Major factors that influenced my decision to become a soldier

Everyone has been so supportive in me joining the military so I don’t feel like I have to explain myself.  But I have often thought about what lead me to this decision.  I have always used writing as a way to facilitate brainstorming which is where this list came from.  These are some of the major factors that influenced my decision to become a soldier:

Camp Maple Dell:

One of my favorite jobs.   For two straight summers I slept in military tents, started the day with a flag ceremony and I shot a lot of weapons.  I knew that the structure, pride, and honor I experienced working at this Boy Scout camp would be similar to what I would experience in the military. This was the first time in my life I wanted to join the military.  With the flag ceremonies and retirements it was also the proudest I have felt for my country.

Other fitness/therapy Programs:

No one else uses exercise as specifically as I do, but there are plenty of other exercise programs out there to improve mental health.  After reading an article about another fitness program using exercise as a means to treat mental health issues of criminals, mom sent me a message to get my program going.  But I didn’t know who to market to.  I am familiar with most of the treatment fitness programs around and they all seemed to focus on the general public, criminals, and drug addicts.  But there was not enough fitness help for veterans.  I knew that this could be the niche for my program.

P90x:

Yes the Tony Horton fitness infomercial.  On this infomercial there is a vet suffering from PTSD that reported that after completing p90x he no longer needs to take his PTSD medication.  This sparked the interest in how exercise can improve the lives of veterans. 

This video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX9FSZJu448

No explanation needed.  One of the most powerful videos I ever watched.  Truly life-changing for me.  I still can’t watch it without goose bumps and tears.

Dealing with career criminals:

I think the moment that really pushed me to go talk to a recruiter was after a very difficult situation that nearly ended in multiple people’s death.  After the situation was successfully diffused I realized that it would be nice to work with clients who did not have an extensive history of legal issues and mental illness.  I discovered that those types of people would not be able to enter into military service, making soldiers a great clientele to have.

Military Clients:

I have worked with and have an expertise with many different types of clients from youth to adults; addicts to autistics.  I have been asked many times who my favorite clients to work with are.  I enjoy working with and I can learn from everyone who come into my sessions.  Though one group I might prefer over the other I definitely have a favorite: current and former military personnel.   Of all my clients I can remember military the most.  I remember their stories and feeling somewhat inadequate in my current ability to help them.  I have an interest in working with veterans, but not the expertise.

Heritage:

I held this job for the longest in my professional career.  I worked in a calm/chaotic environment which I loved.  Even though as a therapist I deal with the aftermath of a crisis, I usually don’t deal directly in a crisis.  Too be honest, I have missed the adrenaline rush that comes from resolving altercations.  I feel my sense of adventure will be satisfied through my military service.

A life of fitness:

From college soccer to personal training I have always been able to live a life of fitness.  But I have seen it being reduced since I hung up my collegiate cleats.  All my jobs before becoming a therapist also demanded I be in great physical health.  I want a job like that again.  The military has fitness standards that would keep me in great shape.

Employment benefits:

To be honest this is also a big factor.  Insurance is expensive and money is tight.  Even though the reserve paycheck itself is not that substantial, the benefits are.  It is hard for me to only work one job.  I wanted to have a part-time job on top of my career as a mental health therapist. The army reserves will be a great part-time job that gives me tons of experience.  Therapy has its financial ups and downs, so adding a consistent and steady job can provide a great anchor of stability for my family.

A higher standard:

As my wife knows, I am really hard on myself.  I feel that I have very high standards (you can tell by who I married).  Being a father, Mormon, therapist, soldier, and even a Military Police, I am being pushed to have standards above the rest of the world.  I feel this helps to lead me toward perfection.

OTHER THOUGHTS

I have been doing a lot of studying about military training and military life.  I am beginning to paint a picture of what it will be like and I am also creating a blueprint on how I can be a benefit.  These pictures aren’t all meadows and sunshine.  Dim clouds of worry and doubt obscure part of this new sunrise.

My hopes:

The Military Police position was not available when I first wanted to join the Army.  There was multiple delays with entering the military and I feel that this was because the time needed to be right so that I could choose the best career.  I hope o not only be a soldier that my comrades can come to for help, but also the people I may be dealing with.  This position will allow me to be in contact with those who have fallen into hard times.  I hope to gain experience helping those in trouble find their way out.  Deployed Military police are also in danger of IEDS, RPGs, and PTSD.  As a military policeman I hope to be a help to those who are struggling to deal with the stress of their deployment.  I also hope to advance in my military career so that I can extend my connections and be a greater help to others.

