Running through life ~ "uphill AND downhill"

I consider myself to be a pretty passionate person with a looonnnggg list of things that I love and things that make me feel happy and enjoy this life to the fullest. One of those passions is running.

Recently I had found myself in a little bit of a predicament. 

 I had fallen and sprained my wrist, (which still didn't affect my running ;) but then, I took another spill at aerobics class and sprained my ankle AND re-sprained the same wrist I had already hurt as I tried to catch my fall with that same wrist!

 After not having had any injuries in a long time I was a little overwhelmed at the "bad luck" that I had seemed to encounter. But after only about a month, the day came where I felt confident that I was healed enough to head out on my beloved run.

I took it very slow the first time out and only ran 2 miles. I am still wearing my brace and wanted to be sure it felt right and that my footing was sure, and that there wouldn't be any signs of swelling or  soreness both immediately or the next morning.

I was SO pleased to find that the run felt great AND I wasn't sore at all! I was so excited when I announced to Clint, 

"Tomorrow I am starting running again!"

When my alarm sounded at 5:30 a.m. I was so excited to lace up my brace and my shoes and feel the wind in my face...

As I started down the road I settled into a pretty quick pace and my breathing was in rhythm with the beat of my heart and my feet.

 I ~ felt ~ wonderful! I ~ was on a run!

Now, anyone who knows me knows how competitive I can become with myself and my run...I always think I can go "a little faster" or improve my time a little more...So as I rounded the corner and started down a slight hill, I lengthened my stride and felt the breeze blow harder on my face. I was moving fast!

Then, within the next couple of bends in the road I found myself waving hello to a couple that was out running too. They were running the opposite direction of me and so the passing by was quick and I was focused on what lie ahead...

It's funny how in my mind I thought to myself how good it felt to be out running, and how lovely it felt to feel the wind in my face, AND to be able to pass other runners so quickly! I reprimanded myself rather sharply as I conversed in my mind,

"Calm down Miss Competitive! You aren't even going THAT fast! Besides, you were running DOWNHILL!!!"

And so here lies another sweet "life's lesson" for me as I was out on a run.

~ There is no need to try to run "faster" or to try to run "farther" than anyone else around you. Life's road is long and it's hard and it's "hilly" and "curvy" even when you are trying hard to stay on that "straight and narrow" path.

~ As long as we each do our best to move forward on our own path, it DOES NOT MATTER how fast we are traveling or how many people we pass along the way. What DOES MATTER is that we do our best to keep moving forward whatever life's road may bring.

~ I felt very grateful and humbled as I ran a different route this morning and ended up running the same direction as the couple I had passed the day before. I was too lost in myself the other morning to realize that they had been running UPHILL! We were both running on the same road, but we were encountering two completely different experiences.

Such is life.

We are all here to learn, to grow, and to be tested. Not to try to "keep up with" or even "pass" anyone up. And whether we are learning faith through a personal or family trial, or simply from walking next to a friend that you help through the trial, we are not here to judge or be judged, or to be better than anyone else. Only to learn, grow, and improve ourselves a little each day. Besides, who knows, that couple may have been out running everyday for the whole month that I was not, and it would have been very easy for them to look at me and say,

"Oh, she finally made it out! It's about time she quit being lazy!"

Do you see what I mean? It would be so unfair for any of us to try to think we can judge another when we are never in the same shoes at the same time. Just as I was silly to think I was running "faster" than another, it would be silly for anyone to think that they can judge another.

Please don't get me wrong. I don't go around trying to "run faster" than everyone I see...but I DO try hard to improve each run...

It's a weakness of mine that I always want to improve myself, but not so much in a bad way...

I just want to try to be more Christ like in all I do - I want to be more like the Savior. I know I will never be perfect, I know that I have a lot of "life's lessons" yet to learn, BUT I know that if I continue learning and growing and pushing myself, I will make it to the "finish line" ~ and hopefully I will have become what my Heavenly Father wants me to be ~ the Daughter of God I know I can be,

 ~and most definitely~

 that I positively and quite simply was able to "enjoy the run!"

Angels among us...

