Stop This Train

I have had the privilege of growing up with my grandparents close, both physically and emotionally. For this I have been blessed a million times over. So several years ago when my Grandpa fell ill, I began to prepare myself for the day when he passed thinking it would be the worst day ever. Well, although it has been much later then I thought it would, today that time came. I think that often time people prepare themselves for when a loved one dies, but not for when a loved one lives-especially long enough to deteriorate and die slowly. So for this reason among others, I have found that rather then full of sadness I feel full of gratitude, contentment and excitement for him. My Grandpa was a great man, full of life and vitality, and now he gets to be that yet again.
He is going home, to a better place to be reunited with much of his family and friends that he hasn't seen for decades. The world was a better place for him, and I know this heaven will be to.
Having had had years of time to watch him linger, often in pain was rough. But in my experience, he never once lost his perspective, positive attitude or mind-all of which have been rocks to me in times where I've felt bad for myself even though he had it much worse. That’s why I remember the first time I heard this song-because at least for me it defined mine and my Grandpa's relationship, as well as his example to me. There have been so many times in life where I feel weighed down-as if all I wanted in the whole world was to say 'Stop this train. I wanna get off and go home again.' As if its all just too much and all I want is a break from this life and this world. But then I think about conversations or experiences I've had with him and the lessons he taught me. I can almost hear him saying these words to me when I've confided my feelings in him,

"So scared of getting older
I'm only good at being young
So I play the numbers game to find away to say that life has just begun
Had a talk with my old man
Said help me understand
He said turn 68, you'll renegotiate
Don't stop this train
Don't for a minute change the place you're in
Don't think I couldn't ever understand
I tried my hand
Tried honestly we'll never stop this train"

If anybody ever wanted to stop this train I'm sure it was him at some point or another-but he understood that its not up to us and so he continued to live life to the best of his ability and make the most of it. That whether we want to or not we'll never stop this train and that is not a sad thing-it is a wonderful thing. And someday we'll look back and realize that were glad we couldn't or didn't. Because every moment is precious-and when the day comes when our train reaches its destination and stops on its own, we will be grateful for every second and every person we've had the opportunity to know and serve. That’s how my grandpa lived his life-he lived it even when it wasn't easy and did his best to be happy about it and to serve other people.

Anyways-I know everyone reacts to things like death differently and I've even heard that this song makes some people sad. But I love it. And I love my Grandpa and the person he was and is. I am happy he is home now. I'm happy I know that we will see each other again because our family is forever. I'm glad his train has reached its destination and that that he showed me how wonderful my own train ride can be. Rest in peace Grandpa. I love you and am so happy for you!

                    

Things I Will Miss

I think I have the tendency to think about all the negative things about Rexburg, especially the longer we are here. For that reason, I wanted to take a minute to write some things that I have loved and will miss about it..cuz it has been a good place for us in many ways. WARNING though, there are ALOT of pictures. So here goes. I will miss..

1. The people..

Sometimes living in this bubble can be draining, but many of the people here are phenomenal. I think I am realizing that we will probably never be in a place again where virtually everyone is close to our age and point in our life. It has made for some amazing friendships and incredible times. I know people say that they will always keep in touch, but I am excited to hold up my end of that deal and I know many of my friends will do the same and we will be friends for years to come. So I will miss the people, and I am grateful for the ones we have met here.

2. How cheap everything is..

Now that we are starting to figure out living expenses outside of Rexburg, I am realizing how cheap everything is comparatively at least. While I knew that this would be the case with California, even Oklahoma and most other places are more expensive. The rent here, activities indoor and outdoor, and amenities that school here offers [free tutoring, gym and super cheap outdoor activities, etc.] are unbeatable.

3. The nature/outdoor activities..

Think about it-since we have been married, we have gone cross country skiing twice, ice caving, hiking, camping, to many lakes and rivers, parks and mini water parks, canoeing, to places like Bear World, to bonfires, and COUNTLESS other thing. Most of which, for free or ridiculously cheap. Seriously, I can't say enough about the nature and activities Rexburg has to offer. I will miss that a lot.

