Temple Sealing Part 3

Where was I? We walked into the sealing room I felt a bit on display as all eyes were on us and it all became so real. We were told to sit down on the couch and that I would sit on John's right. Well John and I didn't see the couch. We scanned the room up and down, left to right. Where was the couch? Maybe I couldn't see it through my blurry eyes? We saw the altar...with cushions.. did he mean that? Someone, I really don't remember who, pointed us in the right direction. How did we miss that? It was right there to the right when you first walk in. A little giggle from John and I as we sat down. I couldn't believe this was really happening.


I was filled with peace and love as I saw our support group of family and friends. I also was filled with a few more tears. Our support group shall be named in no particular order.


Dave Poulsen- Our next door neighbor from our West Jordan house. I was thrilled that he came. I hadn't seen him in at least 4 years. I had mailed them an invitation, hoping they would come. Not sure where his wife was though.

Friends from the ward:
Sariah and Jake Buntjer
Jenn and David Diaz
Stace and Kirk Dalton
Kim and Adam Heaton
Shauna and Mike Kemp
Brett Olsen
Angela Merrick
Bishop Logan Freeman and Daina Freeman

My Family:
My mom Connie. My mom sat to my right.
Grandma and Grandpa, Janeal and Glenn Hancock
Aunt and Uncle, Carla and Don Campbell
Aunt and Uncle Linda and Jon Meier
Stepmom, Kathie Hancock
Stepbrother and his lovely wife, Mac and Shannon Bludworth

John's Family:
John's mom, Wendy Reeder. She sat to his left.
John's dad, Tom Reeder. He was one of our witnesses. He had broken his hip about a week before and we heard last minute he was going to be there. He was brought from the hospital and was in a wheelchair. They took him back to the hospital right after the sealing.
John's Aunt and Uncle, Cheryl and Eugene Carbine
John's cousin and wife, Eldon and Sharla Carbine


Close friends of family that have become close friends of ours:
Tom and Penny Gwilliam and their son Brandon Gwilliam
Charles and Zella Dahlquist
Gene and April Goodrich

My friend from school:
Michell O'Ryan Egbert and her husband

I didn't know what to expect. It was like a heavenly marriage ceremony. Very cool! We found out later that the sealer was John's uncle's mission companion from 45 years ago. What are the odds? And they had just met up a week before after 45 years for a missionary reunion.

So John and I were basically married and sealed to each other and then the sealer said something like, "Doesn't it feel wonderful? But something's missing." John said something like, "Yeah 3 little ones." Then the little angels were brought in. You could feel their excitement in the air. John and I were kneeling across the altar from each other and the kids were put on all sides of us. Jessie put her little hand on mine and smiled up at me angelically. We were then sealed as a family for all eternity. We were told to line up in front of the mirror to see for ourselves our forever family. Very powerful. I'm sure we will never forget that image.

I think tears were falling about every 5 minutes. Happy, joyful, spiritual tears. I'm talking about mine, but I know there were others joining me in a crying session here and there. We were lined up, our little family, just like at a wedding reception. Our friends and family came by to congratulate us. Lot's of hugs and kisses and happy happy tears. I reached down to hug Tom in his wheelchair and asked him how he was feeling. He said, "I'm so proud of you. You look so beautiful." I later found out he was in a lot of pain.

Our guests departed and John and I were alone in the hall for a moment. What a great time to reflect and feel such love and peace together. I was hoping we would go back into the celestial room with our guests, but they weren't in their temple clothes. I didn't know you had to request that. I just assumed they would all be in white. :(

I also thought we'd all be able to go out and take pictures as a family in white. Not in our temple clothes. I was a bit bummed.

John and I were led back to change. It was a very cool feeling as we walked hand in hand up the hall and down the stairs. We saw my uncle Don as we walked down the stairs. He was watching us walk down. The temple matron pointed me to the Men's locker room thinking it was the women's. Luckily we were told it was the Men's before we went in there.

Around the same time I met back up with my mom and she helped me change. I was told that John was still changing and we were going to pick up the kids together. We waited and waited and I couldn't believe he was taking so long. About 7 minutes later, my mom came to find me. Everyone was waiting outside for me so we could take pictures. John had already picked up the kids and they were waiting for me. Again kind of bummed.

