For the last while we have had a bit of humidity here in Southern Utah. We've also enjoyed a few thunderstorms. Actually, we've enjoyed some fairly heavy rainfalls over the last 3 days. I don't remember us having these kinds of days last year. It's almost like I'm back in Florida where you can count on high humidity and afternoon thunder showers every day. We certainly need the rain. The State was on fire a few weeks ago. It was as dry as a bone so the rain is most welcome.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Catering Chaos
That title may not communicate the right message. We do not cater chaos, well not on purpose anyway. I am sure that if someone wanted us to we could come up with it. The title is in reference to the week we have before us. It started today with a nice little catering job then continues through Thursday with 4 more. Next Tuesday we have another and we have three large party reservations on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week. It is great. We love it. It keeps us very busy while taking care of regular cafe traffic and preparing everything for the catering jobs. That is where the chaos comes from.
Speaking of chaos, I am going back to 1985 in Sandy, Utah and my first skateboard. It's design and paint scheme or board theme or whatever you want to call it was Chaos. What a board. I gave it a good run there for a few years. I remember moving to Hawaii in 86 and riding it down the parking garage of the hotel we lived in for the first two weeks. I don't have great memories of that hotel since I got food poisoning there but I do remember riding that skateboard. I want to say it was a Best Western but I am probably completely wrong on that detail. I'm sure the folks would remember, I was just shy of 13 when we moved there.
Anyhow, the catering thing. It is good stuff. It takes a lot of work and coordination, even a little creativity now and again. We manage to make it happen and that is good. It would be great to make catering a bigger part of our business and we will. We could use a slightly larger kitchen in order to really make it fly. We are working on that.
In other exciting news Lisa McKendrick from Lakeland came into the store today for lunch. She had Julia with her as well as the little girls and their youngest boy who I met for the first time today. He is a cute little guy. Charlotte and Scarlet are the younger girls and I believe Charlotte was in Jack's primary class at church and Scarlet is Andy's age. Wow, they are growing up so fast. It was good to visit with Lisa. Rich didn't make the drive across the country because of other engagements but will be flying out to join them later. They are not staying in Cedar, this was just on the way. Anyhow, great to see them and to enjoy a visit from some Florida friends. It would be nice to venture out there again someday.
This post is a little chaotic. I'm all over the place. I'm sure it is directly connecting with catering.
Speaking of chaos, I am going back to 1985 in Sandy, Utah and my first skateboard. It's design and paint scheme or board theme or whatever you want to call it was Chaos. What a board. I gave it a good run there for a few years. I remember moving to Hawaii in 86 and riding it down the parking garage of the hotel we lived in for the first two weeks. I don't have great memories of that hotel since I got food poisoning there but I do remember riding that skateboard. I want to say it was a Best Western but I am probably completely wrong on that detail. I'm sure the folks would remember, I was just shy of 13 when we moved there.
Anyhow, the catering thing. It is good stuff. It takes a lot of work and coordination, even a little creativity now and again. We manage to make it happen and that is good. It would be great to make catering a bigger part of our business and we will. We could use a slightly larger kitchen in order to really make it fly. We are working on that.
In other exciting news Lisa McKendrick from Lakeland came into the store today for lunch. She had Julia with her as well as the little girls and their youngest boy who I met for the first time today. He is a cute little guy. Charlotte and Scarlet are the younger girls and I believe Charlotte was in Jack's primary class at church and Scarlet is Andy's age. Wow, they are growing up so fast. It was good to visit with Lisa. Rich didn't make the drive across the country because of other engagements but will be flying out to join them later. They are not staying in Cedar, this was just on the way. Anyhow, great to see them and to enjoy a visit from some Florida friends. It would be nice to venture out there again someday.
This post is a little chaotic. I'm all over the place. I'm sure it is directly connecting with catering.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Ten Thousand
Somehow I have surpassed 10,000 page views on the blog. I believe the exact number as I begin this post is 10,021. This is blog post number 642 for me. This means that on average 15 people read each post. That is a fun little figure that I never really considered when I started this blog. Thank you to all who read. I hope that somehow it is uplifting in some small way. I am sure that many of my ramblings are boring and mean nothing to many of you but I do hope that at some point something that I share will touch someones heart.
The reality is that this is my journal and I write in it daily. Some days are more interesting then others and I have to say this format of journaling has made me reflect more fully on the day. It has caused me to pause and think about things. I don't simply give the same report over and over again. Oh, I used to, I have kept a daily journal for nearly 18 years now and I am sorry to say that many of those entries over the years consisted of the same things over and over again. I usually began with the following: "Wow, I am tired". It might seem that I have lived life completely void of energy. This is not the case. For many entries I was just trying to write something out of habit and really didn't put much thought into it. It is one of the last things I do each day and so I usually am pretty tired and sometimes it is just one more thing.
Well, it isn't just one more thing, it is actually an act of faith. I am told to keep a record of my life. This is that record. I don't know why, I am just told to do it. So I trust in the Lord that this record will be of worth to someone. I would hope that my children are strengthened by it. I would hope that they will feel of my love for them and for the Lord. I hope that through the things I share they will know that I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that I know Christ lives and that he is our Savior. I know that Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the restoration and that we have a living Prophet on the earth in our day. Today that Prophet is Thomas S. Monson. I love him and his counselors and the other Apostles. I know that they are called of God and I am strengthened as I listen to them and follow their counsel. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and a great blessing in my life. I know it is the word of God and am so blessed to have it and the other scriptures as well. I love the Lord and I love to serve Him. That happens in many ways and can be as simple as a kind word to lift another. There are great blessings that come into our life as we serve and love those around us. I have a great love for the Temple. It is The House of the Lord. It is his classroom and we draw nearer to God as we serve there.
Sometimes we go through life facing challenges and we cling to the things we are taught in the gospel. There are things we have been told to do each day and they may get old, we may not see the blessings coming from saying our prayers, reading our scriptures, attending our meetings or serving in the church but I know that the blessings ore there. And when we are down trodden or broken hearted, when our cup is empty and the burdens of life and of this world are weighing us down and we find ourselves in the depths of sorrow, when we think all is lost we find that the Savior is there. He is watching over us and is mindful of our suffering. He will ease our burdens and calm our troubled hearts. I have felt his love for me many times and I know that each of us are known to Him and are loved by Him. That love can be manifested in many ways, sometimes it is through the kindness of others who He sends to rescue us from the storm. I am so grateful for those who hear the word of the Lord and act on it. I hope to do the same.
The reality is that this is my journal and I write in it daily. Some days are more interesting then others and I have to say this format of journaling has made me reflect more fully on the day. It has caused me to pause and think about things. I don't simply give the same report over and over again. Oh, I used to, I have kept a daily journal for nearly 18 years now and I am sorry to say that many of those entries over the years consisted of the same things over and over again. I usually began with the following: "Wow, I am tired". It might seem that I have lived life completely void of energy. This is not the case. For many entries I was just trying to write something out of habit and really didn't put much thought into it. It is one of the last things I do each day and so I usually am pretty tired and sometimes it is just one more thing.
Well, it isn't just one more thing, it is actually an act of faith. I am told to keep a record of my life. This is that record. I don't know why, I am just told to do it. So I trust in the Lord that this record will be of worth to someone. I would hope that my children are strengthened by it. I would hope that they will feel of my love for them and for the Lord. I hope that through the things I share they will know that I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that I know Christ lives and that he is our Savior. I know that Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the restoration and that we have a living Prophet on the earth in our day. Today that Prophet is Thomas S. Monson. I love him and his counselors and the other Apostles. I know that they are called of God and I am strengthened as I listen to them and follow their counsel. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and a great blessing in my life. I know it is the word of God and am so blessed to have it and the other scriptures as well. I love the Lord and I love to serve Him. That happens in many ways and can be as simple as a kind word to lift another. There are great blessings that come into our life as we serve and love those around us. I have a great love for the Temple. It is The House of the Lord. It is his classroom and we draw nearer to God as we serve there.
Sometimes we go through life facing challenges and we cling to the things we are taught in the gospel. There are things we have been told to do each day and they may get old, we may not see the blessings coming from saying our prayers, reading our scriptures, attending our meetings or serving in the church but I know that the blessings ore there. And when we are down trodden or broken hearted, when our cup is empty and the burdens of life and of this world are weighing us down and we find ourselves in the depths of sorrow, when we think all is lost we find that the Savior is there. He is watching over us and is mindful of our suffering. He will ease our burdens and calm our troubled hearts. I have felt his love for me many times and I know that each of us are known to Him and are loved by Him. That love can be manifested in many ways, sometimes it is through the kindness of others who He sends to rescue us from the storm. I am so grateful for those who hear the word of the Lord and act on it. I hope to do the same.
Back on the Trail
After a full day with work, tires, mid-singles lunch and moving I managed to find myself back on the mountain. I actually got on the c trail this time. For some reason I get started around 7 on these things and that causes a bit of a lighting challenge. I pressed on up the trail though and enjoyed the hike. Funny enough I got up there and recognized this certain spot. It was about 20 yards further up the mountain from my stopping point last time. I had no idea I was that close to the trail. I pressed on and got probably 3/4 of a mile away from the C when I decided it was time to turn back. The sun was about to set and I wanted to minimize my moonlight hiking. As it was the last mile and a half were in the dark and no, I didn't have a flashlight. No biggie though, the moonlight was just enough. I'm figuring that I went somewhere between 7 and 8 miles round trip. I did manage to get a tree picture for this hike too. Maybe that is my thing. I don't know. Anyhow, at the stopping point I explored a bit before heading back down the mountain. There was this old dead tree and in the background was the box canyon and cliffs that I want to hike back into. I might try and do that on Monday after work - hopefully before 7. I do need to make another climb on the C trail and actually get all the way up to the C. I was fairly close. Next time. So here are a few pics.
