Fall Break 2016: Errands, Cleaning, & A Cattle Drive!

 As Fall Break Hit, I had a list of 26 things I needed to get done before heading off to Idaho!  Yes, 26!  Going from my schedule from the past 10 years to working full-time this year, I have lost about 15 hours a week to the classroom.  Yes, I am happy with my working situation; however, I seem to be running from behind.  sigh
On Friday morning, the kids and I left for Idaho!  With mom and dad leaving for Arizona, they wanted to spend more time with us so we went up to Idaho to spend 3 days with them.  On our way, we stopped and shopped at Fashion Place Mall for a few hours to pick up some things for the kids.  We finally made it up to Chesterfield where we were welcomed by a bunch of little kittens!  I knew immediately that the kids would be entertained the entire weekend!

Justin's family ended up coming because of the Saturday Cattle Drive. TOOOOO FUN! On Friday night, we made caramel apples with all of the nieces and nephews.  They LOVED them!  The kids were so cute decorating their apples.  Even the adults couldn't quit eating the apples. LOL!

The next morning, the 1st phrase of riders left at 6:00am and I was left in charge of the little kids!  They slept in until 8:00am so we got them breakfast and then headed up the canyon.  What an incredible day!  The weather was unseasonably warm.  My brothers made certain my kids got to ride....and they rode a LOT!  I was in heaven, except for missing Dave being there with us. He loves stuff like that. 

In the evening, after our cattle drive naps and watching some of the DVDs mom had made from the slides she took in the 1970s, we went to the Hot Pots in Lava Hot Springs. So funny that it was the 1st time I had taken our kids there.  They LOVED them, but they were packed (mostly with people with Utah license plates- booo!)  

At church the next day, we got to hear my cousin's son report his mission and then after church, eat lunch with all of my cousins.  Our weekend was filled with tons of laughs, work, good food, growing positive relationships, and making memories together...just like we did as a family growing up.  When Dad walked in Saturday night from having worked at the temple all day, the grandkids were running up and hugging his legs and saying that they missed him.  When Dad gave me a hug, he said, "Jody, THIS is what life is all about." Yes, our family has been so blessed.  Such a fun weekend in Idaho with family!  

Jaxson's Missionary Experience

Several months ago, Jaxson came home from church saying that our neighborhood friend, Collin, was starting to take the discussions and he was invited to go and teach with the missionaries and several young men in our ward.  We were super excited for Jaxson to have the opportunity to be part of a missionary experience.  Collin committed to be baptized.  A week before the baptism, Collin's grandmother called and asked that Jaxson be one of the two talks at the baptism.  He was flattered....and nervous! 
On the day of Collin's baptism, we went to the stake center.  Our ward packed the room probably 70-100 people.  Almost all of the young men...the 12 year olds.... came to support Collin.  It was an awesome day.  We are so proud of him and his choice to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!  We are also so proud of Jaxson and his role as a missionary!

BE THE CHANGE!

 For several years, I had heard about a program at the high school that promoted friendship, learning to extend ourselves to support others, and believing in the future.  My principal said she would pay for a sub so I went for it.  When I was checking in, one of the counselors told me I should get my daughter.  I was nervous for her to miss classes, but did it anyway.  SOOOOOO glad I did!  We had a marvelous day breaking down the "fake" walls around us and showing love to others.

Jaxson's Eagle Mountain Bike Race

Jaxson and I arose at 5:15am for his Eagle Mountain Bike Race.  We had to put the Yukon into 4-wheel drive to get to the valley to the south of cousin Doug's house.  While we waited, I wrote Taylor's talk for church and watched a beautiful sunrise.  I was grateful to spend the morning thinking about my sweet son, my family, and the blessings we enjoy.

Our race time finally came up.  It was a cool morning.  We inched our way to the start line where I heard a familiar voice.  There was Dave's cousin, Brian Vanderwel, with Uncle Jim!  So fun!  I showed Brian where Jaxson was in the middle of the sea of bikers.  Brian was so sweet and said, "I want to go and talk to him."  And he did!  It was awesome to have family there with us.

The race took Jaxson about 37 minutes.  He did an amazing job!  We are proud of him and his drive to do his best.