I Love to see the Temple

I love to see the temple, we went inside today!

When I heard that there was going to be a temple open house for the Oquirrah Mountain Temple, I knew we had to go.

We had a 3-day window between baseball tournaments, church responsibilities and Ellie's first day of kindergarten, so we packed the car and headed West.

The temple was beautiful!

It stood on a hill for all to see.

It truly beckons to those below to look up.

I can't even fully explain how I felt when I saw that temple and knew I would have the opportunity to bring my children inside.

We entered in the parking lot and were greeted by a smiling volunteer showing us where to park.

There were white tents set up outside for visitors to view a brief movie about the temple and the area.

After the short film, we started the tour.

The minute we walked through the doors I was keenly aware how sereal this experience was going to be.

Hand in hand, with little Annie on my back, we looked in awe at the beauty of the lighting, the woodwork, the art.

I think that the kids first thought was of the beauty inside.

I watched as they just quietly took it all in.

Easton looked this way and that, A.J. looked around to look for any similarities to our own, Denver Temple, and the girls were wide-eyed with discovery.

A.J. stayed close to me the entire time and had something to say, ask or quietly discuss in each room. I LOVED the teaching moments. The ones that linger long after the talking has ceased.

I remember how I felt as I entered that Celestial Room on that day.

I wished John was there, and then was quickly grateful for his willingness to provide for our family.

I had one of those moments like, "this is your chance to teach your children. Don't miss it!"

I didn't.

Every chance a door opened for conversation and teaching, I taught.

Every time I could feel the Spirit prompting me to share, I did.

I am so grateful to be their mother.

Each one had a favorite spot for completely different reasons.

A.J. said that he missed the feeling that he felt in our temple, but he loved the view of the oxen at the base of the baptismal font. I reminded him that our temple had been dedicated and those who entered there were worthy to be there.

Madie loved the Sealing Room and the mirrors. I reminded her of the promise that those mirrors symbolize. FOREVER! Forever as a family. Forever as husband and wife!

Easton enjoyed the murals, and I shared with him the story they told. Our beginnings...where we all began this journey on earth.

Brooke was cute. She loved the Bride's Room. When I inquired of her and why, she said, "Because it was so organized and beautiful. Drawers for whatever they needed and more." Love that girl!

Ellie loved everything.

Beautiful temple.

Beautiful family memory!

Love this picture. Brooke first, followed by Ellie.

Love you Brooke!

Ellie looks beautiful!

Love this view!

Everyone took a picture of their view of the temple.
A.J.'s view

Easton's view

Girl's view

Beautiful day!

LOVE this family!

WE LOVE THIS FAMILY!

Have you ever met someone for the first time and just knew they were going to be a special part of your life?

There wasn't anything that stood out or that was obvious, but you just had that feeling?

I have had this happen several times in my life, and each time, that feeling was right on!

Adrienne Clarke was one of those for me!

She and her family moved to our ward in Northern California the December before we moved back to Denver.

We spent just five short months running together and sharing our lives.

I knew I would love her forever!

When we decided to visit the temple open house this summer, we took the time to catch up in person.

Clarkes, thank you for the delicious dinner, the sweet conversation and the simple reminder that we will forever be friends!

A quick family pic!

Annie making "friends" with the "littlest" Clarke!
A.J. having Annie "get him!" Go Annie go!


"Ready, set, GO!!! Action shot of the kiddos!

Love those teeth Annie Cecil!

Love those 4th grade teeth!!

Brooke and Mathis wanted to make sure they weren't taking the old "future girlfriend/boyfriend" shot, so they kept their distance. Too funny!

Great visit.

Great family!

Thankful for Joseph

Everyone has their own story.

Ours is a simple one.

Joseph Smith's, not so simple.

One night in Utah, we decided to go and see the Joseph Smith movie on Temple Square.

Some kids were excited and some, not so much.

When they walked out the door, after sitting in that theatre and feeling the Spirit as they saw the young Joseph go through the surgery on his leg, kneeling in the grove, burying children, being tarred and feathered, watching the death of his own brother, Hyrum and ultimately his own death.

Well, let's just say, they were moved.

One, (name will be withheld), even took my hand, looked in my eyes, swore me not to tell anyone, and then proceeded to tell me that he LOVED it! Every minute.

Weeks later, our bishop was impressed with Brooke, as she sat in his office and told Joseph Smith's story detail by detail.

I know that Joseph knelt in that garden, and pleaded with the Lord to know what to do.

He saw the Father and His Son, my brother, Jesus Christ.

And now, I think that those sweet seeds of my childrens' testimonies are even stronger because of that experience on that screen.

Thank you to the many people who made that possible.

Especially Joseph.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE! My children with the ultimate representation of forever behind them!

That is right little ones, keep that in focus in everything you do!

