I have been wanting to start blogging for quite some time. I can't believe it's finally happening. I still don't know how well I will keep it up (I only type about 25-30 wpm), but here it goes, my first blog post. The past year has been full of firsts for me. Last November I turned forty. Wow, it feels weird to see it spelled out! 4-0, yikes!. Under regular circumstances I would say that I don't want to be this old, but in reality I was excited to see my 40th birthday come, in all its glory, because 6 years prior I wondered if I would live to see 40 at all. Yep, 6 1/2 years cancer free. I am so blessed! I still don't know what I did to deserve to be here (or maybe it's what I haven't done...) but nonetheless, I am so grateful.
My sweet husband decided to share my birthday joy with the neighborhood. I had a few people ask if I was turning 39 or 40. I'd just smile and say "what do you think"?
Ever since my milestone birthday, other firsts have followed, some a bit unexpected, bittersweet, and others downright painful!. Last December we took our first ski trip. It was getting embarrassing to continue to admit to my entire extended family in Puerto Rico, that in the 23 years I have lived in UT (the place with the greatest snow on earth) that I had NEVER, that's right, never been skiing. Duane, who was born AND raised here in UT, has never ever hit the slopes either (that's even more embarrassing...), so my awesome brother-in-law Todd, who is really like the big brother I never had, took me, Dylan, and Mal along with his kids for a day of skiing.
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| One of the few times I was standing upright |
This was a day I will never forget. I came home with a big huge bruise on the back of my leg but so happy with what I had accomplished. My first time down the "bunny hill" (who the heck names those hills anyway? I guarantee a bunny could NOT make it down that hill in one piece!) was rough, to say the least. The quicker I stood, the quicker I'd fall again and again, until I reached the bottom. Todd talked me into going up again, and again and by the third time (or was it the fourth?)I came down without falling. My son Dylan on the other hand (the cute boy in the Old Navy Hoodie) was skiing like a pro by the end of his first day. It reminded me of the day he learned to ride his two-wheeler. I went outside with him planning to spend hours hanging on to the back of his seat (like I did with his sisters) but the first time I let go, he was off riding on his own.
I WILL go skiing again though, especially because I need to try out the cute ski coat I bought on clearance just a few weeks after the trip :)
Another first. This one was unexpected and downright scary: my new calling as Young Women's President this past February. I still feel overwhelmed, inadequate, and scared, but I am trying to have fun. Leading teen-age girls in this world is a huge responsibility. Plus, there's like 30-something of them! I don't know how I'm managing, but I am doing it. I'm guessing that whole thing about the Lord not giving you burdens that you can't carry has to be true.
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Our limo at girls camp |
We took a two mile hike and stopped every 1/4 mile and spoke about different topics relating to the 13th article of faith. My topic was about being Chaste. Have you ever read how clear cut the "For The Strength of Youth" pamphlet lays out the whole chastity thing??...Sheesh...It was a little awkward but I got through it.
And my last first for this: my first blog post, was my first child's wedding. Whoa...how many firsts was that?. Yes, it's weird to have a child that's married and living on her own. Amanda and Kyle announced their engagement one week after I got my calling in the Young Womens. I think I had heart palpitations for a week after!! But really... the fact that she married someone who is more than deserving, makes it all worthwhile. I love you Amanda and I hope you are proud that I was able to get through my first blog post, without your help :-)
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| My first pancake didn't turn out too bad, did it? |
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| Kyle: Tall, blond, and handsome, a perfect fit for our family(except for the tall, blond part) |
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| The groomsmen, they looked so good, and they knew it |
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| But not as good as the bridesmaids, right girls? |
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| Wait there's more! Amanda has way too many friends! |
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| The happy couple :) |
I can't think of a better way to start my 4th decade! Wait, except maybe with my first Jeep...hmmm.
