GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLL!!!

SPECIAL POST! SPECIAL POST! John Fontano with the call:

"and the Smurf Its are pressing on the offensive side of the ball. There is a mighty cluster of blue as the Smurfs struggle to defend and the Smurf Its are dancing around the ball failing to make a solid connection. The ball just sprange loose and is heading in the center of the field. It looks as if there are one or two smurf its in the area. It is number 13 Natalie Fontano, she shoots, oh, it's a high floater. Will it go in? GGGOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLL Natty Fontano!! And the crowd goes wild. She raises her hand in a brief celebration as the crowd goes wild".

We won our first game today. It was good. We played pretty well all around and have much more hustle out there. There were a few moments when our hustle left something to be desired but ultimately we got the job done and Natty did actually score her first ever goal this evening. Way to go Natty Sue!

First Day in Kindergarten

Today was Andy's first day in kindergarten. He loved it. He was excited to go and has been anxiously awaiting his first day of school for some time. I have a few pics that I took of the boy and have been trying to upload them to the blogger but it appears to be completely frozen at the moment. Probably has to do with the fact that my current connection does not get anything above three bars and it is very slow. I discovered just a moment ago that I could type this while blogger is loading the image and I am hoping that somehow it completes the loading. I don't think it is going to happen. The unpredictable Internet connection is a challenge. I am going to try to improve it but haven't had a chance yet.

Anyhow, back to day one. The after school report from Andy was great. He really enjoyed it and was proud as could be to show me the rainbow he made in class today. I think they must have also practiced the alphabet song as he was singing it a bit as well. I am glad. It is nice that he loves school so much. He is a good boy.

Natty and Jack are also doing well. Natty has done a great job getting up in the morning and getting ready and out the door on time. That is a big step for her as last year it was a battle to get her out of bed. Quite thankful for that change. Jack is also on top of things when it comes to getting to school on time.

Well, it doesn't look like we are going to have any sort of success with the pics. When I improve the connection I will come back and upload some. Til then just imagine one happy Andy with his backpack on and two thumbs up in the air.

Back in Business

So I finally got the eliptical set up in the man cave / multi purpose room. I had to take some of it apart in order to install it but it is in and it is working. I was back on it this morning for a morning workout rather than a very late evening one. By the time Natty leaves for school and the time I have to get Jack up I can pull a 5K on it and that works for me. Just gotta get back in business. I had done so well there for several months but faltered with the move. It was good to be back in business this morning. It felt good and so I felt good, I felt great, I felt wonderful. Had to do a little Bob Wiley there with a twist.

Well, I am just about ready to pass out. I am practically zombie typing right now which could be very dangerous in my home. I am going to close up rather then continue to fight this losing battle to sleep.

Ben and Jamie

Sunday, August 28, 2011

There are good people in this world and perhaps I should not exclude so many by singling out a few now and again. Well, that doesn’t really matter this is my personal journal that I choose to share in this open format. If you are a follower whose name I have failed to mention in here please do not take offense. There are many whose names are not recorded specifically but are mentioned generally. Trust that I am grateful for you as well and love you.

I have been the home teacher of the Fawson family for a year now and I am grateful for that blessing in my life. I was at a training meeting tonight and the subject of home teaching was discussed. There was a desire to profile a good home teacher and what makes them good. I hate to take the selfish route on this one, I have to say that I get as much if not more out of home teaching visits than those that I home teach. I never walk away from it regretting that I have gone. In that training there was a quote by President Hinkley that we are blessed to serve in the shadow of the Savior. That was paraphrasing but it is the essence of what he said. I think that it is a blessing for sure and I think it comes through home teaching as well. We go as His representative and he is quick to bless us in a variety of ways.

Anyhow, I am grateful for the assignment to home teach Ben and Jamie and their kids Trent, Hailey, Hyrum and Sierra. What a wonderful family. I am grateful for the friendships that we have developed. It is a neat thing to see these little ones and to enjoy that special relationship with them. Ben invited us over for dinner tonight and the kids had a great time. I had a great time visiting with Ben and Jamie and enjoying their company. Sometimes when you are flying solo it is nice just to feel that acceptance and that friendship. There are a whirlwind of emotions that accompany being divorced in the Church. I know that there are those who look and who wonder. There are those who have their own theories. There are those who will probably never approach me because of the fact that I am divorced. I have heard comments in talks and in lessons. Certainly I am not in an enviable situation nor do I recommend it at all. Sometimes that can be hard and it can be a burden to carry even though you try to remain unbothered. It is refreshing to have those relationships where that is not an issue and where you can feel safe. I feel that with Ben and Jamie. I appreciate that tremendously.

SoccerBoy

Saturday, August 27, 2011

SoccerBoy

Andy had his first day of soccer today. Well, official team soccer. He has come out and practiced with me many times – last year with the Green Dragons and this year with the Smurf Its. No, this is his team and he loves it. He was so excited to be out there with other little boys his age. That is a good thing. He struck several poses following a big kick. In process of doing so the entire game would shift to another area of the field. It was herd soccer though Andy had to keep running to join the herd as a result of all the poses. He did well with his dribbling etc. It was really fun for him, he was very excited about it.

Jack spent his day with Trains. He was all about watching the Railroad videos that I bought for him when we were moving. He loves them. His favorite today was the bullet train that runs from London to Paris in 3 hours. The boy is now loaded with a lot of railroad knowledge.

Natty helped out with some babysitting today while I was at an LBH meeting. She has also been working on a book today and having fun with that. I guess I should clarify – reading a book, not working on a book. I am glad she enjoys reading. Definitely something she picked up from her mother. Not that I don’t enjoy reading. I find it a very useful way to fall asleep.

Natty, Jack and Andy are good kids. It is wonderful to have them home. Each is unique. I love them and am so grateful to be their dad.

Sprinklers

So there I was setting up for soccer practice once again and the sprinklers kicked on. I have watched and all week these have not come on during our practice time. I thought we were in the clear. Wrong. Oh well, the girls love it. The boys love it too. I don't continue to set up practice in the sprinklers, no I actually move everything to the other end of the field.

As briefly noted the boys love the sprinklers. What ends up happening is that the girls get themselves wet and then run during practice. I think it probably helps them to stay cool. The boys somehow manage to get soaked from head to toe and then sit and complain about it being too cold. Such was the case today with Andy. I mean he was soaked. He joined me on the field at first and then he decided (or I convinced him) to go and relax on the side of the field. Awhile later I heard Andy screaming and Jack laughing. Apparently Jack dragged Andy over to the sprinklers and held him in it. Andy was soaked worse then before and Jack just thought he was hilarious. I'm pretty sure Andy was having fun too - right up until he found himself drenched. Jack ran off for more wet fun and Andy sat back down by the gear. I ended up taking off his shirt and putting him in one of the goalie shirts. Natty added the other and we managed to make it through.

