Stake Meeting

Today we had a special Stake Meeting (Conference). Elder D. Todd Chistofferson, one of the twelve apostles was in the area for leadership meetings and stayed to have a special meeting in our stake. It was so wonderful. It was just what I needed and I feel like I have been spiritually fed and uplifted in a major way. My testimony hasn't weakened at all by any means, but since I've been called to nursery and I now miss Sunday School and Relief Society, I feel like I have to work "extra" hard to keep it strong. I know that I can do the reading and study the lesson materials at home, but its just not the same and cant replace sitting in the peaceful church and being taught by another member who has prayed, studied, and been inspired on the lesson topic.

So yes, today was amazing. I loved being in the presence of an apostle. Aside from going to General Conference one time, about 10 years ago, I hadn't heard an apostle speak in person since I was about 9 years old. I was so glad I was able to take my children to see him speak. At the end of his talk, Elder Christofferson commented on the large number of youth and small children our stake had. He then asked the parents to stay behind so that he could meet and shake hands with each one of them. I was really touched by this. Aubrey was so proud to have met him. Afterwards she told me with much excitement: "I shook hands with one of Jesus' best friends mom!!" Ryan said: "Me love the 'postle, mamma." My heart melted. I feel so blessed to be the parent of two children with such sweet spirits and strong testimonies at such an early age.

I think one of the major highlights of Elder Christofferson's talk was when he bore his testimony. I can honestly say that I felt the truth of those words with every fiber of my being!! I am so ready to take on this next week. I feel so motivated, so moved, so strong and just so-- everything positive you could possibly think of!

Together Forever

January 8th, 2011 our family became a forever family.

The entire day was an emotional one (in a positive way, of course!) and honestly, one of the best days of my life. Before heading to the temple, we met some friends, family, and the missionaries at the church for a word of prayer before making the near two hour journey to the Sacramento Temple. We got there with enough time to take pictures outside, and boy was it cold!

We were so blessed to have so much love and support. Most of our ward was there. I had family make a long trip from northern Oregon. My best friend flew down from Washington. One of the missionaries that helped bring the gospel back into our lives came all the way from Utah. Their attendance meant so much to us and I am so grateful for their love.

I remember looking over at my husband and seeing him dressed in white. I literally fell in love with him all over again (He said the same thing too, bless his heart). We have been together since high school and that day was the day we celebrated 10 years of being together, and only a few months earlier we celebrated 5 years of marriage. My heart is still so full when I think back to that tender moment.

One thing that I will never forget is seeing my daughter and son come into the sealing room dressed in white. It was one of the most precious things I have ever seen. So innocent. So pure. I am so glad that at 4 years old my daughter was able to understand that she was going to be able to be with mommy and daddy forever and that she is old enough to be able to remember it. My son was a doll. When he came in, carried by one of the temple attendants, he looked up at the chandelier and said "Lights!" followed by "no no's.... no no's" (while still looking up at them)... it was cute and made everyone in the room smile. Although I have been married for several years already, those new vows we spoke were the ones that mattered.

I am so grateful for the temple. I am so grateful that we were able to set that example for our children... that families can be together forever... and that we did what it took to take them there.

Our lives have been so enriched from that experience. We have a deeper love for each other. I have a deeper love and appreciation for the gospel... for family history... for everything, really. I know that I speak for both my husband and myself when I say that we can't wait to go back. There is truly no place on earth that can compare to the peace felt within those walls.

It's been a while!

I haven't updated in a few months, but that in no way means that I have been suffering a spiritual drought. Quite the opposite in fact. I have been blessed in more ways than I can count :)