Sledding in the New Year

Tonight we went out to dinner at the local Sizzler.   It was okay.  The kids seemed to enjoy it.  We were there with Jay, Sara and fam.  I even got to kick out a few soft serve ice cream cones.  Oh the memories, working at KFC and cleaning out the ice cream machine every night.  We used to have contests to see who could make the biggest cone.  When I say we, my buddy Josh Ashton and I worked there together.  Those cones got rather large and we would get to eat as much of it as we wanted though the brain freeze would kick in long before we could pound down an ice cream that size. Good times.

After dinner I took my kids and Mack,Tara, Jayson and Jaykob over to our favorite sledding hill for a little sledding adventure.  Not sure if they had ever gone night sledding previously.  We had the hill to ourselves which is nice and the kids all got along.  Sweet.  Everyone had a good time sledding in the new year.
  
Sounds like fireworks have started exploding.  Good, I'm ready for bed.
 
Here are a couple of pics from our adventure.   The single pic is big Jack and the other is all the crew that was out tonight except Natty who went sliding out of the picture and down the hill.  We tried. 
  
Oh well, happy New Year everyone!

Twenty Nine

We were up late doing a variety of things and when I was getting Jack tucked in he tells me he is hungry and wants something to eat.  I said "I'm not getting you a snack at 11:30 at night".  His reply was simple "It's twenty nine" spoken in a well duh dad kind of a tone.  Sure enough the clock right there at his bed said 11:29.  What could I do?  Clearly is was not 11:30 and therefore a small treat was still okay.  Perhaps it was the fact that he made me laugh, I don't know, I gave him a little treat.  Next time I'll have to be a little more exact, you just can't give ol Jack a little wiggle room.  He'll take advantage of it. 

We had snow today.  It wasn't the heaviest snow I've encountered but it was somewhat constant.  I did a little shoveling during the second hour at church today in an effort to keep the walks clear for after church.  Others joined the effort including Bob Ennis and Carl Johnson.  When we managed to get around to the back of the building where I had started shoveling the snow was once again covering the walks.  I did notice that the ice melt I had put on the stairs in the back of building had remained clear.  I went around and hit a few vital spots with the ice melt.  Hopefully there were no accidents and every body made it home safely. 

We made it home just fine.  I parked in the street so I could shovel the drive before parking on top of the snow.  I just like to clear it off first.  Anyhow, I was right near the end where the driveway slopes down to the street and my foot slipped on the snow.  Down I went, hard and fast.  Fast enough that my cell phone came flying out of my front shirt pocket and then everything kind of ended in slow motion as I watched the phone fly through the air and crash down on the sidewalk.  I also took a hit to the elbow.  We came in shortly after that all was well though now my entire body is hurting.  It is obvious that I am not twenty nine any longer.    

 

A Night on the Slopes

Over the last couple of years as winter time kicks in and the snow falls on the grounds here in Cedar City I manage to post a blog about our adventures night sledding.  I don't know how many of those posts have the title Night Sledding.  Tonight I could have used that same title, instead I have come up with another one.  It sounds pretty glamorous, like were at some swanky resort decked out with lights for spending an evening on the slopes.  The reality of the situation is that we went to the same little hill we always got to just across the street at the High School and off the parking lot at Cal-Ranch.  It is a fun little hill and at 9:30 at night we find that we have the entire hill to ourselves for the most part.  It was a great time.  The kids were jump masters.  Andy as flying off the jump frontwards, backwards, on the side.  He was quite amazing.  Jack captained his favorite Black Magic plastic toboggan typed sled that he got from his Uncle Bubba.  It is his sled of choice and he rides it proudly and well.  Natty held her own with distance and jumping.  She also managed to do her fair share of community organizing convincing the boys to ride down together or to form a chain, to go off the jump or to stick to the ground.  The girl has skills and just really likes to be in charge.  After sledding for just under an hour we made our way back to the truck.  Andy was riding on his sled while I pulled him back.  I decided to be a sled dog and took him for a wild ride.  He loved it and eventually fell off when I was whipping him around a turn.  While getting back on Jack had run over with his black magic sled and I had to pull him around.  I am not a machine here people.  I was wiped out and then Natty was organizing her turn.  I slowly walked the boys to the car so I could catch my breath.  I then went back to pull Natty.  It was not a simple task.  I pulled with everything I had and got her going.  I fished tailed her around a corner and was fixin to get her on another strong turn when Jack tackled her off and put me in a state where I could breathe again.  It was a great evening on the slopes.  I highly recommend it.        

Sweet C

Any idea what that C represents in the title?  Those who know me perhaps a little too well have likely made an educated guess that deals with a certain Jewish Entertainer, a singer/song writer if you will who has starred in a movie or two, well at least he has appeared in a movie or two.  That's right, the C is for Caroline, Sweet Caroline to be exact and the entertainer, none other than the great Neil Diamond. 

I was doing some dishes tonight whilst in the middle of cooking dinner and I decided I needed to put on my favorite easy listening music. So on went the Neil.  It is good, good stuff.  So the music is playing, the work is rolling forth and on comes Sweet Caroline.  It is a great tune and a great karaoke song, perhaps the most popular karaoke song on my Neil Diamond Karaoke album.  Anyhow we are hitting the chorus and all of the sudden Jack appears in the kitchen at my side and starts belting out some Sweet Caroline.  There we were, side by side in the kitchen cooking, cleaning, singing and doing a little dancing as well.  It was a fantastic little moment, a Sweet C moment.

Back Home

Coming home is a wonderful thing and also very difficult.  I think one of the hardest things I do is watch my kids in tears as their mom leaves for home.  Jack seems to be fine, I didn't see him say good bye and assume that he was fine.  He tends not to get overly emotional in these instances.  Natty and Andy had a tougher time.  Andy cried for a good while as did Natalie.  It is hard.  Everyone did just fine after a while. 

Anyhow, back home, back to busy, no real down time.  It is good to be home.  There is lots to do but that is okay.  The kids had a good time with their mom.  We'll get things squared away here over the next few days or so. 

Troubleshooting

We had a plug go down at the LBH last week.  Tripped the breaker.  It was a GFI plug - I think there is a C in that somewhere.  Anyway, the GFI is one that you reset on the plug itself.  This one will not reset.  I thought the GFI was broken and replaced the plug tonight.  Not so.  The new one is also not working and it turns out there is no power coming into the plug.  I have to figure this is one of two things; either the breaker is bad in the panel box or there is another GFI plug in sequence before this plug and it is tripped.  I went through every plug I could find.  All GFI's are testing just fine.  I have a sneaky suspicion there is a plug on the opposite side of the wall from this plug that is GFI and it is my guess that it is tripped.  The problem is it is directly under the soda machine which sits on a closed in cabinet with no way to access it.  The syrup lines for the syrup go into the side of the box and up to the machine through the counter.  I took a look through the hole and couldn't see the other wall because it is a closed in box.  No way to tell if there is another GFI plug on that wall that is causing the problem.  I have done my duty with the troubleshooting or done the best I know how anyway.  We are either going to have to get an electrician involved or I am going to have to see if my theory is correct on a second GFI.  What to do, what to do?

I am certain that this has been a wonderful read for any of you that are daily followers.  Nothing quite as exciting as writing about GFI plugs and troubleshooting challenges.  Funny how that troubleshooting works.  We can go forward and do everything that we can do and still come up short. Kind of like our lives, we are going to come up short of perfection after we have done everything that we possibly can do.  Fortunately we have a loving Savior that will make up the difference for us and will raise us to a state of perfection as we come unto Him.  We have a choice in this life.  We can choose to go it alone and come up short or we can turn to the Master whose perfect atonement will make up the difference.  I am grateful for that especially on a day like today when I have exhausted my abilities and still can't get it.      

Merry Christmas 2012!

Simply having a wonderful Christmas day!  Is that the right lyric or is it 'we are having...'?  Unlike the great Uncle Buck I don't know my music.  Well, suffice to say it was a wonderful Christmas day.  A little sleeping in this morning though that didn't account for much as I didn't get to bed until half passed 3 anyway.  Still nice not to be up first thing though as soon as mom started doing stuff in the kitchen I couldn't sleep.  The noise just went right into the room I am staying in.  That's okay, I got a little nap time in later in the evening.  Apparently I was so out during the nap that I was decorated and had a number of things thrown at me.  What can I say - when I am tired, I'm tired and I'm going to sleep... somewhere. 

Anyhow, as per the last two years the kiddos spent the morning with their mom.  I was out at the folks with the folks, Mike, Liana, Amy and Dan.  We had a fine morning distributing gifts and then doing our usual gift opening rotation.  We had a fine morning and enjoyed some laughs.  We followed it up with a great Christmas breakfast that included Grandma Vi's breakfast casserole, cinnamon rolls and bacon.  Pretty dang tasty.  I had a nice shower and then was off to pick up the kids.  They came down with me and we did presents for them.  They seemed to enjoy everything. 