I'm Not Going Anywhere!

Had one of those mornings with Jack. He didn't want to get out of bed and didn't want to go to school. I found out that he actually went to skills yesterday because he refused to participate in a class activity. Mrs. Whetman said they had a little trouble the day before but he was able to work his way through it. She was hoping for the same yesterday but he never quite got there. She also shared with me a little story about Jack going in to class everyday and picking up a little book about a chocolate factory. On Back to School night he and I had gone to his classroom and we read that book together. She just thought it was neat that he gets that same book everyday. That is my buddy.

Anyhow, Jack didn't want to have anything to do with getting up so I sat down on his floor and opened a book. I read him Dr. Seuss - Oh The Places You'll Go. I like that book. He was not happy with that selection and was even more determined to stay put. I grabbed Never Smile at a Monkey and read different excerpts about different animals and had him try to guess which one it was. I think we started a little blood flow but still nothing. I finally acted like I was breaking the rules of the book to never cuddle a bear cub. I pretended the momma bear was chasing me. Anyhow, he got a kick out of it and came down from the top bunk. It was good. Well, my acting wasn't all that good but it did the trick. He can be extremely challenging and just a skosh stubborn. Getting him to move on his own accord is the trick as he simply will tune out anything I ask him to do when he is in this type of a mood.

I wish I knew exactly what to do to get Jack going. He adapts pretty well and what happens to work today doesn't always work tomorrow. Today the books did the trick. I wasn't sure it was going to happen. When I finished the places you'll go he resolutely said "I'm not going anywhere". Sometimes you just do the best you can. With Jack if I get cross at him in the morning it can easily set off his entire day and I don't want that for him at school. Anyhow, we do the very best we can and have a little hope and prayer in our hearts that he can get it going. Grateful that we managed to get there today. It certainly makes for fun times.

Sing Us A Song You're the Andyman

I was getting ready this morning and after getting out of the shower I could here the piano being played and I could hear Andy singing fairly enthusiastically. I quietly opened the door so I could more easily listen in. He was singing an apology that must have been rather sincere as he repeated the word sorry several times. Apparently the apology was received as the lyrics suddenly switched over to being friends and a team. I had to get a look at what he was doing so I sneaked a little peak and found that he was actually playing with two toy monster trucks and was carrying on a conversation between the two. He was using the vehicles to play the piano to contribute to this monster truck musical. I had a good laugh watching him get into it.

In other Andy news I got a call from his teacher today and she informed me that Andy actually meets the criteria for the extended day kindergarten. She explained the program and asked if I was interested in having him attend. Absolutely. Andy loves school and this will be a good thing. His birthday is the last day before the cut off and he is a little small both of which are contributing factors. He is excited about it and I think he will do just fine. Perhaps we can convince the school to produce Kindergarten Musical and allow Andy to star in the show with his amazing musical talent displayed today.

Vuyani

When I was serving in Bisho township outside of King Williams Town there was Xhosa family that we were working with. It is rather embarrassing right now that I cannot recall their name. It will come to me at some point. Anyhow the momma was a wonderful lady and she used to make us some fantastic grub. I can't spell it properly but can attempt to write it phonetically mmmnewshow. It is a samp and bean dish that we quite liked. It may have been because we didn't rarely had dinner appointments in that mission so when you got one it really didn't matter what was being served - it was delicious. Well, there is one exception to that. The first meal I was ever given was from and elderly couple in the Bellville Ward down in Capetown. It was a fish paste sandwich with what looked to be an entire cube of butter on the bread. I don't know which was worse the butter or the fish paste. Sometimes all you can do is grin while you bite and swallow, bite and swallow, drink something - anything, bite and swallow...

So I was given my Xhosa name by this family: Vuyani. It means happy to be with you. I was given it because that was how they felt. My companion was Elder Orr from Idaho. His name was QoQombile. It means light. He requested a name with clicks. The Q's are clicks and come from the tongue popping off the roof of the mouth. Happy to be with you. I have always liked that and was honored to receive it.

As I ponder the name there are people that I feel that way about. The kiddos for sure and the family as well. Then there are certain friends that I feel that way about. I saw one today. She came in for a sandwich though I like to think that maybe she came in to see me and just happened to enjoy a most excellent sandwich (Philly Cheese Steak) as well. There are some people that just have a light about them and she happens to be one of those people for me. Her countenance just shines and I love that.

"Have I cheered up the sad or made someone feel glad?" is a great question asked in the hymn Have I Done Any Good in the World Today. Am I able to accomplish that when I meet with people? Am I living up to my Xhosa name? There are those that I am happy to be with. I would hope that in my associations people feel that way about me.

The Big A

In a few days, well I guess 9 days, Andy will be turning 5. Hard to believe that my baby boy is going to be 5 and that he will be starting school. In fact today we had kindergarten assessments. Andy and I shuffled in at our appointed time and we met Mrs. Wood. She is great and Andy seems to like her as well. He did pretty well in the assessments. At one point she pulled out some shapes. Andy was solid on the first - it was a circle. The next two were a square and rectangle but Andy went with Triangle for each of them. I was laughing some watching this. Finally the last shape was the Triangle - I thought for sure he was going to nail it - "it's a square". Classic kid.

We had soccer practice for the Smurf It's and Andy joined in. He likes to run around and actually stole the game ball a couple of times. He would dribble it over and shoot it against the fence. We would all clap for him and then he'd give us a little bow. Funny stuff.

So Big Andy is growing up on me way too fast. Well, fast in most areas anyway. He is a good little boy and we are so blessed to have him in our family.

"I just have to settle down"

I am not going to spend a lot of time on the day. We attended our church meetings and that went well. Jack was captivated by the pipes for the organ on the wall of the chapel - oh yeah, we actually made it into the chapel for the first time. You only have to get there 10 to 15 minutes early to get that. I thought Jack would be more interested in the stained glass but it was actually the organ pipes that drew him in. It is hard to say what will happen but I think that may be a subject for a Jack testimony some day - small pipes are for the high notes and the big pipes are for the low notes. We will see.

We were going to go on a little family walk tonight but it didn't pan out as the kids ended up in the Jenkins backyard and I ended up talking to Jay and Sara and President Fawson who came around the bend. Anyhow, in that time Jack had gone around to see Bob Rosenburg, a neighbor who has a boat and has several interesting yard ornaments that he builds in his spare time or collects. I went over after a bit to see if Jack was still there but he was not. I talked to Bob about it for a minute and he just smiled as he talked about Jack and the fun conversations they had. He said that he had told Jack about being frustrated while working on his boat and that sometimes it makes him angry. He then said that Jack told him the following: "When I get angry I have to stop and tell myself that I just need to settle down". Bob said he laughed and replied that he was right. Bob really enjoyed those few minutes with Jack. How could he not?

