Spending Time in Paradise

I have had the opportunity to spend a couple of weeks in Hawaii with my son Nick Jr and his family.  I will admit I love the Islands. I love just about everything!!  I've been hiking, snorkeling, running, helicopter riding, shopping, eating, sightseeing, and more.   

Nick is here because of his career and his hobby.  He is a coach of endurance athletes, and he competes himself.  The first week we were on the big island of Hawaii for the World Championship Ironman.  The third week on the island of Maui for the Xterra World Championship Triathlon.  We also spent a few days on Oahu in Laie going to the Polynesian Cultural Center and the temple.     

I have learned in my lifetime that the principle of agency is one of the greatest gifts God has given us even when it means others may be hurt by those who exercise their agency wrongfully.  I have been on the giving and receiving end of the wrong use of agency.  I hope my repentance has been complete for those times I have hurt another. 

We read about the "tender mercies" of the Lord in 1 Nephi in the Book of Mormon.  Another way of saying that is "compensatory graces."  I have felt God's love and His compensatory graces 100 fold while visiting this part of His creation and vineyard.  I am so grateful.    

First Cousins Once Removed!

A couple of months ago I got an email asking me if I was "so-and-so." I was a little concerned it might be a scam trying to get personal information. I replied, but didn't tell too much more than what I had been asked. Come to find out Anne is my first cousin's daughter on the Gent (my dad) side of the family. She lives in Georgia, but was planning on visiting her dad in Phoenix along with her younger sister, Janelle, and is extremely interested in family history.

I had written a family history book a few years ago about my parents and their ancestors called "Legacy of Love." It is filled with handed down stories documenting the history of the Gents, the Yeagers, the Warnocks, and the Whitmores as well as the Longs, the Baines, the Shields, and the Basims. I wanted to share the book with her and of course to meet her again. The last time I met them was at a family reunion in 1978! We have a picture of Anne holding baby Nick Jr.!

What lovely, fun girls they are, and believe me they got some of their gorgeous dark hair, blue eyed good looks from the Gent side of the family. I have the blue eyes, but not the dark hair (even before I turned "silver"). Their granddad, who was a very good looking man, is my Dad's brother.

Anne and Janelle and I became fast friends sharing family stories with each other. Hmm, found out some interesting stuff I did not know! I hope we keep in touch even though one lives in Atlanta and the other in Seattle. But thanks to modern technology (we are facebook friends!) and love of family there's no reason why we shouldn't!

My Parents

My mom and dad have been gone from this earth life for a long time, Mom nearly 20 years and Dad over 10. I remember as a child and even into my midlife years I never, ever thought they would die. I could not imagine being without them and their influence. You know, I was always their "little girl, their baby." I grieved for nearly a year after each death, probably feeling sorry for myself: "Why am I left all alone; it's not fair, etc. etc." Well, time does have a way of healing wounds and pain. I know they are busy doing whatever one does in the next existence, and I'm busy trying to do those things here that would make them happy.

Occasionally something happens, like seeing a picture of them, reading something either Mom or Dad have written, or whatever to remind me of the great legacy they left their family. Today, Father's Day, I thought about my Dad. I adored him when I was young; he was such a good looking guy, big, strong and could do anything! In his retirement years he spent quite a bit of time here in Arizona with us. I cherish those years. He softened a great deal after his sweetheart, my Mom, died. It was really hard on him, but that loss was a humbling and growing experience. I'm so grateful for my father and his example of loving nature, loving the Lord, and following the prophet. I love you Dad.

Happy Birthday Sam!

My oldest grandson, Samuel Nicholas Goodman, turned five years old today. What an exciting time for him and his family, Nick, Rachel and Jake! There was a family party last night with roadkill, guts, brains, and all the disgusting trimmings (candy, of course). The theme of the party was "Sam vs. Wild." (If you've ever seen that reality show, you'll know what I'm talking about.)

Sam, 5, Nick Jr, and Jake Bear, 22 months

Two weeks in a row I've been able to spend time with my grandchildren even though they live 2-5 hours away. I am a blessed grandma. Family is truly what it's all about!!

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!