Temple Dedications

Today has been a heart filled day, which is an understatement.

I was able to be with my parents watching the Gilbert Temple dedication from their chapel in Sahaurita, AZ. As I was waiting for the broadcast to begin, I thought back to a weekend exactly 12 years ago (to the weekend). Our family was involved in another temple dedication. We were honored to have a small part in the Snowflake Temple dedication.

Remembering back to that weekend, many feelings came back.  Excitement-we were getting a temple that we didn't have to travel four hours round trip. We also found out that weekend that Mom and Dad were going to be grandparents for the first time.  And, even though we were in different rooms, it was the first time my whole family was in a temple for the first time.

Nervousness-mainly for Dad, minorly for me. Dad was asked to give the benediction for the first dedicatory session of the Snowflake Temple. He was a nervous wreck. He did great. I ended up interpreting two sessions into ASL. I was nervous too, but we both ended up fine. Dad had sympathy nervous feelings for the Gilbert Stake presidents that gave the prayers today.

Gratefulness-Temples are a refuge from the cares and worries of the world. They are sacred buildings where we can feel feel Heaven's peace. They are places where I have learned to become a better woman, daughter, and sister. I am so grateful for the many opportunities to go attend several temples and feel the comfort from heaven that is needed.

Summer 2013-Three Words: Dirty Diet Coke

Another summer come and gone. But really-in Phoenix-we still have about 2 more months of "summer". That's why I'm glad I've developed a love for crushed ice. Let me explain.

4th of July weekend-while enjoying a cool stay in the White Mountains, I came across a recipe for Dirty Diet Coke on Pinterest. It looked interesting so I tried it when I came home. Instantly hooked! 

The most curious part for me was the crushed/shaved ice. I don't use ice in my drinks due to sensitivity in my teeth. I was willing to try it crushed. It was great!!! Where had this been all my life?? Why did no one tell me??

I now walk I the heat of the Valley of the Sun a much wiser person and a lover of crushed ice and dirty diet coke.

Thank you Summer 2013.

3 weeks... But am I counting???

I'm not sure if I just have to accept the fact that the last few weeks of school are stressful and just give myself a break. Every year I try to figure out a way to enjoy December and May before break. So far, every year I've fallen short of relaxing before break. If any veteran teachers know the secret-please share.