temple

Life 2014 | First Temple Trip

In my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints), we have sacred ordinances that we do in temples. When a young man or woman reaches the age of 12, they have the opportunity (if they live worthily), to attend the temple and do an ordinance that we call, Baptisms for the Dead. This ordinance gives people who have died the opportunity to be baptized and receive the gospel on the other side. This is the only ordinance in the temple that the youth can participate in. Once they are older (usually after the age of 18), they are able to go through the temple for other ordinances.

My son turned 12 in January and received the Aaronic Priesthood in February. This gave him the opportunity to go on his first temple trip with the Young Men in March. With JJ being on the Autism Spectrum, we are always concerned with his ability to understand and to mentally be prepared for things. I am probably too protective of him, but I was really nervous about him receiving the priesthood. So far though, it has been a good experience for him. He is passing the sacrament at church and the other boys are helping him (especially a young man named Aaron Mellor – who we are so grateful for). JJ is high function, but communication is an issue a lot and sometimes, I just wish I could see inside his head so I could understand where he is coming from. We didn’t talk much about the temple trip, but from what he said, I felt like it was a good experience for him and that he felt the spirit. It can be overwhelming, I remember it was for me, my first time. But I hope he will remember it and treasure these experiences.

Here’s my Layout:

jjtemple_web I used my Scripture HeroeZ and a template from Simple Scrapper

Project 365 | Week 32

Monday, August 3, 2009

For the past couple of weeks I have been completely consumed with designing this new kit line. I have worked on this on and off for months – but the opportunity of a blog train and extra stuff had me getting it ready for this past couple of weeks. I got most of it done last week, but the first half of this week I had to completely dedicate myself to finishing it.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

My poor children and hubby had to basically live without me as I worked long, very long hours to finish these up. I stayed up most of the night every night the past few days to get it done.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

And then, I finally did it – I finished it. And I have been so amazed and blessed to have the response to it that I have – thank you all of you for your kind words. It has definitely taken a lot out of me to get it done – I need to spend some quality time with my family and away from the computer for awhile! WHEW!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Today we took our monthly visit to Costco to stock up on some needed items! The kids enjoyed getting out of the house – especially since I have been so stuck to my computer lately.

Friday, August 7, 2009

I was trying to do some cleaning and get caught up with things today. I could hear the kids in their room talking and laughing. I was starting to wonder what they were up to when they came out to show me. JJ had dressed his sister up in his superman cape and hat. It was adorable – my little SuperGirl. It is always fun to see JJ taking care of and playing with his sister!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

A big day! We woke up early and headed to Lagoon (a local amusement park) to spend the day with Aunt Amy and Uncle Matt and cousins Logan and Alyssa. We actually haven’t seen them in a couple of years and until today, hadn’t even met Alyssa so it was really fun to be with them. The kids really enjoyed the rides and we benefited from an overcast day which was so great that it wasn’t so hot! But since it was a little chilly we didn’t go into the Lagoon-a-Beach like we were going to. Instead we got soaked on the Raft Ride and as we were leaving the park, Beth had to run through the water fountains (she loved it.) We then headed to a park and left Uncle Aaron with the kids and Joey and I went to the Bountiful temple to be with the Mortensens as they were sealed together for Time and All Eternity. We were late, but we made it just in time (of course that made us the center of attention as we walked into the room – sorry Curtis and Anne). But it was a very beautiful ceremony and I am so happy for them. We returned to Curtis and Anne’s home for some refreshments and visiting. We got to meet Brandon and Sabrina’s new little one, Kalissa too, so it was a wonderful day!

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Our Family Home Evenings are usually held on Sundays instead of the usual Mondays, just because Joey is usually home. We need to do better at actually having gospel lessons, but we have at least spent some quality time together. Lately it has been introducing the kids to some of our favorite movies that Joey and I watched growing up. Today we watched The Princess Bride! The kids will probably like it better when they get older – but it was still fun to watch it together today.

Project 365 | Week 31

Monday, July 27, 2009

JJ is one of the most active kids I know. He’s always busy and hardly ever sits still – even when watching a movie or eating or anything else. Today, I walked into the living room and found him laying on the couch watching a movie. I thought for sure he must be getting sick or something and I sat down and finished the movie with him. As soon as the movie was over, he was back to his normal busy self and running around the house. I am grateful for the little moments when my boy will still snuggle with me – even if it is just for a little awhile.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

So I went outside to discover a very long branch had fallen onto our lawn from the tree in our yard. It was pretty heavy too. Not sure what is happening to our tree – but we keep discovering small branches on our lawn – now, I am a little scared to just let the kids go play outside by themselves!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Joey bought me an iPhone!!! It was a very nice surprise – and he got a great deal on it too. I never expected to get one and never really thought I would even want one. I had my iPod Touch and I loved it – but I didn’t really think I needed a fancy phone – but when it arrived today and I started playing with it – I fell in love with it. I spent the whole day goofing around on it – it is definitely addicting! Thank you honey!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

The kids got out their big coloring books today. It was fun to see how much they enjoyed coloring and they got along so well today!