4. The dessert places..

I stand by the fact that Rexburg simply doesn't have the best restaurants-but I can easily excuse them on these because the many dessert places they have to offer are so good. G's dairy's ice cream is the freshest, best ice cream I've ever had. Cocoa Bean cupcakes & drinks are delicious and creative, and Nielson's custard is basic, but deep in taste. They have several good ice cream places, frozen yogurt joints, and yummy pie spots. And again, all of it is a relatively good price.

5. The temple on the hill

I don't think people who live so close to the temple appreciate what a blessing that is. I love looking at it every night, glowing on the hill, and knowing that I can be there within minutes to know how much God loves me, looks after me and makes it possible of me, Lester and our family to be a forever one.

Again, our time in Rexburg has not been all fun and games-it has tested us, but also helped us to grow and learn, and I will always cherish it as the place where Lester and I started on our journey of marriage.

Camping At Beaver Dick

So before I say anything on this post it is about time I gave a shout out to our friends Steph and Emil. I feel like lately the blog looks like we do all these fun things like its no big deal-like canoeing, camping, getting ice cream deals, etc etc. But none of that would have been possible if they hadn't given us their 'starving student' card [which basically just hooks you up w tons of discounts and deals in our area] to use once they moved. All the things that we have been doing lately seriously would in no way have been possible without them...like the canoe rental on the fourth? FREE! The tent we grabbed to camp in last night? FREE! And so on and so forth..so thanx guys..even when your not here you make us have lots more fun haha!

Anywho, back to yesterday. We had been wanting to go camping all summer, but what with Lesters schedule and my initially being sick this semester, this didn't seem to be possible. We had tried to plan it in advance, but the only weekend all four of us were available was this one, and Lester was scheduled for a 24 hr shift. So when he got the phone call that it was cancelled, we literally dropped everything and went camping prep crazy. We picked up the tent and few other things from the ORC here, grabbed stuff for roasting dinner and dessert, packed our backs, swimsuits and everything else we could think of and headed over to Beaver Dick, where the Tait's met us there. Just like that. Maybe that doesn't sound that crazy to some, but being from the bay area, there is no way that would be a possibility. Our campsite was 5 bucks for the night, complete with a fire pit, picnic table, and lake 2 steps away. I think that is one of the things I will miss the most about Idaho-the fact that there are so many GORGEOUS places you can go to for dirt cheap or free to enjoy nature. Where I'm from, a campsite like that would be booked for months in advance and be upwards of 60 bucks. But anyways.

While the Tait's got packed and headed over, Lester and I set up the camp site and went for a quick dip in the lake. By the time we hit the water, we were dying because it was so hot, so Lester literally jumped in. It was sooo refreshing. By the time they got there, we hung out for a bit, then started our fire and grilled up some Polish dogs and Bratwursts [with pickles of and all the condiments of course-Jimmy Johns has the best pickles PS]. After just chilling for a few hours, the boys ran back to civilization to grab a few things we forgot, and me and Britt hung out by the fire. By the time they got back it was dark and we got right to cooking the smore's and setting up to watch the scary movie we had brought on one of our laptops. Lester and I were party poopers and we fell asleep before the movie was over [it was like two by then] and so the Tait's eventually turned it off and hit the sack too. Like clockwork, baby girl woke me up at 4:30 and it was already starting to get pretty and light outside-I can never sleep in when I'm camping so when everyone woke up it was good. We ate pop tarts for breakfast, cleaned up camp and hung out for a little bit before heading out and back to responsibility at around nine thirty ish.

Lester and I have been super productive since we've been home, but I think we both wish we could have had maybe one more day out there. Oh well-it was fun while it lasted! Now-back to productivity!

Independence Day 2012

Just like the rest of the world, we spent this 4th of July outside in the sunshine-and I now have the sunburn to prove it haha! But we'll just focus on the positive that it will eventually turn into a tan, and talk now about the fun stuff.

Thanks to some of our friends, Lester and I had a free canoe rental waiting for us the morning of the fourth. So after sleeping in and packing ourselves a picnic, we strapped that sucker up to our little truck and headed out. The canoe was about as big as our vehicle, so it was a bit of an interesting ride there, but that's how we like it! Our plan was to just take some nice, one on one time and canoe down the Snake River. Once we got to the spot we were going to start, our awesome friends drove our car down the river and parked it there for when we got back. The weather was gorgeous and we had SO much fun just being the two of us, lazy and carefree for the first time in a long time. One thing I love about our relationship is that we NEVER run out of things to talk about, and I don't think we ever will. It is rare to find someone you fit that well with I think-and even if someday we do, we just like being together. So it was nice. There were parts where we paddled, parts where we chilled, parts where we hopped out and swam for a bit, and parts where we docked to eat our lunch. Over all it was a lot of fun, and it took about 3 hours-longer then we expected but we were OK with that.

