Today was the big day for Natty and Jack as we returned to the dentist to have their first cavities filled and their teeth sealed. Natty was first up and she apparently did really well. Dr. John said she was fantastic. Way to go Natty. Not that I really want to cheer on being an excellent patient when dental work has to be done. I much prefer not having to have cavities filled but we couldn't do anything about that today so way to go Natty.
We opted to do a little sedation dentistry with Jack based on his last visit to the dentist. It actually went quite well. I could tell when the relaxation kicked in. Dr. John was visiting with me in the lobby about Jack and Natty both when they brought Jack out. He had rubbery legs for sure and a great big smile on his face. His eyes were a bit glossy and just open a crack. He was acting a little silly. Dr. John said he was perfect.
I scooped up Jack and Natty, Andy, Jack and I made our way out to the car. Jack needed a drink so we stopped off at the drinking fountain where he proceeded to drink like a fish for some time. When he finally pulled his head away he moved it rather slow and the water shot up the side of his face and on to the side of his head. It was quite obvious he was still pretty out of it.
I was reminded of being a bit loopy when I had my wisdom teeth pulled. I remember mom taking me through the McDonald's drive through for a chocolate shake. At some point on the drive back to Carson City from Reno I looked over and saw myself in the review mirror and I had chocolate all over my chin, I mean all over. I had no clue until I saw it. All I could do was laugh at myself.
Jack started to get emotional and that seemed to be the effect of the medicine upon him. He was just ultra sensitive about, well, otter pops. I ended up sitting with him for awhile and then I laid down with him and held him. I had thought that I would simply take them, drop them off at home when we were done and then head to work. Didn't quite work out that way. I also wasn't going to leave him in that state with Natty. It would have been too much for either to handle. All turned out just fine.
There were a few things that I needed to do and Jack ended up coming with me but only after I made him his favorite Kraft Mac and Cheese - It is the cheesiest. Don't ever try to sneak in bargain brand mac and cheese on your kids. Well, you can probably get a way with it so long as they don't see the box and if the macaroni's are the same shape. I still don't know how those shells taste sooo much different then the macaroni's . So anyway, Jack ate lunch, we passed off the last requirement for his Bobcat badge and then we went in to The Little Brick House. He had a great time there with Bubba comparing cat bit wounds and laughing at how Dave got his finger bit by a cat. I love it when something really strikes him as funny because he really gets into it and laughs ... passionately if that even makes sense. Anyhow it made for an interesting day with big Jack. I certainly enjoyed it.
I am grateful for each of my children. They are wonderful people and a joy in my life. As we near the time of their departure for the summer it gets a bit hard. These are my friends, I don't spend a lot of time with anybody else outside of work. I am rambling on tonight. Suffice to say I love sweet Natty, Jack and Andy. I will miss them dearly.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Animal Handling
To my regular readers it will come as no surprise that when I title a post Animal Handling it has something to do with Jack. He is half dog after all and a Pug at that. When we were at the zoo the other day there was a rooster that Jack had his eye on. I guess technically that would have to be one of his eyes as the other was permanently affixed to the train. Every time I turned around Jack was sneaking off to give chase to the rooster. He even had his rooster call down pat. When it comes to dogs he is the dog whisperer and seems to connect with most of them. There are only a few dogs that didn't really get a long with Jack. Usually they are face to face and then the dogs end up licking the flesh of Jack's face. It really is an amazing thing. I have also watched Jack grab the hens at the Jenkins house by the foot and carry them around. One day one of their hens crawled under their deck. Jack somehow managed to slide underneath, catch the hen and then crawl back out. I think he has no fear of animals and that can be a little scary.
Last night I was the go to guy for filling up bike tires. I had borrowed a pump from the Jenkins and had a line for air. I heard a disturbance across the street in the form of a cat growl. I looked up and there was Jack holding this cat. The cat was not happy and did some clawing. I yelled over to Jack to let it go. He did and then he walked off. He refused to come and see me and then snuck into the house. I went in to assess the damage. He was a bit scratched up and also got a little bite in the arm. No crying, no freaking out, he just stood there with this cat. I asked what he was doing and he said he was just trying to grab its collar. What was this cats problem anyway?
Jack has this fascination with animals and his lack of fear makes me a bit nervous that he will use zero caution around potentially dangerous animals. I can just see him walking right up to a bear or grabbing a rattle snake without much thought. I love that he loves animals and finds so much joy in them and I don't want to break that spirit but need to figure out how to help him recognize certain dangers and the need to exercise caution. We'll do our best to keep the wild animal handling to a minimum though I think I may have the next crocodile hunter on my hands.
Last night I was the go to guy for filling up bike tires. I had borrowed a pump from the Jenkins and had a line for air. I heard a disturbance across the street in the form of a cat growl. I looked up and there was Jack holding this cat. The cat was not happy and did some clawing. I yelled over to Jack to let it go. He did and then he walked off. He refused to come and see me and then snuck into the house. I went in to assess the damage. He was a bit scratched up and also got a little bite in the arm. No crying, no freaking out, he just stood there with this cat. I asked what he was doing and he said he was just trying to grab its collar. What was this cats problem anyway?
Jack has this fascination with animals and his lack of fear makes me a bit nervous that he will use zero caution around potentially dangerous animals. I can just see him walking right up to a bear or grabbing a rattle snake without much thought. I love that he loves animals and finds so much joy in them and I don't want to break that spirit but need to figure out how to help him recognize certain dangers and the need to exercise caution. We'll do our best to keep the wild animal handling to a minimum though I think I may have the next crocodile hunter on my hands.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Biker
Tonight Andy asked me to take the training wheels off his small bike. Jake, his little friend from across the street started riding a bike without training wheels today and it was all the motivation Andy needed. I took of the training wheels, handed over the bike and Andy jumped on and started riding. Done.
How is it that all three of my kids just jumped on and started riding? I guess that is how I did it when I was a kid. I really just wanted to ride and I can remember a little yellow bike and going in circles in the garage on Woodcrest Lane in Carson City. I loved riding that bike. I was three years old when I was doing that and by the time I was five I was over at a dirt track in the field behind the school jumping tires. Andy was up and at it today and decided to show me a little trick of his own... he did a little bunny hop. I am sure in the next few days he will be all over the place on that bike. He was already all over the place. Fun times for my new little biker.
How is it that all three of my kids just jumped on and started riding? I guess that is how I did it when I was a kid. I really just wanted to ride and I can remember a little yellow bike and going in circles in the garage on Woodcrest Lane in Carson City. I loved riding that bike. I was three years old when I was doing that and by the time I was five I was over at a dirt track in the field behind the school jumping tires. Andy was up and at it today and decided to show me a little trick of his own... he did a little bunny hop. I am sure in the next few days he will be all over the place on that bike. He was already all over the place. Fun times for my new little biker.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Zoo Slide
Today was a beautiful day in Salt Lake after a couple of gloomy ones. The sky was clear and the temperature was great. We bid farewell to the dogs, checked out of the hotel and headed over to Laura and Nigel's house and then up to the zoo. Turns out they only live a short distance from the zoo - I had no idea. The last time I went to the Hogle Zoo was probably 28 years ago. Holy smokes that dates me.
So anyway, the zoo was great. The kids all seemed to have a good time. Shey seemed to know quite a bit about it. They had passes a year ago and went often. Jack quickly found the train and was completely captivated by it. For a while everything was about the train. We were at an animal show, he was down right in front with a bunch of kids just before the show. I heard the train coming, looked down and Jack was gone. Apparently he heard the train coming before I did. I found him standing on a retaining wall off to the side of the theater watching the train. When I went to get him he knew that the train had a single piston for the driving wheel and air brakes on the diesel locomotive. It was shaped like a steam engine but was really diesel. Anyway, he had the train on top of his mind for most of the day. As we made our way back towards the gate he was all about going on the train but the line for the train was outrageous so I had to persuade him otherwise. That was when the Alpine Slide came into play and a promise that we would come back to the zoo and we would ride the train first rather then at the end. He decided that would work.
It was a fun little zoo. We just missed the opening of a new polar bear exhibit. It opens on June 1st so it was literally days. We did manage to sneak a peak at the polar bear. It was a good distance away but while looking at the habitat they will have him in we saw him in the distance kind of swaying a bit and then it turned around and walked out of view. That should be a fun addition.
So I don't have many pictures of this outing. My phone was dead and I only got a pic of Jack by an elephant statue with it then I got a pic of all the kids with my other camera but I don't have my cord handy to upload the pics to the blog. This is a shame because I have some additional footage of us at the Alpine Slide in Park City. Anyway, here is the one pic I have of the zoo.
