Going There Today!

Well, he did it!  He's been singing 'I Love to See the Temple, I'm going there some day...', his whole life, and today he finally went. 

Before he went in.....

After....  

I think he looks pretty happy.  It looks like he loves his parents too. :)

I called on Thursday to get it set up, the only times they had available were the 12:50 session or the 2:00 session.  I chose the 12:50.  It was such short notice, that Amy was the only one who could make it along with Taylor, who is staying with us for the summer.  I appreciate him for taking pictures for us.

Sammy has been such an amazing young man his whole growing up years and I am so blessed to be his mother.  He is a strong, obedient, and wonderful young man.

Thank you Sammy for being worthy to enter the temple.  I love you!!!!

Stand Ye In Holy Places

What a beautiful group of young women we have in the Laurel Ward.  We had some fun taking pictures for our wall in the hall at the church which say's "Stand Ye in Holy Places"  The theme for the youth this year.

We gave each girl a framed picture with them and the temple for New Beginnings.  I hope they like them.

Even though it was cold and snowy, the girls had a blast.  Some even laid on the ground.  Crazies.

4 Days of No School? Here we come Utah!

Due to the fall teachers conference, the kids were out of school Thursday and Friday.  Utah had the same schedule, so we decided to head down for some fun time.  Paige, Kyla, and Karissa came too so they could hang with their cousins that live in Salt Lake as well.  We decided to start the morning with going to the Draper Temple.  Jackson, Max, Aliza, Kyla, Karissa, Paige, and their cousins, Sammy, Allie, and Jessie went and had a great time.  It was nice of their mom to meet us in Draper so they could go.  

Later that day, we took the kids to a fun pumpkin patch.  There were certain witches we had to find to get a treat.  Some were Witchy Poo and St A Spell.

The stacks of pumpkins were pretty.  My girls and Brooklyn made them look prettier.  

Saturday we drove down to Provo and picked up Sammy from his dorm.  It was fun to see him, it was the first time since we dropped him of in August.  He went with us on the hike to the Y.  You can't go to BYU and not hike the 'Y'.    

Here we are ready to go with the whole group.... half way up with the laggers.  

I love my kids...... We finally made it to the top!

We took turns getting pictures of each others families.

Not too many more of these pictures with all the cousins together.  :(

I love my sisters so much, I don't know what I would do with out them.  Good memories too, while the three of us were in our single days and living in Provo.

Until next time 'Y'

Walking to the Temple

As a combined youth activity, we walked about 3 miles on a highway, through a neighborhood, and through a field to the temple.  It wasn't until we hit the field that we could see the temple, and what a beautiful sight it was. Once we were able to see the temple it became very silent (for youth that is rare) and the spirit was there as we walked quietly towards the temple.

Once we got there we sat on a hill close by and had a few words from some of the youth and leaders.  

I know the kids that went had a wonderful time.  I know the leaders and myself did.  I especially loved having my three kids there.  Sammy, Jackson and Aliza.  I am so glad I can be a part of some of these experiences they have.

If you are wondering, no, we did not walk back to the cars.  We had some one pick up the leaders that drove, picked up their cars, and came back to get us.  Phew.

Jaysen (JJ) and Lauren

Today is the day,  JJ and Lauren get married.  

What a beautiful couple.  They met at the U of U.  He played football and she played soccer.

Now they are off to New Orleans to begin their lives together.

 Sammy stayed home with the younger kids and Elle and Kenzie came over to help drive them all to the Temple.  They arrived just as the newly married couple were walking out the doors.

Bree and Brooklyn were flower girls along with some of  Lauren's cousins. 

 Lauren's mom got the boys matching ties, and Rhonda put together the girls's outfits.  They are so cute.

 This is JJ's side of the family.  Rhonda (my sister) and Doug were happy and proud parents.

I though I would grab another picture of myself and the kids, since Mother's Day pictures didn't turn out the best.

Jim hanging with the boys.  I'm sure he's wishing Sam was there to hang with, but he was hiking in Southern Utah on the 50 miler.

Jackson, Zack, Max, Jim, Sammy

We got as many cousins that were there to get this photo.  Scotty and JJ not in the photo. JJ was busy getting other photos done.

 That evening, we had the reception at the La Caille.  We had fun spending time together, eating, and dancing.

 Grant and Chris Oyler, Rhonda, Mom, Anny, Jim,                Sammy, Joy, Trina, Jerry, Mom

           Curt, Diane, Jerry, Joy, Sammy, Becca                                                              Kass
           Maren, Joy, Jerry, London                                                      Jackson and Grandma

        Abby, Kenzie, Maren, and Aliza                                      Grandma having fun with grandsons

                      Jenna and Savanna......and Jim   :)

 Lauren's mom gave all the Aunts these beautiful rose bracelets. Take the rose off, and you have pearl bracelets forever.  The girls got some smaller ones as well.

The sisters of the Groom

Elle and Kenzie

Very Beautiful!

Scotty (JJ'S) brother and his wife Cassy

I am so happy for my nephew JJ. 

I lived with his family for a year, and spend some fun times together.  I love being able to go to all my nieces and nephews weddings.  What wonderful blessings. 

