Social Distancing Outside

The next few days were spent mostly in Sand Hollow State Park.  David and Levi went mountain biking and I did some sidewalk chalk for some friends that we couldn't actually go and see but for the most part, we spent time in the sand dunes and water at Sand Hollow.

 Ok, this dang fish "Corry" has been on many road trips with our family, if it involved water.  He is a running joke with Brigham and our family and let me tell you, if we ever lose him it will be a sad day!

This extended weekend was just what our little family needed.  Despite what some people say, you can get out and still self isolate.  We just did it outside in Southern Utah this weekend.  And it was beautiful!

"Social Distancing" in St. George

Since the world has been in quarantine, pretty much everyone has been in some kind of new way of life.  Some has seen small changes while others has been huge.  For me, it is small.  The only difference is me homeschooling Hyrum and Ruger being home all the time now.  Levi and Brigham take care of their own schooling.  David is still at work.  I was still in school until about 2 weeks ago.  

I hate to admit it, because I know there are people who have major changes with this but I was a little jealous of the husbands who now get to stay home.  I know that could seem insensitive to some because some of those husbands are out of work now.  I just wish I could be "forced" to stay home with my husband.

A few weeks ago was spring break from school and originally we were going to spend it in St. George with David.  But there was a heavier lockdown in Utah than now.  You were supposed to stay in your county unless it had something to do with work.  But last week was really hard on both David and I.  When he came home for the weekend, we both had had it and he asked for sometime off and we just decided we were going to go to St. George with him the following weekend (this weekend).  Come to find out, though, the governor had put less restrictions on the state that day and we were able to travel anyways!

 (On our way to St. George, Utah)

 On the first full day that we were in St. George we went to a place just inside of Arizona called Glitter Mine (Glitter Mountain).  It is just a few mounds with crystal selenite everywhere.  It makes it sparkle in the sunlight and it is definitely a site to see!

 We went back to the patron housing and took a nap but later that evening we went to the mountains over by the big "Dixie" sign on one of the mountains.  It was probably one of the most peaceful places I've been to.  It was so unique and just beautiful.

Ok, so this was definitely out of my comfort zone.  Actually, Hyrum struggled with it too.  See me clinging on for dear life to my husband?  Yeah, Hyrum and I struggled with the heights on parts of this hike.

(Here we are on one the tallest mountains there with the St. George temple in the background)

When I Realized I Do Something Because of Her

Grandma has been on my mind today.  Actually, a lot this week.  In one of my classes, we are going over the importance Grandparents has in someone's life.  A few things here and there has gotten my attention that has made me think of her this week.  But I'll focus on one.

A few days ago I was putting together my online Wal-Mart pick up order.  I'm going through my list of things I need for the upcoming days when I remember General Conference is coming up.  I always get junk food for this occasion.  First thing that comes to my mind is Bugles chips and spray cheese in a can.  Every conference we have this as one of our snacks.  And then it hits me.  Its one of those times that I realize that I do something because of Grandma.  And before I know it, I find myself crying but smiling at the same time.

When Hyrum was around 2-3 years old, we were living in Oklahoma.  Grandma and Grandpa would watch him sometimes.  There are 2 things that I remember Grandma doing with him that sticks out.  One, she would always give him a Hershey's Kiss whenever she needed to change his diaper.  The other was taking a Bugles Chip and filling the hole up with spray cheese, making it look like a mini ice cream cone.  The second one is the one David and I took with us in our own home after seeing it.  But after a while, we stopped doing it so often and only bought the stuff for the mini ice cream cones every six months when it was time for General Conference.

I wonder if she even knew that we do this every conference.  Because of her.

"We must teach our youth to draw close to the elderly grandpas and grandmas. We live now in troubled times. In the lifetime of our youth, the troubles will never be less and will certainly be more. Old folks offer a sure knowledge that things can be endured."  -Boyd K. Packer

(A quote from my Family Relations class this week)