So the Alpine Slide. We said our goodbye's to Laura, Nigel, Shey and Donny and made out way up to Park City. It really was a beautiful day out and Park City was beautiful. The kids got a kick out of seeing the ski jumps on the side of the mountain that were used in the Olympics 10 years ago. That was pretty cool to see. We got into the town and I couldn't tell if the lifts were going from where we were parked so we walked up. The large line of people waiting kind of gave it away and I was excited for the kids to get to go. We ended up waiting in line for a while, in all I think we were there for 2 hours - arrival to departure. The kids liked the lift ride up and loved the sled ride down. Andy had to ride with me and he really wanted to control it. I let him take the controls for the most part and I tried to work the camera. Andy was a wild man on the throttle. We were moving, left Jack in our dust so I slowed down the sled. We ended up leaving him in our dust a second time after we waited for him to catch up and got some footage of him. He loved it though. Natty loved it too. They all wanted to go again. Perhaps later this summer before school starts. I am not sure.
Both the Zoo and the Slide were hits. That was great, a lot of fun. I am glad we were able to go up this weekend and enjoy a couple of fun days together. I do have to say we had a fun ride home. We came zipping out of Scipio with some AC/DC Back In Black rocking on the stereo. That was a fun one to drive to. We were banging our heads to the beat and laughing pretty good. Way to go DJ Natty Sue. We'll have to do it again.
So anyway, the zoo was great. The kids all seemed to have a good time. Shey seemed to know quite a bit about it. They had passes a year ago and went often. Jack quickly found the train and was completely captivated by it. For a while everything was about the train. We were at an animal show, he was down right in front with a bunch of kids just before the show. I heard the train coming, looked down and Jack was gone. Apparently he heard the train coming before I did. I found him standing on a retaining wall off to the side of the theater watching the train. When I went to get him he knew that the train had a single piston for the driving wheel and air brakes on the diesel locomotive. It was shaped like a steam engine but was really diesel. Anyway, he had the train on top of his mind for most of the day. As we made our way back towards the gate he was all about going on the train but the line for the train was outrageous so I had to persuade him otherwise. That was when the Alpine Slide came into play and a promise that we would come back to the zoo and we would ride the train first rather then at the end. He decided that would work.
It was a fun little zoo. We just missed the opening of a new polar bear exhibit. It opens on June 1st so it was literally days. We did manage to sneak a peak at the polar bear. It was a good distance away but while looking at the habitat they will have him in we saw him in the distance kind of swaying a bit and then it turned around and walked out of view. That should be a fun addition.
So I don't have many pictures of this outing. My phone was dead and I only got a pic of Jack by an elephant statue with it then I got a pic of all the kids with my other camera but I don't have my cord handy to upload the pics to the blog. This is a shame because I have some additional footage of us at the Alpine Slide in Park City. Anyway, here is the one pic I have of the zoo.
So the Alpine Slide. We said our goodbye's to Laura, Nigel, Shey and Donny and made out way up to Park City. It really was a beautiful day out and Park City was beautiful. The kids got a kick out of seeing the ski jumps on the side of the mountain that were used in the Olympics 10 years ago. That was pretty cool to see. We got into the town and I couldn't tell if the lifts were going from where we were parked so we walked up. The large line of people waiting kind of gave it away and I was excited for the kids to get to go. We ended up waiting in line for a while, in all I think we were there for 2 hours - arrival to departure. The kids liked the lift ride up and loved the sled ride down. Andy had to ride with me and he really wanted to control it. I let him take the controls for the most part and I tried to work the camera. Andy was a wild man on the throttle. We were moving, left Jack in our dust so I slowed down the sled. We ended up leaving him in our dust a second time after we waited for him to catch up and got some footage of him. He loved it though. Natty loved it too. They all wanted to go again. Perhaps later this summer before school starts. I am not sure.
Both the Zoo and the Slide were hits. That was great, a lot of fun. I am glad we were able to go up this weekend and enjoy a couple of fun days together. I do have to say we had a fun ride home. We came zipping out of Scipio with some AC/DC Back In Black rocking on the stereo. That was a fun one to drive to. We were banging our heads to the beat and laughing pretty good. Way to go DJ Natty Sue. We'll have to do it again.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
A Salt Lake Day
We had a wonderful Sabbath day in Salt Lake. We started out with breakfast again at the hotel which went about as well as it did yesterday. There were a goodly number of dogs to say hello to in the hallways of the hotel - I was just glad Jack didn't kneel down and let every one of them lick his face. Andy did meet a Jack-Russel Terrier named... wait for it... Jack. He now wants a Jack-Russel Terrier. Those are fun little dogs though and could make the short list if I ever get crazy enough to own another dog.
Anyhow, we went out to church with Laura, Nigel and the kids. It was a good meeting. We didn't stay for the entire block and went over to Temple Square instead. We went through the visitors centers and we walked the grounds. Got a couple pics of the kids with the Temple in the back ground. This one turned out.
The kids enjoyed our visit to see the Christus. Jack took off before I could get him in a pic. I had better luck with Natty and Andy. We had a good visit as we sat together in this room. I talked to each of the kids individually and shared with them my love for them and also the love of the Savior for them. We talked a little bit about the Savior and the things that he did for us. There were a lot of people in the room coming and going but the spirit was strong and I think, I hope each of the kids felt the Spirit as I did. It was a good experience there.
After visiting Temple Square we had to take a ride on the train. It was a must and it was the motivator while visiting the Temple. The were really excited to get on the train and ride around the city a bit. Here is a pic of them waiting for the train to arrive at the station.
Here are a few pics of us riding the trains. Each picture has us sitting in a different configuration. Every time we stopped at a station the kids had to sit somewhere else, somewhere new.
The kids had a great time on the train and they enjoyed our visit to Temple Square. I also took the opportunity to drive them up to the State Capitol building. They hadn't seen it before and I figured they might as well get a look at it while we were in the neighborhood. I don't have a picture of that.
We got together at Laura and Nigel's for lunch/dinner and enjoyed a few hours with them. The kids had a good time playing with their cousins Shey and Donny. It was good to hang out. Laura let me relax as I am on vacation and I appreciated that so much. I did manage to sneak in a little dish washing though.
On the way back to the hotel I thought we needed to make a special visit and so we went to the cemetery where Grandpa Al and Grandma Vi are buried. We got out of the car and headed to the area that I knew head stone would be. I managed to walk buy it and Natty found it immediately. We knelt on the ground there and I shared with them some stories about Grandpa and Grandma. It was actually a very special moment in out day. I shared with them the poem It Couldn't Be Done and told them how that has always been my favorite poem since hearing Grandpa Al recite it at Jim's Eagle Court. Anyway I got a little emotional as I talked about and expressed my love for Grandpa and Grandma. The kids were quiet and reverent and Jack got a little emotional also. It was a good moment that I am grateful we had on this visit.
It was a great day in Salt Lake. I almost forgot, I woke up last night with an idea for a game we can play in the car. It is really simple and it is called 5 Nice Things. You take turns highlighting a member of the family and share 5 nice things about that person. I couldn't get Jack to take a turn but he sure enjoyed being highlighted. I watched his smile grow bigger as Natty shared 5 Nice Things about Jack.
Well, the trip has been great so far. That isn't to say it has been easy because it hasn't been that. Life still continues and things have to get done. Anyway, I am grateful that we took this time to visit. I love my children very much and am grateful for the strength they give me.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Salt Lake Fun
I used Hotwire for the first time in booking our hotel stay in Salt Lake City. I have to say there are some things about our hotel that have me questioning whether I will book an unknown location again. I also need to specify in my search that I do not want a hotel that caters to dogs. Seriously. We walk down the hall and get barked at behind multiple doors. I have never been in a dog hotel before and it is just bizarre. I keep seeing bigger and bigger dogs. It is pretty crazy. I have also come to realize that the free continental breakfast may be highly overrated. I thought when I booked and found out where we were staying that this would be a great place. Unfortunately those I stayed in previously were much nicer and had no dogs and the continental breakfast was much more organized. Well, I should have spent a few extra dollars each night and gotten a nicer place. We will live. In reality, the little things I pick up on the kids don't care about. In their perspective everything is perfect. Well, how can it not be? Jack is half dog so he is feeling right at home with all of the other pooches.
So we went out and had some fun today. I first took the kids out to the old stompin grounds. We started with Grandpa and Grandma's old house where we lived when we first moved to Salt Lake. I was telling the kids all about it and then noticed the mailbox still said Fontano. I thought that was great. We then went and saw Uncle Ted and Aunt Elaine's house and then off to Glider Lane and our three houses throughout the neighborhood there. After visiting our houses there I introduced them to Flat Iron Mesa Park and the best hill for sledding the world has ever known. Jack loved the hill and was very excited about it. Natty was likewise excited and begged for us to stop for a few minutes. We did. Here are a few pics.
Jack started out by running down the hill. I have a video I was going to post but couldn't transfer it from the phone directly to the blog so we passed. Anyhow, after he ran down Andy followed. Then Natty and Jack rolled down the hill. I managed to capture Jack in roll down formation.
Jack Jeepin it. Way to keep it real Buddy.
