To Everything There is A Season...: August 2008

The Herb and Season's household has had a very exciting summer! I can hardly believe it will be over in just a few weeks. Though I do enjoy summer, I'm not sure why it isn't my favorite season. Maybe because of my major heat sensitivity as a red-head, it gets pretty hot here. I'm not sure how people tolerate living in even hotter climates. My skin and my head are pretty wimpy when it comes to 90 degree + days.

One thing is for certain, I have never enjoyed my life and health as I have enjoyed it this summer. As I have reflected on the circumstances I found myself in last year, I have a whole new appreciation of summer and the beauties I missed in 2007. The excitement and smell of fireworks on July 4th. The smell of sunscreen and OFF (necessities for the camping trips we've been on this year). The splashes of water as the kids play in the pool. Amazing sunsets. Laughter & fun with family and friends. And something I missed most of all in my "missed-summer" is the satisfaction and joy of watching our beautiful flower and vegetable gardens grow, change, blossom, and thrive. It's like watching a tiny part of God's creation happen before your eyes.

Our Hibiscus and Lilies have been in full bloom this last week. Last summer, in an attempt to lift my spirits, Herb came in the house and announced that our lilies and Hibiscus had begun blooming. Watching them this year has been a sweet reminder of recovery, strength, and blessings. Just as the buds and blossoms in our yard swell and blossom toward the sun, my heart truly swells with gratitude to my Heavenly Father and to my loved ones who cared for me last year. I know I never thanked everyone properly...THANK YOU all for whatever part you played in my care (prayers, babysitting, healthcare, housework, spending time with me...), I truly could never thank you all enough, especially my husband, his parents, and my mom.

Ok, so, now onto the fun...

In June, to celebrate our 10th anniversary, Herb and I had a down-town overnighter at the Hotel Monaco. We went to dinner at the Roof and went the Salt Lake Temple where we were married 10 years before. We had a wonderful time. (Thanks to Julie for babysitting). I can truly say I love Herb more today than I did then (which I never thought was possible on my wedding day) and I can see how a marriage that is nurtured is strong and gets better with time.

July 1st, our miracle nephew was born to Pam and Shawn. We are SO happy for them. He is such a gorgeous little guy.

For July 4th we went to Colorado to my parents’ ranch. We had a wonderful time working on the ranch and spending time with my parents. We went to a tiny town called Redfeather Lakes to watch fireworks where they literally show a fireworks display over Redfeather Lake. I loved it. Good memories!

Mid July, Herb and I went to Young Women camp (thank you AGAIN to Julie for babysitting). We took the girls to Jackson to go white water rafting on the Snake River. It was truly the BEST girls’ camp I have ever attended. The weather was perfect, the girls were wonderful, the river was great, the food was the BEST, and the spirit was AMAZING.

A few days after YW camp, we headed back to Jackson for our Nordfelt family trip. We camped for 4 nights and it was a lot of fun. The one flaw...about half of our family (including Herb and me) passed around a stomach flu bug. Not the best circumstances for being sick... Besides that, it was a wonderful trip.

Lizzy went back to School when we got back from Jackson. I can hardly believe we have a first grader! She was exhausted the first week, but is getting adjusted now and feeling so big and important to be in school all day. We're still working on the morning routine...will that ever get easier??? This is Lizzy on the first day of school. She was so exhausted that she couldn't stand up for the photo.

So, with a neighborhood party planned and successfully executed, AND a couple of Relief Society activities planned my busy summer is winding down...graciously. And let's be honest, Breaking Dawn has really added to the summer nostalgia, afterall, there's nothing like a little Edward Cullen and vampire action to make a summer complete. (Check this out).