Chicken Blessings

A boy that is probably 13 years old (bro Dotson) got up and shared his testimony today.  In that he spoke about going over to his grandfathers house and playing with the chickens.  The yard has a large grapevine and so they like to take grapes and throw them out for the chickens to eat.  In his observation it was very rare for the chicken to notice the grapes that were thrown towards their own feet.  They did however notice the grapes that fell at the feet of other chickens.  Bro Dotson then compared this to us and how we often see the blessings happening in the lives those around us but fail to notice the blessings that are at our own feet.  I know I struggle with that sometimes.  Anyhow, thought it was a great testimony and reminder of those things that are most dear and to remember gratitude. 

Football and Fall

Today was the homecoming football game for SUU.  Dave gave Andy two tickets for his birthday so he and I went.  Andy was pretty excited about some alone time with dad and I was excited to introduce him to football.  He had a good time.  Perhaps his favorite thing about the game was the cotton candy.  His face was covered, his hands were covered and he was happy as could be.

After the game we picked up Natty and Jack and headed up the canyon. We went and played around some at Woods Ranch and took in some fall colors. Up at the pond we hiked around. The boys made friends with a couple that was fishing and somehow Andy ended up with a fish. Good times.
Glad we made a trip up the mountain. We all had a great time

Incognito

The boys love to watch videos on the computer while they get ready for school.  Usually, when Jack is in charge, there is something that has to do with trains on, not always.  Anyhow, this morning we were getting the computer ready and somehow we were talking about someone that was in disguise.  Jack says, "He's incognito".  I did a double take.  Where does he pick up these words?  I pretty much in tune with the words they are studying right now in 3rd grade and incognito is not quite on the table yet.  So I asked him how he knew that word.  His reply: "I read it in a book". 

This strikes me as funny.  One of the things that he doesn't test positvily on is his reading comprehension.  This is because he doesn't quite understand what is happening in a book kids and their feelings.  Ask him to report on a train book and prepare yourself to be amazed.  Read it to him once and he picks up details and things that just stick in his mind.  I laugh because here he somewhere read the word incognito and it stuck in his head so when a random discussion of someone in a disguise was mentioned he immediately utters the word.   I'd call that comprehension. 

Tonight Jack was helping me with the dishes.  Well, I was washing the dishes and loading the dishwasher and he was discussing how the bottom wrack in the washer reminds him of trains on tracks.  Then he started talking about something he did as a toddler where he pulled the tray out of the dishwasher and pushed it all over the house.  Random memories.  Nice to be able to remember. 

As we were doing the dishes Jack asks; "What is the lightest thing in the world?"  I replied that I didn't know.  "It's a gas" he said.  I replied helium - no was the answer/  Ahh, hydrogen.  "Yes.  It is dangerous too."  I asked: "Did you read this in a book?"  His repliy; "I just know that it is". 

I have been thinking a lot about Jack this week.  I have been concerned about the fact that he is getting to an age where kids his age are beginning to notice that he is different.  Some of those kids will choose to be mindful of him, to help him where they can.  Some of those kids will take advantage of his challenges for a laugh.  I hope Jack will pay them no attention and that he will continue to be exactly who he is.  The reality is Jack is incognito.  We see who he is on the outside and are not always privvy to the genius that is inside. 

One Step at a Time

So I was having a text conversation with a friend tonight, just for a few minutes.  Anyhow, we were seeing how each other was doing.  Happy to report we are both doing good.  I had mentioned that I am a bit overwhelmed sometimes but good.  Her reply "I'm sure things do get a little overwhelming!"  Well that is certainly true.  "We take one step at a time" was my reply.  I thought about that some as I wrote it and how true it is.  Each day we make it through it one step at a time.  Those days turn into weeks, months, years and before you know it we have made quite a few steps.  When we look back on those steps we see the growth that we have made.  Incidentally, those steps are not always easy.  Sometimes we are walking up a very steep path that pushes us to our limits with each step.  Other times we merely walk on level ground, regardless we keep moving forward one day at a time. I appreciate the words or President Monson to "find joy in the journey, now."  There is much joy to be had.

