December 31, 2023

It was a bit of a sad New Year’s Eve for me. Just missing my parents so much today. Cried a bit, hung out a little, watched the kids play games, and made it to 2024. 

December 29, 2023

It has been a relaxing after Christmas week. I usually need something but this year I needed to rest and recharge and just be. D and I did get out on a winter hike today to a snow covered Lake Blanche. What a tough hike and what a good hike.

December 27, 2023

One of the talks I have really enjoyed this year is Elder Corbridge - October 2008 GC - The Way:

Jesus Christ is the Way. He is Light and Life, Bread and Water, the Beginning and the End, the Resurrection and the Life, the Savior of the world, the Truth, and the Way. There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. He is the Way. Every other way, any other way, whatever other way, is foolishness.

December 25, 2023

Merry Christmas! 

“We revere the Babe of Bethlehem precisely because He later offered the incomprehensible, infinite sacrifice in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross of Calvary.” - President Nelson 

We had a good day that included presents, family time, and "Bethleham" diner. 

December 24, 2023

Pre-Christmas celebrating the last couple of days. We had the sibling party on Friday. What a fun couple of hours that was with all of us. Sibling gifts, pizza, playing games, Mario Tshirt treasure hunt, and lots of talking about good memories and fun things with my parents.

More pre Christmas fun on Saturday at Kenzie's house. I loved the Christmas movie pick of Spirited plus hot chocolate. 

Tonight was Christmas Eve fun in South Jordan after church.

 

December 21, 2023

I didn't know I would miss my mom this much.  

I think this is my favorite picture of my parents. I love it!

July 4, 2016

December 18, 2023

Bread and strawberry/coconut jam from Clair and Spencer tasted amazing.  

December 17, 2023

Today has been so emotional. The whole day I’ve felt the hole of missing my parents. The strength I’ve felt the last couple of days seems to have left for a minute. But hopefully that’s only temporary.

December 16, 2023

I needed somewhere to cry and think where the only thing you could hear is your footsteps on slickrock. (If I'm going to shed tears, it might as well be on a trail and not on a couch.) Navajo Knobs for the win.  Nature therapy was so nice and much needed today.

 

December 15, 2023

What a beautiful and very sad day. So many people who love my mom. And she looked so peaceful. That was the prominent feeling - peaceful. I was so impressed with how many of her friends expressed how much they would miss her. Vicki Cuff gave a beautiful talk on their friendship. What a wonderful mom, grandma, and friend.

December 14, 2023

Almost every year a different part of the Christmas story seems to have more meaning to me. This year there’s a new part I haven’t related to before. Taxation. It’s mentioned in the first few verses of Luke 2:

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

This Christmas it definitely feels like I’m being taxed. Losing both parents in such a short time and with my mom leaving in December, it feels like a big taxation. But God is good. And there are these verses:

 

10 Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

 

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

God is good. I’ve had a few strengthening experiences to hopefully get me through the rest of the week. One was this morning at the Richfield cemetery. I ran there this morning and shed some tears but also felt strengthened and ready to do what I need to do tomorrow.

December 9, 2023

Listening to Rachael play in Messiah at Snow College was a happy moment from this very sad week. The Hallelujah Chorus was awesome!  “Let us live in the spirit of ‘hallelujah,’ ever praising the Lord God Jehovah.” - President Nelson. Amen. 

Had a stop in Richfield to take mom's temple clothes to Bruce at the mortuary.  I found a couple great photos:

My mom on the right:

December 8, 2023

Oh mom. You weren’t supposed to go just yet. I know I told you it was fine but now I’m not so sure. But what a gift your time in the hospital ended up being (and so very very hard). Also a gift that you went quickly and that you were ready and happy to face death. 

Alma 27:28 - they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.

 

1973 above, 2022 below

 

December 6, 2023

Got my sweet mom settled in Richfield. Unfortunately it is with hospice and not rehab. She had Don call me so she could tell me goodbye. I told her I would see her on Friday. She said - ok, but I hope not. :). I have a feeling she may be right. Picture from yesterday as she was leaving the hospital.

December 1, 2023

This quote keeps coming to mind:

 “Time heals all wounds.” No, it doesn’t! Time doesn’t heal anything. Jesus, with time and over time, heals all wounds. - Elder McKay, BYU Speech March 2021.

I hope my mom can get feeling better quickly. It has been such a hard couple days for her (and us) since she has been in so much pain with her broken hip. Today with seeing her so miserable was harder than my dad’s funeral. 

