What's in a name?

I have been re-named. Most little kids go through a phase where they figure out what their parents names are besides Mom an Dad. Remy and Zoe have hit this at the same time. Remy can't quite say Melanie so it comes out 'Mel-yay' and Zoe just calls me 'hey you'!

Gotta watch!

Yes I have become political and yes I have an opinion. I hijacked this from my Kathy's blog. This is good, and it gave me the chills. (you may need to scroll down and hit pause on my blog-music)

Go bloggers go!

My Great-Grandfather George Newby Roylance - their small cabin after the weber/farmington flood

My Great-Grandmother Margaret Storey Roylance

While in Oregon I took sat down to read my Dad's family history. At some point in your life suddenly this stuff becomes cool to look at (probably a sign of age). I was so touched by the history especially the stuff that was written in their own hand. I knew that my great-grandfather was an alcoholic, but I never knew his drinking started with the death of his 5yr old daughter. Reading my great grandmothers reaction to the death of her daughter and how she coped through her grief was inspirational. It made me think about blogging. I never been a great journal writer. I have several journal-books I have started and it goes well for about 2 weeks and then the next entry is about a year later. (so much for that!) This blogging thing seems to be going a little better. So for all of you bloggers out there (that I check on) thanks for living in my computer, and sharing your lives, YOU inspire me.

Rain Rain Go Away!

I've told a couple of people it seems lately 'when it rains it pours' In the last ten days lots of stressful things have hit all at once. Maybe things come in three's, whatever, I should have kept my mouth shut about the raining and pouring comment. For months we have had this trip planned to Bryce Canyon to do some four-wheeling. Its conference weekend and call me crazy but I think there are big reasons we get a break from traditional church every 6 months. It's a 5.5 hour road trip with lunch and potty stops. The kids were great! We got there and it rained and rained and rained and rained and rained. Did I mention it RAINED and it was COLD!!! The four-wheelers never came off the trailer. It was fun to spend time with just the kids and Bryce Canyon was beautiful even in the freakin RAIN!

Dressed for Success

(sorry stock photo - I forgot my camera)

Min (dear darling sister) has run into some stress and is experiencing some health side effects because of it. My Dad has been living in her driveway in a trailer and has decided he would prefer to drink himself to death (literally) and needed to be moved into a trailer park. I flew to Portland Tuesday morning with the mission in mind of helping some of Min's stress by getting Dad's stuff moved into the new trailer (out of her driveway) and helping her with the kids for a couple of days. Note for posterity..Aunt Mindy is Superwoman - she invented the term multi-tasking. She has a stressful full time job, part time side job, manages her husbands jobs, mom of three kids, teaches gospel doctrine, she is amazing!!!!

I got on the plane and looked down at what I was wearing....camo shorts. Was this subliminal ?Was I going into battle? When I got to my rental car...the cheapest they had (no joke) was a Jeep Commander - army green. At this point I am convinced I am going into battle. My patriarchal blessing says I have a team of guardian angels watching out for me...those angels must be working over-time. I considered stopping at the pawn shop to pick up guns and ammo but decided it was only fun to think about. (25 years of dealing with an alcoholic father can make you a little crazy).

The good news is my dad is usually a quiet drunk..I found him in pretty good shape, he actually helped me with the first load. I ran errands for Min, hung out with her kids, and bought and hooked up various hoses at the new trailer. Three more loads and I had all of his stuff moved. Dad won't remember I was even there. When I left him he was very sad and ashamed. I told him I loved him, but didn't love his addiction, and once again he needed to figure this out on his own. Hopped back on the plane wednesday night - Mission accomplished! Big thanks to Brian for supporting me and Cass and Heidi for watching the kids.

Betty Crocker

Zoe in training

I would never claim to be a 'Betty Crocker' type or Domestic Goddess or whatever you would like to call it. Every once in a while my Betty Crocker side sneaks out and she has to take over my kitchen. Luckily my mom is there to help (Mom is actually guilty of persuading my Betty to come out of the closet). This summer/fall we have done strawberry,raspberry, and peach jam, canned and frozen peaches. Next is homemade bread. Goodness Betty I need some sleep!

