Memories: 9.11.01

That day began as it always did, picking up stragglers on my street on the way up to BYU campus. I think that there was only 1 in the car with me that day rather than the usual 4-5. We were listening to the radio and heard the report. For some reason, I thought that the planes were only the small 2-seater ones rather than the large ones that they actually were. I wasn't too worried until I got to work. We turned the TV on to watch. The TV was right by my desk and I remember not being able to look away for hours. We finally turned it off so everyone would get some work done. We kept updated via news sites. Then the first tower collapsed. The TV went back on. We couldn't believe it. I have never been to NYC, so I'm not familiar with how tall these buildings actually were. Seeing the destruction on TV probably didn't give me a true sense of how devastating everything really was.

When I got home from work, my roommates and I pulled out my old and huge TV to watch. We had people stop in because not many people had TVs on our street. Everyone was in shock. Our EQP (elder's quorum pres) was going around the ward to make sure everyone was okay and to see if any family/friends were involved. Surprisingly, there weren't.

Later that evening I took Leticia with me to fill up my car with gas. No one knew who was behind the attacks and we were worried about not being able to get gas in the future. There was a huge line at the gas station. I ended up walking to work for a few days because I was worried. Didn't need to worry too much (except about the prices).

I think what I remember most about everything was the unity of the nation that came to the forefront. It's amazing to see the turn about in just 10 years. Before it was, "Do anything to protect this country and our freedom...including war." Now it's, "Avoid anything that would include our troops on foreign soil." It's a bit sad to me. I am SO grateful for those who fight for our freedoms as well as those who help support other countries so they can have similar freedoms.

My Buddies

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE being with children. Their hugs, their laughs, their wiggles...everything! (Maybe not the stuff that comes out of their noses or the other end...)

Starting in June I've had the opportunity to begin to work/volunteer at a daycare on campus. The summer was spent in the infant/toddler room. I loved watching them figure things out: how to crawl, how to manipulate objects with their pudgy hands, that naps WILL make them happier. I started working in the 2-3 (young preschool) classroom last week. These little ones keep me on my toes! Talk about energetic. So many questions, with the most obvious one being 'Why'? I love having these little buddies.

It goes without saying that they often notice my least favorite body traits: my zits, which to them are owies; my moles that I have on my arm, neck, and face (What are THOSE?); when I sweat, I use a paper towel to dry my face (I saw one boy try to do the same once).

But most of all, I just love that they accept me even with these yucky faults of mine. They like giving me high-fives. My favorite is when I'm sitting and they come close to hold my hand or they stand between my legs so they can be near me. I know that away from the classroom most of them wouldn't recognize me. But it's comforting to know that I'm their friend for a few hours of each day.

Memories: Labor Day

I think the first time I really heard and understood what Labor Day was when I was in 4th grade. My youngest brother Kirk was born on Labor day 24 years ago. I stayed at Aunt Linda's and Uncle Richard's while my mom was in the hospital. When we got the call the next day about Kirk, I remember I was sitting on their stairs putting on my shoes. When Linda told me it was another boy I thought she was teasing because she knew how much I wanted a sister. When I finally believed her, I cried.

When I got to school I remember my friends and I were confused about the true meaning of Labor Day. At first we thought it was the day that all babies were born. Then we realized that most of our birthdays were in other months so that couldn't be true. I'm sure we still didn't fully understand it after that. (I still don't fully understand it now.)


I would never trade my brother Kirk for a sister. There are been some trying times because of his disabilities, but they have taught me so much.

And to add to the greatness of Labor Day, another family member was born on Labor Day. Weston Kinser Hendershot joined the world today at 3:06 p.m. He was 8 lbs 12 ounces and 20 inches long.


Happy Labor Day!

A Visit from Family

Most of my visits with family are done with me driving to visit them. This last July I had family drive to visit me in Logan. My brother Bryan and his family, as well as my mom, decided to spend a few days visiting. I was so excited that someone decided to come see me. They all stayed at my apartment, which was a little tight. But it was still fun. We drove to SLC a couple of times to go to various sights. Here are some pictures to highlight the few days.

My mom and I met up with Bryan's family at The Old Spaghetti Factory in SLC. (Was so not impressed with the food there.) This is Hayden cheesing it up for me.

Hayden and Grandma showing the love.

My mom and I were able to stop and see the Brigham City temple on the way to SLC. It almost looked like a cake topper because there were no windows and a red roof. Can't wait to see the finished product.

After lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory, we went over to the children's museum at the gateway mall. It was pretty expensive, but the kids had fun. Grandma decided to walk around the mall with Heidi while we played.

