Childhood Memory

The first 10 years of my life were lived in a little town just outside of Idaho Falls, Idaho. There were two things I remember about car rides into town. 1. On the way home we would see who could see the “blinking” light first. {Which meant we were almost home.} And 2. On the way to I.F. we would see who could see the Temple first. I can still picture me and my sisters searching the skyline wanting to be the first one to shout out “I see the Temple.” A trip into Idaho Falls always included a glimpse of the Idaho Falls Temple. I didn’t realize how lucky we were.

My children are beginning to notice things as we drive around town. Its fun to see them realize where we are, even though we might be getting there from a different direction than we normally go. I love hearing, “I know where we are! We are by {so and so}”

One major landmark is the Virginia Beach Town Center. Va Beach has never had a central downtown until a few years ago. Lucky for us, our little home is extremely close to the up-and-coming downtown. They have built two really tall building so far—the Armada Hoffler building and the Westin. 

The other day I took Preston on a quick trip to Target. He’s in the backseat, really quiet, when he says, “Look, Mom! I see the really tall building. I know where we are.” I’m happy that he is aware of our surroundings and noticing things. I guess I shouldn’t be surprise. It’s just that there are so many roads and buildings and what-not. Once again, I shouldn’t be surprised.

My point being, when he saw the building and told me about it, it reminded me of when I was little and being so excited to see the Temple. Seeing the Temple was something that , living out west, I took for granted.

My sister Jill used to babysit me when I was younger. She retold a story of a time when we got lost driving around Idaho Falls. {Since I.F. is SUCH a big city, I can understand why!} As she is trying to find out where she is, I said, “Look, Jill—the Temple. We aren’t lost.” How true is that? When we have our eyes set on the Temple {and the Gospel of Jesus Christ} we will never be lost.

Today as I was listening to Conference, President Monson announced the building of 3 new temples. No where near here. I know I can’t complain, our closest temple is only 4 hours away—3 and 1/2 if you don’t hit any traffic and go slightly over the speed limit and can even take 5 or 6 hours. It could be a LOT worse. While I am sad that we won’t have one closer by in the near future, I am excited for the growth of the church.

So, my thoughts are a little jumbled. I get that. They’ve been like that for the past 7 weeks. {Who am I kidding, they’ve always been like that!} I just wish my kids were able to see the temple while driving around town instead of some really tall buildings. So when my children would ask, “What is that really tall building for, Mom?” I wouldn’t have to answer, “A place where people pay a lot of money live and a place were some people work.” Instead I could say, “That’s the House of the Lord where families are sealed together forever. Someday, you’ll go there.”

Photo courtesy of Google

Vs.

Photo courtesy of Google

And for my siblings,just because I got a kick out of this, I just wikipedied {I made up that word} Menan, and they said this:

Menan is home to a large Fourth of July celebration every year. (Held on the 5th when the 4th is a Sunday). This celebration includes games, food, a duck race, games, and fun for all ages. The fireworks at dark rival, in height, Idaho Falls famous Melaleuca fireworks. As Menan is away from any airport, the size restrictions are negated. there are typically thousands of people who turn out from surrounding areas for this yearly celebration.

Ah, to see the fireworks in Menan again. How fun would that be?