Monday, June 29, 2009

I Love to See the Temple

Josh, Annabelle and I were able to attend the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house with my family on Friday. It was such a great experience, and the temple is beautiful. The weather was rainy, but it only added to the temple's beauty, especially given its location. Before you enter the temple, you watch a short video about it, and about temples in general. I love hearing the prophet and apostles speak and bear testimony; I always feel an extra special spirit when I'm listening to them. There is a church DVD called "Special Witnesses of Christ," and I love it for this exact reason. I guess that's why they're called "Special Witnesses," and why their words and testimonies always feel so special. Annabelle was well-behaved throughout the video, which was a relief. I was a little apprehensive about taking her with us because she is still so young, but I really wanted her to come along and experience it for herself. I wanted her there with Josh and I, and I wanted her to see all the pictures of Jesus, and to feel the special reverance that is just a little different from our weekly meetings. I was so happy I made this decision because she did very well, and seemed to really enjoy herself--she even stayed on my lap during the short testimonies and information given in the sealing room. I was so proud of her! After the tour was completed, we stepped outside to make our way to the reception tent. Right above us, there was a HUGE double rainbow as bright as can be. It was BEAUTIFUL! Of course...we didn't have our camera, but I think we'll always remember how pretty it was, and how perfect the timing and experience were for such a sight!

I am so thankful we have temples here on the earth, and that we have access to so many temples because of where we live. What a blessing! I have a strong testimony about temples, and I simply cannot wait to be able to participate in more of the ordinances performed inside. I love the feeling I have whenever I participate in anything uplifting, and of a more spiritual nature. It's a little hard to explain, but I feel as though I'm doing exactly as I should be doing, that nothing else I could be doing would be more beneficial, profitable, or rewarding. I hope to create more of these experiences and opportunities for my family. I hope I can always search out different ways to make the gospel a part of Annabelle's life and character, and I'd LOVE to hear different things you all do to bring the gospel into your homes and your childrens' lives. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that Jesus lives, and that He is mindful of us and our needs. If we aren't feeling His love and influence in our lives, I know it is because we have turned our backs, not the other way around. I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true, and that we are here on earth to prove our worthiness of living with Him again. I pray that I may place my focus on Him and His purpose for me, so that I may be able to participate in everything the temple, and this life have in store for me and for my family.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Changed Perspective

I remember having a conversation with my mom when Annabelle was a baby. It went something like this:

Me: I don't understand why parents let their kids call objects by the wrong names. For example, if Annabelle calls a banana a "nana," I'll just say, "Yes, you have a banana."

Mom: Laughs. Well, it's just cute.

Me: I don't really think it's that cute. It only makes sense to teach them the right word all along.

Now fast forward to today. Annabelle is 21 months old, and here are a few of OUR most favorite words:
Ne-Ne's
Ce-Ce

Woo-Woo
Being a mom certainly changes your perspective on things; it helps you find joy in the imperfect.



Monday, June 22, 2009

Our First Hike of the Summer!











Our family went on our first hike of the season! Josh and I LOVE to hike, and went almost every Saturday morning when we were dating. We'd leave at 7am, stop at the grocery store for water and sandwiches, then hit the trail by 8am--it was wonderful, and we have missed it so much. We didn't get to go much during our 1st year of marriage because I got pregnant 3 months after our wedding, and was in my last trimester during the summer months...Misery!!! Then Josh left for Afghanistan, and wasn't here last summer...what a bummer! BUT...NOW A SUMMER OF HIKING IS UPON US...AND IT WON'T STOP RAINING! :)
We were determined to go this past week--rain or shine! We decided we'd go to Donut Falls for our first venture on the trail with Annabelle. I packed sandwiches, fruit and water, and then Annabelle and I picked up Josh from work and headed up the canyon. It was a short little baby hike, but she loved it, and even walked the whole way back on her own. It was cold, so we ended up eating our "dinner" in the car after the hike, but it was still a fun time, and we can't wait to get out there again!
A few highlights...
*Annabelle wanting to walk over every rock possible
*The beautiful waterfall...of course
*Annabelle talking non-stop the entire way up the trail
*Watching a squirrel eat his dinner of greenery
*Yummy sandwiches :)