A Weekend of Worship

*Note - I started this entry as soon after Easter weekend as I could, but never finished it while in Utah because of a bad internet connection. I guess it's better late than never. :)

I have been in Utah for a week now visiting my family, and letting them get to know Preston a little better. Gabe is on a business trip in Arizona so I thought it only fair for me to go on a trip as well. Of course I'm going to be gone longer than him but that's besides the point... This trip just happened to fall on Easter weekend which has become one I will never forget.

It is fun being around family for the holidays (even though I am missing a significant part of my family right now). We had a very full house with my older brother Tyler and his wife Mara here for the weekend as well as my brother Royce coming back from the Y. (Quick side note: Royce has officially turned in his mission papers and we are awaiting his call, stay tuned for the update.) On top of that my parents, my younger brothers Kyle and Bryant, Preston and I as well as a very small poodle are here consuming this three bedroom townhouse. Even though it's crowded it's fun to be together spending time just talking and having fun together.

Saturday we stayed in our pajamas all day and watched "Legally Blonde the Musical" if you haven't seen it, and enjoy the movie you should totally watch it, it's highly entertaining. Apparently MTV filmed it and showed it on cable, so it still might be available to see, if you have cable unlike us. I'm glad my brother keeps up with these kinds of things so I can enjoy them too. He had a friend T-VO (I don't know if that's how you spell it) it and record it onto a DVD for him. After many hours of laziness I went to take a shower while Tyler and Mara watched Preston for me. It was wonderful to feel like I could take my time and enjoy a few moments alone.

That night after we ate dinner a few of us had the opportunity to go see "The Redeemer" in the newly renovated Tabernacle on temple square. My dad and Kyle had to work and my mom stayed at home with Preston so it was just the rest of the kids going on a little field trip.

Of course we were a little late getting out the door and then weren't able to find parking for some time because there was a Jazz game that night, so when we finally did find parking and ran so we would get there before the doors closed. There weren't many seats left by the time we finally arrived, only some reserved in the middle and a few on the left hand side. If you have ever been in the Tabernacle before you'll know that the seats on the side are the worst because the overhang from the balcony and the poles holding it up get in the way of the stage area. But we were glad we were at least able to get some seats began to relax as we looked through our programs waiting for the orchestra to play and the choir to sing along when suddenly the people in front of us started standing up so I jumped up as well. I was sitting on the very end of the row next to the aisle and before I knew it there was a very tall, kind-faced man walking past me, surrounded by two, slightly shorter men. In a moment I realized that I was in the presence of a Prophet of the Lord. President Monson walked past me smiling and even looked at me with that twinkle in his eye. I have never felt the spirit so strong before. It was amazing for me to see this man up close realizing that he speaks to our Heavenly Father and was given the calling to be his voice in the Latter day.

I'm sad to say that I was worried about going to the concert in the first place because I don't leave Preston very often and he hadn't been sleeping well all week, but at that moment I felt peace come over me and realized that I was in the right place.

The concert was a beautiful tribute to the Savior with different parts containing scripture about"The Prophecy," "The Sacrifice," and "The Promise." As I listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and listened to the sacred words of the soloists I was able to gain a greater appreciation and love for my Savior and all that he has done for us so that we may once again live with our families in the presence of him and our Heavenly Father.

The night closed out with a sweet spirit and once again I was able to be in the presence of the Prophet, as well as Elder Nelson and Elder Perry as they left for the night. I was able to witness him speak to the little children just as Christ did while he was on the earth. As I saw him walk off into the distance my thoughts turned to my family and how grateful I am for each of them in my lives. I remembered that Heavenly Father sent my beautiful baby boy down to me which is the best gift anyone could ever recieve. I called my mom and told her of my experience and in turn she told me that Preston had slept like an angel the entire time.

The next morning we were able to continue with our thoughts of the Savior on Easter morning. Of course we began by getting ready for church and opening our Easter baskets. Here is a picture of Preston and I on his very first Easter. Of course Grandma had to get him bunny ears. They didn't stay on long, but he loved the eggs. He also enjoyed the hunt for Uncle Royce's Peeps. He is very determined to get what he wants... and is usually successful, for a minute or two anyway. :)Here is my Mom doing what she does best, working while every one else is playing. Isn't she cute? Thank you for the yummy ham and potato dinner mom! After going through our Easter baskets we went to Sacrament Meeting with my Grandma in Provo (yes, she's the crazy one). Here is a four generation picture, do we all look alike? Tyler, Mara and Royce came as well. Royce is holding Preston because they have matching plaid shirts and sweater vests. Royce calls it the Bob Dylan look. After spending some time with Grandma we went back to my parents ward just in time to help my mom in the nursery which Preston absolutely loved. After that we all had a wonderful Easter dinner with my Aunt Tami and her family as well as my other Grandparents.

By the end of the weekend we were two happy but tired people.