I Love This:

Flash Back Friday - Pioneer Trek 2001

A few of my friends do this cute little Flash Back Friday thing where they tell about a memory from way back when. I love the idea and since I have Fridays off, it seems like a good thing to occupy my time.

So, in honor of the holiday weekend, I would like to flash back to summer 2001. At 13 years-old I was reluctantly having a seed planted that would grow into a passion for my pioneer ancestry.

At 13 years-old I was even more girly than I am today (is that even possible?) and I did not understand how anyone could see how me sleeping in the dirt, wearing ugly DI clothes, and walking all day in the hot sun could be seen as a faith promoting experience. With true teenage angst I imagined this to be just another way that adults were out to ruin my life (in an, i'll admit, creative new way).

Surprisingly, spending 3 days roaming a cattle ranch in the middle of Wyoming, pulling a handcart was inspirational and somewhat life changing for me. I was enlightened by the stories I heard of the brave pioneers, and proud to know that my own ancestors were among those strong enough to make the trek west.

The most meaningful moments for me took place during the infamous Womens Pull.

I'll never forget the feeling I had as I watched my 'Pa and brothers' walk away and knew that it was up to us women to haul this handcart up the hill. I imagined what it would be like to watch my own father and brothers walk away and not know when or if I would ever see them again. To know that it was up to my mother and I to take care of my remaining 4 younger brothers would take a strength that i'm still not sure I have. As I watched other families struggle as they literally took two steps forward and slid one step back down the hill I ached with a desire to help them, but knew it would take everything in me to get my own cart up the hill.

And then the men returned to watch us in silence.

They walked side by side with us giving us support we needed while never actually touching or speaking to us. It was indescribable. I couldn't help but feel that this was what it felt like to have guardian angels - another pioneer experience.

The strength of the pioneers hearts, minds, spirits and bodies was seared into me at that moment.

This pioneer weekend I am so very grateful for my pioneer ancestors, their strength, their example, and the day off from work to celebrate just how wonderful they are!

Have a Happy, Safe, and REFLECTIVE holiday weekend!

Adventures in Africa - Part 4 ~ The best part of Africa...

was the children! I have to say that everywhere we went I was enamored by their sweet spirits, positive outlook on life, joy from the smallest things, and enjoyment of a few brunies (what they call the white people) who wanted to learn their fun games and play along.

First off, go here to watch a fun clapping game that we learned in one of the villages. There were only 2 girls brave enough to play with us at first. Later on the other kids warmed up a little. :)

The children loved teaching us games, but they were teaching me a lot more than how to dance...

I miss these kids a lot!

My Summertime Bucket List

The following are a few things I plan to do this summer. If any of them sound exciting to you, then call me up and join me. Also, if you have something exciting you’re planning on doing, let me know! I work all day long and need to get some summer playtime in!

*Movies Under the Stars at the Capitol

*Get a few good sunburns next to the pool

*Farmers Market (Saturdays at Pioneer park)

*Read lots of books that have nothing to do with school (thanks Jess for helping me get started)

*Scrapbook

*Find housing for Fall (you should all help me on this one)

*Rodeo – don’t know which one yet, but I have to go

*Day’s of ’47 parade – I’ve actually never been and I think it would be fun

*Clean my closet

*Camp out at the Cabin

*Go star gazing (best at the cabin)

*Drive-In Movies ~ haven't been in years

*SUGARLAND CONCERT

*Go dancing (ballet, country, swing…)

*Catch up with friends that I miss like crazy

*Have an EPIC Chuck party

*Spend every minute I can with my Bestest Friend Sky

BEST. DAY. EVER.

Adventures in Africa - Part 3 ~ Wli Falls

While in Ho we took a little hike to Wli Falls. This is the largest waterfall in West Africa and the second largest in all of Africa. It's a short hike through beautiful forest and then you turn the corner and bam! There it is.

Isn't it amazing? This was my first waterfall experience and it was out of this world. The water was cold, but we were hot, so it was simply wonderful.

When the water hits you it is so powerful that it stings. It feels like standing under a power washer. Sometimes it is so powerful that it felt like it was going to push me under the water.

Oh ya, on our way back to the bus was when I had the centipede experience.

I used to want ...

These:

Until I saw these:
Instead I bought this:
But it sort of works the same because I got one and so did someone in Africa. ;)

In other news - Skyler gets home in 29 days. That is LESS than ONE MONTH people!!! Are you getting excited?! I can't focus at all any time I think about it, and thus I blog...

oh and don't worry, there are a lot more Africa posts on their way. I'm still collecting pictures though, so they will be coming soon.

Did I mention Skyler is practically home?