Bear Lake

A year and a half ago my parents sent out an invitation to join them for their 50th wedding anniversary and my mom's 70th birthday celebration in Bear Lake, Ut.  They gave us all a lot of notice to arrange our lives so hopefully we would have the entire family there.  (We used to have July 1st always in HillSping.  We just knew we were getting together then, but this year it was different)  Well then Covid happened.  We really were not sure how many of us we going to be allowed to make it.  As it turned out everyone but Levi (on a mission), Justin (had to work),  Brynn (would not have been good for her) Leah, Cora, Ammon, (had to work and are Canadian) and Dave (Canadian not allowed through the border) made it.  Pretty impressive for 36 of us. Blake and I started out Wednesday morning.  They were not happy letting me through the border.  My passport has expired, and Blake of course is Canadian, but he is a minor so was allowed to travel with me.  It was touch and go, I was sure they were not going to let us, but after some grumbling she couldn't deny me entrance.  On our way we went. It was a long hot drive.  I enjoyed spending the time with Blake.  He drove half of the way.  We had downloaded some mysteries to listen to and talked a lot.  We stopped in Idaho Falls at Reed's Dairy for milkshakes and a stretch. We were the last to arrive.  Mom had sloppy joes ready for us and lots of good fruit.  Josie's family had lots of fruit trees and it was all delicious. 

That night we played a few games, got sleeping and bathroom arrangements sorted and just relaxed.  The house my parents found was really nice.  Beautiful view, lots to do, lots of room.  It was great.

 Thursday morning we went to the beach.  Steve brought hot dogs to BBQ for us all.  Along with everyone's, chips, fruit, vegetables, and treats.  Kita had rented a pavilion for us all. Cannon, Nicole, and McKay had brought their Stand Up Paddleboards for us all to try.  It was fun.  Everyone shared and took turns.  Steve rented some jet skis and Blake had a blast with those.  We mostly swam, snacked, talked and hung out.

Thursday night for dinner was Taylor and Kita's night.  They made chicken fajitas and they were excellent.  I have always loved how dinner time is a family event.  Everyone helps, whether it is your night or not, with prep,  cooking, and clean up.  We all just stick together until it is all done.  All the kids get along, never any fighting or anger.  It is wonderful.

Thursday my parents had a special FHE.  We do this every reunion.  Levi had made a slide show of my parents 50 years and then everyone was asked to tell a favorite memory and bare their testimony.  Those that couldn't make it submitted a video for Cannon to play.  The reminiscing and spirit were awesome.  My parents have been true examples of love, forgiveness, hard work, service and kindness. and it shows in the stories everyone told and the unity we feel. We then surprised them with T-shirts.  Kita had the idea and Taylor mostly designed them, Kita and Nicole got them made.  Taylor decided black and red for HillSpring colors, Wayvel brand and then we each had the number that we entered the family on the back.  My parents loved it.  Us siblings had a gift for them and then they surprised us with a finished copy of their history for each kid and grandkid.  I very much enjoyed reading it.

Friday was beach day again.  We got going a little slower as we spent most of the morning just hanging out and talking with each other.  The tent that Cannon and Nicole brought was a life saver.  I would not have been able to stay out long with out it.  We took left over fajitas to the beach and lots of fruit, vegetables and snack again. 

Kids played in sand, men and teen boys played frisbee in the water, we SUPed and swam.  Another great day.

Friday dinner was Nicole, Natalie and I.  Nicole did pulled pork. Taylor did a run to the store for some stuff for Brody and Kita, Natalie and I jumped in for the ride.  We had no shoes, just going along.  We did a little tour of Bear Lake.  On our way back I saw Blake on the side of the rode with Colton and then we saw Kailey.  I was a little surprised thinking how did they get down here.  Kailey had decided to keep with tradition and take the two teens on a short teen night and got them milkshakes.  I thought it was so sweet of her to think of them even though she isn't a teenager anymore.  They didn't have licenses, but she wanted to still do it. 

Cannon had brought the stuff to do our traditional sundowner.  Something we have done ever since we all went to Africa. 

We stayed up to late and didn't want it to end.  The next morning Blake and I were the first to leave. We had an appointment in Great Falls for our Covid test to get back through the border.  We tried to clean as much as we could, but needed to leave.  Everyone finished clean up after we had left.  We made good time and switched off driving again.  Got our test and through the border, did our other test and were free to go. It had been way to long since we had gotten together and I was sad that Dave and the girls couldn't come.  I did enjoy my time with Blake and my family.  More memories made, traditions carried on and a truly wonderful time to relax and be together. 