Meeting

I met a woman today whom I had seen before, probably a couple of times before.  Most recently being at the singles fireside on Sunday evening.  I saw her there and thought, this is someone I would like to meet and then of course I didn't go near her.  This morning I was in the front of the store and what was my surprise when she walked in.  I acknowledged her and, well, I kind of froze up.  She was waiting for some friends who arrived shortly after and then I had to talk to her because they came to the front.  Soup - What is the soup of the day?  Wouldn't you know it, nothing was ready.  We would have chili, it was being warmed up and we were in the process of making potato bacon but didn't have a key ingredient so that was not available.  The transactions were fine I guess, she ordered last, I was kind of spacey for the entire thing.  Great.  Here is this woman I want to meet and I was completely off and I really didn't know what to say.  I checked on their table after a bit, she asked about fudge and I gave a very thorough answer, kind of over answered the question.  What a dork.  I guess I didn't really meet this woman today, I kind of made a fool out of myself around this woman today. I could borrow a line from Nacho, "I looked like a fool last night".  Oh well.  What can I do? 

So lets say I would like to actually meet this woman.  How?  What do I do?  Gonna have to figure it out sometime I guess.    

The Pack Helps..

Tonight we went to Pack Meeting for Jack.  The Wolf Den was in charge of the flag ceremony.   They did quite well.  Each of the boys got to participate with a small part.  Jack got to lead The Law of the Pack.  He did well.  "The Cub Scout follows Akela.  The Cub Scout helps the Pack go.  The pack helps the Cub Scout grow.  The Cub Scout gives goodwill".  Here is a picture of the Wolves singing a patriotic hymn as part of the flag ceremony.  They were great. 

Jack also got to talk a little about the Genealogy belt loop requirements.  He did a great job, forgot a few details or was under pressure to quickly share the information.  I'm grateful for the Cub Scouts and the experiences it provides Jack with. 

Making Excuses

I was at a fireside last night with Elder Leavitt of the 70.  It was a good meeting.  I learned a lot of good things.  I participated in a little research relative to singles in the church - it was raising hands to certain questions with eyes closed.  Anyhow, after the meeting Elder Leavitt came and visited with a friend of mine while we were talking.  The subject of dating came up in that visit and it was pointed out that the lack of dating is not the woman's fault or they are not to blame.  It's the men.  He then looked at me and said "I'm not talking about you."  Again the topic of the man being at fault was mentioned and again he looked at me and made the same comment.  Then he asked who I was.  I introduced myself and then said "I'm a single father of three and I don't have time to date."  Afterwards my friend indicated that she was not buying the no time excuse.  Well the entire thing got me to pondering the matter a bit.  In reflecting on it some today I am sure that I could make time to date if I really wanted to.  And so I wonder, am I just making excuses?

I submit first and foremost that what I said is very true, I don't have  a lot of free time.  Life is incredibly full, there is so much going on in our family when it comes to school, work, family activities, homework, housework etc.  There isn't a lot of time to breath.  What little time I do have is spent in exhaustion for the most part.  Going out on a date just adds a little anxiety to my day that I am not necessarily a fan of.  It's not so much that I don't want to have companionship, I do and if the perfect woman would suddenly appear in my life that would be great.  The problem, finding the right woman for me.  That takes time which again is very limited. 

TIME - that is how we spell love right?  The priority of my life at this point, given what we've been through as a family, is not my dating.  It is however taking care of my family.  When I work long hours I don't necessarily want to come home only to turn around and go back out leaving the kids behind.  I don't feel good about that and don't think that is what the Lord would have me do.  Excuse?  I don't know, to me it is reality.  My kids, my family is going to come first.  The TIME that I have with them is important to the well being of our family. 

There are a number of other things that I battle with when it comes to dating but I am not going to get into them.  It sounds too much like I am making excuses. 

Dedication

Natty and I attended the Brigham City Utah Temple dedication today.  Though Jack is old enough he wasn't really interested in going and I really felt with the amount of time he would have to be in the meeting it was just going to be too much for him.  He and Andy went over to the Jenkins so Natty and I could go.  The Jenkins went to the first session, we went to the second.  It was a great meeting and I appreciated the talks that were given.  It was a neat thing to listen to President Packer as he shared his thoughts.  This was a special day for him as Brigham City is his home town.  There were stories of dedicated service, there were invitations to dedicate ourselves to regular Temple attendance and service.  As I ponder my own life those times when I have dedicated myself to regular Temple attendance have been times of great strength and blessings from the Lord.  I am grateful for those times and recognize that my dedication needs to be constant and true. 

It was wonderful to share the experience with Natty.  She said she really enjoyed it.  I think the hosanna shout surprised her a bit though I tried to explain it to her beforehand.  She did quite well.  I am grateful for her desires to do what is right.  I am grateful we were able to participate together.

