Walking with the Angel Part Two

Time to confess.

I am a tad bit afraid of heights, ledges, drops offs, cliffs, and any combination of the above.

As proven by this picture – I did make it to the top of Angel’s Landing in 2002. Then again in 2008.

But not this time.

I stayed at the saddle.

My fear of heights is a little different then normal peoples fear of heights.

Did I just say I’m not normal.

Oh well, it may or may not be true, but I have never heard of anyone else having this version.

I am not scared for my self, but for him.

And for cute grandpa’s

carrying the cutest baby.

It is a little sketchy, you know.

I have a fear of watching something happen to someone else, especially if the someone else is someone I love.

Yes, I am nervous for everyone of them.

Mostly for those I am sorry to say that should not be doing this.

Please, I beg you do not DO THIS.

There are cliff, and ledges, and drop offs that go a long, long, long, way down.

I tell ya I’ve been there.

In spite of this crippling fear, that made me stay below, and chew my finger nails.

He made it.

All the way to the top, and then some.

First words when he got down

“MOM what’s the big deal.”

Now you know why I have this teensy little fear of heights.

Walking with the Angel Part One

If you’ve never hiked up to were the Angel’s land you are missing out. 

Only two and a half miles

SRAIGHT UP!

Walter Wiggles are an ingenious feat of engineering, but they still make you breathe hard. 

Why? you say, why oh why would we do this?

  Because of this

and this -

more of this

It never stops

Never ceases to amaze

and it is worth every foot step.

Can’t get enough

 

The great wins, the close losses, the red dirt that you can’t get out of the uniform.

The bunts, that put us ahead, the steals we should of had, the Grand Slams that are once in a life time.

We are there on hot days, cold days, and every kind in between.

We just can’t get enough.

Hanging On

 

I am waiting –

patiently!

It is coming

I can feel it!

My Apology

 

 

To Sister Peterson, and Brother Connors.

I cannot help myself as I sit down in Primary I start singing and I cannot stop. I know I sing louder then the kids.

Sorry!

And I absolutely LOVE this new song. (I think the kids do too)

Sincerely,

Sister Dayton

Big Sista!

 

 

(My older siblings at Christmas time 1966 in front of home in Kansas City – from L.-to R. Susan, Keith, Valerie, and Mike)

My Big Sister is an amazing person with the heart of Mother Teresa!

(Susan and Keith in Kansas City home)

She has always been the pipsqueak of the family. But take my advice  - don’t mess with her.

(My Family in Waterton National Park at a family reunion about 1975. Susan is in the center back row)

I have fond memories of our childhood, and all the things my Big Sista taught me.

(Same family gathered for Mom and Dad’s 40th anniversary 1997. Missing 2 siblings. Susan 2nd from Left in front row)

She lives far away from me, but I get to enjoy her children that she sends my way. I am their favorite aunt – you know.

(Mark and Susan and Baby Ryan)

Her hubby no longer grows a ‘stache, and this little blue eyed guy graduates from the “Y” this spring. – I think.

(Mark and Susan and Baby Ryan)

How the years have flown.

(The Lee family Fall 2009)

Oh my!  She’s teaching them the same things she taught me.

Happy Birthday Big Sista!

Lost and Found

 

(My siblings and I at Logan’s pass in Glacier national park. I am the little one sucking her thumb)

Several years ago my dear grandma passed away. We all still miss her incredibly.

 

My lovely grandmother and our family at my uncle’s in Snowflake – I am the baby my mom is holding)

My sweet aunt took care of my grandparents in their declining years. When she cleaned and gathered my grandma’s belongings she handed me a photo album to pass on to my parents. I was so excited. This photo album had some old photos I had never seen before and I quickly called my Mom and Dad and told them to come and get it.

Then I put the photo album in a very safe spot.

 

(My grandparent’s and my great Aunt whom we called Grandma Vera. My siblings and I in front of our home in Snowflake - I am in the front row middle holding my little sister’s hand)  

When the parents came to visit my mother asked for the photo album.

Uhmm- where was that safe spot??

Do not laugh it is not funny.

I seriously cleaned every nook and cranny, many hundred times.

I and my children have cleaned my storage room numerous, numerous times.

No photo album. What have I done?

Where was that safe spot and those priceless photos???

 

(I am sure this is the annual Christmas story being acted out. Brian, Valerie, and Baby Jenne. In Kansas City home)

My Grandmother passed away in 2001.

Last summer my mom asked if I had ever found that photo album – so I searched again.

Lost – LOST – LOST!

Guess what Hubby found this week?

Guess who got another excited phone call and better come and get this priceless photo album. 

Aren’t these old Polaroid's classic – they do not preserve well, but are so fun, and now safely stored in digital form.

Our Littlest Princess

Has grown up way too fast.

What can we say she has had to keep up. Eighteen has sure snuck up on us quick.

Life has been an adventure for her – one that she loves.

She’s ready to go, and ready to help. She has very big dreams and we do not doubt she will accomplish them all.

 

Hey princess, have a fun Birthday because we are not allowing you to have anymore. I’m serious when I say this growing up has got to stop.

Little Princess you keep that smile of yours bright.We have been so very blessed to watch you grow. We are in awe of your talents, your dreams, and your desire to share

Rise and shout, the Cougars are out
along the trail to fame and glory.
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out
As you unfold your victr'y story.

 

(that’s just my way of saying she’s been accepted at BYU)

Happy 18th Beautiful Girl!

Thursday’s book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first I thought the name Calpurnia was a tad strange, now I want to have another little girl and name her Calpurnia, and call her Callie for short. Think hubby will go for it?

This is an endearing book that I wish would of been around when I was eleven. I would of read it along with the Little House and the Prairie series, Box Car children, and Island of the Blue Dolphins. All of these books have left an undeniable urge in my life for adventure.

It’s 1899 and eleven-year-old Calpurnia Tate is the sole and single girl child in a family full of six brothers. One day she asks her grandfather a question: Where did the huge yellow grasshoppers that appeared during the unusually hot summer come from? Grandfather, an imposing figure the children usually avoid, merely says that he’s sure she’ll figure it out on her own. Only when she does exactly that does he begin to take an interest in her. Before long Calpurnia finds herself a naturalist in the making. Grandfather teaches her about evolution and the natural world, which is wonderful, but it’s really not the kind of thing a girl of her age and era would learn. Between adventures involving her brothers, her friends, and a whole new species of plant, Calpurnia must come to terms with what she is and what the world expects her to be.

Kids might find this a slow read – but it is being passed from friend to friend with high recommendations.

Thanks again Bonnie for a great read – Are you tired of me putting your books up here. BTW I am ready for another run to the bookstore

Mornings

Mornings that look like this

Should be spent like this

OUTSIDE

INSIDE – Warm and Loving

With my beautiful friends. My heart is warmed.