Idyllic

A few days ago I had an idyllic peaceful day.  I didn't do anything much different then usual.  Mostly the same things I do weekly or daily.  But it was just a reminder of how great life is.  Dave and I wanted to give our kids the country life that we both grew up with.  Hard working, room to run, garden, bikes to work on and ride, boating, etc. I was just counting my blessings and enjoying the life I get to live this day.  We woke up early.  I got the laundry washed and out on the line. (So grateful I don't have to wash by hand, but I have wanted a clotheslines since our very first house.  About a month ago, Dave surprised me with it and he and Blake got it all set up for me.  I love it everyday I get to go out and hang my clothes and send it out into the sunshine)  Dave and I then weeded the garden, which is coming along nicely.  We already have lots ready to eat.  Blake's bike wouldn't start and Dave needed the Jeep, so I had to run Blake to work.  Next Dave and I hauled a couple loads of bales.  I still love hanging out with Dave.  He is my best friend and we have so much fun doing nothing together.  I came home and started bread, took care of the laundry and made dinner and after in our daily reading we finished the Book of Mormon.

Nothing special, nothing out of the ordinary, but a perfect day in the country that I want to remember.  I felt like an old fashion lovely farm wife. :)

Ammon & Cora Hatch

Ammon and Cora were sealed in the Cardston, Alberta Temple, June 18, 2021.

We had a family dinner at our house the night before with parents, siblings, and grandparents.  We were right at max allowed at the time with this.  Hatch's had a long drive and had given me an estimated time.  Ammon and Cora had come in the day before to help and Leah had said she was going to be there early to help, but actually rolled in late for dinner.  I had needed to wait as long as possible to get the bouquets and boutonniere so they would be still mostly fresh the next day.  I also had to pick up Blake from school as it was his last day and we needed to talk to teacher about what he was going to be missing on the Friday. 

I left instruction and off I went, ran my errands and returned just as the last car of Hatch's were getting there.  They had beaten me home. It kind of threw me off as I still had some fruit to chop and last minute dusting, but guess it was not going to get done. Everyone got in an helped with the last of the food prep.  It was a nice evening.  They are lovely people.  I had some games and stuff for the kids to do outside and completely forgot that as well.  We played the shoe game, Ammon's oldest sister had sent a video as she couldn't be there, and had a few presents for them.

Next morning we were up very early.  Cora had wanted Leah to do her hair.  She did a great job.  Cora was a very beautiful bride.  The only time Cora is ever not completely happy and smiling is when she is very stressed or nervous about something.  It rarely happens.  And she usually takes it out on her family as it's a safe spot.  I had totally expected nerves and a little tension from her all morning.

Not being completely happy with hair, or something trivial.  But she was so calm, even on the way down to the temple when were thought we were going to be a bit late, (Blake again) she was very content.  It was interesting to watch.  She one hundred percent knew she was doing what she was supposed to.  When we got there it just happened that the temple president was doing her sealing. He gave a nice blessing and they were married.  It was so fun to come out and see all the people waiting for them.  So much love and support.  Lindy Bectell did the pictures for us.  She grew up in Cardston and roomed with Leah and Cora in Edmonton.  She did and awesome job.  We got lots of behind the scenes, formal, and she travelled to Waterton to get pictures with Ammon and Cora there as well. Cannon and Nicole had family out for a quick lunch before they went to Waterton.  It was nice to know everyone was getting feed and not have to worry about it.  I really appreciated them doing that.

Leah, Emily and Sarah outside the temple.

Grandma Smith giving Blake some instructions.

The newlyweds!

Father and daughter.

Sisters.

Puzey clan.

They do love each other.  My girls are such beautiful girls.  I love their friendship.  When Ammon was going to call Dave to ask for permission, he also called Leah.  She thought that was really cool.  That he understood what their relationship was.  Blake may have been offended he didn't get called. :)

Sarah, Maycie, Cora, Leah, and Emily.  Sarah and Maycie have been such good friends to Cora.  I was so glad they could make it to the temple to see her.

It was a really nice day.  There were still some Covid restriction, so things were small.  But Cora never wanted a big wedding.  I think it was perfect for her. Even her dress was just her.  Not a big fancy dress, but it suited her and I love the shoes she chose to wear. Cora and Ammon are so good for each other, respect each other, you can see how much they love each other, and I am excited to see the life they will build together. 

Enticing

It was time to move cows again.  Down to greener pastures.  Well slightly greener as it is so dry.  This year it was decided that we would truck them instead of walk them down.  It was going to be yet another hot day, so we started very early.  Blake had to work at 9 and Emry at 10:30.  Blake left part way through, but we got the last load loaded before Emry had to leave.  It went smooth and pretty fast.  We had two trailers and just kept loading and hauling.  We each had a job and did our part well. 