My excitements:

I am excited for the training, and the physical and mental challenges.  I am excited to learn new things and develop new friendships.  I am excited to grow and experience what it is like to be a soldier.  I am excited to develop new skills and to improve my current abilities. I am excited to be called a soldier, especially by my children.

My Worries:

I am worried about the time away from my family.  I am worried that I might change in a negative way.  I am worried about being deployed.   I feel my words are a strong tool and I am worried that I will be in situations that create barriers of communication to those who I want to help.

Bottom line:

I really want to make a difference in this world and I felt like I couldn’t do that if there were people I would have to turn away.  Joining the military will allow me to help more people in more places.  I will be able to get more experience and will be prepared for more situations.  This is not a career change, but a way to advance my career even more.  As the Army Motto states “Always Forward!”

A year later!

I hadn't realized that it has been over a year since my last post! Sorry for not keeping things up to date.  My life is pretty similar to last year's update.  But there have been some dramatic changes too!
I'm still at heritage, but instead of being a part time teacher i got hired on fulltime as the addiction counselor for the boys at the school.  I'm getting internship credit for this!  It is way more stressful than my last position and i'm excited to go back to my old job.  This counseling position is temporary.  The previous counselor was in a car accident so because of my counseling experience they hired me until the other counselor has recovered.
This is not my only intership site.  Finding a site wasn't easy and after 28 rejections i finally found one thanks to Jen!  Since febuary i have been working at Addiction and Psychological Services (APS) running group and individual therapy for my clients.  Most of my clients are sent from the courts to complete therapy.  It is a really enjoyable experience and i love working as a therapist!
Because of all the internship hours i am getting i am hoping to graduate a semester early in December.  I have 5 months left, but i am experiencing some major senioritis.  I can't wait to be done with school!  a semester and a half to go!
Summer is boiling at its fullness now and i am still coaching soccer goalkeepers for Arsenal SC.  I'm not coaching as much as i did last year, but i'm still fitting in a few keepers every week.
I still have a pulse so i am still playing soccer.  Alexa and i both enjoy playing pick up soccer at Timp indoor twice a week and we are on a top level coed team.  I'm also playing in the Salt Lake Premeire league on a team called Pan World.  I enjoy the competition it is comparible to my years at UVU.

I am definetely ready for a break from business.  Working 3 jobs and being in school isn't fun.  There are some days that i leave at 730 am and don't get home until 1030 at night.  It really sucks leaving before my kids wake up and coming home after they have gone to sleep.  Sometimes i really miss playing with them.

As a needed break/father's day/ Landon's birthday present me and Landon went camping. Just the two of us. It was a blast! everything went perfect, me and Landon explored the mountain, sat around the campfire, and slept soundly in the tent.  Landon loved collecting wood with me, chasing butterflies, and with my help he loved shooting my pistol crossbow.

It's hard to believe that i have a four year old.  Even more incredible is that this year i am celebrating my fifth year of marriage!  Alexa and I have a strong marriage.  It helps that i married my best friend and everyday we make each other better.  She is the biggest inspiration for me.  She has such determination and is an incredible mom and wife.

She is also working along with being a fulltime mom.  at the end of last year we moved into a house at storage facility.  Alexa works every day.  It's a great gig allowing alexa to work at home.

Being busy means progress, so i can't complain. And that's my life.

Latest update

My life has gotten pretty busy. I know that's expected in the summer, but wow, i don't have a lot of free time anymore.
I'm still working at Heritage treatment center as a teacher for the kids to unstable to attend the on campus school. I love my job! It's exciting and interesting, and I feel like i have a lot of freedom in my "classrooms." This job is perfect for me. It's in my area of interest, and it gives me valuable psychological experience which prepares me for my next job after my master's degree.
I'm attending full time at Argosy University to get my Master's degree in mental health counseling. I hope to be finished with my degree when the world ends Dec 2012.
Even though my real profession doesn't start until after a Master's degree, i'm putting my bachelor's degree to some use. My undergraduate was in Psychology and P.E. i want to use exercise and fitness as a tool as a therapist. Even though i can't give counseling, i can at least help people with their body. I'm running a fitness for the mind blog:
acceleratefitnessandtherapy.com
I'm not able to play soccer as much, but it's still a major part in my life. right after i get off work at heritage i take to the soccer field as a goalie coach. I'm running a goalkeeper camp for Arsenal soccer club. I got a cool bio on their website:
www.utaharsenalsc.org/training
With soccer camps, Heritage, and argosy, i have 12 hour work days every weekday except for Thursday when i have classes. Alexa is so understanding. I envy that she gets to spend so much time with my incredible boys, but I'm honored to make the sacrifice. There is no one better who can raise them. We each play our own but important part to give everything to our kids. I love my wife so much! I know time is spent working when I'd rather be at home with my family, and i try to spend ever second i can with them. Just as it is important spending quality time with each special member of my family, i also know that time will not be as special if i don't give myself some time too. I'm on a soccer team, but it's more of a weekend warrior thing (And most of my games are before they wake up). We all know that a little time to ourselves is needed so that time together is more treasured.
Landon is officially and completely potty trained. He has gone a month without a diaper (neither training or typical) neither day or night and without an accident. We just celebrated his 3rd birthday. He's already growing up to quickly.
Kyler has been able to pull himself up into the pushup position by himself and is getting too mobile. He wants to crawl walk and stand all by himself already. He has a few teeth that poked through which has eased his temperament, but i think round two is soon to begin...
So this is my life for the next little while, i can't think of a busier time in my life, but the busier you are the more progress your making. I know after climbing this hill i'll be able to coast back down. I'm pushing to get to the crest, but excited to be over it.

