Rod & Patrice Hunt Family

Behavior Modification. . .

2012-01-26T08:43:00.002-07:00

A new "SUPER PAIN PILL" is scheduled to hit the local pharmacy in the near future, and the news coverage is talking about how devastating this can be to already addiction-prone people.

I've thought about it a lot. What is the answer? Governmental control? Vigilante watchdog groups? Obsessive (dedicated?) parents on the look-out?

And then I thought of a quote from Elder Boyd K. Packer several years ago:

"Doctrine can change behavior quicker than talking about behavior will."

If we will LIVE THE GOSPEL PRINCIPLES (doctrine), we will be more able to resist the temptations of the world.

If we keep the Word of Wisdom, we won't have any problem with drug addiction, alcoholism, tobacco addiction, etc.

This may seem rather simplistic, but ultimately the gospel of Jesus Christ IS simple!! And it is much easier to live IT, than to live without it...in MY humble opinion!! ^_^

DEDICATED???

2012-01-23T22:35:00.001-07:00

The 5 minute "RUSH" paint job before piano lessons started. . .

. . . And this would be the CORRECTED version!!

Why Go To Church?

2012-01-22T15:01:00.003-07:00

Sometimes people "just don't feel like going" to Church. Maybe it's easier to stay in bed; maybe there's something "more fun" to do, etc.

Well, I agree with Aunt Sue: "Be where you're supposed to be, when you're supposed to be there." Whether it's attending our church meetings, being in class, going to work, etc., we should be where we're supposed to be when we're supposed to be there.

This is especially true with church. We won't get fired or fined if we don't go, but we do miss out on some very important guidance, instruction, and revelation that we would have received had we been where we were supposed to be when we were supposed to be there.

For instance, Nate Staheli was one of the speakers in our Sacrament Meeting today. The things he shared had a big impact on me and were great reminders.

Remember the brother of Jared at the time of the tower of Babel, and how his language was not confounded along with Jared and their family and friends? They were commanded to leave the land they had known all their lives, there was much preparation of food, animals, seeds, and other supplies. And then they were instructed to build several barges, in which they were to travel with all the things they had prepared. They were even given the means to have light in their barges.

Once all the preparations were made and everything was loaded within the "tight like a dish" vessels, they boarded their barges, set forth into the sea, "commending themselves unto the Lord their God."

The very next verse is interesting: "And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters..."

I wonder how many of the people in those barges got seasick, how many were scared to death, how many questioned their sanity at undertaking this "adventure." The brother of Jared knew what he had been commanded to do; hopefully others sought and received their own witness of what the Lord was telling them to do. Once the "furious winds" started to blow, there must have been some extremely difficult times...and it lasted nearly a YEAR...yep, three hundred and forty-four days!!

Another interesting point is brought up as the sentence is finished: "...caused that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters towards the promised land;"

Was it difficult for them to envision a "promised land" as waves crashed around them and they were tossed about, not for just a day or two, but a LONG TIME! In fact, the scriptures say, "And it came to pass that the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land while they were upon the waters; and thus they were driven forth before the wind." Sheesh!! I can't even imagine how tough that must have been!

Now, my question is this: Have we ever started on a "journey" that we were spiritually guided to, and then found ourselves saying in so many words: "What is going on?! I thought You told me to do this...but nothing is going right!! This is STUPID! Why should I even try if all I'm going to get is a bunch of TRIALS!?!?"

Perhaps we need to take a deep breath, (also known as "suck it up!") and endure our trials well as we are "blown towards the promised land." It might take a LONG TIME, but then, again, it might not!

BE where we're supposed to be when we're supposed to be there; LEARN what we're supposed to learn; DO what we're supposed to do, and we truly will arrive (maybe 'tossed and somewhat battered) in the "promised land."

(Ether 1:33, parts of Ether 2, and Ether 3)

Great Quote, Nat!

2012-01-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

I saw this posted on Natalee's Facebook page and HAD to re-quote it here:

Forgiving does not erase the bitter past.

A healed memory is not a deleted memory.

Forgiving what we cannot forget creates a

new way to remember.

We change the memory of our past

into a hope for our future.

Dad's 56th Birthday

2012-01-15T10:29:00.002-07:00

It sure is different having birthdays without kids at home...but it was fun anyway. Dad woke me up when the alarm went off, but I told him I was going to sleep a little longer. He went in and built a fire, then got in the shower. That's when I LEAPT into action: I went into the kitchen and made the fastest treasure hunt of my life...the clues were pretty bad, but at least they were clues! I quickly put them in their spots: under Dad's chair, in the dryer, in the camping equipment, and the "treasure" was in the piano closet.

After the clues were hidden, I got the potatoes washed, grated, and in the pan to cook; then I made a small sign to hang up on the french doors. I got the table set with the red plates and glass, then fried some eggs, made toast, and poured the oj. When Dad came out he was VERY surprised! Hooray for fast multi-tasking wives!!

After an early breakfast, my piano students began to arrive, and Dad left for school. As soon as Dad left, I painted the front window in big letters, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. HUNT!" Dad knew I must have put something on the window because so many students wished him a happy birthday.

Between students, I threw 3 boxes of brownie mix together and got them cooking so they were done when I finished teaching. MaryAnn Zabriskie, Julie Schram and I went on a bike ride, then MaryAnn and I took the brownies to Dad's class, helped his class sing Happy Birthday, and then we dished up brownies for all of his students...of course it was his LARGEST class with 33 students! But we had plenty, with some left over! It was great and Dad was very gracious about it all.

For dinner we had burrito supremes and German Chocolate cake*. Hans and Amelia came over to celebrate with us, along with Jeonghoon. It was fun, but I can't believe I didn't get any pictures!! I know I took some, but they didn't show up on the camera...weird!!

* I forgot to make the cake until a few minutes before my afternoon piano students were to start arriving, so I didn't have time to run to the store and buy the German chocolate cake mix Dad likes. Instead, I took a Devils food cake mix and a white cake mix, used half from each, mixed according to the directions, and threw it in the oven. Made the coconut frosting after lessons and everything turned out well. When we ate the cake it was really good...still not German Chocolate, but not too chocolatey, either!

All-in-all, a nice birthday, with everything coming together very well. I am SOOOOO thankful for my wonderful husband and sweetheart!

CHANGE. . .

2012-01-08T22:18:00.002-07:00

Well, it was LOTS of fun having most of the kids here during the holidays!! It was fun meeting Erika at Christmas Around The World, and having her spend a few days with us before Christmas.

Taking down the lights and decorations with Dal's and Nat's help went really well, and it felt SO good to have everything taken care of so quickly. But it was VERY SAD to see Dallin leave after having him here for two weeks. We kind of got spoiled!

Kristy was here for a "blink" before she headed back to SLC. Nikki got most of her time!

Brandon, Tannya and Nikki were here for 10 days and now we're having "Nikki withdrawals!" The other night she called us and would say a few things, and then she would say, "Talk...Grandpa!" So I would hand the phone to Dad. Then, a few minutes later she would say, "Talk...Grandma!" so he would hand it back. Then it was "Talk...Melia" and then back to "grandpa"! We were laughing so hard!!

Natalee left this evening (Sunday) for Ephraim. She's not sure WHAT her plans are. She might be moving back here...she might be looking for a different job in Ephraim...we'll see what happens...it has been fun having her here. We've definitely done more riding!

And, we've enjoyed having Millie and Hans over fairly often! We're definitely spoiled on that count! One day last week, Mil had a really ROUGH day due to a migraine and throwing up. The next day she was doing better and came over to the house to re-cooperate. I made her some good food, we watched a movie together and even ate a candy bar, sharing one square every 10 minutes...it was really nice!! (Yes, that is a sippy cup!)

Jeonghoon Son is living with us for the next two months. He has a good sense of humor and fits in well. He wasn't impressed at all when Hank attacked him the first night Jeonghoon came into our house! But he DOES love horseback riding!!

Dad and I are working on our "bucket list" for 2012. I won't put "Doing a puzzle" on MY list! Our possibilities so far: go to Texas in March; go camping at Palisade State Park early June; stay in town the end of June; travel the California coast up to the Redwood forest the end of July; run the Swiss Days 5K; go somewhere for Thanksgiving and go somewhere for Christmas! (notice, these are POSSIBILITIES!) Any suggestions are welcome!

We will be up for Dallin's rugby scrimmage on January 21st. It would be fun to get together for dinner afterwards with everyone that can be there!! He's not sure what time the game is, but probably late morning to early afternoon. I'll keep you posted!

Love,

Mom

Gratitude and the New Year

2011-12-31T03:24:00.003-07:00

Take a few minutes today, at the end of this year of 2011, and see just how many things there are to be grateful for! When you get done, email me the list and I will compile everyone's and email them back!

1.
Write 10 physical abilities you are grateful for.
2.
Write 10 material possessions you are grateful for.
3.
Write 10 living people you are grateful for.
4.
Write 10 deceased people you are grateful for.
5.
Write 10 things about nature you are grateful for.
6.
Write 10 things about today you are grateful for.
7.
Write 10 places on earth you are grateful for.
8.
Write 10 modern inventions you are grateful for.
9.
Write 10 foods you are grateful for.
10.
Write 10 things about the gospel you are grateful for.

When we make a list like this, we discover that a list of 100 doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all the things God has given us.

(This idea came from the December 2011 Ensign)

2011-12-25T02:41:00.000-07:00

CHRISTMAS 2011

There have been LOTS of fun activities over the past few days. . . puzzling, hedge trimming (thanks, Brand!), horseback riding, birthday parties, cuddling, and MORE puzzling! We had so much fun BEFORE Christmas, we weren't sure it could get any better!!

Horseback riding with Nikki (and everyone else!) was a blast! Nikki's favorite thing to say as we were galloping along was "FASTER!" Nat would ask Nikki, "What do cowgirls say?" and Nikki would quickly call out "YEE-haw!" She LOVES the horses and riding.

And of course there was our Christmas Eve Party at our house with the Schrams. . .

And the Christmas Program was one of many "firsts!" The "hula gang" did a great job as we all sang Mele Kelikmaka, Hans played a Alto sax solo...a first after 12 years!; Brandon played a trumpet solo...a first after MORE than 12 years!; the "hippopotamus" song was a hit with everyone, especially Nikki; Amelia, Holly and Kristy sang; and Dal and Nat played a violin duet. Lots of singing along, too!

And of course there were pictures. . . but where was DAD?!?! (And of course we missed Jaimi and her family, and Denzel and his. . . )

And then there was Christmas Day. . . and I didn't take hardly any pictures!! But this gives a little taste...We all enjoyed watching Nikki open her presents! She LOVED the hippopotamus Hans and Mil gave her...everything else was cake!! Dad's eyes "bugged out" at everything, and, of course there was lots of eating! But the best thing of all was celebrating Christ's birth on Sunday, going to church together, feeling a wonderful spirit during the Christmas program, and then getting to be there as Dallin was ordained an Elder in the Melchizedek priesthood. It was a wonderful day!!

Too Much Fun!!

2011-12-20T07:46:00.005-07:00

Brandon and Tannya got here Friday the 16th. . . and we have been entertained by Nikki ever since!! She LOVES the horses, likes the chickens and Hank...her favorite word is "Kod - e - ack," she always wants to go with Grandma to feed the horses, she wanted to go for a "nudder one" after our first horseback ride on Silverado, she had a blast at the pool celebrating her 2nd birthday on the 19th, and, when she and I went to feed the horses this morning she said, "Grandma, slide! Splash splash!" We had lots of splash fights at the pool as well as going down the slide together about 10 times! She is too cute!!

