What a beautiful day we had yesterday. I took the kids to the beach where they swam with dolphins close by. Amazing! It was such a peaceful time shared with good friends. Made me so grateful to be by the calming roar of the ocean.
After coming home we finally got the news we'd been waiting all day to hear. One of my dearest friends in San Diego had her 5th baby. We were thrilled! Heidi had a little baby boy, named Noah Benjamin. Aubrey and I went up to the hospital to see him. He's absolutely beautiful with perfect skin. We were laughing that Heidi looked so happy and full of energy, while Josiah was falling asleep in the chair. Heidi is such an amazing example of sweet mothering. She looked very much in love with her little boy.
Then this afternoon I got the news that another of my dearest friends had peacefully passed away last night in her sleep. She had fought cancer for 8 years. Even in her last week, pumped up with morphine, she was still in charge of her home and still in her mommy role. Reminding care takers that books were due at the library and wanting to have final say if her daughter's new bathing suit fit correctly. Cancer had been part their family for so long she teased that it was just one of the family. My heart goes out to her husband and children. They are going to miss Juli's humor, kindness, and love. I know I already do.
As I was thinking of the timing of these two life changing events, I can't help but realize what a blessing life is. To celebrate a new baby and the potential and love waiting to burst forth. To appreciate the love between a mother and child. To remember that the special relationships in our lives is what matters the most, and to cherish friendships and create a stronger family bond.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Blessed, Honored Pioneer
July 24th is celebrated in Utah as a state holiday to commemorate when the LDS pioneers reached the Salt Lake valley. All through the church there are usually activities to remember. Our area had a breakfast at the Poway lake with a variety of fun runs (5K, mile, etc) around the lake and then games for all ages.
By coincidence, an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, was in town with his family on vacation. I'm not sure how it worked out, but he agreed to speak to our stake and the craziness began.
This doesn't do the choir justice. It was a hurried picture just before the doors opened.
With two months preparation, a complete concert with a 90 person choir, orchestra, solos, slideshow, and narration was put together. Brian and I decided to join the choir. It was guaranteed to be very challenging, but with the music being so fun it was worth it. After the very first rehearsal, the choir director pulled me aside and asked if I would be willing to help with production management. I wasn't sure what all that entailed, but I'm always willing to help so I agreed. It was so much fun!!! (No, that wasn't sarcasm!) I learned so much about lighting, mic placement, who in the stake and surrounding areas to call on for assistance, etc. With non-stop email, meetings, phone calls, and trials (including the death of one of the director's father), it all culminated into one terrific evening.
Here is the children's choir. Aubrey was asked to participate. She's the pioneer girl with the white bonnet. She did a fantastic job and learned a lot about what it means to sing in a choir.
Elder Holland spoke after the performance. He didn't have anything really prepared, just went with his heart. Let me share what I got out of his talk.
Brian's family comes from solid pioneer stock. They are related to John Taylor (3rd President of the church) and Willard Richards (a counselor under Brigham Young). When I go to family reunions I often hear the praises and apparent brags of this long legacy in the church. It often makes me think of the Asian tradition of ancestor worship. For a long time it kinda creeped me out.
Elder Holland shared a story of a man in his college years that was a convert to the church complaining about how this pioneer history wasn't his. He didn't have family that crossed the plains, why doesn't the church realize that it has gone beyond the borders of the United States and that most people can't relate to that past? Move on and grow up!
At that point Elder Holland stood up (he was also a college aged guy at the time) and told the man boldly that the pioneer heritage belongs to each of us. When we are baptized (no matter from what past, or which country we live in), we sign on to the whole package and automatically join in the family with the same legacy. We all have some gratitude that needs to be extended to those brave and faithful saints that sacrificed so much for us to have what we have today. There were 2,600 people (men, women and children) who died along that trail. They did it because they had faith that God had a place prepared for them to worship and live in peace, and they knew that they were led by a living prophet. The example of those families is a great source of strength to me.
