Families Are Forever

December 22, 2009: We celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary by being sealed together as a family in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple in South Jordan, Utah. When we got married in Evanston, Wyoming eight years ago it had to be the coldest day ever. That's all our guests remember about our wedding is how cold it was. Well, 8 years later it was a cold, snowy day. I guess it was fitting.

Our friend Emily came to our house a little early to take a few pictures of our family before we left. She rode with us to the temple. Naturally, we were running a bit late. En route Spence realized he forgot temple clothes so we had to turn around. Once at the temple the kids (and myself) were freezing so we did our best to get some pictures. When we were filling out some paperwork, Spence forgot his Living Ordinances Recommend at home. (I just shook my head at this point...I tried to contain my "unkind" feelings in front of the temple workers.) He promised to bring it in later that night. We took the kids up to the room where they would wait. I was worried about Claire because she had been nervous about not being with us at all times, but she walked right in and made herself comfortable. The ladies there were great.

My mom came with me to get changed. It was so special to have her there with me. It was the first time we had been in the temple together. She worked so hard to return and I am so proud of her. So we were a bit emotional to begin with. Then the temple matron spoke to us about what would happen. She bore her testimony and talked about the ordinances that we do in this life starting with baptism and moving up to initiatory and endowment. She said the sealing ordinance was the highest ordinance. I got so emotional at that point. I couldn't believe that I was sitting there in the House of the Lord about to take part in the highest ordinance. I had finally achieved my goal. It took a bit longer and the road was very bumpy a long the way, but I made it. I am so grateful for the Savior- that he made it possible for me to be there taking this very important step in my life.

Next I moved on to the veil to wait for Spence. And wait I did. I was beginning to think that maybe Spence had changed his mind! He finally showed up and we went to the Celestial room. He told me he had been talking to the temple president and asked him if he would perform our sealing. Brother Christiansen (sp?) agreed, but had a meeting until 4:30p.m. Spence told him our guests could wait- it was his day. (Anyone that knows Spence is used to waiting for him.)

When we went into the sealing room it was such a joy to be surrounded by such good friends and family. I can't thank all of you enough that were there for us on our special day. We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you thank you thank you for taking time out of your holiday craziness and driving in the snow to be there for us. The spirit was strong in the room and I felt so safe kneeling across the alter from Spence. He always has a way of making me feel that way. He is such a comfort to me. Our kids were beautiful and amazing when they came in. I love each of them so very much and am so blessed to have them. I'm glad they could be there to feel of the spirit of the temple and I know they will remember it as long as they live. When most everyone had left, Logan had huge tears in his eyes. He was just crying and crying. I asked him what was wrong. He said "I'm just happy." He is so tender.

Afterwards, our friends Sarah and Hyrum, hosted a get together with yummy soup, sandwiches and desserts for all of us. It was so fun. Thank you Molloys for doing that for us!

Claire has really been asking a lot of questions to try and understand the concept of being together forever. She came in on Sunday after church and this was our conversation:

"Mom, if I die will you die too...and the rest of our family?"

"Um, no...why?"

"Because we will always be together."

I tried to explain..."If you die before me, then your spirit will go to heaven and live with family members that have already died- like Grandpa Dee. Then when I die we will be together in heaven."

"Well, when I'm dead will my body just lay there?"

"Yes, because your spirit will be in heaven and it's what makes your body alive."

"Well, will I have clothes on?"

"Um...yes."

Logan and Claire are always quick to remind Spence and I when we may be arguing about something that we can't do that because we went to the temple together. I was quick to remember that when they were fighting and I told them they also went to the temple so shouldn't fight either. :-)

The kids still talk about the temple and want to go back. I pray that they will stay on the right path to return to the temple. I hope that I can be a good example and a good parent to help them in that journey and that it won't take as long as mine did.

Thank you my dear Spence for having such a strong testimony of the Gospel and for taking the necessary steps to have your Priesthood restored and for taking me and our children to the temple. I love you dearly. :-)

(Thank you for the pictures Emily and for documenting our special day!)