July 4th Celebration

What a fun, crazy weekend! I'm sure most of you can say the same thing. I suspect most of us were out celebrating the birth of our nation, enjoying family traditions and food. This year, we decided to make up some fun things to eat. We created shish-kebabs.

We grilled them outside and they cooked up in a hurry.

Here Devin is showing off the finished product.

We also made up a favorite triple-layer jello salad.

And to top everything off, we made homemade huckleberry ice cream. Jealous? ;)

Later we went into town and listened to a live band that was performing at the park. After that, we enjoyed the fireworks display that was launched from M-Hill in Montpelier. I forgot to bring in my camera, so I didn't get any cool shots that night.

All weekend I've been thinking about past 4th of July festivities and I realized that one of my favorite celebrations took place in Nauvoo, Illinois a couple of years ago. We had journeyed back to see all of the historical LDS sites that summer and happened to be in Nauvoo on the 4th of July. We started that day by taking a fun wagon ride around this beautiful city.

After that, we watched the 4th of July parade. It was smaller than our usual hometown parade, but it was still great to see. Most of the entries were compliments of the LDS missionaries who were serving in the area.

Above you'll see some of the actors & actresses from the Nauvoo Pageant.

And here is the famed Nauvoo Brass Band.

After the parade, we walked around a local craft fair and found all kinds of neat things, including some of the best home-made fudge ever. Then we traveled to nearby Carthage, Illinois and toured Carthage Jail. This was the second time that I've seen this heart-rending landmark. It tears at my heart whenever I think about what Joseph and Hyrum Smith suffered inside this jail. But there is a difference now. Since the completion of the new Nauvoo Temple, there is a feeling of peace in the area. That is what I experienced during most of the time we spent in Carthage. There is a sense of closure now that wasn't there before.

We left Carthage, and drove across the Mississippi River into nearby Keokuk. There we were privileged to watch as a huge barge traveled through a river lock and dam.

We returned to Nauvoo, grabbed a quick bite of lunch, then watched a rehearsal of the Nauvoo Pageant. We were leaving Nauvoo the next day to head to Adam-Ondi-Ahman and Liberty Jail, and since the pageant wasn't being performed the night of the 4th for obvious reasons, we were told to watch the afternoon rehearsal. It was an enjoyable performance, enacted below the temple.

My favorite part of the entire day took place that night. We gathered in front of the lighted Nauvoo Temple and watched the fireworks display that was launched across the Mississippi River.

I've always loved celebrating the 4th of July. My maternal grandfather was born on July 4th, so it was a traditional family gathering each year. We ate wonderful food, spent time visiting with everyone, and thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks at night. Flags were flown and waved as we remembered those who sacrificed so much to make this nation free. I found it ironic that on July 4, 2007, we also reflected on the sacrifices made by Joseph and his beloved brother, Hyrum as we visited the Nauvoo area. All of these sacrifices pale in comparison to the price our Savior paid for all of us. Things of worth seem to require a tremendous cost. I pray we'll always be grateful for those who were willing to lay down their lives on our behalf. Honoring their memory will help us keep the perspective we'll need to survive the days ahead.

Giving Life My Best Shot

As some of you know, I'm a Type 1 diabetic. I developed this chronic challenge while in college at the tender age of 19. Since I'm now 29, I've had it ten years. =D And if you believe that one . . . actually, for the record, I'm currently 47. I'll let you do the math. ;)

When I was first diagnosed, I was told helpful things like: "Hey, Mary Tyler Moore has it too." That was such a comfort . . . NOT!!! To me, it was a relief to finally be diagnosed. I had been sick for months and had dropped down to 88 pounds. I had experienced severe headaches and had started enduring minor seizures. Because of this, I had been told that I had likely developed a brain tumor. After series of brain scans revealed there was no tumor involved (just a bit of scar tissue from a handful of head injuries---something my youngest sister still teases me about, but I digress . . .) they then wondered if I had a form of epilepsy. I was placed on medication to control the seizures and the good doctors patted themselves on the back, figuring they had solved the puzzle. They hadn't . . . and I continued to be very ill.

