The Pioneer Treck to Mendon... (in our airconditioned 4Runner)

Well - I would never have been able to be a pioneer... ever.  But our journey to the promised land of Mendon began with loading up our bikes, packing up our work clothes, and stopping at In and Out on the way there.... there were no campfires included.  My little town has a pint sized party on the 24th of July - really home towny stuff - it was also a weekend for me to get some freakin work projects (never ending lists) completed for my mom.  Del, Ryan and I all had a bunch of (seriously nonsense activities) things that needed to happen this weekend and we threw in some very fun things to even out the time (actually 28 hours) we were there.  We started with an amazing bike ride from Mendon to Hyrum Dam, the valley and the weather was breathtaking as usual.  We hurried home to make breakfast for our Mendon Family - ok - ok - ok - so David made the bacon and sausage - and Betsy added water to the pancake mix.... alrighty then.... we ate.  Then we headed off to the Parade - I'll have you know - our parade in Mendon is ranked 8,456th in the nation - kid you not.  There are 17 tractors with 400 kids with water guns and candy.  There were 3 floats with royalty on them sweating through those prom dresses.  The Utah State Basketball team came - I think they thought it was the SL parade - but they were good sports.  I walked away with 2 bubblegums, an orange taffy, and a sucker.  Score Big.  The funniest part to me was when they had the grand marshals of the parade (some people that I kinda think that THEY think they are a little better than others..... (unchristlike sorry) in a car that was so high on the sides that you could only see the tops of their heads and their arms reaching up to wave!!!! (BWAHAHAHAHA!)  It was a day where our family joins in randomness and enjoys the company and food and the love.  My cute 2nd cousin Natalie brought her little kids (all children in my blogs are referred to by protective custody names as to protect their innocence)  George, Nataliaski, and Herman.... So dang cute.  I LOVED that they came and I LOVED talking to Natalie - actually I LOVE her parents, and her sister Marnie - and well- those other ones that are not my face book friends yet..... I love them too.  Here are some random parade pictures.... and some random comments from the peanut gallery....

Natalie - (wait where is the hair on my left side?)

Seriously Parade goers..... Pat - what's in your mouth?

(Oh Hi Ryan.... "I like this truck")

David, Betsy, 'George', Erin and 'Spike Lee'

waitin' for that candy to flow....

The firetruck drenching - we put Gma under

the umbrella.... yep - someone pulled their boat

as a float - we have total Kentucky Class....

sorry - Kentuckians...

My grand-nephew - was pretty impressed that

no one was telling him to 'not eat candy'

This is Thomas E. Train - son of Betsy and David

I will disclose these names - as we would like

someone, ANYONE to come and kidnap them!

I LOVE these two - my niece and nephew

Kate and Brandon.... I loff them.

Yo - my Bro.... Spinal surgery - ew - he's a keeper.

The best youngest son ever... I cut his head off. sorry.

I have hair in my eyes on this picture but still none

on the right left side of my head... what gives?

Great Grandma actually got a snuggle from 'Spike Lee'

actually - they both look like they are in pain.

Except - Mom won't remember she's in pain

five minutes from this picture being taken....

(:

I have absolutely no idea who these ladies are - but

they look like some pretty bad a chicks eh?

(Look - Natalie - there's Natalieiski!)

My favorite thing at the parade....

Thomas E Train - showing his amazing

 puddle jumping skills...

*************

After the parade - there was much to be done at

the homestead... there were many squirrels to find,

so we send Gma off to find them.  We tended to the

garden, and picked about 20 crookneck squash,

we cringed at the 25 zucchinis growing bigger than

a breadbox, and we finished the pathway around the

garage so Grandma won't fall on her hinney.

Updates on the garden as follows:  Growing...

And at the right you can see the walk of shame we built....

you see she won't trip but she'll think she's drunk when she

walks on the uneven brick job.... (:   dang -we're good

Ballgames and Fireworks - with Betsy, Spike Lee, and Erin

who is entering Utah State University - and we've all given

her about a week there before someone marrys her...

so dang cute...

Spike entertained us with every single hand gesture from:

Popcorn Popping

If you're happy and you know it,

and some Bubble song that made me

pee my pants laughing....

My cousin Heidi made the co-ed all start team!!!

She was camping?  WTF?

So Erin, Thomas E Train, and Betsy collected

her winnings for the night for her...

It's ok - I can kick her butt in softball

any day of the week sista... (;

Me mudder - dang - I look tired - but I do

show a case of possible hair here on the sides.. (:

Thomas E. Train - was so frightened of the fireworks,

so he covered his ears..... and actually fell asleep and

missed them all anyway - I LOVE THIS PICTURE!

