The Pioneer Trek – a primary talk

We got back from the Pioneer Trek Saturday evening and Brynlee was asked to give a talk the next day in primary. She chose to speak on the Pioneer Trek. Here is the sweet little talk that she wrote:

Last week my family went on a pioneer trek to Martins Cove. It was hard work, but a lot of fun.  We pulled handcarts for twelve miles in two days. I got to be in the very front and lead the way. We wore pioneer clothes and got to cross the Sweetwater River, just like the pioneers did a long time ago.  We heard a lot of stories about the pioneers and the hard things that they did. My favorite part of the pioneer trek was when we hiked up to the cove. It was very, very hot, but lots of fun. The cove is where the pioneers in the Martin Handcart Company went to find shelter from the bad winter weather. It was so fun to spend time with my family. I know that when we do good activities together as a family we will be strengthened. I love spending time with my family.

The Pioneer Trek – a journal entry

So we survived the pioneer trek. Not only did we survive, we actually quite enjoyed! It was a neat experience, and Spence and I have both mentioned numerous times that we are so glad that we didn’t pass up on the opportunity. Kudos to my Uncle Jim and Aunt Rose for organizing everything, they did a fantastic job. The whole experience made me fall even more deeply in love with my family. And God too. I know he is real. And that he is mindful of me. And you. This experience has given me a new-found will to develop a deeper relationship with Him. It put things into perspective and reminded me why I am really here and what is really important. Not that I had forgotten entirely, but a refresher is always a good thing.

The mosquitoes were terrible. The car ride long. The preparation consuming. At times it was really, really hot. And at another time there was a terrible hail storm with thunder so loud that it shook the tent and scared Marlee to tears. My camera battery died and I didn’t get to take many pictures. Our entire water cooler spilt on Marlee – drenching her from head to toe. And then our tent got taken over by ants. And I missed a lot of the pioneer stories because I was busy with children – I hope we weren’t too disruptive for others.

But the experience was one that made every bit of it worth it.

My little Jace was upfront pulling the handcart the entire time. Right next to his dad and his grandpa. It would choke me up from time to time watching him up there pulling our load, alongside two of my most favorite men. He was too short to see over the handcart, so he’d keep his head down, his hat barely above his eyes, watching his feet for direction. He was so determined and I was amazed by his strength to keep on.

We were the captain handcart the first day and so our handcart was placed in the very front.  Brynlee so enjoyed being in the front, and I had to remind her from time to time to not get to far ahead of the group. Out of everyone in our family, she was the most excited to set out on this adventure. She loved gathering pioneer clothes, and preparing our camping supplies. I said multiple times before we headed out on trek that I was doing it for Brynlee – she wanted to go so badly. The day before we left she got sick and I wondered if she would be well enough to go. I mentioned the idea of not going to her and she promised me by the time we made it to camp she would be all better. And she was. 

Marlee was a trooper. She rode the bumpy handcart pretty well the first day and only complained when she would have to be put back into the handcart after a break. But then, during the women’s pull, the water cooler tipped over on her. After that she was so over riding in the handcart. The second day I carried her for most of the trek, passing her off from time to time to Grandpa and Spencer to catch my breath as we hiked the mountain into the cove. That night, in the tent, as I watched my children sleep I cried. Maybe a little out of exhaustion, some because of a great testimony meeting that we had just had, but mainly because I realized that there was an object lesson in me having to pack Marlee around on my hip as we walked the six miles that day. What a simple task it seemed to Marlee for me to carry her as I hiked. Not because she was being selfish or because she expected too much, but because I’m her mom! And as such I’m her superhero – her protector, her strength, her safety. Just as I thought my mom and dad were superheroes capable of saving the world, my kids too believe that Spence and I are capable of … well, everything. I’m so lucky that God trusted me enough to allow me to mother Brynlee, Jace and Marlee. I realize that there will be a time - probably sooner than later - where my kids will realize that Spence and I aren’t superheroes; that we are actually quite average, at best. But I hope I am always strong enough to carry them (so to speak) when they feel tired, or scared or overwhelmed. And I hope they always trust me enough to allow me to do so.

