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.

Projects with Pops

We have a great home.  But like any home that is 30 years old there is a lot of work that needs to be done.  

Lately most of our weekends are spent painting.  Its not always easy with Cutie E and Cutie O running around, especially if Pops has out a cool looking tool.

On this particular Saturday the boys were fascinated by the palm sander.  

Cutie O usually stands a safe distance from something new that makes a strange noise, but not this time.  He was very interested in the palm sander.  He loved its sound how it felt as it vibrated.

Cutie E definitely wanted in on the action and couldn't wait to touch it.  

Of course we discuss safety first, but I think they will be big helps on future projects.

On another occasion it was the boys having all the fun while Pops was working.  A quick break to play with the boys turned into tickling Pops, messing up his hair even more and copying him.

Aren't the three of them adorable? 

Strawberry Time

The last time I picked strawberries was in 1984, at the end of my 7th grade year.  I wanted to earn some money so I signed up to pick Hood Strawberries on Sauvie Island.  It was hard work, I only lasted a week bending over rows and rows of strawberry plants.  

After that week of picking I said I would never do it again.  I would rather pay a bit more and buy them picked.

I kept that promise till a month ago when I decided to not only pick strawberries, but to take the boys. This time I was much older with tired knees and two cuties going in different directions.

A friend let me know of a local strawberry patch that had yummy berries.  Just after breakfast we got dressed to pick berries with our friends.  It was a  lovely spring morning with sunshine, blue sky and a slight breeze.

Keeping the boys occupied while picking wasn't too hard.  They made discoveries on their own that kept them busy.  Cutie O just ate the berries off the vines instead of putting them in the bucket.  And Cutie E was more interested in dumping the full bucket of picked berries on to the ground or playing with the field flag markers.  

As the morning wore on their attention to the field became more about riding the green tractor again.  That's when I knew it was time to go.  

How do you get 2 buckets with 23 pounds of berries and two little boys from the field to the tractor, up the stairs and seated for our ride.  GREAT QUESTION.

ANSWER:  Cutie O on my left hip, carrying one bucket in my left hand while holding Cutie E's hand and bucket with my right hand.  I'm sure I looked like a chaotic mess.

By the time we got to the cash register I didn't have any strength in my arms or hands to hold the boys.  That is when this Gammy is grateful for the love of rocks.  The boys found fun in playing with all the rocks in the shaded area near the register.

As soon as we got home we started washing and capping the berries for jam.  Both of the boys mashed, stirred and held jars as Gammy filled them with freezer jam.  The kitchen filled with smells of strawberry jam and homemade bread to go with dinner.

We had a wonderful morning at the strawberry patch but our afternoon naps were a great end to a busy morning in the fields.   

Heat Wave

 The Heat Wave has arrived!

Its too hot to do anything outside or much of anything else unless you are sitting next to a fan.

Pool Time

The boys love playing outside.  Cutie O asks often to go outside, he will even bring you his shoes.  They love to dig in the dirt, kick the ball, scribble with sidewalk chalk, ride on their Tonka dump trucks, bubbles and playing with the neighbors.

The next 10 days are going to be a bit too hot to do all of their favorite things.  In order to get them outside we had to speed up breakfast and get out as early as possible.

Today the boys splashed in the pool under the shade of one of our trees.  There was a slight breeze and it was only 90º with 65% humidity at 10 a.m.  ONLY!!!!

SpLaSh!

These two cuties and our neighbors could have lasted much longer in the cool water, but this Gammy had melted through by 11 a.m.

Tomorrow looks even hotter, I think we will stay inside, enjoy the AC and do some summer crafts.

He figured out how to squirt the neighbors with the hose.

He's 2

 My Sweet Cutie E turned 2!

This is where the fun begins as he discovers our amazing world and I get to be there for it.

Language. Cutie E is picking up new words everyday.  I need to write them down. Sometimes he takes me by surprise with a new word or when he finally said my name, "Gammy".  Now he just has fun repeating it 3 times in a row.  I love when he calls for Gammy every time.

Observant.  This little dude really is watching what we are doing, our reactions to situations, the words we use and then he catalogs them away.  I was shocked when he announced "Daddy is home" as he saw him turn the corner onto our street from the window.  I had no idea he knew which car his dad drove.  

Sometimes he just knows what to do, like blowing out his birthday candles.  

Independence.  Holly use to tell us, "I do it!" Emerson just makes a fist and says "beep, beep" while pushing you away so  he can get us to back away.  He has something he wants to do on his own or wants someone else to help him. For the record I never say 'beep, beep"🤣

Helper.  Ask him to do you a favor and he will jump to it.  He loves to get diapers, wipes, feed the doggies, carry stuff for you, get his plate and cup and put clothes in the washer and dryer.  But his favorite is to vacuum with the corn popper or Swiffer after I've cleaned the floors.

Lately he is all about carrying things like a gallon of milk or laundry detergent.  Yesterday he unloaded a box from Amazon.  It was a rather large box but he figured out how to get the smaller box out of the larger one and take it up the stairs.

