My 3 Angels and a Prince: August 2011

This past year has had so many ups and downs and I can't believe a year has passed since we have lost our sweet Emmie. Sometimes I feel like my head is down and I am just going through the motions of raising a family and all that comes with it. The moment I stop and ponder to think about life, I often cave. I don't know how I have survived this past year. We sure do miss our Emmie and life has not been the same since she has been gone. I will say that I know she is around and watches us often. I have had many tender mercies this past year and that is how I have survived it. I feel her and I know the Lord has his hand in our life, which I am more than grateful for. I do know that she is doing her work on the other side which leads me to the year anniversary and why it was such a special day!
My mom promised Emmie the day she passed away that she would get to the Temple to take out her endowments. What could have been a better way to spend our anniversary date than in the Temple?! I am so proud of my mom and all she has accomplished this past year. I am grateful for the temple and the peace I feel when I am there. I feel closer to the other side when I am there and it's such a special feeling after you have lost a loved one. I know Emmie was there and was so happy! The days I struggle, I quickly remind myself that Emmie is doing more on the other side than she could do here. I felt this to be true as I was sitting in the Temple next to my mother and sister. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the comfort the Plan of Salvation gives me. I know that my family can be together forever. It is how I get through each day and night as I lay in bed thinking of the reunion we will have with Emmie one day. I am grateful that my children still feel her often. I know she doesn't want them to forget her. Our Heavenly Father and Savior love each one of us and care about the details in our life. I know this to be true more today than ever.

I am also grateful to my family and friends who helped make this day so special. It could have been a very difficult day, but turned out to be so special. I woke up to a letter from our dear friend Katie, who was Emmies nurse the last 2 days after we brought her home from the hospital. She shared some sacred moments with me, which has changed me. I am grateful for her and the love she had for us during the most sacred time in my life. My Bishop and his wife, my amazing friends, sisters and sister in laws stopped by to be by my side during the day. It felt like a little piece of heaven to me. I always have the best people looking after me, they have been my little angels! I am grateful to them for always being there for me:)

We did a balloon release after on the Temple grounds. I am excited about this tradition and grateful for family and friends to share it with:)