It was getting cold, so we tried to hurry with the picture taking. We had fun though and even got a big group photo of everyone there. (that hadn't already left)

We had 3 photographers, my dad, Jake, and my uncle Don. We felt pretty special having our own little paparazzi. We didn't know which camera to look at. I can't wait to see all the pictures.

Next...... the reception.

Sealing Day Part 2

The temple matron led my mom and I upstairs to the beautifully exquisite Bride's Room and dressing area. I had a nice little dressing room to put my clothes and belongings in and I was told I could change in the Bride's room if I wanted. My mom said, "Yes, you'll want to do that." I was told to put on my slip and was give a silky white robe to slip on, then we headed to the Bride's room.

I felt so lucky and grateful to have my mom there with me. I felt like the most beautiful bride as she helped me get ready. She painted my nails a very sheer sparkly pink. She took out my hoop earrings and put in my new pearl earrings and put on my new pearl necklace. She put her bracelet on me. She helped me put on my dress and everything else.

We talked about my grandma and the item she had made that I got to wear. That was so special to me. My mom told me that when my grandma died, she was buried in her temple dress. I don't think I knew that. I thought that was really cool and thought to myself, "I want to be buried in my temple dress."

I was told to look in the mirror. I felt like an angelic bride! I was so happy that my mom could have shared those moments with me. I was glad that I still had my mom around and that she was temple worthy.

I brought my makeup but decided against adding eyeliner or eyeshadow. I already had mascara on and decided I just wanted some shiny lip gloss. It was the perfect subtle final touch to make me feel like an angel.

We were led out through the locker rooms to receive instruction and reunite with my husband.

On our way out, my mom and I stopped at the bathrooms. I took this alone time to pray for my husband's heart to be softened so that we could enjoy this special day.

After a few minutes of instruction, my mom was led to be with the guests and I was taken with 3 other brides to wait for our husbands. After a few minutes, some of the temple workers were worried that we ould miss our 4:00 sealing time. What was taking these men so long? One of the temple ladies told me that the temple president was telling the guys that they better be nice to their wives or they'd be in big trouble. I told her I was glad to hear that.

A few more minutes and out came the men. I was sitting down and John didn't see me right away. I stood up, he took my hand and we were led up the stairs to wait. I still didn't know if he was in a bad mood and my heart sank a little.

We waited in the celestial room with some other couples. We sat down and held hands and John told me he was very excited. I cried, because I was a mix of emotions. I was very happy to hear that he was excited and happy.

It was finally time for us to go to the sealing room. I felt like a Queen with her King as we walked in the room. All bad feelings were gone. I did feel a little "on display." That's just me though. It was like, Wow this is really happening and all these people are here for us.

The longest post ever- Our Temple Sealing

I should probably break this in to parts, because this will be one heckuva long post. Funny it didn't say I spelled heckuva wrong lol.

Note: No sugar coating here, we do not live in a perfect world, even as we head to the temple.

PART 1:


We were all excited to start our day. It felt like my wedding day. I got myself and the girls in the shower. We needed enough time to curl all the girls’ hair, including myself. Tristan and I were done with our showers and Jessica was taking her sweet time. I told her it was time to get out so John (daddy) would have enough hot water for his shower. Too late.

That’s how our day began, with John upset. He was upset that I would let the girls shower in our bathroom and that because they play around in there, they used all the hot water. Well obviously I didn’t do it on purpose and I let him know I had told her to get out and didn’t realize it was too late.

I hate that feeling, when he’s mad at me. I’m more patient and understanding and just kind of go with the flow. Things happen, things go wrong, and it doesn’t help to be upset over it. Nothing can be done at the moment, let it go. But he didn’t let it go. I gave him a hug, told him I was sorry, but I could feel his resentment.

He just went on about how I shouldn’t have let them shower in there, etc. I had done all I could and I had to finish getting myself and the girls ready.

Because I had to rent something at the temple on Friday, I was short an item on Saturday, and there were no rental facilities at the Oquirrh Mountain temple, which is where we were headed. We thought of going into town a bit early to pick up the item along with some extra garments. But I felt like we just didn’t have the time.

