Bridal Shower

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Bridal Shower

Pictures taken June 25, 2011

One day several months ago, our family arrived at my parent's home and noticed that my brother's car was in the driveway. We were excited to run into him there and told the boys that he was most likely inside. While explaining that Uncle David was there, I also realized that "Aunt" Nikki was probably there. It was the first time I had thought of my brothers girlfriend as an aunt to my children, and at the last minute I choked the word back and decided that we probably ought to not give her that label until their relationship developed a little further than just his girlfriend. With that being my closing thought as we shut the car doors, we headed inside for a visit.

We walked into the living room to discover a very celebratory atmosphere. My grandparents were there and my dad was up hugging people and here we were, stopped at the front door wondering what wonderful thing had taken place. I actually thought that perhaps my grandparents home had finalized the sale or something, but a few moments later my dad turned to David and said, "Do you want to tell Jenny?" About that same moment, I noticed the diamond ring on Nikki's finger. I couldn't have been more excited as I realized that my premonition in the car had been right and that my boys would have an "Aunt Nikki" after all.

Nikki was sweet and her response to being engaged to my brother just melted all of our hearts. As we rehashed all the details of how he proposed (on a hike in one of the neighboring canyons) and what their plans were (date to be married etc) she would alternate between huge grins of joy and sweet emotional tears of happiness. I have to say, they were the cutest newly engaged couple I have ever seen. My interpretation of Nikki's emotions was that not only were all of her wildest dreams coming true, but that her future with my brother exceeded her dreams and hopes for life. It does a heart good to see a couple so in love and joyous to be together. It is a happy thing to see a girl so in love with your brother when you know he loves her back with such devotion.

We recently had Nikki's bridal shower. She was nervous and felt completely out of her element for it, but it turned out to be a really great day. Her friends were adorable and it was fun to see the women from the two families come together - many of us meeting for the first time. Afterwards Nikki was nothing but grateful saying, "It was everything I could have asked for and more." Nikki comes from a small family and I know that our large, rambunctious group can overwhelm her a bit sometimes. But honestly, I can't picture anyone I'd be happier to see my little brother with. I'm so happy for them and wish them the best on their upcoming marriage!

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Family Proclamation

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.