CHEERISH THE MOMENT

Rakai...Karamea...Isaac...

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.

I love my children!

STEPPING STONES

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.

PIONEER DAY 2009

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.

UTAH SUMMER GAMES

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!

My bed is calling me...

MAGICAL MEMORIES

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.

See the slideshow here.

WHAT SHE SAID

Karamea's blogpost explains Tuesday and Wednesday of my week. Except she failed to mention what it cost me...more than just a whole lot of love. But at least now I know she is comfortable in her little loft apartment 300 miles from home.

In the last couple of days I have been reminded that downtown Salt Lake in the spring is a beautiful place. There are so many memories there.

Then we went to Provo to watch Dixie play soccer. Uggh! The game was great until some kid on the opposing team decided he didn't like Isaac. Can you say injured at minute 25 and out for the rest of the game? It was awful and even more so because I am his mom and there was nothing I could do. I really wanted to go punch the kid and then go punch his dad.

The Deseret News describes the game like this but they failed to mention Isaac's injury and the fact that Provo would've lost if not for their violent behavior.

JOY FILLS MY SOUL

My Mother's Day morning has been spent looking through files of photos. I selected only a few to share in a slide show. These pictures bring joy to my soul and a smile to my face. I am blessed.

Happy Mother's Day to me and to everyone who has a mother.

WILD RIDE!

We made it home alive! Friday and Saturday in Salt Lake was rainy and cloudy. Sunday we woke to snow. Gregory's farewell was at 12:30p. We stayed for that then packed and got out of town. The roads were nasty all the way to Beaver. Then we had crazy wind all the way to St. George.

The weekend was wild - and with my 4 boys that is an understatement. We toured the new Draper Temple and visited Karamea at work. She works at American Apparel in Trolly Square. The boys thought this was the perfect opportunity to add to their wardrobe. Later in the evening we hung out with Gregory and the rest of the cousins and Hamilton played with the rats. (sick!)

Click here to check out the slide show.

Guardian Angels

Today I think about guardian angels and the peace I have felt over the last 9 months as Isaac has traveled internationaly on his Rotary Exchange. He has returned back to Germany after 10 days in Italy and for most of those 10 days I did not have contact with him. As a mother of a traveling 17 year old son I felt nothing but peace knowing that my son was safe and protected by angels.

I am thankful for guardian angels who protect and for children who are in tune enough to be inspired.