As Summer Ends

September has arrived, Labor Day has come and gone, and so in an effort to summerize the season (get it?  "summarize!!"), allow me to elaborate on a few events and thoughts.  I really really really love summer.  Actually, I do enjoy the seasons, and know I truly would miss any of them, but I have to admit that summer is my favorite.  Summer came late this year to the northwest.  We had a cool June, so in my book it wasn't really here until July.  So far September looks to be fabulous. . . we have high 80's, low 90's forecast for the next 10 days, so I think Mother Nature has her dates a little off.  It looks like September is the new August.  When I consider the wacky weather all over the world it's apparent that this anomaly isn't regional.  I love sunshine, so I'm not complaining.

Yesterday, Labor Day, we participated in our Stake's annual Labor Day 5K Fun Run.  I've run it every year for the past 15 years.  It seems that my time is pretty much the same every year.  I know I've slowed down a bit, but I think I turn it up a notch during this race.  After all, my goal is to beat Brent, and I managed to best him by a minute this year!  It's really kind of aggravating that he runs about twice a month while I go almost every day--but oh well, at least he's in shape enough to do that!  I tease him that he gets his training in every day when he paces as he talks on the phone.  Some days I swear he logs at least 3 miles. 

Aren't we cute in our matching outfits?  I got dressed first, and we didn't even realize it
until we were in the car headed to the race.  Pretty funny.

In my previous post I paid tribute to Lisa and her family.  As this blog is also my journal, I want to add a few thoughts here.  Lisa passed away on August 12th.  Jace and I left Spokane on August 18th for Utah (Brent followed several days later).   We had planned to leave the following week to take him back down to BYU, but of course our schedule was moved up.  The funeral services for Lisa were both heartbreaking and uplifting.   Tears flowed easily as we remembered her, honored her, and continued to learn from her as she was remembered.  Her sister, brothers, and all of her children shared their love for Lisa in beautiful tributes.  It's hard to imagine that she is no longer here on this earth, but it is not hard to imagine Lisa in heaven. She is the definition of an angel. 

One of the ironic silver linings surrounding death is that it gives the living an opportunity to renew relationships and to see family and friends that we've missed. It was nice to see cousins, family and friends I haven't seen in so long. The doctrine of the family is so beautiful. . . our Heavenly Father's plan is divine.

On the left is my Mom and her twin sister, Aunt Lois.  You can see the resemblance easily. My poor Mom was heartbroken and it was a pretty hot afternoon.  Such an emotional time.
On the right is my cousin Teria, Lois' daughter.
Teria came up from Las Vegas with her Mom (who flew in from North Carolina) to support Jerry.
It is always great to see them both.

On the left is Jace and his cousin, Melissa.  She is Lisa and Jerry's 2nd daughter.  She leaves tomorrow for a mission
to Warsaw, Poland!  She will be one awesome missionary!
 Melissa is so like her Mom--tiny and petite with a BIG heart and spirit.
 On the right is Brent and my oldest Brother, Craig.  They are only 5 days apart in age.
 Pretty handsome dudes for some old guys, uh?

After that first weekend Jace and I headed to Richfield for a few days.  Jace went golfing and fishing with Grandpa, which he enjoyed very much, and Mom and I made our trip to Walmart.  On Tuesday we moved Jace into his apartment at The Colony south of campus.  We made it to the BYU Bookstore and bought groceries too, so I guess he's set--he has a bed, books and food--what more does he need??  Oh yeah, we also met lots of friends and mission buds.  He didn't waste any time getting into the groove of life as a single guy in P-town.

I also was able to help Brittney and Camille and bit.  Brittney was getting their basement apartment ready for new renters, so we thoroughly cleaned a bathroom and retiled a kitchen floor.  So fun.  I've never seen so much stuff for 4 single guys. . . and they say girls have stuff!  I also helped Camille paint her family room in their new home.  She finally found the perfect color.  Of course there was also time for lunches, shopping, a movie, and just good ol' chill time.  It was great seeing all of my kids every day.

On Saturday we had a baby shower for Megan (Jerry's oldest daughter) who is having her baby the first week of October.  She received so many nice things from her friends and family!  Wow, I am constantly amazed at all the cool baby stuff there is out there these days.  Its a wonder my children even survived without all the gadgetry.  I'm saving my money now--when "grandmotherhood" comes around, I'm going to go crazy! 

Megan and her gifts!  Sitting by her is McKayla, the youngest.  She's equally awesome!  BTW, the baby that Brittney is holding is the daughter of my other niece, Megan Hammond.  Brittney was watching Frankie Jane that day. 

The last day there, Sunday, was Melissa's farewell for her mission.  There was another lovely dinner hosted by their Stake/Ward/Neighbors.  The service that has been extended to Jerry's family is commendable.  They have been such an example to me.  We all thank them so much.

So as I reflect on this summer, it's been one of joy and good times, and also one of sadness and grief.
  I guess it's been like life in general.  I've thought alot about the power of love, and how it evokes the deepest most intense feelings.  Because we love we feel joy, and because we love,
we feel heartache.  It's that "opposition in all things" doctrine that can be so hard sometimes. 
I'm so thankful for the atonement, for faith, hope and charity.
 And ultimately, I'm grateful for family, because family is where it's at. 

Family is everything. 

I am so blessed.