We Do Hard Things

Our family slogan is: We Are the Murdoch's and We Do Hard Things.

We remind the kids of this often in their daily lives.  Whether it is a difficult homework assignment, a challenging event at the swim meet, going to church when others head to the lake, or even returning too much change to the cashier, WE DO HARD THINGS.  We want them to learn it is part of their character make-up.  Life isn't easy.  They may be faced with some very difficult choices in their lives and because they are a Murdoch they have the power and capability to do more than think they can.

I drove the lesson home again as we hiked the  "Y" on the mountain this week.

Not my photo...taken earlier this spring.

The "Y" isn't an especially difficult hike.  It is a little over a mile of moderately steep switch backs up the mountain.  However, because of the threat of thunderstorms earlier in the morning we left a bit later than we would have liked.  At 11:30 in the a.m. the temperature was already 91 degrees.  A bit warm for hiking, but because we'd already made the 40 minute drive to the "Y" we made the hike anyway.

We didn't even arrive at the second switchback before there were pleas of turning back.  The weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth started at the third switchback.  I tried every distraction technique I could think of.  We looked for lizards, I sang songs, I encouraged, pulled out drinks and snacks.  The tears continued.  (It was only the two littlest that openly complained.  Emma silently cursed, while Will practically ran up the mountain ahead of us.)  

I reminded them of how disappointing it would be if anyone ever asked them if they hiked "Y" mountain and they could respond, "Only half way, I didn't have the guts to make it all the way to the top."  I also told them they would be so thrilled as they saw the Y from the freeway and remembered the time they climbed all the way to the top.  For the record, those kind of motivational speeches fall on deaf four year old ears.  Caroline didn't care. She was just really hot, and really tired, and wanted to turn back at every step.  At one point I felt I was literally dragging Caroline and Josh behind me. 

Josh perked up when at almost an hour of hiking a man told us there were only three switchbacks left.  Josh had a definite end now.  He counted down each switch back.  I don't know who was more joyful to see the giant, white letter, the kids or myself.  

We made it!  As we sat at the top and looked down at the beauty of the valley below I gave another speech.  Again, one that reminded them of how they have it in them to do something really hard, and something that they think they couldn't do.  I prattled on my soapbox for a few minutes while their eyes glazed over.  I wanted a picture of each at the top....then my camera died!   One thing is for sure...they will always remember they day they first hiked the "Y"!

Look at the joy on that kid's face!!!

Look how far we've come!

The kid who was too tired to move another step climbed all over the Y!

Contemplating life at the top!

P.S.  The funniest moment for me happened after we had hiked down.  I  hadn't thought through my hiking attire before we started.  I was wearing and old acid washed T-shirt....think gray T-shirt.  After we finished in the 90 something degree temps, I had pit stains under my arms, a large sweat stain in front from carrying Caroline down the mountain, and then another large sweat stain in back from the leather seat in the car.  REALLY GROSS and unattractive!!  However, the kids were starving so we went to the BYU Creamery for lunch.  As we walked in I told Will that I was so embarrassed because of my sweaty appearance and pit stains of all things.  To which he looked at me and said, "You think you're embarrassed??  You're my Mom!!"  I laughed so hard!