Dallin and Erika got in Sunday, just in time for dinner...hooray! We went horseback riding with "da boys" and Erika did great staying on Silver...actually, it was just the boys who seemed to be screaming all of the time. Strange. . . and we forgot the camera. Drat! Oh well...good times. Can hardly wait for Nat and Kristy to get here...and Denzel, Anna and Bridger arrive Christmas night!! (We'll be thinking of Jaimi, Mike and the kids in Texas!!)

FRIENDS. . .

2011-12-11T17:07:00.001-07:00

What makes a friend? Is it a term we use loosely, or does it have deep meaning?

We each experience things that give us a better understanding of what a "friend" truly is. I have to chuckle when I look at Facebook sometimes. Some people have 3,000 "friends", others have less than that, but still in the 1000's. And it makes me think, "Are they truly FRIENDS, or are they acquaintances, or people someone is just friendly to, etc., etc?" Along those lines, I also consider what kind of friend I am?

So here' a not all-inclusive list of the things I think:

A friend. . .
. . . listens to you when you need to talk; sometimes they will give you counsel, even when you don't ask for it, but they aren't offended when you say "I wasn't asking for advice! I just need you to listen!!"

. . . is there for you when you need something, even if you didn't schedule it two weeks in advance. And you KNOW they would have been there for you if there was a good reason they couldn't be there.

. . . rejoices in your success even if it is something they wish they were able to do but haven't been able to. They are truly happy for you and share in your delight. (Like going to Australia! Or winning an Ipad!!)

. . . never tries to undermine your goals to improve yourself. For example, if you're trying to lose weight and they are really skinny (or not!), they don't tempt you with a piece of chocolate cake saying, "Oh come on. Just enjoy yourself! It's not that big of a deal!" The same holds true with much heavier things like stopping drinking or doing drugs. Why is it that "friends" try to pull the recovering addict down instead of encouraging their sobriety? And I don't "get" how people can be so BLIND to the fact that a REAL FRIEND would NEVER do that.

. . . does not care more about themselves than they do about you . . . and vice versa!

True friends aren't usually found in the thousands or hundreds. They are rare and should be treasured!!

I am SO grateful for my friends!!

Counsel from General Conference

2011-12-08T22:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Kids!
General Conference was held a little over two months ago. Do you remember any of the counsel given?

Here are a couple of segments from Elder Packer's talk:

"If the adversary should take you prisoner due to misconduct, I remind you that you hold the key that will unlock the prison door from the inside. You can be washed clean through the atoning sacrifice of the Savior Jesus Christ."
"I say again that youth today are being raised in enemy territory with a declining standard of morality. But as a servant of the Lord, I promise that you will be protected and shielded from the attacks of the adversary IF you will heed the promptings that come from the Holy Spirit. Dress modestly; talk reverently; listen to uplifting music. Avoid all immorality and personally degrading practices. Take hold of your life and order yourself to be valiant."
"As one of His special witnesses, I testify that the outcome of this battle that began in the premortal life is not in question. Lucifer will lose."

I hope this is a helpful reminder.

Love,
Mom

All in 24 hours. . .

2011-12-07T00:22:00.000-07:00

Dad and I hit the road IMMEDIATELY after school got out Friday afternoon...there weren't many cars in front of us at the light!! We drove up to Provo, where we met up with most of the fam at the Marriott Center to see the BYU Folk Dancers' Christmas Around The World Show. It was great!! Dallin & Ericka (his girlfriend that we like a lot!), Nat (minus RJ due to the bowl game the next morning), Kristy and Nikki (Brand & Tann couldn't come, but they let Nikki come with Kristy, which was SO fun!!), were there, but we missed Anna and Bridger, who weren't feeling well!

After the show we went over to Dan's and Janet's to visit, and then spent the night...Dallin had 6:00 a.m. rugby practice. UGH!!! The rest of us enjoyed a leisure morning, including a "service project", then we drove to Rio Tinto Stadium to watch Snow College (RJ) in the Top of the Mountains Bowl game. It was VERY cold, but it was fun being together, and we even saw RJ play some!

As soon as the game was over we all said our good-byes, and then hit the road back to warmer climes!! What a great little get-together!! Wish Denzel could have been there with Anna and Bridger! And, of course, Jaimi, Mike, Ben & Kristen! Oh well, we'll be happy with what we can get!! Love you all!!

Who is THIS?!?!

2011-12-06T09:09:00.005-07:00

AND there is Bridger . . . although I had to steal this pic off of Facebook!

Air Traffic Controller practice . . .

And, of course, the two Blondies!!

(I need PICTURES, please!!)

Love our Texas babies, too!!

2011-12-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

Against amazing odds. . .

2011-12-06T08:53:00.001-07:00

Sometimes we may think our lives are hard...that things aren't going our way, and we don't see how anything will "work out." I love this video, not just for the amazing performance, but for what this young man represents in his ability to survive and succeed from a very young age. Wow! (And it's cool because its Korean!!)

Nikki. . . nearly 2!

2011-11-27T22:39:00.000-07:00

Great pictures Brandon and Tannya!! Love this little doll-baby!!

Talents and Investments. . .

2011-11-27T20:29:00.002-07:00

I always enjoy accompanying others in creating good music, but I especially LOVE IT when doing so with my children and husband. It was a special treat to have Natalee and Dallin play a violin duet of Away In A Manger in church today, and I'm glad I made it back in time (bathroom visit!) to accompany them!

In Sunday school class, Brent Goodwin expressed his enjoyment of hearing the musical number twice by coming early to church. He also shared his appreciation of how many hours of practice it has taken over the years to get to this point.

It made me think of my Mom. The year was 1963 when I started taking piano lessons. In 1973 I graduated from high school and headed to BYU. So a ten year investment of time and money that has yielded 38 years of musical enjoyment, service to many church meetings, civic events, etc., just on my own. Then factor in the 2nd generation of musical talents that have been developed and shared so far with you kids. Wow! I hope you will carry on such an incredible giving gift!! We are VERY blessed to have these opportunities in our lives! (I wish our grandkids all lived close so I could give them GOOD piano lessons...not the ones that Brandon got!! ^_^)

Love,

Mom

One more mile. . .

2011-11-27T18:29:00.003-07:00

This photograph was taken about 1917 in an underground mineshaft.
The horse was totally blind, as were all such horses due to a lifetime in total darkness.

It depicts the American way of life and the effort it took our forefathers to build this great country.

"Often, when I have been discouraged and despondent beyond words. I have looked at this picture and said to myself. "I will pull it one more mile."
With that attitude in mind and with an average amount of intelligence, any person can certainly make a success of their life in this land of free enterprise." -Ross Taylor

Although this picture makes me SAD when I think about a horse being used in this manner, I am grateful that our horses are LOVED and CARED FOR and bring our family so much JOY!! But I also like the picture as a reminder that sometimes we just need to knuckle down, throw our shoulder into the difficulty, and PULL FOR ONE MORE MILE!!

I am so glad that each one of you kids knows how to work hard, even when things are very difficult. You don't give up easily and can do hard things!! Keep up the good work!

Love,

Mom

Thanksgiving Fun 2011

2011-11-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

LOVED having some of the kids migrate home for the holiday!! Dal got in first from BYU on Tuesday evening. Then Nat and RJ got home from Ephraim, Kristy came in late Wednesday evening from SLC, and Amelia and Hans simply drove over Thursday morning!!
We enjoyed a Turkey Bowl with the Schrams and Yates families before having Thanksgiving Dinner with our small crew. Had wonderful leftovers all weekend long!! Got in a family horseback ride, complete with Nat riding backwards!! We hauled 50 bales of hay (with lots of help from RJ!) and we also went shooting out on Utah Hill. Lots of fun memories! Missed "the upper half" but thought of you lots!!

What was I thinking???

2011-11-14T14:34:00.001-07:00

So this morning, I was fixing breakfast for Dad and I...

Two eggs

Fried Potatoes

Two toast

Two glasses of orange juice

I set the dishes out and was ready to put the food on

the plates when I discovered this. . .

Yeah...I must have been on "auto-pilot" when I put out FIVE plates for our two little eggs!!

Obviously we REALLY miss Dallin, Nat and Kristy. . . the rest of you have been gone long enough to be "on your own!"

WE LOVE YOU ANYWAY!!!

Love,
Mom

Rainy days and Sundays. . .

2011-11-06T19:07:00.000-07:00

It was Fast Sunday today, and it was rather cold for St. George weather...Julie Schram knew I had to be sick when I showed up in my heavy neck-fur coat. Yep, the cold that grabbed my throat last week hasn't been quite ready to let go. We went to Sacrament meeting, which was good, but I came home afterwards and took an hour nap, then returned for choir practice. Afterwards, Dad and I came home and around 4:00 we made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Just as I was turning the burners off, the power went out...and didn't come back on! So we sat at the table to eat, but with the dark skies outside, Dad flipped the light switch on...to no avail. Later I tried to open the garage door, forgetting about the power situation. Funny how much we take for granted!!

Well, after our simple meal, and with the power still being off, I suggested we have a special Sunday snack...smores by way of the wood stove!! The coals were perfect, Hank was happy to be in the middle of things, and they turned out beautifully!! Only one problem, we used Cookies n Cream for the chocolate part...it didn't taste nearly as good as the Snickers Mil and I used when we didn't have plain Hershey chocolate. Oh well, it was fun anyway! ( See what y'all are missing out on?!?!)

Essence Barton -- Wow!!

2011-11-03T13:18:00.000-06:00

So did any of you see the Facebook post regarding Essence winning the national title for Women's Dual Slalom?!?! What a great thing!! CONGRATS, ESSENCE!!!

Here's an article in USA Cycling:
http://www.usacycling.org/news/user/story.php?id=7166

Here's the YouTube video:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE These Surprises!!!

2011-10-31T19:46:00.001-06:00

So, Mil invited me over for lunch after my college class on Friday. As I pulled into the parking spot right in front of her condo, I noticed a sign/poster in her front window. I looked to see what it said, then had to look again to decipher it . . . and then I yelled and laughed out loud at the same time, shouting "what?!?! Wahoo!!" all at the same time. I jumped out of the car and ran to the door, which opened before I got there cuz Millie was watching slyly through the window. What a wonderful surprise that was!!

And then. . . later in the afternoon, Mil came over to the house before Dad got home from work (I was out riding horses...) and put the same sign up on our bathroom mirror. She acted like she was waiting for me to get home from school, so after chatting a minute, Dad made his way to our bedroom and bathroom. I was on the phone with Mil to hear Dad's reaction. He was very surprised but was wondering if the sign was for ME to see. After assuring him I already knew and that the sign was for him, he was very excited and happy too!!

. . . then there was the creative way Hans and Amelia let everyone else know about the pregnancy! Via the "Movie Trailer" located at http://www.hamovies.info/.

(I did a screen shot below, but if you haven't seen it, you can check it out at the website...)

CONGRATS, AMELIA AND HANS!!! We are SOOOOOO excited for you!!

