Will we ever catch up on sleep?

It was an exhausting weekend and yet absolutely wonderful! Saturday was full with preparations for the Sabbath. We had to rush out and get Alyssa something to wear for church as her luggage has yet to arrive. Thank-goodness for Kohls! Early that evening Alyssa and I went to the General Relief Society meeting and "Chocolate Extravaganza." It was wonderful to hear President Uctdorf speak. He is a favorite of Alyssa's. The wide variety of chocolate treats was incredible.

Later that night the door bell rang and at our bidding, Alyssa went to answer it. Surprise! There was Alyssa's former missionary companion, Shannon Egbert from Preston, Idaho. Shannon spent Saturday night with us. The girls stayed up late talking and playing "beauty shop." Shannon is a marvel at doing hair. Alyssa now has a cute cut and highlights. Once again we were short on sleep but what a way to go!

Alyssa, Claigh and I were at the Stake Center at 7:45 for Alyssa's report to the High Council. A young elder from the stake had just returned from the Arizona Mesa Spanish speaking mission so we got to hear two reports. It just doesn't get any better. Following the High Council Meeting, Claigh and Alyssa headed home to pick up Shannon for church and I headed for my class room to set up for Sunday School.

In Sacrament meeting, Alyssa spoke on obedience, faith and power. She shared how the three are interconnected. One of her earliest experiences in Portugal strengthened her resolve to be faithfully obedient. Alyssa did extensive work with members who were less active in church attendance. This was a work she truly loved. In her first week in Portugal she and her companion had been working hard all day looking for a member who had moved. It was getting close to the time for going home and they were tired and had been unsuccessful in any way for the day. There is a seven point process they needed to complete to find the person they were looking for. It would have been very easy to just stop and cut the day a bit short but they chose obedience and decided to work till the last minute. As a result, while they did not find the person they were looking for, they found Alice who was very excited to see them and wanted to hear the gospel message. Being new to Portugal, Alyssa felt very inadequate in speaking the language but she found that the Lord strengthened her enough to meet the need. For that few moments she was able to communicate with Alice. From this her testimony was strengthened in the truth that power comes through obedience and faith. This set the tone for the rest of her mission. She also noted that sometimes obedience is a result of faith and sometimes faith is a result of obedience. However, the promised blessing is "power."

"And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them;" 1 Nephi 17:3

Alyssa and Claigh left following Sacrament Meeting to see Shannon off and I headed to teach my Sunday School class. I was so exhausted I wasn't sure that I could put thoughts together coherently. Earlier in the week there were those who suggested I could get a substitute for that day but I felt that if I was going to be there, it was my responsibility. Thanks to the teachings of my mom and dad, I just couldn't feel right about not being where I was committed to be. The result - a further testimony of that which Alyssa had spoken in church. That 45 minutes was truly the brightest of my day. I was very alert and able to present as I had prepared. Comments from the class contributed to the teaching. (We have a remarkable ward.) As the amen to the closing prayer was said, fatigue washed over me again.

"And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." Moroni 7:33 (another scripture from Aly's talk)

I know that our Heavenly Father is mindful of our every day needs and is ever ready to respond to the prayers of his children. I know the Savior lives. I know the power of healing in his wings. I am grateful for the gift of the Spirit. I am grateful for young people who put the world aside to serve and love whomever the Lord calls them to minister to. I am thankful for Alyssa's mission. I am thankful to have her home again.

She's Home!

Yes that is right! Alyssa landed in the Pocatello airport last night at 9:45 after 24 hours of travel through Germany, Atlanta, and Salt Lake City. The amazing thing is she looks great! Imagine - no sleep and looking fine. (As Hoops and YoYo would say - Yum!) While Aly made it, her bags never even got to Atlanta. She had many gifts from Portuguese friends packed in the lost bags and that has been her main concern. However - good news - they have just now located them and they will be in Idaho Monday. Too bad we will be in Salt Lake again on Monday. :o) We are a very happy family.