Marie was asked to sing a song at the top of Martin Cove. The Prayer of a Walking Child. My camera was dead so I didn’t get to record it, but she sounded just like an angel. She has talent. I’m so proud of my baby sister. She’s a sweet girl, with a kind heart. A while back Zeb joked that it’s going to be completely overwhelming for the lucky guy that Marie brings home to meet her parents. He will have to be introduced to her mom and dad, and her mom and dad, and her mom and dad, and her other mom and dad, and her mom and dad, and one more mom and dad. Bless his heart. Because she is so much younger than us I think we all feel the need to mother her. But it’s because we love you, Marie. You are pretty special to all of us. 

We trekked with about 80 members of my extended family, ranging in age from about 6 months to about 66 years old, I believe.  A sight that I am certain made Grandpa and Grandma smile in heaven. After the women’s pull it started to rain. A steady sprinkle that was enough to cool you off and wet your hair but not enough to soak you completely. Brynlee asked if she could get her rain poncho out. The missionary that was trekking with our family that day overheard her, and told her that she might not need her poncho because it wasn’t really raining, that it was actually just Grandpa and Grandma crying in heaven. I believe him, and I soaked in that rain. Grandpa and Grandma had to have been so proud.

Because Spence and my little family and dad and Marie were the only members of our immediate family able to attend the trek we were put into a pioneer “family” with my cousin Willy, his wife Meagan and their sweet little girl Reece. Reece is five years old, a social butterfly, cute as can be, and also blind - but you would never know that unless you were told. I loved watching Reece. Her lack of sight did not slow her down in the least. I’m still in awe at her abilities. She was independent, cheerful, a little mother to the other children and certainly wasn’t defined by her inability to see. But as much as I loved watching Reece, I loved watching Meagan mother Reece even more. Sometimes I have a hard time allowing my children to define who they are without me hovering. I have this overwhelming need to protect them. I’ve realized this trait in myself and in the last year or so have been really aware and consciously trying to be better. And I think I’ve made improvements, although there is still room for more. But it’s hard at times, and sometimes it even hurts. But as I watched Meagan mother Reece I took mental notes. She never doubted Reece’s ability and seldom intervened – even when she could see what Reece couldn’t. She would let her discover for herself. Reece never said I can’t, and Meagan never told her you can’t. Because she could. And she would. And if Reece ever felt lost or confused she would holler out “Mom!” and that’s when Meagan would intervene – only when she was asked. “I’m right here, Reece. Turn left.” or “You bag is a far reach to the right Reece, next to the water.” or “Your almost there, Reece, four more steps in front of you.” She never said come back, or don’t climb on that, or you’re going to get hurt you shouldn’t do that. The day we were leaving camp we stopped in front of the Willie Handcart Company sign to take a picture. Reece wanted to “see” the sign. Her parents told her that it was way too high up in the sky to “see”. But she asked again, and again. So Meagan walked her over to the sign. She let her touch the metal base. Then the rocks that held the metal carving of the pioneers. Then she held her and lifted her hand up in the sky, pointing to how high up the sign actually was, and while helping her arm form an arch like the shape of the sign she read her the words of the sign. It was a sweet sight, Meagan not only being Reece’s mom, but also her eyes.

