Quayd - Letter #9

This week was hard on us all. Quayd's weekly letter to would never show it.  He shared some challenges in a separate letter, and let's just say, he is definitely growing. Again, thanks for the prayers!  Here's his letter. It's VERY long, but WOW, he's growing! BTW, my computer is having issues a.  I hope it works.

Man this week has been amazing! I think something is happening... Now, the past couple weeks I've told you all that we have been doing....nothing! But, we have met amazing people each time a lesson or an appointment has fallen through, so God has kept us busy by talking to new people or just giving blessings or saying prayers. But we want to help change lives and that means teaching the gospel not just bearing testimony of it. I've prayed super hard for a successful week and I think thus far that's what I've been having!!

Brother Brown is one of the coolest guys ever!  This man loves working! I mean he's 80 and he's climbing palm trees. He's 80!!!!!!!  It's so funny every single time we see him, he's always asking what can he do to help. He's always trying to get involved. I don't know why this man does not have a calling! He wants to serve!!!!! 

 Brother Brown was willing to drive us to a store so we could get my companion some shoes.  I feel so bad  because we said that we were going to get shoes, not look around the whole store.  This man, who even though he is old, still has a life, a wife, a tree to climb, waited for an hour.  Brother Brown was driving us home and there was this car parked in the middle of the street.  Being Brother Brown, he pulled over and hopped out of the car. I was willing to do the same, but no one really wanted to get out. I have learned the rule stay within sight and sound and it's hard!!!!

 Like this one time, I was trimming down trees and doing yard work for this member that reminds me of my nana.  Meanwhile,, Joe the guy that had his toes chopped off, was in his wheelchair and asked for some help to move something. I dropped the branches and ran towards him, totally leaving behind my companion and the other missionaries in my district just so I could help, totally forgetting the rule that says stay within sight and sound of each other.   I was running over and I heard the rest of my district yelling at me!! "Hey Corbridge! What do you think you’re doing!?!?" "Elder New Guy or Cornbread, what about your companion!?!?" I responded  "I'm helping Joe move this. Oh, that's right,  I've got to stay within sight and sound....oops!!"  

Anyway back to Brother Brown… he was helping the lady and called us over.  I hopped out of the car and ran over to see what I could do to help.  She told us that she couldn't get the car started. We didn't know what to do but my companion has the smarts and brains. He figured it out and we were able to push the car out of the road.  But, before That, I got the chance to proclaim the gospel and share my testimony.  She shared with us her beliefs also about Jesus Christ. It was a real nice experience.  After that, Brother Brown offered to take us to lunch. I mean, this guy was treating us like kings!  After that I emailed a friend of mine then talked with my parents online, which was the highlight but Brother Brown, there's something about him!

 I've been kinda depressed that we aren't doing anything…no teaching or anything and district meeting did not help at all.  I actually became a little discouraged because the week before, they gave me an assignment to do - The First Vision. On that very day that we were teaching our investigator the importance of the Book of Mormon, he asked us why it was important and who was Joseph Smith? I was so happy! I had a chance to do the commitment! I recited the whole vision by heart and told him before to think of this moment, to be in Joseph Smith’s shoes and feel the spirit.  We gave him a few seconds to ponder and then I asked him how do you feel? I was devastated, heartbroken, crushed, whatever… I was distraught, as he responded "Honestly, I felt nothing except the wind,the people yelling and laughing, music, etc…" He didn't want to feel the spirit. I was devastated that he didn't receive the message like I hoped.  Then, listening to these elders do the exact same thing as I had done and say what I hoped Phillip would have said "wow I felt something!" I was sad feeling a little hopeless,  but I still had faith something would happen...

 Elder Villegas and I came to a spot somewhere that I did not recognize.  He was talking to this one guy in Tagalog and there were these three guys drinking and talking.  One of them looked young like sixteen. I was shy.  At first, I didn't say anything, but I waved at them. The oldest asked what religion I was. My companion was a couple houses down and I was alone in this. I have never had the chance to talk to someone about the gospel by myself. But I was ready.  I told them, “"Mormon. I am a Mormon." To make things short, I was scared to death! I thought they were going to yell, mock, throw things at me because I was alone. I answered every question and soon I was becoming their friend.  Their names are William, Juan and Brandon.  I felt like the apostle Peter or some scriptural hero, teaching the gospel to these strangers!  They were agreeing and laughing with me and were saying how people told them that us Mormons were bad, that we had ten wives and other things, but I explained to them and brought scriptures to their attention. In the circle, as I sat with these men, I bore testimony of the Savior. I actually read to them something I wrote that I was going to email to someone. It was my testimony of the Savior. I never sent it and now I know why. It wasn't time to send it because it was meant for these men and not for the person I had in mind.

