Christmas Call!

The best part about this Christmas was that we were all able to finally TALK TO OUR MISSIONARY after 5 months of not hearing her cute fun voice.  The anticipation was almost too much -- we were all a bit scared, nervous, thought....will we cry? will she cry? what should we ask her etc. etc. etc.  She had planned to call us at 8:30 a.m. our time.  We were ready and waiting.....it got to be 8:35 and NO CALL!  How dare she make us wait!  Finally, for some reason (the Lord must have known that we needed this Christmas miracle) Amber went upstairs and heard Alexa's cell phone ringing (she couldn't remember the home phone number because we had just changed it before she left -- funny). 
Yep, it was SISTER BRIDGES! 

But, hold on, wait a minute -- she could only talk for brief bit because they were stuck in their apartment -- ICE STORM in West Virginia had caused everyone to be grounded.  Their town was like a ghost town.  They had to wait it out until the Bishops son could drive the 30 minutes to pick them up, so they could spend the day with his family.  So, we chatted quickly for a only a few minutes and she said, "I will be able to call you in about 2 hours."  So, we waited and waited AND WAITED....all of a sudden FOUR HOURS had past.  What was going on?!  So, Lynn said, enough is enough and got on the phone and dialed up the mission president -- he answered!  We asked if it would be ok if we called her cell phone to see what was up and make sure they were all right.  He was extremely nice and said "go ahead and do just that!"  So, Lynn dailed her number and ......VOICE MAIL -- 3 TIMES we just got voice mail!  What is up with that?!  We were getting more worried and more anxious by the minute. . . So, FINALLY 5 hours after the initial supposed call time -- THE PHONE RANG!!!!!!!!  It was SISTER BRIDGES!!!!!!!!!!  Whew....she made it to the Bishops house and all was well in the land of West Virginia.  We all re-learned a valuable lesson today about patience and realizing that miracles occur in the Lord's time, not always in our time.

She sounded great, happy and so thrilled to be a missionary.  She was upbeat and showed no signs of homesickness.  She loves her companion, mission, mission president and wife and the people.  We talked for almost 1 1/2 hours -- Alexa also had her own "twin time" for another 15 minutes.  No parents allowed!!

What a wonderful Christmas day to hear amazing stories of service, sacrifice and the spirit touching lives all because our faithful daughter is in tune and obedient as she serves a honorable mission.   

Merry Christmas from Sister Bridges!

We have created a blog for Lerin,check it out for updates:  sisterlerinbridges.blogspot.com

Grandma and Grandpa's girl!

Jadilyn is 18 months old! She is a funny little thing who we adore and love beyond words! She NEVER sits still (could she be McKay's daughter??!!) and loves animals, balls and food! Lynn and McKay are already counting down the days when she is old enough to sign up for soccer!

Tis the Season!

So, my friend asked me today after church.....when are you going to update your blog for Heaven's sake!? I decided to take the plunge tonight....

First off -- Sister Bridges sent a few photos---had to post! She is doing great in West Virginia and has been so blessed.

Tracting on a country road in West Virginia

Some of her Bermese investigators. They are realizing for the first time that there is a God and He loves them.

I love Christmas music--listening to old favorite CD's and new favorite CD's (Hilary Weeks new album is amazing by the way) makes me happy and totally transforms my mood. I have ZERO musical talent in my little body, but I am in awe of people who can sing, write, or play music. I appreciate their talents and am so grateful that they will share it with me. My favorite Christmas song of all time is "Oh Holy Night." I heard sung live this weekend at "Christmas in the Canyon" at Tuachan by Jenny Jordan Frogley. I remembered all over again why I love this song so much. Even though I am not a much of a crier -- tears did start to well up in my eyes as I listened to the words.


The final part of the song is my favorite and is a great message to us all this time of year.....


The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger.


In all our trials, born to be our friend.


Truly He taught us to love one another.


His law is love and His gospel is peace.


Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother,

and in His name all oppression shall cease.


Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

let all within us praise His Holy name.

Fish Lake High Top Summit!

