Blue Lake Ridge

Something's missing here? Can you see it? Can you see me... no.... it's because I couldn't make it to the reunion :( Life events happened the day we were to travel to Colorado, and I wasn't able to make it to the tri-year family reunion.

I realized though that I REALLY needed to get away and have a break. So the Sharp's and I went camping. My sister located a great spot just north of Strawberry, Arizona (2.5 hours north). We found a great location, and it allowed us to be in a secluded spot. We visited Blue Lake Ridge on Saturday and had a blast in the cooler water and weather. In honor of this celebration break, I created a video of events that took place that weekend.

Radiating light

My niece just recently moved to the other side of the USA this week. I am going to miss her terribly. Especially since she was finally starting to get to know me better, and we could play with each other more. I have been learning a lot recently regarding how, even the smallest things we do or feel will affect others in this world. Working with kids are teaching me some of these basic principles. I also realize that one person can make an impact on this world more than we realize. A quote that I have liked and have been thinking about recently is:

"The effects of your words and acts is tremendous in this world. Every moment of life you are changing to a degree the life of the whole world. Every man has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape it. Into the hands of every individual is given a marvelous power for good or evil. It is simply the constant radiation of what a man really is. Every man by his merit living is radiating a state of radiation. To exist is to be the radiations of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his character. You will select the qualities that you will permit to be radiated."

President David O. McKay, General Conference Report, Oct 1969, 87

Microwave Cooking

These past few months have been incredible as I am learning more about myself and my health. I feel like my health has been greatly improving and becoming stronger each day through small (and big) changes I have been making. One thing that I have learned is how I don't do well with the microwave. A few months ago, I had several friends talk to me about the microwave and it's effects on them. I decided to do my own experiment with this. I didn't use the microwave for a week. When I started to use it again, I couldn't believe the difference I felt. When I started to use the microwave without using it, I was amazed at how I noticed more that I didn't feel quite as right after I ate. I also noticed that I didn't need to take as many digestive enzyme pills when I didn't use the microwave before eating. I have been learning how the microwave get's so hot, that it will change the protein molecules in the food, and kill a lot of the digestive enzymes that our foods natural have. This may be one reason they recommend you don't microwave baby bottles. But I just wanted to pass on this bit of information I have learned for myself, in case anyone else may be having a hard time with food or digestion. Plus I have noticed that although it may take 5 minutes more to cook... the food tastes much better...

Spot the Car

I feel like I have been busy this summer with trips, events, and work. I love traveling and seeing new (and old sites). I have great memories with traveling with my family to various places (remember the sock and windshield wiper... or playing GHOST). I am currently planning on going on another road trip this week to Denver, CO for a family reunion. As I get ready for this drive, I keep thinking of games that are played in the car and wanted to share a clip from a well known (and quoted) movie... let the drive begin....

Family Dinners

This summer, it feels like we have been getting together more frequently as a family for dinners and celebrations. This has been a lot of fun, as I have been able to see more of my nephews and nieces that I am not able to see as often. This past celebration we had on July 4th. It was also a farewell dinner for my brother, Steven and his family as they are moving to Michigan for work. My mom commemorated the event with a "Michigan" dinner... pasties and Boston Coolers (Vernor's and ice cream), and Blueberry cake. I couldn't refuse the food, as I rarely get these, and they are some of my favorites. Unfortunately I was also reminded that I can't eat these foods afterwards.... but it was sooooo worth it :)My mom with the infamous "Aunt Ginny's Blueberry" cake... it was sooooo good!

Steven preparing to make his "Boston Cooler"His Uncle Don was able to get him to laugh so hard that daySeveral people took advantage of the day off... and slept....Last family picture pose.... until October :)

Lindsay's visit!

My sister Lindsay, and her sweet boy came and visited us for a week in June. We had so much fun with watching movies, going swimming, talking, making food, and trying to keep cool... She flew down to Arizona, and then drove up with me to Utah as I went up to present for a Conference at the University of Utah regarding music therapy and substance abuse. The whole 2 weeks still feels like a whirl wind of events. Unfortunately I didn't get many pictures. Here are a few I have, and then a place you can read more about the trip:

I got an opportunity to party/ dance with my nephews and nieces before dinnertime...

Sweet Sedona

In May, I woke up one Saturday morning, and realized I needed a break that day. I woke up my niece and asked if she wanted to go on a road trip with me (....who can refuse an aunt's road trip request at 6am?). We left early that morning and spent the day in Sedona, Arizona (about 2 hours north of Phoenix). The drive was so much fun. We stopped at Montezuma Castle, then spent a few hours in one part of Sedona. It was raining when we arrived at Sedona, and it was COLD rain, not just the warm rain in Phoenix. I heard it snowed not too far from there. We ended up having to buy hats as it was sooo cold. We also got hot water at the Starbucks, so that we could keep out hands warm from the hot cup. It was a great day. Jessica was my photographer for the trip. She has an amazing talent with the camera. Here are just a few of the pictures....Our first bathroom break at an Albertson's just outside of Phoenix... we hit so much road construction and traffic in Phoenix that it took us an extra hour to get out of the city...

Montezuma's castle.... these are homes that they would build and live in as a large community. I think they were telling us that about 100 people were thought to have lived in this home.Jess checking out the tunes to listen to... and her Aunt's latest podcast... favorite for this trip... They Might Be Giants...Sedona view...

Pictures could not express this well enough... the red rock in Sedona is amazing and so peaceful