That Is Not Too Far Away

2 versions of this title, but they both work.

That Is Not Too Far Away - Version 1

It truly does seem like yesterday that you were born; that we held you in our arms for the first time.

So many told us back then how the time would fly, and we didn't understand.

But, now we do, sadly.

With the covenants you just made at baptism, it is clear to me that there is much in your future that is not too far away, in terms of church.

You will start attending achievement days and working on your Duty to God award, finishing up with primary altogether.

Soon you'll turn 12, and become a Young Woman; attending Young Womens each Sunday and then having combined activities with the Young Men. Then, seminary and stake dances. Heaven help us.

Really, all of that is not too far away.

Then you will graduate from seminary & high school, attend college (preferably BYU), and decide if a mission is for you or if marriage is your next step.

Truly, it's not too far away.

Then, the 3rd white dress, for either serving the Lord for 18 months or being sealed for time and all eternity to a great guy who will love you for the person you are and support you in everything. Always, continuing to grow emotionally and spiritually together.

Honestly, Afton Joy, that is not too far away.

So proud of you for today and for the many great choices you'll soon make in your life. 

"That is not too far away." - Version 2

When my sugar got his first assignment last January, all of our family and friends all said the same thing, in one way or another. 

"That is not too far away. So great! You can just pop on back to Vegas for a weekend or we can come visit you. Plus it's perfect that you'll still be so close to help with this first transition."

And it's true. Las Vegas and Yucca Valley are not too far from each other. In just about 3.5 hours, I can return to my hometown and be in the presence of family and friends. This has been a huge blessing for us, as we've been out on our own doing the Navy thing for the first time. 

And since it's not too far away, our family was able to come to California to support our Afton Joy in her decision to be baptized. Some came from Las Vegas and others from Utah. 

And we're so glad they did. So thankful to have family and friends that are not too far away. 

The Grandparents

The Barnes family

The Jones family

My brother

The Moses family

My cousin Aaron

Demi & Mara

(I love to see what everyone had on their plates.)

The Dunn family

Lily

Rico

Evie, Michaela, & Bennett

So glad they are not too far away. 

Indian Cove

On our Saturdays, that don't include soccer games, we try our best to have an adventure.

Today, in between the 2 sessions of LDS General Conference, we decided to go check out Indian Cove, just up the street from Daddy's work. It's a part of Joshua Tree National Park, but just a spot that we haven't adventured through yet. 

Jack said, "Last one up is a rotten egg," on more than one occasion. He also said, "This place is so beautiful."

This section here was after we had to crawl between boulders in order to climb up, holding my breath the ENTIRE time. I'm the only pansy in this family. 

So I took a selfie to say, "Look, I didn't die. Nice work me!"

"I onna stay here forever momma."

"He loves me. He loves me not."

"Yes, he loves me."

(Oooh no.)

"My buttcrack hurts."

The wildflowers, the rock formations, all of it.

Really, it is beautiful, but it's definitely a different kind of pretty, compared to what we will be seeing in our next assignment. (Fingers crossed, if we ever get our official orders.)

Dem is estinkee.

"What in the duh world did her just say about dem dinosaurs? Did her just say dem is estinkee?"

I reply, "She said they were extinct, silly. That means they are no longer living on the earth."

"I an not siyee momma. Her is. Look right dere. Dem is not dead. Dem is standing right dere on the earth. See. I think her really said dey is estinkee because maybe they tooted or somethin."

Everything else in the show just seemed a little boring after she saw these dinosaurs.

Her mind was about to explode when the "Siyee lady," said we could touch them for a small donation. "Do yous has all duh moneys? Give her all duh moneys right now. I neeeeeed to touch 'em. Please, and maybe give him a kiss." She also got a bracelet for our donation that was lost within an hour of getting it.

"I'n not going to give dem kisses, because they do kinda stink."

"I'n so glad all dese animals is not estinkee. That would suck if dey was not on dis Earth. I yuv all duh animals. Especially Bercules."