In the stress and busyness of last week I failed to post the one serene event that made me pause mid-week. Wednesday December 23, 9:45pm (yes that's almost my bedtime) I reported to the St. George Temple to ENJOY 2 hours of cleaning clean. This is also the day to celebrate the life of Joseph Smith. As Hamilton continually reminded me, it was his 204th birthday. Happy Birthday Joseph.
I arrived at the temple in regular temple going clothes and was immediately given white scrubs to change into. After changing we met in the chapel for a prayer and thought before going on to our assignment. I was assigned to the baptistry. It was quiet and peaceful and there were times I would visualize the fact that I was cleaning the House of the Lord. Incredible, to say the least.
This will be a peaceful experience and cherished memory. Then Christmas happened 2 days later.
Tonight we saw this movie. The story of Nelson Mandela and his support of the South African rugby team. In 1995 they had the heart to win the World Cup against the New Zealand All Blacks. The title of the movie comes from the poem Invictus. Nelson Mandela had the poem written on a scrap of paper. The poem was his motivation to survive during twenty seven years of prison. This movie is filled with inspiration!
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Invictus is a short poem by the English poet William Ernest Henley. It was written in 1875 and first published in 1888.At the age of 12, Henley became a victim of tuberculosis of the bone. In spite of this, in 1867 he successfully passed the Oxford local examination as a senior student. His diseased foot had to be amputated directly below the knee; physicians had announced that the only way to save his life was to amputate. Henley persevered and survived with one foot intact. He was discharged in 1875 and was able to lead an active life for nearly 30 years despite his disability. With an artificial foot he lived until the age of 53. The poem was written from a hospital bed.
Coconut bread at Christmas time. It's tradition. The first 10 loaves are in the oven. The boys ask why I only make it to give away. They just don't remember that they get more than their fair share. Tomorrow I will make a few loaves of Pizza Bread. Also a Christmas tradition. I'm not sure why. I guess I just don't remember to make it the rest of the year.
It's a busy time of year but I am taking time to realize the lights. I am enjoying them more this year than in years past. I think it is because Isaac said that in Germany they do not decorate with lights the way we do in the US.
I love the simplest of light displays. In our front yard there are 2 palm trees glowing, pillars lined with lights of blue and a thin strand of white runs along the outline of the roof. So simple and such a reminder of the colors of the beach.
The beach...now there's a place I would like to be. Any tropical island will do. Just someplace where I can feel embraced by the warmth of the sun.
My week in review - Work, work, work. Service project on Thursday. I joined a few members of the rotary club as we assisted in wrapping thousands of presents for needy children in the community. It's the first year I have experienced this well oiled machine that has been running for more than 20 years. It's a giant Santa's workshop and there are hundreds of community volunteers. I think this year more than 2,100 children will receive Christmas gifts where otherwise there would've been none. This is something delightful.
Also on Thursday, Sunshiner Christmas party...funner than I thought it was going to be.
Then on Friday, Hamilton's birthday. It is such a joy to fall back into the memories of the year of his birth. Such a quiet and peaceful Christmas that year. And a relief to feel that my family was complete.
Ra travels tomorrow for a 3 day business trip. Back on Wednesday afternoon. Just in time to clean the temple.
We are joining members of our ward in cleaning the temple from 9:45 to midnight on Wednesday. This day happens to be December 23, the day to celebrate the birth of Joseph Smith. Kind of cool to be cleaning in the temple in the quiet of that evening.
A quote from the book I am reading - Let Me Be A Woman by Elisabeth Elliot
"As I sit here in the window of this cottage I can see a sailboat skimming silently along the horizon. It is a beautiful image of freedom. But the freedom of the sailboat to move so swiftly and beautifully is the result of obedience to laws. The builder of the boat had to know the proper ratio of beam to keel and mast. The one who sails the boat obeys the rules of sailing. A ship tacking against the wind moves deviously, but when she runs with a strong tide or a following wind she takes to herself the power of tide and wind and they become her own. She is doing the thing she was made for. She is free not by disobeying the rules but by obeying them."
And scripture to agree with Elisabeth Elliot - Doctrine and Covenants 98:8
"I the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free."
There are few precious conversations that have existed with my young teen children. Not because we do not talk but more because the topic of conversation is not always filled with insight to their souls.
Asa has short hair but has kept a section of his hair long just to see how long he can really get it. This section sits just behind his left ear. Every once and while I have to spend a few moments taking that long section and braiding three small braids. Just this past week we took the time and as we did he opened his heart to me.
Asa - "I can't imagine being dead because right now my life is really good."
Me - "What's good about your life?"
Asa - "My family, the church, soccer, school, riding my bike, friends, being free to do what I want. I don't really like school but I know it's important to learn. Sometimes church is boring but I know it's good for me and the things I learn from it make me feel peaceful. I'm just really happy and dieing right now would suck."
The next day I was on a bus with Leadership Dixie traveling to Colorado City. Colorado City sits on the Utah/Arizona border. It's a place where people practice polygamy. There are two groups there; the extreme FLDS and the more calm FLDS known as the Centennial Park. There are a group of boys called The Lost Boys who are known as outcasts from the extreme FLDS. While traveling on the bus we listened to Caleb, a lost boy, describe his experience of living in Colorado City.
