Temple Trip

Yesterday Thomas was able to go on his first temple trip.  He has been anxiously awaiting this day all year since he found out there was a scheduled trip just days after he would be ordained.  Joel and I were both able to go with him.  Spring came as well so she could take care of Sara in the waiting room while we were in the temple.  Thomas and Spring were both so excited to be able to be at the Columbus temple for their first time.  My Dad had sent Thomas 7 family names that he was able to be baptized and confirmed for.  Joel was able to do the baptizing and confirming for Thomas as well.  It was a surreal feeling to be in the temple and see Thomas dressed in white performing these ordinances.  He was so happy and he just smiled the entire time.  As we were walking out of the temple afterwards he told me he wants to do some family history on his own now so he can find ancestors that need temple work done and prepare those names for the next time he goes to the temple.  How grateful I was to be able to share in his day yesterday.  I was overcome with emotion and with the Spirit as I witnessed him performing this service for his ancestors.  He is a wonderful young man and I am so grateful for the example he is to me each day.  I love that he loves the temple. I love that Spring loved being at the temple taking care of Sara. I look forward to each of our children being able to go to the temple.  I pray they will each have a love and a desire to be worthy to enter the Lord's house and to return there often.

On the drive home from the temple the transmission on our van went out when we were about 30 miles from home.  It took us an extra hour to get home as we were driving about 40 MPH on the freeway.  We were all praying that we would just make it home safely.  Our prayers were answered.  Even though we are not excited about having transmission problems, we are so blessed.  It did not happen on the way to the temple; we made it home safely; the kids are out of school this week so we don't have many places I need to be each day; we have a 3rd vehicle to get us by until we get it fixed.  It was a great opportunity for Thomas and Spring to have their prayers answered and for all of us to be reminded of the Lord's personal love for each of us.  He is aware of our needs and He is there to bless us if we will remember to turn to Him. 

Our Trip Home

Unfortunately, the time for us to come home came and despite the many pleas of our children we headed home.  We had countless bathroom stops on this trip.  It got to the point that we had to just laugh or we would have screamed.  Everyone would get out to go to the bathroom and within 30 minutes, often less than that, a cry from the back of the bus would alert us to a dire emergency of someone having to go to the bathroom again.  Oh, the joys of traveling!  We did make a half hour detour so we could see the Chicago temple.  It is beautiful and our children were surprised that the temple walls had a grey color to them and not all white.  After walking around the grounds for a short time we drove the rest of the way home.  I'm grateful for the opportunities our children have had this week to feel the sweet spirit found on temple grounds. 

Nauvoo...Day 3

Thursday was a BEAUTIFUL day!  We started the morning walking to the school house.  In the schoolhouse we learned how important education was to Joseph Smith and the early Saints.  At that time in history about 1 in 6 children were educated; however, Joseph felt all children needed to have the opportunity to attend school.  This was a very fun stop and the kids enjoyed doing some math problems to calculate that in Nauvoo there were approximately 2600 homes that housed the 12,000 people.  That is astounding when you consider Nauvoo now is a town with a population of 1100!  Following the schoolhouse we went to the shoe shop to learn how shoes were made.  Then the kids really wanted to walk around the temple grounds some more so we took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent almost an hour walking around the beautiful temple.  As we were walking the kids began singing "I Love to See the Temple."  How grateful we are for the opportunity we had to share together.

We went on the wagon ride again, as this was a favorite of everyone's!  We hurried back to the condo for lunch and decided we were going to extend our trip one more day because none of us were ready to leave!  We had originally planned to leave early Friday morning.  The kids were beyond excited when they found out we could stay one more day.  After lunch we went to the Seventies Hall.  The kids enjoyed being able to pretend they were giving a talk at the podium.  Then it was off to the Blacksmith Shop to learn how wagons and horseshoes were made. Everyone was given a prarie diamond...a horseshoe nail that was bent to make a ring.  We then enjoyed a pleasant walk to Brigham Young's home.  It was really neat to be able to go inside his root cellar and see how much cooler it was inside.  We then walked over to the cultural hall for a tour.  We were able to go to the top level where dances were held and the kids went to the balcony to pretend they were the band for the dance!  And, oh how they echoed!  I'm so grateful the missionaries are all grandmas who just love children and are not bothered by their excitement for life!  We took a long walk back to the van and the kids loved running in the fields.  We went back to the condo for dinner and then to "Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo" again.  This is a highlight for our kids and they have been singing the songs, complete with hand gestures and facial expressions, all week!  I can't even begin to describe the excitement, energy, and love that the missionaries share during this performance.  We enjoyed meeting and talking with the cast afterwards outside.  These wonderful Senior Missionaries make Nauvoo amazing.  They recognize our children and remember things about them.  They talk with them and love them.  It is amazing how strong of a bond that can be formed when we share testimony and feel the Spirit of our Father in Heaven together.  I'm so glad this was not our final day in Nauvoo.  None of us were ready to leave.

