"Faith, Sacrifice, Obedience"

In remembrance of our Pioneer ancestors.  Here are some photos from the "Martin's Cove" trek. 

The Pioneer returns home

Dakota came home around 6:30 p.m. last night.  He is a little sunburned, mosquito bitten, and has sore feet.  I think that is all part of the experience:)  He had an amazing time on the Trek.  I'm still hearing all the stories and will put more pictures on the next post.  These memories will last a lifetime!

Here is the "after" picture.  His clothes weathered the whole thing quite well, even though they were soaked in a hail and lightning storm. 

Dakota's Trek - Day 3

We heard by way of report that the group was "blessed" with rain and pea sized hail last night.  They were in tents waiting out the storm.  This will be something to remember forever.  I can't wait to hear that stories when Dakota returns this evening.
So, my comment about him today is about the side of him that others rarely see.  He is a quiet guy, who keeps his talents to himself.  I've always liked that he doesn't brag about himself, but just proves himself with actions.  Dakota is very very funny, away from anyone's eyes and ears but ours.  He keeps me laughing, and that is such a good thing.

Here are some more random pics of him:  On vacation in Zion, pushing his brother on a swing, and dressed as a "50's Greaser" for school. 

Dakota's Pioneer Trek - Day 2

The wife of one of our Bishopric members (who is an emergency contact with the group, and receives updates from her husband) posted an update on Facebook yesterday.  We were told that after a six hour drive to Wyoming, they ate lunch, pushed and pulled their handcarts 3 miles, ate dinner, played games, and square danced last night. 
Today will be their longest and hardest walking day.  Each of us were asked to write a letter to our child, which they will read today and then spend time writing in their journal.  I hope my letter is encouraging for him.
Dakota really loves family history, though he doesn't want anyone to know it.  My Uncle John, who he has a tight relationship with, hooked him on it.  John put all of his own family history (complete with great stories) on a disc for him, and with that loaded on his laptop, Dakota is continuing and adding to it.  They discuss it all the time.  Anyway, it's so touching to see his interest in his family.  He is the only one of my children who remembers my mom, and he keeps one of my dad's certificates framed in his room.  My dad's life has been a great example to him, even though he never knew him in this life.  He feels very connected to our family, and admires those who have gone before him.  I know that it helps him when he feels down.   Yeah, I'm proud of my boy!

Here are some photos of him helping with his friends Eagle Scout project, which was to build a long sidewalk from our neighborhood to the elementary school.  This was the day he decided he does not want to lay cement for a living:)

Dakota's Pioneer Trek - Day 1

Dakota is on a three day Pioneer Trek in Wyoming with the other youth in our Ward.  I am a little worried, but hopeful that it will be an experience he will benefit from. 
He is trekking on behalf of a 20 year old rescuer named Harvey Cluff, and has been reading about him thoughtfully for the last couple of weeks.  I've been proud to watch as Dakota has soaked in all the information he could about our own pioneer history, and that of others.  I believe that he is at least spiritually ready for this trek. 
I've decided to take this time of him being away from home, to brag about him on my blog.  As his mother, I have shed many tears over the young child who was so depressed, afraid, and anxious about his world.  Now I watch and encourage the courageous young man he has become.  He faces his fears better than most adults I know.  He has the best heart!  Dakota is my champion when times get rough, and does Jim Carrey impressions to make me laugh.  He has my Dad's quiet and humble personality and great sense of humor.  How I love my oldest son!

Here are some pics of Indiana Jones on his way to the adventure this morning at 5:30 a.m.  We will see how those clothes look when he returns:)

Thinking about Mom

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of Mom's death.  I can't believe it's been so many years, and that I've spent much of my adult life without her.  Anway, I couldn't sleep all night last night and feel out of sorts.  It's odd how our body can remember things that our minds sometimes forget.  These days are good for me in weird ways.  There are great memories that come along with the pity party.  My Mom was (and is) an extemely loving person, with a wicked sense of humor.  She always stands in my mind as an example of courage.  Her decisions were not easy ones, but she faced them with a postitive attitude and faith in God.  I also think of how she was a defender of the underdog, always stopping to talk with the elderly, the disabled, those in need.  She could bring a smile to any face.  Her influence in my life is profound to this day, and I am so grateful for the path she put me on.  Love you, Mom.

Hot Air Balloon Ride!

Carson and Micah woke me up this morning, and wanted to go "balloon following."  We drove around watching the balloons above us, such a beautiful sight.  We followed one to Lion's Park, parked, got out, and watched it land.  There were a few other people standing around also.  The Pilot told us he is from Colorado, and travels all over.  He said there was room and asked a few of the children (including Carson and Micah) if they wanted to "ride in" with him to meet his crew.  That would be a YES!  These boys, who sometimes hesitate a bit, did not this time.  They climbed right in:)  What an experience for them.  Sooo much fun!!! I hadn't brought my camera, but had my phone, thank heavens.  Here are some pics.