Mark Attends the LDS Temple

Going to the temple is a big deal for any LDS (Mormon) member. Our temples are the house of the Lord, just as the temples during Jesus' time were, and we hold them sacred. Anyone can attain entrance into the temple but they must live high ethic and moral standards of integrity, honesty, and virtue to attend. When I attend the temple I feel a peace that I do not feel anywhere else, I feel total and complete joy and happiness. I'm not perfect, but I try to live righteously each day so that I might be worthy to enter this special place.

That having been said, you may now understand the HUGE deal it is when I say that my once rebel, wayward, and completely crazy brother was able to go through the temple for the first time! I must admit, it was a bit weird seeing him there, but totally awesome that he turned his life around and is... well, nice to be around lately. He will be serving a mission in Dallas, Texas for the next 2 years.

Brad's just back from his 2-year mission in Russia (so difficult):

The whole fam-dam-ily:

After words we went to Nelsen's for frozen custard...and that was the beginning of Quinn and my stint down the path of junk food/gym apathy/no return!

In other news:

Q and I visited his dad's grave in Ogden. It was actually quite odd to think that his body was there because we've been feeling him so strongly a part of our lives the last 6 months in SGU. His presence was so strong at the cemetery and it was an extremely emotional stop. We are so blessed and fortunate to know what we do about life after death. It is a great comfort, more so than I ever could have imagined before this happened.

Also, and may I add FINALLY, the backyard in Pine Valley is going in!!!