So we went out and had some fun today. I first took the kids out to the old stompin grounds. We started with Grandpa and Grandma's old house where we lived when we first moved to Salt Lake. I was telling the kids all about it and then noticed the mailbox still said Fontano. I thought that was great. We then went and saw Uncle Ted and Aunt Elaine's house and then off to Glider Lane and our three houses throughout the neighborhood there. After visiting our houses there I introduced them to Flat Iron Mesa Park and the best hill for sledding the world has ever known. Jack loved the hill and was very excited about it. Natty was likewise excited and begged for us to stop for a few minutes. We did. Here are a few pics.
Jack started out by running down the hill. I have a video I was going to post but couldn't transfer it from the phone directly to the blog so we passed. Anyhow, after he ran down Andy followed. Then Natty and Jack rolled down the hill. I managed to capture Jack in roll down formation.
I got a shot of all three at the top of the hill. One of the three didn't want to be in any pictures. You probably can't tell which one that was.
Being here brought back some great memories for me. I loved this area growing up. I had great times here. One of the biggest parts of my childhood here was playing soccer. I did a lot of that on this soccer field. I didn't get emotional running around here but I definitely remember it with fondness.
We got together with Laura, Nigel, Shey and Donovan Jack today. It was great to spend the day with them. My plan was to go to the zoo today but we got rained out so we went to a little indoor amusement part. It was great. Here are a few pics of the kids who each had a lot of fun.
Andy and Donovan Jack Jeepin it.
Jack Jeepin it. Way to keep it real Buddy.
Here is Natty and Shey. Natty was great with her cousins and went on a few rides with Shey and Donovan both. Here she is on this little green coaster with Shey.
We enjoyed a great lunch afterwards at a place called Toucans. Sorry, may have spelled that wrong. Anyhow, it was delicious. Much thanks to Laura and Nigel for a great day. Let me not forget Shey and Donovan Jack.
Friday, May 25, 2012
I Must Be Insane
The school year came to a close today. The kids had a great year. Each of them did really well. They will be heading up to Alaska in a little over a week and I wanted to take them on a little family vacation before they leave. We are up in Salt Lake tonight and staying in a hotel. I think I must be insane.
I am trying to have a great time but I am struggling. Sometimes the thing that keeps me sane is the fact that I can put the kids to bed at the end of the day, sit down for a few minutes, fall asleep at the computer, wake up an hour later and try to finish my blog post. It is my little bit of me time. In trying to get this post going I have had nothing but problems out of Andy and that causes Natty to get all upset and then I have Jack who is a little scared because we saw something on the TV. When we are all 4 in this little room together it becomes a little hard to concentrate on the blog. We are staying until Monday and I am concerned with my decision. I think next time I need to look at a Residence Inn where I can get my own room within the room. Not that I would ever get my own room anyway. I've got to share a bed with Jack and Andy refuses to stay in the bed with Natty. The next three nights in this double bed are going to be fun.
I love these kids and no, I am not insane. They are good kids. We will have some fun over the next three days. I will do my best to get some pics of our adventures.
I am trying to have a great time but I am struggling. Sometimes the thing that keeps me sane is the fact that I can put the kids to bed at the end of the day, sit down for a few minutes, fall asleep at the computer, wake up an hour later and try to finish my blog post. It is my little bit of me time. In trying to get this post going I have had nothing but problems out of Andy and that causes Natty to get all upset and then I have Jack who is a little scared because we saw something on the TV. When we are all 4 in this little room together it becomes a little hard to concentrate on the blog. We are staying until Monday and I am concerned with my decision. I think next time I need to look at a Residence Inn where I can get my own room within the room. Not that I would ever get my own room anyway. I've got to share a bed with Jack and Andy refuses to stay in the bed with Natty. The next three nights in this double bed are going to be fun.
I love these kids and no, I am not insane. They are good kids. We will have some fun over the next three days. I will do my best to get some pics of our adventures.
People Pox
I was sitting on the couch with Andy tonight putting some lotion on his dry legs and listening to him tell me about chicken pox. He had a few bumps on his leg because of the dryness and I guess he just figures them to be chicken pox. He went on to explain that he doesn't like chicken pox and that he would much rather have people pox. People Pox are just gray bumps on your body. At least they are human and not from chickens. These are the things I learn from my 5 year old.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Learning on the Fly
I remember when Natalie was born and how scary it was to be a parent for the first time. I don't know that there is anything that can truly prepare you for the magnitude of that responsibility. You really just kind of have to learn on the fly.
In saying that, I don't mean to diminish those who have provided an example for us, our own parents. I am grateful for what my parents taught me and as the second of 8 children I got to learn a lot about working with my younger siblings. Even then however, I was still not prepared in every way and there were a lot of things that I needed to learn as we proceeded.
Well guess what - I continue to learn on the fly today. LIfe is filled with all kinds of new experiences, each of which of will bring us closer as a family.
In saying that, I don't mean to diminish those who have provided an example for us, our own parents. I am grateful for what my parents taught me and as the second of 8 children I got to learn a lot about working with my younger siblings. Even then however, I was still not prepared in every way and there were a lot of things that I needed to learn as we proceeded.
Well guess what - I continue to learn on the fly today. LIfe is filled with all kinds of new experiences, each of which of will bring us closer as a family.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
He Knows Part 2
Continuing on with last nights post. Again, I am sharing a couple of experiences I had with the scriptures that helped me to realize that the Lord knows who I am and that he knows my needs. In saying that I likewise submit that he knows you and he knows your needs.
We were driving from St. George to Cedar City on the I15 and I was sharing some experiences I had when I was younger relative to the scriptures and how the Lord speaks to us through the scriptures. This next experience took place way back in 1993 in a little place called Northpine, a Colored suburb in the Kraaifontein area outside of Capetown, South Africa. I was a new missionary and I was at the height of discouragement. After a month in the mission field my companion and I had taught all of 1 discussion. That was really hard. There were some growing pains for me as I struggled to understand what I was doing. I wasn't teaching the Gospel that was for sure. We knocked on a lot of doors and outside of that I was the designated dishwasher in our flat. There were four of us. This is not what missionary work was supposed to be. I was miserable. I was on the other side of the world. I missed my family. I was not having joy. I was at a point where if this is what missionary work really was, I would much rather just go home.
Well the Lord didn't leave me to wallow in this state of misery for very long. In my personal study I opened the Doctrine and Covenants up and randomly turned to Section 15. Obviously this section was a revelation for someone else but on this day, it was a revelation intended just for me. Here it is:
We were driving from St. George to Cedar City on the I15 and I was sharing some experiences I had when I was younger relative to the scriptures and how the Lord speaks to us through the scriptures. This next experience took place way back in 1993 in a little place called Northpine, a Colored suburb in the Kraaifontein area outside of Capetown, South Africa. I was a new missionary and I was at the height of discouragement. After a month in the mission field my companion and I had taught all of 1 discussion. That was really hard. There were some growing pains for me as I struggled to understand what I was doing. I wasn't teaching the Gospel that was for sure. We knocked on a lot of doors and outside of that I was the designated dishwasher in our flat. There were four of us. This is not what missionary work was supposed to be. I was miserable. I was on the other side of the world. I missed my family. I was not having joy. I was at a point where if this is what missionary work really was, I would much rather just go home.
Well the Lord didn't leave me to wallow in this state of misery for very long. In my personal study I opened the Doctrine and Covenants up and randomly turned to Section 15. Obviously this section was a revelation for someone else but on this day, it was a revelation intended just for me. Here it is:
5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.
6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
Hearken my servant John. Can it get any clearer then that? Mine arm is over all the earth and I know what you are going through. The most important thing for you to do is to stay on your mission. That was the basic message that I received through the Spirit. It was powerful and it was exactly what I needed to hear.
Interestingly, section 16 of the Doctrine and Covenants is the exact same message with only one difference, it says hearken my servant Peter. I could just as easily opened to that section but I didn't, I opened to Section 15. It was a very powerful experience in my life and I knew that the Lord knew who I was. It is my testimony that He Knows. He knows each of us individually.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
He Knows Part 1
If there is one thing that I have learned over and over again it is that the Lord knows who we are. He is aware of our every need and he is ready to bless us. In our hour of need he does not abandon us and when we feel to cry out 'Master the tempest is raging' he will calm the storm. Peace be still, it is only for a moment.
There are times in life when that tempest is raging and life feels like it is crushing us. During those times it can be very difficult to recognize that the Lord is aware of us. It can be very difficult to carry on, to be believing. It is difficult to keep perspective and remember that whatever the trial may be it is only temporary.
Yesterday we had a lesson on the Scriptures and I was reminded of some passages that had a huge impact on my life. In connection with that there was a talk in Sacrament meeting where the speaker referred to a letter he got from a brother. It reminded me of a letter I got from my older brother. It was a letter that had a huge impact on my life. It is one that I carried with me for my entire Mission and for quite some time after that. I believer it is in one of my sets of scriptures now, I think I should go and find it. Anyhow, I reflected on these yesterday and shared both experiences with the kids tonight in our road warrior FHE. We had to make a run to Costco tonight so we heald FHE in the car on the drive back. It was good. Anyway, I felt that I should record these two experiences. I am going to share these two experiences in two seperate blogs - He Knows Part 1 and He Knows Part 2.
