Kanarraville Falls

7 came early this morning especially since I didn't get to be until after 2.  No matter, I slept enough and was excited to go hike Ashdown Gorge this morning.  The only challenge is that we didn't go to Ashdown Gorge.  Morgan had checked it out on a quick trip up the canyon and found that the land slide from last year had affected the area some and so we went to Kanarraville Falls instead.  This was not a big deal to me as I hadn't previously hiked Kanarra and had it on my list of hikes to do.  There were a few of us on the hike - Morgan Ellsworth, Ron Cardon, Matt Massy (was the starting center for the T-Birds for the last couple of years anyway, from Australia, fantastic guy), Jake and Chad.  I just met Matt, Jake and Chad this morning.  All nice guys. 

This was a great hike.  The start is a bit dry and goes straight up a hill but once you get in to the river bed it turns into some amazing scenery.  We were just about the first ones on the trail and had a great hike in.  We ended up going in just under 4 miles.  That took us up a couple of waterfalls and past a natural water slide, and through some amazing canyon walls.  I loved it and felt really good throughout the hike.  There were moments when my legs were feeling it a bit but all in all it was a great hike.  I think the kids would absolutely love it if I can get them up into the water.  I guess I should explain that the trail cuts back and forth through the river and then there are moments where it is straight up through the river.  There is a large log climb up the first waterfall and getting the kids up that might be a small challenge but I think they can handle it.  The bigger challenge would be the second waterfall climb with a much thinner log to climb.  I don't think they would be too upset if we didn't quite go that far in and they would still get to see the natural water slides.  I am sure they would want to do it.  Me, not so much.  That water was cold and though it wasn't a big deal after I could'nt feel my feet any longer I don't know that I want to submerge my entire self in it. 

I did enjoy getting to know Matt a bit.  We talked Australia some, we talked the game of Cricket, we talked Vegamite sandwiches.  I asked him what Australian sandwich would be good for The Little Brick House.  He didn't come up with one so I suggested the Vegamite.  He loves the stuff but neither of us were so sure it would be a good fit.  We laughed some because at 6'10" the water that got up to his knees was mid thigh for me.  All things balance out though because I didn't have to bend down near as far to get under low hanging tree branches.  After the hike Ron, Matt and I went in to the LBH for lunch.  It was the first time Matt had been and he loved it.  Even convinced him to have a Ginger Brew which he quite enjoyed as it reminded him of the Ginger Brew from Australia. 

Growing up I didn't find a lot of joy in hiking.  To me it just seemed like too much work.  I have grown to love hiking.  I love being out in nature and enjoying some of the amazing beauties of this earth.  I also quite enjoy the exercise part of it.  Running on the eliptical is only so exciting.  Getting out there on a trail, cutting through a river, climbing up a waterfall, you really can't mimic that on an eliptical.  We are looking at hitting the Narrows in Zion National Park in about three weeks.  I am excited about that one.  It has been about 15 years since I last went to the Narrows and we didn't hike back far enough for it to start getting narrow.  That is all river walking and it is quite a bit deeper then the water we were in today.  Fortunately it is also a bit warmer. 

So Kanarraville Falls - I give it two thumbs up. I am not an official hiking trail critic so take that for what it is worth. I suggest going early. There were quite a few people on the trail when we were on our way back out. Also, young kids. Where it isn't exactly kid unfriendly there may be a few spots that pose a challenge for younger kids.

Here are some pics from the hike.
  

Oh What a Night

There was a dinner and dance in St. George tonight so I planned my temple trip for tonight and combined the activities.  Also managed to squeeze Costco into the mix where I picked up some much needed chips.  It was quite the night.

I will just report quickly on the dance.  It was a great time.  I have to say that I love to dance.  I probably looked a fool out there but who cares.  There was a group that I danced with for the most part and then there was a cool people group next to our group, I drifted towards them a few times but never broke in to their circle of cool kid trust.  Of course they probably all thought this other group of  people were the cool kids... I did my best to represent.  I had a great time and even managed to dance a slow song or two.  Pretty crazy I know. 

As I mentioned it was my weekly trip to the Temple.  I did intiatory work tonight and had a wonderful experience there.  The spirit was strong and I was taught.  I am grateful for the experience tonight and for the blessings received through the Temple.  This is not so highly detailed, I understand that.  I am just going to leave it at that.

It is after 2 and I need to get to sleep because I am hiking in the morning and need to get some sleep before going.  Really though, had a fabulous night. 

Shy Guy

Why are people shy? I don't know that I ask that in all sincerity or really wanting to know the answer.  Perhaps I don't want to face myself and live with the answers to that particular question.  You see, I have always been shy.  If I don't have to say something I won't.  If I don't have to try and carry on a conversation with someone I won't.  Climbing out of my comfort zone to talk to someone is not something I am a fan of.  The weird thing is that at work I can flip a switch and talk to anyone and do so fairly comfortably.  Whether that was out selling air conditioners or helping people at The Little Brick House I seem to be able to pick it up without much of a problem.
So why so shy?  Is there a study out there?  Does it have something to do with confidence or the lack thereof?  Here's the thing about me.  I don't see myself as being very smart.  I have been known, well self aware anyway, to be engaged in a conversation about something I have no idea what the person is talking about.  I listen and I try to figure it out the best I can though sometimes it leaves me lost.  Oh well, I am shy, who really cares?  Of course once we get to know each other, once my wall has come down a bit, once I feel safe around someone then I am quite a bit more comfortable. 

I probably had some deeper thoughts on this matter earlier but I am falling asleep and can't think of anything at the moment.  I did got to the Singles institute class tonight and was in perfect loner form until a friend approached and started talking to me.  The nerve.  No, I was grateful for that nerve and for being forced out of my comfort zone. 

