Oh The Boys!

My goodness the boys are driving me crazy right now.  I love these boys, they are just wonderful and fill my life with joy and gladness.  We are however experiencing growing pains.  They are at a stage where neither can do anything right and the best way to express that is through argument or throwin blows.  We are focused right now on the savior instructing the Nephites about contention.  It is going to take some work though it will be a great day when we turn that corner. 

Larger or Smaller Plates

Open up, let it out.  I have been contemplating making a change to the blog.  As my faithful readers know this is my daily journal.  I record my happenings in this format and sometimes that gets a little frightening.  I have held back sharing some of my thoughts and feelings because though I love you all there are some things that I will reserve for myself.  And so I am contemplating some things and thinking that The Family Fountain will continue as it has.  It will be my large plates if you will, a more historic part of the journey whilst some of my experiences and feelings that I hold a little closer to the chest might possibly get recorded in a more private manner, my smaller plates.  We will see what I decide to do.  I have written a lot of stuff that has been deleted because it wasn't something I could share in this open format.  These are thoughts that are important to me and so recording them is probably something I should endeavor to do.  If I do this I may not have a daily entry in this blog any longer.  I may have days where my recordings will better fit in the other.  Hard to say though.  I am sure people tire of reading my blabberings.  I also want to write my life history.  I am sure to miss many details but there are some things taht I should record.  Childhood memories and experiences along the way that could help my posterity know and understand me better.  So much to do. 

I am going to report on FHE tonight.  I was ready to forget it because a few kids were not being very cooperative.  We pressed forward and had a little conversation about what is expected.  I don't know how many more times in my life I will have to have this conversation wtih them.  This certainly wasnt the first time.  Anyway we got to discussing Prophets and the kids rememberred some of last weeks lesson.  That alone gives me hope.  Hope that these efforts are not in vain, that the things we are discussing are not falling on deaf ears.  Strength to press forward with stedtfast faith in Christ. 

8 to 1

The singles conference drew to a close today and I was sad to have that happen.  I rather enjoyed it.  So much more comfortable this year then it was last year.  Perhaps it was the lack of speed dating on the schedule that made it so.  No, I have come quite a ways since then in the healing process and that has made a big difference. 

Naturally we attend these conferences to meet the ladies right?  Well, not exactly.  There was so much that was good in the classes offered, the special firesides/morningside, and the Sacrament meeting.  I felt the Spirit many times throughout the conference and appreciate all who participated in this great event. 

I was so tired last night that I failed to give much of an accounting of the day in my blog entry.  I witnessed something amazing when I attended a presentation by Justin Osmond.  He has 90% hearing loss but you wouldn't know it.  He shared a special sign language musical number about the first vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith and it peirced my soul.  It was just so powerful.  I recall a mission president visiting the Lakeland Stake a number of years ago and discussing the power of the first vision and how the Spirit testifies of its truth.  I have always experienced that myself from as far back as I can remember anyway.  I didn't always know what those feelings were but they were there.  I felt that same Spirit when I watched Brother Osmod do it and it was powerful.

Anyway a most remarkable day.  Also listened to Brad Wilcox, Kenya Jackson and others.  It I were better with names I would name them but I am not so good and I am very tired right now and don't want to track down my program at the moment.  Suffice to say the messages were wonderful and the Spirit was strong.  I came away spiritually fed and strengthened.  It was wonderful.

So what else to say?  I met some wonderful people and rekindled friendships with some people I met last year.  All of these were ladies.  In fact at one point today I was sitting at lunch and it was just me at this table with 8 ladies.  Yes, 8 to 1 was the highest that it got. 

Quick funny story about that 8 to 1 lunch ratio.  Another brother attending the conference came over and made like he was security and was saying something about the fact that I was at the table with all these ladies.  He said he wanted my number so I could give him my secret.  Karlee, this amazing lady seated at my right whispered, well not really whispered but quietly said to me that his problem may be that he came to this table with all these ladies and asked for the one guys phone number.  I couldn't help myself - Karlee is my writer and I am her actor.  I spoke up and told the guy the first little part of my secret - "I would never go to a table full of ladies and ask for the one guys number".  Everyone laughed - including the guy.  He was a good sport about it, kind of.  I felt a little bad after because he was trying and I know how hard that is.  I hope that he took it in the fun way that it was intended and not as a put down.  I just don't want to hurt someone because of my own pride and trying to elevate myself by putting someone else down.  It was not intentional but I can see how it might hurt someone.  Again, I hope it did not.

I pondered this 8 to 1 thing and thought - where is all the priesthood?  Why am I sitting here, a lone guy with 8 ladies.  I'm not even good looking and there were 8 laides surrounding me.  I had such a wonderful time with these ladies.  We talked and we laughed a lot.  It was a great time in conference.  What wonderful daughters of God I was surrounded by today, and yesterday...





 

Conferencing With Singles

Today was excellent.  I had a great time at the conference.  Can't keep my eyes open.  Report more tomorrow.

