A Weekend In Vernal

This blog is becoming so out of order!  Oh well, that's life with four children!  Better to record something rather than nothing!

Anyway, the last time we were in Vernal was in February!  The kids had wanted to go all summer, but our weekends were booked.  The only weekend we could really go this fall was UEA break for the kids, and as it so happened, Richard had to be in Arizona that weekend taking his last board exam.  So, I took a deep breath, promised the kids I would take them, and made plans with my in-laws before I could change my mind!  The only thing I was worried about was the drive, mostly with Gretchen, but she did great, and I did great, and I safely did that six hour round trip drive with all five of us.  

Our time in Vernal was wonderful.  For the last 13 years, as long as I have known Richard, time in Vernal is so relaxing for me.  There are no expectations, rarely any plans, things are relaxed, and it really is so great.  This trip was no exception, and made even better with beautiful fall weather.  

Here's a recap with pictures.

We got there Thursday afternoon, just before dinner.  As has become tradition, we immediately headed to Freddy's for dinner.  Gretchen loved the custard, but who wouldn't?!

Most of Friday was spent at home.  Cousins came over, the weather was beautiful, and we spent a lot of time outside in the hammock, on the swings, raking leaves, and jumping in leaf piles.  

Late that afternoon we went to the Dinosaur Museum.  They had an awesome scavenger hunt that Marshall loved.  

Our evening consisted of a movie and fun with grandparents.  

Saturday was an awesome day.  For the entire month of October I had been wanting to get to a pumpkin patch, but due to homework, busy soccer schedules, and a busy life in general, we never got around to it.  Our Saturday in Vernal though made up for all of that and it was so good I am making sure a weekend in Vernal becomes a fall tradition. 

We started things off with pizza with cousins and freshly homemade chocolate chips cookies.  Gretchen was a big fan of the cookies and made it very well known that anytime someone walked through the kitchen with her that she expected a cookie.  

Next up was apple picking.  A perfect fall activity.

That was followed by more fun in the backyard with football, leaves, hammock, and swings. 

Marshall and Rachel so rarely get along that this had to be documented!

After Becky cleaned the apples, we made fresh apple cider.  It was a hit!  The grandkids all loved it and were able to be very involved.  

As if things couldn't get any more fun, next up was frosting sugar cookies.  

To cap things off, the girls got horseback rides in the setting evening sun.  Magical.  

We drove home on Sunday and once again everything went well.  I am proud of myself for making the drive, and I am so glad I did!  It was a perfect weekend.  

A Special Weekend...An Entire Year Ago

A few nights ago I was laying in bed, in the middle of the night (I had gotten up with one of the kids) wide awake.  All of a sudden I had a startling realization that I had not documented Marshall's baptism and Gretchen's blessing!  The next morning I looked at the notes on my phone and was so relieved to see that I still had my notes saved from the blessings Richard had given each of them.  So here I am, documenting that very special weekend, an entire year later!  

Marshall was baptized on Saturday, November 5th.  It was so wonderful to have so many family members with us for that special day, though I neglected to get a picture with everyone!  Marshall had all four of his grandparents there, Danny and his family, Kevin and Audrey, Jordan, John, Margaret, Steve, and the wonderful Irion family.  

Marshall was excited, but also nervous, for his big day, but he was calm and happy.  

Richard and I were able to sit at the front of the chapel with Marshall during the opening portion.  Our families took care of our girls behind us and it was so nice to sit there with Marshall without any distractions.  Grandma Becky played a beautiful arrangement of "I Am A Child Of God" on the piano.  After that we moved to the Relief Society room for the baptism.  Another little girl in our ward was baptized first and then it was Marshall's turn.  My Dad and Grandpa Bob were the witnesses.  Marshall did a great job, and despite his nerves in the water, he went all the way down and it all went perfectly.  

While Richard and Marshall were changing, the rest of us moved to the primary room.  The primary presidency passed out 3x5 cards and asked everyone to write Marshall a note.  I loved this idea and never would have thought of it on my own!  Marshall now has a little book, made up of notes and memories, from his baptism day.  

Once Marshall and Richard were back in the room I was able to stand up in the front of the room with Marshall and tell a little about him and our family.  I do remember that I made the mistake of saying that we had five kids!  Ahh!!!  But I did love standing up there, with Marshall by my side.  Marshall has been a challenging child at times, but he is so dynamic and fun and has taught us so much as parents.  Marshall is wise, sensitive, smart, funny, clever, and has the desire to do and choose good.  