Duty

What does it mean to you to do your duty?  I reposted a comment on Facebook the other day that was a quote from Elder Holland discussing the last days and the battle between good and evil.  He talks about how we know through prophecy and revelation that good will win.  He then wonders why there are some who just can't seem to decide which team they are going to be on.  That was obviously my paraphrasing, you get the idea though. 

I marvel at myself when I look back in my life and see times when I was not as diligent in doing my duty as maybe I could have been.  There are areas of my life where I have learned my duty and I do it well.  There are areas that I need to better understand that responsibility and improve.  This I do know, when I go forward in faith and do my duty to the very best of my ability I am blessed. 

Through life experiences I have learned that it can be easy to get caught up in worldy pursuits.  It can be very easy to let temporal things take priority over spiritual matters.  I have been through that struggle.  I know what it means to have to struggle and wrestle with career ambition vs. spiritual, family and priesthood duty.  I've learned that the Lord really doesn't care if I was the top air conditioning salesman back in 2001 or if I won the franchise of the year back in 2006.  It is 2012 and those things don't amount to a hill of beans today.  They don't matter. 

What does matter?  Well, am I leading my family as the Patriarch in our home?  Am I teaching my children what is right?  Am I honoring my Priesthood?  Am I worthy to exercise that Priesthood if I were called to do so right now?  Am I fulfilling my duty to God?  Am I being valient in my testimony of Jesus Christ?  Am I worthy to carry a current Temple Recommend and do I use it?  Am I fullfilling my responsibilities as a home teacher?  Do I sustain my Church Leaders?  Have I felt to sing the song of redeeming love and do I feel so now?  I look at this quick list and know that I have a lot of work to do. 

I was out home teaching tonight and the lesson discussed sustaining our leaders.  It reminded me in a verse in the book of Ezra.  In chaper 7 verse 10 it says:  For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it...     Elder F. David Stanley was visiting the Cape Town Mission and taught us this principle.  I was serving in Port Elizabeth at the time.  Anyhow, he talked about raising your hand to the square, sustaining your leaders and then doing it, doing what we are asked to do.    Isn't that our duty? 

I fail everyday, I do.  We live in challenging times and we come up short.   Thankfully we have a Savior who loves us, who is patient and understanding.  He wants us to get up and try again.  He suffered for each of us so that we could.  I am grateful for that, for the atonement of Jesus Christ.  I hope that I will always strive to understand and do my duty to God. 

Cast My Vote

Today was a day for voting here in Utah and I went and cast my votes.  It is always a good feeling to go out and vote, to exercise that right.  I certainly look forward to doing so again in November. 

While preparing to go I pulled out my old voter registration card from Florida.  In 2008 I voted in the Oasis Community Church.  I always found it interesting that church's in Florida were so widely used for voting locations.  In 2006 I voted at a Baptist church down Clubhouse Road from where we lived.  Here in Cedar City I go to South Elementary School.  The school seems a more appropriate venue.  I don't know.

Anyhow, It was good to go and vote.  When I walked into the Library at South Elementary the workers asked me how things were at The Little Brick House this summer and then went on to talk about how much they love it.  Those kinds of comments are always nice to here.  People also talk about how happy they are to see us doing well.  We have some good moments and are trying to improve all the time. 

Apparently voting takes it out of you because I am completely exhausted right now and it isn't even 10 PM yet.  That is weird, wild stuff I know. 

Only 3

Between Church and dinner at the folks house last night I only managed to get three lady friend suggestions.  Wow, what a downer.  Actually I think that matches my previous top day.  It is such an interesting thing having someone approach you about having the perfect person for you.  Now look, I know that there are a lot of wonderful women out there, wonderful sisters in the church.  Just because someone is single and I am single it doesn't make us a perfect match.  Oh my goodness.  I seriously believe that going out with someone's "friend" is one of the hardest things to do.  It certainly creates an enormous amount of anxiety for me.  They already believe their friend and I are perfect for each other and that just kind of makes it weird.  I feel like a jerk if I tell someone I am not interested in going out with their friend or them.  It is just rude.  I try not to be rude and it leads to my own suffering.  Let me simplify with this:  Re-entering the dating scene after you have been married and have kids, well, I think it stinks - the dating that is. 

I have nothing more to say at this time. 

Morning Walk and Conversation

One thing about 1 O'clock church is that you have a few hours in the morning with not a lot to do.  I decided that a nice walk would be a good thing to do and there was a little paved trail I wanted to check out.  I took the opportunity to meditate and pray.  It was a good little walk and I was able to share some feelings and thoughts with my Heavenly Father. 

So here is one of my unflattering admissions, I am not the best when it comes to prayer.  I say prayers daily but the quality of those conversations is not always the best and I can be a bit inconsistent when it comes to my morning prayers in a formal setting.  I need to improve in this area. 

Anyhow, good walk, good conversation.  I pondered on my current state and discussed some of my inadequacies and failings.  I recognize my limitations within my home to provide for all of the needs of my children.  I don't know that I need to go any deeper or discuss the finer details of this except to say on my own I come up short and am found wanting.  I am sure there are many who can relate to these feelings of inadequacy.  No matter what our state is we find ourselves at the feet of the Savior.  He who is mighty to save.  Our deliverer.  Our all.  In him we have hope and can walk with the assurance that all will be made right as we do our very best. 

I don't know if any of this makes sense.  Suffice to say.  I need the Savior.  I am grateful for that which he has done for me.  I am grateful today for my morning walk and conversation.

The Door Wall

We had a meeting this morning at The Little Brick House.  It was good and well received.   Following the training I had help from Nate, Johnathan and Gordon to take out the booths and do the final assembly of the door divider wall.  We got it assembled.  I like it.  Here are a few pics.