Jaelyn and Leslie's wedding in the Salt Lake Temple was a wonderful start to yesterday. Claigh and I felt blessed to share in the whole experience. And - we got to hug Cathy and Aunt Jessie who we haven't seen in far too long and Randy who I haven't seen in for even longer! It was wonderful to meet Randy's wife, Debbie and Wendy's daughter Charlene and her husband Cory. Jenna, Brad and children are a beautiful family. Jyllian and Joel are as wonderful as ever. Terry and JoAnn - fabulous. BUT the best of all were Jaelyn and Leslie. This is definitely a match made in heaven.

Celebrate Maxwell

Jump and Jive - Maxwell's Five!
Sara and Jared's youngest!
Dark Blond Curls
Blue Eyes
A smile as bright as his mother's
Great Laugh
Good Reader
Gentle Heart - Giving Spirit
Loves to tell jokes
Seth's buddy
One year till kindergarten -
Oh my - then what will mom do?

Happy Birthday Maxwell Isaiah Anderson!

Maxwell Fun

Happy Birthday Sara

Today marks another milestone in the Jensen Family as we celebrate Sara's 31st birthday. Born September 18th, 1977 Sara took no time establishing her self as the family princess. Older sisters Cameron and Carey (six and four years old at the time)were quick to determine this baby to be the best baby ever. They truly doted on her.

When Sara was fourteen months old I was wondering if she would ever walk? One day Carey called me into the hallway and said, "Look mom." She laid a skipping rope lengthwise in the hall way, stood at one end with Sara sitting cute as ever at the opposite end. Sara crawled over to the skipping rope, took the handle in her hand and stood up without anything to pull her self up on. Carey began to walk backwards and Sara, holding onto the other end of the rope walked forward behind her. UNREAL! The child could walk!! Who knew!!! A family council was called and big sisters were forbidden to carry little sister or get things for her or do anything she could do for herself. They were sure this was absolutely unreasonable. But mom prevailed and Sara became the family "instant" walker/runner. There were no toddling steps for this one.

Sara has a natural wit that truly entertains. She has the ability to see the humor in day to day life and expresses it cleverly without hurting or poking fun at others. I love it! A highlight of our week is to read from her blog and not only get a sense of what is happening at the Anderson household, but have some comic relief. Claigh and I have gone the range from gentle chuckles to uproarious laughter.

As a toddler, Sara loved her bottle. We had a pretty good supply of bottles but they began vanishing. In 2008 Sara Jensen baby bottles would have made the endangered species list. One night as things were winding down and Sara was ready for her "before bed milk" we found the bottle situation had moved from endangered to extinct. After scouring the cupboards and puzzling over the lack of bottles, I explained to this ready for bed too cute little miss that I just couldn't find a bottle for her. She beamed her adorable smile and took my hand and walked me into the living room. She walked over to the drapes and gently pulled one to the side to reveal a partially filled bottle with curdled milk. With that she gave a little laugh. We "found" a few of the MIA's that night.

Not only has Sara a good eye for the humorous, she as the gift of a profound understanding of spiritual truths. As her mother I have marveled at her ability to express the heart of gospel principles. This heart is not only revealed when she is asked to speak but it is seen in her deep sense of goodness towards others. It is rare to hear her speak unkindly of anyone. This is not to say that she does not note something that isn't right or express disappointment when hurt. She is just not "blustery" or "vicious" in any degree. She is a tender soul and tends to pull back until she can get things into better perspective rather than "duke it out." Most of what Sara has to say is meant to encourage or build in genuine ways. Flattery is not her thing. Remarkable.

Ever ready to be helpful, Sara has the ability to sift through reams of information to assess a variety of angles on an issue and give some solid recommendations on all sorts of matters ranging from buying a new bed to delving into a medical issue to bowling on Wii. If Sara puts her mind and heart to something, she achieves. She has what I admiringly call "stick-to-it-ness."

Sara and Jared are devoted parents to three fortunate boys. They insist on considerate and respectful behavior. These children are loved and secure. As one who didn't enjoy security as a child, I can't begin to say how deeply I appreciate this blessing for my grandchildren. Many children today ache for a mom and a dad who work together to build a loving home. Sara teaches with clarity as she sets boundaries.

Now that our daughters have established their own homes, we will not have a two cake week in Idaho. However, as I eat my flax seed and yogurt today I count another of my best blessings. I love my Sara! Thank-you Heavenly Father for beautiful daughters.

