The Time Has Come

Something that seems so simple and "an old thing" to many is "a new thing" for us!  We are going to the temple!  In 16 short days Russ and I will take our endowments out.  This is an amazing time!

I find myself very over-emotional the last few weeks.  I cry about everything, and no I am not pregnant.  I find myself talking with a friend at work every opportunity we get to discuss the church, our progress, our friendship and how we oddly find each other to be a great strength.  I think she is way better a strength than I.  For the record, her name is Emilee E. I feel honored to have met her and I find myself looking to her for the simplest of things.  She reminds me of how far our family has come and I find her to be a big part of my personal progress.  Someone you can always lean on, someone to tell your greatest struggles and they give you hope.

The happiness that comes from knowing I consider myself worthy to enter the temple is probably the biggest battle.  We always can find ourselves failing in an area and are harder on ourselves than those around us.  

Russ has been so great!  As I grew up without the priesthood in my home, I would always turn to my bishop for guidance and blessings.  Now I have a priesthood holder in my home.  From the ability for him to give Damian and I blessings to asking us to read our scriptures or church magazines.  He is leading our family to eternity.  He is our family foundation and I am so blessed.

When I think of the emotion I will feel in 9 days, it is incomprehensible!  One thing for sure--waterproof mascara will be in full force that day!  I can only imagine but it will soon be a reality.

To sum up the feelings; 

I feel so lucky to be where I am. Regardless of struggles, regardless of the adversary working his best.  I feel so lucky to have the family I have, the job I have, the home I have, the primary calling I have, and so many more blessings Heavenly Father gives to me daily.  Me feeling to blessed and lucky to enter the temple is what I think it the over emotion I am feeling on a daily basis.

Those who have entered and partaken of the sacred covenants should be reminded that this is not something that everyone gets.  We need to know how truly lucky we are to receive this blessing.  Don't take it for granted, attend often and be the example that a stranger perhaps need to one day be there themselves.

President Monson said in the Jan 2012 Ensign "So much in life depends on our attitude.  The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference.  To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment."

Oh times change.....

Wow, we have come so far.  My goal is for this to be our new way to keep you all informed and keep a more personal journal of our lives.

As I was reading the last entry, which yes I know was so long ago, I realized how far we have come.

As many of you may or may not know, Russ and I became inactive from the church when we were out of high school.  In September of 2012 we returned after many months of deciding if it was the right time.  Now I am so proud to say that we are almost here at a year later and have a temple date set for our endowments and sealing.  We are unbelievably happy and have never been so sure of something.  The reality that we will be with each other for eternity is an amazing feeling.  I can not wait to write the feelings of that day! September 14, 2013 and October 19, 2013 as an FYI!

I currently serve as the primary president of the Shadow Creek Ward.  Russ currently is serving as 2nd counselor in the Sunday School presidency.  Damian is a deacon.  The primary answered so many prayers and I have never felt more in the right place then now.

Damian is going to be going into the 8th grade this month.  Next year high school! Uh oh!  We are so proud of the young man he is becoming.  The caring he shows is always how I knew he would be.  A kind, compassionate, generous, thoughtful and respectful young man.  He is very involved in scouting and is currently working on doing his Eagle project.  2014 surely will grant an amazing Eagle scout!

Russ is still very involved in working out.  He has a great routine and is a great example to us all of dedication.  He is currently staying at home being a great house hubby!  He keeps this house alive and that is a relief.  I am so thankful we have the ability to have him stay home.  I know he will one day be eager to get out but for now it works out perfectly for us all.

I am still working as an ER nurse at Mtn View Hospital.  Almost 2 years now which is even crazier.  I was once the new grad and now I feel so in place.  I love being a nurse and will never imagine anything differently.  I am at peace.  Although there are rough nights, I never refuse to go back.  I am in it for the long haul.

Well, that is a quick update and I really hope I continue regular entries.  I feel like this might be the right place for future generations to look back on our family and see where we have come and where we are going.

Love ya'll so much!