As funny as the story is it also touches my heart a bit as I think about that little message and how much Jack has progressed. I am moved by that and am so grateful to the Lord for it.

Jack and Andy and I did a little star gazing both before scriptures and after. It was a little better after as the dark had set in. Good times. We simply laid down in the front yard and looked up. We talked about favorite stars, we saw a sattelite pass by in orbit. It was great and probably something we will do again.

So what is the message in this post? Well, if you find yourself getting a little worked up while you are out star gazing you might just want to tell youself : I just have to settle down".

On the Fly

So I rolled out this morning after getting breakfast done and kids situated. Had a cleaning assignment over at the Church at 9 and ended up vacuuming the chapel. It was a good job. Somewhat repetitive in nature but alas the chapel floors and benches are clean and ready for tomorrow. Always good to participate in cleaning the building.

My plan afterwards was to head in to the LBH and put up the signs. I was figuring on a couple hours for the project. I underestimated just a skosh. Maybe if I had a little more sign installation experience we could have pulled of a 2 hour job but no, we managed to pull an additional eight hours on it. The good news, it is done. Well, with the exception of the electrical. Two signs mounted and secured to the building. I do have to say that drilling into brick is perhaps one of my top ten least favorite things to do. Eating celery and anything that has celery salt - specifically the cole slaw at the LBH - is perhaps my least favorite of all and brick drilling ranks up there too. Pretty dramatic list so far I know.

Learning on the fly. Sometimes that's just how it gets done. We don't typically walk in to something we've never done before and have it mastered from the get go. No, I find the best lessons are those that come from doing. There are plenty of times that the lessons learned from doing include re-doing. We had some of that today and it was okay. We managed to get through it and get em up. It took a lot out of me and I think Dave would say the same. I am not so sure that I will pursue a life of sign hanging. It is not easy and I am fairly certain I will be sore tomorrow. Anyhow, Happy to have these signs up and it was fun to see the heads turning as people drove by and noticed them.

The additional time on the signs took away from family time. The kids came up to the store and we hung out for a while and then they went home with grandpa when I got back up on the roof. They enjoyed that. We did manage a quick run to the park and had some fun there.

It was a good, long day. It felt good to fulfill an assignment at the church. It was gratifying to get the signs up and out of the way. It was great to have some fun with the kids even if it was all on the fly.

Soccer Nut

I remember when I was a young boy growing up in Sandy Utah and really getting into soccer. It was during that time that pops found a soccer store called the soccer nut. I think the mascot was a peanut not unlike the plantars peanut but I may not remember it all that well. We are talking 25 to 30 years ago. Anyhow I think I have a new appreciation for that particular name - Soccer Nut. With three kids in soccer this year I am feeling a little pressure with the schedule. I don't even have Andy on the go yet and actually he doesn't start until next Saturday. So I am thinking that you can become a Soccer Nut in more than one way. Naturally there is the die hard fan of the sport that is simply nuts about it. They love it and would defend it proudly on the airwaves of sports radio in America - knowing all the while that they are being ridiculed and mocked because of it. This is the person who probably hangs a soccer ball in a net on their rearview mirror. I will admit, I think that last one is cool and I would possibly do it but I don't know if I am truly that nuts. Well, there is the guy that is nuts about soccer and then there is the guy that is nuts because of soccer. I do believe that right now I am falling into the category of the latter. Every night this week has had something going on that was directly related to soccer. It can be exhausting. It can drive you nuts. I am not saying that I am nuts but I may be on my way. We actually had a good practice tonight and have incorporated a lot of running in the practice. I challenged the ladies in Gassers but never lost. There were a couple that got close. It went well though.

A thought of randomness. Jack said to me: "Dad, you can have your honeymoon at the Little Brick House because they have good sandwiches". Make no mistake people, I am not making an announcement here, simply relaying Jack's thought. When I say random it is completely so. I don't know that I would stay at the BHC for my honeymoon but perhaps a visit could be done.

Well, nothing else. I am a wild and crazy guy, also known for his mobility tonight. Worked over the team in running gassers tonitht. Managed to beat all of them multiple times. I can do that because I am a soccer nut. Whatever.

Lights, Camera, Action

After a long day we finally got home and it was time to read scriptures, have prayer and hit the sack. The day was not only long but extremely full with school starting, laundry to be done, work at the brick house, furniture moving, soccer games and then an attempted skype for the kids with their mom. I couldn't find the camera so the skype didn't happen so the kids will visit with Rachel at another time.

So there I was, standing in the kitchen getting a beverage refill when I hear Jack in the bathroom saying 'lights, camera, action'. As soon as he said action he started to piddle in the toilet. I couldn't help but chuckle some. He has a fantastic mind and I marvel at some of the things he does and the things he remembers as well.

Andy and I hung out this morning. We had a good time getting the laundry going, looking at his favorite Oriental Trading Halloween Edition magazine. He is a funny boy.

Natty set her alarm last night, unfortunately not all the way. When I went down to check on her there was no alarm. She hadn't gotten it all the way over to the Alarm line and it didn't do a thing. I guess I have back up. She enjoyed her first day at the middle school. I am glad for that.

Not much else to say. Busy day for sure and another one on the way.

Big Fail

I was wondering what to do for dinner tonight between soccer pics and back to school night at the middle school. French Toast - I have a fairly good recipe and it is usually a winner amongst the kids. I'm sure it has nothing to do with the butter soaked powdered sugar on top. Anyhow, I did the usual and had it all out ready to go - well almost the usual. I decided to go with a Cranberry Orange bread that we sell at the cafe`. It was too old to sell a week or so ago and I have had it in my fridge since then. It was feeling a bit stiff but it soaked up the egg mixture very well. So anyway, everything was looking good and I got the kids gathered round for dinner. They were not so thrilled when they discovered cranberries in the toast. Natty thought they were nasty and after a few bites was done with them. Andy noticed the cranberry right away, called it an apple and was quite skeptical. He didn't make it through much of his. Jack, he did a little Jack yell and cry, ate some and then dissappeared from the table. So, Cranberry Orange bread in French Toast, not a big winner. I sampled a bit and though it was interesting it had no staying power with me. I tried to regroup with some frozen white that I had and it turned out well. Perhaps I will pass on the Cranberry Orange bread in the future as none of my kids liked it. Now I do want to try French Toast with the Cinnamon Burst bread and think that will go over well. Someday perhaps.

