Early Bird Gets the Worm

Orem's All Together Playground

Orem has built an amazing playground. It is called the All Together Playground. This is a place that all children can safely play together. Built for wheelchairs, children with any medical problem, built for average kids, and for the safety of everyone. It has been really crowded since it opened, but we have discovered the earlier you get there the better the time you will have.

Look at the glorious sunshine rising, and see the laughter and smiles on their faces. The greatest moment this time was seeing the 5 of us all joined together. Life gives us many roads to travel, challenges to face, anger etc, but it is how we respond and overcome it that makes us best.

Jaxon and Elly

Sisters forever and ever. A true friend.


I have taken the kids to this park on 4 different occasions so far, but by a long shot this was my most favorite time. We all arrived before 8:30am on a Saturday morning. We were the only ones there at first. These amazing kids were so excited to have the play ground to themselves. They ran from one side to the other. As I was sitting on a bench reflecting on life, as I more then often find myself doing now; I thought of all the special magical moments that we have shared over the last 11 1/2 years as a family. I thought of all the amazing quiet moments, I thought of the hard moments, and I thought of some of the greatest moments. I saw the sun rising over these 4 amazing kids that I have been blessed with. I saw smiles for the first time in a little while. I saw 4 children actually acting like children. I want so much to hold on to these moments. Getting to spend time with each of them, and also as a whole family has helped me realize I am doing my best. And for now hopefully it is good enough. It is my job to share these gentle kind quiet moments. It is my job to provide a peaceful time, that children get to be children. Where all the trials and troubles they may be facing disappear for at least an hour or so. Reminding my amazing Abby that she is still only a child. Stop and sit. Smell the scent of fall. Play in the leaves. Take pictures. Carve pumpkins together. Make special artwork. Plan your future. Relax for a moment. Enjoy the crispness in the air. 

Falling in the moment

FALL IN UTAH

Here we are at fall break in Utah. It means the colors and smells of fall are in full force. Right around the corner will come snow, and bitter cold temps for Utah. So for now let's live in the moment.

Taking a walk just about anywhere in Utah right now you will run into these amazing colorful trees. The beautiful oranges, reds, yellows, and sometimes greens. The ground covered in crisp leaves. Hearing the laughter of children while jumping in piles of leaves. Seeing all the pumpkin patches and activity places associated with fall open and families creating amazing moments together. Seeing pumpkins everywhere. There is never a better outside smell then fall. The rain that comes. My quiet moment came during the afternoon. My children were ready for an adventure so we headed over to the city park. They were able to run around, jump in the leaves, laugh, throw leaves, step on the leaves and hear them crunch below their little feet. Its a time that we can use to carry us through some of the harder times. We did leaf rubbing, and pictures with fall items. From acorns, to pine cones, to leaves, and to stems. Saving the last bit of summer before the snow falls. Remember now is our time to pause and find that magical moment. It doesn't have to be a big thing, since some of the greatest moments come in the smallest ways.