Life is good. God is real. We can do hard things. And will do hard things.  The flag I made for our families handcart had the quote “Come What May and Love It”. Which is easy to do when life is going smoothly, and all is well. But this is life. And like the weather, it changes. Trials come and go. Good times turn into hard time. Weaknesses are uncovered, and smooth sailing tends to get bumpy every now and again. No matter how good summer is, winter always follows. And when the hard times come and the rain starts to fall, I hope that I have the strength and courage to love it too. 

bits and pieces of this and that

I haven’t felt much like writing lately. I've learned that for me it’s a desire that ebbs and flows. An apparently it’s been much more ebb than flow lately. But then sometimes, in all the ebb, I get a tiny flicker of flow. Tonight feels like one of those times. So I’ll write…

I can’t believe that we are nearing July’s end. And there are school supplies lining the aisles of the stores. Bleh. In the past I've been really good at making the kids do a couple workbook pages every day in the summer. Just to keep up on things, you know. But this summer we've really neglected it. In fact, I think we've only pulled out workbooks three or four times all summer long. And that was back the first part of June. I think I should probably remedy that. Especially since all the stores keep reminding me that school is right around the corner.

We've been prepping for our family’s upcoming pioneer trek. And by prepping I actually mean doing absolutely nothing in terms of getting ready for the upcoming pioneer trek, and then worrying and stressing that I've still yet to do anything to get ready for the upcoming trek. We have been reading little pioneer stories each night for scripture study though. And Brynlee is in the process of preparing Monday’s FHE lesson – pioneers are the theme. So that counts as something, right.

We are headed to Martin’s Cove. For four days. It should be …I don’t know, an adventure, maybe?  Grueling? A good experience? Absolutely exhausting? A mix of all of the above, I suppose. I expect there will be times when I question why we agreed to such a stupid thing. But I hope it will also be sprinkled with good memories for the kids. There is something about parading around in the mountains, dressed as our pioneer ancestors, without showers, or television, or any modern conveniences, really, that allows you to feel extremely close to God. That’s the part that makes it all worth it. I hope that’s the part that the kids remember.

Spence and I debated leaving Marlee with one of my sisters since none of them are able to go. But when I mentioned the idea to Brynlee she reprimanded me. “Marlee is part of our family too, mom!” Which true, she is. But she’s also TWO. And the recipe for modern day two year olds doesn't include absence of baths, and the abundance of mosquitoes, and pioneer bonnets, and twelve miles of hiking with a handcart. But Brynlee is right, Marlee is part of our family, and I suppose dragging a two year old along will just make it seem that much more realistic (read: HARD). If I come home after one night on the trail don’t think any less of me. That’s why I was born in a day of modern conveniences and not during pioneer time, thankyouverymuch! Well that, and pillow top mattresses. Oh, and also air conditioning. And razors!

We spent last weekend in SLC with Mom, Dad, Marie, Katie and baby Tyson. On Saturday we had a family dinner. Julie Rogers, an amazing artist who happens to be married to my dad’s cousin, also came and spoke to us. And now that I say that, I not feeling confident that that is how she is related to us. But regardless, somehow we're related. And more importantly her art was absolutely beautiful and her stories were touching. To hear her personal stories behind her artwork was a neat experience. It brought her artwork to life. Then we spent Sunday morning at my cousins missionary farewell, and Sunday evening at Temple Square. And we finished with a bang, packing Monday as full as possible: the zoo, the natural history museum, the planetarium and the children’s museum. In fact, we packed it so full that by Monday night we were all too tired to make the drive home. So instead we drug our luggage back into the hotel and extended our little mini vacation one more night. Since Spence wasn’t able to come with us we were all pretty anxious to get home to daddy come Tuesday morning. Jace especially. Daddy is that boy’s very best friend. Spence made coming home that much cooler and surprised us all with little welcome home gifts. I think he missed us too.

Jami and Zeb stopped by for an unexpected visit this evening. And tomorrow night we are planning a backyard camp-out. Spence has requested s’mores and the kids want glow sticks. I think I will make dutch oven for dinner. Or, on second thoughts, maybe I’ll just warm up something in the microwave. Because that’s the beauty of camping in your own backyard, the microwave is totally an option. And a pioneer I am not!

The kids and I at Temple Square

Baptism

Brynlee brought home a few school writing assignments today.  There was one titled, My Baptism. I thought it was sweet.

