Our Sealing Weekend

Our fabulous weekend has finally come to an end and it's business as usual around the Bess household. Shyla is finally back with us. We missed her so much! I know I'm a little late but please read on about our Sealing Weekend! There is SO MUCH more that I'd love to write about, I could go on and on, but I will try to keep it short and sweet. Here's how the weekend went down...

Wednesday: Jake's parents were on their way down to our place with Shyla. Due to circumstances, they were unable to leave until later on in the evening, so they didn't acually arrive at our place until about 3:30am. By the time they got Shyla set up in her room, got Romeo (their dog) set up in his bed, and got their bed set up too, it was about 5am. Sleep at last!

Thursday: This was my endowment date. Thursday, September 25, 2008. What was neat about my endowment session was that while Jake had already been through and I was going through for the first time for myself, it had been a while for Jake, so he was going through for himself again. It meant so much to see all the familiar faces of people there to support me and Jake on our wonderful journey.

Friday: Today was "the day". Our sealing. There are so many people I have to thank for getting me to this point. All those who helped me from 6 years ago all the way though now... I owe you so many thanks. WITHOUT you all I would not be standing where I am today. I ESPECIALLY want to thank Jake, you are the best husband ever, with your love and patience you have shown me how to truly love. I aspire to be as wonderful as you are! One of the things I love about this experience is that Jake was sealed to his family 10 years ago almost to the date. And now, 10 years later, he is getting the opportunity to be sealed to his own family for time and all eternity.We were very blessed to have had so many people in attendance. I want to thank everyone for being there and supporting us. Even those that couldn't make it, I thank you for your love and prayers. One of the neat things that we didn't know beforehand is that one of Jake's old roommates and a former Tri Valley Ward member Aaron Madsen's grandfather was our Sealer! He brought a lovely presence in the room and while Shyla wasn't the most cooperative, it was still very special.

This picture of Shyla was taken afterwards while we were still in the temple. She was SO CUTE in her dress there was no way I could pass up the opportunity to make sure there was a picture in her dress. Aren't her bows in her hair just darling? I was worried she wouldn't leave them in for the sealing... but she did, yay!We wanted to have our sealing during this weekend specifically because we felt it was a special time.

9/24- Jake's parents anniversary

9/25- Jake is sealed to his parents 10 years earlier (and now my endowment date)

9/26- Our family sealing

Before we went in the Temple for our sealing, we went to the Visitor's Center to see the exhibition of Jesus Christ sculptures by Angela Johnson and get a tour. It was a quiet, calming experience and was a great beginning that would end with our sealing! I am impressed that this woman had no previous professional sculpting experience and was able to capture such blessed images. What a true gift she has.

I know some people didn't agree with us getting married civilally, but we did it for our own personal reasons. We were on the same page as to why we wanted to do it the way we did, so it was the right decision for us. Our plan was to be sealed 1 year later, but we all know how hard the advasary can work us when we're trying to continue on the right path. Well, it always seemed that "one thing or another" would come along and kept us from attending the Temple. I am happy to say that we put our hearts and minds to it and kept up our guard. His love stayed with us. We could not have done it without His love and guidance.

Saturday: We had a BBQ to celebrate both our sealing and our new place. Most people had not seen it yet. We worked hard while Shyla was gone getting everything in order. It took us a while, but it all came together in the end. It was a nice day and a nice time with everyone. We got to spend some time with friends we don't get to see often enough. It was like a mini Tri-Valley ward reunion. Wardrobe change.Shyla and Gregory; he is 10 days older than her (Shawn and Aubrey Bitter's son).Sunday: It was fast Sunday this day. We had our promary program and stake conference moved around so this day was our fast Sunday for October. This was a wonderful way to end our weekend. It was great to hear people talk about the impact our sealing had on them and to hear their testimonies. It helped to make me feel peace and comfort in a crazy world.

For those who couldn't attend any of the events, we know your thoughts and prayers were with us. We could feel so much love and comfort and it made our experience amazing! I am happy to be sealed to my family for all time. I love that Jake is such a wonderful, loving husband. I am greatful that we stuck through our tough road and came out on top. I feel truly blessed to be sealed to such a wonderful, loving, and understanding man. He truly is the perfect match for me! I love everything about this weekend and I feel blessed to have had so many people be a part of it! Thank you all for everything you have done. You all are a great support system and I wouldn't want it to change at all. I love you all!