Cousins

I had a very enjoyable few hours this morning.  I met four of my Hall family cousins for breakfast.  Four of us, Arna and twins Hilary and Holly, were all born within 3 months of each other.  The four of us spent a lot of time together when we were growing up.   Mom always said that, anytime we were visiting them in Springville, it was always a fight getting me home because I wanted to sleep over.  Diane, Arna's older sister, now lives in my neighborhood so it is fun to see her more.   A year ago Holly's husband passed away, and her twin had come up from Vegas to spend some time with her.  That is why they planned the breakfast.   I can't help but think that our Moms are happy that we are getting together.

Another cousin sent up this cute pin cushion cupcake for me.

Then tonight when the Idiart cousins came by (to make flower pins, of all things),

they brought me this perfectly titled book from Eliza and Rachel in Oregon.

.

I firmly believe in the wisdom of this title and love

and very cute notes inside.

What is a shoe that represents

a part of your life?

That is our theme for our RS Activity this Thursday.  We hope that by everyone sharing a shoe that represents something about them, that we will get to know each other better. I had lots of fun making the shoes with my cricut machine. I do love the fancy shoes, but at this stage in the game, comfort is the number one thing for me.

I'm taking this shoe.

because it represent the projects I do and the

messes I make while I do them.

You'll notice paint specks,

 

and the mud on the bottom.

They are the most comfortable shoes I have,

and they are now my gardening shoes.

Once when I was out gardening,

Gary came out and watched me for a minute. 

Then he said, "You kind of garden like you cook." 

Since I'm known for the messes I make when I cook,

or when I do projects,

or even when I'm cleaning,

I knew exactly what he meant.

And, I could not disagree with his observation.

As the saying goes, "If the shoe fits, wear it."

That's why I'm taking that shoe.

What shoe represents a part of you?

The significance of Butterflies

to me.

When we were playing "Table Topics" at the Anderson reunion last year, one of the cards said to share a spiritual experience.   The one that came to my mind was an experience I had while we were "Wilderness Youth Conference" leaders more than 20 years ago. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a camper.  I like the comforts of home and do not seek out challenging outdoor activities.  So when we were called in by the Stake President and asked if we would be group leaders to 10 girls and boys, I was honestly filled with much trepidation.  The more I read up on what we were to do, the more anxiety I felt. 

These were things like:  Meeting the youth, who we didn't know, at 9:30 at night and then leading them on a 5 mile night hike to our campground.  Having only one orange to share for breakfast.  Doing activities like "fireman's net"  and other various obstacle courses and games all day, and then preparing our first meal in the evening.  Those things might not invoke fear in some people, but it certainly did in me.

The week before the youth conference, we had a training day.  On that training day we made the 5 mile hike, and I honestly thought I would die.  I remember standing on the trail in the baking sun wondering if a helicopter would be able to come and get me.  After that training day and during the following week, my anxiety was even worse.  I wanted to call and bow out.  How could I lead the youth when I couldn't be a good leader?  But, I've always believed, and followed my belief, that if I am called to do something that I will do my best and that I will be blessed the rest of the way.   I was blessed. 

The night of the hike, it was like my feet hardly touched the ground.  In fact, at the end of the conference each of us wrote something nice about everyone in the group.  One of the comments made to me was "she is a good hiker."  Ha!  Little did they know.

So, this story is a very long set-up as to why the butterfly has significance to me. 

The last activity of youth conference was to have everyone go off alone for a half hour.   We were to ask God a question and listen for an answer.  That was also somewhat of a new experience for me.  While I often ask God questions, I seldom have the patience to stay still, meditate, and wait for an answer. 

My question was, "Why does there have to be such sorrow and pain in the world?  Why do some people have to go through so much?"  That was very much on my mind at the time, particularly because of my nephew and niece, Chuck and Christine, who lived with such excruciating pain with EB.   As I sat in silence in the mountains, a beautiful butterfly flew right in front of me.  As I watched it fly away, my heart lifted and I felt such peace.  What came into my mind was the thought that "without sorrow or pain we would not recognize or appreciate the opposite, which is joy and love and goodness."    I knew that my question had been heard and that I had been given a greater understanding.  The whole wilderness experience, from beginning to end, was one of the hardest and one of the most faith promoting of my life.

