A Huge Surprise!

This has to have been one of the hardest secrets to not disclose to my mother! We got up @ 3:45 a.m. yesterday and were on a plane heading towards Utah at 6:45. With an hour layover in Las Vegas and about 45 minutes standing in line for a rental car, we found ourselves heading towards down town Salt Lake, one of my favorite places on the planet!

Here I am in front of the church's administration building!

We went to lunch at the Lion House Pantry, located in the basement of Brigham Young's historic home. They make the most incredible rolls there. I went to wash my hands there and was leaving the bathroom when in walked one of my best friends from our time at BYU! Heidi Kinmont, who was not only our landlord in Provo but a dear friend, was there for a Dental Conference. We had both been searching for each other, so it was awesome to reconnect! She has my email now.

After lunch, we headed to the Salt Lake Temple. It has to be one of my favorite temples. The buildings architectural details from inside to out are awe inspiring. Plus, the peace felt on the inside is priceless! How grateful I am for the temple!

Check out the detail on this door nob
carved by an early pioneer!

After the temple session, we headed to the Church Distribution center. There I called my mom to wish her a happy birthday. She asked what we had done that day. I told her Ivan had managed to get the day off and one of our friends watched our kids so we could go to the temple. I just didn't tell her it was the Salt Lake Temple!!

I abruptly ended our phone call telling her that I'd call her right back when I saw someone I wanted to meet shopping there as well. President Monson's daughter, Ann Dibb, was right in front of us! We were able to visit with her for 15-20 minutes. We had such a great visit. She currently serves in the General Young Women's Presidency. I was struck with her genuine concern for the youth in our area. She wanted to know how they were doing and what their challenges are. She has to be one of the most loving and genuine women that I have met. I could feel of her goodness and faith as we spoke. What a choice experience!

Sister Ann Dibb

I did call my mom back to finish wishing her a happy birthday as we headed down to her home in Pleasant Grove. We got there around 6 p.m.. I videotaped her reaction! It was classic! I'll post it once I figure out how to do so!

We met my brother Derek, his wife Valerie, and Scotty Catt at an International Restaurant in Provo for dinner. My mom was in shock! We had a great time catching up and visiting with everyone! What a great day!

Scotty, Ivan, me, mom, Valerie, and Derek

For about a month, we've had plans to head to Utah to surprise my mom for her birthday, for business, a niece's wedding, and one of my young women's mission homecoming. Our good friend, Robin Morse, is staying with our kids while we are gone. Thanks, Robin!