(love my Werin too)

We drove home after the fireworks - actually we're not sure who

drove home - because apparently we were all sleeping in the

car on the way home..... :0  but what a great day.  This

blog entry is somewhat strange  - but it is mostly for

my away kids - whom I missed with all my heart,

and during the the fireworks in the dark... I shed a

a tear or two.  It was nice to snuggle with Del - to

have him there, and to have Ryan there - and to be with family.

It was a day of service, and of good food, great family times

and a reminder that someone made this family possible

many years ago when they crossed the plains.

Just wondering which polygamist mom was mine..

(SO just kidding?)

Journey's End

I know everyone knows of the 'This Is The Place' monument at the mouth of Emigration Canyon (or  Immigration - whomever you are arguing with), but this is a statue right next to it - behind it is the canyon the pioneers came into the Salt Lake Valley through, it is called "Journey's End".  Later, others would enter through Parleys Canyon, and Echo Canyon.  Each year around the 24th of July, the date the Saints entered the valley, I ride my bike up this canyon.  I stop at all of the historical markers, I look at the oldest trees and wonder if they were there when Alexander or Archibald, or Alexander Bryce passed through. It is a seriously spiritual place to be.  This statue was truly inspired.  The look of absolute relief is evident.  Perhaps these were the only family members that made it on the long journey, leaving some buried along the way.  I have pioneer direct lines that were buried along the way, and I pray that those sacred places are watched over by angels.  The oldest Hill ancestor is buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery - not the first to arrive - that would have been his son.  He was part of the main wagon trains to arrive into the valley.  Then he went back to get the remainder of the Presidency of the Church and bring them into the SL Valley.  I was born in Utah - and hope to die here - and be buried here.  It is the roots of my family, it is where a place for the church to exist in peace was carved out and prepared.  After my ride up the canyon - and it was a truly beautiful and emotional one - I went to the cemetery and decorated all of the Hill headstones with red, white and blue banners.  I do this each year.  Most of the headstones will not be there much longer because of deterioration.  I wanted to post this now because next week I'll go the Cache Valley where the remainder of my direct line lives.  I hope that my children will never let the pioneer stories of my family be forgotten.  Pass them on - honor them.

"And should we die - before our journeys end, Happy Day - All Is Well"

I'll have an Antelope Burger... or not...

Crazy things happen with a full moon... like going on a bike ride actually in the moonlight.  Ryan and I were able to participate in the Antelope Island Moonlight Ride this year.  It's an 18 year old ride and it was the most amazing thing ever.  I hadn't been to the Island since Elementary school, and was first of all freaked out by driving over the Great Salt Lake on the causeway.  I reminded Ryan that when the causeway was originally built over the lake, Grandpa Bowen was on the crew that did it.  Weird but true!  The ride there was hysterical because Ryan found a Spanish station on the radio and he was translating the songs to me and we were laughing ourselves silly.  The Manchild knows his Spanish.  We were fortunate enough to have some very kind friends provide our wristbands and a seriously good looking tee shirt.  Thanks to Myron and Jill Eldred - couldn't have gone without you.  Jill had just recently had shoulder surgery so Myron took the lead of our three pack.  The ride required headlights on your helmets and red lights on the back.  When the ride started it looked like the mountain was on fire with tail lights.  Over 1400 riders took to the trail - it was the most amazing sight ever.  To totally have to trust just ten feet in front of you was very interesting.  The full moon was over the Great Salt Lake and it was breathtaking.  Most of the riders decorated their bikes with glow sticks - having never ridden the ride - I was not a decorated rider - but alas I did put my glow in the dark Halloween makeup in my back pocket - so I did get a few scares out of people.  The ride was only 23 miles, but it took off a good 1,000 calories with the hills and such.  The ride took you from one marina to the next - where there were treats and lots of laughter, then you started back - and the red lights had to miss hitting the white lights coming and going.  Ryan and Myron were good riders - guys like to do that testosterone thing where they are pushing each other along.  I was all, "Oh my gosh - what  a cute jersey - oh yeah - you did the Little Red ride didn't you..." to total strangers.  The bug rumor is certainly true - but only if you stop for 5 seconds - then they carry you away - so the trick is to never stop.... I thoroughly enjoyed that ride - and it will certainly be on my list of things to do next year... any takers?   We arrived home at about 2 AM - and we were still laughing.  Here is Ryan and I and the 1/2 way mark - he was a great friend to have on the ride - a strong rider - and a very good translator.... Next morning....another ride....  new story.... on next post.



