Brielle's Baptism

Today was a very special day.  Brielle made the decision to be baptized. 

It was a wonderful program, and a great spiritual day.  Everything went smoothly (besides the visit to Instacare with Molly later...kids...) and we were so grateful to share the day with so many family members.

I know I should focus solely on her, but I have to deviate slightly.  As this day drew closer, I couldn't help but feel a little pange of sadness that Ben would not be able to be here physically for this day.  This is the first "big event" since he passed away, and it made it feel a little difficult.

But as we were going about our morning and getting ready, I felt the spirit close.  I felt peaceful and knew that even though Ben wasn't physically with us, he would be there in spirit to support Brielle.

In talking to my family afterwards, we all felt his presence there.  It was very special and peaceful. 

I also have to write this down so I don't forget it.  At Brielle's baptism preview a while back, one of her leaders told her that Heavenly Father gives our loved ones who have passed away special permission to be able to come for special occasions like this.

In Brielle's little mind, she took that literally.  She later looked at me with a huge smile and said, "I am going to save a seat for Ben in the very front!"  It was so hard not to completely squelch her enthusiasm but also let her know that it didn't mean Ben would be there physically, but that he would definitely be there in spirit.  She was worried that because people couldn't see him, he would get squished and wouldn't have anywhere to sit or stand.  I assured her it would all work out.

We missed him there physically, but were so grateful for his spiritual presence and comfort that accompanied.

We are so proud of Brielle.  

She is an amazing girl, and we couldn't be more grateful to have her in our family.

Made up memory: Kindred Spirits/Need a Lift?

Ben and Grandma Ridges on an adventure in 1993

Ben and my Grandma Ridges are truly kindred spirits.  They were always up for adventure, and much happier and at peace if they were outdoors enjoying nature.  We have said many times that we like to think Grandma Ridges met Ben as he passed into heaven and took him straight to Moab to enjoy the red rocks and sand that their spirits were so drawn to.

Grandma Ridges and Ben getting ready to have lunch on a slick rock trail...not sure who is passed out beside them.  Jeeping can be rough!

Grandma came on almost all of our Jeeping trips to Moab.  When we would come up to a big obstacle, many of us would bail out of the Jeep out of fear and stand to the side to watch rather than ride.  

But not Ben and Grandma Ridges.  They wanted to be right in the action.

In 2001, Grandma was with us on another trip in Moab.  However this year the Jeep had gotten taller, and at 87 years old, and 5' tall, her little legs couldn't quite make it up to get in. She typically did her best to get a leg up, and then would reach in and the driver would pull her up.  But this was getting more and more difficult. She decided once she got in with some help, she would just have to stay put until we were done.

But Ben took it upon himself to be Grandma's personal lift into the Jeep.  He scooped her little body up very gently and sat her in her seat up front.  And Ben did that for her every time she wanted to get in and out.

Ben has always been so thoughtful and kind, especially to our grandparents. And as he passed through the veil, I think my Grandma was happy to return the favor as she helped him into heaven. 

Excited to have this sweet boy to share some new adventures with again.

Brielle's Birthday

See this sweet girl?

Yeah...she turned EIGHT last week.

Why, oh why, do my children continue to grow up??  It really is unfair.

She will be getting baptised on Saturday and I just can't believe we're entering this phase of life!

This year, being her 8th birthday, she was allowed to have a friend party.  But instead of going all out with a big group of girls, she chose to have a "girls day out" with Claire and her two cousins.  

The day went like this:

Manicures

(my children always look so great in pictures)

Ice cream cones at Arctic Circle - because we had time to kill between manicures and our next activity.

Ice skating

(I'll admit it...I was glad Claire used the little walker thing because it gave me a good excuse to go slow and hold on to something as well...what used to be a fun, fairly easy activity for me in my youth has become something that made me fear for my well being and pride.)

Lunch at Chili's.

Do you like how they're all on one side of the booth while I was on the other side alone?  Yeah...I felt awesome.

Brielle's actual birthday happened to fall during spring break while we were in St. George.  So we threw a little party there as well.  I didn't take many pictures...because I'm a slacker...but I did get pictures of the pinata. 

One of the items in the pinata were these sweet glasses.  So we did a couple photo ops with them.

Happy Birthday Brielle!  We are so lucky to have you in our family!

Made up memory: Co-pilot Failure

It was 1997, and Ben was just 16, but had years of driving experience under his belt.  Ben and my dad had recently bought a Jeepster, it was in amazingly good condition and a rare find.  It was a true gem.

I found myself as Ben's trusty co-pilot on one of many vacations exploring the beautiful landscape and scenery of Moab.  Moab was our second home, we knew the ins and outs and had locals that we were friends with.  We knew where to eat, what time of year to go, what trails to go on and the best camping spots.

Riding the familiar trails with Ben, I had complete confidence in his ability to maneuver the vehicle around difficult terrain, and knew that I was safe there in the passenger seat.

The warm sun ducked behind the clouds, and the rain began to come down leaving a muddy mess.  I started to worry about the mud and possibly getting stuck, but I looked over at my brother and saw that to him, this was just a sweet adventure.  He zipped around in the mud, slipping and sliding with that infamous Ben smirk on his face.

He was in Heaven.

Continuing our co-pilot status, I was asked to ride along with Ben as he drove home to keep him awake.  I tried my best to make small talk and keep my eyes open.  I had promised my parents that I was not tired and would keep Ben company.  But the hum of the Jeepster quickly lulled me to sleep.  

To this day I can't ride in a Jeep without getting sleepy.

I woke up a short while later as we exited the freeway for a pit stop.  Sheepishly I looked over at Ben, expecting him to be annoyed that I hadn't stayed awake to keep him company.  But instead, he flashed a smile at me and joked, "Some co-pilot you are."

And even though I felt bad I had fallen asleep, I knew I was safe in that passenger seat and that he wouldn't ever let anything bad happen to me.