A Fun Weekend

Last Friday we went up to Snowbird for a "night out" with friends.

We had never been "over night" at Snowbird together and were excited to check it out. Kristin (as seen in the middle) owns a time share and invited us all to come up for the night to play games and hang out.

It was such a blast!



The view from the condo was breathtaking!
We were almost tempted to purchase a time share of my own.


We had such a fun time playing games, chatting, eating.....that by the next morning we were all beat and not wanting to get up---thus, these are the only pictures we have, but that's OK.



It is these moments in life that make living so enjoyable!

Definitely will have to do it again!

One Crazy Night

This week Shay looked at me kind of strange and said that he needed to take Winnie out on a date this weekend (I can't imagine what I looked like--poor guy!). I am sure it had something to do with the fact that, every night this week, I have gone from school to my mice infested storage unit to sort through what I can salvage to take to the condo and what has to go straight to the dumpster (apparently the field behind the storage complex I am renting from was being built on and the mice decided my unit would be where they relocate and reproduce!  UGH!!!). Then after the sorting process takes place, I quickly load as many boxes as I can into my car (and Shay's) and run up to the condo and unload the things I can keep and start the bleaching /sanitizing and cleaning process before I even venture to put them into a cupboard or corner. It could also be the fact that I haven't put on a lick of makeup or have done my hair either this whole week (due to the lack of sleep this mice thing has caused me---I have started to force ourselves out of the condo by 10-11ish so that I can be in bed by midnight). The first night Shay and I left at 2 in the morning......boy was I dragging the next day at school! 

Anyway, it has been (and will be) a long and arduous process. I am so grateful to Shay for helping me carry boxes up the three flights of stairs and helping sanitize and clean everything.

Side note: My friend asked me why I hadn't asked her to help.......I told her I refuse to ask others for help (my own problem).....why on earth would I ask a friend to come help me fling mice droppings off boxes, look through boxes to see if there might have been mice, or shovel a dead mouse out of the unit!!! UGH--I have now had to do it TWICE!!!! The first time I saw a dead mouse I screamed, hit a stack of boxes and the entire tower of boxes came down on me---nice, I know.

Ok, now that I have vented, back to my story. 

So, last night after work, I ran my car full of boxes up to the condo to unload them before Shay came to pick me up. I got all of my boxes up to the patio area, emptied the contents, bleached/sanitized/cleaned everything, and almost was able to completely get everything up into the cupboards by the time Shay came. He then unloaded his car of boxes while I tried to get the rest of the stuff put away. I then told him I was going to go change (I was in work clothes). I locked the master bedroom and then went into the master bath. I looked in the mirror and at myself and thought...ugh, you are a mess. I decided I would draw a little water in the master bath to rinse off.....now I wasn't thinking that there wasn't any towels/shower curtains/any anything in the bathroom when I thought up this ingenious plan....but after the lack of sleep--grades due at work---etc. I wasn't thinking clearly.... all I was thinking was that I wanted to look a bit better for Shay (I wasn't unrealistic in my assessment of myself and knew I was almost a hopeless cause....but at least I would try to do something with myself)---So I turned on the water and drew about a inch and a 1/2 bath. I dropped my body down and proceeded to put on my makeup as I sat in the water. While applying my makeup as fast as I could (since poor Shay was just patiently waiting for me), I noticed the jets on the sides of the tub. I wondered if and how they worked.  So I thought, I'll just fill the bath up to just over the jets to test them while I finish up my makeup.....again--not too brilliant of a plan at that moment...believe you me!!!  