Sure it'll fill you up...

I have stumped myself. I have a movie quote on the mind but can't think of what it is from. "Sure it'll fill you up but it will leave you feeling empty inside". I was thinking Naked Gun but I can't place it in my mind. This thought has nothing to do with the Brick House Cafe. The word back is that the only complaint people really have is that the portions are so big. I don't know if that is a bad thing or a good thing. We do have to go boxes available in a variety of sizes. No the thought had more to do with the latter half of the quote in particular the feeling of emptiness inside. I think sometimes it would just be nice to have someone to share with. I don't know that emptiness is the right word, perhaps loneliness is more appropriate. It is hard to go at it alone. I am grateful for all the help I receive and know that it isn't without sacrifice and that it isn't always the easiest. It is very much appreciated. Special thanks to Jay and Sara. The kids went on a hike at Chekshani Cliffs today with their cousins and it sounds like they had a good time. Also enjoyed some very long slides in Kannarraville. Don't think I spelled that right.

School is starting and that means homework is coming as well. Nightly reading assignments in addition to our family scripture time. Crazyness awaits. We worked on our schedule a bit tonight though we were a little late to bed. The alarm is set for Natty at 6:30 tomorrow morning. I have this bad feeling that I am going to end up running down stairs to turn it off. We shall see.

Let me close by expressing my appreciation and love for my children. I am grateful for their friendship and love. I am grateful for their wonderful hearts and the joy they bring to me and many others. They are each wonderful children.

Busy

This is one of those weeks when I don't have a single evening free of something. This week is packed with soccer practice, soccer games, back to school night at middle and at elementary. It is not what I like to do. I am a home body and like to be at home with the fam. Hmmm, maybe that's why I don't really date or meet people? I am still supposed to go on this blind date but I have no idea when I could actually do it. Life is just busy. I've got to get it organized as there are a few things that I have been lacking in my daily routine and need to get them back in action. The challenge is the series of other things that have to happen in order to pick up the things I have been lacking. Oh my, it is crazy right now and I don't see it slowing down really soon with school starting. No that will simply add more things to my plate with homework to be done. Gotta figure out the balancing act with it all.

I get to the point where I am typing this out everynight and fighting to stay awake I have sunflower seeds tonight so I sit here typing with my eyes closed and sucking on seeds. I am a dozer and keep falling asleep lately. Gotta get these back and going. I am a hozer. I am seriously rambling here and need to call it a night. Sorry people, resting my eyes while typing this is not exactly the greatest wake up tool of all time.

Callings

I have spent the majority of my adult life serving in the Elders Quorum Presidency. I actually had a good time in the last presidency but when the Ward was dissolved and I was no longer serving in that capacity my feelings were not at all hurt. For two weeks I happily carried on without a worry because their was already a presidency in the 8th Ward. That changed on Thursday when I received a call about meeting with the Stake Presidency. I knew what was coming but it didn't stop me from hoping that I would be called as the Stake Single Adult Rep. I mean come on, I qualify for that one. The sad thing is that I never thought I would qualify for that and then when I did I thought there is no way in heck I would ever want that calling. Yet there I was hoping that I would not be called to the EQP. Well no such luck. True to form I am serving once again in the Elders Quorum Presidency. Apparently that existing EQP was moving and they called President Fawson. That is the good news, I enjoy working with Ben. Todd Allen is also back as the Secretary and I enjoy him as well. I don't know the 2nd Counselor yet, he is out of town at the moment. I am sure it will be a good presidency. There is a lot of work to do. The merging of three Wards into one creates certain logistical challenges with Home Teaching and our charge for the next while is to get to know the members. Once we know them we will be in position to fine tune home teaching assignments and better serve them. Fun times.

Not sure what my ideal calling would be in the church. I like teaching - not because I am that great of a teacher but because I learn so much when I do it. I loved working with the young men and scouts in Carson City. That was one of my favorites. Serving with the Stake was a lot of fun as I associated with some incredible men in the Stake Presidency as well as the other leaders of the Stake and Wards. That was a ton of work but also a lot of fun. Nursery Leader was, well, challenging and also fun. Elders Quorum - I have said before and will still say, it is not my favorite calling in the church. I do enjoy associating with the members of the quorum though and opportunities to serve together are great. I don't know that any one of those could be narrowed down to being the best. Each offered it's own unique set of challenges and lessons to be learned. I guess that is what callings are all about.

The kids enjoyed primary today and that is great. I have been a little nervous with the big changes when it comes to Jack but he seemed to do okay. I only caught him giving tickle pits to one complete stranger today. I am sure there were more but I only saw the one. Natty is excited to have Sister Jana Davis as her teacher again and likes everyone in her class - Mack, Hanna and Ashley. She was a little disappointed that the boys don't meet with them as well. Andy also had fun today and carried around a picture of a monster truck that I drew him in Sacrament meeting. He was proudly displaying it for all to see. What a nut.

I am grateful for and love my family very much. They are wonderful.

That Was Heavy

This morning Padre, Jay, Amy and I headed up Brianhead to pick up a piano. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this was the heaviest piano I have ever had the honor of moving. I knew we were in trouble when the newly tiled floor was put in around it and left unfinished. Well, it went. It took everything we had to get it done. I joked that we should just display it from the trailer. Anywho, this piano has a tag from 1901. It is a Ludwig and is in pretty good shape for being over 100 years old. I do believe that trailer Idea might be the best.

I am completely spent. i have nothing remaining in the tank. I will review and edit tomorrow. For now, I am out.

Gotta Get Back in the Saddle

Since the move I have not been on the elliptical. With the kids home I don't exactly have the freedom to leave the house at midnight to go run the track at the high school and my exercise has dropped just a skosh. I am on my feet all day and that sure beats sitting at a desk - I tend not to fall asleep while standing up, that is always good. I was standing in line at the DMV in Vegas - it was the one out on West Flamingo. Anyhow, there was a guy a few people in front of me that kept falling asleep whilst standing. His head would start to droop some then the knees would start to bend and pretty soon he was sagging everywhere. Just when you thought he was going to go down he would pop awake and stand straight up again. When you are waiting around in those lines all day falling asleep isn't that big of a surprise. It was pretty much the standing and squatting and popping up suddenly that I found so memorable. I've fallen asleep just about everywhere but don't know that I have ever done it standing in line, like that anyway.

So yeah, I gotta find a nut so I can repair the elliptical and get it set up again. I am searching all over the place trying to find it. I had it sitting in a specific spot and it disappeared. I don't know if someone threw it away or if it just got knocked off where I had it. I keep looking in places I have looked previously hoping it shows up. It is beginning to look like I am going to have to come up with another option.