November 26, 2023

1 Peter 3:10 - love life, and see good days

November 25, 2023

Had a good afternoon with my mom. We had lunch from Ideal Dairy together with almost all of us (Cam had to stay home with her cold). The sandwich was good but they just seem to taste better on a trail. We also played 5 Crowns.  My mom must not have heard the "smile" prompt for our picture.

November 24, 2023

Enjoyed some Ryan Hamilton comedy tonight at the Delta Center with D, K and T. I love laughing. Ryan was funny and even though I had heard most of his material, I laughed a lot. The guy opening for him (Ivan Decker) was super funny. His popcorn but about the kernel getting stuck was so funny and relatable. Mi Ranchito was not the first choice for dinner but that’s where we ended up. Hay and water.

 

November 23, 2023

Great birthday trip and now home for Thanksgiving dinner in South Jordan with all my kids.

Things I really enjoyed about our trip:

Lathrop Trail. This trail was so enjoyable to me. I loved the views and seeing the land of canyons. The echo at the amphitheater was cool as was the diving board rock Darren made it out to. Seeing 4 people on a cool trail in a National park is awesome. 

Stopping in Arches. Unnamed arch I named Birthday Arch that Darren took me to was cool. I didn’t make it into the arch but Darren did. The area it is in with the red rocks and other arches is really pretty. 

Sunset in the windows area. Turret Arch always looks great at sunset. Darren’s timelapse that includes two Asian men was pretty entertaining. 

Ray’s Tavern French fries in Green River were amazing. The next time I’m ordering me my own plate. 

Canyon Co Pizza for birthday dinner at the hotel was a great way to end the birthday day. 

I told Darren I was thankful I could be his plus one for his birthday getaway. While we both agreed we like green hiking, it’s pretty cool to get to hike in the desert in November in regular hiking shoes. 

 

November 22, 2023

Happy Darren’s birthday! D and I are celebrating in Moab - Canyonlands and Arches.  Apparently most of the photos I have of him are from behind.  :)

November 20, 2023

This is how dog sitting Penny goes - she takes Baylie's toys and won't give them back.  :)  But she's cute and really likes us.

November 19, 2023

What a great weekend. Here’s a some highlights from it and from the rest of the week:

Sadie getting her license! (Hooray and phew.)

Rachael’s concert. 

Taking my mom to Rachael’s concert. 

South China for dinner in Richfield. Lemon chicken - mmm. Rylie and I both appreciate that dish. 

Bryce Canyon. 

Cotton candy clouds Friday morning. 

2 really early morning runs after taking Sadie to road at 5:30am. 

Cutie Odi and his little feet. 

James 1:5-6 with a good Sunday School discussion. 

The girls putting up the Christmas tree and some decorations. 

Listening to Jo Bros Christmas song for the first time this year. 

Mosiah 4:9 - Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend. 

November 18, 2023

We decided to visit Bryce today. Great choice! I said we should hike Fairyland Loop and Darren said we should hike Peekaboo Loop so we hiked peekaboo loop. :). D was right - that trail was magnificent today. The lighting was cool with moody clouds and we even had a little rainbow. The views were never ending and this is the best trail in the park (although I still haven’t done fairyland to compare. Found out that Ideal Dairy sandwiches taste fantastic in Bryce just like Capitol Reef. This was such a fabulous hike! A common raven showed us all his different calls. Also, this hike had more layers than Brahm’s piano concerto last night. Ha ha. 

November 15, 2023

Tonight I was hit hard with missing my dad.

November 12, 2023

Life feels heavy. It’s hard stuff to navigate for my kids. School and work and the world - hard. Thankfully I know there’s Jesus.

2 Nephi 24:3 - And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall give thee rest, from thy sorrow, and from thy fear.

November 10, 2023

Got a hike in today. Happily surprised the gate was open and trail wasn’t too icy to get to Silver Lake. I love the views there. This evening was Panda Express with D, KT, C, S. The girls were singing along to a Celine Dion Christmas song. It made me smile.

Something to remember - how much Sadie loves Zupas. Grilled cheese with a side of Mac and cheese makes up a lot of what she eats. :)

November 8, 2023

Morning walk with Kenzie around her neighborhood. Mid day had some Sadie and Camrie. Evening was a trip to REI with Darren. I like family. 

November 5, 2023

The Lord Is My Light Hymn 89

The Lord is my light; tho clouds may arise,

Faith, stronger than sight, looks up thru the skies

Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign.

Then how can I ever in darkness remain?