Finally we were guided toward a gifted specialist in Salt Lake City, Dr. Elizabeth Atkins Tor. I remember her name clearly because she was the only one to ever call me "Cheddie Cane." (I was married by this point in time to Sir Kennon.) I believe Dr. Tor was from Switzerland, if memory serves, despite the scar tissue on my brain, (Ha, I said it before you did, Trudi), and she possessed a way cool accent.

She ran a few tests of her own, and then told me the following: I was Type 1 diabetic, I had every classic symptom, and because I was so far out of control with my blood sugar levels, I was experiencing seizures. (She wasn't the one who told me about Mary Tyler Moore. That was a local doctor who diagnosed me as a Type 1 diabetic, but then took it back when my blood sugar levels were normal for a couple of days in a row.) Dr. Tor explained the reason the local doctors had been confused---I had been enduring the "honeymoon stage" of Type 1 diabetes. During this stage, which can last several months, the pancreas hasn't fully died. It still puts out spurts of insulin.

By the time I saw Dr. Tor, my pancreas had pretty well given up the ship. I was hospitalized yet again for several days, taught to give myself insulin injections, and I spent hours learning about the roles that diet and exercise play in a diabetic's life. It was such a relief to finally know what was going on, I took the news about my condition rather well.

In the years that followed, I experienced several diabetic adventures. I learned to recognize the signs if my blood sugar plummeted to China. I also learned what it felt like when my level was too high. After several years of balancing insulin injections with my crazy life, I became an insulin pump patient. The insulin pump made things so much easier. I was no longer at the mercy of differing forms of insulin that peaked at interesting times. The pump acted more like my original pancreas, and I wasn't on such a tight schedule.

Each insulin pump lasts about 4-5 years before things go haywire. I believe I'm currently utilizing pump # 5. And along the way I've learned the following:

1) Wearing an insulin pump in my bra is a bad idea, even if there is plenty of room. Spontaneous hugs tend to embed said pump into the chest realm which is a bit painful.

2) Intense heat can cause the insulin inside the pump to gel. This is so not cool. Not only does it cause tremendously high blood sugar levels as a result, but it makes a huge mess out of the reservoir that stores the insulin.

3) Airport people tend to think you're wearing a bomb when you try to pass through inspection. Most humiliating.

4) The pump will beep loud warnings on occasion. This is always helpful when you're sitting in a quiet meeting. I've learned to look around like everyone else whenever this happens to me. ;)

5) One has to be very careful when putting on or taking off pantyhose if the pump IV site happens to be in either leg. Yes, I've ripped out several sites in this fashion.

6) The insulin pump has prevented me from developing numerous complications that sometimes go along with diabetes and I love it dearly, despite all of the adventures.

Several years ago, a good friend and I started up a county diabetic support group. The local hospital supported this effort and we held most of our meetings in a hospital board room. It was our goal to help those who were also struggling with this disease to realize there is life after being diagnosed. We brought in doctors, nurses, showed important videos, and led discussions regarding the latest technology. We spent hours working with newly diagnosed diabetics who were overwhelmed by all that goes along with this particular challenge.

Truthfully, it is something you deal with every day. You quickly learn that everything affects your blood sugar level--pain, illness, stress, heat . . . everything. It's like a balancing act that never ends. You can eat and exercise exactly the same way two days in a row, and never achieve the same blood sugar levels on those days.

It was explained to me that our bodies absorb some of the insulin that we give through shots, or the insulin pump. So on those days, the body doesn't use the amount of insulin given, causing higher blood sugar levels. Then on random days, these insulin bubbles pop, adding to the insulin already given that day. So on those days, you run low for no reason at all.

Despite the best efforts, there is no way to achieve perfect control. Good control, yes, perfect control, no. Keeping a sense of humor about it all is crucial.

Sometimes though, despite the best attitude in the world, despite monumental efforts to keep everything balanced, the unthinkable happens. This past week, I lost a very dear diabetic friend. He had been part of our support group for years, one of those who cheered us all with his positive attitude. Dean was one of the first diabetics that Denise and I tried to help. Then once he got the hang of things, he did his best to help us help others. We will miss him greatly. I've been mourning his loss all week. Today, however, the sun seems to shine a little brighter and I've decided that to honor his memory, I will continue the battle. We used to tease each other about fighting the good fight. And though, he is no longer fighting at my side, I know he will be checking in on his diabetic buddies from time to time---and I don't want to disappoint him. I will continue this challenging balancing act. I will continue giving life my best shot.

