FINISH LINE

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.

REVIEWING

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.

Where is my Island???

AND SO IT GOES

September Equinox is two days away and with it comes the close of my summer. My mind is wrapped around the memories.

Freeze time and remember...

**summer sunrise**summer skies**summer nights**summer picnics**summer love**summer weddings**summer reunions**summer breeze**summer hikes**summer joy**summer soccer**summer morn**summer strolls**summer tunes**summer drives**summer bike ride**summer parades**summer heat**summer rain**summer blossoms**summer birthdays**summer sunset**

**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."

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.

COME SEPTEMBER

"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?

MOISTURE HEALS THE ARID DESERT

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.

Welcome to the Sabbath Day!

REFLECTIONS OF THIS MORNING

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.

FAIR SERVICE

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.

FEEL THE HEAT

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!

GOLDEN BOYS

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.