29. Write in my Journal Monthly

10.23.2011  The last time I wrote in my Journal was January, 2010.  I should go out a buy a new book now because I am going to do this!  Today's entry: A very brief update about my children and the blessing they are to our family.

2.20.2012  Update:  for Christmas I was given a nice little leather bound journal with a challenge to follow the example of Elder Eyring and every day write how I have been blessed during the day.  To date I have an entry recorded for every day since Christmas when I was first given the journal.  I very much enjoy reflecting on each day and remembering how God has blessed me.  I admittedly could write several things every day, but for now I am choosing one thing each day.  Here is an example:  "February 19, 2012:  At church today a sister gave her talk in sacrament meeting by memory and read a few scriptures.  The amazing thing is she is blind!  She talked about the Resurrection and read pages in Brail.  I am blessed to know people like her and even me with an imperfect body will all be able to enjoy a perfect body."  I look forward to the end of the year looking back on how truly blessed I am.

7. Buy a New Truck - Done

Sadly, after many years of faithful service, my 1994 Acura Legend with 221,000 miles, died of a blown head gasket.  I managed to find a replacement vehicle that happens to be a truck :)  I won't call this one complete, because it is not a new truck, but it a nice used 2009 Toyota Tundra that meets my current needs perfectly!

In my possession for only a few days and I already took it off road for a Boy Scout Camporee outing.

17. Earn six Boy Scout knot awards - Suspended

Leaders in the Boy Scouts of America, often called "Scouters", can earn square knot awards for service in scouts.  There are some that carry over from the younger years of being a boy scout, but most are earned as either special honors or for completing specific requirements.  Not that I want to showoff my service, rather I want to pursue active service in scouting for many years to come.

1.  Aroow of Light.

2.  Eagle Scout  

3.  Religious Emblem

4.  District Award of Merit

2020 Update: The Boy Scouts of America is not in a good place right now. I have had the most amazing experiences as a youth and an adult int his organization, but sadly am not currently affiliated with BSA. This is primarily due to the many policy changes that conflict with my views. As a result of their changes, plus massive numbers of lawsuits for abuse, BSA is in bankruptcy and may not survive if things don't change quickly. So, at this point, I am happy with my four knots.

4. Play the Harmonica Well - Done

Each new year we sit down as a family and set goals for the coming year.  Our list usually includes a family campout, a vacation, and a major house project.  This year we decided to learn a new talent!  Suzanne decided to become a master Pizza chef.  Caity has taken up the piano again.  I decided to learn to play the harmonica.  Because it is small enough to fit in my pocket, I take it places and will hum out new tunes as I drive to work or while I am waiting and have time to spare.  Here is my first tune, Come Come Ye Saints, a familiar pioneer song in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (Sorry, I'm still trying to figure out how to add an audio file to a blog!)

1. Be Debt Free

8.21.2011  Dave Ramsey?  Modern prophets?  The economy?  How many voices does it take to convince me to get out of debt NOW!