{thE drApEr temPLe}

(all images in this post are property of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

I loved the Draper Temple. It was simple and classic, yet had a earthy vibe (meaning the decor). I loved that the base boards were stone (or at least looked like it) throughout the whole temple, even on the pews in the chapels. The kids thought it was cool that all the wood came from Africa. There are sego lilies in just about every room - carved into the carpets, etched in the glass, motifs on the ceilings, etc. The 2 telestial rooms were painted differently. Some asked if they would get to choose what room they went to, because some like one better than another. I was really surprised at how much the kids, especially the boys, loved the temple. They oohed and awed over most of it. Of course, everyone loved the incredible chandeliers. You can't help but to love those.

I have to say that my favorite room was the bride's room. I absolutely loved it. The leaf wall covering, the flower carpet, etc. I think I just loved that it was a bit more colorful, not all white.

I would highly recommend anyone, of any faith, to visit this amazing place, it will be well worth your trip. The open house is going on until March 14th.

Draper Temple Dates:
October 2, 2004 - temple construction was announced
August 5, 2006 - Pres. Hinckley performed the ground breaking ceremony
January 15 - March 14, 2009 - Public Open House.
March 20 - 22, 2009 - 12 Dedication Services will be performed.

{wHat to eXpect whEn tOuRinG the dRapEr temPLe}

On Wednesday night we went to the Draper Temple Open House. It was our mutual activity for the week. I believe the final total was 68 of us. We had to wait a long time, but it was so great.

Here is what to expect if you go on a busy night with a large group ...
Your ticket will tell you what church building (there are 5 different ones they are using) you are to go to. You park there and go inside. We went into the cultural hall and sat down. The rooms in the building play a 12 min. video about temples. Our group was so large that the cultural hall emptied twice before we were taken to the chapel to watch the video. After we got to the chapel we waited a long time again. We started to sing songs while we waited. Then we watched the video. Then we waited again, and Bro. Maryott and Sis. Burton shared some thoughts about the temple.

Then we went out into the foyer and waited for the buses. I think we ended up on 3 different buses. Once at the temple grounds they drop you off and you walk through covered pathways up to the temple. Surprisingly they did not have us put on booties over our shoes. The carpets were covered by the thick plastic carpet protectors similar to the industrial strength ones you use for a computer chair. Some rooms even had the plastic and a layer of carpet on top. I wondered if anyone had fallen, since it made it a couple of inches off the ground.

Since there are so many people coming through the temple, it is a silent tour. The rooms are all marked with plaques on the wall and there are posters set up to learn about the rooms. The last room you go into is one of the 4 sealing rooms. Here you get to sit down and listen to a couple talk about the spirit felt in the temple and about the importance of temples, etc.

Once you leave this room you head out of the temple and follow the covered walkway to the church building, on the same property. Here they have the cultural hall set up as a reception place. There are people to answer any questions you may have. You are encouraged to fill out a comment card and of course the best part, they have cookies!

From the time we left our church and I arrived home, after dropping kids off, we were gone about 4 hours. The difference with any other group will be that you will be done in 1 - 2 hours. Smaller groups will easily be able to get through the first church building to watch the video and get on the bus, where we had to wait for a very long time because of our group size. If you don't go on a mutual night, there will be fewer people. I had5 hosts tell me that they had an above average amount of people there that night. Also we spent more time at the church after touring the temple waiting for all our groups.

{vaLeNtinE's in vEgAs!}

We spent the weekend in Las Vegas. My sister, Annie got married. It turned out so great! The wedding was on Valentine's Day. The wedding was outside in the morning. It was on the cool side for Vegas, but it was still pleasant.2 of the bridesmaids didn't make it. They had car trouble , it broke down on the way. Gina had an extra black dress just in case. Sammy quickly changed and filled in as one of the bridesmaids. The dress was super short and sleeveless. I felt bad, but she was a good sport about it. I even gave her the shirt I was wearing so that she wasn't so stressed about it. I think she was just happy to take part.The ceremony was great. I have to admit I was a bit worried about what a preacher in Vegas would say, but he did a wonderful job. Nothing to cringe at! :)We got to hang out while Annie & Sergio took a bunch of pics. Then we went to the JW Marriott for a buffet lunch. This was the best idea ever! Everyone could hang out and eat whatever they wanted. We had a whole section to ourselves. Annie & Sergio opened presents, cut the cake and got to miggle with everyone.After this, we went to Ceasars Palace to the Forum Shops. Of course, the kids love FAO Schwarz. They especially love the giant piano keys. It was lots of fun to watch Ally & Keyan play Fur Elise.
While there we got to meet and shake hands with Pres. Uchtdorf. He declined taking a picture. Oh well! It was fun to met him.

We caught up with my cousin, Matt and his girlfiiend, Tiandra. We went to eat ... at In-n-Out Burger. It's a must with my siblings to go there as often as they can. I think they went the night before, when we got there.

The next morning we all met up at my grandma's grave. It's the first time I've been back since the funeral, nearly 2 years ago. My grandma was a spunky lady, with a spirit that was larger than her 4.5 ft. frame!
My grandma was so smart. She picked out her plot back in the 80's and had it paid for. She picked a spot right under a tree. It's just perfect. Not to mention, the added bonus of the airport runway across the street. We had a blast watching the planes fly right over us and getting whipped by the wind that follows. Thanks grandma ... we love you and miss you.

(this picture is a better one to see how low the planes were. You can see the bottom of the plane at the top of the picture.)

We had lunch with Taylor and then headed out of town.

It was a wonderful trip. I'm so glad we were able to go.

{miNi wRaP up}

I know that one day when my life settles down I'll be sad that I don't have as much stuff going on. However, right now, I feel like I'm going every which way. There is so much going on and to look forward to.

So here is a wrap up of the past few weeks.

Keyan is trying to figure life out! He is excited for soccer to start. He thinks he wants to join the Army. He's been working on his eagle project. He's been dating. Of course, this is all his stuff, but it still keeps me busy and stressed!


Sammy's dance keeps her busy. I'm glad she loves it so much. I'm going to have to get a job to keep her in it.

Landon is playing JR. Jazz still. It's fun to watch his games. There are some great kids on his team and I always enjoy running into parents that I haven't seen in awhile.


Chris had a birthday! I always like his birthdays because then he is 2 years older than me (if you look at our ages only) for a brief few months. He dreads his birthdays. He's just getting old! :)

I've been busy with my young womens calling, but as everyone has told me ... it's always busy, but overtime it gets easier! We had a very long clinic to jumpstart camp this year. I really enjoyed Sheri Dew and Pres. Sabins talks. I was really glad I went so that I could hear them. However, now we are jumping into all the camp stuff, which I am still trying to get a grasp on.


My sister is getting married! I've been helping out with that. Melinda and I threw her a bridal shower last night. We've gone dress shopping, both for wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses. We've gone shopping for lots of other misc. things also. We made her bouquet and the bridesmaids bouquets. Spent hours online trying to book everything and figure out everything else! I love my sister and would do anything to help her out. I'm excited for her wedding. It's going to be great!