Part 1: The Letter.
When I was 19 years old I was delaying certain things, specifically mission. I knew that I was going to go but I wasn't exactly pressing forward with it at all. I was treating that responsibility lightly. One day I received a letter in the mail from Jim who was serving in the Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission.
The letter was simple really. In it Jim spoke about missionary work and talked of missionaries going out for the right reason. He shared his testimony of the Savior and his love for me. It touched my heart to know that my brother loved me and that I mattered to him enough that he would send me a letter. At the end of the letter he shared a scripture reference as he always did in his letters home. I admit that I rarely looked up those scriptures. This one, however, I decided to look up. I didn't know what impact the two verses of scripture would have on my life. I believe that the Lord knew. I believe that the Lord ispired a righteous Missionary to write a letter. I can still remember the day, it was sunny out, a little warm. I sat at a little table in the breakfast nook at the Telegraph St. house. I read the letter and then turned around found a Book of Mormon. I opened to Alma 7:23-24 and read:
Alma 7:23-24
23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
This passage said what I needed to hear at the time. It inspired me to get moving and to be the person that I should be. I wanted to be found doing good and being good. These verses provided a blue print for what I needed to become and they hit me with such power that I wept. I knew that I needed to read The Book of Mormon and that I needed to get my paperwork going. I knew that the Lord was aware of me.
These verses have ever remained sacred to me. They probably mean very little to others but for me, on that day, I knew that he was aware of us, of me.
There are times in life when that tempest is raging and life feels like it is crushing us. During those times it can be very difficult to recognize that the Lord is aware of us. It can be very difficult to carry on, to be believing. It is difficult to keep perspective and remember that whatever the trial may be it is only temporary.
Yesterday we had a lesson on the Scriptures and I was reminded of some passages that had a huge impact on my life. In connection with that there was a talk in Sacrament meeting where the speaker referred to a letter he got from a brother. It reminded me of a letter I got from my older brother. It was a letter that had a huge impact on my life. It is one that I carried with me for my entire Mission and for quite some time after that. I believer it is in one of my sets of scriptures now, I think I should go and find it. Anyhow, I reflected on these yesterday and shared both experiences with the kids tonight in our road warrior FHE. We had to make a run to Costco tonight so we heald FHE in the car on the drive back. It was good. Anyway, I felt that I should record these two experiences. I am going to share these two experiences in two seperate blogs - He Knows Part 1 and He Knows Part 2.
Part 1: The Letter.
When I was 19 years old I was delaying certain things, specifically mission. I knew that I was going to go but I wasn't exactly pressing forward with it at all. I was treating that responsibility lightly. One day I received a letter in the mail from Jim who was serving in the Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Mission.
The letter was simple really. In it Jim spoke about missionary work and talked of missionaries going out for the right reason. He shared his testimony of the Savior and his love for me. It touched my heart to know that my brother loved me and that I mattered to him enough that he would send me a letter. At the end of the letter he shared a scripture reference as he always did in his letters home. I admit that I rarely looked up those scriptures. This one, however, I decided to look up. I didn't know what impact the two verses of scripture would have on my life. I believe that the Lord knew. I believe that the Lord ispired a righteous Missionary to write a letter. I can still remember the day, it was sunny out, a little warm. I sat at a little table in the breakfast nook at the Telegraph St. house. I read the letter and then turned around found a Book of Mormon. I opened to Alma 7:23-24 and read:
Alma 7:23-24
23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
This passage said what I needed to hear at the time. It inspired me to get moving and to be the person that I should be. I wanted to be found doing good and being good. These verses provided a blue print for what I needed to become and they hit me with such power that I wept. I knew that I needed to read The Book of Mormon and that I needed to get my paperwork going. I knew that the Lord was aware of me.
These verses have ever remained sacred to me. They probably mean very little to others but for me, on that day, I knew that he was aware of us, of me.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Clipse
What do you do when you fail to get the special glasses needed to stare directly into the sun during a solar eclipse? Well, you go online and look for other safe ways to view a solar eclipse. Black and White film negatives looked like a great way but I was fresh out of those so I went with the peg board. We had some at The Little Brick House so I picked it up. Sure enough it worked. We literally had hundreds of little eclipses on the wall of our house. I am sure it pales in comparision to actually staring at the sun but it worked for us. We watched as the moon slowly crept in on the sun and we could see it happening in every hole on the peg board. We also discovered that lining up a papercup with a hole in the bottom with the sun can provide a quick personal eclipse magnifyer. Anyhow, here are a couple of pics with the peg board.
Natty on the job.
The ring of fire projected a few hundred times through the peg board.
One of the other really cool ways to see the eclipse safely without the glasses is through the leaves of a tree. This was what was being projected all over the back of my house as the eclipse was shining through a large tree one street over.
Natty on the job.
The ring of fire projected a few hundred times through the peg board.
One of the other really cool ways to see the eclipse safely without the glasses is through the leaves of a tree. This was what was being projected all over the back of my house as the eclipse was shining through a large tree one street over.
It even projected through the pine tree in Jay and Sara's back yard. That was pretty amazing acutally. Here is a picture of the sun shining though their pine tree. I thought this was cool, an exciting display of nature anyway.
The boys were into it for a couple of minutes and then they kind of dissappeared. Natty was all into it and rather liked it. Jay and Sara and the kids came over - we may have lost a few of them to boredom. Anyhow, I think we all enjoyed it.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Not My Favorite President
I don't do a lot of political commentary on my blog. It's just not something I chose to record. Tonight however I am going to say a few things about President Obama that may upset a few people. I found that Jack and I have a lot in common when it comes to politics. Now, realize that Jack just turned 8 years old. Also note that I don't spend a lot of time talking about politics in our home so my kids have been fairly sheltered that way. Deep political discussions with a 12 year old, 8 year old and 5 year old just don't seem all that interesting. Simple chats based on conservative principles, yes. The 12th article of faith, you bet. Anything dealing with a birth certificate, the latest Joe Biden gaff or anything that falls into the realm of the DPV or Deep Political Vortex we steer clear of.
With that as the backdrop enter scene: Jack and I are putting away a lot of his work from this year. Natty had looked through his portfolio and they ended up getting it spread throughout the office. As we were going through his papers we took a look at his Physical Fitness Award. I am holding it in my hand and:
Me: Oh, your Physical Fitness Award and it's signed by..
Jack: Barack Obama, these are his initials. He is not my favorite President.
Me: Why?
Jack: Because he ruined the lunches.
Me: Is there anything else you'd like to say?
Jack: No.
I have to admit, this lunch thing is new to me. I was unaware that President Obama had taken such measures with school lunch. My feelings however, echo that of Jacks. He is not my favorite President.
With that as the backdrop enter scene: Jack and I are putting away a lot of his work from this year. Natty had looked through his portfolio and they ended up getting it spread throughout the office. As we were going through his papers we took a look at his Physical Fitness Award. I am holding it in my hand and:
Me: Oh, your Physical Fitness Award and it's signed by..
Jack: Barack Obama, these are his initials. He is not my favorite President.
Me: Why?
Jack: Because he ruined the lunches.
- 1st he put fake goo on the Macaroni and Cheese.
- 2nd he put jelly on the top and bottom of the sandwiches.
- 3rd he put something gooey on the bottom of the brownies but it doesn't make me stop eating the brownies.
Me: Is there anything else you'd like to say?
Jack: No.
I have to admit, this lunch thing is new to me. I was unaware that President Obama had taken such measures with school lunch. My feelings however, echo that of Jacks. He is not my favorite President.
Lost and Found
Jack had his 2nd grade program today. It was a great little program filled with songs they have been learning all year. Jack was front and center on this one and I am sure that is because it was as close as they could get him to Mrs. Whetman. He did a great job. It was fun to watch him as he was very animated during it. I think there must have been certain gestures used when they were teaching the song because he had all these special things that he did and no one else did. Things that they were not supposed to do but that they had definitely seen before. It was funny because there were a few times that he realized he was the only one doing these things and quickly stopped. Anyhow, he really did a fabulous job as did the rest of the 2nd grade.
After the program Jack came home with me which meant he came and hung out at the LBH with me. We brought his new train and flight videos and he sat and watched while I worked on scheduling and other things. Natty and Andy walked up after a while and they hung out for a bit until it was time to go. Jack wanted to find out what would be faster down the street, the truck of foot. In other words he wanted to race me home. I told him no, that we would be going together in the truck. I finished up a few last things and we went outside. Jack was nowhere to be found. He had gone outside a few minutes before and I knew that he had taken off for his little race.
