Thursday, August 27, 2015

Thoughts on a Thursday

Well, this is my own blog, so these are my thoughts today.

The father of my children has not seen them in over three years.  Of course, this is not what he intended.  He has suffered with poor health (many years of smoking) and legal issues of his own.  My boys have grown up so much, evolved into different humans.  So have I.  I am no longer the woman who was married for almost twenty years to a man who did not appreciate me.  My mentality is so different now, even my way of looking at the world.  I see so many other women who make me think of my former self.  What can I say to them? Probably nothing that will change their path.  Possibly some things must be experienced.  Most of all, what would I say to my younger self?  If Doctor Who has it right, and time travel is possible, what type of letter would I leave to comfort myself back then? Hmmm... maybe I need to write that letter...

In the meantime, here is a snippet of a lyric I love.

"I have my fears, but they do not have me."
                                -Peter Gabriel

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Back to school 2015

After several days of scrambling to complete everything we needed for school (and I am sick also)... the day is here.  I made french toast for them for breakfast this morning.

Carson is a Sophomore in high school this year.  He was up and ready early.  I had to chase him to snap a quick pic of him before he headed to the bus stop.

Micah is in 7th grade this year.  His first year at Dixon Middle School, and also his first bus ride.  He was nervous, but controlled it well.  Yes, I had a hard time leaving him with his friends at the bus stop, and just saying "Have a great day!"





Sunday, August 9, 2015

My Three Boys

Each of my sons are pieces of me, and more than that . . . pieces of my heart.  Each unique, with their own personalities and set of talents, but definitely their mother's sons.

Dakota



Dakota's name is a Sioux (or Lakota) name.  They were the original inhabitants of  Northern Minnesota, where he was born.  His name means "friend or ally."

Dakota inherited several things from me.  His physical features are strongly from the Woodward side of our family.  My father's side.  He has my dad's dark hair, blue eyes, and shy smile.  His heart is drawn to beautiful and classical things.  He loves great writing, ancient cultures and myths, runes and languages, everything historical, classical music and classical rock, and longs to travel to far away places.  He is the dreamer and visionary that runs so strongly in our blood.  His many talents include his searching heart, his great smile, writing skills, love of learning and the outdoors, and his sharp wit.


Carson



Carson's name is Scottish.  It means "Son of the marsh dwellers."  We have Scottish ancestry that leads directly back to Robert the Bruce. His maternal great great great grandmother also was a Paiute, whose tribal name was translated into "The Water Up People."  

Carson also favors the Woodward side of our family in features.  He has dark hair and blue eyes.  Carson has a very strong sense of who he is.  He is not afraid of anyone else's opinion, or thoughts about him.  He likes the things he likes, and wears what he wants to wear.  Carson loves History and  already has a large collection.  He enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking, working, and generally being funny around the house. He leans toward wanting to be in the military or a Firefighter.  His talents are many and revolve around how naturally driven and ambitious he is.  He loves to work and do things well.


Micah



Micah's name is Hebrew and it means "Like unto God."  It is a name that fits him well.  Truly meant for this young man.

I am told often that Micah looks like me.  Our baby photos are very similar.  He even had red hair for a few months, and very blue eyes.  In my opinion, he favors the Black and Dastrup families.  My mom's side of our family.  He also has my mom's personality.  Sweet and gentle.  Micah loves to build things, music (especially Led Zeppelin and Foreigner), camp, explore places, play in the water, draw, write, and history.  He has a collection of American medals and items from WW2.   His talents are his ability to create and build things, catch on quickly to ideas, his great memory, his love of the outdoors, and his absolutely wonderful smile.  He cares about, and encourages everyone around him.

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Anniversary Honeymoon

This may be my new favorite pic of us . . .



We went to Castle Creek Inn to celebrate both our first anniversary, and the honeymoon following our Temple sealing.  It was a wonderful couple of days.



We stayed in the "Romeo and Juliet" room, and it was beautiful.  Not overdone, just really nice.




They brought our breakfast to us each morning, and we ate on our own private balcony.  Very romantic.


In back of the Inn was a pretty little garden, complete with pond and rock paths.  We enjoyed walking there.






We are truly happy together and definitely still honeymooning.  


Wednesday, July 15, 2015

A day long awaited

Temple day.

Paul and I had a long journey in life before finding each other, but when we did, we knew this was home.  I am grateful each day that I have found my "one."

Yesterday (July 14) we received our Endowments in the Payson temple.  My close friend Rynell Lewis was my escort, and our friend Brian Jensen was Paul's.  When we came out of the temple after dark, it was just stunning to look at.  Lovely day!








 

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Good things, a thankful weekend

The Scouts have been working on back packing hikes, as a goal this year.  A couple of weeks ago, Carson hiked to the Y with them.  Friday and yesterday, they hiked Timpanogos and camped near the top.  They apparently had torrential rain and wind up there, and mostly abandoned their tents for an old shelter already in existence.  Kind of a rough night. This is what Carson looked like when he arrived home yesterday, sore but safe.




Today is Sunday.  A tearful and grateful one for this mom.  This morning I went with Carson and was present as he received the Patriarchal blessing, which he requested to have.  It was a very heartfelt experience for us both.  I am so proud of this compassionate and strong young son of mine.

Dakota dressed up and came to church with us today.  He is feeling inspired to attend again, and to become even closer to God.  As I sat in church, with my two tall sons beside me, I felt so many emotions.  My heart is full of gratitude for them, and for miracles.

Catching up again... July

Carson's Youth Conference this year was a missionary experience theme.  It was all fun and great for him, except I couldn't stop laughing about this combo. Hmmmm... something is not right here.  Ha ha.


Micah and I checked out Orem's Summerfest.  We rode some rides, listened to a great band, and of course... ate a Snowie.



Treasure hunting in Eureka and Silver City ghost town (the mining plant)                                                     







The 4th of July was sooo busy.  We watched the Candy Bomber make his last drop at the Scera. 
 Absolutely an amazing sight!  We also went to Balloon Fest, Colonial Village, Cries of Freedom display,  had a water fight, barbecued, and set off fireworks.