Accelerate Fitness and Therapy

Check out my new blog!

http://acceleratefitness.blogspot.com

Where was God

It's the ninth anniversary of the attack on the world trade center. Many people asked this question, and I've heard others say that they don't believe in God because of the bad things that happen in the world today. Here's my answer.

Where Was God
The towers fell and people cried
Where was God when those people died?
A cry that echoed throughout the ages
Where is God when chaos rages?
Where was God when disaster struck?
Where is God when we run out of luck?
Where was God when things went wrong?
He was their all along
He was in the towers, He was on the plane
He saw the death He felt the pain
He was so close when his children died
For every tear that fell, He also cried
Being the loving parent is almost a curse
Standing watching your children do their worst
Why didn’t He use his power and voice?
But they wouldn’t have listened and he gave them choice
He used His power so we could be free
To act on our own and be what we be
His gift to us he won’t take away
No matter how wrong our choices stray.
But where is God when life gets grim
He’s next to us hoping we’ll remember Him

IT’S TIME

Come with me it’s time to go
Come my child please take my hand
We’ll go to a place you still love and know
I’m sure others will not understand
Come with me it’s time to go
There is no reason you should fear
It’s been a joy to watch you grow
You’ve done all you can down here
Come with me it’s time to go
Follow my angelic voice
I am your friend not your foe
But now’s not the time for choice
Come with me it’s time to go
I’m the only one to blame
No one here has been a foe
For your absence no need for shame
Come with me it’s time to go
Though most will say it’s before your prime
The right way home I will show
God chose you for this time
Come with me it’s time to go
You’ve been chosen ahead of them
Grab my robe as white as snow
Know you’ll see them all again
Come with me it’s time to go
You’ve been called for greater things
When passed the veil you will know
The glory this transition brings
Come with me it’s time to go
Pain and sorrow are behind you now
Come with me it’s time to go
Come to the light I’ll show you how
Come with me it’s time to go
I am your angel here in death
Come with me it’s time to go
And take your last needed breath

For my wife of 3 years

I Never Tell You I love You Enough

I never tell you I love you enough
It’s not that I’m shy it’s not that it’s tough
I just forget to use the word
Even though I know it needs to be heard
Seeing your beauty every day
I always feel that special way
And my blank mind starts to steal
The words of love I always feel
And I often forget to say
The love I always have each day
So I say it in different ways
But not in words as often conveys
I say it with acts and works I do
I always try and show I’m true
I say it with trying to put you first
But my words are always one of my worst
I say it with kisses as much as I find
I say it with gestures I try to unwind
I say it with touches and hugs from your man
I say it in any way that I can
I say it with eyes that sometimes stare
I say it in help as the work load we share
I say it with gifts of useless stuff
But still I don’t tell you I love you enough
So if I forget to say love that way
Know that I love you every day

Simply Change your life

This video was shown in one of my psychology classes. You'll enjoy this funny skit. If changing was that easy, i'd be looking for second career because therapists would be making minimum wage. Here is my response to it:

SIMPLY CHANGE YOUR LIFE
“Forget and forgive”
“Live and let live”
“Get over it”
“If it’s bad just quit”
“Don’t think that way”
Each is a saying so simple to say
Yet the tongues not in turmoil often forget
This is often a task too soon to expect
Forgiving and living is not just a turn
It’s a process and time is required to learn
It’s not just a switch to turn off or on
Some of these changes are often life long
The body and mind takes time to change
Yet overnight results aren’t thought to be strange
Even if someone can change with speed
Others are slower and time’s all they need
If the change is a flash than it is probably not real
To change how you live and change how you feel
Start the step of the journey no matter how far
And work to improve who you are

