I Love To See The Temple

"I Love To See The Temple"

I'll take the longer route to see the Washington DC Temple rise above the freeway.  It looks like it is floating about the trees, parks and neighboring homes.  From the top of the Washington Monument it is a speck of white rising above a distant dark layer of metropolis.

Washington DC

I Love to see the Oakland Temple.  This is where my family was sealed for time and all eternity.  It is where my great grandparents served and it really is the beacon on a hill overlooking the San Francisco Bay.  

I don't remember the circumstances around this memory.  When I was young my family and I were  flying home from a trip.  We were to land in Oakland, but the fog was so thick up against the hills that they diverted our flight to San Francisco.  In order to get us to our car in Oakland the airline put our family on a helicopter and we flew over the San Francisco Bay at night.  I was terrified.  The chopper ride felt like it would never end.  I gripped my seatbelt for dear life as I could see the bay from the window.  In those moments the fear of drowning was real, until I saw a faint light in the distance.  The fog never really cleared, and I couldn't make out the structure clearly, but I knew it was the temple.

Oakland, California

As a child I loved going to the Oakland Temple at Christmas time to see the lights and nativity display.  I always felt close to Heavenly Father.

Philadelphia, Pennsylavnia

"I Love To See The Temple"

As a teen I joined my youth group to make yearly treks from Beaverton, Oregon to Seattle, Washington to do work for our ancestors at the Seattle Temple.  These trips are some of my most favorite memories.  The beauty of serving others in such a personal way always brought me joy.

"I Love To See The Temple"

In 1989 the Portland Temple opened.  We were all so excited to have a temple so close to home.  In that first year I had many wonderful experiences.

Portland, Oregon

At the open house I was able to put blue booties over people's shoes as they took tours.  I was able to attend the dedication with my family. And the following spring (1990) our youth group was asked to plant flowers for the upcoming season in all the flower beds.

Sean and I were sealed in the Portland Temple for time and all eternity in 1993.  My sister and hubby were sealed in 1998.  Many years later we were able to witness our daughters sealed to their sweeties in the Portland Temple as well.

"I Love To See The Temple"

Our first apartment was in the attic of an old house.  From the side family room window we could see the Logan Temple.  Evening walks or glances out the window brought the beauty of the temple into our home.  In 2021 Harrison and Ragen were sealed in the Logan Temple.

Logan, Utah

"I Love To See The Temple"

In the last few years we have had some unique opportunities to visit many temples.  Nashville, Salt Lake City, Desert Peak, Philadelphia, Laie Hawaii, Denver, and Manti.  Visiting temples has become a part of our travels.

Desert Peak, Utah

"I Love To See The Temple"

The Washington DC Temple is impressive.  Not only is it large, but it sits on a hill and from the freeway or the top of the Washington Monument it looks like it is floating above the earth.  I love going.

Just a couple of weeks ago I took the boys to see the temple.  They can't go inside yet, but they can enjoy its beauty, the grounds, the visitor center and feel Heavenly Father's presence.

Sean warned me to watch the boys at the reflecting pool.  I watched alright, I watched them splash in the water and get all wet.  It was super cute to see them sit on the steps looking at the temple and point to the reflected image in the pool.

The Visitor Center at the DC Temple is wonderful for littles and adults.  There are hands on activities, interactive displays, videos, tutorials, a 3-D model of the inside of the temple, coloring pages, electronic coloring activities, models of biblical temples, a model of a home, art and an 11 foot Christus.

The boys quickly ran to the windows to look out at the temple.  They are a bit too young to enjoy the model of the temple, but I loved taking pictures of them looking out the windows.

Their favorite activities were the coloring pages, the stained glass window of Christ's Life (they liked identifying the animals) and the Christus Statue.

Not only was it wonderful to share the temple with the boys, but to hear them say Jesus when pointing to the Christus statue was the best part of the day.

