Monday, July 20, 2009

Our New Temple

The Oquirrh Mountain Temple


On July 7th we took the kids to the open house for the new Oquirrh mountain temple. They were awed by the chance to go "inside" the temple. We wanted them to have a good experience so we took them first thing in the morning 8:00 sharp when it opened. We were one of the first people there, so there was no waiting in lines or pushing through the crowds. Plus it was very quiet and peaceful as there were very few people in the temple at the time. We were able to take our time and show the kids each room. At the Celestial Room we paused for a while and stood quietly after we explained this room to the kids. As we stood there little Max started toddling off and the girls giggled as they watched. It was so quiet and to listen to their little giggles just sounded like music! I couldn't help reflect how perfect these little kids really are and how they just seemed to fit in that room. I'm sure Heavenly Father just loves children and heaven wouldn't be heaven without the sound of little children.
Lynn and I have been able to return since then to help volunteer. We were given the opportunity to address the visitors in the Sealing Room (#5 was our little room). Lynn explained to visitors the purpose of the temple and especially the sealing power of the priesthood. I was asked to share my feelings, which I was very nervous about. I could not think of what I would say, my mind just drew a blank all the way up to the time we were stationed at our room. But as we watched the first group of visitors come in, there were a couple of families with their little children bringing them to see the "inside" of their first temple. I couldn't help but think of our experience bringing our kids and I finally knew what I would say. It was a very special experience. I felt the Lords spirit there. I'm so grateful and humbled to have been given such an amazing assignment. It has renewed my heart and increased my love for the temple and what it means to my family.

Monday, July 6, 2009

4th of July Birthday











This was such a fun day to have a birthday! We started out with the 4th of July Parade. It rained a little... just enough to keep us cool. Then the sky cleared out as we headed home for our BBQ. The men roasted hot dogs while Ashley painted the kids faces. Then Max fell asleep just in time for opening presents, and eating cake and ice cream! So Mom opened his presents and we saved him a cupcake for later. The kids played in the water - the pool, the sprinklers, with water guns and water balloons- to keep cool. We also enjoyed playing at the park with our cousins. Then we came home and had pizza thanks to Uncle Chad! Later that evening we all went to the church lawn across the street to watch the Magna Fire works. It's so great to be so close to all of the Magna 4th of July celebrations! It was a really fun day to have a birthday party for Max!!

Walking Man

So now that he's a year old, Max finally decided he'd waited long enough. Saturday, June 27, 2009 he started walking! I love his short little wobbly steps! I know it won't take him long before he's running around... but I just love these first few unsteadier steps. I'm amazed at how far he's going right off the bat! And of course now this leaves his hands free to do more mischief around the house. But what a cute little guy!