That They Might Have Joy

After September 25, 1995, we understood a scripture differently. 2 Ne 2:25 says Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy. Adam and Eve were happy in the garden of Eden, but they couldn't have children until after they fell and became mortal. Having children was part of what allowed them to feel joy. Mariah and Eliza have brought SO MUCH joy to us!  They were the perfect people to teach us to be parents and help us feel joy.

I love this picture because it shows the weight of responsible parenthood. Alan is taking them to the new Jetta we bought for them to be safe in. And we were making payments on it.

6th birthday! Two cakes in Texas.

Reading with Grandma Patty

Celebrating each other's victories! Eliza won the school bike rodeo and went to compete at the city-wide competition in second grade.

Dinner with Grandma Wimmer at Dick and Kathy's house in Henderson.

Presents! First birthday. 1996.

Sleepovers have always been de rigueur for them. Willa, notice the puff quilt I made for them. The light blue fabric came from the dress I was wearing when I stopped Alan in the science center and told him I missed him, just before he asked me out on our first date.

Eating together, always the best.

Hanging with Willa, always a party! 

They have ALWAYS liked to exercise together.

And get fancy together

Now they have their own children. And they are so good at feeling joy! I feel like Willa captured that so well especially at the end of this photo shoot she did of Eliza and Mariah with their babies.

 Happy birthday Mariah! Happy birthday Eliza! You are our joy!