Our trip was cut a little short, sleepy boys were getting a little grouchy.  We will be back to explore the grounds and come December we will visit the lights, nativity display and musical performers.

Model of the temple with the actual one in the background

"I Love To See The Temple" and share it with the boys.

Gratitude

 My Sweet Grands,

I know this is a little late, but I think we should talk about gratitude and having a thankful heart everyday.  

My favorite holiday is  Thanksgiving.  I love everything about it.  The beauty of all the colors, the smells, the simple act of showing gratitude to others and for what we have.  I love that family gathers to enjoy traditions and that the center on a heart of gratitude.

Thanksgiving 2024

Since Harrison was in kindergarten (he's now 26) each November we take a few moments after dinner to write down something we are thankful for on a construction paper pumpkin.  We share them with one another and then tape them to our coat closet door.  Throughout the month it is wonderful to see our gratitude grow as the door fills with orange pumpkins.

I have kept these pumpkins safe in ziploc's in a holiday tub.  Just the other day I was reading through some of the first "Thankful Pumpkins".  The simplicity and honesty of the kids gratitude made me smile.  It isn't about the grandness of our gratitude, rather the sincerity of it.   

In 1992 Robert D. Hales said, "Gratitude is a state of appreciation, and act of thanksgiving, which causes us to be humble because we recognize an act of kindness, service, or caring for someone else which lifts us and strengthens us."

I have been thinking a lot lately on how I can focus more on gratitude each day and not just at certain times.  It needs to be simple and something I will remember to do.

Here are 3 simple ways I can focus more on gratitude.

1.  Before going to bed at night share with a loved one your blessings of the day.

2.  Keep a gratitude journal.  Record in a journal or on social media what you are grateful for.

3.  Offer a prayer of gratitude.  Nothing else, just what you are grateful for.

For many years Pops (Sean) and I share our blessings of the day with one another before turning off the light.  Even if it has been a difficult day I look for blessings.  Often it is in a beautiful sunset, time with a loved one, hugs from Cutie E or giggles from Cutie O.  Looking for those blessings, acknowledging them instead of the negative aspects of the day invites peace and joy as I fall asleep.  

Ocean City, MD sunrise

Focusing more on gratitude will not eliminate my trials or disappointments of life, but it does help me persevere with hope during those times.  I have been amazed that during difficulties if I focus on gratitude and service my own hardships seem to fade from my mind.  I am able to move forward with more joy.

It is not by chance that our Thanksgiving celebration comes before Christmas.  It gives us an opportunity to reflect on our blessings and prepare our hearts for the Birth of Christ.  My goal this year is to show more gratitude and to keep the feelings I have at Christmas with me all year.

JOY!

HaPpY NeW YeAr!

Many years ago I received a Christmas card from a mother and son who attended one of my DC trips as a thank you.  I loved the front of the card and  kept it in my Christmas notebook.  This year I received a Christmas card from a new friend.  While the cards design was different than the previous one, it still communicated the same sentiment, JOY.

I don't know how many people have favorite words, but I have two - HOPE and JOY.  I'm not sure when I identified these as "favorite" words, but I have been drawn to them for a few years now.  They fill my heart with optimism and gladness.

Tonight Marissa shared a song with me that captures what true JOY is.  JOY is who you share your time with.  I have been so blessed in 2024 to spend a lot of time with my sweetheart, our children, family and very dear friends.

As I have thought about 2024 it is the dear faces of my loved ones that I see.  It is the moments together that we shared, the laughs, tears and especially the hugs.  My year was filled with so much JOY.  Here are a few of those times.

Our family rang in 2024 in Disneyland all together.

I was there when our Cutie O came into this world.

Birthdays, blessings, graduations, weddings and holidays together.

Family and friends traveling to visit us in DC.

Visits home to be with friends that our our family.

Daily moments that leave their imprint on your heart.