Fun Times for the Weekend

Fun and Friends - What a way to go! We ended our very warm Saturday with an evening Dutch Oven cook-out gathering with church friends. Yum! The corn on the cob was especially good. We enjoyed the fresh air and good conversation. I must adjust my thinking however. Regardless of how hot the afternoon is, the temperature takes a quick downturn as soon as the sun begins to sink. New Jensen Family rule: Never leave home without a jacket and some blankets in the car. If you do, you will freeeeez! Thankfully, the family whose yard we were gathered in had a nice fire pit. You can guess where I spent my time!

Sunday was another day for friends and conversation. Following church we served five guests dinner to break in our new dining table. Prish Mordan just moved here from Virginia. Her husband is a contract worker for the government in Saudi Arabia. She is overseeing the completion of their home preparing for their retirement here. John Smith moved to Idaho Falls from Connecticut a few years ago. He is retired from teaching Spanish and working with Special Ed kids. Wendall Bunnell recently lost his wife to a long fight with cancer. And Jean and Gary Meikle, neighbors who were first to greet us when we moved here last May rounded out our little gathering. Gary is an attorney. What a joy to get to know everyone more personally. I love to hear other people's experiences in life. It just doesn't get any better.

Early this morning when I met my walking buddies and noted the jacket Marilyn was wearing I knew I was in trouble. I have worn a jacket every morning but this was the first time Marilyn has had one. It was quickly apparent that I need to step up the layers soon. Brrrr! Thank-goodness for the generally sunny days.

Tonight we are off to Pocatello for a gathering of LDS Family Service employees from that office. I look forward to getting to know them better. Claigh has often expressed how fortunate he is to work with such great people. Life is good.

Old enough to have a daughter that is 37?

Yup - That would be Claigh Hugh Scherer Jensen and Wendy Lorraine! September 14, 1971 changed our lives forever and for the good. How blessed we are to have Cameron Leigh Jensen Stewart such a wonderful part of our lives. I have always maintained that 1st children earn special points for breaking in novice parents. Cameron is a joy and she did and does her 1st child responsibilities very well.
I am grateful for Cameron's sense of fun and her willingness to go the extra mile to enjoy life. Thanks to her, Claigh had a 56th birthday celebration. This could have gone by the way with Robert's death and our need to cut short Cameron's vacation to Idaho and head to California. However, Cameron makes things happen. This act of nurturing lightened a burden and put in place a wonderful memory for birthdays to come.

Cameron's willingness to be inconvenienced for the blessing of others is remarkable. When Grandma Jensen was in a very desperate situation Cameron and Collins opened their home and hearts to her. This was no small undertaking. Not only is Cameron a blessing to her family, her heart has been open to many others who have crossed her path. She take notice and she does something! She genuinely loves and gives care to those some might pass by.

I love when Cameron comes home and has time to sit at the piano and play the beautiful hymns. Her clear sweet soprano soothes the soul. One of my favorites to hear is "Come Thou Fount." The Stewart babes are fortunate to have music fill their home.

Cameron has a strong moral compass and passion for living the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is a blessing for us as parents as we desire happiness for our children. And it is a tremendous blessing for her children as she and Collins gather them to read from the scriptures and pray each day. As she corrects she encourages them to be aware of their impact on others.

I enjoy Camie's keen intellect and love of learning that is only eclipsed by her love of helping others learn. As a teacher she infuses her enthusiasm into what ever she is teaching. Just the right spark of humor brings needed perspective.

From her youngest years, Cameron has enjoyed cooking and creating wonderful meals and treats for others to enjoy. As a matter of fact, she ran through her whole semester food budget by October that first year in college. Many fellow students ate well those two months and Cameron survived on Ramen Noodles the last couple of months. Perhaps the tasty repasts she served up to others had something to do with her being named "Sweetheart" for a fraternity on campus :O)

It is a delight to see Cameron as a mom. Again I admire her sense of fun. She knows to put other things aside when needed and join in with the family for fun. She puts extra touches into any family celebration that delight. She is our Pizazz! When I count blessings Cameron is right up there with my bestest!

Happy Happy Birthday Dear Cameron!!