May we be blessed enough to go with each one in due time.

Love the Salt Lake Temple, it was the starting point of my forever with my mom and dad and brothers and sisters.

Now it stands as a beacon for me each time we visit, to work hard to teach our children and pray even harder for the blessings of eternal life!

"Y" Not?

"Y" not indeed!

So, here we are.

A cute little LDS family enjoying a few days in Utah.

When we hatch this great idea to head to Provo and hike the Y before we head home.

I think, great idea.

We'll pack the one Camelback we have with ice, and make the quick hike up and then hit the road home.

The only problem is...I had forgotten the hike from way back when. It had been 19 years after all.

It was further than I thought, steeper than I had remembered, and I didn't have an 18-pound baby on my back.

In the words of a father of 7 who was headed down when we were headed up. When asked by me how long it took them to get up, he said, "You seem to lose track of time when you are completely miserable."

FUN! FUN!! FUN!!!

Off we went, little water, one of the hottest days of the summer in Provo, and almost high noon.

Despite the challenges...look what we did...WE MADE IT!!!

...and with smiles to boot!

The proof is in the picture! See trail marker below!



Easton knows he ROCKS!

A.J. and E-man ran the whole way up! Crazy strong boys!

Love this view of Provo!

Love this view of the Y!

The girls with their "friend" from the Y.

Annie enjoying the view from Madie's shoulders!

The way down was a completely different experience than the way up! Elated with the adrenalin of conquering the challenge and headed for the biggest and coolest drinks we could find, we headed home!

Ellie starts "the rest of her life!"

Kindergarten is that year when they are only gone for 3 hours, but it seems to open all the doors to the rest of their lives.

I think that is why mothers tear up the way they do.

They know.

They know that it means that the freckled-face five year-old boy in their foursome of desks will have his first crush on the pig-tailed girl across the way.

They know that their children will figure out that other moms consider gummy dots and Oreos "healthy snacks."

They know that their little ones magnetic ears will hear words never spoken at home.

They know that they will probably be called the teacher's name every once and a while.

And the fact that the little secret that sometimes breakfast comes by way of "cereal in the baggie" will get out.

They know that they will learn more in a day, than probably any activity book could have.

All these things and so many more are why those warm tears stain our cheeks on Day #1 of the rest of their lives.

Ellie, you will be wonderful! You will probably help your teacher more like an adult, than like a normal 5 year-old, just like you help me at home.

You will make lots of new friends that will make you happy, and sad, and maybe even mad sometimes.

But you will help the quiet kids in your "bossy, take-care of way." Let them know they are loved.

Thank you for the past five years little Ellie Jane.

I will miss you every day from 12:40-4:37pm!

Love, Mom

Quiet Nights

Sometimes, late at night, when the loves of my life are all tucked in and John has even fallen asleep ahead of me, I can't sleep.

Sometimes, it is because I am worried about something.

Sometimes, it is because I am worried about someone.

Sometimes, I can see everything that needs to get done.

And sometimes, it is just plain insomnia.

But tonight...I am sitting here thinking of everything I am grateful for.

This past Sunday, I was teaching the 16 year-olds, and I asked them how their prayers were going.

I told them that my prayers are much different this August than last August.

Last August, I cried myself to sleep.

Last August, I had little Annie growing inside me, with only time to tell me if she would look up at me at her birth or if she would go straight home like Gabrielle and Sam.

Last August, my sweet husband was up at 5am looking for a job and came to bed long after my pregnant body could stay awake.

Last August, I was constantly thinking of how to really help a sister who needed more than I thought I was capable of giving.

Last August, my heart-ached for my 8 year-old who still could not read.

Last August I just didn't know how to do it.

But last August, I remember my prayers.

I pleaded with the Lord for everything.

My loving husband, my pre-teen daughter, my son with his new priesthood, my whining daughter, my four-year-old, my struggling reader, the sister up the hill, the sister across the field, my parents, the siblings I love and their families, the baby inside, my kind presidency, and many others.

I spent TIME on my knees.

That time is what made me apply the Atonement in my life.

The Atonement isn't just for our mistakes, it is also for our pain, our weakness.

I will forever be grateful to a loving brother who bore it all for me...and my family...and my sisters...for us all.

On this quiet night, I remember last August, and I will forever be grateful for all those tender mercies and His love for me.

Only in Utah!

Only in Utah!

The kids and I saw this vehicle on our travels to Utah this summer!

If you look closer you will see their family AND their kids' families.

But, seriously, hilarious!

Ok, here is the guessing part...

How many kids do you think Papa and Mama have? What local college do the kids dream of attending? Lastly, what do you think the license plate means?

Winner gets a surprise in the mail from me! Of course, it is only a guess on my end as well, unless someone recognizes this car from their local Stake Center parking lot!