The DRG (Dennis R Garner) family reunion

The first weekend of August (2011) we scored some condos at Park City's Marriott and had a wonderful family vacation (all but Greg and Mike, who were working and couldn't swing it). We spent time at Lagoon, went to the Olympic Park and got to watch skiers go down the ski jumps and land in a huge swimming pool at the bottom. They also were learning tricks on trampolines that were amazing to watch. Den and I watched Jayda and Janika so their parents and Little John could go ride the Alpine slide. We also ate at an amazing (and expensive) Thai restaurant. The food was amazing! We shopped, swam, played, ate, and just had an all around marvelous time! How fun to belong to a family that likes each other.

Zion's National Park

In July, Dennis and I took three days to go see something we've always wanted to see - Zion's National Park. We hiked and hiked. Wearing ourselves out (well at least me). It was so breathtaking. I am amazed at Heavenly Father's creativity.

The Atonement

In Sunday School, we've studied the Atonement of our Savior. I need to share my gratitude for what He has done for me.

I have often pictured Christ in the upper chambers, washing the filthy feet of his apostles. He had such great love for them and showed that the King of this world could serve as the lowest servant would. I've pictured him in Gethsemane. The picture that Melba Hansen did of Him kneeling at a big rock under an olive tree, that used to be at the front of the First Ward chapel, has always stuck with me. The moon hidden behind the branches and the cloudy sky showed how much the earth didn't even want to be a part of that terrible event. The fact that he was able to perform the monumental task of paying for the sins of the world is beyond any comprehension.

I have imagined the scenes of the crowning of the thorns, the scourging, the mock trials; the walk to Golgotha with the crossbeam across his torn and bleeding shoulders and back; the nailing of his hands, wrists, and feet to the beam; the jostling as the soldiers were lifting him up on the cross. I can't imagine the horror of the tortured nerves across his chest as his arms pulled and suffocated him or the immense pain of pushing on the nail in his feet to relieve the strain on the arms and chest. Gratitude and relief are always felt when I finally get to the part where He says, "It is done."

I know that many other people have suffered crucifixion. It is a horrible way to be put to death. But, we know that only one man could suffer in Gethsemane as Christ did. Jesus, alone, paid for our sins that we might be able to repent and keep trying to do better.

I feel such gratitude and love for my Savior for all he has done for me. I must always be thankful for my blessings and never, never forget the big picture. I can't wait for the day when I can kneel at His feet and thank him personally.

Dear Janika's Baby Blessing Day

My princess, Natalie, and her sweetheart, Shawn, got to bless their own princess, Janika, last Sunday. Not only were they beautiful, Dennis did a beautiful job on the blessing. I'm so proud of Natalie and Shawn. They've built a good life together and are great parents for John and Janika. It's a joy to watch them.

To be a Gramma

I am learning the joys of Grandmotherhood. How amazing these incredible little Children of God are. How lucky I am to be their Grandmother. What an awesome, fantastic experience.

Miracles

Dear Barbara Barney has been an amazing example of how to handle stress. She has been a one-on-one teaching specialist in a very tough situation for the last 5 years. She taught me what patience looks like; how to love unconditionally; how to take one day at a time - not knowing what that day would bring; and how to keep smiling no matter what. The ladies I work with make an awesome team and I'm so grateful for them. Each is so helpful and caring. My students are the luckiest kids in the world.

Faith

There is a question in my next RS lesson that asks for positive experiences of sisters who have had FHE, family scripture study, meals together, and so forth. Dennis and I have done these things but only have 2 of our 6 children who value the gospel at this time. I truly feel quite discouraged when I see how my own family has failed after we tried really hard to do things right, especially when they were all at home. My children have had good spiritual backgrounds, yet they don't value spirituality. THEN, the epiphany came to me. I believe what our leaders have taught. I have a testimony that doing these things was the right thing to do. I can have FAITH that at some point, my prayers will be answered. My children, at some point, will value the Church, our leaders, our gospel. My job is to love them and to have faith that things will work out. I can do that. Faith is the key.