Anyhow, I have been missing my daily exercise and need to get that going again. Working around food doesn't exactly help the diet but it can easily be controlled. I just want to get back in the saddle, control things well and keep things going physically. Did do soccer practice tonight and got a little running in but not enough. I may get even more active in the practice and do a lot more running there. I will say this - I am absolutely terrible with the girls names. I have no idea how I am going to get that down. Actually it is coming.

Well, another full day on the schedule tomorrow. I got a call last night from someone in the Stake and have been asked to come in and meet with the Stake Presidency tomorrow evening. I don't want to automatically call it in fear that it will come true. I will simply hope for something other than Elders Quorum. Whatever, I will do it anyway.

LOL

I have no idea what that means. Will someone, I don't care who, tell me what the hell that means (sorry, not going to do another swearing blog post as I am sure it irritates some of my blog faithful - that last line was a direct quote from none other than Jack Burton, had to do it). Is it laugh out loud, lots of laughs, lots of love, liverwurst on lettuce, lemons or limes. I refuse to use the lame text speak. It bugs me. LOL. Maybe it means 'learn our language' and is directed to hosers that are my age and caught in this techno gap. Maybe I am just old fashioned and a bit slower in the techno arena of life than others my age and quite possibly older. Maybe I just really don't care.

DBLSHINWMP. See, now that's what I'm talking about. Did I just say I was caught in a techno gap? Not so. If you can't tell me what that means then perhaps it is you that is stuck in a gap wishing you had a bit more techno prowess. I know your looking at it and trying to figure it out. Good luck - it has nothing to do with being a douche bag Dave. Now I have probably offended someone for sure.

Tonight was story time. We were talking about the old flame thrower. That's right the Mazda RX7 with Rotary engine. I told a story about shooting flames out the back of that thing while switching gears. Jack thought it was the best thing ever. He was laughing hysterically, pacing and spinning around the living room keeping his eyes fixed on me and wanting me to tell it again. I shared a couple of the old racing tales like the time I raced Jason Garner from the 4 way stop at Sonoma and 5th in Carson. I was faster off the line and when I shifted from 1st to second that Mazda Rotary engine whined down a bit and shot flames out the tail pipe with a loud bang. My muffler happened to be positioned right at Jason's door and it caught him totally by surprise. He thought his engine blew up and he swerved off the road. Jack was dying with laughter at this point. I had to share that probably a half dozen times tonight and he laughed and laughed the entire time. Oh, Natty and Andy also thought it was funny but they were nowhere near as animated as Jack was. I also shared the story of racing with Lystra when I lined up in the turn lane and we shot through the 4 way together. I couldn't pass him and had a car coming my way so I pulled off to the far shoulder and stayed on the gas. Lystra ended up behind another car and had to slow down while I kept it going and pretty well dusted him. He showed up at the house a little bit later and we had a good laugh about it. The kids continued to laugh at my lame stories from the glory days. It was one of those times when you laugh so much that you are exhausted after and somehow I got on it between our scripture time and our prayer. I got a kick out of the kids response and a good laugh myself at Jack.

I shared other stories like tearing the door off the Montero and flying through the air in Morgan Reed's Suburban. They all thought it was great the way I described hovering over the steering wheel while the Suburban was airborne with Pete floating next to me while riding shotgun and IWISHIWASIRISHIRICK doing the same in the back seat. We were pretty lucky that we never hit someone or got hit as we were completely ignoring road signs that day in hopes of covering the vehicle in mud. Funny, I was also trying to cover the Montero in mud the day I destroyed the door. hmmmm.

The kids loved the stories and they laughed hard. It was the good old Deep Belly Laughing So Hard I Nearly Wet My Pants kind of laughing. That's the good stuff. That's when you can just carry on laughing at the fact that you are laughing. I like riding those waves every now and again.

Anyway, Natty suggested that I write about our story time in the blog tonight so there you have it. Hope it was exactly what you hoped for there Natty Sue.

Drowning

Sometimes there is just so much going on in life that I feel like I am drowning. I don't know how I am going to make it through, I am behind in a lot of areas and I just can't seem to catch up on those things that are on my plate. I guess you can only eat an elephant one bite at a time and I know that. It is a challenge however. We press forward doing the best we can. That is one of my favorite things about the gospel. I love that it doesn't matter to the Savior where I am at in my spiritual progression. What matters is that I am on the path and I am doing those things he has asked me to do to the very best of my ability. I am grateful that he stands willing to make up the difference. I know that for me that gap is pretty wide.

I am grateful for moments when I can let everything go for a time and just be dad. It doesn't matter what else is going on in life, I can simply play with the kids. We shared a bit of time together tonight wrestling in the front yard. There were some pretty good laughs out there and I think everyone had a great time. I hope for more of those times. For now we press forward the best we can and enjoy those moments when we are able to come up for air.

Tickle Pits

Is it inappropriate to have a seven year old boy sneak up on people and slide his hand right up into their arm pit for a little tickle action? That seems to be the new signature move for Jack. Last night he met Melissa at the Little Brick House. She jumped and let out a little scream that sent Jack into hysterics when he applied his signature tickle pit maneuver on her. She is a little loud and giggly anyway so her reaction was not that big of a shocker.

Tonight we were walking up the paved canyon trail out of Canyon Park. We ran into the pottery lady that has space at the LBH. Her and her husband were walking down while we were walking up. First Jack snuck in a little tickle pit on her husband and then snuck in one on her as well. I think perhaps we will have to have a small chat about the old tickle pit thing though they both laughed and gave him a little hug. He thought he was so funny. I am just glad that people react well. I don't think that I was anywhere near Jack's level of comfortability with adults when I was his age. Heck, I don't think I am anywhere near his current level of comfortability at my ripe old age of 38.

Jack has his own little way with people. I am sure there are those that he must just irritate and that is part of life. Actually, I would say there are not too many that he rubs the wrong way. He is a loving boy and I think people are drawn to him. On Sunday there was a rather old Sister that bore her testimony. She was 90. After the meeting was over Jack was right there with her trying to help her stand up. Glad he didn't go for a tickle pit there. It may have been too much and would have taken this lady over the edge. Fortunately there was no episode and I just go to watch Jack. At Wal-Mart last night Jack gave an LBH customer a little hug while I was talking with her. She thought it was great.

So anyway, tickle pits, it's an ice breaker. If you need a little training on how it works. I have an expert right here in Cedar City.

