President Gordon B. Hinckley

Last night, we were at John & Ashley's house when Ashley's father called to tell them that President Hinckley had passed away. We quickly turned on the news and found out some more details. At first, I was in shock. I knew it would happen eventually, but honestly, I didn't think it would happen for another few years.

Stacey and I were able to see him at Bonneville's Christmas party. He spoke to us, and while he definitely seemed to be getting old and weak, he was still his funny, personable self.

While it is a sad moment for us as we think that our beloved prophet is no longer with us to lead us, I have to think how happy he is being reunited with his wife and other family.

Last night, after we heard the news, Stacey had to go into a back bedroom to feed Nathan. Kaylee, a few minutes later, went back into the room and was crying because President Hinckley had died. I was touched that my 5-year old little girl had felt such love for such a wonderful man.

Then, last night, after family prayer, we were talking to the kids about it, and I asked, "What do you think President Hinckley is doing right now?" Aaron replied, "probably jumping around." We all had to laugh, but then I said, "You're probably right, Aaron. Now that he doesn't have his rickety old body to hold him back, he probably is jumping around with joy!"

We have many memories and inspirational thoughts from a wonderful prophet. We have such love for him and his example.

Most importantly, we know that the church will continue to grow and prosper because it has never been led by men; it is led by Christ.

My new goal

OK, I started off the year with a New Year's Resolution to eat better, exercise more, and lose some weight. I am doing pretty good at it, but I realized that if that is all I try to do, it will only last as long as my motivation does. I needed a larger end-goal. So I decided that I am going to train to participate in a triathlon. I think that this will give me the added motivation I need. The triathlon that I think I want to participate in is the Ogden Valley Triathlon on September 13, 2008. I want to be down to about 200-210 pounds by then, but the main goal is to finish the triathlon...the weight is more of a side goal. I think I should be able to do the biking and the running, but I know that I will struggle with the swimming. The good thing is that the swimming is only 750 meters. For me, that will be difficult enough, though.