Sisters: "They were never such devoted sisters"

It is not often enough that all six of us SISTERS get together. The last time was Ilene's wedding 3 years ago-- an eternity it seems. We only had 2 days together but we made every moment echo with laughter, healing and hugs. (left to right: Ilene, Katherine, Jennifer, Mom, Heidi, Christi, Athlyn)

We met up in Idaho at Dan and Sarah's home (Dan and Sarah were so generous to host the giant noisy Bastian Bunch-- You guys earned your wings in heaven! We owe you two).

Starting with the youngest sister ILENE
Ilene, received the lion share of fun and cuteness. Everyone in a mile radius can't help but stop what they are doing and be entertained by Ilene. She has a twinkle in her eyes and a smile to make the Osmond's jealous.
She makes ordinary things extraordinarily funny. We are always cracking up around her.

Her adorable baby Rowen has been infected by her contagious humor, and there isn't a happier baby around. He laughs all the time!
Her kind husband Morgan is famous with all the nieces and nephews because of his playful spirit. They complement each other as a couple and everyone loves them.One of the most amazing things during this trying trip was Ilene singing with mom. Mom is now in an assisted living center for her Alzheimers. Mom doesn't remember many things, but when Ilene sings with her, mom remembers the words. Ilene as a 2 year old would sing every day with Mom and her friend Debbie. While this horrible disease robs the memories, language and ties, music is fresh and in the forefront of Mom's mind when Ilene sang with her. It was a tiny miracle from heaven.

The "baby of the family" Ilene hugging our infant mom, moved us all to tears of happiness. We felt it a tender mercy that this last gift of music was not taken away from Mom.
Ilene tucked this cute flower behind mom's ear and wisely gave mom a broom to sweep up the dirt we spilled after planting the topsy turvy gardens. Mom always loved sweeping and a clean sidewalk. I would like to think that Mom was sweeping up memories of the few days we spent with her-- not to discard, but to keep in a pile for latter.
In a world where things don't last
Ilene leaves her indelible mark of goodness and joy everywhere

CHRISTY

We are blessed to have a sis who cares about everyones well-being. Christi mothers all of us and keeps us in the know with the latest health discoveries. When I am low in iron and energy, black licorice shows up miraculously in the mail for me to get my iron levels up and feel better. She has been plagued with health concerns, and it would be easy to hold her findings close to her heart, and retreat from a critical world. But she shares her gifts and knowledge.She sees things in new ways and her glow and influence is everywhere.Her children will rise up and call her blessed and a gem among women.

She is a wonderful mother and daughter!

The most rewarding thing about being around Christiana is knowing that she has your back. Without a mother to take care of us, she has stepped into that role. You know you are loved and cared for in her presence.

ATHLYN

Athlyn is a savior for mom these days. She has moved back to Idaho and single handedly is improving the lives of all 7 people staying in the assisted living center with her exercise plan, stimulation, and care. Elderly patients who sat lifeless and wouldn't talk, would get up and converse with her and smile!

Athlyn has a spiritual side that is a virtual conduit from heaven. She is inspired constantly, and we all reap the benefit. Her testimony is so strong and it overflows onto us when she visits the temple.
Her children are well adjusted, intelligent, loving and glow with her spirit.
With Athlyn you always feel like you have grown as a person when you are near here.

JENNIFER

Jennifer can't keep a straight face, and we can't either around her! She has the Bastian gift of gab and has an outrageously funny story at every turn. Her humor is a remedy for every ailment. My kids tell me they know when Jennifer is around or on the phone because I laugh long and loud. We all feel better when she is around us.Jenn's touch is found and felt at every turn. She notices the details of everyones lives and you know you are not forgotten or alone. I swear she hears a cry for help from her sister's heart miles away.
Jenn also has a way with children. Seeing the potential in them and knowing what they need.When we are around Jenn we all feel understood and heard and loved unconditionally.

HEIDI

If there is something that needs to be done, Heidi is leading the pack. No trial or sorrow can stop her. She is an inspiration to all of us of courage, tenacity and unending strength. She is the most like mom of all of us. She is the mother to all the nieces and nephews, and they love her deeply.

If there is a mountain she will climb it and do it with a smile on her face.

Heidi inspires my kids to be their best: Trevor to smile and Brendan to laugh and calm down. She is my kids second mom.
Heidi was my rock when I was crying when I had to drop off my first born at kindergarten and at the Air Force Academy.
With her by your side, and in your corner, you know you can do anything set before you.

I have been know to lament the fact that there was never enough mother to go around for 9 kidsand 6 of those being girls....but with sisters there is enough laughter, love and empathy to make up for that 10 fold

People at the Boise temple were so spellbound to see all of us in the celestial room. They wondered how it was possible to get us all together from Colorado, Texas, California, Oregon, Washington and Guam. Jenn commented that we don't get to see each other that often, but we are close despite the miles. She knew that Heavenly Father needed such valiant women to go and carry on in the far corners of the earth and not many women were up to that task. The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us the ability to be more than we are.
An elderly brother said to me, "I have seen angels in the temple today seeing you sisters."
While I cry at the loss of my mother, who forgets who we are, I have been abundantly blessed to have sisters who are ANGELS. They never forget to buoy me and carry my hardships for a time with compassion. They have gifts that enrich everyone who comes in contact with them. I learn over and over that when God takes something away, he replaces in other ways. He blessed me richly with sisters who "mother" in the very best way.