(all spelling errors are the authors own).

My Batptism

by Brynlee

I’m going to write about the time I was baptised. I was very exsited, in fact I was so exsited I couldn’t even sleep. I woke up at 6:00 in the morning. I got dressed in my baptisom dress. Then ate breakfast, brushed my teeth, comed my hair, and went to the church. Then I waited. People talked and talked.

Then we finey whent to get babtised. The water was warm. I felt happy. It was the best day ever! I loved it!

The end.

*****

And then there was this one from her journal. (journal, not a diary. which means moms are allowed to look. …says me, that's who.)

My Baptison

3-29-14

I am going to write about my baptism. I woke up and feed my fish that I got for my birthday. Then I ate toast for breackfast. After I ate I got my clothes on, hair combed, teeth brushed, and hopped in the car. My dad and I came a hour early, to find a jump suit to wear. We had to wait and the floor was very coald. When everybody was there we sang a song. The song was Baptism. This was the secent time I had sang it. Then we said a prayer. After that a lot of people talked and than anether song and prayer. Then anether bunch of people bare there testamony. Then we did a song and prayer. By this time we sang a song and said a prayer. Then we went to get bapised. Then I did get baptized and confermed. It was fun. After that we came home and had lunch. While we ate my dad siad: did you like getting baptized 2 times. becese the frist time my feet came up. Yes, I said.

P.S. I forgot a cuple of things I wanted to say. The water was warm.

*****

I am so proud of Brynlee. I love her so much, and I am so proud of her decision to be baptized.

And for the record … she had to get baptized twice, not because her feet came up, but because her daddy messed up on one of the words in the baptismal prayer. I can’t remember exactly, but I think he said for instead of of. Oops. But he made sure to reiterate to Brynlee how lucky she was because she got to get baptized twice – not all kids get to do that.

And also for the record, we need to work on the spelling of baptism. 

12 on the 12th [12.12.12]

12..12.12 was a special day for our family. It’s a day that will be remembered and recalled forever after. It was an ending point and a starting point all in the same. It’s a day that deeply changed so many of us – especially my little sister and her husband. On 12.12.12 at 7:44 pm sweet baby Maycie Laine joned our family.  Because of the day’s sacredness, I’ve had some reservation about posting my December 12 on the 12^th. Mainly because my little photo journal of the day seems so trivial and will not even began to tell the beautiful story that came to be on 12.12.12. But at the same time, Maycie’s story is one that needs told and remembered and posting my 12 on the 12^th is a tiny way for me to help document that day. So in baby Maycie’s honor, my 12 on the 12 from December 12, 2012:

 

01.   The Countdown. The day started out just like the day before, and the day before that, and the day before that: counting down ‘till Christmas. 13 days to go…

02.  From Spencer. Well I’ll be … a 12 on the 12^th blogging idea from the Mr.

03.  His Countdown. Building Santa’s beard one day + one cotton ball at a time.

04.  Big News at 11:41. I got the text as I was headed into town to grab a few groceries. Instead I headed to Kate and Jake’s house to help them pack + get more details + take their milk and bread so it wouldn’t go bad {and so my family would have a few groceries while I was away (win/win)}.

05.  Packing. At the time we were still being told that Kate would be life flighted to SLC, so we knew time was of the essence if we were to make it to the hospital in time to be with Katie. I’ve never packed so fast {and so randomly} in my life. Still, even with my quick packing, Mom and Dad beat Marlee and me to our decided meet up spot. Probably because I took time to stop and take a picture. Ha.