 I read them my testimony and they listened intently to my message. For peace or comfort or understanding, I do not know, but they were all eyes and ears and asking questions. I asked if they would like us to come back. they said yes. I was thrilled. They asked if we could pray.  We did!  My companion came back and started talking to them.  It was a good experience, so I learned never to shut your mouth, speak up boldly and Heavenly Father will fill your mouth with power and with truth like Elder Holland said "unbind your tongues and watch your words work wonders.”

 Another highlight interviews with President Dixon, which was awesome! Iearned so much and got great advice from him and his wife. I love them!  They are such fun people and I’m so happy they are my mission presidents.

 We taught Brandon the restoration.  Now I told you that when I taught the restoration before and the investigator did not want to listen. I was worried this would be the same for Brandon. I told him that I was going to recite the first vision. I was still afraid that after I had told him, Brandon would leave. I guess this is where courage and trust must happen, in order to speak boldly and with power and with faith.  I said, “Brandon this part of the message is the most important part. It's what makes all this matter.  I'm going to tell you what happened when this boy had the faith to pray to our Father and before I begin I want you to be in Joseph Smith’s shoes.  Think about your question  and act like you are praying to your Father. Be in his shoes, think of that moment where you prayed for the first time with faith that God our eternal Father would answer.  I promise you that as you do so, you will feel something.  Maybe you've never felt before something peaceful or happy or full of understanding and I want you to know that this is the Holy Ghost testifying these things unto you.  Then, after I'm done I want you to ponder this moment take it within your heart."

  I told him about Joseph smith and his prayer and what he saw! After I had finished, I worried that Brandon was going to get distracted like Phillip. I saw something else! I saw this boy one year older than the prophet of the restoration pondering this moment of truth and I was filled with joy as I watched knowing that he knew this was true! What he said made me come on the verge of tears, as I saw him smile and say “Wow I felt something. I don't know what it is, but I feel this. It just feels nice, I feel like if I ever have a question, I know that I can ask God and he will show me the way or tell me how to follow him.” I told him your absolutely right!"

 We gave him a Book of Mormon. We are going to meet him again this Monday, along with his family. Imagine an eternal family could be taking transformation here!! My testimony was strengthened about Joseph Smith that day. I've always had one about the prophet of the restoration, but seeing the truth come out onto Brandon's face no not his face, but in his eyes was the highlight that made it so much stronger.

 I know that Joseph Smith was called by God to restore Christ’s church and His gospel. Not only that, I know that he translated the Book of Mormon which contains the fullness of it.  This man, like our Savior, suffered much, was persecuted, tarredd and feathered, suffered many trials along with his name being for the good and for the bad of all nations until the end and for what!?!? Because he taught the truth! Because he taught faith in Jesus Christ and repentance! Why didn't they leave him alone? Because they knew the truth! JESUS CHRIST IS THE TRUTH!!! And, yet, even, today, the truth will always be opposed and rejected.

 I know that Joseph smith is and was the prophet who restored all this, who taught me that families can be forever! Or who taught that Christ is the way.  Live his gospel and be saved. He is and was the Savior’s chosen prophet. D&C 128 is one of my favorite scriptures to read. Here are is a couple verses that stuck out "What do we hear in the gospel which we have received? truth! coming from the earth! Mercy from heaven, a voice of gladness for the living and for the dead; tidings of great joy. how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears and in our hearts the glory, and salvation, honor, immortality, and eternal life; Shall we not go on so great a cause?” I know this to be true! Joseph smith is a prophet of God! And president Monson leads us today.

 Before I end this weeks email,  I just want to say this. That light that Christ and our Father has is in each one of us.  We carry some of that light. When Joseph felt like he was doomed to sudden destruction, when the devil tried to stop him, from what could have ended the restoration, what was it that Joseph Smith saw? He said he saw a pillar of LIGHT!! and when that light rested upon him, he saw two personages, who's brightness and glory defy all description. I believe we carry a flare of that light, in our continence and in our eyes,  just by being who we are. Who are we? We are children of our Heavenly Father, sons, daughters, teachers, fathers and mothers, soldiers,warriors, volunteers, whatever it be.

