Life Lesson { for my kids someday}

Other’s Faults are Our Own

It is easy to pick fault with other people. In fact, often we gain a subtle enjoyment from highlighting the faults of others. If we are truly honest, however, we will see that when we criticize other people we actually have the very same weakness ourselves. Perhaps we may not make this mistake quite as frequently or as badly, but we still share it to some extent.
A funny example is how frequently people will say things like, “X is such a terrible gossip, he’s always negative and criticizing other people.” We say things like this; but ironically, we are doing exactly what we are criticizing them for! Another interesting point is that often people who grow to dislike each other are often very similar. The faults and personality traits we can’t stand in other people, are often traits of our own personality. I’m sure you can think of two people who dislike each other, but share many similarities in habits and personalities.

http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/things-we-hate-to-admit/

Casey and Britney Wedding

Ok Pierce this is for you.  The wedding was so nice.  We had a great time.  Here are some of the pic hightlights.

Mothers day

I found this quote on Jessica's Pinterest board. I nearly started sobbing when I read it. It reminds me of my mother in law. She raised an amazing son. Wayne my husband. I know all the things I love about him she taught him. He is kind, loving and always trys to do what is right. Most of all he is always thinking of what will make me happy. He agrees with me (even when I know he doesnt) He lets me be who I am( a little bit of a mess but passionate) He never uses ugly words to hurt me. (but firm when needed) most of all he thinks my worst feature ( my tiny squinty eyes) are my best feature.

Thanks Nygra for being an awesome mother.

We're not in Kansas anymore..

This week has brought lots of change. For that matter this year has brought lots of change. I hate change. The older I get the more I resist it.

My youngest brother Pierce left for his mission in Columbia on Wednesday.

He is the same age as my oldest daughter. Its like losing one of my own. I didnt think I would be as sad as I was. Dont get me wrong , I am happy for him and the growth he will have. But I cant help feel a little heartbroken. You know the feeling when you are standing on the edge of a page as its turning and you dont want to move on, knowing nothing will ever be the same.

With this milestone for Pierce brings milestones for my kids who are the same age. Maybe this is the real reason I am sad. Im sad because this is the begining of the end. The beginning of my kids moving on and leaving me. The beginning of them not needing me. The beginning of their lives.

Tana got her drivers license. Jancy is applying for scholarships for college. Taryn is going to middle school. Jessica has a boyfriend.

We are definetly not in Kansas anymore.


So yesterday began Jess not needing me (photographically speaking) We had a fun photoshoot planned with her new car and puppy. I couldnt help feeling her heart wasnt in it. It could have been the early hour of 6 am or she hated the dress or even she hated her hair.

The Freeway

Last week Jancy (17 yrs) started training at a new dance studio 40 minutes from Queen Creek 4 times a week. I took her there the first week. The studio is in Tempe so we have to take the 202 and 101 to get there. So the 4 times I drove her there I would point out the various exits to take note of. I told her " Just remember right after Dobson the next exit is the 101 so make sure your in the left hand lane before Dobson." Then 2 exits on the 101 and your there.

This week she drove herself. Like most new (and some old) drivers she is scared of the freeway. When she got home last Monday from driving herself she announced "the freeway is not that scary if you know where you are going." Wow profound. In my head I'm thinking ... The freeway is a lot like life. Its not that scary if you know where you are going. Like a plan, like a 6 year plan, like God's plan.

Then I felt this overwhelming sense of gratitude. I know what Gods plan is. As a Latter-Day Saint I believe in the plan of salvation.


We lived in heaven before we were born as Gods spirit children. Because he loved us God had a plan for us to to come to earth and gain a body. He knew we would make mistakes and need a way to repent. Someone to be our redeemer, to redeem us from our sins. He sent his son Jesus to be our Savior. So we can repent through his atonement and keep trying to be like him. Live as he did.
So we come to earth to learn and grow .... To Remember who we are. A child of Diety. When we die we return to him and he will ask "Did you keep my commandments. Did you do the things I asked" Did you help your fellow men" How did you live"

So the plan of salvation provides a way for us to gain a body, learn by experience, show that we will obey his commandments, and return to him stronger and wiser.

When we understand that life on earth has a purpose and is part of Heavenly Father's plan, we can begin to make correct decisions.

Of course this all sound all very simple. But the most important part is listening to what God wants for you. It is usually a very quite voice but in your heart you will know.

