Trek

A few weeks ago a sweet, little ole man (*Brother O) came to our door and begged entrance to our home, which Mister and I granted. He sat in our living room and was so sweet talking about small, insignificant things.With1 sentence, this sweet, little ole man turned near evil. He said something like, "We've had a Ma and Pa need to step down from **Trek and we'd like you to go in their place." (Confused about the "Brother" thing, see * below. If you don't know what Trek is, see ** below.) Mister and I looked at each other and agreed if we could get work off, we'd go. This man then told us we had just 4 weeks until Trek and if we couldn't go to let him know as soon as absolutely possible so he could ask someone else - though he had no idea who'd he'd ask. Trying not to let the guilt get to us, Mister and knew we'd be able to get work off. The next day Mister call this man (Brother O) and told him we could go.

Over the next four short weeks, Mister and started walking as often as possible to prepare. Time went too fast and before we knew it, we were on the bus heading to the Trek location with our "kids." Mister and I, along with 2 other couples, were in charge of 28ish kids from 13 yrs to 18 yrs. Each Ma & Pa had 7 to 9 kids. Since this was a ***stake outing, there were 9 (I think) wards, each ranging from 7 kids to 40 - so there were a lot of kids. Each 'family' had their own handcart which carried two 5 gallon drink coolers of water, a water bottle for everyone, a first aide kit and other essentials. Tents, sleeping bags, clothes, etc. were at the camp site. No electronic were allowed, with the exception of kids who brought a camera (camera only, not a phone camera) and adults. Adults could have their phones, though there was no reception, it was nice to be able to take pictures with my phone.

Day 1: Monday, Jun 24. Three buses loaded with kids and adults dressed in pioneer era clothing departed at 7AM and drove a couple of hours to the location. We got off the buses, walked a short distance to acquire our handcarts and we started walking.  

 We walked about 3 miles to our camp location, stopping around noon to eat our sack lunches we brought with us. There was a nice cool breeze for most of the day which helped with the heat. At camp, we located our tent and got to work pitching tents and setting up our sleeping arrangements.

We had a couple of hours where we broke off into groups and played pioneer games, knife/ax throwing, tug of war, butter making, and a stick pull. Fun was had by all!

Then we walked maybe 200 yards to the food location where dinner was served. It was a hardy beef stew with rolls, salad, a cookie and a yummy, sweet peach beverage. All of our meals were catered by a local company which really took a burden off the leaders and all of the food was quite tasty. 

After dinner there was a "rescue" fireside which was quite a hike away. I opted not to go, but everyone else went. There were several speakers that told stories of specific pioneers, many from their own heritage and stories of rescues that had to take place, many of which took place in the dead of winter. As soon as everyone got back to camp, it was lights out. 

 

Day 2: Tuesday, Jun 25. The morning dawned early and chilly - though the chill didn't last long - and overcast but not humid. This was awesome because not having direct sunlight made it cooler. Everyone was sent to breakfast of pancakes, eggs, ham, milk and juice. While there, we picked up our sack lunches which consisted of a ham or turkey sandwich, a bag of chips, a cookie, and a can of lemonade. After breakfast, we filled up the water coolers with a big chunk of ice and water. Because we had less stuff on this day, our 3 families decided to combine into 2 handcarts thus providing less pushing/pulling for everyone and longer brakes from pushing/pulling. The idea was genius! Once we were ready, we set off. 

This morning, however, the leaders took the men and boys away and the women and girls pulled/pushed alone. This is called the Women's Pull. This is done to symbolize the many families who had to be separated for whatever reason (death, illness, etc.) from the men in their families. The Women's Pull started out not too bad. An incline on a well driven road. Then we went off road to the trail. Again, not too bad. A little bumpy and a bit steeper, but doable. And then Hell started. We looked up to see an incredibly steep (albeit fairly short) and very rocky and bumpy hill and saw the men and boys standing on the sides of the trail, hats in hand. Our families did terrific as they pushed and pulled our carts up this hill. They didn't stop and made it to the top almost with ease. I, on the other hand, did not touch the handcart and was sucking air wondering how in the crap I was going to make it. By some miracle, I did make it to the top, my chest heaving, my calves and shins burning and screaming in pain! 

At the top of this rise it leveled out enough where we could park the handcarts and take a good, long break. It was at this time that one of the main leaders (President W.) advised me that a girl with special needs and possibly another girl were going back to camp and not completing the rest of the days trek. He said there was another brother at camp to keep an eye on things while everyone was gone and asked if I could go back as well so that the girls wouldn't be alone with the man. Not that there was a worry - but it's safer for everyone involved. In hindsight, I'm sure Pres. W was confident I wouldn't make it through the day. I agreed and while a part of me was relieved because I was hurting and worried about making it through, it was really tough seeing my 2 girls and husband go on without me. I knew it was going to be hard. I knew they were  going to struggle. But I also wanted to be with them. I don't know. It's hard to explain. 

