Family Appreciation Night

Tonight we went to our ward's Family Appreciation Night, which turned out to be an entire ward family home evening. It was great! The stake president and his wife came and spoke on journaling and family history and then we had some musical numbers. The spirit was very strong and then we played a fun little game, had ice cream Sundays and visited. It was a nice little evening and we really enjoyed being there.

On a separate note, I was watching one of my old time favorite cowboy movies, Lonesome Dove (for the millionth time) and I thought I would share a couple of my favorite quotes.

"Now if you want only one thing out of life too much, it's bound to be a disappointment. So, the only healthy way to live life, as I see it, is to enjoy all the little everyday things..." ~Augustus MaCrea

I think it is important to have dreams and goals and ambitions, but I also think it is important to find joy in the little thing. learn to see the beauty around you. For example, the other morning, as I headed out of town on my way to work, I saw one of those pictures you just don't forget. The sky was partially overcast and foggy and yet the sun was just peeking through in a few spots. Though most of the Tobacco Roots were hidden in clouds and mist, one little knob stood out and was back-lit perfectly by the morning sun. It was incredible!

"I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it." ~Woodrow

This time of the school year, I really get to wishing that more parents would teach their kids this way. I don't know if they really need to run them down with their horses or beat them with a branding iron, but there's a few I don't think it would hurt. Just kidding of course but I do believe all of us, including myself, could learn to close our mouths and listen a little more. I think it would be good for us to learn to think of others and try to help them more often.

Old Journaling

While I was on my mission, I started to actually write in my journal everyday. I've tried several times to go back to the habit but apparently an old habit is hard to break and even harder to restart. I was sitting in church today and it occurred to me that what I could do was add some quotes and stories as I struggle with things to write about.

A good one I heard today:

"Question your doubts, not your fears."

One of the brothers shared this in their testimony and I really liked it. Sounds like sound advice to me.

Today isn't one of those days though that I'm struggling for things to write about. It has been a busy week. At school I got ambitious and started a Spanish Club as a foundation for our trip to Europe in the summer of 2010. It has been a ride so far. The kids are excited and things are happening fast now. Our main drive right now is fund raising and Whitehall is a community that loves to get after it. Coming up this week we are preparing for a Mother's Day breakfast and then the following week a pant sale at the Farmer's Market. Then we'll be running the TNT Fireworks Stand at the end of June and beginning of July. At the end of July, Whitehall has a community celebration and we have a couple things in the works for that time as well. So needless to say, a busy time.

A lot is happening at school as well. We're down to our last few weeks for the seniors and they're already checking out. The eighth graders are finished at the same time and we're trying to keep them going. I'm not sure it's working but we just keep trying.

Wish me luck!