HALLOWEEN 2011

2011-10-31T08:54:00.000-06:00

Had a fun Halloween party at Schram's on Saturday evening! Mil and Hans were an "I-Phone", Holly was "Dr. Quinn". . . and there were other creative costumes, too! I used the night as a good excuse to wear one of the vintage hats Karen Hansen gave us. I could wear a different one each day and not repeat for a month!!

We ate some really good food, played fun games, held Danielle's little tiny (5 lbs) two week old baby girl dressed up as the cutest butterfly, and played Halloween themed games of Family Feud and Charades. Great time!!

Tonight, Dad and I, Hans and Amelia, and Megan Amundsen, are going to eat Mexicali soup, watch Hocus Pocus and hand out Halloween candy!!

Too much fun!

2011-10-30T17:35:00.002-06:00

Last week Mil reminded me that we were going to do the Kolob Arch ride before it got too cold...

Hans and Mil were still in Idaho this past spring when it would have been a perfect time to ride, and then they moved here in the middle of the HOT summer . . . and things got really busy with school and the piano competition, etc., etc.

Well, Mil, April Nielsen and I finally got in the Kolob Arch ride!! We left Saturday morning and drove the 45 miles north to the Kolob exit. We're so grateful for a truck that runs and can pull three horses...the day couldn't have been more beautiful!! PERFECT weather. We rode for about 6 miles, stopped at the "water spot" and ate lunch and took pictures...then rode to the arch trailhead. Had to leave the horses tied up, and hiked in another mile, climbing up and over rocks and hills. By the time we hiked out, our legs were pretty tired, and we were VERY grateful to have horses to ride out. As it was, our bums were sore and we were SO ready to get off the horses by the time we returned to the truck. What a great day!

It was a long ride . . . it was a beautiful ride . . .

it was a LOOONNNNGG ride, but IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL RIDE!!!

The pic with Mil sitting in the dirt was taken right after she did a somersault over Red Star's neck...

and she landed VERY gracefully! She has some great bruises to show for it!!

THIS WOULD BE A GREAT FAMILY RIDE!!!

Happy Halloween. . .

2011-10-28T13:45:00.000-06:00

We hope you all have a HAPPY HALLOWEEN. . . just in case you couldn't tell what the window says!!

EMPTY NEST. . .

2011-10-24T12:38:00.004-06:00

Wow! It's finally here!! Nat moved to Ephraim Sunday after church, Dallin returned to Provo after a short weekend visit, and now Dad and I are home alone. . .

. . . AND IT ONLY TOOK US

32 YEARS TO GET HERE!!

P A R T Y ! !

Actually, we were both a little sad saying our good-byes, but then I reminded Dad that it was a GOOD thing he didn't have a BORING wife (the good "spin" on unpredictable, somewhat emotionally unstable..., with lots of irons in the fire)! He agreed. ^_^

MISS YOU ALL! LOVE YOU ALL, TONS!! HOPE YOU'RE ALL HAPPY!! And we're THRILLED that Mil and Hans live in town!! (Does this mean they get the grand piano???)

Love,

Mom

What a weekend. . .

2011-10-19T19:39:00.002-06:00

Getting a total of 16 hours of sleep Thursday through Sunday night is just a small indication of what took place this weekend during Utah's statewide piano competition. Here is a small synopsis:

1. Wednesday I left St. George right after class and headed to SLC. Stopped in Provo for a brief visit with Dallin (20 min.!), drove to SLC and met up with Kristy for a short dinner at Sizzler before heading to the airport to pick up the first of three judges for the event. Mykola Suk and I drove to Rocky's and Cherie's where we spent the night. Didn't sleep well due to all the logistics of things.

2. Thursday, I dropped Mykola off at the music store after a brief check-in at the Garden Hilton Inn in Sandy. Then dashed off to the airport to pick up Caio Pagano and Giorgi Latsabidze, the other two judges. Drove to the hotel, had about 15 minutes to get settled, then drove to Daynes where we had 10 minutes to get everything situated before we started seven hours STRAIGHT of a very intense piano competition. This was the Senior division (ages 15-18) and there were 15 VERY talented competitors. (Dallin's friend, Weiyi Le won!) During a 20 minute break, we ate a quick Cafe Rio dinner that was brought in. After the awards it was back to the hotel with the judges, and my continued work on getting things organized for Friday's competition.

3. Friday, I drove judges to different locations before heading over to the Music Teachers Conference at 8:00 a.m. I WON a gift basket with beautiful taupe towels!! I was thrilled because I was going to buy some next week! Only cost me $1!! I was able to hear bits and pieces of a couple workshops, and then it was time for our Junior division (ages 11-14) competition. Banquet afterwards with the conference, and the judges and I bowed out early due to our fatigue. However, Kristy came over to the hotel and gave me a "good" (bad!) workout. I KNEW I would be sore!! (And I was...could barely walk down the stairs on Saturday...Sunday was worse!)

4. Saturday we had an early (7:00 a.m., awake at 4:00 a.m.) board meeting...had to leave early to deliver judges to practice areas (they each perform internationally and have events coming up). Got a few more snatches of conference workshops in, lunch with the judges, and then non-stop collegiate division (ages 19-26) competition from 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. Kristy was there to help with door monitoring. (Lots of memorable stuff, but don't want to go into too much detail...)

5. By 9:30 we were all sitting at a table at Carino's restaurant. . . and my massive headache for the past 24 hours finally subsided . . . even GOOD stuff can be stressful.

6. Sunday morning saw me up at 4:00 a.m., taking judges to the airport at 6:00. Then getting back to the hotel, checking out, and taking my piano student (Alex Tucker), and Giorgi to meet up with Kristy at The Spoken Word at 8:45. When we walked into the Tabernacle with the choir warming up, Giorgi was blown away with what he saw and heard. It sent chills down me, too! Afterwards, we walked around Temple Square, watched the Joseph Smith movie at the Visitor's Center, went to the reflection pool, the south Visitor's Center, then realized we were barely going to make it to church with Brandon and Tannya in South Weber. Sure enjoyed holding Nikki in church, while listening to the talks!

7. Headed back to Salt Lake, dropped Giorgi off at the airport, got Kristy back to her car by the temple, and drove down to Provo to exchange laptops with Dallin (his needs some major repair and I have a brand new one. . . is something wrong with this picture???); drop off a debit card for Natalee to pick up so she could buy gas for her trip home (another long story...), and then FINALLY got on the road back to St. George by 6:30 p.m. I was just a tad concerned about driving on so little sleep in the dark, but I was VERY blessed, and received phone calls right when I needed them and got into town around 9:45. I was exhausted and happy to be home!!

I absolutely LOVE the friendships I have made over the past four years of being in charge of the piano competitions. Giorgi has recently been invited to join the piano faculty at the Music Conservatory in Vienna, Austria and he has invited Kristy, Me and Dad to come visit next year!! I told him he is adopted into the family, so just know you all have an older brother...just two years older than Denz! Maybe we should all pop over and pay him a visit. All the judges were amazed when it came up that we have seven children in our family. I told it was nothing compared to my sister-in-law with 14 children! Isn't life relative!?!?

Well, that let's you know what I'VE been doing this weekend. All Dad did was WIN AN IPAD II at the technology conference he attended while I was gone!! (And I thought my towels were cool...) He is LOVING learning about it and using it. VERY COOL TECHNOLOGY!!

Hope your lives are calmer than ours!!

Love,
Mom

Thoughts I've Had Lately. . .

2011-10-12T18:53:00.000-06:00

When we finally "get the connection," TRULY, that this life really isn't about "us" but about BLESSING THE LIVES OF OTHERS, we are finally proceeding down the right path. Think about it for a minute: when we are self-focused (selfish, self-absorbed, etc.) we are a very small package that no one else is interested in...unless THEY are a small package and want company...

There are TONS of marriages, relationships, etc., out there that are "small packages" and they bring with them lots of problems and unhappiness.

When we TRULY understand about giving of ourselves (NOT for what comes back to us, but because it's how we really feel) then we attract that kind of relationship, person, and experiences. Some people NEVER understand this concept, and their lives reflect it.

By the world's standard this concept can be very mundane and not very fun or exciting. But the world is actually wrong. It is the most healing, complete, secure and reassuring sense of our "being" there is! When we feel this, we are MORE free to bless and give, and it NATURALLY comes back to us in many many forms!!

Often we hear the Savior's counsel "As I have loved you, love one another" or "Love thy neighbor as thyself." We would do well to heed His words.

Love,
Mom

Red Flags of Pride. . .

2011-10-11T10:24:00.002-06:00

Due to outside demand (a few friends I told about the email I sent you...), I'm putting this on the blog after all. . . sorry for the repeat, kids! ^_^

I drove for a total of FIVE HOURS on Saturday, hauling 4 horses nearly to MODENA (that's past Enterprise, Beryl Junction, etc.) then over dirt roads, with massive mud puddles trying to suck me into their mire. . . to have four mares bred (3 of them about kicked the snot out of the stud...so that seems like a waste!), but while I was doing all of this driving I was listening to several of Uncle Kim's talks at BYU Idaho. (They send us copies periodically...)

Each of the talks were powerful! The one he gave called "Are Ye Stripped of Pride" especially hit home with me. I typed up some of the stuff he said, and thought I'd pass it along. I wish you could each hear the talk, it was THAT good! (http://web.byui.edu/DevotionalsandSpeeches/speeches.aspx) (If you do a "speaker" search for Kim B. Clark, in 2010 you'll find this talk and several others. The titles are VERY indicative of the talks: Peace Like a River; Deep Obedience, Love by Faith, Drenched in Gratitude: Protection Against the Spirit of Entitlement, and many others!! That's just 2010. . . )

Red Flags of Pride:

1. Do you find yourself critiquing the talks in Sacrament meeting?

2. Are you critical of others?

3. Do you look down on others? Do you scorn or ridicule others?

4. When adversity strikes, do you hear a voice inside that says, “Why me?”

5. Do you react to prophetic counsel by ignoring it, being upset by it, or interpreting it to fit your own desires?

6. When you do something good, do you hear a voice inside congratulating yourself?

7. Do you feel self-gratification and a sense of importance in your knowledge and skill?

8. If someone you know receives something good, do you hear a voice inside saying, “What about me?”

9. Do you find a way to let others know about your success without appearing to boast?

10. If someone corrects a mistake you’ve made, do you feel defensive and resentful?

11. When someone does something that creates inconvenience for you, do you feel annoyed?

Uncle Kim said that he knows this list because he has dealt with each of these things, and that we should each work vigilantly to overcome these and other red flags of pride.

He emphasized the need for each of us to deal with pride whether it is due to prosperity OR adversity. I don't always associate pride with adversity, but it's there!

Anyway, I hope it gives you as much food for thought as it has me!

Love,
Mom

Funny girls. . .

2011-10-10T19:08:00.007-06:00

What happens when you don't have a lot of time for lunch, you don't want to spend a lot of money, AND YOU DON'T LIKE FISH?!?!?! Well, you play "chase" through all the senior games drivers flooding the streets of St. George, take every back road you can find, finally meet up at Tom's Deli, but decide the "Hawaiian" joint next door might be pretty good, so you walk in there. Not seeing much of a menu, you ask what they have. You are shown a case with about 30 different types of fish entrees. When you tell the owner and his wife that none of you eat fish, they are stunned, and say, "Well....thanks for coming!" (Do you think "Poke" means fish in Hawaiian??) And then you walk out the door and go eat at Tom's Deli! FUN TIMES!!

