July 28: Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Tracy and I drove down to Day Break for the the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house today. It is so different from the Draper Temple, but it is equally as breathtaking. I loved the star design on the windows, the murals on the walls of the endowment rooms, and the beautiful paintings all throughout the building. The most impressive thing; however, was the chandelier in the Celestial Room. I have never seen anything like it, I actually gasped when I saw it.

It's been an interesting year to have two temples open so close together, what a blessing! When you look out over the Salt Lake valley and see four temples, it makes you feel how important the temple is, or should be, in our lives.

July 27: Color Me Mine

Shannon and Jill took me out for a suprise birthday celebration. We went to Color Me Mine, a ceramic place where you can paint your own ceramics. I've never been before, and I was so excited! You pick the piece you want to paint (I chose a plate) and then you paint whatever design you want on it (I did a circle design). We spent two hours there, and I loved every minute. It was theraputic to just sit and paint for a while.

It reminded me of my Grandma Alpha (she must be on my mind lately). She painted beautiful ceramic dolls. I got a different one for each birthday and Christmas until I was a teenager. Every member of my family, and even some random strangers, have these priceless mementos. I wish I could say I am as talented as she was, but I will settle for a plate that doesn't look too bad. We'll get our pieces back after they have been glazed and fired. I can't wait! It's so fun to do something new--thanks for the fun night girls!

July 26: Sunday night gatherings

My family has a tradition of getting together every Sunday night. It all started with my Great-grandma Alpha. My mom grew up going over to her house on Sundays and that continued into my college years. Grandma Alpha was in her nineties when she had to be moved to a care center, but she had all of her family over every week until then. My mom's family has continued to do it since. I don't think we could imagine not having these get togethers. We now rotate between my mom's house and her siblings' houses.

Tonight we were at my Aunt Lori's house. She always goes overboard when we meet at her house. You can count on salad, fruit and/or veggies, chips and dip, and at least three different desserts. The best is when she puts little labels out so you know the names of all her dishes. We usually just sit around, eat, talk, and enjoy each other's company. I know it doesn't sound too exciting, but I love it. I love being with my family, it always rejuvenates me for the week. I'm grateful my grandma started such a wonderful tradition.

Zac helped me take pictures of the fam tonight (Cheese!). We were only missing Mike, Lauren, and Celeste.

July 25: Cecret Lake

Emily invited me to go on a hike with her family this morning. Yeah! My first hike of the summer. I was really excited until she told me I had to be to her house by 7:30 in the morning. (Doesn't she know it's summer?!?) I rolled out of bed and drove to her house, but I refused to put makeup on. They would have to deal with the real me if they wanted me that early!

We drove up Little Cottonwood Canyon past Alta Ski Resort to the trailhead. I was a little curious how Emily's three, four, and five-year-old would do, but I shouldn't have worried. The hike was just about a mile long and they did great! The little lake and surrounding meadows were beautiful. Em brought bagels and fruit, so we ate breakfast by the lake and enjoyed the scenery. I couldn't believe that I grew up so close to this place and I'd never been before. I need to get my family to go up with me sometime. It was a great way to spend a Saturday morning!

July 24: The Days of '47 Celebration

Today was the big Pioneer Day celebration in Salt Lake. Michelle, my parents, and I decided to go downtown for the big parade. We aren't crazy enough to camp out overnight, so we could only find a spot facing the sun. That wasn't such a bad thing while there were clouds in the sky, but they disappeared just in time for the parade to start.

I enjoy a good parade with big, colorful floats and fun marching bands, and I was not disappointed in this one. These are my favorite entries...

I love that we set aside a day to celebrate our pioneer heritage in Utah. I wish I knew all the stories of my pioneer ancestors, but I don't. I am grateful for all their sacrifice and diligence. I am so blessed because of their faithfulness.

July 23: A complete bedroom set

My parents and I went and picked up my birthday present today: a new headboard that matches my dresser and nightstand. Yeah! Now I have a complete bedroom set and I can finish decorating my room. I haven't wanted to put things up on my walls until I had the headboard. I'll have to do another picture when everything is up. Thanks Dad, for helping me put it together!

July 22: Blogging, blogging, and more blogging!

Look at this! Over the last three weeks I have been spending hours and hours writing on this blog. I am finally caught up, at least with the writing which is 3/4 of the battle. Pictures will be coming soon, I promise. I am determined to finish this project if it kills me! (I did only 57 posts today, that's all!)