Love the Bliss: August 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Family is Bliss

Ralph and I just returned from visiting Scott and family. A couple weeks ago we got word from Scott that he was being called into his ward Bishopric and he wanted his dad to ordain him to the office of a High Priest. So, we traveled down for a quick 5 day trip so we could visit and be there to sustain our son. It's really quite incredible to visit our grown son, with his own little family, and to remember that not so long ago we were walking hand in hand with him, when he was the age of his own sons. We couldn't be more blessed to have the family we have! Scott will be a great 2nd counselor in the ward Bishopric and it's so awesome to know he honors the priesthood that he holds. Kluane and kids are doing great too and they're an awesome family. Kids are growing so fast! It was really nice to have a few days with them. We went hiking up R Mountain and saw all kinds of bugs and critters. We went bowling. And, we got to go with the family to a Kids Fair type thing where they got to do all kinds of activities and enjoy some shave ice! It was a great visit!

We just heard from Ian today also and he's doing awesome on his mission. Transfers came this week and he was thinking he'd stay in Puerto Plata serving as not only missionary, but District Leader. BUT, he got called to be the Zone Leader and was transferred into an area of Santiago. He's down to 8 months left but he's not in a hurry to start talking about coming home. Eight months is still a bit to go and there's so much more he can do. We're very proud that he too is honoring his priesthood and serving so diligently.

School starts tomorrow and we've got three girls attending three different schools! It's Mallory's last year in High School...Abigail's last year in Middle School and Annie's first year in Middle School. It should be an exciting year!

Mallory has begun the High School swim season and will be competing soon after school starts. Annie is on the Stingray Swim Team and will be swimming with Abigail each evening after school.

Life just doesn't get any better and I love our little world of bliss!

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!