Our moment in Heaven

This September the 17Th Fawn was sealed to our family for eternity. What a wonderful experience we had. We went to the Salt Lake Temple. We let the kids choose which temple we were going to since the Denver temple was closed. They said lets go to the castle temple, so we went to Salt Lake. The kids had never been to Salt Lake that they could remember. They loved it. We went to visit the this is the place monument, and some of our dear friends. We were able to visit my Aunt Jeanine, and my cousin Kurt and his family, we had a wonderful time. But the most wonderful of all was in the temple with our children.

I have to say first of all that our family has been so supportive and so loving to Fawn. I know that everyone would have loved to come to the temple. My sisters and brother had us in their heart and were excited. Emily made beautiful bracelets for Fawn and Isabel to wear and keep so they could always remember this special day. Amy was even considering coming pregnant and Paul and Sarah even thought about it. Bryant's family also wanted to to come, and would have if the didn't live to far and have work. We felt overwhelmed with the love and support. We also had in our hearts on this special day the Keyes a special family that made this possible, and Blake Sonne or lawyer and my cousin Joy, and most important of all Emma, Fawns birth mother, for giving her daughter to us to, she told us she wanted Fawn to have an eternal family, and I pray she will know how much this has meant to us.

When we first arrived at the temple we dropped the kids off at the child center. They waited there and changed while we changed too. We went to do all the paperwork, which ended up crazy since we left it in the car! Uncle Harold ran to the car to get it for us. We were so worried, but finally we were all changed. It felt a lot like our wedding day but with our whole family. After I changed the temple worker asked me to look in the mirror to see how beautiful I was. I looked in the mirror, but my thoughts were of Bryant and my family, I was so excited to see them. As we stepped out of the room Bryant was waiting for me. He held my hand and we waited in the Celestial room as our guests were brought to the sealing room. Then we entered the sealing room and as we entered I saw our family and some of our closest dearest friends. My mom took my hand as I sat next to her and the spirit quickened in my heart I felt it fill the room. Bryant sat on my other side and his mom next to him. All around us were his brother and sister and sister in law, my Aunt Jeanine and our friends Uncle Harold, Aunt Terry and cousin Terry McNeill. then our fathers were there. It was so beautiful. I heard giggles coming from the Hallway. The door opened and Eli practically ran in ,Isabel and Hyrum right behind, the were dressed in white and then little Fawn was being held by a temple worker. The spirit then began to sing within my heart for this is what it is all about . this my family together for Eternity this is what we should be working for each day. And now they were her in the temple of the most high God preforming this sacred ordinance. Our little Fawn being sealed to us for time and all eternity and our together children able to witness that their sister will be with them eternally . After the sealing was finished the sealer asked the children what they saw as they looked in the mirrors. Isabel said she saw forever. He said that's right and that is how your family will be.

What a wonderful moment for us. I feel so blessed that we had this experience, and for this incredible blessing. I felt so impatient at times when it seemed we would never be chosen and be able to adopt a baby. I am so thankful it took so long. I have learned so much from this experience, of patience and waiting on the Lords time and not my own. I can see now that it was necessary, and it was all worth it. I know the Lord has a plan for all of us, but sometimes we cannot see how it will all unfold, and He just wants us to take His hand and walk in faith. We did in this experience and we as a family have experienced true joy!

My McNeill Family

This has been a wonderful summer. My last post was about my family and the wonderful time we had with them. I feel so blessed to have not only one wonderful family but two. My McNeill family is wonderful. We were able to go and visit them the end of July. Lisa wanted all her children and their spouses to meet in the temple for her birthday. What a wonderful wish! Her wish blessed my life. Evelyn, Bryants sister made it happen. She had babysitters all lined out to watch our kiddos, even the babies. She organized a photo shoot for family pictures, and lots of fun activities. This woman is amazing!

As we sat together in the temple my heart was filled with so much love. I knew that I loved all these people, but at that moment It seemed that I realized just how much they all mean to me.

Lisa, she has become not only a mother to me but a friend. She has been there for me in all the times that I needed a friend and rescuer.I truly have come to understand the story of Ruth and Naomi, because I feel the same as Ruth. Wherever she is that is where I would like to be. Her people have truly become my people. And her testimony strengthens me!

Richard, is a father and friend. He is so loving, I always feel loved accepted wanted and appreciated. As I saw him next to his sweet wife, I felt so blessed, at the tender moments he has taken with me, to tell me how much he loves me, or just talks to me when he knows that I have been sad. Everything he says is well thought out, kind and wise. He is a great man.

Winslow and Melissa, these two people have been the example that led Bryant and I in our first year of marriage. We watched them, and were very impressed, we tried to follow there example. There is always a smile and a laugh from Melissa, and in some of my greatest hours of need she was there to hold me up. To cry with me, she remembers my heart ache, and I know that she truly does mourn with those that mourn and comfort those that stand in need of comfort. Winslow has been there for Bryant too, Bryant had to be strong for me when our baby died, but when Winslow came, Bryant knew he had a shoulder to cry on and a brother to hold him up.

