I don't even know how to begin.
Savannah Kea Ohana Johnson is ours forever!!!!
We had a family reunion planned in Zion Park Utah for the 24th of July weekend. Bill and I wanted to have family be with us for Savvy's sealing, so we went up a day early and had lots of our family join us! Thank you, thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with us this wonderful experience. And thank you to Dixie for opening up your motel to us all for the extra night! It was GREAT FUN to have everyone there together.
My little brother and sister, Chuck and Ashley, and my missionary parents were in my heart while we were in the temple. They were definitely missed, but it just made me so thankful for modern technology that could keep them in touch with us. Mom, the email letter you sent that morning is printed out and was in the pocket of my temple dress. Thank you for your beautiful thoughts . I miss you Ashley Whoo Hoo! Mike and Hock... thank you for sending your wives, my sisters to be with me. It was so perfect to have them there. (And of course... it goes without saying, I missed you both!)
I found Savannah's dress at the OC Marketplace (fancy OC word for Swap Meet) for $1! Yes, one dollar!!!! I knew I wanted something wonderful, because I want to frame it in a shadow box. I saved up for it and was willing to spend lots more on it, but then I came across this PERFECT dress for ONE DOLLAR!!!!! It was exactly what I wanted.
It was important to Billy that she have a tiara for this occasion, because she is a royal little princess daughter of our Father in Heaven. Our darling Auntie Karen and Uncle Greg Hill gave her this tiara and even though I told them we had plain white socks that would work fine, Uncle Greg insisted that a princess needed princess shoes for such a special event. (Thank you Hills!)
By far my favorite part of the time was being in that special room with my little boys and my baby girl, and my wonderful husband. That was heaven to me in that place.
Brighton and Cole seemed to laugh and dance their way through the temple. It was such a joy to witness.
Before we all came together, Bill and I were waiting in a room off to the side, and Brighton, Cole and Savvy were in a very special room that is normally silent... but Savannah's dress has layers of tulle that made it very scratchy and the St. George Temple was built in the 1800's so the air conditioning is not great. So Savvy was HOT and scratchy, and so she started screaming crying... which is so strange, because for the most part she is a very happy and easy little girl! She RARELY fusses, let alone SCREAMING CRIES!
So here we all are, in this silent, beautiful room, and the silence is broken by these huge, lusty cries. My sisters Tiffany and Mitzi rushed out to see if they could help, but the temple worker who was holding Savvy gave her to Brighton and Savvy snuggled right in and was happy again.
(At least that was what I remember of the story, as I was in the waiting room off to the side.)
Another fun moment was seeing Kathie, Betsy and Matt Gates in the sealing room. I was so surprised and thrilled. They drove all the way from SLC that morning, and went home that night. I am not certain, but I think that is about 10 hours of driving in one day. What a beautiful labor of love and support that was!
I don't really know how to thank all of our family who came to support us. It was such a beautiful blessing to have so many of you there with us.From top Left... Ben, Katherine, Aaron, Johnny, Liz, Kevan
Eric, Nicki, Rachel, Dixie, Lani, Betsy, Laura
Matt, Kathie, Amy, Mitzi, Wayne, Tiffany, Pam, Grandpa Jim Bodell
Cole, Charise, Brighton, Bill, Savannah, Grandma Maydene Bodell
It was important to Bill and I to have Grandma and Grandpa Bodell there with us. Thank you Aunt Dixie and all those who helped Grandma get there. I know it is not easy, and it meant so much to us.
Our sealer was a distant Whiting cousin. (Jack Cooper, Joycell's husband, which I think makes him my first cousin twice removed)
Julia and Rachel, your photography is Amazing! Thank you for capturing one of the most important days of our lives! These are memories we will cherish forever!
5 comments:
I so wish that we could have been there for such a wonderful event. You were in our thoughts all day.
I love that top picture of Savvy cuddling up to you. Also Brighton in the group picture is so cute with his hands in his pockets leaning against you. Both of the boys look so sweet in the pictures with their sister.
When on earth did you write this? The pictures are wonderful! Great job Julia and Rachel! Way to go! She is a little sweet heart and I am glad she will be in our family for eternity!
Those pictures told the story so well. I could tell how happy you guys were that day. You all look so good together. You are such a wonderful person/mother. Congratulations on your Forever Family. May God continue to bless you always
Charise - I am so happy for you guys - I know it's only been a few months but your kids have grown so much!
Well I guess we are for sure a black family now.These pictures are so beautiful. thank you for taking and sending them. I know that day we were there in thought and spirit as we told every one what a special day it was for you and for us as well. We have said a 1000 times that this little one looks like Save. these little kids are so darn cute and every one seems to remind us of what you have.I am so proud of all that came to support you and to make it very special day.
Your preeeeeetty goooood kids. I am so glad that Heavenly Father sent you all to Mom And I.
When they say a picture says's a 1000 words I now know what means. I couldn't help but use my new polyester tie for a hankie Thank goodness for wash and ware!!!!
Love to all.
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