Well, it's late--but I couldn't end the day without a short little post about our Sweet Baby Kate. I'll post more later, and include pictures I promise! Kate turned 1 year old today. I can't believe how fast it has gone by. I remember this day a year ago like it was yesterday. My pregnancy with Kate was hard for many many reasons. However, I would go through it all again to have this sweet little girl in our family. Even after a year, she remains the sweetest, most patient, easy to please, happy baby I have ever met. She doesn't give kisses out like Gracie did, but you can't get a better hug from anyone else! She says Mama and Dada and she also says "Love You" which is interesting. I can't imagine my life without her. If I could have all my other babies as easy going and as loving as she is, I'd have 10 kids! We Love You SOOOO much Kate! Happy Birthday! (Again, a better post is forth-coming)
It was also a year ago today that my Dad entered the hospital. Who would have thought that after only giving him a 50% chance of surviving, and spending 9 long weeks in the hospital he would be doing so well. I received this text from him today: "Hope all is well. One year ago I entered the hospital and today I walked our big hill and ran in a 5K on Saturday. The Lord has been so good to me."
He is a walking miracle for sure! We're so glad you're healthy and back to yourself Dad! This has certainly been a year that we will always look back on with amazement as we have seen the hand of God in our lives both with blessing us with the most wonderful little baby girl, and literally seeing a dying man healed!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Look where we're going
This past weekend, we took a rather rushed (and very expensive) trip back to Idaho for Bryant's sisters wedding. We are really so very happy for Celeste and her new husband Rich! We got to know Rich a little bit before we moved to Texas, and he is a gem! We are so happy to have him officially in the family as well as our "new" nephew and niece Matthew (6 years) and Grace (4 years).
Rich and Celeste headed to Hawaii this past week for their honeymoon. As we were driving home from the Houston airport at 2am last Monday morning, Bryant and I were talking about how much we needed to take a trip--just the two of us. We had always talked about going somewhere after he graduated, but between his licensure exam, moving, starting his job right away, and the fact we really had no money for a trip at that time, it did not happen.
So, we decided we were going to look into something for this coming January. Bryant really wanted to go on a "beach" vacation. We still can't afford to go to Hawaii, but Pensacola is only a 7 hour drive from us. HOwever, the beach in January didn't sound that fun. 40 degrees and rainy is not exactly "beach weather."
Anyway, after talking to some friends, we have finally decided on a trip. Here are a few pictures of where we'll be going.
So, in case you can't guess--we're going on a CRUISE! It leaves out of Galveston Texas which is less than 2 hours away from us, and believe it or not, it costs less than $300 a person! It includes your room of course, and all your meals, shows, everything. It's all inclusive! It's going to the Yucatan and Cozumel! They have a tour of some Mayan ruins which we know are Nephite civilizations that we plan to go on when we have our day in Yucatan. (That does cost extra, but totally reasonable and something Bryant is really excited to do!)
My Mom is coming to watch the girls. I love my Mom for so many reasons. She is truly the greatest lady I know. One of the reasons I love her so much is because she is such a great Grandma. She loves my girls so much, and she would do anything for them--and for me. I think what makes her an even more wonderful Grandma, is that she loves my nephews just as much. I think that each of her grandkids would swear that THEY were her absolute favorites! As luck would have it, I found a plane ticket for my Mom from Las Vegas to Houston for $178 round trip! On Southwest, so bags fly free! AWESOME!
We have already booked and paid for the cruise as well, and Bryant and I are counting down the next 3 months already! We love our girls, but we need a little time for just the two of us to be together. A Husband and Wife's relationship is the most important. And after almost 7 years of marriage, we need a second honeymoon!
Rich and Celeste headed to Hawaii this past week for their honeymoon. As we were driving home from the Houston airport at 2am last Monday morning, Bryant and I were talking about how much we needed to take a trip--just the two of us. We had always talked about going somewhere after he graduated, but between his licensure exam, moving, starting his job right away, and the fact we really had no money for a trip at that time, it did not happen.
So, we decided we were going to look into something for this coming January. Bryant really wanted to go on a "beach" vacation. We still can't afford to go to Hawaii, but Pensacola is only a 7 hour drive from us. HOwever, the beach in January didn't sound that fun. 40 degrees and rainy is not exactly "beach weather."
Anyway, after talking to some friends, we have finally decided on a trip. Here are a few pictures of where we'll be going.
