It's General Conference time again!

When I was younger I looked forward to General Conference weekend because it was a weekend I did not have to go to church. 

I missed the entire point!  Now, I look forward to General Conference weekend, and look forward to the talks arriving next month in my Ensign magazine for me to read and re-read.  What is General Conference? 


 This amazing meeting draws all of my church together.  The conference is seen in over 102 countries, and translated into 92 languages from Albanian to Yapese.  My church has held these conferences every 6 months since 1830.  We hear from our leaders on all topics to help us live better lives and become better people.  We are reminded on ways to be better followers of Christ. 

So while I love not getting up on Sunday morning and putting on my pantyhose every six months- I love even more hearing great messages about my purpose here on earth.  Why families matter.  Why I need to focus on the important things in life.  Most of all, I am reminded that Jesus lives.  He is my Savior, and yours.  He loves me and knows me, and he died for me. 

And when I have spend the weekend getting my cup filled up- I am ready to try to make a difference, again, one random woman at time. 

Sometimes ya just gotta trust

 Last week we took the Silver Creek Leadership Academy to the CU Challenge Ropes Course at the University of Colorado at Boulder.  It was amazing to see the kids working together, reaching out to help each other and trusting each other.  Too often in this world we think we have to make it on our own, or that we need to put others down to make ourselves feel better.  Wonder why it took hanging from a string 40 feet in the air to feel differently?

Wouldn't it be great if we all took care of each other?  What if I was strong when you were weak?  You were smart when I was dumb?  And we all just managed to cut each other some slack and treat each other with love and respect? 

I look forward to when we just reach out our hands to help each other. I don't care if you are my best friend, or someone I hardly know.  If you need help- I want to be that person.  

And when life seems unstable- or I am a little unsure of myself- you will be there for me. 

Because we all make a difference

one random woman (person) at a time!

We lost a couple of great ones-

 

 "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles 

Recently we lost two great people- Marie Drummond was a teacher at Silver Creek High School in Longmont CO. She did some amazing work with my son, TJ.  She helped him through some tough times in high school, and was his advocate in many ways.  She did that for so many students along the way in her 30 year career in teaching.   She personifies what is right with public education, and the kind of people who spend hours every day with our children.  Thank you Marie, for your impact on the world.

 

 

Brenda Bane amazed us all with her will power, her strength, and her faith.  After being diagnosed with a brain tumor, Brenda defied all odds, and lived an amazing 22 months.  Brenda, to me, will most be remembered for two things- her amazing faith and positive attitude, and her devotion to her two boys.  My favorite memory of Brenda is sitting at a basketball tournament in Denver that lasted all day and well into the night.  Our two oldest boys were playing, and our two younger boys were bored silly.  Brenda and I laughed at how similar boys were.  

 

Both women have left a mark on the Silver Creek High School community, and in the hearts of so many.  Heaven is a little cooler of a place to be with these amazing women there.  

 

 

Thank you......... We will miss you.....Thanks for teaching us that we can make a difference- one random woman at a time!

 

 

 

Sleeping on the trampoline

When I was growing up we spent many a summer night sleeping on trampolines.  We thought it was the coolest thing ever! ( I have since come to believe our mothers figured out it was a good way to get us out of the house and not have  to listen to us and yell at us to shut up and go to sleep)  My kids were big on sleeping out on the tramp as well when they were little, so it only makes sense that I would want to share that tradition with my grandchildren. 

It's been hot as blazes here in Colorado the last while, so getting out of my house without air conditioning has been tops on my priority list.  A couple of nights ago, while watching my 3 year old granddaughter jumping on the tramp at dusk I knew we had to have a trampoline sleepover.   I climbed on the tramp with her and did a few rounds of "ring around the rosie"  (Which was more fun when I was younger....I was beginning to get vertigo) and we laid down and looked at the clouds and decided what they were.  (spiders, angels and monkeys...oh my!!)  and hatched the plan with her to sleep outside.  Her eyes were huge in disbelief that sleeping outside on the tramp was even allowed.  She smiled at me with the largest grin I have seen on her face in a long time.  It was as if in her little mind she was thinking-
, "I need to hang out more with Gammie.  She has some serious fun."
(Which thinking she wound be totally right!!)

