Serving Grandpa

Many, many years ago my husband's third great-grandfather, Milo Andrus, was one of the first people to settle in the Salt Lake Valley. He had a nice home that was located in Salt Lake. That home was later relocated to the local "This is the Place" state park across from Hogle Zoo. On April 11th, our family (minus one who had to work) joined cousins from all over to honor our grandfather and do a nice spring cleaning of the home. It was a fun time as we came together to meet cousins we already knew (as in first cousins) and cousins that were old enough to be my own grandparents so we could spend a day in service. 

Windows were washed, benches painted, fences mended and stained, leaves raked, weeds pulled.... the list goes on and on. It was a great time in a beautiful setting up on the mountainside. 

I especially loved seeing my kids, who are the older grandkids, having quality bonding time with their younger cousins while their parents (brother and sister) laugh. 

What is especially fun about this park is that 21 years ago, I met my husband's (then friend) extended family here for the first time at a reunion. We stood in front of the Milo Andrus house and took a picture together. As soon as I can find it, I will post it. For now, here is one of us 21 years later, married and very in love. 

Perhaps my favorite part of this outing was seeing my little girl connect to her roots. She absolutely loves family history! To sit and look out a window where her grandfather probably looked out as he tucked his kids to sleep 150 years earlier, was a very special moment. She also made great friends with the sweet "pioneer" tour guide who was very kind and really enjoyed assisting our family on this project. 

Finding service projects your family can do together is not hard and it is so very worth the memories. Thank you, Grandpa Andrus, for providing this opportunity to give back all you gave to us. We hope you like your home!

Making memories,
Mama Dragon

Guardians of Light

Not being a web designer, I had forgotten how time consuming and challenging it can be to create a web page. I have spent countless hours pouring my heart and soul, prayers and pondering, into this blog, to hopefully enlighten the minds of those who read it. My family and a couple of friends are probably on overload from me brainstorming with them so much on the title and aesthetic appeal of this website. And you, my friends, have been a tremendous help in sharing your opinions in my Facebook polls. Not wanting this to be "just another mom blog," I opted for a slightly different route. You will soon notice that I will often refer to two creatures- the dragon and the butterfly- when I write. This is because I believe them to be beautiful Guardians of Light, just as women are. We, as mothers and mother figures are Guardians of Light, Defenders of Truth, Nurturers of Love, unwavering in our faith as we put one foot forward, take life one day at a time, and strive to best utilize our Divine gifts and talents to make this world a better place.

This is my journey, your journey, our journey... as we walk together to be like the mama dragons defending their lairs; like delicate butterflies who add so much beauty to this world; like the elephant families who encircle their little ones about to protect them from harm. As we strive to raise our children in truth and righteousness- whatever our preferred beliefs may be- let us be Guardians of Light and allow our light to SHINE! I look forward to where this journey leads us- together, as Guardians of Light.

I am a Mama Dragon and courageously I will fight!