Check It Out

So I had a draft saved of all the fun things that have been happening while the O'Gwin's are in town. Well once I accidentally pushed "Publish", and then quickly reverted it back to a draft. However, apparently once you re-publish the post, it goes right back to the spot that it was originally posted. Since that is several posts back and I want everyone to see what we've been up to- I'm posting a link to that post for you to check out if you so desire: When O'Gwin's Come To Visit

I Love to See the Temple

I went through the temple and received my endowment on Saturday, July 28. I have been trying to imagine what that day would be like for my entire life. It was a much anticipated event- so much so that during the experience I thought to myself once, "I can't believe this is finally happening. I'm finally here!" It was a little surreal to finally be inside, learning more about the Gospel and making covenants with my Heavenly Father. 

I chose the Jordan River Temple because it is the temple I've grown up with. In my house at the top of the stairs is a round window that looks right onto the temple. When I was a little girl, as my dad carried me up to go to bed, he would stop at the window and I would say, "Goodnight temple." It's the temple I've done baptisms for the dead in, the temple I've seen lit up at night as I've driven home from various places. I'll always have a special place in my heart for the Jordan River Temple.

Those in attendance included: Mom, Dad, Stacy & Chris, Laura & Mike, Matt, Spencer & Tiffany, Taunie & Scotty, McKinzi & Tom, Coral & Doug. The only people I wished could've been there but weren't were Ralph & Julie. But it was awesome and meant so much to me to have every member of my immediate family in attendance- especially Stacy & Chris since they live away. 

It was also special to me to have my mom as my escort. Not only is she my best friend, but she's my biggest example of how important the temple should be in my life, and how high of a priority regular temple attendance should be. (I mean after all- she attends the temple 4 days a week herself!) Thanks Mom for your incredible testimony and example. 

While the experience was different than I imagined (there's no way anyone could accurately imagine what going through the temple is going to be like until they've experienced it for themselves), it didn't bother or weird me out. I just tried to take it all in and feel the spirit. I have faith that while I may not understand, Heavenly Father does- and He's in control. So if the temple is a necessary part of His plan, then I trust in all that goes on in the temple. I know I will be immensely blessed from the keeping the covenants I made and regular attendance. I look forward to returning again and again, learning something new each and every time.

The temple truly is a holy place, a place of love and beauty. I am honored I am found worthy to enter the house of the Lord. That fact alone is evidence of how much He loves His children. I love this Gospel.

Pioneer Day aka... My Birthday

I'm officially 22 years old. So far- doesn't feel much different than 21 years old. On my birthday I spent some time reflecting to myself all that's happened in my 22 years of life- all that I've accomplished and overcome. All the great experiences I have had, which now make for some great memories. I also thought a little of all the hard times I've endured. I came to a firm conclusion that all the good far more than outweighs the hard times. Life is hard, but it is also really good. Fantastic even. 

I was blessed to celebrate my birthday exactly how I wanted- spent with my family. It started with the traditional singing of "Happy Birthday" at midnight, this year from my mom and Stacy. It just wouldn't feel right if this didn't happen. Thanks Mom and Stacy for staying up just to sing to me!

During the actual day I went out to lunch with Stacy at Winger's. It was super yummy and fun to spend some time with Stacy one-on-one for a bit.

My nieces and nephews (minus Makai & Kylie). I got this picture sent to my phone from my sister. I think it's super cute- and kinda funny at the same time (what's up with Camren's face?!). Love it.

That night we met at the Jordan Ridge Park and everyone brought there dinner. The kids were able to play on the playground while the adults played some volleyball. (Laura and I made for some great cheerleaders- and keeping an eye on the kiddos!) 

Super blurry sorry, I was way zoomed in on my Iphone. So in case you can't see very well- it's my dad with Kylie and Kate on the swings. Mike and Camren are there as well.

Stacy, Spencer, Aly, Tiffany, Matt, Mom, Jaden, & Bre ... and eventually Mike playing volleyball.
(Jaden, Bre, and Mike not pictured) 

A silly, but cute, picture of Makai playing in the dirt. I think she was actually eating it at one point. But what kid doesn't?

After the park it was back to the house for s'mores in the fire pit, some fireworks for the kids, and an outside showing of The Sandlot. Good times!! 

Kylie with the parachute she caught from one of the fireworks.

Tank Wars... it was intense.

