Catch-Up

It is a random picture sort of blog. I also wanted to answer some questions: 

1. The hair website: http://babesinhairland.com

2. The cabin website: http://www.vrbo.com  (great place to find lots of cabins, in lots of different places!)

3. Jenn -- this picture was taken at the very east end of Surprise Valley, at the pull-out near Highway 21

 

Now on to random stuff . . . 

Mom showing me her iphone 5 capabilities . . . panoramic view

 Daniel made a bunch of origami Yoda characters (it's a book) . . . he made one for everyone in his class. 

 Sweet sleeping baby

 Random Saturday morning at our house . . . 

 Sammi practicing her jumping skills

 Random Reindeer in the school parking lot . . . kids loved it! 

 Watching Sammi play basketball

 Remember that scarf Joe Biden made me ruin? I made lemonade out of lemons and turned it into a hat. :-) 

 Always wash your fruits and veggies . . . I found a dead Bee in my Costco raspberries. Blah. 

 We made banana muffins for Family Home Evening, the kids loved it. They were yummy! 

 Beautiful colors 

 Sammi and Dan enjoyed putting together the new office shelves . . . 

 Singing time with grandma . . . love Sammi's face. :-) 

 Grandma french-braided Sammi's hair so it would be all curly. I meant to take a picture of it after, it was SO cute! 

 William about to watch Sammi play b-ball

 Sammi ready to play. Their team is SO much better this year, thanks to their AWESOME coach! 

Good times. 

Fall Weather

The weather this morning was beautiful. I love the contrast of dark clouds, blue sky, and fall colors. It was a real treat to drive the kids to school today, it was so glorious. I just happened to have my camera with me, so I grabbed a few shots -- but they hardly do it justice. 

  Later in the morning, the clouds turned dark-grey, and a big storm blew through . . . awesome. 

 We lost a lot of our pretty leaves . . . but it was really beautiful to watch them swirl in the wind

I love weather. 

It is like watching God paint. 

I think if I had to choose a profession, I would be a Storm-chaser, or a Weatherman. There are few things that get me more excited than awesome (especially extreme) weather! 

Chubby-Pumpkin

Henry is totally confident enough to wear tights. 

 Just look at those adorable rolls on his legs!   

What a cutie-pie. 

I just scheduled his next kidney-reflux ultrasound for November. (That is not going to be fun.) They will go up inside his little boy part, and smash him under a huge machine (like last time), except now he is alert and aware. Sad. But we'll see how his insides are doing. He still takes his daily antibiotic, like a good little boy. And, so far, his exterior seems great . . . let's hope he is holding-up on his interior! 

I sure love my little chubby-pumpkin! 

He brings such extreme joy into my life. I am so glad that even though I did not feel "ready" to have him, we still decided to bring him into this world anyway! 

He is so worth it. As are all babies. 

Sure my body may still be semi-mangled from pregnancy . . . but if I am ever feeling low about that, I just pick-up my sweet boy, and all my self-pity melts into smiles. 

Henry has helped me appreciate the fragility of life, and how glorious our physical bodies really are. He has changed me for the better, without a doubt. And for that, I am forever grateful. 

VP Debate

We watched the Vice Presidential debate last night. It was . . . interesting.

We were so engrossed and distracted -- by the political antics of Biden -- that Charles left a boiling pot of water on the stove, until the water evaporated, and the metal began to melt!! (Sorry, Mom! It was a nice pot!) 

Those circles are melted metal. 

  I was so distracted by Biden's weird political-performance, that I totally messed up the scarf I was working on . . . nuts! Thanks a lot, Joe! 

 That pretty much sums up how I felt about the debate . . . it was messy. Very messy.

 However, I thought Ryan did a fantastic job. (Of course I thought that -- I'm voting for Romney!) It was the first time I had really seen him in action. Very nicely done. It was amazing how he handled himself -- calmly and rationally -- while Joe was thrashing around next to him, making rude (and bizarre) faces/noises. You can always count on Joe for a show, that is for sure. It was a strange dynamic between the two of them, but it made it fascinating to watch. 

It will be interesting . . . these next few weeks. 

It may be that I am just a grown-up now, and I care about politics in America . . . but it seems to me there is a lot at stake this time. Perhaps more than ever before. I wonder what will happen come November 7th? I honestly get a little sick in my gut when I think about it. I am not sure why? It is also strange to me that it is so divided down the middle . . . is it really 50% Democrat, 50% Republican? (Give or take a few very important percentages.) Why are we so closely divided as a Nation? It is concerning, to be sure. 

