Since everything happened so fast and the hubby works the night shift I had to get all of our clothing for the Temple. I can't tell you how hard it is to get garments when you have no idea what they look like (we are the only members in both of our families) and you are not to open them until you get to the Temple to receive your endowments. Not to mention for women they have a ton of styles and materials and I had to figure out what I thought hubby would like. One thing I was grateful for, I was all by myself without the kids (older 2 hadn't started school yet and were watching the little 2 for me). One little piece of advise would be to ask a few friends what they like and write it down because it gets a little overwhelming when you are there. Then buy a few different one and see what you like, I ended up loving the one material I didn't buy any of because I didn't think I would like it. It took me a few pair before I found what I really liked. The only other item I bought was my dress and slip.
It was finally Saturday, I was a bit nervous and excited all at the same time. #1 and #2 had meet the teacher from 11-1, hubby took them so I had enough time to get ready and not be rushed. It's their first year at ALA so we wanted them to see the school before school started on Monday. They got there early and returned home earlier than we expected which was nice. I was surprised at how smooth it was leading up to us leaving all the kids. Sister Larson was nice enough to come spend the evening with our girls so we didn't have to worry about them and enjoy our day. The girls loved her, she did a hunt for the girls and they had a blast. Around 3:30 hubby and I left thinking we were going to be late for out 4pm appointment but were pleasantly surprised to make it on time. I don't think it could have gone any better. Walking into the Temple for the first time was amazing and exciting all at the same time. I'm so glad I got to share that with the love of my life. It was funny to be called a bride again after 13 years of marriage but exciting to know I would be with hubby for ever. All the sisters were so kind and helpful, I'm thankful to all of them for making me feel more excited than nervous. It was time to change into my dress and I was glad I had my own dress. With all the unknown of that day I was nice that I had my own dress I was comfortable in, knew what it looked like, knew it fit and loved the style. I have to say I really do love my dress, love wearing it and think that being comfortable with what you have on makes all the difference. I also had some amazing sisters with me to share the experience and help me along. Sister Rhode was my escort and Sister Owen sat in for her until she arrived. The sitting and waiting for the appointment was the hardest because I wanted to be with Ronnie yet thankful to have Sister Owen to talk with and answer all of my questions. It was finally time and all I can say is I'm glad I have such a great husband. We are more alike than we have ever been, headed in the same direction with the same goals even after 13 years. It was an amazing experience that I hope to never forget and pray its something we can do often, together as husband and wife. I was over come by the spirit when it was finally time to sit along side of Ronnie and just hold his hand. I felt closer to him more than ever and felt his love from across the room.
The following Saturday 8/27 we returned to the Temple with all of the girls. It was another crazy day. The older 3 had a Job's Daughters meeting from 10am- 12 and we needed to be at the Temple by 12:30. I don't know what I was thinking when I set the time, guess I wasn't. The good news is they had to be in church clothes for the meeting and the lodge is only 5mins away from the Temple. With the big girls gone I as on my own getting the little girls ready. I had everyones hair done and just needed to get them dressed. So I sat them down in the living room with a movie to keep them occupied. Everything was going well and we had about 20mins before we needed to leave. So I finished getting Lily dress and sat her on the couch to watch the movie. Next was Chloe and as usual her shoes were not put away. As all three of them were watching the movie I walked into my room asked Ronnie if he had seen her shoes? No, so I looked under my bed where they like to hide things and found them, woohoo (and it only took about 5mins). Thinking this couldn't be going any better I walk back into the living room. As I walk in I smell something and see Bella standing on a towel trying to dry something up from the carpet. I ask her what she is doing and I see the blank look on her face. Chloe did it. I realize Im smelling BLEACH and quickly pick up the towel to find my nice dark brown carpet has a huge orange spot, ugh. She has it one her shirt and all over her hands. I ask her what she was doing? Chloe had gotten it out of the laundry room and given it to Bella. Then for some unknown reason she decided it was a good idea to try to balance it on her head! It fell off, opened and dumped all over the carpet (I was out of the room for 5 mins). At this point we needed to leave in less than 15mins. There was nothing I could do about the carpet so I got Bella washed off and thankfully it wasn't worse, like in her eyes, hair etc. We didn't have time to punish or even think about what happened and I think they are lucky because they may not have seen the next day. After we got back on track, everyone dressed and in the car we were running about 15mins late, ugh. Some odd reason we were not to upset about the carpet at that point, I think its because we didn't have time to see just how much damage the bleach had done before we left. We left the house with 30mins to get to our appointment and it takes around 30mins to get there, still needing to pick up the older girls from Job's. The little ones fought the entire drive and the big ones weren't ready when we got to the lodge. Somehow I was able to keep calm and we ended up only being a few mins late, how I don't know but was grateful. I was a little nervous on how they would behave especially after the car ride but I couldn't have been more proud on how reverent they all were. The second we walked into the doors they knew who we were. You must be the Jones family the Temple worked said. We handed them all of our recommends and together we walked into the Temple. After checking in they walked us to the youth center with me in the front and daddy bringing up the rear. I stopped and as each of the older girls passed I reminded them to soak it all up, look around, remember what you see, what you feel because you won't be back until you are in your 20's and getting married. They all started to look around, had big smiles on their faces and look so beautiful. They sat down in the youth center and Lily was a little scared but sis picked her up and she was fine. Ronnie and I then went and got ready for the sealing. When we were ready they took me to sit with him and talked to the Brother preforming the ordinance. I was so nervous but loved being with Ronnie the entire time. As we sat there we saw them bring our ward family into the sealing room we would be in and I got even more excited/nervous. It was amazing and I love my husband more than anything. There was nothing more special than seeing all six of our girls dressed in white dresses walk into the room. They are all so beautiful, faces glowing with huge smiles. Lily flower didn't notice me at first and when she did she ran up with a huge smile and said mama. It melted my heart. It was an amazing time and something I will never forget. I can still see them walking into the room and the look on their faces. The pretty bows they had in their hair and how excited they were that they got to keep them. The Sisters in the youth center told me she has never seen a family so helpful to each other. They helped each other find dresses and get dressed and it was fun to watch. It's nice to know some of the things Ronnie and I try to teach them is sinking in. I'm so grateful for the ordinances of the Temple so my family can be together for ever and all eternity.