How did this happen?

2011-10-09T23:18:00.000-06:00

Not the mess. . . the sheer number of boots!!

The "Hot Stove" analogy. . .

2011-10-07T07:10:00.005-06:00

I'm reading Brad Wilcox's book, "The Continuous Atonement." I LOVE his "hot stove" comparison:

"In the context of touching a hot stove, consider some of the most common excuses for sin:

Just one touch won't hurt.
I'm afraid if I take my hand off I won't be able to leave it off.
I deserve this.
The only reason I feel pain is because of my Mormon culture.
But I was born with the desire to touch the stove.
It's my parents' fault. They're the ones who bought the stove!
I just need to adjust to the burning rather than try to overcome it.
I want to be excommunicated so it won't hurt when I touch the stove.
No one told me touching the hot stove was bad.
It may hurt, but at least I am touching it with someone I love.
It's not like it's totally wrong. It's a gray area.
Everyone else is touching it.
I'll touch it if I want. It's my right. Nobody is going to tell me what to do or not do.
Stove? What stove? I don't see any stove.
I just don't care anymore. I'm numb to it.
I know it's wrong, but I'll move my hand tomorrow.
You can't go without touching the stove all the time.
I've blown it now. I might as well touch it more.
Those who don't touch the stove are old-fashioned; my generation is different.
At least it's just my hand, and not my whole face.
How will I know it hurts unless I touch it myself?
At least the other stove touchers accept me and don't judge.
There are others who touch it more than I do.
If God didn't want me to touch the stove, He wouldn't have given me a hand."

If you're laughing your head off right about now, you're probably doing good at making good choices, and repenting when you don't. If you think this is REALLY STUPID, perhaps you've been touching the stove!

Love you all tons!!

This is WAR!!

2011-10-05T07:23:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I think we get lulled into passivity . . . and we think we're resisting temptation well, and we're going to church, and we aren't really dishonest (not like the guy in the newspaper who was arrested for stealing millions from his clients); and the list goes on.

We seemingly don't think there's a big need for that "heavy armor" we're told to wear all the time to protect us during war. We are excited to be less encumbered; looking forward to having fun with our friends.

So we toss aside our shield as we run out the backdoor...we won't need it today; we leave our sword on the kitchen counter because we know we won't be running into the "enemy" where we are going today; and we ignore our helmet on the shelf because we look much better without it!

So off we go, not realizing (or remembering) that we TRULY are in the midst of war! We don't make it through the day without feeling the attacks of the Adversary. In fact, we are almost overcome and can barely make it back to the safety of our fortifications: HOME and FAMILY.

There, we are given "First Aid" and reminded of our armor as our wounds are cleaned and bandaged. Perhaps the healing will take time because the wounds are deep. But with the proper "care" they will heal!

What I'm trying to say is:

YOU HAVE ARMOR!! SO WEAR IT!! and DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!

Love,

Mom

Mom & Daughter. . .

2011-10-04T10:32:00.000-06:00

Just got the pics from Millie's camera, so this is a little delayed. . .
Nat was off to Arizona for RJ's game (sheesh! you'd think she liked him or something!!), and Dad went to the Priesthood Session of Conference with Harrison and Devon (and Ryan and Jared, too!), soooooo Mil and I went for our own little campout (see what you started, Nat!)

But this time we just built our fire by the lower pond, had to use a Snickers candy bar for our S'mores, and learned the hard way about turning the corn on the cob more frequently so one side doesn't burn! (And to wear gloves when pulling it out of the fire...my index finger is stuck in the air cuz it got FRIED!)

After our wonderful dinner, and ride together, Holly and Julie came over and we played Nertz and ate popsicles! It was a fun, fun evening!!

How much POWER do YOU have?

2011-10-03T00:23:00.000-06:00

Dad and I loved our Conference weekend! The messages shared both Saturday and Sunday were inspiring and motivating. I had to put one of the quotes on the window, and hope the message is conveyed appropriately without offending: Personal Purity = Power

I hope people who see the window pause to think about their lives...the kinds of choices they are making whether they be issues of honesty, integrity, or morality, etc.

Hans and Amelia had breakfast with Dad and me and we watched The Spoken Word together and Sunday morning Conference. It was fun to watch them build waffle town houses and share candy at "half-time."

For the afternoon session of conference, Dad and I were completely alone for the first time in 31 and a half years! Wow!! It was pretty cool!!

The message that was shared today that had the biggest impact didn't come over the tv or radio. It came from Hans and Amelia (and Nat and RJ.) We got talking about "hotel rooms" because of Nat and RJ needing to get separate rooms in Arizona since his parents didn't end up going to his game so he couldn't stay with them...and he SHOULDN'T be staying in Nat's room. Anyway, it reminded me of Hans' and Amelia's trip to San Francisco when Hans proposed to Amelia.

He had made reservations at a very nice hotel in San Francisco, for two separate rooms. Well, when they arrived at the hotel, they were told that there were some problems and asked Hans and Mil if they would mind sharing a room since they were short on rooms. When our recently engaged couple declined the offer, the hotel manager said they could have the suite, complete with jacuzzi, etc., and they would "comp" it, meaning their hotel stay would be free, rather than DOUBLE the cost because of the need for two rooms.

Well, they declined, and the hotel somehow survived their troubles. But more importantly, Hans and Amelia had POWER. The power of self-control, the power of integrity, the power of personal purity. I'm betting the price of the rooms was worth it, and then some!!

What's DAD doing home. . . in the middle of the day!?!

2011-09-27T09:50:00.000-06:00

Tuesday - College class, homework, piano lessons, getting last minute things ready for my two piano recitals tonight, working on the piano competition stuff, work on dinner, haul hay for the horses, talk with my parents. . .

Yeah, that's about the size of my days in general, except for the piano recital stuff! So, I'm driving home from my college class, talking on the phone with my parents. I get to the corner at our house and notice a car in the driveway. Not just any car, but MY HUSBAND'S. I said to my parents, the instant I saw his car, "Rod's home from school...he's NEVER home from school. I've got to go!" And promptly hung up the phone. I ran in the house and it was silent. I called out thinking I would hear Rod's voice, but there was nothing. I went through every room, ending in our bedroom; then I heard him in the bathroom. He was sitting on a stool, hunkered over the bathroom sink. I instantly thought of MORNING SICKNESS!!

I asked if he was feeling sick, and he surprised me when he said he wasn't. He then gave the details of how he was eating lunch and started to feel spasms in his throat. He got a drink of water and it came spewing out of his mouth. And it got worse after that. Even trying to swallow his saliva made it spasm worse and come out. That's when he decided it wouldn't be too cool to stay at school and teach.

(I could just see it: "Today, students, we're going to discuss the esophagus and what happens when it's not functioning correctly...")

Anyway, we took him to the doctor (where Nat works, of course!) He gave Dad a nitroglycerin pill to put under his tongue. The doc said it would only take about 5 minutes...it took 20...but it DID work. Will we waited though, Dad got THE WORST case of hiccups...LOUD and jolting. I must not be a very good wife, because it was VERY hard to not bust up laughing right out loud. I tried really hard, as I rubbed Dad's back, but after a few minutes, with his head still down he quietly said, "I can feel you shaking..." That's all it took, and I let out a loud guffaw! It really was quite funny. Dad got laughing too, in his funny "hold it in" laugh, and it actually stopped the hiccups!!

After a while, Nat (yeah, she just told her job she was going with her dad!) Dad, and I went to the hospital. Nat stayed with Dad while I ran home to get things ready for the piano recitals (which was rather hectic...enough said!)

The scope and biopsy went well. We'll know in a week what that shows, and then Nat and Dad came to the piano recitals. Hans and Amelia came and saved the day with the video camera! (They found a clever way to attach it to the tripod even though the regular attachment piece was missing!!)

I played Autumn Leaves at both recitals and only messed up the second time I played. Lots of other thoughts kept racing through my head...I'll have to work on FOCUSING more.

All in all, it was a memorable day, and I'm VERY happy that Dad is doing well!!

RJ Comes To Town. . .

2011-09-26T21:44:00.000-06:00

I LOVE seeing Natalee so happy!

And I REALLY like RJ's "new look."
Yes, this is the same guy as the hairy football dude. . .

(He looks rather happy, too!)

Swiss Days 2011

2011-09-25T21:07:00.000-06:00

We sure had a BUSY, but fun, weekend! It was Piano Evaluations, Swiss Days, Honors Recital, the Relief Society Broadcast, and BYU Football, all in the same two days!! Choices, choices!!

On Friday evening (after an afternoon of horse washing!), Dad and I, Nat, and Hans and Amelia went down to Swiss Days where we enjoyed some good Navajo Tacos, looked at booths, and listened to the really good Swiss yodeler entertainment. Nice evening together!!

Nat and I enjoyed sharing the horses with the other girls joining us in the parade. There was a lot of work to be done washing all the Pine Valley dirt off the horses on Friday and getting them pretty for the parade. Harrison came and helped saddle Zoro, also helping out with some other stuff too!

There were a lot of people watching the parade. The horses did VERY well in spite of the mountain men shooting off their guns frequently, kids darting out to grab candy, and lots of distractions all around them. And our riders did an excellent job, too!!

Natalee and Mom,
Megan Amundsen, Alex Tucker,
Madi Yates, Sydnee Yates,
Whitnee Wittwer,
(Isaiah Nielsen on back of Natalee), Brock Yates and Johnny Moncrief
(as our Pooper Scoopers!)

CHANGE . . .

2011-09-25T16:31:00.000-06:00

CHANGE in BELIEFS

will always PRECEDE

CHANGE in BEHAVIOR!!

O-U-C-H!!

2011-09-19T21:56:00.001-06:00

Yeah, this weekend wasn't one of BYU's better weekends! And Dallin thought he was going to have a blast at the game...not so much! At least the rest of the weekend was fun!! Dad, Nat and I drove up Friday after Nat got off work, and we spent the night at the Mapleton Bartons. Had leisure Saturday morning since Dal was tied up with rugby practice until 10:00. When he was moving a bit after he had showered, we went out to lunch and he showed us just a little of the work out they had this morning. MAN, OH MAN!! Maybe Nat and I should try it...wow!

After lunch, we left Dallin in Provo and we drove up north...stopped in Riverton for a short visit with Anna and Bridger, then went with Linda to get a BUNCH of really good potatoes...like 100 lbs worth, just for us. I think I'm going to bottle some! Then we headed over to Brandon's and Tannya's...

(I didn't get ANY pictures with Tannya in them!! Sorry Tann!)

We had fun playing with Nikki, watching her, just talking and visiting on the lawn in their yard. Then we had a barbecue and ate some really good hamburgers and corn on the cob.

Nikki was dressed in her UTE colors, so we went over to Ellisons and watched the BYU v. Utah slaughter! UGH!! I think the Cougars must be feeling rather horrible about that game! We sure did!!

Oh well. At least the SCHRAMS and the HOOPES are happy!

Sunday, Dad and I went to a 9:00 Sacrament Meeting. After returning for breakfast, we said our goodbye's to the South Weber Hunts and headed to Salt Lake City. We stopped in for a short hello to Kristy, looked at her house, and then picked up Dad's car. Nat drove it home, via Ephraim and Dad and I enjoyed our drive home together, especially since we stopped at Dan's and Janet's and got a sandwich and chips for our drive home!! (Thanks, Janet!) Another "quick trip up north!"

