Temple Trip

We had the most amazing trip to the temple yesterday! My parents had taken the boys on Friday night and kept them through Saturday, so we could get a break and think through some critical family issues. As part of this process, we attended the temple. We ended up getting to bed a little later Friday than planned and decided to sleep in a little and attend a later session. As we walked into the chapel to wait for our session, we ran into John and Sandy Nielsen (Becca's parents) and said hello. It's always a wonderful surprise to see them, but an extra special treat to see them in the temple. Given what Sandy's been through over the last couple of years, I was pleased to see her looking so great. We had a good chat and separated, as they were invited out of the chapel.

We no sooner sat down (near the back, mind you) when we were asked to be the witness couple. We led the way up into the endowment room and, again to my surprise, found John and Sandy waiting in the same room! And to my even greater surprise, they were there with Jill and Craig and their oldest son, who was receiving his endownment for the first time in preparation for his mission! What an awesome experience to be there in our position for such a momentous occasion for a family I love so much!

After the session, as I met up with the family in the celestial room, I spoke for a moment to Jill, who said how great it was to have us there - "It was almost like having Greg and Becca here! We miss them so much!" That made me feel great. I also shared with her that, when I saw her and her son together in the session, I envisioned my lovely wife there with our sons as well. The thought brought tears to both of our eyes, and she told me to cherish the time now, because we'll be in their position before we know it. I don't doubt it for a second, although it still feels like a long time until then.

And, lest you think that was the end of the pleasant surprises... My family's long-time home teacher when I was growing up -- Bro. Gubler -- sat next to me in the same session. Sitting next to him was his son, who was also getting his endowment in prep for his mission. Too cool...

As He does so often, I'm sure the Lord had His hand in guiding us to the session we attended. It was exactly what I/we needed...

Perspective Regained

So I was right... Sometimes it just takes stepping away from the action items list for a while to regain perspective. After a great weekend (which actually included a bit of work), I feel re-energized and fully capable of accomplishing everything on my list.

Speaking of the weekend, it was a great one. My mom took the boys from Friday afternoon to Saturday, giving K and me some much-needed time to focus on each other and on the yard. In all, our weekend included the following:

• Thatching and aerating (BY HAND!) about 60% of our back yard (I think the previous owners of our home used a mulching lawn mower and never raked)
• Exercise (about 4 hours of the above)
• Two meals out (teriyaki - YUMM - and Subway)
• A movie: Nim's Island (perfect for the kids!)
• ~2 hours of work to prepare for a meeting this morning (which went well)
• A much overdue trip to the temple
• Shopping (Bell Square, Costco, Target)
• Some reading time in my latest novel (Storm Thief)

Bring on the new week! :)