Why Sheridan, Montana

Many people have asked us why we are moving to Sheridan, Mt. I thought I might take a minute and try to explain. I'm going to try to add some pictures and with those, if you know us at all, it will all make sense. It is an incredibly beautiful part of Montana. Quite different from Utah and in some ways very different from anywhere we've lived in Idaho. Sheridan sits in the Ruby Valley surrounded on all sides by mountain ranges with names like the Ruby, the Tobacco Roots and the Pioneer Mountain Range. Running right through the middle of the valley are three "major" rivers. They are major for those who dabble in fly fishing and study history however they are nothing in size compared to the Snake or even most parts of the Boise. These rivers all flow into the Missouri eventually and then on to the Mississippi.

The valley itself is full of wildlife and the major industries are agriculturally related (i.e. ranching, farming, etc.). The town has less than a thousand people in it, although there are several more towns along the highway that are roughly the same size (kind of like Henrieville, Cannonville, and Tropic). There is a separate elementary and junior/senior high but they are still small schools. They have a small ward with its own building and the people are so welcoming. Every time we have visited the ward, they have welcomed us with open arms. Every single person came up to us to find out who we were and whether or not we were moving in. It was the first time in a long time that was quite this welcoming.

All of that aside, the real reason we are going is that when the offer came to buy part of Ryan and Bobbie's property at such a great price, we knew we had to include Heavenly Father in the decision. It was an extremely difficult decision and we went back and forth many times. We are comfortable here and love the life we have been creating. We do have family in Montana who need the influence of the gospel and to get it need family who will live it, and set a good example. As a family, we discussed it for a long time and when it came down to it, the spirit whispered that it was right. It is scary giving up the security we have right now but that will come again with time. The most important thing is that we included the Lord in our decision and are trying to follow the spirit. We know that if we do that we can't go wrong. There may trials and times of uncertainty, but those are there to teach us to be humble and to continue to rely on the Spirit for direction.

Why am I blogging?

Is that even a word? I don't know. I'm doing this for a couple of reasons. First, I have absolutly loved that Ryan, Tiff, and Laura have been doing this. I check their blogs two or three times a week and have loved seeing as well as hearing all of the things going on in their lives. Technology is so wonderful. So much information can be shared in so many ways. I feel like I am reading little letters to me from my family and it is a wonderful way to keep in touch.

The second reason. On Friday night I was working on some some stuff on the computer and was going through some pictures and geneology. I happened to run across one of my mission journals and spent the next hour reading through it. I had included pictures and quotes along with my own thoughts and experiences. It was a wonderful trip down memory lane. Then on Sunday we talked in part about journals and an experience that Elder Eyring shared from last October,s conference. I won't go into here, you can read it on LDS.org, but he reminds us of the importance of writing down the experiences that Heavenly Father gives us. and I figured that I might as well share them with anyone who cares to read them. He has blessed me so much and in so many ways. I think I need to write it down. I know it helps me to recognize things He's done that I may not have thought about otherwise.

So anyway, that is why I'm doing this. It is going to be like a journal for me. I may not be real good about adding pictures and stuff, I've been trying, but I will do it wherever and whenever I can figure out how.

Don Quixote

In my Spanish 2 classes we just finished watching the TNT version of Don Quixote. This is one of my favorite stories. An older gentleman from 16th century Spain gets so caught up in the imaginations he creates from the literary works he has compiled on knight erantry and the times of chivalry that he struggles to seperate reality from the world in his head. He recruits his neighbor and friend, Sancho Panza (who by the way is his opposite in everyway), to be his squire. They set out to find adventures, to set the world right of the wrongs commited by giants, villains and scoundrally magicians. He does all of this in the name of his fair lady, Dulcinea del Toboso, who is actually a common lady our Don sees hanging out the wash.

Along the way the pair find many trully great adventures. In fact as their story spreads, the adventures seem to find them. In the mean time, his neice and friends seek him out to bring him home for his own protection. In the end they do eventually succeed. Unfortunatly, this coming back to reality is what brings about the end of Don Quixote.

The movie is based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes. The theme is what makes me love the book and the movie so much. Don Quixote, although well past his prime, is alive and full of spit and vinager because he, as he says, can still dream. The comforts of this world are not enough. He is not going to just sit back and accept what life gives him. He is going to go out and find his dreams. He is going to help the world be a better place simply because it is what he believes in. He is full of conviction and integrity. Although many people consider him to be a fool, he is happiest and the most alive when he is caught up in his dreams. And therefore, he is not afraid to dream.

I think all to often we are all too afraid to dream big. I know I have done that way to many times and I've let some opportunities slip by. On the other hand, I love my life now because of my dreams. I have a beautiful family that love and support me, even in all my craziness. I have a career that makes me look forward to getting up each day, most days at least! I get to help youg people to find ways to be a little better each day. Michelle and I are also about to achieve a goal we set when we first were married. We are about to move to Montana and get our start on our ranch. It is only 15 acres for now but that is a step towards were it will be in another 10 years.

So, keep on dreaming. Dream big! Don't let the world decide who you are or where you want to be. Get up and make your dreams your reality.

The Family

This is us. I am the fuzzy-faced one on the right. Michelle, my beautiful wife on the left and our son, Shawn in middle. I know, I often state the obvious but I'm ok with that. Sometimes it should be stated.

Michelle and I were married in the Boise, Idaho LDS Temple on August 7, 1999. It took me many long years to convince her I was more than just a friend, but I was finally able to and I am so grateful she realized how wonderful I am! Just kidding. She is the one who is wonderful and always has been. From the day she walked into the seminary building after family returned from a short stay in Missouri, I knew she was something special and I have loved her ever since. I'll include more of the story in later posts.

In December of 2002, we found out that Shawn would shortly be joining our family through a series of miraculous events. Again, I will share more details later, but to keep it short on January 2, 2003, Shawn was born in the LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. After a short stay, due to some complications at birth, we were able to bring him home. What a joy he is for us! Daddy loves you Shawn. You're my little cowboy!