An Afternoon At The Washington D.C. Temple.

 

As long as I'm living in the east coast near one of my favorite temples in Washington D.C. I will always be feeling nostalgic. When we first moved here this was the one temple where we the most active in attending and the one temple where we always dragged our kids along since they were single digit ages. I love looking back at old photos and blog posts and having one kid left to take to this temple is bittersweet. Whether Noah fakes it or not or pretends to like coming here to make me happy doesn't matter. Although I believe he really does like coming because of the little pool and the cool auditorium which remind me of a mini conference center. He always has new questions to ask us about the church and the temple and I appreciate his curiosity. He eventually will make his own choice as to continue to attend the temple as he gets older, but whatever his choices are we love him no matter what he thinks of it.  I love that we always have a fun time here. Sure it's a spiritual place but we can always make our own fun by not being so serious all the time. Like President Gordon B. Hinckley one said, "Life is to be enjoyed, not just endured."

Our Easter.

 

Our Easter Sunday this year was extremely chill. We went to sacrament meeting and listened to talks about the Savior. We came home and since we had leftover cascarones from last year we sneakingly cracked a few on each others heads. It was still fun, but we all felt that it would have been more fun if we had the girls with us. Oh, those were the days when we cracked confetti eggs on our heads, had a big bbq easter dinner and go for a walk in the park! This time we took a drive to the temple in Maryland to take in the spirit of the Lord and reflect on his resurrection. Holy Week is something we always appreciate and try to reflect on those days where he went through so much. I feel that future easters will be very different from now on. Different as in not having huge gatherings, and just focusing on what's important which is Jesus. Especially during Holy Week. Who knows, maybe our gatherings will be big again when we have grandkids! 

Happy Earth Day!

 

Not only is it a week of service but it's also earth day today. Spring is absolutely stunning right now with the tulips in bloom. We went to the D.C. during conference weekend and the blossoms and cherry trees are all in bloom right now. It's too bad it doesn't last very long. The water is still a bit nippy in the mornings and it warms up during the day. We have had quite a bit of rain showers and are expecting more. Luckily the flowers hang on and are still in bloom. I hope that we find the time to serve in the temple and if you can't enter in the temple smiling at a stranger is good enough. And of course-to keep the earth clean and as healthy as possible. I mean, we do what we can to keep the earth alive right? Whether it's cleaning up trash at parks, or picking up someone else's trash on their property or the side of the road. It's pretty simple to keep our earth looking beautiful and I hope it continues to thrive! 

Christmas Eve Sunday.

Christmas this year has indeed felt a little different. Bittersweet different. This past Sunday we had one kid with us at church. Our girls flew in on a redeye Sunday evening and arrived early on Christmas morning. It was a beautiful time in spite of missing our three girls but we still kept this tradition of going to the Washington D.C. temple to see the Christmas lights. And they were beautiful as always. I love that we have temples close by so that we can have opportunities like this. They are constant reminders of the Savior and a wonderful refresher as to how we can start out the new year. Going to the temple truly renews the soul and helps me to live my life a bit easier. The spirit is wonderful and I'm so grateful to Him that plays the main role during the holiday season. Jesus is the reason for the season! Here's hoping y'all had a wonderful Christmas with those you love.

Christmas Lights At The Washington D.C. Temple!

Waited 4.5 years to see the temple lights again at the Washington D.C. temple and they never get old. Every time we come here it's as if we are going for the first time. This temple has added so much significance to my life and I am so glad it's opened up again. Renovated and lit! Such a beautiful sight and going during Christmas is truly magical. I LOVE this tradition we created 15 years ago and as long as we live less than 4 hours away we will come every year! Hope everyone had a nice "twixmas" (the week after Christmas) and that everyone starts off strong in the new year! Now for some photos that hope light up your life! 

On The Temple Grounds With No Crowds.