When I finished putting on my mascara and the water was just above the jets, I quickly pushed the button and laid back. The jets puttered a slow gurgling sound and started to push out a bit of water. "Well," I thought, "they may not be really strong but at least they work"......it was right after that thought that the jets turned on full blast....and when I say full blast I mean full blast! The jets at my feet shot water into my face....the sides were pelting me from the sides. I tried to frantically change the direction of the jets just to get my face completely drenched in water (why I didn't think about turning them off at that moment is beyond me!!). Finally, I hit the off button and sat there in complete shock. My face was dripping, my hair was dripping, the bathroom was COVERED in water, my makeup bag was completely wet! I just sat there...I couldn't even think! When my mind finally kicked back in, I realized that there were no towels, shower curtains, etc in the bathroom to help me clean myself up. My mascara was down my face and my hair looked hideous. I then decided I had better just laugh! So, after I chuckled for a moment, I stood up and looked around at what my options were.....toilet paper.......I got up and dried myself off with toilet paper!!!---not effective but at least it stopped the dripping water coming off my body! I then dressed in my cute little outfit I had brought up for our date and exited the master bedroom with my hair in a ponytail (again) and basically makup-less...can't fix much with wet makeup. I then explain to Shay what happened and showed him the water that was half way up the wall. Then, of course, he told me how pretty he thought I looked (I have decided he is either really blind--or a really good liar) and that he thought I always looked pretty no matter if I had makeup on or not. Of course my little heart melted! He definitely is a keeper! He is so sweet to me......

Well, of course that doesn't end the complications we had before our date---that would be too soon for my life.....when we get down to our cars, I realize that I didn't have my computer....Shay of course offers to run up the three flights of stairs to retrieve it for me (what a gent.). Then when he comes all the way back down, I realize I don't have my phone in the car either....I think it is in the condo........back up the stairs we both go to look for the phone (I tried to tell Shay I would just go get it---but of course he went up with me to help call the phone so I could quickly locate it faster)....than of course when we call the phone we don't hear it ring and I realize it is not there....of course not, why would it be! I felt like an idiot! I thought for sure I was going to hear it (unfortunately, that is what I am accustome to), but Shay took it all in stride and wasn't even ruffled (or at least he didn't seem to be at all). Back down the three flights of stairs we went and back to my school to see if I had left it in my classroom. When entering my classroom I immediately located the phone. THANK GOODNESS!  Shay was then finally able to take me to dinner and then to watch a movie! I had a blast and realized again how dang lucky I am to have met a man such as him! I just hope he always see me as he does now (pretty with or without makeup--hee hee)!

What a night!!!

New Horizons!

For those of you who do not know, Shay has been unemployed/working part time for over a year now.  Last February, the day after he proposed to me, he was laid off with all of his co-workers. This was a very scary time for both of us. Do we wait to get married? Will he get a job soon.....later? What does the future bring.

To be honest, none of these questions were answered, except for our decision to proceed to get married. :-) It has been one roller coaster of a ride. We have not had it as hard as so many others (I am so aware), but that cannot demean the insecurity or stresses that unemployment has caused. Unemployment is one of the hardest thing ....and due to my past, I do not do well when I feel financial insecure....at all.....one of the hardest things ever!

After 6 months of unemployment---and the same day Shay's unemployment check ended---he was rehired back on at his current company part time. In a way our prayers were heard....different than what we had thought....but answered nonetheless. You see, we had prayed for a job that would help us meet all of our financial obligations. Well, despite the undesirable circumstances, Shay's part time job paid almost exactly what his unemployment check was, which would keep us afloat and give Shay the much needed experience in the IT world that will enable him to apply for higher paying positions later.

Part time of course was not ideal.....but one can't complain when one has a J.O.B. and so many others have nothing. Time passed. Interviews, meetings, studying, praying, fasting, attending the temple, etc. have helped as the year has gone by. Stresses lessened when Shay was given more hours--38 to be exact. Unfortunately, that only lasted for a few months. Shay was then once again cut back to only 20 hours in January. Stress increased, my hope faltered a bit. We learned a lot about each other during this last year. Unemployment can really be a strain and a blessing on a marriage. I have learned how impatient I am with the Lord and how he is going to continue to test me until I can get over that.

Then it happened. Shay had an interview Friday. It went well. He said they were going to call him back. Nothing special was said to make either of us feel like this was "it," but at least it was something.