There is Hope

Made a St. George trip tonight.  My weekly Temple trip combined with a mid-singles dance.  It's a good combination.   Naturally after my last dance attempt I was a bit nervous. Tonight was much better.  There is hope after all.  Seemingly a more active mid-singles grou3p down there.  Sweet.

I am typing this on my phone as my computer has recently died.  Fun stuff.  I've been using the kids laptop.  Wow, I am sleepy.  It is time to call it a a night.

Kitchen Side

I didn't work the register all that much today.  Nice change of pace.  I actually got to do a little work on the kitchen side and delivered a few sandwiches and fudge.  I enjoy being able to go and visit with the customers and to take the opportunity to talk to them and make sure everything was great. All reports back to me today were very positive.  I visited with one family that was new to the LBH and learned that he was in catering.  He told me that our food was great and that they will definitely be back. He said we knew what we were doing.  I love to hear those kind of reports.  We had another one yesterday evening by one of our employees parents.  They loved our food and are happy because that has been the one disappointment of Cedar City for them.  The food here just isn't that good.  These were Mikey's parents and they come up for his football games and several other things so it is nice to know that they now have a place they will come to eat when they are in town.  Very good.

Anyhow, working on the kitchen side is fun.  I made a few sandwiches, put together a few desserts including a couple of birthday hot cookie sundae's.  I delivered one to a group of elderly folks.  They were sure excited.  The birthday girl asked me what kind of ice cream it was.  She then went on to tell me that I was really cute.  See, it's not just the food that is good at The Little Brick House, that "really cute" single guy melts the hearts of elderly women on a regular basis.  It's not easy being such a womanizer.  Maybe I should clarify that as and elderly woman womanizer, or not. 

On another topic, I am missing the kids.  I have had moments when I think about them and it has been tough.  Outside of work I am really quite the loner and so I come home to myself.  Maybe that I why I work long hours.  It is hard.  Naturally it is a little bit of a break from laundry and cleaning and cooking and other things but it is also a break from the association and the time together that I love so much. 

I did go to the singles activity tonight.  It was a hike up the canyon a ways.  It was good though I had moments when I struggled there.  I have a hard time with new people, it is my shy nature.  Anyway, there were a few single ladies from my ward and so I hung out with them some and tried to mingle.  There were not that many ladies there.  I tried to be friendly and reach out to everyone but that can be outside of my comfort zone as well.  Other then those awkward moments it was an enjoyable evening.  I tried to invite a wonderful single gal that I know but she was unable to come.  Oh goodness, I will try again. 

A New Fan

I got a surprise invitation from pops to go to the Collin Raye concert tonight.  He got tickets for fathers day and was going to have mom go with him but she ended up out and about with Amy for some wedding preparation thing.  I got the call and headed to the Heritage Center with pops for the show.  I have to sadly admit that I really didn't know anything about Collin Raye.  I didn't know what he sang or what to expect.  Anyhow, he put on a fantastic show and I actually recognized a goodly number of songs that I had heard before.  It was a good concert.  He sang a song I hadn't heard before, a couple of them actually.  Anyway this one song I really liked called undefeated.  I liked the message and the tune.  Anyway it was a good concert and I am a fan.  He seems to be a real genuine guy, funny too.  I told pops I would go to that show with him again.  

Incidentally, I was a little bummed because the promoter never came in about the catering he had asked me about for Collin Raye.  We were excited to do that but unfortunately it never happened.  Perhaps next time or maybe we'll get real lucky and they will come in for lunch tomorrow.  Sure.

Ben Fawson asked me to join him for 9 holes of golf this morning.  I did.  It was my first time golfing in well over a year.  I had a good time, drove it well but the short game suffered a bit.  No matter, just out to have fun.  I need to do that again and also need to work on that short game.  Now, however, I need to get to bed.

Passing

We had some sad news today.  Aunt Judy passed away.  Pops came and told me and got a little emotional.  It is never easy to lose someone and yet with the knowledge of the Plan of Salvation as a foundation we find solace in knowing they have gone to a better place.  I was working on my door wall when pops came and shared with me the news.  As I continued on working I thought about Aunt Judy and I thought about that passing.  I thought about things that Grandma Vi experienced when she was at that point in her life and how the veil was thin.  I thought about the sweet reunion that was taking place as Aunt Judy passed and was reunited with her mom and dad.  It was a sweet moment, a peaceful moment, a moment of joy for me as I thought about that meeting.  It is hard not to be a little emotional about it.  My heart is filled with gratitude for the blessings of the Temple and the sealing power that binds us together as families.  I am grateful for the Spirit testifying of the truthfulness of these things to me today while I sat and pondered Aunt Judy passing.  Indeed there is sadness in these moments and also peace and comfort from the Holy Ghost.  I am grateful for that companionship.  I am grateful for Aunt Judy and for the wonderful woman that she is.

Old Laurelwood Friends

In 98 when we moved to Vegas we found ourselves living in the Laurelwood Ward.  What a great ward it was.  There were so many wonderful people that we met there and grew to love.  I enjoyed that time.  Some of our friends there were Craig and Corina Cunningham.  They lived in a house just like ours one circle over from us.  Well what was my surprise when they walked into The Little Brick House this evening.  They looked great and it was good to visit with them for a bit.  Their oldest boy is in Africa on a Mission.  He is up in Ethiopia right now.  That is really quite cool.  It is kind of amazing that I have not seen them for nearly 10 years yet it hardly seems like any time has passed.  They are good people.  They moved from Vegas 7 years ago and have been living in a town up near Richfield.  Good stuff.  They have also kept up on a lot of the old Laurelwood friends and told me that Bishop Cameron is now living in San Diego and gets to go surfing all the time.  The Fiscus kids are doing well, Adam has hair down to his shoulders.  I home taught the Fiscus family for probably 4 years.  I love those guys.  Adam used to babysit Natalie when she was a baby.  Amazing.  The Surrat clan is doing well.  Wow, it was just neat to hear about these friends we had, to hear about these youth all grown up and to remember old times.  There were many who have had struggles and challenges, none of us seem to be exempt from that in our lives.  Anyhow, I am grateful for these friends and the influence for good they were in my life.   