When I got back to the car I pulled out my phone and saw that I had a text from Rachel and had missed a call. The text said Jack was missing me and wanted to talk. It had only come just a few minutes before I saw it so I called and talked to Jack for about an hour. He was having a hard time and so we talked, we did a little breathing, he cried and was very emotional, I listened and loved and missed my little boy. After a bit he calmed down and we talked about some fun things. I told him that I had been hiking and how I had to hike in the dark for the last while. He sobbed and told me how brave I was. I had to chuckle to myself, he was so cute, so sincere. I told him that he was a very brave boy also. Anyhow, we had a great visit.
Next Saturday the kids will be coming home. We will be back on our trail here together. I am looking forward to their return. I think about my responsibilities as father to my children and I recognize that I have a long way to go. The thing about the trail we are on as a family, we are not left to find our way on our own. We have the ultimate guide in the Savior. I am grateful for that .
When I got back to the car I pulled out my phone and saw that I had a text from Rachel and had missed a call. The text said Jack was missing me and wanted to talk. It had only come just a few minutes before I saw it so I called and talked to Jack for about an hour. He was having a hard time and so we talked, we did a little breathing, he cried and was very emotional, I listened and loved and missed my little boy. After a bit he calmed down and we talked about some fun things. I told him that I had been hiking and how I had to hike in the dark for the last while. He sobbed and told me how brave I was. I had to chuckle to myself, he was so cute, so sincere. I told him that he was a very brave boy also. Anyhow, we had a great visit.
Next Saturday the kids will be coming home. We will be back on our trail here together. I am looking forward to their return. I think about my responsibilities as father to my children and I recognize that I have a long way to go. The thing about the trail we are on as a family, we are not left to find our way on our own. We have the ultimate guide in the Savior. I am grateful for that .
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wearing Thin
I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that my patience has been running a little thin with some of our customers. I need to fix that pretty much immediately. I have to let the crap that hits me roll right off. I don't know why I am wearing thing on patience. Some things just seem to irritate me lately and, though I do my best to not show any irritation, I have caught myself losing focus on making every experience for the customer an amazing one. Nothing can replace that and if I lose focus and create a less than amazing experience then I have failed in my duty. So time to swallow my pride and refresh.
I am gone tonight. Walking thin in the energy department. Went to a dance in St. George and now it is 2 AM and I am fixin to pass out. Had a good time at the dance. Hawaiian themed. Okay, I am done. Time to close.
I am gone tonight. Walking thin in the energy department. Went to a dance in St. George and now it is 2 AM and I am fixin to pass out. Had a good time at the dance. Hawaiian themed. Okay, I am done. Time to close.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Small World
The World, it really isn't that small and yet so many of us realize certain connections and associations that lead us to exclaim "it's a small world". For instance, meeting the sweet old lady last week from Oakland who happened to be in a sewing class with Grandma Vi and was wearing a ring crafted by Great Grandpa Donovan J. Allphin. She happened to come into our shop and we happened to get into a discussion about where she was from and wow, it's a small world. Today I was talking to my customer Fred who schooled me on the art of drinking a Diet Coke and other Diet Coke trivia. the last time he was in. Today we got on the topic of dinner and I mentioned our pork being cooked Hawaiian style. Turns out he lived in Hawaii the same time we did. A few minutes before our conversation he found out that we were Fontano's and he talked about looking at buying the folks house in New Harmony several years ago but instead buying a house down the road. What are the chances he lived in Hawaii when we did and that he and his wife moved down the road from the folks in New Harmony? Well, small world. In our discussion about Hawaii we talked about food as food was what lead us to this discovery. Anyhow, that discussion included chili from a certain establishment, Zippy's. Well, he loves the stuff and said his wife had it shipped to them a few times a year. I went and got some of our chili which is a very similar recipe with a few Fontano tweaks. He absolutely loved it and bought a bowl to take home to his wife. You know what they say, small world. It is a neat thing to find connections with people, to discover things about people that you otherwise wouldn't know. It is a pretty amazing planet we live on and though it isn't that small there are times when it really is a small world.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Video Calling
Is there anything greater than video calling when you are separated from your family by, well, a few miles anyway? I got a text that Andy wanted to Skype with me today so after I got home from work we did that. It took me a bit to get set up and then when we got started I was having challenges with sound, the mic on my camera wasn't working and the mic on the computer may not exist. We ended up video calling on skype while talking on the cell phone. It worked.
Andy was up first and we spent quite some time on together. He was talking about spiders and snakes and things. He had a spider caught in a cup that was attached to a vacuum gun or something. I don't know if he simply sucked the spider up into that thing or if he had to catch it a different way. He was also all about the snakes and now I am wondering where the heck this kid came from. There are two things that I really don't like in this world - spiders and snakes. Rats rank up there too but spiders and snakes, not my favorite, not even remotely. Anyhow, Andy was all about facial expressions. He was fun. I couldn't understand him all that well but it was fun to watch him and to listen to him. He talked non stop for quite some time. We even got to a point when he said he was done and he left. Jack had gotten up and we were getting started when Andy came back with a large box, it looked like a banana box. He started up again and Jack left. Andy turned his box so that I could see the bottom. He was drawing all kinds of pictures and told me what it was all about but all I could do was make like I knew exactly what he was talking about. He got excited and drew a stick figure, it was me. He then drew another stick figure, it was him. Then he drew a snake, it was a happy snake. I'm sure he was sharing a wonderful little story to go along with his drawings but it was really hard to hear through the cell connection. Really not a bit deal though, I loved seeing him.
Jack did get his turn and we moved from one type of animation to another. Jack did not stare at himself in the video. He looked straight into the camera and he went on to talk trains for a while. There will be a new track that runs from Cedar City to Pennsylvania and it will do it in 2 days. Pretty Amazing. It will be a steam train, 2 pistons and it will be a passenger only train. There will be no smoking in the passenger cars. Jack was very adamant about the smoking. Jack is also the king of motion. He has down the universal signs for all things train. The coupler, the pistons, the driving wheels, the cattle guard, the engineer sticking his head out the window (don't do that in a tunnel), the brakes, he's got it all. He invited me to come aboard his train. He will have his family with him. He will have a son named Jim and a daughter named (pause for dramatic effect) Sally. Jack is a character that is for sure. We had a good visit.
Natty brought up the rear, or the caboose if we want to stick with Jack speak. She was funny to talk to. The entire time we talked she was staring at the little picture of herself on her monitor. I was laughing. It reminds me of growing up with Pete and sitting at the dining room table across from him with my back towards a large mirror. Pete would tell stories and stare at himself in that mirror. It was a little tough to take. I just laughed at Natty striking her various poses, snapping her jaw shut in dramatic fashion and eventually taking her hair down. We had a fun time laughing about her obsession with her image.
It was fun to see them. I am looking forward to having them come home next week. I am sure there will be spiders and snakes to hunt, trains to build and mirrors to stare at ourselves in. Fun times. Love these kiddos very much.
Andy was up first and we spent quite some time on together. He was talking about spiders and snakes and things. He had a spider caught in a cup that was attached to a vacuum gun or something. I don't know if he simply sucked the spider up into that thing or if he had to catch it a different way. He was also all about the snakes and now I am wondering where the heck this kid came from. There are two things that I really don't like in this world - spiders and snakes. Rats rank up there too but spiders and snakes, not my favorite, not even remotely. Anyhow, Andy was all about facial expressions. He was fun. I couldn't understand him all that well but it was fun to watch him and to listen to him. He talked non stop for quite some time. We even got to a point when he said he was done and he left. Jack had gotten up and we were getting started when Andy came back with a large box, it looked like a banana box. He started up again and Jack left. Andy turned his box so that I could see the bottom. He was drawing all kinds of pictures and told me what it was all about but all I could do was make like I knew exactly what he was talking about. He got excited and drew a stick figure, it was me. He then drew another stick figure, it was him. Then he drew a snake, it was a happy snake. I'm sure he was sharing a wonderful little story to go along with his drawings but it was really hard to hear through the cell connection. Really not a bit deal though, I loved seeing him.
Jack did get his turn and we moved from one type of animation to another. Jack did not stare at himself in the video. He looked straight into the camera and he went on to talk trains for a while. There will be a new track that runs from Cedar City to Pennsylvania and it will do it in 2 days. Pretty Amazing. It will be a steam train, 2 pistons and it will be a passenger only train. There will be no smoking in the passenger cars. Jack was very adamant about the smoking. Jack is also the king of motion. He has down the universal signs for all things train. The coupler, the pistons, the driving wheels, the cattle guard, the engineer sticking his head out the window (don't do that in a tunnel), the brakes, he's got it all. He invited me to come aboard his train. He will have his family with him. He will have a son named Jim and a daughter named (pause for dramatic effect) Sally. Jack is a character that is for sure. We had a good visit.
Natty brought up the rear, or the caboose if we want to stick with Jack speak. She was funny to talk to. The entire time we talked she was staring at the little picture of herself on her monitor. I was laughing. It reminds me of growing up with Pete and sitting at the dining room table across from him with my back towards a large mirror. Pete would tell stories and stare at himself in that mirror. It was a little tough to take. I just laughed at Natty striking her various poses, snapping her jaw shut in dramatic fashion and eventually taking her hair down. We had a fun time laughing about her obsession with her image.
It was fun to see them. I am looking forward to having them come home next week. I am sure there will be spiders and snakes to hunt, trains to build and mirrors to stare at ourselves in. Fun times. Love these kiddos very much.
Beautiful Exercise
Had a fun little walk out in the 'backyard' tonight. I was needing to get a little exercise for today and instead of getting on the elliptical and watching some movie or TV episode I hit the out of doors and enjoyed some beautiful exercise.
I went out to the C-Trail trail head and set out. I didn't hit the C-Trail but went out exploring on a 4 wheeler trail. It was a great trail. There was a lot of interesting terrain and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was not my intent to go on the C-Trail, I will some day but today I was looking at the mountains and there is an area where there are cliffs. I wanted to go there. You can see it in the background of the first picture here. I actually started out on one trail then it kind of ended so I headed in the area that I wanted to go. I'm sure this isn't the smartest thing to do but I figured I would not get to the cliffs today and would keep the hike simple. I got up to the spot where I took this first picture and decided to follow the ridge around. When I got up a ways I ran into the 4 wheeler trail. That was a great find. It lead back and in the direction I wanted to go though it ended up turning south and away from the cliffs. I did get a good look at the canyon that heads back there. It was a box canyon but looked beautiful. I knew I didn't have time to make that trek so I stayed on the trail and went up.
