I don't know how to even put into words the events of today! I can guarantee the words I do use are going to be many because today has been Spiritual, amazing, outstanding and terrific.
Today Katy was baptized.
Katy has been and will always be an amazing example. She is born a little missionary. Today she talked to her cousins that have not been baptized (either by choice or due to age) and made sure to ask each of them to think about doing it.
The day started off totally chaotic! The people to open the church and start the font never showed up!!! So at 8:00 this morning I was frantically calling around trying to find and get in touch with someone who could help us. I finally was able to get in touch with President Walker and he drove over and opened up the church for us. Ben stayed at the church while the font was filled.
Once the font was filled Ben headed home where I was trying to bake cinnamon rolls, frost cinnamon rolls, get myself ready, get Katy ready, get Elyse ready, make sure all the milks were in the cooler and all the baptism stuff put in a pile to be loaded into the car once Ben got here. It was CRAZY!!
As we loaded up the car and drove the LONG way to the Stake Center (the quickest and fastest way was BLOCKED due to Midvale Harvest Days Parade) I was frazzled. I said a quick, silent prayer asking for me to have peace and help bring the Spirit and the peace that comes with the comforter.
When we got to the church I was SOOO grateful for the Spirit cause I would have burst into tears had I not had peace that it would be okay. We were doing a brunch before the baptism in the Stake Pavilion and the sprinklers were on DRENCHING that same place! I could NOT believe it. The Spirit brought peace and I simply told Ben and the girls we would go in and practice our song and come out in a few. It was only 9:30 and the Brunch was set to start at 10:00.
After practicing the song for a bit we went back out and water was still sprinkling around all except a few tables. People were starting to arrive and I had NO clue how I was going to feed the masses with no where to feed them. I made an executive decision and just started unloading the car full of food onto the few tables that were not getting drenched in water. I was so grateful for family members that were willing to laugh and roll with the punches as they dodged water sprays while filling their plate with food!
At about 10:45 I took Katy and Lyse into the church and changed Lyse into her dress and Katy into her baptismal suit. There are certain times as a mom that your heart is full...that was one of them! My heart was so full as I watched my girl walk around in her all white jump suit. What a HUGE day in her life this was.
The program was as follows:
Conducting: Brother Mike Peterson
Pianist: Sister Becca Staker
Chorister: Shaylece Smith
Opening Song: Army of Helaman
Opening Prayer: Shaylece Smith
Talk on Baptism: Debbie Hawker
Song: "A Child's Prayer" by Katy and Tauni Hawker (more on this later)
Talk on Holy Ghost: Launa Smith
Baptism of Katlynn Ivie Hawker by her dad Benjamin Dee Hawker
Witnesses: Kevin Whitear Smith & Duane Kummer
Primary Remarks by Becca Staker
Stake Primary Remarks by Karen Carin
Song: "I am a Child of God" by Katy, Elyse and their cousins
Bishopric Remarks by Bishop Grant Pullan
Closing Song: I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Closing Prayer: Erin Sare
Katy was the one that made all the decisions in regards to who was doing what and when. The only thing that we changed was Bart was unable to be at the baptism and so we asked my uncle Duane if he would be a witness. Both Bret and Jason were there but we didn't want them to feel left out when one was asked and the other was not...so we just went the neutral ground! :) The other thing I changed was Katy wanted her cousins to sing "Army of Helaman". I agreed up until Friday when I realized that Katy didn't know the words that well which meant each of the other kids would also struggle. I decided to just switch the opening song of "I am a child of God" with "Army of Helaman"...all the kids know "I am a child of God".
The talk by Debbie was wonderful and she did a great job of talking about baptism and the importance of it all. Once she was done, it was Katy and my turn to sing. As we got up, I could sense that Katy was nervous. I told her to hold my hand and if she needed help with her part to just squeeze and it would be ok! I was the one that needed her help in the end! She sang like a pro and it was GORGEOUS. That girl has a voice and it is beautiful!!! When it came to my part to sing I BARELY got the words "Pray He is there, Speak He" and I just lost it. I couldn't sing anymore. I tried but I was overcome with emotion.
I wish I could say what emotion it was exactly I just felt so many. My baby was being baptized, my baby had just sang beautifully, my baby was picking up and singing where I was struggling. All those things played a HUGE part. Another part was the Spirit. The Spirit was so strong! As I looked out on all the people in our lives that we love so much and their eyes were filled with tears, I lost it again completely! I tried to pull it together for the 3rd verse in which Katy sang "Heavenly Father are you Really there?" While I sang, "Pray He is there" but I just couldn't do it. My mom, sister and Ben all stepped in and helped. What amazing, supportive family I have!! Katy sang like I pro and I bawled like a baby while squeezing her hand.
Even while I write this I feel those emotions and I remember the Spirit. I KNOW our Father in Heaven was so proud of Katy and her decision to be baptized. The Spirit testified of that!
When I asked Ben to describe his experience while we were singing and his perspective on the baptism as a whole, he said,
"I don't know. It was pretty Spiritual. Katy was really cute with it. Katy was trying really hard but she made a couple mistake. She would forget where she was at and the only times you were able to get words out was when you were prompting her (this was during the 3rd verse). While baptizing her I was trying to get the words right (in English) and not translate them to Portuguese. It was a great experience. It was very special and it was touching. She was excited about it which made it a greater experience for me. I don't know but I felt a lot of love for that little girl."
After Katy was baptized I took her back into the dressing room and got her out of the cold, wet clothes (the font got cold fast I guess). Katy was freezing so I fixed her hair a bit while she was wrapped in the HUGE white towel my mom had given her. I got her dressed in her beautiful butterfly dress and then I gave her the special baptism necklace that Ben and I had purchased for her a few days before. She loved the necklace and put it on immediately.
We walked out and finished the program. All the cousins singing, "I am a child of God" was beautiful and touching! What sweet kids that I love with all my heart! Becca Staker got choked up as she mentioned the Spirit she had felt that day and how grateful she was to have felt that Spirit. She said 2 very specific times were: when Katy and I were singing and then when Katy was baptized. I would have to agree 100% with her on both of those! Those were the 2 times I felt the Spirit the VERY strongest...testifying to me the truthfulness of the gospel and the Happiness our Father in Heaven felt in the decisions Katy was and is making.
Bishop Pullan said a couple things about how wonderful Katy was. He challenged her to write down the day and to try and read her scriptures daily and then the meeting closed. It was VERY touching and very Spiritual. What a beautiful girl my Father in Heaven has blessed me with!
The hardest part of the day for me was balancing family, friends and helping Katy balance out the same! Everyone being there for my special girl and trying to make them all feel loved and welcome was more of a challenge than I originally thought it would be. I hope they all know how much I appreciate and love them! Today would not have been the same if we had not had such amazing family and friends to share it with!