I went to a Singles Fireside tonight where Elder Leavitt from the 70 spoke.  He was great and I quite enjoyed his message and that of his wife.  I think about some of what he said, we all have our own challenges, our own struggles.  We all have trials for a reason and as we look back on those we can recognize the growth that we have experienced because of them.  That is true.  I know that having gone through the last three years of my life I have faced challenges that I would have never chosen for myself.  I am grateful that in the midst of those challenges I was dedicated to living gospel basics.  I believe that doing my very best to live those basics carried us through some extremely difficult time.  I also believe that the Lord is aware of each of us individually.  He knows our needs and provides us with that which we stand in need. 

Picture Day

We took a week off of hiking and our Adventure Saturday activity was having family photos taken.  My friend Greg Mauger of P&G Photography took the pics.  The theme centered on trains, well train tracks anyway.  There was a spot up outside of Cedar on Highway 56 where I had seen some train cars so we headed out there.  It worked out well.  We had some shots on the tracks and shots on some cars.  The kids did great. Jack was in heaven and enjoyed exploring around the freight cars.  They were open freight cars which made it easier to keep an eye on the kids.   Greg texted me a few pics and I've included them below for a sneak peak.  We had a good time.

Here's a couple of family shots.  The second one is pretty funny.  Jack is ready to pounce.
 

Andy and I had a fun little moment together on the tracks.  He was pretty comfortable in front of the camera.  Very relaxed anyway.

 

 

This next picture was not taken by P&G.  This was my phone camera catching Jack pickin for a winner, digging for gold they say.    

Greg snapped a few pics of me and we thought this one was funny.  Very presidential-esque.  Good times. 

Saying Goodbye

Today we said goodbye to a great man.  Richard Jensen's funeral was today out in New Harmony and it was one of those occasions when we experience miserable joy.  Joy because we knew Richard, joy because of the man that he was, joy because we know he has gone to a better place, joy because through the atonement of Jesus Christ we will have the opportunity to see him again, joy because the peace that was felt as we said our goodbyes.  What a wonderful man and a tremendous friend to our family and to our father.  Dad spoke at the funeral and gave a wonderful talk and tribute to his friend.  I am grateful to have been there today and to feel of the spirit of that meeting.  With death comes a sense of loss as well and that is the miserable part of the equation.  I mentioned last week that we had seen Richard just two days before his passing.  There he was in our shop looking as excellent as ever. It is hard to believe that he has passed on.  He will be missed.

At the funeral I went through the line and found myself not knowing what to say as I visited briefly with Richards daughter and sons.  Then there was Susan and she was so strong.  What do you say in that moment?  I shared with his sons that last visit and how wonderful he looked, how Grandpa was out in the car, how Richard was hamming it up a bit with dad and then teasing Dave some.  I always enjoyed seeing Richard.  Truly he carried the light of Christ in his countenance and lifted those around him.  As I made it through the line and saw him there I was still shocked that he was gone. 

Alas this is part of our life's journey.  We will pass on.  I guess the question is who will we be?  What kind of man am I?  Am I living my life in such a way that others will feel better for having known me?  Am I carrying the light of Christ in my own countenance?  I don't know that I can answer these in the affirmative.  I certainly have a lot of work to do.  Perhaps my daily accounting needs to include a more serious examination into the following questions:  What manner of man was I today?  Have I done any good in the world today?  In considering that I believe that the world in this question can be narrowed to our own immediate world, our families and friends and associates.  What good have I done amongst them? 

I am grateful for righteous influences in my life.  Grateful for those that are men and women after the manner of the Savior.  I have met so many and my life is better because of them. Richard was certainly one of those and it is with sadness that we say goodbye.   

Tough Season

It has been a rough season of church softball for me.  First there was the slide into second that skinned my leg which resulted in a leg infection.  Then I pulled a leg muscle the following week.  That one keeps lingering and I imagine that it will be a while before it heals.  Tonight I experienced a first and count myself fortunate.  While pitching, to my own team, there was a shot off the bat coming at me quite fast.  I tried to get out of the way as we do not play defense against our own team.  I failed.  I took a shot to the chest.  That hurt something fierce.  I went down as part of my attempt to dodge the ball and I think it scared a few people.  Gary Taylor was the batter and he started coming to check on me.  I got up pretty quick and motioned to him to go to first, he started towards first but got thrown out. Well, we made it through a few more batters and then I was up again. Jay came in to pitch and threw a perfect one. I connected well and though it didn't clear the fence it got out there and gave me enough time to get around the bases for a homerun.   It was a fun one, makes you feel like a real man to take a shot to the chest and then get up and connect with one.   I will say that it is still church softball and I don't know that the injuries are really worth it.  Who am I kidding?  This is like reliving the glory days that really never were.