This past weekend Lynn and I decided to take on an adventure with some friends of ours, Paul and Janet. We spent time in Capitol Reef National Park, Boulder, Escalante, Hells Back Bone area, Torrey and finally Fish Lake High Top. We hiked to the highest summit in Sevier County -- 11, 633 feet! After several hours and miles hiking in the FREEZING COLD (yes, there was snow), we found the huge rock with the geological marker and large wooden cairn. Paul was our GPS navigator and he did a terrific job I must say -- although we doubted his abilities several times. We did have a blast and are so glad Janet and Paul put us up for the challenge!

YES, it was cold and we found snow at the top of the summit! The sun came out for only five minutes, right we found the marker. So, I was able to capture this photo with this gorgeous view.

We posted our success in a jar under the cairn, next to the US Geological metal marker signing our names, the date and the fact that we were all over 50! We were the fourth group to find this peak in 2009 according to the jar we found with the names of other hikers.

Lynn and I taking a break after hiking in Capitol Reef -- What a view it was!

Lynn was our "deer whisperer!" This is how we like to Deer Hunt.

Janet and I just 'chillin' and 'restin' in some holes!

Internship for Alexa!

Alexa just found out this week that she was awarded an Internship at the Children's Justice Center in Logan for next summer. She is excited and honored to be selected considering they only pick one intern! How amazing and cool for her, we can't believe that she is so old and ready to be a college graduate, where did the time go?! The bad part is....she won't be coming home for the summer! The new phase of her adult life has truly begun.

Photo Proof

This Monday we received Lerin's usual letters and also a CD of photos in the mail..woo hoo!!! We finally do know that she IS really a missionary -- "photo proof!"
"JANE" - First baptism

Her letter this week included the following paragraph --

A couple of weeks ago we met a man named Min from Berma. One of his friends was a buddhist monk for 20 years. Min moved to America a few years ago and wanted to learn about Christianity. We were able to teach him yesterday evening. He is so smart. It was amazing to teach him. He wanted us to teach him 5 days this week but we had to limit him to 3 days. The spirit was so strong. He doesn't believe in God. He thinks of God as a possible creater but nothing else. He doesn't know how to pray so we taught him how to pray during the lesson. It was like teaching a child about God. During the entire lesson he asked very good questions. He is such a great guy. The spirit was so strong.

I can't wait to teach him tomorrow.The work is so good. I love it!

I can't imagine a life lived without believing or knowing God. Our child is teaching a grown man about the existence of God and teaching him how to pray. Wow. I am so grateful.

Proof that Sister Bridges IS in West Virgina!

FINALLY......The RACE has begun!

THIS IS THE WEEK -- Finally, the best show on TV is here! At my age, I decided that it is ok to have such "guilty pleasures." Also, just a side note -- I can't imagine life without DVR? I love it. I can't watch any show without having DVR'd it first -- watching commercials now drives me nutty! We also are quite addicted to a few other shows.....Burn Notice & The Closer (so good....off until January...sigh), The Office, Law and Order SVU (Lynn thinks Mariska Hargitay is "hot"), Top Chef (I watch this alone....Lynn HATES it, but Oh well...someday I will learn to cook), The Biggest Loser and Medium. So, YEAH for Fall and new TV shows!

Blessed in our Daily Lives....

The past couple of weeks have been quite humbling and enlightening for me. I have gone through a roller coaster of emotions and questions concerning things that are happening in and around our family. Yesterday during church I came to know (again….I have to be reminded over and over) that the Lord really does care about me and more importantly, my family. Thanks in part to the two special sister missionaries who spoke in church. They spoke about being a disciple of Christ and also challenged us to “look for the blessings of the gospel in our daily lives.” Wow…simple, yet profound. How could I not understand and recognize how blessed I truly am….DUH! So, I decided today (and another challenge by Teria – RS lesson) that I would take a minute to blog about the many tender mercies and blessings of the gospel that occurred just this week.

The blessings of the gospel are evident in my family –

Alexa felt her Heavenly Father’s love this week and is growing and maturing into such an amazing woman as she is making some hard life choices. She took time to listen to the promptings of the spirit as the Lord guides and directs her life. She also was just called as a “FHE Mom” in her ward. Her and our prayers have been answered and we know this is a tender mercy. She called last night after a hard week of decisions and prayer – she was happy and content after what she calls, “a great Sabbath day.”