Trim It Up

I had one of those moments today, maybe because it is Fathers Day and I am a bit of a loner or perhaps I just couldn't stand the thought of using any more hair gel.  Anyway, it was one of those 'I am really tired of my hair' moments and it lead to a bit of a self inflicted wound on my head.  Actually, worst case scenario struck and I am now enjoying a buzz cut.  Oh, I really don't mind the buzz cut, it is easy to maintain and really helps my shampoo conservation league.  If I had a problem with the old buzz look I wouldn't cut my own hair.  I am sure that Amy will have a thing or two to say about it when she comes back into town but really I need to get back in the habit of trimming it up myself.  Amy is getting married in a few weeks and I won't be able to take advantage of her hair cutting services much longer - well, seeing as this is a buzz cut I won't be taking advantage of those services any time soon.  Unfortunately I decided to start said haircut 30 minutes before church started so instead of being comfortably early I snuck in during announcements.  I know, it is really sad that I couldn't manage to get myself to church on time and it was just me. 

Speaking of church, it was High Council Sunday.  I can't help but remember last Fathers Day as it was my first lonely Fathers Day and also High Council Sunday.  Happy to say that the message today was a little more, well friendly.  It was still a serious message and it discussed some very important doctrine relative to being a patriarch in your home and honoring the Priesthood.  Brother Rowley was our High Council rep today and I have to say that he is one of my favorite people.  He is so very in tune with the Spirit.  I have always been edified and uplifted when I have received instruction from him.  He is a good man and I feel his love for the Lord.  I am grateful for his righteous example.  I reflected on that when I saw him on the stand and certainly felt it during his remarks. 

There were several things he said that impressed me today.  I took a few notes.  Here are a few of the things he shared:

• The influence of a father has eternal consequences. 
• The cross hairs of Satan's scope are fixed on Fathers.
• Righteous fathers have to rise above the standards of the world and live up to the expectations that our Heavenly Father has for fathers and Melchizedek Priesthood holders.
• What will be your report regarding your influence on your family?  
• Will you exercise a celestial influence?
• Heavenly Father is aware of those who do not have perfect circumstances and he will make all things just and fair.

There were several other points made and things shared and a lot to think about and things to improve upon.  As I think about some of the points noted I cannot help but recognize the importance or living a righteous life, listening to and following the promptings of the Spirit and striving to do those things that the Savior would have me do.  I also see how weak I am and recognize the great need I have for the atonement in my life.  There is certainly a need to rise above the standards of the world, they are not good enough and will not enable me to exercise a celestial influence in my family.  That responsibility is great and I cannot treat it lightly. 

I just got off the phone with Natty, Jack and Andy.  Wonderful to talk to my sweet kids.  I dare say it was the highlight of this Fathers Day for me.  I cetainly hope that I can be the kind of father they need me to be and exercise a celestial influence in their lives.       

CR Catering

A slightly better day out at the park today with Summer Games.  We had a bit more business going on and that was great.  Yesterday we did some sandwich sampling and were able to cover the park in almost it's entirety.  Today I never got more than 30 ft from our booth. I would walk out with a platter of sandwich samples and they would disappear in no time.  People were loving it and it did bring in a few sandwich sales.  Glad for that.  Surprisingly we ended the day rather well.  It wasn't as much as I was hoping for the event but we learned a lot of stuff and have a better idea for the next time we are involved in something like this. 

In other fun and exciting things we were invited to do a booth at the upcoming Renaissance Fair.  There is one catch, you have to dress up in Renaissance attire.  I don't do that.  In more exciting news I was approached by one the the vendors that is a promoter for events in Cedar.  They are involved with a Colin Ray concert in town on Wednesday.  He asked if we would cater for said Colin Ray and his crew, some 12 people.  Well, heck yes we will.  I am pretty excited about it, not that we will even see him but more because we were asked. 

Oh my goodness, the last two days have taken it out of me.  I am simply exhausted right now and am not able to stay awake.  That said, I am going to bed.

Fun Day

All things shall give you experience.  That is what I take away from today.  Went to this thing for Summer Games expecting one thing and it didn't quite happen.  I guess we were plenty prepared.  We did have some fun but simply didn't do enough business to make it worth the investment.  So we move on, tomorrow should be a busier day.  Hope so.  We made some adjustments in the plan and hope to move a few things tomorrow. 

I am absolutely exhausted right now and have to be back up and moving early in the morning so I am actually going to check out here tonight. 

You smell...

It has been a full day, lots of stuff going on.  We are sponsoring The Utah Summer Games.  That sounds like a pretty big deal, it is - the summer games not necessarily our sponsorship.  We are a very small part, very small but we are a part.  One of the things that we are doing is a food booth that is happening tomorrow in Main St. park.  Have I mentioned this already?  I don't recall and I am not going to go back and look it up.  Anyways that has added some load.  Hopefully we are prepared.  They have never done this as part of the games so it is very hard to determine what exactly will happen but we are hoping for the best. 

As part of our preparation I was in Wal Mart picking up a few items.  I went through the self check out and while finishing my transaction the clerk over self checkout came and asked if everything was operating correctly and if I needed any help.  I assured him all was well.  He then said: "You smell... like pizza".  Perhaps I am a bit stinkier than I thought after work.  I guess that focaccia bread really does it, even from a distance. 