A short time later Laura, Nigel and fam showed up then a bit after that Jay, Sara and fam arrived.  Dave and Dani came in after we had eaten dinner and were just in time for the white elephant exchange.  I ended up with a small statue of an African American Santa Clause.  It now needs to be on display for the next year at the house.  It should create a few laughs.  There were some pretty funny gifts in the exchange.  A small replica of the statue of David being one.  Who finds that?  Well, apparently Dave and Dani.  Anyhow lots of fun.  I brought a sweet little pig sitting on a wagon.  Sara ended up with it.  Other things:  A portrait of Mom when she was younger, a cat head sculpture that hangs on the wall, 3 very lovely reindeer, an urn that was apparently filled with Mike's hair and hair from his dogs Karcher and Hardy.  There were a number of others that should make for some excellent display material for the next year.  Well played family, well played.

I tried to do something meaningful this year that would remind us of the savior.  I had these pictures that I got at the singles conference back in February.  8 pictures of the Savior.  There were 4 of just the Savior and then 4 of the Savior with a little girl.  I gave Natty the Savior and the girl picture and then the boys both got the up close Savior shot.  I also gave more copies to each of the siblings here in town.  I think they were well received.  I hope that they brought our minds to the Savior on this day and continue to do so everyday. 

On the drive back up to Cedar we talked about the pictures a bit.  We discussed other gifts that were received today and that after those gifts are long gone the gift of the Savior is still there and will always be there.  I don't really know how much they gathered from that part of our conversation but I hope something stuck. 

Sure do love my kids and am grateful for the time spent with them today.  It was an enjoyable Christmas to be sure.  I love my wonderful family.     

It's 3 AM, I Must Be Lonely

As the title suggests it is 3 AM.  I am the lone individual awake in this house.  I just finished wrapping gifts or bagging gifts, whatever.  Some were wrapped and some were bagged.  Anyway, I am wiped out, ready for bed. 

It is Christmas Eve.  By now I have been up too long for Santa to stop by the house.  I am afraid it just isn't happening.  That is okay, we are well trained Santa helpers and though our suits are not red and our beards are not white - or all the way white anyway.  Yes we have become experts over the years in our efforts to sustain the field guys, to keep Santa alive.

Our Eve of Christmas has been fun.  We played a few games - the name game, Christmas Song Sing A Long, some game called Play Nine.  It was a good evening with lots of laughs. 

Well, looking forward to Christmas day and Wish Everyone a very Merry Christmas. 

Released

As I noted a few days ago, I was released from the Elders Quorum Presidency today.  President Fawson was released thus the presidency was dissolved.  It has been a good experience over the last two years serving there.  I am happy to be released and for others to have the opportunity to serve.  Jake Whetman was called as the president, not a surprise for me as that was my guess.  He called Carl Johnson as his first counselor and Ben Jackson as his second.  I admire and respect each of these men and am confident that they will serve faithfully and diligently.  Good men for sure. 

Fortunately I continue to serve as the home teacher to the Fawson family.  I hope I continue to serve there.  I stopped by there to drop off a little Christmas gift - a custom soda sampler.  They are big fans so I took our specialty sodas and put them together for them.  They were excited, Sierra saw them and had a big grin on her face.  They are a wonderful family, wonderful friends.

I stopped by to see Ken and Georgia Bettridge tonight.  I love them.  We visited for a while and I enjoyed that.  They have been so kind to our family since we moved in next door 2 and half years ago.  That is what I miss most about moving from 450 West.  The kids would go over and share a soda, talk and enjoy little visits.  Anyhow, our visit got a little emotional as we discussed the fam and how things were.  Ken told me how much he admires me for the job I am doing with the kids.  I thanked him and said I am trying.  He quickly and lovingly corrected me and said "You are not trying John, you are doing and you are doing a great job". 

True to form I am my toughest critic and I know my weaknesses, my short comings.  While I focus on my failings I don't always see the good.  I appreciate that Ken and Georgia were kind enough to correct me and to help me see the good.  I think instead of saying I am trying I will try to recognize that I am doing the best that I can do.  I can certainly improve and as I learn and grow from experience I will do better.  I will continue to seek the help of the Lord as I go forth in my responsibilities as a father and patriarch of the home.  That is one calling, one responsibility that I will never be released from. 

Sleepy Time

Oh my goodness.  The day has been a full one.  The week has been a full one.  I am really looking forward to tomorrow and the opportunity to enjoy the Sabbath.  No work just Church and time to rest. 

Work went well again today.  As is typical on Saturday the lunch rush was delayed but when it came it stayed for a while.  I worked the register today.  I haven't solely worked the register in a while, it was a good time.   For whatever reason my legs were quite tired and my feet were sore.  It's not like I am not on my feet all day every day.  Perhaps the days have caught up with me.

We did a little adult dinner and movie thing tonight.  I joined the folks, Jay and Sara, Dave and Dani, Amy and Dan at Wingers.  We all like Wingers.  Then we headed over to the theater to watch Jack Reacher.  That was a very entertaining movie.  Quite good. 

I headed to the old LBH building to take care of a few things then over to my house to get a file I needed.  After that I was off to Wal Mart to see if I could get a few things for the kids.  I think I've got them covered for Christmas.  Now I need to figure out the folks as well as Mike and Liana.  Actually, they are both partially done so I have not really left it to the last minute. 

Well, it is sleepy time.  I have fallen asleep in the middle of blogging for the last two nights and I was determined not to do that again. 

Fear or Faith

I have had some experiences of late that have been concerning when it comes to my children.  I don't know that I fully understand how challenging parenthood is.  There are things that you try to teach your children and you have no idea if any of it is sticking.  There are new experiences everyday that can challenge the very things or values you are trying to teach and establish.  Sometimes children get exposed to certain behaviors through no fault of their own that can be harmful to them both spiritually and mentally.  Being able to be an anchor of righteousness for your children isn't always an easy thing to do.  How do we press forward with faith and hope in Christ and avoid fearing for their future?  I don't know how to entirely answer that question.  I think there isn't just one right answer but I would also say that attending the Temple is a good way to press forward with Faith in Christ.  It is a good way to chase out fear and it fills us with hope.

Tonight I was able to make the trip down to St. George where I spent some time in the Temple.  I am grateful that I was able to go and for the perspective being there gave me.  I need to be there more often so that I can arm myself with faith and a hope for my children which faith casts out fear.   

Complete World Domination

Staying out at the folks, Amy and Dan live downstairs and Dan asked if I would like to play Risk tonight.  I accepted though it has been years since I have played, pre-1995 anyway when I was down in South Africa on Mission.  Anyhow, this was an electronic version on the Boxy and it was pretty sweet.  I am not trying to brag here but the first time I played on Mission I won the game.  That was pretty impressive.  I had to carry on that rookie winning tradition.  That's right people, I won the game, complete world domination... or, beginners luck. 

Piano Recital

A month and a half ago Natty started taking piano lessons from Annie across the street.  I guess she asked Annie if she would teach her for something having to do with Young Womens.  So she has been learning and practicing for a number of weeks.  Today was a special Piano Recital for Natty.  The folks and I stopped by and listened.  She actually did a fabulous job.  Let's see if I can remember the songs?  I can't remember the order.   Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and one other that I can't recall right at the moment.  Anyhow, great job Natty.

  

The Final Hoorah

Rachel came to town today for Christmas.  The kids have been very excited to have their mom visit and per usual she is staying at the house with them.  People sometimes find that hard to accept that I would let my ex-wife stay at my house and I move out for how ever long.  To me it just isn't that big of a deal.  It really just kind of makes sense.  The kids are at home where they are comfortable and Rachel doesn't have to spend all of her money on a hotel allowing her the ability to do more things with the kids.  I think it is a great thing for them and I am happy to do it, happy that it makes the kids happy and happy that it likely makes things easier for them and Rachel.  It gives me a small break, a mini-vaca if you will.  That is pronounced vay-kay just in case you thought I failed to finish vacation.  I was just being fancy.

Well, knowing she was coming to town I determined I needed to take the opportunity to see the movie Here Comes the Boom whilst still in theaters.  The cheap theater anyway.  I talked to President Fawson about going and he decided it would be fun.  On Sunday we invited Kevin Bulloch to join in the fun as it was right before our quarterly PPI with President Sorensen.  He came as did Josh Maxwell and we had a little Elders Quorum Presidency movie extravaganza.  It was really just a group of friends going to a movie but seeing as we had a PPI right after we all wore church clothes.  We were only missing Darren Winn who is out cruising for Christmas.  I've heard nothing but good things about this movie and I have to agree.  It was fantastic, very funny and clean.  There was no swearing that I can remember off the top of my head.  The message was good and what else can I say?  Just a good movie.  It may be one of the rare movies that gets permanently added to my collection.  I highly recommend it.

