Let People Repent

I've been thinking about this quote a lot this week. I said something I shouldn't have said. I really thought it would help a situation, but it had the exact opposite effect. Now I feel like the people involved have forgotten every good thing I've ever done and define me by this one unfortunate moment. I'd go back and erase the whole thing if I could, but what's done is done. I may have permanently damaged some relationships despite my quick and sincere apology. I hope I'm wrong and it all blows over quickly. But it's the what if I'm not wrong that worries me. 

That's why this quote has been on my mind. It's caused me to reflect on how I treat others. Do I let others repent? Do I define people by their worst moments? Or do I give people the benefit of the doubt? Do I let people change and become better? Believe me, after seeing it from the side I'm on right now, I'll be much more gentle toward others in the future. It has helped me to see charity in a new and needed light.

Harvest Fun

I harvested our butternut squash today. Seeing them sitting on the counter, I just couldn't resist...

Do you recognize Jimmy from VeggieTales?  I just quickly penciled him in, but I think he's so cute! Of course, my kids think I'm totally insane awesome! 

Love it! :)

Triathl On

I was reminiscing about the family triathlon the extended Stowell family participated in last summer. It was great motivation for me to get in shape and most everyone enjoyed it. I don't know that there are plans to have another, but just for fun, I came up with the perfect t-shirt design...

Some people don't really get it. Maybe it's my weird sense of humor, but I love it and might have one made just for me...triathlon or not. :)

{You can create your own "Keep Calm" poster here.}

In Training

This is what we'll be doing next week...

our t-shirt design

Yep. We're heading to Idaho for a family triathlon. Having mercy on those of us who are not exactly athletic, Jeff's brother worked up a few choices so each of us could compete at our individual comfort level. There's the adult distances and the child distances and everyone gets to pick and choose what events/distances they want to compete in.

The breakdown goes like this:

1.  Swim 1/3 mile

2.  Swim kid (short)

3.  Bike 12 miles

4.  Bike~ 4 miles

5.  Run 5K  (3 miles)

6.  Run 1.2 miles

My kids are brave and each of us is stretching ourselves past our usual comfort level. Many of us have been training to get ready and I, for one, can say I'm better off for having this goal to work toward. I've lost 5 pounds and my muffin top is shrinking. Yay!!

My first day in the pool, I swam a measly 200 yards before I needed oxygen. By the end of that week, I swam 700 yards. Granted, I looked a little tipsy as I got out of the pool and my energy was completely spent. I wondered how on earth I'd ever be able to go from the swim to a 12 mile bike ride to a run. I still wonder that some days, but I'm up for the challenge and we'll see how it all plays out next week. I'm trying to ignore the fact that Idaho is at a much higher elevation so I might be gasping for breath before the first event is through...  Ha ha!!

Anyway, it's good to have a goal. We're excited for our first triathlon!! :)

Two Minutes

I joined the gym today. I'm hoping the above graphic won't be true much longer. Wish me luck...

Rhubarb Banana

What do you do when you pick some rhubarb from your garden and, after a couple of days, it curls up to look just like a banana? You laugh, show everyone your rhubarb banana, and then take a picture and post it on your blog because it makes you happy.

At least that's what I do.

Ironic

For the record, the following situation didn't make me happy. But it's pretty funny so I thought I should share. :)

Yesterday morning, I rode to St. Louis with some girlfriends so we could attend the temple. After our session and a quick trip into the distribution center to get a few things, we started on the 2 1/2 hour drive home.

We were on the freeway and making our way through traffic when I looked down to find a place for the free youth pamphlets I'd picked up for my kids. Imagine my surprise and horror as I opened my hand to find a CTR ring that I didn't pay for!

In case you didn't know, CTR stands for Choose The Right. And, in case you didn't know, it is required that one be honest in all their dealings in order to attend the temple. I know. The irony.

Here's what happened:

I saw the $1.00 CTR rings on the shelf right when I walked in the distribution center. Sterling wears his CTR ring everyday until it literally wears out and breaks off his finger. He's already worn through the finish on his second or third ring so I thought having another on hand would be a good idea. I picked one up and had it safely stored in the palm of my hand as I continued to look around and talk to my girlfriends. I picked up the free pamphlets I mentioned before and waited in line for them to be scanned. By this time, that forgotten CTR ring could have been a wadded up tissue or a gum wrapper. I never thought about it as the checker scanned in my pamphlets. I waited for my friends to finish their purchases then we walked to the car and were on our way.

Once I realized what I'd done, I immediately called the distribution center to explain. When I asked if I could pay for it with a credit card over the phone, I was told to take care of it the next time I come down.

Believe me, I will.