Utah Peak Academy

Stefanie had a great year with UPA!  Such cute, dedicated girls.  So proud of all of them! I am grateful for all Stefanie learned with this group, and glad she had this opportunity.

Easter Traditions

 Rachel and George came over to celebrate Easter Saturday with us. 

 Our masterpieces!  

We went to Draper City Park for a picnic and games.

Easter

Happy Easter my son!  So glad it is Monday again and we will get to hear from you.  How we love Mondays!  We had a good Easter weekend, on Saturday Rachel and George came over to color Easter eggs, then we went to Draper City park for a picnic.  Church was great on Sunday, the best part was when the primary children sang in Sacrament meeting.  Then for Sunday dinner we had ham and cheesy potatoes and ate all of Stefanie's Easter chocolate.  How did you celebrate Easter?  Are the traditions in Honduras the same as in the USA? 

Friday we went to a wedding reception for Parker Beveridge, remember him?  He played basketball for Dad his very first year at Copper Hills, then he was his sophomore coach a few years later. It was a fun night for Dad, he saw a ton of his former basketball players and students and spent all evening catching up.  He loved it.

Today is the Boston Marathon, I have been following it on TV this morning.  They are currently an hour and a half into it.  If you remember, last year was the bombing that killed and wounded dozens of people at the finish line, so there has been a lot of hype surrounding it this year.  Wow, those runners are amazing!!  Dad wants to run a half or full marathon this summer, he hasn't decided which one, but he is starting to train and get in shape.  He had two track meets this past week, I think his long distance runners have inspired him! 

I recently read an article from this month's Ensign called, "The Blessings of Perserverance" by Elder Claudio D. Zivic. It is a great article I have been thinking of it while watching the marathoners this morning, I think it applies to serving a mission as well!  He said, "To persevere means to maintain the ability to endure, to carry on, to continue in the same state without weakening or perishing.  It is being able to go on in the face of pain, oppression, discouragement or suffering without being defeated."  He told of several examples in the scriptures of perseverance including the Apostle Paul, Joseph of Egypt, Joseph Smith, and especially Jesus Christ.  He said, "He understands our pain, depression, anguish, infirmities and fears.  He knows how to help us, encourage us, comfort us, and give us strength to persevere and obtain the crown that is reserved for those who endure." 

I am so proud of you as you persevere in serving your mission. What a great example you are to me and everyone who knows you!  I'm sure it is not easy!  I pray constantly for your health, safety and success.  Can't wait until Mother's Day when we will get to talk to you again!

Love, Mom

A Good Reminder

The interview season is upon me again.  Ugh, so stressful. I have had four interviews so far this spring, and no job offers. It is really hard to NOT get discouraged and give up.  I have done everything possible to prepare, including hours of practicing interview answers, fasting, prayer and temple attendance.  My husband even gave me a blessing of comfort.  I just need to have faith and keep trying.  I came across this article that is really encouraging to me and I want to remember it. 
 
Ten Things That Successful People Do to Reach Their Dreams:

(I snapped this cute little selfie just before my 2nd interview!)

1. They control their emotions.

Mentally strong people don’t let their emotions control them. That’s not to say that they don’t have emotions. They do. They just don’t let them overwhelm them in any given situation. They have the ability to step outside themselves and put their logical side in the driver’s seat, while keeping the emotional part of themselves on the passenger’s side.

2. They re-frame the situation.

Instead of looking at obstacles as problems, mentally strong people see them as learning opportunities. They don’t see tragedy, they see triumph. They realize things could always be worse. They know that other people are worse off than them. So they immediately (or eventually) re-frame the situation in more positive terms.

3. They stay calm.

If they are facing a crisis, they don’t freak out for very long. For example, if they find out that they are going to be laid off from their job, they don’t sink into a deep depression or start crying and screaming about it. They simply breathe, center themselves, and decide that everything will turn out fine. Then they take action immediately to solve the problem (like starting to apply to new jobs).

4. They accept things they can’t change.

You have to pay taxes. You can’t change that. You have to pay your mortgage if you want to keep your house. You can’t change that. You have to get along with your spouse or co-workers. And you can’t change them. So all you can do is accept the things you can’t change. That’s what mentally strong people do. They know the difference between what they can and can’t change. And they simply accept it because to do otherwise would only be putting more negative energy into the situation.

5. They appreciate what they have.

I know a lot of people who have absolutely wonderful lives but the do nothing but complain about what they don’t have. Mentally strong people don’t do that. They know they are lucky. They look at what they do have and give regular thanks and appreciation for it all. The emotion of appreciation has one of the highest vibrations, and it brings more goodness into your life.

