Today is June 16, 2011 which marks the 9 year anniversary of Samantha Lee Watkins. I actually CANNOT believe that it has been that long. It is crazy to me how much our lives were changed on that day. I was made a mother...and Jake a father...(it was Father's day at that.) Our testimonies of the Plan of Salvation were tried and tested...and made stronger. We learned about love. Today we started out our little Birthday Celebration with me and the kiddos watching our "Samantha Video." Trisha put together a video with pictures and music and stuff shortly after her passing. It was great to watch with my kids and there were NO tears this year. Aubrey lovingly explained things to Spencer and we oohed and awed over how cute she is and how LONG her hair was.
Then tonight we had a dinner planned by the kids. It was going to be her whole name...but we didn't have enough food...so we went with Sammy! Dinner was delish and we broke out the new crystal glasses that we recently received from our late Grandpa Vern. It is a Watkins' tradition to have "fancy" meals so this was the perfect occasion to celebrate and break out the new goblets too. It consisted of well behaved children "toasting" Samantha. I am not being sarcastic either. It is always nice when the kids behave.
I think Weston said it best when he said..." I would like to make a toast (insert raised glasses...Spencer's tiny chubby hands clasping his fancy glass).... to our little Samantha and.... the Resurrection!!!" Just writing that makes me cry.
I love all our children and we felt her sweet Spirit with us here today. I know that because she is in our family...we are that much MORE excited and grateful for the resurrection. I love my Savior with all my heart and I am so grateful to be a member of HIS true church. Here is a link for any of my friends who are curious about what I believe...www.mormon.org
So the Y in her name...aka her nickname stands for YOGURT and we are off to celebrate with a family favorite...Frozen Yogurt to make the night complete.
Today was a good day and we love you Samantha sweety!!
10 comments:
So sorry for your loss. She was so beautiful, love the long hair. I am so grateful for the gospel to know there is a plan in everything and that families are eternal. Thanks for sharing your special day.
Amanda Sherrod
So sweetly, perfectly written.
What a great idea with the dinner. I think we might steal that one. We always write letters to Daisy on balloons and then send them to her. I thought about you a lot today. Hugs.
So I just wrote a comment but it didnt show up, so I apologize if it shows up later. Anyway, I was just saying what sweet post this is. Great way to celebrate. Glad it was a good day.
Thank you for sharing those sweet memories with us. She is beautiful and WOW that hair! I love that you celebrate her birthday and your kids know who she is. You are so amazing and I have always admired your testimony. Love you!
I can't believe that it has been 9 years either. She is so precious.
Teri, I just love you. Thanks for sharing you testimony and love of the savior and memories that are surely painful and special. YOu are amazing.
Awe Ter - that was THE sweetest post! Looks like you guys have started some nice traditions in honor of Samantha. She is such a beautiful baby, Teri! Love you guys!
Loved this Teri - very sweet. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Love to all of you,
Grandpa Norm
I remember that day, or the day of the funeral anyway. I felt so terribly bad for you and your husband. Just makes me ever so grateful for the gospel. Thanks for sharing. Cute family that you have.
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