Interactive Play.  Just the other day he mimicked a game they were playing on "Bluey", with the sound of a horse and everything.  The horsey sound is his favorite. He loves playing with his cars, especially on his new city and road carpet.  His car sounds are getting pretty good.

Mimicking.  While this wasn't my favorite stage when my kids were growing up, I do find it hilarious now.  I love that he finds it funny to give me a zerbert after I've given him one.  Or his new game of saying "no, no" and I say "yes, yes". 

Humorous.  This kiddo is so funny and he knows it.  He loves to tease, jump on you and get you to laugh.

Facial Expressions.  As if I didn't know how ridiculous I was, his little face will tell me.  Its so hard to keep a straight face when he makes silly faces, mimics your expression or has a new one to share.

Jesus.  He is so sweet and innocent.  He knows who Jesus is and will call him by name when he looks at a picture, statue or see's him in a book.  Lately he has been asking for certain primary songs or church video's again.  That means he wants to listen or watch again.

Determined.  The determination of a 2 year old to get their way is power and strength at its best.  Good thing we are a bit stronger and more determined.

Kisses.  If Sean and I leave we can't head for the door without good bye kisses.  He makes the sound of a kiss to let you know he wants a kiss or to give you one.  Its so cute.

Big Brother.  He is coming into his own as the BIG Brother.  Just the other day I told Cutie O no, no.  That was followed by Cutie E telling him no as well.  Older Brother knows best.

He does love to give Cutie O hugs and kisses.  They might look more like the WWE when shared and O might not always appreciate them, but they are shared in love.

Favorites Emerge.  Opening Cutie O's door once he is awake and climbing into the crib, "CARS" movie, school busses, veggies, book-books-books, 'Bluey", sidewalk chalk, digging, sticks, bath time, play dough, cooking, socks, long sleeves, music, singing, his quilt, his zebra and tiger stuffies, slides and the park.

This little 2 year old is such a love.  I am so blessed to be with him every day and watch him discover our amazing world.

Love you Cutie E.

Some of these items contain affiliate links.  Meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I share these with you because I genuinely enjoy these items and hope you will as well.

  

Breaking Up the Winter Blues

 My Cutie Boys, this has been a tough winter.  Bitter cold temperatures have kept us inside and you have missed playing outside and being with other kids.

Just a few weeks ago you were standing at the sliding glass door asking to go outside.

Mommy and I have had to get creative to keep you two busy during this very cold, long winter.

I started by planning weekly activities for you.  Each week I selected a theme for the month, skills to work on, and then I planned activities, art projects and stories to read that related to the theme.  I included outings if it was warm enough and even some gospel centered videos or coloring pages.  Having something new to do each day was very helpful.

Both of you love to paint and Cutie E discovered that glue sticks are sticky fun.

Luckily the basement has a couple of long hallways.  This allows us to roll, pick up, kick or chase a ball. Both of you are getting so good at ball skills, but you like playing chase best. 

Cutie O got a Water Table for his birthday.  We did not wait till summer to put this together.  Currently it is set up in the living room.  NO WATER!  Just fun toys to play with in a different part of the house, breaking up the boredom of playing in one room with the same toys has helped a lot.

Helping mom put the water table together

For the last couple of weeks both of you have darted to the living room window to watch the kids wait for the school bus and board once it arrives.  Cutie E loves school busses.  To him every big vehicle that passes the house that is yellow is a school bus.  It is adorable to watch you knock on the window and wave to the kids.  Both of you love when they wave back.  

Currently you both love animals and making different animal sounds.  For Christmas you got the Fisher Price Little People Safari Playset.  This has been a lot of fun to play with.  It is very interactive with lights, fun songs, animals, and you can even match the animal to its habitat.  I love that it is tall so that both of you can stand and play together.

As you get older I need to remember to take you to an indoor climbing gym.  Both of you climb on chairs, up the outside of the stairs, onto the couches, up the ottoman, and anything else stationary.  Cutie O isn't as steady and makes me a little nervous.

Your Mommy looked into an indoor climbing set to help keep you two busy and active while stuck inside.  She found one, an Indoor Play Gym.

This was supposed to be for Cutie E's birthday, but you two needed something other than the kitchen table chair.  Mommy broke it out a little  early, but both you you have LOVED it.  Over the last few weeks this has been a life saver.  The two of you have been climbing up, over and under, plus sliding, rocking and building your way through the day.  You have figured out how to drive your cars up the slide and zoom back down.  Your stuffies enjoy sliding as well.  

There are many different configurations to these 3 pieces, making it  different each time you play.  You two are also finding new ways to play with your toys using the slide and arch.  The four adults in your lives have loved that you are able to use some of your energy  inside the family room while it is too cold to play outside.  

A few rounds of chase, sliding down the stairs, throwing a ball down the hall, tossing stuffies over the railings, baking and a few cozy movie days have also made this cold, snowy winter much more fun.  

Spring is hinting at its arrival allowing us to get outside a bit more.  We can't wait for those warmer spring days filled with sidewalk chalk, trikes, balls, walks and stroller rides, but until then we will continue to enjoy these new indoor adventures. 

Some of these items contain affiliate links.  Meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I share these with you because I genuinely enjoy these items and hope you will as well.