6. They don’t dwell on the negatives.

Instead of seeing the glass as half empty or even half full, mentally strong people see the glass as always full – half liquid and half air. They focus on solutions. For example, if they have marriage problems, they focus on what they love about their spouse, not what they don’t. Then they work with the other person to find solutions.

7. They take personal responsibility for their thoughts and actions.

If something goes wrong in their life, they don’t point the finger at other people. Mentally strong people know that they are the only ones who are in charge of their successes or failures. They never see themselves as a victim.

8. They love themselves.

A lot of people think that self-love is the same as being conceited or having a big ego. That is far from the truth. People who truly love themselves don’t go around telling others how great they are because they don’t have to. People already know they are awesome because they see their greatness. And mentally strong people love themselves and believe they are capable of doing anything.

9. They learn from the past.

Many people like to put their heads in the sand and ignore the past – especially when it is painful looking back. But mentally strong people know that their past has made them into who they are today. They look at what did and didn’t work in the past, and they do it better in the future. As Maya Angelou says, “When you know better, you do better.” Mentally strong people don’t see the past in terms of ‘mistakes’ or ‘failures,’ they see these things as ‘lessons learned.’

10. They change what they can.

As I said in point 4, some things you can’t change. But most of the things in life are changeable. So if a mentally strong person doesn’t like their job, they look for a new one. If their relationships aren’t up to par, they talk to the person so they can work on it. They don’t settle for being stagnant. They keep moving forward by implementing positive change.

11. They are self-reflective.

Mentally strong people continually examine themselves to understand why they are the way they are. It’s a skill that can be developed by almost anyone, but mentally strong people have mastered it. They know who they are and how their behavior is affecting their life and their relationships. You can’t change what you don’t recognize, and they know that.

12. They have self-discipline.

Sure, we all have things we dislike doing. But while many people go into avoidance or procrastination mode, mentally strong people train their minds to do what they need to do. They don’t shy away from taking actions that might not be pleasurable if they need to be done. They welcome the challenge and hold themselves accountable.

13. They don’t get jealous of other people.

The ‘Green-Eyed Monster’ can be a terrible thing. Many people are constantly comparing themselves to others and thinking they are inferior. People who are mentally strong don’t do that. They appreciate what they have and realize that everyone is different. Everyone has their own path. They celebrate everyone’s success – including their own.

14. They keep going.

Mentally strong people never give up. They never see themselves as a failure. If things aren’t going according to plan, they just make a new plan. They don’t get stuck. They are always moving forward toward making a better future.

If you think you’re not mentally strong, don’t worry. You can get there. All it takes is the desire to actually do it. And practice. But it can be done. So make a decision right now that you not only can – but will – become mentally strong.

To your success!!!

Spring Break

Hola my son!  Happy Spring Break!  I'm hoping the power won't go out on you today.  And I'm glad you haven't forgotten your family at home!  We love you and look forward to every email!

I loved reading your thoughts about conference.  It really was a great conference, every session!  I agree with you that a common theme was that we need to be prepared to stand and defend our faith.  This morning in Ward Council Bishop Hancock had each of us share what we had learned, or what stood out to us.  Several people mentioned something along those lines.  Another theme I noticed that jumped out at me several times, was the word DISCIPLESHIP. 

*Elder Holland spoke on the cost and blessings of discipleship.   He said, "The path of discipleship is a straight path, and it is a narrow path...but it can be thrilling and successfully traveled with steadfastness in Christ.  In courageously pursuing such a course, you will forge unshakable faith, you will find safety against ill winds that blow, and you will feel the rock-like strength of our Redeemer, upon whom if you build your unflagging discipleship, you cannot fail."

*Elder Rasband spoke on the joyful burden of discipleship.  He said, "To sustain our leaders is a privilege; it comes coupled with a personal responsibility to share their burden and to be disciples of the Lord."

*Sister Stevens said, "Wherever we find ourselves on the path of discipleship, whatever our worries and challenges may be, we are not alone.  You are not forgotten.  We can face our challenges with prayer and trust in the Lord.  And in the process we become more like Him."

All these references to the word disciple made me want to study what it means, and how we can become a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

In other news you may be interested in, guess who is engaged??  Chris Campbell!!  He is getting married in July to a girl named Natalie.  Happy for him!

