one for the books

i think this year's Easter will be one of the most memorable Easter weekends in my life.

it started out the Sunday before, when Jae and i had the chance to attend the afternoon session of General Conference. I've never been to a session, and Jae has only once, a long time ago, so it was a new and lovely experience for us both (even if we were way up in the balcony!)

i felt a little weird taking my big camera in, so last minute, i took it out of my purse. when we arrived, i was kind of surprised how many people had their cameras or phones out, taking pictures of themselves in the conference center. i guess it wouldn't have been so strange to have my camera there, but i didn't really feel it was the place for picture taking anyway. so i have no pictures of us or the conference center, but it was all so huge and gorgeous as ever. wow that building is amazing. what a great opportunity. we're so fortunate to live where we do.

my sister and her oldest boy arrived monday afternoon from China. Mr. Hyde was scheduled to have surgery on Thursday at none other than Primary Children's (aka my place of employment). he had what was found to be a dermoid - or in other words, a build-up of tissue in his neck right by his thyroid that needed to be removed. it looked like a giant adam's apple. but since he's only 7 and it seemed to grow considerably in about a years time, my sister decided it wasn't a normal adam's apple, and it needed some checking into. they were instructed China wasn't the place for this surgery, so they came all the way back to Utah for it. we weren't complaining! we love having them here, even if it was only the two of them and not the whole family. here's Hyde post-surgery. he didn't so much feel like smiling.

Hyde's surgery went really well - they got it all out in one piece, and he was back home (to my other sister's house) friday morning. the next few days, the only way you would know he had surgery was by the little bandage on his neck. he was as good as new! take it easy?? no way.

and then it was Saturday. Saturday the 7th.
Saturday marks one of the best days of my life! and i dare say, Jae's too :) we spent most of our afternoon here...

{thank you, mary, for the picture}

for those that don't know, this is the Bountiful, Utah temple. it was a beautifully sunny afternoon. i'm not sure how to describe all that happened that day, except to say that it was a very very special time for us.

exactly 2 years and 3 months after the day we were married,
Jae and i were sealed
for time & all eternity.

everything was perfect. we had family and close friends there, and it was just perfect. a few things happened that didn't feel so coincidental that made the day even better. and i felt a love for my husband that i've never known before.

the whole experience was kind of a lot to take in, but i know it was one of the best decisions i've ever made. i couldn't be happier. Jae has made me one happy wife!

after the sealing was all done, everyone got together for a late lunch put on by my wonderful parents. it was so nice to just hang out and see everyone, eat lots of food and let it all soak in.

we spent the rest of saturday evening with family (Jae's dad and brother also were able to fly in for the weekend, which was so great!).

Sunday morning, we got up early for church. by the afternoon, all the out-of-towners were on their way back home. we took advantage of our quiet, warm Easter afternoon and spent it napping at home with our pup. we had a low-key dinner at my parents, went on a little late-afternoon walk with the pup, and then went home to bed. it was a great day to reflect on all the events of the last couple of days and to remember Christ and his sacrifice he made for us to enjoy the blessings that we do.

so like i said - one of the best Easter's ever. one we will never forget.
i love you forever, Jae.