So after said film we rolled over to the Stake Center where we not only met with President Sorensen but had President Schmutz invite us into his office to meet with the entire Stake Presidency.  The PPI was brief, really brief and pretty much consisted of President Fawson being released as the Elder's Quorum President and subsequently the entire presidency being released.  It was a good visit and it was a fun way to go out, the final hoorah.  I apparently don't know how to spell hoorah.  I don't see a replacement suggestion either so oh well.  I close with an expression of gratitude for the opportunity I had to serve.  The calling, though my least favorite in the church, came to me at a time when I needed it.  It helped me to find value in myself.  It helped my heart to heal.  I have loved serving with Ben Fawson.  He has been a great friend and leader.

A New Tradition Perhaps ?

Last night I shared some of our Christmas traditions.  One of the things that was shared by Bro. Whetman in Quorum meeting yesterday was something he has done this year for the first time.  In trying to teach his 5 year old about the birth of the Savior they read Luke 2 and set up their Nativity scene.  I thought that was a pretty awesome thing so tonight for FHE we did that.  The kids all took part and yes Jack set the donkey up on the scene.  Andy was determined to set up the camel and I think Natty took care of the star and the angel.  The boys handled the shepherds and the lambs and each of the kids placed a Wiseman.  I was showing them what to do in the beginning and set up Joseph and Mary.  Mary in our set is holding the baby Jesus so I placed him as well.  I don't know how powerful it was for them.  I hope they learned something from it and that it brought to their minds the importance of the Savior and our celebrating His birth. 

I shared with the the following quote from President Monson in this months First Presidency Message in the Ensign. 

When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11)

In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating that Christmas season.  I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this prcious season of the year?

May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift or obedience.  I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:

"Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who ...stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. 

"Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away" (3 Nephi 11:29-30).   

I am grateful for the gift of the Savior.  I am grateful for all that He does for me and my family.  I am grateful that through Him we can be clean, we can be pure, we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.  I hope that setting the Nativity Scene and discussing the Savior as a new tradition will be one that helps each of us more fully remember the true meaning of Christmas and strive more earnestly to follow Him. 

Christmas Traditions

We had a lesson today in quorum meeting where we discussed Christmas traditions.  There was a message shared from Elder L. Tom Perry who invites us to write down our Christmas traditions.  As I pondered the discussion and thought about our own traditions I have to say the things that I remember from growing up include the following.

12 Days of Christmas - This was a great thing from my childhood.  I have yet to do it as an adult, I don't know why.  Perhaps it is all of the preparation and work that goes into it.  Mom is really good at that and this was one of those things that I think we all loved.  I think it helped us all to realize the blessings of giving.

Jerusalem Supper - Jay actually talked about this one during the meeting.  We all dress up like we were from Jerusalem at the time of Christ.  We then act out the nativity while Luke 2 is read.  That happens after the meal which is based on the cuisine from that area of the world. 

Chimes - Perhaps my least favorite tradition.  We all get chimes that are different notes and we play when our turn comes up in a song.  Not sure why, just don't care for this one all that much.  Mom absolutely loves this one. 

Christmas Stories - We read a Christmas Story every night in December.  We have a book of some of our favorite stories and read that.  I cry at the same parts my mom would cry.  What gives?

Taking Turns Opening Presents - we've always just done it this way.

Fudge - We make batches of our fudge and deliver it to friends and neighbors.  Though the LBH has introduced several new flavors of fudge the traditional ones were Milk Chocolate and Rocky Road. 

Bowling - This one doesn't always happen but we have gone bowling on Christmas Eve more than once. 

Fondue - We've always done fondue around the holidays.  In the last two years when Rachel comes down with the kids and I go and campout at the folks we have begun doing fondue on Christmas Eve.  This has to be my all time favorite meal. 

White Elephant - Also over the last two years (though we have done them prior also) we have had a white elephant exchange with a bit of a twist.  Whatever you take home with you is supposed to be displayed in your living room for a year.  Two years ago I had a death mask and a picture of an old car.  I displayed them, in fact I am still displaying the car.  Last year I got a stuffed Mallard duck.  It didn't manage to stay on display.  We'll have to see what this year brings. 

Now I am sure to have missed some and will probably have more come to memory.  I thought I should write down something though.  I am grateful for the season and for the Savior who makes all things possible. 

Full Day

Started the day getting the kids ready to go and then we were off to help clean the Church.  I try and sign up to do this each month we are assigned.  Today the Young Women were signed up so Natty was going to be there and I figured we might as well go too.  I sent the boys to play in the cultural hall while I took on an assignment.  I'm afraid I didn't do much.  I was assigned to put ice melt on the walks around the building.  Andy Bishop is in charge.  Last night he came in to the LBH and I had shared with him that I wouldn't be able to stay long as there was a catering thing that came up.  With that in mind he had me do the ice melt.  

Well, we were off to the LBH after that to get the catering order done.  It was for the Cedar West Stake and a special gathering of former Bishops and their wives in the old 2nd and 8th Ward Building.  They are going to be tearing down this building and so they had this final gathering in the building.  This is the oldest church building in Cedar.  We got the meal ready and got it there.  Pops left before me as I had to get some plates.  He had the food unloaded when I got there and I ran the plates up.  It was just a somber moment being in there, knowing it was going to be torn down and looking at these individuals who had served as Bishops and their wives. There was a neat spirit in the building.  I hope we were able to add to that with what we provided.

Made a run in to the shop after that, things were slow so I went to the old shop to work on getting things out.  We got quite a few things cleaned out and donated more to DI.  Dan has been going all week to drop off stuff at DI.  I am sure he is well known now.  Anyhow, lots of stuff.  The basement is cleaned out.  That was a bear.  We have some final things to move out to storage now.  Mainly things that will go to the St. George store.  We did bring quite a few things to my house and still have quite a few things more to bring.  I ended up spending a couple hours in my garage getting things arranged.  Too much stuff in the garage so we need to weed it out.  That will be fun. 

Natty had a party to go to tonight and fortunately Annie across the street helped her out quite a bit with a white elephant and a treat to share.  Sure appreciate that help.  Natty really had a good time at the party and I am glad for that. 

Took the boys for Pizza and then we went to Wally world afterwards.  I was again on my feet and just about ready to pass out.  We got home though, got Natty and now, as soon as I finish typing about this full day I am going to sleep.   

Touch And Go

If it is mechanical Jack is interested.  He loves to learn about machines and how they work.  Certainly Trains lead the list of his interests and the knowledge he has amassed relative to trains is extensive.  He has also developed a great love for all things remote control.  We've looked at cars, trucks, boats and airplanes.  The last two morning he has wanted to watch remote control airplane videos.  Both days he has watched an official review on a little sea plane.  It is now a must have on his ever expanding list of things that he has to have.  I watched a bit of it with him yesterday and this morning he turned it on again.  Recognizing the video I asked him what his favorite part was; "the touch and go".   It is a sea plane so the pilot makes a water landing but decided he wanted to make the first landing a touch and go.  It actually was pretty cool so I wasn't surprised when Jack said it was a favorite of his.    

Happiness Today

I was listening to General Conference this morning and started with President Uchtdorf in the Saturday Morning session.  He shared some thoughts about life and living with gratitude and happiness today so that when we come to the end of our mortal probation we do not look back and find that we are filled with regrets for the choices that we have made.  That is a really rough summary.  Anyhow, it is easy to get caught up in the things of the day.  It is easy to find yourself without patience.  It can be easy to find ourselves consumed by the things that matter least instead of spending our time on the things that matter most.  The title of the talk is Of Regrets and Resolutions.  Well, it is an excellent talk.  I highly recommend it.  .  I am fighting to stay awake and not really winning so I am going to close now. 

It is now Friday morning and I thought I would add just a couple more things.  Life can be quite challenging and sometimes it feels like we are taking a pretty good beating.  As I pondered on this talk from President Uchtdorf it brought to mind a few other talks of recent years.  Elder Wirthlin shared Come What May and Love It.  President Monson invited us to Find Joy in the Journey.  We have a choice in life, everyday.  We can choose to focus on the hard things and we can find ourselves feeling whipped or we can look at all that is good.  We can count the blessings that we receive each day and we can find Joy in the Journey.  Some days I find myself feeling pretty whipped and it can be really hard to love the things that come, it can be hard to find joy but it is there to be found. I know that it is.  When I choose to look at the blessings that I enjoy, when I focus on the good in life, when I choose to love and recognize my Saviors love for me, I can have joy and my life is filled with happiness today. 

I think this is enough for now except to say that I know God lives and loves each of us.  I know that the Savior lives and that through him we can overcome all things.  I am so very grateful for that, for Him.         

