I just got home from....

-9 days in Southern Utah
-25 Family members

- 2 parents

- 14 cousins

- 3 National Parks

Zion

Cedar Breaks

Bryce Canyon

- 10,350 ft elevation

- 11 Frogs

- 2 leeches

- 1 tick

- 7 Horned Toads and other lizards

-1 fainting spell

- 3 fishing trips

- 12 oz of sunscreen

- 7 Junior Rangers

- 15 flag T-shirts

- 1 rainy afternoon of canoeing

and...

- Countless memories

Happy Mother's Day!

To all of the wonderful mothers that I am blessed to associate with,
but especially the one who raised me.

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.

-Abraham Lincoln

Me and Mom

Heritage

Yesterday I spent the evening with my Mom and my Grandma.  I sat with my Mom on my left and my Grandma on my right and I couldn't help but feel extremely lucky to have such incredible women to associate with.

My Grandma was just sixteen when she married her "Prince." They were blissfully happy and quickly had their first baby; my Mom. Soon, they were blessed with 4 more children. When my Grandma was about 30, my Grandpa was in a terrible plane crash that killed everybody instantly; everybody except him. He died shortly after the accident. Grandma was left to raise 5 kids on her own. Mom was left without her Dad at an age when she probably needed him most.

Both of these women have overcome some difficult circumstances.  They have set an example of strength and perseverance, they are leaving a heritage of grace even during trying times, and most importantly, they are establishing an inheritance of faith in our Heavenly Father's plan for His children. 

For these reasons and many others, I feel blessed to call these wonderful women "Mom" and "Grandma."

Lessons Learned

The kids and I are on our first adventure: Grandma and Grandpa's House! Being here in my parents' home has me thinking about lessons that they have taught me through the years. Here are a few:

-My mom's dad died when she was just 12. Because of this, my mom has ALWAYS made sure that our family was as prepared as possible; prepared in every area that she had control over. She made sure that we were prepared finanicially by being frugal and conservative in her spending. She made sure that we were prepared for emergencies by being diligent in keeping a comprehensive food storage. And she has always encouraged us to be, and is an example herself, of being spiritually prepared. Be Prepared.

-A few years ago, my dad was riding in a really tough mountain bike race. He got to a point where he was feeling very discouraged, he wasn't sure if he would be able to finish and even thought about quitting (very unlike my dad). He finished the race but was disappointed with how things had gone for him. Afterward, he told me that he felt he had spent so much of his energy thinking about failure, and his expeience would have been better if he had put that energy toward finishing. He said this is like life: we need to put our energy into succeeding rather than into failing. The next year, he went back and dominated that same bike race. Be Positive.

-When we first got to my parents' house on Thursday night, the boys were noticing all of the beautiful quilts that my mom has made. One of the boys said, "Wow! Grandma can make anything!" It's true, my mom can make just about anything. She sewed all of my clothes while I was little, she canned food every season, and she grew a garden. If I have a question about how to do just about anything, I can call my mom and, at some point, she has done it and can answer my question. She has aquired many, many useful skills. Be Productive.

-Yesterday, my mom and I were planning on taking the kids to a museum. When my dad got wind of our plan he took the day off of work so that he could come with us. This was a simple thing that sent a strong message to his grandkids; spending time with them was the most important thing for him to do. My dad hasn't always been able to take the day off of work but he has always taught us the importance of family. Value Family.

(Mom and Dad in Cali. a few years ago)

I am grateful to have parents that have tried to teach me valuable lessons through their example as much as their words. Love ya Mom and Dad!

Today

Today is a day that I was hoping would take longer to get here. I have been anticipating Today for a few months, and now, here it is. Hello, Today. Here you are, whether I'm ready for you or not.

Late last night Kedar got on an airplane again, he's had to do that more and more lately. But this time, it wasn't for work. He is traveling with his mom, traveling to a home that he has never known, to a family that he has never met, to a heritage that is a mystery to him. Later today, he will step off of the plane in the country where his mom was born, where she experienced an entire life before coming to America and beginning again. He will be with us again in 10 days.

I am excited for him. I know that is his trip will be full of new experiences and I want him to have those experiences. I am so glad that he can be there with his mom, and learn about where she comes from, ultimately, where a part of him comes from. Our own children share in the heritage that is there.

But I am a big baby, and I miss him already.

I woke up this morning and pulled the covers up over my head, I didn't want to leave the warm, comfort of my bed. I could hear the kids starting to stir. I didn't move. A few minutes later I heard the TV turn on, a big "no-no" before their jobs are done, but still I stayed where I was. A few more minutes passed and I reluctantly pulled the thick blankets back to face the first day without Kedar.

I know I'm being dramatic. Sometimes, I am very good at being dramatic. In truth, I know how important it is for Kedar to make this trip with his mom. So, while he's gone, we'll just do our best and the kids and I will have to go and have a few adventures of our own!