I have to say we live in a pretty amazing area. There is tremendous beauty surrounding us and I am grateful for the opportunity to go out and experience it some. This last picture was from my turnaround point. I thought the mountain range there looked pretty fantastic. Not sure that I am looking all that wonderful but oh well. Where to go next? Maybe I can get back to those cliffs or it may be time to take on the C-Trail. No matter where I go one thing is for certain, the exercise will be beautiful.
I went out to the C-Trail trail head and set out. I didn't hit the C-Trail but went out exploring on a 4 wheeler trail. It was a great trail. There was a lot of interesting terrain and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was not my intent to go on the C-Trail, I will some day but today I was looking at the mountains and there is an area where there are cliffs. I wanted to go there. You can see it in the background of the first picture here. I actually started out on one trail then it kind of ended so I headed in the area that I wanted to go. I'm sure this isn't the smartest thing to do but I figured I would not get to the cliffs today and would keep the hike simple. I got up to the spot where I took this first picture and decided to follow the ridge around. When I got up a ways I ran into the 4 wheeler trail. That was a great find. It lead back and in the direction I wanted to go though it ended up turning south and away from the cliffs. I did get a good look at the canyon that heads back there. It was a box canyon but looked beautiful. I knew I didn't have time to make that trek so I stayed on the trail and went up.
The trail kind of turned into a creek bed. There were some areas where a trail cut back and forth but the creek bed kind of ran right down through it all. This picture is looking down the trail and out over the valley some.
The hour was getting late and I had decided that when it got around 8 I would stop. A little after 8 I came across this tree and decided that would be my stopping point. It was actually up there a ways. I am sure I was close to the C. There were cabins just up a bit from this spot and I thought for a moment about going a little further and trying to connect to the C-Trail and come down it. I decided against it and made my way back down the mountain. I did want to see where the trail actually came out which was just to the North of the trail I started on. I also was looking for a trail to get back to the cliff area. I didn't see one but it looks like the creek bed down in the canyon would be a good trail. It shouldn't be too hard to connect to that area from the trail I was on. Another day perhaps.
I have to say we live in a pretty amazing area. There is tremendous beauty surrounding us and I am grateful for the opportunity to go out and experience it some. This last picture was from my turnaround point. I thought the mountain range there looked pretty fantastic. Not sure that I am looking all that wonderful but oh well. Where to go next? Maybe I can get back to those cliffs or it may be time to take on the C-Trail. No matter where I go one thing is for certain, the exercise will be beautiful.
Monday, July 23, 2012
That's a Long Time
There is a girl that works for us at The Little Brick House, Ashlley Langford actually. Anyway, she will be turning 18 in the next couple of months and in a conversation with a few employees today, including Ashlley, I realized that I have kept a journal for everyday of Ashlley's life. Now, this is the first time that I have ever written about Ashlley in my journal over those soon to be 18 years but wow, that is a long time.
We got on the subject because on of our employees, Mikey Tagliaferri, was making fun of my handwriting. Ashlley mentioned that she could actually read it and that it reminded her of her own handwriting. She must have terrible handwriting if it is like mine. Anyhow, we got on the subject of handwriting and I talked about how I have years of journals that I cannot read because my handwriting is so bad. It all just came together at that point as we considered age and time of record keeping. It gives me a little perspective on things.
I must say that converting my handwritten journals over to this electronic record has made it much easier to read. Making my life an open book by allowing others to read my blog has also made a difference. There were one or two hundred entries previously that probably said the same exact thing and didn't really offer any insight to who I am or how I feel about certain things. Perhaps it is a good thing they are hard to read. Anyway this set up helps me to focus a bit on life, to write about more specific things and to leave the daily generalities out of it for the most part. Life can be pretty boring when all you record is the same thing everyday.
What's it all for anyway? I hope that my efforts here somehow bless my family in some small way. I hope that as my kids grow they will find joy in reading my journals, they will find strength in them as well and they will know that I love them and that I love the Lord. I hope they will be blessed through my testimony as recorded in different ways in this record and that they will share that with their own families. I also write to exercise my faith in Jesus Christ. I believe that blessings come into my life because I faithfully keep this record. There is a sense of accountability that accompanies this work for me and that strengthens me in times of trial or temptation. I fully believe that and am filled with gratitude for that blessing in my life and also humbled by it.
Well, life is wonderful. There is so much to be grateful for each day. I sure do love my family and am looking forward to the kids coming home in a couple of weeks. I have truly missed them.
We got on the subject because on of our employees, Mikey Tagliaferri, was making fun of my handwriting. Ashlley mentioned that she could actually read it and that it reminded her of her own handwriting. She must have terrible handwriting if it is like mine. Anyhow, we got on the subject of handwriting and I talked about how I have years of journals that I cannot read because my handwriting is so bad. It all just came together at that point as we considered age and time of record keeping. It gives me a little perspective on things.
I must say that converting my handwritten journals over to this electronic record has made it much easier to read. Making my life an open book by allowing others to read my blog has also made a difference. There were one or two hundred entries previously that probably said the same exact thing and didn't really offer any insight to who I am or how I feel about certain things. Perhaps it is a good thing they are hard to read. Anyway this set up helps me to focus a bit on life, to write about more specific things and to leave the daily generalities out of it for the most part. Life can be pretty boring when all you record is the same thing everyday.
What's it all for anyway? I hope that my efforts here somehow bless my family in some small way. I hope that as my kids grow they will find joy in reading my journals, they will find strength in them as well and they will know that I love them and that I love the Lord. I hope they will be blessed through my testimony as recorded in different ways in this record and that they will share that with their own families. I also write to exercise my faith in Jesus Christ. I believe that blessings come into my life because I faithfully keep this record. There is a sense of accountability that accompanies this work for me and that strengthens me in times of trial or temptation. I fully believe that and am filled with gratitude for that blessing in my life and also humbled by it.
Well, life is wonderful. There is so much to be grateful for each day. I sure do love my family and am looking forward to the kids coming home in a couple of weeks. I have truly missed them.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Life Stations
When I was single, the first time, I was hanging out and my only sister in law at the time, that would be Clorinda, told me I was pensive. I had no idea what that even meant and therefore didn't know if it was a compliment or a harsh negative attack on my fragile ego. A quick definition would be the following:
Characterized by or disposed to thought, especially serious or deep thought.
I suppose that is somewhat fitting for me. I do a lot of thinking, sometimes it's even deep thinking but only sometimes. In any case I have been thinking lately about life and the different stages or stations of it. I know through personal experience that it can be easy to get caught up in where we are today. We might find ourselves struggling in one way or another and suddenly we projecting these challenges on the rest of our lives. Nothing is ever going to change, I am stuck in this rut and here I will remain. That can be hell. We rob ourselves of hope when we do that to ourselves. Things that happen in life just happen, they are part of the journey. I love, love, love when President Monson said to us "Find joy in the journey now".
You know my station in life right now isn't what I would have chosen for myself but it is what it is. It can be very challenging and quite exhausting at times. There are times when I feel very low but through it all I know that the Lord knows who I am. He has not abandoned me and in Him I have hope.
Today some of my favorite people in the world spoke in church. Elder Ken and Sister Georgia Bettridge reported on their mission. These are wonderful people and I have certainly missed them over the last year as they have been gone. I loved hearing their report. I love that they went and served this mission. I know that it was a scary thing for them. Ken told the story of their drive up to the MTC and said when they got to Beaver he wanted to turn around but they kept going. They are such giving and loving people who were so kind to the kids and I when we moved in next door. I know that they touched the hearts of those they served in the Oregon Portland Mission. I got to talk to both of them briefly and they both asked about the kids and wanted to know how they were doing. Ken told me he tried calling me a couple of times but couldn't get through. I think he must have had my old number. I was touched that he thought of me and tried to call to check up on us.
As I think about Ken and Georgia and their mission I am filled with gratitude for my grandparents and the example they set for me in doing the same thing. That is what grandparents do right? That is all I knew when I was growing up and it is the greatest desire of my heart to serve missions with my companion when I reach that station of life. I don't have any clue who that companion will be but we are going to have a lot of fun serving the Lord.
As stations go I know that I need to be moving forward and I need to progress beyond some of the fears that I have. There is a fear of pain, I've talked about this before as I've discussed fleas and training them. In my pensive moments, thought I would tie that back in, I think about how inadequate I feel and I don't see myself as being very desirable. It weighs on me and is probably why I don't do a lot of dating. I have a wall up, it is there to protect me. How do you let someone in? How do you let someone in when you live with a heart that was broken and a belief that you are not good enough? I don't know how to overcome that and so my relationships are kept at a safe distance and yet I need to move forward somehow and not just for me, my children need to have and deserve to have a motherly influence in the home.
I know that with the Lord moving forward can be a reality. I can move forward, I can learn to let someone in again. Obviously I can see myself with my companion serving missions together so I am not projecting this current single station on the rest of my life. That's a good thing right?
Well, whatever our station in life is there is joy to be had. Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in we have a Savior who loves us. He knows our fears and our pains and He can help us through them. He is my source of hope and strength and so I will press forward believing in Him.
Characterized by or disposed to thought, especially serious or deep thought.
I suppose that is somewhat fitting for me. I do a lot of thinking, sometimes it's even deep thinking but only sometimes. In any case I have been thinking lately about life and the different stages or stations of it. I know through personal experience that it can be easy to get caught up in where we are today. We might find ourselves struggling in one way or another and suddenly we projecting these challenges on the rest of our lives. Nothing is ever going to change, I am stuck in this rut and here I will remain. That can be hell. We rob ourselves of hope when we do that to ourselves. Things that happen in life just happen, they are part of the journey. I love, love, love when President Monson said to us "Find joy in the journey now".
You know my station in life right now isn't what I would have chosen for myself but it is what it is. It can be very challenging and quite exhausting at times. There are times when I feel very low but through it all I know that the Lord knows who I am. He has not abandoned me and in Him I have hope.
