Temple Pictures

Since it's the Sabbath, I thought it would be appropriate to post my pictures of the Temple that we took.



Can I just say how difficult it is to get a picture of the Temple and reflection pond with NO people in front of it...it's pretty impossible actually.

So the solution is to tip your camera up so you just get the Temple without the pond. Not the same, but still beautiful.

So the next few pictures...this is a very common place for families and especially missionaries to get their picture taken. There literally was no one close around us so we sadly didn't get a family picture, but we made the best of it and Tanner got his picture taken with both Matt and then I...


Then Matt took one of me, since I am the only one in my family that didn't serve a mission. Amy, Megan, and Melany all have a picture of them on this pedestal in front of the Temple. Now it was MY turn...lol


Matt's "missionary" picture. I love him!


I love to see the temple!










A lot of married couples get their picture taken by these doors (there's a few sets, actually). While we were taking this photo, there was a wedding party just finishing up and when we finished, another wedding was coming over.




Tanner looks so small in comparison to these huge, massive doors.



We were lucky with this one. We asked someone to take a photo of us and he actually took a few pictures. We were very appreciative.




Can you believe that these are still original? So beautiful and intricate.





The view looking upward. So neat!





This was one of several of the same trees on the grounds. It actually provides shade for wedding guests waiting. They're right by the doors that newly married couples come out of the temple.




We drove to South Jordan to attend the Jordan River Temple. This has the most beautiful Celestial Room in it. I loved it more than Cardston. This Temple is different inside in that it has escalators so it kind of feels like a church office building more than a Temple. At least it did to me. All the Temples are beautiful and all have different, unique features. For example, I've been told that Cardston Temple is the only Temple of all the Temples that has dark wood throughout it. It's also the only Temple (so I've been told by someone who works in the Temple) that it's the only one that doesn't have a gate or fence around it. Interesting, huh?







Happy Sabbath and enjoy!

So thankful

Yesterday we had testimony meeting because we missed it last Sunday. There were lots of people who were thankful for the service that was given to them because of the big snow storm. As I was thinking, I thought about how grateful I am to the people who helped us with cheerful attitudes. After talking to my Mom and realizing that no one even offered her help to dig out her garage...not a neighbor, not a member of her ward, no one, it made me think about how blessed I am to live in a community where everyone helps everyone else and that's just what we do. It makes me grateful that I DON'T live in a city...even Lethbridge. More positives just went on my list of things that make where I live a great place to live!

I have reflected a lot on the last year and this year has been for sure one of my top 5 years. 2000 was one: married! 2003 another: Tanner born 2008:Emerson coming into the family and 2009: turning 30. This has been a wonderful year filled with, I feel, much growth for all of my family. I am looking forward to a new year with, hopefully, more growth (read:maturity), more love, more joy, more learning, more fun/sad/challenging times. I am sad to be saying goodbye to my Primary kids. I had a rough patch with them but I have really grown to love them and have love, love, loved teaching them.

We are making and decorating Sugar cookies tonight...most likely just making and decorating tomorrow. We have also had a p.j. party and watched 'The Flinstones Christmas Carol, 'The Muppets Christmas Carol', and 'A Christmas Carol' (the first, black and white version). I have never seen any of those. I have seen a version of the Christmas carol, but I can't remember which one it was. I have also seen the actual play twice. I LOVED it! You must go if you can. It is well worth the money and it's such a neat experience.


In process of making the cookies



The decorated cookies


Saturday, we went to the Temple in the bad weather. It took us 55 minutes (normally 35 minutes) because we drove so slowly. I love the Temple and I love that Matt and I have made a commitment to make it a priority in our life. We have truly benefited and been blessed because of it.

We went today and picked out our yearly Christmas tree ornament. We decided that every year, since we moved, we would pick a new ornament as a family. The first year I picked a stocking. Last year Tanner picked a glass tree, and this year Matt picked a snow filled snowman ornament/ball. None of them match the Blue and Silver decor that is on our tree, but each ornament has special memories from that year.

Well, that's all we've been up to for now. I am starting to get really excited for Christmas. I will be back tomorrow and Wednesday and then on Thursday is Tanner's school Concert!!!!! I can not even convey the joy and excitement I feel for this. I am close to floating on air. My little boy, in his first school concert...ahhhhh....So much more to look forward to!