 We are in this battle together. His battle for truth and light.  We are here together to declare it and gather others to fight for it and proclaim it. We are willing to live the gospel and fight for this gospel. The truth that Christ is the way, the only way. We have this light by doing those things. People either come to us, because they see that light and want to get closer to Christ our Savior, or they leave because they see that light and are opposed to it. I love the words from Elder Holland said:  "I ask for a stronger and more devoted voice, a voice not only against evil and him who is the personification of it, but a voice for good, a voice for the gospel, a voice for God. Unbind your tongues and watch your words work wonders in the lives of those who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it."

 We are the voice. Joseph Smith taught that to all of us and in so doing, he sealed this truth with his own blood, claiming that Christ is the way. We either follow him, accept him and testify of him and by so doing find eternal joy or we don't. It's time now to speak boldly, courageously and proclaim the gospel to our friends, our families, our brothers and sisters in the world who have not yet not found that light... the light of Christ, which is in us!

 In this week I have seen what happens when we speak courageously and testify with love.  People can see the light in us, it's just a matter of sharing it with others.  So, let us continue to live the gospel, proclaim it's truth and be ambitious for Christ!!  This is what believers do. THIS IS WHAT MORMON'S DO!!!! and those who listen to us, their lives are changed and our testimonies are stronger.

 I know this email was long but sharing it just builds my testimony and I'm so grateful for the chance to share this truth with you! It's a blessing serving my Heavenly Father and his son Jesus Christ! I'm so thankful for this successful week! It's been absolutely amazing! I want to thank you again for those who have enlightened me, inspired me and there are so many of you that have!! All those who are reading this, you inspire me and I admire your faith!!! those who have prayed for me and the mission. I've seen the miracles of your prayers and those who read my emails I know that I'm not alone. Thank you!  It helps knowing I've got people who care.  May we continue to share our light as members of God’s army!

 The battle is the Lord's!!!!

 -Elder Corbridge

St. George Road Trip!

Buddy had a business trip in Hawaii and Liza asked me months ago if I would come and spend some time with them while he was away.  Carol and I had said months ago that we'd go back to St. George together for my birthday.  Things fell into place that we were able to go for mine and Aylabelle's birthday at the same time that Buddy was away.  HAPPINESS!!! GIRLS NIGHT OUT times FIVE!

We left Wednesday morning first thing and took our merry time getting there.   Lots of stops for Diet Coke, potty breaks, IKEA and treats.  It was a fun and fast drive down.  We had a blast with Liza and Aylabelle!  Here's a few pix of the week!  I brought my computer with me and never even turned it on... we were too busy playing and having fun!

Totally in no random order...  This is the birthday cake the ZJ had made for me to return home too.  She not only made the cake, she made up the recipe!  It was a hot cocoa cake instead of a chocolate cake... and as is obvious, pretzels, pecans, sugar topping and two layers of cake.  WOWSWER!

Mom had us out for lunch one afternoon.  We went had a fun visit!

 

On our last night, we went to dinner at Red Lobster.  Liza had never been.  Aylabelle loved it!  I love this picture of my girls!  Liza's pregnancy is going well.  I'm still trying to adjust to the thought of having three girls to visit in St. George instead of two!

We had to make a quick stop at Taipan in St. George.  It's about twice the size of the Logan store.  After that night on the town, we went home and I taste tested some Ginger drink and discovered that I am extremely allergic to Ginger!  I never knew it but I'll refrain from now on for sure!  I had instant hives and had I not had a prescription antihistamine, I may have made a little trip to the ER.  I think it might be time for me to invest in an Eppi-Pen.  YIKES!!!

 

On the way down, Carol and I were very blessed to miss a four hour traffic nightmare.  Apparently, a semi truck rolled over on I-15, spilling nitrate all over the highway.  We were just behind the rollover and able to get off the freeway quite quickly.  Within moments, we learned that, not only did they shut down the 15, they also shut down the 215, which is the beltway that runs east and west.  For four hours, Salt Lake City was at a stand still.  We were able to breeze off the freeway, being at the front of the mess and took State Street all the way down to IKEA, shopped and were to St. George before the traffic opened up!  We did, however, take the wrong on-ramp in Spanish Fork and ended up heading north instead of South after a Sonic stop.  That put us behind about ten minutes, but it wasn't four hours!!

