ENCOMPASSED ABOUT BY A GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES

In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews Paul recounts for us stories of faith from the Old Testament. Beginning with the faith of Abel and moving chronologically through history he mentions men and women who used faith as a guiding force in their lives. In my reading of these verses I attach myself to the stories and envision the struggle each one had in dealing with challenges of life. These were people who relied on the Lord, walking by faith who did not crumble as the battle became almost unbearable. At the end of chapter eleven I reflect on my ancestors, their struggles and sacrifices. I am grateful for their commitment and for the strength of their faith. But the best part about chapter eleven is the beginning of chapter 12.

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

I am encompassed about by a "great cloud of witnesses", my ancestors cheering me on. As I run this race they run beside me and when I am weak they're faith gives me strength. I may lay the weight down and use their faith to beat the sin that does so "easily best" me. And I can run with patience as long as my eye is single to He finished first, my Savior Jesus Christ.

We prepare for our future not by looking ahead but instead by looking back. I learn from my ancestors. I gather strength from their stories. Faith of my fathers, faith of my mothers, those stories carry me across the finish line and into the embrace of those who have loved me through the years.

I am grateful to have been guided here to read this  passage of scripture today and I am grateful that I could feel the Holy Ghost speak peace to my soul as I embrace these words to be truth.

THANKSGIVING AND A WEDDING

This thanksgiving we stepped out of the norm and headed to Arizona for Brian's wedding.  The boys were not too thrilled about missing their soccer tournament but there's another one over New Years weekend so they'll survive.  More than 35 people for dinner on Thursday and then a wonderful wedding day on Friday.  What a crazy weekend!  I never stopped eating and we took tons of pictures.  Here are just a few...

VISITING MOM

Labor day always brings the celebration of my mom's birthday.  This year she turned 84.  We spent last weekend in Salt Lake.  

About a month ago I checked the RSL Soccer schedule and realized they had a home game on September 4.  We went!  It was a fun game and the boys loved being there. I wrote the play by play to Isaac just like I always do for the boys games.  Earlier in the morning Rakai, Ammon, Karamea and I strolled the Farmers Market.  I love that place!  Fresh produce, fun merchandise and hanging out with my kids.  It's just so great!

But the real reason we were there was for Sunday and to celebrate mom/grandma.  Moana was up from Arizona so she and I prepared a delicious dinner.  Mark and Garry and their families came and we enjoyed spending time together in Mom and Dad's backyard.  Good thing Asa mowed the lawn the on Saturday.  Before everyone arrived Grandma came out back to watch the boys play on the swings and do flips off the mini tramp.  The weather was beautiful.  

We drove back on Monday and stopped at the One Man Band in Nephi for lunch.  It was a wonderful weekend of family and fun.

WHEN WILL I SEE THIS AGAIN

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.

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.

ON FATHERS DAY

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.

WHEN I WAS YOUNG

Sometimes I like to go to the Gospel Essentials class for Sunday School. This is the class where the basic principles of the gospel are taught. We think we know all there is to know but sometimes the reminder grounds us to reality. This is a pleasant place to be when I just want to focus on the essence of my testimony.

The topic of today's lesson - The Sabbath Day. As the instructor spoke I was taken back to my Sabbath Day Memories. Many lessons were learned while growing up in the Scoville house.

And I remember...

The sound of music - Mom, Moana and I singing our favorite hymns. Dad would tell me years later that he could hear us through the heating vent. And he loved the sounds.

Walking to church - it was 3 blocks to church and we lived in Calgary. The roads and sidewalks were icy and being vain children we refused to wear our boots with our Sunday best. So we would hold on to each other as we slipped and slid our way along the path.

Sunday Pictures - In the warm months of summer dad would tell us, "Don't change your clothes we're going to take pictures." And we did on many, many Sundays. Just like the pictures in the collage above.

DON'T - Change your clothes or turn on the TV.

Snowball fights - Be very careful when making your way up the sidewalk. You never know who could be hiding around the side of the house...snowball in hand...DAD!

The Sound of Music - Like Unto Us, Saturday's Warriors - I still know all the words.