The next day I told Shay I felt we needed to go to the temple in regards to his unemployment. He thought it would be great idea as well. So we ended up going over to the Mt. Timp. Temple. Then Shay was contacted and asked to have a second interview on Monday. He went in on Monday and by that night he was emailed a job offer. He then informed his current boss about the situation and she told him to give her some time to see what her boss could do......then the next thing we know Shay was given a counter offer. Apparently, his current boss told her boss how much she liked Shay and how good he was at his job that he went to the owner to see what could be done.

So after 11 months of unemployment Shay and I found ourselves worrying about which of the two jobs he should take......neither would be his "dream job"---or something he will be doing forever---but they were blessings just the same.

Well, Shay decided to stay with his current employer, since they are well known and respected throughout the country in his field. He started today and I felt a need to document my gratitude for answered prayers.

I know that it is often after the trial of one's faith that blessings come .....and, especially in the IT world, this will probably the first of many scary situations in our lives....but I have an even firm testimony that miracles happen during difficult times. I have a stronger testimony of tithing and fast offerings.......when one remembers the Lord first He somehow provides miracles along the path of trials--they may not be exactly the way one wants them to be, but they are miracles just the same. Miracles Shay and I have experienced over the last 11 months. How grateful I feel this day for answered prayers....they do come!

Weekend Adventures....

Beware, the following was written WAY late at night and while trying to beat my computer battery from dying....it needs major revisions but I don't have the energy, time or battery to fix them.

Last weekend, Shay's old roommate called up and invited us to go back up to Jay's cabin for the weekend. Jay's cabin is located outside of Evanston Wy. and is the same cabin Shay and I "got together" at two summers ago--crazy how time flies.

Anyway, we jumped at the chance to not only get away but to spend the weekend with our friends sledding, four wheeling, eating (lots--UGH!), and playing tons of games. It was a blast to say the least....well, OK, except for the sub zero temp. and the fact that we had to hike into and out of the cabin due to snow (I would show pictures except I forgot my camera and snow boots at home--CRY!). I didn't know my nose could run and not even be able to feel it trickle down my face!! GROSS!!!! I also was unaware that if your fingers get too cold they actually swell up twice the size they are normally before falling off---ok, mine didn't really fall off, but they did swell up to twice their normal size after Jay drove me from the cars up to the cabin on the four wheeler (wait, you might notice that I complained about hiking in and out of the cabin...OK, truth be told I didn't hike in, but our friends did....they even got lost, returned to the cars, and then had to go back up. Luckily--or unluckily).  I on the other hand was recruited as the "storage bin" on the back of the four wheeler to help carry supplies up to the cabin (there was no running water at the cabin---yep, no running water--outhouses all the way...I promise it was a blast!).

Once I had successfully smashed 2 sleeping bags between Jay and myself, loaded bags over my shoulders, and had about 4 plastic sacks in hand, we headed up. I immediately realized my dollar Walmart gloves were completely inadequate for the subzero temp--not to mention the fact that Jay was flying up the hill as fast as the four wheeler could go....since it was after two in the morning when we finally pulled into the parking lot and one of the four wheelers wouldn't start--which meant more trips back and froth from the cabin (When we got there, one of the four wheelers wouldn't kick into neutral so we could start it--it was frozen...I told you it was FREEZING!!!).

Of course, as soon as we were able to dig a path from the road to the cabin we were able to get into the house, start the wood burning stove, and wait for warmth. As we were waiting in our coats, hats, etc. for warmth, we decided to start a game of Catan (a favorite amongst our friends!). Of course the game started at 4 in the morning and we didn't hit the hay until after 5 in the morning....good times.

Saturday morning, I was up early--I hate the fact that I can't sleep in!!! Since the friends we went with are all single, Shay slept downstairs with the boys and I upstairs on a bed with the girls. I quickly realized how often I rely on Shay's hot legs during the night to keep my feet warm. It felt like we were dating again.  During the day we ended up sledding, playing games and goofing off. It was so fun...except having to use the outhouse in the cold!

