We have worked and prayed for months and months to prepare as a family to enter the Temple. All of our family home evening lesson have been centered on the Temple. I felt like our kids had a really great understanding of what was going to take place.
I don't want to spend a lot of time on the opposition we encountered, but lets just say, even getting to the temple there were obstacles!
The kids were cautiously excited, and a little nervous. We took them to the youth center. There were 3 lovely sisters who took great care of them. I prayed not that my kids would be perfect, but that I would know how to deal with them as the Savior would at His home. I knew that my kids would be a good normal. I was hoping I would be a good normal to!
Joe and I were taken to the Celestial room. We were able to sit, and pray, and talk. We talked about the morning we got married. We talked about our children. We talked about how much we wished James was there physically to share this moment. We both know he was there in spirit, but sometimes on huge family events you long to have them with you even more. Some parts of my time there were so special and sacred I will just say, that I do know James was there. We were told by many people after the sealing that there was an empty chair right next to Jaden, they all felt that is was for James. I know he was there. I loved feeling him close, my heart misses that boy so much!
The sealer was wonderful. He talked to us about families and the importance of temples. They are so essential to my life, and what I believe, I can't imagine my life without it.
He shared D&C 109:22.
"And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them."
He said that when we go to temple we have those three promises: of power, of His name upon us, and angels are given charge over us.
I have felt that every time I go to the Temple. I know our son James is given charge over and helps our family. The tears were falling at this point.
The kids came in then. Jaden was the first one to poke his head in. He looked so bright and his smile was so wide. As soon as he spotted us, he came bouncing over. Spencer and Grace were both following quietly behind. The Sealer asked Grace why we were coming to the temple tonight. She answered, "To get sealed." They were both pretty happy. The sealer asked us to come to alter. Jaden was darling and knew what to do. He seemed like his soul recognized what was happening. He whispered to me, "So forever and ever and ever and ever!" He was so angelic like, I loved it! Right after the sealing took place, Jaden rushed and gave Grace and Spencer a hug and a kiss. It was so precious.
Having all my sweet children there in the temple will be a day I will not ever forget. I have a picture in my heart of each of their faces. The little words they said to me are etched in my mind. I will hold them there in hopes of sharing these experiences again someday when they are older, perhaps when they are called on mission, or preparing to get married. It will be a few years till our next family reunion. I am so thankful for the wonderful experience we had as a family last night at the Temple last night. I know that Families are forever. I know I will see James again someday. I feel blessed to be able to have Jaden join our family forever. What a beautiful day for our Family!
