Groendyke Traditions

Every Third Monday Night
Dinner with Grandma Garff

Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day Cards for Class, Friends and Family

Birthday
Noah picks theme and helps plan party
Treat for the school children
Party with friends, grandparents and family
Eat Off the Red "You Are Special" Plate

St. Patrick's Day
Dress in Green and Irish Cuisine

Easter
Easter Bunny Lady Hunt and Barbeque
Color and decorate eggs
Hunt for eggs filled with candy and money
Sort
Eat
Play

South Jordan County Fest
Usually the second week of June
Rides
Vendors
Prizes
Contests

July 4th
Purchase Fireworks
Cul de Sac of Fire
Pot luck and Barbeque with the neighbors
Noah drives his jeep and gives rides
Fireworks in the Circle

Night Games--All Summer Long
Austin, Carter, Jayden, Gentry, Rachel, Katherine, Tryn, Sterling, Jillian, Preston

Summer Retreat
Hebegen Lake with the Bodines and the Harts
Wake and Surf Board
Waterski
BOB
Bubblejumping
Tube Rides and Tube Wars
Boat Rides
Madison Arm Resort for Sundries and Ice Cream
S'mores
4 Wheelin"
Nature Walks
Make Videos
Jen's Hill
West Yellowstone
Yellowstone
Geysers and Wildlife
Dock Mafia
Fish
CRAZY Afternoon Storms
Fun with Cousins
Playmill
ETC.

Back to School
School Supply Shopping
Chuck E. Cheese
Father's Blessing
New School Shoes and Outfit

Sport's Camp at South Jordan Recreation Center
Basketball, Soccer, Swim, Crafts, Games, Skate Park
(Off track )

Utah State Fair
All Day Ride Pass and Fun House
Treats
Little Farmers

Halloween
Archibalds Witch Hunt
Halloween City for Costume
Trick or Treat in the Neighborhood
Candy Sorting
Jack-O-Lantern Pizza

Thanksgiving
Usually with Grandma and Grandpa Hart

Christmas
First Monday in December--Tree
Ward Christmas Party
Cousins rotate gift giving
Christmas Eve--hors de uerves and ice skating, new pj, Santa Hat
Christmas Day--gifts, hot breakfast, play, movie, nap

New Year's Eve
Blow Horns, Hats, Snacks and usually at home in bed before midnight

Weekdays

Sunday--Church and later America's Funniest Home Video
Monday--Dancing with the Stars/Big Break
Wednesday--Survivor
Thursday--Del Taco
Friday--Pizza and Red Box

Favorite Family Programs
*House
*Fraiser
*The Big Bang Theory
*Jazz Basketball
*Survivor
*Dancing with the Stars
*Big Break
*American Idol
*Friends
*Seinfeld

Favorite Family Dining
*Cafe Rio
*Chuck-a-Rama
*Olive Garden
*Zupas
*Del Taco

Favorite Treat Stop
*Maverick (diet coke, frozen yogurt, licorice, donut and an ice cream snickers)
*Arctic Circle for the Brown Topper

Count Your MANY Blessings

Recently, we have been trying to get in a better routine. We are quite aware of our need for rest and for blessings from heaven. We also know that we have much to be grateful for each and every day. Sometimes Rick will call on Noah to offer a prayer. Even the prayer before a meal rarely contains a blessing on the food. Usually, it is all about Noah'a dog Da Vinci.

The other night we were kneeling down at the foot of our master bed and Rick had asked Noah to lead us in Family Prayer. He wanted Rick to do it and it went back and forth until Rick suggested that he would help Noah with the prayer if Noah would say it, and so it was decided--THEY would say the prayer. Rick is very eloquent in his prayers and takes his communication with his Father in Heaven most seriously. He is thoughtful and avoids vain repetition that I have been known to succumb to.That is an area I definitely need some work on as my mind tends to wander with the list of things that need to be accomplished.

We have been instructed to "Count our MANY Blessings," and though we find our little family experiencing a few hardships, we still have a very long list of the many tender mercies from a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ...and so the counting began...

Rick spoke of being grateful--"we are grateful for our home" and then he would pause and Noah would repeat "we are grateful for our home" in the same sing songy rhythm that Rick would use. I could tell Noah was really listening, because he would make certain adjustments like when Rick said, "bless my mom,"Rick was referring to me--Rick was saying a prayer as Noah would say it, but Noah thought for a moment and then said, "bless Grandma T.," which is Rick's mom.