After the introduction, there were two talks on the Holy Ghost, including a talk given by Jordan.  After the talks Richard confirmed Marshall a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Richard gave him a perfect blessing, one that is so applicable to Marshall.  We did type up my notes from his blessing and have them hanging on his bulletin board in his bedroom.  

Richard blessed him that the Holy Ghost would be a true Comforter to him.  He told Marshall that when he is anxious, scared, or nervous that the Holy Ghost can help him.  He reminded Marshall that he is never alone.  Richard blessed Marshall that he will know he can turn to the Holy Ghost to get answers to his questions.  Richard also blessed Marshall that he can be a good example and teach his sisters.  

We spent the rest of the day at my parents' house.  My mom and I had prepared a lunch for our families so we just enjoyed being together, eating, visiting, watching BYU football, and playing.  It was a great, great day with some of the people we love the most!

I also want to note that Marshall got two special outings with both sets of grandparents.  After his baptism, Richard's parents took Marshall to Deseret Book.  He was able to pick out his first CTR ring as well as a tie bar.  A few weeks later, my parents took him out to dinner at Red Lobster and then he picked out a picture of the New Zealand, which his great-great grandfather helped to build.  Eight really is great!

The next day, on Sunday, November 6th, Gretchen was blessed in sacrament meeting and given a name and a blessing.  She was so good for her blessing, and once again, Richard's words were beautiful.  Richard blessed Gretchen that she would be a happy girl and have a calming influence in our family.  He blessed her with a strong testimony and a love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that she would be able to share that love with those around her.  Gretchen was blessed with the ability to serve family and friends and be an example of Christ.  Richard blessed Gretchen that she would grow mentally, physically and spiritually.  He also blessed her to be a good influence and gain friends and that together they would all influence each other for good.  And lastly, that Gretchen would love all those she comes in contact with.  

It was SO great having all this family with us!  We have never had this for a baby blessing!

The dress that Gretchen was blessed in has been worn by all five women in this picture and I just love the sentimentality of it.  

Little Gretchen was quite hungry by this point.  :)

After church and all happy.  

Looking back on Gretchen's blessing, I can certainly say that she is indeed a calming influence in our family...which we definitely need.  She is calm, content, and happy and we are so happy to have her.  

Kindness

One of the most important things I learned while living in Wisconsin was how to be more kind and how to give help.  To really give it, not just say, "Let me know if you need anything!"  I was able to learn this lesson because people showed kindness to me and helped me and my family.  For years I had friends randomly bringing over custard or a treat, bringing in dinner without the Relief Society arranging it, friends calling to check on me after babies and terrible bouts of mastitis.  Almost without fail, every time I was sick or I had a sick child, I had friends come and get the healthy kids and keep them for hours.  I also worked hard to reciprocate these kind deeds.  I helped friends after car accidents, back problems, births, surgeries, mastitis.  I made phone calls, mailed notes, delivered treats.  It was a village.  A village I am still trying to find here.  

Since September I have felt more of myself.  Fifteen months after moving here and twelve months after having Gretchen I feel more of that kind and helpful person coming back.  I feel more in control of my own life, and so it is easier for me to look and see others and what they might need.  And it feels good and it makes me happy and gives me hope for my future in this state.  

Even though Richard starts his job in April and our lease for our rental home is up the end of June, we have decided not to rush into moving.  We are looking into building a home, and still keeping our eye on the housing market for our "dream home".  This decision has made me want to try again to make friends here, something I had basically given up on in January.  

Since September I have taken dinner to a couple of neighbors, tried to get outside and talk more, and talk to more people at church, even though I am in primary.  This last Saturday our ward had their annual Halloween dinner and trunk-or-treat.  We did not go to this event last year, and Richard was working the whole weekend this year, but I signed up to bring chili and decided the kids and I would go anyway.  