We're grateful for such a good family! We love you all!

Sheesh, RJ!!

2011-09-14T21:32:00.000-06:00

Soooo, this is ONE way to make an impression! If this is a celebration for dating one month, I can hardly wait to see how you top this!!! Actually, one good bunch of flowers a year goes a long way! (But this sure puts the other men in our family at a distinct disadvantage. . . the women might start complaining . . . or coveting!!)
Good job, RJ!!

From RJ

FHE. . . it does a body good!

2011-09-13T00:21:00.000-06:00

So, what do we do when it's been a rough kinda day, and things feel kinda lousy? We get the horses, pay $5.79 for one bag of marshmallows and two candy bars at the gas station, and go up Snow Canyon for a Family Home Evening campout! It was great!! There had been tons of rain yesterday, so no dust; river marks all down the canyon where it's usually just sand; and Kodiak was SO fun to have along. She had a blast kicking up her heels in all of that sand!

Nat and I rode up to Three Ponds and made a small campfire. Only took two matches and a bunch of dried twigs. We cooked hot dogs, (only a little sand got in them from our sticks...), took pictures, laughed, cried, talked, roasted marshmallows, made s'mores, ATE the s'mores, and enjoyed the incredible beauties of Snow Canyon.

From FHE

It was rather dusky by the time we headed back to the horses...and an incredible full moon came up as we started to ride out. It was SO bright we were casting shadows on the dirt and hills.

From FHE

Nat tried standing on Silver...in the almost dark...but Silver kept moving and Nat ended up bailing off of her! Wish I could have gotten it in action!!

From FHE

So, once again, another beautiful and memorable ride!

A Day Trip To Ephraim...

2011-09-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

So, what happens when there's no one left at home playing high school football, or rugby?!?! We have to drive ALL THE WAY TO EPHRAIM, to watch RJ play at Snow College!! Yup, Dad and I did a day trip, leaving at 8:15 this morning and getting home about 6:30 p.m. It was fun to be there with Nat and watch RJ.

From RJ

On the way home, Dad and I stopped by Palisade State Park...I camped there with my family when I was TEN YEARS OLD! And it's a whole lot prettier now than I remember it back then. We should all go camping there next summer!!

From RJ

Kodiak's First Ride...

2011-09-09T09:06:00.000-06:00

Nat and I took Silver, Kodiak and Red Star out to Anasazi Ridge for Kodiak's first ride. She's about one week shy of three months old (she was foaled on June 16th, 2011). She did GREAT! At the corrals she loaded herself into the trailer (just hopped right in! The first two times we have loaded Kodi before, we've basically picked her up and put her in because she wasn't too thrilled with the idea of loading...). She did great going over the equestrian step-over for the first time. Simply looked at it and then jumped over. (We had to "help" Stormy the first couple of times she went over.) Kodiak runs beautifully. She is going to be as smooth-riding as her mom. AMAZING to watch! Now, if Kodi could just learn to not always cut off her mom. Nat would ride with her boot pushing on Kodi's side to keep her from pushing into Silverado. It was a great ride! Thanks, Nat!!

Boys and Men

2011-09-08T17:13:00.000-06:00

"All boys grow up to be men;

But not all boys grow up to be men of God"

(the same holds true for women...)

I hope we all work on it!!

DECISIONS. . .

2011-09-07T20:58:00.000-06:00

What kind of choices do we make? Are they inline with what we KNOW?

Great Weekend!

2011-09-05T19:56:00.000-06:00

So, Kristy and Dallin were down for a couple of days...and it was a lot of fun. RJ was here, too, at least for Sunday! Hooray!!

Sunday dinner was lots of fun with the "lower half" of the family. Missed the "upper half!" who missed a good laugh at Nat's and RJ's expense. Just ask Nat sometime about what constitutes a good seatbelt... Her reaction was better than the story!! I'm surprised that jello wasn't spurted out of a bunch of mouths we were all laughing so hard!

From Labor Day Weekend

After dinner we had "music time" with everyone enjoying singing Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, and playing violin stuff, too.
After all of the fun, and loading up on homemade bread and biscuits, Dal and Kristy headed back up north, and RJ had to head back to Ephraim.
Today Nat, Mil, Hans, Dad and I went to Pine Valley for the afternoon. It was an incredible day! We took 5 horses out and really enjoyed being together, even when Brown Jug tripped, went down on his front legs and pitched Hans forward. Hans handled it beautifully as he quickly scrambled (army crawled) off his horse before the horse got back up on his feet (hooves). He gets the "Amazing Rider" award for the day!!

Brown Jug cut himself a few different places on his legs but wasn't too worse for the wear. Nat was riding Misty bareback, but after the fall, she transferred Hans' saddle to Misty, Hans rode Misty back, and Nat finished riding Brown Jug bareback because he was kinda shaking after his fall.

From Labor Day Weekend

When we were all done we loaded up 5 of the horses to bring home to be shod, AND to wean Stormy off of Red Star. At least Stormy will be with Zoro and Morning Star in Pine Valley. (Hope she does well!) Then Nat takes Sheldon's 4 horses back to Pine Valley tomorrow. Thank goodness there's been plenty of feed up there for the horses. Free feed is a GOOD thing!!
Thanks for a fun weekend "lower half of the family!!"
Love,
Mom

(the video of Nat is kinda fun...even if it's a bit scriggily!! Don't know what happened in the transfer, cuz it was great on the camera!!)

BYU RUGBY . . . All the way!!

2011-09-04T21:27:00.000-06:00

So, just to make it official. . . Dallin is OFFICIALLY on the BYU Rugby Team. They had walk-on tryouts this week, and Dallin did well. . . at least it sounds like he did since he was on the official team roster. We think Dal looks pretty good in BYU Blue, and we're excited to travel to rugby games. . . AGAIN!! ^_^

From Labor Day Weekend

Presence . . .

2011-09-04T05:12:00.000-06:00

One of the things I LOVE about my husband is the support he gives me. For instance, when we have "work parties" in the community garden, he asks me what I'd like him to do. We talk about what needs to be done, what he'd like to do...and then he does it. Even though the garden isn't HIS project, he supports me in it and I love having his presence there. It means a lot to me!

Dad has always given me his "presence" which has been MUCH more meaningful than any "presents" he could have purchased and surprised me with. Sometimes I think about the presents or presence we give each other: our spouses, our children, our friends, and our neighbors

Do we substitute "things" for time? Do we associate "stuff" with success? Do our relationships crave more attention and time?

Sometimes it's easier to just buy something and appease or satisfy for the moment. However, in the long run, things that can be bought will never hold a candle to the relationships that are developed and nurtured through time, sacrifice and giving of ourselves.

Be careful that you don't get tricked into substituting "presents" for your presence!!

Love,
Mom

P.S. Today in church I was thinking a bit more about this...and was reminded about the greatest gift given to us all...by our Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave His LIFE for each of us...it was a gift, freely given, but it required ALL of Him. He gave us this gift so that we could live eternally in His Presence. I hope we don't ever forget!!

Evidence. . .

2011-08-30T23:15:00.000-06:00

A thought ran through my mind this morning that I think was an "archival retrieval" from my seminary days. . . so this is going back a bit - - like FORTY YEARS!!

Anyway, the thought is:

If you were arrested for being a follower of Christ,

would there be enough evidence to convict you?

As Dad and I were eating breakfast, we discussed this and thought about all the different things that could be subpoenaed for a court of law.

1. What's the environment of your home/apartment/room? Any pictures on the walls, magazines, books, that would support the charges, or not?

2. Perhaps they would confiscate your CD player, MP3 player, Ipod, phone, computer, etc. What music would they find? What images? What websites? (I'm so glad I have www.lds.org as my Home page!)

3. What about your car? When they inspect your car what would be found? A MESS? Cleanliness?

4. What about the people you associate with? Do they help you make good choices? Do you help others?

5. What about your thoughts? Hmmmmm, maybe a lie detector test, or something like that. Where is your heart?

Soooo, this is just some food for thought. I hope we would each be EASILY convicted if tried on the charge of following Christ.

Love you ALL!

Love,

Mom

Oh Yeah. . . Dallin's In Provo!!

2011-08-25T22:27:00.000-06:00

So, Dallin left for BYU last Saturday and I forgot to put up our sad crying pictures!! I guess this is just the weird way we Hunt's say "Good-bye!"

It's SOOOOO disturbing to me when I call him and hear all kinds of commotion and happy sounds in the background like people PLAYING and having FUN TOGETHER. In fact, last night I texted Dal and asked, "Soooo, are there lots of fish in the sea?" He quickly replied, "YES! And I'm a master fisherman!" Sheesh...do you think you could miss home a little bit?!?! DOUBTFUL!! Oh well, we really are glad that he is enjoying this week up there.

Next week, when school hits, he's going to be SLAMMED with homework; he's going to be DYING with muscle soreness from rugby conditioning with the BYU football coaches; and he's going to wonder WHEN he's going to sleep! Poor boy! Welcome to college life!!

TECHNOLOGY!

2011-08-23T14:25:00.000-06:00

I LOVE TECHNOLOGY!!

It's pretty cool when I am teaching a piano lesson . . . and the phone rings. I don't recognize the number calling me so I don't answer it.

Then my cell phone rings so I know it must be someone who is REALLY trying to reach me, so I answer the cell phone, still not recognizing the phone number calling me.

VOILE!! I'm talking to my son in IRAQ!!

PRETTY DARN COOL!!

Thumb Surgery. . .

2011-08-19T11:05:00.000-06:00

Here's the whole story...

In March my thumbs (yes, both of them) started "triggering" -- where the tendon gets inflamed and swollen, and won't slide through the casing that holds it in place. When the pressure builds enough as I try to bend my thumb, it suddenly would SNAP down; and it would snap up when trying to unbend it. Very strange. And started to become quite painful. Hence, in May I had cortizone shots put into my thumb tendons to see if it would help. IT DID!!. . . for 3 months. . . which is what the doctor said usually happens. The only way to FIX it is to surgically go in and put a slit in the casing so the tendon can slide easily once again.

That's what I had done today! It's a simple procedure...about 20 minutes per hand and not repairing anything...simply opening up the casing. (see...minimal incisions!)

Sooooo, I just had Dallin drop me off at the hospital at 11:30 and asked him to pick me up around 2:00-2:30. (Dad had wanted to come but I insisted he didn't need to miss work for such a simple procedure!)

The male nurse attending me was AMAZED that I wasn't on any medication, that I didn't have any health problems, and that my blood pressure was at 112/70! Hooray for healthy bodies!! (Now just fix my THUMBS!)

Anyway, the anesthesiologist (Dr. Larsen) came in and we talked about what kind of pain killer I wanted. Since it was a simple procedure I told him I didn't want a general, "Just give me what I need to not feel my hands." He said, "Really?" and I assured him I was not a wuss! So off he wheeled me into the operating room. . .

There were lots of people in there (about 8) getting everything ready for both hands to be fixed. The nurse had put the IV in my FOOT since my hands would be worked on. So I was a little confused when, in the operating room, they put an IV in each hand! And then Dr. Larsen wrapped a rubber ace bandage-like thing TIGHTLY around my hand with the IV underneath. I told him, "That's a little uncomfortable, you know..." He kind of smiled at me as he said, "I won't remind you that YOU HAD A CHOICE!" I laughed!!