After docking and getting back home, we watched Mission Impossible which I had never seen [Independence Day wasn't available dang it haha!] and ate ice cream. We recuperated from the heat for a while longer, before we eventually hooked up with our friends that Tait's and BBQ some burgers and other good stuff. After that, we headed over to the nearby park to try to catch some fireworks. Several others did the same, so when the sprinklers randomly went off on all of us it was funny to see how fast we were all able to move. We ended the night back at our place watching a scary movie.

I suppose it doesn't sound like the most patriotic Independence Day, but I like to think that we celebrated exactly the way our forefathers meant-taking full advantage of our freedoms with the people and things we love most. Now we'll just have to see if we can make it through the next two weeks, and then we'll be heading home for a bit!

Awesome, Whirlwind Weekend

This weekend has just been a WHIRLWIND of fun stuff. I think for me, most of it centered around the fact that my AMAZING friends Brittney and Erica threw me and baby girl a baby shower before we leave Rexburg for good! And who can't have fun when your partying with so many of your favorite friends? Two of my sisters and a close friends were even able to come from Utah for it, so we made it a whole weekend extravaganza. 

The shower was at Nature Park, and what with the weather being so hot, this was perfect. At first I kept wondering how they were gonna decorate being that it was outside, but man did they throw down! They made the cutest tissue paper flower lantern things along with other hanging ornaments and fans to hang around the gazebo thingy we had it in. They used lots of bright colors and yummy food, just like I like! They know me so well haha! It looked, and was BEAUTIFUL! It was a great turnout too, with people from my wards here, home, old roomies and so many other things! I don't know how I got so lucky to call all these cute and wonderful women my friends-and they spoiled me and my sweet girl rotten too! Throughout the course of the shower we socialized, played a few good games, ate some delicious food, opened presents and just overall enjoyed ourselves. I seriously could not have asked for a better day, and I loved every second of it. THANK YOU to everyone who came and helped, especially Brittney and Erica!

[Don't know if you can tell, but those cute flower were actually a present! Some of them were onsies rolled into flowers! CUTE right?]

[Like I said, the colors were bright, and the food delish! We had cupcakes and deli sandwiches!]

 [Did I mentioned I got spoiled?]

 [These are the party hosts, Brittney on my left then Erica on my right!]

 [We played a game where the girls had to guess how big around my stomach was, and whoever was closest won!]

 [Fun present opening!]

 [This was the whole awesome group!]

 [Me and the girls from my home ward!]

 [My friends from my ward here!]

[Me and my old roomie Britt!]

As I said, when we started the shower it was warm-just right in fact. But by the time it ended it was getting pretty warm. So my sister, Steph, Carra and I swim-suited up and headed over to the small water park they have here called Rexburg Rapids. We spent two hours in and out of the lazy river and pool, both getting some much needed Vitamin D. I can't tell you how nice it was to feel weightless again, haha! But seriously though it took some stress off my lower back, which is right where she has been sitting close to, so it really was a nice relaxing feeling in the pool. We spent the rest of the night watching Modern Family, making lumpia [YUM!] and hanging out.

The next day, Lester headed off to his meetings and eventually, we all headed over to church. There was a theme and feeling of patriotism, and gratitude [with no political rants thank goodness] which brought the spirit and was great. Over all, church was fun, and it was nice having Lester home with us a bit after that. Once we got home, we made some pb&j's, grabbed a giant towel and some card games and picnicked at Porter Park. We finished our visit later at home by playing a few more games and eating waffles for dinner. 

[The out of towers who came so far to see me! Thanks girls!]

[Me and my freakin handsome hubby! Get some!]

Like I said, now that its over all I can do is look over all the cute baby stuff and pictures and think how lucky I am to have the people in my life that I do. Seriously AWESOME whirlwind weekend.