15 pictures from our REALLY special day.

I hope your weekend has been an amazing one so far!  We had a really special day for us yesterday so let’s get started with a little recap!

My day started nice and early (my body cannot sleep past a certain time even if I wanted to anymore… maybe because I go to bed so early).  8 miles @ 9:30 average pace.  It was one of those runs that felt like it went by SO fast.  That hasn’t been the case lately so I gladly welcomed this feeling yesterday.

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After my run I ate breakfast with the family and then we all jumped in the car to go over to my sister’s house (her post about her kitchen remodel is going up tomorrow!!!) for her to do my hair and makeup.  She is amazing and it gives us time to catch up on everything together while she does it.

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Yesterday was a really important day for us.  I don’t talk a lot about religion online but I thought I would share a little bit about yesterday for us because it was by far one of the most important days of my life.  We had almost all of our family there too which was incredible.

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Andrew and I were sealed in the Provo City Center temple.  For those of you that don’t know what a sealing is, in our church we have a special ceremony that is called a sealing.  In this sealing we believe that we are not only married for time on earth but also after this life.  We believe that families are something that go beyond this life, that families are forever and we can be sealed to our children too.  Having this ceremony meant everything to me and thank you for letting me share something with you today that is such a big deal for us.

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Our amazing parents.  PS my dress was of course from Roolee… I loved it.

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And of course Brooke and Knox.

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After the temple we jumped in our cars to go get food.

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We first met up with my side of the family at the Pizza Factory.

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We had our own little room and all you can eat salad, breadsticks and pizza of course.  We all left beyond full!

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A few of the kids at their table.

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My brother was in Belgium and flew in to Utah just in time to be there and he brought us back these Belgian Chocolates…. heaven.

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After our meal with my family we drove up to Andrew’s parent’s house where they put on a bbq to celebrate!

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They had these incredible rocky road brownies… I’ve never seen anything like these.  They sure are brilliant at food combinations.

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They had a cotton candy machine for the kids too.  At the end of the day I was officially exhausted:)

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Time for a rest day today (LOTS OF RESTING) and then another running week is up ahead!  I finished with 42 miles this last week and I’ve got a half-marathon this week!

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What was your mileage last week?  What is your happy mileage lately??

What is your Sunday going to involve?  Have a rest day this week?  When did you take it?

Does your body wake up naturally at the same time each day or do you set an alarm?

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104 comments

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Congratulations to you and Andrew!

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Thank you SO much Mary Lynne… I hope you are having a beautiful Sunday!!!

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I know next to nothing about the Mormon religion, but anything that involves family, love, fun, and food has got to be a good thing! Congratulations on your special day! I love the family picture of all of you.

Mileage last week – 50! But today will likely be a rest day, because I’m feeling beat.

Also, I am SUPER excited to see the pics of your sister’s kitchen! Isn’t that crazy? I love home remodeling, even if it’s not my own. :)

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I agree… that combination of family, love, fun and food = happiness:) Thank you so much!! GREAT JOB on your mileage last week and enjoy your rest day! Seriously, you are going to be amazed by her transformation! She is SO TALENTED!! Have a great Sunday Deb!

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Congratulations!

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Thank you SO much Dee!!!

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I know very little about the Mormon church, but I’m so glad for your focus on family.
My body always wakes up early. Last night I went to bed at 1:00 am (a rarity for me to be up so late) and still woke up at 7:00. Ugh.

My mileage last week was 5 miles split over 3 days, which is a lot for me considering I’m still contending with my hip bursitis.

Congratulations again!

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Congratulations to you and your family!! The joy found in these pictures show love, dedication,gratitude and support.

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So many congratulations! What I know from LDS friends, this is very important so thanks for sharing with us!

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Congratulations on your sealing ceremony, Janae :) I am definitely one of those people who have to set their alarms to wake up. Sometimes the alarm doesn’t work lol. Like this morning.

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Congratulations! You should share more about your faith more often, it’s obviously a big part of who you are, and I love hearing about it! Your day looks like it was so special and fun :)

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Thank you for sharing your faith with us! Congrats to you and Andrew. Sealed sounds pretty dreamy! So glad your family made such a point to come together from all over the world to support you! Yall are so blessed.

