20 October 2009

1944

So many years back we had a writing contest about a German Soldier. The winner was non other than American Icon Bret Lehnhof. Bret has a great style of writing and I think has a gift. Here is his poem



1944




In 1944, an American boy set off to war.

He barely knew what he was fighting for.

Before he left his best friend have him advice-

"Beware of German Soldiers- They are cold as ice."

With these words passing through his head

The american boy conceitedly said

"A German Soldier is no match for me-

I'm strong, a clydesdale, tough-you'll see."

Separated from his troop the boy shook with fright.

23, lonely, he'd never been in a fight.

Off through the trees he heard a low groan.

Someone was desperate with pain-another moan.

The good hearted boy went to the rescue.

He found a wounded German soldier laying helpless-black and blue.

The soldiers shiny curved out helmet perched on his desperate head.

He had been shot in the chest and left for dead.

The compassionate American boy rushed to his side.

"I'm not armed, please help me!" the soldier lied.

The American boy watched blood ooze from his chest.

The soldier deceitfully said "Here put pressure on my breast."

His hand left the trigger and touched the hurt man.

The touch felt good to the soldier, it was part of his plan.

The soldier rolled to the side and grabbed his gun.

A surprised look came over the boy for he knew he was done.

There are two morals to this story- plain and clear.

The first is listen to your friends, and you should not fear.

The second moral is a bit harder to realize.

If you touch a German soldier it will be your demise.

15 October 2009

Annual Loop

Fall is my favorite season and each year I greatly anticipate driving the Alpine Loop. Each year I try to calculate when the best time for viewing will be. Last year we were a little early and saw mostly yellow. So this year I tried to hold out a little longer- unfortunately giving a few wintry storms the chance to rush the color change. We still had a great drive and saw some orange and red where leaves were still hanging on. Love fall!

Heading up American Fork Canyon- most of the good colors were in the lower elevation.

Pretty bare up top but Aspens are still interesting to look at if you ask me.


Here's to next years calculations and hopefully more vibrant pictures.

04 October 2009

Lake Powell

We have begun to realize that in a few short months our ability to just pack up and take off on a vacation will dramatically change. However, that has not stopped us from enjoying what time we have left. So last weekend the Nelsons packed up and headed to Lake Powell by way of St George and Las Vegas! Taylor is a big fan of the musical Aida, which was playing at Tuachan, so we made our first stop in St George where we met up with the Moss and Lund families. The play was done very well and the weather was perfect for the event. Then we headed off to Las Vegas to visit the Jensens. They were great hosts and showed us a grand time bowling and eating some of the best Mexican food ever. While in Vegas we made a quick stop at my favorite clothing store H&M. None of my clothes fit right now and I wasn't planning on buying anything but I still had to make the stop. To my shock H&M carries maternity clothes! I was in heaven to say the least and had to pick up a few tops. We also picked out Baby Nelson's first H&M outfit- which made me feel like such a good mother. Next we were off to Lake Powell thanks to a gracious invitation from the Rasmussens to stay with them for a few days on their houseboat. Food, sun, play dough pictionary, beautiful surroundings and great company- we had a delightful time! I finally remembered my camera at this point so enjoy a few pictures.
We took an early morning ride through very calm waters to tour some of the lake's treasures like Rainbow bridge, Temple Music, Hole in the Rock, etc.

Jody looking radiant as the sun was rising.

Rainbow bridge. It is amazing what water flow and time can create. The pictures don't do it justice.

Not looking our best. Fortunately the bridge was on:-)
Bz and Jode




I didn't spend a lot of time in the water after this little friend surfaced to say Hi. What else is down there I wondered.

More beautiful scenery. We saw a lot in our nine hour tour that day- it was wonderful!

Deuce took a refreshing dip from a cliff during our lunch stop. Crazy!
I have to say I'm happy to be home but glad that we are able to do so many fun activities. We know it's not the end of the world to have a child but for know we'll keep living each day like it's our last. What's next?!