meet the parents and getting stuck!

Two weeks ago Lindsay's parents came out for a visit.  I had the pleasure of meeting them.  On Sunday, March 15, I showed up to Lindsay's Sunday School lesson.  And then her parents, sister, Kristin, her, and I enjoyed a good Sacrament meeting. (if you ever have to shave window tint from your car windows, remember to do it from the inside)... a little inside joke from a talk that day.

We then started our travels to Idaho Falls.  It was great!  If you are ever to meet a girl's parents a car trip is the perfect "trap."  There is no escape.  This sounds like is was a bad thing, which it wasn't but the concept is just too good not to revile in a little.

The five of us drove I-15 northbound in Betty, Lindsay's pride and joy... her car.  I remember talking about music and politics (pepsi boycott) on the drive up but nothing else sticks out too much in my mind at this moment, regarding our conversation.  Scott and Lesli are great!

We first arrived at the Walker's, Lesli's parents.  This being my second visit to Idaho Falls was pretty natural.  Grandpa Walker and I get along great.  We went to a birthday party of one of the cousins.  It was quite funny to watch many of them wonder who the heck I was.  Later, I finally met Grandpa Bob.  He was built up as an old man with attitude, which may be true, but I like him.

Lesli then took Kristin back to Provo so she could be to class the next morning.  I played "mormon bridge" or "oh! heck" as we call it in the James family.  I was doing really well up until the end.  I lost one hand and came in second place.  We slept over at the Pennock grandparent's home.

Uncle Gary the night before offered Lindsay and I to take out his snowmobiles.  We went out to the end of Bone and we had a blast.  Lindsay was a natural on the machines.  We peeled off and climbed some hills.  I was trying to ensure Lindsay was feeling confident.  We decided it was about time to turn around, but I wanted to get in some pine trees and quakies.  As we were approaching the pines I was in heaven.  I love the mountains so much.  I should note that we were a ways off the main trail at this point.  The trail we took through the pine trees was super bumpy.  I wanted to take a different way out and so we crossed a riverbed area.  As we continued on I realized we weren't getting much of anywhere.  I started to turn around and got my machine really stuck.

This is where the story gets interesting.  I've gotten stuck more than most people I know and even a few times on snow mobiles.  I was going through everything that I knew to get this sled out.  I was frustrated to no end.  I tied up the other snowmobile to the stuck one (remember this was mine) and the rope broke.  I was getting to the point that swearing was feeling like a good alternative.  I then turned to Lindsay and said that we needed to pray.  We knelt over the unstuck snowmobile (but don't get any alter thoughts going here...) and prayed.

I knew that I needed to pray in faith and so I continued trying to pull it out with the snowmobile and getting that one stuck a time or four as a result.  Lindsay was great in spite of my obvious frustration.  She kept complimenting me on my knots and such.  I should note that as she and I were pushing and pulling on this stuck snowmobile it was warm and we were sinking in the snow to the river below and that brought a stark reality to me.  We were on a riverbed!  Somewhere along these tries I had Lindsay call her dad and tell him that we were stuck and we would be late to lunch and that we would call him after we got the machine out.

I believe in the power of prayer.  I was trying to find an address for a suit sale a few weeks ago and was a little lost.  I was talking to Nicole on the phone and she told me that I should pray.  This morning I couldn't find my keys and I threw up a prayer to find my keys.  I know that they are answered when asked in faith.  

Nearly two hours later I got behind the sled and I offered up another prayer.  I told Heavenly Father that I know sometimes we are simply given or even put ourselves in positions of "learning opportunities."  I told Him that if there is something that I needed to learn then I will learn it but I also know that He can move mountains and He easily move this sled.  I started up the machine and knew that I was either going to really sink it down more or it would work.  BAM! it popped right out and Lindsay was ecstatic!  She asked if we should offer a prayer of gratitude and I told her let's get completely out of the riverbed area first.... I wish I would've listened to her a little better. ha!

