Headed home...

Today is the last day of our vacation. It's also the day I chose to publish my book- 10/10/10. These kind of days are so cool. Real quick plug here- today is the last day to get my book at the pre-order price. ($5 off) http://surrogacybooks.blogspot.com/.

If you are waiting to receive your free copy to review (those who won)- I will be mailing those out this week!

Oh yes- and today also marks the one year anniversary since we went through the temple as a family.

We are in Las Vegas- headed out soon. We had a blast! It was a 10 day total trip and we did lot's of stuff, but had plenty of time to rest and relax here and there. I will share more details and pics this week.

For now, I'll leave you with my favorite song to listen to on our way home. (I've been listening to this song on the last day of vacation since I was about 10-back then I was on an airplane coming home from Puerto Vallarta? listening to my cassette/walkman)

3 temples in 3 weeks and more about my FAVORITE missionary...

There's been some stress and anxiety around here the last week or so. I desperately needed to go to the temple and Soon! Our favorite missionary was leaving and he invited us to go through the SLC temple with him yesterday. John was actually able to get the day off to go. I had invited my mom as well. We had been wanting to go to the SLC temple, so we were excited to have the opportunity to go. And what a good reason to see our missionary friend once again in the temple. His sister is here going to BYU, so we got to meet her in the temple. We also saw another missionary that had spent some time with our little family, so that was cool. I think he was a bit surprised to see John and I in the temple so soon... It was so great to spend the day at such a beautiful temple and I needed the peace that comes with being there. If it wasn't so dang cold yesterday, I would have taken pictures of us outside the temple.. John was also not feeling well, so I forgot anyway that I wanted to take pics outside the SLC temple. Oh well.

So that is 3 temples in 3 weeks... First the Timpanogas Temple for our endowments, then the Oquirrh Mtn Temple for our sealing, and then yesterday the Salt Lake Temple. I was so happy we were able to go back to a temple so soon. And I'm so glad John was there with me and of course my mom too. I just didn't think John would be able to go with me much, since he works all the time and even on the weekends lately.

Later that evening we were inited to a missionary fireside. We were running a few minutes late and then got lost, so missed our favorite missionary's testimony. :( We also missed a place to sit... so we patiently waited in the foyer. I really didn't want to hug him goodbye... I didn't want it to be final, I didn't want him to go. I was going to miss him! We got to hang out with him and his 2 sisters.. he has another one here going to BYU, how cool is that? It was good to see him one last time and say goodbye, but I have to admit, I cried on the way home.

We love you Elder Eccles!!! Thank you for everything.. and thank you for sharing some awesome memories with us!

Timpanogas Temple Day

To the best of my memory and what I can say, here is our endowment story:

We arrived at the Timpanogas Temple at about 2:15 PM. Our appointment timw was 2:30. Our session was at 4:00.
Upon arrival, I just wanted to pause for a second and take it all in- deep breath! I took a picture immediately. Our 1st time ever to be at this temple in any sense. It was beautiful. I snapped a photo on my digital camera and then one on my phone and sent it to Facebook, letting everyone know we had arrived.

It was a nice afternoon. Not too cold for a Fall day. I was nervous, anxious and excited. I just prayed that everyone would be kind and patient with us.

John and I had no idea where the front door was, or where to go. We walked around a bit aimlessly for a few minutes and then I noticed some people coming in and out and we headed that direction.

Once inside, we were again "lost". But I told a friendly temple worker lady that we could use some help. We were pointed in the right direction, temple recommends checked, and on to some final paperwork. A nice male temple worker told my husband to take my hand and said, "Isn't it nice to hold your wife's hand in the temple?" It was awesome and my husband replied, "It's nice to hold her hand anywhere". I added, "But it's extra nice in here." Everything was double checked and we were good to go.

While waiting for us escorts, a kind, sweet temple worker helped me go through my things to make sure I had everything I needed. We noticed something missing, so we went to rent it. A little bit of anxiety there, since I swore I had everything. (When we bought everything in preparation, the lady seemed very careful to make sure we had everything,.. more about that later)

So as we returned to the main waiting area, my husband had disappeared. We sat down and waited a bit and I soon saw our escorts, Sariah and Jake Buntjer. Sariah gave me a very happy hug. This was it. We were on our way. We were told that my husband was already changing. We were lead to the Women's locker room to change.

