I Love to See the Temple

When Leticia received her mission call back in September, she announced  her goal was to attend every temple in Utah before reporting to the MTC. I heard this and "thought what a fantastic goal Teesh, you go for it girl". I suggested she get on it as that was a doable but challenging goal. She agreed. A few dates were selected for different temples and I was lucky enough to go to the first few. In fact, many of the Hansen Clan joined in, that was extra special. Love Family Support

Leticia received her endowments on October 18th, in the Ogden Temple. She asked me to be her escort. What an honor! I must say being in the temple with Teesh is the cream on top of motherhood. I was on cloud nine the entire evening. I did not document (through pictures) the first few temples but after Ogden, we went to Jordan River, Bountiful, Oquirrh Mountain, and Brigham City. It was beautiful on so many levels.  I loved helping Teesh in the temple. Oh, just a little glimpse of what life will be like in Heaven surrounded by all my loved ones.

Life got in the way and a few weeks went by without getting some of those long distance temples attended. Honestly, with only 2 weeks to the farewell I said good bye to the dream of attending all temples. This was not Teesh's plan though. She got on google maps and planned out the trip. She asked Grandma Hansen to accompany her to St. George. Kathleen agreed and I thought, whew, it will still happen.

The plans were made and phone calls were placed and the weekend before the farewell Teesh would hit the road and head South. Par for course Grandma bailed and Corby rearranged his work schedule and Teesh and I hit the road. We first made it to the Mt. Timp. Temple. We did baptisms,  super fun. Then we headed to Manti and did initiatory work for the names we just baptized. We got to see the famous staircase.

We jumped in Henry and tried our very hardest to get to St. George before it closed. The drive was a little over 3 hours and we missed the temple by 20 minutes. It was OK. We were able to get dinner and visit with Allie, a friend of ours. Allie and her husband shared lots of their life experiences with us and fed us a little treat of ice cream. Just a little tender mercy for Teesh since ice cream is her fav.

We had to wake up at 5:45 to be ready to leave and get to St. George Temple.  Allie and her husband got up and made french toast, bacon, and scrambled eggs. Are you kidding me? So nice and so early to serve us. Not necessary at all, but so appreciated. Allie hugged Teesh and said she could tell Teesh will be an amazing missionary. I couldn't agree more.

The theme for all our temple visits was "Wow, we have never been this busy, I am sorry it will be a little bit of a wait." I laughed when we heard that over and over. Maybe the Lord knows this momma needed more time to sit and enjoy the influence of the temple with Teesh. Seriously so priceless and so worth the wait each time we were told that.

 After the St. George Temple, we headed to Monticello Temple. It was a 6.5 hour drive from St. George. The view was breathtaking. The company couldn't be beat. and the weather cooperated. It was picture perfect. Lots of these photos don't do the view justice. It was so gorgeous.

 We arrived an hour earlier than our appointment at the Monticello Temple. With the temple being a small temple, it isn't crowded or heavily staffed. We were early but we almost couldn't get in early because one of the temple workers was experiencing low blood sugar. But orange juice did the trick an we were able to get started, whew!

Teesh laughed her silly head off with this shot. While she was getting stuff out of the car, I volunteered to take the picture. Well, apparently her camera was a lag shot because it took the ground instead of the temple. She insisted I upload this for memory.

We decided to head back to Moab for dinner before heading home. I was driving along, we were singing with Josh Groben, enjoying the scenery, and bam a truck flips a uey and tuns his lights on. I told Teesh, shoot I am going to get a speeding ticket. Sure enough, the cop pulled me over and said I was going 79 in a 65. I told him I thought my speedometer was off by 5 or so and really thought I was only 7 over the speed limit. He took my registration and license. I told Teesh, "visualize him only giving me a warning". In my heart I knew I would get a ticket, I have NEVER been given a warning.

When the officer came back he asked where I was going. We told him and he said I am only going to give you a warning but you really need to slow down. He said don't trust your speedometer and have a great day. Amazing! I did it. I visualized what I wanted. My mentoring class is working on so many levels. I never went more than 3 above the speed the entire drive home. Even Semi's passed me but I did not care.

We found a great little restaurant to eat dinner/lunch. We did not take time to eat after our french toast breakfast at 6:30. The food was delicious. Look at Teesh, she is glowing. What a priceless experience this has been. I am so grateful Grandma was unable to fulfill her commitment and I could go. I love you Teesh to the moon and back.

 Teesh ate a pulled pork BBQ sandwich with amazing bread. It was so delish. I got the salmon dish with rice pilaf and steamed vegetables. The vegetables were the strangest combo ever, hash browns, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots and celery. It was yummy, just a bit strange. We split our dishes so it was a win/win for us both.

