I wonder about Americans?!!

One of the things that I wonder, is whether most Americans think anymore or not. Do they even consider what they are doing and why they are allowing it to happen. Here we live in the greatest nation in the world, with the greatest opportunities, the greatest wealth, and frankly the greatest freedom that has ever existed. And yet we live in a constant state of apathy, disregard, comfort or rather lack of ambition. We let the TV, the best "electronic happiness reducer" that ever was invented. You could replace happiness with other words too such as income, productivity, family, togetherness, etc. That list could be a very long one. Are we so oblivious as to just let things and allow them to happen with no comment. This is not the America that I know. Dreamers, Do'ers, Thinkers, Passionates, those who still want greatness WAKE UP and DO SOMETHING! I am glad that there are still so many out there that are doing so much. May the rest of us get up and go Conquer that which we fear!

Gratitude

I have to say, I have felt extremely grateful for a lot of things lately. I am so grateful that everyone was willing to fast and pray for us to get pregnant last May, for you I am eternally grateful because we are having a baby in the next lil bit. Thank you. I am grateful for the Lord's hands in our lives, it seems that even though things may be a little harder for a little while, that the change into a permanent career is going to be a very positive thing. I am grateful for my beautiful wife (which by the way, I do think that she is hot right now as a nine month pregnant woman), she is so understanding and generally kind. She really is the perfect fit for my imperfections, and she completes me with all of my "ruggedness," warts and all. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and for the way in which it influences me. For without it, I would be a terrible person (potentially), but with it have become more amiable, kind, patient. For those of you who really know me, you know this is true, for those of you who don't know me, you are wondering why it hasn't done more. I have had a LOOONNG way to come. So that is ok, onward and upward toward personal improvement.

California Family Vacation

We took a trip to CA back at the end of February and into the beginning of March, so this is only two months behind. Melanie had the title of it ready but none of the actual post written up. I have decided that I would go ahead and write about it a little. We were able to get a new van and travel down there comfortably, (that was really nice). We spent the first few days at Melanie's dad's cousin's home. I know, it is confusing. They are really more like aunt and uncle to us, they are the best. We just feel really welcome there. We went to the beach, which is only 5 mins. away walking. We visited with them, as well as a great couple (Nathan and Melodee and their children), some friends we know from here. So last year we came and visited too and we ended up going to the temple for the evening with our cousin. Well Nathan and Melodee were the other couple there and we had a great time, so now because of blogs, and Facebook and keeping in touch, we were able to spend an absolutely wonderful evening together with them. Thank you Nathan and Melodee! We also got to see some dear friends from Provo that now live in CA. We had a wonderful day and a half with them and got to go to Legoland (the last hour of every day is free). We are so glad that they are pregnant too. It was great to see you Kandi and Carson! Thanks for everything. While we were visiting with our cousins (Emily and Gordon), their mother Ruth was there. She was so great, we have decided to adopt her as another one of our Grandmas. Josh really loved her, and she is actually here in UT, she was just out there visiting for a little while. Thank you Gordon, Emily, and Ruth for all of your kindness and love.

Well then after a few days visiting friends and going to the San Diego Temple, which is beautiful, we were on our way to our hotel. We were right there in Anaheim, next to Disneyland, but shhh, because Josh didn't really know that. We didn't go either, too much less expensive fun all around for that. Wed, Thurs, and Fri. we took Melanie in to LA so that she could go to Convention and learn a ton. Josh and I painted the town red. We went to two huge museums and a science center. We watched some movies, swam, played games, and had fun. Melanie really enjoyed herself too. Josh and I also went and visited my Grandmom & Granddad. Before we left to come home, we spent another day with them as a family. We had a great time visiting with them. Josh really loved Grandmom's really cool moving train. He would like one now. Thank you Grandmom & Granddad for spoiling us with the great stories, the wonderful conversations and the visiting. We love you.

Change in Jobs for Jason

Many of you know that I have lost my full time job. But I have been able to get additional hours at Ancestry.com. I used to work at Nomen Global Language Centers, but was laid off back at the end of February. It has felt like the Lord's hands have been guiding and directing us. This has been a good change for me too. While we were on our vacation in CA, Melanie and I felt that I might lose my job. So we were prepared for what was coming when we got back and went into work on Monday. Just the Thursday before Melanie said something like, you know Jason maybe now is the time that we could consider you working in the financial planning industry. That really threw me off because we had prayed about it several years prior to that point and the answer was no. However, Melanie and I have prayed and fasted and felt that now the answer was yes. So I just started my training a few weeks back so that I can become a financial planner. I have been studying for my life insurance exam, the testing center has now postponed my test twice. I am glad that I have had the extra time to study.

What a great blessing it is to have the Lord in our lives to guide us and bless us when we most need Him.

Baby Shower Announcement!!!

For all of you my friends and family, that I don't have addresses for, I wanted to let you know that you are invited to my baby shower for our little girl Aliya Grace. My sister-in-law Amy Crane is hosting it.

Here are the details:

Saturday April 25th, 2009 @ 4pm
Bonneville Stake Center 150 S 900 E Provo UT
In the "Little Theatre" (Enter the church from 900 E , North doors)

Please RSVP Amy @ 801 927-7407 or amersjojo@hotmail.com

Sure love you!