"Whew, that wasn't too bad..."

Like many of our friends and family, we recently made the trek to Brigham City and toured the new temple prior to its dedication.  The entire family really enjoyed the experience and as we had hoped, it led to several heart felt discussions around the dinner table.  

Flash forward several weeks and we found ourselves preparing for the 9am session of the dedicatory services.  Everything seemed to go off without a hitch.  Arrangements were made for our 5 year old, hankies were located and clothes ironed and ready.  All children awoke at the given hour, cooperated fully and we were out the door and in our seats by 8:20, well before the 8:30 deadline we'd been given.  Quite frankly I was feeling pretty good about all these mini parenting miracles (mostly thanks to Nat).  

Once seated, I glanced down the row and observed each child reverently sitting and listening to the music. I could tell they were feeling something and I was grateful we had taken the opportunity to come and be part of this special event.  About 2 hours later, the session concluded and there was still a hush in the chapel.  No one rushed to their feet and for a moment it was almost as if they didn't want to leave but stay and enjoy the spirit that had accompanied the dedication.

Shortly thereafter we worked our way out of the chapel and exited the building with several other families.  Even once outside it was as if no one wanted to break the silence and drive the moment away. Then out of the blue, we hear a deep sigh and Dallin responds "Whew, that wasn't too bad...".  Natalie and I just looked at each other and burst out laughing trying not to offend him but we just couldn't help it.  Quickly looking around to see who had heard, and in between our snickering, we peppered him with questions.  He simply explained that he thought it was going to be a much longer meeting and to his credit wasn't phased by his crazy parents response.

Dallin - Thank you.  While it was a simple, honest comment you turned what was a good experience into a special memory that I won't soon forget.  I'm sure otherwise the specifics of the day would have faded rather quickly.

To look at the bright side, we're simply thrilled that if "it wasn't too bad..." then it must have been somewhat good.  Most importantly, we were together in the right place at the right time doing what we believe to be the right things.

Moms vs Technology - LOL

"Are you still feeling sick?  I hope you're feeling better soon.  LOL"

I finally caved.  The family (read Ashlee) has begged, pleaded, guilted, begged some more and finally tricked me into believing we "needed" another cell phone.  To date Natalie has had the most basic of basic cell phones.  Think small version of the original brick phone.  Okay maybe not quite that bad but for this day and age it was less than optimal for anything other than a quick phone call and that was even difficult if the phone number included an 8.

So I caved, bought her a new phone and decided I'd bring her into the new age of texting and data on a mobile device.  This unfortunately led to the 2nd phone discussion and the need was turned into a safety issue for the girls while tending.  Yes, they've found my soft spot.  I can't give them a gun at this age so...I guess a phone will have to do.

Natalie really got into this texting mania.  Soon I was getting texts all through out the day, reminders of all kinds, to-do's, news alerts, calendar items, the works.  Since Ashlee was carrying the other phone, she was sending her little inspirational thoughts and reminders as well.  On one such occasion Ashlee received the following.  

  "Are you still feeling sick?  I hope you're feeling better soon.  LOL"

Now for those who are familiar with texting lingo or shorthand, you already know how odd or funny this message reads.  Poor Ashlee just thought her mom was being mean.  The funny part is I was getting similar messages and wondering what in the world she thought was so funny all the time to be "Laughing Out Loud", but then I was just thrilled she was happy :)

Days went by and these special messages kept showing up.  Then one day while driving, Natalie (wisely) asked Ashlee to send me a text.

      Natalie - Ashlee, text dad saying "wish you were here - LOL".

      Ashlee - Mom, why do you want me to write LOL?

      Natalie - You know "Lots of Love"

     Ashlee (connecting the dots) - Ohhh...that explains a lot mom.

So, for all those who've received texts from Natalie, we're very very sorry, who knows what she's really been saying.  We'll give her a crash course but of course who knows what she'll come up with next.

Natalie, AML, LUMTP, 459, LYB, LYWAMH, LYL, 4EAE, 831, H4U, and HAK.