Today Ben and I took the kids to see the Draper Temple. We waited for almost 2 hours at a wardhouse nearby before we took a shuttle to the temple ( I know Saturdays are a very busy day, but it was the only day we could go as a family). When we got to the temple, there were protestors outside holding signs with various unkind things written on them. We prepared the boys before we got off the bus to just look straight ahead and not listen to the things they were saying. When we got inside the temple, Ryan, who is ten said, "Mom, I had a really bad feeling when I was walking by those men." I explained to him why he had felt a bad feeling and that now that he had entered the temple, that he should forget about those men. The temple was absolutely beautiful. The spirit there was peaceful and sweet. Although there is a definite difference being in a temple that has been dedicated (the spirit is so much stronger), you could feel the peacefulness that the temple brings to your soul. The outside world was gone, and the kids marveled at the beauty and spirit of the temple. The ugliness that had greeted them when they got off the bus was far away and not remembered. Josh expressed how much he is looking forward to being able to go through the temple in 2 years before he goes on his mission. The boys were in awe of the beauty of the whole temple, but especially loved the Celestial Room and the Sealing Rooms. I can testify to the fact that the Spirit was felt by all of us as we walked through the Lord's House. After the tour, we were led back to the ward across the parking lot from the temple where there were refreshments for all. We were so happy and grateful that we had had the opportunity to take our children to the temple before the dedication so they could see inside. As we walked out of the ward to wait for our shuttle, we were surrounded by men with signs who started yelling things at us as we stood there, and Ben, trying to keep the peace and drown out the men started singing the song, "Families Can Be Together Forever." Immediately the kids and I joined him, and then quickly all of the people around us began singing. It kept everyone calm and showed our kids how to deal with people who disagree with you in a peaceful way. Right as the song ended, the bus pulled up and we were able to take our children away from the ugliness that had surrounded them. The one good thing that came from those protesters being there was that we were able to point out how the Spirit was so strong in the temple and how different the spirit was that those men had brought. Each one of our children would be able to testify of how they felt in the temple and how most definitely those protesters were not doing the Lord's work. I believe we all have a right to worship how we wish and that we should show kindness and respect towards others of different faiths. I was proud of my family and the people we were with today at the temple because they showed patience and humbleness towards others. The temple truly is the House of God.