Clifton and Janelle, Clifton has been a great friend too, to Bryant, I know every time he calls and asks how Bryant is, it cheers Bryant up, he loves it. I love it, I know that he never forgets about us, he is thinking of his family and he loves them. And Janelle, saver of my cat ( she saved our cat from near death in 2007) and when she sees me I feel like she is so happy to see us, she is fun and funny, beautiful and a wonderful mother. I admire her in all her happiness, talent to make one feel they belong:)

Evelyn and Ian. Ian has become a brother to Bryant. Bryant loves to talk with him spar with him. He knows and gets so excited when we are going to see Ian because, Ian has a way of helping Bryant feel awesome and appreciated. Bryant truly has gained another brother and friend. They spar, and laugh. And I love to see them so happy:)Evelyn, now what can I say about this beautiful woman, who I met as a 16 year old girl, and she has become one of my best friends, someone I can talk to always. When I am with Evelyn, I believe that all my dreams are possible. She is such a wonderful aunt, I would have never thought how much this 16 year old girl would mean to me later in life. She has a way of teaching me and talking to me, helping me make sense of things. She makes sure that I don't' forget to have fun. I can laugh with her. She has followed in her mothers footsteps and at a moments notice she will come to help us with sickness or sadness. I only hope that I can one day help her as much as she has helped me!

John and Mandy, John brings the party and the positive happy easy going attitude. John has so many talents, and one of them we saw at Christmas. They came to visit and he played with Hyrum, Hyrum sometimes has a hard time warming up to people but not with John. He loved to be with him and felt comfortable and happy. I think that this easy going nature and a genuine love for others is wonderful. Hyrum asked where he got his left handedness, and Bryant said, well I guess you got it from my Brother John. Hyrum liked that. John is a friend to all. Mandy, is an achiever and a go getter, and has been so kind to me ever since the first time I saw her. Mostly I remember our time in El Paso, Bryant had been gone and I moved there and was alone the first month. John and Mandy came, and made sure I was okay, then we had Isabel's birthday party, we asked them to come with short notice, but I told them that I was going to be dressed up as Bell from beauty and the Beast and Bryant was going to dress as the beast. Well they came to our party dressed as a king and queen. Isabel loved it, Mandy made it in her heart that day and has never left. I felt that they made it a priority to be there for this simple party, because it was special for our little girl. Mandy had a tradegy of her own, and I felt so honered that she trusted me to watch over her sweet boy. It felt good to be needed. When Mandy came for Christmas, we felt honored that they would want to come spend this special time with us, we loved it.

Ricky and Jenny- I saw these two sitting together in the temple, and I met Ricky when he was really young, and I realized he is not that kid anymore, but he is a man and a good man, who has a wonderful wife, another sister for me. Ricky has always been a dreamer and he is achieving his dreams, I am so proud of him, both Bryant and I are. and Jenny, what a sweet aunt she is always smiling always ready to help with the kids. It is because of her that I have so many pot holders and other knitted items from Isabel:)( She took out the time to teach Isabel how to knit). I realized as we were sitting in the temple and felt deep down that this special person is now my sister and part of my life and my family, and I felt so glad to know her and be a part of her life.

I cannot express all that I feel about my McNeill family, but my cup runneth over. The Lord has been good to me to let me be a part of these wonderful peoples lives. I love all of you everyone. I am so glad that I was able to see just how blessed and lucky I am!!!!

Fawn is Four and a half months:)

Fawn is 4 1/2 months now. All of us love watching her Grow!!! She is trying to sit up, and she had her first bite of baby cereal a few days ago. She loves it. Isabel wants to feed her, she is so excited for her. Fawn loves to hold anything and everything. She also is drooling like crazy. Eli has taught her the fine art of sword fighting. She loves to smile laugh, fake cough and spit. Hyrum loves to dance for her and say hi in a funny voice to make her smile. She loves Daddy and is gettng attached to mommy. We are looking forward to September when we can be sealed to her!!!

Not just Fawn is growing up. I just cant believe how fast Isabel Hyrum and Eli are growing too! Isabel turned nine and Hyrum turned 7!!! Eli says he is turning 11 in February:)

Our trip to Dallas

We went to visit Emily my sister and Grandma and Grandpa Pack in Dallas two weeks ago. We had a wonderful time. We stayed with Emily for half the time. It was so good to have time with her, to see her in her life with her beautiful children. She is such a wonderful mother, her kids are her life. She doesnt just love her kids but she enjoys them! My kids loved being with their cousins! They loved going to the pool and swimming and riding in Uncle Kevins bike wagon. I loved talking with Emily. She always helps me feel special. She did my toenails, glittery gel nails. They looked great, and when I got home even Bryant said "wow your toes look cool!" Isabel loved being at her house. When Isabel was little she actually called Emily "mommy' because she could not say her name right and it seemed to fit, since she loved being with her aunt Emily. ( She called me Audrey) since that is what Bryant called me. I am grateful for Emily and the loves she pours out upon us so genuinly and lovingly.