Sunday, we woke and got ready for church...as best as we could under the circumstances. Nothing like heating water on a stove, mixing it with cold water to make it warm, and then pouring it over your head to wash your hair--boy did I look good that day!

We drove to Evanston WY for church. It was a nice service and a wonderful chance to take the sacrament. Yet, it was when I was leaving the building that I came upon one of the most decorated Relief Society bulletin boards I have ever seen. It was very cool. Black and white with accents of hot pink. I read the first little sign (Sign said: "A candle loses nothing of it's light by lighting another candle) and thought, "So Relief Society" how cute. Then I immediately turned to the next one. I actually laughed out loud when I read the second one.  I actually had to read it again...."was this really on the "Relief Society" bulletin board????" I thought.   I laughed again.  I read it to Shay and our friends. They got a kick out of it too. So, are you wanting to know what it says.....just put it in contents of it being on the "Relief Society" bulletin board in a church house.

Sign reads: "If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm!"

With the exclamation point too! You go WY! Isn't that hilarious! I thought it was. Nothing like leaving with a new insight to life!

Our trip ended that night when we finally made ourselves hike out of the cabin after 9 at night and return home. Right before we left I decided to place my Walmart gloves on top of the wood-burning stove to warm them up before we had to hike out...a stove that had been burning ALL weekend, literally---NOT A GOOD IDEA!!! Let's just say it took seconds before a terrible smell started and smoke rose from them!!! So much for hoping for warmer fingers on the way back. No biggie, I have memories to last a lifetime! 

What a weekend! I can only say I am SO glad I was not a pioneer! I wouldn't have made it through the first freezing night that is for sure!

A Fabulous Thursday!

So this week has been an extremely rough week for me......

With teaching (I have some very challenging situations this year),
taking a class,
helping with a Relief Society's Fondue Night,
trying to get my house in order (still not all the way done but getting very close!!!--YIPPEE!),
working on Saturday to earn extra money
and
trying to have some time to do homework
lesson plans
housework (thank goodness Shay surprises me with laundry done often!)
school work
Shay/friends/family time
and sleep
I have found myself feeling like I have succeeded in "none of the above!"
(What is even more pathetic is that I know my schedule is not as busy as others--so sorry for being a complainer!).

Anyway, I decided on Thursday that I better get to the district office to get some much needed paperwork turned in. Once that was accomplished I decided that I could stop at Kohls to take a look around and see if there was anything fun to see.......
I was so excited when I found out that Kohls was having a 50% off pillow sale....because I have been looking for a pillow that could tie together my new.....much loved....green silk pillows and my old.....not so loved....red pillows (which I don't have the money to replace right now) while bring in some additional colors to compliment my paintings and decor.....oranges, yellows, etc.
Unfortunately, while looking for a pillow, I found and fell immediately in LOVE with a beautiful brown square silk pillow.....total 70's look....but even at 50% off it still was going to be $30.....my heart was deflated! UGH! I needed at least 2 and a $60 pillow allowance wasn't in our budget this month! So, I sadly walked around the store half heartily looking around while saying hateful things in my mind at all inferior pillows and products (have you ever done that---maybe I am just weird?!?!)......anyway, that all changed when I stumbled on the below pillow (I purchased two):

I immediately noticed that it has the exact green and red I was looking for as well having some orange, brown and tan colors. It was not my first choice of pillow, but I was elated to know that both would only cost me 22 dollars and my couch would no longer look like Christmas with solid red and green pillows! My heart was a bit happier as I proceeded to the register.....it was at that moment that I looked up and saw some cool paintings on display.
I quickly asked the worker if they had any more (since they were having a 50% off all paintings sale as well). He went to look in the back and found none....he also couldn't find the price tag for the set........I was saddened because it was suppose to be a three piece grouping and I was hoping that they had a set in back.....I thought, "Oh well this is just not my day or week"....that is until my luck changed. The worker than handed me a random price tag and said, "Sorry I don't know where the painting's price tag went so you can just use this one" (the tag stated $24.99....even though all the other 3 piece groupings were $50).....it was then that I decided I'd better just splurge and get these two pictures (since they will be 50% off $24) to see if they would look good in my master bedroom...it was then my luck really set in......when I got to the register the clerk then took additional 50% off due to the lack of the third piece......so my cost was about 6-7 dollars! YIPPEE! I was feeling a lot better about life...... (later I found that the two pieces fit perfect.....so that has also brought a even bigger smile to my face).