Here is a list of all the people that came today: Ben (Dad), Tauni (Mom), Elyse, Grandpa Kevin Smith, Grandma Launa Smith, Grandma Debbie Hawker, Aunt Shay, Uncle Bret, Aunt Nat, Addison, Aunt Nanner (Jana), Uncle Darin, Brooklyn, Dustin, Uncle Jason, Aunt Hazel, Keira, Aunt Ethney, Kellie, Spencer, Isaac, Eric, Aunt Erin, Uncle Tony, Ethan, Oakley, Aunt Jan Kummer, Uncle Duane Kummer, Aunt LeAnn Smith, Andrea Brown, Andrew Brown, Hadley Brown, Audrey Jacobsen, Becca Staker, Morgan Staker, Karen Carin (stake primary pres.), Bro. Mike Peterson, Tami Peterson, Tanner Peterson, Alex Peterson, Sophie Peterson, Peyton Peterson, Bishop Grant Pullan and I know a couple more people snuck in but that was all I was able to get down on paper!
Katy was blessed with many gifts from many of the people. She got: a porcelain girl praying (Bret, Nat and Addie); $5 and a card (Aunt Jan and Uncle Duane); a necklace, bracelet, $40 and a book (Aunt LeAnn); A Jenny Phillips Book and CD (Audrey Jacobsen); Book of Mormon with picture from day of baptism (Karen Carin, stake Primary); CTR ring with birthstone (Grandma and Grandpa Smith); CTR ring, journal and Primary Song Book (Jason, Hazel and Keira) and then of course the necklace from Ben and I. Aunt LeAnn gave the same necklace so Katy went an exchanged the necklace from LeAnn for a mustard seed necklace (a mustard seed inside a glass/plastic casing put on a necklace). I am only writing what she got because I want to have a record of WHY these items are important! Katy is surrounded by people that LOVE and ADORE her! What a HUGE blessing she has been in so many lives, not just ours! I hope and pray she will always be the amazing example she has been thus far in her life!
Today Katy said after her baptism, "You know that feeling inside when you feel like you are going to cry but it isn't cause you are sad at all? I have that feeling today!" I think she summed it up perfectly!!!
And last but not least, an "I told you so" moment for me and overall just funny experience from the day. Ben mentioned he wished he had remembered to bring DRY garments for after. See the night before I asked him to put all his stuff he was taking in the pile with all the other clothes. He said no he would just get it in the morning to which I said I was afraid we would forget important stuff if we didn't get them in the pile. He was tired and so instead we went to bed and put off getting his stuff for the morning. Well as I mentioned above our morning was CRAZY - I didn't have time to even think about Ben's clothes so he grabbed everything as we ran out to the car...I figured it was all there. It wasn't! After baptizing Katy he wringed dry his garments and put back on the cold, wet ones. Poor guy...never did say I told you so - just didn't feel right at the time...HOWEVER totally gonna say it now ;)
Showing posts with label random rambling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random rambling. Show all posts
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Growing Up
As Katy is turning 8, I am having quite the plethora of feelings!
On one hand:
I am soooo excited for her to grow up. I love seeing her make good decisions. I LOVE that she is getting baptized. I am excited for her to experience life!
On the other hand:
I hate that my baby is growing up! I hate that she doesn't have to be my friend or want to be around me. I hate that the baby I held in my arms is now a big girl that likes loves but wants to run off and play with friends.
I am FAR from the perfect mom...but I try! I try to keep it even and fair. Katy tonight was in tears that she had to walk in the house and didn't get carried. Growing up is hard! I have always heard that...what I didn't realize is that it is hard on the mom and dad too!
Tonight I go to bed with a 7 year old tucked away in her bed...tomorrow I wake up to an 8 year old! I swear it was only yesterday that we were giving a first bath to her at midnight! In many ways I wish I could go back with the knowledge I have now and enjoy that time more. I wish I could have breathed in all in more!
I hope I can move forward in the future with more love, compassion and awareness that it is only a split second and they are grown up! This year more than ever, I really hope and pray my girl wants me as a friend, a confidante and a mom! I hope just like I want a friendship with my mom...she will want a friendship with me! I need to be better about giving that to her now so that when she is 30 and has kids of her own, she will want to spend that time with me!!!
Happy Birthday Baby! You are sooo loved and adored! Thank you for making me smile. Thank you for being so good! Thank you for being my baby and letting me be your mom!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Craftiness
One fun summer craft we did this year was make bird feeders out of pine cones, peanut butter and bird seed. The girls (and the little boy next door) had a blast...even though it was sooooooo hot the peanut butter was dripping off the pine cones. It was a lot of fun watching them make the fun craft. We have to thank Grandma (my mom) for letting us take the pine cones from her tree and some bird seed from her closet! Thanks Grandma!! We did this in July - after the Lake Mary Hike (July 10, 2010) and before the Twin Lake Hike (July 22, 2010)...but I don't remember the exact day! :)
Hike #5 Twin Lakes and other misc. stuff!
*This entry is going to be a bit different than the others. I am going to type up all the fun things from today then in the next blog post put all the pictures...much easier that way. I struggle with Blogger and getting pictures how I want them, easier to just put them in a separate post!
Today has been an amazing and EXHAUSTING day! I honestly didn't know that Twin Lakes was as much of a hike as it was.
I am seriously second guessing my love and desire to hike Lake Blanche for an over-nighter. They say Twin Lakes is easy on the hiking scale?!?!?
I think I would have to disagree! My body is more sore and achy than it was when we hiked Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine!
We started off this morning early. I was up at 7:15. I finally got Ben to tumble out of bed at 7:30. He started getting water filled in all the backpacks while I took on the task of getting girls up and running.
The girls did not like the early wake-up call. This summer they have been spoiled to sleep in. Lyse is awake usually no later than 7:45 but Katy...well she has slept until 10 on some days! Since she was up at 6:30 watching the sunrise yesterday (sweet story...she came and woke me up so that I wouldn't miss it either...than thanked ME for coming and seeing it. Such an AMAZING girl) I knew she was tired.
Once we had the girls ready, bags packed and breakfast ate, we met my parents out on 700 west and headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was a beautiful ride and the ground squirrels were EVERY where. We thought for sure we hit some but my dad and mom (they were in the car behind us) told us that the squirrels just went to the middle of the car and ran as soon as the car passed over them. Pretty smart little critters!
We got to the Silver Lake and took the small walk to the trailhead. Now I had not previously read the Twin Lake Trailhead information and I didn't stop this time to read it either.
As we started up, the incline starts right away. After a bit I thought, "This can't be inclined that much longer". See I didn't know that in the short distance to Twin Lakes I would be hiking up 1000 feet in elevation. Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine was only like 1200 over 2 miles.
My parents were hiking with us and I started to worry about my dad. Seriously, I was needing rests and him with his heart - it had me concerned. It was nice stopping and resting and really taking in nature several times. The beauty up there is absolutely beautiful!!! Lyse did start to tell US that we needed to get going, she wanted to find the moose!