Two and a half hours earlier than expected, the handcart company arrived back at camp - hot, hungry, tired to the bone. Talking to Mister, he explained how hard and awful the day actually was. He said it was 2 more miles of very steep, uphill filled with rocks and holes. Two more miles of the handcart jolting and slipping off rocks. Two more miles of stopping every 8 to 10 minutes for quick 2 minute drink breaks. Two miles of the most difficult thing many people have ever done. Finally, finally they reached the rise and it leveled some and they stopped for their lunch and an extended break. Too soon, they continued on around the mountain and made their way back to camp, crossing a creek along the way. 

The men all carried the women and girls across the water. This represented the many rivers the pioneers crossed before bridges were built. Sometimes the water was so cold there was ice chunks floating along. The day for our "pioneers" was grueling.  

That night, we had a yummy dinner of barbeque chicken, fried potatoes, salad, a cookie and the same peach drink. After dinner there was dancing and hanging out as a whole group. President J spoke a little bit and asked, "In one word, describe Trek." Some responses were, "hard, hot, interesting, eye-opening, humbling." Then he asked, "In one work, describe the women's pull." Some responses were, "hard-to-watch, inspiring, extreme, wow." My favorite, "guilty." The young man who said that felt guilty that he couldn't help us. That warmed my heart. I expected the boys to snicker at us 'weak' ones, to maybe joke with us about how nice it was to be on the side. Not one said a word as we worked and struggled to make it up that hill. In fact, several boys and men had tears in their eyes, on their faces. It affected them. It was kind of amazing! After this discussion, we sat together was a ward and talked about Trek so far. More of the same was shared. Then some kids sat with a few leaders and played a game and others hung out in their tents until it was lights out.

Day 3, Wednesday Jun 26, mine and Mister's 20th wedding anniversary: It wasn't quite as cold this morning at it was the day before. We hurried to get dressed, rush to breakfast so we could be one of the first one to take down our tents. There was limited room on the trailer for tents and stuff and whatever didn't fit would have to be taken on the handcarts. We wanted to be one of the first to get our stuff packed up so we wouldn't have to take anything extra on the handcarts. Breakfast consisted of biscuits, gravy, sausage, milk and juice. 

It didn't take long to get everything packed and before we knew it, we were off. We had no clouds or breeze this day and it was pretty dang warm. Around 11:00 we finally got a breeze - which was welcomed! This day, we had 3 handcarts but I didn't mind because we were just going back the way we came, right? Wrong! We started out going back the way we came, but we turned. We trekked up the former women's pull or Rattlesnake Ridge. They warned us to look all around a rock before we sat on it and to be on the lookout for snakes. OK, I have a serious problem with that. Snakes? Um, excuse me? That does NOT sit well with me - at all. I am not ok with this. I did however, hope with everything that I could be bitten by one so I wouldn't have to finish Trek. I've read up on rattlesnake bites and I know that it's rare for an adult to die from a bite if they're given the anti venom - which all hospitals have. I didn't even hear one, much less see one. So I kept putting one foot in front of the other and it was hard - so very hard! 

This trail wasn't near as rocky and not quite as steep as the trail the day before but it was so dang long. I was close to the top when I looked up and saw Noodle walking toward me with my water bottle in her hand and I nearly broke down. She walked down to meet me and then she'd have to walk back up - I felt blessed she would make such a journey for me. Together, we walked the last bit to the top and met up with Mister and eventually the rest of our trek family. When I looked at what was to come I nearly cried. We had 3 more hills - actually I'd call them gullies. Really steep up, really steep down but short. Would this never end? Again, taking one step at a time, drinking as much as possible, we continued on. Trying to get the handcarts down those steep slopes was nearly as difficult as getting them up. 

Finally we made it to a meadow. It was grassy and there was an easy decline. However the soil was damp and clearly cows had recently walked through when it was muddy because there were deep hoof prints. We had to really be careful not to twist an ankle. Here they stopped us and handed a blindfold to each of the youth. This represented the fact that many had no idea where they were going - they were just going west in search of something better. The adults guided the kids with voice commands. We did pretty good and it didn't last long. Then we went over a slight rise and we saw the buses and knew we'd reached the end. I did cry then! There was a tasty lunch spread set up of barbecue beef sandwiches, potato salad, a cookie and the peach drink. We ate, loaded up the buses, counted to make sure we had everyone and started for home. 

We got to the church parking lot, unloaded the buses and the trailer, the kids retrieved their belongings, found their parents and left. During 3 days of Trek, 15 miles of walking, pushing, pulling, sweating the only complaint I heard was in my own head. That's right. I did not hear anyone complain. I heard several times how hard it was, but I don't consider that a complaint, it's just stating a fact. We have amazing youth. They, we, can do hard things. We can endure to the end.

