11 Years

11 years ago today, I gave my "farewell" talk just prior to entering the MTC.  In sacrament meeting today a young man gave his talk, and will be entering the MTC on Wednesday.  A number of emotions and memories flooded my mind as I thought about a 19 year old kid with curly hair (I had hair!) black-rimmed glasses and a new suit share his testimony with family and friends - with no clue of what was before him, with no idea that the world was so big.

During my 2 Years, I visited with people from almost every culture imaginable (or so it seemed), ate food I didn't know we 'could' eat, saw things I don't want to see again (embalming shout NOT take place in a garage!) and shared some of the most wonderful moments with complete strangers.  It was an experience I'll never forget.

As I think about the 9 years that have passed since returning home, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all of the blessings in my life.  From my wife and children, to opportunities for learning and guidance in my career - it has all fallen into place.  President Eyring challenged us a while back to make a daily record and list a way in which the Lord had blessed us that day. Today he blessed me with a remembrance of the blessings he had already given me.

Here's to 11 more years. (Jodie just reminded me that I'll be in my 40's - doh! - 41 years young, and driving a 2500 HD. Yea baby)

The Cabin!

We had tons of fun in the Uinta Mountains this last week.  It was a MUCH needed break.

Provo River Falls

Up the south face of Mount Baldy. The kids did AWEsome.  We'll make it all the way to the top one of these years, although I think we did pretty good.

My sweetie pies, at the falls.

Our first day hike on the Pass Lake trail.  We made it all the way to Scout Lake, and got eaten alive while we ate lunch.  

All in all, it was an awesome trip and I can't wait to go back.

Pancakes!

Yesterday I decided to try something new - coooool pancakes! The kids loved it so I'm pretty sure that's what we're having for breakfast today.

Each of the girls started out with a flower...

This is our flower and bumblebee - it had a house, but somebody ate it.

This is Ryan's Monster Truck! He had it off-roading through the mud.

Happy Anniversary!

OK, I'm a little late - but better late than never, right?  Two days ago Jodie and I celebrated our 8 year wedding anniversary.   At first we thought that 8 years wasn't that long because it had gone by so fast, but then we started to think about what we were doing 8 years before we got married, and that's when it got interesting.  8 years before our marriage I was in the deacons quorum and Jodie was in.... primary! Holy cow!  Life happens fast, my friend.

Every time I think about our wedding day I wade through a flood of emotions.  They all sum up one thing - Wow!  Basically, when I think about our wedding day, I think about:

Enough said.

Happy Anniversary, Jo! Here's to 8 more years, and 8 more years after that, and 8 mo....