Someday, I'll understand....

Today was Jackson's funeral. I have never been to a baby funeral. I was dreading and at the same time because of how great this family is I knew it would be beautiful. Both Grandpas spoke as did the dad, my cousin Coby. They were amazing talks. Acouple of things stood out for me...
1.The Grandpa Burton related a story about when he was five he prayed his guts out for a real superman suit. His intentions were good and his heart was pure, but no superman suit appeared at the end of his bed. The same is true for a trial like this. Today we do not understand and we may never understand in this life but he bore testimony in the next we would.
2. When Coby spoke he related an experience of being in the temple a few weeks ago. I thought; am I standing in Holy Places? Am I where the Lord needs me to be?
3. A comment was made to Brian that because we had Remy we were assured a place in the celestial kingdom. NOT! Remy for sure, but not us. I'm sure this man had good intentions but it's not what we believe. I better be working my butt off to get myself and my family to where Remy will be.
This poem was written by a family member and posted on the program.

Bright blue eyes, soft baby skin.
Mom and Dad, don't cry...I'll see you again.
Please don't cry now, and I hope you'll always know.
Though my time with you was short, it was my time to go.
Mom and Dad I love you and my spirit is alive.
And as your journey here continues, I'll be with you by your side.
Please believe in angels and know that I am yours.
I have a mission that is greater than what was planned out on this course.
Mom and Dad I love you and please know that I'm here.
On those quiet summer days when the air is crisp and clear.
Listen for me, hear me, and you'll feel my spirit by your side,
And always remember that I'm very much alive.

Jackson - Deseret News Obituary

Jackson Burton Rich Our Beautiful Boy Jackson Burton Rich, our beautiful joyful baby boy, returned to the presence of his Heavenly Father on September 23, 2008.Jackie leaves his family and extended loved ones with so many wonderful memories. His blue eyes were captivating and through them we all saw the light of Christ. His smile and laugh were unforgettable and his countenance pure. Our hearts are heavy, but our spirits confident in the knowledge that he lives on in the glories of the heavenly home he was not long gone from. Jack, born May 20, 2007 brought immeasurable joy to his family and gave only sweet love in his short life, and it was returned in abundance by his parents Coby and Tiffany, older brother Corbin, grandparents James and Joanne Rich, Wayne and Laurie Burton, aunts, uncles and countless extended family members. His loving memory and example of innocent love will forever be in our hearts. You are our little guardian angel. Memorial Services will be held noon Saturday at the LDS Chapel on 5980 South 1300 West. A viewing will be held prior the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers a memorial you are welcome to contribute to a memorial fund set up for Jackson at any America First Credit Union. Many thanks go out to all those who helped to save our baby and those whose love and support we feel so deeply.

Just Breathe

When I was told Remy had Down Syndrome I was 18 weeks pregnant, I remember vividly everything about that day. I remember in the subsequent days that taking a deep breath actually hurt my heart. It was a physical pain to actually breathe.
Last night my darling cousin and his wife lost their baby. He was just over a year old and he drowned in a small pond in their backyard. I can not think of the words for that type of grief.
I spoke with a parent this evening that lost a child 16 years ago and I asked how they got through it and his response was, " a minute at a time" My heart and prayers are with this young family. I love you Rich clan!

