It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!

December is indeed my favorite month, and although there's too much going on with our wedding anniversary, Jon's birthday, and Christmas being two weeks of each other we somehow still manage to squeeze in those small things that matter the most. This time of year certainly gets busy for many of us folk, but as the years go by, and the older I get, I've learned to manage my time wisely, and to not get mixed up in all the hustle that this season brings. Growing up I didn't have any major traditions so keeping traditions is important in my family. Ever since we moved to the east coast going to the big apple to see Santa, and seeing all the lights down 5th avenue is always a treat for our kids, but i think their favorite tradition is going to the D.C. temple to see the festival of lights.

The temple is such a beautiful place from the outside, and even more beautiful at Christmas time. Every year as my son gets older it's so interesting to see his reaction, and I love it when he asks questions about the temple. He definitely learns a lot at church when it comes to the savior, and every time we go to the temple he's beginning to know more and more that families are forever. Those are the words that he utters whenever he spies the temple from the freeway, "look! it's the temple! families are forever mom!" It's so cute, and my heart just goes pitter pat. The temple lights at the D.C. temple are so beautiful this time of year, and since I no longer live in Utah to see the lights at temple square going to the D.C. temple is a mega treat for us! 

Noah loves the baby Jesus, and when he saw the nativity scene he wanted to sit in front, and listen to the story of Jesus being told in the background. The perks of reading to your child is that they will sit still to listen, and both Noah and Chelsea enjoyed listening to the story being told. It truly brings in the spirit of Christmas. 

For the past two years we have always seen Jenny Oaks baker perform, but this year we were able to catch a performance by the Mormon Choir of Washington D.C., and to hear them sing Christmas songs brought such a peaceful spirit. It also made me miss my oldest daughter. She is an amazing artist with a beautiful voice, and I miss going to her concerts. Chelsea's eyes grew wide when she saw the young boy perform on the cello (that's still a goal for her to play), and everyone sung, and played their instruments so beautifully. 

Christmas is definitely my favorite time of the year, and it is always my hope that as each year goes by that I will become a better person than I was the year before. I know I can always do better, and give more time to the Savior by focusing on what's important. To me...Christmas is love, family, time, and service and although I feel as if I do enough, I know there is room to always do more. 

Happy Monday everyone! 

Only 11 more days until Christmas! 

smile & never give up.

As I was meandering through the Deseret Industries thrift store back in Sugarhouse in 2005 where I used to live in Utah I noticed this young girl staring at me who was an employee. At first I wondered if the stares were due to having three young girls wondering around aimlessly playing in the rounders pulling off tags, and touching stuff they weren't supposed to. I mean...it's the D.I. What could they possibly break?

ten years of forever.

Golden doors at the Washington D.C. temple

Ten years ago during a dry summer in the year 2003, I was sealed for all time and eternity to an amazing man and two beautiful little girls in the Salt Lake Temple, and each year we celebrate our sealing anniversary by attending the temple to seal other families forever.

Sierra, and Lexie-Circa, Salt Lake City- 2003

We are no longer surrounded by the vast mountain area which houses at least 13 temples, but have always managed to celebrate this special day by attending one...even if it's two and a half hours away.

Ten years have past since entering the temple for the first time, and the memories will always be etched in my heart.

Sweaty hands, feelings of  excitement and a heart palpitating 100 miles an hour was a sure sign that I was at the right place at the right time. I knew that this is where i needed to be. I knew that this was it. This was the cream of the crop, and this is the place where I would be sealed to my family forever. To feel the presence of Heavenly Father, and to know that we can reign with Him and His Son forever.

I sensed silent angels clapping their heavenly hands throughout the temple as I was getting my endowments, and then again when we entered the sealing room. Endless mirrors surround the room as it was forever. And it is forever. 

Not "until death do you part."

Looking at our sealing picture reminds me of simplicity, love, beauty, innocence, and forever. Temples bring knowledge, gifts, answers, peace, tears of happiness, joy, confidence, and the will to do better as a person. 