Today some of my favorite people in the world spoke in church. Elder Ken and Sister Georgia Bettridge reported on their mission. These are wonderful people and I have certainly missed them over the last year as they have been gone. I loved hearing their report. I love that they went and served this mission. I know that it was a scary thing for them. Ken told the story of their drive up to the MTC and said when they got to Beaver he wanted to turn around but they kept going. They are such giving and loving people who were so kind to the kids and I when we moved in next door. I know that they touched the hearts of those they served in the Oregon Portland Mission. I got to talk to both of them briefly and they both asked about the kids and wanted to know how they were doing. Ken told me he tried calling me a couple of times but couldn't get through. I think he must have had my old number. I was touched that he thought of me and tried to call to check up on us.
As I think about Ken and Georgia and their mission I am filled with gratitude for my grandparents and the example they set for me in doing the same thing. That is what grandparents do right? That is all I knew when I was growing up and it is the greatest desire of my heart to serve missions with my companion when I reach that station of life. I don't have any clue who that companion will be but we are going to have a lot of fun serving the Lord.
As stations go I know that I need to be moving forward and I need to progress beyond some of the fears that I have. There is a fear of pain, I've talked about this before as I've discussed fleas and training them. In my pensive moments, thought I would tie that back in, I think about how inadequate I feel and I don't see myself as being very desirable. It weighs on me and is probably why I don't do a lot of dating. I have a wall up, it is there to protect me. How do you let someone in? How do you let someone in when you live with a heart that was broken and a belief that you are not good enough? I don't know how to overcome that and so my relationships are kept at a safe distance and yet I need to move forward somehow and not just for me, my children need to have and deserve to have a motherly influence in the home.
I know that with the Lord moving forward can be a reality. I can move forward, I can learn to let someone in again. Obviously I can see myself with my companion serving missions together so I am not projecting this current single station on the rest of my life. That's a good thing right?
Well, whatever our station in life is there is joy to be had. Whatever circumstances we find ourselves in we have a Savior who loves us. He knows our fears and our pains and He can help us through them. He is my source of hope and strength and so I will press forward believing in Him.
Exploration
I decided to go on a little hike today and after getting my pack ready I was off. It was actually a little after 1 when I left and I stopped off at the LBH quickly to see how things were going. A few things happened and I ended up working for a few hours.
As I was preparing to leave the LBH and head out a rain storm of Floridian proportions came crashing down on Cedar. It was awesome and totally reminded me of late afternoon storms in Florida that flooded streets, yards, just about everything. Driving in those was always a treat. Anyhow, we had that in Cedar, maybe not on the same scale but pretty dang good for Cedar. My hike was further delayed and I continued to work on a few things.
I picked up a phone call and Rachel was on the other end of the line. She said she had been trying to contact me but couldn't get through. The storm had taken out cell service. No calling or texting. Funny enough though I could get email - probably because I have wi-fi and it was connected to that at the LBH - that just occurred to me. Anyway, she was on the way to the emergency room with Natalie who somehow managed to get a plastic piece from a game stuck up in her nose. Isn't that wonderful. In her embarrassment she is telling a bit of a story about how she was holding the piece and the boys did something that scared her or bumped her causing her head and hand to come together abruptly and that game piece happened to go right up her nose. I remember doing dumb things and wanting to edit the story a bit so I didn't look so dumb. I am sure there were plenty of times when my story was obviously a story. I don't remember when I realized that the truth was just easier regardless of whatever embarrassment was involved. I am trying to help Natalie realize that but it isn't going quite as well as I would like. Hmmmmm. The good news, they were able to get it out and she is fine. Apparently there is some large contraption they hook to your face that helps open up the nasal passage so they can get a hold of the object. Grateful that it is out and she is fine.
So the hike. It wasn't until a little after 7 that I managed to get out on the trail I planned to hike. Funny how things work out. Had I gone when I originally planned I would have been on the trail when the storm hit and that would not have been a good thing. I use the term trail lightly here because for the most part it had been washed away. I either picked the wrong spot to hike or the mountain bike trail that I was told existed had been completely washed out. I found small traces of trail every now and then but nothing that resembled a mountain bike trail. Whatever the case it was apparent that a high volume of water rushed through this little canyon and at a very high rate of speed. There were some spots where the water level would have been up to my mid thigh based on the water lines left on the terrain. I would have been in for a real treat if I had gone when I originally planned to go. I'm sure it would have been quite impressive but I am quite grateful that my hike was delayed as I much preferred to see the heavy rain and the lightning through the front window of the LBH. It was fun to hike up afterwards and explore the area a bit and imagine the scene. It was very apparent that there was a lot of water running down that canyon.
Here are a couple of quick pics. The first is looking back down from the top and then there was this tree that I liked. The base of it and the roots were what stood out to me. Anyhow, fun hike, fun to go exploring around a bit. I am going to do it again as my original plan was to continue down the back side and around the mountain but my time was short.
And the final note of the day. My friend Bob Ennis and I went to the late showing of The Dark Knight Rises. It was fantastic. What an ending to this great Batman trilogy. I may need to go see this one in the theater again. It was very well done and I highly recommend it.
As I was preparing to leave the LBH and head out a rain storm of Floridian proportions came crashing down on Cedar. It was awesome and totally reminded me of late afternoon storms in Florida that flooded streets, yards, just about everything. Driving in those was always a treat. Anyhow, we had that in Cedar, maybe not on the same scale but pretty dang good for Cedar. My hike was further delayed and I continued to work on a few things.
I picked up a phone call and Rachel was on the other end of the line. She said she had been trying to contact me but couldn't get through. The storm had taken out cell service. No calling or texting. Funny enough though I could get email - probably because I have wi-fi and it was connected to that at the LBH - that just occurred to me. Anyway, she was on the way to the emergency room with Natalie who somehow managed to get a plastic piece from a game stuck up in her nose. Isn't that wonderful. In her embarrassment she is telling a bit of a story about how she was holding the piece and the boys did something that scared her or bumped her causing her head and hand to come together abruptly and that game piece happened to go right up her nose. I remember doing dumb things and wanting to edit the story a bit so I didn't look so dumb. I am sure there were plenty of times when my story was obviously a story. I don't remember when I realized that the truth was just easier regardless of whatever embarrassment was involved. I am trying to help Natalie realize that but it isn't going quite as well as I would like. Hmmmmm. The good news, they were able to get it out and she is fine. Apparently there is some large contraption they hook to your face that helps open up the nasal passage so they can get a hold of the object. Grateful that it is out and she is fine.
So the hike. It wasn't until a little after 7 that I managed to get out on the trail I planned to hike. Funny how things work out. Had I gone when I originally planned I would have been on the trail when the storm hit and that would not have been a good thing. I use the term trail lightly here because for the most part it had been washed away. I either picked the wrong spot to hike or the mountain bike trail that I was told existed had been completely washed out. I found small traces of trail every now and then but nothing that resembled a mountain bike trail. Whatever the case it was apparent that a high volume of water rushed through this little canyon and at a very high rate of speed. There were some spots where the water level would have been up to my mid thigh based on the water lines left on the terrain. I would have been in for a real treat if I had gone when I originally planned to go. I'm sure it would have been quite impressive but I am quite grateful that my hike was delayed as I much preferred to see the heavy rain and the lightning through the front window of the LBH. It was fun to hike up afterwards and explore the area a bit and imagine the scene. It was very apparent that there was a lot of water running down that canyon.
Here are a couple of quick pics. The first is looking back down from the top and then there was this tree that I liked. The base of it and the roots were what stood out to me. Anyhow, fun hike, fun to go exploring around a bit. I am going to do it again as my original plan was to continue down the back side and around the mountain but my time was short.
And the final note of the day. My friend Bob Ennis and I went to the late showing of The Dark Knight Rises. It was fantastic. What an ending to this great Batman trilogy. I may need to go see this one in the theater again. It was very well done and I highly recommend it.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Love This Place
A few weeks ago I met a man while serving in the Temple. I actually had a powerful experience while serving with him while doing initiatory work. Tonight I was once again doing initiatories and this brother was there serving. Once again the spirit was strong and we both felt it. He then thanked me for faithfully attending and serving in the Temple. It was just one of those moments where you feel a certain bond with someone. It was good.
I am grateful for those who serve as Temple Workers. I am humbled as I consider the work that they are doing, the service. They are on the Lords errand and doing his work. They represent him. I am grateful for that and pray for their well being. I don't know what kind of commitment they would be looking for relative to serving as a temple worker. At the present time it would be difficult to be there for extended periods of time. By present time I mean being a single dad of three. When the kids come back from Alaska, when they are home, it isn't as easy to make it to the Temple weekly or even monthly. I need to make some plans so that I can continue to be there regularly when they come home.
I love the Temple. I learn much there and enjoy serving therein. I am grateful for the blessings of Temples in our lives.
I am grateful for those who serve as Temple Workers. I am humbled as I consider the work that they are doing, the service. They are on the Lords errand and doing his work. They represent him. I am grateful for that and pray for their well being. I don't know what kind of commitment they would be looking for relative to serving as a temple worker. At the present time it would be difficult to be there for extended periods of time. By present time I mean being a single dad of three. When the kids come back from Alaska, when they are home, it isn't as easy to make it to the Temple weekly or even monthly. I need to make some plans so that I can continue to be there regularly when they come home.
I love the Temple. I learn much there and enjoy serving therein. I am grateful for the blessings of Temples in our lives.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
A Little Homemade Nutella
One of my favorite things to make in the VitaMix is my morning smoothie. Only slightly behind smoothies on that list is Nutella. Not just any Nutella mind you. No, mine is more about the hazelnuts and less about the sugar and chemicals. I happen to rather enjoy it.
I started out on a quest to make a sugar free hazelnut spread. I think there is a reason we don't have sugar free hazelnut spread. It sucks. I've tried with Splenda, even blended the Splenda into powdered sugar in order to follow the recipe more fully. I could get something but it was not very good. I think the friction that exists in the mixture does something to the chemical makeup of the Splenda. No, I find that powdered sugar works the best and the recipe I have definitely turns the table on the amount of sugar vs. the amount of hazelnuts. Anyway, I began the quest and came across a fantastic recipe for Nutella at www.sugoodsweets.com/blog/2005/12/nutella/ . This is the base of my recipe. I follow it for how to prepare raw hazelnuts and then use the basic idea of it for making the rest.