So, in case you can't guess--we're going on a CRUISE! It leaves out of Galveston Texas which is less than 2 hours away from us, and believe it or not, it costs less than $300 a person! It includes your room of course, and all your meals, shows, everything. It's all inclusive! It's going to the Yucatan and Cozumel! They have a tour of some Mayan ruins which we know are Nephite civilizations that we plan to go on when we have our day in Yucatan. (That does cost extra, but totally reasonable and something Bryant is really excited to do!)
My Mom is coming to watch the girls. I love my Mom for so many reasons. She is truly the greatest lady I know. One of the reasons I love her so much is because she is such a great Grandma. She loves my girls so much, and she would do anything for them--and for me. I think what makes her an even more wonderful Grandma, is that she loves my nephews just as much. I think that each of her grandkids would swear that THEY were her absolute favorites! As luck would have it, I found a plane ticket for my Mom from Las Vegas to Houston for $178 round trip! On Southwest, so bags fly free! AWESOME!
We have already booked and paid for the cruise as well, and Bryant and I are counting down the next 3 months already! We love our girls, but we need a little time for just the two of us to be together. A Husband and Wife's relationship is the most important. And after almost 7 years of marriage, we need a second honeymoon!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Life In Texas
I absolutely LOVE this guy! He is seriously the best husband and father I could ever have imagined. He's put up with me, especially lately, with patience and understanding. I appreciate him and all he does for me and our girls.
We've been in Texas now for not quite 3 months. It seems like it's gone by so fast. Bryant is doing great at his new job. He enjoys it most of the time, he has great co-workers, and he feels confident in his abilities as a Physical Therapist. I'm proud of him. I'm so glad he found such a good "first" job as well. Being happy at work is so important. We're also really enjoying the bi-weekly paycheck again. For the past three years we would get one rather small student loan check to live on for 3 1/2 months until the next one came. I'm so so glad we're done with those days!
The BIG news for us--mostly for Bryant--is that he got a new calling at church. We got here in July, in August Elder Holland came to our Stake Conference to release our Stake Presidency, and the Bishop of our ward was called as the new Stake President. So, 2 weeks ago we finally got a new Bishop and a new Bishopric, and Bryant was called as the Ward Clerk. He's been super nervous about this new calling. He does have a lot of responsibilities. He is required to attend all Bishopric meetings, and Priesthood leadership meetings now, as well as oversee the membership records and all the finances in the ward. He has other responsibilities as well, and he's just trying to figure it all out as he goes along. This calling will take him away from home more often than any other calling he's had since we've been married. I will have to get the girls ready and get to church by myself. I will also have to bring them home and get them fed and down for naps on Sunday by myself. With the new Bishopric, they are having kind of a lot of meetings right now trying to figure everything out.
All I can say, is that I feel so grateful to have a husband that is a Worthy Priesthood holder and who is Willing to serve wherever asked. He's felt quite overwhelmed with his new assignments. But he's determined to do a good job and learn what he needs to learn to be successful. I admire his determination!
In other news, the girls are doing great! Gracie is going through her terrible 3's. I must say 3 has been much much worse than 2! But, she's a sweetheart too. She LOVES her little sister. She has a lot of friends here, and she's learning at an amazing rate. She knows her ABC's, she can count to 20, she is learning to tie shoes, she knows a lot of the primary songs. I signed her up for dance classes as well. She's in a "Creative Movements/Acro" class once a week and she loves it. She loves wearing her leotard and her dance shoes, and she'll dance for just about anyone that will watch her! She also loves her friends, riding her bike and swimming!
Kate is almost a year old. I can't believe it! I doesn't seem like it's been that long. I remember the day I had her like it was yesterday. She is the sweetest baby I've ever met. She loves watching Gracie play. She's been walking for about a month now, and she is into everything! She is a HUGE Momma's girl, which I love. She gives me lots of hugs and she is so patient and easy going most of the time. I just love this little baby Kate of mine!
So, Life in Texas has been good to us so far! We're excited for the things that are in our near future--like buying a house! We meet with our realtor October 11 to start the process! I do miss my family. My Mom and Gracie has always had a very special relationship and not a day goes by that Gracie doesn't ask for her Bubby. But, I know we are suppose to be here right now, and I think for the most part, we're all really happy here!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Freedom and Appreciation
Many of you know I have a brother who has been deployed to Iraq for the past 13 months. He left before his youngest boy turned one. He will (hopefully be home) by the time he turns two. He and his family have made a HUGE sacrifice for well over a year now, while he does what he's asked to fight the war on terrorism. I haven't personally talked with Troy at all since his departure. I have however, kept up on how he's doing, and where he's at the best I could. I have heard from my Sister in law and my nephews a bit. This deployment has been hard for them. Bethany (Troy's wife) has had to be a single parent. She's had to not only care for her children, but she's also had to deal with feelings of loneliness, fear, sadness, etc. I always HATE it when Bryant is gone, and he's only ever left for a few days at a time, and it's never been to a place where he would be in harms way. I can only imagine what the past 13 months have been like for Bethany and their boys. I write about this because this is a historic day. It's a day that will always be remembered, reverenced, thought about for years to come. This day 10 years ago, this nation was attacked, and from that tragedy, came a kind of UNITY that was indeed very special.
