Finding bottom.

I'm not talking about a euphemism for your butt, nor am I talking about waking up with your head in a urinal. I am talking about guts, and heart.
There are a lot of people who don't have any bottom.
Too many people don't have the guts to deal with things when they become really tough. They don't have enough heart to keep pushing when they run into a wall. They quit. They curl up and cry. They hide and make excuses for why they fail.
I see it more and more every year. It is a product of enabling and babying.
No one will get very far with out the guts to fight. It is impossible to live freely and happily with out grit. Sometimes you need to bear your teeth and clench your fists.
Bottom is the fight in us that comes from the deepest part of our guts and heart. It is the last bit of strength to pull us through the toughest of times.

I wish I could teach kids what this is. I believe it is one of the most important parts to a happy and healthy life.
Right now I am not convinced that I can teach it.

State of the Union.

I didn't even watch it. I couldn't. I would rather watch stupid immoral crap like jersey shore, which to me is like water-boarding. I don't have much faith in my government. I don't have much respect for the man who holds the office,(that I do respect). I am tired of politicians, and tired of their giant egos. I am tired of the greed that seems to fuel everything, even when it is hard to see. I truly believe that the only person who ever walked the planet with the soul purpose of others was Jesus Christ. Mother Teresa may have too. No politician has gotten into politics to help others. I believe it is all about self promotion. If they were really in this to help others and make things better for all people they would become missionaries.
This is the first state of the union address I can remember not watching at all. It makes me sad. I didn't watch it because I don't care, quite the contrary. I didn't watch it because I'm tired of the horse shit. I think too many people my age are watching Jersey shore. They don't care about the state of the union. Sometimes I feel like I am surrounded by morons.
"Rome fell because the citizens became apathetic." -Terry Gordon

Lena on a mission

Lena has decided to go on a medical mission in Tanzania this fall. She is very excited about the trip, and took almost no time at all to make up her mind to go. She only had to clear it with her boss, and she was all in. I think it will be a great experience for her, and I am very excited for her to go.
I am not going, because I am not medical personel therefore... I didn't get invited. Maybe when they ask for some hill-billys to go over an build things I will get to go. I think they need people like Lena a lot more. We will keep everyone updated on the details of the trip.

This man is paralyzed from the waist down. This is one of the moments that Lena and I got to take part in shortly before she got her first bull elk.

It made Lena emotional. I would be a liar if I said it didn't move me as well.

This is one reason that I love hunting.

Best day of 2010

I haven't been together with my brothers and their families for almost two years. I never realized how long that can really be, I know people who have been to prison and back sooner. Kids grow up so fast, everything seems to change on the surface, but not everything changes.
I got to ring in the new year with my family for the first time in a long time, I can't even remember the last time. I really enjoyed seeing my Mom and Dad, Brothers and Sisters(outlaws), and their kids. My aunt Laurie was with us too. It was hectic, and sometimes dramatic, but a lot of fun.
We went out to my grandmother's old house and enjoyed the frigid air and snow. We built a bon-fire and made a sledding course with the 4-wheeler. I got it stuck once.
Everyone had a good time, but not everyone made it to the fireworks. Some of us were partied out. I made it, but paid the price.
I tried to remember my best day in 2010, and it was very difficult. It really reminded me of how much I have to be thankful for.
Lots of moments flash through my mind, from my first anniversary with my wife, to Mexico with my best buddy. I remember great days on the river, or watching my parents dog learn to hunt. Reuniting with my pals, and watching my wife shoot her first bull elk. There is too much to even list. I know that the good times definitely out weigh the bad.
I will say that seeing all the kids was very special, even though being stuck with all those people in the house was not easy for me. I have a difficult time being indoors, especially around a lot of people. I feel like a caged animal, but I managed to survive.
The Kids:
Hudson. "uh-huhhh" How you answer everything that doesn't require a no.
Hannah. "I just... I just don't know." She wasn't sure if Bry and the kids could borrow her movie, even though her dad said yes.
Lilah. "Thats the second "F" word." I missed the education of the younger kids in the basement. They were learning how to spell all the bad words. Sadly I missed most of it, I think I could have learned something new.
Collin. Has a new evil laugh. Don't know how to write it out.
Parker. Making Yellow snow.