A Busy Few Days in the Neighborhood

Hokay, as my youngest son is fond of saying, some of you may have noticed that I haven't posted anything the past few days. This is because I've been a little busy. ;) I began last week by heading to Utah for a doctor appointment, and to help out with a little project at my mother's abode. The railing on her porch was slightly demolished, so a few of us joined forces to remedy the situation. All went well and I returned home Wednesday afternoon. I spent Thursday catching up on laundry and getting our camper loaded. Then, Thursday night, Kennon and I headed up to Blackfoot.

Three events took place this past weekend that kept us all entertained. First, several of the menfolk gathered to help good brother, Jeffy, fix the roof of his garage. They started Thursday night.

They continued this effort the next day and were finished by Friday afternoon.

Friday was Kennon's 50th birthday, so after all the work was done, we gathered with numerous family members to celebrate. Hamburgers were grilled, salads were thrown together, and an interesting cake made an appearance. A good time was had by all as we celebrated this landmark birthday.

Here Kennon and I are posing with the balloons his sister, Jackie, gave him, and the fancy fillet knife I gave him for an upcoming fishing trip to Alaska.

Even our little granddaughter, Aari, seemed excited for this party.

Aari and I spent some time practicing to sing "Happy Birthday!" to Grandpa.

Aari was still fascinated by Grandpa's balloons the next day.

She also liked hanging out in the camper with Grandma for a while.

She also enjoyed getting to know her cousin, Tyce. They're fairly close in age.

Later on, we journeyed to a nearby reservoir\park for a picnic. Here Aari is showing her daddy the utensils she would like to use to partake of vittles. After we ate, the menfolk drowned a few worms while we women played fun games like Canasta. Yes, I lost big time--I must be losing my touch. =D

This weekend, we also celebrated our niece's graduation from high school with yet another barbecue feast. Here Cori is posing with her very good friend, Abi.

Wonderful food was grilled and consumed.

After the dinner, a rambunctious round of volleyball was enjoyed by our offspring. (We older types cheered them on from the sidelines.)

All in all, it was an enjoyable weekend. I think it's important to spend time with loved ones whenever the opportunity presents itself. Contrary to popular belief, these are not the ties that bind and gag, but important relationships that will link us together for eternity.

Side Effects

Between storms over the weekend, my husband and I ventured forth into a local canyon to check on the status of the ever-popular huckleberry. We had heard rumors that this year the bushes will be loaded with these plump, delicious berries, so we decided to check things out for ourselves. Along the way we came across some gorgeous impromptu waterfalls from all of the recent rain, and the snow that is still melting on the mountain tops.

This is a picture of Sherman's Peak, which you can still see contains a bit of snow on top.

This is a double waterfall that was quite spectacular.

And yet another waterfall that was gorgeous!

The ponds located on top of the world in this location, are filled to overflowing.

Here is another pond we found. Notice how green everything is around it.

And here the love of my life is savoring this beautiful moment of inspiring peace.

We did eventually find our favorite huckleberry patch. And the bushes are loaded with future berries!!! Way good news . . . providing it doesn't freeze.

And here's an interesting growth I found just as we were leaving.

It was an enjoyable jaunt, and proof that there are reasons for the numerous storms we've been enduring. It's almost dawn here in Bear Lake this morning, and the gathering clouds indicate more storms are on their way. I will more than likely carry an umbrella with me just in case, but instead of muttering under my breath, I will try to remember the beauty and growth these storms have inspired. Words to live by. ;)

Plug for Pickleville Playhouse

Yes, this is a shameless plug for a local business. Let me explain why---with the way the weather has been lately (rain, rain, and yet more rain) not to mention gas prices, the economy forecast as a whole, etc. it's pretty easy to get down in the dumps. This is when a good laugh becomes priceless. I experienced several hearty laughs, numerous chuckles, and a hardy guffaw last weekend compliments of the famed Pickleville Playhouse located south of Garden City on Bear Lake Boulevard. You can find the directions to this fun place here: Click me!

We bought tickets to see the production that was performed last Saturday night: "The Hanging of El Bandito." What a riot. I laughed from start to finish, and that's saying something. I love comedies, but it takes something really funny to get me to laugh out loud. El Bandito was hilarious!!!