Going to the temple right after the open house has ended is always a good thing. No crowds. No one photobombing your photo. Just peace and quiet. I loved this day and the time Jon took off to spend time with us before Noah left for camp. I love moments like this. Making memories like this. Especially when you believe in something so strongly. I love that the temples are built on this earth for a purpose. A purpose that is that families are forever. That if we continue to do our best to be a good human and live happily among all the chaos and challenges that we will reach our final destination and return to our Father in Heaven. I am grateful that the temple is there for reassurance. To strengthen us and to make us better. Just walking along the temple grounds and going inside the visitors center is enough to feel the goodness that temples and the Lord bring. I love that I have a testimony of the Savior and the temple. I'm in no way the greatest human but I know that I try to be, and that I'm enough. Enough as a mother. Enough as a friend. Enough as a neighbor. Enough as a human. And that's all that matters. It doesn't matter what others think of me or the ways of the world can be. What the world would like us to be. What matters is what I know about myself, and what Jesus thinks of me. And at the end of each day, I can go to bed knowing that it was a better day than the last. And that all the days from here on out can be that way....if we let go of the past and all those that have wronged us in our life if we choose JOY. 

Washington D.C. Temple Open House!

 

The Washington D.C. temple house has been on going for about a month and a half and this past week we had the opportunity to enter in with our two youngest. This temple brings back so many memories and is nostalgic in every way. Wish our other daughters Lexie and Sierra were with us to reminisce about the first time we came here which was nearly 16 years ago!! Crazy how time flies! So happy that it’s complete and that we can once again enter in! It was such a perfect day to play hooky from school so that these kiddos can see inside. Particularly Noah who is 12. He has been to two open houses so far (Hartford & Philadelphia temples) and is a lucky kid to have seen the Washington D.C. temple now. He had so much fun taking pictures and I love that it was all on his own motive. He truly is a photographer and took some good photos. So grateful for this moment and that we were able to go inside together before it's re-dedicated and closed to the public!

A Little Bit Of Spring Break In D.C!

So here we are in the last week of April and I'm blogging about our last week in March! So behind in the game but looking through all my photos on my phone and seeing all the beauty of spring in pictures gets me motivated to share with you the colorful and wonders of spring. 

Spring break fell on the last week of March and luckily Jon took Good Friday off to spend some time with us! Our tradition on Good Friday has always been going to the temple in D.C, seeing the blossoms, and then eating at Willard's bbq. Well, we stuck with tradition this year except we were only able to view the temple from the outside since it's still closed. We did get to see some blossoms near the Washington monument and walked around until our noses turned red! It was about 40 degrees and super windy but we managed to take in the loveliness of spring.  Lunch at Willard's definitely happened and as usual it was sooooooo good! Hopefully this time next year the temple will be open so we can all go in and serve. Even Noah! It was a beautiful day and so happy that we were able to take the time to drive and enjoy ourselves. Here's a little photo dump for your viewing pleasure! 

Road Trip to D.C. On The Last Weekend Of 2019!

The holidays continued to glow for us as we ventured out to Washington D.C. to see the temple lights and the People's tree on Capitol Hill. We try to go before Christmas Day but since Lexie flew in two days before Christmas went over the weekend. We are always so grateful to make time to come here along with eating at one of our favorite places! As usual I captured some moments of us during our day trip and it was exquisite! Even the blurry photos make this post perfect since our lives are not! Families are forever! 

General Conference on Easter Sunday.

For the first time in all the past general conferences I've listened to I've sat down with my pen, and a journal in hand to jot down words that I hear from the leaders that inspire me. This conference was different. Different in the sense that my family and I pretty much just sat, and listened. Sure I shared a few quotes from the apostles, and speakers, but when our new prophet President Russell M. Nelson spoke I couldn't help but to stop what I was doing, and just listen. 

Memories of The D.C. Temple On Their Last Day.

Well, it was inevitable and eventually the time has come for the doors of the D.C. temple to close down for renovations. It's amazing how well kept it's looked in the past 44 years. I also can't believe that I'm older than the D.C. temple! I personally think the temple looks fine indoors, and outdoors but after going two weeks ago, and looking at all the furniture, and slight wear and tear on the carpet, and cushions in the sealing rooms can understand why it needs to be redone. So 80's, but yet still beautiful, and I'm sure that once it's renovated it'll look even more lovely! 

Our Last Hurrah At the D.C. Temple...At Least For Two Years!