06.  The don’t forget list. Scribbled out for Mr. Mom.

07.  While driving. University of Utah bound.

08.  The belly. A self portrait of a pregnant Katie taken in the U of U hospital bathroom.

09.  Waiting Room. Katie ended up not having to be life flighted and we made it to Salt Lake City with time to spare. And so we waited. Waiting became the name of the game for dad, mom and I. And since we didn’t have cell phone service in the labor and delivery waiting room {which sidenote: what in the world did people do before cell phones. Seriously. The cell phone was a constant. We would hear any bit of information and would start the chain of calls to the rest of the family that were at home waiting and praying.} Anyway, we didn’t get cell phone service on the labor and delivery floor, so we would wait in the main lobby three floors down. By the end of our short stay I think I walked the route from Katie’s floor to the front lobby…I don’t know…at least 5 billion times.

10.   The proud parents. Maycie was born at 7:44pm and weighed 3 lbs 3 oz and was 16 inches long.

11.    Meeting Maycie. We got to briefly meet baby Maycie before she was transported to Primary Childrens. Maycie was absolutely, beyond words, beautiful. The body that housed her little spirit was weak and imperfect. But her spirit was unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. Even with everything going on around Maycie – the machines, the beeping, the lights, the testing - she seemed so peaceful and comforted. Again, her beauty was beyond words. Indescribable.

12.   Miracles. I took this photo while my mom and I walked around Primary Childrens in the late evening hours trying to find Jake something to eat. All the cafeterias had closed for the night, and we wandered for at least an hour in search of a sandwich. At this time we didn’t know Maycie’s fate, but this Christmas tree told what all of us were hoping and praying for. A Miracle. Looking back, a miracle is exactly what we got. Maycie short life was, and is, and will forever be, a miracle!

6am on 12.14.12, about 36 hours after her arrival little Maycie Laine returned home to Heavenly Fathers welcoming arms.

Forwarding with Hope

One week, one day ‘till school starts. (!!) I can’t believe it. What a whirlwind of a summer it has been. We’ve spent the last few days finishing summer off with a bang. A family reunion, houseguests, a trip to Jami’s grandpa’s massive garden {freezer corn, yes please} and so much more.

I will be posting pictures soon, but today my mind is elsewhere and my heart is heavy. Today my little sister and her husband got devastating news. News that has yet to be fully defined and news that is certain to forever change them. Please help us embrace them. If you would, please remember Kate and Jake and their sweet baby girl in your prayers. They need prayers. And since I know so many of you know and love Katie, please take a second to leave her some encouraging words {here}.  Right now amidst the shock, grief and unknown they need love.

XOXO

she wore white

her day

::my family::

My kids are exhausted today. Ex.hau.sted! Uncle Jake watched Brynlee and Jace while I went to a doctor’s appointment this morning. Jace had a full on melt down when it was time to leave. Kicking, screaming, fit throwing. I asked Jake if they were okay while he watched them and he said they were great. I think he’s a dirty liar. They weren’t great. They couldn’t have been. At my house they’ve been nothing but fits and tears.

It’s been dreamy.

Truth be told I’m exhausted too. And if it didn’t take so much energy to throw myself on the floor and kick and scream and act half animal I would join in. But alas, I’m short on energy.

Yesterday was Marlee’s baby blessing. She looked beautiful and I couldn’t kiss her enough. At the end of a long day Spence and I collapsed on the couch and marveled at her perfection, the same way we did when Brynlee was that age, and Jace too. My little family makes me so happy. And although my heart swells with happiness, my mind has a hard time putting it into the right words. Joy, it’s hard to explain.

Yesterday our house was full. 47 guests in total.

Today I am trying to make sense of it all. I’ve washed three loads of tablecloths, four loads of dishes, cleaned the yard, vacuumed and cleaned everything upstairs and fixed some strange dug up dirt mess in my flower gardens {kids, I’m assuming}. I’ve yet to step foot in the toy room - it looks like a bomb went off in there. I’m thinking I will wait until tomorrow; I may need a good night’s sleep before tackling that level of disaster.

Good things about yesterday:

:: my beautiful baby marlee {i’ve yet to take pictures of marlee in her blessing dress, yesterday was just too crazy. but we will be playing dress up in the next day or two and i will post pictures then.}

:: getting out of the shower  in the morning and realizing that jace was already dressed in church clothes. he came running in to ask if he looked handsome. and he did!