After a minute I asked how long it would take for me to wake up if he gave me something. He said, "Ten minutes." I thought a second, then replied, "I want a nap!" Within about 2 minutes I was waking up with the surgery completed! GREAT NAP!!!

Dal and Thomas Hafen came and got me at the hospital. We went to Wendy's for a hamburger (yep, had to fast from Thursday night til Friday around 2:30!), and then we went to Kohls where Dallin bought a cool looking suit! After that we headed home, and I "rested," more or less... ^_^

Salsa, the Easy Way!

2011-08-19T10:53:00.000-06:00

How cool is it when Dallin decides to involve his friends in making a last batch of salsa?!?!

It's pretty cool!! I should have taken more pictures when EVERYONE was here...oh well. There was LOTS of help!

Dal picked a bunch of tomatoes from our garden, but when I found out he was
bringing friends to help out, I was not about to miss out on the added help.
I went over to the community garden and picked a 5 gallon bucket FULL of tomatoes.

This is only a SMALL portion of the tomatoes...the counter was covered!!

Dal was a great supervising chef!!

They ended up bottling TWENTY-TWO QUARTS of salsa!

And all I had to do was put the salt, and garlic in!

They did EVERYTHING ELSE!! It was GREAT!!

SWEETS TREATS TO IRAQ!

2011-08-18T11:01:00.000-06:00

Mil and I made "sweet treats" to send to Denzel! Hope they get there before they rot!!

Working with SORE THUMBS. . . pre-surgery!!

Bet you can't guess what kind of box they are coming in!!

I caught Mil snitching!! BAD girl!!

HELLO KRISTY. . . and GOOD-BYE KRISTY!!

2011-08-17T17:57:00.000-06:00

Kristy arrived in St. George LATE Monday night...actually early Tuesday morning...and ran around doing a hundred different things in a very few short hours she had at "home" before she left for SLC this morning. We managed to squeeze a few fun things in...some with her...some without her!

(Uncle Steve did really good sending us some COOL sunflower seeds to plant in the community garden!

From Strange...

And, of course, we enjoyed our BBQ dinner together!!

From Strange...

Sure do wish the rest of you could have been here with us!!

Sacrament Meeting Thoughts...

2011-08-14T23:26:00.000-06:00

Today, as we were singing the Sacrament hymn #185 (Reverently and Meekly Now), some of the words toward the end of the hymn really struck home to me. They are as follows:

4th verse -
At the throne I intercede;
For thee ever do I plead.
I have loved thee as thy friend,
With a love that cannot end.
Be obedient, I implore,
Prayerful, watchful, evermore.
And be constant unto me,
That thy Savior I may be.

I think the hymn is an excellent reminder to each of us! Hope you have a great week!

Love,
Mom

Military Men (and women)!

2011-08-12T22:12:00.000-06:00

A few nights ago, a man stopped by to ask if we would paint our window with a "Welcome Home" sign for his nephew who was returning from duty in Afghanistan. Dad and I talked to him a bit, and told him we would.

When I painted the window I couldn't just say "welcome home, Jesse" so I put this because I thought of Denzel and his service . . .

;

This evening there was a knock at our door. When Dad and I answered it, there was a man standing there with his 10 year old son, and he said as he pointed at the window, "That's me..."

Well, we invited them in after shaking hands and introducing ourselves, and had a very nice visit. Among other things, Jesse told us that he embedded with a different unit from South Carolina. When they returned home to the south there was a big parade and hoopla planned for all of the soldiers...however, Jesse came home to Utah...with no hoopla for one individual. He was VERY grateful for the window and our gratitude. I was so happy that we could do something so small, but very meaningful for this soldier who was willing to serve our great country and sacrifice so much to help each of us.

Thank you, Jesse (and Denzel), for being willing to serve!!

Love,
Mom

Free Feed. . .

2011-08-11T22:35:00.000-06:00

Silver and Kodiak are living in style for the next few weeks! They get to be down in a pasture by Sunbrook Golf Course that Hafen's own. Dad and I went down to check on them and they seem veryhappy and content!

Millie and I enjoyed being in Pine Valley early in the week...so did Madi, Megan and Shaylee, and Celeste!

Memory Lane. . .

2011-08-11T22:16:00.000-06:00

So, Dallin got home on Monday night . . . and I had lots of tomatoes on the counter waiting to be made into salsa!! We finally got around to doing it today, thanks to Dallin and Thomas Hafen!

I thought this might bring memories back for each of you kids!! Why does it seem like making salsa was an ALL DAY affair?!?! It took Dallin and Thomas less than an hour! Maybe it takes all day when you're trying to involve LITTLE KIDS!!

I hope you all have wonderful memories of bottling stuff in our kitchen!

HOME. . .

2011-08-10T12:31:00.000-06:00

Grandfather was released from the hospital last night...HOORAY!!

Dallin got home from back East last night . . . HOORAY!!

Kristy is coming home from Korea next Monday night. . . HOORAY!!

Chickens Galore!!

2011-08-08T00:43:00.000-06:00

Yup! Our chickens are growing up! And they are producing eggs quite efficiently. For the record, they DO have names. See if you can pick them out: Salt and Pepper are the two black and white ones; Heckyl and Jeckyl are the Black shimmery ones; Peter and Pan are the two reds; Blondie is...blonde!; and Nimrod is the odd one...

From Chicken pics

We really enjoy having the chickens...if you couldn't tell! Dad feeds them by hand occasionally and sometimes they peck a little hard. But mostly they just like to see what's up when we come in the chicken run!

From Chicken pics

The chicken coop (far right) as 6 nesting boxes. Dad's lifting the lid to the lower three. The one above it houses the upper three nesting boxes. There's a little ladder they walk up to get inside the coop when they are ready to lay. Other than that, they spend their time in the chicken run where there is plenty of room! They are HAPPY chickens, and they live in Santa Clara, UTAH...not California!!

Carpenters. . .

2011-08-07T14:18:00.000-06:00

August 7, 2011 – Sunday

Today in Testimony Meeting, I had a thought come to my mind. . . a picture, actually, that was followed with some thoughts. I contemplated them during Sunday School, and in Relief Society, and finally shared them in my testimony at the end of our Relief Society meeting. I want to share them with each of you, too.

With my dad in the hospital, it has caused my thoughts to turn to him a bit. I was raised by a father who is a building contractor. While I was growing up, my dad would sometimes take me on jobs with him, and I learned quite a bit about hammers, saws, and especially putty and putty knives. My dad did a lot of remodeling work, fixing buildings that were damaged, or adding onto existing ones. He would take things from a state of disrepair and turn them into beautiful, functional homes and offices. He was a very good carpenter. . . which then caused me to think of our Savior, the Master Carpenter.

Our Savior was raised by his earthly father, a carpenter. Jesus learned this trade growing up. However, His life was about reconstruction and remodeling of a different type. I picture each of us as a very fine piece of wood just waiting to be chiseled and molded into what our Heavenly Father wants us to be. However, we are here in mortality where “things happen.” We get chinks and gouges in our wood that can be very unsightly. It may be like a young child taking a ball point pen and gauging the letter “H” into your fine wood. You may even wonder HOW it will ever be repaired. You may attempt to hide it, but the gouge is still there. Occasionally, you may remember it.

But the Master knows how to fix even the worst gouge or dent. He doesn’t send some underling to fill in the hole with putty. He comes Himself. His life-blood, the Atonement, is the “filler” used to heal the wounds and the scars we each have. As we turn to Him and seek His help, He fills us, sands and polishes, and makes us in His image.

He truly is the Master. It is because of Him that we can be made whole, that we can stand before Him with love and gratitude for ALL we have, ALL we are, and ALL that we will ever become. He is the ONLY way. Truly.

Just wanted you to know.

Love,

Mom

What can I say. . . oops!!

2011-08-06T15:49:00.001-06:00

So. . . with so many things going on in May, and June, and July . . . I just realized I didn't do so good documenting our joy!!! Can I do that in retrospect?!?!?!

ON THE SAME DAY. . . May 6th, 2011 . . .
Kristy graduated with her BS degree in English from Dixie State College (which we didn't realize she was REALLY graduating until after the fact . . . yes, it's a long story! And we were so glad that NAT WAS THERE!!) . . .

From Kristy Grad

. . . so Dad and I went up north to be at Brandon's graduation in Salt Lake City. He received his Masters Degree in Accounting from the University of Utah. (Tannya graduated THE SAME DAY with her BS in Dental Hygiene from Dixie State College, but she stayed up north for Brandon's graduation, too!!)

From Brandon's graduation...

WE ARE SO PROUD OF

ALL OF OUR GRADUATES!!!
This year we had a BUMPER CROP!
CONGRATS . . .

Brandon, Tannya, Kristy, Amelia, and Dallin!

Grandfather, Grandma and Nikki! ...

2011-08-03T20:16:00.001-06:00

2011-08-01T23:48:00.000-06:00

More info. on Grandfather's progress. . . Grandma and I went to the ICU unit and had a nice visit with Grandfather. He was happy, alert and talkative, but after about 15 minutes, he fell asleep. We talked with Dr. Nasiff, the cardiologist, and she reported on the angiogram procedure, what the prognosis is, etc. It's tentative that Grandfather will be able to be released from the hospital by Thursday or Friday. . . he may need to go to a rehab center initially to receive the care he needs, although hospital care may not be needed. . . we'll have to see.
More update info...

Update on Grandfather Barton

2011-08-01T00:02:00.000-06:00

Saturday morning, Linda received a phone call from Grandfather asking her to take him to the hospital...he was having severe chest pain. He went to McKay Dee Hospital in Ogden. Lots of tests later, he did have some heart damage, so was going to have an angiogram done on Sunday or Monday.
Dawn and Mom were with Dad at the hospital this morning while all the rest of us were at Trevor's homecoming talk Sacrament Meeting in Springville. Dawn sent me a text during his talk, saying Dad was in surgery having the angiogram.
Awhile later, we were at Matt's and Nancy's visiting and eating when the call came from Dawn saying there had been some complications...there were 4 blockages; 2 were repaired, but while working on the 3rd, there was a rupture in his artery and severe bleeding into the heart lining. This was not good. They were able to stablize him, put a drain in his heart, and moved him to ICU. This was extremely difficult for Dawn since she was the one there with him.
Since then he has improved and they are hopeful that Grandfather can be moved to the cardiac ward on Monday morning. We pray that everything will go well and that he regains his strength quickly.

Nikki the Cowgirl!

2011-07-31T23:50:00.000-06:00

We came back from Denver via Mapleton and South Weber...we wanted to run up and see Brandon's and Tannya's new house since they moved in a couple of weeks ago...and of course we had to bring something cute for Nikki. Nat and I thought the Cal Ranch Store was the perfect place to stop. The pictures tell the rest of the story. . .

Denver, and beyond. . .

2011-07-30T23:23:00.000-06:00

Dad and I had a wonderful trip to Denver! We loved the few days we had visiting with Malcolm and Michele and family.
We saw some cool petroglyphs on our way there, too!

It was fun playing racquetball, working out at the gym and swimming; but most of all just relaxing and visiting without any stress of "doing something..."

Hauling Hay...

2011-07-25T16:26:00.001-06:00

Rick Hafen called to say they had some piles of hay we could go pick up if we wanted, so Dad and I drove down to their field and picked up all the piles. We ended up with a tromped down pick-up load! Hooray for free hay!

