Journal entry 188--Valentine's day

What do you like to do for your loved ones on Valentine's Day?

I simply like to spend time with my loved ones. This Valentine's Day, my husband and I took our kids to the store and let them pick out whatever candy they wanted for $7. They loved going down the aisles choosing their favorite candies and knowing that they won't have to share with each other unless they want to. As for my hubby and I, tonight we're going to spend time with some friends and celebrate Valentine's Day together the next weekend. What can I say, we're practical and would rather go to a restaurant on a less busy night when the quality will be higher than the quantity.

Journal entry 167--Passionate 4

Write about something you are passionate about.


I am passionate about my husband! He's my best friend and makes me laugh constantly. I think that I'm a little bit of a strange person and he puts up with all my quirkiness. We've been married for 17 years and still make it a point to go out on a date once a week. He's a great father and I know and the kids know how much he loves them. I grew up without a father around and also with the thought that he didn't love me. That was extremely difficult. I love seeing my husband's relationship with his children. It's helped me see how father's should treat their children.

Journal entry 108--Thankfulness

List 10 things for which you are thankful.


1. Indoor plumbing. I can't even handle the bathrooms at campsites.
2. Ice. I love cold, icy water to drink.
3. Freedom to worship as I please.
4. Fresh fruits and vegetables. I don't like canned fruits and veggies much.
5. The ability to read and learn.
6. My bed. I'm glad I don't sleep on the floor.
7. Past teachers who have inspired me to live my full potential.
8. My life.
9. Ruthie, my silly puppy and the challenges she brings me.
10. Lastly, my family, of course and all their love and encouragement.

Journal entry 105--Forgiveness

Who has been the hardest person in your life to forgive? Why can't you forgive this person?


My entire life, I've had difficulty forgiving my father for not being in my life. It has always upset me that he was an alcoholic and chose to love drinking more than his children. One of the two people in life that are suppose to love their children unconditionally and my own father couldn't even handle that. I've tried to understand his childhood and where he was coming from but it's still very difficult because I have felt cheated out of a father all my life. Before I wasn't quite sure exactly what I had missed out on but then after I got married and met my father-in-law, I knew. He is the polar opposite of what my father was and I'm grateful he's in my life. I don't know if I've forgiven my father. I still have a lot of anger toward him but I'm working on forgiving.

Journal entry 101--Talents

If you could have one talent that you do not have now, what would it be and how would it change your life?

I've always said that in my next life, I want to be able to dance. Not just the kind of dancing for weddings or proms but like the contestants on "So You Think You Can Dance?" I love the fact that they can dance any style and usually make it look presentable. That's what I want to do. I want to be able to dance all the ballroom styles, hip-hop, jazz, even tap! Of course, my husband would also need the ability to dance so I'll have a partner. I guess we had better start taking some lessons.

Journal entry 87--Surprise!

Describe a time when you surprised someone either for their birthday or another special occasion.

One time for my husband's birthday, I surprised him with a fishing trip. We left after work and I took him to a cabin in the mountains. The next day, we went on a guided fly fishing trip down the Green River near Vernal, Utah. We had a great time learning how to catch fish using the fly casting method. After we caught the fish, we made sure that we released them back into the river. My husband was quite surprised when he saw where we were headed. It was a wonderful birthday.

Journal entry 85--Beliefs

Write about a strong belief you hold. Why is it so important to you?

I have a strong belief in family, that is to say a mother and a father in a loving marriage. I know to some now a days that sounds either trite or simply impossible but the fact is children are entitled to a father and a mother. I grew up without a father and hated that that happened. I wanted nothing more than a father in my home. Seeing the way my husband and I are raising our kids gives me hope that others are too. Our marriage is strong, our family is strong and hopefully our children will be strong as well.