Then to top it all off, I got home to find the most beautiful roses sitting in a vase. Shay not only had helped clean up the home, complete a bunch of things that we needed done, but also took the time to pick me up some roses.......



He even cut the ends and everything....



I can stop staring at them......


They just make our home even a happier place!


I don't want to repeat this week.....but I can definitely say it has ended on a fabulous note!
Thanks for spoiling me rotten Shay!

Camping with a Sports Fan

Shay and I ventured out Friday night to hook up with some friends (Patty and Trevor) to go camping. Little did I know it was going to be an event that clashed with Shay's beloved Cougar's game. I didn't think it was odd Saturday morning when Shay went to his car to catch up on the baseball highlights (he does that everyday---throughout the day---NO JOKE), but it wasn't until he had to frequently "use the bathroom" or volunteered to always "grab something out of the car" did I ask him what he was listening to. Well, I was quickly informed that the BYU Cougars were playing that night and he was listening in to the pre-game chat (obviously, I wasn't familiar with "pre-game chat" on the radeo....btw: is that what it is called "pre-game chat?" I can't really remember what Shay called it).

Anyway, the night proceeded hilariously. Every so often---during dinner, clean up, fire starting, chatting, etc. Shay would be somehow missing. I would find myself turning towards the car to see that the rear car lights were on....I knew exactly what he was doing. Luckily, he was so kind as to come back with the score----the first report was not a happy one--the Cougars being down by seven (I started to worry about how our weekend was going to turn out if the Cougars lost)! But luckily for the Cougars, Shay and our camping trip the Cougars pulled it off! YIPPY!!!!

Shay, with the biggest hop in his step, came proudly around the trailer to inform me and our friends that the Cougars won Oklahoma. He then went on to let us know that they were the 21 point underdog (not sure if I am typing that out correctly) and how excited he was. Then the funnest thing happened, Patty interrupted Shay's gloating, "Shay I don't even know what that means?" I have never seen Shay look so bewildered in my life? I had to chuckle outloud....thank goodness I wasn't the only one. Boy do I have a lot to learn! I have always loved watching games with friends and playing certain sports....and thought I knew a bit about sports......but when I married Shay I have come to realize how truly ignorant I really am!!

The Box Elder Trail --Life lessons learned

When my co-worker Sherry called, at the beginning of July, to ask if I would like to go hiking with her (we have gone hiking quite a few times before and have had a wonderful time) so I was excited. Well, as you will soon read, this time would prove to be quite different.
Sherry informed me that she had a certain hiking trail in mind that she would like to do but that it would be quite long (roughly a 5 hour hike. No biggie, right?). I told her that it sounded great----
So, after deciding on a day and time (Thursday, July 30th), I calendared the event and waited with anticipation. On Wednesday, I got a voice message from Sherry inquiring if I was still planning on hiking the following day. I immediately called her back and said, "YES! I am planning on going!" I told her this was something I was really looking forward to....a break--if you will from my life--since all I have really done since my marriage is:

You are more than welcome to skip over the venting :-) It just felt good to type it out!
1. Move items out of my grandparents' home,
2. Make a bigger mess out of our condo as I unload more boxes and items brought from grandparents,
3. Work,
4. Tutor,
5. Get insurances and other legal items done (although I am still Miss Winward since I haven't had the chance to go stand in the S.S. line to have my name changed---UGH),
6. Make a bigger mess in my classroom----with the intention of organizing my files--which hasn't worked----,
7. Get called to the nursery and realize that it is nothing like the classroom---and wondering how I am going to make it through each week with the lack of "structure" that I am use to,
8. Finally: try not to have a nervous break down when realizing school is starting in about 2 week and nothing is in order