2024 gave me so many moments with the people I love.  I have HOPE that 2025 will bring its own set of JOYful moments with people to share them with.  HaPpY NeW YeAr!

Happy Mother's Day

 

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

I had a post ready to go for Mother's Day.  It was the typical mushy gushy post about my mom, being a mom and a grammy.   Each time I read through my message I didn't like it, something didn't sit right.  So here I am a few days later with a slightly different post.  

My life has been shaped by many amazing women.  These women range from my own mother, to grandma's, aunts, sisters, friends, leaders, teachers, co-workers, neighbors and those whom I have served with at church.  Each played an impactful role in who I am today.

If you had asked my mom when I decided to become a teacher, she would have told you at the age of three.  I don't know too many people that know what they want to do at three or have enough life experience to make that declaration, but apparently I did.  I've thought about this.  How did I get there?  What did my mom and dad foster in me at an early age that I knew I wanted to teach?  Whatever it was I love teaching.  My mom was the one I called on difficult days, when I needed new ideas or when everything I tried failed.

Since my mom passed I have had many big life changing moments, the kind where a girl really needs her mom.  While she may not have been here physically to hold my hand, set up my kitchen when I moved or give me great advice on my students she was still there.  What she taught me throughout my life is with me, that doesn't leave just because she is no longer here.  I get to keep each of those lessons, bits of advice, love and memories.

No matter how old I am or will be, I still need my mom and she is still here.

Lynda Diane was the first woman that impacted my life and the most important.

As I was pondering my new post I couldn't help but think of all the wonderful women in my life and how they shaped who I am today. I want to remember these women and their contributions to my life.  In the last two days I have filled up three pages in my journal with names of dear women and the gifts they have given me.  Many of these gifts are so personal I can't share them, but I want you to know how important these women are.  Here are a few lessons I've learned or gifts I have received from these dear family and friends.

Create a home your children want to return to and be sure the cookie jar is full.

Dance in the rain no matter what.

Imperfection is perfection.

Make time to play.

Be sure you have people in your life that make you laugh

Your most important relationship is with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Even when life gets hard and scary don't give up.

Hug it out.

Everyone is welcome.

Be you and let the rest go.

I love you where you are.

Always include the Lord

There is nothing wrong, just not quite right.

Love your children fiercely.

Our covenant paths may look different but we are all trying.

Love with all you have.

You don't have to be blood related to be family.

You can talk of Christ anywhere.

Practice makes permanent.

Dress for success even when sweeping the gutter.

This year Mother's Day was extra special, I got to spend it with my daughter.  I got to celebrate her being a mom of two sweet boys.  Pondering on the lasting influence of my mom and the women who have touched and helped shape my life has brought me much joy over the last few days.  I may be a few days late wishing each of you a Happy Mother's Day, but I hope all the women in my life know how much I love each of them.  I am grateful for each of you and the role you have played in my life.  

Solo Date Night

 

Whether I was teaching sixth grade or hanging with my grandson, I look forward to Friday nights.  Its date night.  We haven't always good about setting this time aside, but we got better after the kids graduated.  Since moving in with family we have made it a priority.  Each Friday night we do something together.

Tonight Sean is traveling for work, so I treated myself to a first ever "Solo Date Night".  I accomplished a few firsts tonight.  I ate dinner in a public restaurant solo.  It wasn't so bad.  I got caught up on today's social media.  I wouldn't make a habit of going out to eat alone, but it was doable in a pinch😂.

Washington DC Temple

One Friday night a month we set aside to attend the temple.  Since Sean is traveling it meant that I either
cancel our appointment and try to reschedule or go alone.  I chose to go.  I am so glad I did.  When I was teaching I could always tell it was time to get back to the temple.  The week prior to going seemed frazzled, extra stressful,  I felt out of sorts.  Going to the temple then and now seems to be a reset for me.  The temple is peaceful, there is no noise.  As the doors close behind me the worldly noise is forced to stay outside.  I love that.  I love that in the Lord's house I can Hear Him.  I can hear His words.  I can feel what I need to be doing differently in order to be the disciple He knows I can be.  I feel His warmth and love for me.  Its like going home, the place where you can take a deep breath and just be.