Our own “Sister Bridges” comprehends the many tender mercies as she touches the lives of the people in a small rural area of West Virginia. She is teaching, sharing her testimony often and has one baptism already scheduled for October 4th. The people of her small ward are loving and “feeding” Lerin and her companion, which her mother is grateful for. She bears her testimony often to us and we are grateful for her words that we know are touching her struggling sister and brother. We had prayed for a special companion during her first area – Sister Lindsay is remarkable and we know this too is a tender mercy – plus, get this….she is from St. George! Lerin is learning so much from Sister Lindsay.

Being practically the entire state away from my parents at their ages, is hard. I was praying for help and guidance as to what would be the best solution for both my parents. My sisters, brother and I worry and wish we could just “fix” everything. But, then my sister called me Saturday and she helped me to realize that my sweet dad is the answer to our prayers. We just assumed that he couldn’t do what needs to be done for my mom, because he is 87 years old himself. Well guess what? He is cherishing his role as his sweethearts care giver. He is healthy, alert and strong. (He still golf’s twice a week during the summer and is one of the “oldest” ushers at the Energy Solutions arena where he is known by all). He is our tender mercy and answer to prayer. So we are feeling grateful and blessed that we have a healthy, strong in body and mind dad to take care of our mom today.

Our oldest daughter is safe, home with us and is working hard to start the next phase of her life. Many things happened this week to help her to move in a better direction. We know that her being with us is answer to prayer and we are so thankful that she is now near her family who love her just as much as her Heavenly Father loves her. Watching two younger sisters help their older sister realize her worth is one tender mercy that I know is not a coincidence or random. It is a significant blessing that can’t be ignored.

McKay will be getting married soon. He wants more than anything to be a “real” dad to his priceless daughter, Jadilyn. She absolutely adores her daddy. She lights up when he walks into a room and he is finally becoming the man we knew he could become. He has also decided to join the Air Force after Christmas to create a better life for his new family. We have watched McKay make some poor choices in his life and have prayed hard for him to come around and finally “get it.” These past couple of weeks he has made such progress and we feel so blessed. The Lord knows our son and knows what small steps need to be taken for him to start back on his path to living a gospel centered life. These steps he has made, we know are blessings. He knows how important the gospel was in his home growing up. He told us this week that he wants Jadilyn to have a childhood like he had.
Tender Mercy? I think so…

Feeding Time...

Jadilyn and McKay love to feed "Morgan" our neighbors horse -- he LOVES carrots!

Reunion and Changes

The whole entire Watkins’ clan actually got together for a reunion this past weekend in Midway Utah for three days—this was indeed a major miracle! My sister Kris was the head honcho for making sure this happened after years of just talking about it! The feat was really huge considering there are only a few of us who still live in Utah. Yeah for amazing sisters! Immediate family members came from Arizona, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, Texas and California (north and south). It was especially important that we followed through with the plans now because our parents aren’t getting any younger (86 & 87). Plus mom’s memory isn’t what it used to be, so it was great to have some time together as a family to catch up on time passed. The weekend included lots of great food, laughter, meeting new babies, golf, the Alpine Slide and a family photo session. Also, my nephew Brance put together a fantastic family video montage for mom and dad on Saturday night.

We loved the weekend so much! BUT…..after it was over……we had to watch Alexa leave again for the school year and head back up to USU for her SENIOR year! Holy Cow, how did my babies get so old and grown up?! I think this will be her last summer at home with us (cry, sob, sniff!) – next summer she will be applying for Internships and finishing up her degree. PLUS…..she has a cute guy she really digs, so who knows?! Also, Lerin will be leaving the MTC this coming Tuesday to head out to Maryland. She has LOVED her experiences at the MTC and is so excited about missionary work. Lerin loves the Lord and loves His gospel and we are so proud she is taking this break from her education to be one of His chosen missionaries.

Four More Days...