:: me and marlee in an empty house before heading off to church. we snuggled in the quietness.

:: a beautiful pink blanket with matching tiny booties. made by rachel.

:: kali jo coming to marlee’s blessing. she’s a constant, i don’t think she’s missed one of my families big events. her friendship means so much to me.

:: a baby blessing given by spencer. he is my everything.

:: a ward family that loves and supports us.

:: my siblings, they don’t have to be asked to take charge and they know their way around my kitchen. i love them!

:: watching brynlee with her cousins. she had so much fun – playing with cousins that she only sees a couple times a year, even – that’s a big step for my shy girl.

:: alan and brad braving the heat and stacking all the tables and chairs just to be helpful.

:: grandpa keith climbing to the top of our maple tree.

:: my mom and dad dead asleep on the couch. with mouths wide open! {i have blackmail pictures mom, so you had better be on your best behavior}

:: texts from caring people to make sure i had survived the event.

:: surviving.

:: my girl with grandpa and grandma m::

::pa and his newest love, until january anyway::

:family//my side//minus one: jake::

::family//spence's side//minus 30, if I am counting correctly::

::because it made me laugh//love you three::

Of insects and strawberries and the FHE giggles

I got the giggles during Family Home Evening last night. The kinda giggles that make your eyes water and leave you gasping for air.

I was doomed from the beginning, really. Brynlee had informed me first thing Monday morning that she would be heading that evenings FHE. She had it all under control and I was to do nothing to prepare. We are going to learn about insects, do a craft and dip strawberries in chocolate for dessert, she said. Will you tell dad he’s in charge of the lesson? It needs to be about how God gave us bugs, okay mom.

Okay, Brynlee.

Later that day she brought in a canning jar full of leaves and Rollie Pollies. There for tonight’s FHE lesson, she told me. And I was to keep an eye on them – to make sure they didn’t “escape”.

Come FHE time the giggles were already swelling in my chest. Jace requested that we sing the Iron Man theme song to get things started. Again. It’s sort of become our little families weekly FHE tradition. Next up, Scripture Power. Except none of us could really remember the words. So you know, it sounded really good. Jace’s next song choice was The Hulk – sang to the same tune as the Iron Man theme song. Spencer made up the words and we all sang along. Trapped in the body of Bruce Ban-ner, He’s The-Green-Hulk! By the sixth superhero song {all sang to the same tune as the Iron Man theme song} I was fighting to swallow the giggles.  

When Brynlee decided to compose her own song {with hand movements and body gestures} on the spot, I lost it. Mainly because Spencer was standing right beside her swaying like a flower and trying to recite her made-up words. I caught his eyes, sensed that he was fighting his own urge to break out in laughter and could no longer control myself.

I laughed through the rest of the songs, straight through the prayer and through Spencer’s lesson – God created bugs because he loves us!

By the time that Brynlee dumped a canning jar of Rollie Pollies out on the coffee table for us to observe and touch, I could barely breathe. Especially when one of the exhibit insects was a little slow in its Rollie Pollie movements {read: dead-ish}.

Add in the strawberries + chocolate {that Brynlee served on top of the kitchen counter out of a family shared bowl} and the insect cards that Brynlee had us make and it really was one of my favorite FHE nights to date. Kids are the coolest thing ever.

Speaking of the insect cards. Brynlee's craft was to draw a card with bugs and insects and give it to somebody we love.

Jace drew his for daddy. He told us it says, I love my daddy with ants and flies on the front:

Spencer returned the favor and gave his to Jace:

Brynlee made hers for Aunt Katie. {P.S. Kate: She put it in an envelope, added a two cent stamp on it and wrote KATE in big pink letters across the front and put it in the mailbox. You should be expecting mail}.

I made mine for Jami. Because out of all my siblings she’s my favorite:

The weekend before.