When we got home I took a peak at my man boob. It isn't black and blue yet but it's on the way. I consider myself lucky it hit where it did. A bit higher and I might not be writing this post. Here's a pic. Try not to get to excited.
 

Chocolate Dipped Chocolate

The order was clear, Jack wanted a chocolate ice cream cone dipped in chocolate.  It was a good thing, well at least Jack seemed to enjoy it.  This was a little after cub scouts treat today.  He wanted Dairy Queen and so on our way to pick up Natty and Andy we stopped.  Don't worry, Natty and Andy got a treat from Grandma, we didn't leave them out. 

As we got out of the truck and headed in I decided we had better take off that scout uniform.  Probably a good thing.  There was chocolate ice cream pretty much all over his face and quite a bit in his lap.  He did manage to keep the shirt somewhat clean so maybe the uni would have been fine or maybe not. 

We had to sit outside so we could look at all the cars going by and the motorcycles.  We had stopped in at DQ a month or so ago with Jay, Sara and kids and we sat outside and noted all the motorcycles driving by on that day.  I think it was something Tommy enjoyed.  Anyway, that is now what you do at the DQ. 

I thought about getting a picture right at the end.  I should have caught him earlier and the pile of napkins we had used trying to keep the face somewhat clean.  Chocolate Dipped Chocolate, it's Jacks new favorite. 

Nap time

This week the school started the take home library.  I don't know what it is about the take home library but it absolutely puts me to sleep.  Well, to be fair, most reading puts me to sleep especially when I am completely exhausted anyway.  I sat down on the couch with Jack and he read his book to me.  I sure hope he did a good job because I was out before he even started.  He hit me a couple of times to wake me up and I did have to help him with one word but other then that I was out.  Probably not what they are hoping for with this program.  Jack did report that he felt really good about reading that book and that it was a lot easier this year then it was last year.  He read it last year, I remember it well, I struggled to stay awake on that occasion also. 

Speaking of nap time.  It is time to call it a day.  I am really hoping that Andy manages to stay in his bed tonight.  He has been coming up stairs the last while and I just don't sleep when he is in my back all night.  It's no wonder I cant stay awake for the take home library.  Oh my goodness, that little nap is so nice. 

Wipes

I was walking into the local Wally World today and picked up a cart to make my rounds.  There at the cart station was a gal with a child in her arms, with her were two older ladies that were waiting to walk into the store.  They had been there since before I walked through the front door, I don't know how long.  I weaved through them in order to get my cart and then weaved my way back through in order to begin my shopping spree.  The ladies were looking as if their patience was beginning to run thin.  I caught a glimpse of why, the gal with the child was giving her cart a clean to the 3rd degree with the courtesy wipes that are now located at the front of every supermarket. 

Later tonight, after an evening at the park playing with the kids we made our way back in to Wally World in pursuit of some milk for the house.  There again at the carts was a major wipe down taking place. 

I see things like this and wonder how the human race ever made it this far.  How have I lived to the ripe old age of 39 when in that time I have never once wiped down a shopping cart?  And now you all know that I am a terrible father.  I have three kids that go shopping with me all the time and if I just admitted that I have never wiped down a shopping cart, well, I have put them in harms way.  I guess I really don't think about it and fortunately my kids have managed to escape the ravages of the infected shopping cart.  Perhaps if I consider a drippy nosed toddler sitting in the basket, drooling all over the handle I could convince myself of the need to give it a wipe down.  The reality is that I don't think of that.  The shopping cart germ phobia doesn't exist in my life.  Now, the public restroom phobia, that is another story and there is definitely a need for wipes there. 

Lines

Don't you just love lines?  I know I do.  Well, I should clarify.  I don't like standing and waiting in lines.  Perhaps that is why I only went to Disneyworld once in the 5 years I lived in Florida roughly one hour away.  I definitely don't like sitting in a line of traffic.  Let's get this train moving.  I am not a lover of these kinds of lines.  No, methinks these lines are quite frustrating at times.  There was the time at the DMV in Vegas though when I was sitting waiting for my number to be called and I am watching this guy standing in line fall asleep.  He just kept sagging lower and lower and just when you thought he was headed for the turf he'd pop back up.  It made me laugh.  In any case, I am really not talking about this type of line.

The lines I love are those that separate good and bad.  It is the line that illustrates the Lords side.  In Priesthood meeting today we discussed the Lords side of the line and the need we have to find ourselves there.  We can.  It takes work.  It takes recognizing those things that you do wrong and repenting of them.  It takes standing up for truth and right.  On the Lords side of the Line we find safe passage back to our Heavenly Father.  That isn't trial free passage, just safe passage.