Day Two in Nauvoo

We started our morning driving out to Carthage, Illinois.  We had a wonderful tour of Carthage Jail.  I was somewhat apprehensive, at first, to visit this place because I wasn't sure how I would feel with the sadness of learning more of the martrydom of Joseph Smith.  I was surprised how comforting the tour was.  We learned about Carthage Jail.  The Jail was in the home of the Jailor and his 7 children.  The jailor told Joseph and Hyrum they were not criminals and he was not going to treat them like criminals so he had them take his room so they would be upstairs, in a safer place and more comfortable with the summer heat and humidity.  When the mobs broke through the door of the house the jailor was not home; however, his wife and a few young children were.  She grabbed her children and ran out the back door so they were, fortunately, not in the home when the marytrdom took place.  It was so powerful as we listened to a recording depicting the events of the matrydom.  What an example of faith and testimony Joseph was.  It was recorded that the last things the Prophet Joseph spoke was how he wished he see and be with his family one more time and that he could teach the gospel one more time.  What a reminder to me of where my priorities should be.

As we drove back to Nauvoo I made sandwiches and we ate while we were driving so we wouldn't lose any time in Nauvoo.  At a turn in the Mississippi River we could see the Nauvoo Temple off in the distance so we pulled over to walk around a bit and take some pictures.  When we got to Nauvoo we walked around the Memorial to Women statues for a few minutes before taking the Carriage Ride around Nauvoo Countryside.  This was about an hour long and we learned more about the life of the Saints during their time in Nauvoo.  We went to Joseph Smith's home, the Red Brick store, and the Mansion House.  We then learned how to make bricks at the brickyard and were given a commemorative brick.  We ended the day learning how barrels were made.  This was amazing.  It took 7 years to become a master cooper (barrel maker).  That was longer than it took to become a doctor back then.  Just goes to show how important a commodity barrels were to them.

We came to the condos for dinner and then the kids had a party in the condo while Joel and I were able to attend a session in Nauvoo Temple.  I was awestruck as we walked inside the doors of the temple.  It is breathtakingly beautiful.  I could have spent hours in the temple.  I tried to soak it all in while we were there.  After our session a temple worker walked us around the temple so we could see the batistry and other parts of the temple.  They were so kind to us as they took the time to tech us and show us many great things.  I was overcome with the sacrifice the Early Saints made to build this temple and, then, to continue building it even when they knew they would be leaving it behind.  I thought of the Saints waiting on the roads for their turn to cross the Mississippi River and looking behind them to the temple they had sacrificed so much to build knowing they would never again enter the doors of the sacred building.  It helped remind me of the eternal importance of temple covenants and the peace they bring in our lives knowing we can be with our families throughout eternity.  It also makes me realize how blessed I am to live only 3 hours from a temple and to know that as we leave the temple each month we know it will be there for us again the following month when we return.  How grateful I am for President Hinckley's desire to rebuild this beautiful temple.  We told Thomas and Spring that if we are still living out here when Spring turns 12 we will bring them back so they can go inside the temple with us.  I loved how their faces lit up when we told them this.  I love how much joy all the kids have being here and walking these sacred grounds.  We are exhausted at the end of the day, but it is the best exhaustion we could ever have!

Trek to Nauvoo

We packed up last night and headed out this morning for Nauvoo. It was so fun. We really are blessed with children that travel really well together. We first passed into Indiana and had to take a photo at the sign, although Joshie didn't want to get out and we knew if we got Gideon out he would not want to be put right back in his seat! A while later we crossed into Illinois. Then, as we crossed over the Mississippi River on a bridge we realized we had also crossed into Iowa. We traveled in Iowa for a short while before crossing back into Illinois and heading into Nauvoo. Before we headed to the condo we are staying in, we drove by the Nauvoo temple. As the temple came into view I was overcome with the Spirit. I love the feeling of being near a temple, especially this time. I never imagined how large the Nauvoo temple is. Maybe because we are used to smaller temples...but this temple is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to be near it again tomorrow with our children and to go inside later this week. As we were driving around the temple (it was dark and cold so we didnt' get out tonight) Mary said,"Mom, this temple is just so beautiful!" She is absolutely right!