Serious Singles

I have posted a few times about dancing recently.  Brace yourselves as tonight I may approach the topic again.   This afternoon the kids and I packed the car and drove to Vegas.  This weekend is a singles conference, yes the same conference I came to last year.  I wasn't quite as nervous walking in to this one but still had a bit of anxiety.  I was much more relaxed when I ran into one of my friends from last year - Jennifer Wagner. Awesome.  She is a funny lady. 
Anyhow there are some pretty serious siingles4 out there.  Some are incredible.  I quite enjoyed the evening.  I did note that some of these singles can dance.  I have a great time out there but still have a long way to go.  Gotta get serious.   Looking forward to the rest of the conference.  
                                                                                                                                    

Gettin Down and Cuttin Loose

Yesterday Natty got Just Dance 3 for her birthday.  She played it with her cousins during our last visit to Vegas and they happened to have an extra copy.  They decided to send that copy to her for her birthday.  Awesome.  Much thanks Jim, Clo, Mernal, Clayton and Katherine.

So anyway, we played it a bit last night.  In my first go I managed to shock Natty by pulling out a victory. I know, amazing right?  Well it all went down hill from there.  Well not all down hill, I managed to surprise her every now and again.  When I got home from work they were at it again and called me down to join.  Actually Jack handed off his controller but I didn't take it at first.  I got to see the three of them dancing together and it was great.  Just brought a smile to my face.  I snapped a quick pic but it was right after the song ended so I had them bust a little move.  Here it is:

So anyway, we danced some more tonight.  It is really a fun game though it makes me realize that my dancing skills are lacking.  I am 38 years old and used to be able to do the running man.  Perhaps it is the pressure of trying to do it in exact step with the game that makes it hard but dang, I seem to have the stumbling man down but the running man is non existent.  It's sad really.  Then again, i've got some Katy Perry song down pat and totally dominate the dance floor.  We have a good time.  Natty wins and I laugh at myself.  Can it get any better than that?  We'll keep gettin down and cuttin loose. 

Twelve

Twelve years ago today Natty Sue Bug came into the world and my life.  What a tremendous blessing she has been and is.  I have been thinking a lot about her recently and I remember the night we took her home.  We had a little one bedroom apartment in Las Vegas out in the Spanish Trails area of Spring Valley.  She was so small, so prescious.  Her mom was exhausted after a rough stay at the hospital and so I let her sleep and took Natty that night.  I could hold her in one hand.  She was so small, so beautiful and just this perfect little person.  I remember just laying there on the couch with her laying on my chest.  It is amazing just how full of love you can immediately have for someone.  I was a little nervous, a lot excited and full of gratitude for this miracle of life. 

As Natalie was my first I immediately noticed some things that I had never noticed about infants before.  She had her own little personality right from the start.  She has always been a very determined little girl and so full of life.  I remember her baby blessing and getting up to share my testimony.  In it I referred to her as a little Turkey.  My goodness those were some fun times. 

Well Natty Sue - It has been 12 amazing years.  You make life wonderful.  Thank you for all that you do in our family.  You  have been a tremendous help to me and a strength in my life.  I am grateful for you and the blessing that you are.

Pistachio Chocolate Crunch

I have begun making my own ice cream lately.  It is a sugar free option for myself and I happen to be a fan.  It is actually quite delicious.  So this morning Jack says to me "Sorry dad, I took some of your pistachio ice cream".  I laughed and asked him how he liked it.  His face lit up - he loved it.  I was not expecting that kind of a response from Jack on the matter.  I thought it was great.  He was so excited about it.  I suppose I will need to make some more - special for Jack.

Here is how I make it with a Cuisinart Ice Cream machine.

Mix the following in a bowl -
 - 2 cups Half and Half
 - 1 cup whole milk
 - 1 to 1.5 cups Splenda.
 - vanilla
 - almond extract
 - pinch of salt

Start machine and pour in mixture.

In seperate bowl combine the following -
 - Ground up pistachios
 - Sugar Free chocolate chips - chopped

Mix Pistachios/Chocolate Chips in with Ice Cream after 20 minutes. Takes approximately three to five minutes to mix in. 

Serve or transfer to seperate bowl and freeze.

Okay that is it.  Good stuff.  I am completely spent however so I am calling it a night before I fall asleep here at the computer. 

Follow

In our Elders Quorum Presidency meeting yesterday President Fawson made mention of the one rule they have in their house; Follow the Prophet.  I've been thinking about that since then and tonight for FHE we discussed the importance of Prophets and following them.  It went pretty well.  I tied in one of the boys favorite auto accessories - the GPS.  We talked about how it shows us the way to where we want to go - it provides directions that if followed, lead us to our destination.  When we miss a turn more direction is given and though it may result in a longer journey ultimately we end up where it is we want to go.  I was in the hot seat with the GPS and came up with God's Prophetic Servants.  I know, it is a little cheesy but it works... right?  Anyhow we  talked about the importance of following the prophet and how his words will lead us back to our Father In Heaven.   We had a good time and I hope the kids took something from the message.  I will focus more on this as we move forward.  The idea is to teach them correct principles, not principles that I made up but those that we have received from the Lord.  Sometimes it can be easy to set aside your parents rules but it is more challenging to set aside the Lord's rules.  As a text for that we are reading the For the Strength of Youth booklet.  I think that will spell things out relatively well. 