Once there, my things were once again checked. I had brought 2 pairs of garments (2 different materials), just in case one didn't fit or something. Well a helper separated my stuff and pulled out the first set of garments and set the others aside. I had everything, so we were led to our stalls. I was instructed what to do and I almost felt like I was supposed to undress in front of the lady, because she was standing there with my stall open and telling me what I needed to take off and what I needed to put on. I thought maybe she needed to make sure I did it right, so I started to undress. She sweetly said, "Hold on" and shut my door and then told me I could lock it. Ok, much better, but I felt like kind of a dork.

As I looked at the garments, I realized that the pair she had grabbed were not of "matching" fabrics. I was slightly bummed, but quickly got over it. I was overcome by emotion as I changed. It was an awesome, beautiful feeling, and tears quickly came to my eyes. I was changed and ready, but had to use the potty before we began. I knew that we had a good 1 1/2 hours ahead of us.

My sweet new temple lady friend led me to the bathroom. I again was overcome with tears, and just let it flow. When I came out, she showed me the Bride's dressing room area. I'm not sure if that's really what it was called. She explained that even though I'd been married before, I would be in that room tomorrow (although not at that temple) It was absolutely gorgeous in there! (Today is "tomorrow" and there's no doubt in mind that I will feel like a bride today.

When I saw our family and friends, I was overwhelmed with love and the awesomeness that was about to take place. I was so happy to be reunited with my husband. Sariah was sitting to my left and John came and sat to my right. Jake came in and sat by Sariah. The cute older temple guy said, "Wouldn't you like to sit by your sweetheart?" and motioned over towards me. Jake said, "I am sitting by my sweetheart." We all kind of softly giggled.

John was more than happy to see me again and we held hands as we went into another room. There was something extra beautiful in his eyes and face and he held my hand with so much love.

I had some issues with some articles of clothing and that's all I can say. They just weren't being cooperative.
My mom sat on my right in this room and Sariah was again on my left. They were great helpers. I held my mom's hand for the first 5-10 minutes. How grateful I was to have her by my side and I know she was so happy to be there with me. She was so beautiful in her temple dress and her hair was curled so pretty.
By the way, I can't stop crying as I type all this.

I want to remember who was there, because I would feel so sad to forget. So here's the list:

Sariah and Jake Buntjer- our dear, close friends who have helped us so much in getting to this point. We truly adore them and are so thankful to have such good friends and examples in our lives. It's also great that we love them both. It's so great when you are friends with the husband and the wife or the other way around. It's not so fun when you like someone but you just don't care for their spouse.

Next, my 3 mom's. :) My own mom, Connie, John's mom, (who became very good friends with my mom) Wendy, and my step mom, Kathie. All loving and wonderful in their own way. How lucky am I to have 3 moms? Some people don't even have 1 or they may not have one that is temple worty. I have 3!

Our awesome Bishop was there, Logan Freeman. He's also been great in getting us to this point.

We can't forget my favorite missionary, Elder Eccles. I know I shouldn't pick favorites, but we went through a lot of missionaries and he was the sweetest and most sincere. I was so happy that we had chosen to go to the Timpanogas temple so he could be there. His companion was of course there with him, but I don't believe I was told his name. Either way he seemed nice.

At the last part, John's aunt and uncle were there, Cheryl and Eugene Carbine. That was a nice surprise. They would have been there earlier, but they were told the wrong time. :(


At one point I literally felt like I had walked into heaven. I was once again overcome by such a beautiful experience.

It was a lot for one day and I just kept thinking "Wow, we're really here, this is really happening."

We went to Cafe Rio afterwards with Jake and Sariah. That was fun. We'd never gone out with them before. It was also great to be at the temple with them. Very cool.

I must go now as I prepare myself and our children for our sealing. I feel so special to be able to experience two beautiful temple days at two different temples. Today will be a wonderful family memory for us.

