Mourning a Loss

Yesterday as the lights were going out here on the East Coast, in the West, a different light dimmed and then disappeared. In a moment worlds changed and hearts broke. Bicycle and automobile danced a tragic ballet, extinguishing the light of one so small. As this light faded from earth, leaving a hole in the hearts and darkness in the lives of loved ones, a brighter light grew and radiated with an unfiltered luminosity in an eternal world. The sorrows and tears of earthly separations were balanced by the tears of joy from reunions with other pure lights.

Goodbye sweet Allison, your death has brought a dearth of joy to all who mourn your passing but your life brought love and joy to those around you. You came to earth for just a short while; not long enough for us who are left but long enough to fulfill our Father's plan. We are brightened by our memories of your light and long for the day when we shall meet again, face to face and embrace in embrace in eternal realms. We are strengthened by our faith in the Savior Jesus Christ who gave His life that all would live again. Jesus "appoint[s] unto them that mourn in Zion, [and] give[s] unto [us] beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, [and] the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (Isaiah 61:3). We are fortified by the knowledge and power of the sealing of families together forever through the power of the Holy Priesthood of God. We miss and love you Allison!

Allison Ann Bowers

January 21, 1999 - October 26, 2010

Daughter of Rob & Melinda Tanner Bowers of Mesa, Arizona, sister to Robbie, Johanna, Dallin, & Emily.

Check out music from Jared T.

Lily is the Birthday Girl

Lily turned 3 years old this week!

Jared took her outside for a mini "3 year old photoshoot". She keeps making really cheesy, silly grins when we ask her to smile, so we got a few funny photos.

She has really been growing and learning in so many ways lately.  

 Lily is talking a lot more, and is very friendly to others. She says hi to anyone we see when we're out and about, and she usually shows them whichever toy she has brought along for the ride that day. Sometimes she proudly introduces her baby brother Zach. 

She really enjoys doing school time with me, and she is learning her letters and numbers and colors and shapes. She loves to find and write the letter L. Recently I overheard her singing the ABC song to herself while she played. 

She is growing taller too, time for the next size of clothes!

She likes to spend her free time playing with mommy's iPad. She also recently gained control of the mouse, and can move and click as she pleases on the Sesame Street games on the computer. 

 She also loves to run (and often runs away when she shouldn't, but we're working on that).

Lily had a fun day on her birthday. We hosted her weekly preschool at our house that day, so that doubled as her party too. The focus of letter H for the day was perfect. We did H is for Happy and Happy Birthday and Headbands and Hopping and Holes (threading necklaces) and Ham (and cheese and crackers for snack).

Her special birthday dinner was waffles, raspberries and deviled eggs.

She was very excited about her ducky cake. I cheated a little bit and just made the cake part be the water, with the rubber duckies floating on top, but she was happy with the result.

 

She got a few fun new toys and a book as gifts. Anwyn has been just as thrilled with the new play things.

 We are thankful for her and we love our silly Lily!

Zoo Trip

We recently went to the Jacksonville Zoo. We saw lots of animals and had a great time.

Weird feathered rats.

Big kitties.

Big cow.

Some drums (Bongos).

A little sunshine.

A couple monkeys got out.

Keeping the elephant from floating away.

Jared was even attacked by a Howler monkey.

Anwyn showing off her prey.

Candid photo of Jared eating a snack.

What happened when the animals saw Lily.

She might look peaceful but this was right before she sprouted wings and started a land war in Asia.

I put together a slideshow to some music I created the other day (putting Garageband loops together).