Things We Don't Advertise

I was talking with a brother today who I have been impressed with ever since I met him. He is an amazing scriptorian and has a tremendous knowledge of the gospel.  I assumed that he had served a mission and was a gung ho missionary.  I was surprised to find out today that in fact he did not go on a mission.  He said it wasn't something he advertised.  I expressed to him a couple of thoughts and then   Elders Quorum started and we had moved in to the lesson and so we didn't continue our conversation. 

I felt a need to share with him some thoughts regarding Things We Don't Advertise so after the lesson was over we sat for a few minutes and chatted some more.  I expressed to him how impressed with him I was and that I hoped he didn't feel that any of the questions I had asked him or the surprised look I had was in any way a judgement or looking down on him. 

We had a brief and open discussion about the fact that there is some embarrassment in not having served a mission with the huge emphasis that is placed on missionary service in the church.  I shared with him that I could relate very well to that embarrassment having been divorced in the church.  So there we were having this interesting conversation and I think it just allowed us to connect on a certain level.  I talked to him about where I was at when I got divorced and how I felt unworthy to even make a comment in church.  It was very difficult and then I had a quiet moment and the Spirit whispered and I knew it was okay.  I knew that I had experienced certain things and that through those experiences I could help others. 

My friend shared with me some thoughts about the atonement and understanding he gathered in reading the Infinite Atonement and how he opened it up one day when he was struggling with some things and it happened to be discussing the fact that there are things in our lives that happen and they seem like stumbling blocks at the time, and certainly they can be, but if we are faithful and true they are stepping stones. 

Well, this was probably not very detailed and I hesitate to share my friends name.  Suffice to say I have a tremendous amount of respect for him.  I am strengthened by his faith and his testimony.  I understand having things in life that we don't necessarily want to advertise - things in church life that we don't want to advertise.  I am grateful for a loving Father in Heaven that is aware of me, he knows my heart, he stands ready to bless.  So though there are things that I don't advertise in life it is comforting to know that no matter what I have a Father in Heaven that loves me and wants to bless me.  I am grateful that each of us have those same blessings.  My apologies if this makes no sense.  I am quite tired and the thoughts in my head are not translating well. 

Pine Valley

Today we had a small family trip to Pine Valley.  It has been on my mind and so we went.  On the way out we passed the Mountain Meadow Massacre Monument.  I didn't know it was there until I saw the sign and so we made a visit.  It was a short little walk up to the monument.  Interesting history there. 

Anyway we carried on and arrived in Pine Valley.  We stopped at the chapel and we talked about it a bit.  I had told the kids about Israels Dodge Allphin, their great, great, great grandfather who helped to settle Pine Valley and likely assisted in the building of this chapel.  Well, we got out to get a picture and then the kids walked up to the front door, to our surprise it opened and a group came out.  A gentlemen had taken them on a tour and then offered to show us the inside of the building.  It was cool.  He took us in at the lower level that was originally a school.  From there we climbed the stairs to the chapel.  It was quite the chapel - lots of windows and pictures hanging on the wall.  He then invited us up to see the rafters.  In doing so we entered a class room on the third floor.  He showed us pictures he had hanging on the wall of some of the original settlers of Pine Valley.  I was looking for Israel Dodge Allphin as was Natty.  At first I couldn't find him and then there he was.  I told the man that he was a great great grandfather and then he told me that I am related to a Sister Kenworthy who lives in town.  How about that?  Pretty exciting. 

I asked the kids what they liked best - Andy loved the staircases - tall stairs.  He about tripped on every step.  Jack liked that there used to be school in the basement.  Natty, well, she thought it was great that we found the picture of Israel and that my story was true. 

There is some beautiful country back there.  We had a great time.   Here are a couple of pics.   

On the Memory Of...

As a missionary I used to sing a Garth Brooks song with the other two members of the 3 Amigos - Beau Bingham and Justin Merrill.  The song?  The Dance.  It is a great song and who doesn't enjoy a little Garth now and then?  Any how, just thinking about 'the memory of the dance...' .
I was having a wonderful morning as I turned on ITunes, cleaned the house and had a little boogie in my step as I did it.  Is there anything better then dancing a jig while cleaning?  I don't know that there is.  It is fun to just move and it certainly makes cleaning much more entertaining.  So I started thinking about when I started to dance and I remembered being just a wee little fella listening to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack - on 8Track by the way.  Night on Disco Mountain, Disco Inferno, We Should Be Dancin', More then a Woman, Stayin Alive.  These are some all time classics and I loved them.  I couldn't have been much more then 5 years old.  I used to dance around the family room and listen to these songs.  Good times. 

I also thought about being at Silver Mesa Elementary and going through dancing lessons.  I believe it was girls from Hillcrest High School that came in and taught us how to dance.  I remember that one of them paid me a complement about my ability to keep the beat.  Oh I thought I was cool. 

