FAMILY

As I was dusting the other day, I noticed that someone had rearranged the letter frames in the living room.  No one has taken credit for the act so far and there have been a lot of friends of the kids coming and going lately, but it got me to thinking.    They are arranged to read “I’m a Fly”.  A fly is a common insect and unwanted pest, however a family can be anything but common and is wanted by everyone.

What does it take to make FAMILY?

Faith in God!  A shared belief in a plan that extends beyond this life where families are central to happiness is very important to us.

Altogether for Eternity. That knowledge that Families are Forever helps me through tough times and gives me assurance and hope for the future.  I especially love this knowledge as the family grows with daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. 

Multiply.  I always wondered how I could love a husband or new baby more than  the moment of marriage or birth.  Then another child is added and there is always enough love to share.  As each child, in-law, and grandchild is added the love just multiplies and never diminishes. 

Individual Personalities.  It would be so boring if every member of the family were the same.  Each persons adds to flavor the mix and we enjoy each blessing from Reed’s hearty laugh (he makes watching a movie more enjoyable) to Rod’s quirky sense of humor.  Daren has a very compassionate side and Scott is always looking for ways to help. 

Love!!!  With all of the different personalities and interests, the binding element is LOVE.  We would do anything for each other.

YES!  A family is the most wonderful gift our Father in Heaven could bless us with here on earth and my greatest desire is to be with all of them through eternity. 

So I have rearranged the letters to once again spell family and that is what is MOST IMPORTANT!

Ridin’ the Red Rocks

Doug and I took a much needed break from the daily routine and went south for the weekend.  We joined Jody and Donna Denning and Dan and Lisa Denning for a 4-wheeler trip in Southern Nevada.  The Dennings were on a 2 week camping road trip and we joined them for a couple days.  We ventured to Logandale, Nevada which is about 45 minutes from Mesquite and near Overton,.  The Logandale Trails are near Valley of the Fire State Park.  The Dennings have Razrs and we have 4-wheelers, so I was a little concerned about keeping up, but all went well. 

The scenery was gorgeous.  I love the red, jagged rocks against the blue sky.  We saw petroglyphs and mountain goats, cooked out over the fire, and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with good friends.  It can’t get much better than that,

On Saturday, Doug and I were a little tired from riding and decided to just go for a pickup ride instead.  We followed Lake Mead to Hoover Dam.  We wanted to see the new suspension bridge that has been built to span the canyon above the dam.  We walked out over the bridge and looked down at the dam below.  It is incredibly high and not for anyone with a fear of heights. We also drove over the dam and viewed the bridge.  It is amazing to me that people can even think of creating something of that magnitude let alone design, engineer, and actually build it.  It is a wonder. 

After a detour through Valley of the Fire, the trip was completed with a visit and night spent with Mom and Dad Schwieder.  They are in St. George for a month.  We watched the Utah Jazz game with them and had a great time before setting off for the return home.