Have you ever met someone that you did not know, but felt as if you had literally met an angel? There have been many times in my life where my path has crossed that of another, and from that moment on, my life had been changed for good...the other day was one of those moments...

    Little Miss Kambriella and I were out doing some shopping together, having a fun "girls afternoon out" when we stopped into Seagull Book to buy a framed picture of the Savior as part of a bridal shower gift that we were putting together. We made our way around the store admiring everything that was "eye level" with a 3 year old ;) ...Books, jewelry, stickers, and stuffed animals...

   Now, let me tell you ~ Kambriella has somehow acquired the "youngest child syndrome" where she simply melts our hearts and somehow ends up getting almost anything she wants...

BUT ~ wanting to do my best NOT to spoil her too terribly, I have been working on NOT giving in to my every whim to lavish her with anything and everything she might happen to set her eyes on!

   So, as we looked around the store I was feeling very accomplished as we looked and enjoyed but did not feel the need to buy her anything... until with her sweet little voice she asked,

 "Mommy, are these stickers too much? Do you have one dollar?"

   When I looked down at the stickers I saw that the ones she was holding were shiny metallic and had a princess crown on them that said

 "Daughter of God"

  NOW...what good mother would tell her little princess that she could NOT have these stickers that she was ASKING for, that so simply reinforced everything GOOD that I have been trying to teach her about who she is??!!

 I thought to myself with a smile on my face..." I HAVE to buy these stickers for her! She is ASKING for stickers that tell her WHO she is!!!"

I could just picture her walking around with her stickers and telling every girl that she would see...

"I'm a Daughter of God, and so are you! Do you want one?"

 ~ and then she would share her stickers and she would feel happy because she would know that she IS a Princess ~ a true Daughter of a Heavenly King, and she would also feel the joy of sharing her knowledge AND her stickers with others...

In my mother's eye this would be a "win ~ win" situation for me, teaching my little Kambriella a PRICELESS lesson while only spending $1!!!!!

Now, back to the story of angels...

As Kambriella happily held her stickers we continued looking around the store, AND at all of the other things that little 3 year old girls love...namely the little stuffed animals...

Kambriella picked up and hugged every different animal she could find and then happily placed each one back where she got it from, still content with "her stickers."

Little did I know that we had been being watched from a distance by this woman who could no longer just watch, but had to come over and talk to us...

"Those stuffed animals are really a good price!" she said very informatively...

"I know! Aren't they so cute?" I responded politely.

"Yes! You know that they are normally TRIPLE that price anywhere else..." said this woman that I did not know but I got the feel that she WANTED me to buy one for Kambriella!

We smiled and chatted for a minute before finishing up our shopping, and then went up to the counter to pay..(.Little did I know that we were STILL being watched...)

We made our purchase and the lady behind the counter handed Kambriella her stickers when Kambriella proceeded to tell me,

 "I'm a daughter of God mommy AND a child of God!"

 I was so tickled by her enthusiasm and excitement that I giggled to myself as she started covering my wrists and arms with stickers...

Just as we were ready to leave, the woman that I had spoken to earlier tapped me on the shoulder and said,

"I'm so sorry to bother you, but she is so cute and, well, would it be OK if I bought her one of those stuffed animals? It would just make me so happy to be able to give her one! Would it be OK if she could come back and pick out the one she wants?"

I giggled again at the thought of my little Princess NOT getting spoiled and said,

 "Sure! That is so sweet of you! What a kind thing to do!"

From that moment on I felt so happy and so touched at how this complete stranger would be so kind to MY little girl, and put forth such a simple request but with such Christ like love...

Who knew that one stuffed animal puppy later, my little Kambriella, myself, and this complete stranger would be sharing "tear-filled-eyed" hugs?

I'm sure that she had no idea what an effect she was having on our little lives...

As Kambriella hugged her new little puppy, she said "thank-you," took her new stickers, and put one on the hand of the woman that bought her the puppy...

The kind woman stood and said with delight,

"Oh thank you! I feel like a PRINCESS!"

I drove home with a smile on my lips and in my heart as I said a prayer of gratitude for kind and loving people in the world and small acts of kindness...