A few days ago, my sister in law received an email. This person basically said that she always hears people say how grateful they are for the military, specifically the troops deployed overseas. She then asked, WHY she should be grateful to them. She didn't understand how they were protecting her freedom. Her question, Bethany said was sincere, but it was hard to find a response.
Troy responded to this question. I thought he said it so beautifully, and he hit the nail right on the head. This is his response:
"Throughout my deployment to Iraq I pondered the questions “what am I doing here?” and “What is the point?” I wondered if our being in Iraq was really making a safer America. I do not know if what we did really impacted the United States and frankly I am uninterested in having some political debate on the matter.
I have however come to some conclusions. The United States have undoubtedly fought some seemingly pointless wars. One might say that in recent history we fought such a war to the tune of 60,000 American lives. I am of course speaking of Vietnam.
Whether our military is engaged in a seemingly pointless conflict or one with substance and true meaning such as WWII is not the point. It matters not if the 116BCT made a difference in keeping America Safe. The fact is that men and women are willing to put on their uniform that will always stand for freedom and answer the call of their government leaders. We do not sit back and debate the matter nor do we decline to go because we do not feel it is making an impact or it is a pointless engagement.
The men and women of the United States Military answer the call and will always answer the call regardless of a complete understanding on the matter casting their individual feelings aside. This is what we admire and appreciate about the armed forces.
We have the greatest military in the world. While other militaries are weak and influenced by corrupt generals or drug lords we enjoy a military that is bound by the rules and laws set forth by the constitution and enforced by congress. This is why it is so important that we ponder and search out our political leadership. The armed forces answer the call of the government and the government is elected for the people by the people.
So why do we admire the military when they are engaged in a conflict that one may disagree with or find pointless? We admire them not for the conflict they are associated with but for their willingness to stand at a post with a watchful eye as quite often unappreciated guardians of freedom."
So today especially I would like to give the most sincere THANK YOU to ALL the men and women of the armed forces. To all those who have served, who are still serving and who will serve, To those have given their lives, and to those willing to give their lives if necessary, for those who willingly "stand at a post with a watchful eye" and act as "guardians of freedom" so that my children can grow up in a country where we enjoy Freedom----I APPRECIATE YOU! I appreciate the sacrifice you AND your families have made, are making and will make for mine! May we always remember and never forget, Freedom is not free, and keeping freedom is not free either.
A few days ago, my sister in law received an email. This person basically said that she always hears people say how grateful they are for the military, specifically the troops deployed overseas. She then asked, WHY she should be grateful to them. She didn't understand how they were protecting her freedom. Her question, Bethany said was sincere, but it was hard to find a response.
Troy responded to this question. I thought he said it so beautifully, and he hit the nail right on the head. This is his response:
"Throughout my deployment to Iraq I pondered the questions “what am I doing here?” and “What is the point?” I wondered if our being in Iraq was really making a safer America. I do not know if what we did really impacted the United States and frankly I am uninterested in having some political debate on the matter.
I have however come to some conclusions. The United States have undoubtedly fought some seemingly pointless wars. One might say that in recent history we fought such a war to the tune of 60,000 American lives. I am of course speaking of Vietnam.
Whether our military is engaged in a seemingly pointless conflict or one with substance and true meaning such as WWII is not the point. It matters not if the 116BCT made a difference in keeping America Safe. The fact is that men and women are willing to put on their uniform that will always stand for freedom and answer the call of their government leaders. We do not sit back and debate the matter nor do we decline to go because we do not feel it is making an impact or it is a pointless engagement.
The men and women of the United States Military answer the call and will always answer the call regardless of a complete understanding on the matter casting their individual feelings aside. This is what we admire and appreciate about the armed forces.
