Day Trip to the Temple

We were both having a bit of a grumpy day today so I figured we needed to get out of the house. We got a happy hour fresh fruit lemonberry slush and went to the Medford Temple. It was fun watching Porter run around. Up until now he has hated grass, but today he was running around in it giggling, picking up sticks and rocks and 'softly' touching the flowers. It is the first time I have seen him actively interacting with nature (not always so great when nature is going into your mouth, but still). We were both in a much better mood after our little outing. I am also so glad that we are still close to a temple.

Temple Trip

With such factors as having a newborn, feeding, recovery, and the temple being closed for cleaning we haven't been able to go for over a month, until today.  We brought Porter with us and took turns doing initiatories and it felt so good to be back in the temple!  When I was done they asked if I would like to do more names, I had replied that I would like to but I had a baby waiting in the parking lot.  The worker looked at me funny and said well then I absolutely must go.  It wasn't until I was changing that I realized she could have taken it in a way that I had left my baby alone in a car to come to the temple, which would have explained the look I had received.  While JD was taking his turn I had fun feeding Porter in the driver's seat of the car and then walking around the temple grounds.  The Portland Temple is set in among a ton of trees and the grounds are beautiful and peaceful.  It was really fun taking more time to enjoy the grounds and watch all the brides and grooms coming out of the temple after getting married.  It was a really nice, peaceful, and happy morning.  I am so grateful for the blessings of the temple, the promises that are made there, and for my eternal family.

Beat the Heat

It has been HOT here in Portland.  Yesterday we got up to 97 degrees.  I know friends in Utah would say that is nothing, but it is something when most people don't even have air conditioning because it never gets that hot, and when it does it is for a day or two.  Problem is no one has air conditioning for that day or two and it can be miserable.  Yesterday Porter and I camped out in our apartment.  I blasted fans all morning and watched the thermometer closely to close the windows at the best time.  It worked pretty well and we were able to stay pretty comfortable, but today wasn't as hot and I was stir crazy and needed to get out of the house.  We drove down to Lake Oswego and walked around the temple grounds, there were landscapers planting the fall/winter gardens and the grounds were gorgeous.  After the temple we ran some errands to the distribution center, and enjoyed the air conditioned aisles of Target for a bit.  It was a welcome change of scenery and we ended up with a few clearance outfits for Porter that were $1.80.  This afternoon I was also able to work more on Porter's room, definitely learned my lesson to devote more time to getting that ready prior to baby next time around, to think I thought my time was limited when I was working full time. Nursery pictures to come soon....hopefully. ;)

 

JD is home!

JD has been gone for 6 long weeks in Ashland for summer rotations and is finally HOME!  Ashland is about 5 1/2 hours away, fairly close to the Oregon/California border.  We found out back in March that he would be going there so we had time to process the fact, but it didn't make being apart when I was 9 months pregnant any easier either.  While it was a hard time for both of us being so far apart, we experienced so many blessings from the experience this summer.

We had a really hard time finding somewhere for JD to stay in the Medford area.  The contacts we had didn't work out and it was getting a little stressful as his rotations got closer.  We had actually started looking at hotels at a price tag close to $3,000 when we couldn't find a place for JD to stay, but I didn't feel good about going that route and I felt pretty peaceful about the whole situation and figured we could get a better idea when we were on vacation the end of May.  After a series of events moved our temple attendance plans to a different day and two different session times, we finally got to the Medford Temple to do what would be my last session for this pregnancy-we later learned there was a very good reason that we had changed plans so many times leading up to the temple.  A temple worker ended up chatting with JD for a bit when JD asked for directions since we hadn't been in that temple before.  Those of you who know JD know that he isn't one to just strike up a conversation with a stranger, and in getting to know Brother Jorgensen, he isn't much one to do that either.  Anyway, in the course of the conversation JD brought up that we had checked out Ashland the night before since he was doing rotations there in a month and that we hadn't found a place for him to stay during that time.  Brother Jorgensen mentioned that they had once hosted a PA student in their home for a similar circumstance and if it was ok with his wife, he felt that JD staying with them shouldn't be a problem.  Turns out that the Jorgensens were the only remaining contact that we hadn't tried, having been referred by our friends Haylie and Chris Weston, JD already had their phone number, but had been hesitant to call since our friends didn't know them, but were in the same ward and had heard they might be an option.  He thought it might be awkward to call and say "Hey some people you don't know in the ward gave me your number, could I maybe live with you for a few weeks?" And yet it was in the Medford temple that they were able to meet and talk.  We left our phone number for Brother Jorgensen after our session and by the time we pulled into our parking spot in Portland he was calling JD to confirm that he could stay with them for hardly any cost at all.  JD was able to stay in their beautiful home in Ashland that was about 10 minutes from the hospital he was assigned to and walking distance to his retail sight.  When JD locked his keys in the car, Brother Jorgensen gave him a ride and let him borrow their car until I got into town.  They would often save dinner for JD and it was just a really amazing situation altogether.  It was a huge testimony builder about the power of prayer, temple attendance, and paying tithing.  I know that all of those things are very real and that blessings do come from doing them.