Me, Stacy, Kylie, Jaden, Bre, Matt, Aly, Dad, Kate, Analise (Also present but not in the picture- Spencer, Tiffany, Mom, Laura, Mike, Camren, Makai)

It was a great birthday, and I feel incredibly blessed with all I've been given thus far in my life. I can't wait to see what the next year brings. I'm also interested in where I'll be when the next 22 years have come and gone. If I've learned anything from the past 22 years- it's that it'll be an interesting ride!

Oh... and Happy Pioneer Day to everyone else! I hope it was a fantastic day filled with lots of celebrations! 

Bountiful 24th of July Parade & Calvin's Gravesite

My family decided to go to the Bountiful 24th of July Parade because they were having the 2,000 Stripling Warriors. Since Spence and Tiff live in Bountiful we thought we'd make a whole night out of it and start with a BBQ and a visit to Calvin's gravesite afterwards.

Makai sure loves her corn!

The kiddos (minus Kate, Kylie, & Makai) sitting to watch the parade.

Stacy enjoying the parade festivities.

Kylie watching a float coming down the street 

while enjoying an otter pop in the heat.   

Tiffany, Laura, & Makai. Aren't they pretty?!

Matt was a bum and told everyone not to smile for this picture.  However Bre and Mike didn't listen and as for Laura- she's just being her normal crazy self. :)

Photo Credit- Facebook. Amazing shot isn't it?

2,000 Stripling Warriors. It was awesome to see; but sad to look at the young men and know that the original Stripling Warriors really were that young.

Calvin's grave with all the cousin's pinwheels around it.

All the grandkids. We all love you Calvin! 

My Grandpa's grave is only a few yards away from Calvin's, 

so we visited that while we were at the cemetery. 

Paige's Wedding

One of my best friends got married on July 14th. I was one of her bridesmaids. While it was a long day (weddings always are, aren't they?), it was also a really great day and I was so honored and grateful to be a part of it all. Her and her husband have been dating off and on ever since the summer before 9th grade. This wedding was a long time coming. ;) I hope they're so happy together and I wish them all the best!

My talented sister, Laura, did my hair and make-up for the wedding. This was her trick to prevent getting make-up all over my WHITE shirt. While effective, it looks hilarious. At least, it does to the 2 of us...

We've been friends since elementary school! I love her!! I can't believe she's a married woman now! 

I just had to include this picture because I thought her hair was GORGEOUS! Sure wish I knew how to do this- or that my hair was long enough for someone to do it on my hair. Alas- I'll just admire hers... 

When O'Gwin's Come to Visit

My mom and Matt went out to Florida to help bring Stacy and her girls back out to Utah for a month. Chris came out 2 weeks later. While I've been out to see them in Florida a couple of times, not everyone in the family has. So for those who haven't- it's been about 18 months since they've seen the O'Gwin's. Needless to say... it was way past due for a visit! Here's some highlights via pictures...

Chillin' watching a movie...

...all tuckered out half an hour later.

Story time! Makai's face is hilarious by the way...

Makai enjoying the Slip & Slide

Makai, Kate, Lise, & Kylie enjoying the Kiddie Pool

Such posers in their cute swim suits! Oh, and Kylie is imitating Kate- not the other way around if anyone cares.

Sound asleep. Watching the Bachelorette finale with Grandpa, Grandma, and your aunt will do that to ya!

We normally stay up at Snowbird in our condo the week during the 24th of July. However, this year my aunt & uncle and their family wanted to have the condo. So instead we decided to just come for half a day- visit the Snowbird Center (which always involves getting ice-cream!) and do a small hike and of course some swimming.

Family shot on the bridge.

I scream, I scream, we all scream for ice-cream!

Hiking up the trail.

Gorgeous view down Little Cottonwood Canyon and over the valley.

Puzzle time- which always seems to go till past midnight...

...but here's the finished product! (It's a picture representing Lake Powell)

Snuggling watching a show the girls were crazy about- H2O. Super cute!

 My mom's side of the family usually does a sleepover from July 3rd - 4th. However, they switched it up this year and instead did a celebration for the 24th of July. It was originally going to be a sleepover, but turned into just a one day thing. Which worked out better for me since I was going through the temple the next day. It was fun to see everyone though, and some intense games of volleyball were played!

The kids loved playing on the tramp.

Our family sure loves volleyball. They play for hours on end- as long as the light will allow!

Kate was so cute with my grandma- she sat on her lap and talked with her for probably 20 minutes. Which is a big deal for a 5 year old. I know my grandma absolutely loved it. And isn't Kate's hair awesome??

