My Eternal Family

I did sealings with my family yesterday. Mom had to convince me to come because I hate to leave Parley. Nikki made it possible by driving me all the way to Payson and then waiting outside with Parley while I was inside so I could feed him before and after. They hung out at a church building down the street, and the sprinkler came on where they were sitting! Nikki was very heroic and shielded Parley from the water at great personal cost. I'm so glad I have both of them! 

I was a little later than my family going in because I was feeding Parley. A sweet temple worker showed me where to find them. Mom and Dad were at the altar when I came in. I was hit with the Spirit so strong, and I immediately started crying. It just felt so special and sacred. I didn't realize how much I missed the temple.

Later, when I was back with Parley, I told him that I love him more than anything in the world. I realized that there are a few things that I love more than anything in the world-- Parley, Nikki, my family, and my faith. And temple sealings bring all those things together. I get to be with my family always because of Jesus Christ. 

This week, we read about the Title of Liberty in our family scripture study. I watched the Book of Mormon video about it after and just loved it. Moroni has the same list as I do of things he loves more than anything. (I could probably add freedom to mine to copy his. I have quit a lot of jobs over lack of freedom.) And those are the most compelling, powerful things. That's why Moroni went to war and why I do everything I do. 

I've had such a good weekend with my family. We're having a family reunion. Friday night, I hung out with the family a long time at their airbnb. It was just lovely. The highlight was Rissa and Parley meeting. She was so, so excited! The worst part was that Nikki stayed home. The night before was really bad for the whole family's sleep. That morning I was very tired and weepy, and Nikki took care of Parley from 5:30 am pretty much until I left at 3. I took lots of naps and was revived, but Nikki was still tired and hadn't gotten any of his work done that he needed to do. He sacrifices so much for Parley and me. I am so very grateful. 

Nikki has been able to join for the rest of the reunion, and it was so wonderful to be all together. Parley was a big hit. It was probably my favorite part watching so many people just adore him and snuggle him and have fun with him. 

Nikki and I made lots of pizza for the family. We also had a special night with just the Kepfords and Dad by the river. We talked for a long time, and Parley had good grandpa time. He is such a good man. I'm so lucky to have him as a dad. We talked about how we all want Parley to be close with his grandpa and hike the Rubies with him someday. They already have a special bond. 

This morning, Parley got his baby blessing. I should have taken a picture of him in his new church shirt because he looked so handsome. The blessing was beautiful, and Parley did great. He was blessed to be strong and healthy, to have good character like Christ, and to know how much he is loved, especially by his mom and the people in the circle. It was Dad, Morgan, Mason, Hyrum, John, Tyler, Bishop Harper, and Nikki. Mom took care of Parley for second hour, and I was able to be helpful in primary and nursery, which was awesome. I love those cute kids. 

We had a nice lunch after that the parents brought. I got to meet Morgan's friend, Julia, and it was a highlight. She wants to start a hydroponics farm in Lovelock, which is the coolest thing I've ever heard.

It was wonderful to talk with everyone, but it was so hot, and I was getting so tired. Parley and I didn't have a great night, and Parley got heat rash on his belly yesterday and was feeling so hot again. The rest of the family went to a park to hang out more, but the Kepfords went home. I tried to cool off Parley, got a little nap, cleaned the house (it was quite a mess after this weekend-- especially the kitchen because we did no dishes yesterday after making all the pizza toppings), watched a movie with Nikki, and took care of Parley. 

Poor Parley was so grumpy and tired. He slept all through church which was amazing, got about a 50 minute nap when we got home, and then didn't get another good nap. He's finally falling asleep for the night. I hope he gets such good rest tonight! 

I love you all! Happy Father's Day to my wonderful dad and grandpa and husband. I am so incredibly blessed.