Today has been, and will be my favorite Christmas Eve, ever! Today was a most wonderful day! We got up and got ready for Lilly’s sealing, and got to the Salt Lake Temple at about 7:50am. Lilly was in her white dress, with matching bow, and bracelet. She was so darling! Everyone was so excited for us, and said how cute Lilly and Zeke were. One lady couldn’t believe our kids were adopted, she said that Lilly looked so much like me :) What a compliment (for me)!
We dropped our children off at the youth center, and went to fill out the documents. I was escorted into the brides’ room, and was treated as such. It reminded me a lot of my wedding day. My mom helped me into my white temple dress, and everyone was so nice, and happy for us! Jimmy and I had a little time in the Celestial room together, and then they called us out to go to the sealing room. We saw lots of family, and our Bishop. We anxiously waited for Zeke and Lilly to be brought up from the youth center. I was so excited to see them both in white!
Zeke came in first, wearing a white shirt, white tie, white pants, and white socks. He looked so adorable! He sat next to Grandma Z, and was so good the whole time. Seeing him made me cry, he was so precious! Lilly looked like a beautiful angel! I was so happy to see her, and they brought her to me to hold. It was such a joyous time, and I kissed her sweet cheeks, and with tears of joy! I was so happy to finally be in that moment!
My mom held Lilly during the sealing, and Lilly grabbed Jimmy’s thumb tightly, and looked up at him happily during the ordinance. It was a sight I will treasure forever! It looked like Lilly knew what was going on, she was so darling! Seeing her little face looking up at her daddy, and seeing her tiny hand on our hands, and holding Jimmy’s thumb, oh! it was a perfect moment. I loved it! I know Lilly and her daddy will always have a special relationship, and it was so sweet how she was looking at him. I use to hope Lilly would be a mommy’s girl since Zeke is such a daddy’s boy, but I can see already that Lilly is a daddy’s girl, and it makes me so happy :) I love seeing Jimmy with our kids, his relationship with each of them is really special, and I wouldn’t want it any other way!
Zeke was excited about his white tie, and he rolled it up and down, and said, “Look at my tie!” When we walked back down to take some pictures, Zeke was skipping happily, holding one of the temple workers hands. It was so cute! He looked like a little chimpanzee the way he was walking with a bounce, and holding the lady’s hand, and he kept looking back at Jimmy and me. I loved watching him!
The sight I treasure most about Zeke’s sealing was when they wheeled him into the room, he was in a white little stroller, and he was leaning forward, and smiling so big at everyone :) He also kept his sweet little hand in place, on his own, when he was sealed. Those are wonderful memories!
I’m so thankful for this gospel, for temples, and most especially for my Savior who makes it possible for us to repent, and be worthy to live with our families and Heavenly Father someday! I love my forever family!!
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from today-
Family shot. All of Jimmy’s 6 siblings were there today!
I like how Lilly is looking up at her brother in this one
Zeke and Jimmy’s eyes look so blue in this picture!
Lilly at Grams’ house. (Zeke nicknamed my mom Grams, or Grams-Grams.)
aw, I have tears in my eyes reading this, what a beautiful experience! And no better day to celebrate it than the day before we celebrate the birth of our Savior, who made this all possible :) Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful Christmas gift! Your family is gorgeous, and Nathan and I have talked about it before (since I show him your blog posts) — your kids DO look like you both! It’s amazing. I’m so glad they are a part of your family forever!
What a beautiful day! I am so happy for your family. I cried reading your post just thinking about how happy you must have been. I do agree that Lilly looks like you. I would have never have guessed that they were adopted. Congrats on the great day!
Esther, I had tears in my eyes reading your sweet post. I am so, so happy for you to finally have this day come! It’s been a long road and I couldn’t be more excited or think of a more deserving family. You look like angels in your beautiful white clothes. Merry Christmas to your sweet, eternal family. We love you guys!!!
What a beautiful post Esther! I am so happy for you and your family. I got teary-eyed reading this post. What a wonderful day for all of you. I love the pictures…you have a beautiful family. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!
My dear sister, Esther! I love precious little Lilly so much! She is a true angel and no words can describe the deep feelings of love I have for that perfect little girl! Thank you so much for always “sharing” Lilly with me. I love you forever!
It was the most Heavenly Christmas Eve ever. I will never forget the special spirit I felt that day. I came into the Temple just at the right moment to see Esther and go with her into the marriage waiting room to help her dress. She is a Princess. She always has been, and always will be. And, our dearest Zeke sitting there so reverently in his white clothes. I love you all so very much forever. Grams
What a wonderful day! I feel so awful I missed it. I had it on the calendar and everything. I feel so bad, but I’m sure it was the most beautiful site to see you all together in your white. You and Jimmy are the best parents out there.
How Wonderful!!! What an awesome gift for Christmas! Your kids are lucky to have such great parents.
I got tears in my eyes reading this too. What an amazing Christmas Eve. You have a beautiful family!
I got teary reading this too. What an amazing Christmas Eve. You have a beautiful family!
How exciting for your family! I remember reading about Zeke’s sealing. Your family is darling.
I’m so happy for all of you!
Yah for forever families! I am so happy for you guys. Lilly and Zeke are so blessed to have you two in their lives!
Esther and Jimmy, and kids we are so happy for you. When Tay was sealed to us I remember the ladies telling us to hold her hand tight so she would break the seal. But she just kept her hand on Dan’s and never tried to pull away, I agree that they know what is happening and that they too are glad.
I am so happy for your little family. You guys are so wonderful! We miss you more than you could imagine. I am so glad that you are a good blogger because it helps us stay in contact with you. Whenever we want to see your cute family….we just have to log in. The pictures are wonderful! I can’t pick a favorite!
Jimmy and Ester, congratulations on your family sealing. I had tears in my eyes while I was reading your post. You all look so beautiful and happy. I love all your pictures.
Wow, how did I miss this post? Congratulations!! Your family pictures in white are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience.
What a beautiful day for you!! SO happy that your family gets to be forever now. I love see the joy on all your faces. Loved your Christmas professional pics too. . .your kids are so cute and photogenic!! AMAZING!