Ben's Grandpa's funeral

I think one blessing of getting involved with family history and temple work, is that you really start to think of the Spirit world as more of an extension of this life, instead of separating it.
I don't mean to downplay how much we can miss loved ones, yet in some ways I wonder if they have even more of a chance to be a part of our lives from the other side of the veil.

This is the Bretzke's second funeral in the last month. Article describing Ben's Aunt's beautiful tribute to her son.
and one of my favorite talks about the Resurrection: Sunday Will Come

And a few shots from the day...

Love this one. Love that my mother-in-law is always teaching.

 John 11:25Jesus said unto her, I am the ^aresurrection, and the ^blife: he that ^cbelieveth in me, though he were ^ddead, yet shall he ^elive:

Favorite.

Handsome one, isn't he

Handsome too.

Handsome three

Mmm brownie

Yup, we stripped him of his pants so everyone could enjoy his thighs in their true glory.

When I first heard of Poppa's passing, I was shocked how sad I was (seeign as we've known for sometime it was coming), but those were private moments, quickly comforted by the truths of the gospel and the Holy Ghost. So by the time I got to the funeral i was mostly just excited to see everyone.

I have always loved this scripture:

  D& C130 : 2 And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.

I enjoy my sociality here  a lot.

So when I think that in the eternities our relationships and connections with family and friends will be 

even better? That makes me more than hopeul, it get's me excited!

Aaron's 5th birthday bash

In principle, I don't believe in big extravagant birthdays. I had every intention this year of just going to a lake saying "Happy Birthday Aaron" and let him throw rocks til his hearts content (which we've always wondered how many hours/days he'd do it for, if we didn't stop him). 


Yes, nice simply birthday celebrations. In theory.


But I get carried away.
It always starts with cupcakes! I just love cupcakes! I especially like taking pictures of cupcakes. I'm positive they don't taste very good, but they always look cute. And I'm kinda motivated by aesthetics. 


Please don't imagine me, a carefree, happy little party planner.
I stress, then I react to feeling stress, berating myself for not just going with the throwing rocks plan. Cute ideas that look easy enough on the internet, turn into complicated disasters. (Like my oh so cute alien cupcakes, that ended up oozy melty messes by the time the party rolled around).


I stress about who's coming, and who I'm leaving out (my backyard can only handle so many kiddos and their parents). I stress about feeding people (big ol' fear/weakness of mine I'm am struggling to get over, by just doing it!) I worry about Aaron, being thrust into the socialness of a party.


In the end...the kids had a blast. 
Water, sun, jumping bubbles, sugar...little kids are so easy to delight. (Right now Levi is delighting himself by blowing raspberries on my feet:)
I hope the adults were okay chatting amongst themselves (not always the hostest with the mostest, especially when Im trying to resurrect some little melted aliens in the kitchen). 
Didn't do everything I planned, it's enough to just get through presents and cake!
Mostly just took pictures. Cuz it's my favorite part. One of the moms offered to take pictures for me, to which I thought "No way ho-zeh!" because while I appreciated her considerate offer, the chance to take pictures is the whole reason I even bother!


So with that on to the pictures!

Aliens pre-meltage:

Ooooooooooo..... ( get it?)

We have used and re-used these little Toy Story figurines, I just love them. they waited patiently in the window until the party, which we postponed due to weather.

My brother Sammy breaking in the Slip N slide.

"Feels like a good day for a birthday"

My good griend Desiree having a little birthday chat with Aaron.

A birthday squeeze for "Auntie" Tiffany

Tiffany saved me again...the cupcakes looked great...originally, but they had melted a bit in the heat, so Tif with all her mad decorating skills helped save them.

Best idea ever Rebecca! I may put cupcakes in the number the child is turning for every birthday!
Have I mentioned yet that I LOVE cupcakes!

Little serious face...

...not for long!

Opps, half naked Sammy in the background.

Only took us five years, this is Aaron'sFirst time blowing out his own candles!!!!
We practiced all afternoon:) the technical term is "social priming"
I was so proud of him.

Our Family: Eye contact is overrated right?

Add the grandparents...ummm should we be letting the baby grab the cupcake?

"Can't wait for MY birthday!"

The Claaaawwww! Sam thinks he's so funny.

Decisions, decisions.

Aaron's amazing home therapist right now, how we love Cara.

Aaron filled this trench, patiently with the bowl, trip by trip and made a mud heaven.

McKye could not of had more fun...

...well for the most part.

 

Cupcakes, round too.

A fun day of cupcakes. Complete. 

Good thing Mckye and Levi are 5 days part, I can double up:)