Valentines Day at the Temple

What a great way to spend Valentines night. Just over a week ago, Aliza turned 12. The most exciting thing about turning 12 (besides getting her ears pierced) was being able to go to the temple and do baptisms for the dead. She got her temple recommend the Sunday after her birthday, and had to wait a whole week and two days before going.

Finally, the day for our ward youth baptisms came, and it happened to fall on Valentines Day. But, that didn't matter. The temple workers (Bro. and Sis. Wells) were so good to make her first experience fantastic. Sam came and ended up doing confirmations on Aliza, Jackson, and Sammy. I was able to be in there which was wonderful. Then, we moved into the Baptistry and Sam performed the baptisms on Aliza, Sammy and Jackson while I handed out the towels. Sam continued to do baptisms on other youth while I went in and helped out in the bathroom. I loved watching the girls getting ready and doing each others hair.

The Spirit was strong tonight. I am thankful for this Gospel and the opportunities it gives us all to learn and grow. It was wonderful to have three of my kids and husband in the temple together.

Tuesday's stuff

It was a long and busy day. I didn't get to sit much. Not that I do anyways. I woke up at 5:45 a.m. I arose at 6:40, made sure kids were up. Took a shower and got dressed. Helped Maren study for a spelling test. 7:30 read two pages in Book of Mormon with kids. (Sam was gone hunting so wasn't home). Kids would have been on bus at 7:30, but Aliza and Jackson had 8:10 Ortho appointments, so didn't have to leave till 8:00. Dropped Maren off at school and headed for appointment. Thank goodness it was in Laurel. 8:35 dropped Jackson and Aliza off at school and proceeded to the gym in Billings for my 9:15 Palates class. Changed back to clothes and dropped off recycle things and headed to Costco. Crazy lines.....after getting things in my car, realized I had to go back in for a couple more things.... ouch! Got home at 12:00. Sam was home, but I had to get Jackson from school (Sam was fixing Jackson's phone) so he and Sam could go hunting again. After picking up Jackson, I put all Costco stuff away, had a quick yogurt and left to help out in Maren's class from 1:00 till 2:45. Ran home to switch laundry (I started a load when I got home from Costco), then went back to get Maren from school. Took her to piano at 3:25, picked up Aliza at school, ran to hair gal to pick up some make-up then took Aliza to piano. Ran Maren home, laid down for 5 min., then went to pick up Aliza. Got home at 4:45, folded clothes, picked up a little, then left at 5:40 to go to 6:20 session at the Temple. Had wonderful session, went to Applebee's to get an Oriental Chicken Salad to go (love curbside) then went home to eat. Got home at 8:45. at 9:00 watched a t.v. show, then went to get in bed at 10:00. Watched Sam and Sammy work on his application for BYU. It's due December 1st. Now, why am I still up at 11:50? Good question. I'm just glad there is no school tomorrow. Just cleaning house and making some pies.

Bye.

Sammy Turns 17... YIKES

Can't believe this boy is 17 years old!!!!!!  Love the finger over the eye thing....

This poor guys doesn't get the best cakes, but I try and I think he at least is glad he gets a cake.

This is the picture of the temple I took for his birthday that is now hanging in his room.

Happy birthday son, can't believe you have one more year and you'll be an adult.

Cousins Camp Montana Day 7 & 8 Temple and relax

This was the final day of Cousins Camp (we thought), Kass wanted to take the kids to the Billings Temple since they haven't seen it up close yet.

After church, we quickly fed kids, then headed over before anyone could change.

The gates were closed, so we had to see it from a little distance, but it was beautiful as well as the grounds.

Cade and his Angels :)

Sammy  had gotten back the night before from Southern Utah, so Cousins Camp felt complete even though he was going to Scout Camp the next day for a week.

I pray that each of these children will be able to enter the Temple either for missions, marriages, or just to go through.  I will be there for each one.  I love them all!

Monday we thought Kass was leaving, but we decided to go to the movie "Eclipse the Twilight Saga" instead, then boating.....  one last time.

Till next year for Cousins Camp, I hope we can do this for many years to come.

Very Embarrassing Moment!

Can you imagine wearing these to the temple?!!!

I had a chance to go to the temple the other day to do baptisms for the dead with Crystal. This was her first time to go, after being baptized 2 months ago. She was to meet me at my house then we would drive over together, about a 20 min. drive. I got up early and put my dress on, I had a few last min. things to do before she came over. Instead of running around in my dress, high heal shoes, I quickly threw on my flip flops to run an errand in town. I got home and was doing a quick pick up of the house when she came. We were a little late, so I grabbed my purse and we headed to the temple. She was so nervous, but excited, and was very happy I was going with her. We pulled up to the temple, got out of the car, and as we were walking to the front doors, I looked down and realized I still had my flops on! I could not believe I left them on. I was so embarrassed and didn't know if I could go in. I decided I better go in. It truly didn't matter if I had my flip flops on, I was going to do work for the dead, and helping out Crystal. I tried to hide my feet as much as possible, and was explaining right and left what had happened so the sweet temple workers could understand. They were very understanding and said these things happen.:) We were baptized and confirmed for 10 people each, (it was a strange feeling getting into the water, I hadn't been there since I was a Young Woman). Crystal and I felt the spirit strong as we were doing the confirmations. She was excited that we helped 20 people get baptized. I am so blessed to have gone and had this experience with her, and do this work for those who do not have the bodies to do so.