I would add more but I am passing out here and cannot stay up any longer.  The Lords side of the Line.  Whose on the Lord's side (of the Line) who? 
  

Uncle Richie

I was typing a message to a friend this morning when I gota call from Dave.  He was pretty broken up.  He shared the sad news that Richard Jensen passed away.8  I am still in shock.  We just saw him on Wednesday and he looked fantastic,  healthy as could be.  We had some laughs.  This is really shocking, completely unexpected.  

I've really only known Richard and Susan for the last few years.  Richard was the salt of the earth.  He has been a tremendous friend to dad and mom especially through times of great trial and heartache
. I am grateful for that, grateful for Uncle Richie. He will definitely be missed.

Random Laughter

At night when we head to bed I take the boys to their room and after their prayers I turn off the light and kneel by Andy's bed while the boys fall asleep.  I have my own prayer during that time.  Tonight as I was kneeling there, after some time, I knew that Andy was asleep and thought Jack was as well.  Out of the blue Jack started laughing hysterically and then he stopped.  It must have been a funny dream.   I don't know.  We were doing a few crazy songs again tonight and just having fun.  It made me laugh to myself a bit and was fun to just enjoy that simple moment of random laughter.   

The Lilies of the Field

Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin;

 

I love this passage of scripture that is found in 3 Nephi 13.  It provides hope when the struggles of life are difficult.  When things are a bit overwhelming and you wonder how you are going to make it.  Well, consider the lilies of the field.  The Lord is aware of them and their needs and he is likewise aware of each of us.  He knows our needs.     

Homework Fun

Growing up I think I avoided doing homework at all costs.  I didn't like it.  Most of the time I would do my homework in the class just prior to the class that it was due in.  Somehow I managed to make it through high school and was on the honor roll for the last two years.  Not sure how but oh well.  It should not come as a surprise to me that the boys don't really enjoy doing homework either.  I still don't enjoy doing homework even more so now as my work is trying to convince the boys to do their homework.  Well, we do our best to make it fun. 

Cream Shots!  Jack is a huge fan of cream shots.  Did I tell the story on here about how water calms him down, anything else?  Cream shots... ?  I think I did so I won't retell it other then to say that was his response to his teacher when they were talking about things he can do to help calm himself down.  So yes, cream shots.  This is a family favorite.  You know, can of whipped cream shot right into the mouth.  It's what I think about when I want to calm down.  Well it not only has a calming effect on Jack but is also a great motivator.  When he was in Kindergarten I used sliced cheese to work through his homework with him and he would get a reward of cheese whenever he completed a task.  Now it is cream shots.  Probably a little more economical.  It is how we keep motivated and helps to keep homework fun.

Other fun things... making crazy faces and singing silly songs about rounding numbers.  You've never done that?  Oh, it is great.  I had both of the boys in hysterics tonight.  I don't know, I am probably not doing this stuff right but we press forward doing the best we can and hope that it makes a difference. 

This post probably sounds pretty silly.  It's just homework, I know.  Actually it is so much more.  It is working with a boy that has special needs and doing everything you can to avoid triggers that can turn simple tasks into major obstacles.  It's finding a way to minimize the catastrophe when a trigger is, well, triggered.  Homework is fun, it's always an adventure. 

The Dog Debate

A friend of mine posted on Facebook that she had a friend that was looking for a good home for her dog.  It is a yellow lab, 10 months old and is free.  Well, I decided to ask a question or two about it.  Perhaps I just should have kept quiet and moved on.  Then I made an even bigger mistake by saying something to Natalie about it.  In every conversation we have had over the last few days she tells me that she really wants the dog.  The thing to know about Natty is that when she wants something there is no off switch.  She just keeps coming and coming and when you say stop she changes the way she is coming at you.  She also does a fine job recruiting younger brothers to her cause.  One of the interesting things that has come from all of it is that Natty has actually started doing her chores and she is helping the boys with theirs.  Her bed got made this morning and her room cleaned up.  Today there was a note tucked into the door about getting the dog and then discussion tonight about who will feed it, who will walk it and who will clean up the poop.  They all want to participate and that is a good thing.  The willingness certainly scores some points.  And so we are debating this dog.  There are a few things that are nice about the idea and then there are many that involve more for me to do.  I don't have time to take on more right now.   Well, next in the debate is to learn more about the dog so I need to schedule a visit.  This will definitely be a solo visit.  That way I can still leave without it.  The fact that I am even considering it tells me I have lost my mind.