The Fight for Today

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - I have seen and read and heard this quote many times. (most recently I hi-jacked it from Jenny's blog - thanks Jen) In the past week, my Dad fell off the wagon (so much for the 90 day AA chip) been told of 2 women my age fighting breast cancer and a little girl in my primary fighting OMS. What is up???? About six years ago I attended a funeral of a lady in my ward. She was bi-polar and her husband was a marriage therapist. She had died from a drug over-dose. Her husband much to my surprise spoke at the funeral. He said that often with people that have brain tumors or similar issues we have come to understand that their ability to exercise good judgement is suspended. He presented that he felt that same suspension in judgement to apply to those suffering with Bi-polar or depression. I would say it even extends to those that are fighting addiction. All of us fight our battles big and small every day, but why do we fight? Do we do it for ourselves? Do we do it for our family and loved ones? I am still realizing that I can not, nor can my kids be reason enough for my Dad to stay sober. He has to do it for himself. But what does that really mean? I am obviously still in thought process on this one. For me it comes down to having really believing in the plan of salvation. Believing my life has a purpose and I will be held accountable for that which I do here. My dad has lived his life in and out of membership and in-activity in the church. I asked him to share his testimony with me last Christmas. He knows God, he believes in Jesus Christ, but at this moment in time it's not enough. Why I don't know. I wonder if it's because years of drug and alcohol abuse have impaired that reasoning that says make a better choice for yourself, make a better choice for your family, choose to fight the addiction. The addiction is so strong and I think it infiltrates on more than just an obvious level. I watched one of my darling work associates walk into work with her little boy. She is single and back in the dating scene because her husband became addicted to pornography. I thought that guy must be nutso, look at that darling girl and his darling son. Some new guy is going to walk off her and that cute boy because he chose his addiction over them. It make no sense at all. I pray my Dad will fight this battle daily and win. I tease him he is the energizer bunny that keeps going and going; that clearly there must be something here in this life he still needs to learn and accomplish.

POP Goes my Heart!

Notice the POP Beads Zoe is wearing!

I played with these when I was a little girl and loved them. My mom and I have looked for them ever since. We found them at the Logan Walmart. Zoe discovered them at the cabin and promptly roped her daddy into making her a necklace and bracelet. Cambridge devised a whip out of them, and Rems found great joy in twirling them around.

Today was a perfect day for an ATV ride. It rained just before we headed out and just after. We rode part of the Logan Canyon Summit trail. We did about 23 miles. For Cambridge riding on his own; that is really good. It was beautiful! The fall colors were amazing nestled between huge pines.

"truth in blogging" The morning did not start out so amazing. We overnighted at the cabin and had to clean up an load ATV's to get to the trail. Anyone who has kids knows anytime there is adventure and kids mixed there is work involved. Between Cam's whining, Remy's moaning and Zoe's crying I didn't think we were going to make it to the trail head. Just when we arrived and off-loaded the machines it started to pour! Within a couple of minutes the rain passed and it was perfect. On the way home Brian said, "I really enjoyed that". As did I. It pays off to preserver through the whining, crying and moaning. It seems most things that are worth while involve some whining, some work, and a lot of patience.

Cam the Riding Man

Remy's first time in a full helmet. He's not sure what to think.

Say CHEESE!

"Annie get your gun!"

Ok in this case it was more like, "Brian, Oh my gosh, Brian." As I sunk lower and lower in the seat of the car.
Brian and I celebrated our 9th anniversary this month. We went golfing, had a couples massage and spent the night at the Grand America. After checking out we decided to hit a small cafe for breakfast. As we headed down main street we had an encounter with a guy that was higher than a kite. Without giving out all the details (this is the internet) I'll suffice it to say we no guns were drawn and we safely went to enjoy our breakfast.
Experiences like that get your adrenaline pumping and your mind racing. I have concluded a couple of things. I am grateful to live in a country where we have the right to bear arms. I am grateful for a husband that protects our family.

Let me hear you ROOAAAR!

Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point

Ready Set Go! - Labor Day 08

Mindy, her kids and my Dad arrived in town for Labor Day weekend and we hit the ground running. Thursday we went to Park City to ride the Alpine Slide and Alpine Coaster. Friday we went fishing in North Ogden and headed to Bear Lake from there. We almost had everyone there. Ashley and Lynette had to stay behind for soccer and Aunt Jana had to work and Uncle Kerry was still in Oregon building their house.
Truth in blogging: I don't have the perfect family. My family growing up has seen some tough times. I have these fabulous parents that are separated but not divorced and my Dad just got his 90 day sobriety chip (go Dad). Still we love to be around each other. Cousin time is some of the best time there is. I will admit after four days it's time for a break, but it's so fun to watch them grow and enjoy being around each other. I treasure each of my siblings and I love the people they married. I love my nieces and nephews (even Adam when we throws grapes in the cabin and I catch him eating cereal on top of the dresser sitting in the window). I am also grateful for a husband that helped me realize one of my childhood dreams of having a cabin at Bear Lake.