We spent last Sunday at my little sister’s house watching General Conference. The whole gang was there gathered around the television in Jami’s front room. Our family is getting bigger – ten grandkids now if you count my soon to be and ten-year-old Aunt Marie {and we do}. Add in the twelve adults and it’s loud when we hang out. Loud and rambunctious and a teeny bit overwhelming. Just as a family get-together should be.

Here’s five things that made me smile on General Conference Sunday.

One. Singing along with a YouTube video to the apostle song. We are learning it in primary in our ward and I think it’s so fun that I suggested that the entire family learn it.

Two. The fringed denim cowgirl duster. Enough said.

Three.  When dad broke Jami’s chair.

Four. Since we weren’t planning on all being together for Easter Weekend we celebrated with the Grandma & Grandpa Easter baskets a week early. The Grandma & Grandpa Bunny we call it. My mom tends to go a bit over board on holidays with bags for each kids of random randomness: shoes, clothes, random toys, treats, anything goes really. My mom gets a kick out of it, the kids love it, and grandpa pays for it.

Anyway, on Easter Sunday Brynlee leaned over during church and said, “Mom, when I grow up and have kids you will be there grandma, right?” I confirmed and she continued “Okay then…you HAVE to do the Grandma Bunny like Grandma B does because my kids need to be just as spoiled as your kids are!”

Five. The fact that Jace cried the entire way home because he wanted to go back to be with his cousins.

Okay, it made me smile at first. But about midway I was ready to throw him out the window. {And don’t think that I’m above threatening with such a thing.}

Searching for the Grandma Bunny Bags

Jace

The Girls
{minus Chloe}

In regards to the weekend:

::at the concert::

On Saturday we went to the Homecoming Parade.  It was two hours long.  Sheesh.  But the kids got enough candy to rot all their teeth so we deemed it successful nonetheless.  Is it lame that my family loves a parade?  {hypothetical question, no need to answer that}  The parade made me fully aware of the number of dance studios that are in our town.  My heck.  I told Spence that I wasn’t sure which there were more of: auto part stores or dance studios.  Both have a ridiculous amount.  We left the parade with two bags of candy, a stack of fliers, a few pencils, a football and four potatoes.  Way to go, I-da-ho!

I love conference.  This conference session came at just the right time for me, my soul felt weary and it needed this boost.  I think my favorites were the talk given to dads on how to raise daughters and the talk given by Cook reminding us that it’s better to look up.  And is President Monson not hilarious?  And Uchtdorf absolutely amazing?  His talks are always just what I need to hear.  I know the church is true, in case you were wondering.

On Saturday evening the kids and I went to The Standards concert {which now, apparently, go by Spencer’s Own}.  Loved it.  My favorite parts:  Jace clapping with both hands above his head for the majority of the two hour concert.  Brynlee asking if I minded if she stood up and danced.  Jace and I standing up and dancing with her.  Sensing Brynlee & Jace’s excitement when they sang “the lion king song”.  Putting my kids in their pj’s and letting them fall asleep on the ride back home.  Only thing that would have made it better is if Spencer could have joined us.  I called him immediately after the concert though to tell him how much fun we had and to remind him that we have the cutest kids in the world.  He agreed.

We didn’t get out of our pajamas, brush our teeth our comb our hair all day long on Sunday.  None of us.  And it’s just the way a conference weekend should be.

Brynlee and I spent a good portion of the Sunday morning conference session working on her ALL ABOUT ME poster.  All the glitter and gems at her immediate disposable made her giddy with excitement.  For reals.  She loves, loves, loves working on craft projects like this.  We ended up with an ALL ABOUT ME paper doll so over the top and flashy that it would make a Vegas showgirl jealous.  Tomorrow she will take it to school so she can be featured as the VIP.  And SHE GETS TO BE THE LINE LEAD!  So hot dang it’s going to be a great week at Kindergarten.

