Eight Shermans: July 2009

Something to Think About

Happiness is the object and design of our existence and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness and keeping all the commandments of God.

-Joseph Smith

Throughout his life, Joseph Smith would turn to God in prayer to seek the help and guidance he needed. A Church member recalled hearing him pray in Kirtland, Ohio, at a time of great personal difficulty: "Never until then had I heard a man address his Maker as though He was present listening as a kind father would listen to the sorrows of a dutiful child. . . . . There was no ostentation, no raising of the voice as by enthusiasm, but a plain conversational tone, as a man would address a present friend. It appeared to me as though, in case the veil were taken away, I could see the Lord standing facing His humblest of all servants I had ever seen." - Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith Priesthood/Relief Society Manual.

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"It is not always easy to follow a righteous plan and be obedient to the laws of society and the laws of the Lord. In the long run, however, following the rules is still the best pathway to obtaining all the things the Lord has promised."
- President James E. Faust (April Priesthood Session, 2007)

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Freedom Festival Race in Provo UT

JULY 2009: The family's way of celebrating the 4th of July was for Jannette and Lizzy to run a 10K; Nathan and Ethan to run a 5K; Caleb and Seth to run a one mile race. They all did very well. Lizzy came in fourth in her age group and Caleb took third in his. Jeremy and I were the support crew.

Jannette's First Triathlon

JUNE 2009: Jannette entered her first triathlon: The Rock Cliffs Triathlon at Jordenelle Reservoir. The olympic length event began with a one-mile swim in the reservoir, a 27-mile bike ride (more than the usual 24+ mile course because of a shortened run), and a 4.5-mile run. Jannette did very well. She took second place in her age group. The best part was that her sister Pam came in from Las Vegas to do the race with her. Jannette had a lot of support from the kids, me, her mom, nieces, a brother-in-law, and Cindy, another sister. We are PROUD of MOM!!!!!

Cascade Springs and Trail to Summit of Timpanogos

JUNE 2009: Cascade Springs is another of those unique natural phenomenon. We love the sound of the running water, the plant life, and the overall beauty of the area. It is an easily accessible place and very kid friendly.

On the way home we decided to hike up the trail to the summit of Mount Timpanogos. It was very beautiful. The only negative was that we got caught in a torrential rain/hail storm. We sent the kids running to the car. Jannette and I were a little slower and got soaked. Good memories!!!!

Daniel's Summit - A Getaway

JUNE 2009: Every year the College of Humanities holds a retreat for department chairs. Our favorite place is Daniel's Summit. It is one of those rare opportunities for Jannette and I to getaway. Here are some shots from our brief escape.

Hiking to Stewart Falls

MAY 2009: One of our favorite hikes, and a yearly ritual, is to hike to Stewart Falls. For those of you unacquainted with this hike here are some photos. It is located on the backside of Timpanogos Mountain near Sundance.

Lizzy's Report on Davis County

APRIL 2009: As a fourth grader Lizzy had to do a report on one of Utah's counties. She drew Davis. We were very happy since Davis county is the home to Antelope Island. The island is a beautiful game reserve. We enjoyed hiking around, checking out the animal life, climbing on rocks, and just hanging out at the working ranch located on the southern part of the island.