The Lord is my light; 

He is my joy and my song. 

By day and by night 

He leads, he leads me along.

Odi (Sadie’s crested gecko) came out to play today. 

November 4, 2023

Another ladies' days Zion adventure at Deb's cabin is in the books. We had a great time with great weather. Some East Rim Trail, petroglyphs, Canyon Overlook (way cool seeing sheep along this trail), and Pine Creek Waterfall (we were the only ones here). We ended the trip with an early morning hike to Observation Point. I loved this hike and being at the point with 2 other people for a minute and then just us. We hung out there for a bit gazing down the canyon and thinking about how the fat chipmunks have had a good tourist season. :). Deb, Lorien, Sariah, Wendy, and me. 

November 3, 2023

 

Zion sheep at Canyon Overlook

November 2, 2023

 

D, Mason, me at Mooney Falls

November 1, 2023

 

Havasu Falls

October 31, 2023

While there were so many people down there and campers right next to everyone with little privacy and the bathrooms sometimes had flies, the positive very much outweighed any negative. A few of my favorite things:

Watching Mason enjoy every minute of this trip. 

Enjoying almost every minute myself. 

The canyon walls on the hike. 

First glimpse of Havasu Falls. 

Mason’s jaw dropping. :)

Visiting Havasu Falls plenty of times. My favorite photos had the blue sky and clouds. 

Little moments just appreciating the beauty. 

Our evening game of Hearts. 

Mooney Falls. 

Having Mason's help getting down to Mooney Falls.  Then cruising back those chains to be done with that part.

Waterfall mist spray.

Not freezing. I was definitely cold Sunday, but not freezing.

Being with Darren, Mason, and Clayton in a cool place. 

Simplicity. 

Sheep on the Beaver Falls trail. 

Eating lunch with Mason by some cascades.

The bathrooms almost always had toilet paper. 

Clayton frying us up some Spam for breakfast. 

Making it out of the canyon in good time. 

October 30, 2023

Day 4 - Cold night but I survived. Phew. We guessed about 36 degrees but really I have no idea. Friday night was wonderful, Saturday cooler, Sunday cold. But we pretty much knew that. No matter how many times I checked the weather if I didn’t like it, it never changed. :)

The hike out wasn’t bad. The hard part was getting our heavy bags to the mule drop. Hiking out had pink lighting in the canyon as the sun came up with the orange walls.  It was not a warm hike out which made the last mile and a half up part doable. That and not having a heavy pack on.  This was an amazing "backpacking" trip - good times and gorgeous scenery.  I'm so thankful I got to go here. 

 

 

October 29, 2023

Day 3 - Somewhat of a rest day. Hung out at Havasu Falls for a bit thinking there might be sun there since the sun doesn’t reach our campsite. There wasn’t sun and we stayed not warm.  Hiked to Little Navajo Falls up the road. I liked these cascades. It was a cool day temp wise. We wore jackets and sweatshirts all day. Good thing someone warned us it would be cold. (Me - a thousand times. And I stressed about it constantly.) In the afternoon we walked to the top of Mooney because we decided it would be a shame to only see those falls on one day. Colder evening where we bundled up to play our round of Hearts. Another good day in Havasupai.

Me at Mooney

October 28, 2023

Day 2 - I started the day with a good cry at Havasu Falls. I just really miss my dad. (No one is at the falls at 6:30am.) Clayton cooked us up some spam this morning. :) For the day some hiked to Beaver Falls and some hiked to Beaver Falls Overlook (M and me). All hiked the sketchy chains and ladders that I call "straight down with very small footholds hold on to the chains so you don't fall to your death while being sprayed by mist from the falls" part of the trail. That is a real section that gets you from the top of Mooney falls to the bottom. (Mason loved it and I hated it. But he helped me get up and down so phew.) Speaking of Mooney Falls - that waterfall is amazing! Blows all other waterfalls out of the water. 200 feet of drop plus the blue pool was breathtaking. 

Today we played “guess the time” often. We were always way off. We decided that the campground has its own time zone. We also played “show me your best picture from today” but that game didn’t last long when Darren said, “Did you get one with a waterfall?” And he showed us his amazing picture with Mooney falls and a rainbow. Another round of Hearts to end our evening and into the tent by 8:00 because it’s been dark for 2 hours and is getting cold. Colder night but I stayed warm. 

(Mooney Falls through the tunnel)

October 27, 2023

Three and a half years in the making, it's time for our Havasupai trip!