While hiking we did see SEVERAL moose and deer prints. At one point we saw moose prints and then we saw Mountain Lion prints and then we saw moose prints that were deeper and well...you could see the moose was RUNNING. It was interesting to be able to see and be able to envision what had taken place.
There were several places along the way that the Indian Paintbrush, Wild Roses, Blue Bells and other wild flowers were so plentiful it just took your breath away. I had wished a couple times we had the canon because the beauty was outstanding. When we would walk in the first meadow, Ben would quote Bambi about being careful in the meadow, that is where the hunters are. For the rest of the day, any meadow we walked in, there would be comments about the hunters getting us!
When we got to the Lake, the girls had a blast! This lake had a sandy beach with scattered boulders...perfect for some sitting and enjoying the beauties. We had some snacks and the wind rustled amazing. Seriously, it was amazing!
Katy found a piece of wood and turned it into a boat. She made a mast and held the mast up with mud. Katy got it ready and "sent it out to sea" in her words. It was marvelous! I was very impressed with how good of a job she did in making it into a boat.
Lyse found a piece of wood and called it her "fish". She threw it back in and found another one that was a tent. She made it the home for the ground squirrels. She filled it with nuts and raisins and then watched with joy as the squirrels visited the house and ate some food.
Grandma was feeding squirrels and they were coming up right behind her on the boulder. It was fun to watch them get so close to her.
The girls took off their shoes and enjoyed some wading in the water and then we started the descent back down. Instead of coming up the way we went down, we actually went down the maintenance road. It was fun seeing different scenery.
When we got to the bottom, we heard the bag pipes. A lady was practicing and it was fun to watch her play some and get a pictures with her and the girls. She was up there for a wedding for the day. That was a different experience!
Seriously that hike was AMAZING and it was a LOT harder than expected. Grandma, Grandpa, Lyse and Katy were troopers! I was amazed that for the first time Lyse did not whine at the first of the hike at all. Usually she whines the first 5 minutes or so and we threaten a couple times to turn around. I think having Grandma and Grandpa this time totally changed that for her so it was GREAT! It was a fun, happy hike!
After we finished the super fun hike with Grandpa and Grandma (aka my mom and dad), we headed towards Donut Falls and Jen Mabey's family cabin. Play group was there and we were late but luckily we got there in time for LOTS of fun still! They had a fun zip line and we all had a blast going down it at least 1 time! Katy was the only one in our family that rode it a couple times.
After an hour of fun filled play group entertainment, we headed to home. I was EXHAUSTED...I think we all were. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap. Ben napped for about 1 1/2 hours and the girls watched a movie - they had no interest in napping. When I got up it was almost 7:00 pm. I made some hamburgers and BBQ'd some hamburgers and zucchini - YUMMY! It was the perfect food and perfect end to a wonderful family and friend filled day!
Tomorrow is Katy's birthday party. Sure to be lots of adventures and fun with that!
Today has been an amazing and EXHAUSTING day! I honestly didn't know that Twin Lakes was as much of a hike as it was.
I am seriously second guessing my love and desire to hike Lake Blanche for an over-nighter. They say Twin Lakes is easy on the hiking scale?!?!?
I think I would have to disagree! My body is more sore and achy than it was when we hiked Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine!
We started off this morning early. I was up at 7:15. I finally got Ben to tumble out of bed at 7:30. He started getting water filled in all the backpacks while I took on the task of getting girls up and running.
The girls did not like the early wake-up call. This summer they have been spoiled to sleep in. Lyse is awake usually no later than 7:45 but Katy...well she has slept until 10 on some days! Since she was up at 6:30 watching the sunrise yesterday (sweet story...she came and woke me up so that I wouldn't miss it either...than thanked ME for coming and seeing it. Such an AMAZING girl) I knew she was tired.
Once we had the girls ready, bags packed and breakfast ate, we met my parents out on 700 west and headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It was a beautiful ride and the ground squirrels were EVERY where. We thought for sure we hit some but my dad and mom (they were in the car behind us) told us that the squirrels just went to the middle of the car and ran as soon as the car passed over them. Pretty smart little critters!
We got to the Silver Lake and took the small walk to the trailhead. Now I had not previously read the Twin Lake Trailhead information and I didn't stop this time to read it either.
As we started up, the incline starts right away. After a bit I thought, "This can't be inclined that much longer". See I didn't know that in the short distance to Twin Lakes I would be hiking up 1000 feet in elevation. Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine was only like 1200 over 2 miles.
My parents were hiking with us and I started to worry about my dad. Seriously, I was needing rests and him with his heart - it had me concerned. It was nice stopping and resting and really taking in nature several times. The beauty up there is absolutely beautiful!!! Lyse did start to tell US that we needed to get going, she wanted to find the moose!
While hiking we did see SEVERAL moose and deer prints. At one point we saw moose prints and then we saw Mountain Lion prints and then we saw moose prints that were deeper and well...you could see the moose was RUNNING. It was interesting to be able to see and be able to envision what had taken place.
There were several places along the way that the Indian Paintbrush, Wild Roses, Blue Bells and other wild flowers were so plentiful it just took your breath away. I had wished a couple times we had the canon because the beauty was outstanding. When we would walk in the first meadow, Ben would quote Bambi about being careful in the meadow, that is where the hunters are. For the rest of the day, any meadow we walked in, there would be comments about the hunters getting us!
When we got to the Lake, the girls had a blast! This lake had a sandy beach with scattered boulders...perfect for some sitting and enjoying the beauties. We had some snacks and the wind rustled amazing. Seriously, it was amazing!
Katy found a piece of wood and turned it into a boat. She made a mast and held the mast up with mud. Katy got it ready and "sent it out to sea" in her words. It was marvelous! I was very impressed with how good of a job she did in making it into a boat.
Lyse found a piece of wood and called it her "fish". She threw it back in and found another one that was a tent. She made it the home for the ground squirrels. She filled it with nuts and raisins and then watched with joy as the squirrels visited the house and ate some food.
Grandma was feeding squirrels and they were coming up right behind her on the boulder. It was fun to watch them get so close to her.
The girls took off their shoes and enjoyed some wading in the water and then we started the descent back down. Instead of coming up the way we went down, we actually went down the maintenance road. It was fun seeing different scenery.
When we got to the bottom, we heard the bag pipes. A lady was practicing and it was fun to watch her play some and get a pictures with her and the girls. She was up there for a wedding for the day. That was a different experience!
Seriously that hike was AMAZING and it was a LOT harder than expected. Grandma, Grandpa, Lyse and Katy were troopers! I was amazed that for the first time Lyse did not whine at the first of the hike at all. Usually she whines the first 5 minutes or so and we threaten a couple times to turn around. I think having Grandma and Grandpa this time totally changed that for her so it was GREAT! It was a fun, happy hike!
