From Leslie

I remember when Julie was called to be our YW President at the beginning of 2009 in the Council Creek ward.  In her setting apart blessing, she was promised that she would be blessed with miracles.  And, not too long after that, we were meeting for a YW activity in the kitchen, she had just gotten the call that a birth mom was wanting her and Sheldon to be the parents of the child she was giving away.  She (the birth mom) was only two weeks away from having him.  She hadn't really told anyone yet, they were going to go meet the birth mom soon after that activity.  It was a miraculous moment.  

The weekend Jace came, was the weekend that Grant passed away.  Jace was everyone's miracle.  I think it only made Sheldon and Julie enjoy the precious time they had with him more.  

I keep thinking of the amazing honor and privilege I had to witness and be apart of Julie and Sheldon's sealing to Jace.  I remember Julie and Sheldon walking in the room, hand in hand.  They were beaming and the spirit was so strong.  The temple sealer spoke some words and then went to let the temple workers bring in Jace.  He was so handsome in his white suit and tie.  He was so beautiful.  He kept staring up at the chandelier.  Even when they sat him on the alter, he was so fascinated by it. He didn't cry or anything, he just kept looking up and around.  The temple sealer afterwards had them stand in front of the mirrors, so they can see their family reflection, that it went on for eternity.  This experience was and will always be such an amazing moment in my life.  I'm grateful to have been blessed enough to be there.  I also remember taking pictures in the atrium afterwards, and that was just fun.

I love the hike that we did for the YW.  We were raising our standards and waiving our values.  It was a beautiful day.  My husband and I were got to go and hang out with them.  Sheldon and Julie had Jace in the stroller.  The YW would keep showing Jace fun things, like snails and butterflies, and newts down by the water.  It was fun trying to get his stroller down the muddy slopes.  

Right before they started their rotations, our family got to come and celebrate Jace's first birthday.  My kids still remember it too.  Beau remembers bringing out Jace's pinata.  I remember Jace sitting on the ground getting cake everywhere.  What a lucky  kid.  I think he got his own little cake for that one.  It was so amazing to get to celebrate that with the Olsen's.  

That was just some nice memories I wanted to share.  

Love,
Leslie