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I don’t know much either….besides what I see on TV (and we all know that’s fake news…bwahaha!)

Does any one else think your father and father-in-law could be brothers??? Weird or maybe its just my morning eyes? Anyway, glad you had a great day!

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Congratulations! I know that the sealing is a big deal in your religion. More importantly, to have the majority of your families there is wonderful.

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I’ve never heard of a sealing but it sounds very spiritual, romantic and special. Congratulations to your beautiful family. And how special to have your siblings there and then get to celebrate with two gatherings! You must be exhausted for sure. Love to you and your family!

P.S. I’m so impressed that you’re keeping up such a high level of running during your pregnancy. I had tried (twice) but the morning – and night – sickness was too much. I did the Unisom and vitamin B combo and that worked (usually) for me.

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Congrats to you and Andrew! Thank you for sharing this little piece of your lives, it’s go great to learn about other people’s traditions.

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Thank you so much Carolyn, that means a whole lot to us!!! I hope you are having a beautiful Sunday!!!

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Wow Janae congrats on your big day. That sounds like a special occasion for both you and Andrew. You got me hooked on Roolee after the moto leggings.

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Thank you so much Hollie!!! I LOVED watching your movie on that ride the other day ha… I would have DIED!!!!

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Thank you for sharing such an important event with us! Sounds like a wonderful day for sure. I am running long hills this morning then hosting a brunch for family and friends!

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Thank you so much Mel!!!! I hope your long hills (that sounds TOUGH) were great this morning and enjoy that brunch!!

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Congratulations on your sealing–that is so exciting!! My son was baptized yesterday–sounds like it was a good day for both of us. ? 45 miles for me this week!

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CONGRATS to your son and your family Rachael!!! Thank you so much:) Enjoy your Sunday!

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Congrats on your special day! I had wondered if that was why all your family was in town, especially since it was just your anniversary. Congrats again, family is the best!

I’m not one to wake up early on my own, but after getting up early each morning this summer to make sure one of my boys gets to swim team on time I’m starting to wake up early on my own. So weird for me! Enjoy your Sunday. :)

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Thank you so much Ashley!!! We really appreciate your congrats:) You are an amazing mama to be getting up early each morning to take your boys to swim team. I hope you are all having a beautiful day!

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Congratulations! It seems like this special day was like a wedding, part II? Is there a reason why the two events are separate from one another? Are you supposed to wait a while after getting married to do this ceremony?

I’m sure I could Google this, lol. I’m so curious now.

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Ha! I was curious and googled. :) From what I read, you have to wait a year between a civil wedding ceremony and a sealing. Though if there is someone out there with more knowledge, please correct me or add insight. :)

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Gotcha! <3

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It does seem like a wedding part II ! I love that. I’m LDS, so when I was married I was sealed to my husband in the San Diego temple on our wedding day for time and eternity. But in instances of divorce and remarriage it is sometimes required to wait a year after being married civilly. After that one year period you and your spouse can get sealed for time and eternity. I hope that clears it up a little.

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It totally does, Kendra! Thank you!:)

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HEY TIFFANY!! Great question!!! Kendra answered it perfectly! Andrew and I had previously been sealed in the temple and so we got married civilly and worked on our previous temple divorces and once that came through we were able to get sealed together! We were going to do it on our one year anniversary so we could combine celebrations but our family couldn’t all be there on that date… I guess we have two anniversaries to celebrate now! Hope you are all having a beautiful day!

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Hooray for two celebrations! Among many other things, I’ve learned that from you — celebrate everything. <3 Congrats, again!

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This is what I wanted to ask! If the other sealings were canceled, then under what sealing will Brooke and Knox go! That’s so in the weeds but I always get stuck on those details! It’s so confusing if everybody stays in the church and everyone is sealed to new partners!!

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HEY!!! So actually both of our exes no longer are in the church BUT as far as the kids go, they do get resealed (unless Andrew legally adopted Brooke would he be able to do that). It does get a little stickier with the kids but the main priority for sealings is your spouse… so they will in the future be sealed to spouses and that is what really matters:) I hope that makes sense… so much easier to talk it than type it ha!