It’s been feeling a little fall-ish outside.  I’m ready for the weather to change and for the leaves to fall.  I think I will unbury my totes of Halloween decoration from the place they rest 11 months out of the year and then the kids and I can “ooh” and “aah” over all the cute decorations we forgot we had.  While he eat bags and bags of Halloween {birthday} candy.  Oh, and some parade candy too.  Our dentist loves us. 

Happy Monday.

A favor, returned.

mom with her girls

June 2006

I never went to a girls camp without my mom. Never.

When I went to my very first girls camp, at age 12, mom was a leader. When I went at 13, mom was a leader. She was the leader the year that we decorated with sunflowers made of green grenade balloons and yellow construction paper. She was there the year we did the skit about Mathew 25: 34-40. And when Bishop Sutherland taught us how to sing "McGregor is Dead," and "Three Sharptooth Buzzards". Every year I went, she went.

Mom would spend endless amounts of time prepping for the camp. She'd worry about are camp theme and song. How we were going to decorate the cabin. How to divide up secret sisters. What to eat. And what to do for the camp crafts.

This particular year was no different. Jami and I were Young Women doing the girls camp thing; my mom, just like the year before, was our mom doing the camp leader thing. It was a ward camp this year and Stanley, Idaho was our destination.

After arrival we set up camp, ate Brother Johnston's Dutch oven dinner and tried to get some sleep for tomorrow we would venture out on that years girls camp hike.

At the beginning of the hike mom realized her shoes weren't made for hiking. They rubbed and irritated her feet. It was a bit of a joke at first, "Way to go, Mom", "That's what you get for not being prepared" we'd joke. But then the hike got longer. And harder. We were hiking in the mountains, weaving between trees and sagebrush. And trying to navigate our way on a path made of jagged rocks and untamed sticks and tree roots. Mom's joints are bad. Her knees were aching, and her ankles weak. The shoes had already rubbed visible blisters. She was in pain.

Around the hike's halfway mark we were all exhausted and ready to be done. It was then that we came to a small creek. To cross the creek a log had to be used as a bridge. Holding our arms out for balance and taking small steps, one-by-one we wobbled to the other side. When it was mom's turn, she lost her footing. Slipped. And landed into the creeks cold water. Her already uncomfortable feet were now soaking wet.

We had come too far for mom to turn around. Plus, she wouldn't be able to find her way back to camp without our hike leader. So she kept walking. Forward. Her body ached. Her feet were blistered. And with every step her wet Levis, rubbed. And her wet shoes, squeaked. I could feel her pain.

We came to a point in the hike that was at a steep incline. Most of the hikers were having a hard time making it up the mountain side. Mom especially. She was wet. Blistered. Throbbing. She was defeated. And she told me and Jami so.  There was no way she could finish the hike, she argued.

So I took mom's left hand and Jami took her right.  And we kept walking. Pulling mom, and her pained, wet body behind us.  That hike was hard.  All of our faces were red with exhaustion. We were sore, tired and uncomfortable. But, we were not defeated. We were going to finish that hike. The three of us. Together!

Later that night, when we were safe back at camp, my Young Women's leader put her arm around me telling me how proud she was of Jami and me. I smiled and accepted the complement. But, it was a complement that didn't need given. Praise that was undeserved.

Because so many times before, and so many times since, I've been the pained hiker with wet shoes and burning knees. And my mom the rescuer, grabbing my hand and pulling me up the mountain side.

This small act was my teenage way of giving back; a way to say thank you.
Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for never missing a volleyball game or a dance performance or a speech competition.
Thank you for lecturing when I needed lectured.
Thank you for laughing when I needed to laugh.
Thank you for dancing with me.
Thank you for praying for me.
Thank you for asking a million questions.
Thank you for being patient.
Thank you for having a sense of humor.
Thank you for always being there to pull me up the mountain.

But most of all,
Thank you, mom, for being my mother.

I loved you then. And I love you now.
Happy Mother's Day, Mom.