JD's sites were really excellent as well.  Instead of just learning about anesthesia medications, the hospital JD was at was small enough that the pharmacist was able to work JD into the operating room with anesthesiologists.  He was able to sit in on several surgeries and see the 'drugs in action' as these doctors administered the medications during the operation.  His retail site was busy and very involved with helping JD learn.  JD was able to counsel, administer vaccines by himself, and pretty much do everything within the limits of being an intern.  Hearing from other classmates that wasn't so much the case in many instances for them.  Some pharmacists invited him for dinner, one even sent JD home with a full meal for us when JD came home for the weekend.  He got to see a lot, experience a lot, and learn a lot from the rotations.  They were also very accommodating letting him work 10-12 hour shifts to allow him to come home on Fridays and head back on Mondays.

There was a lot of divine help on my end too.  For starters, this pregnancy has been relatively 'easy'.  I have felt really well.  I only had to go to the ER for a clot scare once and that wasn't too big of a deal.  I have been able to work and continue to watch friends' kids, and carry on like normal. It helped a ton to have JD home most weekends.  One of the weekends I was feeling really good and drove down to be with him and check out Crater Lake.  It was good to meet the Jorgensens and see where JD was staying.  Aimee and her friend Lisa also flew out from Utah and stayed with me for an entire week towards the end of my pregnancy.  It was so nice to have people stay with me and they even cooked and cleaned.  My ward was amazing during this time too.  They either kept me busy by asking me to watch their cute kids for a few hours, something I truly enjoy, I had the fun coast day with the Fox family, and I was also invited to several different dinners with different friends during JD's absence.  It felt good to be needed so friends could go to the temple or go house hunting and it kept me busy too.

So that is the summary of the 2013 Summer Rotation.  Thankfully next time around wherever JD gets assigned is where he will be for a full year and I will be with him wherever that is, however, this has been a good experience and an opportunity for faith and trust in the Lord to increase.  I'm grateful for all the blessings we have experienced, for the opportunities JD was given, and that this baby waited until his dad was back home to make his appearance.  JD has a week of online coursework before the semester is over so we will just be working, doing school, and making preparations for the kidlet to come.

Speth Trip Day 4: Downtown Portland

The day started off with JD, Jeff, JaNae, Sye, and Jake going to the Portland Temple while Miranda slept in.  They got to go down town to see the sites.  Some stops included: Waterfront Park, Powell's Book Store, Pioneer Square, and VooDoo Donuts (a first time attendance for JD-I don't eat donuts so the only ones he has had are ones I have brought to him from coworkers that I didn't eat) they are a very famous donut shop with rather unusual names and toppings.  Portland has what becomes almost a month long celebration for the Rose Festival, and one of the first things that happens is the Pioneer Square flower art.  They put a design on display for about 2 1/2 weeks at which point all the flowers that were used in the art are sold.  After the downtown adventures I was able to meet up with the fam and we went to Washington Square Mall to eat dinner, but a stop at the Lego store was a must the picture on this post was what I saw when I walked into the store: three grown little boys looking at a box of Legos.  Miranda got to go see a Timbers game with her friend Joe who is playing on one of the reserve teams for the Timbers.  We ate at the Cheesecake Factory and it was delicious.  It was another busy but fun day.

  

Coast Trip Day 5: Medford to Home

We went to the beautiful Medford Temple today.  It was a very neat experience for us where prayers were answered and a lot of stress was relieved by the time we got home from this temple visit.  It is a longer story that I will post a bit later.  After the temple we ate at Jaspers Café and oh my goodness talk about a delicious burger!  I got the teri-pine burger and JD ordered Kangaroo.  They were both really good and their customer service was amazing.  We will definitely have to go back if I can make it back down here in a month.  We drove home after lunch and while it did feel good to be home we are still busy getting ready for JD's family to be here tomorrow, we are excited to see them but I have a feeling JD is going to be worn out by the time these two weeks are over.

