"I Love to See the Temple"

Okay, so I love to see the temple! But...it's nice to be able to go in! I was so excited today, because I had my cousin's grandpa's name to do and then I could seal him to his wife and her dad. So we drove the 25 minutes to the temple (I know for some of you that isn't very far at all! BUT after Randy had fought the stand still, closed freeway traffic on the way home from work, it seemed like an eternity!) Anyway, we drove into the temple parking lot and I realized I had left my temple recommend at home tucked safely away in my purse! What a frustration that was! I told Randy to go in without me and I would try to get someone who was coming over from the ward to bring it to me. But, no luck, all the people who were coming had already left. So....it caused me to reflect on a couple of things. #1 - How will I feel if I am not prepared at the judgement bar and I have squandered my time and not done the important things. Will I watch my friends and family enter in to the peace and rest of the Lord and not be prepared to go with them. Am I spending my time doing the things that bring peace and happiness or just spending my time being "busy"
#2 - It helped me understand a little more why I love the temple. It seems like when life gets so out of control and we feel lost in the shuffle, or exhausted, or we just can't do another thing - then just being able to step in the doors brings rest to my Spirit. I was so disappointed tonight to miss out on that peace. #3 - Do we make our homes a Haven where we can feel the Spirit and escape the evils of the world and experience the good.
Anyway, I could ramble on and on but my mind is working overtime right now and I thought a good way to slow it down might be to "blog" So to any of you out there reading this...thanks for being in my life! That's what life is about - the relationships you have. All the things in the world can never replace that! There's never any U-Haul's following the hearse, but there's generally a lot of cars!

Nothing Like a Man in Uniform

Nothing like a man in uniform! Actually, I keep wondering if my soldier will ever retire!! We had a celebration at Fort Douglas for the 100 anniversary of the Army Reserves. Emily and Steve are always so good to come and go with Jordan and I, because they know Randy will be running around feeling important! (of course, he is important) They had lots of blow up toys for the kids, Conner was in heaven on most of them, but look at the look of panic on this picture




It was a fun time! We usually go to the Days of 47 parade, but with the new little Matthew, we ended up watching it in the nice cool living room! I don't know if there is a two month old out there who has been photographed more. He is pretty cute as he discovers how to coo and smile, but the camera is always about two seconds behind! Anyway, here are a couple of shots I got with the help of Conner! Happy Summer to you all!

Crazy Summer!

I had such grand plans to post weekly this summer, looks like I blog about as well as I journal. It has been a HOT summer and lots of running here and there. I spent a few day this week with my sister Shannon trying to see how we could help my mom. It is a sad time when your parents reach the latter part of their life without their complete faculties. My dad has what appears to be severe dementia. But he also has several lucid moments. It has been very wearing on my mother and sister. I think it must be very hard for my dad, because I can tell he has many moments where he is very aware of the capabilities he has lost. As I visited with my mother, she said she knew she agreed to these trials before she came to earth, but she wondered what it was she was to learn from the experience. As I have contemplated the situation, I know it is her time and her trial and my job to be as supportive and caring as I can be.