The Luck of West Yellowstone

I always knew I was the luckiest Aunt around, but I didn't know just how blessed I was to have such amazing nieces and nephews. As they have grown into their own personalities, I continue to learn and grow from their example. Mallory and Jenn went into West Yellowstone with the rest of the crew. Most had tickets to Playmill Theatre. Mallory and Jenn had already seen the show and they decided that hanging out in West would provide them with an opportunity to create some fun.

I don't know who came up with the idea, but that wasn't the point. I thought surely they would be off shopping and scamming for cute boys that were tourists in this little town. Unbeknownst to me, they went around town bringing "LUCK" to those that were visiting.

The young women had a handful of pennies, that could have been spent on the penny candy in the sweet shop. Everyone knows the old adage, "Find a penny, pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck." Jenn and Mallory went around the town strategically placing pennies on the sidewalks for others to find. An "Abe Lincoln heads up" meant even more luck. If the penny did not land heads up, it got another toss. Only the best of luck would be acceptable for the visitors of West according to the minds of such lovely, thoughtful young women.

Later on, Mallory and Jenn retraced their steps to see if the pennies had been picked up. Sure enough, some of the pennies were in the pockets of others with the hope of good luck in the future. Later, when I heard about their kindness, and not from their boasting, but from a keen observer, I was sure to praise them for this deed.

I had seen pennies on the ground before, in fact Noah picked one up yesterday. "Hey mom, look, I found a lucky penny!" and then he put it in his pocket. I remember being at Bischoff's Carwash. I saw a quarter and a few pennies. I bent down to pick the coins up and every single one of them was glued to the pavement. I am sure someone was watching to see how many individuals would stoop for the prank. But oh no, not my nieces. They were not about making people look and feel foolish, but blessing lives and making others feel great!!!! What a contrast in the likes of a penny.

Now it would have been fine to end the story there, but later in the week, we were back in town for another show. We had a few minutes to walk the streets, stop in the candy store and fill our bags with over-priced PENNY candy. One of my nieces reached in her purse and pulled out a coin and said something similar to "here's a coin for you to toss and leave on the street for someone else to pick up and you can have the honor of being the means of someone feeling lucky." I was so impressed that she would want for me to experience and feel the joy that they had felt earlier on. Need I say more.  If they hapPENNY to read this--I love you!

Aunt Becca

What I learned from my Nieces:  Look for ways to bring joy to others and the worth of a penny far exceeds one cent.

Happy Birthday America

Rick would often comment that celebrating the Fourth of July in Idaho Falls, was like taking a trip into the movie, "Doc Hollywood" with Michael J. Fox. Granted, we are not like the big timers in Salt Lake City. The parade of trucks, tractors and off-beat marching drill teams might give him reason to think that, but not the Fireworks in the evening. All one has to do is mention Idaho Falls to someone and they say, "Have you seen their spectacular firework show?"(We are not just famous for our potatoes.)

Some years, I did not make it to Idaho Falls because I had been invited to"The Stadium of Fire."Stars such as Donny Osmond soaring into the Stadium via glider never left me longing for the festivities in Idaho Falls. Since then we have been invited to friend's homes for barbecues, up Brighton Canyon for breakfast and a bicycle parade, yet, we have found the small community celebrations to be the most memorable.

When we took up residence here in South Jordan, one of the first items we were informed about, was the famous neighborhood "Cul de Sac of Fire." There would be no need to purchase pricey tickets to firework shows or make the drive to Idaho Falls. Last year's experience proved this to be true.

Fortunately for us, we had the privilege of having Jenn Bodine attend with us this year. She had no idea what to expect other than food and fireworks. Jenn and I began our preparations in the kitchen--making sugar cookies, getting our meat for the grill, buns, and the like. Noah was busy loading up his jeep with camp chairs and the fireworks he had selected earlier in the week. At 7:00 p.m. we walked to our Fourth of July Celebration--"The Cul de Sac of Fire."

As we came around the corner, I saw the look on Jenn's face.  It was neither one of surprise or shock, but that of stifled laughter. Clearly, we are on a small scale in comparison with the Los Altos, California Folk. All I could do was laugh with her.

Rick put meat on the grill, Noah gave jeep rides, and I took Jenn on a "meet my neighbor/niece" tour around the circle. We went to the buffet table to fill our paper plates with some of the neighbor's Fourth of July Specialties.

We didn't even get to dessert before all the children were in the center of the circle lighting up their own cheesy, loud whistling, smelly and occasionally duddy fireworks. I think that is what makes it such a thrill, that it is somewhat silly, quaint and over the top charming.

Before dusk, Noah had finished his set of fireworks. He would have stayed longer, but we were urged on home to watch a DVD. Sunday Morning comes early and we had burned the fireworks at both ends this July Fourth. I find myself as Patriotic as ever. I love to see America's Flag wave. I know we belong to a choice and promised land in which I am forever grateful to live and to be a citizen. Happy Birthday America.

What I learned from Noah:You can never have enough fireworks.

What I learned from Jenn: Tee hee hee hee hee.

What I learned from Rick: He is feeling more comfortable in this type setting.

What I learned from the neighbors: The best entertainment is often right in your own front yard.

EFY 09

Especially for Youth is an amazingly spiritually social program that brings my nieces to Utah for a week. I am the lucky aunt that gets to receive them at the airport, have them spend the night, drive them to a particular campus, check them in, pick up groceries and so forth. It is always such a treat to have these beautiful women in our home. This year, Jenn Bodine and her friend, Hannah graced us with their presence. Noah, couldn't be more pleased to have someone to play with and talk to...Da Vinci, on the other hand was not so approving.

The girls stayed in the room across from noah's room. A towel and toiletries were left by their bed.  Noah made cookies with smiley faces and a hand painted card to welcome them. It was evident that they lived what Jenn sang at stake play-"Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."They did and because they did, the rest of us did as well.

There was the trip to the grocery store and it is always entertaining to see what teen girls will pick out when parental guidance is void. Noah and I helped to get them settled at Promentory Point and then we were on our way. Noah said the moment we stepped on the elevator, "I miss them already."As we stepped off the elevator, there before my eyes was a student of mine from Oakridge Elementary. We exchanged hugs and off we went.

The week went by in a flash.

Rick, Noah and I went to Weber at the end of the week to pick up the girls. We had time to spare before Hannah's plane would leave. The girls had not had breakfast and so we stopped at the Wingpointe Golf Course for breakfast. Jenn and Hannah had had their fill of rubber eggs and so the request was french toast. All was well until the syrup would not pour onto the toast--it was "goo" "goop" "glue" who knows? It made for more smiles and great conversation.

What I learned from Noah: He wants the girls to come again next year as much as I do.  Be it boys, adults, young women or dogs...Noah gets along with everyone.

What I learned from Jenn and Hannah: How to have fun period.