As we were going along to get out there was a big dip and then the final river crossing.  As Lindsay was keeping right up with me, she hit this deep, which pulled her back and caused her to clinch the gas a little too much, she flew off the trail, and ski first into the river bed.  This caused her to fly off of the machine.  I looked back and saw what had happened.  I ran to see the after math.  The machine was as described and Lindsay was in a lifeless position on the snow with her boot 15 ft away.  I asked if she was alright. No response.  I, knowing Lindsay somewhat, yelled asking if she were physically alright.  She nodded her helmet yes and I grabbed her boot and checked on the sled.

It was a warm day and the snow was super slushy.  We were falling in the snow left and right with every step.  After assessing the situation I knew there was no way of simply pulling out this sled.  I think Lindsay's pride was hurt most of all.  I tried to console her, after all I had been in this situation before.  My words had little to no effect so I just held her.  After a few minutes we called her dad and I explained the situation and what was needed to get us out.

With all of the snow and sleet I was a bit disoriented in getting us back on the main trail but we eventually found it and were headed back to the drop off point to meet her Scott (and crew).

I would've thought it was the Search and Rescue or Elder's quorum if I hadn't known better (or I mean high priest group) just by seeing our rescue posse.

The night before Uncle Gary was telling us about he and his father-in-law going snowmobiling and how he wanted Gary to get on the sled with him and show him how things worked.  Gary told him that guys never get on a sled together.

There we were Scott, Dale (who looked like an older Grizzly Adams), and I on one snowmobile.  That was a picture to remember forever. ha!

The snowmobile came out quite easily with the tow straps, come-a-long, and muscle.  By easily I mean an hour's worth of work.  We met up with the rescue posse, consisting of Grandpa Bob, Uncle Dave,  and others as fore-mentioned.

We later found out that Linsay had hyper-extended her knee and bruised her other thigh.  This suspected by by her flying of the sled and hitting her legs on the handlebars.

I thought that this was a quite the experience.  I relish my time with my father and it was cool to see Scott spend some good time with his dad and Lesli had time to spend with her parents.  And lest I forget, Aunt Gigi made some sandwiches for which I am grateful.

As we packed up and readied for leaving Idaho Falls, a little later than planned, we couldn't leave without a stop to the Gang Plank.  This was a Restaurant that Grandpa Walker had started and since sold.  The food was great, if you like seafood, which I do.

I didn't get a lot of time to talk to Lesli on the trip but I asked her on the drive home if I passed and she said yes.

Masquerade!

At the end of January the Utah Food Bank hosted a Masquerade ball.  I've never been to a masquerade aside from the one in high school and then I didn't understand the word; I hadn't seen Phantom of the Opera to that point.

I thought this was going to be such an awesome idea... and indeed it was.  Thanks to whomever put it on facebook.

Mike Marrett and I got dates and masks and went.  There was some slight miscommunication as to the time we were to pick up our dates, so Mike and I just showed up to some Hawaiian food shack and it wasn't half bad.  Then our dates texted us of their being ready.  We ordered them a little something and told the restaurant that we'd be back; "we forgot girls!".... ha!

We showed up and WOW! I'll tell you what, I like a girl that can play in the dirt but these girls were bombshells!  It's nice to be able to go on a date that requires dressing up, since that doesn't happen every date, right?  They had boutonnières for us.  As we were descending the stairs, there was another group going to the same dance and we joined their pictures.

The Hawaiian food was good (little restaurant behind DI called Sweet's Island...).  At the dance we went upstairs and learned some vintage ballroom dances.  These were dances straight out of a Jane Austen book, it was the highlight of the dance.  We went down to the dance floor and 45 minutes went by without a single slow song.... lame!  (speaking of that, I should contact the Food Bank and tell them that...)

