Vote for your favorite national park in Utah!

Utah is a beautiful state.  Five reasons for this beauty are the five national parks within its boundaries.  The five National parks are Zions, Bryce, Canyonlands, Arches, and Capitol Reef.  All are located in Southern Utah and have red rocks.  Zions and Bryce are the most famous.  Canyonlands and Arches are within a few miles of each other near Moab.  Capitol Reef is located northeast of Bryce Canyon by Fish Lake.

Capitol Reef isn’t as well known as the other five parks, but is just as beautiful in its own way.  The park has stunning red cliffs, a visitor center, campground, petroglyphs, a scenic drive and hiking trails.  Two hiking trails go into the geologic formation known as the Waterpocket Fold.  These trails have steep cliffs on each side.  One has been used for decades to pass through the area and etchings can be seen on the cliffs from the 1800’s. 

Recently I visited Capitol Reef National Park with my family.  I took the picture and video while visiting.  As you can see, Capitol Reef is beautiful in the day and at sunset, too.  Head to Southern Utah and enjoy the beauty!!

 

 

 

 

America's National Parks

I love to visit the America's national parks.  America created its first national park just a few years before her 100^th birthday.  The first national park to be created was Yellowstone National park.  This granddaddy of national parks was created in 1872. 

One of the reasons that I love the national parks is because of their beauty.  Yellowstone has its waterfalls, wildlife, geysers, and hot pots.  Crater Lake is a beautiful, pristine lake in a volcanic crater.  Yosemite has Redwood trees and one of the highest waterfalls in the world.   Teton National Park has the majestic grandeur of the craggy Teton mountain peaks.

Another reason I enjoy the national parks is the learning and education there.  Most national parks have visitor centers with movies and displays to help you understand the park, its history, and geology.  A fun and educational activity at most national parks is the Junior Ranger Program for children.  Children are given a paper or booklet with activities to help them learn more about the park and its environment. 

For beauty, family fun and education the National Parks can’t be beat!   

Motherhood and the Journey

The Family Proclamation states that “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.”  This weighty responsibility begins even before a child is born and never ends.  Mothers nurture when they protect their children from harm, both physical and spiritual.  Mothers nurture when they train and educate their children.  They nurture when they support and encourage their children as they learn at home and school.  They also nurture when they feed their children---over and over and over again.

The journey of motherhood and nurturing can be long and hard.  It doesn’t end when children leave home, but continues on and extends to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Mothers can even nurture those who are not related to them. 

In this technological age, when mothers need help with mothering or nurturing they turn to blogs.  Sometimes called Mommy blogs, they have become quite popular, especially in Utah.  In fact the Deseret News reported that “new Moms who blog seem to transition into parenthood with a greater sense of social support and connection.”  (Deseret News, January 7, 2012)

Recently I read about a “Mommy blog” called 71toes.  It is written by Shawni Pothier, the daughter of Richard and Linda Eyre.  The Eyres have taught and lectured on families for decades.  Another daughter, Saren is the co-founder of PowerofMoms.com.  For some candid comments on motherhood and nurturing, log on! 

http://www.71toes.blogspot.com

  

http://www.PowerofMoms.com