I am getting old in my eyes. I don't know if its the fact I drove over 1000 miles in a 30 hour window or if Henry's headlights need adjusting but the last little bit of driving was scary. I couldn't see on the two lane roads. The headlights coming to me were blinding and I started freaking out. Teesh patiently put up with my craziness and gently and calmly kept me on the road. She offered to drive and I should have let her but I didn't have a place to pull over. Teesh deserves a medal for all she endures from me. We got home and Corby gave me a massage for my tensed up body. We arrived home by 9:30. We made it alive. Win Win

On Wednesday, we were able to drop Ada off to school and head to the Draper Temple.

This Temple had such a calm feeling in it for me. I don't know what it was but while we waited for the extra busy day I just pondered on the love my Heavenly Father has for me and all his children. I felt his loving arms around me. I know he knows my heart and as it is so so heavy he is here for me. So many tender mercies! My Heavenly Father knows me, He knows you, He loves us with a love that is not understood by us as mortals. I am not alone. I am good enough. I am his literal daughter.

Friday, we headed to Vernal. It was a 3 hour drive and it was just so fun. Malia invited her friend Sarah. I loved listening to giggles and laughter the entire drive. Malia and Teesh are so close and I love seeing my daughters develop close relationships. We went to dinner and then went to the temple. It was so fun because the temple worker that helped Teesh had recently returned from a mission in the Philippines. See how the Lord works. She told Teesh some great info about the Philippines and I know it calmed Teesh's soul. Misty was a superhero and kept my Littles all day so this trip could happen. Boy, do I have a great group of friends I can rely on. Blessed through and through.

On Tuesday, my parents came to stay. They offered to take Ada to school so Teesh and I could head to Logan for our final temple. See blessing every turn. The Logan temple had been closed and this was the first day open so shocking it was extra busy ;) We hurried to get home because we had dinner, dance and set apart appointments.

As we walked out, I got teary eyed. I can't believe this goal has been completed. I am so fortunate that I attended every temple with Teesh except the Brigham City and Salt Lake.

Teesh went to Salt Lake with Corby, my parents and a few other family members. The memories that were created in the journey will forever be cherished. I loved the temple but now I truly love the temple for oh so many other reasons.

Hale Center Theater

It's been too long since I have been given the opportunity to chaperone a field trip with my Mafria. I was so excited to be able to go with her and her classmates to a play at Hale Center Theater. Let's just talk for a minute about what a great group this bunch was. The Theater was packed with all jr. high students. The Theater gave strict instructions as to what they expected and every student complied. It was so much fun to spend sometime with Malia even though I couldn't sit right by her. It was fun to see her interact with her class mates. Malia you are so great! You can adapt to any situation and make the most of it. Her BFF and her were split up due to one row ending and another row beginning, I could see the sadness in Malia's eyes but she obediently went to the next row without hesitation. Malia you are amazing. Thanks for inviting me to your field trip.

 Yes, this is Malia's entire 9th grade. There are 16 students in her 9th Grade and 1 student chose to not attend the field trip.

Redefine Beauty

For our Young Women's activity tonight we attended a fantastic seminar. It was one more sign the Lord watches over us. The lesson I was to direct on Sunday just wasn't going smoothly. I kept thinking I need to tell the girls they are loved and enough. I fought the thought until Sunday morning I surrendered and did Thy will. The lesson was great. Lots of spiritual situations. Wednesday fell together like Sunday. We had an activity but it didn't feel right. I was on Instagram and saw an invite to a fireside tonight. The invite jumped out at me and I knew we must attend. A few quick group texts were sent and we had a great turnout. 7 girls came with 2 leaders.
The evening was directed by identical twins, Lindsey and Lexi Kite, who both have their PhD's and are so amazing.
They have been in school for the past 10 years and boy do they have so much to offer. The chapel and gymnasium were packed clear back to the stage. It was packed tighter than some Stake Conferences I have attended.
The message shared was one of great worth. They took turns talking and sharing stories and backed up research. They shared that our bodies do not define us. That social media distorts our body image. They reminded us that Satan denied himself a body and he is so angry about it he is trying to get us to all hate our body. They gave some pretty amazing stats that break my heart. The number of children  under 12 hospitalized due to eating disorders increased 119% from 1999-2006.  Plastic surgery is up 446% since 10 years ago. Social Media targets woman because in households 90% of the money is spent by the woman so that is why the woman's body is the main focus.

Elder Glenn L. Pace 2010 BYU Devotional
"Sisters, I testify that when you stand in front of your Heavenly Parents in those royal courts on high and you look into Her eyes and behold Her countenance any question you ever had about the role of women in the kingdom  will evaporate into the rich celestial air, because at that moment you will see standing directly in front of you, your divine nature and destiny."


Choate, 2007, p 323
"There exists a positive relationship between spirituality, mental and physical health, life satisfaction, and wellness. If a woman draws her sense of meaning from a spiritual force that goes beyond herself and that provides coherence and purpose to the universe, she will find less need to focus on her weight, shape, and appearance in an attempt to find happiness or life."