The feeling that it brings permeates so strongly through the soul that you never want to lose sight, forget, or let go.

It's a feeling of appreciation, and gratitude to know that there is a place...even if it's just for a few hours to escape the "noise" of this world, and it is a beautiful world.

It is a responsibility. My responsibility to help those on the other side.

Sanity, patience, and a stronger faith is returned afterwards. Our bodies feel rejuvenated, put together, and we are a better judge of character for it. 

Ten, twenty, thirty years will fly by in the future, and with fervent prayer, hope, and faith those feelings of the temple will never change.

"The temple is a House of God... a place of love and beauty."

And the work will never grow weary.

How eternally grateful I am for this beautiful building we call the House of The Lord. 

Update: This story was also published on Deseret News, and you can see it here if you'd like. 

temple day & jenny oaks baker.

With Sierra graduating in two weeks, and the fact that we are possibly relocating this summer the one place we know that will give us peace of mind, guidance, and direction is inside the The House of The Lord. 

I love this place. I could totally live here...locally. If I did I'd guarantee I would be at this temple twice a week...or more. We spent the entire day here while Sierra, & Lexie entertained Noah & Chelsea. My mind wasn't set on taking pictures of the temple like I have on past temple trips. I did take a few, but my heart was set on entering that building as soon as possible so that I can get in the right state of mind.

seeking a holy place.

What a momentous week this has been. The month of March for me had its ups and downs, but I'm happy to say that it's going to end with a tremendous up! 

I've never been to the temple on Good Friday & having attended during the Easter season was very special. So special that I would like to make it a tradition to go on Good Friday every year from here on out.

Every time I attend the temple I learn something new. I've learned to never go in a casual state of mind, and to try to go with a clear mind that has room for more things to learn and to look at things in a different perspective. 

busy as a bee.

The last half of the school year has been mega busy, and it will be until graduation. 

My two oldest daughters have been absent every night for the past two weeks, and now that their drama productions are over, I hope it'll slow down a bit.

Umm, I don't think so. 

We have spring concerts, and numerous jazz band festivals lined up until May.

How do I deal? Honestly, I just do it. I try my hardest not to complain because this is what the girls love to do. I wonder if it's because I didn't have the opportunities that these girls have growing up with being involved in extracurricular activities. 

When they ask that they'd like to do this, and join that, well, after a long discussion and some counsel we as parents will oblige. 

Alexandra is starting out a young age, but man is this girl focused. She truly is mature for a 13 year old. Sometimes I forget how old she is, and I start talking to her like an adult! 

This past weekend she played Jill in her middle schools drama production of A Walk in the Woods.

She portrayed the role perfectly, and althought she didn't have many lines she will be remembered for her poise, great diction, and uniqueness in acting. 

All these kids put on a great show, and worked well together. It was a cute production, and perfect for small children. 

********

While Alex was performing on Saturday night Sierra was at another jazz competition. I'll tell you these kids have an innate talent when it comes to music. Especially Sierra. This is her second win as best piano soloist, and the whole band won for best rhythm section. I couldn't be more pleased.

When these kids come together as one and play with one sound...they are awesome, and the end result...they are all winners! 

********
As our children get older their life becomes more busy, more overwhelming, more exhausting. And while they're slowly transitioning into an adult, and their lives are changing momentously, they'll all need a place to rejuvenate themselves so that they can leave the commotion of the world behind.

Perhaps a place where they can think, and ponder. To receive answers to their prayers, and just become sane again. A place where one can go to escape the busyness of the world. A place where every youth 12 and older can attend. 

That special place is the temple.

pictures via Megan Wynne with a little help from the VSCO app.

It is amazing to see these kids making the right choice by attending the temple instead of having your 'normal teen recreational outing' on a Saturday. 

They all came together in unity to bond, to be strengthened, to bless those who have passed on, and to surround themselves with the spirit of The Lord.

