Lauren

Being that it has been kind of a crazy year being pregnant- having a baby-dealing with a 2 year old.  I ended up doing a few different services half way.  Not the way I would have wanted, but together they make up a whole. :)

When I received your name I thought about how much I love that you have learned to play the piano. Something we have in common.  I have always tried to teach my children music and to play the piano, but each attempt usually fizzles out before much progress has been made.  I always felt guilty about not being able to teach the one talent I have to my children...(Drives Ben nuts too) So this was the year to buckle down........well it didn't happen between crying babies, homework, and other after school activities.  Then Lydia decided she wanted to learn the violin, so I thought now I have my chance.  Then I realized I didn't know the first thing about actually teaching someone the violin...lol.  So I bought a video and some books  other helps on Amazon, and told her to watch the video and I would implement and help throughout.  So far so good.  I plan to keep working on this service. (See Lydia's post)

So after not really excelling at teaching my kids music I thought about you a lot.  Especially after I was blessed to get two wedding invitations in the mail.  I kept one on my fridge and had one on my desk to keep you constantly in my thoughts.  I thought how wonderful it was that you got to enter the temple and complete your endowment and be sealed forever.  I love the temple.  Kona temple is a very small temple and I know almost everyone who works there.  They give me lots of hugs.  I was determined to attend every week since I got your name in honor of your newly wedded temple covenants.  I made it most weeks definitely not perfect.  I often thought of the beginning of my own marriage, I wished that I had attended the temple back then more often.  The temple is my solace,  the only place I can really leave the world behind, I don't feel stress, and I regain my eternal perspective. I hope you will take this new opportunity and attend as often as you can.  In the beginning I always thought I had to attend with my husband....it's a myth.  Go by yourself if he can't make it.  Go, Go, Go......Families are Forever.

So the last thing is.....Well I basically named my baby after you.  It doesn't get better than that!  Lauren I love you.  Merry Christmas.

Katherine