Finally, we (Mister, me and our girls) were home and it was glorious! We unloaded our vehicle and hung out tiredly for a little bit before we showered. Oh, my, that was such an amazing shower. It felt so good to be clean! And home! With flushing toilets! In our own bed!

The next morning met us with stiff and sore muscles. So stiff and sore I could hardly climb our stairs. So stiff and sore I limped when I walked. So stiff and sore, I called and asked someone to work for me because I wasn't sure I could make it in. The day found us grateful for the experience. Grateful we made it. Grateful for the sacrifices made on our behalf. Grateful for our amazing girls who endured and never complained. Humbled. Feeling more blessed than we already did. 

The day left me reflecting on much of Trek. I barely touched the handcart, much less helped push and pull it. Mister, however, never stopped helping, except for a short time on Day 2. He took his turn helping then he took my turn so I wouldn't have to - because he knew I couldn't. That really humbled me. That really touched me deep. A few days after Trek, we had a Family Home Evening where we talked about Trek. (Our son was able to go on a Trek 4 years ago, though it was different location. He was supposed to go with us on this one, but he hurt his foot and was unable to go.) We talked about the best thing, the worst, our favorite thing, etc. Toward the end, I talked about how Mister sacrificed so much so that I didn't have to help. I then said to them, "When looking for a spouse, look for one who will pull/push your handcart when you can't." And then I gave Mister a framed picture of a handcart. It was really special.

 

Would I do Trek again? If I was in better shape, absolutely!

* In our church many people call others 'Brother' Smith or 'Sister' Jones as a way of addressing someone. It kinda takes the place of Mr. and Mrs.

** Trek is a reenactment of the pioneers of the mid 1800's who traveled hundreds of miles across the planes to settle the West. Some traveled by wagon, but some pushed and pulled a handcart. By participating in Trek, youth as well as leaders, gain an appreciation of the sacrifices made for us.

*** Our church congregation is called a Ward. Each ward has an organization specifically for children 3 - 11, youth ages 12 - 18, and adults. There is a nursery for kids 18 months to 3. Several wards together are called a Stake.

Weirdness From My Land!

I'm weird. I freely admit that. Sometimes, I'm weirder than others. But I am most definitely weird! Sometimes that weirdness rubs off onto my kids and most of the time they don't realize they are being weird, but one day they will all too aware of their weirdness.

I quote movies and TV shows. Noodle does this a lot too, Lewlew does it some and Buddy just says "what does this remind you of?" and then tells me what movie he was thinking about.

"Friends" is highly quotable. As far as movies, "Steel Magnolia's" "The Help" "The Blind Side" "Fried Green Tomatoes" and almost any Disney movie. I realize two of these chick flicks are old. But it's awesome when someone knows what movie you're quoting.

For a couple of years, when I drop the kids off at school, I'd say my little mantra. "Have a good day, be safe, make wise choices, learn something!" The 'Learn Something' comes from the Blind Side and that was the one part that I liked to yell. It embarrassed Noodle. ;)

This year my favorite is, "Have a good day, be safe, make wise choices, Cross your ankles! I love ya!" The last 2 come from the movie "The Help". In the clip, Skeeter is going on her first date in a long time. They live in Mississippi so it's hot and humid and Skeeter's hair stays to it's natural curliness. Her mom ordered a machine to help straighten Skeeter's hair. They are both pretty surprised with the turn out. However, doing Skeeter's hair took longer than expected so she was running late. As she's running to get in the truck, her mom is yelling out dating tips. The part that I quote is at about second 50 to 1.00. Take a look.... (I think you'll have to click on the Youtube link to view it.)

 

 The clip goes on to show that date - something Noodle quotes quite often and even to kids at school. ("Were you dropped on your head as an infant or are you always this way?" she substitutes "stupid.")

Anywho....nearly every morning I say my little mantra and the girls always join in at the cross your ankles part.

When we are in a store and Noodle knows I'm close she won't call out "Mom?" because she says there are too many mom's. So her new name for me is Sandrine. And believe it or not, it works. I hear "Sandrine???" and I know that's Noodle. :)  That came from the "Friends" episode where Rachel and Ross are choosing names for their baby.

We are weird but I don't mind because we laugh, a lot, and if it takes being weird to have as much laughter as we have, then I'll take it!!

Saltute mi familia

***Warning*** I'm feeling unrationaly over-emotional and sensitive right now. That may or may not affect a post on a subject that is near and dear to me. You have been warned.

If you're not familiar with the Fast and Furious franchise, shame on you. I'm kidding. If you're familiar with it the clip below shows Dom toasting to family. The camera pans to show everyone he's talking to, only one of them is he biologically related to, the others are the family he chooses, aka, his friends. It's one of my favorite scenes in all of these movies.

 

 

 

"Money will come and go, we know that. But the most important thing in life will always be the people in this room right here, right now. Salute mi familia."