...and then I giggled as Kambriella announced the name of her new stuffed animal...

"Puppy Child"

So, I am happy to introduce the newest addition to our family... Puppy Child...

Princess Kambriella just loves her sooooooo much!

I pray that simple joy will bless the heart of that kind woman that we met that day, and that some measure of happiness will fill her heart in the same way that she filled ours :)

Thank you Heavenly Father for the angels that are among us...

Days of '47 Youth Parade

A couple of months ago, our Primary received an invitation to participate in a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to walk along side our stake float in the Days of '47 Youth Parade. This was quite a logistical undertaking, but with lots of willing and helping hands, we walked the parade and had a fabulous time! Our Stake's float even won 1st place and is now going to be in the BIG Days of '47 Parade that will be on the 24th of July! Yay!!!!

The theme of the float was "Just Imagine, Building Dreams, Friendships, and Making Memories."

I thought it was a perfect float for such a theme...the Madagascar friends visiting our "Tithing Hill" which is a historical landmark right here in our stake! The committee who built the float did an amazing job...You would have thought they were professionals! But they had never even done this before! Way to go Summerhill Stake!

Here we are lining up to begin walking in the Parade! There were about 350 Primary children and parents that walked behind the float! It was a blast jumping and dancing around with the kids behind the float as we sang a "pepped up" version of "Give Said the Little Stream" as we walked along the parade route. Times like these are really fun to be a Primary President...you just naturally feel so proud of your kids! ~And so EXCITED for them to have an amazing opportunity like this!!! :)

I just HAD to add this picture of Jeff Moore and Dave Taterita... 2 very nice dads walking with their little 4 year old girls in the parade...but WAY too cool to wear their bandanna's like a pioneer...more like a "bank robber!" ~(AND these 2 friends of ours are also our Home Teachers!!! :)

At the end of the Parade route there were all kinds of free activities for the kids to do...face painting was DEFINITELY the biggest hit!!!! There was also blow up slides and bouncy houses and Home Depot was there with thousands of little wooden kits and hammers for the children to create something for themselves... It was super fun!

Here are some of the kids (and Dallin's little friend Annie) sporting their fresh new look! ~And do you think that they will want to sport the new look at church tomorrow? You betcha!!!
Thanks so much for being the cutest kids in the primary!!! (Sorry, the mother in me just came out ;)

We ARE Family...and it's wonderful!

It was about 4:15 a.m. when I was awoken by the familiar little patter of Kambriella's feet coming down the hall and into my bedroom.. as she got closer and closer I knew what her words to me would be, "Mom is it morning time yet?" This was a moment that I don't ever want to forget...
Such an excitement for life! So excited for each new day!
I have marveled lately and been amazed at how thankful I am for all the moments when I feel love, joy, and gratitude in my life because life is good... and Heavenly Father is so good... I have felt it in abundance in my life lately and I have spent much time reflecting on my blessings... For example, a few weeks ago we were out hiking and as we walked up the mountain I was having a discussion with Dallin and I smiled as we talked of all of the beautiful things that we saw. As  a mother I recognized the opportunity to teach him again about who it was that made all of these wondrous creations...As we talked, I asked Dallin, "Isn't it amazing all of the beautiful creations that are here on the earth? Could you imagine being so creative to make everything we see here?" Dallin in response said, "No way mom, I could never imagine that... I can barely even make Top Ramen!"
It was such a silly but innocent response and I smiled and laughed to myself as we held hands and walked together on our way...
Life is good, and Heavenly Father is so good...:)
There have been many opportunities lately for me to count my blessings and as I have done so, I have found that most of them have to do with FAMILY...
Thank you Heavenly Father for everything that is good in my life...

At the top of our hike to Timponogos...

My sister-in-law's baby shower...

16 silly cousins spending the night togeher in Logan...

A day with my brother Kelly's kids...

Everyday really does hold moments and memories that we can cherish and hold on to... these are just a few that I have had lately that I don't want to forget...But I'm sure there will be another one tomorrow...:)Right?...:)

Happy 18th Anniversary!

