Stories matter

This is a fun idea that we happened upon and enjoyed putting them together in hopes of brightening someones day.  We put the socks mate, toothbrush and paste, deoderant, lip balm, candy, cards or nail polish, Sudoku book and attached the cards.

 The drive each week to dance has included some beautiful skies. We especially liked the reflection in the lake that finally has a little bit of water again.  We are still praying for snow and plenty of it as we have been in a severe drought around here.

 The Daughters of the Utah Pioneers is a group full of old ladies doing their very best to keep our noble heritable alive and cherished.  It was a specially meeting this month with a guest speaker and treats to share.

So I have been reading the Book of Mormon with the goal to finish by the end of the year.  I am in 3 Nephi.  There has been a lot of war chapters, a lot of repenting and then forgetting and choosing wickedness.  I am also in the ladies literary club and just finished the book for this month All the Light We Can Not See by Anthony Doerr.  I didn't love it.  It was long and slow for me.  A friend told me she loved the style and language.  I am a slow reader and have to work hard sometimes to even remember what I just read.  It was hard for me to get through but it was at times also disturbing.  It tells a story during World War II and it was not always a good time.  It didn't uplift or edify for most of the book.  It took a lot of time, time I would have liked to spend reading something else and doing other projects this time of year.  I decided that I would finish the book and then drop out of the club.  I assumed that I was just not the classy type that appreciates or has time to figure this stuff out.

Well as I was getting to only 100 pages left in the book I went to the DUP meeting and heard more stories of people going through difficult times and still moving forward.  It occurred to me that hearing stories of hard times and finding out that people survive and then have good lives, meaningful lives, is an essential part of life that we all need.  We need to understand our own family stories - what they went through, how they did it, maybe what they learned along the way, why they do the things they do (or did). Knowing our own legacy whether it is our family history or our countries history or the history of any people is vital.  It occurs to me that too many stories are lost to our current generation.  When we don't hear stories we lose perspective.  We don't have an understanding of the importance of enduring, fighting, maintaining hope in the future and the ability to survive and eventually thrive. What it is that is worth sacrificing for. How to be noble and good. Things that teach us that bad times don't last forever. That good eventually wins, always. That who we choose to be makes all the difference.  That relationships and family are what matter most, relationships with God and with others.

I can't help but think there would be less anxiety and depression and hopelessness if we shared more stories of hope and good. based on real people doing real things. Real people going through difficult times, decisions, lives and still seeing the good, the value that each life adds.

I have a renewed desire to find and share our own family history, to help my children recognize the qualities that are part of their genetics.  To be able to say we believe in hard work, strong faith, goodness.  That we face challenges with a smile. We help each other. We repent often and forgive quickly. We serve others. We stay on the covenant path and share the gospel with others through our choices, our conversations, our service and our countenance.

Though we are uncomfortable with difficult stories and though I wish I could only hear of good and happy, there is something of value to the dark valleys of life that bring the mountain tops more joy and beauty.  Jules Verne said “Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.” I would say that mistakes, failure, difficulty, hard times all can point us toward light and truth, toward God and his goodness, if we choose.  Life is better when we have strong dependable roots that hold us up through the storms of life, help us blossom and grow, enjoy each season and look forward to the next. Roots that are required to search for water, go around obstacles, and even those obstacles become a foundational part of strength and ability to hold fast. The more effort and work, the more perseverence and hope, the more ability they have to support the whole and bring the ability to bear fruit. Fruit that is delicious and desirable more so because of the effort and the work of growth.

December fun

Dance recital for Debbie and Nellie.  They both did great.

 Piano recital.  Debbie played Silent Night, Simeon played Ding Dong Merrily on High and they did a duet of Up On the House Top.  

 This nativity has always been a favorite with its big blocky pieces but this year Samuel has taken it to new heights with his stacking abilities.

 The nappers falling asleep during a movie. (Simeon and Daisy)

 Pickle Chiffon Pie was a wonderful and fun musical based on a book by the same name that was made into a musical by our local amazing Denise Hagemeister.  So many parts with opportunities for lots of kids with lots of talent to shine.

 When I needed help making gingerbread men for my tree this darling baking companion was so willing to help.  

This might be Debbie's last time on Santa's knee.  Babies grow up so nicely.

 We enjoyed our own local polar express on this tiny train with a trip to visit Santa and picture reminders of Jesus and the reason for this glorious season.

picture catch up

Its time for a  picture update.  We headed up the canyon to enjoy the leaves on a Sunday evening and had fun taking pictures.  These three are so much fun.  

 We also tried to do some back to school portraits.  They turned out alright...

 But this girl thinks this crazy one would look best on my wall.

 Daisy our dog of several years now has been a good and fun companion.  She is half golden doodle and half black lab.

Me and my sweetheart. I am so grateful for the good man that he is. 

This picture showed up in a text letting us all know about another new baby in March.  So lucky to have this great family.

 Because of a bike race, I got to enjoy the whole house to myself and watched conference without interruption or food prep.  It was an amazing experience and actually new to me.  I love family time but I also loved my private general conference time.

 Its the season of warm drinks.  A very welcome season!

All three kids were on the bike team this year and they each did amazing, placed well, worked hard, and had a great time.  I love the team and the many things it is including family oriented, high values, and great people all around cheering each other on.

We stopped at a pumpkin patch on our way home. I loved taking my teens. It was so fun to let them be the littles again and just play and play. 

 This black cat kept appearing and scaring Deb.  She had a heck of a time finding her way through the maze and always screamed when the cat showed up.  

 They did finally make it all the way through.  

 Bet you can't guess who likes being in front of the camera.  I'm glad.  She is a cutie.

 This hay mound is called Mt. Everest and is part of a really fun for the big people obstacle course.

 And the castle

 We came back a couple of days later with friends and family to share the fun with them.

 This handsome fire fighter has just started training and is loving it.

And some girlfriend fun.  Grapes in the cheeks

and dressing up

My boys came home later one night and surprised me with this show of lights.  

I and S doing a road gap jump 

and a light show