Christmas Train

The boys and I went out on a little adventure tonight to find a Christmas book for them.  I knew what I wanted to get and thought it would be a great story especially with Jack's interest in all things train.  President Monson released a book that is the true story of a childhood experience he had involving a Christmas Train. 

We made out way over to Deseret Book where we delivered a slice of The Little Brick House Key Lime pie to my good friend Ben Fawson.  He has been working an insane number of hours this week as he has to cover for one of his main people who is out because of her dying father.  I knew his hours were long yesterday and today so I decided we would take him a little something.  We delivered said pie and we found our book.  Ben also hooked us up with a CD of President Monson reading the story and then a few videos to check out from the store library.  Jack was all about a documentary on the Lusitania and couldn't stop talking about it and the Titanic. We have two documentaries to watch now.  These are just the type of things Jack loves to watch and learn about. 

Anyhow, we got home with our new book and sat on the couch.  Jack read the story to the rest of us and did a great job.  He also got a lot out of the story.  This is a great victory for Jack.  A story about trains, a lesson taught about fixing a wrong and truly giving from your heart, great artwork and the story wasn't so long that he quit reading before he started.  Glad we went and picked it up. 

We are also on the look out for a Christmas Train of our own.  The Wally Mart has one that looks okay but I would like to shop it a bit and see if we can't find something he'll really be excited about.  Keeping a Christmas Train as only a Christmas Train is going to be the biggest challenge. 

Working Memories

I'm pretty sure I have written before about how I used to love to go to work with my dad when I was a kid.  Those memories started at AJ Copy Shop and continued through travel agencies in Salt Lake and Honolulu, even some real estate in Carson City.   Wait, even before then I can remember eating sugar cubes and going up in a sky lift I believe in Reno.  Those were always fun times.  I would hang out, find things to do, ride the escalators in the Tri-Ad building or go swimming in the pool on the roof of whatever the hotel was in Honolulu where his office was. 

In Florida I took Natty and Jack to the office once or twice, after hours usually though they stopped in a time or two with their mom during the day.  I took them on the fork lift for a little ride and showed them how it worked.  Lately though our trips to work have been all The Little Brick House.  Tonight we were there again.  I had some pasta to cook and prepare for a catering job tomorrow and also needed to make some pies.  The kids came loaded with books, homework and Angry Birds on my cell phone.  Instead of remembering sugar cubes perhaps they will remember the great soda fountain with Root Beer and Sierra Mist.  Whatever the case I hope that these memories are fond ones and that they will look back on them at some future day and feel the same kind of joy I do when I think about those working memories with dad. 

Touched My Heart

We were finishing up dinner and the boys managed to find themselves sitting with a Christmas gift from a couple of years ago on the living room floor.  It is a book from their Grandpa David, Grandma Jo, Aunt Emily and Aunt Gillian.  The book has pictures and then some recordings from them talking and sharing holiday memories together.  After listening to it for I don't know how many times Jack got up and came into see me.  He said very seriously whilst holding his heart "Dad, that touched my heart".  He was very sincere and I thought he was going to get a little emotional.  Well, I asked Jack if I could touch his heart as well, he said sure.  I reached up to pat his little heart a little bit and then called out "kalima" and grabbed at his chest.  This is a reference to Indiana Jones Temple of Doom  and it made Jack's day.  He laughed and laughed.  Then we had to replay it a few times.  It was a fun little moment, a heart touching one at that. 

Tree Up

We're only 9 days in to December and I got the tree up finally.  The kids have been waiting patiently as I spent a couple of weeks with pretty much no time to do anything.  Tonight I found to be the perfect moment to pull down the tree and the Christmas decorations from the little shelf they sit on in the garage.  The kids were absolutely thrilled and did a fabulous job decorating.  Natty is the best at fluffing up the fake tree branches and the boys can hang ornaments like no tomorrow.  As usual most of those ornaments stay toward the lower front and sided of the tree with just about nothing making it to the back.  Natty did a great job managing that as well and did her best to evenly distribute up and down the tree.  She also managed to get a few around the back.  I did the fun job of pulling out ornaments individually, looking at whose name was written on it, the date and then telling them how old they were when they got that particular ornament.  One was a little canoe with two figures paddling away.  It was Jack's ornament from 2005.  He was 20 months old then.  It was pretty funny, he got a little emotional about it and happily put it on the tree.  Everyone had a good time. 

Two other things came out with the tree, well, a lot more than two decoration wise but tradition wise there were two other Christmas traditions launched today as well.  Christmas music being the first.  Actually, we should really refer to this as Jingle Bells by BNL.  The kids go crazy over this song and have for years.  They will run, jump and dance the entire time and then ask for it to be played over and over again.  We listened at least a half dozen times tonight and there will be more listening everyday throughout the month. 

The next tradition is our reading of a favorite Christmas story every night.  Tonight we read The Christmas Mystery.  It too is a favorite.  I did manage to break from one part of that tradition tonight... I made it through without crying.  Sweet. 

It is nice to have the tree up and the sounds and feelings of Christmas brought to life, especially with the kids.   

 

Grand

The Grand Re-Opening of The Little Brick House took place today.  Funny enough it was actually our first Grand Opening.  We never quite got around to having the original Grand Opening.  Well, this one was pretty grand.  We had perhaps our best Saturday to date and our best day of the week - excluding catering.  That is pretty fantastic.  Where Saturdays have been fairly inconsistent in the past I hope they can become one of our best days of the week.  We'll see how things go over the next couple of months. 

A Lot of Rolls

We kicked out a catering order over the last three days for the LDS Institute Closing Social.  The order included 1400 rolls and 55 gallons of soup.  I don't care who you are, 1400 rolls is a lot of rolls.  55 gallons of soup is a lot of soup to go with those rolls.  They told us 700, the count was over 800.  Somehow in the end we ran out of bowls before we ran out of soup.  We brought 750 bowls.  That is pretty fantastic.  It was well received.  There was one of the gals who seemed to be in charge of the Institute Council, anyway, she said that people were really excited to hear that The Little Brick House was catering the food.  That is pretty sweet and pretty neat to hear that there is excitement out there about our food and our name.  Now look, I am quite glad it is over because it was a stressful endeavor.  It made for a few rough days out there trying to get settled into the new location whilst putting together this catering order.  Exhausting.  By the way, did I mention that there 1400 rolls?  That's definitely a lot of rolls. 

A Shepherd and a Donkey

Tonight was the ward Christmas Party.  As part of that event the primary children did a live nativity thing.  The boys played fairly big roles.  Andy was a shepherd boy.  He was in a pretty good crew of shepherd boys and they all did well.  In his role as a shepherd he noticed some of the sheep picking at some tape that was on the stage.  Well, he could not be a good shepherd and allow the sheep to get away with this kind of misconduct so he repositioned himself to the front of the shepherdhood and put an end to sheep misconduct.  Nice work Andy. 

Jack, he played the important role of Donkey.  There was no carrying of Mary on his back but he got to kneel at the side of the Christ child throughout the performance.  He was quite happy with his performance as he should be. 

Natty graduated from the primary so didn't take part in the Nativity.  She did come early to the party and must have done something with the young women to help with it.  She had a great time hanging out with her friends in the young women's. 

It was a good Ward Christmas Party. 

These Eyes

The Guess Who does a great little song called These Eyes.  It's all about how they cry every night for you, they long to hold you again,   My post here, These Eyes Have Seen a lot of Love  Love, well actually, these eyes are tired and I am going to bed.  It is all I can do just to try and keep these eyes open right now.  It's not happening and so, this post is short.... kind of like me. 

First Day

It was our first day in the new location for The Little Brick House.   There is an adjustment period that we will experience.   I know I will anyway.   I needed to get to the freezer and stepped into the walk-in but there wasn't a door to the freezer in there.  That is actually quite nice.  We had a couple breaker challenges and what not but no biggie.  The flow has changed so we need to figure it out and dial it in.

It was a good first day.

Jack's Prayer

After a number of long days and very little sleep my body had enough.  Seems as if I relapsed today into my illness of pre Thanksgiving.  I don't really know if it is the same thing or not, I do know that at about 1 PM today it kicked my butt.  I had to continue working as we are shooting to open tomorrow.  Looks like we'll make that.  I don't know that we will be perfect tomorrow but we are going to do our best and get some sandwiches made. 

I came home, parked and fell asleep in the car for a few.  The kids were with Jay and Sara and fam at something that I can't think of right now.  Anyhow, I managed to make it inside, took a shower.  The Hot water was gone in roughly 18 minutes.  Simply not long enough.  I got into bed and the kids got home.  We worked on homework together.  They brought it into my room and I helped them and tried to rest all at the same time.  It worked out.  We had scriptures and prayer, Natty helped out with all of that and then the kids played a bit while I rested.