Grandma and Grandpa were in Alaska visiting Amy and came home, a couple days after we arrived in Dallas. We had a wonderful visit with them. Grandpa Pack was able to hold Fawn for the first time. He showed us the frogs in the backyard and the kids were able to spend time with them. Hyrum had a sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa Packs. We were at Emily's and he got to stay there with them. He loved it! He loved feeling so special and he loved the individual attention he had. As we left I saw my parents suitcases still unpacked sitting in the piano room. I knew that my parents were tired and just got back from a long trip but that they chose to spend time with us , and put there other tasks aside to spend time with us. I felt grateful for there love!

Bryant my Forever Friend

Monday was Bryants birthday. I have been thinking how grateful I am to be married to such a wonderful man. He is one of the most compassionate people I have ever met. When he is home with us our lives seem to brighten, we laugh more and he brings the sillyness out in all of us. I cannot believe how blessed I am to have him. As most of you know he went to Haiti for a couple weeks with the Airforce on a humanitarian mission. We have been without him before, but we have been out of residency for a year and we have become accustomed to having him home with us. We missed him so much!!! I missed the little things, like the cup in the bathroom that he brings up every night so I could have a drink. The mail was not checked, because he always did that. And then at the end of the week when we would just relax together after the kids were in bed, were lonely, ( I am thankful my sister Amy kept me company, since she is in Alaska, we have a big time difference).

I was mainly worried for him to leave because we have our new little baby Fawn. My mom came to visit. This was wonderful, we were able to spend lots of time with Grandma Pack. The kids taught her to play Mancala:) and we went to the zoo, and to Helen Hunt Falls. In fact those days that Grandma was with us were wonderful. We worked out and then got ready and then we went out on the days adventures. She was so helpful, and I loved spending time with her. Fawn loved meeting her too. She had so many smiles for Grandma! The time went by fast, we were sad to see her go, and even days after she left the Isabel kept asking if we could go right then and visit Grandma!

Bryant came home a week after Grandma left, and he actually came home early!!! He had a hot sweaty time, with crickets and mosquitos everywhere. He was able to help so many people, and he was able to share a Book of Mormon. Whenever we complain that it is hot he says it is not as hot as Haiti. He would love to go again. We are so glad to have him home. I am so glad Bryant is a part of my life!

Returning to normal

We had a wonderful Easter this year. We did all the usual coloring easter eggs, had an easter egg hunt. We went on base and missed the easter egg hunt because we got lost. By the time we found where we were going it was over, but Eli still got to hug the easter bunny. We forgot the Camera!!The best thing about Easter was Sunday, we spent with our friends Rebecca and Gerry and their daughter. It was nice, we had a nice lesson about the savior. Isabel did the Lesson Saturday and Sunday. She is growing up so fast. She really looked up scriptures on the atonement, and shared them with us. We were so impressed. Then we watched a movie and animated movie of the Saviors death and resurrection. I felt the spirit, and could hardly hold back the tears when Eli said when he saw Jesus on the cross in the video "I would get Jesus down and fight all the bad guys" I knew he would, it reminded me of Peter. I am so thankful for our Savior, for His sacrifice for me and all of us. I am so thankful that because of this I can have mercy, because I NEED mercy!!! I hope to teach my children well how much the Savior loves them.

Well it has almost been two months since we adopted Fawn. What a blessing she has been. Our life is finally stabilizing a little more. We still have no schedule, but and we are running on less sleep, but we are running( both bryant and I Literally) we have been excercising, and the Bryant has been studying for his Boards. The kids are doing great. Fawn now weighs 8lbs!!! So depsite worrying that we were starving her she is going really really well. We felt inspired to homeschool Hyrum for the last six weeks of school, and he is doing wonderful, he will be returning to school in the fall. He is having a great time with Eli, and has learned so much!!! we both have he has so many science questions about why we have gravity and electricity and why the world spins. Well we have learned together. Isabel is doing wonderful in school. She is such a good little Mommy and loves to take care of Fawn. Sometimes I think she thinks she is the Mom!!! Eli is wonderful he makes us all laugh, he has no jealousy, he loves Fawn, he dances for her does his ninja moves to impress her.
Bryant is going to deploy to Haiti for two weeks. We are so grateful since this is a deployment and it is not for six months but two weeks. We feel really really lucky that Bryant gets to do this service, as he will helping those there in Haiti.
This week our bishop asked all of us in the ward not to buy food for a week. Well we have done well so far, but we really miss fresh fruits and vegetables. I think that for food storage we need to get some dryed fruits and vegetables. Fawn is being blessed this weekend and we look forward to seeing family and friends:)

Our first week home

We came home after one and a half weeks of waiting in Oklahoma. Once we were given the go ahead to leave the state, we were excited. We took more than Fawn Aylee home, we also took her sister Natha home with us. Isabel has found another best friend. Natha wanted to spend time with her new sister and us. She was such a help. She has such a good heart, she is fun and it has been a pleasure getting to know her. We hope she comes again. Her older sister had to work so hopefully she can come too. Isabel has been in sister heaven. She loves Fawn and now tells everyone she is not the only girl anymore( Moms dont count I guess:)