Colorado Rocky Mountain High

We just returned from a few days visit with the Colorado Eborns.  We had a wonderful time and it was so good to see them.  We miss them and do not get to see them in person as often as we would like, but we discovered that they are all doing well and have their priorities pretty well set.  Though they are far from the rest of the family, they have adapted well and are thriving in their new environment.  They have made new friends and are enjoying life.  While we were there we got to see them in action, and I do mean action.  They are all so active and busy doing things, helping others, and making memories. On Friday night they were hosting a Halloween Party.  They had four other young couples from their ward in Pueblo and also their children in their home.  Everyone dressed in costumes and it was obvious to us, that all were having a good time.  However, it did take Sophie a little time to get over her transformed Father and the Joker.  Candice is such a good mother and always goes out of her way to make the children feel included and special and it's easy to recognize the great love the kids have for the dad as well.   I think Rene's statement a while ago applies to the Colorado Eborns as well, actually it does to all of us.  She said: "We may not have it all together, but together we've got it all."  That is really true.  I am greatful for our family togetherness and pray always that it might continue and increase.  We are indeed blessed.  I've taken the liberty to include a few pictures of our time in Pueblo with Stephen and Candice and their precious little family.  As we were driving home, we were listening to the radio and one of the songs we heard was John Denver singing Colorado Rocky Mountain High.  I couldn't help but feel a 'High' myself as I thought of Stephen and Candice and what they have been doing since they moved to Pueblo.  They remember the important things in life and teach their children to do the same.  The pictures below will show, that they are enjoying life and making the most of their opportunities.

Halle gobbling down a huge slice of pizza.

Pueblo Party Animals!

Stephen, Candice and crew all dressed for the party.  Fun, Fun!

Gabrielle is not Spiderman, or Spiderwoman.  She is pure and simple Spider!

Sophie had a little trouble adjusting to her Daddy looking like this.

Our precious little two-year old was dressed as an aspiring USU cheer leader.  So cute!

Mason as some sort of outerspace alien and Halle as the princess she really is.

This was a quick picture taken right after reading the scriptures and before heading out the door for school for the three oldest kids and a long ride across windy Wyoiming for Grandma and Grandpa.  We left a day earlier than we had planned because the weather forecast for Tuesday included snow and high winds across the Wyoming plains.  As we cruised down the Freeway at 75 miles an hour our thoughts went back to those early handcart pioneers, traveling across this same route in 1856, who sacrificed so much for their faith and desire to be together with the Saints in Utah.  May we always be mindful and greatful for our great heritage and many blessings.

We love you all and hope all are doing well.

Grandpa Bart and Grandma Iris

One of My Best Friends Has Gone

Nearly thirteen years ago Ryan brought home a puppy, he had recieved as a gift from a friend.  Iris and I were not very happy with the thoughts of having another pet.  We had been through that experience a few times before and knew full well Ryan would never take care of him.  But he was so adorable we couldn't resist and so River became a member of the family.  At least that's how it seemed to us.  Ryan left and went off to college and a mission and by the time he got home from his mission Iris and I were not about to let River go back to his "Owner".  He had won us over and I especially never realized how close I could grow to a dog.  He became my best friend and for the past thirteen years has gone nearly everywhere with me.  Some said he was on a short leash. It was so short one couldn't even see it.  River never got far from me, at least  if  he had his way. I grew to love him and his companionship and to cherish him for his good, human-like qualities.  He has been my teacher and I have learned much from him.  I think when it comes to the things that really matter some dogs are better than most humans.  We could all learn a few lessons from a good dog.

River left us on Saturday last, and I'm sure has gone to Doggie Heaven.

Here are a few things he taught me, and which I think all of us would be better off if we would learn these lessons for ourselves.

1.  When loved ones come home run to greet them.  Show them you are glad  they are home.  Never fail.

2.  Never pass up a chance to go for a joy ride in an old truck.

3.  Allow the wind and the fresh air in your face to be pure ecstacy.

4.  If what you want lies buried, keep digging until you find it.

5.  Never pretend you are something you are not.

6.  No matter how often you are scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right  back and make friends.

7.  Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

8.  Run, romp and play daily.

9.  Thrive on attention and let people touch you, and pay attention to others.

10.  Avoid biting when a growl will do.

11.  On warm days, stop and lie on your back in the grass.

12.  On hot days, drink lots of water and lie in the shade of  a tree.

13.  Be loyal.

14.  When you're happy, show it, even though you don't have a tail to wag.

15.  When it's in your best interest practice obedience.

16.  Delight in the simple joy of a long walk with your Master.

17.  Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.  Then stop when you've had enough.