And if you're noticing and wondering why there's more pictures of Kylie than of my other nieces- there's a reason for that. Her sisters were gone to Laura's having sleepovers with their cousins a lot. Or else their cousins were over here and her sisters were then off playing with them. For one reason or another- it just seemed like there were lots more picture opportunities with Kylie than with the others. However, the quantity of pictures has nothing to do with the quantity of love per child I promise. 

Not pictured:

-Late night talks with my Mom and Stacy (I'm talking till 2 am here)

-Movies including:

   *The Help

   *Everything You Want

   *Do Not Disturb (I LOVE Doris Day!!)

-Bridal Shower for my cousin, Katelyn

-The following conversation (which occurred repeatedly) between Kylie & Me:

        Me: Guess what Kylie?

        Kylie: What Jess?

        Me: I love you Kylie!

        Kylie: I love you Jess!

This week the O'Gwin's are up with Chris's family. They're coming back Friday night and on Saturday we're having family pictures done, and then heading down to Lake Powell for a week. Lake Powell will be a post in and of itself, so this is the end of the this MONSTROUS post. Hope you enjoyed it! It sure has been a fun couple of weeks! 

Only an Aunt

Only an Aunt can

Give Hugs like

a Mother,

Keep Secrets like

a Sister,

& Share Love like

a Friend.

I love being an aunt. How could I not with those adorable nieces and nephews? 
Thank you to my siblings for giving me the blessing of being a part of their children's lives. I truly love them with all my heart.

Jaden (10), Kylie (2), Lise (8), Kate (5), Camren (7), Aly (10), Makai (16 months) at Calvin's gravesite.

My Personal Anthem

If I were to chose an anthem for myself, this song, I Will by Hilary Weeks, would be it hands down. Here are the words if you care:

I made my choice.

You can mark this day,

the day I pledge 

to take His name.

I will be strong,

I will be brave.

Standing for Him

as I take my place.

I have felt the Spirit burn truth in my heart.

It's in my heart.

Chorus:

And I will stand 

I will not fall in a world that's weak

I will be strong.

I'll be true, I will choose His ways.

Yeah, I know what's right

and I will not change.

In a world where so many will not, I will.  <--- This is my favorite line. So powerful and EXACTLY how I feel!

I may be one,

but one becomes two

when you stand with me,

and I stand with you.

As we unite

our cause is great.

We're not just the candle, 

we are the flame.

And I will take the light He gives me,

and I'll hold it up high. I'll hold it up high.

Chorus 2x

My Testimony

I had the opportunity to share my testimony this past fast Sunday. I didn't take advantage of it and I've regretted that choice ever since. Didn't I fight for the chance to serve a mission so that I could share that very same testimony?! Yes I did. And I DO have a testimony. So why didn't I get up? Plain fear/shyness. No other way around it. Needless to say- it's not my proudest moment. I'll repent next fast Sunday I promise. However, this has led me to think a lot lately, if I had gotten up- what would I've shared? What will I share the next time the opportunity comes up?

I can't go back to that sacrament meeting and change my decision. But I can write out my testimony here and share it with whoever might stop on by. Here it goes:

I know that I have a Heavenly Father and Savior who knows me individually and loves me more than I can ever fully comprehend. Through various trials I've asked a lot of "why me?", "why do I have to experience this?"; and I've said a lot of "this is too hard" and "this is so unfair", etc. But I have never questioned that my Heavenly Father and Savior loved me. Not once. Of all the things in the gospel, that's one thing I know without a doubt to my core- God exists, and He loves and cares about me. 

I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world and He provided an Atonement that is real and works. How I don't know, I just know it does. I know He understands perfectly how I feel, even when no one else does.

I know that Heavenly Father and the Savior have a plan for my life that is often drastically different than my own plans. (And maybe it's the same plan, just on an incredibly different timetable than I'd like.) And I know that accepting Their plan and letting go of my own can be really hard. And even painful sometimes. But I know that They know best, and if/when I follow Their plans- I'll be so much happier. Maybe I won't be happier tomorrow, next month, or year. But when it really counts- I'll be happier than I would've been if I'd followed my own wisdom. Basically, I know that trusting and following Heavenly Father and the Savior will never lead me astray. I might not fully understand along the journey, but that's where my faith comes in.

I know the Plan of Salvation is truly a plan of happiness and that by only following that plan, will I be guided to true happiness. I know that there is so much MORE than this short mortal experience I'm all currently in the middle of, and that the choices I make here have big consequences for the hereafter. That is- depending on how I apply the Atonement to my life.