Grandma Speth

Edna Bernice Merrill Speth, 99, passed away from TMB (Too Many Birthdays) on March 9, 2013, to join her sweetheart Ernest Speth on their 81st wedding anniversary. She was born in Logan, Utah, on Sept. 18, 1913, to Claude and Constance Eva Brown Merrill.
Mom grew up in Logan, Utah, and graduated from Logan High School. While in high school, she met and fell in love with Earnest Herman Speth and they were married March 9, 1932, in the Logan LDS Temple.
Mom and Dad began their life together in College Ward where they built a home, bought a dairy farm and raised their four sons. Mom worked side by side with Dad on the farm and one of her favorite chores was feeding and taking care of the baby calves.
Mom also worked outside the home at various jobs including Bluebird Candy Co. and Mode O'Day. At the Bluebird she learned the art of making chocolates and was well known throughout the community and her family for her delicious peanut clusters, toffee and other candy. She was a wonderful cook; her family can still taste her delicious roast beef and Yorkshire pudding Sunday dinners.
Mom was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had a strong love and testimony of the Gospel and her Savior Jesus Christ. She was always willing and eager to share her testimony with others and she touched many many lives.
One of her choicest blessing was being able to do family history and to have been an ordinance worker at the Logan Temple for many years. She held positions in the Primary, Young Women's and Relief Society, and was a faithful visiting teacher. She was also a member of Daughters of Utah Pioneers.
Mom is survived by her youngest son Brent and his wife Coreen of Providence and two daughters-in-law, Jean Speth of Providence and LaDean Speth of Kanab. She has a loving legacy of 21 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, 67 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her "favorite moose" dog Bernice. Mom was preceded in death by her husband Ernest; three sons, LaMoyne, LaMont and Ronald; daughter-in-law Patty Speth; two sisters, Lorraine Kent and Laura Downs; brother Howard Merrill; three grandsons; one great-grandson; and one great-great-grandson.
Mom was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her.
Funeral services be held at noon Thursday, March 14, 2013, at the Spring Creek Ward chapel, 2400 W. 2200 South in College Ward. A viewing will be held prior at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Providence City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Allen-Hall Mortuary.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to IHC Hospice for the loving care they gave our mother and grandmother during the last few months, especially Jeanine, Anna, Pam and Shannon.

Temple Waterfowl

The temple is open again! While it is a study weekend, JD and I were able to go and also had some delicious soup from the cafeteria today.  I am super excited for Spring, you can see a ton of flowers that were either planted while the grounds were closed or that are getting ready to grow, it will be super pretty when they all pop out.  There were even a few daffodils out.  I noticed a pair of mallards when we were walking past the pond that were preening their feathers.  I thought it was a funny and rather large bird bath for the ducks to choose and also that they chose the spot were the water falls to a lower pool.

The Temple is Closed

We drove to the temple and to our great disappointment we discovered that it is closed for cleaning. It is a little different not having another 4 or so temples to go to instead while Portland is closed. Medford is 4 hours south, Seattle is 3 hours north and Boise is 6 hours east. Not quite as convenient as Logan Brigham Bountiful Salt Lake Draper Jordan or Oquirrh. I took the picture as we drove back home in sadness that we won't be able to come back until the very end of February.

I love the TEMPLE!

This is about as close as you can get to taking a full picture of the Portland Temple, any other angle consists of a lot of trees or not being able to get far enough away to fit it in.  It is beautiful and I love it. 

Portland Temple

We made it to the Portland Temple yesterday and it was wonderful!  Per the usual standard here, it is surrounded by trees and forest, so it was hard to get a full picture of it because of how big it is and the trees all around, but it is beautiful.  With Ogden closed we have had a minimum 40 minute commute to a temple this past year so it was really exciting to find that we were only 20 minutes away.  We are very grateful to have a temple so close and for the blessings that come from these sacred places.

Columbia River Temple & The Portland Rollercoaster

We made it to Portland!  The day started at the Columbia River Temple-which I loved-it is a beautiful building, the waiting area for weddings looks like you are inside a castle with marble from floor to ceiling and stained glass windows.  We drove to Portland after our session, stopping to see Multnomah Falls, another of my favorite spots in Oregon.  I don't like being places where I don't know where I am going especially when all the roads are twisty and windy and with so many trees visibility is not good at all for signs, it was starting to give me some anxiety so JD was kind enough to drive me through Forest Grove, Cornelius, Hillsboro, & Beaverton, it made me feel SO much better as I poured over the map and oriented myself.  It also gave us the opportunity to make a pretty good game plan for our house hunt-which starts tomorrow!