This is one of those moments when you hope that your child is safe and you drive home looking for them, expecting to see them at any moment. It never happened. We got home and still no sign of Jack so we went across the street and next door looking for him, hoping he went to one of the two. No. And so we were on the road headed back to the LBH, we must have just missed him in the store. We drove slowly and I looked carefully around the street as we mad our way there. Still no sign of him. I went through the entire store no sign. That panic feeling you get to experience as a parent every now and again, yes that one, it was kicking in and the little boy was lost. Dave was running around the different areas surrounding the shop as was I but no sign of him. I climbed back in the truck, praying that he was okay and preparing to come every street between the shop and home. I got a call from Sara who was asking if we had found him. No. They were out looking and I told her what he was wearing. Then Jay spotted him and what was lost was now found. All was right with the world again with the exception of making sure Jack understood that taking off is not okay. We discussed it and I found out that he ran over to visit with one of his fellow cub scouts and that is why we couldn't see him anywhere.
He was lost, that is a hard thing. He was found, that was a great relief.
After the program Jack came home with me which meant he came and hung out at the LBH with me. We brought his new train and flight videos and he sat and watched while I worked on scheduling and other things. Natty and Andy walked up after a while and they hung out for a bit until it was time to go. Jack wanted to find out what would be faster down the street, the truck of foot. In other words he wanted to race me home. I told him no, that we would be going together in the truck. I finished up a few last things and we went outside. Jack was nowhere to be found. He had gone outside a few minutes before and I knew that he had taken off for his little race.
This is one of those moments when you hope that your child is safe and you drive home looking for them, expecting to see them at any moment. It never happened. We got home and still no sign of Jack so we went across the street and next door looking for him, hoping he went to one of the two. No. And so we were on the road headed back to the LBH, we must have just missed him in the store. We drove slowly and I looked carefully around the street as we mad our way there. Still no sign of him. I went through the entire store no sign. That panic feeling you get to experience as a parent every now and again, yes that one, it was kicking in and the little boy was lost. Dave was running around the different areas surrounding the shop as was I but no sign of him. I climbed back in the truck, praying that he was okay and preparing to come every street between the shop and home. I got a call from Sara who was asking if we had found him. No. They were out looking and I told her what he was wearing. Then Jay spotted him and what was lost was now found. All was right with the world again with the exception of making sure Jack understood that taking off is not okay. We discussed it and I found out that he ran over to visit with one of his fellow cub scouts and that is why we couldn't see him anywhere.
He was lost, that is a hard thing. He was found, that was a great relief.
Friday, May 18, 2012
3 Hours Later
I started this a few hours ago but not knowing what I would write about I sat pondering the matter. Some 3 hours later I woke up and... began pondering what I would write about today. Some 20 minutes later I woke up again and... now I am typing this sad tale.
What happens in 3 hours? Well that is a complete block of church. Hmmm, I've slept in church before but never for the entire 3 hours. How about one of The Lord of The Rings movies? Those are pretty near three hours. I took a nap in the middle of the first one. There are several things that happen in three hours I just happened to come up with a title for the blog. Amazing.
Well, in other news that can take us off this terrible topic... Natty's final band concert was tonight. We went and watched and I am proud of how well she has done. She started playing the flute for the first time back in late August. I remember her trying to learn how to get sound to come out and how excited she was when she finally learned how to position it. Oh my, there were many a 3 hour later moments during the past year with that flute. Anyway, she went from not knowing much about music to being in an award winning 6th grade advanced band... you know, three hours later.
As I think about this last school year it has gone by very fast. I am amazed by my kids. They have all done very well and I am grateful. Well, not much else tonight. I need to go and continue my nap now, at least for a few hours more.
What happens in 3 hours? Well that is a complete block of church. Hmmm, I've slept in church before but never for the entire 3 hours. How about one of The Lord of The Rings movies? Those are pretty near three hours. I took a nap in the middle of the first one. There are several things that happen in three hours I just happened to come up with a title for the blog. Amazing.
Well, in other news that can take us off this terrible topic... Natty's final band concert was tonight. We went and watched and I am proud of how well she has done. She started playing the flute for the first time back in late August. I remember her trying to learn how to get sound to come out and how excited she was when she finally learned how to position it. Oh my, there were many a 3 hour later moments during the past year with that flute. Anyway, she went from not knowing much about music to being in an award winning 6th grade advanced band... you know, three hours later.
As I think about this last school year it has gone by very fast. I am amazed by my kids. They have all done very well and I am grateful. Well, not much else tonight. I need to go and continue my nap now, at least for a few hours more.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Sad News
I was preparing to leave the Little Brick House tonight when a phone call came in. It was Aunt Joy looking for dad. She didn't sound great and said things were not good so I asked what was going on. Aunt Judy has a brain tumor. It is aggressive. They were able to remove some of what was bad but there are a lot of tentacles that spread through out. Apparently the report is that she is not expected to live much longer. I am saddened by this news. I love my Aunt Judy. She is a wonderful lady. I can still remember driving across the State of Nevada with Grandma Vi and showing up at Judy and Dale's house. They had a couch bed back then in the family room. I was a little shy as these were strangers to me but I remember being safe with them. I have always enjoyed sitting and having conversations with Judy. Anyhow, my heart is saddened today as I think about that.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Letting Go
I don't think it is ever fun to have to release someone from their employment. It certainly isn't any fun when you are the one being let go but when you have to be the person doing the letting go it isn't the easiest thing to do. I don't like having to conduct those interviews but alas, it is something that has to be done on occasion. Today was such an occasion.
We've had this gal working for us for a little while now, she is nice and all but she is just not getting it. I know, what is there to get about sandwiches? That is the sad thing. There was another gal that started the day after she did and she's got it. She knows exactly what she is doing, she has taken materials home to study and she is a worker. The gal I had to let go cannot be left unsupervised on the simplest of tasks. Her sandwich making skills were terrible. We've hired a few new people lately and after only a few days they have easily surpassed what we can have her do. It is pretty frustrating. We realized that she wasn't getting a few things and so we tried to put her in a position she could excel in. She did okay for one day but the next time she worked it was like we had to completely retrain. That just becomes too much work for us especially when there are plenty of people out there that just seem to hit the ground running.
So though it isn't a fun thing to do, when you know it has to happen it becomes easier to do. That is my experience anyway.
We've had this gal working for us for a little while now, she is nice and all but she is just not getting it. I know, what is there to get about sandwiches? That is the sad thing. There was another gal that started the day after she did and she's got it. She knows exactly what she is doing, she has taken materials home to study and she is a worker. The gal I had to let go cannot be left unsupervised on the simplest of tasks. Her sandwich making skills were terrible. We've hired a few new people lately and after only a few days they have easily surpassed what we can have her do. It is pretty frustrating. We realized that she wasn't getting a few things and so we tried to put her in a position she could excel in. She did okay for one day but the next time she worked it was like we had to completely retrain. That just becomes too much work for us especially when there are plenty of people out there that just seem to hit the ground running.
So though it isn't a fun thing to do, when you know it has to happen it becomes easier to do. That is my experience anyway.
Monday, May 14, 2012
A Little Attic Time
The kitchen at the Little Brick House is a tad on the warm side. I suppose I could say that it is hot as hell but the reality of hell being hot is debatable but that is another story and I don't know that I really want to get into it right now. Oh, well, perhaps I cannot open that can and leave it to fester. If hell is away from the Savior or outer darkness, and the Savior is the source of light, would it not stand to reason that hell would be a very cold and dark place? It was just a little something my mission president discussed as he taught us a discourse on Faith in Jesus Christ. Well, I will exit this topic now and leave you to ponder the idea.
Back to the kitchen - it is rather hot in there and the little cooling we were getting in there went away when we put up the new wall. In short, we need to put in some sort of cooling supply for the kitchen. That said, I went about putting together a plan for a couple of new ducts and hope it will do the trick. I picked up the needed supplies and then went about getting started today. I cut in the new boots, hung them and the registers. It allowed me a little quality time in the attic. Sometimes I miss crawling through attics. The fun thing is that I never actually installed new ductwork, i've looked at a lot of it, I've designed a lot of it, I've sold a lot of it but I have never actually had to install it. I love learning new things and so cutting these in today was a lot of fun for me. I did realize that my knees don't hold up quite like they use to when kneeling on a truss in an attic.
I didn't get the start collars cut in yet and haven't attached the ductwork as I ran out of time. I am hoping that tomorrow I can get in there and get it done. I do have a little electrical to do so I can hang some lights over the registers tomorrow as well. As much as I love a little attic time it would be nice not to have to make extra trips.
Never be afraid to try something new. I don't have much experience in running ductwork - who cares? I don't know a ton about plumbing - so what? I shock myself just about everytime I do electrical work - it's good for the hairdo.
Back to the kitchen - it is rather hot in there and the little cooling we were getting in there went away when we put up the new wall. In short, we need to put in some sort of cooling supply for the kitchen. That said, I went about putting together a plan for a couple of new ducts and hope it will do the trick. I picked up the needed supplies and then went about getting started today. I cut in the new boots, hung them and the registers. It allowed me a little quality time in the attic. Sometimes I miss crawling through attics. The fun thing is that I never actually installed new ductwork, i've looked at a lot of it, I've designed a lot of it, I've sold a lot of it but I have never actually had to install it. I love learning new things and so cutting these in today was a lot of fun for me. I did realize that my knees don't hold up quite like they use to when kneeling on a truss in an attic.
