{We've Just Gotta Get Outa Here}

We had the funnest weekend break a few weeks ago! We loaded up the kids, and the bikes and met up with two of Derrick's cousins and their families and took off for a little weekend vacation! We left early Saturday morning (I have to admit I'm not a morning person) and when Kami decided we were meeting at 6:00 instead of 7:00 (which was too early to start with) I was about ready to stay home, but I drug myself out of bed and did my best to put on a happy face. We stopped for breakfast in Loa, and pretty much filled the little restaurant with our group of 6 adults and 9 kids....how can we really have 9 kids between us, it seems like just yesterday we were the kids? Anyhow after breakfast, we continued on to Caineville to spend the day riding.

Caineville is one of James and Kami's favorite spots to ride. We'd never been there, but I'm pretty sure we'll be going back again! The kids had a great time, both riding and climbing on the hills and playing in the dirt. I relaxed, read a bit, did a few word searches, visited with the girls and also fit in a bit of riding time.
The day was nice (until the wind kicked up in the afternoon) and by the time we packed up to leave, we were tired, a bit sunburned and DIRTY! Carlie was asleep before we even pulled out of camp and Kaleb had been trying to nap on his four wheeler before we even loaded up! We decided to go to dinner as is.....in other words dirty and grungy. By the time we checked into the motel we were ready to get clean and crash, which was good since there was nothing else around the motel, and I mean nothing, it was just a lone motel on the side of the highway!

The next morning we headed out to explore Goblin Valley. The kids had a BLAST! They ran and climbed and just had fun! It was hard to get them to even stop long enough to snap a few pictures.
Wind and water have carved these fantastic and unique goblin-like sculptures out of rock, creating an amazing outdoor playground. We had so much fun exploring and just hanging out a bit!

~The Dearden Clan~

We stopped and made lunch as we drove through Capitol Reef. After lunch we went on a little hike. Yea, I knew I was out of shape, but holy cow, it was only a mile and by the time we got a third of the way, I was beat!

It was worth it though, the kids were great at trying to keep up (or to wait up for us slower ones). Brock played tour guide and read the descriptions at each stopping point.

The natural arch was beautiful!

And most importantly......we had a super fun weekend as a family!

{In the Blink of an Eye}

It's been busy around here, it seems as if spring always is (if you can call the weather we've been having spring?!?). I have much to blog about, and many thoughts running through my head, but I keep coming back to one particular theme- Don't take one minute for granted, things can change so quickly!

I received a call earlier in the week from a friend, sharing sad news about another friend. She's been diagnosed with an aggressive stage 4 cancer. No warning....overnight their life changed. In a Facbook message she said; "Don't take life for granted. Spend time with loved ones. Let your love ones know how much you love them and live as everyday is your last. Don't say things that you will regret later. I have 6 kids and the best husband anyone could ask for. I am asking for your Prayers in behave of my family." What has been a horrible ordeal for all those whose life Amy has touched, has been an eye opener for me. If the situation was reversed and I was dealing with this, what regrets would I have? Would my kids remember me as the mom who was always there for them, took time out to play and have fun with them, or as the mom who was always too busy, cleaning or preoccupied with the computer. What about my husband? My friends? The people in my community? Would I have truly touched the lives of those around me, or would I just be a blip on their radar? Would I be ready? Would I have enough faith and truly trust that my Heavenly Father has a plan for me?

I've been so touched by the faith, prayers and support that has been shown to this family. Amy is truly one of the most caring, giving, unselfish people that I've ever met. She touched my life in the two short years I lived in Santaquin. I remember the first time I met her at girls movie night (oh, how I miss Santaquin girls movie nights), her big smile and outgoing personality made me feel comfortable and welcome in a group of women I didn't know. We then became Visiting Teaching partners....we were all that great about the actual visiting part, but Amy always knew what was going on with our sisters, and was the first one there for them if they needed anything!

Friends have put together a benefit yard/bake sale on Friday, April 23rd and Saturday April 24th from 8 am to whenever at 270 East Main in Santaquin. There have been posts about this one both Nie Nie and C Jane If you are in the area, please try to stop by!

I think Amy has given us all some great advice to try and live our lives the best we can each day-"Don't take life for granted. Spend time with loved ones. Let your love ones know how much you love them and live as everyday is your last. Don't say things that you will regret later."