Reminisce

Reminiscing on childhood days never fails to take me back to Nisson's V&S Mercantile, affectionately known as Old Nisson's by us Dogtowners. A highlight of my early existence was the gathering of many tangle-haired, bucktoothed, and barefoot neighbor kids to the corner of Cottonmill and Scenic Drive for our display of entrepreneurship. Packets of Flavor-aid mixed and ready to sell- maybe a quarter a cup, probably less if we wanted any kids to purchase. If the heavens were smiling upon us on a particular day, one of our mothers would let us make popcorn to add to the menu- air-popped, butter-smothered, and table salt-sprinkled. Sister Bourgoin would buy two bags and likely pay us three times more than we were asking. 

Once the plastic pitchers were emptied, we'd divvy up the profit, find some form of foot-wear, and make the mile trek to visit Quentin. Up the red-dust road past the ball diamond, through the cemetery (stop for a drink from the hose), down the steep hill and into the original Washington park, carefully across Telegraph... AND THERE WE WERE! Old Nisson's. Penny candy to our hearts' content! Slap Stix, Laffy Taffy, Smarties Pops, Fun Dip, and boxes of Lemonheads and Cherry Clan candies. Airheads, Whistle Pops, Chick-O-Sticks, and the Popeye Sugar Sticks we weren't supposed to buy because of their resemblance to cigarettes (we were rebels). I can smell the store now- old and sweet- as I recall our countless visits. 

Poor Quentin patiently put up with us and our frugal shopping. Determined to make the very most of our funds, we returned numerous times to the counter, budgeting very strategically to dodge the tax system. I'm certain I made out with at least five more swedish fish each trip then I would have otherwise. Come to think of it, the old shopkeeper may very well have trained us on how to work the loophole. "If you buy six Sourpatch Kids instead of seven, you won't have the penny tax," I remember hearing. Brilliant. 

Loaded brown paper bags in hand, we'd stop at the park to swing in the shade for a few minutes, or hang out on the antique fire engine fixed in the gravel of the playground, before heading home- uphill this time- in the heat. At journey's end, we'd sprawl out on the grass admiring our good fortune and giggle into the night watching the stars come out. 

Originally posted on Facebook May 3, 2011

A Letter

Dear Little One,

You will be arriving soon. And your presence has been long anticipated- much longer than the nine months you've been growing inside of me. Throughout my life, I have often thought of you. I have prayed for you. You've been one of the most influential factors in the important life decisions I've made through the years. And very soon, finally, I get to meet you.

There has been something on my mind the past few days as I've been folding your tiny clothes, making your bed, and feeling your anxiousness to enter the world. It is something I'm sure your spirit knows now and I intend to help you remember as you move through mortality. Remember, child, that this world and this life are exquisitely beautiful.

The earth is an abundance of miracles, tiny and grand, to be appreciated every day. Be sure to notice the sunrise. Hear the birds sing. Climb mountains. Rest under the shade of an aspen canopy, close your eyes, and get lost in the quaking rustle of leaves. Be present. Savor this place. Appreciate.

And, oh! The people! This is the richest part of life. You have a family who love you already and will stay by your side always. Heavenly Father will bring countless others of His children into your life. Some of these relationships will be brief, others life-long- take none of them for granted. See the good in everyone with whom you cross paths. Recognize what they have to offer. Seek to lift.

I must say, you will face adversity as you maneuver this life. Many challenges will come your way. Hard things happen- really hard things. Answers to some questions are indefinitely postponed. And while I will do my best to protect you, you will inevitably see there is darkness that exists in this world- ugly things meant to distract us from that which is good. The thing I want you to know is that these difficult experiences can add some of the greatest beauty to our mortal journey. As we stay focused on Christ, the trials and testing only bring us closer to Him. These are sacred opportunities to make life what it is meant to be- a wonderful, sanctifying, eternal treasure.

President Hinckley was the prophet through my teenage years. He often spoke about what a special time it is to be alive. "I do not know what we did in the preexistence to merit the wonderful blessings we enjoy. We have come to earth in this great season in the long history of mankind. It is a marvelous age, the best of all."

So, my babe, we can't wait to welcome you to this stunningly beautiful world at the very best time! Remember, whatever comes, that life is good. It is so so good.

With all my love and hope,
Your mother

Forty Years Stronger

Dean and I often mention how blessed we are to have so many wonderful examples of good marriage in our lives. From grandparents, parents, and siblings to friends and church leaders, we are fortunate to be surrounded by strong, happy couples. I am sure this is one of the great factors that has contributed to a blissful transition into married life for us. We've witnessed first hand God's pattern for marriage and family applied in daily life year after year. 

I loved what President Packer had to say about this kind of marriage. "... If you suppose that the full-blown rapture of young romantic love is the sum total of the possibilities which spring from the fountains of life, you have not yet lived to see the devotion and the comfort of longtime married love. Married couples are tried by temptation, misunderstandings, financial problems, family crises, and illness, and all the while love grows stronger. Mature love has a bliss not even imagined by newlyweds."

Today, my own parents celebrate 40 YEARS of righteous marriage. Together, they brought into this world and raised nine strong children. They taught us truth and provided everything we need to find joy. They have worked and served in the home, at church, and in the community, blessing countless lives beyond our own family. They are influential grandparents to 15 beautiful, smart, kind, and solidly good kids (with numbers 16 and 17 arriving soon).

Through these decades they have faced difficulty and heartbreak in many forms. Yet, I can say that in my 31 years of life, I cannot recall one fight, unkind word, or moment of disrespect between them. They honor one another. They each respect the other's roles and express appreciation. They consistently work together, focused with faith in Christ, to accomplish the great work of FAMILY. And they love one another. 

Thank you, Dad and Mom, for your wonderful marriage and for showing us the way. Happy Anniversary! We love you!