After we finished the super fun hike with Grandpa and Grandma (aka my mom and dad), we headed towards Donut Falls and Jen Mabey's family cabin. Play group was there and we were late but luckily we got there in time for LOTS of fun still! They had a fun zip line and we all had a blast going down it at least 1 time! Katy was the only one in our family that rode it a couple times.
After an hour of fun filled play group entertainment, we headed to home. I was EXHAUSTED...I think we all were. I took a 2 1/2 hour nap. Ben napped for about 1 1/2 hours and the girls watched a movie - they had no interest in napping. When I got up it was almost 7:00 pm. I made some hamburgers and BBQ'd some hamburgers and zucchini - YUMMY! It was the perfect food and perfect end to a wonderful family and friend filled day!
Tomorrow is Katy's birthday party. Sure to be lots of adventures and fun with that!
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Answered Prayers
Over and over lately I have gotten the feeling that I need to listen and have more faith in my promptings.
The Problem: I don't know what I am hearing!
I honestly do not know what I need to be listening to or what prompting I need to follow.
I asked Ben for a blessing. I have some health issues as well as my anxiety over everything going on.
In the blessing I was blessed to have Faith in the plan our Father in Heaven has for me. The problem is I don't know if there is the a new plan or if it is the original plan! I must say there is a gut feeling that says it is the original plan...I just need to be strong and have faith.
The other thing I was more told than blessed with is that my Father in Heaven was ALWAYS there for me, ready and waiting to assist me. It wasn't said but I felt as though I just needed to ask. I thought I had been asking but the way I was told made me realize I can't just cry HELP in my prayers and expect a full plan to be laid out before me. I need to take my life, dissect and observe then ask for help where it needs to be.
I realized that even more yesterday. I had $460. I had $960 in bills to figure out how to pay. Ben was beside himself. I was beside myself. Through our situation, I have tried DESPERATELY to not ask for helping paying our bills. I have tried and mostly succeeded in finding a way to take care of it all ourselves.
I was sick. Literally sick from the thought of actually having to go ask for money. I don't want to put someone else out. As we were driving in the car to pay the bills my heart was sinking; it sunk faster and faster as I watched Ben in despair as well. I offered a quick, quiet, VERY sincere and too the point prayer asking my Father in Heaven to PLEASE help me figure out a way to pay everything.
My bills all were paid and taken care of. I am walking away with $20 from the $460.
I can STRONGLY attest it was my prayer, it was my Father in Heaven; it was MY miracle!
As Ben finished up my blessing, my thoughts returned to my prayer from yesterday. I thought of how Heavenly Father had told me through the power of the priesthood that He was standing, waiting and willing to offer assistance to me.
My heart is full. I KNOW our Father in Heaven lives. I KNOW He watches over us. He is ready, willing and waiting...we just have to go to him with our precise problems. Every small thing is seen by Him. He is aware but just wants us to be aware and willing to ask!
I learned a lesson today! Just like I would have to ask my earthly father or father-in-law if we needed help, I need to ask my Heavenly Father. I can't go to my dad and say, "I need help." He would need me to tell him what I need help with, I would have to open up to him. Honestly, praying for specific things has been treated the same by me as going to my dad and saying, "I need help paying my mortgage". Although I must say - it is in MANY ways much easier!
I can't use the blanket statement of "we need help" any longer. Stating in prayers, "You know our situation. You know we need help. Please help us." Is NOT enough. I need to ponder and pray specifically and just like yesterday he will pour out the blessings from Heaven and respond to me. I need to be willing to pour out my soul and not just say, "You know what is going on, we need help". He wants me to counsel with him. I need that counsel with him.
I am soooo grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves me! I am so grateful to know he is aware of me and my situation. I am grateful I get to pray to him.
Being more specific and focused in prayers is my goal. Ponder, specify and listen along with the kneeling and praying are needed.
Honestly I can say (even with everything going on in our lives)...Life is Good!
The Problem: I don't know what I am hearing!
I honestly do not know what I need to be listening to or what prompting I need to follow.
I asked Ben for a blessing. I have some health issues as well as my anxiety over everything going on.
In the blessing I was blessed to have Faith in the plan our Father in Heaven has for me. The problem is I don't know if there is the a new plan or if it is the original plan! I must say there is a gut feeling that says it is the original plan...I just need to be strong and have faith.
The other thing I was more told than blessed with is that my Father in Heaven was ALWAYS there for me, ready and waiting to assist me. It wasn't said but I felt as though I just needed to ask. I thought I had been asking but the way I was told made me realize I can't just cry HELP in my prayers and expect a full plan to be laid out before me. I need to take my life, dissect and observe then ask for help where it needs to be.
I realized that even more yesterday. I had $460. I had $960 in bills to figure out how to pay. Ben was beside himself. I was beside myself. Through our situation, I have tried DESPERATELY to not ask for helping paying our bills. I have tried and mostly succeeded in finding a way to take care of it all ourselves.
I was sick. Literally sick from the thought of actually having to go ask for money. I don't want to put someone else out. As we were driving in the car to pay the bills my heart was sinking; it sunk faster and faster as I watched Ben in despair as well. I offered a quick, quiet, VERY sincere and too the point prayer asking my Father in Heaven to PLEASE help me figure out a way to pay everything.
My bills all were paid and taken care of. I am walking away with $20 from the $460.
I can STRONGLY attest it was my prayer, it was my Father in Heaven; it was MY miracle!
As Ben finished up my blessing, my thoughts returned to my prayer from yesterday. I thought of how Heavenly Father had told me through the power of the priesthood that He was standing, waiting and willing to offer assistance to me.
My heart is full. I KNOW our Father in Heaven lives. I KNOW He watches over us. He is ready, willing and waiting...we just have to go to him with our precise problems. Every small thing is seen by Him. He is aware but just wants us to be aware and willing to ask!
I learned a lesson today! Just like I would have to ask my earthly father or father-in-law if we needed help, I need to ask my Heavenly Father. I can't go to my dad and say, "I need help." He would need me to tell him what I need help with, I would have to open up to him. Honestly, praying for specific things has been treated the same by me as going to my dad and saying, "I need help paying my mortgage". Although I must say - it is in MANY ways much easier!
I can't use the blanket statement of "we need help" any longer. Stating in prayers, "You know our situation. You know we need help. Please help us." Is NOT enough. I need to ponder and pray specifically and just like yesterday he will pour out the blessings from Heaven and respond to me. I need to be willing to pour out my soul and not just say, "You know what is going on, we need help". He wants me to counsel with him. I need that counsel with him.
I am soooo grateful for a Father in Heaven who loves me! I am so grateful to know he is aware of me and my situation. I am grateful I get to pray to him.
Being more specific and focused in prayers is my goal. Ponder, specify and listen along with the kneeling and praying are needed.
Honestly I can say (even with everything going on in our lives)...Life is Good!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
How'd that happen?
