Brigham City Temple

On Saturday we went to the Brigham City Temple open house. It was such a beautiful temple! All temples are beautiful but this one had some very pretty aspects. It was modern with a pioneer edge to it. One thing that I loved about it was that they had lots of windows in the rooms letting in this beautiful natural light. They had gorgeous chandeliers around and really pretty stained glass windows. 

Along with the beauty of the temple the peace and joy that comes from going to the temple was there, even with the noise from the other guests and little kids. It was really special to share it with the Messenger family. We were supposed to meet my mom and sisters there but they got detained behind a car crash on their way. However, we saw them heading into the temple as we were on our way out so we stopped to say hi and tell them how pretty it is. 

One thing that I really liked was in the movie they show you before explaining temples and what we do in them, Elder Holland talked about his version of heaven. How in his version of heaven his family is all there with him and his wife.

It really hit me and made me grateful for the opportunity to be together with my family forever. My family that I grew up with, the family I gained with marriage, and the family that Justin and I will someday have. That is my definition of heaven as well. 

It's a lovely place and I can't wait to go through it again and really soak in the beauty of it all. I encourage you all to go! You don't need a ticket or anything just show up and they'll get you through. It might take longer but it's worth it. 

I love going to the temple and know that no matter what is going on in your life, you can find peace, joy, and courage to face your trials. 

Messenger Family Reunion

Earlier this month we traveled to Couer d'Ae Lene, Idaho for the Messenger family reunion. It was just the children of Grandma and Grandpa Messenger and their families and so on and so on. We had it at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Justin has been going on about how amazing their house is ever since we got married. Now after seeing it I agree it is pretty amazing.

So after the long night time drive to get there we got to their house at about 6:30. Surprising Grandpa as he was getting ready to shower with a towel and his shorts on. Could be my favorite memory of the whole trip. hehe. We slept for a while and then visited and waited for everyone else to come.

So Justin gave me the tour. It's a beautiful place, kind of in the middle of no where. Their land is about 30 minutes from the town so you felt like you were camping but with a lot more benefits. There is a pond you can swim in if you are brave, there was talk of leeches in it this year, a pond to catch frogs, a little swimming pool, a hot tub and lots of places to go exploring.

Grandma and Grandpa built their house with the help of the family. It really is an amazing work and I love the big logs and wood finishing of everything. It felt cozy, comfortable and like home from the minute I walked in. 

We had a nail painting party while trying to stay cool in the shade.

It's Messenger tradition to play capture the flag, everyone plays to the little kids up to grandma and grandpa.

We went on some fun hikes, to see the pretty views. The Messenger's LOVE to hike. Justin often tells me memories of backpacking trips with his dad, grandma and grandpa.

Another Messenger tradition is singing. They all get together and sing folk songs, family favorites, and any other song they'd like. It was so fun and special. Aunt Penny, and Debbie provided us with the music and kept it going.

There almost everybody is. I forgot to take a picture of one of the families. We had lots of hanging out with all the kiddos, dogs, and trying to stay out of the sun. It was a great time spent with family. I got to visit with some that I haven't met before and enjoyed learning about them. We also had delicious fresh raspberries and ice cream, and some other berry cobblers. One of the best things about family reunions is the food.