I Miss You

Two nights ago, our boys spent the night at Becky's parents house for a 'sleep-over'.  Their cousins are in town from St. Louis and so grandpa and grandma had an opportunity to enjoy their grand kids.  Our girls have 'teenage' things that they do and so Becky and I spent the evening alone.  I love spending time with Becky and we really get a kick out of each other.  As I climbed into bed, I felt a slight loneliness for our boys but knew and understood that they were safe and happy. 
I am so grateful for the privilege I have to be a husband and father.  It brings me joy that cannot be measured.  It is easy to feel ungrateful and lose track of the things that are important.  Make a special effort to see all that is good and then be grateful.
Life is how you perceive it to be.  Even during the tumultuous storms that come, there is much for which we can be grateful. 
My family means everything to me.  I love to be with them and enjoy what they have to offer me.

I Love You, Dad

I am a man who is blessed with so many things.  Being born to good parents is an important thing to me and something that I express gratitude for every single day.
Last night, my dad was presented with a very nice recognition from members of the Muslim community in the Sacramento, California area.  My mom accompanied him for this highlighted evening.  As you might remember, my dad currently serves as the president of the Interfaith Council of Sacramento.  I must admit that I'm not a person who is impressed by titles so I'm not boasting about his title...neither is my dad.  I state that only to impress upon your minds the goodness that can be done by a person who is called to lead.  He does that very effectively.  What is his secret?  He LOVES people.  He is accepting of ALL people.  He learns what others believe and then RESPECTS them for how they choose to live. 
When I was a teenager, I attended a early morning seminary class at the church. (Seminary for me was studying and learning about the scriptures and then learning how to apply what I learned to be a better person and a true follower of Jesus Christ.)
My dad substituted for our teacher on a few different occasions.  It excited me and it excited my friends too.  He is the type of man who makes others feel comfortable and he's very easy to be around. 
I am so proud of my dad for his recognition but more importantly I thankful for who he is and who he represents.  I love you, dad!  Thanks for all that you do to bless and enrich my life.

Give It Your All

Michael Phelps - 19

2004-12 (15 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze)

Arguably the biggest story line coming into this Olympics was Michael Phelps' pursuit of becoming the most medaled Olympian in history. After his gold medal-winning performance with the U.S. in the 4x200 relay teamy, his mission was accomplished in his third Olympics. Not only does Phelps have the most medals, but also 15 of them are gold -- six more than the next best gold haul.

There are great stories from the Olympics.  I watched the opening ceremonies but haven't watched anything else.  I read inspiring stories that are unfolding and it is a tremendous world in which we live!

Headed On An Experience Of A Lifetime

My nephew is leaving to go on a LDS mission, to the Canada Calgary Mission.  Tonight, Becky and I went to support him as he was set apart as a full-time missionary.  It is a joy to listen to the blessing that is pronounced on the individual (Taylor in this case).  I am so grateful that he is willing and able to go serve the people in the area of Calgary.  It brings back very fond memories to me.  How thankful I am that I was able to go and serve the people of the Netherlands. 
I hope and pray that our boys will understand the importance of serving a mission and learning all that there is to learn.  It literally changed my life and taught me some valuable lessons.

Love At Home

It is such a joy to spend time at home, surrounded by Becky and our children.  It doesn't even matter what we are doing--I just like to be home.
I spoke to a man who told me a little about his 'home life'.  Through his words I could see and feel a lot of pain.  He spoke negatively about the various things that happen there.  I just listened and silently thanked heaven for the blessings that are so abundant in my life.
I watch and try to be as good of a person as Becky is.  She brings me great joy.  
I want my life to be as good as it can be.  I also realize that a lot of what life is depends on me.
I love you, Beck!  Natalie, Laurel, Brady, and Danny--I love you very much!  You five, make it all worthwhile. 

My Meeting With A Man

Today, a man walked into the church and needed some information. He was an elderly man who needed to find the time that a particular church meeting started. I looked up the information he was looking for in the phone book and drove him there. Once I got him to the correct church building, I walked in with this man and got him settled and then left to go back to church. He was from the Flagstaff, Arizona area. He was a sweet little man. His ethnic background was Navajo Indian. I asked him if he was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints or had he been a member all of his life. He told me that there was a boy in his school class who introduced him to the church. He was six years old. He then wondered what ever happened to that little boy. He told me that because of that young boy, his life had been changed forever. I silently wondered where this man was in his journey of life. I thoroughly enjoyed the chance I got to be with this man and to feel of his sweet spirit.

A Moment In Time For The Ages

We went swimming at the Taylorsville public swimming pool, a couple of nights ago.  Music played from large speakers that hung on the light poles around the swimming pool.  One song came on that means a lot to our family.  Every member of our family knows the words to the song and they did so with gusto!
I watched as the people in the swimming pool looked in the direction of our children and our nieces and nephews as they sung.

The song is called 'We Are Young".  This is kind of a bizarre video but our kids have really loved the song.  Try to imagine a group of more than ten people singing this with all of their might.  My heart took a picture and downloaded it forever.





I love my life!  It is more than I imagined it could be.  It's times like these that make life all worth while.