 

I love this for so many reasons. First, I love F & F movies. I really do. I'm anxious to see the new one, but yet sad because Paul Walker won't be in it - but it's F&F, so I'll see it!

I love this clip because they are so close and have been for years. Yes, it's a movie - of course it looks good. But that's why I watch movies, to be entertained - not for true to life. Actually, Paul Walker, Vin Diesel and Tyrone Gibson are (were) really good friends in real life. And I love that. I love that they have/had such an incredible bond. When Vin and Paul made the first movie, they started out by not getting along so well. But as time went on, they became super close. Yes, they had their ups and downs, but at the end of the day, they were still tight. Still "brothers" - so much so that Vin named is last child after Paul and has commented several times that his twin brother looks more like Paul than him. They were brothers in the truest sense - something not everyone can understand.

 

For a lot of years I was raised as an only child by a single mom. I have one brother, who chose to live with our father when I was 10. So for 10+ years it was just me and my mom. I had a great group of friends my freshman year of high school who hung out at my house more than their own. My mom didn't mind. If everyone was at our house, at least she knew where I was and my friends parents knew where their kids were. It worked out great! Too bad our tight knit group didn't last. Shocker, right! My point is that I relied on my friends to be my siblings. I relied on my friends to be that confident that other families shared with their siblings.

 

I've had a lot of friends through the years. Some I have absolutely no idea where they are or what happened to them. Some I'm still in acquaintance with (thank you Facebook!) I am not close with any of my high school friends and I envy those who say they have been friends since high school or before. And I REALLY envy those who are close to their siblings. My brother and I tolerate each other - we are adults after all, but we are not close.

 

When I married I'd hoped I'd gained 3 sisters, but that is not the case. We are not friends. We don't chat and giggle often. We don't share experiences. We have common ground, but that's about it. They are not bad people. We just don't have much in common. Our thought processes are different. Don't get me wrong. Family get togethers aren't awkward or uncomfortable and we are all nice to each other and I even have some great conversations with them. But after we go our separate ways we likely won't speak until we see each other again.

 

Years ago (2005 to be exact) I met who would eventually become my sister by choice. Val and I met at a Relief Society activity. (For those who don't belong to my church, Relief Society is a group in our church for women over the age of 18. The name dates back to the 1800's when the organization was first formed. It was to give relief to those in need. The needs for this women's group have changed through the years, but the name stuck. If you'd like more of an explanation, let me know. :) At this activity there was a lady showing us some "simple" yoga moves. I don't know about you, but I don't think I'm cut out for yoga. It just didn't work for me and Val thought it was hilarious - thus starting our friendship.

 

From there we started walking in the mornings and during that time we talked - a lot! And here we are, years later, still friends. I don't think I've been this good of friends with anybody for this length of time. Val is one of the best people I know and I continue to be grateful for her. She is a fine example of forgiveness and goodness, Christlike and humble, sweet and caring, thoughtful and kind. My life has been deeply blessed and overly enriched because of our friendship.

 

A few years ago, I met another friend. She describes us as kindred spirits and I couldn't agree more. Though Pam lives hundreds of miles away, I still consider her one of my best friends but I'm not gonna lie, I wish we were closer. When I talk with her it's as if there hasn't been weeks since we've talked and we talk and talk and talk - usually 2 hours or more! Sadly, we just don't talk that often. Over the past year, I feel us drifting and that makes me incredibly sad - so sad, it brings tears to my eyes to even consider it, much less type it! There is so much in life that ebbs and flows - even in friendship. And she and I are both mom's and are both busy with our won lives. I just wish I felt like I was a little higher up on her ladder of priorities. Because Pam is such an amazing person, so very Christlike, so considerate of others, so caring, so tender, so sensitive, so loving I KNOW she does not intentionally make me feel this way. I know that I am making this bigger than it is. I get that we rarely see each other. I get that she has a life at home, church, family. I get that I don't always get how much she has going on. I do. It's the same way with me. But because of all of this, I try to text every few days - but I feel like I'm bugging her. I feel like she answers with a "have to" reply. And that right there scares me to tears. I never want to be annoying. I want to be friends forever :)

 

I have a history of being "too much." I'm a giver - I give things and I'm happy to do it. I like to do things for others. I like making things for them. I'd rather watch people open gifts than open them myself. Because of this, I tend to give too much, do too much, be too much. I know that can be overwhelming to my friends. And I'm trying to be better, I really am. I don't do it because I want the same in return. I do it because that's who I am. It thrills me to no end when someone is thoughtful enough to send me a pressed penny (a total of $.51 before shipping) just because they know I collect them. I jump for joy inside when someone wears a bracelet or earrings (or whatever) I gave them and sends me a pic to let me know. That lets me know they like it and they thought enough of about me to let me know. I like the tiny things that let me know they like me. That this friendship isn't just coming from me. That they want it too.

 

Isn't that what we all want? Reaffirmation? Assurance? Security?