:-$

Sherry was elated that I wasn't planning on backing out. She again reiterates to me that this was going to be a long hike--about 5 hours. I assure her, that even though I hadn't really done ANY major physical activity since my marriage (due to the above items), that I would be fine. I figure that since I was able, in my 20s, to run with Cynthia (my brother's wife) on the spur of the moment 11.5 miles and make it--I could do anything.....DUMB THOUGHT PROCESSING!!! First off, I am not in my 20s anymore, second I have major back and neck problems now, & third I had no idea what was really going to happen......can you tell by now that this isn't going to go as we planned?!?!
So Thursday, after tutoring, I kissed Shay goodbye and took off to Sherry's home. We met up and parked my car up on the Alpine canyon side then took Sherry's car up the American Fork Canyon to start this hike....Sherry and I were so excited! As we drove up to the American Fork side to park Sherry's car, she proceeds to inform me that there are two hiking trails that start out on the same trail head (starting point), one is Box Elder and the other is---honestly I don't even remember what she called it---but that eventually they would split off from one another and that we will have to watch really carefully not to miss the split to ensure we don't continue on the Box Elder Trail. She informs me that there is NO way we are going on the Box Elder trail and continues to describe to me all the awful things about the Box Elder Trail, how it is a very steep trail, how EXTREMELY long it is, etc........I am sure you already know what happens.....but I will continue.
So off we go with smiles on our faces. We started out on the "Box Elder .044" trail head (which, we thought, was suppose to be a "duel trail head"---why didn't that ring a bell in either of our heads---WHO KNOWS!!!!!). Sherry reiterates that she will never do that trail. I quickly become aware of how immediate the incline hits (meaning the first step). Not only is the trail "San Francisco street steep" but there is no let up....no leveling off. Luckily for me, Sherry asks if we could stop and take a breather (I was leading and felt an obligation to keep the pace going). We hike at least 2 miles straight up before there was the slight change in the incline. The switchbacks were tight and steep as well......which wasn't that bad because we were enjoying the vegetation found on the trial (when we could actually looked up from the ground---it is really hard to look up when the trail is that steep).