At one point Jack came in very concerned.  He climbed up on my bed and said "Dad, I want to give you a Priesthood Blessing".  It was a moving moment and a great testimony of Jack's faith in the Priesthood.  I explained that he would need to first hold the Priesthood before he could administer a Priesthood Blessing and then I told him that he could offer prayer and that Heavenly Father would bless me through his prayer of faith.  He prayed and I enjoyed a sweet moment with that little boy who has a sincere heart.   

A Dolly and Healing Ointment

Had the blessing and opportunity to give the lesson in Elders Quorum today.  As a Presidency we have focused on Prophetic Priorities over the last year plus.  President Fawson, what can I say, I love the man.  He is in tune and he follows the Spirit.  I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with him.  We have now been in for two years.  I can't believe it has been that long.  Anyway, back to today.  I thought much about this assignment today and felt impressed to talk about the Savior.  It is the month of Christmas and I hoped to convey a message that would help the members of the quorum focus on their relationship with the Savior.  I hope that was accomplished.  I don't know if it was for anyone else but I certainly have enjoyed the preparation and the time pondering my relationship with Christ.  The connection between Prophetic Priorities and the Savior is easy.  The reason we follow the Prophet is to enable us to come unto Christ.  These are things in our lives that lead us toward Him, that help us increase spiritually and grow in the Priesthood.  As we nurture our relationship with the Savior we become more like him. 

I have long believed that we have our own personal parables from which to learn.  Our lives are filled with things that happen and if we examine them, ponder them and look at how they point us to Christ we will find lessons in them.  I shared two experiences to open the lesson.  There were two scripture references that tied in to each story and point to Christ.  My hope was to point out that each of us has need of a Savior and that the Savior is there for us if we will turn to him.  Here are the experiences.
 

The Dolly

Yesterday we moved the restaurant.   We put off til the end the most difficult piece of kitchen equipment to move, our grill.  Our grill is quite large and it weighs hundreds of pounds.  When we originally moved it in I never wanted to have to move it again.  On that occasion my brother Dave and I carried it from just outside our front doors, as close as we could park the trailer, into the kitchen.  It took everything we had to get it in there.  The thought of having to move it out of the building was exhausting enough, having to then move it into the new place spelled certain death. 

When we got the new location there was left in the kitchen an old, battered and nasty looking dolly.  I thought to myself “we will throw that nasty thing away”.  Fortunately I hadn’t gotten around to that and yesterday my brother decided we should try and put the grill on it.  We had tried with a different dolly the first time but the grill weighed too much, the tires and axle couldn’t handle it and it was useless.  Funny, it is much newer and nicer looking then the old nasty dolly.  It was much more attractive.   Surely if it couldn’t hold the grill this old, battered dolly wouldn’t either.  Fortunately we had the faith to try.  That old dolly made all the difference and a job that I feared would be the death of me was made easy.

In Matthew 11:28-30 the Savior invites us to come unto Him.  He says:

28  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. 

I appreciate that invitation from our Savior.  Like the dolly made that grill easier to move the Savior can make our burdens easier to bear.  I know that this is true and am grateful to the Savior for his love for me and for my children.  He does not leave us comfortless and he does give us rest.

Next I spoke about a skin condition and a healing cream. 

Healing Cream

I have a skin condition on my hands.  Doctors tell me that stress causes small blisters to form on my fingers and hands.  They are rather irritating.  My knuckles swell and crack and become quite painful as well.   There really is not a cure for the condition, all I can do it treat it with an ointment, a healing cream.  I went for many years with a single bottle that I would dole out a little at a time to keep the irritation to a minimum.  The ointment was nearly gone.  I had the small bottle for over 7 years and the ointment had dried out some and wasn’t quite as effective as it once was.  Perhaps the thought of going to the doctor for a new prescription was too easy and so I allowed myself to suffer.  In a recent visit to the doctor I decided to ask about a prescription for my hands.   I have it now and when I apply it to my hands when needed they are healed and feel great.

I couldn't help but think about the fiery flying serpents and the easiness of the way to be healed.  This verse in 1 Nephi chapter 17 verse 41 captured that nicely.

41  And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod; for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent fiery flying serpents among them; and after they were bitten he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform was to look; and because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished.

We don"t all have skin conditions, we do all suffer from temptation and sin and a variety of other trials or challenges that come our way.  The Lord can heal our hearts as we pass through mortality, he can make us whole, he can comfort and strengthen us and he does as we come unto him. 

There was a lot more in the lesson but I thought I would simply share these thoughts tonight and my testimony that Jesus Christ is our Savior and friend.  He is aware of each of us individually and loves to bless our lives.  Through him we can return safely home to our Heavenly Father. 

Let's Move Out!

Today was the day we moved the cafe.  My goodness, what a day it has been.  I am completely wiped out and somehow I have two boys that are pushing for a late night.  Both are somehow wired.  Hopefully they will slow down a bit here and fall asleep.  It is going to be hard for me to stay awake.  I could have them type the blog, that usually helps me get to sleep quickly. 

So we were on the move.  Jack really wanted to come and knowing this was going to be a full day I took him with me and had Natty stay home with Andy.  She did well with him.  Jack had a good time with everyone on the move.  It started out well.  He talked and talked and talked to everyone.  We had Mak, Taryn and Nikki there helping and Jack kept them entertained. 

There were a few things he said that were pretty funny.  Well, I thought they were funny anyway.  When we were pulling out with the first load he didn't want anyone to leave before he said "Let's Move Out!".  He delivered his line well and made a point of saying it each time we took a load. 

At one point in the move we were at the new space and Jack was locked into an Ozzy Osborne song.  He kept singing the line "we're going off the rails on a crazy train..."  over and over again.  I played that song for him once thing he might like it because of it's association with trains.  That was probably a year ago.  I am amazed that he just started singing it.  I guess it stuck with him. 

There were a number of things that he talked about that were pretty funny and definitely his view on just about anything is pretty fantastic.  He did suddenly throw out to the girls some fun, lesser known facts about submarines and operating a sup.  The person who drives the sub is actually called a pilot.  I did not know this. 

At the end of the day we were getting ready to come home and pops played a little joke on Jack with a fake, bloody hand.  He made like his hand came off.  Jack just laughed and said something like "That's funny grandpa.  When I grow up I'm going to share that story with my kids."   It got pops laughing pretty good. 

Well, it is bed time.  Both the boys just told me they were tired.  That is a good thing.  The day was a long one.  It was great to have little Jack around.  He certainly kept us all entertained.  There is only one last thing to say in closing;  Let's Move Out! 

Spent

I am feeling rather spent.  The last month has been exhausting.  Battling illness with the kids and then myself was not easy.  Thanksgiving week was full and now this week has just been non stop.  It is far from over too.  There is a kitchen to move tomorrow and it is going to be a chore.  I am not completely sure how we are going to get it all done but we will press forward.  If 100% of the kitchen isn't moved by tomorrow I will not sweat it.  So long as we have everything there that we need to operate.  It is going to be different.  Lots to do.  We are probably not as ready as we could be but we will get there.  It doesn't end after tomorrow though.  We have catering lined up for next week that will keep us busy everyday.  I am sure that by next Saturday I am going to be brain dead.   

Closing Time

We hosted an 8th Ward Elders Quorum social at The Little Brick House tonight.  It was a good get together.  The fall social is a soup fest of sorts and we had a pretty good turn out.  Fun times were had by all, well, I hope so anyway.  Everyone seemed to be having a good time.  I was glad we could host it at the LBH. 

After the party as I was doing the last little bit of cleaning up I started to think about this old building.  As I mopped the floor I thought about refinishing the hardwood and then all of the other work we have done.  I think back to those very first days in March of 2011 when I was tearing out the old hood.  I knew right then we had a big project ahead of us.  We certainly did and it has been quite the journey.  I was a bit sad as I thought about the move and leaving behind this place that has been our home for the last year and a half.  The old building is tired and some days it is a wonder that she is even standing.  I am grateful for being there.  Grateful for the experiences and the things I have learned.  Grateful for the friendships we have made and the wonderful people we have come to know. 

Well, tomorrow will be our last day at 50 West 400 South.  Closing time is upon us.  I don't know if anything else will go into this old building.  There is so much work that needs to happen there beyond what we have done.  And so we say goodbye.  We are looking forward to our new building, to a bigger kitchen, to cooling in the kitchen, to better exposure, to new friendships and new experiences. 