Hayden and Chelsey looking at the display that used balls and air.

Bry and Hayden playing a musical instrument.

Hayden building with blocks.

Hannah moving some blocks.

Heidi at Old Spaghetti Factory

Hayden and Hannah playing with the water display.

Bry and Hayden checking out the helicopter that was on display.

Checking out the controls on the heli.

Giving a newscast.

Building some more.

The next day we went down to check out Temple Square. We took a tour of the conference center and then sat in front of the temple for a bit. We were tired because we had already been to the zoo and it was a hot day.

Checking out the fountains at the conference center.

Where the music happens.

Heidi taking a break at the zoo. (It was REALLY hot.)

Hannah and Hayden riding the rhino.

Heidi enjoying the conference center floor.

One night we went to see the Logan Temple, which was closed. The kids enjoyed the water pools and running around.

Grandma enjoying the grandchildren.

The kiddos and me.

The trouble makers.

B-ry and Dee

I was surprised at how well the kids did the whole time, especially with how hot it was. One of the mornings before we headed to SLC the window in the van got stuck down. We ended up in the parking lot at an O'Reilly's parts store while Bryan fixed the window. Hayden was pretty intent on helping him. Us girls sat on the grass and watched while eating snacks. That seemed to be the only unexpected thing to happen. After church on Sunday we also drove up to the Idaho border, which is only 30 minutes away. Chelsey had never been to Idaho, so we went across the border so she could say she was there. The rest of the time was spent hanging out at the apartment. All in all, it was a great weekend.

A little bit of Billy

Growing up my Dad and I didn't see eye to eye many times. Some of my best memories, though, are of playing music with him. He went through a Billy Joel phase when I was in my teens. Especially the "River of Dreams" music. He would turn it up loud and play along on his keyboard. It was awesome.

One of my favorite songs from the CD is called Lullaby. I downloaded to my IPod this week. Last night as I was winding down from my day I decided to listen to my IPod, which I hardly ever do when getting ready for bed. As I went to lie down this song came on. It was kind of like getting a goodnight hug from my Dad.

(The music is off a bit in the video...not really cued up correctly, but you get the idea.)

4th of July Gathering

On the evening of July 4th we all gathered at Janet (Nicole's mom) and Kirk's house for Navajo Tacos, which have become quite the tradition at family dinners. We had just under 100 show up. The yard was full..what a great sight to see. We also provided pinatas for the kids, which have also become a tradition. Many of them had been asking their parents all week when they would get to hit the pinatas. Of course we blindfolded the older kids to make it more difficult for them. Mike also moved the pinatas around to make it harder. We only have a few mishaps that evening, which is amazing considering all the kids running around. All in all, it was a fun evening.

Richard, Neil, Norald, Gilbert, and Loraine

Whitney taking a swing at a pinata.

The little ones gathering candy.

Hans, Lloyd and Adrin

Jacob and McKay

Richard and Neil

Uncle Gilbert and Aunt Loraine

Wilson taking his swing

Eli, Ava, Kristin

Ethan

Daniel, Heidi, Hannah H., Sariah, and Maren

Whitney and her cute bows.

Wilson enjoying his taco.

Seth, Sam, Mark, and Erik

BrookLyn, Elle, Manda, and Nellie

Nathan taking a moment to rest before the festivities.

Ella, Patricia, and Leslie

Neil and Steve

Horseshoe Bend

On the afternoon of the 4th, we decided to get out of the house and head to Horseshoe Bend, which is a lake about 30 minutes from Lovell. (One of the main reasons for going was so that Mom could make the scones for dinner without children in her kitchen.) We loaded up the vehicles and headed out. It was kind of overcast, but it made it perfect for sitting out because it wasn't so hot. The kids said the lake was freezing. I'm sure it was because there had been a lot of runoff from the snow pack that week. Ella told me that the lake has risen about 10 feet in just over a week. Craziness! I just watched as everyone else swam and played. I didn't feel like getting wet. It was fun to watch everyone else. Here are a few pictures to highlight:

Whitney wasn't too sure about getting all wet. It was pretty cold.

Most of the group hanging out in the water.

Jaelen making one of her many trips back and forth.
(Stinkin' cute girl!)

Aden trying to act cool.
(Actually, he was pretty cold from the lake.)

Amanda being cute.

Kaleb being a dork.
(He wore his hat while swimming. I gave him a hard time and this is the look I got.)

Alea being the princess while drying off.
(She was even eating grapes.)