Monday Memories – To Infinity and Beyond . . .

I should have known Saturday would be a good day. We were at my sister Chris’ house in Idaho and we got to sleep in. Then niece Charlie and her friend Nephi fixed us sausage and pancakes for breakfast and did the dishes. Next everyone gathered in the living room to visit, and I hemmed pants for my nephew Jake and my brother-in-law Bruce, while my sister Marcia folded clothes, and niece Haley ironed clothes for everyone.

Then we went to town and saw my niece Jenny, her husband Ed, and their five little boys. Jenny is a creative homemaker and it was fun to see the new curtains she’d sewn. The little boys showed us their costumes and how they could jump from their top bunk to the double bed without getting hurt or hitting the ceiling. Those little boys were so gracious and excited for company and Chris, Marcia, and I are just the great aunts. Next we stopped at the bookstore and I was happy to run into an old friend. And then as if that weren’t enough, they had fry sauce at Five Guys and Fries. I should have guessed with all these good things lining up it was going to be a great day, but there was no way I could have supposed exactly how wonderful it would be.

Saturday afternoon Bruce and Chris were sealed in the Twin Falls, Idaho LDS temple, then their children Charlie and Jake were sealed to them. It was such an incredibly sweet experience. Bruce and Chris were married in an LDS chapel 31 years ago by Karl Nelson, who was then our stake president. Bruce wasn’t a member of the Church then, but a year ago he was baptized. Saturday that same Karl Nelson, who is now the temple president in Twin Falls, officiated at their sealing ceremony. It was an incredible event to be a part of. I won’t ever forget the look on Bruce and Chris’ faces. Ever. There was such deep emotion exchanged as they looked at each other; it was like we could see into their hearts through their eyes.  

It was beyond great to see them so excited and united as a family.  As we drove to their home at the end of the day it felt good to reflect and reminisce with them.  They have not only been family, but our friends.  

Bruce and Chris watching the airshow at Ty's graduation

As Chris often types in her e-mails: 

 to infinity and beyond . . . 

This video helps to explain why being sealed in the temples is so important to us.