Jordan River Temple Open House

The Jordan River temple has been closed for renovations and is currently hosting an open house! We headed down so the kids could see the temple that Clark grew up with. It's beautiful and it was so nice to spend time with family. We did have to laugh at our "official" family photo, though. Something was lost in translation. :D

Tuscon Temple Open House

We were lucky enough to go to Arizona to attend the open house for the Tuscon Arizona temple! I was so happy to make it down there because my grandparents used to live in that area and I've always wanted to visit. A new temple gave me the excuse I needed to beg Clark to make a family trip out of it.




A little miracle happened while there--we were directed to one part of the parking lot but, when we got there, were told the lot was full and we'd have to go to the overflow. No big deal, it was just across the street. We pulled in, parked, and left the car. As we were exiting the lot, I recognized one of the volunteers just as he recognized me: it was Adam Clark, who I knew from Alta and who married one of my old roommate Christina! We took a moment to catch up and marvel at the chances of seeing each other and then I joined the rest of my family on the tour.

What a beautiful building! I love its unique architecture and I hope I can go back in the next few years.

We did it!

We finished reading the New Testament as a family! HOORAY! The more kids we have, the more difficult it is to read things in a timely manner. But, we can now say that we've read the Book of Mormon twice (English and Spanish), the Doctrine & Covenants, and the New Testament together! Next year, we're going to try to read the Book of Mormon again, but also finish it in one year. Wish us luck!

Austin's Blessing Day

Sunday, October 9th, Austin was given a name and a blessing at church. We were blessed to be able to have family come and visit for the special occasion!

 As is tradition, both grandmas helped change baby into the blessing outfit. I love Austin's sass in the picture below. :D

 A four generation picture on Clark's dad's side.

A four generation picture on Clark's mom's side.

Earleys

Judds

This onesie has now been used by three generations: Austin, Clark, and Kelly have all worn it for their blessing day.

All the priesthood members who were in the circle (excepting Bishop Schaugaard). Edgar, Dad, Clark, Kelly, and Brady.

Easter 2016

We kept it simple for Easter this year. Mom sent an Easter package (wasn't expecting it, but it gave the girls some extra stuff to look for) and re-used some of the Easter prizes they'd found at the hunt from Utah, and we added a couple of our gifts: the book "Gethsemane, Jesus Loves Me," some crayons, and Easter socks. They loved looking for eggs in our own home. Grandma had included their names on some and Azucena and Adelaide loved figuring out who got which colors. :D

At church, the choir was able to sing two different pieces: "Testimony: A Hymn Medley" and "Behold the Wounds in Jesus' Hands" while the Primary sang both "the Miracle" and "Gethsemane, Jesus Loves Me." Although Azucena was still too shy to go up, Adelaide ran to join the other children and sang both songs loudly. It was so cute to see her looking at us and smiling and sharing something she loves.

As per tradition, we also got the girls new Easter dresses (even Aurora, despite having two older sisters). They looked so cute in their bright yellow outfits! Aurora's dress and coat combo reminds me of Jackie O.

 Azucena was very, very upset about taking a picture. I got one of her covering her face and this one. She was happy at church, and she was happy after taking pictures, but not when I was trying to get one of just her and her dress. Oh well.

Also, Azucena was asked to give a talk in Primary! The subject was "our church is led by a living prophet." Even though she didn't want to practice during the week. As soon as we got in the Primary room, though, she was so excited to sit at the front and when it was her turn, she said the talk perfectly into the microphone. I was so happy for her!

 Adelaide was so funny. She was really excited to take pictures and was giving me all these ridiculous poses. Then Aurora saw Adelaide standing next to the wall and ran up to her and held her hand. She ADORES Adelaide. She follows anything she does.

 About twenty minutes later (when Azucena had started to calm down) Clark had the girls in the living room lying down and I realized that I might have a shot at getting a group picture. I hurriedly opened the curtains, pushed the girls' heads closer together, and started snapping pictures. Unfortunately, Clark's foot is in most of the shots, but since he was the one making them smile, he's forgiven. ;)

Provo City Center Temple Open House

We were lucky enough to get tickets to the Provo City Center Temple Open House. Dad and Edgar didn't have school and Mom didn't have work, so we got tickets for them and our family and headed to Provo. The structure is beautiful. I'm amazed at all they were able to preserve and include in this temple. Clark and I had many, many conferences and meetings in the building. My favorite part was going up the spiral staircase on the west end and suddenly realizing I was in what used to be the choir loft but it had been transitioned to the veil room.

The girls, of course, really enjoyed being at the temple. They love temples. We have been blessed to be able to attend several open houses with them, so their love of these special buildings has been able to grow with each visit.

 

Scripture Pictures

The Primary president in our ward asked for pictures of the children reading scriptures for a project. I had fun taking pictures of the girls in their Christmas dresses reading the Book of Mormon. The faces they made while they "read" to each other were so cute! (Also the pictures where they look like they're legitimately reading, they're actually asking each other to find certain numbers, like "4.")

Elder Judd's Homecoming

Elder Edgar Judd came home from his mission to Brazil on December 9th! Due to a last minute visa issue, he surprised us by coming back in time for Christmas! Our family drove down to Salt Lake to be ready when he came back from his flight. Aurora's sign said "nice to meet you" with greetings in over a dozen languages (since male missionaries serve for two years, Edgar hadn't met her yet).

 After we saw that his flight landed, it was just the waiting game for him to come around that corner and start down the escalator. Mom saw him immediately at the top of the stairs, yelled "THERE HE IS!" and ran to meet him. It was awesome. Hugs all around!

 

 Since he came home mid-morning and didn't have to be at home until nine o'clock that night, we decided to spend some time together at Temple Square. We showed him Clark's tag in the north visitor's center and chatted with some of the missionaries serving there. Plus, the girls wanted to "see Jesus!" so we took him to the Christus statue upstairs.

 It's so wonderful to have him home from his mission and be able to Skype or text or call him! We love Edgar!

(Bonus picture of Aurora at Temple Square for the first time.)

General Conference 2015

Clark and I were blessed with tickets to attend the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference this year. The girls spent the afternoon with their grandparents in Riverton and Clark and I headed up to Temple Square. We were there for the children's choir and also the announcement of the three new apostles. I loved all of the talks shared; especially because I could actually focus on the messages instead of entertaining children! We were even able to meet up with Casey Gleave (but the photo is on my camera and I have yet to really figure out how to upload those to my blog).

Cedar City Temple Groundbreaking Ceremony

On Saturday, the Church held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Cedar City Utah temple. We were so lucky and blessed to be in town visiting my parents that day! Mom and Dad were given tickets to attend on site while everyone else in the 17 stakes that are part of the temple district were able to watch a broadcast from the stake centers. Elder L. Whitney Clayton presided and it was wonderful to hear the stories of pioneers and forefathers cultivating the area and demonstrating great faith. My parents are so lucky that they will be about a half a mile from a temple in just a couple of years!

 Elder Clayton invited all in attendance to participate in the groundbreaking themselves by shoveling some of the dirt (sand). Of COURSE we took him up on the offer!

 

I LOVE the gorgeous artwork of the temple. The building will be so beautiful!

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam!

This silly girl started going to Primary today! I am constantly amazed at how quickly time passes!