Day 1 - We hiked the 10 miles down to the campground passing the Supai village which felt a bit like a third world country.  The hike was long but I did not expect the canyon we hiked through to be so pretty. We made it down and found a spot with 400 others right next to us.  Seeing Havasu Falls was really cool! Mason’s jaw is still on the floor. The water is the coolest color. Gatorade blue is the best description we can come up with. It is beautiful. Very, very, very beautiful. You see pictures and it's beautiful but seeing it in person was amazing.  In the shallow parts the water is the clearest blue I’ve ever seen. 

(Me, Darren, Mason, Clayton)

October 26, 2023

October 25, 2023

It’s been a miss my dad day.

October 24, 2023

I love morning skies. Today’s had clouds with a tiny tint of pink as the sun is starting to shine through the yellow trees and over the mountain on a morning walk after taking Sadie to school. Sigh. 

Elder Sabin 10/23 GC - “When nothing is expected and everything is appreciated, life becomes magical.”

“You will never be happier than you are grateful.”

October 22, 2023

Kenz and I took a Sunday visit to see my mom. It was so good to see her and spend a little time with her. We visited the cemetery and the houses my dad liked to go for a ride to. I miss that guy. I miss him so much. It was a good day and a sad day. I think this hole in my heart is just part of me now. I’m thankful Kenz came with me. 

October 21, 2023

What a great day.  Sunrise this morning, blip on Lone Peak with fall colors, cotton ball clouds, warm afternoon enjoyed outside, evening with Rylie’s request of taco soup and being together (K M R R C C S), night time Minecraft extravaganza. 

October 20, 2023

A few of the good things today:

My favorite Queen song playing in Subway as we get our sandwiches. Hike with Kenzie plus D and Baylie. Yellow leaves raining down on one part of the trail. This part of the trail also smelled like fall. Sigh. More creative Minecraft wrapping but this time for Rylie (a creeper and a frog). Rylie asking for Mambo Number 5 and Tokyo songs. Finishing listening to a good book (Unlikely Animals). Everyone here this evening for dinner and games. Kenzie cleared all her cards in SkyJo which was a first for all of us. I love that my kids have each other.

October 18, 2023

Ry’s birthday! It’s a beautiful October day for a birthday.

It’s still fall in parts of the mountain. Ridge trail has gorgeous yellow. It was fall beautiful.

I have enjoyed spending some time with Sadie the last two days. What a great kid!

October 15, 2023

It was a good weekend. Friday I thought - I sure live in a beautiful place. Fall mountains that are red and yellow plus snow capped that I can see from my house. (Also on Friday - the fish birthday party.)

Saturday had such beautiful early morning clouds on my run and then the pink sunrise topped things off. The eclipse was cool as well. 

 

Sunday had the primary program which is always a good sacrament meeting. Then we had such a great Sunday school lesson I got to lead on Philippians and Colossians. I really like talking about Jesus and learning with others how to improve just a little. Philippians 4:7 - And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

 

Birthday dinner in South Jordan with breakfast was so delicious. 

October 13, 2023

The girls are so funny. Sadie planned a birthday party for her fish. The others were game and we celebrated this evening. Sadie said presents were required. Quote of the day - “Since Jimin doesn’t have hands, we’ll have to open her presents for her.”  

 

October 11, 2023

Sadie pointing out a rainbow to me just made me smile.

October 9, 2023

Went on an after work hike with Darren and Baylie up AF canyon. The yellow was amazing tonight, especially as the sun would light up pockets of yellow. 

October 8, 2023

You and I? We can do this! We can hold on and hope on! We can stay at the tree and partake of the fruit with a smile on our face, letting the Light of Christ in our eyes become something others can count on in their darkest hours. As they see light manifest in our countenances, they will be drawn to it. We can then help refocus their attention to the original source of love and light, “the bright and morning star,” Jesus Christ. - Sister Runia October 2023 GC.

October 7, 2023

Good day celebrating Cam! That girl is amazing and now 19. And would it really be a birthday celebration without Froyo and The Ol’ Spaghetti Factory? Hard to know since we included those in the celebration again this year. Also Mabey’s Pumpkin Patch and some serious pumpkin carving. It was also a Minecraft celebration. Rylie’s Minecraft present wrapping was over the top and made us all laugh. 

Cam likes - mango smoothie, Minecraft, Baylie, winter, egg rolls, sushi, bluebs and fruit, her bed. 

Cam doesn’t like - school. 

 

October 6, 2023

Today's hike was brought to you by the color yellow. Dog Lake was a great choice today for a fall hike.