When you don't follow an exact recipe there are chances that weird things can happen. This has happened to me especially with the sugar free variety. I accepted the reality that the sugar free was not something I was going to accomplish on my own and the recipe I was basing everything on was a dramatic shift from today's Nutella which is more sugar than anything else. This recipe is more with sugar playing a much less prominent role. As far as the flavor goes, you're going to taste the hazelnuts. There is no getting away from that flavor and it is delicious. If you hope to duplicate Nutella exactly then you need to find a different recipe.
Now, I don't follow the recipe you will find on the link above exactly. I have combined a couple of recipes myself and I don't always go exact on my measurements. As I mentioned I follow the process outlined for how to prepare the hazelnuts. I use a 16 oz bag of hazelnuts minus a few nuts here or there that I eat plain.. I mix them into a butter in the VitaMix and include roasted and salted almonds as well. I found that on a different recipe, they are good. I use an organic coconut oil to help keep the butter smooth. It is great stuff. Don't know how much, I just add it and if I need more I'll add more. I use a few tablespoons of cocoa and then a cup and a half or so of powdered sugar. Next time I will need to actually measure the quantities for those that rely on exact figures in cooking. I just have a feel for it after making it so many times and didn't really focus on quantities today. If you need that in your cooking go to the link provided above and follow the recipe. It is a good one.
Here is a picture of the finished product. Note that it is nice and smooth. I did wait a day after preparing the hazelnuts before I blended them. This was the first time I did that. I had noticed in the past that the amount of heat in the liquid was high and thought it was affecting everything. Anyhow, it still gets hot but it is manageable. Okay, done rambling. Here is the goodness:
I started out on a quest to make a sugar free hazelnut spread. I think there is a reason we don't have sugar free hazelnut spread. It sucks. I've tried with Splenda, even blended the Splenda into powdered sugar in order to follow the recipe more fully. I could get something but it was not very good. I think the friction that exists in the mixture does something to the chemical makeup of the Splenda. No, I find that powdered sugar works the best and the recipe I have definitely turns the table on the amount of sugar vs. the amount of hazelnuts. Anyway, I began the quest and came across a fantastic recipe for Nutella at www.sugoodsweets.com/blog/2005/12/nutella/ . This is the base of my recipe. I follow it for how to prepare raw hazelnuts and then use the basic idea of it for making the rest.
When you don't follow an exact recipe there are chances that weird things can happen. This has happened to me especially with the sugar free variety. I accepted the reality that the sugar free was not something I was going to accomplish on my own and the recipe I was basing everything on was a dramatic shift from today's Nutella which is more sugar than anything else. This recipe is more with sugar playing a much less prominent role. As far as the flavor goes, you're going to taste the hazelnuts. There is no getting away from that flavor and it is delicious. If you hope to duplicate Nutella exactly then you need to find a different recipe.
Now, I don't follow the recipe you will find on the link above exactly. I have combined a couple of recipes myself and I don't always go exact on my measurements. As I mentioned I follow the process outlined for how to prepare the hazelnuts. I use a 16 oz bag of hazelnuts minus a few nuts here or there that I eat plain.. I mix them into a butter in the VitaMix and include roasted and salted almonds as well. I found that on a different recipe, they are good. I use an organic coconut oil to help keep the butter smooth. It is great stuff. Don't know how much, I just add it and if I need more I'll add more. I use a few tablespoons of cocoa and then a cup and a half or so of powdered sugar. Next time I will need to actually measure the quantities for those that rely on exact figures in cooking. I just have a feel for it after making it so many times and didn't really focus on quantities today. If you need that in your cooking go to the link provided above and follow the recipe. It is a good one.
Here is a picture of the finished product. Note that it is nice and smooth. I did wait a day after preparing the hazelnuts before I blended them. This was the first time I did that. I had noticed in the past that the amount of heat in the liquid was high and thought it was affecting everything. Anyhow, it still gets hot but it is manageable. Okay, done rambling. Here is the goodness:
Now, my next big challenge, learn how to make it without grabbing a spoon afterwards and eating it like ice cream... Can't help it, I love the stuff.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Strangers and Friends
I meet a lot of people everyday. It is part of work. During this time of the year there are a lot of people that come through Cedar City for the Utah Shakespeare Festival. We are blessed to have as customers the founder of the festival and those that run it now. We also enjoy having many of the actors come in and then of course we have lots of visitors that have been referred to us from locals who are fans. I try to talk to as many as I can to find out where they are from and what shows they are here to see. In doing so today I had a remarkable experience.
It was busy during lunch and somehow I managed to mess up the schedule so that I was down one of our kitchen staff. We simply tightened up and covered it. All turned out well but it meant that we all had to be moving. This doesn't allow for a lot of mingling time with the customers and there was one table of three ladies that I really didn't get to spend a lot of time with. Things slowed down and as they were leaving I struck up casual conversation with them, asked if they were from out of town and if they were here to see a show. Yes they were here to see a show but one was local, another from Beaver, they were sisters, and their mom was from the San Francisco Bay Area. I mentioned that I was born in the Bay Area and the conversation got interesting.
The mother was from Oakland and I mentioned I was born in Castro Valley - Hayward actually but I always think Castro Valley because that is where the folks grew up. The mother asked what our name was and when I mentioned Fontano they all said we know some Fontano's and the mother said, Al and Vi Fontano. I responded that they were my grandparents. This lady was in a sewing class with Grandma Vi and I think they may have been in the same ward at some point. Anyway I told them the folks were in the store and so we turned around and walked to the back so they could meet.
They had a fun conversation, I couldn't stay for it but learned afterwards that the mother, sorry, that just sounds rude, this kind 90 year old woman was wearing a ring that my great grandfather, Donovan Jay Allphin, made for her in his jeweler store. That is pretty amazing. All this because of a quick little conversation with three ladies that were in for the first time eating our food.
It is a wonderful thing meeting strangers who turn out to be friends. I am certainly grateful for the experience. Certainly meeting people is one of the funnest things I get to do. Yesterday I met a guy that taught me the secrets to pouring the perfect glass of diet coke. I didn't expect a 15 minute dissertation on the matter but I learned a lot in the process. I had another group of customers stop in and it turned out they were an alternative rock group out of Denver. They were on their way back from a west coast tour and found us online and decided to stop. They loved the place and we had a good conversation. The Foot is the name of their band. Nice guys. Wonder which strangers and friends I will meet tomorrow.
It was busy during lunch and somehow I managed to mess up the schedule so that I was down one of our kitchen staff. We simply tightened up and covered it. All turned out well but it meant that we all had to be moving. This doesn't allow for a lot of mingling time with the customers and there was one table of three ladies that I really didn't get to spend a lot of time with. Things slowed down and as they were leaving I struck up casual conversation with them, asked if they were from out of town and if they were here to see a show. Yes they were here to see a show but one was local, another from Beaver, they were sisters, and their mom was from the San Francisco Bay Area. I mentioned that I was born in the Bay Area and the conversation got interesting.
The mother was from Oakland and I mentioned I was born in Castro Valley - Hayward actually but I always think Castro Valley because that is where the folks grew up. The mother asked what our name was and when I mentioned Fontano they all said we know some Fontano's and the mother said, Al and Vi Fontano. I responded that they were my grandparents. This lady was in a sewing class with Grandma Vi and I think they may have been in the same ward at some point. Anyway I told them the folks were in the store and so we turned around and walked to the back so they could meet.
They had a fun conversation, I couldn't stay for it but learned afterwards that the mother, sorry, that just sounds rude, this kind 90 year old woman was wearing a ring that my great grandfather, Donovan Jay Allphin, made for her in his jeweler store. That is pretty amazing. All this because of a quick little conversation with three ladies that were in for the first time eating our food.
It is a wonderful thing meeting strangers who turn out to be friends. I am certainly grateful for the experience. Certainly meeting people is one of the funnest things I get to do. Yesterday I met a guy that taught me the secrets to pouring the perfect glass of diet coke. I didn't expect a 15 minute dissertation on the matter but I learned a lot in the process. I had another group of customers stop in and it turned out they were an alternative rock group out of Denver. They were on their way back from a west coast tour and found us online and decided to stop. They loved the place and we had a good conversation. The Foot is the name of their band. Nice guys. Wonder which strangers and friends I will meet tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Stats Blow Me Away
One fun thing about writing a blog is to monitor the stats. I find it interesting to see what posts are being looked at. Funny enough, the post I wrote about mom's birthday, it's entitled SixtyTwo, has had the most hits of any other post in recent weeks. Who knew? As I analyze that the only thing I can think of is that I mentioned 5 Crowns. Those searching for information on the game were treated to a story about how mom managed to win and was doing a fine job rubbing in her victory. I am certain this was quite informative. I hope the story was entertaining. If you are reading this entry as a result of a 5 Crowns search let me provide a little feedback on the actual game. It is quite fun. You should play it.
There are readers of The Family Fountain from around the world. The highest volume coming from the United States with Russia actually coming in second. Then there are a host of other Countries with readers that somehow stumbled across this blog. Thanks for checking in.
I've debated the idea of selling advertising space and making money on the blog. Blogger allows you to do that but it would require that I write about products specifically and I would have to encumber my blog with ads related to the content of the post. I didn't start this for that purpose so I really don't think I will go down that road. This is my journal and is much more legible than my years of hand written journals. It is nice to be able to actually read what I have written. It also helps that I can edit this one fairly easy and there is spell check. Some nights I don't get the spell check done and I review the next day to find that I really should have done it.
Actually, I don't mess with the spell check when I type the blog on my phone. It is too much of a pain so I post it and then wait to edit until I am back on the computer. It works out okay. I am sure there are some who have read my non edited posts and have scratched their heads wondering what the heck I was thinking. The fact is I fall asleep while writing on a regular basis. Sometimes I just have to quit because I am getting nowhere.