They discussed how you are in class, the bell rings and you walk out. While in the hall, you don't think about what you just learned you focus on what others are thinking about you. Can others tell my hair is greasy? I need to tug on my shirt or skirt so that others can't see my bulges. The list goes on and on. I know this is so true for me. We learned that woman who believe her value comes from her appearance is more likely to:
Have lower self-esteem
Have unhealthy dating experiences
Depression and anxiety
More likely will look at others with a negative eye and comment on how others look

So many try to help others feel better about themselves the wrong way. If you know someone is struggling we say,"Oh you are cute, you just need to believe me." It doesn't work that way. The way you help others with low self-esteem is to help others see they are more than a body.
Emmaline Withers
Gospel breaks forth the fetters wherewith woman is bound, takes her by the hand and says woman know thyself

The ladies performed a study where they asked hundreds maybe thousands how woman feel about their bodies. 90% of the ladies responded with something negative about their bodies only 10% responded with being proud of their body and what it has accomplished. Being able to be proud of your body and not focus on your body's imperfections will change your ability to handle hard things during this life.
During our life, we will live our lives in a lot of comfort zones and regardless of circumstances we will hit a disruption. We can allow this disruption to sink us into shame or allow us to rise with resilience. Painful situations are for our own good, we learn from pain!  We need to shine a light on shame, light up the things that hurt us. Pain propels us to become the people we were intended to become.
Instead of being dissatisfied with our bodies, we go to social media with our questions. This cream will fix my skin. This pill will lose those extra pounds. Instead of seeking answers and asking what is wrong with you; why not ask; why are they putting images in front of us that unrealistic . The more time you spend on social media the more likely you will compare and look down upon yourself. They suggest doing social media fast just like we fast from food and water they suggest we fast from social media, no internet, no phones. no television, no movies, no technology. These ladies have study after study that when you fast from social media you will be happier. You will be less critical of yourself and others. I find that fascinating. I know in my own life when I am less connected I am more satisfied. I have been less connected this past few days and it feels great. I am present with my surroundings. I hear the still small voice and it's given me great direction.

When giving compliments give them on others characters not just on looks. When you speak to ones character it changes people and it resignates on a deeper level. For example, I think you ARE awesome, compared to I think you LOOK awesome. Simple changes create lasting effects.
They offered 4 steps to help others
1 Mental Might

2 Physical Fortitude

3 Spiritual Strength

4 Social Skillfulness

There is no beauty finish line you have to cross before you deserve to feel good about yourself.
You are worthy of Love Exactly as you are.
What will you do with your power?
Who will you be?
See More. Be More. That is Beauty Redefined.

Memory Lane

As Teesh is preparing to depart, we have been boxing up her life. We have found so many treasures that hold such great memories for Teesh. Being limited on space, we chose to photograph some items so we can forever remember them.

As a senior Teesh was the girls basketball manager. She grew close with these girls as she attended practices and games. During the senior ceremony, all the seniors were rewarded with rock figurines. Isn't this the bomb? She even has yellow hair(according to Bria)

One summer a couple of years back, Teesh and Malia put on a kids camp during the summer. They offered a week long class every day for 2 hours. They had several children sign up. Teesh and Malia came up with a theme for each week and then found activities to support the theme. It was a win/win for all, kids received educational fun and Teesh and Malia were able to earn a little dough.

This was the fish that the children had to pin the fin on. I see some serious artist talent!

Leticia was given this board with lots of pictures of her with the team. As I look at the poster, especially the picture in the lower left hand corner, wow has teesh changed and matured in her looks in just a few years. This makes my heart happy and sad. Such a great senior year.

We love ya Teesh, we are so proud of you and all you continually accomplish in your life. The Filipino people are the luckiest to have you.

Mission Photoshoot

Sister Leticia Elizabeth Hansen

 This Young Lady is one amazing individual. I am so privileged to be called mom by her. The ward has been after me to get a picture to them for the plaque in the hall of our ward building. We finally were able to squeeze a photo shoot in. Thank goodness Teesh is  so beautiful in any setting, isn't she breath taking?

 

Some of the attributes I admire about Leticia are:

Patient

Kind

Compassionate

Always putting others ahead of herself

Supporting of others dreams

Goal Setter and Achiever

Loving

Trusting

This new adventure will be so exciting and such a growing opportunity for our family, especially Leticia.

I hope you enjoy her weekly letters and experiences she shares.

Sledding

This winter season has been a little short on the white fluffy stuff. On New Years Day, Corby took two very eager  sledders out to find some snow. I stayed back at home veggin with the sis. I love hanging with Hollie. Her energy lightens mine. She feels like a breathe of fresh air. Love me some sista time.

After 4 1/2 hours of sledding my momma heart began to worry. It was a freezing cold day and I was sure they would have been popsicles by the time they returned. I was greeted with all smiles and ready for their promised hot cocoa. 

Beautiful way to bring in 2015