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Birthday Season Continues

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Yay!  John had a birthday...and we celebrated!  His birthday always falls on the weekend of the Air Force marathon, but because he was recovering from knee surgery, he wasn't running.  So we went all out.

Besides the party that Ethan and Rebecca threw for him at home, we headed to Michigan for some more fun.

First, dinner at Smokehouse 52 in Chelsea.  I mean, c'mon, if John loves anything, it's barbeque, and barbeque is their specialty!  I can hardly believe that I have never even been there, but it might be on a higher plane now than Zingerman's.  Yes, I said it.  The food was to die for.

Poppie, giving Baby a taste of Diet Coke...
The food was actually worth a picture.
These are some of my favorite people on earth.

The next morning, we were up bright and early to visit the Detroit temple.  Because of different temples being closed for maintenance throughout the summer, we haven't had a chance to go to the temple for months, and goodness I have felt it.  I really am so thankful for the chance to attend the temple regularly to reset my life.  Every time I go, my perspective is put back in order, and I'm aware of what things in my life need less attention...and what need more.

As it turns out, I have over 200 sealing ordinances that need to be completed, and if they aren't done by the spring, I will lose them (they will be turned over to the temples for public consumption...)  I have felt great anxiety as I've tried to get the family together to help me, but our schedules are never simpatico.  Finally, Ethan and Rebecca were able to come with John and me, and no one will deny that it was a very special temple experience.  I was able to seal my dad to his parents, as well as my grandmother, Gloria Glover, to her parents.  The spirit was so strong, and I couldn't hold back the tears as I knelt at the altar for my family members.  In fact, when I went back into the dressing room to change, I had to just let the tears flow for a minute.  I'm so thankful for temples on the earth for the blessing they are to my sweet little family.

Next, I had a surprise for everyone.

I had heard about a restaurant in Detroit that serves Faygo Ice Cream.  Yep, they do whatever science experiment they need to do to turn the pop into ice cream that they then serve with Pop Rocks.  Vinsetta Garage turned out to be only ten minutes from the temple, and it didn't disappoint.  John loved it because it is an actual garage converted into a restaurant.  Much of it feels legitimate, but in a very cool, retro way.  No doubt, we will be headed back there again.  (And if I was a Michigander, I would definitely make it an after-temple tradition!)

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say she is THE cutest baby!

Poppie was so interested in showing Baby around that he left our leftovers on the table!
Next stop?  The Michigan/Penn State game.  It's been far too long since Michigan won against Penn
State in the Big House, and I wasn't going to miss it if they did.  Plus, coming from State College, we have a lot invested in this game.  Thankfully, it wasn't even close.

And we ended the day with the Women's Session of General Conference.  Rebecca, Allison and I went.  It was so good to hear from our leaders, and to feel the spirit.  President Uchtdorf's words on faith were especially meaningful to me.

And no evening would be complete with games.  Yes, game night at Ethan and Rebecca's.  And Beth and Chris even came along!

Happy birthday, John!








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