We love the condo we are staying in. As our children say, "It's like staying in a home away from home!" I love that there is a full kitchen so we are just cooking all our meals here. There are 2 bedrooms and a large front room and kitchen. After we made dinner and had baths the 4 younger ones headed to bed while Joel, Thomas, Spring, and I stayed up and played games together. This is going to be such a wonderful week. I am so looking forward to a week of seeing the sites, spending time as a family, and having very little outside distractions.

Working Weekend

We had a wonderful weekend.  One of those weekends that go by so quickly you wonder where the days went but you also marvel at all you were able to accomplish.  Joel and I began the weekend with our monthly trip to the temple.  We have always loved our time and the opportunity we have to attend the temple and remember the covenants we have made.  I also love being able to enjoy the peaceful calm the temple brings.  We have time to ponder, pray, learn, and be reminded of where we are going in life and of any course corrections we need to make right now in order to be worthy to return to live with our Father in Heaven.  We love the almost 3 hour drive in each direction as it is uninterrupted time to talk and share with each other.  We can catch up on life, our children, our family, our concerns, our successes...whatever it may be.  I also love that we usually fill our drive home with conversation centered on how we can better bring the Spirit of the Lord into our lives, our children's lives, and our home. 

On Saturday morning we arose, bright and early, after getting home around 1:30 in the morning.  Our family was able to help in a Ward Service project at the City Center.  We pulled weeds, mulched, and did other basic landscaping.  The kids had a blast.  We had beautiful weather and wonderful company as we worked to beautify this part of our community.  The kids loved being able to wear the "Mormon Helping Hands" t-shirts and they worked so hard.  They were tired after but full of smiles.  I love opportunities to get out and serve together as a family.

We came home and decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather.  We cleared our yard of leaves, mowed the lawn (swamp may be a more accurate description), Joel changed the brakes on the van, we cut back bushes preparing for the winter, and cleaned out and organized the garage.  Our kids were such big helpers and troopers.  We were laughing and playing as we went and were shocked at how quickly the time went by.  Spring happened to see the time and asked us if we wanted her to prepare dinner and we gratefully accepted.  She made dinner while we finished up and then we enjoyed the evening together.  I love time to work together.

On this last temple trip we realized we need to be doing more to help our children learn how to search and study the scriptures.  We read from the Book of Mormon each evening as a family but we felt we needed to raise the bar and do more.  We have decided to spend each Sunday afternoon helping Thomas and Spring (and the others as they begin to read independently) become more familiar with the "Preach my Gospel" book.  We began this on Sunday giving them each their own copy of the book.  They thought they were so cool to have their very own.  We began at the beginning with them.  A question was posed in the book, "What is the gospel?"  Thomas and Spring struggled to answer this.  They said they knew what it was but it was "kinda hard to explain."  So, we asked them where we could look for the answer.  They suggested the Bible dictionary so we did just that.  After we read that and some additional scriptures they were so excited to be able to explain that the Gospel is the good news that Christ has atoned for our sins so we can all be resurrected and if we are righteous we can return to live with Him.  We loved this time with them and look forward to each Sunday to continue to study with them.  The coolest thing of all is that each day since Sunday I have found Thomas and Spring at different times with their "Preach my Gospel" book and their scriptures studying and taking notes on different principles of the gospel.  How grateful I am for promptings of the Spirit to help us know what we need to do to prepare our children to be profitable servants of our Father in Heaven.

Christmas Lights at the Oakland Temple

Saturday morning we headed to Oakland to visit the temple with the family. Leo came along with us. We spend the day walking around the temple grounds and terrace and spending time in the Visitor's Center. We were able to watch the Joseph Smith movie also while we were there. It was fun to see the kids so excited about being at the temple. It was also neat to watch Leo's excitement and awe of the temple grounds. The night before Joel and I had gone with him to the Fresno temple for baptisms and he was so excited to see the Oakland temple. While in the visitor's center we ran into a family from our ward in Manteca. Junior, one of the YM when Joel was YM President, was so excited to see Joel. His grandma told Joel he has had a really hard time since Joel left and really misses him. He and Joel talked for quite a while. What a small world. Then we headed to the Stake Center to watch the "Magic of Christmas" performance. Joel and I were talking as we were waiting for the performance to begin and all of a sudden he said, "Hey, that's Bill!" He stood up and started calling his name. Bill looked over and then ran over to us. Bill was one of the counselors in the YM Presidency with Joel in Manteca. His family was there as well as his sister, Cara, and her daughter. Cara's husband was also in the YM Presidency with Joel but didn't come that night. They came and sat by us for the performance and then we had a great time visiting with them afterward outside. It was so wonderful to see them again and visit. We miss them and our ward in Manteca so much. For a moment it felt like we were home again. It really can be a small world! The kids were in awe when they saw all the lights turn on at once. What a beautiful night to end a wonderful day at the temple.