This sweet photo was taken early last fall before Noah's baptism, and because of the beauty that surrounds the temple with the mums and all am using this photo for the beginning of this post, and just look at Noah's face! 100 percent laughter & cuteness! Plus it never made it to the blog until now. Yay! 

D.C. Temple Lights On The Coldest Weekend of 2017!

Going to D.C. to see the temple lights on the coldest weekend of 2017 was worth it. We couldn't let the year pass us by without keeping tradition. Since we missed out on going to the temple in December (dang you broken finger)  driving to D.C. to see the temple lights and all the nativities is the closest peaceful feeling in keeping the spirit during the holidays, and hopefully keeping it with us throughout the new year.

Because He Loves Us-My Thoughts On General Conference.

The other day Jon and I were talking about current events, and all that has been going on in the world, and how as parents we need to be better. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints  we may think we are doing enough as parents, and in fellowshipping, but I know that as a mom, neighbor, friend, sister, wife, and person I can do more, and be better. I am so grateful for general conference because this years conference was extremely special, and seemingly exactly what we needed to hear as a family.

A Reminder: 14 Years Later.

"Marriage is the foundry for social order, the fountain of virtue, and the foundation for eternal elation. Marriage has bene divinely designated as an eternal and everlasting covenant. Marriage is sanctified when it is cherished and honored in holiness. That union is not merely between husband, and wife; it embraces a partnership with God. "Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other. Children born of that marital union are "an heritage of the Lord." Marriage is but the beginning bud of family life;parenthoodis its flower. And that bouquet becomes even more beautiful when graced with grandchildren. Families may become as eternal as the Kingdom of God itself. 

~Elder Russell M. Nelson

Spring At The Washington D.C. Temple Grounds.

The day we attended Aiden's baptism we decided to stop by the temple on our way home. We didn't get to go inside the temple this time, but we did visit the visitors center, and as always captured a lot of photos on the temple grounds. I sure hope y'all aren't getting sick of my spring photos, and posts, but spring in D.C. is always worth documenting especially when the tulips, and blossoms are in bloom. Oh, and let's not forget kids who like having their picture taken!

Washington D.C. Temple Lights on New Year's Eve.

In our family, traditions are a wonderful thing, and we have a few during the Christmas season that we like to do. Normally we see the temple lights in D.C. before Christmas, but because of various new traditions that we started didn't get around to it until New Year's Eve. What better way to end the year though, by going to the temple to reflect on what's really important in hopes that we will carry it into the new year. 

General Conference in D.C.- Fall '16

Is it me or was General conference mega-inspiring this year. Maybe i found it inspiring because I have kids who are growing older by the minute which means I'm getting up there in age. 45 isn't old but my goodness when you reach a certain age, and you have an adult daughter on her own striving to live a good life it doesn't get any easier. However, as a parent life without Sierra living close to me becomes easier when I leave it up to God. When I kneel down in prayer asking Him to guide her in doing the very best she can in all she does, and how she lives I know that is all I can do. And that goes for the rest of my children. 

There were so many wonderful talks given during these sessions, and so much to write about, and because we have our church magazine and the internet to read all about conference I won't share too much about what was said, but I will share my testimony, and some thoughts on conference. 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is an amazing tool, and key to helping us navigate our day to day in the most righteous way possible, but it is not a guarantee to a life without trials, and heartache. But I know this...when I read the scriptures faithfully, and I mean faithfully without missing a day it truly does bring me peace. I see a difference in me when I don't read them, or when I have read them in a manner that seemed too quick because I was rushing out the door to start my day. Like I said, when i find myself seriously delving in heartfelt prayer and scripture study my actions for that day will be easy peasy. It will help me fight road rage, not yell at my kids, and be super kind to even the most rudest person. Knowing that I have that tool to welcome me every day assures me that I have the choice to make it better. I just have to make a choice in making it a priority. It gives me hope that my future can be a lot brighter than my faith if i just endure to the end, and believe that no matter how hard life can get all will be well. 

I love general conference. I look forward to it every six months, and hope that in between those six months that I will carry with me everything that was said. That I won't forget, but remember the words that were shared with love and concern for us. 

