enjoy reading but not so much blogging.

So, I have found that since I have started this online blogging, I have learned so many new things about my family and friends that I did not know before. I go to their blog every other day hoping that they have posted something new for me to read about. I enjoy reading about their every day life, the things that they are struggling with. I know there are many times that I think "but my life is so boring, why should I even bother to put that up there?" Sometimes Jonathan says " are you really going to put that on there?" But, I have felt more connected with some people through this and have learned great things from them. For instance, I have learned some interesting things from my uncle Rick that I did not know before. The song he wrote for Uncle dennis at Christmas time, I have never heard that and I would love to hear you sing it.. I also feel some of Katie's pain on balancing being a mom and all the things that go with that. So, I would say continue to blog away!! I love reading about each of your lives... And even though my life is not an exciting roller coaster, I will do the same and hope that we can all stay connected, even if it is only through our words and stories.

16 years, WOW!!

So, today is Jonathan and my anniversary. We have been married for 16 years. That sounds like such a long time to me. I think back to all those years ago, when I was so young. We got married in my parents front room by Jonathan's bishop and were sealed in the Salt Lake temple 2 years later. I don't think either of us realized the ride that was in store for us. The Lord has truly blessed our lives so tremendously. I have a husband who loves Jesus Christ. He stands up for what is right and true, even if it is not the popular thing to say or do. He is a good man, who has the desire to be better. He loves me and our children. I am blessed with a great companion and am glad that we have been able to grow up together and have 4 beautiful children together. I look forward to staying by his side for another 16 years, to becoming mission companions together and even grandparents. I love him very much and feel so blessed that he is my husband.

Faith or Fear?

As I was reading my cousin Emily's blog on the things we fear, I started to think about what rules my thoughts in my daily life. Do I live my life based on what I fear or what I have faith in or maybe both? It seems that lately this is what is intended for me to really contemplate. I have read book after book lately about how I really am the creator of my own life. Whatever circumstances I am surrounded with is essentially my own creation and they start with my own thoughts. So many times, I really am not aware of my thought process. So, the last 4 or 5 books I have read is about that. If I am not happy with how my life is going, than can I change my thoughts? I know it is so much easier to type than to actually do. I think it takes practice. If I could get everyone a present this year, it would be the book "As a man thinketh." by James Allen. It is only about 75 pages and really has great truths in it. I hope to get better at being aware of my thoughts and realizing that I control much more of my life than I realize..

Adversity reveals character

Adversity reveals character. Sometimes we feel justified in blaming circumstances or the provocation of others for our bad attitudes. Perhaps the best test of our true character is what we do in the face of our circumstances and despite the provocation of others. I think this quote from C.S. Lewis gives a great perspective:

“Surely what a man does when he is taken off his guard is the best evidence for what sort of a man he is? Surely what pops out before the man has time to put on a disguise is the truth? If there are rats in a cellar you are most likely to see them if you go in very suddenly. But the suddenness does not create the rats: it only prevents them from hiding. In the same way the suddenness of the provocation does not make me an ill-tempered man; it only shows me what an ill-tempered man I am. The rats are always there in the cellar, but if you go in shouting and noisily they will have taken cover before you switch on the light.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Be prepared now for the lights to come on at any moment – Merry Christmas everyone!

not 18 anymore

Yesterday I refereed 3 games. After the first game, I was feeling great.. no problems. My left knee had been hurting earlier but I was able to do the game pain free. I thought "I can do this." After the second game, which I might add was the mens league game, I was hurting a little bit. My left knee was aching but so was my right. This presented a bit of a problem but I thought I can get through this. By the time I was half way into my third game I did not know if I was going to make it. I thought I was in good shape but, my body was telling me otherwise. The last 5 minutes of the game were hard. Luckily, the men I was reffing were out of shape old guys and they were tired also. So, there was not alot of running those last few minutes. Mostly, lots of 3 point tries. Well, I did survive. I am very sore this morning and my right knee is throbbing.... The lesson I have learned is sadly I am not 18 anymore. As much as I wish I was physically, I am not. I have 2 more games this week lets hope my poor body will cooperate.

But, it was not to bad refereeing all those men. We did throw one guy out of the first game for bad mouthing and I did have a guy get up in my face on the second game which I did tell him very sternly "get out of my face or you will not play anymore." If they get one technical foul they have to leave the building. He was not happy about that and later apologized to me for his behavior. But, for the most part being a woman played to my advantage. Most of the men were respectful.

2 teenagers

Friday was Devin's 13th birthday. I let him stay home from school and Jonathan and I took him to lunch. He than invited some friends over that night for a party and sleepover. The hardest thing for me is that he is now a teenager. I have 2 teenagers. I remember so well the day he was born. There was a big snow storm and we had to drive from Springville to American Fork. Amber was supposed to take Aubrey but, we didn't have time to drop her off so we took her to the hospital and Misty ended up coming and getting her because she lived in American Fork at the time. Well, about 10 hours later he was born at 6:10 in the morning. He was my biggest baby at 8 lbs 14 ozs. I am very blessed to have him as my son. He is wise for his age and understands gospel principles with ease. I am blessed with amazing children and good teenage kids. But, am I really old enough to have children this age?

Yardstick for personal success

I was reading an article and came across a great poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

What is success?
To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by
a healthy child, a garden patch
or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed
easier because you have lived;
This is to have succeeded.

lack of communication

So, on Monday I lost my cell phone. I am not sure where I lost it at but, it is gone. Than yesterday, my modem went out which connects my Internet and home phone, good ole comcast. I don' t know if I think that digital phone is such a good idea. So yesterday I was without a way to communicate to the outside world. It will be tomorrow before they can get anything fixed. It made me realize just how much I rely on technology. Atleast we still have Jonathan's iPhone. I can connect to the internet with that so I can type this up and tell you of my woes. Ha ha

No one will intimidate me!

So, I started to referee basketball. I have done two 9th grade girls games and I will be doing a boys game on Tuesday. But, I am worried because they just assigned me mens league games for next week. The lady I refereed with last night said " don't do mens league games. They are a bunch of sweaty old guys that are just going to hit on you and try to intimidate you." So, today I check the games that were assigned to me and wouldn't you know it, I have 2 mens league games assigned to me.... I just keep telling myself, that I can do this! No one will intimidate me!! I am an amazing referee.... (positive imaging) So, hopefully it will go well and that my partner is a big man that will hurt anyone that comes near me...