Dinner with the Missionaries - "Moana made the dessert" "Lani mashed the potatoes" Really mom they're on a mission and we can find our own dates thank you very much.

The Sound of Music - Dad and his polynesian delights. Years later I would learn that some of that music was being performed by my (at the time) future mother-in-law.

Youth Firesides - Always at someones house. We took our shoes off at the door and there was always yummy treats.

I learned to love the Sabbath Day. I learned the importance of going to church on Sunday...even when I don't want to.

Today I remember the teachings of my parents and the joy I still can find in the Sabbath Day.

AS PROMISED

I finally took some time to go through the 200 or so snapshots of my beautiful family. This is 23 of those shots.

We had so much fun doing these pictures. Hopefully you will catch the joy!

And if you like what you see you can check out the website of the photog or his blogpost about the photo shoot.

FAMILY FOTOS

After months of planning and preparation we finally did the family photo! Karamea had to make a special trip to St. George and everyone had to find matching turquoise. Maybe we matched a little too well.

About a year ago I drove past the most awesome tow truck ever! It belongs to Dixie Diesel. I asked if they would mind if we used it as a prop for our family pictures and Harry said he'd be happy to hang out with us. We love Harry! The truck is a 1953 Mac Model and still runs today. Harry used to tow the big diesels all up and down the I15 corridor. He thinks maybe more than 1,000 times.

We took more than 200 snapshots. It's late or I would post more photos for your viewing pleasure. I'll do that soon so stay tuned for more fun.

On another note...Spring Break ends tomorrow! I made a quick trip to Salt Lake this weekend to pick up kids who spent the week up north with cousins. We hung out with Karamea and bought new soccer cleats and of course my ritualistic trip to the hair salon. No one beats Rich at the Rockwater Salon in Heber. Maybe a little far to go for my hair but hey...its my hair...

We drove home in treacherous winds and arrived safely. Work tomorrow and school on Tuesday...and I make another one day trip to Salt Lake. Whatever!

WAKE UP CALL

Most nights I am in bed before my children decide how their morning routine is going to go so they find ways to get messages to me. Sometimes I wake up to writing on the mirror, notes inside the fridge, or sticky notes on the microwave. On this particular morning I had to watch my step. This white board was laying just outside my bedroom door.

In case you can't read it...

"Mother Dearest, I would love it so much if you could possibly wake me up around 7:10 am. I am outside on the balcony. Love you very much. Love Ammon, you're favorite son."

FYI - Ammon doesn't really talk like this but he does like to write wacky notes like this to me all the time. Ammon does have an alarm on his cell phone and he sets it every night. But more often than not he sleeps through it. Must be that poly blood running through his veins...

My children are my greatest gift!

REVERSED ROLES

Friday September 5 was mom's birthday. She is 82. I expect not to be around next year when she reaches 83 so I thought I would drive up and spend the weekend with her. Since this was opening weekend for soccer season I went on my own and enjoyed a quiet weekend with my parents. Friday afternoon I sat listening as dad spoke of his aging aches and pains. A flood of memories filled my mind.

I was home again, a child to my parents and I rememebered...

snowball fights

hide and go seek

late nights on the front porch

climbing the tree

picking raspberries

weeding the garden

Raymond

Cardston

Medicine Hat

reading scriptures

driving the car

grocery shopping

going to church

cowboys at the Calgary Stampede

As I sat there watching my parents in their old age a tear moistened my cheek and I realized how much they now rely on their children to care for them - reversed roles.

In celebration of mom's birthday we watched a DVD then went to dinner. My brother Mark was by earlier in the day. We sat and watched video of his most recent trip to the Canadian Rockies.

I miss my home...and my childhood.

MAKIN' MEMORIES

Since my family is all together we took a ride up north to spend July 4 with anyone from my Scoville family who could be there. As it turned out Mark, Garry, me, Robert and our families managed to pull it together. Only 2 were missing - Paul and Moana - they live in Arizona.

