First's

I love "first's." Maybe I love them because when I do something for the first time I'm overcoming a fear, or being introduced to something new, or because I like the way doing something for the first time feels. Maybe the reason depends on what that "first" thing is. I also love having an option. If I don't ever want to do that "first-time" thing ever again, I don't have to. 

One week in Maui I experienced so many firsts.

• Surfed (actually rode the wave and didn't get attacked by a shark)
• Didn't use any hair products for an entire week (this is BIG!)
• Found a lizard in our hotel safe (creepy and weird, but it was quite cute)
• Golfed at Elleair and Kahili (required clubbing up two)
• Sailed on an outrigger (am I a seven cow wife now?)
• Watched a Hawaiian ceremonial blessing before an island-to-island boat race (very sacred)
• Attended a Tongan ward where we reenacted the story of King Benjamin. Bre listened to the translation, wrote it down, passed it to me to read, and then I passed it to the family from Texas.
• Ate from a road-side fresh fruit stand (passion fruit, bananas and a ginger-lime smoothie)
• Stood in a cave behind a waterfall... and didn't have a heart attack (laughing? not me... major fear)
• Survived the road to Hana (all 46 one lane bridges and 620 curves... without puking)
• Tweezed and needled sea urchin spines from Brett's big toe (pictures are priceless)
• Heard my girls say, "Mom, these roads are curvy... kind of like you!" and "Mom, her boobs look like Squidward's nose!" My responses? "Yes" to the first and to the second... "That's what old age and too much sun looks like!"

There are times in my life that I pinch myself... just to make sure it's real. The time and experiences I had in Maui with my family required much pinching. Very blessed and grateful.

That's right girls, hang loose!

First time surfing, and I did it!

  

Nothing like a little fresh coconut on the beach

Just chillin' while playing the uke

Sometimes our girls just feel like doing the T-rex pose

Seven sacred pools...

...that lead to the ocean

Above the lava tubes

Heading down into the lava tubes

Torch flower... beautiful!

I love when our girls hold hands

And I love it when my girls hold my hand

Dr. Seuss trees!

The views on the Road to Hana took my breath away

Twin falls hike and waterfall

Such an amazing place!

  

Golf courses are already beautiful, but Maui makes them even more beautiful!

Pina colada's anyone?

Hawaiian dancers at Whaler's Village

Such grace!

We shopped, Brett rested

Lunch at Kanapali's clubhouse

We let the Hawaiian's machete the coconut, and we drank the juice. Yum!

The Hawaiian diver at Black Rock

Such a beautiful tradition

Brett's Black Rock jump 

The leap away from the rocks

He made it!

Brook, Bre and Brett on island time

Golfing in Maui 

My boogie boarders

Outrigger race from Maui to Molaki

Ceremonial blessing before the races

Before the race, they let us ride in the boats

Outrigger sailing

Bre was up front being taught by the captain's wife and daughter

Brook sat on the boom and did what she loves... photographed the fun

And I took the center seat

Our resort was so beautiful

Mom and Brook selfie

Sleepy girls at the airport

Bright Stars Against the Black Sky

At 12:30 am, the black skies in Emery County are filled with countless stars. Some look so close, I feel like if I stretched hard enough, I could pick one from the heavens. It's quiet, too, except for the crickets keeping me company. I let them sing to me as the cool breeze from the open window provided just enough relief from the heat of the upstairs loft. I turned from the window and saw my sweet Brooklyn laying by my side. What mother doesn't love to look upon her sleeping child? So much innocence and peace. I curled my arms around her and my last thought was... I am home.

No matter my age, I find peace in sharing a roof with my parents, even for one night. There is something magical about knowing I am still their daughter, even though I have daughters of my own. There is an immense peace I feel knowing that despite my flaws, they have and will always love me. The world would be a much better place if we all loved each other and showed respect, despite our shortcomings. Hmm... the thought makes me sigh.

The following morning started by me watching my mom be a grandmother. She's amazing. Her smile is contagious. Her service is never-ending... and she's like the energizer bunny. She was feeding my nephew a bowl of cheerios... so I joined her on the couch with a bowl of frosted mini-wheats. I curled my feet up underneath me and smiled as I watched her lovingly coax Eli to take one more bite... and then another and another.

