Adventures in Brigham City

Oh, the great adventures that await us!  We had a fantastic weekend together as a family and I wanted to share with you some of the highlights.  Forgive me for the blurry pictures.  We literally ran out the door to get away and I completely forgot my camera.  Oops!

Friday afternoon, Brian and I went to Shae's school to celebrate her unbirthday and embarrass, and highlight our AMAZING daughter.   We then checked her out of school early to bring her home to pack her bags on a overnight get away to Brigham City! Woohoo!

There are 2 things I have always wanted to visit in Brigham City.  First up:

Maddox Ranch House

Brian ordered the Prime Rib and I got a Sirloin steak.  We were both overwhelmed by the portions, but the taste of everything was delicious.  My favorite part were the rolls.  Oh, the homemade rolls with raspberry butter. 

The restaurant is GINORMOUS and it is an high end restaurant to go to.  So, I jumped on the opportunity to teach Shae how to be a lady at a fine dining restaurant.  She was taught about courses, butter knives and plates, why so many forks, keep your napkin in your lap, don't run around the table, say please and thank you, how to place your fork on the plate to let your waitress know you are done, etc.

After our dinner, we drove out to see the new Brigham City Temple which is still under construction.  IT.IS.GORGEOUS!

From the sides, it feels like the Salt Lake Temple.  We are so excited to go up to the open house when the temple is being dedicated.  So exciting!

Later that night, we tried to get some swim time in at the hotel, but it was very crowded with lots of kids and Brian became irritated.  So we went back up to our room to watch Bed Time Stories!

Saturday morning we got up early to go and visit the:

Golden Spike National Monument

As a child, the only thing I could remember about this place was GRASSHOPPERS EVERYWHERE!

I have a huge fear of the nasty insects and to return to a place where every step was walking on a grasshopper lined path just grosses me out!

We spent a couple of hours exploring the museum and the site helping Shae earn her Jr Ranger Badge.  It was so much fun to learn with her and the story of the Golden Spike is an incredible one to learn.  Lots of fun, lots of learning!

We drove out to see the Spiral Jetty in the Great Salt Lake, but unfortunately it was under water.   So to make up for the 35 minute drive out to see it, we stopped and talked with the cows that lined the gravel road to get there.  Brian mooed at them and I tried to coax them to come to the car with my soft animal voice, which none of that worked.  Meh, cows are weird, anyway!

Alas, our trip had to stay short as we have church obligations this weekend for Stake Conference. 

We had an amazing Stake Conference that focused on the temple, missionary work and perfecting ourselves.  Our YW "High On A Mountain Top" choir sang the opening hymn and I cried like a baby.  They were SO good.

Later on Sunday, we headed to Brian's parents for Michelle's birthday party. 

I loved that they served veggies, fruit and whole wheat rolls for the night, it was awesome!

Above is a picture of Brian and Shae at his parents house that I took with Instagram.  Kind of a fun photo app to play with.

I end with a picture of the National Park Service Sign.  When you study what the National Parks stand for and that everything has a meaning to each item, it is touching.  We are so blessed to have so many National Parks here in the state of Utah. 

2 thougths come to me:

1.  Every family should have their own Sign that represents them.  (Janice Kapp Perry also encourages each family to have their own family song, too!)

2.  President Longhurst taught us yesterday that God's greatest classroom is out in the mountains.  Let's get out and explore and learn more.  We have so many beautiful places literally at our fingertips. 

A life lived in fear, is a life half lived (and it is very lonely!)

Look at me!  I can do this!

I have been debating for months now whether to let go of my blog, facebook, pintrest, every and all social media distractions.  Not an easy one to make and something kept saying in my heart "it's not time to say goodbye."

In many ways, my time is so limited and the distractions cause me a ton of stress.  TON!  Even when I know better, I can use them as an excuse for not doing what I am suppose to be doing.  Like right now, I am training the Ma/Pas for Trek tonight, and I have not fully cemented what I am going to train on (it's in my head) but for some reason, I feel a stronger pull to post a blog.  Go figure?

So, why am I here now?  Posting?  Honestly, a couple of days ago, I was very sad.  Melancholy, unhappy and discouraged.  I couldn't put my finger on it until it hit me, I am feeling very lonely!