Elder Holland reminded us that with all the weeks of work we all went through to prepare the concert, it all ended in 50 minutes to commemorate what these people sacrificed for us. To each of us. It changed my perspective of how Brian's family talks about their ancestry. It makes me grateful for the legacy my children have.
By coincidence, an Apostle of the Lord, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, was in town with his family on vacation. I'm not sure how it worked out, but he agreed to speak to our stake and the craziness began.
This doesn't do the choir justice. It was a hurried picture just before the doors opened.With two months preparation, a complete concert with a 90 person choir, orchestra, solos, slideshow, and narration was put together. Brian and I decided to join the choir. It was guaranteed to be very challenging, but with the music being so fun it was worth it. After the very first rehearsal, the choir director pulled me aside and asked if I would be willing to help with production management. I wasn't sure what all that entailed, but I'm always willing to help so I agreed. It was so much fun!!! (No, that wasn't sarcasm!) I learned so much about lighting, mic placement, who in the stake and surrounding areas to call on for assistance, etc. With non-stop email, meetings, phone calls, and trials (including the death of one of the director's father), it all culminated into one terrific evening.
Here is the children's choir. Aubrey was asked to participate. She's the pioneer girl with the white bonnet. She did a fantastic job and learned a lot about what it means to sing in a choir.Elder Holland spoke after the performance. He didn't have anything really prepared, just went with his heart. Let me share what I got out of his talk.
Brian's family comes from solid pioneer stock. They are related to John Taylor (3rd President of the church) and Willard Richards (a counselor under Brigham Young). When I go to family reunions I often hear the praises and apparent brags of this long legacy in the church. It often makes me think of the Asian tradition of ancestor worship. For a long time it kinda creeped me out.
Elder Holland shared a story of a man in his college years that was a convert to the church complaining about how this pioneer history wasn't his. He didn't have family that crossed the plains, why doesn't the church realize that it has gone beyond the borders of the United States and that most people can't relate to that past? Move on and grow up!
At that point Elder Holland stood up (he was also a college aged guy at the time) and told the man boldly that the pioneer heritage belongs to each of us. When we are baptized (no matter from what past, or which country we live in), we sign on to the whole package and automatically join in the family with the same legacy. We all have some gratitude that needs to be extended to those brave and faithful saints that sacrificed so much for us to have what we have today. There were 2,600 people (men, women and children) who died along that trail. They did it because they had faith that God had a place prepared for them to worship and live in peace, and they knew that they were led by a living prophet. The example of those families is a great source of strength to me.
Elder Holland reminded us that with all the weeks of work we all went through to prepare the concert, it all ended in 50 minutes to commemorate what these people sacrificed for us. To each of us. It changed my perspective of how Brian's family talks about their ancestry. It makes me grateful for the legacy my children have.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Not a Fan
I know people who are up on who the latest stars are, and what movie they are in, who they are dating, etc. I don't even know the names of the people I really like. You know, like that one actor with the really cool voice. I like every movie I've seen/heard him in, but I can never remember his name. Brian knows it. That's good enough for me. Oh, or what about that one actress? She is so funny, and does such a great job with her characters. Again, I don't know her name, but Brian knows. Funny how you become dependent on your spouse for little things like that.
Brian often knows just how I'll react when a simple word is spoken. The word lately has been 'cancer'. Again ... not a fan!!! If there is anything that I really hate, it has to be cancer - and I don't even have it. But I've had so many friends and family that have suffered, and I hate it!
I got an email yesterday telling my that one of my room mates from college has about 3 weeks left. She has been fighting breast cancer for over 8 years with such dignity and strength. She is a friend that was put in my life because God willed it - no other reason.
We met when she was dating one of Brian's friends. After a couple of dates, she knew it wasn't going to go anywhere, but the spirit told her to stay with him. Awhile later the 4 of us double dated, and she realized why she was supposed to date him ... so she could meet me. We talked the entire date and she became my room mate soon after. Right then she also met the man she would marry at one of our regular Sunday night game nights.
We were engaged to terrific guys at the same time. Our wedding rings are very similar because of our late night talks. We both have 3 kids all very close in age (boy, girl, boy), and they play so well together.