Whooosh

So we were driving home after a lovely Mabey-Miner family session of sealings at the Jordan River Temple last night when an unexpected event occurred.....I heard a thump sound followed by a PssssssssssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss sound and then the car started bouncing a bit.  We found ourselves on the side of I-15 right before North Salt Lake, at 11:30 at night, with a shredded tire.  A couple of months ago the tire on our Civic was punctured pretty bad and we received valuable experience in changing that tire with JD's dad.  I am so grateful for parents who teach us important things.  We had that spare on pretty quickly and were on our way back home without any further incidents.  What an exciting (and soon to be expensive) temple night!

***Also, super grateful for the nice guy who pulled over to see if we needed any help.***

Brigham

We stopped by the Brigham Temple to see how it was coming along today, I love it, and I am so sad that I won't even be around for when they open it.  I liked how the pictures turned out though-they look almost as if they were computer generated to me, only instead of people in church attire, there are little construction men.

Wednesdays

This summer JD and I get the same day off-Wednesday.  I am pretty excited about this because instead of stressing and rushing to the temple as soon as we get off work, we now can go in the middle of the day.  We can go to movies-like the Avengers.  We can use gift cards for dinner.  We can be out in the sunshine together.  If you can't tell, the first Wednesday this summer was pretty neat.

Twin Falls

JD and I had a wonderful Spring Break Adventure: Twin Falls Idaho. We loved attending the temple there-so pretty! We were inspired to go and see some of the waterfalls in the area. The single running fall of Twin Falls was ok, but Shoshone Falls was spectacular. We missed out on the petrified watermelon patch, another time I guess. I love road trips. I love being with my best friend, talking about whatever such as deciding whether or not hills are mountains, memories, or where we are going to school, and future decorating ideas. It was a fantastic day.

Date Nights

I got another moon, stars (planets), and temple picture! This time it is the Jordan River Temple. One of my favorite date nights is going to the temple in Salt Lake followed by Ganesh, the best Indian we have found in Utah. This evening was fun because we did sealings with JD's parents, aunt and uncle, and his great uncle was the sealer. His parents came with us to Ganesh so they were finally able to experience the deliciousness. It was a great evening!

Oquirrh Mountain

Our date night this week consisted of going to the temple. We tried Salt Lake first and were sad to find out it was closed. How wonderful to live in an area where there are three other options in the same valley when such misfortune comes! We decided to go to Oquirrh Mountain. It was a wonderful evening. I really like the picture I took when we were leaving because it has the moon and two stars around the temple (I know they are actually Venus and Saturn, but still, they look like stars) the second 'star' is getting cut off right above Moroni if you can't see it. Ganesh afterwards was delicious as always. While we were eating we were approached by one of the other diners. Turns out it was a fellow missionary from when JD was serving in India, it was fun watching JD and David catch up with life and reminisce a little.

The House of the Lord

JD and I finally made it to the Provo Temple today! We tried going there this time last year and for no apparent reason, it was closed: no sign, no notice on the website, nothing; it was very sad.
What makes this temple trip particularly exciting is the fact that we have now been to every temple in Utah that is open and operating: Logan, 'Old' Ogden, Bountiful, Salt Lake, Jordan River, Oquirrh Mountain, Draper, Mount Timpanogos, Provo, Manti, Vernal, St. George, and Monticello. We look forward to Brigham City, Payson, Provo II, and 'New' Ogden when they open, but today was a great day.

We are grateful for the blessings that come from the temple, the peace that is felt there, and the opportunity to focus on the Savior, Jesus Christ. The fact that we are sealed in marriage forever has been a great blessing and comfort to us. We feel so blessed to have so many temples near us. JD served his mission in India where members tend to hang pictures of the Hong Kong temple in their homes, this is the closest temple to them and it involves an expensive plane ride and several years of saving before being able to attend and do their work. Many members in India are unable to receive the blessings of the temple while alive.

To learn more about temples you can go to this link: http://lds.org/church/temples?lang=eng

Fresh Air

This weekend has been a much needed breath of fresh air. It was so nice getting up into the mountains to enjoy the yellow aspens amdist the snow covered pines, have the pressure of school disappear, get things cleaned up a bit at home, and to attend the temple. I feel so much lighter and much more peaceful. It is nice....and airy.