Mabeleine

I write this post today in honor of my best friend and sister in spirit. Mabeleine Yazzie. She died three years ago today in car accident. There hasn't been one day that I haven't thought of her and the hole it left I'm not sure will ever be filled. She was a beautiful young woman who had the sun in her heart and shared it with everyone she knew, so I guess it was only fitting that her tribal name was sun raye. She was the kind of friend to me that some never get in a lifetime. She could hear what I was thinking without me seeing a word. She could make me laugh without even trying and she was alway willing to help others. She had wanted to go into the marines like her brother and then she wanted to become a school teacher. I am grateful for the time I got to spend with her even though I feel it was too short. I am greatful for a gospel that lets me have peace in knowing I will see her again. I love you Mae! I will always think of you and I can't wait to see you again.

Updating

Me and Dana Wilkerson (aka Asay) are having a contest to see who can update our blogs the quickest. The prize of victory? The satisfaction of knowing we are finally current on our blogs. I think Dana is in the lead but I am trying to catch up so keep checking back in for new blogs. Check out dana's blog at http://www.weddedlovers.blogspot.com

The Wall Traveling Memorial

My coworker Heather told me about this Vietnam Wall Traveling Memorial they were having in a park here in Vernal. Obviously since James and I are both really interested in history, patriotism, and showing respect and gratitude for our troops we had to take the family and see it. Can I just tell you that it was awesome. I have both relatives and friends who are either serving or have served our country. My guess is that just about everyone here knows someone who is or has and even if in the off chance you don't you wouldn't have been able to go to this memorial and not feel anything. The day we went was the day they had the bikers ride by on their harleys as a show of respect it was awesome!!!!! You can think all you want about bikers but you know what they love this country!! We had a nice chat with a biker when we were in line getting the kids some P.O.W. M.I.A. dog tags to remember the day by. He was super sincere and friendly. He told us about some of the time he spent serving this great country. So I just want to say thank you to all those who are serving, have served, and their friends and family. Also, a special prayer and thank you to those who died, or those who lost love ones fighting for this country. Thank you and God Bless!!!

James was really touched by it.

Probably my favorite picture of the bike line....the bikes were super cool.

They had small memorials for 9-1-1 and a few of the other wars.

I know these are the same but I was trying to experiment a little with my film camera this day too.

What is the cost of Freedom? Lives.....lots of them. I know that times are bad right now but at least support the many men and women who are trying and have tried to make this the greatest country in the world. GO TROOPS!!!

Dinosaur Museum

I really wanted to take the kids to the new dinosaur museum. Dinosaurs is what makes Vernal a tourist area in the summer (well dinosaurs and the awesome mountains and rivers we have). Anyways I hadn't even been until we took the kids and Aunt Gaylynn. It was pretty awesome. I think the kids really enjoyed it. They seemed to fascinated with all of the bones and stuff. Everyone had a good time and we enjoyed all the artifacts. James' favorite was the fossils and the kids really liked the dinosaur models.

I dunno I think Gaylynn looks pretty fierce? Don't you?

I think the native american artifacts were probably my favorite things to look at.

Mud Boggin'

So yeah obviously we aren't a family afraid of getting dirty. James wanted to take the kids to go see mud boggin super bad, so we went. It was ok but we wish the track had been muddier and longer. Next year James' hopes to soup up his Bronco and compete. My response to this you may ask? You get to wash the car!