Dear Kids: Go to the Temple

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Dear Kids,

So things have been crazy lately. Our time here in Australia is coming to an end, so that means figuring out what our next step is going to be. Even though we're getting closer to finalizing our plan, the process from the beginning has been frustrating for me. I'm a planner and not knowing where we'll be living in the next two months makes me twitch. Sadly, that and the Australian winter now in full swing has prevented me from enjoying our time here and in turn, just makes me want to get it all figured out even more! Argh! It's a nasty cycle I unnecesarily bring upon myself.

We had talked about needing to go the temple. Especially since we probably would't have another opportunity to go to the temple here in Sydney. It's also been awhile since I've been able to go to an endowment session with Hazel nursing...but with our current state of limbo, I just figured we'll get around to it sometime and if we don't make it, no big deal. 

That was foolish.

Well, then, Nana had to have surgery this last Friday. She was scared and nervous and I felt helpless over here on the other side of the world. After talking to her about this on the phone one morning, I thought why not go to the temple this Saturday?! (Since we're a day ahead, it would be the same day of my mom's surgery). Hazel was finally at a point where I could leave her for a longer amount of time...the only thing stopping us was a babysitter, which was quickly taken care thanks to our wonderful friends. 

And so we went. 

I don't think I've had a temple visit affect me so profoundly up to this point in my life. I felt abundant amounts of peace in regard to our future and was able to feel comfort for and in behalf of my mom. Aside from our personal life, there are crazy things going on in today's world that always leaves me sad and uneasy. However, in the temple everything is right. It was as though I could only feel peace and hope (no feelings or worry or confusion allowed, thank you).  And it felt so good.  Almost like a relief.

There was a cute person there who took our photo in font of the temple, but in order to make more room on my camera I accidentally deleted it to make more room for images like this beaut. So sad, but it was a rainy day and it's all we got.

My sweet babes, it seems as some of the times I've been the most profoundly blessed by things of this gospel, such as temples or visiting teaching, were during times in my life where I didn't think I needed it. Don't miss out on blessings of living a righteous life sitting right there in front of you because you weren't willing to reach out your hand and grab it. The temple is one of those things that we always need. It is a huge blessing we have available to us that is free for the taking. So go. Go whenever you can.

Love you forever,

Mom

Dear Kids: My Joy

Dear Kids,

I love you. For awhile now, I've wanted to jot down some thoughts directed specifically toward you. These thoughts might include my personal life lessons, perhaps answers to questions as to why I (or your dad) do the things we do as well as my testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ. Some of these posts might be silly, some serious, but I hope they all contain some value to you in one way or another throughout your life.

I thought it appropriate to make my first entry about you. Marrying your dad and having you three is hands down, no questions asked, for sure, the best thing I've ever done. You are my joy. You make my world go 'round. The beauties this world has to offer pale in comparison when I get to wake up to your sweet faces every morning.

After your dad and I got married, we were so excited to get you here! Getting you here was more important than traveling the world and furthing our careers. In some social circles we even felt judged for doing so. But it didn't matter, because we had you and we knew. We knew that this was what it was all about. In today's world it's important for you to always know and remember, we wanted you more than anything else.

That still holds true today and I can safely say will continue the rest of your lives. You're the best company and our favorite friends. We think you're talented, clever and have the best senses of humor.

When each of you were babies,  I would whisper in your ear, "Thank you for coming to me. Thank you for coming to our family." My heart couldn't contain the gratitude I had for you in my life. And it still can't. So, my little loves, that's all I have to say for now--thank you for being ours.

Love you forever,
Mom