This is my first time blogging and I'm thinking most folks will scratch their heads in wonder at my postings, but here goes...

I teach early morning Seminary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I need to be there, in a dress, at 5:45am on the mornings high school is in session. For the many who know me well, try not to laugh out loud. That idiom of early to bed and early to rise make a man healthy and wealthy and wise is something I've practiced in the most complete half way manner possible for the last 2 years. I am a night owl. For as long as I can remember, I've loved the talking into the wee hour of the morning and the book reads that went from 10pm-2am. No phone ringing, no kids needing drinks etc. Those were my wonder hours, and I cherished them. When my own kids started going to seminary I had fond thoughts of them as they slammed the door on the way out and although I made some attempts to get up and make them breakfast, it was short-lived. Sorry Tyler, Jeremy, Jamie, Talon and Kellie. The funny thing is that now that I am up, I'm running out the door as they stumble into the kitchen for breakfast and being the sort of organized person I am- there is no hot breakfast waiting for them.

When I only had Tyler, we lived in Broomfield and there was an amazing lady named Donna Holiday who had 10 children there. This women woke up every morning and asked, "Eggs, cereal, or pancakes?" and would make it for the kids BEFORE they left for Seminary. She is still my hero.

I love teaching Seminary- hate the hours-love the material-hate the hours-love the learning and growth and spirit that comes from teaching dedicated youth at Seminary-hate the hours. And I said I would continue for another year. Me teaching Seminary is a sign to all unbelievers that God is a God of miracles.

The news this week is about my daughter Jamie and her experiences with the BYU girls rugby team. Can I just say I am proud of them for remembering what they wanted most vs what they wanted right then? A chance to advance to reach for a national title vs. keeping the commandments may sound like a 'duh statement' to whichever camp you are in. Her team's decision to not play on Sunday showed the integrity these girls possess. There were many rationalizations which could have been made, but they kept it simple and to the point. Do we choose the world or do we choose God. They followed the statement in Mosiah 2 and sought for God before 'riches'. I am proud of this group of girls and the personal and moral strength they have shown in their decision.