I showed up at the party optimistic and ready for a fun evening.  I made the chili, got all the kids dressed up, loaded everyone into the car, drove to the church, unloaded everyone, and asked the girls to push Gretchen in the stroller so I could carry my crock-pot with a double batch of chili.  I walked into a church gym literally swarming with people and crazy kids.  I immediately pined away for my small Wisconsin church gatherings, but I gathered my courage and proceeded through the night.  I found a table for the kids and I to sit at, left to situate my chili, came back to the table and someone had moved our stuff.  So I found another table, sat down for the prayer, and then got us in line for food.  I maneuvered, by myself, dinner plates and bowls of chili, for all of us while pushing Gretchen in the stroller.  By the time we got back to our table I was relieved no one had spilled their chili, but also slightly peeved no one had offered to help me.  

I made it through the dinner and after my kids had run away to play I moved over to another woman at our table to visit with her.  She was with her family, but her husband and two teenage daughters were just playing a game on their phones.  She and I talked, and she was nice, but I felt lost.  Every where I looked there were clumps of people talking.  No one had said hello to me, no one even acknowledged that I was there.  

About an hour and a half in, they announced the three winners of the chili cook-off.  I won first place.  Lo and behold, after that, everyone wanted to talk to me.  Not going to lie, every person who came up to me to make conversation after my chili won I wanted to punch and ask where they were for the last 90 minutes.  Not the best attitude, I know.  :)

I came home from the party discouraged and frustrated.  The next afternoon I went to church with the last of those feelings still lingering.  Richard was working on Sunday so I didn't go to primary because I had to take care of Gretchen.  This also meant that Rachel didn't go to primary because she is incredibly too attached to me!  Both girls did well through Sunday School and half of Relief Society.  Halfway through the last hour of church things started to unravel.  Rachel was tired and just wanted to sit on my lap.  Gretchen was also tired and wanted the same thing.  Neither of them wanted to share my lap.  So, there I was, sitting along the side wall of the Relief Society room, once again, by myself, trying to get the three of us through the last 20 minutes of church.  

All of a sudden, a woman in the Relief Society presidency, who had been sitting at the front of the room, came and sat in the chair next to me, took Gretchen, picked up her toys, and played with her for the remaining 20 minutes of church.  I immediately began to cry, though I did my best not to, but I was so touched and overwhelmed by her simple act of kindness.  I was known, I had been seen, and I had been helped. 

It was yet again another reminder to me, and encouragement to keep going.  People need kindness.  People need help.  Don't be shy about giving help.  Just give it.  I am pretty sure that woman had no idea how much her simple act of moving seats and holding Gretchen meant to me, but I will never forget that simple kindness.    

A Perfect Moment

Last weekend, I took the kids out to Vernal.  My in-law's house has big windows that look into their giant backyard.  They live on two acres, about one acre is yard with grass and the back acre has a barn and pasture for their horses.  Dividing the two different areas of their property are giant trees, about five trees, spaced evenly.  The first time I went to the Leake home, in 2004, those trees were big.  Now in 2017, they are even bigger and more grand.  We had only been at the house for a short time when I was captivated by the beautiful golden fall leaves of the trees.  Most leaves were still on the giant trees, but due to the sheer number of leaves those trees hold, golden leaves had almost completely covered up the grass.  

We had wonderful weather while we were there.  The kids spent their afternoons playing outside, running through leaves, making leaf piles and jumping in them with cousins.  My in-laws have also added a hammock and two giant swings to their backyard since we were last there.  The afternoons were magical.  A gentle warm sun shining down on us, crisp autumn air, kids laughing, leaves crunching-I wish all my afternoons could be that way.

On Saturday afternoon we had spent time in the small orchard on the side of the house picking apples.  Things were wrapping up with the apple picking and some of us meandered into the backyard.  I watched Marshall play some football, he and I played with Gretchen in a pile of leaves, Marshall rocked in the hammock with his cousin, Katelin, and I found myself on one of the giant swings, holding Gretchen on my lap.  Every time I would swing forward, Gretchen would lean back into me even more and just giggle.  Just moments later, Marshall came up behind me and started pushing me higher on the swing.  It was completely spontaneous.  It probably only lasted for two minutes, but I soaked in those moments.  I was not able to take a picture with my phone, for fear of dropping Gretchen, but with each gentle push Marshall gave me, I etched details in my mind.  The warm afternoon sun, the golden leaves, the ease with which the swing moved, Gretchen laughing on my lap, and my nine year old boy pushing me on the swing.  It was complete happiness.  Pure.  Organic.  Joy.  I don't want to ever forget it.