Then Rick asked for particular blessings--"bless Grandma and Grandpa in their health,...bless my mom with her challenges...bless my dad to find work...bless Noah to be a good student and friend...etc." Noah continued to follow with the worded phrases. I had a great big smile on my heart as I witnessed a father and son in the course of a prayer. Noah would stumble on a few words, and it made the prayer all the more endearing. Rick continued with the prayer, but Noah was ready to be done. He hurried with a few of the phrases and when Rick went on to the next blessing, before Rick could even finish his sentence, Noah took hold of the reigns and blurted over Rick's meek tone "In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen."He was done and when he could see that Rick was no where near wrapping this prayer up, Noah took charge. We couldn't help but laugh.

What I learned from Noah:  Short and sweet is the best kind of prayer for a child.

What I learned from Rick:  He is a great father and wants to teach and lead his son in the direction of righteousness.  I also continue to learn the tone of a heartfelt prayer.

Firsts

Noah had his First Day of First Grade at a new school and a public one at that. It is our First experience with a Year Round School and by default, he is on D Track( which is awesome, because his friends are also on that Track.) Noah met with his Teacher, Miss Snow. She is a First Year Teacher. He found his desk and saw that there were some names he knew from his Primary Class--another First. Noah's Dad, Mom, and Da Vinci, walked Noah to school and that was a REAL FAMILY First.

Noah had his First shot at School Supply Shopping (always my favorite part of the Back to School Season and also the event I missed when he was attending a Private School.) He is a big spender when it is not his money. Target was our Target and School Supplies was the section. An hour later and Rick still waiting in the car, Noah was ready to begin the school year.

I awoke to fix Noah a warm breakfast of scrambled eggs, while Rick took care of some grooming essentials. I thought he looked so handsome. My beautiful baby boy is no longer a baby--he's in First Grade. His Father, Rick, gave him a wonderful Father's Blessing--words of encouragement and hope for us all. Rick, kindly gave me a Blessing as well, that I might be the Mother Noah needs me to be. We began our day out right. It may have not been a First, but it is a rarity. Often we are running around searching for something.

His red backpack and lunch were packed and he was ready to walk and roll on his chariot. It was rather entertaining for our little family. Noah was excited for his day of FIRSTS. Lots of love and good luck my boy.

What I learned from Noah:  Setting all FIRSTS aside...no matter what, he is growing up.

One Golden Night, One Golden Family

My sister will sometimes have what she calls the "after vacation blues."I think it is just a plain "Hebgen Lake Withdrawal."I don't stay nearly as long as she does and I am experiencing a withdrawal right now.

Honestly, there is something MAGICAL and SPECIAL about THAT PLACE, and this year I felt it to the extent of my inner core. Maybe it is not that THE PLACE is MAGICAL so much as the Pete and Michelle Bodine Family and Howard and Lisa Hart Family have created MAGIC for THAT PLACE.

Is it because they know how to make every moment count?

Is it because they have opened their minds to the wonders of nature, not just viewing it, but learning and applying it?

Is it because every year they have a craft from shrink art jewelry to felt paintings, hair wraps, friendship bracelets, fleece blankets, crochet hats, window art, jewelry made of washers and scrapbook paper and who knows what else?

Is it because every morning it is a guaranteed smooth ski or wave surf?

Is it the incredulous storms that appear late in the afternoons?

Is it the wildlife...the star gazing?

Is it the visits to West for the Playmill, loud laughter and homemade fudge?

Is it the wildlife tee shirt of the year?

Is it the fact that their generosity extends to families and friends, and then when guests come, they make everyone feel like family?

Is it because of the late night games and stories?

Is it because there is a wide variety of activities (4 wheeling, biking, hiking, nature walks, snipe hunting, bat counting, treasure hunts, wave runners, boating, tube rides, skiing, wave surfing and wake boarding, BOB, fishing, floating the Madison, visiting the sites, smores, picnicking, etc.)

Is it the cozy meals and cramped sleeping quarters?

Is it the quaint, charming decor of the cabin?

Is it the fact that their warmth and friendliness include the surrounding neighbors? (I am almost positive others plan their summer stay around when the Bodines/Harts will be there.)

Is it because they have improved and brought needed changes like a newer, safer stairs and boat dock?

Is it because there is still a spiritual component in discussion and attending sacrament meetings in the Park and in West?

Is it because my nieces and nephews are the coolest, the funnest, the hippest and blow cool over the edge?