Having 2 children, you learn that while MANY parenting lessons help you learn and grow and become better for the 2nd child; other times you are just never prepared, even for the simplest, little things!
Last summer (yes LAST summer) was the first time Katy had a loose tooth! She had just ended 1st grade and was headed to 2nd. She has now lost a total of 4, no 6...wait 4...AGHHH I hate that I never got my other blog backed up that had some REALLY important stuff like that on it!!! Anyway...back on topic!
This summer (yes THIS summer) LYSE has a loose tooth. She starts Kindergarten in August!
What the heck?!?!
I suspected Lyse would loose a tooth earlier than Katy but not this much earlier.
Lyse teethed earlier than Katy did too. I had no clue what to do with my 3 1/2 month old baby when she started to scream. I didn't even THINK tooth at the time!
Katy got her first tooth when she was 8 month old. I had always been told that siblings usually teeth around the same time. Nope - Lyse had to beat her sister by over 4 months on that one.
As for the current loose tooth...it is REALLY loose. She has been telling me for weeks now it is loose and I would just say, "yep one day you will loose teeth like Katy!" (Katy has lost 2 teeth this summer).
I honestly am starting to think that Lyse will have lost all her teeth before Katy at this point! I didn't think Lyse would loose a tooth before Kindergarten but honestly, I don't think that tooth is going to make it until the end of August!
How did my BABY grow up and get loose teeth?!?! Seriously people...growing too. dang. fast!!!
Last summer (yes LAST summer) was the first time Katy had a loose tooth! She had just ended 1st grade and was headed to 2nd. She has now lost a total of 4, no 6...wait 4...AGHHH I hate that I never got my other blog backed up that had some REALLY important stuff like that on it!!! Anyway...back on topic!
This summer (yes THIS summer) LYSE has a loose tooth. She starts Kindergarten in August!
What the heck?!?!
I suspected Lyse would loose a tooth earlier than Katy but not this much earlier.
Lyse teethed earlier than Katy did too. I had no clue what to do with my 3 1/2 month old baby when she started to scream. I didn't even THINK tooth at the time!
Katy got her first tooth when she was 8 month old. I had always been told that siblings usually teeth around the same time. Nope - Lyse had to beat her sister by over 4 months on that one.
As for the current loose tooth...it is REALLY loose. She has been telling me for weeks now it is loose and I would just say, "yep one day you will loose teeth like Katy!" (Katy has lost 2 teeth this summer).
I honestly am starting to think that Lyse will have lost all her teeth before Katy at this point! I didn't think Lyse would loose a tooth before Kindergarten but honestly, I don't think that tooth is going to make it until the end of August!
How did my BABY grow up and get loose teeth?!?! Seriously people...growing too. dang. fast!!!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sickness
This morning I was awoken to a bed drenched in Urine.
The culprit - Lyse
The reason - she was sick
I wasn't mad but I wanted to clean it all up so I dragged myself out of the bed and then started trying to wake Lyse.
She would NOT wake up. I was TERRIFIED. Worse few moments in my life. She was grayish and at first Ben could not get a heart beat on her. I took over and found a slight, weak heart beat and tried with all my heart to wake her. I said a quick prayer and tried again.
Fear filled me stomach. Worst feeling EVER.
When I realized she might not wake up and she needed help ASAP I told Ben to call 9-1-1 as I continued to try and wake her. As Ben was freaking and reaching for the phone, Lyse stirred. She finally opened her eyes and said, "What?! I'm tired!"
Those were the most amazing, comforting words I have ever heard! I was so scared!
Lyse is doing GREAT today!!! Other than the morning drama, the rest of the day she was a little ray of sunshine. She skipped and jumped and ran around with a huge smile on her face all day long.
We still had to take her into the ER again for the last follow up. When we walked in, the same lady that had checked us in the 2 days previous was once again there. She was AMAZED at Lyse and how well she was. She said over and over again, "Wow what a completely different child she is when she isn't sick."
As Lyse was doing the vitals check the sweet nurse spoke with her about how she looked happier today than the last few days. Lyse turned to her and said, "Ya, my tummy and back don't hurt anymore". Poor thing had been pretty sick!
I don't know if I ever typed it, but Lyse was diagnosed with UTI and Kidney Infection. Her heart rate had been really elevated the past 2 visits, so to have no fever and a normal heart rate - the check in nurse was THRILLED!
The ER visit was quick and painless...no IV. The dr. saw Lyse and how well she was doing and said, "Well I guess all she needs is the oral meds and she is good to go...she is doing great and we like seeing it."
Music to a mother's ears!
Lyse has been happy...hence I have been happy. We have all been a bit tired but sleep tonight will cure that!
Considering the morning starting in FEAR...ending on tired is just fine by me. I am so glad that Lyse is better!!!
Different subject: I am debating moving all this blog and its' posts over to my wordpress blog. I have not been on that blog in FOREVER but I liked it a lot. I am thinking of moving back there. Not positive...but definitely thinking about it. Decisions, Decisions!
The culprit - Lyse
The reason - she was sick
I wasn't mad but I wanted to clean it all up so I dragged myself out of the bed and then started trying to wake Lyse.
She would NOT wake up. I was TERRIFIED. Worse few moments in my life. She was grayish and at first Ben could not get a heart beat on her. I took over and found a slight, weak heart beat and tried with all my heart to wake her. I said a quick prayer and tried again.
Fear filled me stomach. Worst feeling EVER.
When I realized she might not wake up and she needed help ASAP I told Ben to call 9-1-1 as I continued to try and wake her. As Ben was freaking and reaching for the phone, Lyse stirred. She finally opened her eyes and said, "What?! I'm tired!"
Those were the most amazing, comforting words I have ever heard! I was so scared!
Lyse is doing GREAT today!!! Other than the morning drama, the rest of the day she was a little ray of sunshine. She skipped and jumped and ran around with a huge smile on her face all day long.
We still had to take her into the ER again for the last follow up. When we walked in, the same lady that had checked us in the 2 days previous was once again there. She was AMAZED at Lyse and how well she was. She said over and over again, "Wow what a completely different child she is when she isn't sick."
As Lyse was doing the vitals check the sweet nurse spoke with her about how she looked happier today than the last few days. Lyse turned to her and said, "Ya, my tummy and back don't hurt anymore". Poor thing had been pretty sick!
I don't know if I ever typed it, but Lyse was diagnosed with UTI and Kidney Infection. Her heart rate had been really elevated the past 2 visits, so to have no fever and a normal heart rate - the check in nurse was THRILLED!
The ER visit was quick and painless...no IV. The dr. saw Lyse and how well she was doing and said, "Well I guess all she needs is the oral meds and she is good to go...she is doing great and we like seeing it."
Music to a mother's ears!
Lyse has been happy...hence I have been happy. We have all been a bit tired but sleep tonight will cure that!