The shopping is done! We spent the last $180 today for last minute toiletries etc. etc., so now all that is left is hiking tomorrow in Zion Narrows, one last Sunday and then Monday will be packing, a FHE family dinner at “Haven” (yummy place in STG) and then the setting apart later Monday night! Four more days and then “our baby Lerin” is off to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for eighteen months. Wow…..we can’t believe the time has come to “drop her off at the curb” (Lerin got a letter stating that we could say a quick goodbye as they take her luggage) at the MTC. What is up with that?! Oh well… We heard this may make the “good-bye’s” easier and less stressful for both missionary and family.

Lerin’s “farewell” talk was last Sunday. She did a remarkable job and all who were there we are sure felt her testimony of the gospel, love for the Lord and excitement for missionary work. It was especially poignant to see our oldest daughter who has struggled with her testimony, feel the spirit as her little sister spoke. We know that Lerin’s service will bless our family in so many ways. We were so touched that many friends and family supported her by attending the church service or wished her well with cards, gifts and flowers. We feel so blessed and are so eternally grateful that so many love our children as much as we do. Lynn’s sister Sandy, her husband and all three of their kids as well as spouses and grandkids came all the way from Syracuse, Riverton and Lehi. His other sister was out of town, but she sent Lerin a thoughtful note and card. We are so thankful for Lynn’s sisters and how they support us and our family in so many ways. We also had several friends from Kaysville show up—The Shaw family, The Rowley family and The Hunger family (the Bitner’s and Morgan’s were there in spirit…Trent Morgan’s mission report was the same day!) came. What incredible friends we have had through the years. Many of Lerin’s friends and roommates from up north also made the trip as well. They are all such a close and supportive group of girls – WE LOVE THEM all like our own daughters!

As we contemplate the coming week, our gratitude can’t really be spoken in words. We didn’t think we would ever have the opportunity to be the parents of a missionary. Our hearts are full. We are thrilled for Lerin and are so grateful for the way she has lived her life. She is such a positive example to all who know her and most importantly her testimony of the gospel is strong and unwavering.

A parting scripture for the missionary …. and the parents!

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.

My Inspiring Friend!

I just had to post a quick note today mostly to give a SHOUT OUT to my friend LINDA who has inspired me to TAKE ACTION this summer and get my house in order! I just returned from a grocery shopping adventure where I used grocerysmarts.com, manufactures coupons, store coupons and shopped only the deals at 3 stores -- I got $351.00 worth of groceries (to pad my teeny food storage - I will NEVER be caught up with Linda, but for me I am proud of my start) for only.......$207.31!!!!! Saving $144.00 in one shot feels pretty darn good. I still am not up to canning MEAT and such as "Linda-the-canning, pressure-cooker Queen", but I have also added a few precious bags of grated zucchini to my freezer ! Love ya Linda!!!

Where is the summer going?!

I can't believe it one week it will almost be the 4th of July! As always, summer's just seem to fly by. We have had an eventful summer already -- starting off with Youth Conference (we were "parents" to 10 boys for two days....all they did was EAT!), we finally got a nice wall/fence on both sides of the property, we have done some yard work and painting, Amber moved back home (she needed to be with her family while she is making a fresh start--we are eternally grateful that she made that choice....we have missed her and love her so much), Alexa moved back from USU for the summer and Jadilyn turned ONE.

PLUS -- Lerin was able to go through the temple two weeks ago here in St. George and we also were able to fit in a session at the SLC temple last week as she is preparing to leave on her mission coming in only 6 short weeks! We were so grateful that Lynn's two sisters and their husbands made the trip down south to support Lerin. Kim and Dan, Liza and her dad Steve, Bishop Harker and his wife also were so great to come and share that time with us. What an amazing feeling and sight to finally have one of our children with us in the temple! The best reward parents can have. Lerin is working hard to prepare herself for mission service. She is studying hard and is also enrolled in a great mission prep class at the DSC Institute.