Mislabeled

Imagine living in a world over run with sticky notes. But these sticky notes are only placed on other people. I can not put one on myself that says "Genius." and if someone puts a note on my forehead that said "Idiot" i could not take it off. Imagine looking in the mirror every day to see that everyone around me sees me as that label. I would begin to believe the notes.
Though our society doesn't deal with real labels, too many people think that they are qualified to be the ones with the sticky pad and pen.
For over five years I've worked with labeled kids. "I have ADHD," "I can't do this because i have aspergers," or "I have a learning disorder so this is too hard for me." People seem to define themselves and others by their perceived weaknesses not their strength. How come when i give a kid homework they never tell me "I can do this i have all the capabilities of being successful despite my perceived weaknesses."
In some therapy group sessions they even force a label on a person "Hi I'm... and I'm an addict." Personally i believe that the sessions would go much better if the addict said "Hi I'm ... and I'm a fighter."
It doesn't matter what weaknesses we are given. I've had students tell me they can't do an assignment because they have turrets, yet i look at the Unites States goalkeeper Tim Howard who is so successful even with this disorder.
Parents over labeling their kids curse them for life. I know parents who said all of their kids have ADHD, only one of which was diagnosed by a professional. Yet since the parents were now "pro" in ADHD they diagnosed themselves all the other children and they now all share medication for ADHD. Why do we always have to figure out what is wrong with people, and not just admit people are different in their own way?
Labels are dangerous, they destroy lives and sever friendships.
Few people have any right to label people. In less then a year I will be starting my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling, and I know that even when i become a certified therapist i will not be authorized to diagnose a disorder. It doesn't matter if i have had the same education as a psychiatrist (it's nearly identical). It doesn't matter that I'm more directly involved in the treatment of disorders. A psychologist is the ONLY one who is certified to diagnose. If i do not learn my proper role i could lose my dream job. It doesn't matter if someone has had thousands of patients and decades of experience with a certain disorder, anyone else beside a psychologist does not have the right or authority to diagnose the disorder.
I have a friend who had a teacher tell him that he had ADD when he was in elementary school. The teacher had no right or training in diagnosis, but since she was a "professional" he believed it, and his grades kept dropping. His excuse for his poor grades: "I have ADD."
Just because a kid has a lot of energy it doesn't mean he is ADHD. Just because a child has an imaginary friend doesn't mean they have Multiple Personality Disorder or schizophrenia.
Receiving some of the education of a physical therapist, I've learned that not even they or personal trainers can label an injury, even if it appears as obvious as broken bone. Doctor are the only ones given authority to label an injury. Psychologists are the only ones authorized to label a thought, mood, or personality disorder. Teacher, parents, relatives, friends, or neighbors have no right to label people in such a way. They are not qualified and it doesn't matter what possible symptoms are observed- THEY ARE WRONG!
Our Savior was severely labeled during His earthly ministry. Labeling was a method to dissuade people from listening to His glorious message; after all he was just the "carpenter's son." Even more labels fell on those who he taught. He walked among people labeled "sinners."
We can all be labeled as sinners and addicts. There isn't a person on earth who doesn't show signs of a disorder. So how do we have any right to point a finger at someone else? Even these truthful labels can change, because we are not titles engraved in stone. We are changing and can be different from one day to the next. Though we are all given weaknesses its through those that we find our strengths. Sinners can become prophets, weaknesses can become strengths, labels can disappear...

Ignorance of Inteligence

Laying in a hospital bed, I was completely paralyzed, but at least I finally knew what disease i was experiencing. Though the affliction were the same as the day before, knowing why and what was happening to me was a relief. Then I had a nurse tell me that my rare disease was made up by a doctor so I'd quit asking him what i have. Because she thought she knew so much, she thought that she knew it all so when a disease came across her sheet that she didn't know, she dismissed it as something made up. Because after all, she knew everything already. After a month stay in the hospital i then had a doctor tell me with all his experience that i would never play sports again. After all their education, knowledge, and degrees, they ended up being dead wrong.

Just because I'm not a genius like Einstein it doesn't mean I'm not smart, just because i don't have a paper with my name on it, doesn't mean I'm not capable of doing something. Just because i am young doesn't make me naive. Just because i like to have fun doesn't mean i don't know how to work and be responsible.
yet sometimes the most ignorant people are the intelligent, for they believe in their pride that they know everything; that they know who i am and what i can be. The only person who can tell me who i am is me.

Just because i am not the biggest and strongest doesn't mean i can't fight and defeat any Goliath that crosses my path. How would it be if David listened to people that told him he wasn't strong, smart, or experienced enough to fight the giant? How many giants win not because of the fight, but because the challenger was convinced that they weren't up to the task.

