Family Ties Sept.10-Sept.24, 2006

Sept.10-24, 2006 Family Ties

Dear Family,
These past two weeks have been as interesting busy and rewarding as any we have had. On Sunday the tenth, we attended the homecoming of Trent who gave a beautiful mature report of his mission We were then hosted to lunch at his home where we were reunited with family and friends, some of whom we have not seen for nearly two years. It was then our intent to travel to St. George but time was in our favor so we attended the homecoming report of our Nauvoo friends, Richard & LaPreal Sumsion, who had just returned from their mission in Hartford, Conneticut.
Monday morning began the preparations for the weddings of Jake & Jarica, Janie & Skyler. Though their beautiful yard and home appeared to be nearly ready, there was a multitude of loose ends and final needs.
Jacob & Jarica's reception was scheduled for Friday the 15th. Much of the work was done by wedding planners as contracted by Jarica's mother and though the night of their reception was windy, everything turned out very well with over 500 guests attending. The next morning, their grandfather (dad) was honored to perform their sealing ceremony in the St. George temple. The wedding breakfast breakfast was held at Abby's Inn and of course, demonstrated Susan's talents for a beautiful setting. Mike presented the couple with a honeymoon trip to Cancun, Mexico where they spent the week and returned home in time for Janie's wedding.
Janie wisely received her endowments in time to witness her brothers wedding ceremony. Her week followed the festivities of Jake and Jarica. There was the natural concern of having her reception unique since it would be in the same setting as Jacob's and Susans thoughtful preparation made it equally lovely. This time the weather was perfect and the guests of whom had attended the former week were delighted to see a completely different and equally beautiful reception. We were pleased to see many family friends and associates, some of whom such as Joy & Carol Barber and Martha & Marianne Lingard who had made a special trip from Salt Lake. As usual our own children were supportive of these special family events. David, Jan, Spencer, Emily, Dan, Ann, Ed, Debbie, Tyson, Trent, Heidi, Melissa & Macie were all able to attend one or more of the activities.
One person counted ninety-six close friends and loved ones who attended the all white sealing ceremony of Janie and Skyler. From our observation there were nearly as many the previous week for Jake & Jarica. To say the least, this added to the pressure of your father who wanted to personalize each of their ceremonies and the Lord's spirit was felt strongly as his desires were met and everyone in attendance were touched.
An interesting side note: On the day before the wedding a flu bug hit the family beginning with Julie's children, then Justin, Janessa, Susan, and finally even Janie & Skyler and it seemed apparent their anticipated wedding day would be flawed. Everyone seemed to be somewhat relieved of their illness except Janie who requested a blessing from her father and grandfather. Almost immediately following Mike's blessing she was relieved of her symptoms and like everyone else enjoyed a most perfect wedding day, the weather of which was ideal. Perhaps more important of the healing blessing, was the blessing of a father to his daughter who was about to leave the familiar comfort and security of a home she has know for twenty-one years. After a short honeymoon to Las Vegas they will take up the challenges of school and work as will Jake and Jarica.
Adding to the excitement of Janie's wedding this 23rd day of September, Jeff proposed to Natalie Wilde, a beautiful talented young lady who we have already come to love, Jake & Jeff both celebrated their birthdays and we gloried in the celebration of our fifty-ninth anniversary.
The reception wound down about 9:o'clock and we began our return home since your mother had an important RS lesson to give Sunday morning. We arrived home at 3:30a.m. feeling our service of two weeks had been graciously accepted and appreciated which was compensation for our efforts. The spirit of the past two weeks carried into the RS lesson and we were all edified as we spoke of the Plan of Happiness through the Atonement.