Raspberry Road

January 14-18, 2026

What an amazing week we just had. It was so special and filled with love and the spirit! We just lived most of the plan of salvation in one week 🙂

On Wednesday the 14th Jensen came home from his mission!! He served in California and had a great time, although it was very tough and challenging for him. He fought through it and I saw his heart change. He grew in humility and strength with the power of God. I’m so proud of him and his example to our family.

Going to the airport is so fun! It’s the sweetest best thing ever. I made a really ghetto poster last minute, but I just loved the message for Bre and Jens because they are so great! It said “Welcome Home!! You did it Jens and Bre!”

Then on Thursday January 15 was the big wedding day! Jeremy and Shelbie got married!!such a beautiful, wonderful, incredible day. Weddings are stressful for me and a lot of work, but I have to remember that they are so worth it! (Of course) The celebration and the love is so special. It was a beautiful venue with delicious food and being with family! And I am so so happy for Jer and Shelbie. It is such a miracle! Brought together by God, after many years of struggle and pain with Jeremy. He has fought hard through anxiety and depression and ocd thoughts since his mission and we have worked so hard through the years with him. I have felt the stress of it and tried to support him as best I could, it’s been a heavy load and I have given a lot of prayers and effort for him. We’ve supported each other through mental health challenges. And this is a blessing. I’m so so happy for them. God is always there and His plan is doesn’t fail. Jeremy is 38 and Shelbie is 36. They planned a beautiful day. Shelbie is so organized and every detail was written out and came together wonderfully. My favorite part was in the temple after their sealing we were giving them hugs and when I hugged Shelbie she whispered to me “yay we’re sisters now!” So sweet.

The temple sealing was so special. The spirit is so strong in the temple surrounded by the people you love most in the house of the Lord. I could feel my mom there, and felt such love and happiness for Jeremy. Such a beautiful day.

Friday was a rest day, phew. Jeni and her kids stayed at our house which is always so great to have them. They sleep in the basement and we get to hang out with them in between all the events. Yay!

On Saturday January 17 Felix got baptized!! So great to be together of course. Felix asked me to give a talk (!) which is always stressful/awkward for me. But it is a good opportunity to practice doing hard things, facing my anxieties, asking for prayers, really listening to the spirit and what He would have me say, and not worrying about me. It’s not about me. It’s about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and following him. I got through it! It was good enough, and I specifically don’t let myself hash over it and think about it. I just move on.

I shared a story about when Felix was 3 or 4 years old and we were all at the airport welcoming Cole home from his mission! My first oldest boy coming home from his mission, and Eric was just about to leave on his mission. I had all the feelings. My baby boys were grown up doing big hard awesome things and I loved them so much.

For some special reason Felix came to me. He let me pick him up and swing him around and love on him. He doesn’t usually do that, but today I felt his spirit and he felt mine. He hugged me and held on to me. He let me carry him and hold him close to my heart. Melissa and I both marveled at how he was giving me love. It was so sweet and tender. It calmed my soul. I got to hold a cute little one again like I held my little babies. I got to squeeze him as I watched my big boys hang out and smile and be grown up.

It was a blessing. God gave to me. And I got to share that with Felix. That he was sharing God’s love and being a disciple of Him. He can keep his baptismal covenant to love and support others, like did was with me.

And— the cousins sang the baptism song. Grammy Jeanne requested it before she died, so they have graciously done it for a few of the cousins baptisms. As they are getting older their voices are good and strong. Loved it!

Then on Sunday! It was Jensen’s homecoming talk at church. We all gathered in sacrament meeting together to hear Jensen. Soo good. he gave such a great talk. He shared his experiences and the hard times adjusting. He was so real and genuine. It was beautiful and touching. He has a sweet heart and a humble soul. I saw him grow and change and gain such a strong testimony of Christ. He is a great example to us and his cousins.

What a week!! It was a bit stressful and lots of stuff as I was planning for it, but so worth it! Filled with love and goodness to be with extended family for so many incredible events. Loved it!!