To You This May Be Just A Billboard......

......To Me, This Is A Tender Mercy!!!

As we approached Kate's "Angel Day" I had no expectations of how I wanted the day to turn out. For Kate's second birthday back in July, I had everything planned out exactly how I wanted it to be: The birthday cake, the balloons, the grave site decorations. Well, the wind blew, it rained, the balloons blew away and I was devastated. This was supposed to be such a beautiful day that we could enjoy being at the cemetery finding comfort in doing what little (physically) we could do to celebrate this very special day. Looking back, I knew that I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment on this day of remembrance. I wanted it to be a happy day, where I could reflect on the many happy times we had with Kate and the wonderful memories that were made. So in anticipation of Kate's first "Angel Day" we decided to do an early morning temple session and then spend the afternoon visiting Primary Children's. This was Kate's second home and she was loved by so many who cared for her. She had many, many friends there that Bryan and I really miss. Being back at the hospital was bitter sweet. Although we experienced so much heartache during the times Kate was in the hospital, walking through the halls again we felt such a peace......a peace knowing that our baby girl is no longer in pain.....a peace that she fulfilled her mission here on Earth.......a peace knowing that we will see our Sweet Kate again.

As we were driving up to Salt Lake from Lehi that day, we came across this billboard that really made me smile. A true tender mercy.

ThAnK yOu!!!

Thank you for your phone calls, messages, e-mails, unexpected visits, notes, thoughts and prayers for us today. We've been told that the first year is always the hardest.....and I believe it. Today was a beautiful, special day as we were able to reflect upon Kate's little life and the many things that she taught us. How grateful we are to have the knowledge that Families are Forever! We love you Baby Girl!!!

This was the last picture we had of little Kate.....Sweet Girl!

Who doesn't LOVE a gIrL'S wEeKeNd???

I LIVE for Girl's weekends, especially when they are in sunny St. George (80 degrees to be exact).

First, you may be asking yourself, "Did they hire a professional to take these pictures?" Nope....trust Treo to come equipped, tripod and all.

Second, "Seriously? Did you all plan to wear the same color of shirts??" Believe it or not, this was totally coincidental.





Third, "Is that a fan blowing your hair, giving it a natural wind-blown look?" Nope, that's the real wind people. No fans for props!





Fourth, "Marcae, are you really striking that pose."" What??? This isn't America's Next Top Model???"





It's always so refreshing to get away for a weekend, especially with these amazing women. I am already looking forward to next year!

Back by PoPuLaR demand.....

......It's the 3 Amigas!!!

Drew, Mia & DevinCheck out those shoes.....Aren't they the cutest shoes you have ever seen??

!!!Viva Las Vegas!!!

Who couldn't use a little R & R and a little B-ball??? Well, it was a much needed getaway. We spent the weekend in Las Vegas with my family and watched BYU and the U of U play in the Mountain West Basketball championship. It was a lot fun, other than the Cougars lost out (I was really hoping for a BYU vs. Utah battle in the end). But the Utes pulled through and took this year's championship. I guess when BYU is out, I bleed (somewhat) red! The weather was beautiful, the food and shopping were GrEaT and the company was even better!

Grandma Roper NEVER spoils Mia. She couldn't feed this Cold Stone to her fast enough.

Uhhh.....I think I picked the wrong color for Mia to wear! Whatta ya think?

Somebody was REALLY tired!! I couldn't believe she slept with all the noise.

She definitely LOVES daddy's shoulder rides!!

4 Men and a Baby!!!

A Baptism, 2 Baby Blessings and a Wedding.....

......all in a weekend (and I am pooped).

I think I am just starting to recover from the craziness of this last weekend. My cute little niece, Drew, was baptized in Fillmore on Saturday morning. This was such a neat experience. I just can't believe that she is old enough to be baptized. Afterwards, we hopped in the car and drove all the way to Roy for a wedding (I still can't believe we made it). Following the wedding and the dinner, we had to jet home to be in Lehi by 7:00 to show our house (yes, we are selling our home....if anyone is looking :).

Drew, sporting her new accessories. Doesn't she look cute in her glasses???

Mia sure does love herself a good sugar cookie. Uncle Buck thinks she may share....I don't think so!On Sunday morning both our nephews were being blessed. Since they were both at the same time and 100 miles apart, we went to Finn's blessing and spent the afternoon with Bryan's family and then drove to Fillmore, yet again, and spent the evening with my family. I love to go home and visit. I am finding that I am enjoying spending time at the cemetery more and more. It was such a beautiful day on Saturday. The majority of the snow has melted and we're starting to see small patches of green grass (HOORAY!!). Finn sure was handsome on his big day. At only 3 months, he's almost caught up to Mia in weight.