I didn't get the start collars cut in yet and haven't attached the ductwork as I ran out of time. I am hoping that tomorrow I can get in there and get it done. I do have a little electrical to do so I can hang some lights over the registers tomorrow as well. As much as I love a little attic time it would be nice not to have to make extra trips.
Never be afraid to try something new. I don't have much experience in running ductwork - who cares? I don't know a ton about plumbing - so what? I shock myself just about everytime I do electrical work - it's good for the hairdo.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Moved Upon
There are times when I attend a meeting or a class at church and the lesson is presented in such a way that I am moved upon by the Spirit and I walk away having been well fed. There are many lessons and meetings or moments in them when I am moved upon. I love that. I love to be taught by the Spirit. I had such an experience today in our Elders Quorum. My friend Ray Hollinger had the lesson and lead the discussion about the power of prayer. Ray is one of those guys that I have really come to love and appreciate over the last several months when our wards were combined. He is an amazing individual, and amazing scriptorian and somewhere along the lines we created a bond. He is a good man, a righteous man and is very much in tune with the Spirit in his life.
The lesson came from the George Albert Smith manuel Chapter 9. There are some phenomenal stories on prayer and the power of prayer as shared by President Smith. I recommend this lesson. I shared one of the stories with Jack and he loved it. We will share another in Family Home Evening. Anyhow, the lesson was such a powerful reminder of the power of prayer. It was a reminder of the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. The need that we have to kneel often to our Father in Heaven in Prayer was so clearly stated. It was great.
At one point in the lesson Ray was talking about how we are a group of boys and men and then lead into a discussion of our potential and seeing ourselves the way the Lord sees us, as a Prince. It is so easy to forget that. Through prayer we can be reminded of who we are.
Well, it is Mother's Day. I take just a moment to thank my own mother for how wonderful she is. I am ever grateful for all she did to teach the gospel in our home. We were fortunate to have her at home. Thank you mom for all you have done and all you continue to do to bless our family. You are wonderful - a Princess of the most high to be sure.
The lesson came from the George Albert Smith manuel Chapter 9. There are some phenomenal stories on prayer and the power of prayer as shared by President Smith. I recommend this lesson. I shared one of the stories with Jack and he loved it. We will share another in Family Home Evening. Anyhow, the lesson was such a powerful reminder of the power of prayer. It was a reminder of the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us. The need that we have to kneel often to our Father in Heaven in Prayer was so clearly stated. It was great.
At one point in the lesson Ray was talking about how we are a group of boys and men and then lead into a discussion of our potential and seeing ourselves the way the Lord sees us, as a Prince. It is so easy to forget that. Through prayer we can be reminded of who we are.
Well, it is Mother's Day. I take just a moment to thank my own mother for how wonderful she is. I am ever grateful for all she did to teach the gospel in our home. We were fortunate to have her at home. Thank you mom for all you have done and all you continue to do to bless our family. You are wonderful - a Princess of the most high to be sure.
I'm Half Dog
Jack woke up at 6 this morning. I was grateful for this myself as we were out at the Father and Sons camp out. Andy was still out so I let him continue to sleep and I happily got up with Jack. I didn't do much sleeping last night. I never really do much sleeping when we are out camping and I get to a point quickly when I am just hoping that the next time I open my eyes we will have sunlight beginning to brighten up the day. Such was the case at 6 when I got up with Jack.
Jack left the tent before I did and I caught up to him over at the fire. He was there with Brothers Bishop, Johnson, Simmerman and Taylor. When I sat down with him he said to me "This is a white mans fire...". I thought that was odd and wasn't quite sure what to think or wondered where he had heard it. Everyone was grinning so I asked Jack where he learned about that and it was apparently a topic of discussion before I joined the group. The kid is a sponge and will remember exactly what you say.
As time went on Brother Simmerman asked Brother Johnson "Are you half Polar Bear?" He was sitting back away from the fire and only had a regular t-shirt on with some jeans and his shoes. Jack chimed in "I'm not half Polar Bear, I'm half dog". Everyone was chuckling a bit. Brother Johnson then asked "What kind of dog are you Jack?" and all awaited his answer. It was sure to be something large and powerful... "A Pug" came the reply. Now we were all laughing. Jack then spoke again "Oh look, my Pug is standing with his bum close to the fire". Another round of laughter. Jack asked "How do you spell Pug?" Brother Johnson answered "PWWUG". "No, it's P U G".
It was a great camp and we had a great time. There is more to stay but I am completely out of steam so I am closing for now.
Here are some pics from the camp.
Jack left the tent before I did and I caught up to him over at the fire. He was there with Brothers Bishop, Johnson, Simmerman and Taylor. When I sat down with him he said to me "This is a white mans fire...". I thought that was odd and wasn't quite sure what to think or wondered where he had heard it. Everyone was grinning so I asked Jack where he learned about that and it was apparently a topic of discussion before I joined the group. The kid is a sponge and will remember exactly what you say.
As time went on Brother Simmerman asked Brother Johnson "Are you half Polar Bear?" He was sitting back away from the fire and only had a regular t-shirt on with some jeans and his shoes. Jack chimed in "I'm not half Polar Bear, I'm half dog". Everyone was chuckling a bit. Brother Johnson then asked "What kind of dog are you Jack?" and all awaited his answer. It was sure to be something large and powerful... "A Pug" came the reply. Now we were all laughing. Jack then spoke again "Oh look, my Pug is standing with his bum close to the fire". Another round of laughter. Jack asked "How do you spell Pug?" Brother Johnson answered "PWWUG". "No, it's P U G".
It was a great camp and we had a great time. There is more to stay but I am completely out of steam so I am closing for now.
Here are some pics from the camp.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Dental Toys
Well people this is just a prelude to the post that will be coming here. I am getting ready to take off for a Father and Sons camp out up Parowan Canyon and just wanted to get my blog written quickly here as I will be out of range in a bit. I will come back and detail this more fully tomorrow upon our return.
The kids and I had a first today. It was my first time taking them to the dentist. I know it was their first time in at least two years - there are some things that I am still trying to learn. Anyhow, it was an adventure and though there was some nervousness earlier in the week when I told them we were going, they all did rather well.
Now we're off for our next adventure of the day. Will write more later.
We're back in town so I will finish this post.
When we walked into the cleaning and exam area there was a huge fish tank and the boys went right for it. They loved it. Natty got to go in and do x-rays and Andy got to get up in the chair. He was just a little nervous at first but climbed in there and did a great job. I think the biggest challenge with Andy was that he wanted to talk all about the fish. It's kind of hard to talk when you are getting your teeth cleaned. He did have some white knuckle action going on as he tightly gripped the side of the chair during the cleaning.
Natty did fine for the pics and then it was Jacks turn. He was okay to go in after he saw Natty do it but he was a bit nervous. The film that they put in his mouth was not much fun for him. He was doing his best but it was not comfortable. Dr. John, the Dentist, came and said hi while Jack was in there and noticed how hard Jack was working for them in that chair. Anyhow, they got him all set and he thought he had to turn and face the camera so he did, and he smiled, and he winced a bit because it wasn't all that comfortable. Well, they got him situated and managed to get it all done.
Jack returned to the fish tank after his xrays and began naming fish. Swimmer was one of the names he settled upon. I thought it was a good name for a fish. There were also the Red Bellied Piranha. They were actually Silver Dollar fish but they reminded Jack of the Red Bellied Piranha so that's what they were.
Natty was in the chair after Andy and the other hygienist was there to get Jack going in the chair next to Natty. That wasn't going to happen. In his mind he was going to sit in the same chair as Andy and Natty and the girl hygienist was going to do the work. They had some work to do to overcome that obstacle. I was doing my best to encourage but Jack was a little scared.
So the hygienist went to work and invited Jack to come over and look at his toys. There was some reluctance on Jacks part to go over but eventually he did. The hygienist had the tool he uses to rinse teeth, it was now a squirt gun. He demonstrated how it worked and shot a stream of water at the back of the other hygienist. Well, that right there will score points with any little boy. He then converted that squirt gun into an air blaster and shot Jack and Andy with some air. It was a misty blast of air because it doubles as a squirt gun but that was okay. Then out came the tooth tickler. Wonderful little tool that tickles teeth and eventually Jack was comfortable enough to climb up in the chair. Oh, he didn't stay long, thought it was all done when only a short time had passed. The tooth tickler had to come out again. Jack managed to pull through.
Dr. John came and did his exams and Andy passed with flying colors. Everything looked great. No cavities but a word of caution because of deep grooves in his molars. He has to keep those clean in order to not get any cavities Natty did really well also, she has a few more baby teeth to lose, which should happen fairly quickly. There was no sign of wisdom teeth in the xrays and Dr. John was happy about that. One cavity on a permanent molar. Jack also looked great, has a couple of loose teeth and also one cavity on the same tooth as Natty. A return visit is scheduled at the end of the month for fillings.