From Hauling Hay

Nat helped us unload and we played with Kodiak for a few minutes, too! She is SO much fun!

From Hauling Hay

MILLIE GRADUATES FROM BYU-Idaho!

2011-07-22T20:36:00.000-06:00

We sure were excited to be in Rexburg for Amelia's graduation!! We are so proud of her!

From Millie Graduates!

My little camera does alright sometimes! I think Sue was looking at us! Ha!!

From Millie Graduates!

BEAUTIFUL graduate!!

From Millie Graduates!

Moving Hans and Amelia

2011-07-22T19:43:00.000-06:00

Dad and I drove up a couple days early to help Millie and Hans start packing up their stuff from their apartment. It was really nice to have the time to do things a bit at a time. It was such a relaxing trip for Dad and I, and we managed to take some pictures of the beautiful scenery right outside Sue's and Kim's front door!

From Idaho

Here are the pictures from some of the loading:

DALLIN'S GOING TO BE A COUGAR!!

2011-07-22T19:11:00.000-06:00

As you may know, I've received a couple of phone calls from one of the BYU Rugby coaches wanting to talk about Dallin coming to BYU and playing BYU rugby. Talk about his dream come true!! There was only one problem: TUITION!!

The succinct version is that we discovered a half-tuition scholarship on Dallin's BYU account that had been offered back in April. We had never received a letter about that and didn't know it was even there! After Dallin called the Financial Aid office and completed a couple things on the FAFSA, he was approved for the other half of tuition!!

So, we apologize to UVU...the scholarships he had there were going to be very helpful. But BYU is definitely Dallin's first choice, and I don't think he could be more excited if he tried!! Dad and I are VERY happy for him! (Now, if we can just get the housing to work out. . . )

Painted Windows...

2011-07-20T20:30:00.000-06:00

So, I didn't have anything on the front window for one whole day...and this is what we discovered after church last Sunday:

From window

I quickly responded with SOMETHING for Pioneer Day!

From window

7th Paragraph - The Living Christ

2011-07-17T10:48:00.000-06:00

How's everyone coming with memorizing???? Try to memorize AT LEAST the 1st paragraph. You will be SO glad you did! Here's the 7th paragraph and then the other six!!

7th
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeem of the world.

========
1st
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millenia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life, and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived, or who will yet live upon the earth.

2nd
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament; the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father he created the Earth. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.

3rd
Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He went about doing good, yet was despised for it.

4th
His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the streets of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.

5th
He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

6th
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice.
He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross.
He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

PINE VALLEY and the Horses!

2011-07-16T11:09:00.000-06:00

So, as many of you know, I needed to buy cubes for the horses since I was down to 2 bales of hale and no cubes. This time last year cubes were $120/ton. In March of this year I paid $180/ton. I wasn't thrilled! Well. . . the cubes are currently selling at $250/ton!! OUCH!!!

Luckily, Sheldon Wittwer said we could bring the horses up there for a month or two to help eat some of the grass and stuff growing on their land. So Nat and I did!!

We had a fun time riding around and looking at some really beautiful "summer homes." You might be able to tell which one Natalee chose as hers!!

I was VERY tempted to jump in the pond at the same house. It was DEEP and beautiful!! Maybe next time!

When we turned the horses loose (including Red Star and her filly, Stormy), all of the horses took off running. It was like a wild stampede as they ran through the hills, then down past the cabin, and back up again. When they came charging up the road, I was surprised to see Stormy leading the pack and FLYING!! I hope she didn't get too tired out!

AND we found Kirk and Joan Smith's place and had a nice visit with them. They are LOVING living in Pine Valley!

GUESS WHAT WE HAVE???

2011-07-12T22:31:00.001-06:00

EGGS. . . from our chickens!! We had NO IDEA they were laying already!! They're only 4 months old! HOORAY FOR FRESH EGGS!!!

Stormy's First Ride...and Jaimi's Birthday!!

2011-07-11T22:48:00.000-06:00

Well, today was a first and a last...Stormy's first outing from the corrals and Jaimi's last 20-something birthday!! Hope you had a great day, Jaimi!!

Nat had to work a bit late tonight so it was 8:00 p.m. before we got down to the corrals and horses. I was wondering how Stormy would do loading in the horse trailer for the first time.

With Nat's help, she did great and it didn't take nearly as long as I thought it might!!

Here are some of the pictures of our little outing! It seemed that each of the horses loved getting out!! And Stormy was SO fun to watch as she raced right along with us. (We didn't go too fast, but did move along a bit!)

Just in case you're wondering, Stormy is barely 3 months old as of the 9th of July. Mom and baby did SO well!!

Hope you enjoy being a part of Stormy's adventures!!

Remember Hearing THIS Story?

2011-07-09T20:18:00.000-06:00

With all the pioneer/genealogy work Dad has been doing, he pulled out a book that had different "news articles" from long ago. I thought I'd include this article about Joseph Burk (Grandma Hunt's dad), word for word:

From Apache County Historical Society Quarterly
Double Tragedy in Springerville
On May 16, 1916, Joseph Burk, 28 years of age, his two cousins, Elija and Commodore Everett, Lonnie Trammel and Grover Atkins, all of Springerville, were out in a boat on Becker's Lake. The boat capsized and Lonnie and Elija, who was crippled, were drowned.
Grover and Commodore were able to swim to shore. Joe, who had on rubber boots, went to the bottom of the lake. He said he walked, counting his steps so he wouldn't stay down too long, come up for air then go to the bottom again to walk until he reached the shallow water. Commodore put a long board out to Joe and he grabbed it and Commodore pulled him on in to shore.

Joe was completely exhausted and lay on the bank vomiting water and trying to get his breath while one of the men ran to the Tom Phelps home for help. He said it seemed like hours that he was at the bottom of the lake. When he was taken to his parents' home they had large fires built in both fireplaces and every stove so that they could warm the chilled and sick young man.

The entire community was shocked and saddened by the double tragedy.

We took these pictures in February 2010 when Dad and I went to Springerville for Aunt Elda's (Grandpa Hunt's sister) funeral.

Why am I so sore today?!?!

2011-07-09T18:55:00.000-06:00

Could this possibly be the reason?!?!

Megan Amundsen, Madi Yates (new family in Brower's home...) and I rode out from the corrals (with saddles!) out to Anasazi Ridge and then back through Ivins.

Then we brought the horses to the house to wash them, and rode bareback to the corrals.

Fun, but my traps sure are sore today!!!

(Or perhaps it was cleaning the downstairs! It is beautifully clean for the first time in 23 years!! Maybe I should say it has STAYED CLEAN for the first time in 23 years! ^_^ )

6TH Paragraph - The Living Christ

2011-07-09T18:03:00.000-06:00

(hint: 6th = instituted sacrament; sacrifice; spurious; satisfy; sentenced. Think alliteration!)

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice.
He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross.
He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. his was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

NEWS FLASH!!

2011-07-07T22:22:00.000-06:00

We have SEVEN children, and currently all SEVEN children are living in SEVEN DIFFERENT STATES (or countries!)

As Dad and I prayed for each one of you this evening (and your families), we realized that we are currently spread out over a good part of the world! Wow!!! We are thankful for the far-reaching protective blessings of our Heavenly Father. We pray each of you will remember our Heavenly Father, and turn to Him for counsel, guidance and protection!

SALSA. . . the last hurrah!!

2011-07-07T15:51:00.000-06:00

With Dallin leaving for the east coast, I wanted to do something memorable with him . . .Of course I thought of SALSA!!

Yup, the first tomatoes are ripe in our garden and there were just enough to make a nice batch of the tasty pasty! Harrison was a trooper and joined in with the fun times.

Bring back memories for any of you???

It ended up a small batch of only 7 quarts, which took a mere 40 minutes until everything was in the pot, cooking for the afternoon.

(Brandon still takes the cake with agreeing to help me make a batch shortly before his mission as long as he could put in as many peppers as he wanted. That batch was definitely WARM! But also a great memory!)

Dad and I took Dallin and Talisha (the friend who's father he is working for) to the St. George airport. We sure love our VERY quiet airport. Talk about no stress!! In fact, we forgot to even take pictures!
Oh well. . . We are excited for Dal to have this opportunity.

AND. . . Nat left for a four day trip to California with Kjerst, RJ and Kaison. Dad and I are HOME ALONE!! WAHOO!!! (Now WHERE did I put that "sexy dress" that Dallin was complaining about a few Sundays ago?!?!)

4th of July Weekend

2011-07-05T21:49:00.000-06:00

LOTS of fun in a short amount of time!!

Friday evening we went to see "BUCK" (a documentary horse film that was excellent!) with many of the gang, and then had a light dinner at Wendy's just behind the theater...

Saturday morning we went up to Clinton to see my mom and dad; Millie and I colored our hair while we were there! (I'm crossing my fingers...in case you're wondering!)

We met up with Brandon and had lunch at Bajio, then we went with him to see their new house. Talk about a perfect location and a great house! VERY NICE!! We are so happy and excited for Brandon, Tannya and Nikki!! (Wish we would have thought to take some pictures!!)

Late Saturday afternoon we made it to Mapleton for a barbecue with both sets of Bartons. We ate, visited, played some games, sat around the firepit outside and shared stories and finally went to bed.

Went to church together at Dan's and Janet's ward; had a nice Fast Sunday dinner afterwards.

Monday morning we went bright and early to the Freedom Festival parade in Provo. The balloon launch didn't happen because of some weird wind patterns. But the parade was fun and we enjoyed being together.

Too bad Dallin had to work so he couldn't come along...but he had fun feeding the animals (horses, chickens and dog!) and hanging out with his friends!
(This turkey buzzard was on a neighbor's rooftop when we pulled up. VERY appropriate!)

FREEDOM - - THANK YOU DENZEL!!

2011-06-30T22:01:00.000-06:00

We love you and miss you Denzel!! Thank you for being willing to serve our country in spite of the hardships of being away from Anna and Bridger and all of the rest of your family! We do cherish our freedom, our liberty, and our peace. Please thank the guys in your gun crew, and all the rest of the 222nd from your family!

We think of you tons, feel bad for the "yuck" stuff you guys undoubtedly have to put up with...even if it's "just" not being able to go to the store and buying a watermelon if you feel like it! ^_^

We hope you have a HAPPY 4th of July!

Love,
Mom and Dad...and the rest of the gang!

UGH!!

2011-06-29T23:03:00.000-06:00

So Nat and I took Jackpot and Daisy up on Navajo Loop this evening...went a lot earlier than last week...and actually had some daylight with which to take pictures!!

We LOVE this beautiful area where we live!!

And Hank loves going with us, too!

Now, one other thing... when Nat went to take a picture of me with Hank she suddenly screamed, "Arghhhh! SNAKE!!" I went over to where she was and sure enough there was a small snake coiled up, asleep. The markings on it were pretty distinctive, but I wanted to make sure, so I took a stick and kind of "woke up" the snake. It was a rattler alright!

We just let it slither off into the bush and left it alone. Come to think of it now, maybe we should have tossed it off the cliff! Who knows if it will be there to greet us another time, but as a larger snake!! ^_^

DALLIN'S 18th BIRTHDAY. . .

2011-06-29T10:58:00.000-06:00

Shall we just say that Dallin turning 18 was "memorable..."

Good thing we love each other so much!! Our morning wasn't as wonderful as our usual birthday breakfast mornings, but we did eat together, and Dal opened his presents.