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Ooooooh! That would not have occurred to me! I thought with little kids they had to go under one covenant or another! Hmmm. That’s sticky!

Although I suppose the assumption always is HF will take care of things! :)

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So does that mean you were both unsealed in the divorces? I hate to ask, I don’t want to seem insensitive, just was hoping to understand. It sounds like a good excuse for a second celebration, and that’s always good in my book, more celebrating, more love, more happy! Congrats!

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Ask away Julie!! I was unsealed to my ex! It was a process that took some time but so grateful it has all worked out so well! Thank you SO MUCH!!!

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Thank you for all your openness, Janae! I enjoy learning about the Mormon faith and it definitely helps to have you be so forthcoming.
CONGRATULATIONS to you and Andrew!

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I understand why you don’t want to make this blog too religious. i’m not religious myself but I can tell you that I never mind hearing things about your religion here- it never offends me or turns me off. On the contrary I find it super interesting, and would be happy to hear more about it. Anyway, congratulations on your important day- thanks for sharing it with us!

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Oh thank you Jenny! That is so good to hear, I will definitely share more then! Thank you and I hope you are having a beautiful day!

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I’d like to second Jenny’s comment. Personally I’m an atheist, but I think you and Andrew and your family are a beautiful example for your church, and I’ve never once thought to myself, “gosh I wish she wouldn’t share that part of her life.” Your faith is part of the amazing person you are and we are the luckier that you share your life with us. Congratulations on your sealing ceremony, I wish you all the best.

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Wow, thank you Nicci. This means so much to me!!! Thank you. I hope you have had a wonderful weekend and that you have a great week up ahead of you!

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Janae, I’m so happy for you and Andrew! Congratulations! ❤️

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Thank you so much Jan, that means a lot to us! I hope you are having an awesome weekend!

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Congratulations on your special day! Plus all that food :)

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Thank you so much Fiona!!! Our family’s sure know how to party with food:) Hope your Sunday is a great one!

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Congratulations to you and Andrew and your family!! ❤️

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Thank you so much Leanne! That means a lot to me!

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This is awesome! I’m really excited for you. And my husband and I kinda wish we could have been sealed there (we were in draper) but it wasn’t a temple yet. We just have so many memories with that building. It used to be where we both had stake conference.

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Congrats! Interesting religious ceremony-I know nothing of it. My vote is to feel free to share about your religious practices as you wish!
Also. I just came back from Belgium last week. My favorite chocolates were from The Chocolate Line in Brugge!

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Thank you so much Molly! I will definitely share more then:) Oh that is awesome you were just in Belgium… I hope you ate plenty of chocolate:) Enjoy your Sunday!

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Congratulations!

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Congratulations to you both! I’m not at all religious but I never mind reading about anything you share, I think because it’s such a part of your life and you are simply sharing another facet with all of us without getting “preachy” for lack of a better term. I never had great experiences with religious communities but it’s clear that you have, and I think that’s a beautiful thing!

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Congratulations! I’m so excited for your family.

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Agree with the others who said they like when you share a little about your religon. Def. not a turnoff for me and for a person that doesn’t know a ton about your church you are a great representative. I find that there tends to be a lot of speculation or misinformation online when it comes to the LDS church so it’s good for people to see you and your family living a happy, fun filled, “normal” life (normal in quotes because whose life is normal?). Congratulations!
I can’t sleep past 7 if I try, which did not make me very popular in my college days when we were out late and then I was bouncing and bubbling around making pancakes at 8am while everyone glared at me.
My Sunday will involve church, grocery shopping and maybe a walk with my husband and son (although my son currently does more running than walking, I wonder why…).
Two rest days last week because I had to travel for work. My happy mileage is probably 25-30 (I like to keep it consistent during the week with an 8-10 on Saturdays).

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Congratulations on your sealing! It sounds so special. I’d love to hear more about it if you feel comfortable sharing. I think that’s so neat how close your family is, on both sides.