I called my mom to see if she could help out. She was willing to help. She then called me back a few minutes later and told me she would pick up the item for me, but for that day she was going to let me wear my Grandma’s item. I was excited. My grandma died when I was 5. She then said, that would be my “something old”, she would let me borrow a bracelet for the “something borrowed”, I had my temple dress and earrings as my “something new”, all I needed was “something blue”. I thought maybe I could find a blue frog in my collection and put it in my temple dress pocket.

John overheard my idea. He said, “I know what you could wear for your “something blue”, the earrings/jewelry set I got you.” He bought a beautiful sapphire/diamond set with earrings, a ring and a pendant in Bahrain on his 1st deployment. They were fairly elaborate and I hadn’t really had any occasion where I felt it was appropriate to wear them. I said “good idea” and looked for the box. I decided I would wear the ring. I felt it would be subtle. I didn’t think the earrings would be appropriate for the temple. I was excited as it felt more and more like a wedding day.

We were finally ready to go and were leaving at a good time. I tried to remember everything. I needed the garment bag with my dress and Tristan’s dress, the duffel bag with my slip, stockings, slippers, Jessica’s dress, slip and my other temple items. I also needed my purse and camera bag. I had it all together but my purse. So I went to get it.

We all piled into the car and were on our way. Four houses away Jessica says, “Mom did you get my temple dress?” Me- “Um no, I forgot it.” So John turns the car around and we head back. I had set down the duffel bag when I was getting my purse. Ok, anything else? I think we’re good to go.

This time we got about 8-9 houses away. I asked John, “Did you bring your phone?” He said, “yeah why? Where’s yours?” “I left it at home.” Back we go. I told John it might be easier if he calls my phone so I can find it right away. So I get out of the car and John calls me back and says, here. He hands me his phone. Ok I guess he’s going to let me call my phone with his phone. So I start dialing. Something seems different. Well John and I have the same phone, only he somehow lost the battery cover. Well this phone had the battery cover. It was my phone.

Ok, then , we’re good to go. So, is there ANYTHING else we need to get? John says something and then adds, “Actually, I need to get my shoes.” We laughed a bit. I think we are really ready to go now.

We were on our way. It was an odd mood. There was still something between John and I. He wasn’t necessarily being rude to me, but there was a slight attitude and contention with him. Awful feeling. Not the feeling I wanted on the way to the temple with our family. I wanted a certain atmosphere and feeling as we headed there. The girls started singing church songs. I helped them a little. After a few minutes John turned on the radio. This was not how I imagined it. The songs he was listening to was not creating the mood I wanted. I couldn’t believe he wasn’t choosing to have a better attitude or that he was against helping me create the right atmosphere. I know him all too well and knew he was still irritated with me. I tried not to let it bring me down.

We arrived at the temple and got all our things together. We went to get Jessica out of the car and John asked where her shoes were. She replied, “I don’t need shoes at the temple.” I had told her she wouldn’t have to wear shoes in the temple, but to grab her slip ons to wear in the meantime. I guess all she heard was, “You don’t have to wear shoes.”

Ok, well we had to get through this. I could tell John was getting irritated. He actually said something rude in the temple parking lot.. I'm thinkihng "Are you kidding me?" I said, "yeah that's brilliant behavior here in the temple parking lot. I just told Jessie I’d have to carry her to the temple. I remembered what it felt to be a single parent. It was not a good feeling, but I had to be strong and not let this ruin our day.

We walked towards the temple and it was beautiful and there was a lovely water fountain out front. Honestly though it was hard to focus on the beauty, I tried, but it was eating at me that I was not feeling much love or respect from my husband. I was THIS close to tears. On the way up the steps, Sariah called to ask what time they needed to be there. They were going to be guests, so I told her guests needed to be there at 3:30. It was about 2:50. She said, “Ok see you soon.” .

We got closer to the temple and saw my mom and John’s mom. I thought we should take a quick family picture in front of the temple by the fountain. It was a little bit chilly. We had John’s mom take the pictures and then we were ready to enter the temple. This was it, our family temple day.