When we moved to Hawaii and I went to my first dance there I learned that guys don't dance and girls do all kinds of crazy things on the dance floor in large groups.  I stopped dancing.  Several years later, after the mission, it hit me that all I need to do is dance in the middle of that group of ladies, there were plenty of guys holding up the walls.  Just get out there and dance.  Oh this was so much more fun. 

Dancing is just one of those things that I enjoy.  Not that I am at all a serious dancer or any good.  I just like to move to the music and so I regularly find myself dance cleaning or dance mowing or whatever.  Maybe if I were listening to music now I would get a little bob in my head and then the shoulders.  You know, let it go until I have to get up on my feet and dance.  Either that or I can simply sit here and look back on the memory of the dance... and smile.

Parent Training

Last night the Little Brick House hosted another parent training for South Elementary.  Sharon, Amy and Jill were there to present again and did a fabulous job.  The topic of discussion was communication.  I find these trainings valuable and enjoy them very much.  These three ladies are also a few of my favorite people from South and have been such a help to our family and to Jack specifically.  They are not the only ones but certainly are very involved with Jack.  So yes there are some special people in my life over at South. 

One of the topics that came up in the lesson was that of effective nonverbal communication and how the words themselves only make up 7% of effective communication.  Considering that statistic Sharon brought up a parent that had sent her a rather agressive email and how, well hurtful it was.  As I listened and felt her frustration I thought about that parent some.  She has a kindergartener that is struggling and she was not happy with everything the school was doing or that she felt they were not doing.  It was easy to put myself in her shoes for a moment and consider the way a parent feels when they have a child that is different.  All you really want is for your child to be normal, to be treated normally, to fit in.  When they don't it is very hard to watch.  I chimed in for a moment and suggested that I think the parent is scared.   I can say from first hand experience that there is a certain amount of fear that exists when your child is a little different.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and to be a little scared. 

I don't know if this makes sense to anyone else or if any others have experienced this.  It is quite common to hear that as a parent you want what is best for your child and you want them to enjoy success and to be better then you are.  When you have a child that has struggles and disadvantages you feel a certain amount of sadness - well, I did.  Being a little fearful of what their future holds was also a very real thing for me personally.  I do remember though that FEAR is false evidence appearing real.  Because we don't know what is happening and we worry about our children we may FEAR their future.  It is hard not to project what is happening today on the rest of our lives. 

Well, I didn't get in to all of this with the ladies last night.  I simply mentioned that parents are sometimes scared for their children. 

This morning I was meeting with Mrs. Coonan for just a moment and she thanked me for the comments regarding parents being scared.  It helped her to refocuss and to approach the subject with a new perspective.

Well, I appreciate again the parent training and my wonderful friends - even when I am the only parent in attendansHH. 

She Did It!

Had a great experience with Natty tonight.  She is turning 12 next week and getting ready to enter Young Women's.  In doing so she will leave Primary.   For the last 4 years we have worked on her Faith In God program and tonight we finished the last of it.  Just in time really.  Tomorrow night she will meet with the Bishop.  We are both excited about it. 

Tonight she passed off her last 4 Articles of Faith.  I know, if I were more diligent she would have had them memorized a while ago though I really cant put that on me.  It is her award, I encouraged as much as I could and have reminded he several times over the last couple of months.  Anyhow, I asked her if she wanted my help tonight and she said yes.  Well, we went to it and she passed off the last four.  She wanted to prove her mastery of the Articles of Faith and recited the entire thing.  Pretty dang fantastic. 

Great job Natty Sue!  You are an amazing daughter and such a good helper.  I appreciate all you do to help me and to help our family.  Keep smiling beautiful girl!

Sweet Valentine

Got up this morning and had walks to shovel and a drive to clear off.  I hurried through and when I got back inside Jack was all geared up to go to school.  It was Valentines Day and he wasn't about to miss it.  Fortunately his fever had gone and his cough had lessened some.  His eyes were also clearing up.  I would have probably kept him home another day but he was determined to be there.  He even got out his valentines and got started on them.  I had to lend a bit of a hand and should make note here that every Andy and Jack signature this year is a forgery.  Yes, I signed their names for them and I did my very best to make it appear like they had signed it.  Is that bad?  Do other parents sign things this way or am I alone in this?  I'm probably alone.  I would have preferred that they each sign their own names but they were not having any and I just needed to get it done.  Anyhow they were very excited to go to school.  I had gotten each a new pair of shoes last night for Valentines - I believe in practical gifts and it came down to new shoes or new socks.  The shoes won out.  Both are crazy about their shoes and I guess I did an alright job picking them out.  What a relief.

