4th of July

Once upon a time, my family and relatives used to take an annual trip to the Grand Tetons and camp over the 4th of July. It has been quite some time since we last went (like 10 years or so long time) and this year, my youngest sister Kathryn decided we needed to reintroduce the tradition. We have talked about it many times, but this year Kathryn actually pulled through and reserved the campsite for us, so the trip actually happened!

We camped at Colter Bay in the Grand Tetons for 4 nights and spent our days visiting some sites. Unfortunately, we were there for such a short time that we couldn't fit everything in, but we were able to fit in a few highlights of beautiful of northwestern Wyoming.

We arrived Thursday night, July 1st and didn't have time to but anything but set up camp before heading to bed.

On Friday, we hiked around Jenny Lake and up to the waterfall then took a boat ride back. It was a long hike with a baby, 4 kids, and some out-of-shape adults, but it was fun.





Then on Saturday, we took the drive up to Yellowstone to visit Old Faithful and walked around the geysers. For some reason, those geysers seemed a lot cooler when I was younger, but we still had fun.



For the 4th, on Sunday, we had our own family sacrament meeting at the campsite. My dad and uncle Bruce organized a simple and nice little meeting. I was actually quite impressed for having been such a sporadic meeting, as we had planned on attending church at the Jackson Lake Lodge, but changed our plans once we found out Sacrament was not until 6:30pm. Dave and my brother Jeff prepared the sacrament, and Kathryn's fiance, Matt, and my cousin, Josh passed the sacrament. My uncle Bruce conducted the meeting and gave an inspirational talk about the blessing of the gospel being restored in our country and the responsibility we have as members of the gospel of Jesus Christ and citizens of this country to live righteously in order to maintain the freedoms we do. My dad added a few thoughts and then opened some time for testimonies. Although very simple, the meeting was a spiritual one. It was really neat to see the priesthood holders in my family gather together and provide the opportunity for us to partake of the sacrament, and to feel of the spirit as we sat together as a family in the sounds and scenery of the mountains. I felt as if that day and that meeting was a tender mercy. The simplicity and yet strength of that day was a testimony building experience for me.

After church, we traveled to Jackson Hole just in time to watch a really lame shoot-out near the town square, walk through a couple shops, and then make our way to the baseball park for the spectacular fireworks show. The night was definitely colder than I remember past 4ths in Jackson being, but the fireworks were pretty incredible, and in my opinion, they were the best that we've seen there.




After a long and late night in Jackson, the inevitable came, and we had to wake up early to get camp packed up and head back home. It was a very short few days, but they were fun. I always love spending time in nature, I love spending time with family, and I love having new experiences with my cute hubby and baby.

Until Later

Earlier this week, we said our final goodbyes to Dave's step-father, Steve, until it comes time to meet with him again beyond this mortal existence.

After receiving the news that Steve had passed away late Tuesday night, we traveled to Blanding to spend time with Dave's mother and family and attend the funeral of the man Dave knew as his father for the last 16 years. It was a bitter-sweet few days there.

For the first time in years, all twelve children and their families were together to support one another and to celebrate the life of Steven Hurst Burtenshaw. During our time together, there were feelings of immense strength and peace. And although there is peace in knowing that Steve is now in a better place and that we will one day see him again, it was hard to say good-bye. There will be a hole in that family without him, but there will always be a blessing of the strength and unity he brought to the "BS Ranch."

Play time with Porter

Here's Belle trying to play with Porter. So cute.

Mother Eve

A couple of Sundays ago, Dave and I went to my sister's ward for church. In Relief Society, our lesson was about the Fall, but mostly centered on Eve. This morning, that lesson has been replaying in my head, and I am feeling nothing but gratitude for Eve and her courage and faith.

During the lesson, many of the sisters in the ward were asking questions and making comments about Eve's decision to partake of the fruit. I'll admit, that as that discussion took place, a bit of frustration grew within me. I feel that too often, and especially in the Christian world, Eve and her decision to partake of the fruit are misunderstood.

I feel that in most depictions, Eve as portrayed as a naive woman who unknowingly ate of the forbidden fruit simply because she was "beguiled" by the serpent. Yet, I feel that Eve was a much wiser and much stronger woman than many people see. I do not think that God's work and glory was started by a woman who naively followed the temptation of a serpent.

I believe that Eve was as so many other women in this world -- she was smart, strong, faithful, and willing to do anything for her God and her family. As a woman, she was already a mother with the instincts of one. I believe when she partook of that fruit, she knew what she was doing and why she was doing it. She understood her divine calling to be a mother, and that the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth was the greater commandment. She understood her purpose in God's eternal plan and she expressed great courage in making sure she fulfilled her divine calling.

Just as we are all indebted to our mothers, we are indebted to Eve for her great sacrifices in moving the plan of our Heavenly Father forward.

Happy 60th!

Yesterday was Dave's step-dad's 60th birthday. Although a day late, we had a surprise party for him and most of his kids, step-kids, and grandkids, all came to Blanding to celebrate. It was a special gathering as Steve is an incredible father, step-father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Devon and Storm did a great job of planning the surprise and putting together a video of pictures of Steve and his family. It was good to be with family today and to feel the strength and love of the "BS Ranch."


Dave and Belle waiting to surprise Steve:



Steve arriving to his big surprise (just after getting out of the hospital for knee surgery):


The family all gathered together watching the video. (This is only part of the big bunch.)


Cute little Belle having fun in the rope swing in Grandma and Grandpa's front yard.

i LOVE this girl

Lemonade

I think we all know the old saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Well, I think I have officially tasted some lemonade today.

It's not that life has been full of trials and tribulations lately; we have definitely experienced harder times during our married life. However, it also has not been the ideal situation for us, and of course there has been a lot of wanting and wishing for more or different. It is not always easy to have me working full time and Dave going to school. There are many days (and sometimes multiple times a day) that I wish I could be at home with my cute Belle, and Dave wishes he could be out working bringing in the big bucks (or really any bucks). Of course, that's just not the way life is right now, and we know we are where we need to be for the moment even if it is hard at times.

Along with the difficulties of our situation, we have also seen huge blessings. One of the biggest blessings that I feel we have received and of which I have tasted today, is the growing bond between Dave and his baby Belle. Dave has had the privilege of staying at home with our cute girl while he is attending school full time. It has been incredible for me to watch his love for her grow and the connection that has developed between them. Not all dads are lucky enough to have an opportunity to spend so much time with their children. So we consider ourselves truly lucky that he is getting this time with her and creating a special bond that will hopefully carry on throughout our lives.

It is a blessing for them, but also a blessing for me to watch their bond and to see Dave's love for Belle grow every day. I feel truly lucky to have such an incredible husband and lovable daughter. I could not ask for more.