Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Draper Temple

We finally made it to the Draper Temple house, the very last week we possibly could. I have really wanted to go, Carson has really wanted to go, but the timing has never worked out. The weekend reservations were always filled up, I had school, Cam had to work late or fulfill bishopric commitments, and we just never cleared our schedules to go.

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.

My Hannah is 20 months old and Craft Giveaway

Seriously, where does the time go? It seems so strange to think my baby is almost two! At this time, some couples would be thinking about having the next baby but I just can't imagine that. Hannah still seems like a baby to me and needs so much more time being the 'baby'

I made Hannah this tutu. Completely impractical but oh so cute-too bad she hates it! :)

The proof.




Calming down and getting a bit happier-still no smiles though.



Finally a laugh after I let her jump on my bed (her favorite pastime).

I won a craft contest on another blogspot. The rules were that I had to turn around and also giveaway a craft. Unfortunately, I am laking in the craft department and can only really do "Girlie" things. The best I can come up with is to giveaway a tutu. I will randomly draw from the comments and contact you if you are a winner. You can specify what color/colors you would like and what age (so I know how big of a waist size) then I will ship it to you for free.

I am lame, and not into the giveaways-but you should see the cute craft I won and then you would know why I had to enter and now do this!

Happy Tutu entering!

Model Train Show




We have been to the Model Train show at the Union Station for the last 7 years. The first time we went was when Carson was 7 or 8 weeks old. It it a tradition now. My boy, LOVES trains. Now, we are past the "Thomas the Train" love, but it has been replaced by a love for Model trains.

Hannah also is fascinated by trains. She went around pointing, smiling, and saying "Choo Choo." Her favorite part was riding the little train they had outside of the station.

It was a fun day together. We'll continue to go until our babies don't want to anymore...which I hope is not for a very long time.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Sweet Gracie


(picture taken with permission, from the gledhill blogspot)


I have been following sweet Gracie's story since her birth. I can't remember how I came across her blog, and although I am a stranger, I have fallen in love with her.

Gracie is leaving this world to be with Jesus today. I am so sad about this, but take comfort in a beautiful plan laid out by a loving Heavenly Father.

Please pray for the Gledhill family, read her story here, and leave a comment for their family.