After getting the boys to school I returned home and got loaded up.  I had to take the LBH snow blower over to the shop to clear the lot.  That is a big parking lot.  Well, not extremely big but it seems quite large when you are clearing it.  The sun had come out and it didn't take long for the snow to get wet and heavy.  That made for some fun.  Well not too long after I got though that we got busy.  It stayed busy much of the day and we had a record breaking day for a Tuesday.  It was record breaking for every other day of the week with the exception of Friday.  That was good.  The store side also did quite well.  We are needing to add a couple of people and that is a good thing.  Really it is kind of crazy as this is supposed to be the slow season for the food industry in Cedar yet we keep picking up more and more business.  I am extremely grateful for that and for what this little venture has allowed me to do - as far as flexibility with the kids.  There are some tough things too like having a record setting day and so I don't get home as early as I would like and that makes for a busy few hours when I do get home.  We are managing.  The kids are doing well and Jay and Sara have been a huge help there as well as Ma.  I'll tell you, that family support really keeps me going through some very challenging circumstances and is such a blessing to the kids.  Thank you all for the help.

So not Sweet Valentine for me this year.  No treats, no special someone.  Perhaps someday but for now it is just me and the kids.  I brought home dinner and some treats and tried to make something special out of it.  I am not real great at this stuff.  Andy and I got to spend some quality time doing homework and reading.  I'm sure that will go down in history as one of the great Valentines day activities. 

Well, grateful again for the day, for the help, for family.   

White Out

Couple of things to update on - Jack is still not feeling well though he seems to be improving some.  I was probably a bit boring in my post last night and didn't really capture the amazing kid that Jack is.  I think he has to be the happiest sick person I've ever met.  Such a character.  He came with me to work today and did really well down stairs watching Americas Funniest Home Videos.  He also tackled a couple cinnamon rolls - probably not the best get well food but it was something other than ice cream so I was pretty excited.  Hoping and praying that we get beyond this nasty cough soon.  It is not pretty.

Natty and Andy walked to the store tonight after school.  Natty worked on a valentines basket for Mrs. Demille and Andy, well, he asked for a grilled cheese sandwich and then pounded it.  I really like it when Andy has an appetite.  Anyhow we finally got on the road sometime between 6 and 7 and though we were going to hit the local wally world I took the kids home.  Jack was needing meds and to lay down.  The kids also had a skype session planned with their mother.  After getting Jack in bed and the kids on Skype I ran to the store. 

As I left the house a light snow began to fall.  When I got out of Wal Mart it was crazy.  We had a few inches fall in a relatively short amount of time. Driving home was like driving through a blizzard.  Gotta love those white out conditions.  Looks like lots of shoveling tomorrow.

No Fun

Two nights ago it was apparent to me that Jack was not feeling well.  He had a great day at school and afterwards with Grandma but after I picked him up we went to the store he had the chills and then didn't want to eat or do anything.  That is Jack.  When he is sick he is down and out.  Yesterday he spent the day relaxing or in bed.  He didn't eat, he didn't do much.  Well, he did eat a bit of ice cream.  That is all he wanted.  It was apparent to me that we were not going to make it to church today.  He has spent the day down and out again with ice cream on the menu.  He does not look like he is having much fun but his spirits are good.  Both he and Andy were rather shaggy and we have discussed hair cuts for a while.  Tonight we had them.  Both boys are looking good.  When I got Jack done and showered he was out of it.  We had scriptures and prayer and then I gave him a blessing.  He is sleeping soundly now and we will see how he is in the morning.  He has kind of taken over my bed so I have slept on the couch - at least last night anyway and it looks like we are headed for the same tonight.  Won't that be nice?

An Andy Album

Andy and I worked on a little project today for his kindergarten class.  He is in the spotlight next week and we got to go through some old picture files on the computer to pick out some to go on a poster board for him.  It will be displayed in class all week and we will do a few other things through the week as well.  He was so excited about it a few days ago and it has been a challenge to contain that excitement.  When I told him this morning that it was time to get started he was really happy.  We opened up different albums and we laughed a lot as we looked through his pics.  I figured we would post some of them here.  Such a beautiful little boy - sure do love him.

Sorry, next day now.  Just showed Andy and we decided to add little descriptions to each photo. 

Andy Blue Eyes - I've always loved this pic.

Folded over and completely out.  Nothing like a good nap.

Happy Halloween.  14 months old.  Little Bear.

Andy loves to go to the pool.

Love that little face. He was having fun playing in the laundry.

Who has time to change?  There was swimming to do...

Have I mentioned that Andy loves the pool?

Have I said anything about changing clothes?

Have I discussed big blue eyes?

Andy and his big black lab Kipper.

Easter Egg Hunt 2010 at John and Kathy Schatz.  Quite the egg hunter.

Hiking at Red Cliffs

Swing Time at Canyon Park after hiking up the river.

Hanging out in a cave at Red Cliffs

Andy's first fish.  Fishing up in Alaska 2011

Oh Captain My Captain.  Andy driving the boat.  Alaska 2011

Watching the Elves transport presents to the sleigh.

Andy at the Thursday morning stampede. 

Saying hi to the cows before class at SUU Head Start.

Our beautiful Andy Boy.

Grandparents Program

I have written previously about the miracles that have taken place with Jack since we moved to Cedar.  It isn't possible to accurately describe his transformation with words so I will simply say it is nothing less than miraculous.