So yes, the stats blow me away sometimes. I enjoy seeing what stories or posts have been looked at. I hope the message somehow reflects the impressions I was trying to express. It is not an easy thing to do. Hey, just for fun I am going to close with this - Packed with peanuts, Snickers really does satisfy. We'll see now if this post can top SixtyTwo. It's for fun.
There are readers of The Family Fountain from around the world. The highest volume coming from the United States with Russia actually coming in second. Then there are a host of other Countries with readers that somehow stumbled across this blog. Thanks for checking in.
I've debated the idea of selling advertising space and making money on the blog. Blogger allows you to do that but it would require that I write about products specifically and I would have to encumber my blog with ads related to the content of the post. I didn't start this for that purpose so I really don't think I will go down that road. This is my journal and is much more legible than my years of hand written journals. It is nice to be able to actually read what I have written. It also helps that I can edit this one fairly easy and there is spell check. Some nights I don't get the spell check done and I review the next day to find that I really should have done it.
Actually, I don't mess with the spell check when I type the blog on my phone. It is too much of a pain so I post it and then wait to edit until I am back on the computer. It works out okay. I am sure there are some who have read my non edited posts and have scratched their heads wondering what the heck I was thinking. The fact is I fall asleep while writing on a regular basis. Sometimes I just have to quit because I am getting nowhere.
So yes, the stats blow me away sometimes. I enjoy seeing what stories or posts have been looked at. I hope the message somehow reflects the impressions I was trying to express. It is not an easy thing to do. Hey, just for fun I am going to close with this - Packed with peanuts, Snickers really does satisfy. We'll see now if this post can top SixtyTwo. It's for fun.
Monday, July 16, 2012
The Vizzini
We are introducing our new Italian sandwich tomorrow at The Little Brick House. It is one I started working on a while ago and today I finally got everything in order to officially launch it. We call it The Vizzini. Jay actually suggested the name and really, how can you not go with the Sicilian Master Mind from one of the greatest movies ever made? It would be completely and entirely inconceivable. I am excited for it to launch. I made one this afternoon just to be sure that we had it dialed in. Check.
Mike made some suggestions about running a special sandwich for 6 weeks or so and then following that up with another special sandwich. I think we will do this and see how it goes. We can certainly continue to offer the sandwich on the secret menu but won't put it on the everyday menu after the 6 weeks. If we find the popularity of the sandwich to be high we will bring it back for another limited offering. It will be like our very own McRib except there won't be a preformed porkish patty smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with diced onions and a couple pickle chips. No, this will be a much better dish than that.
In other fun news we are exploring an option to open a second store down in St. George. If life isn't crazy enough this will certainly add to it. It is kind of funny how it is coming together and there is certainly the potential to make something great there. It is exciting stuff.
I exit tonight with this thought:
Vizzini: "You were supposed to be this colossus, you were this great legendary thing, and yet he gains!"
Fezzik: "Well, I'm carrying three people and he got only himself."
Vizzini: "I do not accept excuses! I'm just going to have to find myself a new giant, that's all."
Oh man, I love this movie. I love this sandwich too. Hopefully it will be as legendary as the movie.
Mike made some suggestions about running a special sandwich for 6 weeks or so and then following that up with another special sandwich. I think we will do this and see how it goes. We can certainly continue to offer the sandwich on the secret menu but won't put it on the everyday menu after the 6 weeks. If we find the popularity of the sandwich to be high we will bring it back for another limited offering. It will be like our very own McRib except there won't be a preformed porkish patty smothered in BBQ sauce and topped with diced onions and a couple pickle chips. No, this will be a much better dish than that.
In other fun news we are exploring an option to open a second store down in St. George. If life isn't crazy enough this will certainly add to it. It is kind of funny how it is coming together and there is certainly the potential to make something great there. It is exciting stuff.
I exit tonight with this thought:
Vizzini: "You were supposed to be this colossus, you were this great legendary thing, and yet he gains!"
Fezzik: "Well, I'm carrying three people and he got only himself."
Vizzini: "I do not accept excuses! I'm just going to have to find myself a new giant, that's all."
Oh man, I love this movie. I love this sandwich too. Hopefully it will be as legendary as the movie.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Turn to the Lord in Prayer
I went on a long walk this morning prior to church and enjoyed some time in prayer. I quite enjoy doing this as it affords me quiet time to think and reflect. I have had some friends that have been going through some trials lately and I've been praying for them and thought about them again today. Funny enough we had a lesson in Sunday School today, I attend the Gospel Principles class because the Gospel Doctrine is packed, anyway the lesson was on prayer. I thought about prayer and how prayers are answered and I thought about some of the challenging times in my life, be that as a missionary 19 years ago or more recently when I lived on the other side of the country. I knew that there were people praying for me because that was all they could do. I also know that their prayers were heard and answered through good people and friends that surrounded me in Florida.
The question was asked "Can you ever pray for something too much?". I suppose maybe you can, perhaps if an answer was already given, continuing to pray for something because you don't like the answer can be too much. We know this through church history. Anyway, the thought came to my mind that right now with my kids being away there isn't a lot I can do for them except to pray. Just because I am praying for them today doesn't mean I won't pray for them tomorrow. I don't believe that this would qualify as vain repetition. This is sincere. We pray over our families. We pray for friends in need. We pray for our leaders. As we pray with faith, with real intent and a sincere heart we can approach the Lord with confidence.
There is a line in my Partiarchal Blessing that says "Make the Savior your friend by praying to him." That is pretty simple instruction. I sat during the Sacrament and thought about Nephi as he describes falling to temptation and he seems to describe his frustration he has with himself when he falls short. I can identify with that. I can also identify with the hope he has in the Savior. I think he had that friendship with the Savior. During the Sacrament as I prayed there and pondered the Atonement and that sacred ordinance my heart was full of gratitude for my Savior and friend. I am humbled by his sacrifice for me and for each of us. I have not done the best with that instruction given in my Patriarchal Blessing years ago. I could say like Nephi, Oh wretched man that I am. Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted and I have felt the hand of the Lord in my life. I know that he loves me and have felt his love many times. It is my hope that I can be more diligent in turning to the Lord in prayer and that I can strengthen my friendship with him.
The question was asked "Can you ever pray for something too much?". I suppose maybe you can, perhaps if an answer was already given, continuing to pray for something because you don't like the answer can be too much. We know this through church history. Anyway, the thought came to my mind that right now with my kids being away there isn't a lot I can do for them except to pray. Just because I am praying for them today doesn't mean I won't pray for them tomorrow. I don't believe that this would qualify as vain repetition. This is sincere. We pray over our families. We pray for friends in need. We pray for our leaders. As we pray with faith, with real intent and a sincere heart we can approach the Lord with confidence.
There is a line in my Partiarchal Blessing that says "Make the Savior your friend by praying to him." That is pretty simple instruction. I sat during the Sacrament and thought about Nephi as he describes falling to temptation and he seems to describe his frustration he has with himself when he falls short. I can identify with that. I can also identify with the hope he has in the Savior. I think he had that friendship with the Savior. During the Sacrament as I prayed there and pondered the Atonement and that sacred ordinance my heart was full of gratitude for my Savior and friend. I am humbled by his sacrifice for me and for each of us. I have not done the best with that instruction given in my Patriarchal Blessing years ago. I could say like Nephi, Oh wretched man that I am. Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted and I have felt the hand of the Lord in my life. I know that he loves me and have felt his love many times. It is my hope that I can be more diligent in turning to the Lord in prayer and that I can strengthen my friendship with him.
A Date with Destiny
Doesn't that title just sound dramatic? It's not new, in fact I have heard it many times as I'm sure you have. So what is this date with destiny of which I speak? There is a certain movie coming out in the next few days involving the rise of a certain dark knight. I plan to see said movie. In preparation for this date with destiny I am watching the first two movies in the series. Tonight, Batman Begins. I am enjoying it. Not focused so much on the blog so this is moving a bit slow.
In my preparation for the movie I made a run to Wally world and while walking through I picked up some milk and made my way around through the soda aisle. I don't buy much soda and rarely drink it. In my walk through the aisle I looked up and there on the shelf was Diet Cream Soda. Well, I had to pick some up. I've had a little, not the best I've ever had but still enjoyable. See, destiny.
In other news I cleaned the garage, fixed a bike, cleaned and put back together Dave's BBQ which will continue to reside at my house, changed out some lights and met with my computer guy. I also went out on a little lite hike this evening. Full day and about time to hit the bed.
In my preparation for the movie I made a run to Wally world and while walking through I picked up some milk and made my way around through the soda aisle. I don't buy much soda and rarely drink it. In my walk through the aisle I looked up and there on the shelf was Diet Cream Soda. Well, I had to pick some up. I've had a little, not the best I've ever had but still enjoyable. See, destiny.
In other news I cleaned the garage, fixed a bike, cleaned and put back together Dave's BBQ which will continue to reside at my house, changed out some lights and met with my computer guy. I also went out on a little lite hike this evening. Full day and about time to hit the bed.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Food Critic, Me?
I don't fancy myself a food critic but I think I may quickly become one. But first I need to go find some liquid Drano. I am afraid, very afraid of whatever I just ate. I figure that gargling the Drano will take care of the mouth and then I'll swallow some down in an effort purge my insides. Okay kids, I am not being serious about the Drano thing but I am quite nervous about the after effects of the, um, food I just suffered through.
For starters, any time you visit an establishment and the name reminds you of a bowel movement, find somewhere else to go. There exists in Cedar City a Mexican restaurant that goes by the name Mi Pueblo. Need I spell out my reference to bowel movement? I'll pass.
We've actually patronized two Mexican restaurants this week and the race for which is the worst is quite close. I think others will agree that Mi Pueblo edged out La Fiesta for that coveted title. Here is my quick critic: that food was terrible. And now a more in depth look. We'll start with the chips and salsa. This was my favorite part of the meal. That said the chips were a bit thick, somewhat stale and not really flavorful. The salsa was okay but I like it a bit thicker.
