We Love to See the Temple

Saturday, January 26, 2008

On Saturday, Garrett had the opportunity to go to the temple with a member of our ward who was going through for the first time. We hadn't made any arrangements for a sitter so I could go, but at the last minute, we decided that since we wanted to spend some time with Daddy, we would pack up in the car and drive to Baton Rouge with him and wait for him during the session. So, with our kids and my camera in tow, we drove to Baton Rouge. It was a rainy/overcast day and kind of chilly, but it was still very enjoyable to be outside for a while and enjoy the temple grounds. The BR temple is in a beautiful location, and creates a very nice, quiet escape from the outside world (as do all temples, don't they?). There are some gorgeous trees and scenery nearby and Tyler had a great time just playing outside while we waited. So, here are a few pictures from our day.

It was fun to talk a little bit about the temple. Tyler was excited to spot Angel Moroni and the "trumpet". Although, he is convinced that Angel Moroni is a girl. I guess because angels must all be girls, right?! I guess we've got some teaching to do... :)
I'm sure you've all seen this look from Tyler before. We usually just call it the scowl, but it's not so much a scowl. It's just a look that says "I'm concentrating very hard on what I'm doing". But regardless of that, if it's caught on camera, it definitely looks like a scowl. I think it needs a name. Maybe we need to call it "Blue Steel", or "Magnum" possibly (any Zoolander fans out there?).

As is a theme with all pictures of Tyler outside--give the boy a stick and he'll stay entertained for hours. They were all over the place and one was always in his hand.

Khaki was clearly not a good choice of clothing for the day. Check out those knee caps. My Shout stain stick got a work out afterwards. Who'd have known a trip to the temple could result in getting so dirty?
As we drove home, I reflected upon the gratitude I felt in my heart for these temples that now dot the earth and the chance I had to take Tyler there this day. It dawned on me that he is growing up much differently than I did. The temple was a very "real" and "tangible" thing for me since a temple was often seen on different drives we would take and such. But for Tyler, we talk about the temple, but since it's not in our town, it's not like we just see the temple as we're out driving around or running errands. Now that we have lived outside of Idaho and Utah, I am so grateful that there are temple within a very reasonable drive for us to go to.

And it seemed almost unreal to learn of President Hinckley's death just one day later. It obviously had to happen sometime, but it seemed he would be around forever. He was the prophet for very nearly 13 years, which is roughly half of my life. He was such a strength through some very influential times in my life. My teen years, finding my spouse, my early married years, my early motherhood years, and two very big moves to states I hardly knew anything about. He had a way of always saying the right thing, getting right to the point, and instilling in me the desire to be a better person. I just loved hearing him speak! He had such a memorable character. I am grateful for the work the Lord allowed to be done under his direction, especially for the building of all of these wonderful temples. With 124 now operating, and so many outside of the West now, it has been such a great blessing to me. I will miss him dearly, but I am so excited to think of him being with his sweet wife again.