Our First Trip to Craters of the Moon

As a young girl I took particular note of the highway sign pointing the way to "Craters of the Moon" whenever we would travel I-15 in eastern Idaho. I had no idea what "Craters of the Moon" was but I have always longed to actually go and see it. The name intrigued me. Yesterday was my day! Not only did I finally make it but I was blessed to enjoy it with Claigh!

I had spent the morning preparing for Sunday School and Claigh puttered around the yard and washed the car. At 2:00 p.m. we headed out for what Claigh was sure was just a 1 hour drive. Not so! It actually took us 1 1/2 hours to get there but the drive was pleasant. Much to our surprise we found Craters of the Moon to be a National Monument. This massive lava field is believed to have been formed from volcanoes that erupted an estimated 2000 years ago. There is a 7 mile road that winds through the monument with stops at various sites. We really should have had a full day to explore.

With limited time we headed straight for the caves to catch onto the end of the last cave tour of the day. The caves were created as the lava flowed forming lava tubes. Many of the caves have collapsed but there are still some wonderful ones to explore. The climbing is tenuous but if you are careful it is not too difficult. It is hard to imagine that there is anything in the lava fields to sustain animal life but we did see some very healthy chipmunks and there were white spot evidences of birds. I was very surprised to learn from our guide that the blue bird is the state bird of Idaho. Who knew? I have missed the beautiful small eastern blue birds of our Virginia back yard and this was a pleasant discovery. Honestly though, I have only seen birds brown and birds gray since our move here but I digress. . .

Some of the cave walls have some lichen. Beauty cave even has a little moss but for the most part they are barren lava rock. To walk the paved paths through the lava field from one cave to another was pretty neat. I never cease to be amazed at the variety of beauty in God's creation. Great expanses are completely barren and then you come to an area with bits of sagebrush struggling for life in the cracks of the lava. There was even a bright green 8 inch fern frond peaking through the rock in one spot.

We next headed for the cones knowing that would the end of what we could actually see for the day. The Snow Cone which isn't even that deep still has snow in it due to the steep sides that do not allow the sun in.

I loved the Inferno Cone which is a cinder mountain. When we drove to the base of the mountain the sign said "1/2 mile to the top." It just didn't seem that far up. We began our trek straight up the cinder. I took a very quick pace. Imagine my surprise as we crested what from the bottom looked to be the top of the mountain only to find that there was even a greater distance to go to reach the true top. This I took a little slower! It was definitely worth it all. The view from the top was incredible!

On our trek up the cone, Claigh picked up a piece of the pumice that was about 2 inches in diameter. It was a feather light rock. I tossed it and it was caught by the Idaho wind and blown sideways in its fall. Amazing! Actually as we reached the top we were being blown sideways!

My favorite thing of the whole day was the rustic tree on top of Inferno Cone. It's roots were gnarled and must have sunk deep into the rock. Truly it seemed a miracle that it had been able to take hold and survive. It was a good size and looked like a wizened old man who had weathered the storms of life with great tenacity. The lesson I had been preparing for Sunday was on "Rooted on the Rock" and so my spirit was tender towards this old tree. It was a great metaphor for the strength and power that come to us as we are rooted in the Rock of our Redeemer. For me the truth of the capacity and strength of the Savior to help us withstand the great trials of life is very real. It may seem odd but I wanted to hang out with the tree for a while. You could say I am a tree hugger I guess!

As we drove away from the Inferno Cone we saw that the back side of this great black cinder mountain looked like it had a case of chicken pox. The whole south slope of the cone was spotted with buckwheat. These close to the ground little clumps were about three to four inches in diameter and spaced about two feet apart - quite an intriguing site. I wonder if this is "the" buckwheat we love so much in our pancakes?

All too soon it was time to head home. I look forward to another adventure at Craters of the Moon. It is perfect for a visit in June or September. I can't imagine walking for miles over the barren black rock in the heat of July or August even if it is just "Idaho" heat. We arrived home with a specimen of every Idaho bug plastered on our windshield and grill. Sorry Claigh :o)

FYI there is a small camp grounds in the park - first come first serve for the most part with a few reserved spots available.

"Rooted on the Rock"

I Remember: Happy Sunday

I love Sunday. When I was a girl everyone kept the Sabbath. No stores or businesses were open and families attended church together. In my small community there were three churches, United, Catholic and LDS. Not bad for a community of 500 people. Of course there were the farmers and their families that lived throughout the prairies who also joined in the sabbath day worship.

