Together Forever...

In September I went to Washington for my cousin Brind's wedding.  While I was there I met a pretty great family.  Now this is normal considering my cousins always introduce us to great people (best example: Brandon Smith) but since September that family has gone from great to absolutely amazing in my book.

This is Rob and Patti Epperson.  They are truly hilarious and as nice as can be.  From the first time we met we were talking and joking like we had known each other forever.  In December I found out that Rob had been diagnosed with cancer.  One night he is playing indoor soccer and scoring all the points and the next night he is throwing up so much they take him to the hospital only to find out he has cancer.  It has all happened in a flash.

Since the very moment they heard this news they have not complained.  They have put their trust in the Lord and have had a great attitude.  You can follow their story by clicking on the Rob Epperson link on the side of my blog.  

In December we found out that Tony's cousins who had tried for a long time to have a baby were finally pregnant.  They went in to be induced and found that the baby had passed away.  The girls body went into labor and she had to deliver the poor little baby and they discovered that the cord was wrapped around her neck.  I cannot think of many things that would be harder then this situation.  I look back on how excited Tony and I were going in to have Indie; the nursery was ready, all of her clothes were hanging in the closet, we had packed a bag for the hospital with little baby clothes, etc. etc. and then to think of coming home empty handed...it honestly breaks my heart.  That little sweet heart must have been a chosen daughter of our Heavenly Father who needed a body for but a moment.

I wanted to tell these two stories to show just how precious life is.  I am so grateful that I have the beliefs I do and I know that there is life after death.  I think both of these families are amazing, they are great examples of strength, hope, and love.  My heart aches for them to be happy despite their situations.  I know that eventually their families will be...

together forever.

Friday Feature...

Today I would like to feature our best friends:

Neil and Allison Adams

We met Neil and Allie about 4 or 5 months after we got married, in the summer of 2003.  We were in the same ward and one day Neil just came up to us and asked if we wanted to run the St. George marathon with them.  We have been best friends ever since.

Neil currently works for Waste Management and is a bomb salesman, he could sell a ketchup popsicle to a women in white gloves or however that saying goes.  He is extremely personable and becomes fast friends with anyone he meets.  Allie is a stay at home mom and makes vinyl on the side.  She is so creative, talented and smart.  She is a great mom, a wonderful homemaker and an amazing cook.

Beckett James, 3

Beckett is the smartest kid I know.  He can run a computer better than most adults and has an amazing vocabulary.  He loves reading, Spiderman and his cowboy boots.

Fischer Lucas, 11 months

Fischer was born exactly one week before Indie and is the cutest little narfer ever.  He has about 6 teeth and will eat just about anything including his crib.  He is always smiling and is a very content baby.  We are hoping that Indie will wait for him while he is on his mission so they will get married and we can connect our families eternally.  Or maybe I am thinking ahead a little too much...it doesn't hurt to dream, right?

We have had so many adventures with Neil and Al and have made so many memories.  We have experienced a lot of life together and can't wait to experience even more.  We are so glad Neil came up to us that day.  It is rare to find two couples that get along so well, it is like family.  We are so blessed to have them in our lives.

We love you guys.

Rockin' deal...

Interested in a sweet deal?

Click here.

Creep of the week...

So the other day I get a text from a number that I don't recognize that reads:

Whacha doin?

I text back:

Who is this?

Seconds later I get a call from a guy that goes a little something like this:

Creep: Hey, what's up?

Me: I think you have the wrong number.

Creep: Oh this isn't...Jenny.

Me: No.

Creep: Who is this?

Me: (foolishly) Jessica.

Creep: Oh my bad.

Me: That's okay, bye.

So then a few minutes later I get a text that reads:

Haha well wanna chat? Want a picture?

H.E.L.L. no I don't want a picture.  Luckily Tony is home to comfort me as I start thinking the worst about this creepo guy.  Tony sends a message back that reads:

This is her husband and no she doesn't.  Please stop.

He didn't text or call back, I hate to see what Tony would have done if he would have.  

Want a picture?  Want a picture? Really?  Can you imagine what type of picture that freak may have sent?  

I am so glad I live in this day and age of modern technology but to think of some of the crap that happens because of it...gives me the creeps.

Thanksgiving Day 5K

Today I want to flashback to November.

Annelee thought it would be fun if we all did a 5K, and fun it was.  In fact, I smell a new tradition a brewin'.  The race took place in Sandy on Thanksgiving morning so we woke up early, bundled up and got ready to run.

I pushed Ind in the jogger and despite the many outfits, hats and fleece blankets she was wearing I still heard jeers from the crowd.  Okay it was only one jeer but seriously this lady was like, "poor baby, poor baby." Indie didn't make a peep and enjoyed the ride.

The Sm-Kean-Ley Crew

(Smith, McKean, Bentley)

Can't wait until next year!

It's a boy...

Did I scare you?

Did you think I was pregnant?  Pregnant to the point that we could find out what it is, without telling anyone?

Well I'm not...

My sister is having a boy!!!

That's right, a Rigby produced a male child.

Two for Tuesday...

My favorite thing for the week is:

Gone with the Wind

I read this book in high school after two of my best friends, Cassie and Chelsea, recommended it.  We were all obsessed with it.  

It is by far my favorite book, not only because it is a well written classic but because it is probably the longest book I have ever read and I am proud I finished it.

That Margaret Mitchell really knows what she is doing.  She draws you in by making you love each character, although I had a love/hate relationship with Scarlet.  Often I do like to adopt her mantra of, "I'll deal with that tomorrow," but I definitely wouldn't have let that Rhett Butler get away.

If you don't have time for the book the movie is great but I highly suggest making time for this incredible read.