I drove home after my wonderful compliment to a fireworks show.  Part of the opening ceremony for the Summer Games is the fireworks show.  I've sat and watched it the last couple of years but had to watch what I could while driving this year.  It is actually a pretty good show.  Cheap entertainment for a guy that smells. 

In other sad news, I didn't make it to the singles institute class, there was too much to do in preparation for tomorrow.  You know what that means, every hot bachelorette in town was there and I missed it.  Probably a good thing based on my pizza-esque odor emissions... unless of course the hot bachelorettes were hungry for pizza.  I am such a dork. 

Remembering Alfred

I made my trip to the Temple a day early this week as I am going to try and go to the singles institute class tomorrow night.  We had a bit of a water problem at the LBH and needed to get it taken care of so we could actually wash dishes so I delayed my departure a bit.  We have this automated system for adding the correct amount of detergent and sanitizer to the water and it went haywire.  When they installed it they didn't put in a secondary shut off valve to the system.  They primary shutoff in the sanitizer failed and so we had a steady stream of sanitized water.  That can get expensive.  In order to stop the flow we had to shut off all the water to the sink.  That can hang things up a bit in a kitchen.  Anyhow, got it taken care of and made it down a little too late to catch a session and still make it to Costco.  That being the case I decided to do sealings. 

When your a single guy in the temple alone and go to do sealings, chances are you will be proxy for sons to be sealed to their parents.  That I was.  While there I watched the sealer and I thought about Grandpa Alfred.  I thought about his love to serve in the Temple.  He was a sealer and I guess if there is anything I would aspire to it would be to be like Grandpa Al.  I have loved his love for the Temple for as long as I can remember.  There was a day long after he had passed when I was visiting Grandma Vi and I found a drawer full of his old journals.  I opened one, it was a missionary journal, and I read several entries that talked about his work in the temple.  I was moved and I wanted to be found serving just like him. 

So I watched this sealer tonight, Brother Ence.  As I watched him I thought about Grandpa Al and I found joy in that.  I wondered what Grandpa might share with those serving, thought about him giving instruction to a couple as he performed their sealing.  It brought joy to my heart to ponder on that for a time.  I will ever be grateful for the examples of those who have gone before and hope that I can live so that my example will give my children and grandchildren the desire to do what is right.  Grateful for this night and for the sweet memories of Grandpa Alfred.   

A Ginger Missionary Moment

I had an enjoyable experience today with a couple that has been coming to The Little Brick House for several months.  They are only in Cedar for a year or so and they love our place so we see them often.  They came through the line and ordered their usual half sandwich with a salad, blue cheese dressing.  Water is typically the beverage of choice but today Stephanie surprised me when she excitedly picked up a Ginger Brew.  She was raving over the selection.  The Ginger Brew happens to be a favorite of mine as well so I was excited to see a fan.  I completed their order and they went to sit though I think Stephanie went to find mom to discuss a few things. 

After a while I was walking through the store and saw them sitting at a table.  I wanted to see how Stephanie liked the Ginger Brew.  She loved it.  Her eyes were a little red and she was enjoying the snappy and strong ginger flavor in this particular brew.  She talked of being a big fan of Ginger Brew and was familiar with that particular brand that was made in Maine.  I told her about my love for Ginger Brew and how I grew to love it drinking Stoney's Ginger Beer in South Africa. 

"You've been to Africa?"  came her response.  She was very excited about that and it opened a discussion about my visit to South Africa and living there for two years as a missionary.  We had a nice conversation about that service and talked a little bit about how it is structured, how a missionary is called, how companions work, etc., etc.  We discussed the time that I was there and they were both fascinated that I was there for the election on Nelson Mandela.  They wanted to know if I had any memorabilia and so we discussed a few items that I have.  When we discussed the calls missionaries receive we got on to the topic of all of the Fontano boys and the various missions that were served. 

It was a very positive conversation and we enjoyed visiting.  It was nice to share a few missionary experiences and a little about the Church.  I hope that seeds were planted and that they gained from our time together.  I don't know that Ginger Beer would be my go to for starting a gospel conversation but heck, that stuff is pretty amazing so why not?    Perhaps I will be able to continue our gospel conversation on their next visit, over a tasty brew. 

Faith Trials

We all may be familiar with the scripture that we receive no witness until after a trial of our faith.  Do we necessarily enjoy the trials?  I would like the think that if I show up that is trial enough and the blessings should be there.  It doesn't always work out that way. 

I have to laugh because I've been told that in LDS single-hood the women drastically out number the men.  Great for me right?  Well, I don't know.  Outside of my trip to the singles conference in Vegas when I was one guy at a table of 8 ladies I don't see it.  I mentioned the singles dance on Friday night and though it was a bit of an aged group (aged is pronounced age-ed here) there seemed a good balance between guys and gals or grandpa's and grandma's. 

Last night I attended a singles fireside.  I ran a head count and though the ladies did out number the men there was only 3 additional women.  3 doesn't seem all that drastic to me.  On the subject of 3 I was invited and went to a Stake singles FHE tonight. I was one of 4 singles attending.  There were 3 of us guys and one Sister.  She was the host. Incidentally the ages on the sisters last night and the sister tonight were a bit older than I on average.  There was one gal last night that I would have been interested in talking to but she was in a deep conversation with another guy. 

So there you go.  I am trying to get involved.  Trying to put forth some sort of effort to meet some of the single ladies in the area.  It's the old faith trial.  I have to continue to be involved, have to continue going and pressing forward, I have to endure it well. 