When the food came out mom got hers first. She got a tostada salad and the presentation was bad. It looked like iceberg lettuce thrown on some beans, sprinkled with tomatoes and cheese. Not at all appealing. When the rest of the food came we all got started and quickly realized that the beans were burned and the sauce had a burned flavor as well. Beyond the burned flavor nothing else really stood out. It was bland but heavy on the sauce. It didn't look appealing either. I like a burrito with a little heft, these were flat. Also, cheese please. I don't know where the cheese was in this meal.
I sat there scratching my head wondering how this place was in business. I would be embarrassed if we served food like that. It was just bad.
So probably not real good as a critic but that is what I have to offer. I guess one final note. If you are looking for good Mexican food in Cedar, you know, where you sit down with the classic chips and salsa and spend a few minutes in a menu trying to decide between a chimichanga or the fajitas, well, best of luck. There are a couple other places I have not tried but I am not so sure I want to brave them, not unless I have my trusty bottle of Drano-on-the-go with me.
For starters, any time you visit an establishment and the name reminds you of a bowel movement, find somewhere else to go. There exists in Cedar City a Mexican restaurant that goes by the name Mi Pueblo. Need I spell out my reference to bowel movement? I'll pass.
We've actually patronized two Mexican restaurants this week and the race for which is the worst is quite close. I think others will agree that Mi Pueblo edged out La Fiesta for that coveted title. Here is my quick critic: that food was terrible. And now a more in depth look. We'll start with the chips and salsa. This was my favorite part of the meal. That said the chips were a bit thick, somewhat stale and not really flavorful. The salsa was okay but I like it a bit thicker.
When the food came out mom got hers first. She got a tostada salad and the presentation was bad. It looked like iceberg lettuce thrown on some beans, sprinkled with tomatoes and cheese. Not at all appealing. When the rest of the food came we all got started and quickly realized that the beans were burned and the sauce had a burned flavor as well. Beyond the burned flavor nothing else really stood out. It was bland but heavy on the sauce. It didn't look appealing either. I like a burrito with a little heft, these were flat. Also, cheese please. I don't know where the cheese was in this meal.
I sat there scratching my head wondering how this place was in business. I would be embarrassed if we served food like that. It was just bad.
So probably not real good as a critic but that is what I have to offer. I guess one final note. If you are looking for good Mexican food in Cedar, you know, where you sit down with the classic chips and salsa and spend a few minutes in a menu trying to decide between a chimichanga or the fajitas, well, best of luck. There are a couple other places I have not tried but I am not so sure I want to brave them, not unless I have my trusty bottle of Drano-on-the-go with me.
Be Involved
I am trying to be involved in the singles program here in Cedar. I don't know that I will be very involved in the next month when the kids are back home. They are the priority. In any case I am trying to be involved now. I went to the singles religion class tonight and listened or tried to listen to a brother talk about the temple. I had just one problem, I was completely exhausted. I did everything I could to stay awake and that involved looking at pictures of the kids and other miscellaneous things on my phone as well as reading a couple of articles online. I don't do really well in a lecture situation when I am exhausted. No, I pretty much just want to have a nap. That's a great way to be involved. What can I do? I did hang out after and talked to some people and then went to a small activity afterwards. We watched a condensed Shakespeare thing, don't remember what it was called but it was funny. Anyhow, I don't know that I exactly fit in with the crowd but I am trying my best to be involved, even when I am completely exhausted.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
No Matter What...
I would like to pause for a moment and express my gratitude to the Lord for the blessings he sees fit to bestow on me and my family. Often those blessings include an opportunity to learn and to grow. They are not always pleasant, not always wonderful whilst in the midst of them but when we are able to reflect back there comes an appreciation for the experience. Sometimes we may experience a little trial fatigue. Meaning, the trials we sometimes encounter can become exhausting but I know this, the Lord will see us through. This doesn't stop me from wanting to bypass the trials. I hope it is okay to pray for strength that I might choose to be humble on my own accord without being compelled to be humble. Is that a worthy desire? I mean, I love Job, love that he remained faithful no matter what trial he faced. I hope that I can be as faithful but I really don't want the trials that he faced. Well, no matter what trials we face in life the Lord will sustain us as we remain faithful, steadfast, immovable.
During the darkest and loneliest hours of life comes the comforter and the knowledge that we are not alone, that our Heavenly Father is aware of us, he knows our every need. Sometimes that comes only when the tempest is raging but it is my testimony that He comes, He knows us individually and He will not leave us to wallow in the darkness alone.
Yesterday I was thinking about something I was taught a long time ago - "I must never forget that I am a child of God". There is power in that statement. No matter what challenge we face in life if we can maintain that proper perspective, that eternal perspective, we find the strength needed to endure it well.
During the darkest and loneliest hours of life comes the comforter and the knowledge that we are not alone, that our Heavenly Father is aware of us, he knows our every need. Sometimes that comes only when the tempest is raging but it is my testimony that He comes, He knows us individually and He will not leave us to wallow in the darkness alone.
Yesterday I was thinking about something I was taught a long time ago - "I must never forget that I am a child of God". There is power in that statement. No matter what challenge we face in life if we can maintain that proper perspective, that eternal perspective, we find the strength needed to endure it well.
Hiking the OC
Last Thursday I went on a most excellent hike in Zion National Park. The hike - Orderville Canyon or The OC. I really have no idea if anybody else in the history of hiking this canyon has ever referred to it as The OC but I am doing my best to sound cool. Okay, not working. We'll just call it Orderville Canyon.
My friend Nica extended the invitation to join her, her cousin Heidi and her cousins husband Kent in a hike down the Canyon. I accepted that invitation and was very excited to go. I had hike up into the Narrows a ways some fifteen years ago and absolutely loved it so the idea of hiking down from the top was very appealing. Now, I learned a few things, Orderville Canyon is a seperate canyon is a completely seperate canyon from the Narrows. It connects with the Narrows and you end up hiking the last few miles of the trip in the Narrows. We estimated the hike to be roughly 12 miles based on where we parked and the road we had to walk to the trail head. My body held up fairly well and I quite enjoyed it. We started around 11:20 in the morning and were at the tram station for the Narrows a little after 8. Kent managed to find a group of hikers that were willing to drive his car back to the visitors center in the park and that was a real life saver at the end of the hike. We were all pretty tired at the end so driving back tto the car would have been a lot at the end of the day. If at all possible I would recommend being dropped off at the trail and leaving your own vehicle in the park. I don't know that we could always count on finding someone to do that for us. We were definitely gratefull for those that helped.
When I say my body held up fairly well I do want to note a few things there. You are hiking in a river bed and there are a lot of rocks and even more so when you reach the Narrows. Kent said that the last couple of miles would be like hiking on bowling balls and he is right. That can give you a bit of a work out. I would highly recommend a couple of walking sticks, at least one. I liked hiking with both sticks when I finally started using them. They really helped with balance. I picked up a pair of collapsable poles in Wally world for under $20. They did the trick for me. I also managed the hike with 2 litres of water on my back and a couple bottles in my back pack.
I have attached some pictures to this post and will make comments on them. They are in order for the most part. I was amazed by the beauty of the place. Lots of fun. Anyway, here are the pics.
The road to the trail head at Ordervilled Canyon
Where you drop into the canyon.
The slot is wide at some parts and much tighter at others.
Thought it would be fun to take a pic straight up the canyon wall.
I loved the beauty of the canyon. What an amazing place.
This was just a little log jam.
We did a little repeling down this obstacle. It would be a good idea to bring a rope, and some gloves.
I am a big fan of slot canyons. They are fantastic.
This little waterfall and pool go right into a log jam. Swim time.
Stepping stones were available in some areas once we found water.
Where Orderville Canyon meets the Narrows. Amazing Spot.
This was a great hike. I don't know how else to say it. If you like a good water hike you will find plenty of it here. It did take a while to get to the water but when we finally did, wow, it energized me for the rest of the hike. I am a big fan of the plunges and the swims and made it a point to get as wet as possible. When we got into the Narrows there were some fairly deep spots and I enjoyed a few good swims. If you prefer a little less swimming you can find your way around them.
Would I hike Orderville Canyon again? Absolutely.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
SixtyTwo
Just wanted to take a moment and tell mom just how much I love her even if she is rubbing in her 5 crowns victory from last night still. I am okay with that as this was my second time playing and the last time I played was a year ago. I managed to hold my own this round and came in second rather then dead last. I'm sure somewhere that counts for something.
Anyhow back to the point. Today we celebrate 62 years of the life of Kathleen Griffin Fontano or the woman we more affectionately refer to as mom. Hard to believe I am old enough to have a mother that is 62 but it's true. That said she has been mother to her 8 children for just over 40 of those years and she has done an amazing job. She has taught her children what it means to serve the Lord and to serve others. She has taught us so many important life lessons, shown us how to be a friend, and encouraged us to press forward in times of trial and heartache. Thank you mom. Thank you for the hours of service you provide to your family. Thank you for your unwavering faith and love of God.
Sixty Two - hard to believe. Happy Birthday Mom.
Anyhow back to the point. Today we celebrate 62 years of the life of Kathleen Griffin Fontano or the woman we more affectionately refer to as mom. Hard to believe I am old enough to have a mother that is 62 but it's true. That said she has been mother to her 8 children for just over 40 of those years and she has done an amazing job. She has taught her children what it means to serve the Lord and to serve others. She has taught us so many important life lessons, shown us how to be a friend, and encouraged us to press forward in times of trial and heartache. Thank you mom. Thank you for the hours of service you provide to your family. Thank you for your unwavering faith and love of God.
Sixty Two - hard to believe. Happy Birthday Mom.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Saying Goodbye
I stopped off at the folks house before church this morning figuring to say goodbye to Pete and the Abs as they head back to Houston. They ended up staying for dinner so I got to say goodbye to them later. As I headed out to go to church little Donovan Jack began to cry. He was very sad to see me go so I went back in and picked him up. We had a wonderful little hug where I patted his back and he patted my shoulder. I love that little guy and really had a lot of fun with him this weekend. I could always count on Donovan to give me a great hug, a high five, and a knuckle bash. The knuckle bash was Donovan style - he liked to hit the side of my hand rather than the knuckles. It's our little way.