 

I am fortunate. I have great, amazing, special, kind loving friends. I have wonderful, kind acquaintances. There are those who don't have that. There are those who don't know what it's like to cry on a friends shoulder. There are those who don't know what it's like to call on a friend when you need. There are those who don't know what it's like to be the shoulder to cry on, the call when in need. I have. Friends are the family you choose and I'm glad I choose great ones!!!

 

 

 

 

Back To School

After one of the most laid back summers we have ever had, the kids went back to school yesterday. We spent most of Thursday school hopping to get them ready.

First we went to Noodle's school so she could get her schedule and set up her locker. We were hoping by doing this we could by-pass her Back to School night. No such luck. We got her schedule, set up her locker and then we were off - only to return a few hours later.

Then the kids and I met with Buddy's school counselor and she showed us (most importantly, Buddy) where all of his classes are and we were able to meet several of his teachers. That was nice for him. To be able to see the school, his classes with a much smaller group. He didn't like it and barely spoke, but we made it through.


From there we stopped to the kids could get some fro-yo and then dropped Lew off at Bret's office so he could take her to Back to School night at her school. Buddy and Noodle went with me for a quick dash to Wal-Mart.



See the lighted chandelier? Crazy!

I dropped Buddy off at home with instructions to start dinner and I took Noodle back to school for Back to School night - so she could meet her teachers and find out if there is anything else she needs for school. We made sure her lighted chandelier is working properly and that everything (her locker shelf, mirror, white board, markers, trash can, animal crackers, Dr. Pepper) in her locker was all set. Finally we were able to go home.

It was a crazy day.

You can tell who's not in the best mood!

Sunday night, Buddy had a bit of anxiety, but went to sleep fairly well. Monday morning came - too early imho, and everyone got ready for the big day. We took pics and Bret was able to walk Buddy (across the street) to school. They parted ways at the front door of the school and Buddy went into class. On his lunch break, he called, Bret, my mom and me. Poor guy. When he got home, he rushed to give me a solid hug. He didn't cry (which surprised me) but it was obvious that it wasn't an easy day for him. He said it was really different and scary. I'm so glad that he recognized it wasn't bad, it was just different. A change. But dang. My heart hurt for him. I just wanted to cry for him. I just want to do it for him. I just want some things to be easy for him. I fear he will struggle his entire life. And I just want there to be enough good that he can get through the bad. I just want him to see the good. Realize there are worse things, people in worse shape, etc. But oh how my heart aches for him.

Noodle, of course, had a terrific day! She said it was as if she'd never had a summer break. Everything was the same. Guess junior high has lost some of it's luster. Last year she had so many classes with so many familiar faces. Apparently there are more options for 8th graders because she has hardly any classes with friends - which is good because it gives her the opportunity to make new (and I hope) better friends. She has friends and she's a likable girl, she just longs for that one. Ya know? That one who is her bestie. That one that is there no matter what. That one she calls/texts everything to. That one. I remember wanting that as well. While I had some great friends it took me 30 years to find that one. (not including my husband). And several years after that to find another. Don't get me wrong. I had friends through school. And my freshman year, I had that one. And I had another one my junior year and sorta my senior year. And today, I barely keep up with them through FB and Christmas Cards, if we're lucky. And I realize that happens in life. But I'd love for all of my kids to have that one, now, while they're in school. But sometimes when you're looking too hard, you miss what is right in front of you.

Lewlew had a great day as well. She's decided that maybe her teacher won't be so bad after all. Her new teacher is obsessed with Harry Potter and Lew has never even seen the movies, much less read the books. And her teacher also has a doctorate and insists on being called Dr. instead of Ms. or Mrs. So that's weird to her. But she's got some familiar faces in her class and I hope she too can find a really good friend who wants to be her friend as much as Lew want her to be - if that makes sense.

School is such a difficult time for kids - and you never know what is going on when school is not in session. I just read on FB that a girl I went to HS with - who I thought had it going on, was totally cool and stuff - hated school. Cried nearly everyday after school. I had no idea. I always thought she had it all pulled together. School is one of those necessary evils. We all had (or have) to do it and my kids will survive and be better because of it. But still, it's hard to send your sweet kids to the harsh, cold, cruel world of school. That's why it's important for us as parents, to make home a soft, warm, sweet place. A place where chores and homework still must be done. (Blast it all!)

One Last Hoo-rah!!

We left Thursday night to go to our family cabin a little over an hour away. We invited Val and Tom to go with us. Tom couldn't come up until Saturday morning, but Val was having none of that so she drove up with us. We stopped Htown on our way and got dinner to take with us. Once we got there, we quickly unloaded everything, put the cold things in the fridge, put on a movie and ate while we watched to movie.