Bikes

Tuesday, August 8th, 2011

When I was just a young boy I wanted badly to ride a bike. I can remember getting on a yellow bike, I think it was Jim’s, and riding in a circle in the garage. I loved it. I also loved the Saturday Night Fever 8 Track but that is another story. In anycase, I think I was cruising without training wheels when I was something like 3 or 4 years old. Perhaps the folks can confirm. I do know that when I was in Kindergarten I used to hang out with my buddy Matt Callister and we would ride over to the field behind Seliger Elementary School in Carson City. On the South side of that field towards his house was a little bike track. We used to ride that track. We used to fly off a jump that was there because we watched the big kids do it. They used to jump over old car tires. We did the same. I remember being cool because all the older kids were way impressed that I could jump two car tires. Yep, I was a bad arse that actually never went anywhere with that young talent. Shoot, think about that. If I would have stuck with it I could be hanging today with the likes of Travis Pastrana in the X-Games, or maybe not.

I am thinking about bikes today because the kids love their bikes. That is a great thing. I love that they will go outside, jump on a bike and ride. I always loved to do that when I was growing up. I loved the old red bike with the banana seat that we had when we lived on Glider Lane in Sandy. That thing was the perfect wheelie bike. I credit the banana seat for providing the perfect positioning to balance a wheelie all the way down the street. Dang it, again something I was great at on a bike that I failed to capitalize on. I probably shouldn’t even get in to riding with no hands. I worked on that until I could go completely around the block without touching the handle bars. Wheelies, big jumps, no hands – I could’ve been a contender. Not that every other kid my age wasn’t doing the same thing. The point here is not to relive my younger glory days but to share some of what I used to do and to express how much I loved riding bikes. I think it is a great thing that the kids are out riding. I got a little excited tonight when we were at the local Wal-Mart Supercenter getting a tube for my bike. I saw little boy bikes and thought one of those might be a great little present for Andy on his birthday. I don’t know how we would afford one right now but maybe I will talk to Rachel and see if she wants to go in on one. Maybe if we do really well I can scrape together a little tip money that can go towards it or maybe I can pool a little something from all the siblings for one big gift? We will have to see. Of course he will need a helmet. I found Jacks blue one today so he is no longer cruising with the pink dragon fly helmet – no it got passed to Andy. I think a nice black helmet with flames should do the trick. It would match his converse and his fishin boots.

Jack had a little challenge with his bike today as one of the pedals has fallen off. I am not a fan of that. It got threaded in wrong, quite possibly when it was originally assembled. Perhaps one of the challenges with a pre assembled bike. The threads in the crank housing were bad and there isn’t much you can do with that at least that I know of. I just muscled the thing all the way on and hope it does okay. We’ll keep an eye on it. He wiped out pretty good at the school when it came off and at that point he quit bikes. Didn’t want it anymore and was pretty angry. I got him settled down some and he decided he wanted to go home. I was at Natty’s soccer practice and as Assistant Coach couldn’t just bolt so he went alone. On the way he stopped off to tell Jay about it I guess and was throwing his pedal away. Jay saved it for me and we put it back together afterwards. It seems to be holding now. Hopefully it will do okay. He didn’t have any problem jumping on it again tonight. I will keep my fingers crossed.

I figured with that experience we would use the June First Presidency Message for our FHE lesson tonight. It was President Uchtdorf – Brother, I’m Committed. The kids loved the story about the brothers and the cliff and hopefully our little discussion about being committed to something will stick. I did discuss being committed to our bike riding even when some challenges come our way. I would say they all understood except when I would say ‘Brother I’m…’ Natty kept saying Condemned. Close, or not.

So we are committed. There are several things we are committed to and the highest on that list is the Savior and his gospel. I am not exactly sure where bikes ultimately fall on that list but they are there.

Thirty Eight Special

It just seemed like a good title. I will not be speaking at all about guns because those who know me know that I know nothing about guns but I can successfully use the word know at least 4 times in a sentence. Now look, I know that you are now counting the number of knows that I have in that last sentence to know for yourself if I actually had 4 knows in it. Know this, I just did it again. Now, how many knows do I have in a single paragraph? If you don't know feel free to go back through and count them then let me know how many knows there actually are because I don't know but what I do know is that I don't have the time to go courting a bunch of knows just so I can know how many knows are in one paragraph. Well, you know I couldn't rely on you to count the knows so I would know and so I have counted the knows myself and with this final sentence there are now 22 knows in the paragraph. Maybe I should have gone for 38.

So yes, I turned 38 today. It was a fabulous birthday as birthdays go. Another year older but I am not sure about the wiser part. Perhaps that is an un truth. I think the last year of my life has been filled with lessons and I may have picked up a few things throughout the year to increase my understanding. It has certainly been an interesting year of life that I will look back on at some future day as a year of refining I think. I will say it has not been the easiest year of my life. I remember in the Mission field going to my second area, meeting my new companion Elder Mike Brunt and not liking him very much during our time together. The problem, he worked hard and it forced me to change everything I thought missionary life was. It wasn't long after that companionship when I realized just how much he taught me and how much I valued that time together. It was pivotal for me and I am ever grateful for the short time that we served together. Likewise, being a single parent has taught me some hard lessons and continues to do so. I recognize how weak I am and how far I have to go and pray the Lord will continue to bless and strengthen me.

Do you know that every time my birthday falls on a Sunday I have to fast? That occurred to me today. Don't know why I never thought of it before. I guess I will just have to make them all the more meaningful.

Today was the first Sunday for the new Cedar City 8th Ward. We enjoyed a good Fast and Testimony meeting. The Ward seemed huge and then I learned that there was a baby blessing and it appeared as if three solid rows in the middle were all part of one little family visiting for the proceedings. We did not have any additional meetings today. It was good to finally see who the Bishop is and to learn a little more about him. Seems like a fantastic man. I am excited to get to know him and the rest of the ward as well. Grateful for the change - it will be good.

The kids gathered and sang to me this morning. They gave me some little gifts and I enjoyed a soccer ball from Natty, a Cars 2 World Wide Racing game from Jack, and a super soaker squirt gun from Andy. Fantastic. I will have to put something to good use here. Also got a book from Mike and I think Natty was surprised when I told her what it was before I ever opened it. Grateful for all the gifts, cards and thoughts. Grateful to be the mighty 38. Grateful for friends and family who make each year worth it.

A Bit of Heaven

Saturday August 6, 2011

It is the eve of my 38th birthday and that has absolutely nothing to do with the title of this post. No, that just makes me feel like I am getting older and the fact that I am back to running myself exhausted every day in a completely different manner then I was just a bit ago doesn’t help. I don’t know backs all that well but I can say that I have definitely pulled a muscle or something right there in the middle of the left side. I have done pretty well in avoiding that pain today but there were times when I thought I might just collapse and cry. What a wuss right? No, I am nearly 38, it is allowed.

