The Trek I didn't go on!

I usually do whatever Larry wants to do.  I cook what he likes even though it isn't always what I like.  I really try to please my sweet hubby BUT I didn't want to go to trek and so I didn't.  I knew Larry would "guilt" me into going if I didn't leave.  So I left.  I don't regret it and I'm glad that Larry, Jaydan, Kimi, and Jared were able to experience a wonderful trek together.  I was thrilled when I heard that Jared was going to be able to go because I knew he would love it.  He did love it ..... in fact they all did.  Larry has been very involved in planning trek with Courtnie Merril and Jayden Fulmer for a long time.  It was worth all their hard work because trek turned out great.  So many pitched in and helped out and it ran smoothly.  The experience was good.

 Some of the things I learned from my family is that trek was perfect even though it poured buckets of rain on them the first day and was hard.  Trek was fun.  They played games together and ate good food.  They talked about early pioneers who walked the same trails (or at least the same land)  They bonded and grew new friendships with everyone who went.  They felt the presence of Angels.  The veil is very thin and testimonies grew.

My family talked about working together and helping others out.  Everyone did that.  They were united and all worked together.  Even though it was hard they laughed....they laughed a lot!

 I learned that the hardest day was the Second day when the women had to pull the wagons up a hill by themselves.  Jared told me he cried....Larry and Jaydan also cried.  In fact everyone cried.  It was hard on the women.  Kimi was feeling sick to her stomach and wanted to quit but remembered the pioneers and that helped her to keep going.  She felt the spirit come over her and give her peace and helped her feel better.  She cried but didn't want the others to see.  I think she thought she was the only one but in reality everyone was shedding plenty of tears.  It was a humbling time of the trek.

 I learned that bodies get worn down and exhausted but are able to keep going.  I learned that the Priesthood is very powerful.  Emmalee Winter sprained her ankle and was able to still complete trek without any help.  I learned that women don't need the men as much as the men need the women and that women are the crowing jewel. (the men said that)

 We are all in this together and we can do anything with each others help.  People are just good!

 I learned that the girls in the Shannondoah Ward can beat the boys in tug a war every time.  I learned that Jared is a good sport and didn't care who won but enjoyed playing regardless.

 I didn't learn this but know that Bishop Ropelato loves the people in the Shannondoah Ward and would do anything for any of them.  He is truly a man of God and lets God guide him and direct him.  I admire that a lot!  Even though I wasn't there to grow closer to anyone I love them all too!  I admire every single person that went on trek.  I am thankful to everyone for blessing the members of my family!

 I am thankful for a book that I got "Who's Pulling Your Strings".  I read just a little while I was gone avoiding trek and helping my niece.  I am pleased with myself for Pulling My Own Strings this time.  I know me and know that I do not do well in the hot weather. (I get sick)  I also know that my back is bent and too much standing at one time hurts it.  I am glad that Larry tries to understand and lets me make my own decisions.  I have a great family and a great ward family!

I am thankful for the pioneers and their faith in God and for their powerful example.  I am thankful that they shared their believes so that I can be were I am today.  We are so blessed!

I love being "Aunt Dawn"

First I just want to say that I love the title "Aunt Dawn".  Until I was an aunt I was just Dawn and I really like having Aunt in front of my name.....it makes me feel so good!

I  was blessed to be able to go with Tonya to Kalie's for 10 days to help her little family while she had her baby son Markus.  Months ago I was just trying to get out of going to Trek.  I really can't stand the hot weather and my body doesn't function well in the heat.....I get sick, I just do!  I had a few different thoughts of where to run away to go through my mind but I kept thinking about Tonya.  When I called her she told me that she was going to Colorado to help Kalie and told me that it would be great if I came too.  It turned out even better than expected because Tonya had surgery and was still recovering.  She really needed my help and so now I am claiming that it was "inspiration" to call her.  (I don't care what others think....I think it was) So on Wednesday, June 27 Tonya and Braylie came and picked me up and we headed to Colorado.  The drive wasn't bad for me and Tonya because we talked the whole way. Braylie listened and asked me if I was going to talk the whole way home too and I told her I probably would.  She said that she learned that I don't like to run and especially don't want to pay to run and that I like chocolate.  (she remembered the important things)

The kids went to a summer bible class the first few days we got and so we had a little free time during that time to check out some little stores.  I kind of like antique stores now a days.  I recognize so many things that bring back childhood memories.  (I guess that means I might be becoming antique myself)

Antique shops make for some pretty fun photo's....we took advantage of that.  It was so much fun!

I seriously loved the pink flamingo's.  I have never seen metal ones like this before and I will admit I kind of liked them.  I especially liked seeing Kalie strangle and climb on the big one.  So funny to me!  That's a great thing about being 50+.... things are just funny to me and I don't mind admitting it!

We went over to a chocolate store and it too was full of old things, mostly old cash registers.  Have I ever mentioned that I love chocolate? I do, I love chocolate.  I realized how much I love chocolate on this trip.  I had chocolate every day!  I will credit my happiness on chocolate....it makes me happy!

