Shoo Fly, don't bother me!!!

A few days ago my son Eric asked if I would watch their girls for a few hours. I immediately started thinking of fun things we could do together. The splash park in Herriman sounded like a lot of fun! I called Rachael to see if she might want to come with her boys. Shortly after Abby and Eliza arrived we prepared to go. As we loaded the car seats into the car we failed to notice the arrival of a few extra guests. After strapping Eliza in her car seat, I began buckling Abby in, I had just finished when a fly landed on her hand. A piercing cry echoed through the car. A surprised Josh and Eliza looked at Abby to see what the trouble was. Rachael and I, just as alarmed searched for the problem. We finally realized it was the flies causing the panic and we quickly tried to shoo them out of the car. Just as we would get one fly out, another one would come in, causing another round of panic. Instead of a solo we now had three children all screaming hysterically every time a fly would come near. After reassuring the children and emptying the car of flies we started on our way. No more than 30 seconds on the road and we hear another ear piercing scream. I looked back and sure enough another fly had come in. He was buzzing over the heads of the children as if this were a fun game. The more upset Abby became, the more Josh and Eliza became convinced that the once innocent fly was now a larger than life monster. While trying desperately to rid the car of our unwanted hitchhiker and calm our distraught children we both realized the futility of our efforts and began to laugh uncontrollably. Tyler managed to sleep peacefully in his seat(thank you Ty). We arrived at the splash park and fortunately were not bothered by the beastly fly again.

Independence Day

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —Declaration of Independence

With our son Eric returning home from a year tour of duty in Iraq, I having been thinking a lot about the freedom we enjoy and the many men and women who sacrifice and fight to protect that freedom every day.
Sending your son to war suddenly puts a whole new perspective on war itself. It becomes more real, personal, ugly, and more deadly. Saying goodbyes are always hard, one prays they will not be permanent goodbyes!! I have noticed that I am drawn to other service men and women. I want to hear all about their stories, how things are for them, as if having someone you love in the service creates an instant bond!
Ashlee wrote an essay on an airport departure that was touching to her. I have included part of the here:
"I am standing next to Jackie, my brothers wife, holding their daughter Abby. We are watching as my brother and his unit are preparing to leave for Iraq. The airport seems a sad place today and I wish that this reality was not mine, or my families. The lady at the ticket counter announces that the flight is now ready for boarding, and we all prepare ourselves to say our goodbyes, it is such a hectic moment, my throat fells dry,and I can fell hot tingles beginning to reach my eyes. I never wanted this day to come! My brother takes his daughter from my arms and gives her a loving hug, and whispers something to her I can not hear. He reaches for his wife and I look away for a moment, out of respect, in order to give them some privacy. I look around the terminal and it seems every one is hugging their soldiers, trying to savor the last few moments. I know that my turn for a goodbye is next and I prepare my self so that I can put on a brave face for him. I don't want him to know how much I will miss him, and at the same time I do. I feel confused with my own feelings and the hot tingle in the corner of my eyes again. I panic not wanting to miss my last chance to say goodbye to my hero, I cry out for him to wait. He turns and we embrace; all my preparations for icy bravery are instantly melted; he tells me that he loves me and that we will see each other soon"

Thanks Eric for your convictions to preserving the freedom that we are so blessed to enjoy and for coming back home to us! You are our Hero! We Love you!

Tour of Duty

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Rileys Mission

Frustration

Well after many hours I have finally gotten everything put back on my blog. I am still not quite sure how everything came together, but I am trying to figure the whole process out!!! Maybe this was not such a great thing for me to try to accomplish at this time! I found out very easily how addicting blogging is......very addicting but very fun as well!!!

Gratitude

These past few weeks have been full of one challenge after another, the kind of week where you think, "Nothing more, right?! We have had enough, time for the upswing." But sure enough, the minute those words escape the mouth something else is bound to happen. And it did...to the point I was mentally and physically overwhelmed and exhausted. Without thinking I blurted out "I thought you were supposed to be blessed when you have a son on a Mission, why all this adversity"? The second I uttered those words I knew I had judged harshly and I was gently reminded of that fact by a kind voice reminding "But you are blessed!" How could I have thought otherwise even for a second. Yes I am blessed! Very blessed, and I began to count the ways. Instead of mountains that seemed insurmountable I began to see a landscape full of color, rich soil, beautiful flowers and trees, and an endless blue sky! The blessings are innumerable! It is amazing how gratitude changes our view everything around us.

Just a few of my many blessings!

Family

28 years strong

Eric and Jackie, Abby and Eliza
Long awaited Homecoming!

Lindsay and Brian, Talmon and Copper

Our new son-in-law
Britton Mickelson with Ashlee
August 9, 2008

Heaven sent daughters

Riley serving in the Chile Santiago North Mission

Time

"Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived."
- Patrick Stewart

Beginnings

The Davies Family was first established in 198o when Bruce and I were married in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Over the years we were blessed with four beautiful children: Eric, Lindsay, Ashlee and Riley. Time has flown by and those babies have grown into wonderful adults. The memories of those growing years are full of joy, happiness, laughter and sprinkled with a few tears here and there. Eric and Lindsay have established families of their own. Eric married Jacqueline May Davies in the Salt Lake LDS Temple in November of 2004. They have two beautiful energetic little girls. Lindsay married Brian Andrew Christensen in the LDS Mount Timpanogos Temple November of 2002. They have two adorable lively little boys. Ashlee is engaged to Britton Mickelson and they are looking forward to August 9, 2008 when they will be married in the LDS Bountiful Temple. Riley is currently serving in the Chile Santiago North Mission. Our Children and Grandchildren continue to be the Joy of our lives. They still bless our lives each day with much happiness, joy and laughter.