Happy Birthday Grandpa :)

Saturday was Grandpa Wallace's birthday, and to celebrate we went to the St. George temple as a family. Matt had to work, so I decided to go to the baptistry with my sisters; and Aunt Sheralyn, Uncle Lloyd, Grandma, and Aunt Cherene went to do initiatory. We had some family names that needed work done for them so it was kind of cool to be able to bring family names to do as a family. :) I just did confirmations since we didn't think they'd be able to get me back up out of the baptismal font at this point ;) but it was so fun to watch the twins do baptisms. My dad got to baptize and confirm them for the family names. (In case any of you reading have no clue what I'm talking about, in our church we have the opportunity to give those who have already died the chance to accept the gospel and to have their ordinances done for them in the temple by proxy. Here's more information that's probably much better worded and easier to understand than me explaining. :) )

 

While the girls, dad and I waited for my mom and Bri to get back from Costco and for the rest of the family to finish up in the temple, we went to the visitor's center. I have always loved the "God's Plan for His Families" exhibit, and I drag Matt through it with me every chance we get. :) It's been a new experience to go through it this year. It's a series of video clips that follow a family through different experiences. The first one is when they almost lose their son in a hiking accident but he ends up being ok. The second clip is from when their first child was born, the third is the dad taking time to play baseball with his daughter and son. The fourth is when their grandpa passes away, the fifth is the family remembering their grandpa and talking about how families can be together forever because of the temple, and the last clip is when their daughter gets married. Before when I'd watch it I just loved it because of the cute tiny kids and all the warm fuzzies. Then they added on the last parts, and as I got older and went through more experiences it became more meaningful. This year being pregnant and worrying about how to teach Jaden everything he needs to know and wondering how I can prepare to be a good parent has changed my perspective on that end of things. Then when Grandpa passed away in August, the videos got much more emotional. I still didn't really think a lot on it besides being grateful for the plan of salvation. Saturday when we watched it a few of the quotes really caught my attention: "God gave us families so we have somewhere to belong", "God gave us families to become who he needs us to be." Saturday when I watched it, it was a little bit more of a chastisement almost. I love my family, but I don't always prioritize my life in a way that shows that. Family really is the most important place we need to be spending our time and being patient and doing our best to understand. :) I think it was really good for me to watch the videos and get that reminder. How else is our little guy going to learn that home is where he's safe and loved, or that we expect him to value family and the things that we teach and have as traditions and family rules if Matt and I aren't being examples of the very same thing?

 

Afterwards we went out for dinner, and grandma said she wanted to pay for us. When anyone tried to argue that she didn't need to do that she said, "I'm pretty sure grandpa wants to treat. And you can't argue with him on his birthday!" :) Smart lady, how can you even argue with her after that? So grandpa treated us to Kneaders sandwiches and soups to wrap up the day. :)

Last year we had a bunco party with some snack trays and desserts for Grandpa's birthday and enjoyed visiting with him. :) I wonder if he got to have a bunco party with Grandpa Garth and Grandma Theora and his sister Aunt Joann and the rest of the family up there. :) Maybe they got to play Rook! I'm not sure all the friendly competition is allowed in heaven? ;) I hope he at least got to feel all our thoughts and love for him while we were thinking of him here. :) Happy birthday Grandpa! I miss you and I love you!