The summer bible class was fun for the kids.  They did crafts and sang and I think that kids really enjoyed it. Braylie wasn't so sure though the first day.  People in different churches pray differently and so we were able to talk to the kids about that.  We joked about all the prayers said though while they were there each day.  They prayed at the beginning of every rotation....maybe that's a little too much....maybe not but it was different.  Tonya and I talked a little about the differences of the way we pray and concluded that we pray with much more reverence and respect.  However, I don't really think God cares how we pray, He just likes us to.  No way is better than the other, just different.

I helped Tonya make a few freezer meals for Kalie and her family.  Kalie was very prepared already though and had a bunch of freezer meals made already.  It was a nice sight to see her freezer full. (like packed full)  It was a lot of fun working together with Tonya.  It wasn't like work at all and quite enjoyable.

I know we made Chicken Pot Pie, Chicken and Stuffing casserole, and Beef Enchilada's.  I was also able to help out with a few of the dinners we ate.  I'm glad I had just made a few good one's before I left so I could think of some.  I realized and am accepting the fact that I really can cook and it's even good.  I haven't ever let myself believe that before and I'm not quite sure why but I will give myself credit for it from now on. I can cook good!

Tonya and I both brought crafts and things for the girls to do.  I brought little gift bags for the girls.  They had activity books, a pen, some suckers, and some awesome finger lights in them.  The girls loved everything!  It was so much fun for me to get to know Tonya's grands better.  They are all so cute and fun.  I loved spending time with them.

One day we went to the Library and then for some Ice Cream.  I love little shops like this one.  I would love to have my kitchen decorated like a soda shop some day.  I picture it with glass jars full of different candies everywhere.  It's simply a "fantasy" of mine.

Cedaredge has deer everywhere.  Tonya and I loved it and Kalie laughed at us and called us "tourists".  I pulled my camera out every time.  I didn't post all the pics just the bucks that I saw outside her kitchen window.  There were actually four bucks that day but I only got a picture with two of them.  Tonya saw them there a few days later.  I think it's cool.

Tonya and I each took our I Pads and the girls loved them.  Heck, I loved them.  I didn't have reception for my cell phone and was very glad I could at least get on FB and wish my FB friends Happy Birthday and stay up on what was going on with everyone.  I love technology and how we can stay connected with others because of it.  So much nicer than old fashion hand written letters!  We were able to bribe the girls with the I Pads.  They loved playing on them and Tonya and I downloaded a bunch more games on them for the girls to play.  I am glad we both thought to bring them.....they were nice to have around.

Kalie started showing signs of the baby being born the last few days of June.  She really wanted to hold off until July and was actually scheduled to have a C-Section on July 2.  On July 1 however she felt like she needed to call the Doctor and he told her to just go in and they would deliver her that day.  It was exciting as she got ready to go and soon baby Markus was born.  Everything went well and both Kalie and baby were good.  Tonya and I took the girls the next day to meet him.

The girls were so excited to have a new baby brother.  Madi was excited to be a "big sister".  Tonya took the girls to the store first and let them each pick out an outfit for their new brother and cousin.  Tonya is such a wonderful Grandma.

Brad just makes me laugh.  I really, really like this guy.  Brad is such a good daddy and husband.  You can really tell by his actions that he adores his little family.  He is very involved with them all.  He is so funny and put on his hospital suit so we could all be entertained.  That kind of a suit was new to all of us and made us all laugh.  We laughed even before he acted like a monkey! (which by the way he does a little too well)

It was fun being able to watch this little family welcome another member to it.  I loved just watching it all and taking pictures.  I love babies!  I love the love they bring out in us!  They are so pure and wonderful!

As I mentioned at the beginning we did crafts and activities with the girls.  I taught them how to make some cool cards by using shaving cream.  They turned out really cute.  Tonya brought visors for them to color and some coloring books.  She also bought them bubble wands and we made Sun Catchers.  We stayed busy that is for sure.

Mark flew in on Wednesday and it was nice getting out and picking him up. (during our outs I had service and loved feeling my pocket vibrate letting me know a text was coming through....I love knowing someone is thinking of me)  The girls were so excited to see there Papa.  He was a good sport and took them to a Museum on Thursday.  On Friday we took them swimming and they all loved that.  They are all little fishies and love to swim.  It was fun watching them.  Man.....I love little kids!

The time went so fast and before I knew it Brad's mom and sister were there and it was time for us to come home.  It was a wonderful experience for me.  Brad and Kalie are such great parents and I learned a few things from them that I want to change so I will be a better parent too.  I loved my time with Tonya and all the talk time we had.  It was wonderful.  I love that I was really needed and that I did help this little family.  I loved getting to know these cute little girls better.  They own a bigger part of my heart now.  They made my heart and mouth smile a lot.  I loved meeting little Markus.  He is such a cute, sweet baby.

God is wonderful and blesses us so much!  I am glad that I was guided to where I needed to be.  I am glad that Heavenly Father has blessed me with such a wonderful family and wonderful friends.  I am glad that I am me! (it feels so good to say that!)

While I was away I got this text from Cindy P.  that made me smile and made my day:  "Missed your smile at church today! Hope you are having fun....and being good!"