On Friday morning, we ate breakfast, lazed around, got dressed at our leisure and watched movies. In the afternoon, Val, Noodle, Lewlew and I went into Ktown. We needed to get just a few things, potatoes, Dr. Pepper, etc. On our way we stopped at a yard sale. Lew found a karaoke machine for $8, Noodle found a plaster Ape that she got for Bret for $.25, Val got an animal print bag and a table for her daughter. So then she had to call Tom and tell him to either clean out the back of their 4-Runner or bring up a trailer. When she told him that she and I went yard saling, his response was a sarcastic, "Ho-ly Sh*!" We laughed!

We got back to the cabin, fixed hamburgers, corn on the cob, pasta salad and chips for dinner and watched more movies.

Saturday Bret took Buddy fishing. They caught 14 fish!! He said they lost track of who caught how many. Last year, Bret caught 3 and Buddy caught 9. That is a great fishing hole, though I wish the fish were a bit bigger. Bret fixed a few for Tom, Buddy and himself and we froze the rest to have at home.

Tom got there and fixed us breakfast. Oh, his hash browns are so dang yummy! Oh, my goodness, they were good! Then we watched movies, napped, watched movies, snacked, watched movies, ate taco soup for dinner, watched movies and then went to bed.







Sunday we got up and had left overs for breakfast watched one last movie, packed up, cleaned the cabin and drove home.

All of us - including Dusty!

The temperatures were cool - not too hot during the day and cool at night. The company was perfect. The kids got along. The movies were good. The relaxation was awesome! We love going to the cabin and are so grateful for it. There are many who are not as fortunate. We were glad our friends were able to come up with us. They came with us years ago, but I'll have to look in my scrapbook for the date, but I think it was 2011. We'd love to be able to go again before snow flies - so here's hoping!

Me and Val!

Back???

I don't know how long this will last, or how frequent it will happen, but I've decided to blog again. If for no other reason than to journal things in our lives. I'll be making changes and updating some things on the blog in the next little while as time allows. So here we go!

On July 25 my MIL passed away after being in the ICU for 2 weeks. She had been sick for quite a while, but not that sick. She really went down hill the last 6 weeks, but still. She'd seen her doc 3 times and there was no definite answers. Once in the ICU, tests were done and they found an abscess in her abdomen 13 cm in diameter. If she didn't have surgery, the infection would take her life. If she did have surgery, she a) may not make it through b) would definitely have a very long slow recovery c) she would likely not recover to what she was pre-downhill slope. Eric opted for the surgery. So 2 days after she went into the ICU she had surgery. 4 days later, they closed the incision. By this point she'd been in ICU for 1 week. Through the next week, there were many ups and downs. It was very emotionally draining. Her good days were so far from what was actually "good" that to call them good days should have been more appropriately called a fraction better than yesterday.

During this time Mandi came in from Virginia. She stayed with Eric and was a help to him. Bret went to the hospital every day during his lunch and many times after work. I joined him a couple of times. On Sunday morning - after 2 weeks - the docs sat Eric and Mandi down to give them the not good details. There was another scan on Mary and they found *another abscess - which would require surgery. During the scan *blood clots were found in all 4 of her extremities and never in 30 years of doing this has the doc seen that nor had he seen as *many blood clots. Since surgery, over a week ago, they haven't been able to get Mary off the *respirator. Her *kidneys were failing and she'd very soon need dialysis. Things looked very grim.

After much thought and consideration, Eric opted to discontinue any and all life saving devises and meds. He and the kids decided it would happen the following morning. On that Sunday a nurse asked Mary if she knew where she was. She nodded yes. He asked her if she knew how sick she was. She nodded yes. Then he asked her if she was afraid to die, she nodded no.

On Monday morning, Eric spent an hour with her before the kids showed up. The respirator and all meds were removed and they waited. She was slightly "with it." Sort of opening her eyes. However, most of the time Bret said he didn't think she knew they were there. But there were brief moments that he said she definitely knew what was going on. Not exactly how you plan these things. When machines are turned off, the patient is supposed to be out of it or in a significant amount of pain. So this was more difficult.

After 5 1/2 hours, her heart beat for the last time and she exhaled her last breath. Finally, she was at ease. Finally she was at peace. But oh the heart ache that was left behind.

I didn't have a great relationship with Mary. I loved her as Bret's mom, as my children's grandmother. So the emotion I felt wasn't necessarily for me, but for my dear husband, our kids, Eric, for Taina's kids - who just a couple of weeks earlier lost their grandpa. And oh, did my husband mourn the loss of his mom. He still does.

Just last night we spent the evening at Big Springs (up the canyon) in remembrance of Grandma Ruth Tuttle's birthday. It's really an excuse for the family to get together. Once in the car on the way home, Bret admitted how odd it felt not having his mom there and knowing she just wasn't at home, ill. And he was right. It was odd seeing Eric alone. It's just 1 more thing to have to get used to.

Grief is a strange duck. It comes up when we least expect it. And I suspect I'll be seeing more of it as the time goes on. My heart continues to ache as I don't know how to best help my Love. I guess there really isn't anything, just be there, support and listen.

