The Little Girl That Could

Savannah is one determined little three-year-old. Sometimes this makes me crazy, but I like to think that her stubborn-strong-will is an asset that will help her accomplish many great things. On Saturday she put that tenacious energy to use and hiked the 'Y' all by herself! It may not be much of hike for some, but it's not bad for someone who is only three feet tall and weighs less than thirty pounds!

Naomi and Camen also completed the hike by themselves. Camen raced to the top with his friend Blake and Russ and Naomi stuck together, while I had the pleasure of hiking with Savannah.

It was both amusing and inspiring to watch little legs and feet get her up the steep incline of the mountain. For a stretch she kept repeating, (with enthusiasm) "I'm getting closer, and closer, and closer, and closer, and closer, and closer..." After we reached the top we rested at the very top of the 'Y' and then noticed the trail leading up the rest of the mountain. Savannah was very upset that we weren't going all the way to the top. We couldn't talk her out of it and resorted to our most reliable means of persuasion - we picked her up and started by down the trail. (What are we going to do when our kids get too big to carry?)

Next time I'm faced with a big task I'll think of Savannah's example and enthusiastically remember "I'm getting closer, and closer, and closer, and closer.."

Hogle Zoo

On our way home from Idaho we stopped at Salt Lake's Hogle Zoo. We met Russ' parents there and had a really nice afternoon together. Eager children and mild weather made this outing both amusing and pleasant.

My cute little cousin is not so little anymore...

My sweet cousin Karen is one of my younger cousins and one of the people that I've frozen in my mind to a very young age. I remember her as a baby, a toddler, and cute little girl, so it's hard for me to believe that someone I remember so young is now old enough to be married. Karen just finished her bachelor's degree and was married to a good man named Zane.

We were so happy to attend their wedding in the Idaho Falls Temple and celebrate with them and all of the extended Thomson Family.



Now all five of the Christensen kids are happily married.

I love this family!

One and One makes New

Here are some pictures of the newest family we love. Jayden and Shelley were all aglow on their big day. They are two of kind; thoughtful, kind, and always so willing to help others. We loved being with them in the Salt Lake Temple to witness their marriage. We wish them all the best in their new life together!

Three Years Later

Three years ago my brother-in-law Brad died at the age of twenty-four. In April of 2005 he was within weeks of graduating and ready to be commissioned as an officer into the Air Force. He and his good friend John decided to have one final adventure before receiving their diplomas and moving out of state. They went canyoneering in Southern Utah and faced unexpected conditions that caused them both to die of hypothermia.

It was an unbelievable nightmare for my sister, Brad's wife, their families and friends. Brad and John were both experienced outdoorsmen, skilled climbers, athletes and Eagle Scouts. When we learned that they were overdue for their scheduled return we naturally assumed that they were so strong, capable and intelligent that they could not possibly be seriously injured or worse. The days that followed were terrible. We waited helplessly as the terrain was so treacherous that only trained search and rescue could enter the slot canyons to look for them. We waited, prayed, worried and did our best to think positively.

We are all so vulnerable to pain we can't prevent or control. Roxanne, my sister and Brad's wife, is doing okay, but what else can she do? The only good option is to move forward and do your best to be happy. The loneliness doesn't disappear and neither does the loss. Sometimes I feel the bitterness of injustice and almost angry that life isn't fair. However, I recognize that life is a small fraction of eternity and eternity is fair. Because of Jesus Christ all have equal access to eternal happiness.

We miss Brad. His goodness, humility, dedication and example of living life well have inspired me to be better. I trust in God's plan and give thanks for the mercy of sending His only begotten Son that overcame death.