Saying goodbye to family is always a hard thing to do. I get a little sad whenever I have to do so, it is tough. It was so for me tonight as Pete made the rounds. I was a little choked up. We don't get to see Pete very often - it had been two years since we last saw each other. I know what it is like to be the family member farthest out and to miss a lot of the family functions. It is a hard thing. I also know now what it is like to have siblings that live a long distance away. I know what it feels like to miss those siblings at family events. Neither one is very fun and it helps me to appreciate the times we do have together.
Saying goodbye to family is always a hard thing to do. I get a little sad whenever I have to do so, it is tough. It was so for me tonight as Pete made the rounds. I was a little choked up. We don't get to see Pete very often - it had been two years since we last saw each other. I know what it is like to be the family member farthest out and to miss a lot of the family functions. It is a hard thing. I also know now what it is like to have siblings that live a long distance away. I know what it feels like to miss those siblings at family events. Neither one is very fun and it helps me to appreciate the times we do have together.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Amy and Dan
Pretty amazing day today. It was quite full and wow, I am spent. Amy and Dan are officially married, sealed in the St. George Temple. It was a great sealing and I am very happy for them.
I drove down a little early and did some initiatory work. That is a great experience. I also got to talk to Natty and Jack. I sure miss them.
Anyhow, the day was great. The snow cone shack was a hit and I am done.
Anyhow, the day was great. The snow cone shack was a hit and I am done.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
PedroMan
Well what a surprise, Pete and little Abby came in to town today for the wedding tomorrow. It has been a couple years since all the fam has been together - I guess I need to clarify that as my folks and the 8 kids. It is great to have us all together, well almost all together. Tomorrow at the Wedding we will accomplish that when Jim comes to town. Pretty exciting stuff.
Took a little trip down to New Harmony with Dave, Mike and Pete to drop off a snow cone stand. It was a good drive and we had some good laughs. We then gathered with the fam for some pizza. We managed a few laughs tonight and I am sure we will have a few more tomorrow.
Took a little trip down to New Harmony with Dave, Mike and Pete to drop off a snow cone stand. It was a good drive and we had some good laughs. We then gathered with the fam for some pizza. We managed a few laughs tonight and I am sure we will have a few more tomorrow.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Pools of the Slot Canyon
This is just quick to say that I had a fantastic day hiking in Zion. We hiked the Orderville Canyon into the Narrows and then pulled out. That is how that particular hike works. I loved it. There were obstacles and other things to overcome. I have some pictures and will dedicate a post to the hike today but for now I am too tired and need to get to be. Loved it, especially the pools we encountered. Must sleep.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Snow Cone Shack
Amy is having snow cones at her wedding reception on Saturday night. I was in c charge of building a shack like front to dress things up a bit. It is kind of like an old fashioned lemonade stand. Anyhow, I framed most of it up yesterday, finished framing today and then put up my shack slats. Amy helped out too. Fun little project. Our friends over at SnoMania will be catering the event. That will make for some great snow cones.
Here are a few pictures of the shack:
Visitors
I got a text from Mike today about he and Liana staying here for the wedding this weekend. That sounds great to me. Very happy to have them here. It tends to be a little bit on the quiet side with the kids up in Alaska. I sure do miss them.
I actually have not done a lot of housework since the kids went up to Alaska. I have only run the dishes a few times and the house has been untouched for the most part. I did however clean everything. That is good. I have just been a bit on the lazy side of house cleaning though it has been a welcome break.
So anyway, happy to have visitors and happy to say the work is done, house work that is.
I actually have not done a lot of housework since the kids went up to Alaska. I have only run the dishes a few times and the house has been untouched for the most part. I did however clean everything. That is good. I have just been a bit on the lazy side of house cleaning though it has been a welcome break.
So anyway, happy to have visitors and happy to say the work is done, house work that is.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Noble and Great Ones
I walked into the Butler 11th Ward building today and while stepping across the threshold said to Laura that this was the fourth funeral I had attended in this building. As that thought entered my mind I reflected on those occasions and these lives that have meant so much to me. The first and also my first funeral was Grandpa Al. Several years later he was followed by his older brother Uncle Ted. Ten years ago Grandma Vi's funeral was held there on Natalie's second birthday. Today we remembered the life of Aunt Judy.
As I think about these four lives I am filled with gratitude. Truly their lives were a reflection of their faith in Jesus Christ. They let their lights so shine that I was blessed by their good works. Their examples and their testimonies strengthened mine and I glorify my Father which is in Heaven.
In the Scriptures we learn about the councils in heaven and that we existed there before the world was. Among us were noble and great leaders. In our own families I think we can look to those who have built a foundation of faith and see them as noble and great, chosen to usher their posterity into the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for these noble and great members of my family, for their faith in the Lord and their lives of service.
I thought about Aunt Judy a lot today as stories were shared. I remembered a few things. When I was about 5 years old I was quite the little bike rider. I used to ride behind Seliger Elementary School in Carson City and was quite good on a little dirt track there. My favorite thing was to go off jumps. One day when Aunt Judy and the fam were visiting I was back behind the school with a bike. Carrie was with me, we must have been on our way to play at the school. The bike had a broken pedal and there was only a thin metal rod for my foot. I went off a steep jump, lost control as my foot slipped off that rod and crashed. That rod happened to puncture the inside of my right leg. I still have the scar some 33 years later. I jumped up and ran home leaving Carrie and the bike behind. To a 5 year old a stab wound like that meant certain death. I am surprised I lived to tell the tale. When I got home I was blessed to have the best nurse ever there ready to take care of me. She assured me that I would be okay and I have lived my entire life believing that she saved my life that day. Indeed she did.
The drive from Salt Lake to Carson City is a long, long, long and boring drive. When I had my Eagle Court of Honor Aunt Judy and Grandma made that drive. It seems like a pretty simple thing but having made that drive it means a lot to me that she would do it. I am sure there were a number of other things going on in her life but she sacrificed her time to bring Grandma and support me. She did the same thing a few years later when I returned home from my mission. I knew that I was important to them and that I was loved and that meant a lot to me.
Indeed there are lives that touch ours for good. Some of those we remember are those who have passed on. There are also many whose lives of faith amid the trials of the day touch our hearts and strengthen us. As I visited briefly with Darren, Brian and Carrie I was moved by their strength. I have always looked up to my cousins and learn again through their examples of faith in a time of heartache.
The services were wonderful and those who spoke did so with the spirit. I mentioned yesterday that it was apparent that Aunt Judy had touched a lot of peoples lives. That was confirmed again today. Thank you Aunt Judy and thank you Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Ted for your noble and great lives that have touched mine for good.
As I think about these four lives I am filled with gratitude. Truly their lives were a reflection of their faith in Jesus Christ. They let their lights so shine that I was blessed by their good works. Their examples and their testimonies strengthened mine and I glorify my Father which is in Heaven.
In the Scriptures we learn about the councils in heaven and that we existed there before the world was. Among us were noble and great leaders. In our own families I think we can look to those who have built a foundation of faith and see them as noble and great, chosen to usher their posterity into the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for these noble and great members of my family, for their faith in the Lord and their lives of service.
I thought about Aunt Judy a lot today as stories were shared. I remembered a few things. When I was about 5 years old I was quite the little bike rider. I used to ride behind Seliger Elementary School in Carson City and was quite good on a little dirt track there. My favorite thing was to go off jumps. One day when Aunt Judy and the fam were visiting I was back behind the school with a bike. Carrie was with me, we must have been on our way to play at the school. The bike had a broken pedal and there was only a thin metal rod for my foot. I went off a steep jump, lost control as my foot slipped off that rod and crashed. That rod happened to puncture the inside of my right leg. I still have the scar some 33 years later. I jumped up and ran home leaving Carrie and the bike behind. To a 5 year old a stab wound like that meant certain death. I am surprised I lived to tell the tale. When I got home I was blessed to have the best nurse ever there ready to take care of me. She assured me that I would be okay and I have lived my entire life believing that she saved my life that day. Indeed she did.
The drive from Salt Lake to Carson City is a long, long, long and boring drive. When I had my Eagle Court of Honor Aunt Judy and Grandma made that drive. It seems like a pretty simple thing but having made that drive it means a lot to me that she would do it. I am sure there were a number of other things going on in her life but she sacrificed her time to bring Grandma and support me. She did the same thing a few years later when I returned home from my mission. I knew that I was important to them and that I was loved and that meant a lot to me.
Indeed there are lives that touch ours for good. Some of those we remember are those who have passed on. There are also many whose lives of faith amid the trials of the day touch our hearts and strengthen us. As I visited briefly with Darren, Brian and Carrie I was moved by their strength. I have always looked up to my cousins and learn again through their examples of faith in a time of heartache.
The services were wonderful and those who spoke did so with the spirit. I mentioned yesterday that it was apparent that Aunt Judy had touched a lot of peoples lives. That was confirmed again today. Thank you Aunt Judy and thank you Grandpa, Grandma and Uncle Ted for your noble and great lives that have touched mine for good.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Viewing
This morning I went to the 19th Ward with the folks and Jim, Clo and fam. This ward meets at 9 AM and allowed us to get on the road to Salt Lake. We came up for Aunt Judy's funeral.
Tonight was the viewing and it was good to see everyone. The viewing was very well attended and was a tribute to the woman Aunt Judy was. I know she touched a lot of lives and was a force for good in this life.
Standing in the line it was fun to look at pictures of Aunt Judy's life. There was a picture of her holding dad when he was just a lad. There was also a picture of her with Grandpa which was neat to see. Jim looks a lot like him.
Well, I am grateful for family and for each life that touches ours for good. Thank you Aunt Judy.
Tonight was the viewing and it was good to see everyone. The viewing was very well attended and was a tribute to the woman Aunt Judy was. I know she touched a lot of lives and was a force for good in this life.
Standing in the line it was fun to look at pictures of Aunt Judy's life. There was a picture of her holding dad when he was just a lad. There was also a picture of her with Grandpa which was neat to see. Jim looks a lot like him.
Well, I am grateful for family and for each life that touches ours for good. Thank you Aunt Judy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)