When I attend the temple it absolutely fulfills my inner being. I come out knowing that I can be better, do more, love more, forgive more, and strive more towards my goal of living a Christ like life no matter what adversity comes my way.  If I could go every day I would! It is my hope that my children, and all the youth of the church will strive to attend the temple as they mature in the gospel, and in the world. 

********

While my two oldest were at the temple, I had the privilege of hanging out with these two.  

Having these two on a Saturday all day by myself was bliss, but (yes there is always a but), they can be a little too much. 

Luckily we have a Sonic close by...

and that I didn't put the Easter decorations up yet. 

They had so much fine putting them out! Noah liked all the decorations, and defined them as "cute" on this vine video.

Motherhood is a full time job, and the life of a mother is hard. It can be overwhelming, and the weight can be too much sometimes.

There are days when I'm not at my best, but when everyone in my family comes together as one, and friends inside and outside of the church work as one... life can be pretty inspirational.

Such as the cast in Alex's drama production at her school, the jazz band at Sierra's high school, the youth of the church attending the temple, and my two youngest children getting along. They all worked together as a beehive.

Whether it's my own children, the kids at school, or the youth of the church-there is hope for us all. 

There is hope for all generations to have great expectations in staying focused when it comes to how they live their lives. 

I hope that no matter how busy our lives get that as a family we can always become one, and strive our best to always be happy, but most of all...to make the right choices.

"Imagine what the millions of Latter-day Saints could accomplish in the world if we functioned like a beehive in our focused, concentrated commitment to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” —Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Returning home to the House of the Lord.

There are many of us who come home for Christmas, and some that go away for Christmas. In our case...we spent Christmas in our home in Jersey. Gathering around with friends, and family over the Christmas holiday to eat good food, reminisce, exchanging gifts, eating homemade carrot cake with pear Cinnamon cider is all fine and dandy, but something was still missing.

And just like that...Christmas is over...

The House of the Lord is a great blessing.

Today is Sunday, and this morning I literally woke up, clapped my hands and said to myself "today is going to be a great day!" I love my family, I love my life, I love the Savior Jesus Christ, I love testifying of Christ, and I love the church I attend. I love the fact that after all these years of being someone that has endured sorrow, trials, challenges, imperfections, & heartaches that my faith in the Lord is strong, and that I am still a member of this church that continues to attend. That has to attest for something don't you think?

The older I get, (okay...I'm not that old, I'll be 41 in 22 days), and the older my kids get I feel as if I am more in tune with the spirit, our needs, and the decisions we make in this life that makes us who we are as individuals, and as a family in striving to live a happy and normal life.

And I am striving to choose happiness everyday I wake up.

For five months it has been difficult to get to the temple as a family. I did go with the sisters from my ward back in June, but my husband hadn't been since our car broke down in March. I can't even begin to explain to you the joy, and overwhelming feeling that came over all of us as we were on the freeway, and the ear to ear smiles that were exchanged as we were drawing near.

Seeing the spires with the angel Moroni on the temple from a distance is always a sight for sore eyes. It's beauty on a hot, humid day still gleamed from within. The sky although a little gray still had a few white puffy clouds peeking out. It was as if Heavenly Father was saying to us "welcome back".

I didn't mind the heat, the drive, the traffic, and I didn't mind that my youngest daughter kept saying "are we there yet?". I also didn't mind that our kids wanted to eat first, and hit the book store before entering inside its holy doors.

Luckily we went to those places first because if we hadn't we wouldn't have been called as... a "witness couple". In the 20 years of being a member we've been a "witness couple" at least 15 times in about eight different temples. Our first time was two weeks after I was endowed, and that was in the Salt Lake Temple back in August of 2003.

When we attend the temple with a right frame of mind we are filled with so much love, and compassion. Those sorrows, heartaches, challenges, imperfections, and trials all go away for a couple of hours, and the decision I make each time I leave the temple is to be better.

It was a blessing that was needed, and a reminder to let me know that no matter what challenges come our way, I can be in tune with that still small voice that tells me, "all is well...all will be well."

A week in review.