After I had shared that experience last year, Lynn (Chuck and Christine's mom), asked me if I knew that the symbol for EB (Epiderolysis Bullosa) is the butterfly (They have skin as fragile as a butterfly wing which can blister at the slightest touch).    I had never known that, and hearing it gave me an even greater appreciation for my experience on the mountain.

It was then that Lynn gave me the necklace with the butterfly and EB etched on it.  And that is why why I felt so sad when I lost it on Wednesday (Lost Necklace).   That is why I was so relieved when I was able to order another one.

If you saw two people

with flashlights looking under cars in the hospital parking lot,

that would be me and Gary. 

To make a long story shorter, I went in for my annual mammogram (fun).  As I was putting on the gown, I took off the necklace I was wearing and put it in my purse.  It is just a little necklace that has a small silver disc and hangs on a black cord.  As I put it in my purse, I thought to myself  "you shouldn't put it there."  You know how sometimes you're doing something and a little warning thought comes, but you do it anyway?  That's what I did.

Well, I got dressed and was on my way to the dentist (more fun )when I realized that I didn't have my necklace.  After the dentist, I went back to the hospital, retraced my steps, went to the lost and found, etc.  No necklace.  What I figure is that the necklace must have caught on my keys and flipped off when I got them out.  That is what led to me and Gary going back later with the flashlights.

The reason I treasure that necklace is because my sister-in-law gave it to me.  On the little silver disc there is a butterfly etched on it.  I didn't realize it until she gave it to me that the butterfly is a symbol used for EB, the skin disease my nephew and niece, Chuck and Christine, had.   It is used as a symbol because of their fragile skin.  Here is a picture of the necklace  http://www.ebkids.org/shop/satya.php  

I just ordered another necklace.. 

More later.

I finally got my

kitchen cleaned up after all the baking and partying.  It took me several hours, and by the time I was done I was exhausted.  I don't know what should be so exhausting about it.  I think it is more mental exhaustion because I know there are many other things that need to be done.  But for right now, I'm just going to appreciate what I have accomplished and not stress about what I haven't.   And go to bed because I feel so exhausted.

I have Gratitude for

those who serve our country and preserve our freedoms. This morning at 6:30 we went to a patriotic service at our chapel.  I know sometimes I take for granted the freedoms and blessings we have and forget the sacrifices that have been made to preserve them. One phrase that stood out to me was that sometimes we have to do 'the right thing during hard times." Many people have done just that. I honor and appreciate them.

After the service we were too tired to go to the parade but went down a little later to enjoy some of the festivities and get into the spirit of it. They were having Colonial Days at the Crandall Printing Museum, and we saw how they printed a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Then we stopped by the carnival block.  It was during that 4th of July carnival, in the summer of 67, that I remember standing right in this area. I made the decision that I would like Gary because he was cool, but didn't drink or smoke.  Here's that "cool guy" 43 years later.

Here we are in our very patriotic red shirts against

a very red patriotic wall.

Then I had a fun time at Jeans with her

two daughters getting wonderful massages

and making flower pins. 

It has been a fun and inspiring day.

This morning after the fireworks event,

I have a sugar and adrenaline hangover.

After making about 18 dozen cupcakes

and sampling at least one from each batch.

After being on a happy high from seeing so

many good friends, neighbors, and family.

After feeling sick in the pit of my stomach

when the two uninvited vehicles pulled up.

Well, those are the reasons for my
sugar and adrenaline hangover.

As for the last one,

all I can say is,

"Don't Ask, Don't Tell,"

I guess that's not all I can say about that last one.
I will also add,
"No More Reasons for the two uninvited vehicles to come by!"

Here are just a few pictures from the evening. Unfortunately, I couldn't get pictures of everyone who came because it got too dark and too busy. But, we had many friends from the old ward, new and old friends from our neighborhood, and family.  My niece, Jennie, and her family left early enough yesterday from Arizona so they could get here in time. Now that is dedication.  I wish I could have gotten pictures of everyone.

I think another reason I feel so out of it this morning is that we lost our little week long visitors.  We've enjoyed having them so much.  But off they went this morning.  Here are a few pictures before they left. (In a very messy kitchen because we were too tired to clean it up last night.)