Today was the Grandparents Program in Mrs. Whetman's second grade class.  I was also invited and it was very evident that Jack really wanted me to be there.  I am so happy that I went.  As soon as I walked into the room I heard Jack call out and then saw him run across the room and got a big bear hug from him.  It was great.  Grandpa was tied up in a meeting and wasn't able to be there but Grandma made it and Jack was so happy to have her there.

The class sang some pretty funny songs and they recited a few different things.  The entire program was pretty funny.  I know it is silly but I get a little emotional about certain things and watching this little boy up there performing with his class - doing things we simply didn't know if he would ever be able to do, that was wonderful.  Mrs. Coonan was there and we talked for a moment after the program.  We discussed where Jack was when we moved here and where he is now.  I think she gets pretty excited about his progress as well. 

It humbles me when I consider these blessings that have come into our lives.  Sitting back and recognizing that the Lord is in charge, he is at the helm and all we need to do is trust in him and press forward with all our hearts.  Well, I realize I am just rambling on here.  I just have a full heart and tremendous gratitude for these blessings.

Here is a picture of Jack in the program today.  He was awesome.  Huge smile on his face throughout it and just so much joy.  I loved it.  I think "Grandma" loved it as well.  As the program was coming to a close and the last song began to play he said "it's the last song".  There were a few laughs in the audience.  He served his Grandma some sprite and a cookie.  He also took her on a tour of the classroom and even took her to see the smile room where he eats lunch. 

Well Grandpa missed the program and we felt bad about that.  I think Grandma suggested that Jack sing one of the songs for Grandpa when we were back at The Little Brick House.  He knocked out a solo performance of Zippy Do Da.  It was great, complete with all of the hand motions. 

I am grateful for my children.  Each one is unique and each is so important to our family.  I am grateful for the blessings that we receive as a family each day.  I don't know that it is always easy to recognize the little daily blessings or to see that growth and progression.  Looking back over the last couple of years I see tremendous growth, tremendous blessings and again, it humbles me.    

Support

I must just be getting old.  Some things have passed me by and I find myself sitting in the stands bewildered by what I see.  There is crazy stuff in the world today. 

So look I went out on the date tonight.  The gal is very nice and we had an enjoyable time and I learned a lot about her.  I was gentlemanly - polite, got the door for her, walked her to her door afterwards.  I think I did okay.  I am not entirely interested in anything more then a friend, hope that feeling is mutual. 

Had a moment tonight at the game that just struck me funny.  There was a timeout and the cheerleaders were doing what it is that they do.  Guys on the bottom supporting a few ladies and then there were a couple of ladies or one of them in a horizontal position over these ladies facing up and then another lady on the top of the pyramid facing down and also in horizontal position.  I may have this somewhat wrong and it is probably hard to picture it.  Regardless, the gal on the top of the pyramid is in a horizontal position facing down.  She is being supported by other cheerleaders.  Okay, so what is the big deal?  Nothing really, except that the top girl is being supported by another girl holding on to her breasts. 

Now look, I thought it was probably a slip or something and just kind of happened.  When in front of the crowd in live action you kind of have to do your best when something slips.  There were two pyramids happening at the same time, I looked over at the other and the same support move was being made.  It was a little weird.  The date noticed the same exact thing and we ended up having a pretty good laugh over it.   It was a bit odd.  I'm just saying, a lot has changed in cheer leading.  It was just a skosh awkward to say the least. 

Feeling Obligated

Tomorrow night I am going on a date with this gal that spoke about last week - yep the one that invited me to sit down and share my story with her and her friend.  The same one that called the next day and told me I should ask her out.  She has caught me off guard twice and both times I have had Amy staring at me and then giving me grief about it.  Alas she is not alone, Dave also dishes it out.  If that isn't enough I even had Shelly giving me a hard time and she isn't even a sibling.  Here's the thing, I don't have any interest and really don't want to go out on this date but I was feeling so much pressure about not being a jerk that I decided I could take her to a basketball game.  In the meantime I just get to suffer from the anxiety this entire thing has created.  What's worse is that this feeling of being obligated to do something has lead me to schedule a courtesy date.  I have been on the receiving end of a courtesy date and it just isn't fun in the long run.  So now I feel like I'm in a no win situation - I am a jerk if I don't ask her out and I'm a jerk because I am going on a courtesy date.  Great.

I am sure I am just stressing out about nothing.  Can you tell that I don't enjoy this kind of thing?  I will do my very best to make it a good experience.  I will be kind, I will be a gentleman and I will try to keep things as simple as possible.  Thank heavens we have tickets to the T-Birds Basketball games.  It makes dates easy to plan and manage.  Takes a little stress off.