We grabbed the blankies from around the house, made popcorn, and pulled out the laptop to watch a movie. (yea, we didn't do that as a kid)  The movie portion actually lasted only a few minutes, and I was thrilled when she said, "Gammie, can we turn off the movie and look at the stars?" 
"Duh" I thought.   My one minute to unplug and hang out with her and I organize more technology for her.  I made a note to myself not to do that again, and off went the movie. 

 We laid on our backs and snacked on popcorn.  We talked about stars and where they came from and what they were made of and how big they were.  I made up most of the stuff as I am not sure the exact molecular structure of a star, but she thought the answer that Heavenly Father and Jesus made the stars so we would have a beautiful sky to look at night was a great answer.  (And, frankly, I do too!)

We looked at all the airplanes flying with their blinking lights.   We guessed where the people in the airplanes were flying to.  She snuggled close to me and giggled. ( I hardly slept, and my granddaughter will probably get west nile from all the bug bites she has,) It was the best night in a long time. 

Too often we are so busy with the hustle and bustle of life.  We do what our Iphones and blackberries tell us to do when they tell us to do them.  I don't want to live my life like that.  I want memories that last into eternity.  I want my granddaughter to remember the night on the trampoline and I hope there are many more in the future.   I have learned something from the teachers I work with.  They take summers off still. While I continue to work every day and juggle all the responsibilities of the leadership program, they are not.  And they are smarter than I am.  They went on vacation for six weeks.  They are up in the mountains all summer.  They are bike riding, swimming, and making sandcastles.  That is why they are teachers, and they are smart to use their time to unplug.  Heaven knows they will spend the next nine months running with their hair on fire. Maybe we all don't get summers off, but we all get some time off.  Are we using that time to make a difference and build relationships with those who matter most, or are we bringing work home, shoo-ing off the kids to be quiet, ignoring our spouse for hours at a time to do a little more work? 

Don't forget why we are here- build those relationships that truly matter!  Because that is how we truly make a difference, one random woman at a time!

Good Karma

 On a recent trip to Las Vegas, Nevada with my two sons for a basketball tournament I knew I would have some free time.  I decided to sneak out of the hotel early while my teenage boys were still sleeping (thus they would never really know I was gone, and I would not miss any fun times with them! Aahh,  the beauty of teenage boys and their sleep patterns!)  and head to the Las Vegas Temple. 

I love to visit the other temples!  The are so beautiful and so unique while still being so similar.  (I know, that sounds silly, but it's true!) 


We were on a pretty tight budget this trip- in fact, I did not rent a car.  I knew the temple was a bit away from the hotel we were staying at on the strip, but I thought I could still get a cab ride to the temple.  It would be a little pricey, but certainly worth it! 

I got a cab with a lady who was from Ethiopia and had been in the United States for around ten years.  She had no idea where the temple was.  I was glad to have the GPS on my phone to make sure we were headed the right way!!  This sweet lady and I had a wonderful conversation about our families, and why I needed to attend a "church" that was so far away.  (she assured me she would help me find one closer, but I insisted this was the one I wanted to go to!)  I began to get nervous in the back seat of the cab when I saw the dollar amount for my ride continue to climb and climb.  I was nearing the dollar amount I had envisioned spending on the entire trip, and I was not at the temple yet.  My heart sank as I began to calculate the cost of a return trip.  Maybe this was a bad idea. 