When I told Jack he had a cavity he was pretty upset. Of the three he is the best about brushing and flossing. Anyhow, he decided that since he had a cavity he couldn't go to school. We had to convince him otherwise and finally got him over. What I needed was a little squirt gun, an air blaster or a tooth tickler. I'm sure it would have made that job a lot easier.
The kids and I had a first today. It was my first time taking them to the dentist. I know it was their first time in at least two years - there are some things that I am still trying to learn. Anyhow, it was an adventure and though there was some nervousness earlier in the week when I told them we were going, they all did rather well.
Now we're off for our next adventure of the day. Will write more later.
We're back in town so I will finish this post.
When we walked into the cleaning and exam area there was a huge fish tank and the boys went right for it. They loved it. Natty got to go in and do x-rays and Andy got to get up in the chair. He was just a little nervous at first but climbed in there and did a great job. I think the biggest challenge with Andy was that he wanted to talk all about the fish. It's kind of hard to talk when you are getting your teeth cleaned. He did have some white knuckle action going on as he tightly gripped the side of the chair during the cleaning.
Natty did fine for the pics and then it was Jacks turn. He was okay to go in after he saw Natty do it but he was a bit nervous. The film that they put in his mouth was not much fun for him. He was doing his best but it was not comfortable. Dr. John, the Dentist, came and said hi while Jack was in there and noticed how hard Jack was working for them in that chair. Anyhow, they got him all set and he thought he had to turn and face the camera so he did, and he smiled, and he winced a bit because it wasn't all that comfortable. Well, they got him situated and managed to get it all done.
Jack returned to the fish tank after his xrays and began naming fish. Swimmer was one of the names he settled upon. I thought it was a good name for a fish. There were also the Red Bellied Piranha. They were actually Silver Dollar fish but they reminded Jack of the Red Bellied Piranha so that's what they were.
Natty was in the chair after Andy and the other hygienist was there to get Jack going in the chair next to Natty. That wasn't going to happen. In his mind he was going to sit in the same chair as Andy and Natty and the girl hygienist was going to do the work. They had some work to do to overcome that obstacle. I was doing my best to encourage but Jack was a little scared.
So the hygienist went to work and invited Jack to come over and look at his toys. There was some reluctance on Jacks part to go over but eventually he did. The hygienist had the tool he uses to rinse teeth, it was now a squirt gun. He demonstrated how it worked and shot a stream of water at the back of the other hygienist. Well, that right there will score points with any little boy. He then converted that squirt gun into an air blaster and shot Jack and Andy with some air. It was a misty blast of air because it doubles as a squirt gun but that was okay. Then out came the tooth tickler. Wonderful little tool that tickles teeth and eventually Jack was comfortable enough to climb up in the chair. Oh, he didn't stay long, thought it was all done when only a short time had passed. The tooth tickler had to come out again. Jack managed to pull through.
Dr. John came and did his exams and Andy passed with flying colors. Everything looked great. No cavities but a word of caution because of deep grooves in his molars. He has to keep those clean in order to not get any cavities Natty did really well also, she has a few more baby teeth to lose, which should happen fairly quickly. There was no sign of wisdom teeth in the xrays and Dr. John was happy about that. One cavity on a permanent molar. Jack also looked great, has a couple of loose teeth and also one cavity on the same tooth as Natty. A return visit is scheduled at the end of the month for fillings.
When I told Jack he had a cavity he was pretty upset. Of the three he is the best about brushing and flossing. Anyhow, he decided that since he had a cavity he couldn't go to school. We had to convince him otherwise and finally got him over. What I needed was a little squirt gun, an air blaster or a tooth tickler. I'm sure it would have made that job a lot easier.
My Station
I slept last night. It was good. Got more sleep in one night then I had the previous two. It was very welcome. Tonight however, I will not get quite as much. Homework for Natty. In any case, I have been listening to my Pandora Radio Station tonight. I also listened to it on Monday. My station is Neil Diamond. Why would I choose anything else? Anyhow, I find that the mix of artists and songs is pretty much perfect. So hey, this is going to be short tonight but just wanted to recommend Neil Diamond as a fantastic Pandora radio station. Got a little James Taylor playing right now and Elton John just finished. Whose next? Well, it'll probably be Neil.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Wiped Out
I am completely wiped out at the moment. I've had very little sleep for the last few nights and I am fixin to pass out. I have been struggling just to bring up the blog so I can write this post. Hopefully some part of it will make sense.
Natty had a presentation today on South Africa. I went to help her and brought a bunch of my stuff. Perhaps the most popular thing was the tokolosh. This is the human eating demon that comes around and snatches people up off the floor. Obviously not real. Anyhow I saw a lot of those figures but I only saw one that was actually eating. The kids seemed to like it.
I just erased a sleep sentence. That's a sentence that somehow you type in the middle of sleep but it makes no sentence. This post has been full of them. Well, as mentioned I am wiped out and am therefore signing off for the night.
Natty had a presentation today on South Africa. I went to help her and brought a bunch of my stuff. Perhaps the most popular thing was the tokolosh. This is the human eating demon that comes around and snatches people up off the floor. Obviously not real. Anyhow I saw a lot of those figures but I only saw one that was actually eating. The kids seemed to like it.
I just erased a sleep sentence. That's a sentence that somehow you type in the middle of sleep but it makes no sentence. This post has been full of them. Well, as mentioned I am wiped out and am therefore signing off for the night.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
First Time
It was Jack's first time attending Cub Scouts. He was really excited to go and he had a great time. When we pulled up to the Church Brother Brinkerhoff was out in his chair waiting. I said "There's Brother ... " my mind went blank, I couldn't remember his name. After a short pause Jack said "Brinkerhoff". He remembered their names after one meeting last week. I thought that was pretty cool. He had a fabulous time. So happy for little Jack.
Andy is also excited for him and I think he will also do quite well when he gets into scouts. Both boys really want to do the Pinewood Derby. In fact, Jack knows exactly where the page is that outlines Pinewood Derby. He showed the other boys the page when they were all standing in the hall; "This is what I really want to do" he said. I thought it was fabulous.
Anyway, here is a pic of Jack in his uniform.
Andy is also excited for him and I think he will also do quite well when he gets into scouts. Both boys really want to do the Pinewood Derby. In fact, Jack knows exactly where the page is that outlines Pinewood Derby. He showed the other boys the page when they were all standing in the hall; "This is what I really want to do" he said. I thought it was fabulous.
Anyway, here is a pic of Jack in his uniform.
Nat Castle
So Natty hit me with a few school projects all due on Wednesday. Oh my goodness. I am exhausted. She was rather concerned about this castle she has to build. At first she kept talking about using my tools. Happily I reccomended using something that doesn't require wood - Rice Kripsee treats.
So tonight I bought 120 Rice Krispee treats and I took care of the base. There is still painting to do., well frosting anyway. And that is all I have to say abut this.
Here is what I came up with. Hope Natty likes it. I am off to bed now.
So tonight I bought 120 Rice Krispee treats and I took care of the base. There is still painting to do., well frosting anyway. And that is all I have to say abut this.
Here is what I came up with. Hope Natty likes it. I am off to bed now.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
o oOOOO OOOOo o o o o o o o o
Confused? Wondering what the heck this title is all about? Any guesses? No, it is not a freak binary code, it has nothing to do with the Mayan calendar or the end of civilization as we know it. It is really quite simple. It's the 4 8 8 4 wheel pattern of the Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive followed by the 14 wheel centipede style tender. I found a picture of this on the Internet yesterday that was beautiful. I will see if I can add it here.
Some of you may remember Jack's Big Boy Testimony from a couple of months ago. It was a favorite and when I wrote about that I discussed a need to tie this train thing into the gospel. Today I had an assignment to instruct the Elders Quorum. I was given the topic of taking the lead in our homes. I have known of this assignment for a couple of months now and have pondered it some. A few days ago I had the impression that I should talk a little bit about the Big Boy. I thought a lot about it and I saw a direct tie into the gospel. As Jack could eloquently report, the Big Boy can pull a five and a half mile train on level track. The Big Boy is a strong leader that leads its cargo down a course or track that has been laid before it that when followed is safe and leads to the right destination. Strong leaders in the Church are easily identified as the Prophet, his counselors and the quorum of the Twelve. In today's lesson we discussed a more personal responsibility with leadership. We talked of prophetic priorities and then discussed our responsibility as holders of the priesthood to be strong leaders and Patriarchs in our homes. I really enjoyed this lesson not only because it opened my eyes to the Big Boy but because it reminded me of my duty to God and to my family.
We didn't just talk about the big boy. I did get up and draw the series of circles on the chalk board just like they are shown in the title. I asked the brethren what it was. There were a few guesses that were not even close. I then read them the Jack's Big Boy testimony and many had a good laugh as they remembered it well. The meat of the lesson came from Elder Bednars conference address from April 2012. It is called The Powers of Heaven and in it Elder Bednar beautifully explains the authority and also the power of the Priesthood. Members of the church who hold the priesthood do so with authority. It was conferred upon them by one who has the authority and can be linked back to the restoration of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith by John the Baptist and also by Peter, James and John. Those who hold the Priesthood have a responsibility to act and to exercise that Priesthood in the building up of the kingdom of God and the work of salvation.