Friday, July 31, 2009

My family arrived in town today. We had dinner and played at our house tonight. Both my sisters weren’t able to come, but all 4 of my brothers made it and it’s not often that all 4 of them are together – so of course we had to get a picture. I only regret not getting a picture of me with my brothers – I really should have done that – but of course – being the photographer, I didn’t even think of it until later. It was really fun to have us all together and my kids enjoyed playing with their little cousin that they never get to see!

Saturday, August 1, 2009

So it was a long but very fulfilling day today. We got up early and went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House as a family and it was very beautiful. I love that I have been able to take my kids to 2 temples in the last few months. We then headed over to Hogle Zoo for awhile and then we headed back to Orem for some shopping and then a BBQ at my house for dinner. It is SO FUN to have my family here.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

My family headed home today and I’ll miss them. One of the things that I enjoyed this week was trying my hand at a new skill – bread making! I love bread, especially rolls and I finally gave baking them a try and I think they turned out amazingly well. I made them 3 times this week and it was good to be able to share them with my family. Yea!

Project 365 | Week 28

Monday, July 6, 2009

Everyday when we take JJ to summer school we pass these fields that are filled with these thistles. I am amazed at how big they grow and even though they are actually weeds and are just nuisances, they have a bit of beauty to them too. I had to stop and get some photos of them today!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Growing up, my grandma’s egg noodles was a special treat that we only got at Thanksgiving and possibly Christmas. My family always liked the egg noodles over mashed potatoes. Now, whenever I make her egg noodles I think of her and miss her. My Grandma lived right next door to me growing up and I saw her almost every day of my life up until she died when I was a junior in high school. I was in the mood for the egg noodles today so I whipped some up to go with the leftover mashed potatoes I had. I think it is one of the most comforting and filling foods there is! YUMMY!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Since we are ditching the kids this weekend we decided we needed to do a little something extra special with them so we decided to camp out on our lawn. The kids got a real kick out of the tent and we had hot dogs for dinner. It was fun to see them so delighted! Next time though we will get something to get the mosquitos to stay away! Ouch.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

We headed out today to start our anniversary getaway. Joey and I both had our ipods going and it was nice to just relax and listen to music. I don’t usually do that – but it helped our trip down to go much faster. The kids were so happy to see their cousins when we got to Orderville. We spent the afternoon/evening with my sister Kori and her family. It was great to visit and play. Joey was able to offer them a little computer help too and we went out to dinner together. I really enjoy spending time with my sister and her family. We slept at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house and visited with them for awhile when they got back from the ranch.

Friday, July 10, 2009

We left the kids with Grandma and headed to St. George this morning. We went through a session in the temple and it was so nice to be able to go there together. We had the opportunity to stay in an awesome penthouse condo for our weekend getaway. Although St. George was REALLY HOT – it was nice to be in an extra nice (air-conditioned) condo! We had a king size bed, jacuzzi tub, full kitchen, and a hot tub on our deck. We enjoyed lounging around in the condo that was bigger than our own trailer house! We watched some movies, took a dip in the hot tub and just relaxed and spent time together. Joey even made me food – I didn’t have to cook! And that is something that is VERY RARE – he made the best pork chops for us. YUMMY! It was a really fun time!

Saturday, July 11, 2009

It has been awhile since we have been able to go to the Utah Shakespearan Festival. I feel very grateful that I am married to a man who enjoys going to plays as much (probably even more) as I do. He was into Technical Theatre big time in high school and did a lot of stage managing. So being able to see 2 plays was just a real treat. We saw Henry V on Friday night and The Secret Garden on Saturday. They were just wonderful! We also got the opportunity to see a play in the Adams Shakespearean Theatre for the first time. It is an outdoor theatre designed after the theatre that Shakespeare himself used and it was really awesome!

Sunday, July 12, 2009

We checked out and headed to Orderville today to pick up the kids. We ate lunch at Grandma’s house and headed home. The kids and I napped a bit on the way home – it was extremely hot and put us all to sleep – good thing Joey stayed awake! I did look back to check on the kids as we started the trip and caught this little scene with JJ. He was all comfortable with his feet rested on the arm of the seat in front of him with a grin on his face. He had tons of fun at Grandma’s and at Sink Valley, but I think he’s glad to be going home! Beth wanted to stay at Grandma’s too where she is spoiled to death – but it was really good to see them both and be home.

Project 365 | Week 19

Monday, May 4, 2009

The kids really love playing on the computer. I guess it totally makes sense – Joey and I are always on our computers. JJ hadn’t played on StarFall at home for awhile, so the kids got to play for awhile.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

I had seen this idea on several of the blogs I read. You take all the snacks for your kids for the day and you put them in the slots of a muffin tin. And then when the kids want a snack they go to their tin. I need to get new muffin tins for them, but they LOVED this idea. I think I will get some new ones for them and maybe decorate them or something. What a fun thing and I think this will be perfect this summer!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

I was able to go to another wonderful Scrap Girls Luncheon today. I really love these excursions. They totally rejuvenate me. Beth got to come with me today and she was so good! It was kind of bitter-sweet though as Anna is moving to Texas and she won’t be able to come to our luncheons anymore. It was really good to visit with her and I hope things go so well for her! We’ll miss her!

