Happy 80th Mom......

My mom turned 80 years old on January 31st this year so I thought it would be a great idea to surprise her with a visit to the temple. Her life long dream has been to be in the temple with ALL of her children. I have heard her talk about this dream for YEARS! Well I know that it is next to impossible to get ALL of the family members together for this event but I decided to invite everyone and keep it a secret from her.

Her favorite temple is the Jordan River Temple which is just across the street from where we live. April took some pretty pictures of the day.

I love this one with the temple peeking through the trees.

Well, by the time we arrived with my mom everyone who came to surprise her was waiting in the chapel area. As I walked into the chapel she was holding onto my arm and the moment she saw the family members sitting all in a row on a bench she squeezed my arm really hard. I think she was so surprised!

I am not sure who she saw first but my eyes were drawn instantly to my sweet daughters sitting there. I noticed their eyes all teared up as they watched their "Grams" enter the room. They knew how important this day was for her and I am so happy they were able to share in this special experience. I watched as my mom went down the row of family members and how happy she looked. She has such a deep love for all of them and desires so much to have an eternal family.

The session was amazing. My favorite part was the prayer circle when my thoughtful brother, Darrell took my mom by the hand, and brought her up to join us in the circle. Tears were STREAMING down her cheeks and I know she was filled with so much joy. The prayer was unbelievable. It was as if the man was praying JUST FOR OUR FAMILY and the trials and struggles we have been experiencing. It was an extremely spiritual experience.

The celestial room was even better as we joined as a family and gave hugs to each other. The amount of love I have for my family members is indescribable. My mom kept saying that she felt like she was in HEAVEN! Many of us felt the spirit of my father with us that day. I was an emotional wreck! I would have really LOVED to have had a hug from him that day. My brother Darrell had a great idea. He thought it would be awesome to gather each year at the temple on both my mom and my dad's birthdays. He even thought it would be cool to have all of us wear the "TIES" we wore at my dad's funeral each time we come in August. I think that will be a new family tradition. The temple really draws families closer together.

Gary and mom....

Just a shot of a few of us that came that day. Many of our family members had to rush off to other family events and could not wait around for pictures.

While the adults were in the temple doing an endowment session a few of Darrell's kids were there doing baptisms. What a great idea Darrell! Here is a picture of Grams with Lori and Amy.

Since I live just across the street from the temple I decided to have a small lunch for everyone who came. Nothing big....just a few sandwiches and such.

I love to gather with my family members. I have some pretty awesome brothers. We really missed Teresa and Norman. She found out the morning of this surprise that her recommend had expired. I actually think she was dressed and on her way out the door when she realized it. I got a frantic call from her saying she would not be able to come. Sad :(

The younger kids enjoying their lunch together....

Howie and I with "Elmo" or Emilee Elizabeth as she used to call herself. I love my nieces so much. I am so glad they live so close to me!

Happy birthday mom!

I think she really enjoyed her day. She also received a book of testimonies from her family. Wendy had the great idea to have everyone write their own personal testimonies and compiled them in a binder for her. SHE LOVED IT!

I am looking forward to August when we meet together again in the temple as a family. I am going to enjoy our new tradition! Hey Teresa....Get that recommend renewed :)