Whats really important

My friend Emily posted this on her blog. It is an article in the Deseret news. I could really relate to it. I hope you enjoy.


What's Really Important

Take Stock of What is Important Early in Your LifeBy John Florez

How quickly our lives can change. We take so much for granted — our comfortable day-to-day routine, our family, friends, neighbors, sunrises, sunsets, the air we breathe and the communities in which we live — all the things that give us meaning in our lives. Sound trite? It's often only when we face a tragedy that we are reminded of our frailty as human beings and realize what really matters.How many people do you know who never seem to enjoy life, what they have or what they do? They complain about how hard they work, wishing they could be doing something else. They are always saying "someday" they will do things they really would like to do, but they never get around to it."Someday" they want to retire and spend time with their family; "someday" they are going to take a vacation with their family; "someday" they are going to take care of their health and lose weight and use the treadmill that still needs to be assembled; "someday" they are going to visit Dad at the rest home; "someday" they want to volunteer at their kid's grade school; and on and on.If that day ever arrives, some find that the big family home they built is empty; junior is now 25 and has been living out of the house for the past five years; arthritis has set in; there are heart problems; travel is limited; father passed away without their visiting him for two years; and their elementary-school daughter is now in high school and doesn't want them there.They have climbed the "mountain to success," 30 pounds overweight, working 16 hours a day, stressed out, not sleeping, self-medicating, with high blood pressure. They get to the top, if they are still alive, but they find no one there. They are alone, and they are lonely.Some are lucky enough to take stock of what is important early in their lives. They realize that the real things are not things. However, some never do, even when faced with a tragedy in their lives. Some will see this as an end of their lives, complain about their losses and ask, "Why me?" and wait for things to happen to them.Then there are those who see "the hidden gift" when tragedy strikes. They see it as a second chance to take stock of the real things that are important in life. They rediscover that which they took for granted and begin relishing every moment as though it is their last, because, in fact, it could be just that.They hug their children more, in awe of the beauty within them, and the joy they bring to their lives. They are more aware and appreciative of their senses — smells, sounds and the touch of their loved ones. They find that one of the greatest gifts you can give to someone is your time. They are grateful that they are part of something beyond themselves, which gives greater meaning to their lives.Those who have learned the "hidden gift" in tragedy see those who are waiting for the "someday" when they can enjoy the gift of life, without the tragedy. They wish they could tell them to take the time to appreciate what they have now, because there may not be a "someday." There is only today.There is the urge to tell them to hug their kids more, celebrate the morning and evening clouds, enjoy the wonder of Mother Nature's different seasons; allow themselves to be vulnerable and have faith. Or, maybe they resist the urge and let them discover, or not, the meaning of life on their own.In the end, we realize that living is about what we learned to value, and that being a part of something is more important than trying to be somebody. It is not about material things, rather how we share, love and look after each other in the short time we are on this earth.

Our Big Weekend

WOO HOO PAGIE!!!!!!! Page placed 4th overall in Utah State High School Rodeo in the goat tying which means she gets to go to Farmington, New Mexico for National's. WOO HOO! I am so excited and proud of her!! Her goal all year was to make it to Nationals and she did it. She did great at state. She drew tough goats and did the absolute best with what she had.

She placed 3rd in the final go around and won a beautiful buckle for her headstall. Look at all the queenies. I have told Page over and over how grateful I am that she does not queen. It's too much work. (McKenzie looks beautiful tho Mindi, we were so proud of her too!)

I am so excited to go to National's with Page we are going to have so much fun and I know she will do great! Mom is very proud, in case you could not tell!

And now onto Cassidy, who also had a great weekend. Cassidy was in a play called "The Place Called Home". It was written by my cousin Karen Beckstead about her poineer ancestors. Cassidy played Maude, the granddaughter to the main character's. She did so great. Her lines were perfect and I was so proud of her too!

Grandma Woodward helped Cassidy make her pioneer outfit. She was the best looking girl on stage.

I tried to get her to put the bonnet on so we could get the full effect, but she would not do it. She was worried it would mess up her hair. What a cute girl. Mom is very proud of Cassidy too!

I think I have said proud too many times in this post, but sometimes you just have to. I am blessed with two great girls. They are so important to me. My heart is full of love for them.

Our Working Girl

Cassidy got her first job (that isn't babysitting) this spring. She is working at the park by our house in the concession stand during baseball games. It is the perfect job for Cassidy. Two of her favorite things are talking, especially to boys and eating. So here she gets to hang with all those cute baseball players (she likes the tight pants they wear) and eat. The girl has had more hot dogs than I can count.

Here is a copy of her first check, $184.12. Little miss money bags. She has already spent most of her money, we need to get her a bank account so she saves a little something. But sometimes, a girl just has to hit the mall and buy a pair of shoes or two. They are very cute shoes by the way!

Several people have told us what a hard worker she is. We are very proud of her!

Cassidy's Obsession!

Its official, Cassidy is addicted to guitar hero. I woke up in the middle of the night the other night and could hear this bang bang bang, when I went to investigate, it was Cass downstairs playing the drums. She couldn't sleep, well with all that noise neither could I!

She is getting very good and play's most songs on hard. I am still on easy, or super easy.

Now she wants to take drum lessons.

Help me!

Yay Pagie!!

Page had her best barrel run at a High School Rodeo today in Tooele. She got 3rd place. Yippee! We are so excited! She also had a great pole run and caught her calf in break-away. Goats was another story, but she did great in goats last week.

Good Job Page! We are so proud of you!

Page and Cascade

Go to my blog list and check out Kara Layne Photography. She took some awesome pictures of Page and Cascade while we were in Phoenix.
Thanks so much Kara, we LOVE them!!

Jr. Prom

Page had Jr. Prom this weekend. She had so much fun. She went with Chandler Miller, a boy that she High School Rodeo's with. I thought she looked beautiful. Thanks to our friend Lindy who came over with three sets of hot rollers and helped fix Page's hair. The girl has a lot of hair, it took three of us to get the look. But it was well worth it in the end.

Page and Chandler. He told Roddy that his favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys, so Rod let him take Page. (I think he only said the Cowboys because Rod had a Dallas Cowboys cap on.)

Cheyenne, Page and Allie.

The group, Cody, Cheyenne, Page, Chandler, Allie and Booger. (Yes, Booger, I don't know the kids real name, they always call him Booger, or Boogie.)