  

Just Thinking

Some days I take a moment and reflect on life and where we are at.  I think about this little city we find ourselves in and I am grateful.  Cedar City is a good place to be.  The area is beautiful, the weather is about perfect (though some cold days make me long for Florida), and the people are wonderful.  It is comforting to feel a certain level of safety for you family.  I know that there is still danger and there are certainly temptations.  The adversary doesn't check out just because you live in a certain place. Living here requires just as much diligence and faith as living anywhere else. That said, it is good to be surrounded by people that are dedicated to the same cause and who are trying their best to be faithful followers of the Savior.  I am grateful for that strength.

I like the smaller town, the quieter place.  I don't miss the big city, the traffic, the business of it all.  Don't get me wrong, there is still a ton going on and I am as busy as ever but there is a difference.  I guess the other thing that may come into play here is that my perspective on life has changed quite a bit in recent years.  There are a lot of things that once appeared so important but really are not so.  Oh well, I really don't have a ton to say.  I was just thinking about living here this morning and the gratitude I feel for the blessing it has been and is in our lives.   

Cooking

Isn't cooking fun?  I mean, get a good recipe and go for it.  I was in the mood for Curry Chicken and so I pulled up a recipe on line, it looked good and so I made it.  It was a recipe for the crock pot and it went pretty well.  I actually made it yesterday.  When I say it went pretty well that is only because I could have used a little more salt in the beginning.  I was actually fasting during the prep and could not take a taste to see how it was.  No matter, it turned out fine.  Anyway, I love curry.  It's a South African thing.  There was a lot of curry down there as Indian food was a major part of society.  I loved it and still do though I rarely eat it now.   The crock pot version was pretty easy to make so I may have to cook this more often.  I am going to have to work on the kids a bit more.  Jack ate his up without an issue, Andy didn't do so well which surprises me and Natty had a few bites, said it was good and then wouldn't eat anymore.  I have decided that Natty may be the pickiest eater I have ever met.  Tonight's meal for her was Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Triple Decker Sandwich. 

Well, when nobody is eating your stuff that means one thing - left overs.  I am a fan.  The boys have really been enjoying Mac and Cheese and that was their meal of choice tonight so I decided I would go with left overs.  I was not disappointed. 

I have been trying my hand at low calorie Ice Cream options.  I don't quite have it perfected but made a pretty good batch of Peanut Butter flavored ice cream this evening.  It was Family Home Evening and we had some of that for dessert.  It was delicious. 

So yes, cooking is fun.  I ejnoy it.  Eating leftovers - I enjoy that too.  Well, now the only question is what to cook next?   

What Manner?

I was sitting here for a moment expecting that this post was going to start typing itself.  It finally occurred to me that I needed to start moving my fingers.  It was a temporary lull and I am with it once again. 

What manner of men ought ye to be?  The Savior asked this question and then went on to answer it; "Verily I say unto to you, even as I am".  In Sunday School today there was a question posed regarding manliness.  An answer came that the world would have us believe that to be a man you have to be tough and mean.  A man wouldn't take any garbage from anyone.  Certainly this doesn't encompass all the worlds views of what makes a man a man but it is some of them.  The true model of manhood however comes from the Savior himself.  His was a life that demonstrated love, compassion, wisdom, work, sacrifice.  He gave his life for each of us.  Could there be a manlier man then the Savior?  I don't think so. 

Emulating the Savior, being as he is, this is not easy.  It certainly doesn't take a long when evaluating ones self to recognize just how weak you are.  I am saying that as in I quickly see how weak I am, how far from the example of the Savior I am.  On my own I am nothing.  I fail continually, I fall short of the example of the Savior continually.  I am so grateful for the atonement and the love of the Savior for me that he has taken upon him my sins, my failings, my short comings.  I am grateful that through him I can be made clean, I can be made whole, I can be made perfect.  I of course have to go forth doing the very best that I can do.  I have to believe in Christ.  I have to repent regularly and strive to live a clean life. 

And so the question that I must constantly ask myself is; What manner of man am I?  And because I am not perfect on my own I guess I can ask a follow up question; Where is my relationship with the Savior?  Am I going forth with Faith in Jesus Christ and striving to do, in all diligence, the things he would have me do?  Oh my goodness there is much work to do. 

I have to note that Grandma Leta had a stroke today and she is not expected to last much longer.  She will not recover from the stroke as it was quite severe.  I have always appreciated Leta.  She and Grandpa Atwood were always so kind to me and accepting of me. When the kids and I were on our way here we stopped and spent some time with them.   I appreciated their love for me and for the kids.  I appreciate their kindness. 

I love the Lord.  I strive to live as he has taught and though I fall short I will continue to put my trust in him.  I will continue to do the very best that I can do to emulate him. 

Confession

So there I was cleaning the kitchen when Natty pops in with something in her hand.  "What is this?" she asked whilst holding my new Xanadu DVD.  Oh my goodness, I started to laugh.  I really don't recall if I made comments about this back at Christmas and I am not going to go back and look for it right now so I will just tell the story.  If it is a repeat then I apologize.

I explained that this movie was a Christmas gift from her aunt Laura.  Then I had to tell the story behind it.

