The Temple

Sometimes when you're the most busy and you feel like you don't have a minute to do even the most necessary things, it's good to just leave all the lists behind and be quiet.  

This morning, this sweet girl wanted to go to the Dallas Temple just to look at it and walk around.  She had never been there before today.

Casey is getting baptized on the 8th and she has more excitement and enthusiasm about the church than anyone I have ever met.  One of the things on her "must do" list before getting baptized was to visit the Dallas Temple.  

I'm not sure who loved it more, Casey or me, but it was a great break in my week.  The lists were still there when we got home, but they seemed a little less overwhelming than they did at 8:00 this morning.   

I love this amazing girl and I love the Temple.  Together they were equally glowy and beautiful on a gorgeous fall morning.  I'm so grateful Casey asked me to take her to the Temple.  I know there was nothing on my list today that I could have accomplished that would have brought greater satisfaction than those two hours I spent with her.  

Homecoming

Craig and Savannah came home last night from their whirlwind Utah trip.  I can't tell you how excited I was to have them back.  It's one thing for Craig to leave on regular business trips, but it's another thing entirely for him to take one of the kids with him on a non-business trip...that lasts for almost a whole week.  (...have I mentioned that we will not be attending any future family gatherings separately?)  I am SO happy that all of my little chickens are back home.  We spent the evening looking at all the pictures from the trip, and filling each other in on all the events of the past week.  Craig and Savannah talked about how big all the cousins have gotten and how beautiful Maddie's wedding was.  We snuggled in front of the TV and watched our new favorite show Whodunnit.  Then the kids played several rounds of Clue until Savannah was finally satisfied with a win.  At 11:30p, we forced them all to go to bed.  And let me tell you...my little heart was overflowing to have a complete family around the table saying family prayer.  

Savannah had quite a lengthy list of things she hoped to do on this Utah trip.  Typically, when we travel there in a pack, we spend most of our time in a very small vicinity, so there isn't a lot of touring taking place.  Since they had more free time, and fewer siblings to accommodate, Savannah took full advantage of Craig's undivided attention, and led him to all of her dream Utah destinations.  

One of the things Savannah most wanted to do was to take a picture in front of every Temple in Utah (she was a little disappointed to find out that a handful of them were way out of the Salt Lake City radius.)

Logan

Brigham City

Bountiful

Mt. Timpanogas

Oquirrh Mountain

Draper

Provo City Center (under construction)

Provo

This one is my favorite in front of the SLC Temple doors. 

Understanding the eternal nature of the Temple will draw you to your family; understanding the eternal nature of the family will draw you to the Temple."  - Gary E. Stevenson, April 2009 General Conference

"As we touch the Temple, the Temple will touch us." - President Thomas S. Monson (Jordan River Temple dedication)

I am so grateful for a daughter who longs to be in holy places and who delights in the chance to hop out of the car and take a picture in front of all the Temples in Utah.  I am grateful that she has a vision for her future and the strong desire to achieve her goals.  And I am so grateful for a husband who indulges his daughters.