I remember sitting in conference and while listening to this talk having the impression that it was the material I would use in my lesson. What a powerful reminder to me of what my responsibility is to my family and to the Lord. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and I hope that some were strengthened in the process. I am grateful for the restoration of the Priesthood of God and to hold that Priesthood. I am grateful for that authority in my life and hope to live worthy so that I can strengthen my family and others through the Power of the Priesthood.
We didn't just talk about the big boy. I did get up and draw the series of circles on the chalk board just like they are shown in the title. I asked the brethren what it was. There were a few guesses that were not even close. I then read them the Jack's Big Boy testimony and many had a good laugh as they remembered it well. The meat of the lesson came from Elder Bednars conference address from April 2012. It is called The Powers of Heaven and in it Elder Bednar beautifully explains the authority and also the power of the Priesthood. Members of the church who hold the priesthood do so with authority. It was conferred upon them by one who has the authority and can be linked back to the restoration of both the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith by John the Baptist and also by Peter, James and John. Those who hold the Priesthood have a responsibility to act and to exercise that Priesthood in the building up of the kingdom of God and the work of salvation.
I remember sitting in conference and while listening to this talk having the impression that it was the material I would use in my lesson. What a powerful reminder to me of what my responsibility is to my family and to the Lord. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and I hope that some were strengthened in the process. I am grateful for the restoration of the Priesthood of God and to hold that Priesthood. I am grateful for that authority in my life and hope to live worthy so that I can strengthen my family and others through the Power of the Priesthood.
Bested by the Soda Fountain
I've got a sleeping Andy in a chair behind me. He just had one of those falling dreams and jolted pretty good in his sleep. He woke up and with eyes wide open he told me he just fell in a hole in his dream and was laughing a bit. Sure do love my kids and the simple things in life that get them excited.
So tonight we were hard at work at the Little Brick House in an effort to get the new walls and everything up by Monday AM. It is going to be tough but I believe we can do it. Anyway, as part of this effort we needed to remove the Coke machine. We will be moving to Pepsi but cannot wait for their equipment install to make these changes.
Anyway, Dave and I were starting to move the coke machine and one of the legs fell down into a hole in the top of the counter. It smashed my right hand pretty good and also managed to hit my Jaw. Those things are extremely heavy but we managed to move it but it wasn't without a bit of a beat down. It's not everyday that I am bested or beat up by the soda fountain. I am certainly feeling it in my Jaw right now but alas I will survive.
So tonight we were hard at work at the Little Brick House in an effort to get the new walls and everything up by Monday AM. It is going to be tough but I believe we can do it. Anyway, as part of this effort we needed to remove the Coke machine. We will be moving to Pepsi but cannot wait for their equipment install to make these changes.
Anyway, Dave and I were starting to move the coke machine and one of the legs fell down into a hole in the top of the counter. It smashed my right hand pretty good and also managed to hit my Jaw. Those things are extremely heavy but we managed to move it but it wasn't without a bit of a beat down. It's not everyday that I am bested or beat up by the soda fountain. I am certainly feeling it in my Jaw right now but alas I will survive.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Got No Time
I believe it is The Guess Who that sings a song about having no time. No time for a summer friend, no time for the love you send, seasons change and so did I, you need not wonder why, need not wonder why. Wow, I think I may actually have some of those lyrics right though I really had no intention of writing them in this blog. I was only thinking of the line in the song that says; I got, got, got, got no time... Anywho, great song. Love The Guess Who.
The point to all of this is that I often lack the time to do all that I need to in a day. That makes life very busy and leaves me exhausted at night when I sit down to type this. I usually end up fighting to stay awake. Oh my goodness. Well, fail. I just woke up and have not finished this post. It is now 1:30 AM. Perhaps I could come up with some sort of a 30 minute energy drink that would allow me to make it through a blog post with plenty of energy and the ability to focus solely on the task at hand. I could call it Got No Time. I'm sure it would be wonderful. Who really wants 5 hours of energy at this time of night? 30 Minute Energy would be perfect. Oh to dream.
The point to all of this is that I often lack the time to do all that I need to in a day. That makes life very busy and leaves me exhausted at night when I sit down to type this. I usually end up fighting to stay awake. Oh my goodness. Well, fail. I just woke up and have not finished this post. It is now 1:30 AM. Perhaps I could come up with some sort of a 30 minute energy drink that would allow me to make it through a blog post with plenty of energy and the ability to focus solely on the task at hand. I could call it Got No Time. I'm sure it would be wonderful. Who really wants 5 hours of energy at this time of night? 30 Minute Energy would be perfect. Oh to dream.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Like a Wild Pony
I was trying my hand, or hands at Punch Out on the Wii tonight and could not beat Soda Popinski. He whooped my trash a few times. I am not one that likes to give up real easy but the time for bed had arrived and so we shut it down. Jack was excited to hear about it and when I told him I was getting my trash handed to me he gave me a little pep talk. "You need to get in there and fight like a wild pony". I don't know about you but I am ready to get in that ring once again to take on the big Russian. I am not completely clear on how a wild pony fights but I imagine it could be pretty fierce, it would definitely be, well, wild. It's going to take that kind of a pony to get me past Soda Popinski.
In other exciting news I rode a long board skateboard for the first time today. It belongs to Amy and so we, meaning Amy, Dave and myself, tested it in the LBH parking lot. I then decided to go up 400 a little bit. I got a nice little ride in. I think I caught Amy and Dave by surprise. Not so sure they had any confidence, but really, who could have confidence when you see that you're going up against a wild pony?
In other exciting news I rode a long board skateboard for the first time today. It belongs to Amy and so we, meaning Amy, Dave and myself, tested it in the LBH parking lot. I then decided to go up 400 a little bit. I got a nice little ride in. I think I caught Amy and Dave by surprise. Not so sure they had any confidence, but really, who could have confidence when you see that you're going up against a wild pony?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Cub Scout Jack
I was floored this evening when Jack and Andy and I went over the the Brinkerhoffs home to learn more about Cub Scouts. Jack of course just turned 8 and is officially a Cub Scout or will officially be one soon. We went over to learn more about the program and to get acquainted with the leaders. It was a good visit and I think Jack is pretty excited.
It became quite clear that the most important part of Cub Scouts, at least for Jack, is the Pinewood Derby. He requested that the derby not be held in the months of June or July when he will be up in Alaska. He provided insight on his cousin Clayton's Garbage Truck derby car. He also decided that we needed to make his derby car now, two of them in fact, so we could start training them. Sounds like we will have the best trained derby cars at the derby whenever it comes about. So exciting.
Jack had several fun comments throughout the conversation. He was also very excited about getting his uniform. He was ready to go and get it. Tomorrow perhaps. Anyhow, welcome aboard Cub Scout Jack!
It became quite clear that the most important part of Cub Scouts, at least for Jack, is the Pinewood Derby. He requested that the derby not be held in the months of June or July when he will be up in Alaska. He provided insight on his cousin Clayton's Garbage Truck derby car. He also decided that we needed to make his derby car now, two of them in fact, so we could start training them. Sounds like we will have the best trained derby cars at the derby whenever it comes about. So exciting.
Jack had several fun comments throughout the conversation. He was also very excited about getting his uniform. He was ready to go and get it. Tomorrow perhaps. Anyhow, welcome aboard Cub Scout Jack!
Who am I?
Natty had a bad experience today when some kids at school said some pretty mean things to her. She was upset and hurt. I had some thoughts about this and how painful certain things can be. At the same time, when we know who we are there is strength beyond measure.
I don't mean to over simplify and I certainly don't want to set the hurt aside because that can be a very real thing. When we are in those moments of hurt and pain we need to remember who we are. We are children of our Heavenly Father who loves us. He knows who we are. He knows our needs. He stands ready to receive us if we will come unto him. When we know who we are and have a firm testimony that we our a child of God, we are strengthened against those who would have us believe otherwise.
I am grateful for a loving Savior. I am grateful for the experiences I have had in my life that have brought me to my knees and helped me to gain a testimony of the Savior. I know that he lives and that he loves each of us. He knows who we are and knows our individual needs.
I don't mean to over simplify and I certainly don't want to set the hurt aside because that can be a very real thing. When we are in those moments of hurt and pain we need to remember who we are. We are children of our Heavenly Father who loves us. He knows who we are. He knows our needs. He stands ready to receive us if we will come unto him. When we know who we are and have a firm testimony that we our a child of God, we are strengthened against those who would have us believe otherwise.
I am grateful for a loving Savior. I am grateful for the experiences I have had in my life that have brought me to my knees and helped me to gain a testimony of the Savior. I know that he lives and that he loves each of us. He knows who we are and knows our individual needs.
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