The day finally came

Although I had already been in the temple, I couldn't wait to take my family and be in OUR temple together! On October 8th, this dream became a reality.  It was everything I thought it would be and more. I held my kids close in the dark when we got out of the temple in our family hug and told them to please make the temple a priority for them. That it was the only way. That they needed the temple in their life and to please strive to marry in the temple. I cried as I talked and the kids all smiled, making fun of me a bit, but I know they felt my testimony. I know they know I love the temple and if I can instill ONE thing in them as a parent, the temple would be it. 

Here are some pictures from our day. 

 I LOVE TO SEE MY KIDS AT THE TEMPLE! <3

Its the most BEAUTIFUL time of the year

Yep, thats right, FALL is so beautiful here! I love watching the leaves change. It never gets old to look at. It's a short window before the beauty turns to ugly so I'm glad we captured it on our walk. There is a new hiking trail in the canyon and we went to explore! And even though the kids grumble, they all enjoy it too. Carter really wanted to take his bike to I let him, he was able to ride most of the way but one spot got too steep and difficult and he had to leave his bike for a bit. 

We made it to a little clearing and we felt like we were on top of the world. I love to hike and every  year I wish I could do more! 
 

First Orchestra Concert

How cool that only after a few weeks of learning an instrument these kids can put on a CONCERT! It was fun to watch how serious they all took it and tried their best. And yes, it was a little screechy, but wow I was impressed. 

Brielle is really loving the violin and is picking it up so quick. She practices every day on her own and does so well. I can really see an improvement.

 Great job sis, we are so proud!

Mollie turns 14!

I can hardly believe this lovely lil lady is already 14! All she wanted was a big party with friends at Ken's Gym and since its a free perk for me, that is just what we did!

I didn't get many pictures because I was busy being a mom and a host on the floor, but I did get this one. Even in this big fun gym, they play soccer!

She was spoiled to death by friends and family and got many awesome gifts. She was a very happy gal. 

On her actual b day, Ry had a game and we realized Ry's shirt reflected Mollie's age!

Later Mollie also had a game and we took her and Paisley to Cane's, her favorite. 

 Cutie girls! I love you Mol Mae and hope you continue to do good and kick this life's butt! You amaze me at your strength and grit and ability to stand up for yourself and what is right. Keep choosing good and being kind. You will do great things my dear!

XC

It's been awesome to watch Carter blossom in XC! We had no idea what we were getting into but he has grown and excelled and improved in running so much. I love that he loves to run because its something he can do his whole life.  He told us from the beginning of the season to the end he shaved off several MINUTES of his race time. I can't wait to see what he can do and where it will take him from here. 

 

A TEMPLE! A TEMPLE! WE HAVE A TEMPLE!

Sept 26 is a day I've been waiting for for 5 years! It finally came that we got to go in our temple! That it would be open to the world to view. Oh it was a happy day. I was so eager to take friends and family inside. And to volunteer as much as I could during the Open House. 

Our friends Stacy and Hayley from our previous neighborhood asked if they could go with us. I was so happy they reached out and gladly went with them. They loved it and asked questions along the way. We made similar comparisons with their church and ours at the end of it. I know they felt the spirit and I was moved to tears many times. 

I got to volunteer several times but my first impression of the open house is worth sharing. As we pulled into the parking lot on a hot day, I looked at the faces of the parking team. They were joyful! You could see in their faces they were so happy. It would be easy to complain about doing the "lesser" job or standing on pavement in a dress or that it was hot and uncomfortable. It brought tears to my eyes to see this joyful service. 

When it was my time to volunteer I was an usher outside the celestial room at the top of the beautiful stair case. As I stood and watched the room fill with rainbows as sun broke through the stained glass, it was a glimpse into heaven, then as I watched patrons ascend each with a look of awe on their face. Some with tears, some reverence, some excitement that just ran up those stairs, I was sure this is what heaven would be like, each person joyfully making their way to the top. 

Chad did cart driving and had fun with that and getting to meet people and hear where they came from. We also got to do parking duty together one day and that was so nice to bask in the sun and direct traffic at the House of the Lord with my spouse. 

Later I got to be an usher near the sealing rooms on the third floor. Again, it was an incredible experience. 

I really wanted all my kids to be able to serve there but sadly bri and ry weren't quite old enough. Carter did parking duty a few times and I was sad when all the apts were taken to get my other kids there. One day while I was doing parking duty I had the impression to look again for volunteer spots. Surprisingly, there was an appointment for shoe coverings at 11am! (It was 10am). So I quickly went and got Mollie from school and let her change and she got to do shoe coverings! An apostle was visiting at the time she was there, can't remember who, but she did say she saw him. 

And my good friend Alex said she was just going to go show up and take her daughter and expect to volunteer. She wanted to take Brielle too. I was hesitant but I so badly wanted her to be involved in the open house of HER temple that she would be attending soon. I let her go and she did get to serve and had a wonderful time. 

 I know the Lord cares because he provided these opportunities for my children that I wanted so badly. Mollie took a few of her friends after school one day and they all loved it too. 

The grounds were stunning and everything was absolutely perfect and beautiful!

Panama and an Empty House

 Its been so great to watch my parents grown into their roles as missionaries and to watch them change and do hard things. We really enjoy watching for their weekly letters and pictures they send us of new experiences. Here are a few pics we've received. 

This is how panamanias take out the trash. 

Dad is doing awesome at the language and has many opportunities to use it. 

They come across new critters all the time, which I know my sight-seeing dad loves. 

Lots of new food experiences too. 

And amazement at these ladies and their beading and crafting skills!!

There are so many missionaries to love and i know my parents are treating these ones like their own kids. 

New places to explore and fun things to see. 

I sent them off with OPEN WHEN envelopes. My mom sent this to me to show me they are displayed and so she can remember them often. 

I know they are participating in God's great work and so it makes it easy for me to let them be there. Most days.....and then I see pictures like this and I feel all better again. 

They spend lots of time with the sisters and I know they are so spoiled!

They've been apart of many baptisms and it makes me so happy to watch. 

I know their hearts will forever be in Panama.

Meanwhile, back in the states, we miss them like crazy. We visit their empty home and realize that a home is just a house when they aren't there. Its weird to walk through the door and not be greeted by my moms smile or a wonderful aroma of whatever she's cooking, not to mention my dad's big bear hug. 

It's eerily quiet and the kids sense it too. No one wants to stay there very long since it just isn't the same. 

But the house is still standing and its just as they left it. 

And we will look forward again to when this house is filled with love and laughter and yummy food and my mom and dad are safe back home.