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Congratulations you guys!!! I love learning about different religions and cultures so I’m always excited when people talk and write about it. I studied religion in university but touched mainly on eastern world religions–I missed out on Mormonism (LDS). All I know is I really respect you guys, and fully support you! Really super happy for you, and I hope you’re able to catch up on your rest today! Lots of love! <3

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So exciting! I was wondering it this was your big announcement when all your family was in town. Your pictures are beautiful and it is amazing to see so much love and support from your families! Congratulations! When they finished that temple I told all my young women to go get married there so I could live vicariously through them ? (I mean San Diego Temple is beautiful too) And your inlaws know how to throw a party!

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Congratulations on your sealing! I learned something new today, as I do not know very much about the Mormon religion. After I read your post I kept thinking how cool that is! I remember hearing you on Lindsey Hein’s podcast mentioning a few things about Mormonism and some of your family’s traditions, etc…I really enjoy learning about different things like that!

Enjoy your rest day – I did a nice, short easy run today and just a bit of cross training with LOTS of stretching. Have a great Sunday! :)

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This is so cool! I love learning about other cultures and religions so thank you so much for sharing! Congrats to you and your family!

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Oh my gosh!!! Congratulations to you guys!! That’s so so amazing. I’m so happy for you :)

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I know LDS enough to know that sealing is a very big deal. Congratulations to your family. ❤️

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That’s amazing how much of your families could be there! Congratulations :)

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Congrats! What an exciting day for you and your families! Thanks for sharing!

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What a special day, and so amazing that so much of your families could be there, that’s the best!

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I’m usually up pretty early too. My body just refuses to be asleep past 6:30 or so. It’s a good thing though because if I want to get in a workout before heading to work, I have to be at the gym at 5:30.

My Sunday is going to be pretty low key. I have some blogging things that I want to get done, and then I’m volunteering helping out with soccer with some kids. I can’t afford to play in a league right now (hello very recent graduate), so with volunteering I still get to be on the pitch!

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Congratulations to you and Andrew! I’m not Mormon, but I do know what a special and important thing this is! And how wonderful that all of your family (both sides) were there to celebrate with you! Truly a special moment!

I’m finally getting back into real training, yay! I have a half marathon on October 8th that I really want to race well, and seeing you run your happy weekly mileage is really helping me get some motivation back! Thank you :)
Have a great, restful Sunday!

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Congratulations Janae and Andrew! Sealing is so beautiful and to have the family there to celebrate is wonderful!

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You look beautiful! Can you link your running sunglasses? Love those, thanks, Megan

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HEY MEGAN!! Yes, here is the link:

https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/sunglasses/erika/clv

I hope you are having a great evening!

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Thank you! Xo

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Congratulations on your sealing! I was hoping this was the special event all your family was in town for! May you and Andrew have an eternity of joy.

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Congratulations! Sounds like a very special day.

BTW, I MUST have your shoes!!! Where did you get those beauties????

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Huge congratulations to you and Andrew–what wonderful looking family celebrations you had!

p.s. Any chance Andrew’s family would be willing to share the rocky road brownie recipe? :)

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YES YES YES!!! I just sent a text to my mother-in-law!!! Thank you so much Tam! I hope you are having a great day!

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Love that dress! My body wakes up at 4:30…..no alarm needed. I do not know if it is a blessing or a curse. Happy Sunday!

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Many many congratulations to you and Andrew.Long time reader and infrequent commenter …you guys all look so happy .Please always feel free to share about whatever be it religion or running.I thought I knew a little about LDS but I didn’t know that much about sealing.I am glad you guys were able to and to have your families together,how special and beautiful for you.Take care:)

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Congratulations!!!! What a beautiful tradition. The smiles on everyone’s faces – priceless.

And Belgian chocolate….yes please!!! I was there years ago around Easter and the creations were incredible!

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Congratulations!!!! This makes my heart so happy!! I want to get back to Provo to do a session at the new temple! My husband and I lived 2 blocks down from it during our last few years at BYU. Beautiful!

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SO happy for you!! Almost made me a little emotional for you!

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Congratulations to you and your family! Provo City Center is a beautiful temple. I hope it was a perfect day for you!

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I’m so excited for you!!?????