Cambridge getting ready to jump!

Roylance Cousins

Aunt Mindy and Kaytlin

Dylan

Rachel

Uncle Mark and Remy

Becca

Brody

Sunrise Saturday Morning view from my window

Nana made each grandchild a back to school pillow case
Dad I have a secret for you.
I'm going to steal your hat. "my hat"


Grand Finale - Minnetonka Cave

Deep Water

Living in the Shallow Water or in the Deep Waters of Life:

One Matters for Impact!

By Mitt Romney

I don't remember when it was exactly that I finally went past the sandbar. My family had a summer cottage on the shores of one of the Great Lakes. For the first forty or so feet, the lake is shallow, warm, and protected from big waves by the sandbar. That's where I spent most of the hot summer days as a boy. I liked it there. One day, my brother got me up on water skis. Perhaps fearing that a turn would make me fall, he drove the boat, and me, straight out into the deep. By the way, this lake is over 100 miles wide. I screamed at him the whole terrifying ride. He took me about a half mile out. But ever after, the deep water was where I wanted to be: surfing in the breakers, water skiing, diving. I got out of the shallow water for good. Over the years, I have watched a good number of people live out their lives in the shallows. In the shallows, life is all about yourself, your job, your money, your house, your rights, your needs, your opinions, your ideas, and your comfort. In the deeper waters, life is about others: family, friends, faith, community, country, caring, commitment. In the deeper waters, there arechallenging ideas, opposing opinions, and uncomfortable battles. Almost every dimension of your life can be held to the shallows or taken into the deeper water. Your career, your involvement with others, your spouse and your children, your politics, each can be lived with you comfortably at the center. Or, they can draw you out of yourself, into service and sacrifice, into selflessness. At some point in your life, a few of you may be presented with theopportunity to step off your career path, to give yourself fully to some kind of service. When I was asked to leave my investment company to run the Olympics in Salt Lake City, I dismissed the idea out of hand. I was making too much money, I didn't know bupkes about running a sports event. The job would pay me nothing. The organization was in the worst condition of any I had ever seen. And, after the Games were over, the position would lead nowhere. It was a dead end. I took it. It was the highlight of my professional life. I gave more of myself than I ever had before. I came to know and respect remarkable people. There are currencies more lasting than money. It can be enormously rewarding to take the unobvious course, to jump into the deep water. Bias is shallow thinking and shallow water. Read widely, particularly from people who disagree with you. Argue to learn rather than to win. If you don't respect, I mean really respect, the views of people who disagree with you, then you don't understand them yet. There are smart people on both sides of almost every important issue. Learn from them all. If you have life all figured out in neat little packages, you're in Neverland, not the real world. And it's boring there. There's one more thing I've seen in the people who swim in the deep waters of life. They don't fashion their values and principles to suit theirself-interest; they live instead by enduring principles that are fundamental to society and to successful, great lives. I learned important lessons about those principles from some of the Olympians I saw in Salt Lake City, like bobsledder Vonetta Flowers. Vonetta was brakeman on USA sled two. All the attention, however, was on sled one, the sled that had taken the World Cup and was a lock for the Olympic Gold. But just before the Olympics, the pilot of sled one dropped her partner and invited Vonetta Flowers to join her. Vonetta had a tough decision. On sled one, she'd get a gold medal for sure; the first Olympic gold to be won by an African American in the Olympic Winter Games. Those of us rooting for US medals hoped she would jump to sled one. She didn't. She decided that friendship and loyalty to her longtime teammate on sled two was more important than winning the gold. Of course, sled one did well. But when sled two beat them all, coming in first, the crowd went nuts. And tears dripped off Vonetta's cheeks. Friendship and loyalty above gold. You live one time only. Don't spend it in safe, shallow water. Launch out into the deep. Give yourself to your family, to your career, to your community. Open your mind to diverging viewpoints. And live, not by what suits the moment, but by the principles that endure for a lifetime. Jump in, the water's fine!

Freedom - watch until the very end!