This will be the 4th friend who has passed away because of this monster. At the same time, my mother-in-law is dealing with her own battle with breast cancer (very early detection and all seems well). Just the sound of the word cancer makes my body go tense and the tears come to the surface. Brian knows this and puts his arm around me as if by instinct. It doesn't make the pain go away, but it tightens the bond between us because it's unspoken and understood.
So, though I'm not hip and up on pop culture, I know who my heroes are. I don't think 'fan' would describe how I feel for Brian. I'll stick with 'eternal companion', and be grateful for that blessing!
Brian often knows just how I'll react when a simple word is spoken. The word lately has been 'cancer'. Again ... not a fan!!! If there is anything that I really hate, it has to be cancer - and I don't even have it. But I've had so many friends and family that have suffered, and I hate it!
I got an email yesterday telling my that one of my room mates from college has about 3 weeks left. She has been fighting breast cancer for over 8 years with such dignity and strength. She is a friend that was put in my life because God willed it - no other reason.
We met when she was dating one of Brian's friends. After a couple of dates, she knew it wasn't going to go anywhere, but the spirit told her to stay with him. Awhile later the 4 of us double dated, and she realized why she was supposed to date him ... so she could meet me. We talked the entire date and she became my room mate soon after. Right then she also met the man she would marry at one of our regular Sunday night game nights.
We were engaged to terrific guys at the same time. Our wedding rings are very similar because of our late night talks. We both have 3 kids all very close in age (boy, girl, boy), and they play so well together.
This will be the 4th friend who has passed away because of this monster. At the same time, my mother-in-law is dealing with her own battle with breast cancer (very early detection and all seems well). Just the sound of the word cancer makes my body go tense and the tears come to the surface. Brian knows this and puts his arm around me as if by instinct. It doesn't make the pain go away, but it tightens the bond between us because it's unspoken and understood.
So, though I'm not hip and up on pop culture, I know who my heroes are. I don't think 'fan' would describe how I feel for Brian. I'll stick with 'eternal companion', and be grateful for that blessing!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Holiday Fun
My favorite holiday has always been Christmas, but this year may have changed all that. The 4th of July is the best. Great weather, hanging out with family and friends, eating good food, and just relaxing. No expectation of gifts, decorations, or anything. Truly AWESOME!
This year we started out with a flag raising ceremony at the church and a pancake breakfast. Since we've been away for so long, my goal was to go and talk with everyone. I somehow ended up at the back of the breakfast line and by the time I got through, most people were leaving. So much for that goal. Ha!
We had so many ideas of what fun things we could do. Go swimming with friends, go to the beach, go to the park. In the end we stayed home. Seriously! I think we were all sorta tired of socializing for the last 3 weeks, we just wanted to stay home. Again, a brilliant way to spend a holiday.
We wanted to bbq, but sold ours when we thought we were going to move. I had to make steaks in the oven. Sounds icky, right?! No way. Check out these steaks!!! Sorry, I don't have a picture, but trust me, these turn out perfect every time. Delish!
We watched fireworks with lots of friends at the stake center. Perfect weather, perfect day! Great reminder of how grateful I am that we live in this amazing country. We are truly blessed!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Celebrations ...
Though this is going to be a travelogue, I want to kinda organize it. We had a FABULOUS vacation, and got to celebrate many great moments with our family!
... 50 years together
The entire reason for the trip was to meet together at a family reunion to celebrate Brian's parent's 50th anniversary. That is such an amazing milestone. We are so happy for the legacy they are leaving for our entire family.
... Family Fun
Everyone in the family was able to attend the open house and family reunion, except one niece who is getting ready to enter West Point, and she was missed. After the open house on Friday, we spent all day Saturday at 6 Flaggs St. Louis. They have an amazing water park that was perfect for muggy mid-west weather.
Aubrey had her own unfortunate adventure. She got a huge splinter go right under her finger nail. It was awful. I was so impressed with how quickly and professionally the first aid guy handled it. You'll have to ask to see her finger. The memory lingers.