I haven't been feeling frazzled, out of sorts, or overly stressed.  I just needed to feel Heavenly Father's love.  Feeling His love started well before entering the temple.  The clouds began to thin and the sky lit up as the sun went down.  Sunsets are my favorite part of the day.

View of the temple from the Beltway

Before we moved I told Sean that when I got homesick or sad he could take me to two places to help me feel at home, the temple or the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.  Our new hometown is just 17 miles from the Washington DC temple.  I am enamored by the DC temple.  Just as you crest the rise on the freeway the temple appears.  It is striking in beauty and size.  So much so that every time we drive in that direction I take pictures.  It is truly beautiful.  It is where I feel at peace and for me that is home.

Its ok to do things alone.  Its ok to go to the temple alone.  Sometimes we need the alone time to decompress, not talk, but to just be quiet.  I missed my sweetheart tonight, but I'm so glad I did a few things on my own.

A Christ Centered Christmas

 I was so excited last Christmas to be a Grammy that I bought our future grandbaby a few Christmas presents.  One of those gifts was the Fisher-Price Little People Nativity set.  I knew he wouldn’t play with it for a while, but I couldn’t resist.

Have you seen this toy?  The star on the stable lights up, and plays “Away in a Manger ''.  The 18 pieces include Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, 3 Wise Men and stable animals.  I love that all the pieces are there so kids can act out the story of Christ’s birth.  

Growing up in the 70’s I was very familiar with Little People.  We had the bus, house, the farm, the parking garage, all the cars and so many accessories that my dad got us a mini trash can to store them in.  We played with our Little People for hours, days and weeks at a time.  These toys were by far our favorite.

Now that our grandson is interacting with his toys, the Nativity has become a favorite of his.  He loves to chew on them, bang them on the floor, toss them or knock them over as I set them up.  I have personal memories of playing with Little People.  I have memories of our kids playing with their Little People and now I am building memories of my grandchildren playing with them.

Having a nativity set just for him at this age was important.  I wanted to invite the true spirit of Christmas into our home and our play this time of year.  I can’t wait to see how he interacts with this next year. 

My son in-laws' mom had a similar idea of giving a nativity to our growing family, 25 Days of Christ.  I love this nativity set just as much, but for different reasons.  This nativity set draws the family closer to Christ by studying his life and teachings.  I think this set could be a great addition to our Easter traditions or be pulled out and used any time during the year.

These two nativity sets brought me to a crossroads of sorts.  How do I incorporate our Christmas traditions, with our daughters and include what she and her husband have  brought from his family, plus what they have created as a little family?  I didn’t want to abandon what Sean and I have created or what I have known my whole life, but I wanted to make sure our grandson and family had the best of all four worlds.  

This transition wasn’t easy.  I wasn’t sure where to put our things, how to decorate or where to hang our ornaments.  The night we decorated the tree I started to pull out our ornaments and then stopped.  I couldn’t see where to hang them.  I sat on the floor and encouraged Holly and Dreyton to hang theirs.  Slowly the tree started to take shape and I was able to see where ours would fit in.  The best part of the evening was Holly.  She was so excited to be home for Christmas and to have a tree that we decorated together.  She reminded me that it is all about being together.

We have three trees, one per floor. Each tree is decorated beautifully with ornaments from my childhood all the way to Cutie E's first ornament. Our home has at least two nativities per floor. No matter where you are in our home you can see that Christ is the center of our Christmas traditions. I love it. I love that we are combining traditions and creating new ones with love.  The answer to getting over what I think are hurdles is love, an open heart and open mind.  

I’ve included links if you are curious and want to check it out either nativity set.

Fischer Price Little People Nativity

25 Days of Christ