Our LDS congregation was a pretty good size and our white church house seemed very large to me. However, looking back I realize it was really quite small. The upstairs of the church held the foyer, chapel, bishop's office, bathrooms and a couple of classrooms. There were no cushions on the benches of the chapel but I don't remember ever thinking they were uncomfortable.

The basement was our recreation room with curtains that could split off four classrooms from the main room. There were shuffle board courts painted on the wood floor that we could use for activities. There was also a kitchen downstairs which doubled as my classroom when I was six years old. My junior Sunday School teachers at that time were my two great aunts, Aunt Lucille Stanford and Aunt Leah Rogers. How blessed I was to have these two incredible woman in my life. To this day I remember the lesson they taught on "The Good Shepherd." They had what was called a groove board in which they could stand figures. They had a figure of Jesus and then many lambs. They stood Jesus in the center of the board and then one by one they added the little lambs. There was a lamb to represent each one of us children. My life at that time was very sad and I will never forget that lesson and the comfort it was to me. To sense that I had a Father and a Savior who loved me was carried deep into my heart. I don't remember a time when I did not have this faith.

One of my dearest memories of my old Coutts church family is of Brother Fred Ortlie leading the music. He brought his family to Coutts from Switzerland. Their youngest daughter Susie was just a year older than I. Anyway, back to the music, Brother Ortlie didn't use the regular conducting patterns but would lead according to the feel of the music. It was truly beautiful. We didn't have air-conditioning in our building and so in the summer time the windows would be open to let in the cool breezes. We would sing with all our hearts fully drawn out in praise and devotion "I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me." and "Come come ye Saints." and my childhood favorite "Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war." I wondered if the whole town could hear. I was sure we sounded magnificent. My faith grew as I joined my young voice with those dear saints in Coutts as we lifted our voices of testimony. How grateful I am for a faithful grandmother who saw to it that I had the privilege of going to church.

Get Excited!

Our new dining table and chairs have finally arrived and they were definitely worth the thirty-seven year wait! The table was built by Cherico in Salt Lake City and the chairs were constructed in Pennsylvania by the Amish. The wood is Cherry and the stain is Tabacco. Who knew it would be so difficult to find something well built and beautiful that could seat a crowd? The table can expand to 105 inches and is 47 inches wide. I love it!!! And the chairs are comfortable for my 5'2" and Claigh's 6'2". Believe me, we sat in many a chair to make this find. We are ready for more guests and I am happy for it.

God Bless America

A song written and performed by Dustin Evans as a backdrop for a photo presentation created by an American Soldier:
http://g.dwgsee.com/wake/index.htm

Through the ages of time, the free have fought for those who can only dream of liberty. I am touched at the care of the Nephites for their Lamanite brothers who wanted to break free. Many lost their lives to defend those new to the covenant. Can it be so different today when young men give their all far from home for those who they have never known? I love my family and am grateful we live free. May we feel the depth of the sacrifice through the ages for the cause of liberty. He who paid the greatest price? Our Savior and Redeemer who truly sets us free.

"And the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the earth, . . . While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never ending happiness.
"And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.
"And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing - sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life."
- Alma 28:11-14

A New Temple

I love the Sabbath Day. It is good to draw back from the daily needs of life to reverently worship. We were blessed in the morning with an inspirational Sacrament Meeting focused on the first principle of the Gospel, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. There were three speakers, a young teen, a elderly mother/grandmother and a young father. Their experiences with the power that comes through faith in our Savior were a strength to me.

Our afternoon was spent at the dedication service for the Twin Falls Temple. What a beautiful temple! We were gathered in the Stake Center to participate by Satellite. President Monson was showing some wear for the first time I have ever seen. His wife's health has been pretty rough and I think it has taken it's toll. However, his message was tender and spirit filled as he encouraged us to live faithfully.