A Pickle

We are in the middle of a pickle at the moment.  We have some issues with our building at The Little Brick House and we are not in a position to purchase the building with some structural/foundational problems that exist there.  We have a lease option that needs to be exercised in October/November of this year.  Because of estimates we have seen for repairs we would not be in a position to exercise that.  Repairs are estimated just under the purchase price of the building.  You see what I am getting at?  It's a pickle.  We can't necessarily afford to stay.  That said we have been working on finding other locations and have a place we have been planning on going to for the last 4 weeks.  Everything was coming together until the end of last week when the owner of the building changed his tune on everything he had been promising.  That has left us pulling back.  Suddenly it is out of the realm of possibility for us.  personally I am scratching my head and trying to figure the entire thing out.  Doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.  We clearly cannot make that move. 

When this came to light at the end of last week we decided that we needed to do a couple of things.  First, go back to the bank and discuss the challenges of our current location and second, get back in contact with the owner of another building we were looking at.  Today we had contact with both and both look favorable.  The bank gave us the clear on the building.  They have a couple of years before they have to act on the building meaning we could continue to lease without having to finalize the purchase.  That is nice.  On the other building it sounds like the current tenant is getting ready to fold and that would open it up for us to come in.   Now we look at pros and cons of both and try to figure out what the best move for our business would be.  It is a toss up really.  We will continue to study it out and hopefully have a clear path out of this pickle.

Speaking of pickles, this next bit of information has absolutely nothing to do with them.  It was back to school bash night at South Elementary.  We were there.  The kids loved it.  Highlight for the boys was the train they rode twice and the inflatable balls they got in and ran on water.  It was pretty awesome and slightly better organized than last year.  Just slightly.  Natty was all about the rock climbing wall.  It was one heck of a bash. 

Nutella Cream Pie

Dave and I have talked about testing out Peanut Butter Pie as a Nutella Cream Pie.  Today I went ahead and tried it.  I don't know if I should call it Nutella Cream or Chocolate Hazelnut Pie.  What to do, what to do?  I went with the recipe content that yielded three pies.  One of those pies went to the Fawsons, one we had at Jay and Sara's as part of a game night and the other, Natty wanted another piece for her breakfast, I left a couple pieces with Jay and Sara and I am taking the rest in to The Little Brick House so Dave can have a sample. 

I got a report back from Ben Fawson.  They loved it.  His report:  Awesome texture, chocolate, and then a subtle nutty goodness.  The cream helps the palette for the next bite.  Wash it down with milk. Repeat. Yeah I'd pay for it!  That was a positive report.  Everyone at Jay and Sara's seemed to enjoy it as well.  Where I found it to be smooth and quite delicious I was a bit disappointed with one thing, there was not a powerful hazelnut flavor.  As Ben said - subtle nutty goodness.  I was hoping it would be a little more prominent than subtle but that is okay, it is good.  I am thinking about what I can do to bring a little more hazelnut flavor to it.  Hazelnut is going to be tough but I might try and add a little almond extract on the next round.  Looks like we are going to make another batch for Natty and the young women on Wednesday.  We will see about that almond extract. 

Want the recipe?  Here it is quickly.

8 oz. package of cream cheese
1 cup Nutella
1 cup sugar (I went with 1/2 cup sugar as Nutella has a lot of sugar already)
1 tsp vanilla
1 8 oz. cool whip
1 graham cracker pie crust (I was going to use Oreo but they were completely out at the store last night)

Mix the cream cheese, nutella, sugar and vanilla.  Fold in the whipped cream, fill the crust and let set in the refrigerator.  I added whipped cream at service.  *Note, if you double the recipe and triple the cool whip (total 24 oz.) plus add a third pie crust you can get 3 very full pies out of the recipe. 

Well, that is the report on Nutella Cream Pie version 1.0.    I will report back on version 2.0 when we add a little Almond extract and see if we can't improve upon this some. 

A Trip to The Narrows

We have been talking about hiking The Narrows for the last few weeks.  Today was the day we had planned to go.  I was unawares of a Beehive Conference that was scheduled for this morning until last night so we pushed back our departure time so Natty could attend.  She did so and had a great time.  While she was there I took care of some much needed haircuts for the boys and gave myself a trim as well.  Not so sure mine is going to stay.  The back is always a challenge to do yourself unless of course your are buzzing the entire head.  Natty told me it was okay so we will roll with it for now.  Anyhow, we pushed out of here a little after 1 and got to Zion around 3.  There was some relay race going on and it slowed the entire road down heading in.  Oh well, we made it eventually. 