Tuesday night Dad got lower bowl tickets to a Jazz game.  His friend Craig from Bingham called him up last minute and asked if he wanted them.  Ummm, YES!!  So Dad came home, picked me up and we were off.  The Jazz are terrible this year, they don't have a chance of making the playoffs, but the games are sure fun even when they lose by 20 points!  Can't even remember who they played!  Haha!

Thursday we went on a hike with Rachel and George in Spanish Fork canyon to the hot springs.  Have you been there?  It was awesome and so beautiful!  It is about an hour hike that ends near a waterfall.  Then we sat in the hot springs with a naked, drunk guy.  It was the highlight of our spring break!  

This is a magical time in our neighborhood…all the trees are in bloom!  I love this time of year!!  When we moved into our home 12 years ago the trees looked just like they do now!  I took it as a sign that we were making the right decision!  So pretty.  But they stink!!

I have been worried about your money situation!  I'm so sorry you misplaced your debit card!  I don't want you to worry about money, what can we do to help?  You are right, you have much more important things to think about right now!  Money should be the last of your concerns.  Maybe you will soon get a package with an Easter basket filled with candy and money... 

How are the families of Hermano Leonel, Hermana Caroline and Norma?  We have included them in our prayers all week!   

Hope you have a great week.  Love, Mom

Diamond Fork

Rachel and George told us about an amazing 5-mile hike at Diamond Fork in Spanish Fork Canyon that ended at some hot springs and a waterfall.  Yesterday we decided to go!  We met at my place after Rachel's work were on our way.  It was every bit as awesome as they had said, even in early spring.  I can only imagine how beautiful it is in mid summer or fall.  We definitely have to go back!

George peeking out from behind the waterfall.

General Conference

Hey Elder Smith!  I was so sad last Monday when we didn't get a letter from you!  Glad you are OK and you finally got to write to us on Wednesday!  That is awesome that your zone did so well last month, and YOU had two more baptisms.  Sounds like you have an awesome ward with people who are helpful and supportive for the missionaries. What a blessing for you and for all your new members.  How is your new companion, Elder Dalgo?  How long has he been out?  You weren't with Elder Sorensen for long, where was he assigned to go?  I guess you probably get used to lots of changes on a mission, things don't seem to stay the same for long!

Conference weekend, your second as a missionary!  Were you able to watch all the sessions?  Did you have some investigators there to listen?  What a great conference.  My favorite was from President Uchdorf on Sunday morning, about being grateful no matter what our circumstances.  Dad's favorite talk was from Bishop Gary Stevenson who said that our life is like an Olympic event, and this is our time to improve our 4-minute performance.  I also loved President Monson's words about showing love to those around us.  So powerful!  It was a great weekend. 

We had a good week, Friday night we went to a Lehi soccer game against AF under the lights.  It was fun to be there, brought back lots of happy memories!  But it is sure a different team this year.  The only familiar faces on the field were Tanner Munson and Landon Jacobsen, everyone else played JV last year.  They also play really differently this year than your team did last year, much slower, less ball control, less coverage over the field.  But it was a good game for Lehi, we won 4-3.  And super fun to talk to a bunch of fans, parents and students who asked about you and wanted to know how you are doing on your mission. I always love to talk about you!

March Madness is almost over, the NCAA championship game is tomorrow (Monday) night!  It has been a wild tournament, the two teams in the finals are  #7 and #8 ranked teams!!  Kentucky vs. UConn. Crazy!  Everyone's brackets are a mess, but Rachel is #1 in Kevin's pool, she is proud of herself!  She and George are coming over for the game and pizza, should be fun!

We will soon have another missionary from our ward, a new family, the Steeles, moved into Bishop Erb's house.  Their son Kieran is a senior in high school, he just got his mission call to Alabama.  We have four other senior boys in our ward--John Fenn, Bryson Jolley, Kaleb Rodabough and Daniel Madsen, they are all in various stages of mission prep.  Hailey Blackwell will be 19 in September, she has also started her papers.  Hopefully we will soon have a big group of missionaries from the Jordan River ward!

It is spring break for Stefanie and I.  No school for a week, hooray!!   We are looking forward to staying up late every night and sleeping in every morning, not too many plans other than that!  Dad has spring break next week but he said he might take off a day or two this week to hang out with us.

We sure love you!  I think you would be surprised at how often we think and talk about you.  You make us want to be better and try harder to live the gospel.  We rarely miss family prayer and scripture study because of you.  There is definitely a stronger spirit in our home since you left on your mission.  We feel the blessings and are so grateful that our family is part of the hastening of the work. 

Love, Mom