We also spent last weekend getting to know Sean (Alexa's boyfriend who lives in Perry who she hasn't seen for a whole month!) a bit better and trying to find "cute" sister missionary clothes in Provo and SLC. Whew, what a task! We did manage to make a dent in our shopping, but still have a bit to go. As a family we also have our list of hikes to get in before she leaves....this friday we are heading to the Grand Canyon North Rim! In two weeks we will hit Calf Creek Falls and Bryce!

Fathers Day was a fun way to end the weekend. Jadilyn, McKay and Jaymee came for dinner. It was McKay's first fathers day! His cute little Jadi adores him so much.

Grandpa, McKay and the cutest one year old ever!

The mission call came!

Lerin opened her mission call last night and she has been called to serve in the the BALTIMORE MARYLAND mission! The mission covers Northern Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and a piece of Pennsylvania. She will enter the MTC on August 5th -- which happens to be her mothers birthday...what a great birthday present, I think?! We are so proud of her and are so excited to finally have a missionary in our family! Lerin loves the Lord, is humble, grounded and will be an amazing example to those she will serve in her area. Woo Hoo!!!

My "Babies" are REAL Adults!

Yesterday my baby girls turned 21 years old. Where in the world did the time go? Lynn and I are both in shock that our YOUNGEST children are real live adults now. That makes us pretty darn old!!! Sigh..... They went this morning to the DMV to get what they called their "big girl" licenses--no more portrait style, now they are the big time horizontal style! We found this photo of them when they were FIVE. They had a huge party that year with about 20 friends. It seems like yesterday.





The big birthday weekend consisted of many of their favorite things, family, music and outdoor fun! Saturday was spent in Las Vegas having lunch with an aunt and cousin, shopping and the big Taylor Swift concert at the Mandalay Bay. Monday we all (minus McKay) went for a great hike in Padre Canyon, ate yummy food at In-n-Out Burger, went to the movie "Night at the Smithsonian" and home for presents and cake with McKay! It was a great family weekend.

Lerin and Alexa are both amazing young women who we are so proud to call our daughters. We are so blessed. Both have earned scholarships for their education through hard work and dedication to learning, have deep testimonies of the gospel and understand what life here on earth is really about. We are so grateful that they are part of our family. We love them to pieces!!!

On being a Mom...

Yesterday was the annual ritual holiday called "Mothers Day." Sigh... I don't quite get it, but I do my best to get through the day. I must say, I did try to have a good attitude and be grateful for all the day has to offer. I really do realize how LUCKY I am to be a mom of amazing kids (and one adorably delicious grand baby)who I have been blessed to raise. I love my kids more than I can properly describe and I hope I have been a good mom according to their standards. Who knows??

The day was filled with church (which boosted my spirits by leaps and bounds,
great talks and Marilynn's RS lesson were wonderful), my homemade strawberry pie (a gift to myself), NEW Golf Clubs (Thanks Lynn!), dinner cooked by Lynn and the girls, the Worldwide Mormon Cookbook (Thanks girls...it looks awesome by the way), new gardening tools and hose attachments (Thanks McKay..he always comes up with funny random gifts...love his sense of humor)and the best present...playing with cute Jadilyn all afternoon. She is becoming independent and funny!


We ended the day catching up with the twins lives, planning our summer adventures while sitting on the back patio until dark. Then we headed in to catch the AMAZING RACE FINALE! Some day I will get chosen for the show...I just know it!

Laughing is great exercise!

I guess I never realized that laughing was not just a good exercise for the soul, but for the 'gut' as well! Friday night we went to Brian Regan at Tuachan with several other couples. I don't think I have never laughed so hard....my throat hurt, my cheeks hurt and I got a remarkably hard stomach work out as well all while sitting in a chair?! What a great night of amazingly funny and better yet, CLEAN comedy!

Who Moved MY Cheese?!