Considering the morning starting in FEAR...ending on tired is just fine by me. I am so glad that Lyse is better!!!
Different subject: I am debating moving all this blog and its' posts over to my wordpress blog. I have not been on that blog in FOREVER but I liked it a lot. I am thinking of moving back there. Not positive...but definitely thinking about it. Decisions, Decisions!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Summer Nights and Old School Games - pictures updated!!
This summer we have spent a LOT of time outside. I. LOVE. IT.
It has been a lot of fun enjoying the outdoors, the cool summer nights, family and friends.
On Saturday July 3rd we went to Bart and Debbie's for a bit. It was wonderful letting the girls play with their cousins. They sure love them.
Ben decided to start up a game of Red Rover...the kids LOVED it!
Last week, Tuesday July 6th to be exact, we had a party at my parents house. It was my dad's 59th birthday and we were also celebrating him Retiring from working for GE for the last 31 years!!! My dad is now officially a free agent and I think he is already running out of things to do!
It was a fun night filled with summer time fun. Earlier in the day we went over to my parents to help set up the pool. The pool they had set up was leaking so they purchased a new one. We were pumping water from the one pool to the other to save some water. Well we decided the pool was full enough and cut the pool underneath. The water underneath whooshed the pool on top away with all of us in it. My mom did some impromptu body surfing while screaming, "Hold the pool up, hold the pool up". All the grandkids on the opposite end tried desperately to do what she had asked...while also being washed away. Girls on the other side of the fence started to scream as water suddenly rushed towards them. It was quite the adventure!! I still laugh even thinking about it!
Because of our adventures earlier in the day, the pool water was quite cold so swimming didn't last long. The kids enjoyed the fun deck but quickly moved to the front yard.
Bret purchased an AWESOME firework to commemorate dad's retirement.
After watching the firework and talking some, we started a fun old school game --- Red Rover!
Oh my how much fun we all had! Dad and Mom even joined in with us. It was fun watching the kids eyes light up as we decided for Uncle Bret, Nanner, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, etc. to come on over.
Honestly...it was a perfect night! I hope the kids remember that night because honestly it was just amazing playing "Red Rover" with my parents. Honestly, that is the first time in my 30 years that I remember playing Red Rover with my parents! I am super sad I didn't have my camera!!! I am hoping that I can bum some of the pics from Natalie cause honestly it was so fun and amazing!!
To finish off a fun filled day, this last Saturday after our hike we had a fun neighborhood family BBQ at a friends house (the Petersen's). It was so much fun chatting, eating and chatting (did I say chatting twice?!?) with many friends from the ward.
While I love so much the opportunities we have had...I truly hope and pray one day we can have a backyard that we can fully love and enjoy on summer nights! Until then I am just going to enjoy everyone else's backyard and hospitality to the fullest!!!
Last but not least...Saturday night when we got home after the BBQ, the girls were BEAT but didn't want to go to bed. They kept stalling and making up this or that. Finally they started asking, "Can we sleep in your bed" to which I replied "NO!" I needed some sleep after that hike and if they were in there that wasn't going to happen. A few minutes later they yelled down, "Can Katy sleep in Lyse's bed?" to which Ben responded "Yes!"
When I went upstairs for the night and went into their room to make sure all was well in there before going to bed myself, this is what I found:
Doesn't that just make your heart melt! Man, I love my girls!!!
After note: Shadow is an integrated part of Mom and Dad's house. The kids absolutely LOVE and ADORE Shadow - and she feels the same for them. She runs and plays with them and when they call her it is seconds before she is at their side. Shadow has started to get REALLY old so I wanted to make sure to get her in here! She is well loved!!!
Shadow's favorite part of summer is the pond. As SOON as that pond is up and running for the season - she is out playing it in!! She loves to climb in the bottom pool and chase the fish.
This summer she also liked to climb out of the pond and if Ben was anywhere near her - go and shake her wet body ALL over him! He has been LESS than thrilled. We still love her though!!
It has been a lot of fun enjoying the outdoors, the cool summer nights, family and friends.
On Saturday July 3rd we went to Bart and Debbie's for a bit. It was wonderful letting the girls play with their cousins. They sure love them.
Ben decided to start up a game of Red Rover...the kids LOVED it!
Last week, Tuesday July 6th to be exact, we had a party at my parents house. It was my dad's 59th birthday and we were also celebrating him Retiring from working for GE for the last 31 years!!! My dad is now officially a free agent and I think he is already running out of things to do!
It was a fun night filled with summer time fun. Earlier in the day we went over to my parents to help set up the pool. The pool they had set up was leaking so they purchased a new one. We were pumping water from the one pool to the other to save some water. Well we decided the pool was full enough and cut the pool underneath. The water underneath whooshed the pool on top away with all of us in it. My mom did some impromptu body surfing while screaming, "Hold the pool up, hold the pool up". All the grandkids on the opposite end tried desperately to do what she had asked...while also being washed away. Girls on the other side of the fence started to scream as water suddenly rushed towards them. It was quite the adventure!! I still laugh even thinking about it!
Because of our adventures earlier in the day, the pool water was quite cold so swimming didn't last long. The kids enjoyed the fun deck but quickly moved to the front yard.
Bret purchased an AWESOME firework to commemorate dad's retirement.
After watching the firework and talking some, we started a fun old school game --- Red Rover!
Oh my how much fun we all had! Dad and Mom even joined in with us. It was fun watching the kids eyes light up as we decided for Uncle Bret, Nanner, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, etc. to come on over.
Honestly...it was a perfect night! I hope the kids remember that night because honestly it was just amazing playing "Red Rover" with my parents. Honestly, that is the first time in my 30 years that I remember playing Red Rover with my parents! I am super sad I didn't have my camera!!! I am hoping that I can bum some of the pics from Natalie cause honestly it was so fun and amazing!!
To finish off a fun filled day, this last Saturday after our hike we had a fun neighborhood family BBQ at a friends house (the Petersen's). It was so much fun chatting, eating and chatting (did I say chatting twice?!?) with many friends from the ward.
While I love so much the opportunities we have had...I truly hope and pray one day we can have a backyard that we can fully love and enjoy on summer nights! Until then I am just going to enjoy everyone else's backyard and hospitality to the fullest!!!
Last but not least...Saturday night when we got home after the BBQ, the girls were BEAT but didn't want to go to bed. They kept stalling and making up this or that. Finally they started asking, "Can we sleep in your bed" to which I replied "NO!" I needed some sleep after that hike and if they were in there that wasn't going to happen. A few minutes later they yelled down, "Can Katy sleep in Lyse's bed?" to which Ben responded "Yes!"
When I went upstairs for the night and went into their room to make sure all was well in there before going to bed myself, this is what I found:
Doesn't that just make your heart melt! Man, I love my girls!!!After note: Shadow is an integrated part of Mom and Dad's house. The kids absolutely LOVE and ADORE Shadow - and she feels the same for them. She runs and plays with them and when they call her it is seconds before she is at their side. Shadow has started to get REALLY old so I wanted to make sure to get her in here! She is well loved!!!