FYI: Since Utah has had such a wet spring, the mountains are COVERED with beautiful flowers and shrubbery! So at this point in our hike, I was utterly enjoying my conversation with Sherry and felt no dismay at the physical hardship this trail required, in fact I joked with Sherry about how much I needed a good workout and how great it felt!
When we then get to a fork in the trail.....of course the trail sign has two arrows.....one indicating the way on the "Box Elder Trail" and the other a name that was not the name of the trail we were looking for.....so we thought that we still had a ways to go. By this time, Sherry informed me that we had gone 4.5 miles in less than an hour and a half (which we were really excited about because of the incline of the trail), and that her friend told her it would take us at least 3 hours just to get to the top of the peak and we were already, what seemed to be, more than 2/3s up the mountain. So, we patted ourselves on the back and congratulated each other on our speed. We then continued on the "Box Elder Trail" thinking we were heading towards another fork in the path which would flip us onto a shorter, easier trail. Well, when the trail ran us into a small glacier that would require us to cross and then proceed up "Box Elder" we started to realize that we had missed the fork. Sherry tells me that we don't want to walk over the glacier (since there were holes throughout and that it probably wasn't solid), and that it only leads us towards the Box Elder Mountain--which was on the left of the glacier. So we stared at the mountains for a moment and then come up with a not so brilliant plan. Sherry knew that we needed to be on a trail to the right of us (but at this point the only things to our right were cliffs heading straight up)....so we thought, why don't we follow this river/stream up the mountain, blazing our own trail, in hopes to hook up with the trail--we somehow missed to the right.
As we start (and while rocks are moving out from under my feet), I think to myself---every hiker knows you don't leave a trail and blaze your own.....but do I listen to myself---NO! I then start to think about how this is just like a seminary video---hikers deciding they are smarter and going to make their own way.....does this thought shake me--NO! Boy, am I slow at times!!! I rationalize that I am with Sherry (please keep in mind that Sherry is a bit older than me--about my mother's age---who knows these mountains like the back of her hands). I knew she knew where the trail was suppose to be and since we missed it I was sure we would be able to quickly cross over to the right and hook up with it---just as soon as it leveled off somewhere.......
Well, after about an hour of trying to find a leveled off area and only seeing animal trails, we both decided that we had better just go back down to where we left the trail. At this point it was getting too steep (we both were slipping more and more frequently) and that we couldn't hold onto the loose rocks and pull ourselves up anymore without the fear of falling. So we hiked/slid back down to where we started.....except on the way back down we were smart enough to find a crossing over the stream so that at least we didn't have to walk on top of the glacier with holes.....that is until we walked about 200 feet farther on the trail and ran into a different glacier we would have to cross. Sherry volunteered me to go first--to make sure the ice would hold---since I am the heavier of the two---GREAT! I literally had to scooted myself over the top of the ice...as I am doing so the ice became too slippery and I found myself sliding quickly over the glacier's edge---luckily it was only a few feet down into the water. I quickly jumped up to where the trail continued and helped coach Sherry over. I then realize (I don't think we wanted to admit it to each other) that we were on our way over "BOX ELDER!!!" We talked about how at the end of our hike we would be so glad we were able to tackle this mountain!
The trial continued to be extremely steep. Sherry had asked several times throughout our hike if I thought we should go back---but I couldn't bring myself to saying yes.......first of all, because I "knew" that it had to be shorter to hike forward than to go back---and secondly, I already knew what the trail was like behind us and was not willing to subject myself to it again. But, when we did finally get --to what we thought was-- the top of the trail and were able to see the north/east side of Timp, Utah Lake and part of American Fork, we were glad we had come that far! We congratulated ourselves for actually making it.....since at this point I was really starting to wonder if I was going to make it or not! We decided we needed to sit down and enjoy the view. We ate a snack and chatted. It was BEAUTIFUL! I haven't seen the mountains that green and full of flowers before! I truly was grateful that I had come on the hike.

Once we decided to continue on our hike, we quickly realized that we had celebrated too soon! We found ourselves walking across the side of Box Elder Mountain on loose rocks---with cliffs heading straight down. I jokingly told Sherry there was no falling! Sherry joked how we had celebrated way too soon and that we hadn't actually made it to the top of the trail that would lead us back down to the Alpine side.....but that the trail was still going up (I wasn't laughing too hard at this point!). When we would stop to take a break, my legs would shake underneath me. My feet started to stiffen as I pushed them firmly into the loose rocks and clenched them tight inside my shoes as I shifted my weight between the two of them. For the first time in my life I really wonder if my body was going to make it to the end. I started having visions of the marathon runners whose legs give out on them.....(obviously I am a bit dramatic).