That's all for now. I have several topics on my mind that I will hopefully get to in the near future.
Best wishes to all!

4 Jul 2012

We woke up WAAAAAY to early on a holiday to see the balloon launch. I say this every year we've done this. It's way too early. But it was fun to go.
Before the balloons launched, they raised a flag and the crowd sang the national anthem. I tried to imagine what it must have been like all those years ago, sending rockets over to the enemy and in their light seeing that our flag was still standing, that it had made it through the night. How grateful I am to live in this great country. How grateful I am for all the thousands men and women who fight for the freedoms we enjoy today and for the countless sacrifices made so we can still wave this beautiful flag.

 The was quite a crowd, as usual, and lots of balloons. It's amazing to watch the process from beginning to in-flight.

 Watching the sun come up is always a beautiful sight.

Of course the BEST balloon of all! This is the tallest balloon in the world. It gets inflated, but not flown.

After the balloon launch, we had breakfast and then just sorta hung out. We went over to Grandma and Grandpa's to have cake and ice cream for Grandma's birthday. Then we went to Aunt Karen's for Carterville (not) On Fire! You may remember me posting about this fun party before. This year was a little bit different. Because we are so dry and have SO many fires burning in our state, there is a ban on any fireworks on Carterville Road. We chose to obey these guidelines. So we had fun dancing...

 

watching this year's "entertainment" from the "Belch Boys." (Stadium on Fire hosted the Beach Boys.)

Carterville On Fire moved their fireworks show out to Saratoga and we decided to enjoy fireworks with your neighborhood.

The fireworks didn't phase Maggie one bit.

All in all, we had a great fun filled, jam packed day and it was awesome!

Swim Party

On Friday, June 29, the bank where Nana works had their annual summer party and invited us to join them. The party was held at the Scera Pool.

Noodle is going down the vertical slide.

Buddy practiced his snorkeling skills.

Lewlew just had fun playing around.

There was also a karaoke contest. Surprise of all surprises, Noodle won! The prize was a beach bag, with a smaller one to match, 2 beach towels and 2 bottles of sunscreen. Noodle shared her prize with her friend. Noodle let her friend pick which bag she wanted. Noodle ended up with the bigger bag and they each got a towel and sunscreen. I was so happy she chose to share and not keep it for herself.



Pageant

On Thursday, June 28, 2012, my mom and I took the kids down to Manti to see the pageant. Even though we didn't get home until 1:15 A.M., it was still so much fun! On the way home, we went through Gunnison and was able to see on of the many forest fire's our state is battling. It was fairly far from the highway, but we could still see the flames. It was kinda eery.

It wasn't terribly hot, but we cooled off with shaved ice anyway.

On Friday, 6/29/2012 we saw "Brave" with our extended family as part of my niece's birthday. All three of our kids enjoyed the movie, as well as me. Because we saw a matinee, Bret was working and didn't get to see it.

Lewlew and Merida.

Camping 2012

On about June 18 I realized we had a short break in our schedules and that this would be the perfect time to go camping. So the next day, I made a menu and a packing list and got everything ready to go. The next day we went to our favorite campsite in Provo Canyon.

When we first arrived, we were the only ones in the campground. It was a little creepy for me. I've heard and seen too many scary stories.

Since we were the only ones there, we had our pick of the unreservable sites. There are some sites that you can reserve and then there are a few that are first come, first serve.

So we sat up camp in one of the largest camp sites. We were resting comfortably when a guy showed up. He said he had a lot of family coming in and would appreciated the big space that we had claimed. He said he would pay us if we moved. So we did. We moved to the second largest campsite and were completely content. We have camped at this one before and we love it!



 For a while, we just sorta hung out, listened to music, played games and went for walks. For Wednesday and Thursday it was just me and the kids.

Then Bestie came up and stayed Thursday night with us. We both had to leave camp on Friday afternoon to come into town so my mom (a.k.a. Nana) came up and stayed with the kids until Bret got there. I got back to camp about 9:30 pm and Nana went home.



Bret stayed with us Friday night and on Saturday, we packed up and came home.

Buddy is enjoying his gluten free S'more.

  Noodle takes a bite of her S'more.

Lewlew munches her version of S'more a.k.a. just the cookie.

Among the many chipmunks and squirrels, we also saw a lot of butterflies. We haven't ever seen butterflies up there. It was a real treat to see so many.

We had a great time and hope we can go again this season. But if not, there's always next year!



I Want To Sing and Dance

My girls started practicing with a local choir group in February. It was the same one my older daughter sang with last year. This time my younger daughter joined the fun. They had 4 performances the first part of June and loved every minute of them!

My older dauther (Noodle) is on the far left. My younder daughter (Lewlew) in two girls to the right of my older daughter.

Noodle had a solo. She was nervous but did so well!