Win

I remember listening to Jack Christiansen when I was a youth and feeling inspired.  He is one of my heroes you could say.  His stories and testimony of the Savior strengthened me.  Perhaps it was the fact that my first Youth Conference was a weekend get a way to BYU Hawaii and Jack was there speaking to the youth.  He returned a year or so later and participated in another conference.  I listened to many of his talks after that through cassette tapes.  At some point he gave a talk called Spiritual Winners and in that talk he shared a story about attending the Special Olympics with his family.  I was just now thinking about that and the theme from that Special Olympics - now I don't know if this is the theme for all Special Olympics or just the Olympics he was attending.  Anyhow the theme was this:  "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be valiant in the attempt".  I hope that I can be valiant in my attempt everyday to follow the Savior.  I have been listening to Elder Holland's talk from the last conference and I think about the Lord's interview with Peter as Elder Holland shares it.  "Lovest thou me more than these...".  As I ponder that inquisition and Peter's reply I wonder how would I answer that?  How do I show the Lord that I love him?  What can I do to better show the Lord that I love him?  I want to do what is right, I want to follow the Lord faithfully, valiantly.  Lord, let me win, but, if I cannot win let me be valiant in the attempt.     

Do What Is Right

When I attended Richard Jensen's funeral I learned that he used to play the piano for Priesthood opening exercises at church.  Apparently he only played one song, Do What Is Right. I thought that was pretty fantastic.  As I consider the challenges of life and everything that we are faced with daily I have to say it is not always easy to do what is right.  There are simply moments that arise in our lives when we don't handle something as well as maybe we could have.  There are times when we make a wrong choice and fall short of the example of the Savior.  I don't think any of us go out with the intention of doing wrong but it happens.  For that reason we have a Savior who loves us and who makes it possible for us to overcome our failings and enables us to be perfected through him.  What a precious gift that is.  As we go forth doing what is right in following the Savior, as we repent when we fail in those efforts I know the Lord will provide guidance and strength to weather the storms of life.  As we strive to follow the Lord our spiritual power increases and we draw nearer to our Heavenly Father. 

Thanksgiving Hangover

It is one of those days when you wake up and reality hits and instead of wanting reality to happen you really wish you could just continue with that extended weekend. Everything is kind of, I don't know, dull, sluggish, whatever.  You press forward because you must but ultimately you'd rather just have a nap.  We can call this the Thanksgiving Hangover.  Hopefully tomorrow we will be back to normal. 

Weekend Over

The holiday weekend has drawn to a close.  Wow, it has been a long weekend.  I have a few kids that I think are a little bit worn out by it.  Lots of family stuff going on.  Lots of playing with cousins and I think they are just worn out.  It will be nice to get back on to our normal routine... I hope anyway. 

I would love to say more but the reality is that it is very late and I am very tired.  In this long weekend a certain Natty forgot to do a homework assignment for school and so I have been helping her on it tonight though she has been in bed.  What a pain in the back side.  Hopefully she will do well on it.  I shouldn't admit to handling that homework for her but it just needed to happen and I was tired and she needed to get to bed. 

Really just rambling here.  The weekend is over and I am ready to call it a night. 

Twenty Years

It is pretty hard for me to believe that it has been twenty years since I graduated from high school.  It is just under twenty years from the time I entered the Missionary Training Center.  Today I had lunch with one of my friends from High School, David Thompson.  Twenty years ago we graduated together.  Just under twenty years ago we hung out in Salt Lake the day before I reported to the MTC and then I said goodbye to Grandma Vi and David when I went in to the MTC.  I have not seen Dave since that day.  April 28th, 1993.  It was a Wednesday.  I only know that because Wednesday is the day that new missionaries report, it's not like I remember random days of the week in history.  I can say that Thanksgiving was on a Thursday that year... 

Anyhow, it was great to see David.  He is a good man and has a beautiful family.  I met his wife Terry and their two sons Dallin (5) and Conner (15 months).  As an added bonus his younger brother Don was with them.  We went out to lunch and enjoyed visiting.  It was nice of them to stop on their way to Salt Lake after being down in St. George for the holiday.  I always enjoyed Dave and Don and the rest of the Thompson fam.  They are good people.

It is really hard to believe that twenty years has passed.  It just doesn't seem like that could happen and yet it has.  It is hard to believe that I have allowed myself to be completely disconnected from old friends.  I am just not that good of a communicator I guess.  Life gets busy and I get so caught up in the busy that I don't reach out much.  I should probably do a better job of that staying in touch thing. Twenty years is kind of embarrassing.    

White Choc Mac Nut

For those who read regularly you know that I have a deep and abiding love for all things Nutella.  I have made my own on occassion and it is a favorite treat.  Whilst walking through the store the other night I had a wild idea that I could make something like unto Nutella using White Chocolate Chips and Macadamia Nuts.  I wasn't making it for the chocolate nut butter though that did end up being a fantastic blend.  I actually made it so that I could make a pie with it.  I did so and it has had a couple of postitve reviews.  I am happy enough with it.  Might like a little more macadamia in it but other then that it was good.

Enjoyed a day of moving things to the new shop.  We are looking forward to that

My goodness.  It is late.  I am falling  a sleep.   

Turkey Bowl 2012

I should start by wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving.  What a wonderful holiday.  One of my favorites to be sure.  Might I also add at this point in the post that I am grateful for the many blessings of my life.  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me as he does you.  Grateful for a loving Savior and for all He makes possible.  I am grateful for His gospel and the guidance and direction it gives me in my life, for the hope and the peace that it provides and for the joy that I feel because of it.  I am grateful for the testimony that I have of the restored gospel.  I am grateful for the testimony I have of the Book of Mormon.  I am grateful for the blessing of strength that these testimonies give me.  I grateful for family and friends.  I have been blessed with a wonderful family who are a tremendous strength to me and lift me up.  I am grateful for the righteous examples of my siblings and my parents.  There is great strength that comes because of those examples and because of their faith.  I am grateful for and humbled by my children.  It is hard to keep up with them.  It is hard to provide them with all they need.  There are certainly moments when I feel a great deal of inadequacy, that is real.  I rely on the Lord for the difference and it comes through loving family members and friends.  Thank you for what you have done to me and my children. 

I have to take a moment and report on the Turkey Bowl.  It went well.  The turnout was good, well better than the last two years.  Not too many from the Ward.  Just Jay, Darrin Winn and myself.  I find myself playing a little more cautious as I get older.  Perhaps one too many Turkey Bowl injuries in the past.  So I take it easy out there through I have moments where I can relive a bit of the glory days.  Like my kickoff today for example.  I set the ball on the T and went back for a running start.  I got that, planted and sent a beautiful or not so beautiful kick out there.  Well, my left didn't quite plant and so I actually went down pretty good.  My kickoff skills need some fire improvement for sure.  I was flat on my back and laughing at myself.  Perhaps cleats would be a good addition - or not.  The occasional but plant never hurt anyone.  Mmmmm, maybe that last statement is not true.  I am enjoying little bits of pain and soreness throughout my body.

It wasn't all bloopers.  I did manage a few good plays, a few touchdowns.  My favorite was a kickoff return.  I was in our end zone when I picked up the ball and everyone was saying to down it.  No way.  I took off and I somehow managed to weave my way through the kicking team and score.  I laughed in the end zone "down it" and I spiked the ball.  I have no idea how my flags managed to stay on.   Anyhow, it was a great game.  Lots of fun.  Good balance between the amount of pain I feel now and the game itself.  So, on to next year and another blooper real.  Perhaps one of these years I will decide the time has come to hang em up but for now, and while I still can, I will go out and enjoy a little football on Thanksgiving. 

Mental Prep

Tomorrow is a big day.  Thanksgiving only comes around once a year.  I've got to get mentally prepared for the occasion.  Well, really I am just talking about mental preparedness for the Turkey Bowl.  Oh, they did put me in charge drinks, potatoes and a few pies.  Sweet.  We'll get that done but really, I am most excited about the Turkey Bowl - it's a football game.   You know people have a lot of traditions for Thanksgiving, so do I - it's called the Turkey Bowl..  So hey, mental prep is underway.  I am getting into the zone.  I would write about more but I am absolutely exhausted right now and the most important thing I can do is sleep so I can be well rested for the Turkey Bowl.   

The Pie Guy

Grandma Vi was a wonderful cook and was very well known for her pies.  I was always a bit fan of hers and loved her little Vi does Pie cookbook.  We used to have one of those, quite possibly still do.  Unfortunately I have no idea where our copy would be.  I am certainly a far way off of her pie mastery.  I am, however, feeling like The Pie Guy.  Perhaps it is the 23 pies I made today?  Pops made an additional 8 and I can't remember how many Dave made.  At least 15 plus.   So hey, maybe not The Pie Guy as much as The Pie Guys.  I'm sure I will have a few more to make tomorrow and then I also have been assigned a couple of pies for the family gathering.  Now, however, I am completely drained and void of energy.  Must sleep!