When I was somewhere around 5 years old I fell in love with Olivia Newton John.  Yes I had a little bit of a crush on her.  I don't know how accurate my recollection of these events actually is but there are a few things that I remember.  We were in Salt Lake City for some reason and I remember being with my cousins Darren, Brian and Carrie.  I am sure Jim was there also but I cannot be sure.  Anyhow I recall going to see this movie with them, Xanadu.  Seriously I don't even remember what the movie was about or any other details with the exception of this really hot blonde woman - Olivia Newton John.  She was amazing and I was in love. 

We were living in Carson City at the time on Woodcrest Lane - at least I think that was the name of the street.  I was really excited when I found the Motion Picture Soundtrack for sale at the local K-Mart (back in those days the local K-Mart was located in the same location that Lowes is today).  I had to have it.  I don't know how I did it at 5 years old but I found out the price and then went to work to secure the needed funds. 

So how does a 5 year old "secure the needed funds? "  Lets just say I have some stealthy moves or had some stealthy moves anyway.  Okay, I stole the funds from my parents.  They had the resources and I could get the album.  Done.  Then I had some explaining to do.

I knew then that Olivia and I could never be together.  Ultimately I don't know what happened to that motion picture soundtrack.  I seem to think it was taken back to K-Mart  and my little heart was broken. 

Well Natty just thought that little story was hilarious.  She opened the movie and pulled out a soundtrack on CD.  Fabulous.  We had to give it a listen and I'm pretty sure Natty has determined that I am crazy.  She did have a good laugh about it and enjoyed the songs. 

So there you have it, Xanadu confession .   

Jack Dive

We hit the pool tonight for the first time this week.  The kids wanted to go on multiple occasions but we had conflicts at those times like homework or me carrying a cold.  Anyway, we were happy to go tonight.  Right when we scanned in a call came over the radio that there was an accident in the pool.  Just like that the pool was closed.  That was a real bummer.  Fortunately they opened the competition pool and we were able to go swimming.  I think I would have had some major break downs had that pool been closed as well.  So glad we didn't have to experience that.

We spent our time over in the deep end of the pool playing around.  Andy was a bit nervous and quite clingy to start with.  I did get him to go touch the bottom with me a couple of times and we had a lot of other fun things to do; I swam down and sat on the bottom, or lay down on the bottom or whatever.  Andy had a lot of fun watching from the surface and Natty chased me around in the water. 

At one point in all our playing around I look over and there is Jack diving in.  It was pretty awesome.  Oh his dive isn't perfect and could probably qualify more as a belly flop.  Regardless it was a great move and Jack was really excited about it.  He did it every time, awesome.  Way to go Jack! 

Well, I am ready to pass out so I am signing off.  Nice to have a fun little evening with the kids at the pool.   

Snowy Surprise

Last night around 8 I was standing outside in my shorts thinking about how beautiful it was.  We are in the middle of winter here and have enjoyed wonderful weather for some time.  Shorts have been quite common in my wardrobe but not today.  I woke up to find a lot of snow on the ground.  That was completely unexpected. 

With the snowy surprise I began shoveling. Oh my it was a loosing battle. The snow just kept coming. I did my best and sent a text to pops that just said snow blower? I think we were on the same page on that one. My back has been hurting and the thought of shoveling the Brick House parking lot wasn't exactly comforting. We ended up getting one and it is a sweet machine. Certainly saved my back at the Little Brick House. Also managed to make a run to the folks to clear their drive. I was like a machine today. Funny how a new power tool can do that to you.
Night Sledding.  Yes.  It happened once again.  Great time had by all.  Natty somehow made a double jump and all the kids ended up going for it and loved it.  They sure have a good time out there.  I am usually just cold but not tonight.  Tonight I was wearing this amazing coat that I got from the folks.  It was toasty in there and that was nice.  Very grateful to the folks for the coats tonight.  I managed last winter without anything more then a fleece.

The shoveling and snow blower operations worked me over today.  I am simply exhausted.  Time to hit the sack.     

Ego Buster

So I started off the year on diet.  Still on it as a matter of fact though I have made it through the more stringent stage and am now on a maintenance program.  After a few weeks of maintenance I will be going back to the more stringent stage.  I have my goal weight in mind and it is going to take a lot of work to get there.  Last year I got close but then I started to get careless and consumed too much junk.  I also started drinking soda again and that simply doesn't do well for me.  This year I am focused and am going to accomplish my goal.  I make this statement for accountability purposes.  For a long time I have wanted to get below 200 lbs but that is no longer good enough.  I am aiming for my return from mission weight of about 185. 

Oh it will be a great day when I finally move from obese to just overweight on Wii Fit.  They gave that thing the slightest attitude; it groans a little when I stand on it.  It really hurts my feelings.  Of course the Wii Fit tells me my ideal weight is in the 150's.  I would be skin and bones at 150.  Not so sure I can trust this Wii Fit personal trainer of mine.  I actually only use it to weigh in every week though sometimes I do a quick body test as well.  Lets just say some days are better then others.  I don't do so well on their little test.  My current Wii Fit age is 55.  Fantastic.  It groans when it says that too.  Such an ego buster.