We took a few pictures on the court steps and then left to AppleBee's for the Maple Butternut Blondie.  I was told this dessert was to die for.  It truly was a great dessert, I'm hoping we have something like it in heaven.  I bet it's reserved for Celestials only though, ha.

What a great night and I'm glad I was able to go to my first masquerade.

X-COUNTRY SKIING and "PLAYING" MECHANIC

I started this blog so I can have a journal online and not feel like such an omission sinner.  I need to get some of my doings up here.

About a month ago, the middle of January, I went cross country skiing for the first time since I was 16.  And in true Reed fashion, I invited a date and another couple so they could witness how terrible I was. Ha!

It was awesome! We went to Wasatch State Park.  They have a groomed course that was a perfect ~10 km loop.  There was a technical part of the course that we saved for another day (the other couple was lagging a little behind).  

It worked out perfect though.  My date stayed right with me the entire time.  I've decided that cross country skiing is a perfect date activity.  It is adventurous and relaxing enough to carry on a great conversation.

My date, Lindsay Pennock, is an amazing girl.  She is from Michigan and her family is in my Brother Richard's ward.  My sister-in-law, Melissa, got her number for me.  I typically don't like to be set up but I had a great time. Thanks Melissa!

As we were finishing up and putting our gear away in the truck, there was another vehicle having problems starting.  And being Don James' son, I have to see if there is anyway that I can help others when the need arises.  I don't really know that much about vehicles but I talked to him, had him pop the hood, and checked fluids, spark plugs, and air filter.  Not, being a mechanic I couldn't start the vehicle, but I gave them a ride to their home which was just down in Midway.

Maybe I should've let a good date end good.  But again in Reed fashion we pressed on and went shotgun shooting (off the back porch).  It was Lindsay's first time even holding a gun let a lone shooting one.  After the sunset we went inside, had some hot chocolate, and listened to others play the guitar.  

All in all it was a perfect date!

THE LIST REMOVED

I am taking this time to publicly denounce "THE LIST" publicly.  Do I still have the list?... yes.  Are there good attributes that I look for in a future companion?... yes.  However,  I may not have come across well.  Number 1 and 2 are mandatory and 3-10 are not.

I apologize if there was anyone offended by this.

I heard this quote today and Elder Russell Ballard was given credit for it: 

You'll be happier when the person you think you are is who you really are.

Any thoughts on this.  It seems really deep.

I'm not looking to change anyone.  I am so far from perfect but am on a great road to progression.  I suppose I am looking for a friend to share this path with.

brownies and spoons

Stake Conference finished at noon yesterday and I was beside myself.  There was so much time left in the day.  My church usually starts at 1 and I'm not home until 4:30 or 5.  It's a lot different when everyone helps put away chairs.

I decided to cook some brownies.  Yup, me and Betty Crocker.  They were way good.  We had some friends over and one of them mentioned that in her family they don't even cut the brownies up.  Everyone just grabs a spoon and digs in.  

I gathered everyone around the kitchen table, poured the milk, and we all dug in.  It was awesome!

I, and everyone else, got just enough brownie.  Sometimes we are asking ourselves if we really want another whole or even half brownie.  Problem solved; just take a spoonful or half.  Or, if you want to binge, no one knows...

This is going to be a new Reedo tradition.

stake conference

Yesterday was Stake Conference.  I almost was late.  I slept in until 9:33 and it started at 10.  I couldn't get my roommate out of bed for it, but I later found out that he pulled a girls car out of a ditch. (it was the run off ditch of the BYU dairy farm and so her car was buried in manure to the window).  While I was learning about the gospel he was living it...

This was the best stake conference to date.  Do you ever get the feeling that the general authorities are so perfect and don't relate as well.  Elder Pace (Glen..?) really did.  He simply talked to us.  He was amazing, I didn't see him look down at a talk save maybe once or twice.  I loved how he talked about not micromanaging stakes and even members.  They can only show us the way to the Lord but I have to build my own relationship with Him. 

