Family Reunion 2011

The “Progressive/Staycation” Family Reunion

Or what really happened… After being scared off from Salamander flats because of walltowall people and mosquitoes - We decided not to camp which everyone was more than happy about - Thursday we ate at Deann’s then played minute to winit - Or as I call it playing with your garbage - Friday morning we were treated to a HUGE breakfast at Mom’s then headed up to Mutual Dell - where we all got to do the zipline - upsidedown- backwards and superman style - Even the little kids did it - Kwynn because her grandma is a torture master - We only had one near death experience when Whitney could have plowed into a van of girls trying to turn around - Luckily “Dashing Farm Boy Seth” saved the day and made the day of the girlload -Brad now has HUGE muscles from being the brakeman all day and Sally is sore from trying to bungi stop people until the real men stepped in- they only let Seth and Dan almost hit the tree - We then had lunch by Roger (Connie was suppose to help but had a close friends funeral and wasn’t able to make it) Then it was off to Tibble Fork for canoeing - John in his motor-haulthewholefamily - home- Burtenshaws riding Idaho style and a few other brave souls - The mud island was a hit as well as some of the manly men trying to paddle upstream in the rocks - they didn’t get too far - After all getting enough sun we headed back to the Dell for some awesome Volleyball before a tasty dinner of Steven’s favorite meal - MORMON HAYSTACKS - Then it was off to the Amptheater where lots of fond memories and songs from the good old station wagon days were shared - My fav was Johns rendition of “In the Jungle” Young Family Reunion style - We need the words to all your songs - Oh wait the “VIDIOT” got it all on tape! She just brings things onto herself - Also enjoyed all the cat stories and Kaylene and Lynn’s sharing their SOB stories! Really enjoyed all the little grandkids - That’s what life is really about isn’t it - There was only one bruiser on Brewer - A good time was had by all - Steven is still crying whenever he thinks of Trudy - We enjoyed the little kids boogie-ing! Saturday found us eating again and then ready for one last VB game - Then the ones who didn’t need to get back to the farm headed to the splash pad in Highland - then had pizza and headed home - I appreciate all for being so flexible and willing to make the best out of the plan qxzkg changes - You are all awesome and I am so glad we could spend some time together to make such wonderful memories. Each Family was represented at one time or another -
MomDadJolynnAmyBradErinMattDeannBenAllieJonGageSitoriIsaacJess
SabeyTabithaDanayaStephanieKayleneLynnSethRileyLoganTeisha
MckennaPorterRachelBrewerKeithKeriKrughJadeJeanetteSallySteven
AnnTyKwynnWarnerReganJohnJulieJakeJustinWhitneyJentryWaltMalia
CalebKaloniMcKellJeanCollinCaseyDanTrudyBaileyAndyJenelleAlanna
CorinneGideonGarrett RogerHollySkipSarahSandyPeterWillJamesCharles

More girls weekend

Trudy and Julie survived the trip out. And obviously are happy to be here. Even if Julie did destroy her sunglasses when she smacked her head on the bottom of the deck on her way out. Yes she is tall. But with all the snow the deck is rather close to the 'ground'.

Look. It's Super Steve shoveling out Deann's car. Deann is thinking "Where are my boots?"

Connie is watching Steve dig out her car. The object in her right hand is her sunshade/snow shovel. It worked rather well for scraping off the car- but we were sure glad Steve had his shovel. Check out Jo's awesome boots.

Kaylene headed for the snow cat taxi. Behind her please note the bottom of the second floor deck.

Jo the Jedi Knight.

Girls weekend

No we are not playing sardines. This is our chariot- minus the chauffeur.

Sisters on the steps. Not step sisters.

The view from the stairs. Hot chicks in front of the fireplace.

Scripture Power

One reason I love being part of the Young family is that I have learned so much from each family member and been helped along on my journey. I sent out an e-mail asking for answers to the following questions:

1. Examples in my life where the scriptures have taught me what I should do
2. How the teachings from the scriptures have brought me closer to the savior

Here are the responses that were inspiring enough for me to post them on the family blog:

Several years ago I accepted Pres. Hinckleys challenge to read the Book of Mormon - I started kind of late so I had to read 50 pages a day to meet the ending date - I read in Hawaii even - I would read every morning before I road my bike to work - One morning after reading about how the sons of Mosiah were protected I was riding my bike - in the dark - and hit a HUGE highland pothole - As I was flying through the air I knew that angels were there and I was PROTECTED because my fall and slide through the gravel was very SOFT - I was glad that I had been reading the scriptures that morning and knew that I was being blessed - I hope that was what you wanted - Love ya Sally

2 powerful/helpful scriptures in my life have been
1) Phillipians 4:13 -"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." When things are tough and I want to say I quit, this reminds me that I can do it and I need to turn to the Savior because HE is the one who gives me the strength to carry on and succeed. 
2) D&C 121:43 - this has been huge to me as a parent and now even as a teacher when being at my wits end with a child or student. I know if I follow this teaching, the outcome will be much better than with any other approach or me reacting to whatever situation it may be. 
"Reproving (giving correction) betimes with sharpness (with clarity), when moved upon by the Holy Ghost (not in anger, but when you are being inspired- this means I have to be asking for help and listening for the response); and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved lest he esteem thee to be his enemy. (the child always needs the reassurance the he or she is loved) The Lord's way of giving correction is so much better than punishments or reactions to another's behavior.
Funny story with that - a year or so ago when Chris and Shelly were living with us, Chris was being quite annoyed with little Logan. I listened to him rant for a bit and then quietly said, "Chris, stop. You are trying to reason with a 3 year old and it is not possible. Just love him and show him another way." Grant, listening in, chimed in with "Chris, listen to your mother. She is the reason you are alive today."
-Connie

I always liked the one about "if ye have not the Spirit, ye shall not teach" because so many times I have been teaching and just blah blah blahing and none of the children are listening BUT when I pray and prepare myself, not only are the children listening, but they are staring at me and their sweet little faces are shining!  I also like the one about "out of small things proceedeth that which is great" because that is why we are here, we small things, to learn and serve and grow and build a wonderful thing out of the small things.  Little blessings keep on adding up every second of the day, and if we stop to realize, we are overwhelmed!
That's my two cents worth!
-Deann

A scripture that has helped me a lot is Proverbs 3: 5, 6  "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths." It especially has helped me when things aren't going the way I want them to, or thought they would. We just need to trust that Heavenly Father knows what we need, and we need to be grateful for what we have.  
-Kaylene

To the wonderful list, I would add this scripture:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

Life can be so crazy sometimes! I love the reminder in this scripture that if we are doing the things that Heavenly Father wants us to, then everything will fall into place--our burdens made light. There are days when rest is all I am longing for! With Christ as our companion we can find it in our hearts, homes and families--we learn to prioritize better. I will never forget a General Conf talk by Dallin H Oaks about this scripture. He goes on to talk about how Christ can heal us, if we let him. It was powerful! And came at a time in my life when I needed to hear that so badly. How grateful I am for the "modern-day scripture" that we are blessed with every 6 months.

-Trudy