A Priceless Heritage of Hope

Last weekend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints had it's 

Semi-Annual General Conference.  Learn more here.  

President Eyring gave a talk entitled A Priceless Heritage of Hope 

that I really enjoyed for a couple reasons.

First - As President Eyring spoke of his great-grandfather and the history of hope he laid, I had a spirit of gratitude run through my body for the incredible heritage of hope my ancestors laid for me.  Closest to home would be my parents.  They gave me what I consider to be the greatest gift I have, my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Even when life hasn't turned out anywhere close to how they thought it would, they have maintained their faith and endure forward.  

Also included in that awesome heritage of hope are my grandparents.  I'm one of those lucky people who still have both sets of grandparents living.  They are incredible examples of enduring to the end, faithfully.  I know they sacrificed so much of their lives for the betterment of their children.  It's reassuring to know that at any point all of them would do anything in their power to help me.  I appreciate their love and support.

Grandpa & Grandma Arnell

Grandma & Grandpa Snell

Second - President Eyring then went on to talk about the covenants we make and how as we do, the same heritage of hope is laid for our posterity.  As a newly married woman and hopefully a mother one day, I felt the spirit testify to me that it is my responsibility to pass this knowledge and heritage along.  I have felt the power of my ancestors buoy me in challenging times and I know it's helped keep me on the right path back to my Father in Heaven.  It's exciting and terrifying all at the same time, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to listen to living prophets and have the spirit testify that when the time comes I won't be doing it alone.  

Click here to watch, listen to or read President Eyring's talk. 

I love this picture.

Sipho & I being sent off on our Wedding Day.  So many lives coming together to celebrate us.  Everyone is all smiles, clapping & cheering.  It truly was a highlight of our Wedding Day.  I love how you can see my dad's mouth giving a big wahoo!  Sipho & I are off into the unknown territory of married life.  So many things I didn't know about him then that I do now.  So many new adjustments, transitions, lows, highs and so much more love shared.  When we received our wedding pictures I put this one as my background.  I thought oh, that's a good one but as I've looked at it time and time again these past months I've really fallen in love with all it captures.  I love the influence we get to have and give in each others lives.  This is just a small representation of the sphere of influence that Sipho and I have.  I love the sparklers they just shout fun times.  I love that our nieces and nephews got to share in something fun on our special day.  I love the lighting, I know that seems silly but it captures the beginning of the setting sun on a summer day.  I love the smile on Sipho's face - I love it when that man gives a genuine smile it lights up any room.  I love the smile on my face - it shows the joy Sipho has brought to my life.  As I sat across the table from Sipho tonight listening to him tell me of how he asked for my dad's permission to marry me the Spirit bore witness to me of the great blessing he is for my life and that I shouldn't be afraid to share.

Ice Castles

A few weeks ago we made a trip to up to Midway to see the Ice Castles.  They were really quite amazing.  It was freezing cold but nice to get out of the inversion for an evening.  Sipho and I really love the Midway/Heber area.  We spent our Wedding Night at the Invited Inn in Midway and fell in love with the scenery & small townish feel.  Maybe one day we will settle there for a time.

I'm ready for Spring/Summer or Fall but SO done with Winter!

Aunthood with an Uncle

One of the greatest joys in my life has been cultivating relationships individually with each of my nieces  & nephews.  Turns out that my joy has increased watching my husband become an uncle & observing the ways he creates relationships with each of them as well.

Taylor didn't want a picture so she got the next best thing:)

Sipho has already realized that if he ignores me I stop pestering.

 This video proves he's got that mastered. 

We had a great time with Jack & Emma sliding down the stairs.  

I think we made Jack's night.  He even personally invited us both to his birthday party:)

We love to have dance dance dance parties.

Our favorite song is "Happy" by Pharrell Williams
I know this picture is blurry but I just love the joy you can see on the girls faces.

Oh, and we are still planning a time when Miss Leah can stay the night.  When everyone is feeling 100%.  We miss playing with Sonora Jane but we'll have to make up for lost time next time we get to see her…and her parents.
We often feel the presence of our Sweet Angel Nephew Sam.  He is deeply missed.
I guess you could say we love being an Aunt & Uncle!!!

Our Wedding Day

On July 20, 2013 Sipho and I were sealed in the Mount Timpanogos Temple for time and all eternity.  I honestly could not have asked for a more perfect day.  After a long, tiring, challenging day I think, oh I'd love to go back and do July 20th all over again.  Wishful thinking but I'm so grateful we have our memories!  It's been five months since we wed and it's so hard for me to remember my days before Sipho.  I couldn't ask for a more supportive, genuine, kind, loving man.  He sees me for who I'm striving to be.  I love him.

Here is some photographic evidence this event really took place.

Engagements
We cropped the one we sent out uhemm please excuse the boob grab:)

Introducing Mr & Mrs Sipho Gumbo

Just a few people came out to support us.  Just kidding we were so overwhelmed with the outpouring of
love everyone showed us!

All the Arnells

Sisters

Here's to Forever...

Cutting the cake so delicious, thanks Di Harter

First Dance to I've Found the Masterpiece in You

My Mom suggested having these frames at our dinner to take pictures of all our guests.  I didn't really care one way or another.  Hindsight:I love looking at pictures of all our guests as a way to remember our special day!
Way to go Mom, Thank you!

Brooke shared an incredible tribute.  I'm pretty sure 1/4 was true.

Sipho wanted to have an official send off at our dinner.  This was SUCH a highlight.  Thanks everyone for sticking around to make this exit a great one!