Ug....

Today I realized that I hit this...

emotionally.

I keep trying to run around, picking up pieces of

things that are broken, and lost, and forgotten.

I fail almost every day.

Some days it's difficult to breathe there is so much to do.

Just a tad bit lower than a snakes stomach today.

Just can't pick up the joy factor.

I know I am blessed.

But I also am in such a deep dark hole today.

If I could afford some lemons, yes mom,

I would make lemonaid... truly good advice.

Every single day - picking myself up - and

moving along,

and not getting anywhere.

Then I hit the wall.

Just can't seem to get to all to work out.

So, tomorrow I'll start over again.

Maybe I could decorate my wall,

or spray paint it,

or lean on it.

Hitting the wall certainly hurts.

Maybe I'll decorate it with

cotton candy.

That makes me smile.
Oh Pink Floyd, quit playing in my head.

5 good things about this day

Jennie Newbold is my new VT

Bethany is getting a long over due girls weekend

Mandy charged her phone

My brother called me

ok

so I only found four.

wait...

It's Taco Tuesday...

Dad-e-o

This is a tough picture to post.... but I wanted to share a few thoughts about this special man.
My Dad on his 82nd birthday... July 10, 2011.

I went to see my father yesterday, because today is his birthday and we were off with the religious affiliated vacation (aka Mission).  I walked into the room to see once again - the man that use to be.  It's difficult to see him in the late stage of his life, and in the condition that he finishes his life here on this earth.  About 10 years ago he suffered from a virus called Transverse Militias, which paralyzed him from the chest down.  Quite rare, and viciously quick to finish off it's victim.  Lack of mobility for my father, meant lack of ability and or even desire to live for him.  Quickly his mind started going - quickly all of the memories of our utter existence in his life left him.  My mother gave her entire days and nights trying to care for him.  My brother and I made that horrid decision that no one wants to make - and broke a promise that we would never do.  We chose to give our mom quality of life for her remaining years and put dad in a care center.  It was the end of the man I use to know.  My had still has some skills.  He yodels, really loud, and at night.  He chews gum, so he won't swear.  He participated in church one week by yelling out - 'He's lying!"  to which - he received another piece of gum.... He does however follow my mom around the room with his eyes, and now and then will jibberish off an entire conversation with my brother or I when we visit.  I asked God one time - "Did you forget to take my Daddy home?"   Why would anyone ask that?  Because the man laying in that bed was a warrior.  He took on the world and he gracefully, and kindly, and beautifully adorned it with his life.  Today - my dad turns 82.  He is still that Marine that flexed his muscles on the beach at Bear Lake.  The father that let me dance on his toes.  The friend that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it - and put another one in your hand for the next time you needed one.  The Master of the grill, the keeper of the campground.  He's the sweetheart of my mom.  The one that cheered me on at every single sporting event I participated in - and that was many many, year round.  The one that would show up on my doorstep with pumpkins the size of Cinderella's carriage.  The grandpa that loved his grand kids.  The father in law that adored Del.  He's the great grandfather of my grandchildren, who when they are placed next to him, he smiles and tries to whistle to them.  I'm sure that when God created the garden of Eden, he called my dad for advice.  He's my Dad.  Today - I honor you for the 72 years I know you knew I was your little girl, and I mourn for the 10 you haven't, and I rejoice in the day I see you walk again, whole, happy, and singing the "Big Black Dog" song.  I love you dad - lucky me, God sent me to you.  Oh Happy Day.

The 'End'

Eh - not what you're thinking.  Seriously, I have just spent about an hour this morning laughing at a video posted by Mandy about Big J.  She's in Washington DC right now - and she's hitting every site she can historically and loving it.  Big J gets to go with her - so stroller in tow, diapers, bottles, and lots of camera space, they head out every other day.  Big J has been a pretty patient travel partner, but yesterday - he rebelled.  The video is of this beautiful baby boy smiling, sitting in his car seat.  The baby blonde hair is shining in the sun, the cute white onesie is spotless, the child is happy and laughing.  Zoom down to the actual seat of the car seat - and it's full of poop.  Literally, full of poop.  (Pause - laugh more - watch again)  Mandy's discussion to her little one is like, "What have you done?" followed up by "That's not funny"  OH YES... IT IS!!!!  Holy cow - I remember the diaper blowouts times 4!   Right as you were going to leave, right when someone came over to visit, right in the middle of church, just as you'd run out of diapers.  I did have some advice for Mandy.  Hose him down!  Literally - that's what I would have to do to my kids!  Ultra poopers those little darlin's of mine.  Some days I looked down at my shirt in awe at the amouts of food - not anything I consumed mind you, slathered over the sleeves, the front, and collar. Well - lovely video Beep - is that..... could it be.... looks like.... green beans to me?  Lots and lots of green beens?  Sweet!  You are a funny funny mom Mandy.  Here's to many more blowouts, and videos to follow.  Mmmmm... I'm craving sweet potatoes now.....  Happy Clean Bums to all the Mom's out there!  (They eventually grow up and have cuter bums)

Please pass the fireworks....