My favorite part of family reunions is watching how much fun the cousins all have when they are together and getting time to sit and catch up with the families. I really love Brian's siblings and their spouses (the "out laws"). We all live so far away (Washington, Missouri, Illinois & Minnesota), it just feels like home when the house is filled with all the sounds of laughter and talking.
... Traditions
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
~ White Sands, New Mexico
This was the biggest surprise of the trip. We didn't think it was going to be very exciting. I've seen dunes of sand before. This was miles and miles of white gypsum sand that looked like no one had ever touched it. The footprints you see in this photo were ours. The wind blows just enough to cover up the prints pretty quickly. It's like prestine wilderness. We were out there just at sunset. It was gorgeous! I could have camped out there for days!
... 50 years together
The entire reason for the trip was to meet together at a family reunion to celebrate Brian's parent's 50th anniversary. That is such an amazing milestone. We are so happy for the legacy they are leaving for our entire family.
... Family Fun
Everyone in the family was able to attend the open house and family reunion, except one niece who is getting ready to enter West Point, and she was missed. After the open house on Friday, we spent all day Saturday at 6 Flaggs St. Louis. They have an amazing water park that was perfect for muggy mid-west weather.
Aubrey had her own unfortunate adventure. She got a huge splinter go right under her finger nail. It was awful. I was so impressed with how quickly and professionally the first aid guy handled it. You'll have to ask to see her finger. The memory lingers.
My favorite part of family reunions is watching how much fun the cousins all have when they are together and getting time to sit and catch up with the families. I really love Brian's siblings and their spouses (the "out laws"). We all live so far away (Washington, Missouri, Illinois & Minnesota), it just feels like home when the house is filled with all the sounds of laughter and talking.
... Traditions
Ted Drewes Frozen CustardIt is almost blasphemy that I don't like this stuff. However, it is a fore drawn conclusion that when we go to St. Louis we will be going to Ted Drewes as soon as possible. In fact, we were driving into town around 11 pm when we got a phone call from the family saying to not even go to the hotel ... just meet everyone for custard. This place is always busy (the picture is deceiving). There are no places to sit, only to stand. They turn their "concrete" custard upside down to prove how thick it is. It really is amazing. The family went out to custard 3 times in the short few days we were in town.
... National Parks and Junior Rangers
When ever we take these long road trips, we stop at as many national parks as we can and the kids collect Junior Ranger badges along the way. It's a great way to learn about the area and keep the kids interested. Here are some pictures of what we saw.
~ Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
I loved this place. Makes you wonder how many other hidden holes there are in our world.
... National Parks and Junior Rangers
When ever we take these long road trips, we stop at as many national parks as we can and the kids collect Junior Ranger badges along the way. It's a great way to learn about the area and keep the kids interested. Here are some pictures of what we saw.
~ Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
I loved this place. Makes you wonder how many other hidden holes there are in our world.
This was the biggest surprise of the trip. We didn't think it was going to be very exciting. I've seen dunes of sand before. This was miles and miles of white gypsum sand that looked like no one had ever touched it. The footprints you see in this photo were ours. The wind blows just enough to cover up the prints pretty quickly. It's like prestine wilderness. We were out there just at sunset. It was gorgeous! I could have camped out there for days!
This wasn't a Junion Ranger visit, but it was very memorable. I think it may have been a little intense for our sheltered children. The thought of 2 people killing that many innocent people over an idealogical point of view. They have done the museum and the monument so well. Very kid friendly, since so many children were killed. They are very sensitive there and have activities for the kids to do to kinda work out their emotions. We had a short, but interesting conversation upon leaving this site.
~ George Washington Carver Museum, Missouri
Seriously, how much do you know about this man??? I sure didn't know anything. It was a very peaceful visit. I loved the walk through the trails. How cute is this family??? Love them!
~ George Washington Carver Museum, Missouri
Seriously, how much do you know about this man??? I sure didn't know anything. It was a very peaceful visit. I loved the walk through the trails. How cute is this family??? Love them!
Here are the kids taking the oath of a Junior Ranger. All very official, and clearly very enthusiastic.
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