A Little Paint

One thing about the new location that I really didn't like was a teal paint on the lower half of all the walls in the entry and dining areas.  It's a major turn off for me and I definitely don't think it goes with The Little Brick House feel that we have created.  I pushed to have it painted now rather then wait and have to move a bunch of stuff.  I was quite happy when others agreed.  The folks picked out a color that I may not have chosen myself and brought in a guy to paint it.  I was planning to paint but have to say, with getting sick and everything I am quite happy someone else took on this job.  Today pops told me it got done and that it looked great.  After our FHE lesson tonight we took a little family field trip over to see the new look.  Wow!  It looks fantastic, I mean really good.  What a difference.  That teal made me want to throw up in my mouth repeatedly and now that desire is completely gone.  I am quite relieved as I really don't like to throw up and having that feeling is just bad, bad I say.  In other exciting news, mom began decorating the big wall and it is really looking sharp.  I left tonight feeling quite excited for the developments there.  The kids all liked the new look too.  We've got a ton of work to do in the next two weeks to get in and get out.  I don't know how we are going to manage it all but we will get there.  That little bit of paint sure adds to the excitement. 

Cousins

Made a trip down to Vegas today and stopped in at Jim and Clorinda's house.  Pete, Tara and fam were in from Houston and were going to be over for a bit.  Sara had mentioned this a few days ago when I was near to death and in that state there was no way I was making a trip anywhere.  Yesterday pops mentioned it.  I still wasn't sure I would be up to making the trip.  This morning however I woke up feeling much better.  I asked the kids how they would feel about making a road trip today to see their cousins and they were all about it.  So much so that they all got showered and ready for church without a problem.  We went to an earlier Ward than ours.  Not sure what Ward it was but they meet at our Stake Center at 11 so I know they are part of our Stake.  I recognized a few people there, most likely from The Little Brick House.  It was High Council Sunday and the rep was Brother Dotson from our Ward so it was almost like being at our regular meeting.  The theme as you might guess on this Sunday before Thanksgiving was gratitude. 

On that note let me just say how grateful I am for cousins.  I grew up idolizing my cousins.  They were the best and I wanted to be just like them.  Well, I was happy to see my kids have the opportunity to spend time with their cousins.  They are actually quite fortunate to spend many a day with their cousins that live next door.  That is pretty fantastic.  Today they got to spend time with nearly all of their cousins from the Fontano Fam.  The only cousins missing were Shey and Donovan Jack.  Pretty neat day and a neat visit. 

We discussed Jeremy, Abbie, Ben and Oliver being there and Natty, Jack and Andy were all excited about that.  Jack was especially excited to meet his new little cousin Oliver.  He got to hang out near him quite a bit.  Here is a picture of them meeting each other, Jack just wanted to talk to him and play.

Both the boys were pretty excited about that new little baby.  They actually took my phone and would record videos of Oliver and others then they would play back the videos for Oliver.  I think Oliver actually liked them, for a while anyway.   It was pretty cute to watch them.

Here is Andy hanging out with Clayton and Jeremy.  We've also got Ben there on the floor. 
 

 

 

I didn't get a picture of Natty but she had a ball there with all of her cousins.  Though I am tired tonight and we did a lot of driving I am grateful to have made the trip. 

 

Now just for a moment I will speak beyond cousins.  I briefly make mention of Brothers and Sisters.  I am humbled by the greatness that exists in my brothers and sisters.  Today we had 5 of the 8 there together and it was a wonderful treat. Each are good and faithful people who I look up to and admire greatly.  I actually saw that Amy had posted a picture from her wedding as the background pic on her facebook.  It was a picture with all the siblings at the Temple, on the grounds, striking a funny pose.  It makes me laugh and it makes my eyes a bit wet as I think about how much my family means to me.   

 

Snow Boots

Andy pulled snow boots out of the closet this morning.  One was his and the other was Jack's.  These are now 2 years old and I figured Andy would be in to Jack's boots this year and I would have to get Jack a new pair.  I mentioned that to Andy.  He was not a fan of the idea and squeezed his foot into his boot.  He then went and found the other boot and did the same.  He was very happy with himself and excited about his boots.  He declared that he would wear his boots everyday this Winter.  I note that he did not say all day every day because that simply didn't happen.  He took them off after a bit.  I had felt his toe in the boot and it is right up against the boot.  I can't imagine that is at all comfortable but the little man is determined.  It was one of those seens where perportions just aren't quite right.  His body was definitely too big for his little feet.  It is really quite amazing to look at these kids and see just how fast they are growing up.  Andy has always been a little smallish but he is starting to sprout up some.  I know, most people use a ruler, a pencil line and a door jam to measure growth.  Why mess with that kind of hassle when all you really need is a good pair of snow boots?  Next year I will simply cut the toe out of the boot and we'll determine his growth by how far out of the boot his toes stretch.  So grateful for Natty, Jack and Andy.  They are wonderful kids and truly keep me going.    

The Twinkler

I am sitting here wondering how to say this without grossing people out.  Forget it.  If you find this offensive then so be it.  The fact is little boys have little man parts and sometimes little boys can come up with some interesting names for their little man parts.  Some time ago Jack started referring to his unit as his Twinkie.  What possessed him to come up with that name for his man tool I don't exactly know but it is his chosen handle for the hammer in his tool belt. 

We ventured out to McD's for dinner.  Admittedly not my idea of a delicious meal but sometimes you do things for your kids that make them happy.  They like to go and play in the McPlayPlace and I like to sit and watch the news.  As a non TV, cable or whatever watching person the occasional news program is nice.  On extra special visits to this fine establishment I might even catch some sports but that really isn't relevant to this story.  So, what was big in the news today?  Looks like today marks the end of the road for Hostess.  Hostess is the maker of the Twinkie and other wonderful snacks that many of us grew up on.  I am sure this is sad news for many out there. 

This story came on the news as we were sitting and eating our delicious meal.  I said to the kids, "The Twinkie is going away!"  I then clarified that Hostess is going out of business and their will be no more Twinkies.  In all seriousness Jack says "I've still got my Twinkie".  Yes, yes you do Jack.   Hostess can't take that Twinkie away from you or any other man.  So weep not for the Twinkie my friends, it lives on. 

Weird Dad

I am sick.  Wow, I had no idea just how awful this cold was for my kiddos to endure until I got hit by it full force.  It has been coming on for a few days and I figured I had been through the worst of it and then I woke up this morning.  I actually didn't go in to work today.  That is rare and you know I am hurting if I don't go in to work.  I have no idea how I would have done it today at work.  I had absolutely no energy.  I did get up and go in for a few minutes to pick something up and to outline Dave on something I needed him to get info on from the suppliers.  Apparently I still looked pretty bad even though I had taken a shower, shaved, brushed my teeth... maybe it was the fact that I forgot to get dressed that caused every one to stare in freakish horror.  Only kidding, I was fully clothed.  In fact, when I came home I got back in my bed with my shoes still on my feet.  I pulled the covers around my legs and just went back to sleep.  Jack got home from school and came in to hang out with me.  He climbed in to the bed and cuddled up.  Then he started to laugh and said "you still have your shoes on your feet, you sure are weird dad."   Well, there you have it.  I am a weird dad.  And with that I am going to bed... with my shoes on my feet.  Well, maybe not.  That would be weird.

Storyteller

One of the things that I have really grown to love is sharing stories with my kids.  A lot of times these can be personal experiences that I share or they can be things that happened to those around me or someone I know.  It can also just be a story but the ones that are the funnest are the personal experiences.  Talk about a captive audience.  All three kids will be sitting there listening to every word.  If there is something funny about the story they laugh and they laugh and they laugh some more.  Usually when I finish the story I get asked to tell it again.  After I have shared it twice I usually get asked to share it one more time.  Without fail a couple days will pass or even just one and Jack will remind me of the story... remember when you did this...  and he starts to laugh and then he'll ask me to tell the story.  Or he'll tell someone else something about the story and then ask me to finish it.  It can also be quite random.  Yesterday Jack repeated S double N double 2 4 T.  How he remembers my old mission car license plate number is beyond me but then again, why do I remember it?  A personal experience with Mr. Lau at a mental hospital outside of Queenstown, South Africa.  A story I shared that made the kids laugh and had to be repeated, well repeatedly.  It is funny how these things stick.  I am always so thankful for the captive audience that is Natty, Jack and Andy and hope that the little lessons of my story telling stick with them and strengthen them when they need it. 

My Turn

I had a thought earlier about what I was going to write about today.  I was excited about the topic and felt it would make for a great post.  Well, I have no idea now what that Idea was.  My mind has gone completely blank. 

The last week has been quite the week on the kids and it has worn me down some as well.  Today I think it took me beyond being worn down to simply being sick.  It would seem that it is my turn.  Hopefully I have been through the worst of it.  Hopefully we can all get past this mess.  Apparently Jack threw up at Annie's house tonight.  Fantastic.  He had bowl.  Love that. 