We have the greatest military in the world. While other militaries are weak and influenced by corrupt generals or drug lords we enjoy a military that is bound by the rules and laws set forth by the constitution and enforced by congress. This is why it is so important that we ponder and search out our political leadership. The armed forces answer the call of the government and the government is elected for the people by the people.
So why do we admire the military when they are engaged in a conflict that one may disagree with or find pointless? We admire them not for the conflict they are associated with but for their willingness to stand at a post with a watchful eye as quite often unappreciated guardians of freedom."
So today especially I would like to give the most sincere THANK YOU to ALL the men and women of the armed forces. To all those who have served, who are still serving and who will serve, To those have given their lives, and to those willing to give their lives if necessary, for those who willingly "stand at a post with a watchful eye" and act as "guardians of freedom" so that my children can grow up in a country where we enjoy Freedom----I APPRECIATE YOU! I appreciate the sacrifice you AND your families have made, are making and will make for mine! May we always remember and never forget, Freedom is not free, and keeping freedom is not free either.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
One Year, and Stake Conference
Wow, it was a year ago today that we left Spokane and began our adventures of moving from place to place in anticipation of Bryant's final year of grad school to conclude. SO much has happened in the past 12 months, it seems like a million years ago in so many ways.
This past year has been the most trying and stressful of my life that I can remember. I has been filled with wonderful new friends, and life changing events and experiences as well, that's for sure, but to be completely honest, I'm glad this past year is over! Stress and Anxiety have been such a constant in my life this past year, that I'm having a hard time snapping out of it. I feel so uptight and on edge all the time, and to be honest I don't really know why.
However...
We just had a WONDERFUL Stake Conference this weekend. By far the best I have ever attended. Elder Jeffrey R Holland was here--a real treat for the Saints here in the little towns of South East Texas, and not something that happens all that often! We got a new Stake Presidency today, which was a very spiritual event in and of itself, as we got to hear the words of the out-going Stake President who has served for 10 1/2 years in that calling, and who is so obviously loved, admired and respected by the people in this Stake; and the words of the new Stake President who is absolutely the man the Lord has called to fulfill this assignment.
Elder Holland spoke to us about Trials. I felt like he was talking just to me. I do feel I have done the absolute best I could possibly have done dealing with the difficulties, craziness, and down right hard things that have come up this past year. However, I NEEDED to hear what Elder Holland said. I NEEDED to understand the Atonement is something I need to use more in my life. The Atonement is NOT just to be used when you've sinned. It's to be used in all aspects of life--especially our trials! I hope I can put his counsel into action more in my life.
So--as glad as I am that the past 12 months are "past" I am grateful so much for the things I have learned. The growth that has come, and the the strengthening of my faith and testimony. My trials are not over. Like I said, I feel like I'm having a hard time snapping out of my constant state of stress and anxiety. However, I know I'm suppose to learn something from this. And as Elder Holland said in his talk Saturday night:
"Endure, and look forward to Days of Happiness ahead!" These are definitely words for us all to live by!
This past year has been the most trying and stressful of my life that I can remember. I has been filled with wonderful new friends, and life changing events and experiences as well, that's for sure, but to be completely honest, I'm glad this past year is over! Stress and Anxiety have been such a constant in my life this past year, that I'm having a hard time snapping out of it. I feel so uptight and on edge all the time, and to be honest I don't really know why.
However...
We just had a WONDERFUL Stake Conference this weekend. By far the best I have ever attended. Elder Jeffrey R Holland was here--a real treat for the Saints here in the little towns of South East Texas, and not something that happens all that often! We got a new Stake Presidency today, which was a very spiritual event in and of itself, as we got to hear the words of the out-going Stake President who has served for 10 1/2 years in that calling, and who is so obviously loved, admired and respected by the people in this Stake; and the words of the new Stake President who is absolutely the man the Lord has called to fulfill this assignment.
Elder Holland spoke to us about Trials. I felt like he was talking just to me. I do feel I have done the absolute best I could possibly have done dealing with the difficulties, craziness, and down right hard things that have come up this past year. However, I NEEDED to hear what Elder Holland said. I NEEDED to understand the Atonement is something I need to use more in my life. The Atonement is NOT just to be used when you've sinned. It's to be used in all aspects of life--especially our trials! I hope I can put his counsel into action more in my life.
So--as glad as I am that the past 12 months are "past" I am grateful so much for the things I have learned. The growth that has come, and the the strengthening of my faith and testimony. My trials are not over. Like I said, I feel like I'm having a hard time snapping out of my constant state of stress and anxiety. However, I know I'm suppose to learn something from this. And as Elder Holland said in his talk Saturday night:
"Endure, and look forward to Days of Happiness ahead!" These are definitely words for us all to live by!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Happy Birthday Gracie Girl!