Changes are good.....I think?! A few years ago I did a presentation on the book "Who Moved My Cheese" for a group of educators.....as I remember, these were some of the points covered in the book....
Change Happens! Anticipate Change! Smell The Cheese Often So You Know When It Is Getting Old! Be Ready to Change Quickly AND Enjoy It Again and Again! Etc. Etc. Etc.
I couldn't help but think of this book today -- A change occured in my life and I find myself saying ....WAIT, WHAT ARE YOU DOING? NO NO not yet! I'm not ready for change....maybe tomorrow, but NOT today. When is "change" ever easy? I doubt that it is....so, I will do my best to "Savor The Adventure And Enjoy The Taste Of New Cheese!" I will miss my cute YW so very much...Maybe change is hard because as I count up the years I have served in the YW organization in one capacity or another -- the number add's up to...wow....can it be almost 20 years!? Maybe my "cheese" is getting moldy - time for new cheese?! Of course, that must be it! So, for now I will remember this profound statement from the book -- "The Quicker You Let Go Of Old Cheese, The Sooner You Can Enjoy New Cheese!"

I think the best days in life are always spent with family. Lynn and I cherish each time this happens as our kids get older. We spent the Easter weekend up north for a few days having fun with all our kids, plus Grandpa & Grandma Watkins, the "roomies" and Alexa's new "man-friend." Before the big trek up the freeway, we had some other fun with a few adopted "family" members on thursday night. We hosted the second annual "Davis High Track Team Pasta Dinner with the Bridges" on their way to the big Arcadia Invitational Track meet in California. We had 20 athletes and two coaches stop by for a pre-meet bite. We love Coach Talley! He was such an amazing influence on Lerin and Alexa's life that we still love to help out with the "team" whenever we can -- even IF we are hundreds of miles away.

After the team headed on to California, our next guests arrived literally within 15 minutes after they left. My dearest friend (grandsister's as we like to call each other) Shelli and her 4 daughters from Kaysville came to laugh, eat and chat for the rest of the night. We LOVE these cute gals and consider them a special part of our "family!" Shelli's mom and dad were influencial in making me who I am today and I will be eternally grateful to them.

Friday morning we headed up the freeway to Logan. We stopped and picked up Amber and then made our first stop in Brigham City to have dinner with my parents at Maddox (YUMMY..the turkey steaks and rolls are still to die for!) Restaurant. They will be down to visit us in May -- my 87 year old dad still loves a great round of golf! We then headed up to Logan for the night and then back down to SLC on Saturday. We had tickets for the REAL soccer game that afternoon. We finally met Alexa's new "boyfriend" and he hung out with us for the day too. We ended the day eating at the Skybox in Gateway watching the Jazz lose....again!

Easter Sunday was a perfect end to a memorable weekend.

We got up early to head over to Temple Square to get a good seat for the Tabernacle Choir "Music and the Spoken Word" Easter program. WOW....it was amazing. Even during the rehearsal before the actual broadcast started, the spirit in that place was undeniable. We were so grateful that all our children were there and could feel that special spirit through the music and words on such a beautiful Easter morning. The temple, the grounds, the bright sun, gorgeous flowers and the program were perfect reminders of hope, renewal and love for us and our family. He "is the way, the truth and the life."

Spring Break in Florida -- What were we thinking?!

Note to self.....don't go to Miami Beach/Ft. Lauderdale during March unless you want to "party harty" with the college kids! What were we thinking!!! Even though we did have ONE college kid with us -- but, Lerin (THANK GOODNESS) isn't the "party harty" type, so we endured two complete nights of no sleep because of all the 'spring break happiness' going on in the rooms next to ours at our hotel. Lynn, Lerin and I (Alexa was home with two friends the week before for her spring break -- so Lerin was going to be all alone, so we took her with us for a few days) headed out to Miami Beach/Ft. Lauderdale area to hit the beach before Lynn and I headed out on a cruise to Key West and Cozumel.


We did manage to have a good time anyway! Except that it RAINED two of the days on our trip!!! Grrrr.... why is it that the last two times we have planned trips to Florida, it rains on us?! What is up with that! Lerin flew back home after 4 days and Lynn and I jumped on the cruise ship for 4 more days.


We had a great time, but were really glad to get back home. It is really true -- "there's no place like home." We finally made it back in to St. George around midnight on monday night -- I had to be smiling and ready for my students at 7:00 a.m. the next day, plus had to run right after school to New Beginnings at church -- needless to say I was exhausted by the time my head it the pillow that night. I think I am almost rested enough to start planning the next adventure!