The guy that invited me to the FHE tonight chatted with me some after and invited me out to the observatory.  There was a group going out there tonight.  I declined because I had a previous engagement on Skype with the kids.  I am kind of chuckling to myself because I am figuring that all the ladies were probably in that group. 

Next singles activity - Thursday night and a special singles institute class.  I am moving my Temple trip up to Wednesday this week in an act of faith so I can be in attendance.    

Cancel the Choir

Did I write about singing in the choir last week?  I don't remember.  I know I wrote about singing in the choir at some point and how my first day in the mission field was my first real choir endeavor.  I mean, I had sung in youth choirs before but I had no idea what I was doing.  I couldn't read the notes and just sang melody on everything.  Anyhow that is a completely different choir story and it is in the blog archives somewhere. 

Last week I stayed after church to join the ward choir.  We were practicing a song to sing today in Sacrament meeting.  Our numbers were low.  Ben Fawson was the only tenor and Brother Maxfield and myself made up the bass section.  Brother Maxfield is quite old and I thing his hearing aids sang louder than both of us combined.  There was just a handful of women too.  Anyhow, Brother Bishop, our fearless leader, was determined that we would be able to sing today.  He was going to call other members of the choir and we would practice before church today.  I walked into the chapel to join the practice but found myself with just two other people.  Brother Bishop who is the choir director and Brother Holt, the pianist, were there along with brother Holt's wife and a couple other sisters.  It wasn't looking too promising. 

Brother Bishop decided to cancel the choir performance for today.   He said he that it was hard to do the choir in the summer with everyone traveling.  I kind of laughed because the next two months afford me the opportunity.  From the pulpit the announcement came that choir would be cancelled until the 2nd week of September.  Well so much for joining the choir.  So anyway, Ben was just here and we were laughing about how our singing was so great that they cancelled the choir for the next three months.  Doesn't that just make you feel good?  We knew it wasn't about our singing but we had fun laughing at ourselves anyway.  Hopefully I can squeeze in time when the kids get home to do a little choir.  If it gets cancelled then I will definitely take the hint. 

I just got off the phone with the kids who just had their first encounter with a moose in the wild.  The wild happened to be at their house.  Jack told me how he ran inside the house and that he is not going outside anymore.  Apparently he was a little scared.  Natty and Andy looked at it from the porch and they all talked about how tall it was.  Jack told me it was a daddy moose because it didn't have a baby with him.  They were all pretty excited about it and it was fun to talk to them.  I am glad they get to have these wild experiences and also a little nervous that they happen so close to home.  Sure do love my kiddos. 

 

The F F's, Cookie Salad and More

So we have been redesigning the interior layout of The Little Brick House.  I realize that this has been going on for a little while now.  Anyway, we are getting closer to having things done.  I knew I was going to go in a work today on a couple of projects but had a small delay when a moving assignment came.  The Barney family needed some help moving some heavy items to their new house.  They have been renting a house around the corner for the last year and are relocating to the house I rented when I first moved here.  I know that house well.  My favorite ceiling fans still reside in that house.  Anyway it was a good move.  One of the things I liked most about that move - Sister Barney went out and purchased her own set of forearm forklifts after she watched my set in use when we moved them in last year.  I was deeply moved.  They are the best moving tool I have ever used.  I love them.  I love them so much that I moved her washer and dryer out of her old house and into her new house and I'm pretty sure I swore an oath to myself that I would never move another washer and dryer in and out of that basement.  Oh well.  It wasn't too bad of a move. 

Anyhow, the projects were delayed and I actually didn't get to both of them.  I did get my posts finished for my dividing wall.  They look pretty good too.  Now I just need to assemble the doors and tie everything together.  Perhaps I can get this done early in the week and get the booths all moved out.  That will help the front room and customer flow quite a bit. 

I was also hoping to run wire today for the network but didn't quite get there.  Oh my goodness.  So much to do and seemingly so little time.  We will get there. 

Had an Elders Quorum Party tonight at Morgan Elsworth's home.  I love that guy.  We had a great turnout and a great time.  I took cookie salad and it was devoured.  Who doesn't like cookie salad that's what I want to know?  I mixed it up a bit tonight, not with almond extract this time.  No, I added a packet of banana cream instant pudding.  Sometimes you just have to be brave and trust your instincts.  The bowl was clean so apparently my instincts were good.  Speaking of good - Morgan smoked the pork for tonight.  It was great.  Took a peak at his homemade smokers.  They are pretty dang awesome.  I may have to get me a barrel and get into this smoking thing.  Looks like fun times.  Also had a great chat with Jason Murray about sustainability.  Love that guy too. 

Just Keep Driving...

I went on a little road trip tonight to a Single Adult Dance.  Oh my.  I went inside with so much hope, I even dropped a five spot in the kitty (they asked for that actually).  I walked into the cultural hall and immediately wanted my five spot back.  It was like I was at a dance for my parents and their friends.  I sat down for a bit and scanned the room hoping to see someone that could possibly be under 40.  No luck.  I really wanted that five spot back but decided to simply leave it as I ducked out the back door, got in the truck and just kept driving. 

The last week has been a rough one for me and singles stuff.  I had decided to take a gander at an LDS singles website/group.  They had a free membership thing so I got on, it was for viewing only, well ladies could see my profile too.  Anyway, I tried but it wasn't going anywhere fast and I really didn't feel like paying money to "flirt" with people on line.    In fairness to the site I didn't do their program the way you are supposed to.  For a shy person picking a random lady out of a line up and sending her a message or a flirt or a kiss or a your cute or whatever is a bit beyond my level of comfort. 

Well, what to do now?  I will just keep driving and someday I'll manage to find what I'm looking for. 

Hoofin it!

