NEW BLOG

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www.fourthelonghaul.blogspot.com


Hope all is well with everyone :)

HAS TIME REALLY GONE THAT FAST...

I've been proclaiming now for a few months...

37 seconds is the new minute!!!!


Where has time gone and can we ever get it back?


Time is gone with school, holidays, activities, vacations, responsibilities, homework, sports, piano, play dates, park time, etc, etc..... And no, you don't ever get it back. But there is one thing that makes me extremely happy.....

 You FOREVER get to keep the memories.

OCTOBER IS....

NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH....

This month holds a love/hate relationship in my heart. You see, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. An idea to a lot, means nothing; but to even more, means everything.

I want to dedicate this blog post to someone that means the world to me. My entire life we have lived multiple states apart. We have seen each other once a year, maybe every other year, and it seems now we see each other every few years.

My Grandma Hill

You see, Grandma is a musician; she is an accomplished pianist, and an avid singer. She loves music of every kind; she appreciates music. When I think of Grandma, music notes flote through my mind. When I think of Grandma, I think of the piano music box she gave me to treasure, the melodies playing from the music room, the jingles accompanying the grand and great grandkids.

Music is Grandma.

And Grandma is many other things as well. She is smart, and active, and determined to express her opinion. She is a fighter, a winner, and the mother of my mom.

Grandma is also a Breast Cancer Survivor. Its a constant battle, day after day. But she survives. Is she cancer free...no. Is she still playing music...YES.

We love you Grandma Hill...today, yesterday, and forever!!! Keep fighting!

(Four Generations)

STANDARDS NIGHT 2012

I had the best time with the Young Women and their parents on Wednesday. It was that time of year, yet again, to plan the annual Standards Night for the young women. For this night we spend time discussing the standards we set for ourselves as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We talk about why we hold ourselves to such standards and how to be successful doing it. And I'm going to admit something weak....I was afraid of it; I was afraid to plan the night. I remember being a teen and being almost annoyed every time we discussed certain topics...and frankly, I didn't want that to happen. HOWEVER...as an adult, of course I have learned that we teach and re-teach and re-teach because that's how we learn, that's how we are able to make good choices in a blink of an eye.

Anyway, with all that being said...I went away from the traditional "talk and listen" setting and we put a fun game in the mix. I chose the theme "Sock it to The Standards" that I got the idea from here. I ended up creating my own questions but the idea was fantastic!!

I started the evening with about a 7 minute discussion on why we hold ourselves to a higher standard and gave a background about the 'For The Strength Of Youth' booklet that we live by. Did you know that in 1965 when the first pamphlet was published their were 7 topics discussed covering areas of physical and social standards(grooming, clean living, propriety in all things, “grubbies”, dancing, dating, dress). Now in 2012 we have had NINE updates, not because the standards of the church have changed, but because the standards of the world have and therefore giving the youth emphasis on areas that need focused on. The new booklet covers EIGHTEEN topics in areas of physical, social, mental, and spiritual standards(Agency and accountability, dating, dress and appearance, education, entertainment and media, family, friends, gratitude, honest and integrity, language, music and dancing, physical and emotional Health, repentance, sabbath day observance, service, sexual purity, tithes and offerings, and work and self-reliance).

Brother Robinson then gave a great testimony and thoughts on why we act the way we act, do the things we do, are the way we are. It was amazing, and told in such simple terms that everyone in the room could relate too. 

When he was finished talking, I divided the the room, girls versus their parents. We now would play "Sock it to the Standards". I came up with about 25 questions from the For The Strength Of Youth booklet, then posted all the answers around the room(as seen in the picture). We played one youth against one parent. I'd read the question, and the first one to "sock it" or throw a pair of socks at the correct answer, got the point.

(These are the questions I came up with)

 PARENTS....

 GIRLS...

The game was so fun. The parents REALLY got into it and were super competitive. Socks were flying through the air, people were jumping around chairs. It literally was the most engaging Standards Night I've been too. 

 Who knew that even BISHOP was ready to "Bring It". But he did, and his daughter wasn't afraid.

 Last point...winner takes all. Brother Cobabe took the shoes and socks off - he was READY!!

I ended with making the point that when we take the time to study, focus, and pray about the standards that have been set for us by our Heavenly Father, that is when we gain a testimony of the importance, of the why behind them, and THAT'S when it becomes a way of life. To be taught something once isn't going to be enough. And that's why we spend from years 12-18 focusing on those important 18 topics that I mentioned earlier. Our dessert was brownies. Yummy Yummy Brownies. I shared a story that I got here(this isn't actually the site I got it from but I can't find the original site) to drive a very important point. It took only a little bit of coaxing to get them to eat my brownies. lol

We had a great night! I loved every minute of it. I love the girls that I get to be with every Sunday and Wednesday. I love my counselors, secretary, camp directors, and advisors. I feel very blessed. And if we had even one person walk away on Wednesday recharged to live life by a higher standard then we accomplished our goal.

EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE...