Time at the Temple

Last night Joel and I were able to attend the temple again together. We have committed to attend the temple at least once a month together. We schedule the day on the calendar for the entire year. Once it is there, we don't let anything change our plans to attend. Our trip to the temple trumps all other activities. We are so grateful to have been able to do this consistently for almost 5 years. Many times people comment that they don't know how we do this with young children and our response is, "We don't know how we couldn't do it." There have been times when it would have been easy to find an excuse to not go that night. How thankful I am that this is a commitment we have made together with our Father in Heaven. This gives us the strength to keep to our commitment.

I know our Father in Heaven blesses us when we make temple worship a priority in our lives. We need the peace and calmness that surrounds us within the temple walls. We receive answers to questions, comfort and strength, increased understanding of our Savior and the Atonement in our lives, and a continued resolve to live according the commandments and covenants we have made. I am so grateful to be close to a temple. I am grateful for a loving husband that finds value in us attending the temple together. I know it blesses and strengthens our relationship.

Joel and I were talking on our way to the temple last night. He mentioned that on his way to work yesterday he was listening to Elder Scott's address from conference entitled, "Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need." We enjoyed sharing our thoughts on this talk and we felt much more prepared for our time in the temple last night. One particular quote from Elder Scott spoke to us because yesterday was one of those times that it would have been very easy to stay home. Elder Scott counsels us:

"When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.

What is there that is more important than attending and participating in the ordinances of the temple? What activity could have a greater impact and provide more joy and profound happiness for a couple than worshipping together in the temple?"

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

Tuesday evening we went to the open house of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Alanna, Eric, and Emily came with us. It was a great experience and the kids really enjoyed being able to walk through the temple and see how beautiful it is. We quickly took some pictures as soon as we came out of the tour and we made it just in time before a huge thunder and lightening storm hit. It poured down rain and then down came HUGE hail. I was reminded of how much I love spring and summer storms in Utah. I am grateful we had this time to share together and to be able to have Alanna, Eric and Emily with us.

Why Mormons Build Temples

"Throughout history, the Lord has commanded His people to build temples. Temples are literally houses of the Lord. They are holy places of worship where individuals make sacred promises with God." I am so grateful for temples today and for the joy and peace and knowledge I gain when I am inside this holy place on earth. What a testament it is to me of God's love for us that he allows us to build temples here on the earth. It is the only way for us to be together eternally with our families. That is true joy.

Alanna's Wedding

It was wonderful to attend the sealing of Eric and Alanna. One of the most wonderful parts was that our entire family was in attendance to the sealing...my parents and all of my siblings with their spouses. What a wonderful occasion and a reminder of how truly important family really is. As we listened to the sealing I was overcome with emotion as I reflected on the day Joel and I were sealed together almost 10 years ago. Then as I looked around the room and saw each of my siblings and my parents I was overcome with gratitude for the gospel of Jesus Christ and my testimony of the Plan of Salvation. I know families can be together forever if we endure in this life. It really puts life into perspective and reminds us that when it really comes down to it...family is what matters and family will be with us forever. I am so grateful I was able to attend their sealing.

Trip to the Temple

Saturday morning we took the ferry to Seattle and then drove to the temple for Alanna's sealing. It was a beautiful morning...cold but no rain! The kids loved being able to ride the ferry as this is something they look forward to whenever we go to Washington. We enjoyed muffins and juice on the ride and just enjoyed the time we had to visit and be together.

We arrived at the temple early since we took the ferry so we used the time to take some family pictures. Brandon took many of them for us. He is really talented in photography and did a great job. In fact, he took all of Alanna's wedding pictures and did so wonderful. We were grateful for the beautiful weather...something you can't always depend on in Washington.

Time at the Temple

Joel and I had the opportunity to attend the temple again last night. I got quite a few comments and people asking when our baby was due. Most were shocked when they found out we have less than 2 weeks to go. They didn't think I was that far along and then they commented on how brave I was. I always think people's comments are so funny. We have really been enjoying being closer to a temple and only having to travel about 40 minutes to get to the temple. We don't even have to worry about traffic which is really nice. We have been able to attend the temple at least twice a month since we have been here and that is our goal to continue. The kids loved having a babysitter come to the house and play with them while we were gone. The kids were all sound asleep when we got home. It is nice to come in to a quiet and calm home after being in the temple. I am grateful for temples and the covenants we are blessed to make. I am grateful for the renewed perspective and feeling of hope and strength that we bring with us after attending the temple.