WASATCH BACK RACE

A few of my friends and I went to volunteer at the Wasatch Back Relay Race in Park City, Utah. We even got to see the Olympic Park on the way in...Holy Cow was it amazing! It was a WET day...but it was still fun to see all the interesting themes each team had, and to work with the hundreds of volunteers that came to help make this event successful. I know I had a good time!

We were all waiting for the runners at the finish line to come in.....

the finish line sign...

Some of the neatest volunteers that were helping with us were from the "Best Buddies" organization. I think it was the best part of being there is working with some amazing people.

Some more of the great individuals from "The Best Buddies" Organization these ladies had the biggest and most amazing hearts. They were so eager to help everyone out...

Let's just say we had some interesting teams come through, I think the picture is worth a 1000 words haha...

We even had a marriage proposal at the finish line...
OF COURSE....SHE SAID "YES"!!!!


Finally....Me, Michelle and Brandi had a great time. We got poured on all day long, but we had such a great time volunteering...we've already planned on going next year!

Robin's Requiem

About 10 years ago my son and I were eating dinner on a late spring Sunday afternoon when we heard a bird making all kinds of harsh strident shrieks in our back yard. It carried on for some time until I finally went into the yard to see what was going on. I found the mutilated body of a robin at the base of the ash tree. It appeared that the semi-feral cat that we had adopted had caught the bird and taken it's life there. The bird doing all the shrieking was in the ash tree. I think I spoke to the bird in the tree telling it how sorry I was and that I would bury it's mate. I gathered up the dead bird and took it further back in the yard and buried it deeply in a sheltered spot.
We returned to the house to finish our meal. As we were eating, the robin in the ash tree began singing a song so sad that I can only call it a requiem. It sang loud and long, its notes in such a minor key pouring out grief and loss that was heart wrenching to hear. That soulful song of mourning wound through the quiet Sabbath afternoon, so sad and so beautiful that I was deeply touched. The remembrance of it will still bring a tug at my heart and tears to my eyes.
I have never heard a bird sing like that before or since. As I ponder the experience, I am reminded how precious all life is and I marvel that I was given the privilege of that experience. Albert Schweitzer talked about "reverence for life". The robin's requiem reminded me of that reverence for life that is so needed in the world. Are we truly mindful of the other living things around us as we thrash about living our lives? Or are we so self-centered that theirs is inconsequential?

Oquirrh Mountain Temple Open House

PASSING GRADE!

Well, my brother-in-law PASSED his Electrician Journeyman's Test! Congrats Shane! We are all so proud of both you and Cherhys for continuing your dreams! We know of the sacrifices you both had to make to have these accomplishments possible...now we hope nothing but bright and wonderful future! Especially with the special light that is going to enter your lives in a few months! What an amazing year for the both of you!!! Enjoy your Accomplishments!

MOVING DAY

What's funny...is when you move, and you have your friends help....funny things tend to happen lol...especially with this crew!

Good friends are so special, and always there to help in a seconds notice. After Arno broke his butt all week so he could help me on saturday, his truck broke down, I hope he knows how MUCH I appreciate your friendship and loyalty and the sacrifice you made for me. I just wish that your truck didn't break down, I feel so bad that had to happen and not just because of the move it's because I know how stressed you are right now. Arno called the Holmes and every one of them came through when the friend emergency button was pressed for help. Every single one of them gave up their night and Sunday to help me move....then of course Trisha and Michelle...You guys ROCK!
Arno, Tammy, Justin, Jason, Trisha and Michelle thank you so much for your wonderful help.
Also, thank you Robin Shawn, and Natali for your AMAZING help too, for without that help I wouldn't have gotten here. I hope that I can get going and not let anyone down after all the sacrifices everyone has made to help me out....
LOVE YOU GUYS!!!