Jadilyn's sleepover

We were lucky to have our cute little Jadi come and have a "sleepover" on friday night. We had a blast with her! She learned two new tricks this week -- she can wave bye bye and pulls herself to a standing position! She also came to show off her first teeth to us. Can't you see them in this photo?! We all can't believe she will be 9 months old on the 17th!

Friends for Life!

Over the presidents day long weekend Alexa was able to come home and 3 roommates came along as well. Lerin was stoked to play with the friends for a few days and we LOVE having them here. These amazing girls feel just like our own kids. We love them all so much!


Sunday afternoon we had even more guests in the house for dinner. Lynn coached soccer for years up north and one of his old players, her mom, a japanese exchange student and three other girls came for church and dinner...so we had a FULL house for the day.




About an hour after dinner, I walked into our bedroom and this is what I found IN OUR BED --
All FIVE of the girls having their "sunday nap!"

Ready or Not!

Tonight the house is quiet and I am alone making my famous Bridges (actually the recipe came from my sister long ago) Sour Cream Chocolate Chips cookies and waiting for the big weekend to arrive. My daughter Alexa is coming home for the long weekend and bringing her roommates along for a "warm" (although it is suppose to be freezing here too....sigh) reprieve from the arctic of Logan. I am so excited to have the house full of laughing girls -- five 20-21 year olds should be a party, plus Lerin needs to have what she and Alexa call "twin time." They have really missed each other this year -- it is the first time they have lived apart.

Lynn, Lerin and I headed out for San Diego this weekend and just got home Tuesday night. Lynn and Lerin went to some training and I played and had some great "alone" time while they worked. The only bad part was that it rained on monday, so the San Diego sun didn't shine for me until Tuesday. But, we did manage to squeeze in a peak or two of the amazing San Diego temple, LaJolla beaches and a few other fun spots. But, the cool thing was that we were able to find the house where I was born in the Clairemont area. We had an hour to kill before church on Sunday, so we went scouting out the area. I can't believe my parents lived in a tiny 900 sq. ft. house with four kids.... Simpler times for sure.

Oh and another fantastic thing that is happening this weekend......THE AMAZING RACE is starting again .... Woo Hoo!!!! Yes.... I am a HUGE fan and YES.... I wait all week for the show. If I can't go to all those cool places during my life, at least I can dream and live through watching other people see and feel remarkable culture and sights of the world.

Surviving the Storms

Today as I was driving to work and I turned on the radio to listen to Glenn Beck like I usually do in the morning. He was talking with a gentleman who wrote a book about being a survivor. How did Glenn know that I needed advice on this very day of coping and surviving?

As I arrived at school, I remembered that we had an assembly today. The guest presenter was Stephen Nasser, a holocaust survivor who in a family of 21 people was the only one who survived that horrible event in history. He spoke about surviving the storms of life and that feeling sorry for yourself doesn’t help. How did Stephen know that I needed help and direction on surviving the storms of life?

Glenn or Stephen didn’t know that I needed help today, but I can assure you that my Heavenly Father knew and they were both answers to my pleading prayers. I am grateful for prayer and for more importantly answers to prayers. I am grateful that I have a loving Heavenly Father who knows, loves and watches over me and my family. I am so blessed.

I also read an article today written by President Faust that has also brought me comfort and once again taught me that the tests of this life are just that….”tests of faith.” He states, “Who are good parents? They are those who have lovingly, prayerfully, and earnestly tried to teach their children by example and precept “to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.” This is true even though some of their children are disobedient or worldly. It is very unfair and unkind to judge conscientious and faithful parents because of some of their children rebel or stray from the teachings and love of their parents. Let us not be arrogant but rather humbly grateful if our children are obedient and respectful of our teachings of the ways of the Lord. To those brokenhearted parents who have been righteous, diligent, and prayerful in the teaching of their disobedient children, we say to you, the Good Shepherd is watching over them. God knows and understands your deep sorrow. There is hope. “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (D&C 6:36)