I bought Aylabelle a few gifts for her birthday, but her favorite was this little elephant game where butterflies fly out of it's trunk and you try to catch them in nets.  She loved it!  I'm glad that Liza is as patient as she is because they've spent a LOT of time catching butterflies this week!

 

She requested cheesecake for her birthday cake.  In her words, "Cheesecake is very important."  She's so right!  Her hair was in the most darling french braids all day, but after chasing butterflies for an hour, her hair turned into a hot, curly mess before cake!

 

  Have I mentioned how much I adore this daughter of mine?!

 We arrived the night before Buddy left for Hawaii.  They treated us to Texas Roadhouse for my birthday dinner.  I was thrilled but refused to ride on the saddle!

 However, since Aylabelle's birthday was the next day, she took a turn and thought it was pretty sweet!

 It was a great vacation, but... I have to admit... after five days at Bear Lake last week and five days in St. George this week, I was ready to see my sweetheart and my girls!  They had everything clean and wonderful when I arrived home. We enjoyed a quiet Sunday evening together and my own bed, next to Doug, felt great!  I slept like a baby!

As much fun as it is to play games, drink cokes, visit loved ones and take road trips, I always am thankful to be home with my family.  Life is good!

birthday interview... my first

Someone said to me recently that I never do my own birthday interview.  So, this year, I thought I would.

Here's her birthday interview:

•     If you could have one super-power, what would it be? To change people's hearts
  
•     What was the last chore you did?  Last chore?  Several loads of laundry, after our fun Bear Lake trip!
•     What's the last service you did?  I took a loaf of fresh homemade bread over to Layne and Julie last night.  I did laundry today. 
•     What is your favorite song?  Forever, it's been "Blessed" by Martina McBride.
•     What's the nicest thing you've done for someone in your family lately?  I would have to say that my letters to Quayd are probably the most appreciated thing that I do as a Mom these days.  Doug is always appreciative of the things that I do for him on a daily basis.  But, writing Quayd is "nice"?
•     What makes you mad? Disrespect and people that are not kind to my kiddos!
•     Where would you like to go on vacation? NYC.  NYC.  NYC.
•     Who's the smartest person in your family?  Doug, by far!
•     How are you like your Mom? Other than physical traits, I don't think we are very much alike.
•     What's one word to describe me?  Right this moment, "COLD!"
•     How are you like Dad?   I look like a lot like my dad.  We both have the gift of gab. Hmm... I kind of fell far from the tree. 
  
  
  
  

