Our journey began when I was only 13 years old. Rich caught my eye, and I was hooked. When I was 15 he asked me to be his girlfriend. Rich and I dated through high school. When he graduated he joined the Navy. I stayed home to finish my last 2 years of highschool. He got home in time to watch me graduate. We
were married April 2nd, 1994. I loved being married. We bought a home across the street from my mom, and around the block from his mom. We were blessed with Keaton on July 7th, 1995. Rich and I were madly in love, but not without struggles. Later Rich and I divorced, while remaining best of friends. Our up and down story has made us stronger, wiser, and better in every area. We were able to put our family back together, and to be blessed with Averi July 23rd, 2002.

The gospel was something that came in and out of our lives. I was raised LDS, but not active. I would attend church somethimes, but never felt comfortable in my own skin while there. I felt like a step child, or like a preschooler in a senior class. I still do sometimes. I own those feelings now, and realize I put them there, not Heavenly Father or those attending my ward.
 Rich was raised LDS but fell away from the teachings He didn't always stay true to what he was taught but yet he held on to his faith, his foundation had been laid.

I love the teachings of the Gospel, and though on the outside it seems so easy to be faithful, it isn't. You really must work at it. It is like every other important thing on earth, hard. Being a wife/husband, parent, good example, worker, etc.. doesn't come without effort, and neither does being a rightous daughter/son of our Heavenly Father. My family struggles. We don't always pay a full tithe, or read our scriptures, hold FHE, attend church, etc. We do however, live the word of wisdom, love our neighbors, pray, keep the sabith day holy, and serve, etc. I know that we have a long way to go, but I believe we will get there together.

I can bear you my testimony that when you are living a faithful life, and striving to be Temple worthy your blessings will be great. I remember hearing that when you do these things you will be blessed, and I actually took offense. I thought to myself, I am a good person, doing good things, and though I am not striving to be Temple worthy my Father in Heaven loves me, and he blesses me regardless.  I still bellieve that, very much. However; I have a testimony of the blessings recieved after striving to be Temple worthy, and they are different. Words cannot express.....


 Our family was sealed together for time and all Eternity on May 30th, 2009.

THANK YOU to all my wonderful friends, and family that shared in that special day with us. Your support will NEVER be forgotten. Thank you Ryan Wilcox, for teaching us, and preparing us. Thank you Kae for your example. We love you all.

That day will always be with me, and my family. Through our faithfulness we will be together for Eternity.