With the kids out of town I made my weekly trip to the Temple today.  I got a late start leaving work and knowing that I only had a small window of opportunity to make it both to the Temple and to Costco I decided I would do initiatory work.  When I got into the initiatory room I found a line of brethren waiting to go through.  I don't know that I have ever gone to do initiatory work when there was a line 5 deep of brethren waiting to go through.  It was actually pretty awesome.  There were three stations going strong and I sat for a time waiting my turn.  As it started to get later I began to wonder if I would have enough time.  I decided that I would have faith and stay.  I am glad that I did as I love to do initiatory work. 

On a side note.  As I sat there waiting my turn I thought about something I had heard regarding the St. George Temple being closed in August for 5 weeks for some renovation.  One of the major renovations will be the initiatory rooms.  I will be interested to see the renovations.

We finished up around 8:13 and so I quickly changed, put a couple of names on the prayer roll and then headed out the door.  I had about 10 minutes to get to Costco before closing.  As I drove to Costco I thought it would be a bit of a bummer if I couldn't get there as I really didn't want to have to come back down to St. George tomorrow.  I tested the speed limit a couple of times as I made my way to Costco.  I pulled into the parking lot with 3 minutes to spare, jumped out of the truck and hoofed it to the door where I had to grab the large orange cart and slide under the door and across the threshold just before it closed.  Okay, there was no sliding though the attendant made it clear that they would be pushing me out the door shortly.  Phew! Made it.  It was close and I hope not to cut it quite that close in the future but I am grateful that I didn't give up on my quick Temple service that was not so quick today. 

I think it is wonderful that the Temple was as busy as it was tonight.  The parking lot was full and when I approached the spinning door I had to hang outside for a bit because the line at the front desk was backed up to the door, there was no place to stand.  I could have gotten in the spinning door and gone round and round a few times but that may have been a little too irreverent plus I tend to get dizzy and nauseous with that kind of thing.  Seriously though, I am grateful for the Temple and for the opportunity to serve there.  It is my dream in life to serve temple missions when I grow up.  I will gladly go hoofin it into Costco just before closing if it affords me the opportunity to serve in The House of the Lord. 

On the drive down I gave the kids a call and talked to Natty and Andy for a while.  They were in a battle with the Alaska State Bird.  It is a smallish bird commonly referred to as the Mosquito.  Anyhow, they are having fun playing, hiking, climbing trees and jumping on the trampoline.  Glad they are having a good time. 

Good Times

Yesterdays post was very sad.  I was trying but I was so tired.  I just sat, asleep in the chair with my hands on the keyboard.  I couldn't process any thoughts and so I called it a night.  Sorry to disappoint. 

I am in the process of constructing a new version of my door wall.  I don't know if I ever posted a picture of the original door wall.  It was cool.  I had 4 half doors that I connected with hinges to make a divider wall between the dining area and the line to the register.  Now I am using roughly 11 half doors to make a new divider that will better fit the new space.  Yesterday I finished painting doors and then bought supplies.  Today I hit the doors with the sander, I sanded 6 posts and then routed the posts as well.  Tomorrow may be assembly day, we shall see.  Anyhow I will post the final project at some point in the future. 

On to other fun and exciting stuff.  The kids made it to Alaska and each got their own official Harry Potter wand.  Well, they are not all Harry Potter's wand, they each have a wand from a different character or something like that.  I am not all that sure but they seem to be excited about their wands.  If they come back in a couple of months casting a bunch of spells then I may have to consider getting one of these wands, at least one that can clean house and do laundry.  Why do I think I am not going to have any luck with that?  Anyhow, glad they are having a good time.

Speaking of good times, I put on the roller blades tonight and hit the streets.  I used to be extremely coordinated and quite good on roller blades.  I've got a little rust to work off.  I had a good little run on them tonight.  I went somewhere in the neighborhood of 5 miles.  I need a more consistent surface to ride on so I may head up to the paved trails.  There were a few sketchy streets but I managed to make it without falling down.  Anyway, I used to love riding the blades.  Back then I played roller hockey all the time and also rode around the campus of UNLV.   There were great places to jump stairs, planters, poles etc.  The sidewalks were perfect for group skating and I really enjoyed it.  We played roller hockey in the LDS Institute parking lot.  That was so much fun.  Anyhow, I am back on the blades and had a good time out there. 

I know, this is really exciting stuff.  I can't help it. Much of my inspiration is from my kids. 

A Sleeping

Just a quick note for today.  I have actually been asleep for an hour or so and am struggling to get focussed on the day and a topic to write about.  I am so tired right now. 

Sorry to my faithful fans.  I am not delivering greatness today.  No I am too tired and just need to go to sleep.  I need to pick up my game here I know. 

Flyin Solo

I came home tonight to an empty house.  The kids are on their way to Alaska as I type.  It is strange.  Last year when they went up I kept busy trying to get the store open.  This year the store is open and I suppose I can put in some extra hours.  I've got some training I need to do on some marketing and then there is a bunch of furniture in the garage that I need to redo.  I am going to have to find a few things to occupy my time.

This morning Rachel and the kids and Granny Sue met up at Deseret Book to pick out some scriptures for Jack.  That went rather easy.  Andy also really wanted his own scriptures so we bought him a small copy of The Book of Mormon and a little scripture bag to go with it.  He was very excited.  Anyway, everyone came over to The Little Brick House after and I hung out with the kids a bit while Rachel and her mom looked at the shop. 

Jack was talking about the Alpine Slide experience and said "The Alpine Slide is the daddy of all slides".  I love the lines he comes up with.  I will certainly miss the Jackisms. 

I talked to Natty a while ago and she said they were stuck in Long Beach at the airport.  Hope they were able to make it out.  I am guessing they did as I have not heard back from Natty again. 