•    What's one thing that I always say?  Make good choices. Be gooooooood!  Love you BIG!  Oh, Beans!!  Diet Coke, please?!
•     What's one thing that we did together this year that you'll always remember? Helping Quayd prepare for and then sending him off on his mission.
•     If you had a million dollars, what's the first thing you'd buy?  I'd pay off our new home and then fly straight to NYC!
•     How do I know that Doug loves me? He treats me like a queen!  From footrubs to Diet Coke to even playing games when I know he hates to!
•     What's your favorite cereal? Frosted Mini-Wheats or Honey Bunches of Oats
•     What's your favorite TV show? Survivor and Dancing With the Stars
•     What's your favorite vegetable? Mushrooms! Sweet Potatoes.
•     What's your favorite game?  The one I'm playing.  I LOVE playing games!
•     What's your favorite movie? The Holiday, French Kiss, Sleepless in Seattle, While You were Sleeping
•     What food would you eat every day if you could?  Cream Cheese on ANYTHING.  Cheeseballs!  Cheese cake!  In Casseroles!  On Sandwiches!
•   If you could choose a different name, what would it be? I love my name!
•     What's the first thing you want to show your friends when they come to our home?  The den and the latest family pictures
•     What's the scariest thing you've done this year? Sending Quayd off on his mission!
•     Is your room messy or clean?  Always clean.  Very clean.  Or I get cranky!
•      If you could eat at any restaurant for the rest of your life, where would it be? Elements!
•     What's your favorite candy bar?  Symphony Bars with almonds! But, my favorite candy is chocolate covered orange sticks.  I love Buttered Popcorn Jelly Bellys!  It would be hard to choose between the two!
•  What's the last exciting thing you did? Emailing with Quayd yesterday (and every Monday) was HAPPY EXCITING!  Decorating my home for fall and redoing the entryway was exciting to me.  Sending Quayd on his mission was one of the most exciting things of my life!
•     What's your nickname? Doug calls me "Babe".  Grace calls me "Ma".  Zeej and Liza call me "Ofee".  Carol and her fam, Alan and Jill and their kids call me "Soph or Aunt Soph".  The YSA kids call me Sister C.  My favorite name is probably Babe, followed by Mom.
•     What's the best age to be? The one you are, because you can't change it anyway.  But, I think that 35-45 was pretty awesome.  50 was favorite year.
•     What do you and Doug fight about?  We don't fight.  When we disagree, we usually just say what we think and move on.  When you've been in love 40 years, there's not much left to fight about.
•     What's your favorite thing about life right now? Being a missionary mom is great.  Watching the girls grow up is great!   Being a grammie is great!  I love our home so much.  I love the YSA so much.  Life is pretty good.
•     What's under your bed?   Usually Zulu.
•     What's your favorite holiday?  Christmas is wonderful.  I love the fourth of July.  But, Thanksgiving is the best!
•     What's the best thing about having kids...They keep me on my toes and make me want to be better every day!
•     What were your favorite memories of this past year? Quayd's mission farewell.  Absolutely.  We felt so much love and support for him! Visits with Liza and her family.  Learning that she's having another baby!  A few experiences with our closest circle of friends... getting to know Trish and Dave better, time with Jim and Kristy, spending time with Alan and Jill, lunches with friend Mary Ann, ANYtime with Carol.
•     What was the worse thing that happened this year?  My "chili's foot" still hasn't gotten better. 
• What's the best thing?  Going through the temple with Quayd and seeing him off on his mission... although it was one of the hardest things I've ever dreamed too!
•     What's one word to describe YOU?  Happy!
  
•     What do you know at age 58? I know that the gospel of Christ is the most important thing in my life.  I know that nothing matters as much as Doug and my six kids!  I know that harboring ill feelings doesn't ever help any situation.  I know to "let it go" and move on!  I know that those that matter don't mind and those that mind don't matter.  I know that I married the perfect man for me and that life's to short to sweat the small stuff, so we need to make every moment count.
• Is there anything else you want to say?  Taking the birthday survey is harder than I thought!  Life is good!

Elder Corbridge Letter #8

I have to grin as I read his letters each week and they begin with "nothing really happened."  Then, he proceeds to tell us these unbelievable experiences.  I told Doug, as we read his letter for Family Home Evening, that some of these experiences are experiences that I would have shielded the kids from even knowing about, let alone being right smack dab in the middle of them!  WOW!

I loved the selfie that he sent this week!

 

Hello!  This week, nothing really happened.  

We found this one house.  It turns out it was the wrong person, but we talked for an hour. When we got home, Elder V said we were doing exchanges and that I'm the one who was going to be in charge of my area.

It was going to be a long day but it was a really good day. I actually know my area better than I did before! I didn't have Elder Villegas’ help, but I had the Lord’s help that day and I was thankful.  It turns out that all of our appointments fell through, but, we got to meet a lot of people and had the chance to teach the gospel or help someone in need or talk to amazing members.  It was amazing, what the Lord had planned.  I was so thankful for my exchange companion, who was patient, as I learned to find the people.  It was a good day!

After that, it was just the usual, but, I got to give a lot of people blessings.  My faith was challenged during those times because I didn't know how to give one. I knew how to do it, but, by faith, what to say?  It was hard! I think I did alright though. 

There was this one lady… she's been struggling.  She doesn't want to end her life, but, she's had the tempting power to do so.  She asked for guidance and hope and I'm thankful that I was an instrument to do that.

Another experience - we were riding our bike and this man, dressed like a Nephite, came to us and started talking to us.  He was pleading, saying that he used to be a Mormon, but, left it behind.  He still believes in miracles and in faith and in Jesus Christ.  He explained his situation about how far from home he was, along with his fiancé and how sometimes, she has a “tantrum.”  In just seconds, I heard her screaming, yelling and screaming blood curdling screams and ripping her hair out, scratching herself.  It was as if she were in hell, fighting for her life to get out of the pit of darkness into the life of happiness, but chains were binding her, pulling her down, as she screamed in despair, “Someone help me!” repeating it over and over and over.