We walked through the temple doors and didn’t know where to go exactly. We were met by a temple worker who told us our family could go left into a waiting room while one of us officially checked in. My mom told John to go check us in, but I had all the recommends and paperwork, so I walked over with him. We were then met by a few other temple workers who were overly helpful. Too many people were trying to help us and I was feeling overwhelmed. They were trying to figure out who was in charge of us for the day. When they finally figured out what was going on and that the kids were also to be sealed to us, a lady came to take the kids. I got the girls’ dresses out and they were taken upstairs. I was having some anxiety since too much was going on at once. John and I were taken to get some paperwork finished.

I could still feel John's bad mood and I didn't know what to do. We were asked if we had escorts for the day. Yes, my mom and Jake. Ok, are they here now? Yes, my mom is right here and Jake will be here at 3:30. They made it sound like Jake needed to be here NOW. Ok so I guess we'll have to try calling Jake and Sariah and see if they could get there as soon as possible. John said something rude about well I guess his escort wasn't going to be there until 5:00, so we were screwed. (something to that effect) I could NOT believe he was acting like this INSIDE the temple. I said, "What are you talking about? You obviously didn't listen to me, they'll be here at 3:30 not 5:00. I looked at our temple matron and wanted to cry.

I honestly don't remember exactly what happened next, but I think that's when we went to finish paperwork. We were asked a series of questions and for some reason I think the lady thought John had been sealed before. She then asked, "When did you receive your endowments?" John said, "Yesterday." She said, "oh well I guess that doesn't give you much time to have been sealed to someone else now does it?" A little chuckle and some tension relief there. That's all I remember about that.

Someone came and took John away to get ready and I believe he mouthed "See you later" I had a hard time looking at him.

Stay tuned...

I am still working on my blog entry from our sealing day. There are a lot of moments and feelings I want to remember and I don't want to miss any detail. I will post it as soon and I can, and just be fore-warned that it will be long and you'll probably need to set aside some quiet time to read it all.

Thanks!

Full Speed Ahead

So we've been on the fast course to the temple. We started seriously going back to church early Spring. John received the Aaronic Priesthood (became a Priest) in July and then was able to baptize our oldest kids. We started our temple classes/lessons in August I believe. We were told to go ahead and get the appointment with the temple recently. The bishop wasn't sure if they'd be open on October 3rd when we originally wanted to go through. So I called about 2 weeks ago. I found out that the temple was indeed closed for conference that day. Ok so let's see about October 10h. They are open, ok nice sweet lady goes through a list of questions, I ask her a few questions, etc. Then she asks me if my husband has received the melchezadik priesthood. No not yet. Ok she says sweetly, just call us back when he has and we'll get your appointment set up. Not too frustrating, it all makes sense, we just don't want to wait until the last minute to get an appointment. We've got a few things to get before hand, so the next 2 weeks will be frantic indeed, but in the best way possible!

So now we've finished with our temple classes and next step is John becoming an Elder and receiving the melchezadik priesthood. Our good friend helped us get a last minute interview to set it all up. So this morning I get a call to come in and have John meet with the stake president. Great! Our church starts at 1:00 PM. We head over to the stake center and have a 10:30 AM appointment. Well really John had the appointment. They then bring me in and happily inform me that my husband is worthy and can now be ordained an Elder. Yay! Now we need to have an interview with the bishop and stake president to get our temple recommends. We are told that John will probably be ordained the 11th of October and then we're good to go with getting interviewed and going to the temple.. Ah yes, but we were hoping to go to the temple on October 10th. Ok, then let's see if we can get it all done today. We'll get him ordained today and if you can get an interview with the bishop before sacrament, then we can do your other interview sometime after. Woohoo, full speed ahead! So we run over to our church house hoping to squeeze in an interview with the bishop. We are able to get that done around 11:45 AM. John was ordained about 2:30 PM and our final appointment with the stake president was about 2:50 PM. That's a lot in one day. :)

It all happened very fast and rather smooth I must say. My husband is now an Elder and we have our temple recommends. It is a bit surreal and rather exciting!
Oh one thing I didn't expect... in the middle of the interview the stake president asked us to do 2 things for him. For me I was to only wear 1 set of earrings from here on out (I have 3 sets now) and John was to be clean shaven. (he had a little patch on his chin) No problem. He's used to being clean shave after 10 years in the military and I do not mind taking out my extra earrings. Today my marriage extension has been approved.(we also get to keep the kids a little bit longer) What more could I ask for?