Anyone can be the giant slayer, race winner, and miracle worker. Its starts in believing who you are, and faith and some hard work to make who you want to be. Don't let others tell you who you are, what you can do, or who you can become. That is only for you to decide.

You may not believe me, but postpone your doubt enough to believe in me.

My best season so far

I just finished my best season ever! I felt like the prodigal son. UVU has been calling me ever since my first season in 2006, but year after year i have chosen another place. At the end of the season of my distracted adventures i had always wanted to return to my original school. I went to Xpress in 2007 because of the promise of fame. After a catastrophic end of the season for Xpress i got distracted from my return by a coach waiving money in my face under the name of a scholarship. But like Xpress, Dixie was a lie. The coaching and competition was less then par, and by the end of the season i knew that the prestige of NCAA wasn't worth it. With my tail tucked, i returned to the school i loved: UVU. I took the long road to discover my identity, but i discovered that UVU had the best coaching, competition, and comradary. To my surprise the team accepted my back with arms wide open, making me their captain with 14 of the 20 votes. Most the guys didn't even know me. I promised to myself that i wouldn't let them down, but a retorn ACL got in my way. The team took a turn for the worst with me gone, so i trained to get back into shape. I stepped on the field ready for the challenges of the opposition. The season was fantastic. I recorded 8 shutouts of my 11 games, the highest shutout percentage of my career. I also recorded my highest season save average, blocking 91% of the shots coming my way. With these two stats combined i recorded my lowest goals against average of my career. I averaged only .36 goals against average per game.

My first year playing for UVSC we weren't allowed to go to regionals because the team the year before got caught cheating. Also the year before the UVSC team got in a fight with BYU so they weren't allowed to play against each other in 2006. So even though this was my fourth collegiate season, this was my first year playing against BYU and going to regionals.

Of all the teams i have played against, i have always wanted to prove myself against this PDL team that has played against the pros. On Oct 24 at their new stadium i got the chance. This BYU squad was a combination of their current stars and their top alumni. It was against players i have always wanted to test prove myself against. I'm happy to say that i passed the test. I took some incredible shots, and was able to hold the shutout in front of their home crowd, stadium, and coach.

After that game we had regionals. I have never been to a tournament like this before, and i won't lie, i was nervous. Yet i fought through my nervousness and only allowed one goal the entire tournament. The only games we lost were games i couldn't play because of a flying elbow and a concussion. I ended the season with a shutout and a trophy. For my first time at regionals the third place trophy is not a bad accomplishment.

My next year is my senior year and my last chance for even greater victories. I've taken the route of the prodigal son but I've found my way back and next year I'll be at UVU one last time. I've had offers to move on to bigger teams, but i owe UVU too much. I'm hoping for a chance at a national trophy next year, and i believe UVU is the team to do it!

The Agony of Victory, the Glory of Defeat

Most movies and stories show the joy of the victor. Though the true heroes are those who still can remember those who couldn't make it, the truer hero is the one who is defeated but still can feel the glory in themselves.
With my knee recovering (again) i can once more step a cleated foot on the grass of my goalie box. Though joy fills my heart and my gloves, a hint of sadness has crept in with them. To be victorious i must stop others in that same pursuit. Yes, i know that its my job to do so. The goalie's objectives is to stop others at their shot at victory. I am not bothered by beating opponents, but putting down my own teammates and my own friends. My goal is to be worthy to be on that starting roster, to be the man at the back anchoring the team through the tempest of the game. But as i seek to gain that spot, i realize that i will have to push my teammates out. There is only room for one in that 18 yard square spot of sod. I know my responsibility to the team: I need to be my best and hopefully that would earn my the right to be the odd colored man on the grass. The team needs the best goalkeeper they can get to be the best team they can be. Even though others are trying their best, the team demands more. Those who can't conquer these demands can not play, some can't even be on the team. The best have to push the others off.
It was hard being part of the squad that decided who stays and who goes. It was harder still calling friend and long time teammates telling them that they didn't make it this year. But i felt the comfort of knowing that it wasn't because of me that they didn't make it. There own actions decided it, all i did was observe. Yet as a player it is my fault others aren't on the squad.
Though few noticed it, i started to feel this agony of victory when i tried out for a NCAA team. Dixie State College had 5 keepers who came down to St. George for Tryouts. Only three would make it. I was a given. One of the keepers was a given to not make it, but there was one with more heart than the rest, and he nearly had the talent to match. His name was Jordan, I'll never forget him. He was a great keeper, but there was three keepers who were better -- though not by much. On the last day of tryouts, Jordan found out that he wasn't going to make it. His dream to play at that level was shattered before it had even started. Many who know their own defeat collapse to wallow in their own self misery. Most give up on the task they already know is impossible for them to achieve. If i was him, i might have walked away then and there. But Jordan didn't. He still played his best. When the last drill of tryouts came, I was about to step on to defend the goal i would be defending through out the entire season, when i felt a tug at my jersey. Jordan looked at me. He was fighting hard to keep in the tears wanting to burst free. He asked if he could step on for one last time. I couldn't deny him and i took off my gloves, knowing that of the both of us i would be the only one to put them on again. In that moment Jordan outplayed all of the other keepers. He poured his heart into each save, and he showed the Glory of Defeat. Just because you are defeated doesn't mean you are conquered. When that whistle blew i noticed that the tears didn't threaten to escape anymore. He had a proud smile on his face. He proved it to himself, it didn't matter if coach didn't agree. I walked home already knowing my victory... and I wept. Because of me, a friend couldn't make the team. He deserved it more than me, he sacrificed more, he gave more. I had to defeat a teammate and a friend. I had to kill a comrade's dream so that mine could live on.
Now that I'm back at UVU i realize that i am forced to do the same thing again. With my jersey number on the roster, there are others who will not be able to be on that field in their own uniform. Though i know that it must be done it does not make it any easier. I have seen the victorious act like they lost the battle, but i have seen those who lost take it with the grace and pride of taking the trophy. Though i know that i will not always be in the winner's circle, I hope to fight on for those who couldn't. The responsibility of being chosen. If i fail, i fail them.