 It is always seems that when it gets to the end of the school year life becomes somewhat unmanageable trying to juggle so many things all at once. It's not that easy when your only car is still out of commission and living life in New Jersey has proven to us that a vehicle is a necessity! Luckily for Chelsea she spent the day with her sweet friend riding an electric scooter, eating pizza, and just having fun while I was at the temple having spiritual fun. 

After all the chaos that I endured last week the spirit filled my heart, and my dear friend from church asked me if I was going to her sealing. She knew I didn't have a car and offered if I could drive for her. Being that I love to drive I obliged. I really didn't mind, and the two hour drive to D.C. to attend the temple is worth it and never a problem for me. I am so happy to have been a witness to their sealing, and to have heard the counsel from their sealer in the temple. I love the temple, and always feel joy, and uplifted when I leave. After the week I had I definitely needed that spiritual feed, and I took it all in!

My sweet boy who so far loves waking up on Sundays to attend church knows when it's time to go. He will run to his dresser drawer, and point out his clothes. I love these colors on him, and he is just a happy little boy. He said the prayer today in his nursery class, and every time he comes out wearing a sign that reads I gave the prayer in Nursery today it warms my heart.

 I can see that he is learning it at church as well as in our home. No matter if he's two or twenty, praying alone with my son before a meal is teaching him what he has to look forward to. Although he may be too young to understand what a prayer is or mumble the words that I tell him to repeat, the point is that he is learning, and when he attends his nursery class at church he will be reminded of the things he is taught at home, and will continue to grow in to loving the gospel, and Jesus on his own. 

My dear friend Eliza who was in our ward for a short time is moving back to upstate New York. She leaves later on this evening.

She brought her warmth, and shared it with us for almost two years. We are lucky that we don't mind driving long distance in the event that we attend the Hill Cumorah pageant next month in hopes that we will visit. I wish her the best, and pray that her life with her better half will be a fresh start, and filled with wonderful endeavors. I am lucky enough to live within walking distance of her son's gravesite so that we can tend after it. She will be missed, and thought of often.

Last but not least this boy is definitely going to keep all of us busy throughout this summer, and it has already begun. I love kicking it old school with the kids by going to the park, and having fun outdoors.

I know this picture is dark, and I didn't put the flash on because I wanted to capture the moment of truth when it comes to being outdoors. Here Noah is trying to catch fireflies. I love evenings like this when life without technology was so...simple. 

Reminds me of when I was little kid. 

Who needs television and games?

Have a wonderful weekend...it's Friday! 

The temple, and mommy mantras.

Reasons why I attend the temple are to make my weaknesses become strengths, to be humbled, to pray, and receive answers to my prayers. It helps me to be at peace, and overall a much more happier person. It really does help, and I feel like as if I've been cleansed from all the wickedness in the world. Still...no matter how many times I go that darkness tries it's very best to creep into my soul.

The darkness I'm referring to is the opposite of the light of Christ.

It never fails that when I have returned from doing something so great that comes from the Almighty that darkness of depression & anger tries it's very best to creep back into my life. It literally works hard by ruining my spiritual high that I have felt so far this whole month. Ruining it by picking at those things the adversary knows will get to me. Ruining it by trying to make my minor trials harder, and by having my youngest daughter get the best of me by trying my patience, and the end result is raising my voice at her. I don't like it! I don't like it one bit!

I look at the background of my life, and as a believer of Christ I look at all the things that I am doing that I have worked so hard to accomplish in being a humble servant of the Lord. I ask myself questions wondering why this happens when I've had amazing spiritual moments, and without making it sound like I'm checking off a to-do list...I feel as if I'm doing everything in my power to live righteously.

Pray my heart out to Heavenly Father at least twice a day for my life, friends, the world & my family.
Attend ALL my meetings, and worship the Lord.
Serve my fellow man, and help others in need.
Read my scriptures by myself & with my family.
Hold our weekly family home evening (even if it's on a Sunday.)
Pay tithing.
Share the gospel.
Visiting those from the church, and other friends in my community that may need help.
Attending the temple as much as I can.
Nurturing and raising my children the best I know how.
Supporting my husband in all that he does including his calling as Seminary teacher in the church.
Doing my church calling to the best of my ability.
Forgive.