I know God loves me. He has a plan for me. Sometimes I hear it loud and clear and other times I have to stop and be very still to hear it.

I know God and his Son Jesus Christ live. I know Jesus came to earth. He was a real man and he suffered for my sins and all mankinds sins in the Garden of Gestmene. He died and was resurrected. Just as you and I will.

I know Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. He restored the Lords church on the earth. With the keys to the priesthood to act in Gods name.

I know we are guided by a prophet today. Thomas S. Monson. His guidance and counsel keeps us safe from the evils and pitfall that destroy our families and lives. The evils that prevent us from living how of Savior did.

I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. Its teachings bring me peace and guide me to do the Lords will.

Things to do in Durango

Brittney sent me this list. We could plan to do some of these things at the reunion.

Things to Do in Durango…
Filled with endless recreation opportunities and a rich history, you’ll never have a shortage of unique and fun things to do in summertime in the Durango Area.

Trimble Spa and Natural Hot Springs
Two mineral-rich therapeutic hot pools for relaxation and rejuvenation, and a heated 50-meter Olympic swimming pool for family fun and lap swimming. Our spacious lawn is perfect for picnics and tanning on sunny mountain days. The Trimble's hot springs are open to the public. www.trimblehotsprings.com
Daily Rates:
Adult (13-61) $14
Child (5-12) $9.50
*Age 4 and under free.
Students (H.S. & College w/ valid ID) $9.50
***If we can get a group together of 20 or more***
$10.00 (per adult)
$7.00 (per child) 5-12
Reservations required 970-247-0111
Open 7 days a week: 9-10 Sunday-Wednesdays
9-9 Thursday
9-11 Friday & Saturday
Mesa Verde National Park
One of the Four Corner’s most treasured attractions, Mesa Verde was established in 1906 as one of the first National Parks of its kind. The Park is home to ancient dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloan Indians around 600 A.D. The people who called this area home mysteriously disappeared in 1300 AD. Today, the site has been designated a World Cultural Heritage Site by the United Nations and the #1 Monument in the World by Conde Naste Traveler. It is well preserved so that guests from around the world can tour the ancient dwellings comfortably. Visit there website for rates and schedule www.nps.gov/meve/

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Take a ride into the past on the same track miners and cowboys used over a century ago. Winter trains depart from the Main Depot on Main Avenue in Durango or from the convenient Rockwood Station located just 10 miles south of Purgatory Village. Explore the untouched wilderness with a ride to Cascade Canyon through narrow passages, along cliff edges and past pristine waterfalls on the Animas River. Special event trains are also available, including a New Years Eve ride. At either end are museums dedicated to the area’s railroad history. The larger of the two is located in the Durango D&SNGR Roundhouse, with more than 12,000 square feet of mint-condition trains, historic exhibits, collectables and memorabilia. Visit HYPERLINK "http://www.durangotrain.com/" \t "_blank" www.durangotrain.com for more information.
White Water Rafting
Durango Rafting Company - Raft through Durango with the entire family on the Animas River. Hear tales of the history of Durango and surrounding areas on 2 and 4 hour professionally guided trips. Kids 8 years of age and younger are FREE! call toll free 877-257-2252 or local 970-259-2252 or visit us on the web at HYPERLINK "http://durangoraft.com/" \t "_blank" durangoraft.com.


Southwest Whitewater - Navigate the Animas River with Southwest Whitewater's professionally trained guides. Trips on the Animas are perfect for the whole family, featuring Class III rapids, waves and beautiful scenery. 2 hour, 1/2 hour and Brunch trips are available. Come explore the region by raft. For more information and reservations please call 800-989-9792 or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.swwhitewater.com/" \t "_blank" www.swwhitewater.com for more information.
Alpine Slide
Feel the wind in your hair as you speed down the track… or take a leisurely ride and enjoy the view. Durango Mountain Resort’s Alpine Slide is fun for the whole family. The chairlift carries riders up the mountain for a descent of more than half a mile. Each sled has a control stick to regulate speed as you cruise side-by-side on adjacent tracks. See who makes it to the bottom first!

9 am – 5 pm (weather-permitting)
$10 per ride

Closed-toe footwear is recommended when riding the chairlift and the Alpine Slide. Children must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall to ride the chairlift. Children must be at least 6 years old and 42 inches tall to ride solo on the Alpine Slide.

