I had the most incredible opportunity to this weekend to travel to Phoenix, Arizona and see Russ' sister, Lisa, and her family get sealed in the MESA TEMPLE. What a wonderful experience it was! I got a little teary as Robert and Lisa were sealed to one another. Robert had a HUGE smile on his face the entire time and never took his eyes off of Lisa. It was very sweet to see how much love they have for one another still- after almost 14 years of marriage. When their sealing was complete the darling sealer spoke to us about about the children. He told us that the temple workers were bringing the children in so that they could be sealed to their parents. He said that their youngest daughter, Ava, may be a little nervous and to be patient as she acquainted herself with those in the room and her surroundings. The children were then brought into the room. All of the children were dressed in white and had nervous smiles on their faces. Taylor and Mackenzie were absolutely beautiful, and Preston looked dashing. Adorable, little Ava scanned the room at all of her family's friends and extended family members that were there in the temple with them. She lightly waved at a couple of people and then saw her mom. She looked up at Lisa and a huge grin spread across her face. That was when I started bawling. I couldn't stop the tears from running down my face. Their children looked absolutely beautiful and were so reverent. They were so well prepared for their temple experience. The children very confidently kneeled at the altar with their parents as the sealer made them an ETERNAL FAMILY.
After the sealing we went to Cafe Rio with everyone that attended the temple with the Carter's. We enjoyed a tasty dinner and dessert from Nothing Bundt Cakes (to die for delicious)! The family members that were there then traveled back to the Carter's new, beautiful home in Maricopa. My kids were thrilled to have a "sleep over" with their cousins.
That night Lisa and I were visiting as Gracie and Ava were playing. Ava came over to me and said, "You were crying at me in the temple". I replied, " You're right, I was crying at you in the temple". She then asked, "Why were you crying at me?". I got kind of teary again as I told her that she looked so darling, and that she was so reverent, and that I was so happy that she could be a part of an eternal family. She told me that she was happy too.
What a wonderful experience it was for me to be apart of that night. Thank you to the Carter family for allowing me to share your special evening. It strengthened my testimony of the plan of salvation. I am so grateful to belong to a church that allows us to be TOGETHER FOREVER, rather than "til death do us part".
8 comments:
Thanks for the special review of the trip to Phoenix and the Carter's sealing. It couldn't have been said better. Thanks for taking me with you and for all the driving you did. I hope you got a good nights rest and that the kids are okay. I hope Grant wasn't coming down with Strep. You are an amazing mother.
Joan- Thank you for letting us travel with you. We had a wonderful time visiting with you. Grant is feeling better- no strep, just an irritated throat. We love you and are grateful for all you do for our family.
I can't agree with you more Kori. Everything you said sums up a beautiful weekend in Arizona with the Carter family. It was nice to see you guys again. We collected a few items that were left behind. A t-shirt, Gracie's flip flops, mousse, and a DS case. If Russ comes down anytime soon Kurtis can give the stuff to him. The boys all had fun with their cousins. Glad you guys made it home safely.
That was a great story. I love happy stories. Sounds like good memories. Thanks for sharing.
I got a little teary-eyed just reading about it. It reminded me of our sealing and seeing Jacob sitting on the altar. He was only about 9 months old, and he just sat there so perfectly (not easy for a 9 month old). Congrats to the eternal family!
Hey Kori! I just stumbled onto your blog via Jeny...hope you don't mind me lurking a little:) I was scanning through and "3 goals"caught my eye. Can I just say that I TOTALLY relate to the whole decorating thing! Jake and I have also been here almost 3 years...the longest we've been anywhere. And it's so HARD to decorate when your mindset is, "moving again...don't bother"/ I just totally get it. Now I don't feel like such a lame-o. :)Love your blog!
Thank you so much Kori! This is such a great recap I want to just copy and paste it to my blog! Having your sweet spirit in the temple made things even more special! I loved how Ava said "I did everything like a good girl, but you were crying at me." Thanks again for getting some pics for us also. We love your kids and my kids already miss their cousins. We missed you Russ! Love you all!
That is an awesome story!! How wonderful for that family!!
How's Detroit? . . . be careful!!
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