"Family ties are bound by love"

Saturday, July 25, 2009

At the Lake

We have a group of friends that we met years and years ago when we all had just 1 kid, living in apartments. We have been lucky enough to stay in touch throughout the years. We don't get together often enough, but when we do, it is always a good time. The Stenquist invited up "the Gang" (which we somehow named ourselves) up to their lake house in Bear Lake for the weekend. The weather was not the best, but it did not matter. Laughs, water fun, four wheel'n, and reminiscing makes for a good time and good memories. Although we missed the Klitgaards who could not make it, and Rueben, who had to work.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Family Vacation

Every year the Franklin Clan goes on a family trip together. This year was Mike & Shelly's year to plan it. They picked Downata Hot Springs www.downatahotsprings.com
It is about 30 minutes before Lava Hot Springs. We had a great time being with family. We arrived Wed night, played at Downata pool Thur. and then went to Lava Pool on Fri. Rich spoiled us, and rented a cabin. It was so nice to not have to really rough it. We don't mind camping, but really miss our trailer, and he was just not up for all the "work" real camping requires. We justified it with the fact that this is probably our vacation of the summer! It was fun, because the whole family was able to come, except for Uncle Paul, who had to work. With everyone there together, it equals 13 adults, 20 kids, and 6 dogs! Quite the clan.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Happiness.. Our Heritage

I had the assignment of speaking in church today on this talk from President Uchtdorf. I always love preparing a talk or lesson, because I get so much out of it. Giving a talk on the other hand, is not my one of my favs. There is wonderful counsel in his talk to all of us on how to have happiness, by creating, and being compassionate. Think of all the things you can create that comes from our divine nature. A smile. Do it right now, c'mon...smile :) See you just created something, a feeling! There is so many things we create daily, and when we rely on the Spirit, it is endless. Ideas.. create a memory, create a friendship, create self esteem in a child.
I just love this little video clip, and since preparing my talk this week, wanted to share. Hope you enjoy. This week pay attention to all you create, and find happiness in it. "Through the things you create, and by your compassionate service, you are a power for good. You make the world a better place. Lift up your chin, walk tall & (SMILE) God loves you." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Age Identity Crisis

Okay, so lately I have had some "EYE OPENING" moments that have made me think, "Maybe I am not as young as I think I am! Lets start with friends. Two people have recently come into my life, that I just love , and consider them amazing friends. You know, the ones you can talk to for hours and share stuff with.
Well, one is Angie, she serves with me in the YW. We were on an outing, and someone asked me if she was my daughter! Yes, sad but true. Now although I would love to claim her as my daughter, it shocked me. Could I really be old enough to be her mother? Thankfully the answer was not really. (I would have been 14 when she was born) Aside from that, I just love Angie, and feel so lucky to work with her and know her. She amazes me and teaches me so much.
Next comes Sarah. I feel as if Sarah and I for some reason have a special kindred connection. We both have very special loved ones who have passed, but whenever I am around her I feel so good and happy. She always makes me smile. She and I have had some fun times together at girls camp, and such. But it was not until recently when I posted about having all teenagers for kids that she left a message back and pointed out that her kids, not even one of them, is a teenager yet! AHH! Also, her mom and I have the same journal from the 80's, hmmm what does that say? Yep, I am older than I think.
Luckily for me, age knows no boundaries with friendship. Thanks girls for being my friend, even if I am old. :)

Then there was Cherry Hill this week. I took the girls for a day of play in the sun. Years ago, we would get Season Passes and spend our Summer Days at Pirates Cove. Now, the girls are off on the tubes, and I find myself floating around the lazy river alone, watching all the young moms with their little ones, wondering, "Where did the time go, wasn't I just there?" sigh

And lastly, I was on the pageant committee this year, and the director had a wrap up meeting and dinner at her house. It was one of the committee members b-day, so naturally the conversation turned to age. Well.... I felt very much, "like one of the girls" until I realized I was 6, count em 6 years older than anyone there! Not 1 or 2 or even 4 yrs older...but 6! Why am I the choreographer of the production # at my age?

Well, they say your only as old as you feel, and I feel about 30ish. So I am sticking with it.