Is it because every bathroom is chalk full of Bath and Body Works Lotions, Soaps, Shampoos, a rainbow of Venus Razors and toothbrushes?

Is it because there is a system, a real house of order that is set so that everyone pitches in and takes part and a certain amount of that system also is devoted to flexibility and spontanaiety?

Is it because even the Chipmunk has a place, a name (Davey) and feels welcome there?

Is it because you get to learn new words and phrases (random, awkward moment, retro, metro, bcote?)

Is it the "hot cocomotion" and the "whip creamer?"

Is it the array of desserts? (oreos and whip cream? peanut butter spread atop cookies? fudge stripe smores? "Bring it to the Idaho Fair."

Is it the contagious laughs, the infectious smiles and allergy sniffles?

Is it because the stars appear to shine brighter and be more numerous?

Is it because the sounds of the city and the fast pace of the world are put on hold to enjoy moments of a higher nature?

Is it because the Adults get to act like Children (Howard in floral swim cap and two ski Tuesday) and Children get to act like Adults?(like when Mallory was asked to move the car and Noah gets to drive mom on the wave runner)

Is it because there are unlimited opportunities for fantabulous photo shoots and pictures?

Is it the magnificent sunrises and brilliant sunsets?

Is it the "grow a moose" in a bucket of water?

Is it because Madeline is a Playmill Star and the rest of the Family is a Star Audience?(literally received their own ovation from the Cast when they came through the door)

Is it because there is a personal library brought to the cabin and a few classic dvd's for wholesome entertainment?

Is it the bronze tan and golden highlights in your hair that give you a look of refreshemnt, revival and relaxation?

Is it the night swims, the swim to the point, the brave jaunt off the steep blue slide?

Is it the warmth of tradition?

Is it the fact that you are reminded that "families are forever" and there is no one else I would rather be forever with?

Is it all of the above and more? Yes, and so much more that words escape me. This year I would say there was a bonus

--One Golden Moment for One Golden Family--for one glorious evening every sibling shared an evening together with their amazing parents in their Golden Years of Life.

One can only be too grateful for those making these MAGICAL MOMENTS possible.

What Noah and I learned from the Bodines and Harts: Hebgen never loses it's MAGIC.

Just Who is This Old Faithful?

After church and after much dileberation, it had been decided--skip the Canyon and head to Old Faithful. For the original Bodine/Hart group, Old Faithful happened almost weekly. For Richie's Family and My Family it had been a while and there were so many childhood memeories. How awesome to now be taking our children into the land of our memories and traditions of the famous "Old Faithful Inn," the famous "Old Faithful Geyser,"the famous boardwalk of geysers to see.

Given that we had not eaten and Old Faithful had some time before it errupted, we began in the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room. I believe there were l8 of us that needed to be fed and so we had to be seated at different tables. Noah and I had the blessing of joining up with Richie, Camille and Johnathan. The Silver Fox of Idaho Falls, our Father treated us to this dining experience.

Everyone gathered on the deck of the Inn to wait and watch Old Faithful triumphantly spew out the steam. This would be a first for Noah. We had come when he was a baby, but there was no memory of this act of nature. He had absolutely no idea what to expect. In fact, he asked me, "Now who is this Old Faithful Guy?" Somehow he had it in his mind that Old Faithful was a man.

The time had come, the camera's were ready and Old Faithful performed brilliantly as in years past. It was spectacular and I was once again in awe of our Creator. Some of the group went back to the cabin while some meandered the boardwalk to view the other geysers. I felt the same intense fear, that I felt when Bry and Richie were little, now with my Noah--that of falling off the walk.Yes, my hand reached in front and ruined one man's photo opportunity, to Noah's shirt, where I yanked him back to scold about the scalding hot water and being careful yatta yatta yatta. I could see that Richie had that same fear as he had tight hold of his children. (This was another miracle to witness as I walked behind Richie--he was walking without the aid of crutches and at times, even ran.)

There were clouds above and Mom and Dad waiting back at the Lodge and so we headed back. We were amazed at the tracks of animals that walked on the thin crust of earth and tolerated the stench of rotten eggs and the fact that plants could even grow in this area of so much sulfur. Yet, we saw a Bison right there, with all it's weight standing by a geyser. It was a trip well worth taking and Noah said it best, "I am so happy I got to see Old Grateful." Yep. Maybe being GRATEFUL assists one in being FAITHFUL.

What I learned from Noah:  Old Grateful Faithful