Anneca's Birthday

Anneca's first birthday (Wednesday, September 24) was a beautiful day.  I cherished it and her, and felt the love of so many.  I felt like I was in a really good place.  I had been dreading it in the weeks leading up to it, but as it got closer, I decided I could choose joy, rather than sorrow.  I was asked to give a talk in church the Sunday before her birthday on Charity and the pure love of Christ.  As I studied and prepared for that, my heart slowly changed and I decided to accept His love and allow the pain to be swallowed up in His love.  It was a beautiful gift to me, the best I could have asked for.

I also kept myself busy.  I asked two friends (Chrissy Thomas and Whitney Lathen) if they would have lunch with me and they gladly agreed:).  And it was very fitting that I spent part of the day with them because they were very involved in helping us when Anneca died.  My kids were at Chrissy's house when we went to the ultrasound and found out she no longer had a heartbeat.  The kids ended up staying there all afternoon, she fed them dinner and took them home and got them ready for bed.  Her husband came over and assisted Kyle in giving me a blessing, then they came to the memorial service.  They helped in many other ways.  Whitney came over and watched my kids the day Anneca was delivered so my parents could come to the hospital and see her, among other things.  So, it meant a lot to me to be with them on her birthday.  We had a nice lunch together and just talked while the kids played (at Chrissy's house).  They gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

When I got home, I got a few things done then ran to pick the kids up from school.  When we got back, my parents were here!  They brought gifts and goodies for the kids (for Anneca; so sweet!), beautiful roses and chocolates for me, and mums to take to the cemetery.  Then we all went up to visit the cemetery.  It was so nice to be up there.  We walked around a bit--the kids showed them the statue of Adam and Eve.  I called Kyle while we were there (he was in Hawaii on business).

Then we headed home and got ready for soccer and went to soccer practice. I am coaching Skyler's team, and we had a good practice. My dad took lots of pictures.

Then we headed to dinner and met my friend, Sara Edge.  The original restaurant we chose had a long wait (and it was already 6:30), so we went to a pizza place next door, which was still yummy.  We had a nice dinner together.  Sara brought presents (beaney boos) for all the kids and flowers for me.  My parents gave me the card/present from my family (parents and siblings and spouses).  It was the most thoughtful, meaningful gift and meant so much to me.  They gave us 90 pink tulip bulbs, a tree/plant of our choice, and a personalized stone with Anneca's name and birthdate on it.  All to put in Anneca's garden.  (We are going to create a little garden area in our yard for Anneca.)  I was so touched.  (I am so excited to create that part of our yard, but it's going to have to wait until next spring.  I got the tulip bulbs planted, but will transplant them when we get the right area ready.)

Then we went home and had a little birthday party for Anneca.  We had angel food cake and sang her "Happy Birthday".  The kids all blew out the single candle.  Then I showed them the few mementos we have from her birth and I talked about what she looked like.  Kyle had left scriptures and thoughts from the Apostles (on peace) around the house for me when he went to Hawaii, so for family scripture time, we read all of these together.  It was so peaceful and the spirit was there.  I shared my testimony about eternal families and how I know Anneca is our angel watching over us (and Calvin).

Kyle also had a special day.  Even though he wasn't here with us, he was able to be with his adopted Hawaiian family.  (The ones who gave him his Hawaiian name.)  He had dinner with them at their home and brought a Haupia (coconut) pie, which they put a candle in and all sang "Happy Birthday" to Anneca, too.  Their little granddaughter blew out the candle.  It was sweet to me that they would honor her in that was, too.

So many people emailed, called, or messaged me that they were thinking of us and Anneca.  I felt so loved and am so grateful for the goodness of people around me who love and support our family in so many ways.

Here is the stone my family had made for Anneca's garden.  I love it!  It will stay inside this winter until we are ready for it outside.