I went to our Stake Women's Conference last Saturday and I greeted some of my dear friends in the Stake.  They asked me how I was doing and I expressed my love for them.  I normally hug these ladies, but with a recent head cold and congested voice, I apologized for not my normal greetings.  My friends reply completely caught me off guard, she said "That's ok, you are way above us now, you don't have to  worry about impressing us here on the lower level."  or something to that extent. 

We are on different levels?  What?  Hold the phone!  I know she was paying me a compliment, but what she has said has haunted me for the past week. 

I have thought over the last month or so and find that my feelings of isolation are the majority of my own fault.  Have I separated myself from those around me, so they would think that I am placing myself on a different level?  I would post things on social media's and then delete them in fear that I might offend or upset.  I would have blog posts come to my mind and then blow them off in my own feelings that nobody really cares to read about that.  I stopped writing thank you notes because I feel that I would have to write 5 a day to thank those who help me. 

Bottom line, I'm living a life in fear.

Well, no more!  I am taking the bulls by the horn and not holding back the good parts of me.  Because when you get the truth, I'm really just an ordinary girl with lots of dreams. 

So here is the update on our family since last November.  We have been very busy and also are very exhausted. 

1.  November was a very hard month for me.  The Stake YW President had surgery and so the responsibility of running the show fell on me.  We had 3 major events happen in November.  A missionary fireside, a recognition dinner and 7 YW in Excellence's to attend.  We made it through with flying colors and I just kept counting down to December 1st to hand the responsibility back to President Monson and almost take the month of December off.   HA!  That would have been nice.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I was called to be the new Stake Young Women President and my husband was called to be a High Councilman a week later.  I did not see that coming at that time and with all the events in the new year, I was shocked.  It has been a whirlwind of emotions and work and I am learning so much.  In some ways, this is the coolest thing ever and in other ways, I.AM.BEING.STRETCHED!

2.  As a family, we have decided to have small adventures every month so that we can spend time together either as a family or as a couple.  We have done Little America, St. George, Ice Skating, and soon we are going to see the Golden Spike.  I know, try not to get jealous.

3.  My husband is now the proud owner of 2 companies.  He has worked for his dad for 18 years and is now the owner of his family's company.  This was so exciting for us as he can now take the company in the direction that he wants it to go and that is a wonderful payoff for the stress of running the business.

4.  Shaeler is doing very well.  After mom had a breakdown with her school teacher in November, we are taking a much more relaxed feeling with her homework.  She wants to start singing lessons, but I told her she has to practice 2 solid weeks of piano before we start into singing.  So far, she has been working very diligently.

5.  I want to start living my life with a fuller purpose of living my dreams and setting goals.  I have a personal assistant (electronically) that reminds me of all the things I need to do on a daily basis.  I think life would be full with more joy if there were weekly goals to achieve my personal dreams too.  I am working on a list.   I want it to be fun. 

I'm still here, please don't forget me!  I am doing the best that I can and I love you all!

Thanks for being my friend!

She's Got a Way About Her

For some reason, when I look at these pictures, the song "She's Got a Way About Her" by Billy Joel pops in my head.

Listen:

She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her

She's got a way of pleasin'
I don't know why it is
But there doesn't have to be a reason
Anyway

She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know what it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me



She's got a way of talkin'
I don't know what it is
But it lifts me up when we are walkin'
Anywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around

She's got a way of showin'
How I make her feel
And I find the strength to keep on goin'

She's got a light around her
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her
Everywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around

She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know what it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me



She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
Anyway

Love my little Angel at Hallowween!

Trek Training at Martins Cove

A couple of weeks ago, Brian and I awoke at 3:15 am to embark on our journey to Wyoming for the Martins Cove Trek Training.  We had a ball riding in the Tippet's big SUV and laughing with great friends as we traveled 5 1/2 hours to Martins Cove.

There are so many awesome things that I learned there and I really should take the time to write down all the things I learned, but my time is limited and so I will share with you my favorite part of the trip.

After you leave the cove, there is an area that is dedicated to the young men that came to help rescue the Martin Handcart company.  These young boys carried the people across the Sweetwater River.  These statues depict the young men as they are rescuing these early pioneers.

These pioneers were freezing, hopeless, starving and near the brink of death.

These young men came to save them and basically extended the invitation "Take my hand, get up, you're going to die."  They call it a Forced March.  A forced march is doing what you have to do even though all circumstances are against you. 

Everyone in their lives will have a time where they will have their own Forced March.  There will come a time or multiple times that we will have to "get up" and move forward or we will physically, spiritually, emotionally or mentally die. When everything around us seems hopeless and yet we still do what is right.