Everyone once in awhile you come across a picture, landscape, sunset, or sky that takes your breath away. On my trip to Utah I had my breath taken away multiple times... 

We made a day of downtown Salt Lake City; visited Temple Square, the museums, the new outdoor mall. It was wonderful. But this first picture is truly one that takes your breath away. The beauty of the temple; the craftsmanship alone is amazing, but add the story of the building of the temple and you have a truly organic experience. If you'd like to know it's history you can read here. Or I'd love to tell you about the temple... As I walked the temple ground that beautiful day I felt the peace of my Heavenly Father. There's no question that our Heavenly Father created the beauties of the earth to help us feel the spirit. Flowers, shrubs, waters, blue skies, beautiful stones.... Though there are great blessings promised within the walls of the temple, there are also amazing museums all around the temple that share great blessings as well. The blessing of a loving Heavenly Father, a savior, and the Holy Ghost. The promise of eternal families. The unconditional love of charity and service. There is no denying the blessings that are promised all around us. Great blessings that I KNOW are real if we are willing to live our life in a way submissive to the Lord.

Submissive...there might be some that fear that word. Yet, in a way, it gives us great freedom. When we submit ourselves to the commandments of God we are healthy and happy. We have the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and the light of Christ alive in us. We find the glass half full, rather than half empty.  Is life easier...no. But the load is lighter.

I am clearly far from perfect. I have a lifetime of habits to perfect, and vices to overcome. But I know that each day I try; each day I ask my Heavenly Father for guidance, forgiveness, and a boost for the next day, I get closer and closer to realizing the blessings and promises that have been given me.

With that said...this day took my breath away.

The next day we went to Thanksgiving Point which is at the point of the mountain(close to American Fork). I've been there multiple times...to the dinosaur museum and the petting zoo. But this time we went to this adventure land. I'm not sure what its called. It had a great pirate ship splash area and then a whole garden area for kids to explore. It was also connected to the Large Gardens at Thanksgiving Point. This was another day that took my breath away.... 

 Everyone once in awhile you come across a picture, landscape, sunset, or sky that takes your breath away.....

FRIENDS and FAMILY, Boise and Tremonton

I DIDN'T HAVE AS MANY DAYS IN BOISE AS I WOULD HAVE LIKED, but we had a great time with what we had. We got to see friends and family and it was lots of fun. Next time we'll have time for even MORE visiting. 

Started our Boise trip with a few unforseen "issues" but nothing that took away the fun. Just made for good memories. :) 

Bring on the Bowling with the Collin's. Yay! I was horrible. Next time I'm putting bumpers down for ME too! The kids had a lot of fun. And we got to visit with Ann Don over bowling and lunch. 

Sista's from anotha motha....and look, I even LOOK like the "older" sis. Somehow I've aged to 34 and Ann is STILL 24. What on earth!!!!

I don't even know how to explain this photo...haha

We had a great BBQ with Thayne and Angel and fam, Jeff and Jackie and fam, and mom and dad. BBQ, watermelon seed spitting, and swimming. Perfect Pioneer Day celebration :) Thank you Angel for preparing the evening for us. Angel always goes above and beyond to make sure everyone is comfortable.

I just want my mom and dad to know how MUCH I appreciated them getting into the pool with the kids. Is swimming their favorite thing?? Not even...but their grandkids are and they literally do anything to make them happy. I'm so grateful for all you do for the kids.

My brother Jeff. Three and a half years older, we only spent one year of high school together. But I will always remember trying out for cheerleader my freshman year. He made everyone that he talked to with a ballot still in their hands that DIDN'T vote for me change their vote. I still didn't make cheerleader that year, but I've never forgotten how it made me feel to know that my big brother was looking out for his little sis. And he's the one that taught me the statement, "remember who you are and what you stand for". I've never forgotten that and use it still to this day for myself, my kids, and my young women.

The morning before we headed for Utah I had a chance to visit with some dear friends there in Boise. Ahhhh....it was a great time. And the kids took about 2 seconds to be comfortable with each other again. I loved it!!!

And thanks to Jeff and Jackie for letting us stay at Hotel Rigby once again. I look up to Jackie so much. She just seems to have it together, ya know. She's a great example to me.

On to Utah...we had a few minutes before we were meeting up with Micah, my bro, so I stopped to see a friend from Texas who was also visiting family in Utah. Howdy Andrea...long time no see! Haha...like a weekend or two, actually. :)

After an allergic reaction scare...I thought for sure we were heading Kyle to the ER. We were all able to relax, enjoy the YUMMY food Martine had prepared for us, and play around with the kiddo's a bit. Martine always puts on a great spread for guests. She is a great hostest. Brent and Micah got a little crazy with the kids and ran circles around the house playing chase.

From this post alone a person can tell how much I love being with family. I do, I really do. I think that there are a lot of things I don't understand in life and religion, but there is one thing I am sure of...FAMILY. That I know is what this life and the life to come is all about. Family and the memories and relationships we create. I'm truly enjoying making memories with my family.