As I have struggled through trials with adult children who are lost on the path, I have come to know that even our Heavenly Father has had the same experiences when some of His children have used their agency to make poor choices. He continues to love them and has never blamed Himself for their unwise choices. Why should I not have to struggle just as He? Has my faith been tested over and over? Yes. Do I at times feel like others judge Lynn and me because not all of our children are active in the church and it must be the parents fault because they didn’t do something right? Yes. Do I know deep in my soul that Lynn and I are good parents and have done all we can to lead our children on the path of righteousness? Yes. Do I know that there is a God and there is a plan? Yes. Do I know that there is a caring Savior who is there for me and my family? Yes. Do I understand that there are divine solutions to each of our most distressing problems? Yes. Will I always be strong and never question why me again? No. But I do know that because of Christ’s atonement there is an “ever-present power to call upon in everyday life,” (President Packer), I will be able to survive my storms along the way and find “the peace of life.”

A GORGEOUS JANUARY HIKE!

We woke up this morning and thought....Today is the perfect day to play outside! No work, no school just time to do whatever we want.....WOO HOO! So, Lynn, Lerin, Trent (her man!) and I headed out to a remote part of Snow Canyon state park to explore for a few hours. We had a blast and soaked in the sun and views of the canyon. We found petroglyphs, slot canyons, lizards, squirrel's and breathtaking vistas. There is nothing better than a great hike to lift your spirits and get you ready for another work week. We got lost for a bit, but just went up higher and higher to see if we could remember the way back to the car. Don't you fret....we made it back safe and sound! After our hike we hit Quizno's to have a bite and sat outside to keep enjoying this beautiful January day in STG..... Ah.... St. George in January-no inversion, no fog, no snow!

Happy New Year!

This past few weeks since Christmas has been crazy at the Bridges’ home. Lynn’s dad happened to pass away the day after Christmas, so we spent many days up north in SLC/Ogden preparing for and attending the funeral during our break from work and school. We spent a lot of time on the freeway and in hotels and relatives homes. But we did manage to have a wonderful Christmas at home for a few days. Amber came up from Salt Lake and Alexa was here for the break from USU for almost 3 whole weeks! Plus Jayme and Jadi came over on Christmas morning to spend the day….so we had a blast together as a family. Christmas Eve we had our traditional dinner with chicken cheese soup in bread bowls, shrimp, Cheese and crackers, veggies, sparkling cider and a variety of other assorted treat and food items. We ate until we were sick!

We then settled into the family room to watch “Joy to the World” and reflect on what Christmas is really all about. We also choose names for Christmas in our family and we all gave each other our gifts. I LOVE CHRISTMAS EVE, I think even more than Christmas day. We have such a great time together and it feels so warm and perfect to have everyone together, happy and thankful. PLUS… this year EVEN St. George had a white Christmas! BONUS!!!

Every year Lynn and I also buy all the kids a toy and a game for Christmas Eve – we started this tradition when they all got old and boring several years ago. This year we bought a Wii for our Christmas Eve toy!!! They all screamed and were so excited like they were all 10 years old…..not 20, 24 and 27! Lynn and McKay were pretty competitive as usual and were sweating their guts out during their boxing match. We bought three games, Wii Sports, Wii Play and Wii Mario Party.

Jadilyn’s first Christmas was amazing! She loved her new toys and laughed and giggled all day long. She is getting cuter everyday! She thinks her daddy is the funniest thing ever – she is now sticking out her tongue and giggling every time he looks at her. He taught her that “trick” and gets so excited to show us her new “tricks” as he call them – I hope he realizes that she isn’t his dog! He is so proud of his daughter. I got Jadilyn a bib and McKay a t-shirt that says, “I kiss my dog on the mouth” for Christmas. It was his favorite gift (besides his brand new Chaco’s which he never will take off until he needs a new pair).

So, now that January is here -- Alexa is back up in Logan…..FREEZING by the way; Lerin AND McKay (finally….yes….McKay decided it was time to go back to school and FINISH) started back at Dixie and I am on the downhill slide – second semester is underway—woo hoo!! Lynn left for Orlando this week for some business meetings and life is back to the old grind.