For additional information, call 970-385-2168

***Summer activities require a signed release prior to participation. HYPERLINK "http://www.durangomountainresort.com/assets/2010%20Summer%20Activities%20Releaseb.pdf" \t "_blank" Click here for release.
Scenic Chairlift
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The summer chairlift takes visitors from the base area through a peaceful mountain forest to the top of the Angel's Tread ski run. Take a round-trip ride, or hop off at the top and enjoy the spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains. Hiking trails traverse the mountain through meadows of wildflowers.

9 am - 4 pm (weather-permitting)
$5 per ride

Closed-toe footwear is recommended when riding the chairlift and the Alpine Slide. Children must be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall to ride the chairlift.

Summer activities require a signed release prior to participation. HYPERLINK "http://www.durangomountainresort.com/assets/2009%20Summer%20Activities%20Releaseb.pdf" \t "_blank" Click here for release.
HYPERLINK "http://www.durangomountainresort.com/assets/2010%20Summer%20Activities%20Release.pdf" \t "_blank"

Durango Mining Co.
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Up in them there hills there's treasure to be found! So much treasure, that Durango Mining Company put it in bags so you don't have to go trapesin' all across the great San Juan Mountains to find 'em! In fact, we got a whole new setup for minin'! 

Come join us for a load of fun, a mother load mind you, at Durango Mountain Resort. Find gems and even fossils, and have a good time doing it.

Bags are $7 each.
This activity is not included in the Total Adventure Ticket.





Bungee Tramp
Bungee Tramp
Bungee Jump provides a safe and fun way for the entire family to experience "big-air" in the mountains. This exciting activity combines the adrenaline rush of a trampoline and bungee jumping in a safe and controlled environment. $9 per 2 minute session.

Summer activities require a signed release prior to participation. HYPERLINK "http://www.durangomountainresort.com/assets/2010%20Summer%20Activities%20Releaseb.pdf" Click here for release.
Horseback Rides
INCLUDEPICTURE "http://www.durangomountainresort.com/assets/Images/1_Horseback%20Rides_2010_Web.jpg" \* MERGEFORMATINET HYPERLINK "http://www.buckslivery.com/" \t "_blank" 

Buck's Livery - Horseback Rides
Adventure on horseback! Experienced wranglers will help you explore the San Juan National Forest & Cascade Canyon on a horse that fits your ability level. 1 hour, 2 hour, 1/2 day, and all day rides are available. Try the Sunset Dinner Ride - a 2 hour ride followed by Colorado steaks or chicken grilled over an open fire. Kids & special menu items also available. For more information and reservations, call 970-385-2110. 8 person, 2 Hour minimum for dinner rides. 


1 Hour Ride
$35
2 Hour Ride
$65
Half Day Ride
$145
Full Day Ride
$225
Special Ride - 2 hr. experienced riders
$105
Pony Ride
$25
Walk-in Dinner only (no ride included)
$35
Mini Golf
Mini Golf
Our 18-hole miniature golf course is a challenge for golfers of all ages. Lush greens and unique obstacles stand between you and par for the course. We supply the ball and putter, you bring the stroke.

Summer activities require a signed release prior to participation. HYPERLINK "http://www.durangomountainresort.com/../../../../assets/2010%20Summer%20Activities%20Releaseb.pdf" Click here for release.
9:00 am - 5:00pm (weather permitting)
Adults - $5 Children - $3


Distances INCLUDEPICTURE "http://www.ouraycolorado.com/photo/57/3" \* MERGEFORMATINET
Durango: 80 miles (2 hours)
Telluride: 47 miles (1 hour)
Montrose: 34 miles (40 minutes)
Silverton: 23 miles (40 minutes)
Cortez: 125 miles (3 hours via Telluride)
Grand Junction: 96 miles (2 hours)
Mesa Verde: 110 miles (3 hours)
Moab: 133 miles (3 hours) 
Colorado Springs: 267 miles (5-6 hours)
Denver: 300 miles (6-7 hours)
Albuquerque: 300 miles (6 hours)

This is just some of the amazing things to do in Durango and the surrounding areas. Some of us get bored or like to try new adventures. This is just to get you started. Enjoy!! Brittney.

Cameron and Ashley wedding{Cliff's last dance}