I do need to mention that Jack's IEP was today following the assessments we completed.  Oh my goodness.  He is now officially classified as Autistic and ranks up there on the Asbergers scale.  I am grateful for the good people at South.  They have been so good with Jack. 

Any now, I must sleep.  It is afterall, my turn. 

Say It Aint So

I was thrilled this morning to start the day with healthy kids, or healthier kids who are on the mend.  All three made it to school this morning and seemed to be feeling good.  We even managed to make it through the day without any calls from the schools requesting a pick up of a sickly child.  After a very long week last week this was a welcome day. 

I got a call from Natalie later in the day and in her partially lost voice, sounding weak and sickly she requested I come home.  She had just thrown up in the living room.  I did not want to hear this and my reply was something a long the lines of "say it ain't so" or "are you kidding me?"  Well, she wasn't kidding and suddenly I completely lacked the desire to head home.  I did not want to walk in to a pile of puke.  I invited Natty to clean it but she was not interested.  I had a few more things to do at the Brick House.  After getting home I learned that Natty had actually cleaned up her puke.  Wonderful, wonderful news.  Unfortunately she is down and out of it again though she is getting much needed rest.   

I Will Choose the Right

I believe the theme for the Cedar 8th Ward Primary was something along the lines of I Will Choose the Right.  That program was today and it was actually a very good Primary program.  There was a wonderful spirit and certainly the confirming witness of the spirit that truth was being taught. 

Andy had a bit of a rough time.  He was very involved with his chair.  Constantly up and down.  Well, he sang along with some of the songs.  He said his part, I never actually got his part for the program so we didn't have a chance to practice here.  I actually couldn't understand much of what he said.  I think it had something to do with praying.  I was happy to see him involved.

Jack got his part down and he also was very much involved with the program and all of the singing.  He really did a great job.   I was moved by his involvement and his enthusiasm for the program.  It gives you hope when you see your children doing good.  Well, it gave me hope anyway.     

Dusting

We got a little snow last night.  Very thankful that it was just a little snow.  I don't know that I am ready to wield the snow shovel right now.  I think perhaps I am just a bit tired from a week of sickly children.  I need to get ready for that snow though.  It will be here soon.  That is okay, I will be ready for it and grateful for what it provides the land. 

Although it was just a dusting there was one AndyBoy that really wanted to go sledding.  I said know a few times and then I said why.  He didn't like being told no and he carried on and on.  Once I explained why we wouldn't be out playing in the snow he accepted it and we didn't discuss it again.  The why was that he has been sick all week with a cough and sore throat.  Going out and playing in the cold would not help the cough and would only make it worse.  He cannot miss more school next week because I lest him go outside to play in the snow today.  It just seemed to click and it was nice not to have to continue to say no. 

I am completely exhausted and will close this out.  I am feeling a bit sickly tonight and am hoping it is just exhaustion and not what the kids have had.  I really don't have time for that, not even a dusting. 

Long Week

It has been a very long week for me.  It is not that the days have dragged on it is that the kids have been sick all week.  I managed to get Andy to school today for the first time this week.  Oh my goodness.  It probably wouldn't have hurt to have had him home again today but he really needed to be there.  I believe his day was good though our discussion on the matter has been limited by him sleeping.  He is so tired.  Jack has also been sleeping all evening.  Natty was home today from school and she is feeling pretty crummy.  Wow, it is exhausting trying to place dad nurse to all the kids. Anyhow, this has made the week long.  Hopefully we are getting through it and hopefully I don't come down with it.  I really don't want to make it a long two weeks. 

It's Read!

Jack just came up stairs, after he was supposed to be sleeping, and said he needed me to tell him a story so he could go to sleep.  Is he trying to say my stories are just boring enough to help him fall asleep?  No, he usually laughs at them, remembers them and wants me to share them over and over again.  So there I was searching my mind for a story to tell.  A few days ago as I was pondering things a story from my mission popped in my head and made me think about listening to and acting on the promptings of the spirit.  Here's the story.

I was driving to a Zone Conference one day in Port Elizabeth with my companion, Elder Travis Youngberg, a former companion Elder Justin Merrill and his companion Elder Lee Donly.  Elder Youngberg and Elder Donly were both new missionaries and Elder Merrill and I were training them.  They were both practicing scriptures they had learned and we were working to get Elder Donly prepared for his first Zone Conference.  Elder Donly was reciting a scripture and I was watching him periodically through the rear view, it allowed me to feel a little more connected.  Well Donly was doing a good job on one and Merrill starts saying "it's read, it's read, it's read"  and I was like; Dude, so he's reading it, big deal..."  I then looked up and realized that Merrill was telling me that the light was red as we came skidding to a halt in the intersection.  Slightly embarrassed and very lucky.  there was no cross traffic. 

Jack thought that story was hilarious and he had a good laugh.  I'm certain to be sharing it with him again soon.  Anyhow, sometimes the Spirit is telling us something and we simply fail to hear or understand. Sometimes we look up just at the right time and and suddenly the message makes sense.  Well, I hope that I can hear the word of the Lord clearly and act on the things he would have me do.     

Pray That America Wins

This was not my favorite election.  It was really a hard one and a difficult loss last night.  I don't talk a lot of politics in the home, it just isn't a big topic of discussion with a 12, 8 and 6 year old.  We talked about the Presidential race and we discussed Obama and Romney.  The kids knew that I was voting for Romney.  They knew my feelings about him, of his goodness and his character.  They also knew that I am not the biggest fan of Obama.  I don't believe that he has been a good leader for our country.  Last night when the race was called for Obama I was not happy and the kids knew that.  Jack wasn't happy either and he said a few things about Obama that I might have said sometime in the past.  I am not sure.  I do know that it was not something I really wanted him going to school and saying and I also felt it important that the kids understand that we pray for the leaders of our country, even Obama, especially Obama.  In that conversation this morning Jack caught on pretty well.  Andy was pretty angry about Obama and said something that was less than nice.  I sat with him for a bit and told him how much I love him.  We talked about how sometimes we lose, we hope to win but things don't always go our way.  We prayed that Mitt would win the election.  He did not.  We need to pray for the leaders of our country, including Obama and we specifically need to pray that our country, that America wins.  A little while later little Andy, who is still sick as can be, looked up to me and with a very sweet voice said "Dad, I prayed for our country in my mind, that it can win".  He was so sincere and I am grateful for his tender heart. 

Ballot Casting

A quick update on the boys - still sick.  Spent the day with Grandma.  Thanks Ma for taking them.  They are in bed now. Medicated.  Blessed.  Prayed over.  We approach tomorrow with optimism that they will be on the mend and ready to head back to school. 

On to today.  I looked forward all day to the opportunity to go and vote.  It is election day in The United States of America and we have the opportunity as a nation to let our voices be heard.  Around 5:30 or so, after picking the boys up from Grandma, I made my way over to South Elementary School to cast my ballot.  As I returned home I sat and pondered our right to vote and I thought about being on mission in South Africa in 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected President.  I was reminded of the great privilege it is to vote.  I shared the following:

It is always a pleasure to cast my ballot. I can't help but think about the elections of 1994 in South Africa when I watched a people who had never been allowed to vote before line up for two days to cast their ballots. They cherished that opportunity as do I.

We live in a wonderful country.  I am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and the rights that are ours.  I am grateful to have voted today.

In light of those thoughts let me also express my tremendous sadness.  It would appear as if the candidate I voted for, Mitt Romney, will not win the election.  It has been called for President Obama.  I hope for some sort of a miracle to take place that news stations called it too early and that when the final votes have been counted the results will be different.  I shutter to think what four more years of President Obama will bring to our country.  

As I knelt at Andy's bedside and said my prayers I thought about our great country.  We are more then the person that serves as President.  We are Americans and we can accomplish great things.  We are not subject to a ruler or dictator, we are free to do great things and we should.  In the great game of politics the leader will try to take claim for what we as a people accomplish.  I can tell you that our little business employs 11 people and I'll be damned if I give the credit for those jobs to President Obama.  He has nothing to do with it.  He is not the one taking the risk, not the one working for pennies and certainly has no skin in the game.  The reality is we chose to take the risk as do all entrepreneurs who go out and try to make something more of themselves.  No one man can rob us of that right.  We can choose to sit and do nothing or press forward, working hard to make this country great.  That, I guess, is the pep talk I had to give myself as I shared my feelings with the Lord - well, I didn't say the part about "I'll be damned" in my conversation there with the Lord.  That was just a little creative licence to add a little drama to the blog. 

This is all I have for tonight.  I wish there were more Americans who cast ballots similar to mine.  I know there are quite a few that did and hope that each of us will see fit to do all we can to make this country great, to keep this country great.