Perspective

Disclaimer:  Don’t continue reading if you can’t stand a little sap!!  Sorry, to all of you but this is my only journal (I know, I suck!) and I want my children to remember not just all the fun stuff we did but the little moments that are so impactful!

I believe everyone once in a while our Heavenly Father sends an event our way that puts our lives and relationships in perspective.  I always feel particularly blessed at this time of year.  I love fall and love watching the beautiful mountains just blocks from my house change colors.  I also feel humbled when I send my children back to school.  It is amazing everything these little spirits navigate through every day. 

Recently my parents went on a cruise to Alaska… they of course did not come home empty handed.  They brought thoughtful gifts for everyone!  My mom (although retired, still a teacher at heart) bought totem poles for all of the kids and then read them a story about totem poles.  Sorry about the photo quality, I took these photos with my phone!

As most of you know my family was blessed with two new babies this summer.  Here is a photo of the grandkids, my parents and my grandma.  I am so grateful that we still get to spend time with her and that my children get to know her and create memories with her.

Check out the two new babies!  I LOVE THEM!!  I love snuggling them and having their little spirits around!  So.. back to perspective.  After returning home from my parents house on Sunday I turned on the news.  I saw the Herriman fire and was sick.  My very good friend Angie lives in Herriman.  I called quickly and Angie said she couldn’t talk they were packing to evacuate but to call her parents.  So, that I did..   Her dad said that her house was several blocks away but at that time the fire was moving quickly.  I called her mom the next day to get an update and found out everything was fine.  But in that moment, I began to think.  Think about emergency preparedness, think about what I would take.  What I realized was how blessed I am because of the people in my life.  The relationships that sustain me.. Jeff, my kids, my parents, my grandma, my siblings and the special place each of my nieces and nephews hold in my heart.  

So, I thank my Father in Heaven for the perspective.  For the events in my life that cause me to pause.  That allow me, in a silent moment to organize my priorities.

What Was I Thinking???

What a wonderful, fun, relaxing weekend.  For the first time in a while I spent the weekend, relaxing, eating, shopping and laughing.  I have never been great at maintaining old friendships.  However, about 6 months ago one of my good friends from High School and I started walking in the mornings.  I have LOVED it!  The talking is more therapeutic than the exercise.  As school started we were craving a break so we spent Friday and Saturday in Salt Lake having a blast.  I knew I was in trouble when my friend showed up with her clothes packed in her Mountain Crest Band bag.  I nearly wet my pants.   I came home rejuvenated… Maybe too much so!!!

Jordan had been working to earn a hermit crab.  For two weeks she could not tell her 1st grade teacher that her “stomach hurt.”  This was a common occurrence the first few days of school and I received several phone calls!!  Well, Jord did it.  So at 8:00 on Saturday night we hauled into Petsmart and Jordan became the proud owner of a hermit crab.

Take note of Jordan’s mouth.  She always has it like that when she is excited!  I hope that never fades!

That was not the What Was I Thinking Part… 

While we were at Petsmart shopping this white and orange cat caught my eye.  I know, I sound like the crazy cat lady!!  I have never been drawn to an animal before but I loved this cat.   When I showed the cat to Taylor she got a little teary eyed.  She told me that cat reminded her of her Grandma Alice’s (who passed away several years ago) favorite cat.  Taylor had been saving her money for a hamster but promptly decided she would use it for this cat! Anyway, about 12 hours later we ended up bringing the cat home.  CHEEZY!!!  I KNOW!!  I hesitated to even blog it but want my girls to remember the story!  I swore I would never have another cat!!

So, here is the latest addition to our family.. Skylar

For not being “an animal person” I am now the proud owner of 2 cats, a bunny and a hermit crab!  And that brings me to…  What Was I Thinking??

Founders Day 2010: PC?NOT

I love Labor Day in Wellsville.  The city celebrates Founders Day and it’s a BIG DEAL.  I love living in Wellsville.  I love that people still ride horses on the road.  I love that you still see boys walking on the street with BB guns.  I love that the town holds it’s heritage very dear and if in celebrating it offends a few far too sensitive people so be it.   If it’s something they believe in  celebrate it and if you don’t… then don’t come!  Ok… I am done now. 

 

We kicked off the day with a Kids K, 5k and 10k fun run.  We had a great time.  Jeff ran the 5K and Taylor, Mitchell, Kendall and Sammy and I ran the kids K.

Sammy ran the entire mile holding my hand.  A precious memory for me and quite possibly the most enjoyable mile I have ever ran!  All the kids did great, Taylor and Ken ran in about 9 minutes, Mitchell in about 12 and Sammy and I in 13.  Sammy did not complain the entire time and also never walked. 

Following the we went to the parade.  Taylor’s Youth 2000 was in the parade as was an Elden Dattage truck carrying the Caprielles.  I didn’t get a ton of photos because my camera broke (yuck) and I am using Taylors!

The Calvary starts the parade and the “Indians” end the parade.  Everyone then heads to the “sham battle” where the Calvary saves the day.  The Sham Battle is live with real time horse back riding, fighting and a shed starting on fire.   Check out Kim’s blog for better photos.  Jordan got tired of the sun and here is our only photo from the Sham Battle.

Following that we went to Kim and Shea’s for a BBQ.  What a great afternoon.  All my siblings were there with their kids and Jen and Jer as well.  We had a great time!!  That usually ends our day but the Watrin’s decided to participate in the youth rodeo. 

Samantha, Reagan and Hunter all rode animals of some sort.  Jill, Kim and I chased cows and WE SUCKED!!  Those cowgirls can really move! 

Jill, Adam, Maelee, Andrew, Jamie, Kendall, Kyson, Kim, Shea, Reagan, Samantha, Hunter, Jordan, Taylor and myself all attended.  How we arrived at the rodeo we will keep private but laugh at FOREVER!! 

Hunter rode his cow for 8 seconds.  Following that I heard him telling Taylor that he was sure that after working with Grandpa for about 5 years he definitely make a living at the cowboy thing!!  Our kids love their Grandpa, who was on a cruise and will be heart sick that he missed his grandkids being cowboys and cowgirls!! 

Another great Founders Day for the books..  Here is to another great year living in the little country town I feel like is my home!!