I then realized my negative thinking and pushed all those thoughts out of my head and said a quick prayer and then focused on the trail in front of me. Which was the perfect thing to do because just a few minutes later the trail finally leveled out and starts to head down towards the Alpine side of Box Elder.Yippy! I celebrated in my head! Sherry then points out a very large area of dirt that was obviously a bedding area for some HUGE animal. I had noticed a fresh deer's jaw a few hundred yards before this area and had shown Sherry. I then began to notice (as we continued) fresh bones along the path---but refuse to inform Sherry. I quickly offer a prayer up to my maker to let Him know that my cell phone has no reception, that Sherry and I were on the wrong trail (therefore no one really knows where we are at), that there is something in the area that is eating deer......and that would He please watch out for us. After that, I decided again to focus on the trail and the beauty around me! The plants and flowers are as high as our heads and shoulders. We are literally having to push our way through some areas. It was breathtaking.....
that is until we descend into a valley area only to find that the trail ended---YES, ENDED!!!!! I can see fresh deer bones, with fresh meat attached, on the ground. We have no idea which way we are to go! We head South-West in the direction we think could be a switch back....only to find hunters trash on the ground and a dead end. We backtrack and go directly west to no avail! By this time, I am really chatting with God, letting Him know there is no way I would be able to make it back the way we came....that we need to get out of this area and that could He please help Sherry spot the trail (Sherry was thinking aloud about how the trail should be this way or that....due to the map she had looked at before we left). Luckily, God always hears prayers because Sherry said, "Should we try this deer trail?"  It really didn't look like a trail at all, only that maybe a deer had walked that way--but I said sure. We walked and walked and walked (like the pioneer children). We then realize that we are on a trail! Relief and gratitude filled my heart! Sherry lightly said, "Did you say a little prayer, I did?! I told her "NO"...that "I said a BIG prayer that you would find the trail." ;-) I really was honestly scared that we might not find our way down or that something might find us instead. We then had to walk all the way down Box Elder Mountain. The whole time Sherry is saying how she DIDN'T want to do this hike because she knew how hard it was but that she was grateful that she did it. I had to agree with her. There were many life lessons I learned while hiking that day and hope to remember them throughout my life.

Here are just a few that came during the hike:

1. When we were going back down the glacier area (to go back to where we had left the trial), Sherry and I discussed how that even though the trail may look harder....it is better to follow the trail then to try to make your own trail. We related it to life. That when we try to skip the "hard things" and try to make our own "easier path" we find ourselves just like Sherry and I were doing, having to backtrack and still having to attack the "harder trail!" We talked about how important it is to face your problems dead on and trust in the end it will be better to have "followed the trail."

2. When we stopped to look out over Utah Lake and Timp Mtn., I told Sherry isn't it funny that we can look up at a mountain and see almost everything.....see exactly where you want to go and basically how you are going to do it.....and when you get to the top of the mountain you can basically see down on everything as well.....yet, when you are on the actual trail your vision becomes limited at times.....trees get in the way, rocks cover the path, one can't always see the start or the end. There are distractions, things that skew your view. I thought aloud about how that is just like life......before we came to this earth we looked at earth life and were excited (like Sherry and I going hiking). We knew where we wanted to go and how we were going to do it. Yet when we get "on the trial" (actually living our lives) we sometimes can't see the end &/or the beginning. We have second thoughts....we at times feel lost, or forget to follow the "hiking rules" (like blazing your own trail), or get tired, or want to give up....but in the end (when we die) we will be on the "top of the mountain" and be able look back over our lives, like we are looking over the valley, and evaluate where we started and how we did. It was an overwhelming thought that came and made me think deeply about my life.

3. I learned how much I love Shay--WEIRD I KNOW.....but as I was frantically wondering about what animal could possibly have nested under the grove of trees.....that was probably the one who ate the deers.....that was somewhere around.....I realized that my desire was to have more time with Shay and that God had to ensure my safe return home so that I would have more time to spend with him. I became "homesick" for Shay. A feeling I have never experienced before....not because I was scared or worried, but because I love Shay and had only a desire to be beside him at that moment.

4. I also learned again how easy it is to talk to God when one is in trouble and how He does answer prayers in a variety of ways. That day He helped Sherry find the "deer trail" and to calm my heart when it became flighty. How grateful I am to Him!

Life can teach you some very interesting and life changing lessons on a mountain top.......if one is wanting to listen and learn. I am so grateful to Sherry for inviting me on a 5 hour hike--that ended up being 14.5 miles (mostly straight up and down) and 7.5 hours long! I am so grateful for her insights, companionship and friendship. I am also so grateful to my Maker for making such a beautiful place and for providing learning opportunities for me amids "my struggles." May I never forget them!