Back in 1995, my parents gathered us kids together to come up with a motto for our family. We figured out that in 2013, my youngest sibling Emily, would be 21 and be the year that we all could be in the temple together as a family. So our motto became "Be Worthy and Clean in 2013". At the same time, us kids also came up with the motto "Keep Dad Alive until he's 65." :)

So as a reminder for us, my dad created our promise and posted it on the refrigerator (because what better place to see something often than the fridge!) For 17 years that motto was kept up there for all of us to remember.

Then 2012 October Conference comes and an announcement that the missonary age was lowered from 19 to 18 for men and 21 to 19 for women. It couldn't have come at a more perfect time for our family because this meant that my youngest sibling, could go through the temple earlier than expected and be able to be part of my other sister's sealing in December of 2012.

On December 28th, just 3 days shy of 2013, all of my siblings and some of their spouses were present at the Portland temple to do a session. It was amazing to be there with each one of them and experience a glimpse of heaven on earth!


More than anything, it helped me realize in a better light that the gospel really does bring happiness.....true happiness.

(p.s. I admit to writing the BYOG at the bottom of the motto many years ago. At the time, my oldest sisters were dating and soon to be married to 2 different Gary's. Since those were my only brother-in-laws at that time I joked that the motto should be "Be Worth and Clean in 2013.....and bring your own Gary")