Fastest Week in History!!

Jorgen gets married in two weeks in Utah. We are having an open house/reception in our back yard in four weeks. Between now and then, I still have a ton of work to do. So far this week, I've hauled lumber, tile, dirt, firewood, garbage, tree clippings, weeds, etc. to the back area beyond the fence. I've shoveled grass, put it on the bare spots, cleaned the pool, raked dead leaves, placed decorative rock around the pool fence, and I look forward to painting the eaves, the playset, and moving a huge dirt pile from the yard next week. Whew, I'm tired. But, so grateful to parents who taught me how to work by their example. Their yard always looked beautiful.

This is Nick's garden that I faithfully water.

Some plumeria plants from Hawaii, wish they would blossom!

You should have seen the basketball court before I hauled all the stuff away.
The grass is looking green, but still has some bare spots.

I have faith that come July 24th, the yard will look ready for a party! I just hope we don't have a monsoon storm that evening!!

P.S. I'm giving a RS lesson next Sunday, July 5th, on prayer. Any thoughts?

"Virtue: Change the World"

Twenty-eight 4th years, seven YCLs, two adult leaders, and four Priesthood holders conquered the Butterfly Trail on Mt. Lemmon this past week at Tucson North Stake Girls Camp. We backpacked over eleven miles, slept for two nights in the cold, drank "filtered" water out of cool, clear springs, got unbelievably dirty, ate mac and cheese, chicken and mashed potatoes, and a whole lot of junk food! We laughed, we cried, and we prayed! We were awestruck with the beauty of Heavenly Father's creation, our earth. And I was awestruck with the inner beauty of 35 strong, young women.

Group Photo

YCL's

Conquering the Butterfly Trail was just part of what I had to conquer. The negative feelings of fear and self-doubt was the other part. As I hiked out of camp with my 40 pound pack and the other hikers, I was sobbing inside, "I can't do this, I'm not capable." But I kept walking, trying to catch-up. The girls were so excited and eager. I caught their enthusiasm and was soon concentrating on them, and not on me. Finally about 2/3 of the way into our hike, I adjusted my backpack and it started feeling much more comfortable. Yet, as I look back on the hike, I cannot even remember that I felt the burden of my pack. I have no bruises, my muscles are not sore, no blisters, and I'm ready to go again. I believe my back was made strong and shaped to carry the burden placed upon it, just like the promise about life's burdens being made lighter.

There was a very special feeling at Girls Camp this year, and especially on the 4th year hike. His spirit was with us the entire way. Girls were kind and helpful, considerate, loving, and teachable.For me it was a sacred journey, full of the whisperings of the spirit teaching me. I guess I was teachable, too. Being humbled does that to a person.

Girls Camp Here I Come!!

One of mother nature's pretty mountain wild flower.

My backpack and pal for the next few days.

Well, ready or not, I'm heading out tomorrow morning at 5:30 for Mt. Lemmon. I can't wait to share all the high adventure experiences on my next blog!

Busy Weekend at the Goodman Home

What a great weekend with family! Amy and Jorgen came home. Gens and his family came to spend the weekend as well. It was busy and noisy but lots of fun and productive. There was a bridal shower, packing a big truck with household goods, and emptying a rental unit of odds and ends. Why do we accumulate so much stuff? Why do we keep what we have accumulated?

Dailan and Amy (Jorgen's fiance)

Baby Soren (3 months)

One of the funnest parts of the weekend was to hold and hug baby Soren. I love being a grandma!