Zion National Park

Have you ever felt absolutely, truly insignificant in this big, great, wonderful world? I don't mean the times when we feel alone, or like we've done something wrong--almost the opposite. When you know without a shadow of a doubt that there is something out there that is greater than us all and that this world has been created just for you and your enjoyment--and awe. That was very much the way I felt a short while ago, when we visited Zion's.

I didn't really know what to expect. I had an idea--we'd been to Bryce and Arches, but I was not aware of how incredibly amazing it would actually be (how do you like that, coming from a creative writing teacher--absolutely no creativity!)

We drove in and felt incredibly small, and yet, I had no idea what was still coming. We took the park shuttle up to the Weeping Rock--where water that has been saturated into the rock years ago--they've found water there that is estimated to be 12,000 years old--is continually 'weeping' out of the rocks. It was like walking through a sprinkler! It was awe-inspiring--and very wet!

We went on the hike to the narrows--and the boys wimped out on several occasions and had to have a break. I was very impressed that my two balls of energy would wimp out before I did!

We saw all sorts of wild things (but not the kind that hide in Max's closet):

I thought it was fun that so many of them posed for pictures! (I know, I know, it's a squirrel, but the picture was cool!)

Who would've thought that you'd find a turkey there--if you look closely you can see both the mama and the baby! And check out the tail on this guy!

We had such a great time! It was absolutely gorgeous--about 87 degrees--and sunny!

But, after a few hours of hiking around in the heat, we were all ready to catch the shuttle back to the parking lot and head home! I couldn't resist this one of all of the boys. Brothers, all the way around!


We went out the opposite way than we came in--through the tunnel--which was really cool. The last picture we weren't really sure about. We don't know if this happened because of the blasting, or just over time, or both. Either way, it was amazing!


I love having such beauty so close to us. It's one of my favorite things! It helps me to remember that no matter what is going on in life--no matter how busy I get, or how crazy things are--there is a grander purpose out there--and I am just one small part of it.

Oops!

Ok, so I made a goal about three weeks ago to update this blog on a more normal basis--three weeks later: yup--no new posts! So, I've updated, but it is all below--in the order in which it all occurred. Maybe I'll do better over the next couple of weeks. There's always hope, right?

Two Boys, a Roll of Tape, and One Uncle

So, Robert's brother, John, moved down from Idaho to live with us for a little while. It has been an adventure for all, but especially for my boys, and their uncle (who I'm not sure is used to the way these boys behave on a normal day). They're all handling it great. The boys love having their uncle here--and pester him continually. So, here is what happens when you have a roll of tape, two boys and an uncle:

Need I say more?

Pinewood Derby

Nate had his first pinewood derby this year. We went up to Boise at the beginning of March, and his Uncle Russ helped him cut out the perfect car! We brought it home, painted it and put on all of the finishing touches, and things went really well! First of all, Nate earned his Bobcat that night, so they painted his face--although he wasn't too happy with it since it made his face feel funny.


Then it went on to the races! His car is in the second lane from the right--black with a lightning bolt on the hood. He named it #43


Almost every time Nate's car raced, he came in either first or second. There was only one car that he couldn't beat--not bad for a first try! He raced four times, and we got to cheer really loud for him (sometimes I think Mom was the loudest of all--what can I say? I was proud and excited for him!) We got to see his name light up on the scoreboard--how cool is that?!?

Ultimately, he came in second place and won a ribbon for his little car. We had a ton of fun. Nate was really happy (although you can't tell in the picture--I think he still believes that having his picture taken will steal his soul).


Great job, Nate--and thanks a bunch to Uncle Russ!!

Oh, What the Imagination Can Do!

So, I was upstairs one evening--Robert was at work, and I was probably reading--and the boys yell down at me to come and see their invention. It was "the coolest thing ever!" and I had to hurry. So I came downstairs, and this is what I found:

I had a couple of different thoughts run through my head--first of all, the logical, mothering, pinch your pennies sort of person that I am thought: that was a lot of plastic cups, that could have been used but were now covered in carpet fuzz and dog hair. The struggling to maintain a clean house part of me thought: I so do not want to have the left over mess when they are through. Luckily, the fun part of me, and the proud Mama won out with: That is so cool!! So, I took about eight pictures and promised that we'd show their dad--little did they know that I'd post it for all to see ;-) I had a couple of very nice, posed pictures, but I had to post the one that shows the true side of my boys--notice the face on Nathan, and the tatoo on Jacob's neck--of all the places to stick a tatoo!

They promised that they would clean it up and proceeded to show me how quickly it could be done:

It probably helped that it was fun, too.

And before I knew it, my living room was back to the somewhat neat, somewhat cluttered area that I tolerate during the school year. Gotta love those boys!

Nate Gets Baptized

Nate got baptized on February 2 this year. It was a fabulous day. I loved having the opportunity to see my little one make such a good choice.


We were a little worried that the family wouldn't be able to make it in for it. The entire week before was day after day of snowstorms. The pass at the Utah/Idaho border had been closed off and on all week. We sat down and talked to Nate about the possibilities of the family not making it because of the roads. We knew that the Clarks would be there, and Grandma and Grandpa Orr (since they were flying in), but James and Anne, Christy and Eric, Mandy and Lee, and the entire Lister family was a big question (although Grandpa Lister said that he was coming no matter what). Anyway, we gave Nathan the option of postponing his baptism so that the family could be there, or getting baptized anyway. It was a tough decision for him--he thought about it over night--but he decided to get baptized even if the family could not make it. What an amazing little boy!

Well, we prayed a lot that Heavenly Father would find a way for the family to come--and he did! We watched the road reports, and, sure enough, the weather cleared and they opened the pass. It was such a great blessing! We like to think that it was all for Nate's baptism--even though President Hinkley's funeral was on the same day. Either way, we were very thankful.


We had to be at the stake center bright and early on Saturday morning so that he could get ready and take pictures before everything got started (although Nate didn't want to smile, for whatever reason). There were only a few baptisms that day--and only two from our ward. The stake called for our ward to go back, and about 2/3 of the congregation got up and went to the baptismal font! It was crazy how many people were there for Nate. We had several friends from here, plus all of the family--we had so many people that there were not enough chairs for everyone, and they had to separate us out from the other family that was there!

It was a beautiful day, and we had a lot of fun! We got to have everyone over for lunch (even though we had to use the church because there were too many people for our little town house). The kids got to run around and play, and the grown ups got to do a lot of talking. I sure enjoyed having everyone there. I was, and am, so proud of both of my boys. I'm proud that they are strong young men that can play with the best of them, wrestle like crazy, and make such good decisions at the same time. But, neither one of them is too old, or cool, to give Mom a big hug!