I'm sure there are more things I can add to the list that are pleasing to those I love especially to my Father in Heaven. My better half tells me that I have a choice to allow that darkness to creep into my soul.

He's right.

I do have a choice as to how to handle a sassy, overactive child who wants to grow up way too fast! I have a choice to choose a discipline action that won't require any kind of abuse, or harmful words. I look back at how I was raised and remember how the back of a fist hurt when it hit my back. How the verbal abuse can be just as harmful as the physical. I don't ever want to relive that in my home. I don't want to have any of my daughters or son learn that behavior. I remember the pain I endured, and how it felt to hear hurtful words, but yet have so much love for my mother, because after all...she is my mother, and all has been forgiven.

The family home evening lesson Sierra chose to teach was exactly what I needed to hear. To set a goal in which you want to do better. Improve on something that you want to achieve in your life, and strive hard to LIVE it on a daily basis. I chose to read my scriptures everyday, and I mean study them so hard that I'll be reciting them in my sleep. I also think of a mantra such as "within me is a peacefulness that cannot be disturbed." I reflect that as being the spirit of Christ.

There is a book that I read a while back called Mommy Mantras, and every now and then I reflect back on it. It has really helped me in dealing with my youngest daughter. One of the mantras in that book that I remember reading, and have been constantly saying is,"I can stand this" before reacting to my sassy child. Although Chelsea can be charming in a public setting she can be a spitfire in the home. I have to remind myself that she is has a different personality, and that I can't compare her to my two oldest daughters. They all come down from the spirit world with their own personalities.

Looking back at my childhood gives me the chance to change the things in how I react when Chelsea is giving me a hard time. My poor mother obviously didn't think of any mantras, and unfortunately would react to our disobedience rather than tolerating it, and just leaving the room. I am so grateful for those mantras, and for the temple that helps me to overlook all the odds that we are against in this world when it comes to our family life. I know that I can stand it because when you look at the big picture of a family, you don't have a choice. I am a mother, and mothering comes with obstacles that we are going to have to face, and work out in a positive and calm manner. 

I love my children, and want them to know that they can always feel safe, and secure in their home. I don't ever want to hurt them in any way that could scar their future. I love them so much. I love them.


"That is why the mantra "I can stand this" is crucial. Try to ameliorate the stress-provoking situations, but let's face it, mothering has its share of things we just have to tough out."

The best thing about the spirit of Christ is that He guides me with more blessings, and helps me focus on looking more at the positive things that the temple brings rather than allowing that darkness to creep in.  How grateful I am for prayer, and for the strength that I have had to be able to recognize and try by best to avoid negativity.

Our lives are not always harmonious, but boy do we try to live in harmony, and when we pray hard enough to fight all opposition...all is well.

All is well. 

The first day of February...

When I think of February I think of carrying the love all year round. Just as if it was Christmas. 

L  O  V  E

   Luv (v) to feel a strong desire and tenderness for another person; 

taking delight in something; 

to have a fancy or fondness for someone or some thing.

Let us all carry the love that we have in our hearts, and share it with others. Let us be kind-hearted, gentle, warm, and love everyone unconditionally. Let us not have contention among one another, and strive to live a peaceful life, and go to a place where we can find that solace. Let us always carry the spirit of love. 

13 days later

"I love to see the temple. I'm going there someday to feel the holy spirit, to listen and to pray. For the temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty. I'll prepare myself while I am young; this is my sacred duty."

Alexandra has been waiting for this day since we got sealed in the temple back in 2003 when she was three years old. She has always been wanting to see the temple, and to make it there one day. Well... she finally made it. 12 years of singing the primary song "I love to see the temple". She's at least able to enter in, and do baptisms for the dead.