Shadow's favorite part of summer is the pond. As SOON as that pond is up and running for the season - she is out playing it in!! She loves to climb in the bottom pool and chase the fish.
This summer she also liked to climb out of the pond and if Ben was anywhere near her - go and shake her wet body ALL over him! He has been LESS than thrilled. We still love her though!!
Our Hikes Part 2
4th Hike of the Season
This was the biggest hike we have hiked to this point. We did it this last Saturday, July 10. It was fun and different because we hiked it with some friends, The Staker Family. It was a TON of fun!The hike we did was once again near Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon...it was the Lake Mary, Martha and Catherin hike!
This hike was amazing. We started out the morning cleaning the church building then driving up the canyon and meeting the Stakers in the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. This hike goes up under ski lifts for the first bit. You climb and change elevation over 1100 feetwhile doing this hike and it is WELL worth it! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I would have to say it was probably my favorite so far out of all the hikes.
Lyse struggled up the first bit of the mountain but once she knew we needed her to translate the birds she was much better. I wish I had the ability to put in words the awe, amazement and
wonder that is beheld going up to and at Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine. Serenity would be one good word but even that isn't enough.
We hiked through fields with flowers and trails still covered in snow. There was mud and streamlets crossing our path. Everything perfect for an outdoor adventure hike. Seriously, I LOVED it!
After hiking to Lake Catherine, we skipped some rocks than sat down near the lake and ate a fun picnic lunch. An ant crawled in Katy's pants and started to bite her so we then spent a few minutes locating and fixing our little ant problem. The entire time I kept saying, "Katy has ants in her pants and it is making her do the boogie dance"...she did NOT appreciate that one. Probably wasn't being the nicest mom but was trying to make her laugh and smile instead of cry.
There was a hill covered in snow that on the way up Ben had promised Lyse he would take her sledding down when we walked back. There was actually a LOT of hills covered in snow but when we reached that one, Ben fulfilled his promised. Katy at first didn't have the desire to go but once she saw Ben and Lyse up there she decided to join them. It did look like a LOT of fun. The blanket they rode down on even survived the sledding trip. Lyse and Katy want to hike there again just so they can go sledding again in July!
The hike down seemed to go so quickly. We did stop at Lake Mary long enough for the kids to throw in some rocks and then we did the "500 feet" detour to Dogg Lake - should say Dogg Swamp.
The hike took us about 4 1/2 hours, it was about 4 miles and as I said earlier you change elevation of over 1100 feet (a lot of it during the first bit). It was an AMAZING hike and a great day with great friends.
This hike you can backpack in and spend the night and you can also hike up to Albion basin and hike over into Little Cottonwood Canyon. To do that would be another mile or so. We are planning on doing that this year as well!
Tonight we did go up Little Cottonwood Canyon to see some Mountain Goats. We didn't see goats but we did however see a bull, cow and calf moose family all together! Now that was an amazing site and something that you don't see every day!!!! No real hiking occurred but we did walk the Quarry Trail at the base of the mountain.
So that is our Journeys up the mountains thus far. I am hoping we can add at least this many more gorgeous hiking trips before the summer is over!
This was the biggest hike we have hiked to this point. We did it this last Saturday, July 10. It was fun and different because we hiked it with some friends, The Staker Family. It was a TON of fun!The hike we did was once again near Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon...it was the Lake Mary, Martha and Catherin hike!
This hike was amazing. We started out the morning cleaning the church building then driving up the canyon and meeting the Stakers in the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot. This hike goes up under ski lifts for the first bit. You climb and change elevation over 1100 feetwhile doing this hike and it is WELL worth it! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! I would have to say it was probably my favorite so far out of all the hikes.
Lyse struggled up the first bit of the mountain but once she knew we needed her to translate the birds she was much better. I wish I had the ability to put in words the awe, amazement and
wonder that is beheld going up to and at Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine. Serenity would be one good word but even that isn't enough.
We hiked through fields with flowers and trails still covered in snow. There was mud and streamlets crossing our path. Everything perfect for an outdoor adventure hike. Seriously, I LOVED it!
After hiking to Lake Catherine, we skipped some rocks than sat down near the lake and ate a fun picnic lunch. An ant crawled in Katy's pants and started to bite her so we then spent a few minutes locating and fixing our little ant problem. The entire time I kept saying, "Katy has ants in her pants and it is making her do the boogie dance"...she did NOT appreciate that one. Probably wasn't being the nicest mom but was trying to make her laugh and smile instead of cry.
There was a hill covered in snow that on the way up Ben had promised Lyse he would take her sledding down when we walked back. There was actually a LOT of hills covered in snow but when we reached that one, Ben fulfilled his promised. Katy at first didn't have the desire to go but once she saw Ben and Lyse up there she decided to join them. It did look like a LOT of fun. The blanket they rode down on even survived the sledding trip. Lyse and Katy want to hike there again just so they can go sledding again in July!
The hike down seemed to go so quickly. We did stop at Lake Mary long enough for the kids to throw in some rocks and then we did the "500 feet" detour to Dogg Lake - should say Dogg Swamp.
The hike took us about 4 1/2 hours, it was about 4 miles and as I said earlier you change elevation of over 1100 feet (a lot of it during the first bit). It was an AMAZING hike and a great day with great friends.
This hike you can backpack in and spend the night and you can also hike up to Albion basin and hike over into Little Cottonwood Canyon. To do that would be another mile or so. We are planning on doing that this year as well!
Tonight we did go up Little Cottonwood Canyon to see some Mountain Goats. We didn't see goats but we did however see a bull, cow and calf moose family all together! Now that was an amazing site and something that you don't see every day!!!! No real hiking occurred but we did walk the Quarry Trail at the base of the mountain.
So that is our Journeys up the mountains thus far. I am hoping we can add at least this many more gorgeous hiking trips before the summer is over!
Our Hikes Part 1
I decided that I needed to write specifically about the fun hikes our family has went on and enjoyed recently.
1st Hike of the Season
We started out with Donut Falls in June. I can't remember if it was the 19th or 26th of June (I am leaning towards the 19th). We had to wait that long cause June was just soooo cold and wet in the beginning.
Donut falls was a blast. The kids loved it.
We loved it. As we were driving up, we saw a moose and her calf in the swamps off the side of the road. We pulled over and took some pictures. It was so fun and amazing to experience wildlife like that only 20 minutes from our home.
The hike to donut falls is not really a hike...it is a nice little saunter through the woods. The girls
The hike took us about 2 hours but most of that was playing in the water. The overall length was about 1.5 miles round trip.
