I wish...

As I was recently reading the various blogs posted by my family members I thought about how every member of my family is amazing and a powerful example in my life. I thank you each.

I wish I was able to be as honest and as strong as my sister Kelly.

I wish I could be as artistically talented as my sister Emily.

I wish I could be as intelligent and verbally gifted as my brother Shawn R.

I wish I could be as humble and controlled as my dad, Ray.

I wish I had the discipline and control of my brother John.

I wish I approached the spirituality and obedience of my brother Scott L.

I wish I could be everyones best friend like my sister Terri.

I wish I had the passion and excitement of my mother, Bonnie.

I wish I had the positive outlook on life and ability to smile through tribulation like my brother Scott B.

I wish I had the ability to completely change the direction of my life for the better and never stumble like my mother.

I wish I made my wife continually happy as my brother Jerod does his.

I wish I was the parent that my sister Jenny is.

I wish I could have been as dedicated to achieving my educational and career goals as my brother Tristan.

I wish I could blog and be as talented photographically as my sister Amy.

I wish I could be as disciplined and financially responsible as my sister Julie.

I wish I could remember the birthdays of each of my family members and make them feel important like my father does - without fail.

I wish I could be as dedicated to my career as my brother Rick and be as good a fisherman.

I wish I could be as surprising and adventurous as my sister Molly tackling goals such as a marathon.

I wish I could be as gifted dramatically as my sister Ginger.

I wish I could be instantly liked by all who meet me like my brother Jeff.

I wish I could be as comfortable and look as good in mascara as my brother Shawn - enjoying every aspect of life.

I wish I could be as talented with my hands mechanically as my brother Roy.

I wish I could be as intelligent and deep as my sister Falicia.

I wish I could have pursued the career I most wanted like my brother Dave no matter how difficult it was in the beginning.

I wish I could approach being the Christlike person my wife is.

... I could have mentioned so many more things about each of you but simply posted the first thing that came to my mind.

I so love having each of you in my life. Together, you make one amazing example! Thank you.

What is better than 1 fishing buddy? "8"

Memories vary due to the unique perspective of each independant mind involved. As for me, I cherish every second when my children are involved. Now, I extend that to include my neices and nephews. I hope their memories are ones they will cherish as well. Even if I made them hold the fish on their finger for a picture!!!

Proof of Dawson's big catch!!! The one that got away.

The only thing more precious than the innocence of a child is when there are two...

Or, 4...

But, one will do just fine...

One sign of a great family is when the cousins grow up as best friends!

Sometimes we have to be compelled...

OK, years ago I got over allowing my pride to linger and get in the way of success. However, I have not gotten over the initial short term problems associated with it! Room for growth.

So, this morning I allowed a stupid issue to come between my wife and I. We had a rough morning (no, we are not perfect) and I left for work surrounded by a bad spirit (which I allowed). My mind was muddled. My attitude was pathetic.

A friend had asked to borrow my tandem bike to take his wife for a ride. I loaded it and headed toward his house. Half way there I realized my phone was missing. So, I turned around and headed home. Feeling like I did it was not the direction I wanted to be heading. Rounding the corner a mile from my home our tandem flew out of my truck and smashed the de-railer into the spokes along with some scratches. So, now my dark mood and bad attitude intensified. As I got home I saw my phone laying in the gravel to the side of where my truck had been parked. The phone fell out of my hip clip and my front tire ran it over as I backed out! My black mood and horrible attitude could not have gotten much worse!

As I drove down the road I thought, fight, overcome and humble yourself before something more tragic occurs to teach you the lesson you should already have learned years ago!!! It is crucial that our lives are in harmony and that we do nothing to purposefully disrupt clarity. If not, we will pay the price. In this case $119 for a new phone and $100 for bike repairs.

I am glad that when my mind is cluttered and caught up in selfish behavior the spirit finds it's way through to compell me to grow up. I am glad that I have a tolerant and patient wife that sees through my weaknesses to allow my strengths.

I called my wife and genuinely apologized for the morning and my actions.

So far, I have not been involved in any horrific accidents and the day appears to be moving in a much more positive direction. I am glad.