Well, by darn - it's the 4th of July weekend.  It's a bit different this year than in the past.  2 of our children and their spouses and all of my GRANDCHILDREN are out of the state - dearly missed - but proud that they are in some free state somewhere - I mean don't we have several dozen free states now?  Our 4th is usually spent at our home town celebrations, parade, sweet cook out before the fireworks start, sitting around in out staked out designated area with ropes, ties, and several explosive devices if you pass through our area... You know - the regular family oriented stuff.  Kinda quiet on the western front this year.  I do have a very handsome Missionary home this 4th of July - now there's a reason to celebrate!  I also have a handsome son in law back from Iraq - and Mike - your safe return and welcome presence is always something to celebrate.  Mandy and Ryan will be with Big J - in the Nations Capitol, celebrating big time with Obama.... or maybe not.. maybe just Mike Lee or Orrin Hatch or someone else that represents all that is questionally good in the nation.  Matt and Bethany will be in the other Washington, moving in new furniture after 6 years of hand-me-downs and never-complaining.  (Big D went to Cars 2 today with the Cars 2 Nanna hat on - sweet)(The 'Str went to visit Elizabeth - smart move there!)  Mike and Ashley are stealing boulders from the mountains for their back yard - now if that isn't patriotic - what is?  They are having rattlesnake stew for dinner followed by an aloe vera hot tubbing experience.... Ryan is hiking - he loves to hike, he's my nature child.  Tonight we'll throw on some lightening burgers, and play a little music in the back yard.  We'll be missing also Karin and Keith - and so please don't schedule any surgeries next year - because we aren't going to buy that excuse!  I do want to recall a little bit of my memories of growing up and the 4th of July.  We would always go to my Aunt Elda's, mom and the aunts packed in BBQ and salads and food galore.  We would stake out our place along the Hyrum Parade route - where the candy was a plenty.  I was terrified of running out and getting the candy - so - my mom would take some with her and just give it to me... I was afraid of tackling the kid next to me just for a piece of taffy.  Now.... I would take that sucker out and demolish him!  (see, I have changed over the years!)  I remember the smell of Gramma Chris's (Aunt Elda - we called her gma) kitchen - the brownies, and the watermelon, and the wet sweaty cousins who had been playing under her huge ginormous pine trees.  It was heaven, it was home, it was never missed.  It is deeply missed now.  Most people celebrate our freedoms - I celebrate the Hill Aunts and Uncles that kept our family together for many many years, and have deeply embedded love and security and family in my soul.  After a long day in Hyrum. my mom and dad did something very special.  (and you thought going to the gravel pit for Easter was strange)  Our house had a flat roof, and a chimney coming out of the middle of the house.  There was a huge apple tree next to the garage, and we all climbed up that tree (Mom, Dad, Eric and I)  We took blankets, popcorn, and root beer.  The four of us would spread out the blanket and lean against the chimney and from there we had the grandest spot to watch the fireworks in Logan.  Later on in life - Eric and I found out that we could acutally go into Logan and actually WATCH them from the stadium - but back then, with the four of us on the roof on a blanket.... I don't believe that my parents ever wanted to tell us the truth, they wanted us to be with them, and share those moments.  Of which - will never leave my heart, my soul or my memories.  So, kids, and grandkids, and in-law kids, all of which I am grateful for and love dearly... make sure to you take time to make a memory that will last through the years.  Don't forget to say.... "Ooooooooo, and Awwwwwww" after each explosion of color and sound.  We are Free, because so many people made sure we can be.  I am grateful for those people in my life, and for those that gave their lives so that I could live to tell my tale.  Happy 4th of July... and by darn - don't you be blowing you hands off with those blasted fireworks, burn your fingers off with those firecrackers, or poking your eyes out with those freakishly hot sparklers.................  (that was for you Mom, Aunt Elda, Aunt LeDean, Aunt Beth, Uncle Jay, Uncle Ray)     (oh goodie - the pioneer party is coming up next!)