We got closer to the temple and I began to contemplate walking the rest of the way when I saw Moroni in the distance, but I continued on with my sweet driver chatting about so many things.   As we got closer, my cab driver got quiet. 
She said, "Oh my, it's beautiful!  I had no idea this building was here!!"
We pulled into the parking lot and were met by the sign- "Las Vegas Temple- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."  My cab driver read the sign.
  Her eyebrows raised.
She said quietly, "You believe in Jesus Christ?"
I smiled.  "Yes, I do." I replied.
She said, "I do too."
I said, "It makes all the difference in my world."
We pulled to the front of the temple doors and she asked me how long my church service was, and how was I getting home.  I told her I would probably need a ride.  (with my stomach sinking, while I calculated the tip for with my trip) She gave me her phone number and told me to call her.   She marveled again at the beautiful gardens and I told her to park her cab for a couple minutes and enjoy the serenity of the temple grounds.  I thanked her for the ride, and headed to the front doors.

  I said a quiet prayer for my new friend from Ethiopia.

I walked in the front door of the temple.  It was beautiful, but I could hardly think because I began to worry about the costs of the trip.  How was I going to get back to the hotel?  Maybe there was a bus?  I was met at the front door by a sweet sister who welcomed me to the temple.  I must have had that "I am confused and don't know which way to go look" on my face, as she asked me if this was my first time at the temple.  I told her I was from Colorado and was visiting.  She smiled and told me she would help me navigate my way around.  We chatted quietly for a moment as we walked into the temple and she helped me find my way around to prepare for the next session.  I thanked her for all her help and went to the chapel to wait for the next session. 

My mind went from looking at the beauty of the temple to panicking about the cost of the cab ride.  I knew I needed to "put the world aside" so that I could enjoy the peace of the temple.  I said a heartfelt prayer that I would figure something out.  I knew the Lord loved me, and was mindful of my situation, so I needed to enjoy the time at the temple and put the worries of  the cab ride away.  I did my best. 

Towards the end of the session I began to think about the cab ride again.  "would that older couple think I was a weirdo if I asked them to drive me to the strip?" I thought.... maybe not, but probably.  So I decided not to ask total strangers for rides.
  I could ask the front desk if there was a bus nearby.
Or.......I  could just suck it up and pay the cab ride.
It was my sacrifice for attending the temple. 
Yup. 
That was it.
Stop whining Carrie! 
Put on your big girl panties!
You are not pulling a hand cart!!
You did not save for five years to pay for a boat ride to the temple thousands of miles away.
You have a cab ride that cost you more that you wanted to.
Deal with it. 
Yup, that was it.  I took a big breath, said a small prayer for the opportunity to serve in the beautiful Las Vegas Temple and I walked out the door to change my clothes. 

Just then Karma happened.

The sweet lady who showed me around in the beginning of my day was standing outside another door.  Her eyes lite up when she saw me. 
"There you are!" she said.
"What hotel are you staying at?" She asked me.
"I told her I was at Mandalay Bay, on the strip.  
"She glanced at her watch.  I get off my shift in 20 minutes, and I would be happy to drive you to your hotel.  It's silly for you to pay for a cab." 


Wow. 

I asked her if she was sure, and told her she was an answer to a prayer.  She told me she would meet me out front in 20 minutes. 

I changed my clothes and said a prayer.  That was an answer to a prayer.  It came swift, quickly and actually exactly how I would have liked it to be answered.  But only after I was willing to pay the cab ride.   I know all prayers aren't answered like that.  If they were no one I know would be dead, sick, divorced, flunked a test, needed surgery or wanted for anything.  But today in Las Vegas, I hit the jackpot. 

I met my ride in the front of the temple.  She apologized for making me wait. Really?  You are doing me a huge favor and you are apologizing....really?  Yup... your are an LDS Woman....

We headed off to Mandalay Bay.  We hit it off and had several things in common.  And the kicker?  Her name was Karma.  I'd say she was appropriately named.  She was good Karma today!  She dropped me off at the front of the hotel.  She, of course, would not take any money.  I thanked her and she drove away.  My boys were just waking up, I had a wonderful time at the temple, and I got a little reminder of how much my Heavenly Father knows me, loves me and is there for me. I also got a reminder that women rock.  The do amazing things for each other. My life was touched by my cab driver and sweet Karma.  Just goes to show you, we can all make a difference, one random woman at a time!!