18.  When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close and nuzzle them gently.

19.  And many, many more lessons.

I'm going to miss my friend, River.

OH, and by the way, Ryan eventually did take care of River during this past year after we moved to Logan.

Thanks to Ryan and Sam and their sweet kids for taking good care of him,  when I couldn't have him as near as I would have liked.

In the Half Light of the Canyon

"But when I am alone in the half light of the canyon all existence seems to fade into a being with my soul and memory and the sounds of the Big Blackfoot River and a four-count rythym and the hopes that a fish will rise.  Eventually all things merge into one and a river runs through it.  The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time.  On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops.  Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." Norman McClain from A River Runs Through It

The words I have quoted are some of my favorites from all of literature.  Over the years these words have come to have  a profound meaning in my life. I have come to see much deeper meanings than a mere fishing expedition on the river in the evening. 

I am greatful for these quiet moments on various rivers and lakes with a fishing rod in my hand  or my hiking stick and time to contemplate the real meanings of life and to commune with my Creator and those who have gone before.  I am awed by the wonders of nature and the beauties of the Earth and His eternal plan for us and all of His creation.

I would like each of you to read and reread these words and see if you can feel and understand some of the words, which lie under the rocks.  It may take time and it will definitely require being in the right frame of mind, but the reward will add a necessary dimension to your being.  I spent Friday along the banks of the Bear River at the Oneida Narrows contemplating these very words.  It has been a very revealing and emotional time for me, as it was my last full day with my own River Runs Through It. He has now gone to Doggie Heaven and I hope someday to see him again and spend time watching the clear waters run of over the pebbles and rocks and the clouds, and the trees, and mountains reflecting, in the calmer stretches of a river, as we contemplate our blessings and try to understand the words under the rocks again on some future day.

I Love you all!!!!

On the Wind Cave Trail

Today before we went to the temple to work, I decided I would seek to find a place that could be nearlly as spiritual to me.  I decided to head for Logan Canyon and a take a four mile hike up the mountain to the Wind Caves.  I had heard about them, but had never been there before.  The morning air was crisp and clear and the views were spectacular and the "caves" interesting.  The hike took me up the mountain side to a point about a thousand feet higher than the trailhead.  It was great exercise and very rejuvinating to body and soul.  I got home about 1;PM, ate a hearty meal, and spent the rest of the day in the Logan Temple arriving home tonight about 10 PM. It has been a wonderful day.  I am so thankful for good health, reasonably strong, legs, lungs and heart and eyes with which to see the magnificent world we live in, and to feel close to my maker.  I hope all of you had a wonderful day as well.  You are always on my mind.  I love my family.

Psalms that have help to shape my life

"I will lead you in all the best pathways of life." Psalms 52:8

 

"He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He resoreth my soul.  He leadeth me in the paths of righeousness."

 Psalms 23:2-3

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you"

Psalms 55:22

In my life I have tried to live by these precepts and teach my own children to see the beauties of nature and in them to learn the

 important truths that are revealed through the wonders of creation.

Now, in the autumn of my life, it brings me untold joy to retrace these footsteps at the invitation of my own children.  You will never know how much it means to me to be with you in the presence of Him, who has created it all for the benfit of His children.  Thanks for allowing me to tag along today.  I love to be with you, I am better for it.  and I will try to become even better.Thank you so much!

For the Beauty of the Earth

Today, I packed a lunch a set out to see if I could find some of the beauties of nature.  I didn't have to go far as Logan Canyon is ablaze with the colors of autumn.  Then, I continued on over to Bear Lake where I found a place to go hiking along the foot hills above the Lake's west side.  There the views were incredible.  I like to take extended hikes like this, beacuse it gives me solitude and brings me closer to my maker.  Indeed,  from the hills above the Lake, sitting on a rock and contemplating creation it seemed as though, I could almost reach out and touch the face of God, How great He is!!!!!!!!

Love you all,  Grandpa Bart