Because I'm the Mom

We were able to attend the morning dedication session of the Oquirrh Mountain Temple today. I loved that Olivia was old enough to experience it too. The speakers were wonderful and I was reminded of the great many blessings that I enjoy because of the temples.

One of the speakers talked about how there are only minutes (or hours) needed to travel to arrive at one of 13 temples in Utah, but that the spiritual journey takes many years. I was grateful to be sitting next to Olivia who is in the beginning of that journey, forming her testimony of temples and learning more about the blessings that come from temple attendance. I felt so much gratitude too for my place in that spiritual journey... that I am trying harder to make my temple experiences more meaningful and I am trying to attend more often.

Another speaker--Margaret Lifferth of the Primary general presidency--spoke about obedience and mentioned that she often hears her 3 year old grandson ask his mom "Why?" when she tells him to do something. Many times his mama will take the time to explain to him why he should obey, but sometimes her answer is just a simple, "Because I'm the mom." Sister Lifferth said that she wanted her grandson to understand that it was because she loved him most of all, and she wanted only the very best for him... that his obedience would help bring him the full joy that she desired for him.

She compared that to all of us and the need to listen and hearken to the counsel of the Lord... He loves us the most of all and knows what will bring us joy.

I hope that I will keep that in mind as I strive to listen and be obedient.

I can't end this post without saying what a cry baby I am... President Monson reminded us that the closing songs were a part of the Kirtland, Ohio Temple dedication and the Salt Lake Temple dedication. I was all choked up and emotional before the first note was played. Needless to say, the warbled notes and words coming from me weren't pretty, yet heartfelt still the same.

**Do you get emotional easily?
**Do you ever say "Because I'm the mom" (or the teacher or the aunt or the grandma) to children in your life?

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Today we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House. It was a beautiful temple and I loved seeing the view of the Salt Lake Valley from the hill the temple sits on.

I was particularly touched today at the realization of the importance of the work that goes on inside the walls of the Holy Temple. As I sat with my family waiting to enter, we watched a short video that talked about temples and their purpose. I was overcome with love and appreciation for my children and the fact that we are sealed together.

We had a couple hours of beautiful sunlight (and some wind) in between some big rainstorms today and it worked out perfectly that our reservation was right during the lull.

You can tell by Liv's closed eyes that the sun was very bright.

In addition to the marvel of the temple, Ryan ran into some high school friends (three or four siblings who did drama and singing with Ry in Tooele) who had gathered from all parts of the country for a reunion and just happened to be at the temple the same day we were.... and I ran into a dear friend from my days at Meier's Prime Deli and Catering. My favorite thing she told my kids: "You're mom is AMAAAAAAZING!" (And I won't let them forget it.)

I love running into people that were so important in our lives, even if only for brief periods... although we may have lost touch over the years, the impact they had on us is not lessened in any way. It was wonderful to see them in such a special place and reconnect after all this time.

If you haven't been to see this temple and want to go, click here to make reservations. The Open House continues through August 1st and is well worth your time.

**Have you been to this open house yet or do you plan to go?
**Where do you usually run into people from your past? Do you always talk to people you know or do you ever slink away and pretend you don't see them?

Draper Temple

We took the kids to the Draper Temple Open House tonight. It was a beautiful building, but the best thing about it was introducing Olivia and Coleman to a place that provides our family with so many blessings. The Open House runs through the middle of March--you can still request tickets here.

We started out by waiting in the cultural hall of a nearby LDS church and stayed there for almost an hour (thank goodness for games on the iPhone).

Then we moved into the Relief Society room and waited, and waited, and waited, then watched a brief movie about the temple. Then we waited some more.

Then we boarded a bus and rode for a few minutes until we got to the temple, where we walked through and enjoyed every minute of it (although Coleman had a hard time staying on the plastic flooring... and he wanted to touch everything he could get his hands on).

After the tour, we went into another LDS church (which was decorated so nicely) and had a lovely cookie and drink of water. Leave it to the Mormons to provide cookies :). They had comment cards to fill out and Liv wanted to make her mark. This is what the kids shared:

Olivia: "This was my first time in a temple and I really liked it. I felt the Holy Ghost."

Coleman: "I really liked all of the sparkly thingies."

I have to say, aside from the sweet spirit I always feel in the temple, I loved all of the upholstery, art, and decor, and I loved the sparkly thingies too.

**Have you been to the Open House?
**Do you plan to go?

I Love To See The Temple

Last week I went to the temple early in the morning. It was dark and bitterly cold and I noticed a few other people walking from nearly empty parking lot. Each of us hurried to get out of the cold and into the warm, peaceful refuge of the temple. I felt inclined to break into a run, but I kept it to a brisk walk to keep from looking like a total idiot. It struck me that I want to cultivate that same anxious and excited feeling to get to the temple often--to serve, to worship, and to learn.

Once inside, I chuckled with the cute elderly woman that not only was I there on the last day of the month, but it was also the last day of the year. She smiled at me and said, "It's okay, dear, you're here, and that's what is important." Indeed.