With this busy summer in full swing it was so nice to have one more reason to escape with just my sweet hubby... We have been on the go having too much fun with the kids and all of our family so far, but we managed to sneak away just for the weekend to celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary, and what can I say... Clint is my favorite!!!

After dropping the kids off with their good friends and heading up past Bear Lake, we arrived at the Minnetonka Cave which we have always wanted to go to but never seemed to fit it in... Well this time we made it work! We arrived and were able to get into a tour only an hour later. It was absolutely breathtaking...I think the largest natural openings that we have been in of all the different caves we have been to.

I know I caught Clint at the beginning of a blink, but this picture shows just a glimpse of some of the beautiful things we saw inside of the cave...

I know it is hard to see, but if you look closely you can see all the different stalagmites that represented Snow White's 7 dwarfs behind me...

This room we are standing in is called the wedding chamber which I thought very appropriate since we were there visiting for our wedding anniversary! I also thought it was sweet that there was a private tour scheduled for that evening where someone was planning on proposing there too!

After we were finished with our tour it was time to head back to Logan where we had a night reserved at the Anniversary Inn. Clint's main concern though at this point was to actually get me back through the canyon without getting me car sick! I felt so woozy on the way there, so we devised a fool proof plan to get me back without getting sick...

Bear Lake's famous Raspberry shakes and salty fries!!! I told him that if we ate them slowly through the canyon I would be fine...and I was!

We checked in to our room, got cleaned up and headed out to a nice dinner and a date to the temple!

Here we are at the same place we were married 18 years ago!!! What a meaningful way to remember the promises that we made each other...I just love it!

I remember when I was a little girl sitting in my sister's house and waiting for everyone to go to bed when I would sneak out into the living room and sit in the window in the dark and stare at the Light on the hill... That light was the Logan temple and I would dream of the day when I would meet my Prince and he would take me there...
My Prince DID come and we ARE living happily ever after.. I love you baby!! Happy Anniversary!!

A Date With a View...Mesa Verde & Arches National Park

On June 14th, Clint and I were able to get away for a few days and drive just a few hours from home to enjoy some time together while visiting some beautiful places. It's really amazing to me that we live in such an amazing area because we literally can drive just a few hours in any direction and be on vacation in what seems like a whole new world. This place was definitely no exception! While we had visited Mesa Verde before, this was the first time we were able to go and enjoy the breathtaking views without the worry of a little one falling down or even OFF of some dangerous edge! It was fun, relaxing, and enjoyable! ...And while I love taking my children fun places, Clint is really my favorite one to go with :) and it's nice to take it all in with my all of my senses instead of reserving a few of the most important ones for worrying about the safety of the little ones. Needless to say we had a wonderful time together and can't wait for our next trip together:)

Mesa Verde is a place where the Anasazi Indians used to live in cliff dwellings. And although they have been gone for a long time, when you are there you really get a feel of what their everyday life used to be like...This place that Clint is standing is called The Long House.

Here we are standing together in what was called The Balcony House...

Climbing up the ladder to the "balcony" at Balcony House...

Not too shabby for a girl who is terribly afraid of heights!

Nearing the top of the tour... This was the most secure of all of the places that the Indians lived... being up on that cliff with only a small crack to squeeze through made it very difficult for enemies to attack!!!

This was one of the only entrances into the living space...the park ranger made us all laugh as she explained that most everyone can fit through because all of the squishy parts seem to squish right where they need to!! (I told Clint to crawl in and look out for a picture and this was what I got!!! Silly boy;)

As you can see, not a whole lot of room to squeeze through!!!

This little "throne" was on our way out of Cliff Palace...fit for a King!;)

We also took a day and went into Arches National Park and saw some awesome views...

Here we are at Balanced Rock...but I really wonder just how much longer that rock will really stay balanced?

More inspiring views...

Here is Clint in front of Landscape Arch...You wouldn't know it from the picture but the actual width of the arch is as much as 3 football fields!!!

...And here I stand in a little crevace that gradually closed in on itself...

And the Pinnacle of the hike... Delicate Arch!