We got on the shuttle, the kids were excited about that, and we took it to the last stop at The Temple of Sinawave.  There we got off and started our hike back into The Narrows.  Everyone did well and Andy managed to make it without complaint.  I was so impressed.  We also pushed the pace a bit and that was good.  I do have to say that a trail filled with people can be an interesting thing.  This trail happens to be paved and there are a lot of squirrels on it.  These squirrels are used to humans and have no problem just walking down the trail with you.  That was pretty interesting.  Actually the first one we saw was right when we got off the shuttle, it was hanging out in on the garbage can and eventually jumped in for some food.  The boys thought it was pretty great.  I was surprised by the number of people that were completely captivated by squirrels.  Here we were in this amazing setting and people would stop in the middle of the trail to stage a great photo of a squirrel.  It's a squirrel.  Almost like a glorified rat.  To each their own I guess.

The kids were very excited when we got to the end of the paved portion of the trail and made our way into the Virgin River.  The first thing they wanted to do was get in the water and they did.  This became a lesson for me.  I never again will let them get completely soaked this early in a hike again.  We were able to hike back a ways, probably a half a mile or so, perhaps a little longer.  Anyway, Natty and Jack did what I love to do, they found all the deep water and got in it.  They had a blast.  We got up to an area where the canyon makes a 90 degree left turn.  This particular turn had a slow moving current and some deeper areas.  These were not the super deep areas I had hoped to get the kids to but they had fun playing around a bit.  Completely soaked Jack quickly got the chills and he was ready to head back so he could get home and get in a nice warm bath.  Ever since he was a three year old boy and we put in our swimming pool in Florida he has known when he was done swimming, he was a little cold and he would head for a bath or shower to warm back up.  So this became the end of our trail for today.  It was fine.   We headed back.  Natty was disappointed and I think I will have to do a daddy/daughter hike with her so she can go as far back as she wants. The other thing I will do is keep the kids as dry as possible on the hike in and up the Narrows with the idea of hitting all the swimming spots on our way back down. 

What a wonderful adventure.  I have pictures but they are on the camera and I am not uploading them to the computer tonight.  I will get them on in the next couple of days.  We all had a great time.  Jack is already planning his return trip to The Narrows.  It will be with his own kids he says.  Hopefully we will get him back in there before then. 

It Died!

I received word from Natalie when I arrived home that something was wrong with the TV, that it will not turn on.   I went and checked it out and sure enough she is right.  It appears to be completely dead.  Oh my.  I realize that this is an older style TV and far from the fantastic TV options available today.  I didn't care how old it was though, it absolutely did everything we needed it to.  This comes as a big blow to us.  I don't have the resourced to replace it and so we will be going without any sort of television.  We've not actually watched TV in over 2 years but we do watch movies and play video games.  This TV was perfect for that.  Now it is gone and we mourn its loss.  The bummer about it all is that just a few weeks ago I took a few T.V's to Deseret Industries.  It is a sad, sad day.  Somehow we will survive.

Forced into Retirement

Is my body trying to force me into retirement?  What is the deal this year with church softball?  I previously shared my sliding incident, two weeks old and the scab is hanging on.  The good news is that I finished the antibiotics this morning.  All infection appears to be gone and the leg feels great with exception of the scab and surrounding area.  It still looks nasty but what can you do? 

Last week I pulled a muscle in my leg and tonight I went in thinking it was better but no, it wasn't.  Found that out quick on my first trot to first base.  That just isn't any fun.  I would imagine that it is going to be bad for the duration of this little softball season.  Hence my question, am I being forced into retirement?  Well, I would say no.  Not going to happen.   I may be a bit slower this year, might hobble while I deal with the injury.  We will go on. 
. 

A Visit From Jack

I was enjoying some sleep last night when I woke up to a visitor.  It was Jack.  He was in my doorway and asked if he could have a blessing.  Absolutely.  He was a bit scared in the night from some bad dreams.  I gave him a blessing and then we got him all situated and back in bed.  That was fantastic.  It brings much joy to my heart when my children exercise faith in the Priesthood and come to me seeking a blessing.  It is a humbling experience that fills my heart with gratitude to the Lord for the restoration of the Gospel and the Priesthood. 

There is a lot going on in life these days and sometimes all we can do is trust in the Lord.  We trust that he is aware of who we are, that he is at the helm and we are blessed as we follow the direction we receive from him. 