Well, our little Gracie finally turned 3! I've been saying that she's 3 for a while, but now it's official! Bryant and I waited for her to join our family for so long, and it seems like the last three years have gone by in a flash in some ways! On the other hand, I almost can't remember life without her.
Gracie has been SO SO SO excited for her birthday, She got really into birthdays about 4 or 5 months ago, and the reality of HER having her own birthday was just so wonderful to her! She's been talking about what she wanted to do for her birthday for over a month now, and the last week or so, she's gotten up in the middle of the night to ask if it was her birthday yet. It was nice for her to plan her own birthday really....All we had to do was what she wanted...which was all very doable, so it worked out great, and she had a fabulous birthday weekend!
On Saturday we left early to go to the Houston Zoo. She's been wanted to go to the zoo since we got here. We had so much fun, especially because one of my very favorite mission companions and her husband and two very cute little boys just moved to the Houston area, and they met us as the zoo! Gracie LOVED having friends with her, and I loved catching up with my old blast from the past! I'm so excited they live so close now!
Anyway, we spent over 4 hours at the zoo. Here are some of the fun pictures Bryant took with his fancy new camera!
Brushing the goat at the petting zoo area. A miracle--she usually freaks out if they get too close to her!
Playing the Drums with Spencer and Josh
Could it be a match made in heaven? I'd totally be okay with that!
My sweet little Kate! She was such a trooper!
The Birthday Girl! Isn't she Cute?!
The Chimps
I just thought this was funny! She didn't get just putting her face in the hole!
Thanks Shauna, Richard, Spencer and Josh for coming to the zoo with us!
After the zoo, we went to our hotel. And we all took showers, because we were literally drenched from the hot humid SouthEast Texas weather! And the girls took a much needed nap!
And THEN...we went to a pre-season football game! Something else Gracie really wanted to do (as long as popcorn was involved at the game) and something Bryant was more than happy to make happen for her! We saw the Texans and the Saints play. It was fun!
A picture of the field!
Gracie and her Daddy
Gracie and her Mommy
We were all EXHAUSTED once the days was over. But it was a dream come true for the Birthday Girl, and it was worth every minute of it!
We drove back early Sunday morning in time for (most of) church. And then we had homemade cupcakes decorated with sprinkles and Cinderella toys, and she got to open her presents.
Ready to Blow out the Candles
Opening Presents with her friend Aubrey
Her new bike! She's been asking for a bike for a while now. She's excited to go ride it tonight! (It's gonna be our FHE activity!)
I think Gracie had a very memorable, fun, wonderful 3rd Birthday!
We sure love you Gracie Girl! I just don't know how we ever lived without you! Happy Birthday!
Gracie has been SO SO SO excited for her birthday, She got really into birthdays about 4 or 5 months ago, and the reality of HER having her own birthday was just so wonderful to her! She's been talking about what she wanted to do for her birthday for over a month now, and the last week or so, she's gotten up in the middle of the night to ask if it was her birthday yet. It was nice for her to plan her own birthday really....All we had to do was what she wanted...which was all very doable, so it worked out great, and she had a fabulous birthday weekend!
On Saturday we left early to go to the Houston Zoo. She's been wanted to go to the zoo since we got here. We had so much fun, especially because one of my very favorite mission companions and her husband and two very cute little boys just moved to the Houston area, and they met us as the zoo! Gracie LOVED having friends with her, and I loved catching up with my old blast from the past! I'm so excited they live so close now!
Anyway, we spent over 4 hours at the zoo. Here are some of the fun pictures Bryant took with his fancy new camera!
Brushing the goat at the petting zoo area. A miracle--she usually freaks out if they get too close to her!
Playing the Drums with Spencer and Josh
Could it be a match made in heaven? I'd totally be okay with that!
My sweet little Kate! She was such a trooper!
The Birthday Girl! Isn't she Cute?!
The Chimps
I just thought this was funny! She didn't get just putting her face in the hole!
Thanks Shauna, Richard, Spencer and Josh for coming to the zoo with us!
After the zoo, we went to our hotel. And we all took showers, because we were literally drenched from the hot humid SouthEast Texas weather! And the girls took a much needed nap!
And THEN...we went to a pre-season football game! Something else Gracie really wanted to do (as long as popcorn was involved at the game) and something Bryant was more than happy to make happen for her! We saw the Texans and the Saints play. It was fun!