The Crash of 2012

A few weeks ago, our computer crashed. I took it in to a computer repair place and they determined our computer had a "nasty virus." Nasty? Wow! So 10 days later we got our computer back. They were able to save all of our pictures, videos, and files. But we lost our programs. With all the stuff we lost, I can't complain because we have the important stuff.
Moral of this story: Back up your stuff! I had all of our photos (until a couple months ago) saved on another server but all of our videos were not saved. It would have been tragic if we'd lost all of that! Thankfully the computer guys were miracle workers that day!

BOYS!

Last Tuesday, I cleaned the bathroom, like I do most Tuesday's. And like most Tuesday's it was in it's normal state - it needed to be cleaned but not overly gross. My son left on Thursday on a road trip and will be back tonight. So today, Tuesday, I cleaned the bathroom again. I was amazed at how much cleaner the toilet was. Needless to say, my son and I will be having a very long and serious talk about potty etiquette when he gets home. He is well past the age to be practicing toilet etiquette.  BOYS!!!

Field Day 2012

On 29 May 2012 was the first field day at the kids' new school. They had a blast! There was about 8-10 different stations of games - most of them used water of some sort. The day was nice and hot and the water games provided a perfect opportunity to cool off.

 Here, Lewlew is playing Over/Under. You soak a sponge and the first person passes to the person behind him going over his head, like Lewlew. The next person passes it between their legs. The last person squeezes the water into a bucket and runs to the front of the line to dip the sponge and start the process over. This game insures everyone playing to get a little wet.

 For this game, you partner up. The partner that is blind folded holds the squirt bottle while the unblind folded one directs her to shoot. This game ensures everyone playing to get a little wet.

For this game each member of the team must use any part of their body to plug the holes in the pipe while another team member fills the pipe up. One the rubber ducky inside reaches the top, you win! This game ensures everyone playing to get a little wet.

Then the fire truck came and sprayed everyone in it's way. This ensures everyone in the general vicinity to get a little wet.

All in all, it was a great day! Thanks OES! We had a blast!

Graduation

Lewlew graduated from Kindergarten on 10 May 2012.

She was so excited for the big day. She had her outfit picked out several day in advance!

It was fun to watch their performance. She knew all of the songs so well and sang her little heart out!

This is Lew with her teacher, Miss. Funk. She was an amazing teacher. She moved up to 2nd grade and I hope Lewlew can have her again.

New Skirts

Last year I bought the material to make these skirts, but I never got around to it. So this year, I quickly made them for the girls to wear this year and then found cute tops to go with them. After this picture, Lewlew found a purple "Victorious" top that she declared looked much better with her skirt.

Cheese!

We had a few nice days in April so we got our back yard summer ready. The kids helped and Nana supervised. Then we sat down for a break...

Field Trip

The end of April, Lewlew went on a field trip to the zoo. Imagine sixty 6 year olds at the zoo! C.R.A.Z.Y. But she was excited and had so much fun! She told me all about the animals and how LONG the bus ride was.

Spring

     It rained yesterday probably because I fetilized my lawn Monday. Why didn't I check the weather forecast first? I am constanstantly looking at the forecast, why didn't I Monday? Because I got too excited about mowing and fertilizing the lawn! Anyway - hopefully it won't ALL be washed away. You're supposed to wait 24 hours before watering. It waited 20 hours on the back lawn and 15 hours on the front before it started raining. We'll see what happens.
     Spring is nothing if not unpredictable. It was a beautful day Monday and yesterday it rained all day. Not that I'm complaining - I'm not. I do really like the rain! And I really love spring!
     I lost my cell phone Monday evening. And now I'm sure it was taken. I've looked all over my house and yard and have called it approxtimatly 47 times and have not located it. This really bums me out.
    I had went out to lunch with a great friend yesterday. We got out kids a kids' meal at Wendy's and then we enjoyed Cafe Rio. It was so yummy! And fun too! We haven't been in a long time and it was just what I needed. Thanks so much "J".

Tis' the Season

     Yesterday, after I got all the kids off to school my friend and I had an "outing." OK, fine, I'll tell you. We went to the gym. I love going with her!
     When I got home, I mowed, watered and fertilized the lawn. 'Tis the Season for yard work. I really don't mind mowing the lawn. I actually kinda enjoy it - especially when it's not so hot. But once again, I have a fear of our edger. I had over come it slightly by the end of last summer, but this spring my fear is back in full force. So I didn't edge and it doesn't look as good as it could, but my fear doesn't care. It looks as good as it's going to until I edge.
     Then we went up the canyon for Bret's sister's birthday. Happy Birthday Gina!!! We had a great time with our family!
     It's a great time of year. The earth comes to life again after a long winter (even though we didn't have much of a winter.) The trees are budding, the flowers are blooming and my allergies are killing me! I think, I'm not sure, but I think spring is my favorite time of year.