Thursday, March 12, 2009

Together Forever

Tomorrow we leave for Spokane, Washington. We are going to the LDS Temple there. We are going to have the incredible experience of having Angel sealed to our family for, what we believe to be, eternity. This is the Spokane Temple....



I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have a testimony that this church and its gospel teachings speak truth to my soul and that there is a God and He has a Son who is Jesus Christ. I believe the temple is a sacred place, where I can go and make promises to my Heavenly Father. Where I can find answers to my questions and relief from my fears.


I also count among my dearest friends—many who are not LDS—and I would not change that, or their life choices, for the world. I love and respect their beliefs, as they do mine. I think I would find myself feeling very claustrophobic if I could only have friends who were LDS –I LOVE seeing life from all sorts of perspectives. Not to mention my entire family tree would evaporate—we are the only Mormons! I don’t know what I would do if I had to live without my extended family—they add so much to my life. They are and were strong, vibrant, intelligent people—I am proud of where I come from!


This is our Angel Bean---




She came to live with us in 2002 (at the age of 3) and we were able to legally adopt her in 2003. She was born in Alaska. In 2001 my brother and his then-wife lost their parental rights and we were the State’s first preference placement. I wish I could say that I jumped at the chance, but due to being estranged from my brother and my Mom—it was a difficult time and decision. I am so grateful that we did—I can’t imagine our lives without her. We will tell her one day of her birth parents. She has a half sister from her birth Mom’s first boyfriend and my brother has remarried and had another child—another half sister. We have her keep in touch with both girls—and her native heritage. She is my ray of sunshine, my special gift. Now we are taking the step to make her a part of our eternal family. We believe that will happen when we are sealed to her on Saturday morning. It is a simple ceremony—that our whole family will attend. I am so excited!

Us--2007

I just thought I would share a little of who I am and my family. Some people notice that Bean looks a little different than the rest of my kids and others tell me she looks just like me. One family thought that Phil had had an affair up in Alaska at work and Bean was their love child! They thought I was such a saint for adopting her and forgiving Phil. (so funny—on so many levels!)




Sooo---on that note--hope all will be well with all of you---I will be back next week!

30 comments:

Mackenzie said...

How very excited for you and your family. I wish you very safe travels and a wonderful experience at the Temple!!!!

Supercool Hotmama said...

Congratulations! What an exciting day for all of you! I'm sure it will be a special experience that you'll treasure forever!

Karen Sue said...

OH Lisa,
Our youngest was adopted from Russia at 3 1/2. We had thoughts of a little girl, but we both came back from perusing the photolistings with the same picture of this little boy. He looks and acts so much like my husband it is scary. The Russia thing is something he brags about, but I don't really think he remembers much about it..perhaps I am wrong about this. The stubborn Russian boy and the stubborn Dutch husband..I send them golfing together just for a break!! Enjoy. God knew you were the best place for her. :O)

Jan said...

You will be in our neck of the woods again. Love Spokane. Have a great time and thanks for sharing your beautiful story.

onlymehere said...

I understand the rumor mill well. So many have run around about my family. The funniest but also the saddest that anyone would think this is that my husband had been excommunicated and that's why he didn't come to church for four years. Not true at all. He was and always has been a member since he was eight years old. He hadn't committed any sin he just got tired of the lies and gossip that was running rampant in our ward about several people, not just us. I guess it's human nature but I definitely try not to engage in gossip! I'm so excited for you. This is a wonderful experience. I've only been to sealings of couples, not new family members but I know it will be a joyous occasion! You are so blessed to have her forever!!

Unknown said...

Great post. That temple is beautiful. You just get more interesting all the time...

Pancake said...

What a beautiful experience that will be for you all!! HOW wonderful!!!

...Laura... said...

What a wonderful oppourtunity for your whole family! I was able to witness a sealing for my sister in law and their adopted daughters. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever witnessed in my lifetime. She truely is a beautiful girl and so lucky to have a family that loves her.

Valerie said...

That is so great! I hope that everything goes perfectly. What a special, memorable day. You are such an example to me of true loving and giving. I know I would have a hard time if I had to make the same decision you did.

Da Bergs said...

YEAH!!!! HOW exciting!!! For YOU AND HER!!!! Families ARE forever!

nikkicrumpet said...

So very cool. What a precious time for your whole family. Going to the temple is always great...but for something like this..it's AWESOME! Have a safe and happy trip!

Messy Jess said...

I am so happy for you!

And thank you for you kindness and thoughtfullness. It really helped me this week.

I am loving your layout.

Nana said...

That is awesome!!!! I love everything you wrote. I feel exactly the same way. Have a wonderful time and be safe.

Cynthia said...

Blessings are all around. The story about the love child is kinda funny though- people come up with some doozies!

May your sealing be special and healing for the whole family. Bless you all for taking her into your hearts and home and giving her the most precious gift of all- an eternal family.

chelle said...

What a wonderful post. I hope you have a great time.

We have adopted two kids and have been to the temple twice for sealing. That is just the best moment.

I think you are a saint, even if Phil did not have a love child. LOL m

CB said...

I'm new to your blog. I was really touched by your story and your post.
I am imagining the beautiful experience you have had in the Temple with your family. What an amazing blessing.

Marrdy said...

I came over from Nikki blog because I saw the temple! Congratulations, I hope you had an amazing day!!

Carla said...

Oh, congratulations! How cool you can all be there! My step-children (one who is a member) are not sealed to us, and I long for it:) You don't have to give birth to a child to claim them:)
Have fun! Congratulations to you all:)

Susan Anderson said...

What a wonderful experience for all of you. It doesn't get any better than this.

=)

imbeingheldhostage said...

Oh Lisa, I am so happy for you!! What a wonderful occasion.
My sister lives in Spokane, do you know her? ;-) (she's anti-LDS, can you imagine how fun our family gatherings are?).

Hope you have a marvelous experience and congrats on becoming a complete forever family. xoxo

imbeingheldhostage said...

and you know? She does look like you!

onlymehere said...

Sorry for the confusion. It was just one of those days when I had to be a mom and not a friend and it was hard. For the most part Kaje' is a fantastic teen but she's normal and tries to push the envelope sometimes. Sadly in this instance her sister decided to be a co-conspirator and I ended up having to be the bad guy. Ever have one of those days? Yeah, I guess I was due for it but it's all okay now and the important thing is, it won't happen again and I'm still the mom and a friend. Hope that all made sense.

DesertHen said...

How wonderful and thank you for sharing that bit of yourself with us. Your Angel Bean is beautiful!!

tammy said...

What a cutie. So glad for your family! And that is a funny love child story.

Mikki said...

It's taken me so long to get over here and say congratulations. But, Congratulations!! What a wonderful day for your beautiful family, and that lucky little girl. She is absoltelyadorable. I'm so happy for all of you!

Pedaling said...

loved this post.
very thoughtful, informative, spirit filled and even funny.

your love child is gorgeous. :)

momhirt said...

congratulations! every child just brings more love to the family. who can have too much love? isn't the gospel wonderful.

Ashley said...

Wow, congratulations! That is so wonderful and I'm happy for your family!

Little GrumpyAngel said...

Lisa, I'm a few days late in reading this, but what a wonderful, wonderful thing for you and your family. Bean is beautiful and looks like she belong with you and your family. I feel so happy for you.

I love learning more about you, the things you've been through, and the wonderful person that you are.

Lorie said...

What a great story! I know they are a little belated, but congratulations!