My Angels

My Wife:

MY LOVELY ANGEL
I never knew that through out my life
I had an angel now called my wife
An angel sent to be a guide for me

I’ve felt her hope I felt her love
An angel sent from up above
An angel of perfect beauty

She guided me through doubts and fears
To find her when I’ve grown in years
An angel escort for eternity

Even before we ever met
She helped me to not forget
For this angel I need to live worthy

And now she is with me here
To calm my heart and ease my fear
An angel’s hug just for me

I get to help my angel too
Together we will make it through
To heaven where we’re meant to be

My Son:

MY LITTLE ANGEL
I never knew that when I was young
But I see it now when I see my son
That I had angels right next to me

He talks to them and they understand
And reaches with his little hand
Staring places I can’t see

He brings them to our happy home
They make sure he is not alone
He brings the angels close to me

And when I see his little smile
He’s been an angel all the while
An angel always next to me

Even before he was born
My angel through strife and storm
An angel felt though I could not see

But as I hold him in my hands
Now I finally understand
He always been an angel for me

I’ve always felt his hope and love
To guide me to Him above
So I can have an angel I can see

And now this angel has been born
An angel put in mortal form
To be an angel just for me

Two Years and Counting...

My wonderful wife and i just celebrated our second delightful year as husband and wife. My bestest anniversary present was this poem I wrote:

Keep Track of Your Heart

You have a heart inside of you
That’s why you live and why I do too
I want your heart at its best
In the heat or down at rest
Through a healthy heart more love is drawn
And two things keep a heart’s love strong
One is your love for me
And my love for you for eternity
The other is to never slow
Keep love working and help it grow
Keep track of your heart, keep it strong
And love will guide you where ever you run
Through good times or bad with a good heart
Our love’s bond will be strong and unable to part
Keep track of your heart and love me too
And know that my heart is still growing for you!

As another cutesy present to go along with the poem i got her a heart monitor (get it? lol.). My wife wanted one for her cycling class.

Our anniversary was simple but splendid. Mom babysat Landon who was an angel his first night without his parents. We went to a romantic dinner and a movie and enjoyed deep conversations under the stars.

Two years have built a mountain of love, and we're still building!

Finished books available for review

For anyone interested i have two books that i have finished and would like to have reviewed. Just ask me and i can get you a copy.
The two books are:

Kingslayers -
A modern fantasy novel that takes place on Mongelt. This book deals with a group of elite soldiers during the start of the 2nd Dragon Wars. Kingslayers is the first book in a potential series. Though i would like Kingslayers to be reviewed, i have other books i would like to publish before this.

Twitching -
In in dept guide to the different muscle fibers, and how to train these fibers to acheive the body you want. Twitching is designed to improve the body's athletic performance, and how to sculpt the body you want. It is not just designed for the high performance athlete, it also can help anyone getting started in achieving their fitness goals. Everyone either wants to improve their body, or want to maintain the body they have. This book will help in both. Not only would i like Twitching read, but also put to the test. i hope to get this book published this year, but i don't want to publish this without it being reviewed and tested by as many people as possible.