I gave the kids some goldfish crackers and sent them outside to play. A little while later, JJ came in and said, “Mom, I shared my goldfish with some ants, is that ok?” and then “The ants were looking for food so I crumbled up the goldfish for them.”

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Last night, my parents and my brother, Lane arrived. We haven’t had them come and stay with us in about a year, so it was a real treat. I can’t believe my little brother is 16 and so involved in everything. My parents came because Lane got to go to a leadership conference (HOBY) up here in Aspen Grove for the rest of the week. So they took him there this morning and then they hung out with me and Beth for the rest of the day. We did some errands while Beth was at school and then Joey took a half day off to watch the kits, while I, my parents, and Cody & Becki got to go do a session in the new Draper Temple. We went out to dinner at Sizzlers after and it was really fun to visit and be together.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Beth has been so excited to have her Grandma here. She really misses not living right next door to her Grandparents. Grandpa took a day-trip to Wyoming today on his friend Max’s truck, Joey was at work, JJ was at school, and so after Grandma went to her Aunt’s Funeral (Margaret Mathews), we had her all to ourselves. We hung out at home and did a few errands.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

We spent some time at the playground today. It’s so fun to see my kids enjoy themselves and to see them interact with each other. Beth’s favorite thing is the swings and she is constantly saying, “Push me, high to the sky!” JJ loves the slides the best and he loves to have you watch him play!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

After church today, we were able to have lunch with my parents and brother. It’s been awhile since I spent Mother’s Day actually with my Mom. It has been so fun to have them staying here this week. My mom is an amazing woman who always gives her all to everything she does. She’s a great example of faith and service. One of the most amazing things about my mom is that no matter what calling she has in the church – she truly goes above and beyond for it. As a Young Woman leader, as a Sunday School Teacher, as a Primary music leader, etc….she is always prepared and willing to do anything and everything for those she teaches. It’s really amazing to me. My mom has always supported me in whatever I wanted to do and I am so grateful to her for bringing me up in the church and for always being there for me. THANK YOU MOM and Happy Mother’s Day!

And here is my weekly layout:
I used my Digital 365 Kits to create this layout!

Project 365 | Week 11

Monday, March 9, 2009

We had an amazing opportunity today to go to the Draper Utah LDS Temple Open House. The temple is being dedicated next week, so it was our last chance to be able to walk through it. Unfortunately Joey wasn’t able to go with us, but I took the kids and I am so glad I did it. It was a snowy day so I wasn’t able to get a good picture of the temple (so I took a picture from the internet), but we were able to get a picture of us in the church (next to the temple) with a picture of the Savior. There was a lot of waiting time since there was so many people there, but the kids did pretty well, although by the time we took a photo, Beth was done and wouldn’t look at the camera. I hope the kids will remember the special feeling that we had in the Temple. The Spirit was truly there and I needed that feeling of peace in my life right now.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

My Valentine’s Day present for Joey finally arrived today. We are big fans of the Indianapolis Colts and they have a new stadium. I was able to purchase a brick at the stadium with our names on it for Joey and of course we get a brick to display at home. I would really like to be able to take Joey to a game at the Colts Stadium someday and we’ll have to drop by our brick!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

I started getting things together for our trip today and the pile of stuff that needs to go with us is already pretty big! I really need to learn to pack lighter! I finalized my list of attractions that I want to hit at the amusement parks and got quite a lot done. The kids helped for awhile but ended up watching a little tv before I finished. I have been doing better lately with less tv time for the kids, but we still need to work on finding better activities to keep them busy.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

About 2 am, Beth came crying into our room saying that her head hurt. She had a 103 degree fever (which she has never had that high)! So of course she slept with us for the rest of the night and felt awful all day. My poor little girl!

Friday, March 13, 2009

So of course I had an awful night and Beth’s illness is now mine too. Headache, body aches, pain, congestion, and did I mention pain? Can’t wait for all of this to pass. Beth seems to be a lot better, so hopefully it’s only a 1-2 day thing. While Beth and I were taking a late nap, JJ created his own little workstation at the table. It was adorable!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

I caught this adorable little scene today. Beth and Joey were playing with her ponies and it was just so precious to see their daddy-daughter relationship. Joey also got on his laptop and found some sites where we could figure out all the ponies names! So much fun for Beth!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

So I am finally doing a lot better and although I still have a bit of a cough at least the pain is gone. But of course JJ was sick today. Thank goodness the sickness seems to not last long so hopefully we’ll get through this! Only one week until we leave for California!

My Week 11 Layout:

I used my Digital 365 Kits to create this layout.