2nd Hike of the Season
This hike was to Ensign Peak. We went on June 30. We decided to go up right before the sun set so we could watch the sunset from the peak. That was such a GREAT idea. It was VERY VERY windy but it was also warm so the wind was welcomed.
Although the hike to Ensign Peak is not long...the incline felt soooo steep! The round trip hike is only about 0.85 miles so it isn't far up...you just feel it in your legs!
Katy and Lyse both loved taking some pictures. It was so fun being up on top of the peak, watching the sunset as a family. We talked to the girls a little about what Ensign Peak was and why it was so important.
Personally, I enjoyed being able to kiss my sweetheart as we watched the sunset...something we don't do often enough.
It was beautiful and we THOROUGHLY enjoyed the family time!
On the way back down, Lyse was on the look out for bear and deer. She was hoping we could catch some...but WAY too busy yelling for us to be quiet! I love that little thing. She just cracks me up!
3rd Hike of the Season
For this one we got a bit more bold. We decided we wanted to do something over 2 miles. We decided we would hike the trails that are above Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We had some subway points so we stopped and grabbed the footlong and headed up the canyon.
We ate our picnic lunch on some boulders just off the path,next to silver lake then headed up the trail. Each person had their own water and a couple little snack in their bags.
After headed up the path, we came to a fork in the path and hadto pick between Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude. Another hiker said with children if we wanted to do the loop around Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude, it was easiest to go up to Lake Solitude first. Not knowing or caring about the difference, we headed up towards Lake Solitude.
Katy was our TROOPER! Lyse 5 minutes in was saying her legs hurt and honestly Katy did not once say she was tired, needed to rest, etc.When we asked Lyse to be the line leader, she did much better.
Some parts of the hike were just absolutely amazing. I love nature. I LOVE hiking along trails that you have trees rustling around you and the smell of pine in the air. It is invigorating and relaxing all at once!
Lake Solitude was rather dull and there wasn't really anywhere you could sit and enjoy. As we hiked around the lake to find the trail that led down to the Twin Lakes,
Ben found a cave. He named it the
"Candy Mountain Cave" and him and the girls went in. I was too much of a whimp and stayed and and took pictures...and chastising Ben of the danger of it all :)
The South side of the Lake had some snow and the girls and Ben enjoyed some snowball throwing. That is always fun to do in July! :)
After searching for a bit, we realized we weren't going to find the other trail. Both girls were getting tired, so we decided to head down the trail.
On the way down the trail, Lyse informed us she could hear and interpret what the birds were saying. The birds told her that the bears were coming soon, so we needed to hurrying down the trail. As each bird would tweet and sing, she would interpret a fun little story.
As we reached the bottom of the trail I saw a Bull Moose get mad and start charging across Silver Lake. I yelled, "There's a moose" and we all ran to go see it. What an amazing way to finish the hike. The rangers informed us the moose was overall safe as long as we didn't provoke it because it wasn't mating season.
We walked along the boardwalks and walked RIGHT next to the Bull Moose! WOW!!! An experience of a lifetime and it seriously made for the perfect ending to the hike!
The overall hike took us about 3 hours (we hung out and played around Lake Solitude for a while) and we hiked about 3 miles that day.
1st Hike of the Season
We started out with Donut Falls in June. I can't remember if it was the 19th or 26th of June (I am leaning towards the 19th). We had to wait that long cause June was just soooo cold and wet in the beginning.
Donut falls was a blast. The kids loved it.
We loved it. As we were driving up, we saw a moose and her calf in the swamps off the side of the road. We pulled over and took some pictures. It was so fun and amazing to experience wildlife like that only 20 minutes from our home.
The hike to donut falls is not really a hike...it is a nice little saunter through the woods. The girls 
The hike took us about 2 hours but most of that was playing in the water. The overall length was about 1.5 miles round trip.
2nd Hike of the Season
This hike was to Ensign Peak. We went on June 30. We decided to go up right before the sun set so we could watch the sunset from the peak. That was such a GREAT idea. It was VERY VERY windy but it was also warm so the wind was welcomed.
Although the hike to Ensign Peak is not long...the incline felt soooo steep! The round trip hike is only about 0.85 miles so it isn't far up...you just feel it in your legs!
Katy and Lyse both loved taking some pictures. It was so fun being up on top of the peak, watching the sunset as a family. We talked to the girls a little about what Ensign Peak was and why it was so important.
Personally, I enjoyed being able to kiss my sweetheart as we watched the sunset...something we don't do often enough.
It was beautiful and we THOROUGHLY enjoyed the family time!
On the way back down, Lyse was on the look out for bear and deer. She was hoping we could catch some...but WAY too busy yelling for us to be quiet! I love that little thing. She just cracks me up!
3rd Hike of the Season
For this one we got a bit more bold. We decided we wanted to do something over 2 miles. We decided we would hike the trails that are above Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood Canyon. We had some subway points so we stopped and grabbed the footlong and headed up the canyon.We ate our picnic lunch on some boulders just off the path,next to silver lake then headed up the trail. Each person had their own water and a couple little snack in their bags.
After headed up the path, we came to a fork in the path and hadto pick between Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude. Another hiker said with children if we wanted to do the loop around Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude, it was easiest to go up to Lake Solitude first. Not knowing or caring about the difference, we headed up towards Lake Solitude.
Katy was our TROOPER! Lyse 5 minutes in was saying her legs hurt and honestly Katy did not once say she was tired, needed to rest, etc.When we asked Lyse to be the line leader, she did much better.
Some parts of the hike were just absolutely amazing. I love nature. I LOVE hiking along trails that you have trees rustling around you and the smell of pine in the air. It is invigorating and relaxing all at once!Lake Solitude was rather dull and there wasn't really anywhere you could sit and enjoy. As we hiked around the lake to find the trail that led down to the Twin Lakes,
Ben found a cave. He named it the
"Candy Mountain Cave" and him and the girls went in. I was too much of a whimp and stayed and and took pictures...and chastising Ben of the danger of it all :)
The South side of the Lake had some snow and the girls and Ben enjoyed some snowball throwing. That is always fun to do in July! :)
After searching for a bit, we realized we weren't going to find the other trail. Both girls were getting tired, so we decided to head down the trail.
On the way down the trail, Lyse informed us she could hear and interpret what the birds were saying. The birds told her that the bears were coming soon, so we needed to hurrying down the trail. As each bird would tweet and sing, she would interpret a fun little story.As we reached the bottom of the trail I saw a Bull Moose get mad and start charging across Silver Lake. I yelled, "There's a moose" and we all ran to go see it. What an amazing way to finish the hike. The rangers informed us the moose was overall safe as long as we didn't provoke it because it wasn't mating season.
We walked along the boardwalks and walked RIGHT next to the Bull Moose! WOW!!! An experience of a lifetime and it seriously made for the perfect ending to the hike!
The overall hike took us about 3 hours (we hung out and played around Lake Solitude for a while) and we hiked about 3 miles that day.
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