I love my family. I love the gospel, and the nourishment that feeds my soul when I seriously take in what I read that day. It strengthens my testimony, and gives me confidence to know that i can do hard things. That I can handle every dead end, detour, and snags that I run into. I love the excitement I feel when I attend my church meetings. I never want to feel "dead" or feel that I'm "past feeling" when it comes to the gospel, and attending church. I never want to grow weary of fellowshipping, and learning the teachings of the doctrine. I love attending church not only to fellowship, but to grow spiritually in Christ. And that is what conference does to my heart. It helps me look at all my imperfections to better them. 

All the talks super amazing, but this one really spoke to me... 

Elder Nattress shared an experience as a boy about how he and his brother would have their mother reading the scriptures to them at breakfast, and how he honestly said to her that he wasn't listening. His voice shook up as he was telling us his story which showed me that he was grateful for that experience, and because of his mother telling him "she's never going to lose him by reading the scriptures to him every day" warmed my heart, and gave me hope that if I do the same thing I will be blessed. I loved his story, and he spoke about teaching our children the gospel. I sure hope I 'm doing my best in teaching all my kids correctly. Especially Noah. He'll be seven in a month, and this is the time where things are really beginning to stick with him where he will begin to develop a lot of knowledge. Although he tells me that he loves Jesus, the book of mormon, and the temples he can become a bit weary at times when it comes to sitting at conference (thank goodness for those conference packets, colored pencils, and plain paper!) I know six is still a young age to develop a testimony of the gospel on his own, but I know that if i continue to teach him correctly to read the scriptures that in his own time, at an older age that he will know for a surety that the gospel is true. And same goes for the rest of my crew. 

And last, but not least President Thomas S. Monson's talk warmed my heart. Even though he spoke for a brief moment his words were simple, and filled with kindness, caring, and love. He wants us to be happy, and have joy in this life. He admonished us in having a strong love for the Lord, to believe in Him, and his gospel, and to just improve ourselves into being better. To keep our bodies clean in obeying the word of wisdom. Although these things sound simple require a great deal of commitment to conquer, but the blessings that come from doing so are unimaginable! What a loving prophet we have, and I'm so grateful for his guidance and direction.  

So much insight in eight hours for two days, and I simply didn't want it to end. I see a light in my family before, during, and after we attend conference. Granted there are some hiccups in the beginning because I know that Satan doesn't want us to be happy, but we never let him win. In the end, we just leave even more stronger, happier, and joyful than we were before. 

We are so grateful for the temples that are built upon this earth for us to go to, and watching it at the visitors center in D.C. is always a fun experience! 

Here's to keeping the "heavenly moment" we just had during conference to last us until next spring! To listen to the all of conference you can log onto lds.org!

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend! 

Finding Joy In All Things.

Our desire to attend the temple is quite frequent, and even though the Philadelphia temple is complete, and ready for the open house, I can't wait another month for it to be dedicated so we can go inside and do some work. So this past weekend we all literally jumped in the car, and headed to D.C. to attend the temple. 

This move has been pretty rough for me, but I manage to adjust, and find joy in all things. The house, the area, and our new congregation. Attending the temple often is what keeps me going, and sane when things become to hard to manage. It truly is a wonderful place that brings me peace, and joy. It helps me to forget about all the negativity that's going on in the world, and helps me to find joy in every tough situation.

My family is my rock, and the resilient spirits that the kids bring to my heart helps me to adjust even better. What an amazing place to go to prepare ourselves more spiritually so that each day can be lived fully with the surety that I can leave telling myself, "I'm stronger, but know that I can always work on my weaknesses, because I have the Lord on my side at all times, and in all places!" To always "have joy in mothering" regardless of the drama they may bring. I can't even imagine my life had I not had them, and attending the temple is one way of expressing my gratitude and love to our Heavenly Father for giving me such a life. 

Especially a life that I can handle. 

And re-reading this post I wrote three years ago is a reminder to help me handle it even more! 