Flying Solo isn't the funnest thing in life.  Things can get pretty lonely.  I am happy to be around and work with family.  Having a break from the cleaning, cooking and laundry isn't going to hurt my feelings all that much.  It will certainly give me a little extra time to work on some of the other projects

Well, I am done rambling for tonight.  Time to crash.  Love my sweet kids very much. 

Emotions

I chose not to write about a few things yesterday as it was Jack's big day and I didn't want to distract from that.  I had mentioned that I went to the local grocery store to pick up some goodies yesterday morning.  While I was walking the store I was thinking about the kids and that they would be heading to Alaska soon.  That is a hard thing for me and as I walked around the store I had to fight back the tears every now and again.  I don't want to sound selfish, I have them for 10 months out of the year and walk in exhaustion for pretty much all of that 10 months but these are my kids, my family.  I don't have a lot of friends.  I don't do a lot outside of family and work.  I don't hang out with friends, I don't really have time for that.  Natty, Jack and Andy are my friends, they keep me going.  Anyhow, I thought about them leaving and I was sad. 

At the same time I am happy that they get to spend time with their mom.  I know it is important for them and for her.  I know that it makes them happy to see her and be with her and for that I am happy.  They get to spend two months up in Alaska this summer.  Who wouldn't want to do that?  They get to go fishing and do all kinds of things that many people only dream about doing.  That is pretty exciting stuff for them. 

In any case, it has been a bit of an emotional couple of days.  I am grateful for the comfort I have felt through the spirit.  I will miss them tremendously but am grateful for the opportunities they have before them.  Sure do love Natty Sue, Andy and Jack. 

The Baptism of Jack

Today was a big day for Jack.  It actually started quite early especially since last night was such a late night with the Temple trip for Amy.  Anyway we were off to the Cub Scout Day Camp to start today.  He was really excited to go and he was looking sharp. 



Ready for Day Camp

As Jack went to Day Camp I went to the local grocery store to pick up some goodies for the day.  Lots of goodies actually.  I got to cooking and cleaning.  Eventually Jack got home from the camp and he was really excited about it.  He had a fabulous time.  I guess he will be going to day camp in Alaska as well and I am told that goes all week.  Really cool.

Rachel and her mom arrived around 3:30 and we were in getting ready mode.  Jack got a new outfit as did Andy and Natty.  They all looked fabulous.  Anyhow, at 4:30 we were off to the Stake Center.  We got all situated with clothes and Jack and I went in to get dressed.  Jack was pretty excited in his little white jumper.  I was getting in to mine when I heard Jack call out "oh crap".  I was curious.  He was checking out the font, didn't see the water on one of the steps and stepped right in.  He was pretty anxious to get in there.



Jack arriving at Baptism

The program went well and then we got to go.  The water was warm.  We went right in and got things done.  He really did a great job.  He kept his eyes closed and I was supposed to guide him back over to the stairs.  He had told me this beforehand but I thought he was talking about walking from the chapel to the font.  It occurred to me when he walked into the wall that he still had his eyes closed and I was shirkin my duties. 

We got changed and went to the Relief Society room where our ward had been assigned for the confirmation.  Jack was the only boy from our ward getting baptized today so it was just our fam and Brother Thorley from the Bishopric and Sister Bagnall from the Primary.  I had gotten Jack dressed before me and he went out.  I was hoping he was with our group, he was not.  I walked the building looking for him and managed to locate him in the nursery just hanging out. Anyhow, we walked together and went in.  Jack sat for a moment and then went outside the room.  I don't know if having everyone there for him made him nervous or what.  We went back in and the meeting proceeded. 

I had asked Jim to give a talk on the Holy Ghost and he did a great job using a compass on his phone and asking Jack how it worked.  He had Jack come up and handed it to him.  Jack got to hold it and watch it the entire time.  It did the trick to help him sit and relax a bit.  There were some great parallels as well to the Holy Ghost guiding us and though he may not have looked like he was listening because he was staring at the compass on the phone screen, I know he heard every word.  I also know he will always remember that association.  Jack did get a word in at the end about a GPS.  It was funny. 

We moved on to the confirmation.  I remember when Natalie was baptized that I experienced different emotions then I had baptizing other people.  I think there is something special about baptizing your own children.  I felt that powerfully with Jack during the confirmation.  Of course I was standing there with pops and all the brothers with exception of Pete.  It was a good group of Priesthood holders to be in.  Anyway, there are moments when you feel the love that our Heavenly Father has for his children and I felt a portion of His love for Jack.  It was a humbling reminder of how precious these souls are.  By these souls I refer to each of my children.  I am grateful to be their dad and to have been entrusted with their care.

Following the confirmation Jack shook all of our hands, gave out a couple of big hugs and the meeting continued.  Sister Bagnall welcomed him to the Primary and then Brother Thorley had him come up and welcomed him into the ward.  As Jack stood up there he had a hint of a smile on his face and some moist eyes.  What a beautiful little boy and a special spirit.  Those that know Jack know his heart.  He has a lot to say about trains and dogs and other things but in his heart is purity and love of people.  There are quiet moments when we all get to see that and feel that from him.  This was such a moment as he looked out on those who were there to support him. 

I am grateful for Jack's decision to be baptized and I am grateful for the wonderful blessing he is in my life. 

Temple Night

Tonight was Temple night for the fam.  Amy went through for the first time and much of the fam was there.  It was neat to be in the Temple serving together.  Mr. Dan Morris was in town and it was good to get to know him a bit better.  I am happy for Amy.  Very happy that she was able to go to the Temple and participate in the ordinances there.

I am totally and completely exhausted right now and am going to keep this short.