The Fast Leg

Last week was an incredibly painful one for me.  Physically painful.  I've had other painful weeks that were not physically hard but emotionally draining.   Anyhow, last week was extremely tough.  The background is that I tore up my left leg playing softball a week and a half ago.  That Sunday my leg was enormous and serious infection had set in.  On Monday I visited the local quick care and was given antibiotics.  The next day the swelling began to go down and by Friday the swelling appeared to be gone.  There was an incredible amount of pain in my leg that did not go away.  It was a deep pain that felt like it was in the bone.  I do my very best to endure a little pain, this was a lot of pain.  I decided to fast on Sunday for the healing of my leg.  Throughout Sunday the pain was extreme and then that night a certain little boy decided it would be a good idea to kick me in the leg on the wound.  The pain was severe.  I managed to remain calm and that little boy continued to live.  Oh my that hurt.  There was no sign of pain relief.  On Monday the pain was gone.  Wow, what a blessing.  I was quite fearful the infection had spread throughout my leg.  Well,  thankfully we caught it and took care of it.  My leg was pain free for the most part.  I am quite grateful for the blessing of pain relief that came for the leg of the fast.     

Ramparts Trail and Lookout

... and wholesome recreational activities.  Today that included a trip up to Cedar Breaks to hike Ramparts Trail.  It was a good little hike of 4 miles round trip.  The views were increadible and I found it rather interesting the contrast between the amplitheater side of the trail and the forest side of it.  That is quite awesome actually.  I just have to say that we live in such an amazing part of the country.  I love that this was 30 minutes out of Cedar and am in awe at the beauty that surrounds us.  Our adventure Saturdays and holidays are a lot of fun.  We have The Narrows penciled in for this Saturday.  We'll have to see how things go this week.  An early start will definitely be required. 

Here are a few shots for posterity:

Love that Andy is flashing gang signs or whatever. 

 

The landscape is stunning. 

 



Beautiful Natty on the Rail. 

 

They found a waterfall. 

 

I liked the tree growing out of the top of the cliff. 

At the end of the trail. That is a cliff that goes straight down.

Can you spot Andy in this picture? We liked this tree when we were hiking down. On the way back we weren't supposed to stop for pictures (Jack's Rules) but we managed to sneak this one in. 

 

 

 

 



The Cup Game

Twas a fine day. Church went well.  I ended up helping out Brother Jackson in Andy's class today.  Jack was having a few issues and ended up joining us there.  He was pretty tired and so I think that had a lot to do with it.  I also am not sure if his teachers were here today and that change can be tough on him.  He did okay in class with me but I don't want to create any challenges in the future and hope to have him back in his regular class next week. 

We had a little family get together with Jim and Clo and Jay and Sara and Sara's fam.  It was good.  I took the cookies salads from yesterday but they didn't disappear very much.  Such a shame to throw it all away but it has been done.  I made way too much for yesterday and today apparently.  I think I need to graduate from Cookie Salad and examine some other options.

Anyhow, we had a good time at the park for the most part.  Andy had to use the bathroom so we came home.  He really wants Walkie Talkie's and I had found ours before we left.  I plugged them in to charge and when we came home for the bathroom break they had been charged.  We drove back to the park talking back and forth the entire time on the Walkie Talkies. He loved it.  It was pretty silly but that doesn't matter much, we had a good time.  Unfortunately the batteries didn't last long.  Looks like I need to get new rechargeable batteries.  Fun stuff though. 

After the park we ran over to the folks to drop Katherine off and to say hi to other family members in town this weekend.  Dan had introduced a game about standing on one leg, bending over and grabbing a Styrofoam cup with your mouth.  It was pretty cool.  It got pretty intense there as Dillon Thatcher and Amy were going toe to toe.  I had to leave before it was over but the cup game is really quite fun. 

Okay, I am completely spent.  That is all I have left for today.  Sure do love the kiddos and having them home. 

The Blowhard Trail

Full day of fun today with the family Fontano and the Miner family. Jayson and Jaykob were baptized today and as a result there were a few family members from out of town here. The festivities included a late morning hike just up Cedar Canyon at the Blowhard Trail. Fun little hike up the mountain. There is a good cliff area and a little creek to cross over a couple of times. I was Andy's hiking buddy today. I heard a complaint or two as we hiked but we made it. My feelings were not hurt when the complaining stopped.  Here are a few pics. 

Jack at the trail sign.  Looking good in that soccer uniform.  It was easy to pick him out of a crowd. 

Andyboy living on the edge.  More beautiful scenery on this hike.  I love the fact that this was on a turnout in the Canyon just a few minutes from home.  We may have to do this again. 

Andy back on the edge with his uncles Jim and Jay and cousin Tommy. 

Taking a small rest on some logs that cross the stream.  He did a great job once again.