Go to the Temple

On Dec. 30th we had the opportunity to go up the Tokyo Temple with our friends, the Ewings, who were both receiving their endowment in preparation for being sealed this summer.  Their daughter Zohie is about 16 months old, so the heroic task of watching all three girls fell to Ben while I was Brenda's escort through the temple.

First of all, it must be said that Ellie talks about going to the temple all. the. time.  We have a picture of the Las Vegas temple hanging over our TV and we talk to her about how we were married there, but I've never felt like we discussed the temple lots and lots.  But whatever we did, it stuck. Which is great.  She also talks about her friend Zohie everytime we drive by their tower, which is everytime we drive onto base. So when we told her that we were going to go to the temple with Zohie she could not have been more elated.
Next to the temple is a stake center/hostel, called the Annex, and we reserved the nursery room there for Ben to watch the girls while we were at the temple.

I felt so blessed to be there with Brenda as she went to the temple for the first time.  Mostly because, as a nursing mother, it's hard for me to get to the temple.  I haven't been since before Clara was born, especially since it is a two hour drive away.  The moment I walked in I felt the most wonderful peace, and I knew that the whole experience was going to be special for all of us. And it truly was. I know that I had some profound moments of feeling the Spirit and the Lord's love for me, my family, and the Ewings.

Ben wants me to be sure to note that he was by himself with three girls 2 and under for FOUR hours and fifteen minutes, two of which are still nursing.  And don't take bottles. Ben was awesome.  All three girls were happy when we got done. He's amazing. Feel free to drop him a line telling him so. I do. All the time.