I went to the temple session of stake conference on Friday night.  I have never in my life seen the temple so busy.  If you know the Provo temple, imagine  parking lot full, parking lot across the street full, street sides of the temple full, and people parking at the "front" of the temple. (yes, the back of the temple, is actually the front).  It made me so happy.  It was the first time that temple work seemed as busy to me as missionary work; though they are one in the same.

----side note----

When I came home from my mission I did a session in the temple on a weekday morning and there were ~8 people total in the session.  I was frustrated the whole day.  I couldn't understand why the temple had such a bleak session.  Later that day the Spirit worked on me and told me to go do another session that day in the temple.  I went back that night and WOW! it was busy.  I realized that most people have jobs and school and such....

----------

This past Friday I arrived at the temple just after 6:30.  They ran out of lockers and were putting us downstairs in the basement lockers.  They took our stake in two sessions and I didn't go in until the 8 o'clock session!  I loved it!

Saturday night is the adult session and many YSA want to date and play and I want them to come play with me.  I planned a dinner before the session at my parents house and we had a good crowd come out.  Thanks Ma and Pa and everyone that came out.

The last thing I want to say is how much Elder Pace and I love Joseph Smith.  He and I fantasize about living in the day with and being faithful to the Prophet Joseph Smith.  Elder Pace, while serving in the Presiding Bishopric, had a speaking assignment in Palmyra/Rochester, New York.  He skipped out of his Thursday meeting so he could be in the Sacred Grove.  

There he was in the Sacred Grove, on a "beautiful spring morning," reading his scriptures, and soaking it in.  He was alone and started feeling the Spirit.  Suddenly, the Spirit worked on him deep and hard.  He thought how he wanted to be faithful to Joseph Smith, yet there was an empty chair in front of Spencer W. Kimball where he should have been sitting.

I thought about this recently.  The Lord no longer is asking the saints to cross the plains but rather to cross our streets and do our home teaching.  The road to sanctification is not any easier but the terrain may have changed somewhat.

There are some in my family who have had some deep trials that I don't wish on anyone save it be that they come out as victorious as they have.  Thank you for your examples to me!

BACK TO SCHOOL PROMPTINGS

I was called to the Elder's Quorum Presidency, 1st counselor, about 2 months ago.  In my setting apart I was told that I would receive the vision that our Elder's quorum needs to take to accomplish the Lord's work.  Since then I have been inquiring of the Lord what we should do.

I kept getting the same thoughts that I should go to school next semester.  I was planning to take a semester off and focus on the suit business.  I was fighting this prompting a little too hard.

I thought about Joseph Smith and his family and all that they had to go through just to get geologically close enough to the plates.  Joseph Smith Sr. had crops fail, crop money stolen, and family illnesses.  And here I am fighting a prompting to continue to go to school that thereby I can have the career I truly desire.

(I will make another post of an experience that has led me to my decision to teach).

Over the Christmas break I visited my Brother, Richard, and his family.  It was an awesome visit and I miss them muchos.  One night Melissa, Richard's wife, and I were talking.  We were setting up "the plan." 

I love how Melissa shoots it straight.  She won't try to give you or I too much fluff but just says it how it is.  Don't get me wrong, she isn't mean or overbearing but rather bold; like a bold missionary calling others to repentance. ha!

I decided I would put more focus on school, get done, and then put some more time onto other business ideas. Thanks Melissa.

Upon returning to Utah I set up an appointment with a counselor to layout the battle plan.  She saw that I was working towards a Biology degree and have aspirations to teach.  In my mind I would do a Biology degree and later a teaching certificate.  She made it very clear that in doing such the odds were against me.  I would either be hired at possible less pay or have to prove qualifications were above that of others applying for the jobs.

After some good humility, I licked my wounds and am now fighting for a Biology Education Degree.  I hope now that I have humbled myself and heeded the Lord's personal prompting to me I can seek to help the Elder's quorum and ward.