I know that through the blessings of the priesthood, families can be together forever through the sealing power found in Temples. Death is not the end for me or my loved ones. I know that I will receive a perfected body in the hereafter. I cannot wait! I sometimes get giddy inside, I'm so excited just thinking about how wonderful that day will be.

I know that the Book of Mormon is true. It contains the word of God and was preserved for hundreds of years for our days to help lead and guide us through our earthly journey back to our Heavenly Father. I know prayer works. Heavenly Father really does listen to me when I talk with Him. With all the problems in the world, He loves me enough to listen to whatever I have to tell Him.

I know that revelation continues. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet called to bring in the Restoration. I also know that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet today, who is indeed inspired and receives inspiration directly from the Lord on our behalf, along with the 12 Apostles.

I love this church with my whole heart. But more than that- I love, and have firm testimony in the Gospel contained within the church. I know that sounds picnicky- but it's an important distinction. (For more on that- please read this General Conference talk by Elder Hallstrom.) I KNOW this Gospel is true. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

St. George Getaway

So I haven't seen my best friend since February. This is simply unacceptable. So me and her FINALLY found a time that worked for both of us for me to come down and stay with her and her husband for a few days. It was so much fun and a much needed catch up! And bonus- her sister (Lanelle) was blessing her cute baby girl on Sunday, so I was also able to catch up with not only McKinzi but also her family. I love them! They're like a second family to me.

We did lots of fun things including:

-Tuacahn play, Hairspray. It was really good- I thoroughly enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. However- it was HOT!!! I felt so bad for McKinzi (she's pregnant) and also the actors who were singing and dancing in costumes in 90 + degree weather. 

-Watched lots of movies: Fast Five (from Redbox), People Like Us (movie theater)... it was alright. Language was not great, especially the F word from an 11 year old. Definitely could've done without that!, and Deja Vu. I know I know... but when it's 110 degrees outside, and only gets to around 95 degrees at night, you HAVE to stay inside. And movies are a great way to entertain yourselves for a few hours.

-I caught up on a couple Psych episodes I hadn't seen yet while they did various things.

-Went out to eat at Iceberg, Red Robin, and Sonic

-And mainly, we just hung out with each other. It was lots of fun.  

I'm so grateful they were willing to let me come crash with them for a while, I really did have tons of fun with both McKinzi and Tom. I love that girl like a sister, we've been through practically everything together since elementary school. I know we'll be in each others lives forever, because I honestly can't imagine (and refuse to let it happen) my life without her being a part of it in some way. This sounds super cheesy I know- but I really do feel that way. Love ya Kinz!!

Tuacahn Theater
I look horrible, but she looks cute! Check out the adorable baby bump!!

Tuacahn Theater
Tom & McKinzi. They're a cute couple, go very well together.

I found this picture on Facebook and HAD to include it here.  I honestly think this is possible in St. George because it really is that hot. It might take a little longer than in an oven- but it might seriously work. You can barely stand the heat just from the house to the car (and the car only cools down by the time you've reached your destination!). It just hits you like a wall the second you step outside. I think people are crazy for VOLUNTARILY living down there during the summer!! ;)

Happy 4th of July!

I had a wonderful 4th of July, and I hope all of you did as well. Spencer and Tiffany came over for an afternoon BBQ and played some games. After, we drove up to Park City to eat dinner before heading to the Oakley Rodeo. As luck would have it, we happened to choose the exact same restaurant (Baja Cantina) that Laura and her family- along with all of Mike's family- had also chosen to eat at. (Mike's family goes up to Park City every 4th of July and stays in condos for a couple of days. So normally, we don't see Laura at all on the 4th of July.) It was so much fun to unexpectedly see and talk with them for a little bit.

This was mine and Spencer's first time going to a rodeo, and so I really didn't know what to expect. It was a lot of fun seeing all the horses and watching crazy people willingly get on bucking animals. Sadly there were no fireworks afterward, but this was not surprising will all the fires across the state, and it was fairly windy anyways. All in all though, a really fun night and a memorable 4th of July!

I love the silly faces more than if everybody had been smiling. So much personality captured. My family is great. 

Proof my dad was actually there. (Photo credit: Tiffany)

The sunset was GORGEOUS!! So much so, it was distracting me from the rodeo! We sure are blessed to live on such a beautiful earth.  

Photo credit: Tiffany

Photo credit: Tiffany

I'd like to just take a moment to say how much I love this country, and I'm so grateful to be living in this magnificent land. We're truly so blessed to have all of the freedoms and privileges we enjoy living here. I'm so grateful to all the men and women who have sacrificed so much to give each of us those freedoms and privileges. God bless America!