Even the Savior, Jesus Christ, had to experience his own Forced March from Gethsamne to his Resurrection.  These moments are meant to be, to make us stronger and to pull us closer to our maker.

"To the Rescue" our prophet has asked us.  I have found that in my personal life that I need to slow down and listen to the inspiration to help others when they are experiencing their forced marches.  I cannot solve their problems, but I can extend my hand and love them.

See this picture below:

90% of the visitors see a young man carrying and saving this little girl.

If you take the time to listen, and pay attention, the spirit will guide you to things that you may have never noticed before.

See the baby in his arms.  Most of us never would have known that this statue had a baby in his arms along with that little girl.

Do not let a day pass by that you are not noticing the trials of those around you.  Listen to the still small voice within you to guide you to those who may need a hand.  Miracles will come of it, this I know because I experience it everyday. 

Do something great today!  You have been blessed with the gift of charity.  Think of someone who may need that gift from you and then act on it!

Come Hear A Prophet's Voice

General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing



President Dieter F Uchtdorf

A fine member of the Church was talking with a neighbor who was not of our faith. When the topic of discussion turned to general conference, the neighbor asked, “You say you have prophets and apostles? And twice a year in a worldwide conference they reveal the word of God?”



“Absolutely,” the member replied with confidence.



The neighbor thought about that for a moment. He seemed genuinely interested and then asked, “What did they say in the last general conference?”



At this point the good member of the Church went from feeling excited about sharing the gospel to feeling embarrassed. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of the details of a single talk.



His friend found this troubling and said, “You mean to tell me that God speaks to man in our day and you can’t remember what He said?”



The brother felt humbled by this exchange. He vowed that he would do better to remember the words spoken by the Lord’s servants in general conference.



We all know how hard it is to remember every message of general conference, and I’m confident that we need not be embarrassed if we don’t remember everything. Nevertheless, there are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.



In preparation for general conference, let me suggest three basic concepts that may help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants.



1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.



Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitude for the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.



2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.



3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

If we listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit, they will serve as a Liahona, guiding us through the unknown, challenging valleys and mountains that are ahead (see 1 Nephi 16).



Since the world began, God has raised up prophets who speak the will of heaven to the people of their times. It is our responsibility to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.



Our merciful and loving Heavenly Father has not forsaken and will not forsake His children. Today, as well as in times past, He has appointed apostles and prophets. He continues to reveal His word to them.



What a marvelous privilege it is to hear God’s messages for each of us during general conference! Let us prepare well for this great blessing of divine guidance delivered by His chosen servants.



For this is no ordinary blessing.



Good, Better, Best

By Mary-Celeste Lewis



In his October 2007 general conference talk, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talked about activities that are “good, better, and best.” When he got to the part about “the overscheduling of children,” I squirmed guiltily in my seat.



I knew I was doing too much. I was in school plays, taking challenging classes in school, and was involved in several other activities. I hadn’t been attending Young Women activities faithfully, and my Sundays were filled with the stress of trying to complete last-minute homework. Practicing music and editing the school newspaper had lost their element of fun and had become work.



Elder Oaks’s talk made me take a good look at my schedule. My activities were good, but there were too many of them. I had to choose the best ones. As I tried to decide which activities to forsake, I realized that the gospel of Jesus Christ was the best priority anyone can have. I put prayer and scripture study at the top of my list, and since then, my life has run more smoothly.



Elder Oaks taught me that when we do what the Lord wants us to do first, everything else will fall neatly into place. If I study my scriptures before I play games or even before I do my homework, everything important will get done. When I base my life around the Lord, instead of adding Him in as an afterthought, my life has an added measure of peace and success.



Now I’m very careful to listen to the counsel given at general conference!



I Can Find Answers through General Conference

President Uchtdorf teaches that if you think of some questions before general conference, the Lord can speak to you through His prophets and apostles during conference.



1. As a family or class, discuss what you need to learn, either individually or together. (For example: How do I strengthen my testimony? How should I deal with a problem at school?) On a piece of paper or in your journal, write down your questions.



2. In the weeks leading up to conference, you could think and pray about these questions.



3. Listen carefully during conference (it may help to take notes). Then write how the Lord—through Church leaders—answered your questions.



4. On another piece of paper, you could draw a picture of yourself doing what you learned.