy. Mike's Grandma treated from all the way in California, in honor of our birthdays! It was really yummy, really loud, and we all just had a great time. This is the picture of half of Mike's family as the other half was at a table across the way. (Mike is the one in the blue by-the-way!)
And this is the picture of the other half of the table. Mike's family cracks me up. We all love each other, and get along (for the most part, unless you break out a game of Monopoly!!!) I always wanted great in-laws, and I seriously could not ask for better. Mike's sisters are very much my sisters, and I call his parents Mom and Dad. This family has seen soo much togther. Through those rough times, we rally around one another. Sorry this was such a long post, but I really just wanted to share a piece of the wonderful day I had.
P.S. I will admit the biggest let-down of the day was Mike's name being called at the raffle, and because he was not there (he sadly had to work) the Grand Prize IPOD touch was passed into the hands of a two year old. That was a sad day in the G home!!!
P.S. I will admit the biggest let-down of the day was Mike's name being called at the raffle, and because he was not there (he sadly had to work) the Grand Prize IPOD touch was passed into the hands of a two year old. That was a sad day in the G home!!!
