Trip to Canada

I just got back from visiting Tyanna in Vanderhoof, I feel like it was a very enlightening trip for me personally.  Being able to go and and visit with my Aunts, cousins and Grandma, I feel as if there are a couple of things which I need to always remember.  There are such personal feelings and ties associated with family.  Memories of time spent together are so precious.  I got to take Brooklyn into my Grandma's old house, where we spent almost every sunday afternoon when I was a young girl.  I loved being able to show her places and share memories with her.  I loved reminiscing and coming to an awareness of the wonderful childhood I had and all that contributed to it.  It really was not the normal "growing up" situation.  So some things that I realized and always want to remember are:

1.  There are no tougher women in the world than my mom and my Aunts.  Literally! They clean, butcher, train, ride, drive any piece of heavy equipment, speak with power, love unconditionally and are classy and well learned.  None of them have any higher education, but when it comes to the gospel you better watch out, they know more then most anyone else.  They are champion suppporters of their kids getting higher education and realize the importance of it.  They are not afraid to "reprove betimes with sharpness" LOL but have such love and kindness in their hearts.  I learned or re-learned to look to their examples in my life and know that I can do anything I want to.  My genes are powerful, righteous genes and I want to be like them when I grow up.  I think they invented the slogan "Git 'er Done!"

2. Family is the most important thing.  Even though we don't live "real" close to family, I need to make an extra effort to build those ties with my family.

3. Teaching the gospel in my home is my most important responsibility.  "You can never be over-prepared when teaching the gospel." Not sure whose quote that is, but I need to remember it!  Being open and a good listener are keys to keeping a good relationship with your kids.

4. Teaching my kids how to work and be genuinely good people are my second most important responsibility.  Gosh, my family works hard! Sun up to sun down they are outside working, never stopping or complaining.

5. It is so important to serve others, Aunt Maureen has been on "call" all week to go and help some people, an hour away, evacuate their place if they need to because of a forest fire, at any minute she will quit what she is doing and rush out there with her horse trailer to help.  That's the kind of people they are.

I just want to remember this feeling that I have right now.  I am humbled to know that Heavenly Father trusted me so much to send me to such a wonderful family and also gave me some of his choice spirits to raise and teach the gospel to.  What a blessing, what a responsibility, but one I am ready to re-take by the horns and run with.  Watch out kids I am rejuvenated and ready to take it on! I am so thankful for the reminder!