Be There!

Did you know that a few months ago I was kicked out of the Salt Lake Temple. Ok, I wasn't really kicked out I really never got in! It seems that the expiration date isn't just a suggestion as my brother Mitch and I discovered. They mean it and no tears or threats of never returning will budge them. Ok I didn't threaten to never return. At least not out loud. I realized it wouldn't really punish anyone other than me and maybe my mom if I never went back.

So Mitch, wanting to calm my tears, offered to buy me lunch. I loved the lunch but I loved hanging with my brother even more! We made it back for pictures. And after all that is really the most important part. Ha. So I felt really bad about missing my cousins wedding but I felt really, really bad when Mom starting crying and making Mitch and I promise that we would do anything we could to be in the Celestial Kingdom. Sheesh.

Last night I had a great night with some of my in-laws. We got to go to the temple and then out to dinner with Dave's parents, and 3 of his brothers, Mark, Paul and Nate and Brittney who is Mark's amazing wife (who got a darling haircut, but I digress). We went up to the Bountiful Temple (remember I am never going back to that other one) (just kidding Mom!) and it was wonderful, of course, to be there. I have always loved the temple. I love the symbolism and the peace and the inspiration that comes when I am there.

This time at the temple is the first endowment session that I have been to since my dad died. I have done initiatories and sealings and baptisms but not the endowment. It has taken on new meaning for me. You see I know that I have someone on the other side waiting for me. Dad will have my reception there very well planned and I hope it doesn't stress him out and I hope he doesn't mind if I am late! As time goes by there will be even more people that I love waiting for me also. It made me realize that the horrible feeling that I had not being with my loved ones at that wedding would be nothing compared to the feeling of not being able to be with family and friends whom I love and adore forever!

So once again Mom was right. I'll try my hardest to be there. You be there too.

People I love!

In all that has been going on I have forgotten my goal of telling people why I love them for their birthdays! I will catch up! Here are the first couple.My sweet mother-in-law Cathy! I love her because she is always so willing to sacrifice all she has for other people. She serves all of her family above and beyond what is required. She is always looking for ideas of how to keep the family close and build family traditions. She is the mother of 5 boys and we all know that that makes her a saint (especially when you know her 5 boys!) She is generous, kind, patient and a wonderful example of how to love unconditionally! I am so grateful that she is my mother-in-law. I hear horror stories of other mother-in-laws and I am always able to say I love mine! I am truly lucky to have her in my life. She is also a terrific grandma! My boys love going to her house and eating all of her Oreos!

Brittney is my darling, wonderful and thoughtful sister-in-law. There are many reasons that I love Brit. The first and most selfish is because she splits the teasing of Nate and Paul so it is not all focused on me alone! I miss her terribly when she isn't at the family get togethers. Other reasons to love Brittney are... She is always cheerful. (I know the picture doesn't show that but blame that on my picture taking skills not her!) She is kind and considerate. She is always willing to help others and her emails, phone calls and visits are so thoughtful. She is a fantastic wife and mom. We all like Mark better after Brittney. She is always full of great ideas on family life and it is fun to talk to her about family experiences. I am so, so glad that she is in my family. She is a great sister and friend.