Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Father's Day
Dear Dad,
It has been a wonderful gift this year to receive your weekly letter. We have enjoyed your wit, wisdom and testimony. This father’s day, you might enjoy receiving, instead of sending that letter.
I’ve been alive almost half a century. Half of that life would be described as idealistic. I grew up with every physical need met, never hungry, never wanting. I had every emotional need met. I never questioned that my parents loved me. Secure in that knowledge, I have also always known that my Heavenly parents love me. Even during the unstable young adult period when we question our purpose and place in this world, I never questioned my worth or value. I was taught how to eat healthy, be financially savvy, and how to be kind to others. On many occasions I was spoiled and indulged. My parents never missed my birthday and holidays and traditions gave me a secure family culture. I learned how to tease, and to take a good ribbing in a spirit of love.
I was thoroughly taught the Plan of Salvation and the blessings of the Restoration. I was taught a love of the temple, the prophet, and the Sabbath. Tithing, service, and the word of wisdom became second nature because it was taught naturally in my home.
I learned to express my feelings, write in a journal, and stand up for what I believe, even if it was uncomfortable. I was rewarded for good choices and loved feeling my parents approval. My parents taught me to say I’m sorry and to forgive.
The second half of my century of life might not be described as idealistic. Cancer at 23 was life altering. There have been challenges related to adoption and mental illness. Many of the hopes, dreams and expectations for my family have not happened as I expected. There has been pain that I could not have imagined.
The idealism of my childhood was sometimes in such stark contrast to the reality of adulthood, I was sometimes left reeling. It didn’t make sense. I wanted my kids to have what I had. I wanted them to enjoy security and the overconfidence gene.
Thankfully, I come back to the one truth my parents taught me that applies equally in easy and hard times. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. I understand this truth to be all about love. It reminds me to try again. It reminds me that final outcomes don’t depend on my efforts. It is the way I feel peace in the midst of pain.
So this Father’s Day, in addition to telling you how much I love you, I want to thank you for teaching me the doctrine of Christ. I know it’s real and reliable. Of everything thing I have learned from you, Dad, this has been the most significant. Thank you for my idealistic childhood and for teaching me the way to survive an anything-but-idealistic adulthood.
I love you until the Palouse stops producing beautiful wheat,
Love, Kelly
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Tony turns 50!
What a incredible birthday. I planned my birthday this year about 4 months prior to the event. And the plans worked well.
Tuesday April 24, 2018
I first flew into Las Vegas and I got to spend the morning over breakfast with Lori, my big sister. The breakfast was exceptional. I had the chile relleno with a banana bread muffin. The time with my sister was divine. I am grateful for a sister who is relentless in trying and enduring. She contonues to serve and to love her family. I then drove to St George in a rental truck – and what a bessing to get a good deal on the rental truck. They did not have a truck that evening that I flew in to Vegas . I needed a truck to carry the mountain bikes for the adventure planned in St George. They asked me to come back in the morning and that they would make me a deal.
Wedneday April 25, 2018
When I got there that morning there were no trucks.- The agent looked across the street and spotted a truck that had come in. She quickly retrieved the truck and charged me 46$ for renting it for the week + taxes. I then drove to St George. I sure enjoy that drive. It is through a beautiful canyon and it brings back memories of traveling back and forth from BYU when I was a student. After I arrived Mom and Dad and I went to the Temple to do sealings. It was wonderful. What a blessing. We felt the Spirit together and then went and had frozen custard ICE CREAM. It was delicious. I had a double scoop with chocolate and vanilla. I then came home with Mom and Dad and Russ and Pam arrived. I am so glad that they came Wednesday night. We talked with Mom and Dad about there early courtship and learned quite a bit that we did not know. Right after high school dad went to sign up in the military. He wanted to go into the Air Force but it was a six month wait. Soon after that he me Mom. It was at a drive in. Mom walked over and started to talk to Dad. One of Mom and Dads first couple friends invited them to a party and Invited them to “Swing” which means to change partners for the night. Mom and Dad immediately said “no” and left the party. Dad worked for Sperry and had Lori 9 months after they were married. When the draft came Dad had a child and worked for Sperry ( a company that made weapons/equiptment for war)- these two things insulated Dad from being drafted.)
Thursday April 26, 2018
Russ and I went hiking in Snow Canyon State Park. It was great to be with my brother, hiking and enjoying to beauty of the Earth. We loved it so much we went back and picked up Mom and Dad and came and did another little hike. I stopped by the bicycle rental place to see if I could pick up the bikes the night before we rented them. The were so kind and said they would have them ready that night. It worked out perfectly.
Friday April 27, 2018
We picked up the bikes and then went on the “Bear claw Poppy” trail. It was a blast. Unfortunately it was warmer than average and Lori had to turn back due to Heat intolerance. On her way back she crashed her bike. I did not learn this until later. She was so kind not to make it a big deal, but I could tell that she was quite sore from the crash. We rode back to Mom and Dad's house and then rested a bit.
I asked if anyone else wanted to ride down through Snow Canyon State Park. I had four takers. Rand, Blake, Kelly (I am so glad that she is always up for adventure), and Myself. It was glorious. My Dad dropped us off at the top of Snow Canyon and we rode down through the Canyon, first on the highway and then we transitioned to a bike trail. It was exhilerating, and beautiful.
We then went to dinner at Sakura, a Japanese restaurant, in St George. It was exceptional. The food was good and everyone seemed to enjoy it and have a good time.
We then went home and had my Dad's homemade chocolate cheese cake with a dark chocolate ganache topping. They was fantastic too.
We finished our trip by going to the Temple and doing sealings with all of the couples. It was extra special. The Spirit was strong and confirmed the importance of the work we were doing. We then went back home to my Mom and Dad's home.
We then went for a 5 mile hike to the overlook of Snow Canyon State Park. We went with Pam and Russ and it was wonderful. We then left for Las Vegas. We arrived early enough to Las Vegas to stop by Blake and Lori's to have a nice swim in their pool with Jeff and Casey's children. We then flew back home.
I love my family. Everyone had showed up and participated in my own “planned” party. I had the opportunity to have one on one time with almost everyone, including Mom and Dad. I did not get much chance to talk to Debbie one on one – But we had the opportunity to have some fun playing cards with the family- that only Debbie can do.
When I arrived home to St John Eliza he a Rubarb pie that she had bought from Stock show. It was delicious. Even better, Audry made my cupcakes – that shaped “50” with the icing on the cupcakes. These were more than fantastic.
The SECOND BIRTHDAY WEEK- As good as the first if that is possible.
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