President Monson's daughter, Ann M. Dibb, spoke as well. I wish I had a copy of a written piece she had received from her close friend from Idaho. Sister Dibb keeps it in her purse with her. She had asked her friend why the people of Idaho were so good and grounded in the gospel. In response her friend wrote of how she grew up in Idaho. Basically it was about her father and her mother and the fact that their life was the Idaho way. She grew up working hard along side her father with her siblings to coax a living from the arid land. She wrote of her mother keeping the home and nurturing the children, also working hard. I can't do the piece justice and hope that it is published someday. The Idaho native ended with "We were surrounded with Divinity."

Sister Dibb then went on to tell about an experience she had where she knew she too was surrounded with Divinity. On Thursday morning last week, she had taken her mother to the doctor. The doctor asked her mother how she was doing and she replied, "Pretty Good." Sister Dibb said that was a stretch but her mother never complained.

Later that day after she had gotten her mother home and into bed resting, President Monson came home. He went into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. He and his sweet companion talked together and then he said, "Well Frances, I guess I need to get ready to go to Twin Falls. I'll be needing some socks." To which Frances replied, "Don't you worry Tommy, I washed your socks for you this morning." He then turned to his daughter and softly said, "Isn't she the most beautiful girl?" Sister Dibb said she was very grateful to also have been "surrounded by Divinity" all of her years.

The family is under attack today and it breaks my heart to see many children without the blessings of security and peace that come from a loving home. There are men and women who desire the love that develops over the years from a lasting marriage and have yet to see the fulfillment of that blessing. It seems all is a competition between some men and some women. Selfishness masquerading as "Self Esteem" rules the day as individuals seem caught up in self interest. How sad. God designed us to perfectly compliment one another and he will lend power to our faithful desires for the fulfillment of that compliment.

The roles of father and mother are sacred. That is why "Honor thy father and thy mother." is the first commandment that deals with our relationships with our fellow man. It isn't about just honoring a specific man and woman although that is part of it. It is about respecting and honoring the actual roles of father and mother. I pray for my daughters that they will truly comprehend that. It is a sacred trust to enter into a marriage covenant and bring children into the world and should never be treated lightly. Our covenant with the Lord is that we will be faithful and true to our marriage through our faithfulness to him. The keeping of that covenant can begin long before we are ever married. How grateful I am for the covenants of the temple that bind us to our families and to our Heavenly Father.

The sophistry of Satan leads many away from their womanhood and manhood. It is the great tragedy of our day. Satan also leads us into an entitlement mentality where children are spoiled and not blessed with the lessons of hard work and the resulting character development. You can never spoil a child with too much love or respect BUT you can spoil them by demeaning their eternal identity through indulgence.

Having experienced the devastation of the evil Satan can bring into a family, I have sought all of my life to stand firmly for the cause of truth. I know my Savior as the Way, the Truth and the Life. I live by faith not only in his power to redeem but also his power to strengthen me for my daily walk. Life is good.

Beautiful Idaho

Yesterday we made our way to Mesa Falls filled with anticipation. We had been there 36 years ago for a picnic with our then one and a half year old Cameron. The memories of that day long ago still inspire wonder and a laugh or two. We had pulled into a camp ground and found a picnic table to spread out our lunch of sandwiches and chips. The whole area was deserted. I can't remember if it was early spring or late fall but there was a nip in the air. The chill wasn't too much for a very healthy horse fly however. As it began to buzz around our heads with determination, we flailed in an attempt to shoo it away and keep it from biting either us or our little girl. Camie started to giggle and say "Fun - Fun!" We had to pack it up as the horse fly was not about to give in.

We made our way on some pretty treacherous terrain to get a view of the falls that year but the effort was well worth it. Today, there is a simple paved trail, a series of stairs and a board walk with various areas to view from. Not nearly as dangerous but perhaps not quite as fun either.

One of my favorite sites from when I was a girl was "Cameron Falls" in Waterton National Park, Alberta, Canada. When I returned to that site after many years away, I was sad to find they had worn down considerably. They are still beautiful but not as powerful as I had remembered them.

Mesa Falls maintains it's majesty. The mists rise up to the moss covered cliffs. Pine trees rise out of the rock. I loved the roar of the rushing water as it cascades 110 feet over lava rock for the Upper Falls and 85 Feet for the Lower Falls. There are still many wild flowers blooming even this late in the season and we saw what I believe to be Huckleberries in generous clumps. The day was hot and the sun unrelenting but the beauty of the falls was well worth the trip.