The day is near

Tomorrow John and I take out our endowments. Our first step in the temple together. Saturday we will be getting sealed to each other and our children. Although we've learned a little about what will happen, and I've heard stories, I don't know 100% what to expect. I want to be prepared, but I want to be a bit surprised as well. Does that make sense?

I've come across things on the internet regarding endowments and temples. However, some things I just don't want to know. I don't want to read about it word for word. I want to experience it myself.

I have to admit that John and I are huge fans of Big Love. So when we saw the famous/infamous episode about temple ceremonies, (titled Outer Darkness I do believe) we were kind of weirded out. At the time we didn't know that we'd ever be at a place in our lives to be going through the temple. We just didn't know what to think. We both said something like, "if that's what it's like, I don't know if I ever want to go through the temple."

Yet, here we are. Ready and willing.
By the way, we were told that the temple scene portrayed was about 95% accurate. I think that episode aired in January or February of this year. It was actually around this time that we started going back to church a little at a time. So apparently it didn't freak us out too much. Just being honest about it all.

I now expect it to be a beautiful experience. I view it as sacred and heavenly. I see it as a learning and growing experience. Do I still think it's a little weird? I think it's a new concept to us and new things can seem weird. Either way, I am extremely open to it and hope that I can get the most out of it as possible. I know that I will be spiritually touched and that I will return a different/better person. I think it will be emotionally draining in the best way possible.

I'm excited to have it broken up into 2 days-2 temples-2 ordinances(?) I am excited equally for the time in the temple with my husband and then with my husband and our children. I'm sure I've said this before, but I am beyond thrilled that they get to experience this with us and that they are old enough to remember. We will all be changed in some way.

Disappointment

It seems like everytime I invite people to a party or an event... I don't hear from 80% of them. I just want a Yes, No, Maybe. Some sort of response.. some sort of "Well I can't make it, but thanks for inviting me." OR "Yes, I'll be there." OR "Maybe, I'm not sure." I don't even care what your reasoning is for not coming, it would just be nice to know that you've acknowledged the fact that I invited you.

It makes me feel like people who I thought were my friends, are not such good friends? The latest is obviously our temple event. I can understand that not everyone is even able to go through the temple with us. I can understand that some people are not religious and this may be something to roll their eyes about. But even so, can't they be happy for us? At least come to the celebration party afterwards? At least say.. "No thanks, but I'm happy for you?" Maybe the person doesn't know me very well or hasn't seen me for awhile and feels weird that I'd ask them to such a personal/religious event.

My sister and her husband went through the temple last year and got sealed to each other and their 2 girls. I was not at the same place in my life and I was not able to go to the temple, but I was beyond thrilled for them. To me, it was like they were getting married for the first time or something. I thought of it as a big deal, and I hope I made it clear how happy I was for them! I attended the after party and felt so much love for them.

So, I wonder.... because I can't just let things be. I have to analyze and over-analyze. Do I respond to people's invites? If it's through e-mail or any sort of internet form... YES! I usually respond right away, because I am constantly checking my e-mail, Facebook, etc. And I try to show enthusiasm. If I cannot make it, I will let them know.

However, I admit, I have gotten invitations in the mail and have not said anything. (bad girl) I'll have every intention of going or I'll be happy for the person/couple, whatever. But I don't always respond. Maybe I don't have their phone number, maybe I'm not that close to the person, whatever. But then if I see them later, I will congratulate them or say sorry I missed it.. etc. (at least 90% of the time)

I will try better though, because I'm hurt. So maybe this was to teach me a lesson?

Of course after I posted this, I got some more responses... (they were already there, I just hadn't read them yet)

I'm also a bit bummed that my dad and sister won't be joining us in the temple. Neither will John's dad. So I will have 3 moms- My mom, John's mom and my step mom. Cool, just not how I expected it to be. Not that I ever thought about it and really pictured it in my mind until recently.

My husband texted me 5 days before taking out our endowments:
"I'm RSVPing for Fri and Sat. I'll be there do or die."

That meant the world to me.

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