Cutie O

 Today I was reviewing my posts and found this gem all ready to go, but not posted.  I can't believe it got lost in other posts.  This is a morning I don't want to forget, so I'm going to share even though we are heading into spring and Cutie O is walking.

Its not very often that I get one on one time with Cutie O.  This morning Cutie E had a doctors appointment, which left Cutie O and I some quality one on one time.

Our little "O" is adorable.  He has a smile that lights up his entire face.  I love how he giggles at silly sounds, funny faces or peek-a-boo. 

Last week at the park he was flying low in a baby swing.  He got so excited as he zoomed toward me that his little fists would shake, he was smiling and  giggling all at the same time.  I couldn't help but giggle with him.  

Lately he has been trying to keep up with his brother.  He is creeping everywhere, learned how to get up the step between the family room and kitchen, he balances his hand on anything that allows his feet to be planted on the floor.  He has a good looking "downward facing dog", but his planks put all of us to shame.

So, today was a wonderful treat.   We enjoyed a long walk to the post office.

The leaves are beginning to change, some are even falling.  Hearing the crunch of leaves as I step is a joyful sound.  Cutie O was graced by a brown leaf falling right onto his lap.  Once he noticed it, he grabbed it and held on tight.  He tried eating it, but the stem poked his cheek and Grammy pushed it away.

He kept twisting his wrist and hand to get a good look at the leaf.  As we were heading home from our walk he fell asleep gripping that same leaf.

Our morning together ended with some play time, lunch and his first taste of Cheerios.  I think I need more one on one time with each of the boys.

A Week With Gammy & Pops

"Over the river and through the woods to . . . "

Wait you two do not need to travel over the river and through the woods to spend the week with Gammy and Pops.  You can just toddle downstairs or call for "Gammy" or "Pops".

In 2013 we were looking for a larger home to accommodate our children looking more like adults.  We didn't have enough elbow room let alone bathrooms.  No teenage boy enjoys sharing a bathroom with two sisters and NO mom enjoys the daily morning arguments that ensued over shower time and long hair.

Our search took us back to a neighboring town we did not expect to move to.  As we walked through our home Sean and I looked at all the possibilities that met our immediate needs, but the ones we were most excited about were the pictures in our mind of this home filled with our children's families, especially grands.

One of our goals was to have Grandparent Summer Retreats with the Grands as soon as they were old enough.  We talked of remodeling Harrison's room with twin beds and a big tv for movie nights and slumber parties.  We dreamed of playing in the yard, bonfires with s'mores, frosting cookies in the kitchen and taking them to the beach.

We didn't want to leave out our children, but this special retreat was for Gammy and Pops to spend time with their grandkiddo's, give them time with cousins and spoil all of them as much as we wanted.  

Our dream still exists, but it has adjusted a bit.  We don't own a home, we live with Cutie E and Cutie O and we will be moving every few years.  No matter, we will figure out a way.  

Last week we had our first Gammy & Pops Retreat.  In many ways it felt like all we had hoped for.  Sean and I slumber partied on the top floor in the spare bedroom, we took naps, watched "CARS", jumped on the beds, helped Pops with a couple of projects, visited Home Depot so the boys could drive the Car Cart, had McDonalds for lunch, took a ride to a state park, played outside and even went to the park.

The week started our super cold, so indoor activities were best.  That helped since all four of us had colds and one Cutie O was cutting 4 chomper teeth at the same time.  

My favorite time with the boys wasn't where we went, but the cozy moments at home.

Each night I sat next to Cutie E at dinner.  On night 3, he says, "Gammy" and reaches over and gives me a big hug.  He did this all on his own.  His first real show of affection without being prompted.  I felt so special.

One evening after cleaning the kitchen from dinner Sean played on the floor with the boys.  When he laid flat they would tackle him, try to tickle him or surf on his back.  I remember him doing that with our own kids.  Listening to the giggles, rough house noised and tumbles brought back many fond memories.

Bath time was a blast.  Those two boys are like little fish swimming around, floating, and playing with the coolest bathtub toys.  Sean and I were amazed watching Cutie E take apart the Waterworks Pipe Toy, then use the pitcher to pour water into the top and plug up the pipe so he could stop up the water.

Holly ordered them the coolest Emergency Car light up bathtub toys.  These cars light up when they are in water.  The boys would drive them all over the tub.

And who doesn't need a Whale Sprinkler in their bath.  Our grandsons.  This whale is adorable.  The boys love to play with the water that it sprouts up, watch him float and light up.

Bath time was really the best.  Sorry no pictures 😂

When the weather finally warmed and noses dried up we headed back to our favorite park, this time we took Pops.  The boys showed him all of their favorite things to do.  Climbing, running, the slide and swings.  Cutie E asked Gammy and Pops to swing with him, he even assigned us specific swings.

Our first Gammy & Pops Retreat was a success.  Even with colds, runny noses and cutting teeth we had a wonderful week with the boys.  They were super excited when Mommy and Daddy came home, we were too. 

Some of these items contain affiliate links.  Meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I share these with you because I genuinely enjoy these items and hope you will as well.