He liked the ukuele books and shorts we got him, the shave kit from Nat, and the western shirt from Kristy. The card from Jaimi and Mike and kids was funny!

The usual treasure hunt ended with a "half-wrapped box that had some cargo shorts, and three ukuele books. (Dallin's getting quite good on the uke he got for a graduation present...)

In the evening Dal, Nat, Dad and I went to see Rio - the animated movie about the blue macaw. It was cute.

Then we went out to dinner at The Olive Garden. We had fun laughing and talking and not eating TOO many breadsticks!

Nat started to get lots of "insect bite itches" all over her body...reminded me of Mil...so I gave her a benadryl as we started eating, and by the time we were done she was ready to go home and go to bed.

All-in-all it was a good day...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DALLIN! We love you tons and are TRULY glad you are our son!!

Night Ride...

2011-06-27T15:36:00.000-06:00

One more thing. . .

Nat and I went on a way cool night ride Friday evening. We left our house a little after 8:00 p.m. (yeah, we started out late. . .) and we drove up to Navajo Loop.

It was light dusk when we started out!! So it was MEDIUM dusk when we arrived at the top. Most of the lights were on in town and I was concerned about getting off the mountain before it was pitch black...there was no moon that night!

We snapped some fun pictures (most of which turned out blurry due to lack of light!)
and then headed off the mountain. It was very much like riding a roller coaster, moving at a pretty good gallop in the dark. The horse can see well, but the rider can't! I held on with one hand on the front of the saddle and one on the back, just to make sure I stayed on, especially in the places that I THOUGHT we were making a right turn, but my horse went left to stay on the trail. VERY weird sensation.

We managed to get down with just a smidge of dark dusk on the horizon, and got home about 10:40.

Nat got the worst end of the deal since she was riding Jackpot, Jon Graf's horse who is a HUGE thoroughbred, and is BOUNCY!!! Rough ride for Nat, but she was a very good sport!!

Another video...

2011-06-27T15:16:00.000-06:00

I ran across this video from Kodiak's first hour...there's just something really wonderful about seeing this brand new little filly try to get her footing!

Family Update. . .

2011-06-27T13:57:00.001-06:00

Just in case YOU were the last to know, here is what's going on (as far as Dad and I know!) with the family:

Denzel - sitting in Indiana, frustrated! Missing Anna and Bridger (and the rest of his family!)
Anna - started a new job that she's really enjoying. Might be headed to CA for a few days of training some other employees. Misses Denzel a LOT! (Bridger misses him too!)

Jaimi and the Texas clan - grateful for AC in the 100 degree weather with lots of humidity. Misses being in Utah.

Brandon and Tannya and Nikki - he has started his new job with Deloitte in SLC, and they are in the process of closing on a HOME!! We are so excited for them!!

Kristy - hanging out in Korea for a year, teaching English and having lots of interesting experiences and adventures!

Amelia & Hans - SOOOOO ready to be back down in St. George. Millie graduates July 22, Dad and I travel up a few days early to help them pack and get ready to move down. They have a condo in Southgate that they secured and will be able to move into as soon as they move down. HOORAY!!

Natalee - working full-time for the Southern Utah Medical Clinic (Dr. Christian's office) as the main receptionist as you walk into the clinic. She gets to deal with the drug reps, as well as patients. She LOVES her job and the people she works with. They will be cross-training her with the phlebotomy skills she already has.

Dallin - just got hired by a friend's dad for a VERY lucrative job! (I'm sure he will be working extremely hard and will earn the money he gets!) He will be leaving for Boston, and then Connecticut, with stops in between for sightseeing etc., He will be helping lay artificial turf for professional sports fields. He'll be gone the month of July, and then come home just in time to leave for Europe, and a couple of weeks of Rugby tournaments in Italy, etc.

Dad and I just keep holding down the fort!

We love you all!!

The Living Christ - Paragraph 5

2011-06-27T13:08:00.000-06:00

(Deep breath everyone! You can do it!!)

He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

THE LIVING CHRIST - Paragraph 4

2011-06-20T05:04:00.000-06:00

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millenia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life, and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived, or who will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament; the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father he created the Earth. All things were made by Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.

Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He went about doing good, yet was despised for it.

His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the streets of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.

PIONEER TREK

2011-06-19T06:46:00.000-06:00

With all the excitement about Kodiak being born, we ALMOST forgot about Trek...but not really.

The morning of the foaling, Dad and Dallin were getting ready to leave for the Pioneer Trek. I snapped a few pictures before they left.

Dad was a Company Captain (over 4 families) and Dallin was a "son" to Troy and Joan Graf who were the Pa and Ma of his family. Things went pretty smoothly and Dad and Dal had a good time. They didn't get rained out like happened here five years ago, and the "ordeal" wasn't terribly hard, even though the ground was VERY hard for Dad.

However, Dallin had a slight mishap. As they were pulling the handcarts (11 miles on the second day), it was getting rather warm. They passed some large fields that had the LONNNNGGG irrigation sprinklers on them, and Dallin and a friend couldn't resist running out there under the refreshing spray. Well, in his great haste to beat his friend to the cool water, Dallin was running at a great speed and didn't see the bog of mud and water directly in front of him. When his feet hit the mud they didn't release like he expected and he did a full body and face plant into the mire! Disgusting!! However, he just picked himself up, and "showered" under the sprinklers. Sure wish I had a picture of that!!

While they were gone I was thinking about Dad and Dal and wondering what they were experiencing. It made me think about Lehi and his family. Now THAT was a trek!! I hoped that Dallin was having a good attitude and making it a fun time for himself and others.

Dal got home about two hours before Dad. It was nice to hear about his experiences. I was so happy to hear that he and his buddy became the "british boys" the entire time they were there, always talking with their british accents, singing TONS, telling stories, and making all around them have a good time. Dal mentioned that several people in their Company brought up at testimony meeting how much they appreciated the "british boys" and that they made it fun for everyone. I was SO glad, and grateful that Dal could do this. It's a great reminder that we can affect others for good or for "evil" -- do we help improve a situation by our being there, or does it become worse because of our negative input.

Dad had similar experiences, except he stayed out of the hay field, didn't face-plant in the cowpie, and doesn't know how to talk with an English accent.

But he enjoyed all the association with so many people there, and getting to visit as they walked, and walked, and walked.

These two men are a lot alike!!

IT's A BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL!!! And her name is KODIAK!!

2011-06-16T12:24:00.001-06:00

From Silvers Foal

Our little filly arrived June 16, 2011, around 5:00 a.m.

More pics and details coming soon!

From Our Baby

DETAILS:

Nat and I went to the corrals around 6:00 p.m. Wednesday. Silver was dripping from her teats, so we knew she was very close to foaling. We got some straw put down in the bottom of the corral a bit later. Silver seemed very agitated and not herself. Another good sign! We checked on her around 11 p.m., and she was standing at the bottom of the corral...

I went down at 3:00 a.m. Silver was standing in the same spot, though she did come up to me by the gate. I stayed until the thought of black widows crawling up my leg got the best of me. (In the dark it's hard to tell what I'm feeling, and those lovely spiders are night dwellers! UGH!)

Rod woke me up at 5:00 a.m., but I was so tired, I asked for an extra 30 minutes of sleep. He woke me again at 5:20, and I went to the corrals at 5:30.

As I drove in I saw Silver standing in the same spot she had been in the other times I had checked on her. Then I saw something dark move in the light shadows of the early morning. IT WAS A BABY!! I had a small pang of disappointment at having missed the birth, but that was swallowed up with the amazement at the black beauty standing by her mother! As she turned her head toward me, I thought something was stuck above her eyes...it was an incredibly distinct WHITE HEART on her forehead. UNBELIEVEABLE!!

As you'll see in some of the very first pictures, I'm sure the foaling occurred barely 30 minutes before I arrived. The afterbirth is visible in the dirt by Silver's feet in some of the pics. Nat and I got a bucket and sponge, and washed off as much of the blood as possible that was all over Silver's back legs. (The filly was perfectly clean when we got there!) Silver did SUCH a good job with her baby!!

Both mom and baby are VERY calm and good with all the visitors they have had! I'm excited to hear what Nat decides to name this wonderful addition to our family!! We'll keep you posted!

A little video:

And a few more pictures, too!

You may be wondering what I'm holding in the last couple of pictures. . . well, Rod gave me a black stuffed baby horse for Mother's Day since I had bought myself a brown and cream stuffed baby horse at Christmas time. (I was just a little anxious for Silver's baby to get here!)

From SILVERS FOAL-2

When I opened the Mother's Day present, Dad kind of apologized saying it was the only baby horse he could find. I loved it, but was sure there was no way Silver's horse would come out looking like that!! Boy, I was WAAAAYY off!!

RELATIONSHIPS

2011-06-14T12:38:00.000-06:00

A professor of psychology at University of Washington conducted a study where volunteer couples each moved into a special condominium that was a laboratory for observing their behavior. The "natural" interactions of these couples were observed as they went through their daily routines. With a 93% accuracy the professor could predict if a couple would be happily married, miserable, or divorced within four years.

In the successful relationships there was a big general finding: Positive attention outweighed negative on a daily basis by a factor of five to one. "This positive attention wasn't about dramatic actions like throwing over-the-top birthday parties or purchasing a dream home. It took the form of small gestures, such as

using a pleasing tone of voice when receiving a phone call from the partner, as opposed to an exasperated tone or a rushed pace that implied the partner's call was interrupting important tasks
inquiring about dentist appointments or other details of the other person's day
putting down the remote control, newspaper, or telephone when the other partner walked through the door
arriving home at the promised time--or at least calling if there was a delay"

Another reminder that hit home in this article was the caution to not praise your spouse (or family member) only for their actions. I remember a situation when I was home between semesters of college. At dinner one night my dad listed off things that he liked about my mom (it felt like he was completing an assignment from a counseling session...), and instead of making me feel good inside, I felt sad. What I heard was a list of the things my mom did: cooking, cleaning, sewing, etc. It was a stark realization to me that my dad didn't say anything about loving WHO SHE WAS. We are NOT what we do!! A quote from the article said, "If your partner receives compliments only for the services he provides, he may begin to feel like an employee." AMEN!

One of the things I have always felt, and told Dad, is, "I LOVE BEING WITH YOU!" or "I am so glad we are in this together!" And he tells me similar things. It really isn't about what we DO, but who we are together.

I hope this helps you in YOUR relationships!

Love,

Mom

Quote of the Week

2011-06-12T21:27:00.001-06:00

Decisions determine destiny.

3rd Paragraph to Memorize

2011-06-12T21:26:00.000-06:00

"Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He went about doing good, yet was despised for it."

(easy, huh!?!)

2011-06-12T21:19:00.000-06:00

Dad and Dal (and Harrison!) had a great trip with the older scout boys to the Havasupai Falls down in the Grand Canyon. In some ways it was like running a marathon...VERY physically challenging, amazingly beautiful, but the end is SO difficult you promise you'll NEVER do that again. But after a few weeks that tune might change. Here are some of the pictures they took:

Family Pics. . . by popular demand!

2011-06-10T22:23:00.001-06:00

Dad, Mom and kids! Wow, how times change the way we look!

Holding it together. . .

WHAT GREAT KIDS!

THE FINAL SHOT. . . HOORAY!!

And the slide show of the other pics: