Stephenson Family Ties: October 2007

Halloween Hiking

We had a mysterious guest on our hike this morning!! A Halloween witch wanted a work-out too!!! And how about this other oddity I found in the sand? Can you guess what caused this? Its a glorious world we live in.

Two by Two

Can you guess who these angelic girls are?

Hints: The year is 1990.
They are 5 yrs old, almost 6.
They are cousins and best of friends.
They are currently serving their Savior for 18 mo.!

Could any of us have ever guessed at the powerful influence these two would have on this world?! How grateful I am for their goodness and courage! Each and everyday is a new adventure for them- and for their families!!
Go Ladies Go!!!!!

Halloween Blast from the Past

Not sure what year this is? But that's Anna, Joe, gorgeous me, and Robby!!
Looks like we're having fun!

Here we have scary Joe, darling Anna and sticky Clark!!

BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS!

Here it Goes! Sadly , due to lack of long term memory skills,I am forgetting many of the books that have made an impact on me. Its a sad state of affairs. Here's my best shot.

* Jane Eyre by Bronte
* Missing May by Rylant
* Hawaii by Michener
* Traveling Mercies by Lamont ( careful, there is a little language found within these pages!)
* Agony and the Ecstasy by Stone
* Hunt for Red October by Clancy
* Range of Motion by Berg
* The Long Walk by Rawicz
* Angle of Repose by Stagner
* Enders Game by Card
* Lord of the Rings by Tolkien
* Les Meserables by Hugo
* Mans Search for Meaning by Frankl
* Three Cups of Tea by Mortenson
* Jurassic Park by Crichton
* Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas
* A Lantern in Her Hand by Aldrich
* They Crystal Cave by Stewart
* My Side of the Mountain by George
* Giants in the Earth by Rolvaag

Visitors!

When it rains it pours around here! We can go weeks or even months without company and then in one random weekend our house can fill up with wonderful people that we love! This has been one of those weekends.
A prized visit would be having Pam and Spencer in town! This is a rare occurrence. Especially to have Spencer here. His mug doesn't seem to come state-side very often. Its always a pleasure to visit with him. And I always love it when Pam comes to visit. Usually we'll see a movie together or go have lunch, or both. This time I was able to introduce her to one of the queens of quilting, that live right here in St George! I think Pam picked her brain clean of all useful information and great ideas!! It was fun to see a gleam in Pams' eye over new found quilting tricks. Im sure I know I saw her rub her hands together in sheer glee when discovering a new quilt design or a better way of doing something! I expect even greater quilts from her from here on out!!!

Darling Rebecca Ehlert and a few of her friends are also down here, in glorious St. George, for the long weekend! I cant believe how grown-up little Becca has become! When does this happen!? (When Im blinking?!) We have an amazing group of cousins in the fam. And its so fun that they all seem to like one another. Becca came by and grabbed Brain and off they all went to "hang out" in the exciting St George night life. (I think it turned out to be an thrilling round of miniature golf at Feista Fun!) Becca seems to know how to have a good time anywhere, anytime. Bless her sweet toes!!

Our third visitor is delightful Katie Dykstra! We always enjoy having her stay with us. She's the oldest daughter of my dear cousin-Ann. We love having Katie come, and this time she brought a friend along- Jodi Hunsaker.(her younger brother has played B-ball with Josh!) Katie has got to be one of the most social people I know. She seems to know everyone and to know what's going on at any given moment. These girls have things to do, people to see, football games to watch, and plan on fitting in a whole lot of relaxing too. We just love her and her beautiful smile and contagious enthusiasm!

The house is kind-of humming this weekend!! Love that!!

Sunday School

Here are some of my most favorite young people! I get to visit with them each Sunday, as they willingly come to my Sunday School class and hear my attempts to wax profound. ha,ha, ha.
I love these kids and find that every last one of them are extremely bright and articulate and full of life. Their testimonies are so strong and they strenghen me every time I'm with them. What amazing souls they each have. What a blessing they are to my life. Sundays are all the better because of them!
We have here: Brian Stephenson,Andrew Grossman,Justus Seeley, Garrett Roos, Dan Case and Kassi Anderson.(missing,Zannie Grossman, and John Mitchell)

Goodies!

Look what I found waiting at my doorstep when I got home tonight! Don't they look yummy and so cute at the same time!? Oh the wonders of a great Visiting Teacher! Thank you Claudia!

AMEN!

Baptisms!

Finally got some new pictures from Anna! Yea!! I think you'll agree that you can see the joy in her sweet face!! What a time she is having! Enjoy the glow as much as I do!

Pink!

I planted a new rose bush in the back yard. I picked it for its color. It's a Bob Hope rose. Not sure you can really tell just how vivid this pink is in the pic. But I love it!! And this may be the only bloom I get before it gets too cold. But thats ok, I have something to look forward to in the spring!

Zions National Park

Photos by: Nick Jorgensen

Do most of us realize just what it is that we have in our own backyard? Every time I take the time to go visit Zions National Park, I am ALWAYS struck with awe and wonder at the majestic beauty that's only 45 min. away from our doorstep. Why oh why don't I visit more often? Why don't I know every single trail in the park?! Each visit brings a new treasure to my heart and soul. I can't possibly be worried that familiarity with the scenery could lead to a loss of appreciation?! That's just not possible. Today the sky was bluer than Clark's' eyes-I didn't know the sky could do that! The next time I visit there may be white fluffy clouds dotting the sky, or other times it could be completely overcast. But in no way does this detract from the Park's stunning beauty. I believe it just enhances it! With these changes in the sky comes the ever changing textures and tones of the sheer red cliffs. Today the Maples put on a show with hues of red that only a maple leaf could pull off. I always attempt to gather a few of these leaves to bring home with me, to help me remember the color. But like always, they shrivel around the edges and dry up and turn brown, before I'm even able to take off my hiking shoes! How does one capture those flames of red? Maybe we just aren't meant to. We must go to them. They'll only show off for us on their own turf. Oh what a glorious show it was this day! I'm so grateful I invited myself, to applaud the autumn show. Of course the Park changes in many, many ways. And one of my favorite things is to take heed of the light and how it changes the appearance of the Park from early morning on through the day. The Park is never static. Textures, light, air quality, and temperatures are always in flux. I can hike up a slot canyon in the morning, and it will look and feel one way, and then on my journey back through the same canyon in the afternoon, it will appear to have completely changed! The wildlife and plant life are magnificent too! There is always a treat around the next bend. Another feast for the eyes.
The list is extensive of the many facets to the Park. I love everything about it(with the exception of the visions of those very few unfortunate souls that fall to their deaths from 1500+ ft.)

During summer, and throughout fall I look forward to the shuttle rides through the park. There are some that wish they could drive their own vehicles; I on the other-hand enjoy sitting there relishing the views from the windows as they meander slowly through the Park. And this leads to another great benefit to shuttling. I more often than not get the opportunity to visit with other fellow travelers while sitting there. And I'd wager that a vast majority of these fine folks are not from these United States. I love to visit with them. Amazing things can be learned and shared. Today we visited with a gentleman that had a serious heart attack not too long ago. He confessed to us that he only had 20% of his hearts ability to pump! Ugh!!! My first reaction was to gasp in horror, and wonder, why in heavens name was he in Zions Park,the mecca of hiking, in the west?!! Then, I listened some more and learned that he was an artist, and he was delighting in the wonders of his new digital camera, and was attempting to catch the perfect 'scene' so that he could go home and paint it!! ah ha! Now it was clear. And, I became even more comforted when we also discovered that he was accompanied by 2 good friends that were given strict instructions to not let him overdo it. It was a pleasure to visit with these 3 men, and it wouldn't have happened if we were traveling in our own car. Yeah for shuttle rides!!
So while I am musing here, I'll share something that really puzzles me as I tread the trails and share the path with others. When coming across a fellow hiker, and glancing up to greet them, I am always shocked when my friendly greeting falls upon a face of stone. How is that?! How does one stay 'closed' as you spend time in God's great out-of-doors? What restrains someone from exchanging at least a simple hello, as you pass on a trail. We're there sharing a like experience. Nobody expects a conversation, though I of course find it delightful when that happens. I just enjoy a smile or a 'hi' from my fellow path-beaters. Why not!? It just seems so odd to me, to not be friendly. I pray that I never have to build a wall around me that even the glories of nature can't cause some 'cracks' in the hardness. Let yourself erode, and soften, just like the amazing sandstone around us have done! Life is so short, unless of course your a rock in Zion.
So there you have it. Zion has caused me to wax a little wordy today. I have once again pledged to myself that I won't let as much time pass before I visit the Park again, and discover more trails and savor more 'light' from its midst. Tonight my spirit is refreshed and rejuvenated. My feet are tender, and my muscles know I've done something significant. But I'm alive!!! And once again I thank God for that!!

Gila Hike

Another beautiful morning in St George! This hike is called Paradise Rim/Gila. Its another delightful hike.

Turtle Wall

Islands In the Sky!

Good Friend Cody!! He's the reason why I have this amazing 'job!'

This is the back side of the Gila section of the trail! Oct. may be the best time of year in St George. The mornings are spectacular!

Aint Halloween Fun?

A Stranger Amongst Us

There's a stanger living in our house! And he's lost all his beautiful curls!
Do we blame it on cute girls or Halloween spirits?

Autumn

The floweres in our back yard are LOVING the cooler weather! The yard is in bloom!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween Everyone!!
Its such a great time of the year!

Girl Power

Picture by Jeff Mahoney

These women in my life mean the world to me. Each one enrich my existence every day. What Anna has chosen to do with this next 18 months of her life is truly inspirational. She is finding great joy in her service.
Chelsea and Natalie are both everyones dream of a perfect daughter-in-law. My boys have been so VERY blessed in their choice of women to go through-out eternity with. These ladies are so bright and intelligent. So full of life and goodness. I thank God every night for these amazing women and for the impact they have on the Stephenson ties!! To see your kids marry so well is a great, great blessing! Thank you sweet girls for your amazing examples.

Food For Thought

Picture this story in John 20.

About Peter and the Savior.

Peter is fishing on the Sea of Tiberias.

There is a man standing on the shore, calling out instructions to Peter,on where to find the fish.The nets fill to over-flowing. When Peter finally realized that it was Jesus standing on the shore, he became so eager to be reunited with his Master that he jumped into the water to hurry to shore. There he found that the Savior had fixed a fire and cooked breakfast for him and his associates. What a scene it must have been, and what emotions must have swelled within the disciples. They were cold and tired and hungry. They needed help, and once again there was the Savior to minister to their needs. We must be clear about this. The Savior of the universe had already performed an eternity's worth of service to them and all humankind, through the infinite Atonement. He was God! And yet it was not beneath His dignity to demonstrate His personal concern for their economic circumstances, to warm them and make them comfortable, and even to cook for them.In this atmosphere of total service and against the backdrop of His personal example of selfless concern of others, Jesus was able to teach Peter what he must do for the rest of his life- feed the Savior's sheep as the Savior had fed him that morning. Few men in history had the experience that Peter had. Fewer still refined their understanding of the things of God and honed their spiritual sensitivity as did Peter. Even fewer served the Savior and the kingdom from start to finish with such unflagging courage and selfless dedication as did Peter.(these are not my words,but, I had to share them with everyone for they move me deeply, and profoundly. I hope and pray that I may do better at serving my fellowman and in doing so, do my part in helping my Savior to feed His sheep.)

Lachlan Fix

I had to come to the mountains to see my grandson. It'd been 3 whole days since I'd kissed his face!! Its supposed to snow up here this afternoon, so I've got to turn around and get out of here quick! I dont like that whilte stuff!! Next visit will be HALLOWEEN!

Camelback Hike

This is how I started my morning! I've so wanted to share the beautiful hikes I take with Fitness Ridge each week. This one is a favorite. Though we won't be doing it for much longer-its going to get too cold to go out there. Its one of our more remote hikes. We'll pick it back up in the spring- when it warms back up. Burrrr... it was cold out there this morning,but at least the wind wasn't blowing!! There's not much to compare to a sunrise on the red rocks!! Im a lucky girl!!

Not So Secret Pleasures

Good friend Cody, introduced me to Alias & beautiful Sidney Bristow a few years ago! In a way its difficult to admit here, in black and white, that a TV series could completely enthral me as does Alias. I ask you though, who doesn't want to be a super-spy and save the world from evil villains? Don't we all want/wish to kick a little butt, when the need arises? The disguises are a hoot-so very creative. The music is fabulous. She travels the world and can speak grundles of of different languages. She a different kind of super-hero with attitude and a huge heart. The whole thing is like a big action movie with cliff-hangers at the end of each episode. Its an adventure on steroids!! Hold on tight if you decide to become acquainted with the life is Sidney and all those that come into her life-including us!!

