I [Use to] Agree with Bronco's Wife

"He's only a football player--I mean, really, what can he do?"

I really like Holly Mendenhall, BYU football coach Bronco Mendenhall's wife. She says it like it is. She focuses on her family and important things. She once ran her own travel agency business in Missoula, Montana, lost out big when having to sell it, but got her family out of debt within only a few years time because of her self-discipline. Bronco says that she is "the glue" in their family, and to the football team he coaches. I think she's a spectacular, down-to-earth lady.

And her first summation of her husband, after their dating break-up, is something that I used to think about many-a-college athlete, even at BYU. "He's only a football player--I mean, really, what can he do?" However, after a few years time she caught Bronco reading a book, catching her off guard, causing her to think that he had matured and should maybe give him a shot.

Tonight the BYU football team caught me off guard. I decided to go to their fireside the eve before a home game to see what all the commotion is about these things. And it was nice that it was only a block away from where I live at the stake center down the street.

Lots of kids, from very young to high school age (and my age as well--I'm still a kid) were in attendance. I thought that the evening would have some feel-good stories, a few musical numbers, and some good words of encouragement from the coaches.

And it did. But there was more to it. When Bronco says that this football team is a means to shape young men, he's definitely right. With the simple talks that were given, they were given with testimony and the Spirit, and they gave me some important things to think about tonight. As Lavell Edwards stated tonight, "We are all learners and we are all teachers, beginning at a very early age." Every single one of these speakers focused on their testimonies of Jesus Christ and the happiness it brings into their lives, the strength it gives them, and what it means to be a true disciple.

Wow, I couldn't have been more wrong. So much for judging. So much more to think about just being and doing--just like these football players.

Round 'em up!

How many people can say that they get to enjoy this scene at work every morning? Well, the rangers at Antelope Island State Park do get to enjoy this scene annually, as they round the bison up to do regular "check-ups" (i.e., go to the doctor) and figure out which extra ones they will sell to keep their herd numbers to 500.

Luckily for me, I got to be a part of this experience as part of a CEU (Continuing Education Unit) experience at the NRPA (National Recreation and Parks Association) Conference in Salt Lake City this past week. For one whole day I learned about and experienced Antelope Island and it's round up, complete with eating a bison burger--which I do recommend.

I won't bore you with all details, but I will say I plan to go back to Antelope Island with my kids at work for a great field trip and/or camping trip. They do really awesome educational presentations, there is biking and hiking all over the island, bison and antelope abound to the point that I feel like I'm on a Disneyland safari ride, and you can even try out swimming and kayaking the open water.

And possibly my mom and I will try out it's nice sand beach and sweet, soft, rolling waves as we paddle surf.

All I can say is: I love my life!!