My mom, M.E., and I raced back to Salt Lake to help get things set up for the first ever Clayton Women Summit. M.E. and Brooke organized it all, a grand invitation to all women who claim roots to Whit and Betty Clayton with the grand theme of "What Matters Most;" a 24 hour getaway to share testimony, insights, and reconnect. We had almost all of our aunts and girl cousins get together at my parent's house - 15 total. Here are Harrison and Riley helping us get ready for it at Costco.
M.E. opened up the evening by introducing our first activity: Our Favorite Things. We were instructed to bring an item that represents our family culture.
We all brought three of our items to share. I loved seeing what everyone brought!
Sidenote: Little man was on the struggle bus that night. He learned how to climb out of his pac 'n play in Jackson and was practicing his skills on us all night long. By consequence, he partied with the ladies until 10:30. Oh my dear heavens.
Grandma then shared treasured memories of her life. We loved listening and asking the matriarch of our family questions about child raising, the gospel, and marriage.
Clayton Women
Then off we went to the shave ice stand down the street that our second cousins are running for the summer. So delicious. We then stayed up talking until 1:30.
The following morning schedule had us going on a hike at 7:30AM, but no one got up until 8:00. It was probably the first time in a long time for most of us to sleep in that late. It felt great! So, we took a very quick walk, ate breakfast, and then Aunt Kathy started off our morning session by teaching us about being creative with our dreams and aspirations, but to allow heaven to guide us in the journey. Her eloquence and perspective is truly noteworthy. We loved listening.
I then gave a presentation on body image and I think it went well. Catherine (bottom left) spoke on choosing happiness and we all got to share which scriptures mean the most to us, songs that make us happy, and people we look up to. Aunt Elaine (bottom right) first started off her presentation with a little Sally O'Malley impersonation and then gave a beautiful discourse on the sanctity of family and the plan of salvation. She is a very brave and courageous woman.
Abby gifted her knowledge of psychology to us and shared why family is so important. She, the youngest of the group that was in attendance, had such poise and insight!
My mom finished off the day discussing how Heavenly Father wants to speak with us and that this doctrinal truth is theologically unique to other religions. It was beautiful.
The grand finale to our cherished time together was at the Deer Valley amphitheater listening to Lyle Lovett sing with the Utah Symphony. We found a way to turn it into a dance party #ifihadapony #somanyhashtagssolittletime. This quick weekend was really restorative for me. All of us grew up together and now are raising our families in various places throughout the country. We all felt a little piece of heaven was with us as we shared, laughed, and cried together. I love these women.