But, come November 7th, we will either have 4 more years of what we have already had -- or we will make history, and have the first Mormon President of the United States. That is huge. It gives me butterflies just considering it. I will be honest . . . I think a Mormon in the White House would be amazing. And those who may fear some strange Mormon take-over, need not worry. We love America, we are very patriotic, we uphold the Constitution, and we believe -- most strongly -- in the freedom of religion, for everyone. 

I keep hearing that Mitt Romney is "uniquely qualified" for the task at hand. Maybe, maybe not. But I, for one, would like to test that idea, and see what a successful man of business (and a Mormon) can do in the White House, in a time of great economic and moral turmoil. 

Will America give him that chance? We shall see . . . 

Make sure and tune into the Presidential debate next week. It should be a good one! Looking forward to it! However, I think we should skip trying to multi-task -- doing projects and watching politics -- and just focus our attention on one thing at a time. Just look at what happens when you focus on politics instead of projects . . . you get a big mess! The proof is in my mangled scarf, melted metal, and the current economy! 

The Boise Idaho Temple

Video and images retrieved from: here

The Boise Idaho Temple is open to the public, for a limited time! (October 13th-November 10th.) For tickets to the Boise Idaho Temple Open House click: here. (Tickets are merely for crowd control, you can try and just show up -- you will not be turned away.)

I am so excited. I have greatly missed having the temple in my life. I was attending about once a week, before it closed for renovation. My life was so full of light and hope -- it is amazing how temple attendance can do that for you. I have felt the void that has been in my heart, not having the temple to attend. Needless to say, I am SO thrilled to go again! 

I love the temple. It is a place of great peace, comfort, and learning from on High. It is such a comfort to "leave the world" for a moment, and step into Heaven -- as we separate from the noise, chaos, and confusion that dwells, just outside the doors. 

The temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are sacred, not secret. In the world we live in today, there are very few things (if any) that people revere as sacred -- the word seems to slip from understanding. In the world everything good and virtuous is spoken-of, and defiled -- nothing is sacred. So it seems that people have a hard time understanding, when something sacred is kept protected. 

However, before the temple is dedicated for it's sacred purpose, there is an Open House. It is an amazing opportunity to come in the doors, and see what it is all about, and to feel the special Spirit that dwells in such a Holy place.  Everyone is welcome! Bring your children, even your babies! Come, and experience the beauty of The House of the Lord. 

Please watch this video for information about temples, and beautiful images of the inside of temples . . . a little preview. 

As you know, I love family history, and this is why. We believe that families can be together forever --not just until death do you part. I should say, I know families can be together forever. I cannot imagine being separated from my family after death. No, I want to be with them forever and ever -- because I love my family more than anything! Death does not hold quit the sting, when you know you will be with your family again. The ordinances of the temple makes that possible. I know it. 

Below are some images of the inside of the Boise Idaho Temple . . . it is breathtaking what they have done. 

*The different rooms are described in detail in the video above.
Below I share my own views . . .

The Baptismal Font. 

This is where baptisms by proxy are performed. (Often called Baptism for the dead.) It is not as strange and weird as many think it sounds. We are simply baptized in behalf of those who did not have the opportunity to do so themselves. We especially focus on our own kindred dead, from our own family lines. Baptism is an essential ordinance in receiving exaltation -- as I think most Christians/religions would agree. But we believe that everyone should have the chance for exaltation . . . not just the very few who had the chance for baptism in life. How sad that would be for those who did not have the opportunity! God is a just, fair, merciful, God. Why would he allow so many of His children -- who would desire to dwell with Him -- to be damned? No. God provides a way for all of his children, who so desire it, to receive eternal life and exaltation. It is a glorious thing! I love it! 

We are anxiously engaged in this work, because we want all of God's children to receive the ordinances necessary to dwell with our Heavenly Father again! Is that not a beautiful thing?! Of course, those who have passed from this world will choose (this is very important to understand), they will choose whether or not they will accept the work done on their behalf. It is not forced upon them. Our greatest gift from God is agency (the power to choose) after all. It is not like we are "forcing" our deceased to be Mormon, as many think. No, we are just providing the sacred ordinances -- such as baptism -- so they can choose whether or not they want to except the Gospel of Christ, and live with God again. And sure there are vast amounts of unrecorded people, and those who are lost to record books and history . . . but  with God nothing is impossible. We do all we can do of the work now, and He will provide the way for all of His children to have the opportunity . . . that is a whole other topic entirely! 