Today was like a little bit of heaven for me. I spent much of the day doing some form of yard work. The kids were still asleep at 9:30 so I decided to fire up the mower and get to it. I got the front yard done along with the side yard and then paused first to dump the bag and second to clear the apples off the lawn. I find it amazing just how many apples fall off the tree. I wonder what the ratio of bad apples to good apples is; how many bad apples need to fall from the tree for each good apple that lasts the season? I almost don’t want to even look over at the tree because every time I do I see another apple hit the ground. We had the tree in the last house and it seemed to lose a ton of them. I don’t think we picked a single apple off of that tree. Actually, we probably picked a ton of apples off of that tree just not for eating. We’ll see how it goes this year.

So I was two buckets in to nasty rotting apples when Jack came out. He was so excited to see that I was picking up apples and asked if he could help. Absolutely. He came cruising over with his yellow dump truck and started loading. He didn’t like the rotting apples so that was my job. He would gather the fresher of the fallen. At one point he told me it would be better if we had a toy back hoe to fill the truck. I say forget the toy, let’s get the real thing. We had a good time working together. When you get Jack focused on a project he can get stuff done.

I got through our yard then made my way over to Jay and Sara’s to do a little weed whacking and edging. That went fairly well. I debated mowing but held off. Jack came and helped me over at Grandma and Grandpas as well. That one included a little of everything. Had a great time there edging, mowing, trimming the hedge at the entry and cutting up the Blue Spruce in the front yard. Actually just throwing out a guess on that Blue Spruce. Anyhow, it looks good. Maybe not quite as high as I would have gone if it were mine but I figured the folks didn’t need my extreme tree trimming used in their yard. Finally there was some sprinkler repair though none of it was caused by mine own hand. Oh man it was good fun. A bit of heaven. It was fantastic.

The remainder of the day was spent helping get kids bikes and board on the road. That includes a bike with training wheels for Andy, a repaired tire in Jack’s bike, cleaning wheel bearings for Natty's skateboard, Natty’s bike repaired, my bike tires repaired and then while putting it back together the patch on the front wheel went out and there went my bike repair. The hole is right by the stem and that is not the easiest one to make. I will have to pick up some tubes at some point. They can be my birthday surprise.

Well, great day. Now it is time to sleep. Big day tomorrow. New ward to attend. Looking forward to it.

Friends Moving

Friday, August 5, 2011

Had a little bit of a crazy morning with trying to coordinate a few things regarding kids, work, babysitting etc. I was hoping to find some help with the kids and had to make a couple of changes. Natty can handle a couple hours every now and then. We had the power off to the house today because of new power lines being pulled. I didn’t really want to leave the kids at home with that being the case but it got down to the point where I had no choice. Mom was also at work and would help with the kids when Dani came in. It happened and the kids seemed to have a great time with grandma. Grateful for that help.

I went in and worked for a while. It was another good day for the café. Glad for that. I had a note come through that Heidi was moving today and so I ran over there. I was running a little behind what was scheduled on the text and thought I might have missed it when I got there. Her car was in the drive so I went to knock on the door to apologize for missing it. Turned out I was the first one there. The truck hadn’t arrived yet. I was able to help with a couple of nuts and bolts of the beds and we got them knocked down just before the truck got there. A few more brethren came and that was great. It was a bit of an optical illusion when we loaded in the back of the truck. It was leaning heavily to the right and that made things a little weird. I always enjoy a good move and fun association with those I have opportunity to serve with.

I am just going to say that Heidi is one of my favorite people. She is a phenomenal mother and just a tremendous example. She is a good friend and I am going to miss her being so close. As things go, I am now in her parents ward so maybe I can catch up with her when she comes to town to visit them – assuming she comes to the 8th Ward. I hope for the best for her and her family and am happy for them.

We are up late enjoying a bit of a movie night. Pirates of the Carribean, At Worlds End. I don’t know how much more I will be able to take. I am very much ready for bed. Did something to my back tonight at the Little Brick House. It is hurting a skosh. Anyhow, love my kiddos. Happy to have them home.

No Really, We're Back

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Just in case I forgot how consuming and challenging it can be to take care of three kids on your own, today served as a swift reminder. Now look, I have managed to stay extremely busy over the last two months with several different projects. I think I did okay as far as maintaining a busy schedule goes and the kids coming home didn’t slow that down at all.

I awoke a few minutes ago. It is now 2:30 AM. I don’t know how long I have been out here at the computer. It has been a while. I was shocked to see what time it is and am not sure what happened to the 1 o’clock hour. Anyhow, I am going to recess this entry and finish it tomorrow when I can actually think.

Oh my. It is now the morning and I am going to have another go at this. Perhaps the flow of this post makes the point. I was beat last night when I sat down to do this. It was a fun day and I think everything went well. After a slow start I got the kids over to Sara at 11:30 or so and I was running late. They were excited to go and see their cousins and seem to have enjoyed a great day there. Looks like Jack caught site of the twins roller skates and was apparently very excited about them. Sara would only let him strap one to his foot at a time and said he wore one around for most of the day. You will never guess what Jack wants now. Looks like the 4X4 skates may be making a return. Andy proudly proclaimed that he was a good boy and Sara confirmed he was. Natty had fun though she lost a bubble charm.

After I picked them up we had to run off and help Amy move some of her stuff from the LBH to her new apartment. They were excited to see their Aunt Amy and even offered some help at times. Jack provided some much needed help lifting the mattress up into the back of the truck. He guided us into the apartment once or twice as well. Andy helped me carry a chair up the stairs. Natty helped keep an eye on the boys. We stopped off at the Brick House to pick up my chairs and there were a number of police cars there. Jack and Andy were excited to see them – Andy asked me what the police were doing and so I said lets go ask. He got very shy and buried his head in my shoulder as we walked over. He said hi and they were all great. One handed him a police sticker and that made his day. He also had one for Jack and Natty. Jack went over later and said thank you. I think it is great that they come in and was told that they were in Saturday, Tuesday and then again today, or Thursday. Keep coming.

We got back home around 7 and I needed to make dinner. I have not been doing this for myself and hardly spend any time in the kitchen so I really don’t know where anything is. We managed to get through it. Andy helped some as we knocked out some French Toast, a kid favorite for sure. Later I turned on the back sprinklers and the boys had a blast running around in them. Natty joined in a little as well. After they were all cleaned up and bathed we walked over to the high school track and I ran around some. Natty ran a little but then bugged out and went to play on the bleachers and on the field with the boys. Why bathe and then go run and play? Well, the boys were wet and cold and needed a “nice warm bath” as Jack likes to say. Natty really wanted to go and do something and I still don’t have the elliptical up so we went over. It was fun.