 I listened to her and I saw this man, who's faith was being tested, who's humility led him to us, tears streaming down his face, as he said, “Please, Elders! Pray with me.  Pray for my fiancé! I love her and I don't want to lose her.  Please help me have the strength to calm her down.” I wanted to cry.  I wanted to hug this man because of his faith and his love towards his fiancé and his faith in Christ. 

Even when we do not think we are worthy because we have left a church or religion, there is one thing for certain. God will not forsake us.  His son, Jesus Christ, will never forsake us.  He is the way, the only way!  He will never leave.  It’s up to us to choose whether we want to follow him.  Like this man, who left his faith, he knew one thing and that was faith in our Savior can make hard things possible.  Faith in Christ can cure or tame a woman who is panicked and faith in Jesus Christ will make all things calm.  Faith will make us humble and rely on the Lord.

 I know not where this man had the faith to talk to us, but, he was humble, even after leaving everything behind.  He was humble and willing to rely on the Lord.  We said a prayer and I still heard the murderous screams coming from this devastated women.  The fear of hearing her plead for help made my faith in praying for her be calm, but, after that, I hugged the man and told him to never let go of his faith in Christ.  We left.  As we watched him come to his panicked fiancé, I saw a miracle happen!  She was calmed. I left, tears streaming down, because this man had faith to come to us.  He recognized the Savior and His power within us.  He humbly relied on the Lord.  If we are humble, if we are willing to act in faith, leave our own understanding behind and rely on the Lord, we are saved.  We are loved and we are calmed.  

God has a plan for us, for all of us. God made it so that we would meet this man and see the miracle of someone's faith.  It was not us that stopped this women from crying in torment.  It was Jesus Christ, our Savior, our way to happiness.  His love and compassion towards his brothers and sister is what created this miracle. 

Let us never ever forsaken the Savior’s love and also His atoning sacrifice for us.  Let us be humble, open our eyes and seek for opportunities to find him.  In this, there is a change of heart.  In this, there is understanding to peace, love, joy, calmness and mighty change of hearts with faith in Jesus Christ.  I loved the chance to see this.  So, even though nothing has happened this week, something has happened and I'm glad to be a part of it!

Love, Elder Corbridge

He also sent this photo.  He has gone through more retainers than all three of our other orthodonic children together!

 

Gosh, we love this boy of ours!  Life is good!  So is having a missionary son!

Bear Lake fun!!!

My week was pretty structured and I had big plans for lots of things.  The plans completely changed when Carol asked me to join her at her cousin's cabin at Bear Lake for two days.  The plan was for me to go over on Wednesday afternoon and leave first thing on Friday morning because I had plans with Denise to go to SLC for the Luke Bryan concert and we had LDS General Conference plans, as well, at home. 

I arrived at the cabin at 5PM on Wednesday afternoon.  Carol's late husband, Robert's daughter was there with her two kids, a one year and a three year old.  They'd been there for two days visiting.  Carol, Tessa and I cooked steaks on the grill for dinner, then visited until bedtime.  Tessa and her kids left the next morning after an early breakfast, leaving Carol and I alone for the next 24 hours to play cards, drink cokes and enjoy the view from the balcony of the beautiful cabin overlooking the entire valley and lake.  However, plans changed that next day.

 While talking with Doug and telling him how wonderful it was, on Thursday evening, I said, "Man! I wish you could be with us!"  He agreed.  He gets away so very little.  I always get to play.  But, I had the commitment with Denise.  Doug mentioned that this would have been a great weekend because he was off work, both girls were not scheduled, and he had no church obligations because of General Conference.  It really was a perfect opportunity.  And Carol has not used her cousin's cabin in seven years, the last time we were all there.  I thought about it all night long and just felt sad that they missed out on this opportunity.  When Doug called at his morning break, he mentioned it again.  I told him that I had been thinking about it too.  We decided that if Denise was okay with finding someone else to go with (and who wouldn't want to go and see Luke Bryan!?), I would stay and we would plan the weekend for Doug and the girls to come and join us.

I called Denise and told her that it was totally up to her, that if she wanted me to come, I would.  But, that this was a perfect opportunity for Doug and the girls to join us too.  She said that she would just go with her husband (and ended up inviting her sister instead).  She was glad that Doug could get a chance to "play" too.  So, once that decision was made, we made a huge packing list and food shopping list for Doug and the girls and for Carol's daughter, Madi (who did most of the shopping and gathering).  Carol had planned one more night at the cabin with Madi and her daughter Makayla.  She had not planned on staying through Sunday evening.  But, this was too good of an opportunity to pass up!