So, for now, what I do is gather names of my ancestors using on-line tools, and history books, etc. And then I go: here. It is a the family history website where all of the information is stored. The church has been involved in family history work for a long time, and has vast amounts of tools, and resources available -- it is astonishing, really. (Anyone can use the resources, not just members, and not just for temple work!) So, I find those who's work has not been done (a lot of my family line has already been done, but not Charles', since he is a convert). I gather their information, and names, and we bring them to the temple, where, by proxy (someone acting on their behalf -- sometimes me), will help them receive the ordinances necessary to return to their Heavenly Father. It is not weird, or strange -- it is sacred and beautiful. And a true privilege to help in the work of the Lord. I have done it. I have felt it. I know it is true. I am grateful for the chance to help in this sacred work. 

Some of Charles' ancestors . . . 

Brigadier-General Charles Lindley Hines and Helen Frances Boes. 

These are REAL people we are doing the work for! Not just shadows of the past. Whether or not they choose to accept it, is up to them. 

I love family history and temple work! 

continuing on . . . 

This is simply the entrance, where you show your temple recommend. You receive a recommend by going to your local church leaders (Bishop and Stake President), you answer questions of your worthiness (keeping the commandments, cleanliness, etc.). You need to be worthy to enter the House of the Lord -- not perfect. It is like not taking the Sacrament unworthily, you do not want to enter the temple unworthily either -- if that makes sense. Those who enter are not people who have achieved perfection, they are just those who are trying their best to live righteous, clean, lives -- loving and serving God. 

 The Temple is adorned with the most beautiful architecture and design. I cannot image The House of the Lord being anything less than pure and beautiful. It is meant to represent Heaven, after all. The Pioneers used to give of their very finest jewelry, fine china, fine linens, etc., when they themselves lived in very humble circumstances. But when you understand the importance of what goes on in the temple, there is no worldly sacrifice too great, or vice too strong -- to keep you from wanting to return to our Heavenly Father's presence. 

 Celestial Room 

When we attend the temple we change from our street clothes, into all white clothing. It is beautiful to behold. What a contrast from the cares, and fashion of the world. (Especially now, as fashions are so extreme, and dark -- even gross -- in nature!) It also really gives you the sense that we are all brothers and sisters. We are all God's children. 

The Brides Room. 

Where you get ready before getting married. 

Hallway  

 Instruction room 

A place of learning of the purpose of life

 Sealing room 

Where you are sealed for Time and Eternity . . . not death do you part. 

Temple Workers

The people who work and assist in the temple ordinances are not "untouchable" clergyman. They are your everyday Latter-Day Saints, like my parents. Both men and women assist in the work of the Lord in the temple. It is a marvelous, beautiful, opportunity -- to work in the the temple. I have seen firsthand the blessing that have come, from my parent's service in the temple. 

There is so much more . . . for more information about temples go: here.
I am so excited to take my whole family through! 

 Oh, and there has been some confusion about the differences between Mormon Chapels, and Mormon Temples. They are very different! I thought this explains it marvelously. 

Come to the Temple Open House. 

It is a great opportunity to see that we Mormons are not as weird as you think.
Or, maybe we are . . . but we are happy about it. :-) 

Mad-Hatters

 We have been making hats at our house. Sammi brought home the hat-making tool from school called a "Loom". (They are making hats for a class fundraising project.) Charles saw the loom, and became possessed with some overwhelming desire to make his own hat. After the Saturday sessions of General Conference, we ran over to Jo-Ann Fabrics, and purchased a bunch of looms, and yarn, and we began our hat-frenzy. We made all those hats on Daniel's head during the evening on Saturday, and while watching Conference on Sunday. (It was a great way to keep them calm, yet active, and listening.) 

It is so easy, and so FUN! We now make hats while we are watching movies . . . it is very therapeutic. I am starting to work on making scarfs, too. The MOST important thing is choosing the right yarn. The more heavy-duty (thicker) the better! 

Sammi is holding up a "thin" yarn example . . . (she is wearing the hat I made with a fuzzy yarn.) 

 Charles picked the best hat yarn. His hats are nice and warm -- true winter hats. 

Charles has made beautiful hats! He is a natural. Love this one. 

 Daniel loves making hats, too! He does great! 

 The hats turn out so cute! 

 Willy is wearing the "pickle hat". It is an extreme color, but he likes it. 

 Daniel made the red one he is wearing, he was so proud. :-) 

 Not bad for a days work! 

 It is so easy, and so fun . . . I highly recommend making your own hats! Kids can do it, too! 

 I am looking for somewhere local -- a charity -- so that we can make a BUNCH of hats and donate them around Christmas time . . .

If you want to make your own hat, just go buy a loom, some good yarn, watch the how-to video, and go for it! It is very satisfying!