To start we brought all the cows and calves out of the field into the corrals, in preparation to load them on the trailer.  The cows know the sound of the tractor and that it usually means food.  We often will grab a bale and drive ahead of the cows, as they follow it when we want to move them.  Dave was in the tractor and was encouraging them to come into the corrals, Jared, Emry, Blake and I were driving them behind.  They didn't like the gate very much, so Dave came just outside, turned around, lowered the bale right to the ground, and ever so slowly back into where we wanted them.  The cows thinking it was a good meal and barely had to move, ate and walked along as they slowly were lead into the corrals.  As I was watching this, I turned to Blake and Emry and said that right there could be your next youth talk.  I kept thinking how it perfectly represented the enticing's of the adversary.  He will every so slowly lead you backwards away from where we should be, away from the stait and narrow path.  So slowly and with something that looks enticing and great at the moment.  Then when we finally lift our heads and look around we find ourselves not where we should be.  Dave drove the tractor out and there they were, in a sense, trapped.  The tractor was no longer there to help them, just drove away.  Satan doesn't stay with us or help us.  Once he has gotten us where he wants us, he leaves and leaves us in despair. I thought of how important it is for us to constantly look up and asses where we are on the covenant path. "My...invitation is for you to do a thorough life assessment with the Lord...to ensure that your feet are firmly planted on the covenant path."  "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost" both from Pres Russell M. Nelson

Yet Another Update

I am still waiting for wedding pictures so I can do a wedding post.  I had assumed it would take a few weeks, so hopefully soon.  But in the mean time.

Cora is loving married life, highly recommends.  They are back in BC working again.  Still waiting on some product so they can finish the temple.  They are doing other projects while they wait.  It has been so hot out there, Cora said they start work at like 4:30 to beat the heat and go straight to the beach after work to cool down.

Blake has been starting work with one of his jobs pretty early as well this last week.  We would open every window at about 10 at night and then close everything up at 8 in the morning.  I even tacked up blankets and towels on windows upstairs to cover them all up.  Serves me right for hating curtains. But we managed to never get to hot inside.

Dave had last week off.  It started out with a trip to Edmonton.  Leah called Wednesday saying Morgan had died.  Again!!  Dave decided it was time to start looking for another car.  But he secretly loves running up to help her.  Said he would way rather do that then have her not call him.  She has a friend that was kind and very willing to take a look at it.  Thankful for the good friends she has. 

We left Blake behind this time.  Dave could have used his help, I am not much of a help with cars.  Blake had to work and had plans to go golfing with Gilbert, Quade and Anna.  He decided he needed a great golf outfit.  Socks and all, and found it in his drawers. Dave pulled out his clubs the night before and found a bird nest or two inside.  Haha it has been a while since Dave went. Blake had a blast and can not wait to go again. 

As Dave and I were driving to Edmonton, we were trying to remember the last time we had a trip just us.  I don't like to leave the kids behind.  I always want them to enjoy all the adventures with us.  We couldn't remember when our last trip had been.  This time fixing Morgan was a bit better.  Leah's new place had a nice grassy place off the road with some shade.  Not middle of the winter. We had to buy a part, pretty sure we got the last one in Canada, got it all fixed up and running again and picked up Leah from work.  I really wish I would have gotten a picture of her in her scrubs outside of her work.  I miss wearing my scrubs and she is so dang cute in hers. It was late and we still had a long drive, so we only saw her for about 20 mins.  Her roommates were very kind and offered help, water, and food if we needed it. Leah continues to have a 'blast and a half' in YSA.  She was just asked to be in the RS presidency and said she is a bit nervous since it is 'a big girl calling'.  But I know she will be awesome. With things opening back up she is finally getting the chance to go out and do things, which she has really missed.  And is really making up for it as fast as she can. We are happy she has some really great friends in Edmonton.  

This truck still is irritating Dave and Blake.  There really is not much he can't fix and nothing on this seems to point to what the actual problem is.  Everything they test is working, but it will not start.  The other day I went out to see how it was going and saw that Blake had literally gotten right in to help.

We finally got out on the lake. We used to go every Friday, but since Blake has school on Friday's now we haven't been able to.  We left at 6:30 Wednesday morning.  Early in the morning is always the very best.  No one is out, the water is like glass.  It is beautiful.  And this week is was already stinkin' hot. We had breakfast on the lake and then Blake got skiing.

This year he was trying to get up on one ski instead of dropping it.  Dave got him cutting.  He always said that once Blake got a feel for it, he wouldn't look back.  He got it and loves it. We only stayed a couple hours, as we had to be in town by noon.  It really was the perfect morning.

We didn't do much for July 1st.  I miss going to HillSpring, bridge jumping and the 8 min parade both sides.  We loaded a bull up and Jared tookit  over to Buck's.  The other one went through the fence, so that was fun.  Then Dave and Blake did some work on the corrals with Jared in prep for moving them on Saturday.  Cora said she had the day off.  They enjoyed a nice sleep in, beach, and a great dinner.  Leah was the only one that did much.  Sounds like it was some fun parties she went to.

I had a great analogy while we were moving cows. But this is getting long, so I will have that be another post for another day.  Life is good, our kids have good friends and fun things going on.  We have been told basketball is starting again soon. Masks are off and things are open.  All is well. We were able to sing again in church on Sunday.  We sang O Canada.  As we were standing to sing our national anthem I was standing between Blake and Dave.  I looked up at my 6" son and to the other side at my 6"5' husband and felt very small.  I still marvel sometimes at the man he is becoming. He talks of his mission often and is getting excited.