The perfect end

In our family, Sundays have always been the Sabbath; a day for worship, renewal and reflection.

Each Sunday holds a little something different for me and yesterday, it was all these things and more. My cup was filled. My heart was overflowing.

After dinner and some "Day family Memory Game," (thanks Amy and Hannah!) I turned on the television to see what was on PBS and found this.

Les Miserables is still one of my favorite stories of all time. It is still one of my favorite plays and in large part because of the beautiful music.

This is the final scene of the play. It is powerful and so moving. Maddi hung out with me during all three hours of this program and as we listened to the music, I would tell her the story.

Here is where I couldn't talk, I could only cry.
It is a beautiful scene and such a touching end to the story. If you haven't read this story yet, watching this will not spoil anything. Just listen to the lyrics, let the music wash over you and inspire you to read a classic tale of love and redemption.

It will inspire you to be a better person; to love and forgive and live each day with more reverence and gratitude to God.

It was the perfect end to a beautiful play
and a beautiful Sabbath day.

And yes, that is Nick Jonas who plays Marius . . . go figure!

Families Are Forever

September 9, 1933 - February 17, 2011

Don Pierson passed away peacefully this morning at 11:10 a.m.(EST) after battling the effects of a rare blood disorder which resulted in leukemia.

One week before his death, he was able to visit with each of his children. During that time, they were able to spend time together as a family, help care for him and each other, and ultimately say goodbye.

We will all miss him.

Fall Break part 2

Lunch with Melanie at The Sugar Bowl, then off to Sprinkles for delicious cupcakes!

Breakfast at Wildflower Bakery with Jane. It had been six years since I saw her, but it was like picking up a conversation right where it left off! So good to see you Jane!

Makeovers at the Mall! Look at those lashes!

Pretty, Pretty Paige

"Let's see, I'm not sure I have enough product to cover up all the sun damage, wrinkles or moles . . . you're on your own.

Not pictured . . . Fun afternoon/evening with Norman's for Melanie's birthday - once again Chef Jeff pleases the masses! This time, Fish tacos!!

Dinner with the Tingey family - an old roommate of Daren's from college.

Visits to Aunt Mary and Uncle Don's new house - WOW, is all I can say. Love it! Also loved Grandma and Grandpa's new place.

We went to see "Secretariat." I thought it was wonderful. It's got lots of interesting themes and great for all ages. Two thumbs up!

It was a great week.

Came home to find pictures in the mail from Elder Pierson . . . here's a few to enjoy!

This is from the event called "WaterFire" in Providence R.I. This year it benefited the victims and survivors of breast cancer. Elder AP went with this member who has breast cancer. He said it was pretty awesome - they turned the capitol building PINK!

"I caught you this delicious bass."

Two thumbs up from coast of "Lil' Rhodie"

Has this ever happened to you?

I woke up this morning at 5:15 a.m.

The girls and I were up early in order to catch our 9:35 flight to Arizona.

We packed the night before so we could be out the door at 7:00 a.m. and we left on time.

We took the toll road to avoid early morning rush hour traffic.

We parked in the parking lot so far away it requires a shuttle to get to the airport terminal.

We checked our bags, everything is going smoothly, until . . .

The self-check in monitor says it will not take my bags more than four hours before any flight.

I try again.

Same thing.

In frustration, I ask the nice man behind the counter what the problem is,

and when he reads my itinerary he tells me, well Ma'am, you're thirteen hours early

YOURE FLIGHT ISN'T UNTIL 9:35 P.M.

Retrace steps to the shuttle

to the car

to the toll road (because it is still morning rush hour)

to the house

to wait

for p.m.

When October came

When October came, it came with a long list of things to do . . .
First, was Homecoming . . .

(Paige went with a big group of girlfriends this year.)

Then, Maddi went to Sixth Grade Outdoor Education in Estes Park, CO which is in the foothills of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Next, a visit from cousin BriAnna!

The girls are having a great time. They have painted nails, shopped (here they are sporting their new outfits) jumped their hearts out at "Jumpstreet," and seen the "Guardians of Ga'Hoole." They are staying up way too late at night; sleeping in way too late in the morning, but making fun memories together.

Stay tuned . . . the month's only half over!

Labor Day: an ironic holiday

Labor Day weekend, Daren, Maddi and I went camping. We went to support the Ward Campout and had a great time and to my complete surprise, I slept great!

Early the next morning, just after breakfast, everyone was packing up and heading home. The camp site was only thirty minutes from home, so I suppose it was hard to forgo the chores that needed attention. I had chores too, but I did not want to go home. Labor Day is a paid holiday. A day off from our labors - a gift from the government to celebrate our contributions to the well-being of our country; and yet, collectively we Americans use it simply as another Saturday in the month. We mow. We clean the house or go to Super Target. Labor Day has become the national day of procrastination, really, and I for one am appalled at our apparent lack of patriotism.

Okay, so maybe I was bored or lazy Labor Day. All I knew is that I did not want to go home and be
"productive."

My friend Michelle suggested we head up to Mt. Evans. Mt. Evans is one of Colorado's 54 mountains that peak at 14,000 feet or more above sea level. Around these parts, a "fourteener" is known as a really challenging hike. An accomplishment in its own rite. It is not for the faint of heart or, as in my case, the fright of heights.

The unique thing about Mt. Evans is that it allows you the opportunity to drive to the top. It is known as the highest road in North America. Sounded good to me. We weren't prepared for a hike, just for an avoidance of work.
So, up we drove . . .
We passed some over-achiever bikers pedaling their way to the top.
Every now and then, I didn't know if I would live. My intense fear of heights almost got the better of me . . .
but in the end,
I did it.

I don't know why I am so afraid of heights. It's no big deal. It's all a state of mind, right?

(Daren and friends who did hike from the base up to the peak at Grays and Torreys - 14,276 feet above sea level)

Hiking is fun. It's not scary . . .
Or too dangerous . . .

It allows you to get out and breathe some fresh air; even if it is lacking in oxygen content.

You get to see the local wildlife

And, if you take your picture at the top with an empty Which Which sandwich bag, you get a free sandwich!!!

Hood to Coast was a blast!

On August 27-28, 2010 my brother Jeff and I got to participate in the mother of all relays -"The Hood to Coast" with team: "Mile Eggs Arse Oar." (See if you can figure out the "Mad Gab" team name?!)

What a blast!! Thanks Bolen family for the opportunity to join in on your fun family tradition and let two wacky Day sibs share in the craziness!

Thanks Jeff for the fun video footage!

Get ready Day family . . . August 2011!!!

And if you don't know anything about this race, watch for the movie this January in theaters!