General Conference in Washington D.C. '16

General conference gives us the opportunity to think about the things that are on our mind which are in need of nourishment in hopes that we receive answers to our prayers. And at any given moment when we are praying our heart out that through the words of our prophet, and his apostles those answers to our thoughts, and prayers will come. Many of us listen with pure intent with a prayer in our heart hoping that by the end of conference our faith will be restored, and that we can fix the things that need mending. If we are truly focused on that still small voice to the trial, or conflict at hand, and are prepared to listen with an open mind, and heart, I know that it will be given. Answers may come the moment an apostle speaks, or much later when we re-read the talks in the church magazine, or when someone else voices testimony. Turning to the Lord in mighty prayer, and reading the gospel are number one strengthening tools that help guide us in prayer, and manages to keep us on that righteous path. I know that we as a family, and me as an individual are in constant need of prayers. We all are. It's something that is never ending so when general conference arrives that is our perfect moment to have our minds open, and to be attuned with the spirit. 

This year we decided to drive to Washington D.C. temple and watch conference inside the visitor's center. It felt as if I was inside a mini conference center except without the mormon tabernacle choir, and all the leaders sitting in the front with a teleprompter. It was a great experience, and even talked about making this a tradition. Hey, the two and a half hour drive twice a month isn't too bad! We are already talking about coming in the fall, and are already looking forward to it!

While we were there we met some of the nicest senior missionary couples, but this couple was the cream of the crop! Sister Burgon and I instantaneously became the best of friends by the end of the fourth session. Sister Burgon, and her husband are from Utah, and being that my husband is from there, and how we lived there for 10 years it's always nice to converse with anyone who is from there only because we have a lot in common! In a conversation we were having I told her my conversion story, how I met my husband, and how I aspire to go on a church mission with him once our kids are on their own. She encouraged me to keep that goal. We exchanged personal information, and told each other how nice it would be if we were in each other's wards because it's members like her whom we need in our life who are compassionate, welcoming, loving, fun, and super real! Lexie also mentioned how she reminded her of grandma. So fun, and super pleasant! 

Conference this year was very emotional for me, and watching the leaders of our church speak with such love, and devotion trying hard to hold their tears didn't help either! Or maybe it's because I was away from all the troubles of the world, and being inside the conference center visitor's center listening to conference in the auditorium near the temple made for a perfect weekend filled with numerous "heavenly moments." (Thank you  Elder Holland for those words!). To know that I was in a building next door to the temple brought perfect peace to my heart. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland talked about having "heavenly moments" in our lives such as attending a sweet session in the temple, having a spiritual sacrament meeting, or spending time with family in nature, or at the temple. And how we can attain those moments once we enter back into the "real world", and hang onto them? I think that if we remember the feeling we gained in living those precious moments in our life, and know that it comes from Heavenly Father, and constantly do good that we will become stronger into hanging on to those heavenly moments, and to never forget them.

Kent F. Richard talked about serving, and attending the temple often. I whispered to Jon how ironic it was listening to conference inside the visitors center of the temple, and how most of our leaders topics were on temple work! The Lord definitely knows our hearts, and what we long for.  

I love my family, and I'll tell ya that if it wasn't for my soul searching heart, or striving to find that light that would undim the dark world I was surrounded in 23 years ago I would not be standing in this photo, in front of the temple with this sweet family of mine that the Lord has so blessed me with. I have gone through many ups, and downs in my life, and know that there are more to come. I'll never reach perfection, and that's okay. But to understand that I'm worthy enough to know that I'm a pretty good soul, and worthy of God's love is something that brings sure confidence to my well being. I know that if I make "living the gospel" a high priority in my life that I'll be okay. I chose this life, and was willing to accept all the trials that were given to me so I can learn, and spiritually grow. So that I can find the truthfulness of the gospel, marry my husband, and build my family. I chose to allow myself to discern right from wrong, and face all the opposition that would come my way. I chose to follow Christ in the pre-existent world because I was ready to commit to all the things that would come before me in my mortal life. And because I know I'm a daughter of God, and believe in the Savior Jesus Christ, and know that He lives, I will strive to endure to the end until the second coming. So that I become perfect just like Him.

And that is my hope and prayer for my children, and their posterity as well! 

Hope y'all enjoyed conference, and that your weekend is wonderful! 

**You can listen to all the talks here. They were absolutely amazing, and inspirational! Every talk was so needed for my ears!