And while I'm in the mood for confessing-I might as well lay it all on the line. Good friend Cody is also responsible for introducing me to LOST! (Its really nice to have someone else to blame for my weaknesses.) I will admit to approaching this series with a great deal of skepticism. The idea that an island,holding bright, intelligent people, captive, seemed a bit nuts.) Once again, I immediately found myself totally drawn into this intriguing story. Here we find a large group of fascinating people, who are riddled with flaws and with pasts that seem to overlap in strange ways. (Six Degrees of Separation) And these engaging folks are all crashed into a spectacular tropical island. Speculation is the name of the game here! This show gives a ride that never slows down for a moment. There are times when you are left breathless.

Lastly, when I try and justify my irresponsible behavior by saying that I enjoy nothing better than the opportunity to "escape" and loose myself in the stories of others, Bob quickly responds with, "What do you have, in your comfortable life to "escape" from?" Touche' my love. There just isn't any real excuse. So I say- Just enjoy it anyway!

Four Generations

4 very handsome and distinguished guys

Look Whos Birthday It Is Today!!!

Can you guess who this cute mug belongs to?!

Hints:

*He was born 24 yrs ago

*He'd love to sell you a suit,or better yet,he'd

love to have you buy a lovely townhome up in

the mountains!

*He's been HAPPILY married to darling Natalie

for almost 2 yrs now!

*He spent two fulfilling and glorious years in

Japan-serving a mission for our Savior.

*He could fall asleep anywhere, at anytime.

*He loves to play golf.

*He loves his nephew, Lachlan

*He takes pride in being well dressed. (at least

one of us does)

*He loves to travel. (Just like his mom)

*He loves to watch movies. (Just like his mom)

His favorite movie is- The Fast and the Furious

*He likes to snowboard and wakeboard.

*He enjoys giving gifts and receiving gifts.

* His favorite music would be anything that Natalie would sing to him.

* His favorite desserts are fruit cobblers and pies

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!!!!

How Was Your Summer?

I'd like to go back and review our summer. But, I guess it'll be more correct to say that I'll be reviewing my summer-'cause sweet Bob really didn't have much of a summer to speak of or to review. He just grew more intimate with his project in Brian Head.

So... the summer of 2007 can be summed up this way- It was way to quiet for my liking. But I'm not complaining too loudly either.

Summer officially began when Clark graduated from Dixie High School! Go Flyers!!! Clark is the brainyack of the family and graduated with honors. Way to go Clark!!!

The next big event was Anna receiving her mission call!!! Watch out Houston Texas!!

This in turn called for Cathy and I to put our heads together, as it dawned on us that both our daughters would be 'out of commission' as far as companionship for us was concerned. So we decided that we should go 'cruis'in' with our lovely daughters. We headed east to warm waters, white beaches, and cruise ship fun! We enjoyed sea turtles, stringrays, and grazing at the the ships' buffets. There was lounging around the deck and doing nothing but catching some rays-which I found delightful. Then there was the jeep ride around Cozumel, and hammocks calling our names.

Cathy and Stephanie were the best of company to share such great memories with!!

Who wants to do it again?!

What follows, is the bitter-sweet experience of driving a daughter up to Provo, Utah with the intention of leaving her at the MTC and saying goodbye for 18 months. We know that we wouldn't want her to be any other place in the world.... but...its so hard to say goodbye and so long. Anna was thrilled to be there and couldn't wait to get started. And she's never looked back, and reports having the time of her life. Her testimony and faith have grown incredibly, in a very short amount of time.

To help me recover from this experience, I saw to it that I accomplished another feat that has been on my 'to do' list for a while. I was able to hike the SUBWAY in Zion National Park, with my trusty hiking buddies!!!!

Its an 11 mile hike through a canyon of immeasurable beauty and a section of intolerably cold water.

Its a difficult hike in someways-mostly because of that darn COLD water,and there's bit of an easy repel.

Of course the most arduous part of the hike would be found at the end of the day! This would be where you have to climb out of this deep canyon- its just about straight up! ugh!!!

The beauty just can't be described, and it almost can't be caught on film!

Lastly, but certainly not least, a huge event of the summer was the ground breaking for Sojourn, at Brain Head! It was a long time coming for Bob,but it finally did happen, and it was quite exciting. He still has a long haul ahead of him-but its all progress!