Deep Thoughts

Or not. Maybe just thoughts.

As I was driving toward St. George on Saturday night after a satisfying trip to Lavell Edwards Stadium, I found myself thinking again. Nick on my right and Josh behind me.

It was a good trip. I found myself wondering if my boys will remember this trip like I remember certain trips with my dad and brothers. And will they remember it fondly?

(I think I did a pretty good job of keeping Gollum in check.)



 We just were 3 boys having fun going to a football game; eating nachos and hot dogs and cougar tails. I just wanted it to be fun. I want them to have a happy memory.

This is Josh adding to his signature collection on his football. Ask him about...but only if you're prepared to spend the time listening. He loves to talk about it.





I tried to point out to them the beauty of the landscape we were speeding past in the dark. The beauty that you could only see because of the soft, white blanket covering the ground between Fillmore and Beaver. That blanket was reflect in a strong light radiating from the moon.

Part of me wished I could just pull over and enjoy looking at it for a little while. However, I didn't have any snacks or beverages in the car that would allow for a prolonged trip. But I imagined what it would be like in my mind.

My dad taught me to appreciate things like that. Hopefully, in those moment between the glowing screens in front of their faces, they truly caught a glimpse of it.

See, I had a birthday a little more than a week ago and I sort of had some sudden realizations that I am starting to not be that young any more. (Starting) My body tries to remind me of that now and then when my mind isn't so convinced.

I am having conversations about things with my kids and telling them it was 30 years ago. Really? Thirty years? It doesn't seem like it was that long ago, but 30 is kind of a big number looking back.

The boys did get to enjoy playing in the median of the freeway for a little more than an hour as we waited for this mess to get cleaned up the next morning just north of Valley of Fire. So, that's a memory, too.

The smoke is rising from the second of two accidents ahead of us.

If you look at this photo closely, life flight is just taking off.

This was the cause of the second accident.

Show Some Gratitude

The other day, I was asked out on a date.

By a 16-year-old girl.

Usually, my response would be, "No."

However, this was an invitation to the "Gratitude Dinner" the Young Women from the ward were doing.  Each young woman was supposed to invite someone they were grateful for - grateful for influence, help, etc.

I will tell you that I did not cry.  As long as your definition of not crying is "barely keeping in tears with every ounce of energy down to the sub-cellular level of my being."

The truth is I was very touched.  Besides, Nicki had already been invited, so I was going to be hungry that night if I couldn't find some food somewhere.

And of course, I deserved it.  I have done so much for this young lady.  If not for me, she wouldn't be who she is today.

She would probably be even a better person, actually.  Although, I have been able to help her on strategies for enjoying Disneyland to the highest capacity.

But really, I have known her for 14 of her 16 years.  My family has been with her family through some really tough trials - as well as some really great times.

And most recently, I have been her Seminary teacher.  Every morning at 6:00.  6 AM.  In the morning.  And to think, they actually have the nerve to call it "Early-morning Seminary."

Anyway, the dinner was last night - a baked potato bar.  Oh...yes!  Bring on the melty nacho cheese and the bacon and chili.  It doesn't matter that the chili and cheese were likely left over from the ward Trunk-or-Treat a week ago.  Freezers are great just for occasions like this.  I most certainly would not have done that well had I been left to provide my own sustenance.

During the evening, each young women was to stand with their guest and explain why she invited that person.  And naturally, during that introduction, I did not cry.  I most definitely did not cry.  As long as your definition of not crying has been loosened a little from above to now be "coming within a microsecond of completely breaking down and bawling like a tiny little baby."

Thank you, Mags.