So!  I texted the girls.  They cried!  They were so excited!  Doug got off work and they all checked everything off the buy, pack, load list and headed over.  We had the time of our life!  The weather was amazing.  We saw sleet, hail, rain, thunder and lightning, sunshine, wind... you name it.  It had snowed on the last Saturday, as Carol drove through the canyon.  It was wild!  But, it was beautiful! 

The cabin overlooks Bear Lake and the whole valley because it's so high up on the mountain.  It's a crazy winding road that you drive to get up to it.  The view is beautiful.  SPECTACULAR BEAUTIFUL!  The cabin is fantastic!  AMAZINGLY SO!  It was absolutely a perfect weekend!  I missed Quayd quite a bit and shed a few tears, watching the missionary choir singing at the Saturday afternoon session of LDS General Conference.  I also cried as I pulled the cinnamon rolls out of the oven.  I knew that he was missing them.  But, it was wonderful!

We played cards non-stop all weekend!  Until my hand hurt from holding them, we played.  We ate and ate and ate fabulous meals and wonderful treats to our hearts content.  We won't mention the amount of diet coke that was consumed, but it was definitely our fair share and more.  We loved every session of conference.  We talked and told stories and laughed and remembered old times with Jon and his pranks.  Just a perfect weekend.  Carol and the girls went to the beach with her little granddaughter, Makayla, who is six.  Doug and I sat out on the balcony and watched the most amazing rainbow I've ever seen after quite the storm.

We just had a ball.  Every minute was perfect!  I took a ton of pix.  Sadly, no one wanted their photo taken because of the fact that we were not getting dressed to just relax and chill....

Carol and I chilled playing cards the first two days alone.  What a blast to just sit and talk.  We never run out of things to say.  Carol has been reading a fascinating book about killer whales and their mistreatment, which she shared quite a bit about.  We loved just watching the boats come in and out of the marina and just gabbing.  Most of the time we had a Diet Coke in one hand and a hand of cards in the other.  What more could a girl ask for?

 This is one shot of the main floor of the cabin.  It's incredible!

 If we were not watching conference, we were here at this table playing games, games and more games... usually teasing and laughing!

 The girls enjoyed Razor rides and it seemed to start to rain almost everytime anyone got on it.  Tanner, Carol's son, brought a friend up for some four-wheeler rides, as well, on Saturday morning.  They only stayed for a quick bite, after their fun in the hills.  LOOK AT THAT STEEP DRIVEWAY.   You literally can not see over the nose of your car when you pull down it.  It gave Carol trauma and me something to tease her about all weekend!  (You can't tell at all by this photo, but I've NEVER seen a driveway as steep as this one in my life.)

 Lots of pingpong and more teasing.

 As Doug and I sat on the balcony, watching this amazing rainbow, he commented,"Babe, we are just a blink on this earth.  It's been here for millions of years and we are here for such a short time."  We had quite a conversation about "making our mark".  Sights like this remind us of who we really are and that a loving Heavenly Father truly exists!

 One highlight for me was watching these young missionaries, who are currently in the MTC, performing in the choir for Saturday's session of General Conference. That cute blonde smack dab in the middle is our neighbor/Quayd's friend, Elliot.  What a joy to see him singing!  I was thrilled for the missionary moms who had the comfort of seeing their sons and daughters for just a second, as they sang their hearts out.

 I could have snapped a shot every two minutes and they would have all been so different!

Zulu loved the view, as well.  He spent much of the time "watching out" for us.

Doug and I opened the windows and watched the sunrise as we woke up.  We both got up and walked out on the lower balcony to watch it for 20 minutes.  It was a splendid sight.  Here's just a few of the shots I got!

Just peeking over the mountain.

 The entire sky changed each minute!

 Here's a shot from the road down below of the front of the cabin.  It's so pretty!

 A shot of the back of the cabin.  The bay window on the far right is the dining room and the big game room is upstairs above the garage on the far left of this shot.  It really is a splendid cabin.

 But,truly, it could have been a tent, located where it is and would have been fabulous with this view!  Again, a perfect weekend!  Life is good!