The latest!!!

I have been waiting for the day that i could add this post. I didn't want to add another post until i got a job, and this weeek, i finally did!!! Better yet, i got my old job at Heritage back as a paraprofessional. I loved that job. When i first got it, just before getting married, i had to create that job from scratch. They saw a need to have a teacher teach the most dangerous kids, and i had to organize how to do it. When the job reopened up, i pounced on it like it was a loose soccer ball! Without even an interview, i got a call that i got the job! I'm so excited to return to Heritage! Especially back to my favorite job.

Also i got another job in february. I am a tracker for troubled youth in an aftercare program called Today's Youth. I have three kids that i visit and help through their program. They live with a proctor parents (like a foster parent but more temporary) and i help with the kids' program. It' s a descent job, and during the summer i plan to keep both jobs. That will give me more than 50 hours a week of work. Once school starts in the fall however, i will probably quite the tracker job, but stay at Heritage while i'm in school.

I have changed my major for the last time -- i know i say that every time, this is the sixth time i've changed it -- I'm now majoring in intigrated studies in psychology and physical education. I expect to graduate in the fall of 2010. Another post will explain the reason for that major.

At the first men's soccer team meeting at UVU the team suprisingly voted me as the team captain. I was shocked that 14 of the 20 players there voted for me to be captain. I don't think i even knew half of them, and the two other captains from last year were also nominated. I've decided not to go glory hunting this year. I have left UVU twice before to go play for other teams(xpress and Dixie) and i'm sick of vain promises and sitting on a bench. I even turned down an offer this year to tryout for the Real reserve squad. I talked to guys who tried out and they were sure that i would have made the team. But i would rather be a captain and start every game, then sit on the bench as a back up. maybe if a chance like that finds me after i am done with school...

Landon is still suprising us! Grandma practiced clapping with Landon and that night we clapped forLandon, and he was like "ok i'll clap now" and he started clapping for us. It was amazing! I often find my mouth starting to hurt from smiling so much. I can just watch my son for hours, and i don't realize it, but he just makes me smile. He's the cutest kid! And he isn't just well behaved when he visits grandma and grandpa, he always acts so cute! Any day now he is going to decide to start walking on his own. We know he can do it, he just likes the support for now. Like knowing dad's hand is holding the seat when the training wheels are taken off. I'm the luckiest guy in the world to get to spend my days with the greatest son and the most loving wife!

Intigrated studies in Psychology and Physical Education

This is my admitance essay i wrote to get into my degree. It explains why i'm choosing it...


FUSION OF BODY AND MIND
Integrated Studies Admission Essay
There has always been a separation of improving the mind, and improving the body. Therapist and counselors have been trained to improve the mind’s conditions, while trainers and coaches improve the body’s. I have worked for nearly 5 years as a counselor and just as long as a coach. I believe there is a link between the two. The conditions of the body affect the mind, while the mind’s state of being can be seen in the body.
For example, problems like obesity, anorexia, and drug abuse. All these problems originate from the mind and are reflected by the body. Though working with just the mind will cause a change in the body, the process is slow for both mind and body. If I pursue the career as a counselor I will work with both and speed up the improvement of each. I would have more tools to work with to improve the people I help. I can use physical activities to improve the mind, and also mental activities to improve the body.
For example with obesity. If I just worked with a patient’s mind to help him control the cravings he will eventually be able to suppress the cravings and lose weight and live healthier. But where are these cravings coming from in the first place? The answer is the body. Just training the mind puts it in conflict with the body, but having the mind and body working together they stay more in harmony with each other, and the change is not as difficult. By working simultaneously with the mind and body, I can help the patient control the cravings from the body, and suppress the cravings with the mind. This dramatically increases the patient’s progress. With most other physical and psychological problems the rate of progress is also increased by working both mind and body. Through an integrated study of psychology and Physical Education, I can properly study both improving mind and body.
I also plan to coach for the rest of my life. Many athletes will say that their sport is 90% mental and only 10% physical. Yet most coaches only work with the physical side of the game. That means they’re missing most of the game. With an integrated studies degree in both physical and mental improvement, I can be a better coach. Similar to coaching is a sports psychologist.
I have been a soccer goalkeeper since age five. If at all possible I would love to play professional. One of the best attributes of a goalkeeper is fast reflexes. I have always had the desire to understand the reflexes, but to do so, I have discovered that I need to study both how the mind sends the reflexes and how this signal is affected by muscle movement. I have always wanted to learn how to improve the reflexes. But that requires improving both the mind and body.
I have always seen the fusion and teamwork of the mind and body, just choosing Psychology or Physical Education as a major would be an incomplete degree for me. Fusing the two is the only way to properly improve someone’s life.