I thought I would have them tuckered out and ready for bed. Not so. They are still on Alaska time with their body clocks. I’ve got to get that adjusted here in the next little bit especially with school coming on. We will get there. Anyhow, it was definitely a statement kind of a day for me and that statement was - No really, we’re back.

We're Back

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Obviously I am still without internet and that is okay. I don’t mind posting late anymore. I am just as happy sitting here typing on Word as I am typing on the blog directly. It is all getting recorded and it doesn’t matter all that much to me where it is recorded. Mine is the habit of doing it and so I need some forum in which to work. I do have a few dedicated followers so I will continue to post on the blog. The no internet thing just adds a step or two. Oh well.

So, we’re back! I picked up the kids at the airport last night and after a night and half of a day in Vegas we made our run back to Cedar City. It was great to see them pop out of the crowd at the baggage claim. I knew they were heading in my direction as the luggage started filling the baggage carousel for their flight. I had even pulled two of their bags that I easily recognized. Wow, they looked great and were just as excited to see me as I was to see them. They certainly grew over the last two months and seems like they really had a great time. I am sure they are missed in Alaska and are missing their family there as well. I know how tough it is for me to be away from them or to say goodbye so I can only imagine. I am grateful that their visit went well. There were a lot of prayers offered that this would be the case.

We stayed the night at Jim’s. He stayed up for us and it was great to see him in better shape than the last time I saw him. He has grown a full beard in the down time. Can’t blame him for that. He was off to work this morning looking sharp. Happy he is managing well.

The kids were excited to see their cousins and to see their turtles as well. Tank and Zippy are their names and they are pretty cool pets. Of course now the boys are talking about wanting a baby tortoise as a pet. Well, that was until they went to the pet store with their Aunt Clo this morning and now they want, or Jack wants, mice. Not so excited about that. We have fish for a reason. Anyhow, they had a good time and I was able to go and get the things that I needed to for The Brick House and for a client.

The temperature reading on the car was 109 degrees when we left Vegas. That didn’t change much during the drive until we got to St. George and it was a 99. When we were approaching Cedar it was raining and the temp was down to 69. A 40 degree swing… that’s just nuts. The kids were feeling the temperature change a bit and we ended up have a little impromptu water fight of sorts in the back yard. That was a fun time. We then headed in to the Little Brick House for a quick tour, a bite to eat and to drop off the supplies I picked up on the trip. Dave was there as well as the folks and the kids were excited to see them as well.

Each of them has grown a great deal. For me it has only been two months and I am amazed at how much they have grown. I am quite happy that they are home. They are excited to be home as well and that is good.

Homecoming

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

It has been a full two months. It is hard to believe that is has been two months and hard to believe that those two months were so busy. I am sitting in the truck parked in the little lot off of Sunset in Vegas that overlooks the runway at McCarren. I am even tuned in to 101.1 FM so I can listen to air traffic control. It is pretty busy and not a lot of excitement. Clear to land and clear to take off and a bunch of numbers as well as some lefts or rights. I can’t quite imagine why someone in the profession of air traffic control might nod off. This is exciting stuff. As I look to my right I can see the lights of four planes lined up waiting to land. Interestingly I am examining my surroundings and find that there are a ton of garbage cans out here, like garbage cans in excess. Pretty crazy. Here is another update, the planes seem to take off on the right runway and land on the left runway.

The original flight plan had them landing at 7:30. The plan was to head back to Cedar tonight. I got a call from Rachel and the flights got pushed back and they would not be landing until 11 tonight. My plans adjusted some and we are now going to stay the night in Vegas at Jim and Clorinda’s. That will be good. I don’t really feel like driving until 3 AM. I am sure the kids will be excited and probably won’t mind a little break in the traveling.

I brought down the tables and dropped them off to Karen. She seemed to like them okay. That is good. Happy to have them done and delivered. Everything turned out nice, I did have some sanding and additional shellacking to do to the tops this morning. They are smooth and look good. I did find an occasional drip – that is a bit frustrating. It happens though. Now I’ve got the new secretary to clean up and refinish. I was going to say strip down but that particular piece of furniture makes that statement a bit odd. We do not have a new secretary at work rather we have a new piece of furniture known as a secretary and it is covered in a maroon paint that simply needs to go. It looks like it will be a fun one.

I had a little time after dropping off the tables and after chatting with Karen and her daughter for a bit I headed into town and checked out the old neighborhood. I saw our first house and also drove by the apartment we lived in when Natty was born. There are a lot more rock-scaped yards now days. It was cool to see the old neighborhood though. I even drove by the house on Rockvale where I sold my very first air conditioner. It is still on the roof. Fantastic. It was neat to reflect a bit on the old Laurelwood Ward and think about the good times we had there. I thought about the Ward Lip Sync activity. That was always a great one. I remember when I did Bohemian Rhapsody with Dave Surrat and that Elders Quorum Presidency and then the next year doing The Jazz Singers. Had Robert Ogden in there with me on that one. That was a classic. I have fond memories of the Laurelwood Ward.

I am excited to have the kids home. They will be landing in about 19 minutes so I am going to close this up and drive over to the airport. More to report tomorrow.

Tables: Done

Monday August 1, 2011

This is simply crazy. I am shocked that today is already the first of August. This year has simply passed to quickly. I am not complaining especially since Natty, Jack and Andy are coming home tomorrow. No the quick days don’t hurt my feelings.

As noted the kids are coming home tomorrow and I will be picking them up in Vegas. They come in sometime around 7:30 PM. I am looking forward to having them home. I am completely exhausted still and didn’t get a lot of rest with them being gone. That is okay though. There has been a lot going on.

With the trip to Vegas tomorrow it was rather important that I get the tables finished for Karen Slaughter. They have been a good project. The sewing table turned out rather well and the dining table – well, it looks great. It was a lot of work. I am a tad nervous at the moment because I have shellacked them and they are sitting in the garage drying. The problem is that we have a ton of bugs flying around the garage lights. I have already had to pull several of the bugs off of the table. It is pretty crazy. I am hoping they steer clear of it. We will see in the morning. I will take some pictures of them tomorrow. There were a couple of challenges but hopefully they will look great.

It is time to turn in. I am sitting here trying to think of what to write about next and can barely keep my eyes open. How about I just keep typing without seeing? That can make for some interesting discussion. Well, I am completely spent and so I am going to stop fighting and just give in to sleep.

Hey look - here are the pictures. One of the benefits of posting a week after I typed this - I guess.