SiMpLiFy

We have been wanting to SiMpLiFy life here at the Johnson home for quite some time. There are always so many things going on and it's hard to even know who has to be where sometimes. I think we are finally getting there!! I am starting to feel a little more relaxed and this is why---

1. My grant job on campus ended on September 30th. Although it was a GREAT (very flexible) job to have while I was in school, it got to be very challenging balancing the two jobs everyday and still trying to be home when the kids got home from school. Now, wow, I am LOVING my life!! Even with more hours at USDB (I am now receiving benefits--wahoo) and working about 19 hours per week, I have time to catch up at home, be home when the kids get home and not be running ragged from one place to another. (I am still a part time trainer for Child Care providers in the area, but that is only teaching a class four months of the year--not a big deal!).

2. Tanner got all signed up for hockey this year (after debating on what he should do after hearing all the reasons why he should quit and focus on baseball from Greg)--then decided that he didn't want to play! It is sad to not watch hockey games on Saturdays but I can not even begin to tell you how nice it is to know that I don't have to get up early (they practice at 7:30 AM on Saturdays) or travel to who knows where every Saturday (Vernal, Provo, SL, Ogden, Idaho Falls)!! I know he misses it--the main reason he decided to quit was because of an injury that he has had since last hockey season, through baseball season and again this hockey season. He wants it to heal up so he is ready to play baseball in the Spring. He is working with an athletic trainer through the winter instead of hockey. So that means no trips to the ice arena on Wednesdays or Saturdays (the ice arena is on the opposite side of town).

3. Zach has decided not to try out for the HS Basketball team this year. Wow!! I wanted him to play so bad, I just love watching my kids play sports (and they are fun to watch). BUT--he would like to work out for baseball in the Spring as well. He will be working out with some of his team mates and an athletic trainer to prepare. Basketball try outs are next week and I was feeling a little sad, but after talking with Zach--it's a good thing. The coach this year is not a fav (the other one quit) and it is becoming very political. Zach just doesn't want to play under those circumstances and I don't blame him. So--no basketball games out of the valley during the week, no practices every evening, no reffing on Saturdays, etc. (he does need to find a part time job though!! hee hee).

In the past when Kaden played basketball we were always pawning him off on a team mate because we had to be at a hockey game somewhere else. It was always so stressful--now, we can just focus on watching Kaden's games. It's about time :-)!!

There is wisdom in slowing down and simplifying things in our lives. Even though hockey and basketball are good things--choosing one sport for now is best for us! We are really trying to let our kids know that they don't have to do everything--for some reason, that seems to be the mentality among young folks these days. Whether it is participating in an organized sport or being at every social gathering with friends, it's okay to make choices and not be everywhere! It is so nice to be moving in that direction! :-)