Salt Lake Temple, one last time before the renovation

Today, Mom and I traveled to SLC to meet Erika at the Salt Lake Temple.  We knew it would be the last time we would be able to visit this temple before it closes for renovation for FOUR YEARS.  It was wonderful to be there again with my sister and mom.

Things I want to remember:

Tons more women than men.  Probably 3 to 1 ratio.
Moving from the Creation room to the Garden of Eden room, then upstairs to the Telestial World room, having to wait here in this room before going next door to the Terrestrial Room (because the group ahead of us was so big I would guess), then finally into the Celestial Room, where there were literally 100 people.  Not kidding.  I've been in the Salt Lake Celestial Room probably a half a dozen times in my life, and never have I seen it so busy. It was amazing !

After we got back down to the dressing room, mom came out (after she had changed her clothes)  with mud? on her shoes......... so strange.  She hadn't tracked any in, and then when she came out?  It was all over....... so strange.

Finally, as we were in the elevators taking us back to the parking garage under the Conference Center, we passed a women (going into the elevator) as Mom and I were coming out.  I thought she looked so familiar !  I told mom, "I think that is a General President.............of something or another".  As I looked back, I saw Erika who was still in the elevator (headed down another level), look at the woman intently.  I knew that SHE would know who she was.  Sure enough when we got back to our car, Erika had left a text message.............not a General President, but Elizabeth Smart's MOTHER.  Of course, Erika struck up a conversation (no surprise :)  I'll have to ask her about it at Thanksgiving.  

Another Friday morning

This morning I went to the temple about 8am.  By the time I made it into initiatory, it was 8:30.  My goodness, I was the only one there !  Surprising.  I had five names I had reserved from Family Search on my phone app.  After I was finished, and walking out, who should I meet but my mom!?   That was a happy surprise.  After the temple, I went to the Family Search Center to meet my 2nd cousin, and we scanned my great grandfather's mission journal from 1898-1899.  I didn't get home until about 2:30 pm.  It was a wonderful day. 

Friday morning - Endowment Session

Dropped Roger D off at work again, and headed to the temple.
It was cold outside

I did the work for my distant relation, Minnie May Haram.  

She was my Grandpa Dickson's, third cousins' wife
It was a wonderful morning, and I was able to participate in the prayer circle in the 7:30 am session.

Afterwards I read from the Book of Mormon in the Celestial Room.
This scripture from Alma 26:27 has become my new favorite scripture. 

Friday morning sealings - I was a witness !

Today I dropped Roger off at work, and headed to the Ogden temple to do some sealings.  Some observations.  I saw two sisters that I know, one is divorced, and the other has an inactive husband like me.  They were there.  Good for all of us.  It's hard, but we will keep on going.  Prior to doing the sealing, I had sat down at my computer earlier that morning, and printed out some Temple Ready ordinances from Family Search.  I did 4 husband/wife sealings, and 5 daughter sealings to parents.  The sealer was named Penn Hollister, and he was great.  I was asked at one point to be a witness to the sealings that were taking place !  That was pretty exciting, and came about as a result of the last temple/baptism changes that were announced just before General Conference a week prior.   It was a great morning in the temple. 

Ward Temple Night

It was our ward temple night tonight.  I left work early and picked up LuAnn.  Jill Hatch also rode with us and met her husband Ed there. Our goal was the 6:30 session, and we made it.   Unfortunately we were the only ones from our ward who went, excepting Lauri and Mark Robinson, who were there for their grandson, Elder Ferrin who was receiving his endowments in anticipation of his upcoming mission to Oaxaca, Mexico.  There may have been others who went during the day, or to another session, but it was disappointing for sure that more didn't take the time (I know it's hard) or MAKE the time. 

Bountiful Temple

Went to the Bountiful Temple this morning with LuAnn, Georgia Miksell, and Sharlene Olsen.  The Ogden Temple was closed for cleaning.  We drove down in a really bad rain storm.  I was sure glad to get there.  We did an endowment session.

Temple Work - Both kinds

I was able to go with LuAnn and other members of our ward for a temple cleaning, on August 15th at 9:30 pm, till about 1am.  It was a great time to be there, even though it was tiring. 

I was finally able to get back to the temple on Friday morning, August 23rd, for Temple Work - this time sealings.   It was a beautiful morning.   I dropped Roger off at work, and then went, and was back to pick him up when he got off.   People I saw that I knew were Connie Porter, Sister Skinner, Jill Shupe, Craig and Valerie Whitear.

Friday - Finally !

I haven't been to the temple in so long. Roger being home on Fridays, and us having things planned, and then me working most of the Friday's in April and May.......... Excuses Excuses. Anywhoo. I went down Friday afternoon while Roger was at work, and did some initiatory work. Mom didn't have any cards, so I took Aunt Barbara's. I did 5. I had to wait about 40 minutes in between 3 and the next 2. It was a great day in the temple.

Relief Society Trip to the Temple

We are planning on doing a temple trip with the Relief Society every other month on the first Friday.  This time, Jody Carter, Vicki Rose, Georgia Mikesell, Lory Birt, LuAnn Rich, and I went.  We piled into two vehicles, and made the 10am session.  It was a great day at the temple with these special friends.

Temple (while Rog works)

I dropped of Rog at the airport in Ogden on Friday morning about 6:45 am, then headed in to the Ogden Temple. This might just because a weekly occurrence ! I was looking forward to going to an endowment session, to see what all of the new change was about. I LOVED it. Loved the changes, loved the still pics instead of video, loved the new wording, loved the shortened time. I LOVE THE TEMPLE. Geary Mecham was our officiator. I also saw, Lorraine Toone working there, and Peggy Creager, and Jill Melle and her mom (patrons). I didn't have enough time to participate in sealings or initiatory, but plan to do this next time. Picked Rog back up from work at 10am, and we continued with our day.