The script was written by a talented young man, TJ Davis, who stars as Juanito Bandito. True, he borrowed a few lines from the movie, "Nacho Libre," and bragged about his stretchy pants quite a bit, but as a whole, the entire production was exceptionally well done.

I've attended other productions in this live theater, but this was by far my favorite. The musical numbers performed were impressive. The harmony was dead-on, and you could tell the actors and actresses were enjoying themselves thoroughly. So was the audience. That place was packed Saturday night and everyone had a wonderful time.

With this type of live theater, the audience is involved throughout with cheering, booing and hissing, and at times, active participation both onstage and off. I loved it when Juanito Bandito paused half-way through to make a point about cellphones, picking on the piano player off to the side. (Yep, most of their musical numbers are accompanied by a small, live orchestra.)

You will pay more for a live performance than you will to see a movie, but it is well worth the extra cost to see something this entertaining. So if you're looking for something to do that will lift your spirits and inspire side-splitting laughter, go see "The Hanging of El Bandito." You'll enjoy every minute of the performance, and you'll find yourself wanting to return soon to see it again.

Marathon Musings

This past weekend was a fun learning experience. I've heard about marathon races before, but I've never witnessed them in person until now. It started with my husband telling me that a friend of his from work was planning on running in a marathon race now held in Garden City, around the famed Bear Lake. Kennon thought it would be fun to go and cheer him on. Click here for more information regarding the annual Bear Lake Marathon. This marathon offers 3 races: the 10 K which is a little over six miles, the half marathon, which is 13 miles, and the regular marathon which is approximately 26 miles. This marathon race started last year with about 350 runners. This year that number doubled as over 700 runners took part.

I learned that a new friend of mine, Jody Shelley, was also running in this marathon, as was her husband, Doran, and their son-in-law, Jason.

As time went on, I further discovered that my cousin's daughter and son-in-law were running in this marathon race as well. And on the day of the race, I found out that three of my former Mia Maids were running in it together. All three are married and mommys now, which makes me feel slightly old, but c'est la vie. They were Mia Maids during my first go-around in the YW's organization in our ward. Now I'm working with all of their baby sisters. =D

Anyway . . . when we learned that Jody and Doran and their family would be camping in Garden City, and our original plans to go fishing and camping at Palisades fell through, we decided to camp in Garden City over the the weekend. Not only would this give us a chance to cheer everyone on during the marathon, but it also gave us a chance to meet the Shelleys in person.

Until this past weekend, Jody and I had only been in touch through our blogs and e-mailings.
It was wonderful meeting the Shelley clan in person and getting better acquainted. They are becoming treasured family friends and we're looking forward to future camping adventures.

We ate dinner together at a local pizzeria Friday night, and then bonded further by singing silly camp songs later on in camp. Doran plays a mean guitar, and since I happened to bring mine along, he was able to share his talents. We tried to get Jody to play us a ditty, but she bowed out. Maybe next time, eh?! ;) We sang through several songs together, then called it a night since we all had to be up early the next morning.

The Shelleys stayed at the KOA in Garden City. We had made reservations at a nearby campground called: Traveland. It wasn't as crowded and it is a wonderful facility. If any of you are thinking of camping in this area in the near future, I heartily recommend Traveland. (No, I'm not doing a commercial, I was just very impressed with this campground. True, there aren't very many trees, but it is tidy, and it offers full hook-ups for a reasonable rate in comparison to other campgrounds I could mention.)

The next morning dawned nice and rainy. =D Big surprise. But it did keep things cool for the runners. Kennon had decided to volunteer to help with the marathon since they were short-handed, and I decided to join him.

So while Kennon helped direct traffic to keep the runners from being splattered on the road as they approached the finish line, I did my best to remind the runners to show their numbers. For them to receive credit for the race, their assigned number had to be clearly displayed as they ran toward the finish line. It was raining, so a lot of the runners had placed jackets over this vital information. Someone needed to remind them to show their numbers, and I was asked to tackle this task. The challenge was to get their attention. Most of them were listening to music, tuning out everything around them. Good times! I figured out a sort of sign language to get my point across. There were a few that got past me without showing their number, but I tried. And yes, I looked like a drowned rat by the time the race was over. =D

Since I was a little bit busy as the racers came running through, I didn't get as many pictures of the runners as I would have liked. (Sorry about that, Jody!) I did get a shot of those three former Mia Maids of mine. Tammy, Julie, and Tricia ran in the 10-K and made really good time as they cheered each other on:

And I managed to snap a photo of RaKae Roberts Harris as her mother, my wonderful cousin, RaNae, cheered her on. RaKae had survived running in the 1\2 marathon---13 miles. Wow!!! And this despite a knee that was causing her grief. I was so impressed by her determination.

