I really wanted to go as an entire family but the longer we waited and tax season started (Did I mention I HATE tax season??) I knew Cam was not going to be able to go with us. Again, by the time I looked there were no evening reservations. So I let Carson miss school, and we made reservations to go on March 10th, at 9:20am (I had to be back for my class at 3:00)
Carson was so excited to go. He really wanted to go inside the Temple. The morning of, was the day after the BIG snow storm here and I was planning on leaving our house at 7:30. I am very directionally challenged, needed to get gas, was worried about SLC traffic, and if I say we are going to leave at 7:30 we most likely won't leave until 7:45-which would still give us enough time. I wanted to make sure we were on time.
The night before, I thought to myself, that I should fill the Escape tonight with gas, I should lay out the kids clothes, pack the diaper bag, etc. But I rationalized-I was tired, I was going to wake up early and do all those things.
Well, things never work out as planned, or maybe the Adversary really wanted to work against us, but I did not wake up until 7:49! I thought, there was no way I could get all three of us 'church ready' and make it to the temple on time. I almost gave up, it would have been easier, but I grabbed the kids, hurried and got them dressed and we were out the door by 8:10.
Now for the gas, I had a little less than 1/4 of a tank left and part of me thought I could make it. As you know, we were pressed for time so I decided to try it. About 10 minutes from the temple, my gas light went on. I had to stop. I found a gas station (remember directionally challenged!?), filled the tank, and we were on our way again.
We made it to the Temple late and I was frazzled. I had heard some say that it took them 3 hours to go through the Temple and I was worried being there alone and worried about how well Hannah would cooperate. Luckily, because it was early in the morning, it did not take long at all for us and my children were perfect little saints!
What can I say about our Temple day? It is hard to put into words. Walking through the doors I felt all my anxiety and stress wash away and knew this is where I was supposed to be with my family today. I felt understanding that although I wanted my husband to be with us, he was where he had to be today as well. I felt my children knew they were somewhere special and they were blessed with the peaceful, calm, spirit that surrounded us.
We loved going to the temple. Hannah would point to all the beautiful pictures and say "Jesus, Jesus" She also loved looking at the baptismal font. Carson loved everything about the temple. He was so interested and asked so many questions. I could see his little brain and heart taking it all in. When we went into one of the rooms he said "Mom this room is made out of diamonds!" It really was that beautiful and wondrous.
The beginning of our day made the end of our day that much sweeter. I am not perfect, but I am trying and I am blessed and loved anyway. We truly could not have had a more perfect day.