We went hiking to Donut Falls in Big Cottonwood Canyon. SOOO MUCH FUN! If you look in the picture above you'll see that the water fall disappears for a minute. (click on the photo to view it in a larger way) It actually flows through a whole in the rock. In the past we have been able to walk right into the cave and stand under the water but the spring runoff this year is out of control. We ventured out onto this rock and took a picture as the water flowed frantically around us.

After the hike we paused to capture the memory. For those of you who know my brothers you'll be able to pick them out...Garry is not really a giant...he's just tall and then he's standing on a rock which makes him even taller. All toll my parents have 6 children and I think 23 grandchildren. On this day 4 of their children and 17 of their grandchildren celebrated July 4 with a hike to donut falls. Grandpa and Grandma are in their 80's and this was not a walk for them.

We watched the July 4 fireworks in an untraditional way and decided that we missed our St. George Sunbowl fireworks display. But everything else about the day was fabulous! It will be a wonderful memory in years to come when we find ourselves spread out all over the world.

ACCEPTING CHANGE

Rakai is going to New Zealand for 3 weeks. He's traveling with his grandparents and checking things out. He plans to move there permanently in the fall and this is a precursor to that move.

Work is taking Ra to the middle east for a month. He'll make a stop in Germany to see Isaac for his birthday then travel Kuwait, the UAE, Taiwan and other places over a month. This is the first phase of a new career path. Stay tuned for more details on that.

Isaac has been gone since August! Only a few short months before he returns. There are not words to describe how excited I am for that to happen. I miss him...tons!

So as the wife and mother in all of this and after having just moved...I'm feeling a little jolted by all the immediate and unexpected changes. But change is a good thing and I'm looking at everything in a new light.

This journey will be an adventure!

EVERYONE'S SICK

I am living among germs! Almost everyone in my house is sick. Not just a little sick but really sick. Three of the seven people here are not sick. We are counting our blessings and washing our hands...alot!

I Should Be Sleeping...

...but I'm not.

Team night is at our house tomorrow....aaannnnd what exactly is team night?

It's the night I feed 35 soccer players and promote team unity for Friday nights game. The tradition started with Rakai and continues with Ammon. So tomorrow we're having lasagna, salad,rolls, blue jello and brownies.

Blue Jello? Dixie's colors are blue and white.

So I'm awake. The house carries the aroma of chocolate brownies, the fridge is filled with blue jello and I'm feeling really tired...

The timer beeped! The brownies are done and I'm going to bed.

WEEKEND WAVES

It seems that every day I live is busier than the day before. This weekend has been no exception. Ammon was sick last week...to the point of asking to go to the doctor. We made the attempt Friday morning but it was a 2 hour wait. So I took him home and we went back later in the day. Turns out he is at stage 2 of a bronchial infection.

Taking care of him has caused me to recall my fight with pneaumonia nearly 15 years ago. I've faced near death twice in my lifetime with chest infections.

Back to the weekend...

Saturday was a run around day - two soccer games for Asa. Ammon was supposed to have two games also but he couldn't play. Ran to the post office to mail a package to Isaac - wow $36 to mail a small package. Needless to say he doesn't get many packages from home. Prepared some stuff for church...laundry...clean house...make bread...grocery shopping. I can think of other things I would rather be doing...

Climbed into bed around midnight...sleep came easy.

LIFE IN A FAST LANE

What a crazy week this has been! Last Sunday the weather was so terrible. Just as the sun was setting it started to rain. The rain turned to sleet and soon to heavy snow. The weight of the snow on a weak roof can be fatal to the inside of a building.

Needless to say, I arrived at work Monday morning to an enormous wet mess. Fellow employees were frantically moving furniture and files to our new building.

KCSG was in the process of making a move but it wasn't supposed to happen for another month. With the roof caving in we had no choice but to move to our new building ahead of schedule. We spent 2 days moving boxes, files and furniture then another 3 days washing and painting walls. The timing of this move was extremely inconvenient.

I'm sure I left a lot of things out and I know my kids wondered if they still had a mother. But we made it. A quick check at the new building today...the walls are freshly painted and the carpets are in the drying stage. KCSG business offices will be functioning at 75% on Monday...sales needs a new set-up and managers will need to settle in. Next step is to create the new studio and news room.

Can't Wait!

This Is My Life