I was relaxed yet antsy. I wanted to go for a long walk to the peaceful lake. I wanted to put on my headphones, turn on some music and walk until I couldn't walk any more. I wanted to feel the morning sun warm my shoulders and feel the tenseness drain from my knotted muscles. I began saying such when my mom had a better idea... drive to the lake, take the kids, throw rocks and sticks in the water, stop and see the spillway and enjoy spending time together. A mom knows best... and that's exactly what we did. The drive, spillway and lake were gorgeous. My favorite part, however, was watching my mom guide my two year old nephew to the water and hold his hand as he threw every rock and stick in the water. My girls joined in and I lovingly photographed the moment and thanked God for giving me such a special mother and two wonderful daughters.

When we returned home, my dad was standing in the kitchen. I saw him and tears ran down my cheeks. He lovingly put his arms around me, gave me a hug and said the right words to provide  comfort and remind me how much I am loved. Sometimes fewer words are better. My response? "I need to work in the dirt, put me to work." He laughed and we headed outside. There is something very healing about digging in the dirt, pulling weeds and seeing the beauty of tamed ground. The spot we worked on will house flowers and pumpkins, but for now the clean dirt looks beautiful. My mom and dad not only taught, but expected their children to work hard. For this I will ALWAYS be grateful. There is an immense amount of satisfaction in hard work.

My entire life I watched my parents work hard. My dad and mom ensured us girls had every opportunity. I wasn't treated like a "girly-girl"... for which I am grateful. We were taught to work hard for what we wanted. We were taught to not be afraid to get our hands dirty. We were taught to try new things. We were taught to figure things out and fix whatever we could. We were taught to enjoy the outdoors and the simple things. We were taught to use a knife, a gun, ride motorcycles, use machinery, differentiate between a keeper rock and a "leave-a-right" rock, build a fire, set up camp, mow the lawn, use tools, and on... and on... and on. We were also taught to be a lady, yet to work beside our future mates. There was a love for music in our home. Both of my parents played various instruments... trumpet, saxophone, clarinet, accordion, piano and more. Things were crazy in a house of 9 people, but when us girls gathered around the piano to sing song after song with my mom, I always loved to turn around and see the smile on my dad's face. My dad never sang along, he just enjoyed watching and listening to us. Thank you, mom and dad, for everything.

While digging in the dirt, my dad reminded me of the importance of laughter. He's right, I need to laugh more. My mom flirted with my dad and said she was hoping for a kiss. They laughed and I was reminded of their love for one another. There are a few times that stick out in my mind where I saw their love shine through... two I'll share. My dad has hiking in his blood. HE NEVER STOPS! His strides are long and fast and I've spent my life trying to keep up. I truly believe that's why I walk so fast now! We were hiking in Moab several years ago and my mom was struggling. My dad lovingly stayed by her side, gave her water, helped her up the red rock slope and got her to a shady place to rest. He continued to make sure she was okay before we started hiking again. Today was another example of his love for her. She was working in the hot sun, pulling weed after weed. I heard him ask her if she'd had any water and asked her to stop working and sit in the shade for a bit. Despite all of our struggles in marriage, there lies a deep love and concern for one another. That is what keeps us going. I will always be grateful for these moments, and many others, where true love shines through.

While weeding, our girls and Eli drove the Giddy-up (grandma's golf cart used to get around their several acres of land). They delivered all the pulled weeds to Stu, the donkey. When they weren't delivering weeds, they were playing in the paddle boat on the pond. Laughter filled the air and I couldn't help but get a picture or two of them enjoying grandpa and grandma's property. It's the simple moments that I'll always treasure.

I then joined my mom as we prepared a much desired lunch of grilled burgers, grease pillows, fresh strawberries and all the fixings. Not going to lie, I snuck in a piece of peach pie while helping prepare lunch. Delicious! Following lunch, we rested, grandma and Bre sewed, Brook and I kayaked on the pond and giggled, we started a movie, Bre played the piano, I read Eli books and we played toys... AND my mom brushed and braided my hair. Oh my, how relaxing. I nearly melted. I wanted that to last for hours. We teased about playing salon as she did my hair and then I did her makeup. Girls will be girls, no?

Our short visit ended too quickly. Hugs were given, kind words exchanged... and of course I needed my dad to listen to a squeaky noise in my car's engine. Our girls were exhausted and happy and I felt at peace. The drive home was quiet except for a few snores, music from Bre's headphones and Brook's sweet voice as she read 5 chapters to us from a wonderful book. The drive through the canyon was beautiful. The sun was setting and my heart was full.

Thank you, mom and dad, for always being there for me. Thank you, girls, for bringing me so much joy. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for families.