I figured it was about time we made it to see one of Utah's greatest sights! This Arch is on some of Utah's lisence plates AND we only live about 3 hours away from it!!! Isn't it about time?!

Isn't it beautiful? It was a breathtaking view! ~And so happy to have made it with my Sweetie Pie!!!

Thanks so much for all of the fun memories Clint!

I will go anywhere in this world as long as I can go with you...

I love you so much!!!

A Family trip to Yellowstone

For Memorial Day weekend we had a fun opportunity to take the family to Yellowstone National Park. What started out as a business trip turned out to be a blessing for our whole family! Our one work "requirement" was to deliver a completed Parks and Recreation Vehicle back to Yellowstone... in exchange we had one fun weekend,  put up in a cabin with 3 days to take it all in!

 I was VERY glad that I had spoken to a good friend who informed me that it was suppose to snow everyday that weekend... and sure enough that was what we arrived to find! But at least we were prepared for the weather as well as prepared to have some fun! ~And though it snowed everyday, we had patches of warmth and sun that seemed to come along always at the right moment! It was an unforgettable family weekend...

The Falls at Yellowstone were some of the most beautiful sights to see, and though plenty of the views were overwhelming and a rush to overlook, they were both breathtaking and amazing!

Dallin, Clint, Kambriella, Kierra, Carew, and Gavin ~ Keeping warm and loving the view!The Group Warmth Cuddle Huddle! :)

~More beautiful Falls!~

As we moved around the park we had many opportunities to see the buffalo claiming their territory... through the fields, walking down the middle of the roads, taking a nap by some of the rest rooms...

But THIS moment was a rare one indeed! We were walking down the board walk when a family of buffalo decided to walk UP and OVER the board walk!!! They didn't seem to mind the fact that there were herds of HUMANS right in front of them!!! By the time we got over there to take a picture, this was the LAST one to cross the board walk.. RIGHT in front of Dallin!!! (See that little person in the blue jacket with the red hood? YEP! That's Dallin!)

Kambriella decided that this little stump looked like a great little resting spot!;) So while we sat I marveled at the peace and the beauty of being in the great outdoors... enjoying all the beauties that have been created for us...

 and although I didn't get a picture of it, one of the days we were there was a Sunday and we had the opportunity to attend a Sacrament meeting at the Old Faithful Lodge. For one Sunday we were just a few members of about 40 in a little branch, meeting with other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The meeting was simple, inspiring, and made me realize that I am so thankful for the gospel no matter where I am in the world, and that Heavenly Father loves us all and has given us everything that we have to enjoy and hold dear...

~And here I am with my sweet little hiking buddy :) Kambriella has a "Love~Hate" relationship with the hikes! She loves to run down the paths but hates to hike back up! Thank goodness Mama doesn't mind the company! ;)

I love this picture! Whenever we say "cheese," Kambriella immediately becomes the life of the party! She is always making everyone smile...I think she gets it from her Dad...;)

 ~And although I would LOVE to claim this little snowman family as "our" creative work of art, we did not build them... someone before us found joy in the creating and boy did it bring a huge smile to Kambriella's little face!!! (Even the Japanese tourists were taking pictures of her with her big smile and the snowman family!!!)

 Along with all of the wild life that there was to see in the Park, we always seemed to have a few animals of our own always with us... Here Dallin and Kambriella are being Owls like the ones they saw behind them :)

(And by the way, on this trip, we saw every kind of wildlife possible I think...Buffalo, birds, wolves, moose, elk, and even a bear!) It was awesome!)

The family with "Old Faithful" geyser in the background...and at the Old Faithful Lodge...(Kambriella started crying because she thought this was the only time the geyser would blow! She literally thought she was missing it! ;)

Here we are carefully walking Uncle Tom's Stairs...I can't remember just how many stairs there were to get to the view point...originally it was 500 something, but now it's only 300 something... Quite a feat to watch your children accomplish...

While Yellowstone was many things to me, one of the greatest things that it was for me, was yet another opportunity to build lasting memories with the people that I love the Most!!! I love you all!! Thanks for all of the memories!!! :)