Annually

It is not quite a tradition, YET.

For the 2nd year in a row, we have picked out pumpkins and carved them together as a family.
This year, however, we had a guest carver.
Kylee’s friend Luke joined us in the apples with dip, chili with cheese and humans with knives event.
Evan opted out of the carving…BYU was playing and he was stair climbing between parties.

To cap off the evening, Luke shared some mission pictures.
It was inspiring to see such an amazing response to the Gospel in Kenya.

Also a tradition… lighting up the pumpkins for photos.

As an interesting side note to the evening….
My daughter brought home a boy that I felt it was important for me to impress.
I found myself reverting back to my awkward adolescence.

I am sure I said stupid things. I know I said things that I shouldn’t have.
I think I should have done something different with my hair. (Yeah, right!)
There were times when I should have said something, but didn’t.
The house could have been cleaner.

I guess, we can always find something to be insecure about.
My hope is, that everyone else’s insecurities makes them blind to most of mine…
I usually don’t see theirs!

Savoring

Savor... Each new season and what each one has to offer.

I savor-
Spring and its renewal & rebirth
Summer and its light & warmth.
Autumn and its crisp, vibrant colors.
Winter and its soft, white blankets.

How blessed I am to live in an area that provides such a variety. It seems that as just as one season has worn out it’s welcome, another one appears and rejuvenates my spirit.

Savor… Every moment with your family.

I savor-
The holidays and other events that cause the extended family to gather.
The memories of time well spent with my daughters as they were growing up.
The relationships that I have NOW, because of time well spent with my daughters as they were growing up.
The anticipation of the future with my eternal companion, and all that it holds

I love being surrounded by family. Recent events have caused me to reflect more on the great blessing that family is. I am so grateful that motherhood has been easy for me. It was a choice that I made. It has been one of my best choices. The rewards that followed, significantly out-weigh any sacrifices that were made. So much so, that they really weren’t sacrifices after all!

When I can’t be there…

I am so grateful that my daughters trust in the power of prayer.
More so now, then ever before.

This is a time in their lives that require them to make decisions I cannot help them make.
This is a time in their lives when I am not always physically there for them.

I can encourage them, but I cannot guide them.
This is why prayer is so important.

“It is through earnest and heartfelt prayer that we can receive the needed blessings and the support required to make our way in this sometimes difficult and challenging journey we call mortality.” ~Thomas S. Monson

There is ONE person they can turn to.
Someone that knows them even better than I do.
Someone that knows what path they should take, in order to get where they need to go.
Someone who is ALWAYS with them. Even when I am not.
Someone who will listen to ANYTHING they have to say.

"Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all our doings . . . We are promised that if we pray sincerely for that which is right and good and in accordance with God's will, we can be blessed, protected, and directed." ~ David A. Bednar

I will repeat again, some of the greatest advice I have given them.
Say a prayer.
Ask your Heavenly Father for help.
Ask Him to help you understand what it is you need to learn from your challenge.
Listen to His answer,
and do your part!

What I love...

I love... that my daughters still use me as their wake-up call.
I love... that I get a phone call when things (good or bad) happen in their lives.
I love... that those phone calls occur daily!
I love... that they still consider me a worthy companion for concerts, shopping and other activities.
I love... my daughters, and the man that made it all possible.

Today

This morning, Evan got up as he usually does on Sunday,
and went to his early morning meetings.

It was a slower day than usual, so he had time to come home for breakfast before Church.
He fixed pancakes, one of his favorites.

I spent the morning baking an Apple Pie.
Another favorite.

After church, He grilled up some steaks and asparagus.
Favorites, again.

Must have been someone’s birthday!!
Happy Birthday sweetie!
I couldn’t have pulled it off without you.

Dear Howard

I loved you in High School.
I even had a sweater that matched this one.

I would often pair it with khaki pants and red socks.
I even had a white belt.

Over 20 years ago, I sat in the Park West venue with the love of my life.
I was finally going to see you. I couldn’t believe it.

Then the storm came.
Lightning. Thunder, COLD rain.

First it was postponed. I waited.
It continued to rain. I waited still.
An hour later, no change. I gave up.

An exodus through the parking lot with so many other disappointed fans.
Later, a rumor that the show was to go on.
I was already 20 minutes down the canyon, soaking wet, cold and stubborn.
I did not return.

My love for you did not die.
Your greatest hits was among the first to be uploaded to my prized and newly acquired iPod.

Many attempts to reunite failed.
Events on the calendar and financial obligations took priority.
But, I promised myself we would make this happen.

Flash forward to 2011.
An event in Sandy seemed promising. FAIL.
Another event last night in St. George. FAIL.
More broken promises.

Dear, Dear Howard.
I guess it is not meant to be.
Unless, you want to come over for dinner.
That, I can do.

Quotable

Home, then back

My dad was released from the hospital on Friday, only to end up back there 12 hours later.
This time, his heart rate is too rapid.

The cardiologist will not be in until Monday, so this weekend will be full of vitals taking and heart monitoring.

As you are spiritually fed this weekend here…
…please be mindful of a family member, a neighbor, a friend, or anyone that you are aware of
that may be in need of additional prayers, a simple kindness, or an act of service.
Act upon your promptings. Reach out and help those in need.
Kiss your spouse, hug your children.
I know I will!