Caleb left when he was fourteen. He made the decision to leave and told his father. His father got angry, packed up his stuff, put it and Caleb outside the front door and told his son to find his own way out of town. Caleb called his older brother, who had already made it out and came to pick him up. One of Caleb's reasons for leaving was that he was pulled out of school at the end of 7th grade and made to work construction in Mesquite. They woke up every morning at 4:30, made the 2 hour journey to Mesquite, worked until dark, then drove back. Every day for 2 years and when he got a paycheck he only saw the pay stub. His father took his money. After leaving Colorado City or tried to go back to school but couldn't figure out how to function in the 'real world'. After years of trying he received his GED and is now attending Dixie State College. Caleb says there are more than 1,000 boys who have left and he know of at least 80 who are here in St. George. Caleb's family consisted of 2 wives, 33 children - 11 brothers, 22 sisters. Eight boys and 3 girls have escaped from the abuse that existed in his home.
As we were drove listening to Caleb point out the landmarks of Colorado City my soul was saddened. It was clear to me that darkness exists in this place and that my Father in Heaven is sad at the state of these lost souls. Then I remembered the words of Asa just the night before.
There is joy in knowing that my children find peace in the life that exists for them.
Seriously! No heat in my house! At 7:07pm it is 30 degrees outside and 60 degrees in my house. What will it be at 2:00am? No doubt my electric blanket will be dialed up to HIGH tonight and I will be dreaming of the tropics. It better be fixed tomorrow or I'm going to the Marriot.
A few months ago Rakai felt the need to rescue an english bull dog puppy from a bad situation. As the mother and keeper of this house I STRONGLY disagreed. But he brought him home anyway. I reminded him that he would soon be leaving and I would inherit the care of this dog.
Remember when you were young and you had to rescue every stray animal you saw even if they weren't a stray. I do. One time I hid a kitten in my bedroom for 3 days before my parents figured it out. I guess I cannot be too upset at Rakai for rescueing Leopold and at the fact that today I am taking care of a very sick dog.
Last night he ate my shoe. BAD dog! We forgot to lock him up when we left the house. He went into my closet, retrieved an espadrille and ate it to shreds. All night long and all day long he has been throwing up pieces of espadrille string. It's his karma for being bad. What goes around comes around, even if you are a dog.
I'm feeling a little like the mother of a sick child - cleaning up vomit washing sheets and blankets. Leo is now on an 8 hour diet of ice cubes. Then, from the info I got off the internet, he can eat rice and boiled chicken. Now I have to admit, Leo is a substitute child while I am missing Rakai and Isaac. I really don't mind being his mom.
A visit to Dixie Nutrition today. It's St. George's version of Whole Foods...but we really need a Whole Foods. Strolling the isle I found a new kind of tea. Ginger-Peppermint. MMMM sounded so yummy. When I got home from work I kicked off my shoes, changed into my jammies and brewed a cup of tea.
Oh my. Have you ever been to the Oasis Cafe in Salt Lake. They have amazing tea. This tea almost matches it. I am so comforted.
Saw this at Walmart and couldn't resist. Come on...it's purple...I love everything about the color. Insight into this warm and cozy color goes something like this -
Royalty and Spirituality:
Purple is royalty. A mysterious color, purple is associated with both nobility and spirituality. The opposites of hot red and cool blue combine to create this intriguing color.
Nature of Purple:
Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like blue, could result in moodiness.
Culture of Purple:
The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.
The turkey was in the oven by 6:30am and we were on the road to our picnic by 11:30. Spending a day off work with boys sitting around the house and me cooking in the kitchen just is not my idea of fun. So this Thanksgiving we headed up to Kolob Canyon with our gourmet picnic and trekked the Timbercreek Overlook. This was a fun adventure and a perfectly beautiful day.
With Isaac in the MTC and Karamea at work there was just 6 of us and Leo. Rakai invited Carlie so she took this picture for us. There was lots to eat and then Asa showed us how to play Wave Tag. No worries about eating too much today. I worked it off as fast as I ate it.
I drove home while everyone passed out in the car. After cleaning up the kitchen I climbed under my electric blanket to watch a movie and take a nap. Now I'm just ready for bed.
On this Thanksgiving Eve I have been in my kitchen preparing a gourmet picnic for our trek to the Valley of Fire tomorrow. I chose the music on my blog to pull me through the pain.
Umm yah..food is not really my thing...in fact its kind of torture. But my boys love when I prepare food and, like it or not, I do it well.
So listening to the playlist on my blog I realized it was time for new music to stir new emotion and pull new memories.
I deleted songs that carried unwanted memories and picked up on new grooves for fresh new emotion.
There's a first time for everything and tonight was my first time as an emcee. Ammon asked me, "what's an mc", so I told him, "it's the person who introduces stuff on stage, the master of ceremonies." Ummm, I am a master of nothing. But I did emcee at the Jubilee of Trees tonight.
Normally this is something I line up for on air talent but the talent was busy doing the news. So there was no one else to play the part but me. This is not something I like to do. I am generally the one who sets it up then stands behind the scenes to watch. But tonight I had to step out of my comfort zone.
It was Family Night at the Jubilee of Trees and it was get-in-free night. Oh my, the place was packed. Standing room only. Diamond Talent did the entertainment and it was spectacular. I was so impressed! The Larson's are amazing. High energy and fabulous talent.
So now I can say that I have been the "mistress of ceremonies" and I did okay.
My mind has been a swirl of emotion for the last week. Getting Isaac ready then sending him off...I took four days off work and today - on my birthday - I had to catch up.
Today was a good day, a busy day, but still a good day.
Wow...I don't quite know what to type. Here they are...the joy of my life...together for this moment in time.
And I am typing through tears.
My last few posts have been a reflection of motherhood joy. I suppose that is my right as I cut the strings and watch them leave one by one. My heart aches and I dwell on the memories of 25 years. Ups and downs, highs and lows, joys and sorrows. And we made it to today...
Family arrived throughout this wonderful weekend. Friday night we shopped for food and spent a lot of money. Saturday I prepared food, went to a soccer game and enjoyed the company of extended family. Today Isaac spoke in church and then our house was filled with wall-to-wall people. And we fed them all. (pictures in Elder Isaac's photo album on my facebook page)
Thank you to everyone who helped. I have the most wonderful family and friends! Isaac's choice to serve a mission brought us all together for this weekend. It was an expression of joy, love and all things bright and beautiful.
I spent the weekend with them in Salt Lake...all together...one last time...and then Isaac will be in Berlin, Rakai will be in New Zealand and Karamea will stay in Salt Lake.
Should I be sad or glad...a little of both I think.
We drove up late last week on Thursday night. I made it to Fillmore then Rakai drove the rest of the way. I collapsed into Karamea's bed at 1am with her next to me and the boys on the floor.
Friday morning Karamea had to work. Rakai was with Simp. Isaac and I went to the Salt Lake Temple for a session and we did a few sealings before leaving. It was peaceful, calm and inspirational. Isaac understands how sealings work. It will be wonderful for him if he experiences a family sealing while on his mission.
Friday night we went to eat. That's us waiting...bored...taking silly pictures...waiting...outside the restaurant. They said 20 minutes...ummm it was 45. But the food was yummy so it was worth it. I went back to Karamea's for the bed. The kids went to play.
Saturday...breakfast with the Petty's. Friends from forever ago. Then Karamea to work, Rakai to Park City and Isaac and I went shopping for more missionary stuff. This is expensive.
Sunday...breakfast with Kenton and Cari...the Golden Braid Bookstore...Whole Foods.
We left Karamea standing alone on the sidewalk. It's okay though. We'll see her next weekend for Isaac's farewell.
Last week was National Trucker Appreciation week. I took some time on a beautiful St. George afternoon and went out to the Port of Entry. I joined lots of other people in handing out drinks and snacks to the truckers. Dirty, dusty, diesel - but so enriching.
The truck drivers transport everything. Without them what would we possess? How would we perform our day to day activities?
This was a rewarding experience and I met some great people along the way.
It's becoming quite clear to me that Sunday night seems to be the best time to catch up on blog entries and facebook. Tonight the house is quiet. The boys are catching up on their reading, Isaac is at missionary prep and I am making cookies...
I have decided that my body is breaking down and I am getting old. It's such a sad thought. It is my desire to stay young at heart that makes me feel younger than I really am. I realize that I have not taken advantage of my membership at Massage Envy for more than 6 weeks. My muscles are inflamed and I ache when I get cold. My body reminds me that I am definitely as old as my years tell me. Speaking of which...it's my birthday in 18 days.
The countdown to my birthday is also the countdown to Isaac reporting to the MTC. He reports November 18. It is thrilling and breathtaking. Yesterday the German teacher at the MTC called and had a complete phone conversation with Isaac... in German He informed Isaac that "because he can speak German fluently, he will be in Germany for Christmas." Incredible!
I suppose I should journal work for a moment...
As the Director of PR and Promotions Manager for CMI and KCSG I have accepted my fate. I have two full time jobs all rolled into one. It is clear to me that I am entirely busy and that there is little time to accomplish all that I want to do. Television, radio, newspaper, film production. Media is a fast paced machine and I am all caught up in it.
Next weekend I'm in Salt Lake with Karamea. One last shopping excursion for Isaac. Since Rakai is leaving for New Zealand on November 30 he is tagging along with us. So I will spend the weekend with my three oldest. This will be a mixture of joy and sorrow.
As I type my children are in the other room playing a game. They converse, they laugh, they enjoy being together and the aroma of a Sunday night treat is in the air. I write with mixed emotion and consider my future.
Rakai booked his one way ticket to New Zealand last week. He leaves November 30. With Isaac leaving for his mission and Karamea in Salt Lake my household will feel drastically diminished come December.
Magnificent motherhood memories surf the waves of my brain. Walking through the park... pushing them on the swing...stitching matching dresses for me and Karamea...bedtime stories...Rakai loved Little Black Sambo...butterfly kisses...bikerides...hiking in Zion...laundry for the masses...soccer games...piano and violin recitals...songs of delight...puddle stomping...Redwood Trees...Door of Faith Orphanage...ocean breezes and orange sunsets...
This list is endless...
I treasure motherhood it is my joy and my priviledge. The greatest of any of my blessings.
This is a movie directed by Jane Campion and based on the love story of poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. John Keats was 23 when they met. He died 2 years later. The deep affection the 2 of them shared is brilliantly portrayed in this film. I was captured and held hostage from the beginning as a wooden needle was fed through the fabric by the hand of Fanny Brawne. It wasn't until the credits were complete that I could speak a word. This film is magnificent, a visual masterpiece and a most treasured love story.
BRIGHT STAR, WOULD I WERE STEDFAST
By John Keats
Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art--- Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night And watching, with eternal lids apart, Like nature's patient, sleepless Eremite, The moving waters at their priestlike task Of pure ablution round earth's human shores, Or gazing on the new soft-fallen mask Of snow upon the mountains and the moors--- No---yet still stedfast, still unchangeable, Pillowed upon my fair love's ripening breast, To feel for ever its soft fall and swell, Awake for ever in a sweet unrest, Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath, And so live ever---or else swoon in death.
My weekend began on Friday morning with a trip to the temple. Moana (my sister) and I attended a session with Eric (my nephew) and Isaac. It was a mother/son excursion. We enjoyed the session together then pictures then pancakes at Cracker Barrel.
Moana and three of her boys stopped by St. George on their way home to Tempe, AZ. It was a timely trip and we were so happy to have them. Eric will report to the MTC on November 4 and is on his way to the Dominican Republic. He will be at the MTC when Isaac arrives on November 18.
What a surreal time this is as I reminisce over childhood memories with my sister and now we send boys into the mission field at the same time. The cycles of life keep us learning and growing.
Southern Utah weather was magnificent this weekend. A complete gift from God. We piled in two cars and took eight of our nine boys to Zion. Brian was missing from Moana's boys as were the two girls Allison and Karamea. It was their first time to Zion so we decided to hike Emerald Pools.
We hiked this trail in May but hiking it in the fall is a new and refreshing experience. The colors were spectacular! It was a wonderful hike and if you are my Facebook friend you can look there to see all the pictures.
When the hiking was done and we were all starving we headed to Springdale Park for some much needed nourishment and a little bit of fun. A picnic in the park and some fall football. What a perfect day this was.
We made it home and decided to have breakfast for dinner. Pancakes, scrambled eggs and ham. By 10:30 I was beat. A little bit of lavender oil to sooth the mind and I was out.
Tomorrow the kids are out of school and I have to work. I think I'll make it an early day so we can go see a movie tomorrow afternoon. Remember Where the Wild Things Are? It's a children's book and now it's a movie. We all want to see it.
Today is October 18. Isaac reports for his mission in exactly 30 days. Oh my.
A friend of mine could not find work in St. George so he went to his home on Maui. He applied at every Hotel and Spa on the island and found nothing. He has family on Oahu so he went there and his brother hooked him up with a top guy for Westin Hotels. Kauhi is now the director for the Moana Lani Spa.
The crazy thing about that is that I am Lani and my sister is Moana. Moana Lani means Ocean and Sky. I told my friend that my sister and I should be the spokesgirls for the place and have a lifetime of free accommodations and treatments.
This is what happens when a golf course sprinkler bursts. I was enjoying the land of dreams when there was a loud pop and then gushing water. It was around 2am and I couldn't see what was going on until sunrise. It wasn't until about 7am when the golf course maintenance guy came around and they finally shut it off. It was loud. This happened sometime in September but the battery on my camera died. I ordered a new one and then had to wait for it to be shipped. Now I am back in business.
My boys are so excited that I have the camera back...not. I am always taking pictures or videos and posting them to the family blog. Which pretty much annoys them.
The first week of October is past and gone. The broadcast center keeps me so busy. I feel like I am working all the time. Not exactly what I expected but money is a good thing and helpful when it comes to paying bills and getting Isaac ready for his mission.
We are in the 5 week countdown. He reports November 18 which is the day before my birthday. This is such a time of mixed emotion. I will miss him but the thought of experiences he will have and the excitement that exists for him right now brings joy to my heart. Then a few weeks after he leaves, Rakai will leave for New Zealand. Christmas this year will be calm and strange. Especially compared to the fun we had last year.
Ra's family visited this weekend. It has been wild and crazy. Next weekend Moana and her boys will be here. We're going Zion hiking. Eric and Isaac will have a chance to be together once more before they are both off on their missions.
Life is moving by at what seems to be the speed of light.
CMI linked up with KCSG which meant I was back on the Finish Line at the marathon. I'm still trying to decide how I feel about receiving my old job back, but being on the finish line was absolutely wonderful.
There is complete comraderie among the volunteers who have been there year after year, some for all of the 33 years of the St. George marathon. Those crossing the finish line come in order of appearance. First, those who are participating in the Mayors Walk, then the marathon wheel chair particpants, then the anticipated arrival of the one who takes first place. We watch as a combination of wheel chair and male runners cross the finish line and once again - anticipate - the arrival of the first female runner.
She comes through about 3 hours after she has begun. She crosses then crumbles to her feet. Men of the 172nd battalion run to her aid, lift her and carry her to the first aid station. Fourty-five minutes later she stands, with her 6 children, in front of our camera's and does a live interview.
As a mother of 6 children I am amazed at her commitment and dedication to accomplish this goal she has set for herself.
Another St. George marathon has come and gone and I have had the priviledge of being in the thick of it all. This brings joy to my soul. Maybe my job is not such a bad thing afterall.
The past few days have been a whirlwind of thought and activity. Last night Isaac and I returned from a weekend in Salt Lake. While up north we drove up to Heber City. That drive and the drive home gave me time to reflect on the changing of seasons.
Feeling inspired I pulled out paper and pen and scribbled a few words while driving 70 mph on the highway...
"It's that time of year when God pulls out his paintbrush and splashes shades of red, gold and green on this canvas we call earth. The voice of FALL tells us that the cold is yet to come. It speaks in a magnificent sort of way."
Isaac and I spent a part of Saturday at the temple with dad. For me a session filled with insight and inspiration and for Isaac, a time to hang out with Grandpa in the Celestial Room.
I cherish moments with my children. They are growing into independent adults. Isaac leaves in 6 weeks for Berlin. Rakai to New Zealand and Karamea explores options of adventure. I believe this may be a Christmas of only 3 children at home. Such a strange concept...
My job...wow...crazy things are happening. I was feeling pretty comfortable with marketing and sales for the broadcast center. But a "shock and awe" announcement came last week. The CMI broadcast center has partnered with KCSG TV and will be producing the news from our location. I have been promoted to Director of Public Relations and Promotions for CMI - basically the job I was doing for KCSG only now for 2 radio stations, a TV station, a newspaper and soon to be online video. I am now in the process of negogiating a fulltime salary. My former job at KCSG is chasing me. I want to turn and run but my feet feel stuck in position.
Here's another crazy thought...We have a dog. I love dogs but they are like children. They need love and attention all the time. Rakai rescued an English Bull Dog from his wacked friend...I use the word "friend" very lightly. He named him Leopold. We call him Leo. He's cute...short and pudgy. Now we have to train him. I still love Sammie best of all.
My life at the moment feels frayed and random. There's so much happening. It's difficult to keep it all straight.
**green grass**sun rays through the clouds**lazy afternoons**leaves on the trees**tank tops and shorts**barefoot in slippers**sand in my toes**orange peel smoothies**lavender walk**reggae festival**pioneer park farmers market**park city**emerald pools**harry potter marathon**kolob reservoir**lost on hulu**family and friends**county fair**isaac at the temple**roundup rodeo**
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
There are experiences in life that we can call stepping stones, the times when we accomplish that which we have been reaching for. Yesterday was one of those pinnacles.
As a mother I set goals for my children and hope they will want what I want for them. I raise them the best way I know how and teach them the way to happiness. They have their free agency so I can only hope they will accept the things they have been taught.
Isaac set his sights on the temple many years ago and yesterday he went through to receive his living endowments. It was a surreal moment for me. Sitting and experiencing each level of the endowment then watching as he stepped into the Celestial Room. "Welcome Home Isaac" We embraced and shed a few tears together.
It is a wonderful feeling for a parent to watch as your child follows and feels the joy of the gospel.
"By all these lovely tokens September days are here, With summer’s best of weather And autumn’s best of cheer." - Helen Jackson
Memories of Labor Day weekend include my mom's birthday, one final summer picnic and school on Tuesday.
When I was young summer ended with the Labor Day weekend and school started the Tuesday following. School in August continues to be a foreign concept to me.
So here I sit on this lovely September morn. Enjoying seventy degree temps on the veranda, listening to the song of the birds, watching the occasional golf ball zip by, gazing out into the southern skies and feeling the love of God as it embraces my existence.
With the duties of work and mom and philanthropy, on most days my life is filled with chaotic tasks. I treasure my Sunday mornings.
We have chosen to stay home on this Labor Day weekend. Ammon and Asa went camping and boating with friends. Karamea is in Portland exploring the opportunity of moving there. The rest of us remain home lost in Lost...
I made the mistake of watching Episode One, Season One of a show called Lost on hulu.com. Now we are all hooked. Hulu has all 5 seasons. It is entertaining and definitely keeps our interest. I finished Season One last night and am anxious to get started on Season Two. But today is the Sabbath and I was taught that there are more important things to do on the Sabbath than watch TV. Technically its not TV...or is it?
Rain interrupted the desert climate of St. George last night. It is a welcome intrusion. I slept with the windows open and this morning my house feels like Hawaii. My skin is soaking up the moisture and I imagination an ocean instead of a golf course.
The view from where I sit is peaceful and serene. The sun reflects droplets of water like diamonds on the green. The birds sing sweet cadences while the trees whisper gratitude for a quenched thirst. Summer storms are magnificent.
I sat down to clear the CLUTTER from my desk but Sammie jumped up and is now laying across the CLUTTER. He's too cute too move so the CLUTTER will have to wait.
Ammon is 17 today. Karamea's post is a perfect description of the elation he brings to me soul. Ammon was born in the evening of a very hot August day. It had been a long hot summer, no a/c. I was so ready to give birth. When the doctor saw his head appear he said, "I see hair on this baby." Same doctor and 3 previous bald babies. I don't know who was more excited to see hair...me or the doc. Happy birthday babe! I love you!
Yesterday I finished Three Cups of Tea. Right now I want to start back at page one and read it all over again. Greg Mortensen is my hero. I want to meet him! I want to mentor him! I want to provide schools for children of poverty. "More than 145 million of the world's children are deprived of education due to poverty, exploitation, slavery, gender discrimination, religious extremism, and corrupt governments." Reading Three Cups of Tea has been an unforgetable adventure. One day I will find a way to bring education to children who are without.
This week I started on a new escapade...Leadership Dixie. This begins the process of learning about the place where I live. Ten years in St. George and now I will gain new insight. The mission of Leadership Dixie is to "Engage, Inform and Empower" future leaders. Maybe I will learn the skills to build the schools I want to build.
I am one month into my "partime" job at CMI. I have learned that we are starting from no where. There is so much to do. Marketing, Public Relations, Promotions, Sales and only two of us in the department. Partime? Maybe they should rethink the scenario.
And so...it's Saturday. Soccer season starts in a couple of weeks. I am enjoying this quiet morning while I can.
The 2009 Washington County Fair ended last night. I had various assignments and spent most of Wednesday through Saturday filling the responsibilities. The baby contest, foundation for students, ticket taker and gate keeper, parade activities, facebook updates...I am weary just remembering it all.
My place on the Washington County Fair Board is a treasured position. Those serving on the board are filled with charity and selfless love. We give time and energy until we can't give anymore. Wendy, our fearless leader, is wonderful. Her excitement motivates us all to keep going. I have enjoyed 5 years of service and will continue as long as the passion remains.
Over the years I have learned that every kind of person goes to the fair. I have learned the inner workings of a demolition derby. I have felt sweltering heat and been strangled by dust. I have created extraordinary friendships.
Today, I think I slept through church. My body is worn out and my mind is exhausted. Sleep comes easy but I have neglected motherhood this past week and the boys need my attention. Sleep will have to wait just a little longer.
A broken AC and I am sweltering in the warmth. The high today...103 degrees in the shade. At 8:55pm it is 92 degrees. Inside my house it is a balmy 89. Ugggh. I need to be working but I can't focus on anything but the sweat trickling down my neck. I need a cold shower or a swimming pool. The HVAC dude will be here in the morning...this could be a long night.
Earlier this evening I was at the baseball park helping with an event promotion. It was Special Needs Awareness at the Roadrunner Baseball game. My job was to hand out T-Shirts to the special needs people. This was more than I imagined it to be. They are called special needs but they are special spirits. I was emotionally moved by the joy a simple t-shirt brought. A smile and clap of glee as I placed the shirt in a hand.
I was standing outside in that 103 degrees handing out shirts and completely enjoying the spirit that surrounded me. Life is full of joy!
What a wonderful weekend I had in Park City! Hamilton started things off with a game on Thursday evening. Then we had 3 games on Friday and 4 games on Saturday. Isaac came along for the ride and Karamea spent Thursday and Friday with us. Soccer tournaments are so great! The Park City tournament is my favorite as we get to sit in the pristine tempuratures and beautiful scenery.
We invaded mom and dad's for 4 days but only really saw them for one . I loved the weekend with 4 of my children and beautiful weather.
June in St. George was beautiful. The weather was something I have not experienced in the month of June in all of my ten years in the desert. But the heat of July hit us hard. I have spent most of the July weekends away from this place but today I found myself home and wanting to get out of the red dust.
After breakfast I packed a lunch while the boys packed the car and we headed to Kolob Reservoir. This is a beautiful place. Only an hours drive to the east and we found ourselves surrounded by cooler temperatures and peaceful serenity.
On this morning of July 24 I wake to the realization that I have a son who has chosen to sacrifice a time of his life to serve the God he loves. My heart follows a journey of gratitude as I ponder on this, on the path of my pioneer ancestors and on the gifts I have received from the God I love.
The greatest treasure I possess is my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To know how my spirit has existed throughout the expanse of time, and to accept and to feel the peace of that knowledge. Referring to the gifts from God as recorded in Moroni 10 of the Book of Mormon, I recognize that I have been 'gifted' with wisdom, knowledge, faith and more. I am blessed with 6 incredible children who live close to God and walk with angels everyday. I am constantly aware of the peace that exists in their souls and their dedication to their Father in Heaven.
I think of the family I was blessed to exist with in my younger years and the connection we continue to possess. The dedication of my parents and their desire to raise their children to know the gospel is a beautiful concept. There is complete joy in the memories.
To my pioneer ancestors - O what joy fills my soul. Reading their history and understanding their sacrifices is a privilege. Every generation experiences trials and challenges. The trials of the early members of the church are humbling and exhilarating. I commit to them my spirit and continue in my journey because of their firm dedication under duress circumstances.
This morning is quiet, the view is serene and I feel the presence of angels. It is with deep love that I willingly send my son into the world to teach this message of joy. It is my hope that he will go with angels by his side and that he will accomplish his destiny.
This I know -
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints embraces all truth. It is lead by a living Prophet who carries the keys of the Priesthood and is the only living person who has the authority to receive modern revelation as it pertains to the children of God on the earth today. Jesus Christ atoned for our sins making it possible for us to receive forgiveness for our sins as we repent and humble ourselves before Him. It is because of His atonement that we will be reunited with family and friends and our Savior throughout all time and eternity. The gospel, as it was restored to the earth by Joseph Smith, is the way to eternal happiness. Exercising faith and believing in its principles, standing as a witness of God at all times will bring internal joy and peace as we experience the gift of life.
Yes...a quick post to wrap up my weekend. After spending the last 2 weekends traveling we decided to hang out at home. It is dragon breath hot outside so we stayed in the basement all weekend.
Harry Potter Marathon!
Auntie Rubina was feeling kind of bad for us because we had never seen any of the movies or read the books. We "just didn't know what we were missing!" So she brought over her collection and we spent all day Saturday watching movies then most of today...aside from church and dinner. Now we are ready for #6 at the cinema and we can join in on the "water cooler talk" I guess.
Soooooo, I got a job. And it pays me money! I start tomorrow, The Center for Media Innovation. A media facility on the campus of Dixie State College. Two radio stations, a newspaper, 3 production studios, online video...should be exciting.
There is something about Lavender that calms the soul and rejuvenates the senses. Early Saturday morning Karamea and I woke to participate in a 5k Lavender Run at Young Living Farms in Mona, Utah. For some it was a run, for us it was a brisk walk. What a beautiful adventure this was!
I drove into the parking lot at 6:40, stepped out of the car and took a deep breath. The aroma of Lavender, Clarity Sage and other satisfying scents were all around. Immediately I knew that the drive to northern Utah, waking at 5:00 on a Saturday morning and searching for a parking space was well worth the undertaking. We were among 700 registrants who would all experience the exhilaration of what was to come.
Karamea and I took our place almost at the back of all the participants. We began our brisk walk under overcast skies and cool morning tempuratures. We stopped to take pictures and water breaks along the way. Almost near the end we were stopped by a camera crew from Cornerstone Technologies and asked to be the talent in a promotional video they were producing. We abilged and took our places among the rows of Lavender.
We strolled the property, ate Lavender ice cream and cut our share of Lavender to take home. I will wait for it to dry and then make Lavender bags to be used as a cold or warm compress for headaches and stress relief.
Oh what a joy this event was for me. I will make it tradition for my future.
This is the species of bird that has made it's home on our veranda. Three eggs and three birds later, two are doing well. One struggles. But according to the experts we should leave them alone and let nature take it's course. Sitting here watching is a hard thing to do. I want to help the little one reach a healthy status.
Today we celebrate America. A country founded on principles of freedom and religion. More than 20 years ago I was reading through the micro-fish of my 4th great grandfather, Lucious Nelson Scoville. July 4, 18something...he was on a boat sailing home from a mission in England. The occupants on the boat were celebrating the theme of the day. As a member of a newly formed religion whose members were being persecuted for their beliefs, he didn't feel much like celebrating. Ever since I read his journal entry of that day I remember his comments and the struggle for freedom that we all engage in.
Fathers Day and I am thinking of my dad. As a young daughter of 16 he hired me as his secretary. Dad was a successful Life Insurance Salesman. We traveled Southern Alberta listening to motivational tapes from conventions he had attended. I graduated from the Keith Scoville School of Self Taught. I believe it was from these experiences that I learned Public Relations.
Dad loved horses and all things country. The first Friday in July and for 10 days we lived for the Calgary Stampede. Dad worked the cowboy entrance and we hung out with the cowboys. Chuckwagon Races, Bull Riding, Rodeos and the Young Canadians. Midnight fireworks...cause that's when it gets dark in Calgary.
Dad was a farmer. I spent lots of summers in the garden picking raspberries, peas, carrots, beans...there were spiders in the beans. Dad turned the dirt and we picked up the potatoes. Flowers - he planted petunias all around the front steps. We picked peony's in June and gave them to our teachers as a year end thank you.
Summer trips to Raymond, Cardston, Shuswap Lake. Winter trips to Banff and Radium Hot Springs.
When I was young I felt his testimony and gained a love for the scriptures. He taught me the value of work and perseverance. Now he is 85. All that I am, I am because Keith Scoville is my dad.
Working out is really an important part of my existence. I quite enjoy it. Except last night...I popped my coccyx or somewhere close to it. I am feeling tons of pain and I waddle like a pregnant woman. When I sit and stand I look like a pregnant woman. It brings back really unpleasant memories.
Ice is helpful as are the essential oils. Aging really sucks!
Some might wonder how I could spend four days chasing 18 soccer games with my boys. I have to say that it is an absolute delight.
The boys have been competing in the summer games for more than 10 years. It has become a family tradition. The last couple of years have been most thrilling with 4 boys on 4 different teams. We just run from one game to the next and in between we settle on the sideline with a picnic.
Lessons from soccer...teamwork...tolerance...skill...patience...exhaustion...pain... perseverance...longevity...unity...
Click here to view the 2009 Utah Summer Games slideshow and check out my facebook page for all the photos!
I have loved this day! It has been nothing extraordinary and that is why I have loved it. It began at 7:40 am with Sammie jumping up to tell me he was hungry and wanted to go outside. I stumbled into the kitchen got his breakfast then thought about making food for my boys. The fridge was nearly empty of breakfast items so I wondered off to the market. I returned and had breakfast made before anyone woke.
The day continued on. Usual treks to pick up and drop off kids, Saturday cleaning and laundry. Then Ammon and Isaac wanted to go to the gym. I didn't have much going on so I went with them. A two hour work out on a leisurely Saturday afternoon was good for my soul. Then home to make dinner and, upon discovering an empty cookie jar, I made cookies.
I love to make cookies!
And so I have simply existed on this Saturday. No soccer games. No schedule of any sort. Just peacefully lived through it. The day ends with a view of a nearly full moon and all is pleasant and serene.
I attended a 90 minute seminar sponsored by ilearningglobal.tv where Hyrum Smith was the keynote speaker. He spoke on What Matters Most and gave us the breakdown of his “famous” Reality Model. If you google “The Reality Model” you will find that many have listened to Hyrum’s presentation. As I have read over some of the reviews it is apparent that Hyrum Smith is consistent in his presentation.
The Reality Model is impressive and if applied can bring about positive changes and growth.This is the synopsis of The Reality Model.
"The Reality Model"
According to this analysis, there are five steps to human behavior. Here's the breakdown.
1. Human Needs - We each have four basic human needs.
To live.
To love and be loved.
To feel important.
Variety.
If we are lacking any one or more of these needs, we may end up trying to fill them in.
File this away. We'll get back to it.
2. Belief Window - We all have beliefs, principles, convictions that determine how we interpret the world.
In his presentation, Hyrum uses an example, "Men are better than women." Another might be, "My self-worth is dependent upon never losing an argument."
3. Rules - These are "If...then..." statements, using the principles in the Belief Window has the premise.
Following on Hyrum's example: "If I get in an argument, then I must win."
4. Behavior Patterns - These are the actions that result from the Rules. Thus, in the example case, "I" can never back down in an argument.
5. Results - Here's the question: Will the results meet my needs over time?
If "I" never back down in an argument, never compromise, never acknowledge someone else's point, then is that making my life better?
Natural Law
Hyrum Smith makes these interesting points:
1 - If the results of your behavior do not meet your needs, then you have an incorrect principle on your belief window.
Your actions are the results of your principles on your Belief Window.
2 - Results take time to measure.
Sometimes it takes years. Look at smoking. Or heavy drinking.
3 - Growth is the process of changing principles on your belief window.
You can't change the behavior if the principles causing that behavior are not addressed. If you believe, "I can't stick with exercise programs," then you can try starting a workout regimen but you probably won't have much success sticking with it. If you believe, "Older women cannot be attractive," and you feel old, then dressing up will feel like an exercise in despair.
4 - Addictive behavior is the result of deep and unmet needs.
When one of your needs is not being met, all your energy goes to filling that need. And if you have a principle on your belief window that is not serving your long-term interests, then odds are good that it's a result of an unmet need.
5 – If your self worth is dependent on anything external then you are in big trouble.
6 – When the results of your behavior do meet your needs over time, you experience inner peace.
Identify what matters most to you, bring the events of your life inline with what matters most to you and you have the right to inner peace.
So drawing from the behavior loops identified above, here are 6 steps to follow:
1 - Identify the behavior patterns.
2 - Identify possible principles driving the behavior.
3 - Predict future behavior based upon those principles.
4 - Identify alternative principles.
5 - Predict future behavior based upon new principle(s).
6 – Compare steps 3 & 5 and ask WHY..do things evolve the way that they do?Because of the principles on our belief window.
Applying The Reality Model to real life is not an easy task.Just identifying the principles can be tough. Figuring out how to change them? That takes determination, desire and commitment. Sometimes it takes years. Sometimes it takes one day at a time.
Hyrum Smith will be doing this same presentation again in August. Click here to follow his blog.
We noticed two birds spending a great deal of time around our veranda and then realized they were building a nest. The construction process was exhilarating. The two of them flying up and down back and forth pulling cob webs from the corners, strings from the blankets, hauling leaves, twigs, grass, feathers. It was a two day process and it turned out beautifully.
It has been fascinating to watch this mother-to-be in her nesting sort of way. She spends countless hours on her nest leaving only for brief moments. It is a beautiful thing to watch. She now resides in the folds of the shade. The cover which once brought shade from the sun has now become home to a family of birds.
There's nothing like getting out of bed, twisting my hair into a clip and leaving it there all day. I figured since we were just going hiking that I didn't really need to spend much time on it.
What a spectacular day in the majesty of Zion National Park. Today we hiked the Emerald Pool Loop. Two point six miles of beauty beyond description.
The first pool was a water fountain wonderland. The spray was a welcome surprise to cool us off in our quest to reach the top. A quick stop for water and we were off again. The next pool was an opportunity to get my feet wet and the final pool was worth the walk.
The peaceful sounds of tricking water, the song of a bird and the call of a frog, the touch of a gentle breeze. The beauty in the sights around us. It was completely tranquil and serene.
Only Isaac, Asa and Hamilton were able to come with us. Rakai and Ammon had to work. We treated ourselves to an ice cream by the lodge and after a quick picnic in Springdale Park we headed home. It was a perfectly wonderful day with my boys.