Beautiful Day

Today was such a beautiful day! So me and Landon decided to play in the sun for a little! He is getting so big!

Landon is now 9 1/2 months old! He super-crawls everywhere! He's so fast! He loves to play with his toys and could sit and study a toy for such a long toy. He's so observant! He really enjoys water! When we start his bath water, he practically dives into the bath tub! He also got to go swimming with his daddy, uncle and cousins- Michael and Emma, and absolutely loved it! He especially loves to see his cousins and play with them! He loves kids and just smiles and laughs at them. He's seems so determined to play with them. His latest is playing chase with his cousin Emma. At Grandma and Grandpa's house he was chasing her all around the kitchen and giggling so much! We are having so much fun with him :) He also has the talent of letting out these loud fake laughs. It's hilarious! His favorite foods are crackers, bananas, carrots, and whatever we're having for dinner. He'll stand by us when we're eating and open his mouth for some food. He also has 6 teeth fully in, one that has just poked through, and another on its way in. We have also been practicing walking with him. He's really good at walking around holding on to just one of our fingers! We're guessing he'll be walking soon!

He's a little bundle of joy and has a "million-dollar smile," as his Grandpa says. We are excited for new talents he'll pick up along the way!

Boy Scout Merit Badges

Merit Badges i earned:
1Archery, 2Astronomy, 3Auto Mechanics, 4Basketry, 5Camping, 6Canoeing, 7Citizinship in the Community, 8Citizinship in the Nation, 9Citizinship in the World, 10Communications,
11Electricity, 12Emergancy Preparedness, 13Enviromental Science, 14Family Life, 15Fire Safety, 16First Aid, 17Fishing, 18Graphic Arts, 19Hiking, 20Leatherwork,
21Mammal Study, 22Metalwork, 23Motorboating, 24Music, 25Oceanography, 26Personal Fitness, 27Personal Management, 28Pioneering, 29Rifle Shooting, 30Rowing,
31Safety, 32Salesmanship, 33Shotgun Shooting, 34Soil And Water Conservation, 35Sports, 36Swimming, 37Whitewater, 38Wilderness Survival, 39Wood Carving

I'm pretty sure i got more than this -- like some merit badges after i got my eagle -- but i can't find the post-eagle record.

Moved in

Despite the end, I had success down in Saint George. We loved the weather, our classes were fun, and though i didn't play as much as i would have hoped, i was glad for the experience to play NCAA soccer. I held the school record for the most saves in one game, and the highest save percentage. I held a nationally ranked team to one goal, and for our last home game of the season I had a shutout and gave the team a win in double overtime. Because of multiple players breaking multiple rules, our spring season was cancelled and after hearing that my coach didn't care about my performance, we decided to move back to Happy Valley. From that decision to being moved into a new place was less than ten days. The reason for the quick move was so that we could get started in our classes at UVU. Its great being back in Utah Valley. We didn't quite make it to Provo, but Springville is close enough! The only thing we miss is our cousins down south and the great snow-free weather. But not having a four hour commute to the nearest immediate family member is worth the cold. We moved into a two bedroom duplex with a garage and our own washer and dryer! (we had to go to a laundry mat in st George. I'm glad we don't have to save quarters any more, that adds up, like nearly 8 dollars in quarters every time we had to do laundry)

Alexa has been busy going to school. At Dixie she was going full time! A tough thing to do with a 9 week old at the start of the semester, not to mention a husband who was also in school full time and on the soccer team. She made it through, but decided just to go part time this semester so she could spend more time with Landon in the latter half of his first year. She has a year and a half to 2 years left of school, as do I. I wish we could say we'd be done after that, but we both plan to go on to get our masters degree. What can I say... we love school...yeah...that's it. Other than school, she has been enjoying being a mother, and has recently taken up sewing. She sewed 2 blessing dresses in 1 week over the Christmas break! She is looking forward to trying a quilt soon.

Landon is growing every day. Each day he has a new surprise for his parents, and I can just stare and smile at my son for hours. Though he scoots more than crawls, he is very mobile. He goes everywhere around the house. Not only does he move everywhere, he loves to climb up on things (and his parents) He says "da da da da," although whether he is talking to me is hard to tell right now. At 7 months, he looks to be over a year old! He is so tall!! He's starting to move into 18 month clothes! He brightens our day and makes the world a happier place for us :)

I love my family so much, no matter what kind of curve balls life throws, i know i have my family to bring a smile to my face. With my wife who continues to become more beautiful each day and a son who i can't stop smiling at, life is great!