 13 days after she turned 12 we all attended the temple. This was the only Saturday my better half had off all month so we took advantage, and made sure that we were attending the temple on this day. Thank goodness for one month advance work schedules! This day couldn't get any better. The weather was gorgeous, and everyone was in good spirits. My husband was grinning ear to ear because he now has two of our girls desiring to do temple work. Sierra was especially happy that her younger sister can go with her now. Alexandra really appreciated the work that she did inside for her kindred dead. It makes me feel so happy to see my daughters with their dad doing baptisms at the temple. There is nothing more important than for these three to serve in the Lord's house on any given day.

 Especially on a Saturday! 

Now all I need is for these two to make it to the temple also... 

Noah and Chelsea hand in hand walking towards the temple. 

One day...someday.

A Reunion at the D.C. Temple

What better way to spend the day than that with an old friend, and to meet new friends at the Washington D.C. temple. Our family kept yet another tradition this year, and we went to go see the Festival of Lights. An added bonus was meeting up with Sierra's dearest friend Carter whom she met at EFY this past summer. His family drove from North Carolina to meet with us. It was so nice to have finally met this young man, and his family.

Temple day with our girls

Today was officially the first time to attend the temple with our daughters to do baptisms for the dead. It was an amazing feeling to have sat in with our girls to perform confirmations and baptisms. The spirit was as strong as our faith and seeing the look on our girls faces afterwards was priceless....

Temple Day on Good Friday

"I know your lives are busy. I know that you have much to do. But I make you a promise that if you go to the house of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you."~Gordon B. Hinckley

What a blessing it was to be able to attend the temple before Easter on Good Friday. It had been a while since we've been to the temple. It's not as easy to go as when we lived in Utah. When I received my endowment back in 2003, Jon and I made it a priority to attend the temple once a week...and we did.  For three years before moving to North Carolina we went every single week! I was so spoiled in all the blessings I was receiving and became hooked on serving in the temple that I began to go twice a week! Once with my husband, and then I would go with a couple of my girlfriends. It was great and so convenient to live ten minutes from the Salt Lake Temple. I sure do miss those days of attending biweekly. I realized since moving to North Carolina back in 2006 that we would have to plan and make it an even bigger priority because the temple there was 75 minutes away from where we lived. I attempted to go once a month with sisters from my church. Now that we live in New Jersey, it's been a bit harder because my husband works more and it's not easy going during the school year when you have a two and a half hour commute. Still, we make an effort to attend as much as we can. We have two temples close by, one in Manhattan and one in Washington D.C. We love them both, but attend the one in D.C. more.

The temple has truly brought so much joy into my life. It rejuvenates my spirit, and it is a place where I can receive revelation for myself as well as bringing peace to my soul. It is a motivator for me to be a better person not only in the Lord's eyes, but in my children's and husbands as well. Sometimes I never want to leave. I want to bring my children in and dwell inside forever. Away from "the world". The temple isn't something I was raised with or taught about...so I really appreciate it and never take it for granted. I see a difference in my attitude when I haven't been for awhile. There are many reasons why one attends the temple. Mine is to be strengthened and to keep my family and marriage going strong.

The temple is also a sanctuary of service...where I know I am serving those who have passed on. I remember our first temple trip to D.C. back in 2007 when the girls were younger. I can't believe how fast time flies, and before you know it you have a teenager who is doing baptisms for the dead.

Washington D.C. Temple-2007

Washington D.C. Temple-2011

All my girls LOVE it when we attend the temple. They each have a goal of entering it one day to receive the full blessings it has to offer. It truly defines us as a family; for our goal is to be an eternal one and return back to our Heavenly Father's presence. How grateful I am to have a temple close by...no matter the distance. 

*How far do you have to travel to get to an LDS temple?

*Are you curious as to what temples are all about? 

*If so, click here.

A Special Day

The Maldonado Family

Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend my dear friends sealing in the Washington D.C. Temple. Temperatures were in the thirties, and I had four children in tow. The two and a half drive was worth it. Worth it to see my friend Stephanie whom I met almost three years ago here in New Jersey. She now lives in Virginia with her husband Mike and three children, Julia, Tyler, & Aiden.