The Draper Temple Open House

I was lucky to be in Utah for the first day of the Draper Temple Open House. It was a beautiful experience and I am so glad the kids were there to see it too. My parents and all of my brothers and sister and my grandmother were able to attend. My sister's friend, Alex was visiting (from Kansas too) and he was able to go with us. It was so special to be able to sit in a sealing room with all three of my kids and know that we are going to be together forever. I was able to explain to Jared that he was sealed to Keith and I at a similar altar when he was just a baby. It brought tears to my eyes as I told him. It really brought me back to that moment when we were sealed together as a family. What a precious memory. And to think that I now have two more beautiful children that are sealed to me as well. I have so much to be thankful for.



This picture is so special to me. My Oma, Anna Catharina Emo Vander Veur was born in Holland and became a member of the church just after she met my grandfather. They were married and had 3 children when she decided that they needed to come to America and be sealed in the Salt Lake temple. Because of her faith and obedience to the gospel, my grandparents immigrated to the United States and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake temple. They had 8 more children (my mother being the 10th) and have always been an amazing example to me. If it weren't for their decision to come to America and be sealed in the temple, I would have a very different life right now. I am so grateful for this important decision. I loved spending time with my Oma and wish she were just a short drive away.