Season of Joy

It's been a busy but wonderful few weeks. One week ago our beautiful Kansas City Temple was dedicated by President Monson in three sessions. The night before the dedication Lindsey and Jordan participated in the Cultural Celebration. It was the culminating event after several months of practice. My children were not always thrilled to attend the practices and many times wondered if the production would ever work. They spent a tiring day all Saturday practicing for the 6PM event. I kept telling them that the Lord was mindful of all the participants efforts and somehow it would all work out. The highlight of the rehearsal for Lindsey and Jordan, and probably for all youth, came through a problem with the technical aspects of the show. In between each number there was a presentation shown on the jumbotron. The segments in the presentation were meant to introduce the next number and allow the youth to transition between numbers. The problem was the jumbotron was not working. After more than half a day working on the technical aspects but without a full dress rehearsal, the jumbotron was still not working. It was time to call upon the Lord. The directors had the 3000 youth kneel as one and they petitioned the Lord for help in fixing the technical issues. Later my children told me that the Spirit was so strong in the room during the prayer. Within a very short time, the head technician reported that the jumbotron was working. It had been fixed through "dumb luck." All the youth knew that luck was not involved. Click here for a more detailed information on the Cultural Event and here for information on the inspirational stories behind the production.

Sierra, Sarah and Lindsey

I was thrilled to be able to attend the performance. The building was literally filled to the rafters. It reminded me of my days at BYU when President Monson arrived and the occupants of the auditorium spontaneously rose to our feet in honor of our prophet. The Spirit was palpable. The show was titled "One Heart in the Heartland." Each group of stakes had a different theme incorporating "heart" in their section. Our stake was "Inspired Hearts," the Joplin Stake was "Broken Hearts." Their numbers were very touching in remembrance of the devastating tornado almost exactly one year ago. In the opening number, Lindsey was about 50 feet from the prophet. The highlight for her came when the prophet wiggled his ears! I met them after the performance and both Lindsey and Jordan were smiling as big as I've ever seen them. I hope this is something that they will never forget.

The temple opened for ordinances last Tuesday. Lindsey, Jordan and I are planning to attend after graduation is over to participate in ordinances for our ancestors. Here is a lovely photo essay of the temple including some interesting tidbits.

The month of May continues to be busy for us. Jordan had a choir concert. It was wonderful. We are so lucky to have such a talented choir director who inspires the kids to do their best. The next night was the gigantic Band-A-Rama where all the bands from 6th grade to High School to Jazz Band perform. This was Lindsey's last performance as a Cameron Dragon.

Next Sunday is graduation. My baby girl is growing up. Laney, Josh, and Aunt Judy will be celebrating with us. So excited to have four of my five together!

I Love to See the Temple

It's the last day of spring break. . .boo. . .but we went to the open house for the new Kansas City Temple. . .Yeah! For those not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a temple is a sacred place where families are joined for eternity. Ordinances for deceased ancestors are also performed in the temple. Once it is dedicated on May 6, only members in good standing may enter the temple. The open house is a unique opportunity for all who are interested to enter and view the completed temple. I urge everyone in the Kansas City area to take a tour of the temple during the open house.
Lindsey, Jordan and I had a wonderful morning at the temple. And we took lots of pictures!

 Holding up the temple

 He's so strong!

 Olive leaf motif throughout the temple--inside and out

 Corner stone, yet to be placed

My babies

Quit Messing with the Universe

I've probably ranted on this topic before. I didn't look up in my archive so sorry if this is a repeat rant. I don't like daylight savings time. I know Ben Franklin originally proposed the idea--at least that's what we learn in National Treasure--but I don't like messing with time. Maybe it's from watching too many Star Trek episodes or Back to the Future but somehow I think we are messing with the space-time continuum and who knows the ultimate consequences of our actions. Plus I think it's the ultimate example of arrogance that we, as humans, think we can control time. I REALLY don't like the spring forward time change. I know it seems extreme but I can really tell the hour's difference for at least a week. I drag around more than usual and don't feel caught up until the fall back clock mambo. Anyway, unless I move to Arizona, I guess I'm stuck with the twice yearly clock mambo dance. But what really burns my cookies is that they (whoever "they" are) have moved the time-change weekends. For years, and I mean YEARS, we changed times on the first weekends in April and October. Those weekends also happen to be General Conference weekend for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the time we, as Mormons, gather to hear counsel from the leaders we sustain as prophets, seers and revelators. It is a weekend I look forward to for six months. And it is the perfect combination for the time change. It was much easier to remember to change the clocks on conference weekend. The prophet even reminds the men at the priesthood session. Now, I never know when the time change is coming up. Since "they" have decided to mess with the time change weekend, I have been bothered even more by the loss of an hour's sleep. I also forgot to change the batteries of the smoke detector (if I had one) and rotate the tires and food storage. I really think moving the time-change weekend has interfered with the natural flow of the universe. Either that or I just don't like change!