Pura Vida!

Just returned from 10 days in Costa Rica with some of the greatest kids from Silver Creek High School.   As part of my job as the Program Coordinator for the Silver Creek Leadership Academy, we are working to give students the opportunity to travel internationally to understand other cultures, find commonalities, and become better world citizens. So, I  (being the kind, giving, and thoughtful person that I am) took time out of my life to donate to the cause.  (I know, dirty job.....but someone has to do it!)  

Manuel Antonio National Park

La Fortuna Waterfall 

The Costa Ricans have a saying.  "Pura Vida!"  Which, directly translated means "Pure life."  While it is easy to enjoy the pure life while sitting on a beach, looking at a volcano, enjoying the beauty of a waterfall, I found a deeper meaning to the thought of "Pure Life" while there.  

The group at Poas Volcano- and Jurassic Park size leaves

 Living a "pure life" is living a life that is worth living. 
A life that has purpose, direction and meaning.  Living a pure life is one where our values are not fleeting, and we are not swayed back and forth by popular opinion.  Living a pure life is knowing who you are- standing for it even when it is uncomfortable. 

Living a pure life

is the essence of leadership

 

Sunset at Jaco Beach 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another view of the sunset at Jaco Beach

 How often do we pause to look at life with "Pura Vida" eyes?

How often do I reflect on the beauty of this amazing earth and breathe in the smells, listen to the sounds and just stop my mind for a few minutes and be grateful for all I have? 

Living life the Pura Vida way would allow me to do that. 


So while I was in Costa Rica, I kayaked, zip-lined, river rafted,  rode horses thru amazing countryside, watched kids dance their native dances, listened to birds, looked at flowers, swam in the ocean and loved every second of it.  But the best part was sometimes sitting quietly and thinking nothing. I loved watching the students soaking in every experience and knowing it was making an impact on their life and who they would become.

Getting ready for river rafting with the group (minus Lisa)

How amazing would the world be if we all added a little "Pura Vida" to it?  What difference could you make if every morning you woke up determined to live a pure life?  What would you become?  For me- Pura Vida changed me forever.  I am going to work a little harder to live life a little "pure-er"  and make a difference.....one random woman at a time... 

TJ signs on the dotted line....

Me, TJ and Coach Doty from Central Wyoming College

 Sometimes as a mother you worry about your kids.  Will they eat enough vegetables, drink enough milk, not ride their bike into the street,  and graduate high school.

We also  worry about bigger things like: will they be a decent human being? Will they give more than they take and will they get the big picture, and know who they are, why they are here and where they are going?

Each child of ours is not really ours.  They are just on loan from our Father in Heaven.  He would really like it if we don't screw them up too much.  He would like them to come back home to him when this life is all said and done.  So we as parents do all the things we can to give them experiences here in this life that will help them make decisions to get to the next life and be where they  want to be.

I am rambling, I guess we all get to do that when a kid graduates from high school. It's a changing time, and a time for reflection.  

TJ is headed to Central Wyoming College to play basketball.  I assume he will also attend classes in-between  gym time.  I am proud of this kid.  When he tore his ACL many thought his playing days were over.  He never quit.  He worked hard, helped coach the team he could not play with and gave all he had in a different role.  It's all anyone can ask.  They have no idea what they are getting at CWC.  They are so lucky. 

When the basketball banquet rolled around at SCHS they made an announcement that the award formally known as the Chris Johnson award was now called the TJ Adams award.  For the player that goes above and beyond for his teammates.  I don't know about you, but I don't have an award named after me.  I probably never will.  Way to go, TJ.

TJ really has made a difference- at home, at Silver Creek High School, and in the lives of so many.  And that is the best we can do, make a difference- one random kid at a time!!

TJ signing his life away

The Siblings

The whole family