A picture of the field!
Gracie and her Daddy
Gracie and her Mommy
We were all EXHAUSTED once the days was over. But it was a dream come true for the Birthday Girl, and it was worth every minute of it!
We drove back early Sunday morning in time for (most of) church. And then we had homemade cupcakes decorated with sprinkles and Cinderella toys, and she got to open her presents.
Ready to Blow out the Candles
Opening Presents with her friend Aubrey
Her new bike! She's been asking for a bike for a while now. She's excited to go ride it tonight! (It's gonna be our FHE activity!)
I think Gracie had a very memorable, fun, wonderful 3rd Birthday!
We sure love you Gracie Girl! I just don't know how we ever lived without you! Happy Birthday!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
I Love to See the Temple...
This past Saturday, Bryant and I had the opportunity to go to the Houston Temple and do a session for the first time. It was really nice to go, and it's always fun to visit a new Temple! The High Priest Group in our ward "sponsored" this temple trip. We all met at the Temple and they had people there to watch our kids while we did a session. What a nice service! I really appreciated it, and I'm glad so many families took advantage of the opportunity.
After the session as I was in the Celestial Room waiting for Bryant, I noticed a young man who had just taken out his own endowments. There were TONS of people there in support of him, and he had the biggest smile on his face. It was obvious that he was loved by his ward family. I wondered what this man's story was. He was there without family (he was the only black man in the session), and he was not old, but not 19 either. I wondered if he was perhaps a convert to the church who was ready to leave on a mission himself.
Seeing him made me think of the first time I went through the Temple. It was a little over 9 years ago for me. It was a little overwhelming for sure, but as I've gone back to the Temple over these past 9 years, I've come to have a deep love and appreciation for the covenants and promises made there. It's because of the Temple marriage that Bryant and I have that allows our family to be together for eternity. I went through the Temple in preparation to serving a mission of course. I also had a lot of supporters from my home ward attend with me, as well as my parents of course. Living in Southern California, we were assigned to the San Diego Temple--one of the most beautiful in my opinion. I vividly recall a sweet worker coming and speaking to me and telling me how grateful she was for my desire and willingness to serve the Lord as a missionary. She shared her own conversion story and was so very grateful for the missionaries that brought the gospel to her. She then turned to my Mom and said she was equally grateful for the Mothers that raised these young men and women that would be missionaries all over the world, and who were willing to send them off for 18 months to 2 years. It's a sweet memory for me.
I learned that this young man was not going on a mission, but had joined the church about a year ago and was simply going through the Temple to further his progression in the church. What a fantastic conversion story!
Afterwards, we picked the girls up, and walked around the Temple with them for a few minutes, and Bryant got to try out his new camera! We then headed straight to Minute Maid Park to watch the Astros and Brewers play. It was a really wonderful Saturday!
After the session as I was in the Celestial Room waiting for Bryant, I noticed a young man who had just taken out his own endowments. There were TONS of people there in support of him, and he had the biggest smile on his face. It was obvious that he was loved by his ward family. I wondered what this man's story was. He was there without family (he was the only black man in the session), and he was not old, but not 19 either. I wondered if he was perhaps a convert to the church who was ready to leave on a mission himself.
Seeing him made me think of the first time I went through the Temple. It was a little over 9 years ago for me. It was a little overwhelming for sure, but as I've gone back to the Temple over these past 9 years, I've come to have a deep love and appreciation for the covenants and promises made there. It's because of the Temple marriage that Bryant and I have that allows our family to be together for eternity. I went through the Temple in preparation to serving a mission of course. I also had a lot of supporters from my home ward attend with me, as well as my parents of course. Living in Southern California, we were assigned to the San Diego Temple--one of the most beautiful in my opinion. I vividly recall a sweet worker coming and speaking to me and telling me how grateful she was for my desire and willingness to serve the Lord as a missionary. She shared her own conversion story and was so very grateful for the missionaries that brought the gospel to her. She then turned to my Mom and said she was equally grateful for the Mothers that raised these young men and women that would be missionaries all over the world, and who were willing to send them off for 18 months to 2 years. It's a sweet memory for me.
I learned that this young man was not going on a mission, but had joined the church about a year ago and was simply going through the Temple to further his progression in the church. What a fantastic conversion story!
Afterwards, we picked the girls up, and walked around the Temple with them for a few minutes, and Bryant got to try out his new camera! We then headed straight to Minute Maid Park to watch the Astros and Brewers play. It was a really wonderful Saturday!
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