Happy Eternal Anniversary to us...The Allens

Two years ago today we were sealed as a family for time and all ETERNITY! We had waited what then had seemed like an eternity. Oh, when that letter FINALLY came saying we could be sealed...PURE BLISS. I got on the phone right away and basically got a date for 2 weeks later! We had waited long enough, and had JUST found out we were expecting our little Baby Joe. We didn't know what might get thrown in front of us. For all we knew I would be on bed rest and we would have to wait until after he was born. Thank heavens we didn't have to do that. I can't imagine going through what we did when he was born and not KNOWING he was already sealed to us...just in case the worst case scenario did happen. Anyway...I wanna take this opportunity to tell our children why we love them so...

Dear Tyla Paige... This was you on our sealing day. You weren't quite sure of what in the world was going on. You were such a good girl, though. We want to tell you why we love you SO much. First, there's your smile. It would melt the coldest of hearts! You are always so happy. So loving. So caring. You are always so willing to help us and your little brothers. You have an AMAZING spirit. Just being around you makes us happy. You definitely have a special purpose here on this earth. I have ALWAYS loved you like you were my very own, from the first time I layed eyes on you. I knew right away you would always have a VERY special place in my heart. I am so grateful I get to have a hand in raising you to be a very beautiful and wonderful and special person. We love you Ty Ty!

Dear Jack Matthew...My what a stud you are my little Jackers. On this sealing day, you melted the hearts of EVERY SINGLE PERSON at the temple! We had a little bit of a rough time getting you here. But you came, and melted the hearts of all the nurses as well. Those silly nurses all thought you were a girl, it was even on your birth certificate!! On this special day, I will NEVER forget when they brought you to us at the alter. When I saw you in your little white tuxedo, I totally lost it! You have always had a special place in a lot of peoples hearts. Your smile. Your big brown eyes. Your wanting to always say prayers. Your laugh. Your HAIR! Oh that outrageous hair! I am so grateful for your sweet, sweet spirit in our family. I KNOW you will do great things in this life! Despite what obstacles may stand in your way...you will (and already are) KNOCK THEM DOWN! I am so thankful to be your mommy!

Dear Joseph Keith...aka Baby Joe. This is your blessing day photo. Don't worry, you were in the temple that day too. You were just inside mommy's tummy! When I think about all you went through your first few weeks of life, I am SO grateful for the knowledge of the gospel and the reassurance of the blessings of Eternal Families! You were so little, but so strong. I KNEW you were gonna be a little stubborn booger! You had to be to survive. And now, you have to be to get any attention around this crazy house of ours. Oh how I love your hilarious personality! Your laugh is so contagious! Anyone and everyone will always look your way when you're having one of your "silly" moments. I am SO grateful you came to our family. We love you more than you can ever possibly know. I love your smile. Your silly cheesy smile. The way you walk around with your blankey hanging out of your mouth and a train in your hand. That is if the blankey isn't over your head. The way you laugh at EVERYTHING! How you learn and catch on so fast. How you want SO bad to play with your big Sissy and big brother...even when they would rather you didn't. Your persistence and determination in EVERYTHING you do. You melt my heart when you give me your open mouth kisses. When you get so excited to see me and your daddy. We love you very, very much!! And we are so grateful you, too, are a special part of our family.

With that I will close with the testimony that I have on the blessings of Eternal Families. I know the gospel IS true!! I know it with all my heart!! I have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I am so grateful for this gospel and most importantly for the Atonement! I am so thankful for a wonderful, loving husband, who is a worthy priesthood holder. I am so grateful he is able to use that priesthood on me and our children, quite frequently. He is a wonderful example and leader in our family and home. I have no doubts that he will help get us where we need to be. I am so thankful we can be a forever family. I say these things in the name of my loving Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.