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Congratulations, that’s so amazing! My husband and I waited the year to get married and sealed at the same time (I was a new convert), but there are times I wish we did it your way — it was a crazy hard year, and we could have started our family sooner. Either way, sounds like it was an amazing day! :)

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I have a question. It seems as though even though both families were at the ceremony the celebrations afterward were separate. (I might have missed something). was there a reason for this? Hope you don’t mind answering.

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The answer is super simple when you live inside the chaos, but I can see why it would look a little odd from the outside. As you might have noticed only family members were there. In accommodating family there were multiple logistic and health issues along with a desire to keep it as simple as possible and not overburden any one person. Because of where people were staying and when they had to leave and how much energy they had to participate it just worked out that way. Everyone had a great time. For me it was a day I will never forget.

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Congratulations Janae and Andrew! What a beautiful ceremony. You are very fortunate to have such close and loving families. Like others I like hearing about your faith and how it influences your lives. Sending love to you and your family all the way from England xx

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So beautiful!! What a magical day- many congratulations, best wishes and hugs!
Amanda

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Congratulations on your special day! I don’t know a whole lot about your church but I”m wondering if you had to wait a year to have your sealing ceremony because you chose to have a civil ceremony as well?

I wish I had to set an alarm for myself but alas 5:00am rise and shine whether I like it or not…this is from years of “it’s now or never” workouts while the kids are still sleeping :D

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CONGRATULATIONS!!! I am beyond happy for you guys! I love going to the temple and doing sealing’s is my favorite!!!
And, love that dress!!!

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Congratulations!! That is so exciting and how awesome almost your entire family was there! so much fun and so much to celebrate!

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I had never heard of getting sealed. It sounds so meaningful and beautiful. Thank you for sharing your special day! Congratulations to you and your family.

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Congrats on getting sealed! Since I knew it was a year since you got married I was patiently waiting for the soon to come post about a sealing! :) I’m so excited for you two!

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This is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing!

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So happy for you and Andrew! What a special day for your family. I also love that you went to the Provo City Center temple. Not only is it beautiful, inside and out, I know of several second marriage friends who choose to be sealed there because of the beautiful symbolism behind the fire and being rebuilt. Thanks for sharing your day. That is a very special, private, and sacred event for your family and you are very gracious to share it. So happy for you!

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I enjoy when you share about your religion and faith. I am Methodist but believe that all religions should be celebrated and all faith and caring towards others is special. I do have a question, and feel free not to answer if it is too personal. Did you have a sealing ceremony with Brook’s father? This seems to be a very special ceremony above and beyond marriage so I was just curious about it.

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Congratulations! I’m so happy you were able to finally be sealed!! How special that must have been for you two after all you’ve been through. AND I second the request for those brownies!

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Congratulations to you and Andrew and your family! This is such wonderful news. I’m so impressed by all the support in the comments from people that aren’t LDS–it’s awesome to see people from different ways of life show each other such respect and kindness.

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Congrats to you both! and yay for being married for time and all eternity!

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I love the way Sarah said it above “May you and Andrew have an eternity of joy.” Yes, that’s the goal…and I hope you get all that and more. Congratulations!

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This is not meant to be snarky at all. How does your religion view divorce? I know that both you and your sister have been divorced and just wonder how that is taken in the Mormon faith. I understand that the focus is on family (which is great!) and wonder how divorce fits in. Interested in hearing the response! thanks!!

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Congratulations Janae! So happy for you and Andrew. My husband and I (both Catholic) have a running joke- He says, “We’re only tied to each other until death do us part- those were the vows we took,” then he’s free to move on….and I reply, “Nope we’re together through E-T-E-R-N-I-T-Y” and then I do the evil laugh BWAHAHAHAHA. The kids think it’s hilarious.

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Hi Janae!! As you know, I am a LONG time reader of yours but rarely comment (I am still here though, I promise! :) ) and loved reading this post! Congrats to you and Andrew, I am so happy for you!

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such a beautiful ceremony and day and family! very happy for you all :) virtual hugs all around!

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Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!

I spent most of the day driving across the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia after visiting my mom for the last ten days!

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