That was something I saw over and over again---people pushing themselves beyond normal endurance to complete this marathon. People of all ages, shapes, and sizes were giving this race everything they had. Most weren't running to beat the other runners, they were merely trying to complete the race as best they could. For them it was a victory to run across that finish line, no matter what their time happened to be. It filled their hearts with joy to know they had made it.

I saw tears coursing down their faces---I heard those who had already crossed the finish line, cheering for the runners who were still making their way forward. I felt like crying myself when I witnessed one runner struggling with everything he had to make those final few feet to the finish line. He was ready to give up, until one of the runners who had already completed the marathon, jogged by the side of this young man, encouraging him forward.

As this all took place, I found myself thinking about our earthly lives. We're all running in a mortal marathon. Some of us are only here in this human race (pun intended) for a short time. But those brief moments are just as precious, and just as important, as the races that go on for what seems like forever. It's important to remember that we're not here to compete with anyone else; we're here to improve ourselves, to grow and learn as best we can. It's important to cheer those on around us, to encourage others along the way. And we need to remember during those darkest hours, when we're ready to give up, we're not in this race alone. Those who have gone on before are cheering us on, running unseen at our sides, urging us to continue. Only after we've crossed that finish line, will we realize just how many people were cheering us forward. Then we will comprehend how much we've gained, and understand that the race was worth every pain we endured along the way.

Singing in the Rain . . .

I'm singing in the rain
Just singing in the rain
What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for love
Let the stormy clouds chase
Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain!

(Lyrics by:Arthur Freed---Written in 1927)

Okay, maybe not. (See song lyrics above.) It has been raining for quite some time here in Bear Lake Valley. The moisture has been wonderful and things are greener than they've been in a long time. That said, I find myself longing for a sunny day. Since the weather people have indicated that may not happen for a while, I decided to share a poem I wrote several years ago when a similar situation occurred. My sons were quite young at the time, ages: 9, 8, and 4. Let's just say they were less than thrilled when their summer vacation began with several rainstorms in a row. ;) Enjoy!

Ode to Summer Vacation

The last bell rang, there was a jubilant cry—school had come to a close,
Delighted rapture filled the air--kids were excited right down to their toes.
My own children bubbled with vacation plans, endless adventures awaited,
How were we to ever guess it would not be as they anticipated?

It began to rain, it even snowed—at first, we were filled with bliss,
We indeed had prayed for rain, we thought we wanted this.
Three small noses pressed day after day against the window from sunup till dark,
Until one morning they wanted to know if we needed to build an ark.

“Is today the day we can go outside? Our puppy doesn’t know who we are!”
“How come we have to stay in the house? We’re not having fun so far!”
Coloring books weren’t exciting, Nintendo became unappealing,
The computer amused for a while, till their tempers hit the ceiling.

“Mama, he hit me!” “Did not!” Did too!” They scuffled on the floor.
“Can’t we go outside today?” I prayed but it continued to pour.
Then one day the sun peeked through, the clouds began to fade.
My children, how they frolicked, cavorted, and yes, played.

Suddenly from nowhere, the gentle breeze became a gale,
The residents of Georgetown could hear my three sons wail.
“Mom, we know it’s raining, but can’t we play a little longer?”
As I, the judge, debated, the storm moved in much stronger.

My children were now soggy, much to our combined dismay,
“Mom, we’re wet! It’s all your fault! You let us out to play!”
They tromped in the house, mud and water on my floor,
And all three more disgusted than they’d ever been before.

Videos failed to entice them, books did not impress,
They were having too much fun, being ornery and depressed.
Then one morning, the sun returned—and the clouds blew far away,
But my sons still weren’t speaking to me, they were in bed with a cold that day.

Cheri J. Crane
(1992)