Halloween Oh' Twelve

The day of Halloween has arrived.  Mario and Luigi were out on the street with a very loverly zombie dancer - if that is in fact what Natty is.  She did a great job on her costume with some help from Annie across the street.    

Officer Blart was on the scene tonight taking the kids around the neighborhood for some safe trick or treating.  There may have been one or two folks out there completely unfamiliar with my character and thought I was not in costume.  What can I say, the uniform is pretty sharp.  I think it is the dinosaur tie pin that really takes is over the top.

After an evening of walking the streets we made our way to grandma and grandpas house to trick or treat there.  The kids each brought a piece of candy out of their collection to give to grandpa.  Andy to an Almond Joy, Jack a York Peppermint Patty and Natty a Hershey bar.  He wasn't home when we got there so we hung out with Grandma for a bit and blew bubbles.  Grandpa made it home as we were leaving so everyone got to say hi and show off their costumes. 

 

Here is a pretty good shot of that Zombie Dancer.   Great job on the costume Natty Sue.

 



 

 

Halloween 2012 has drawn to a close.  We had a great time out and about this evening.  It is fun to watch the kids out there enjoying themselves and having a good time.  

The Priesthood Responds

Sitting here thinking about what I should title my post and I am beginning to knod off.  I better just start typing and hope something comes to me.  I am simply wiped out.  I actually just knodded off for 10  minutes or so.  Maybe that will be just the power nap I need to see this through. 

I really don't know what to write about tonight... Sandy?  She's a hurricane that hit the East coast yesterday.  A lot of damage out there.  I think back to cleaning up Katrina and know that there are a lot of people whose lives will be changed forever. 

Here is what I know.  Within the Church there are Stake Presidents, Bishops, Quorum Presidents, Home Teachers and no doubt Relief Socity Sisters who are already assessing damage, preparing for relief, and awaiting the call to go.  The efforts will be well organized and the good that will be done is immeasurable.  I am grateful for that.  I am grateful for the time I lived in Florida and witnessed how the Church operates in these types of situations.  I am grateful to have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Lord's army of Mormon Helping Hands.  We were just men out doing what we had been asked to do. 

And so it will happen again with assignments coming and brethren going.  I love the organization of the gospel and know aht when the Lord calls the priesthood responds. 

Pumpkin Carvers

For FHE tonight we had a couple of fun activities.   When I got home from work Jack wanted to roller blade.  We skated.  I handed Jack a hockey stick and we played.  Natty got on her skates and Andy grabbed a hockey stick.  We enjoyed ourselves.
  
The kids have been waiting to carve  pumpkins ever since we picked them up a couple weeks ago.  We got them done tonight.  The kids had a lot of fun designing and directing the carvings.  Note: really large pumpkins are quite thick and a real pain to carve.  Anyhow, here are a few pics of the carvings.

Andy's Sabertooth

Jack's Chomp Chomp

Natty's Mustache Dracula

The Carvings 2012

 

You Can Pick Your...

You've read the title and hopefully you can finish it.  I'll help:

You can pick your friends
and you can pick your nose
but you can't pick your friends nose

That's the end of it right?  Makes sense.  It's a simple statement and many of us may chuckle at the idea of picking our friends nose.  I proudly shared this little message with Andy today.  I was getting him ready for church, buttoning up his shirt I think.  Anyhow, he stuck his finger right up by my nose as if he were preparing to pick.  I recited the message and Andy was very clear on what I was saying.  He even laughed.  Then came a moment of great alarm.  Yes it left me a bit worried.  Andy went on to explain why you cannot pick your friends nose.  And we pick up at his little laugh at the first part of the saying:

(Andy chuckle)
Yes because it doesn't taste the same. 

I stopped, restated his comment and he was all kinds of serious.  I don't know if it means he has tried this or not.  As a father I certainly hope not but hey, maybe he has.  We'll call it gaining experience and I guess as good of reason as any not to pick your friends nose. 

The Glory Blades

I was just checking out the page and saw that this post was mostly missing.  Here is what was on blogger:

We spent much of the day cleaning and I am happy to report the home is in good order.

 

Here is a summary of the rest of the day and what was missing from the post.  If you read it and were a bit disappointed my apologies.  I am not sure what happened to the rest of it. 

Okay, got the home in order.  Not that it was particularly dirty but it needed a little deeper of a clean.  We thought about going to Red Cliffs but by the time the house was done it was after 3.  That would have put us there late and we would have been in the shadows with the sun going down and temps cooling so we decided not to go.  Instead I had this wild idea to throw on my roller blades.  Natty got hers on and then Jack was all about it as well.  We got him geared up and he was not real steady on his feet.  I skated around with him, did my best to keep him up and what not.  After a bit he got the hang of it.  I handed him a hockey stick and he went about with that trying to play some with Natty, Jayson and Jaykob.  My personal opinion is that the hockey stick works wonders when learning how to skate. 

We went over to the school and skated around.  I showed Jack a few tricks and every now and again I would catch him attempting tricks of his own.  He crashed some but that is normal.  I was actually surprised at how quickly he picked it up.  Perhaps I'll have him jumping over garbage cans or down stairs or over planters.  I remember those glory days on the blades at the UNLV campus.  Those were good times for sure.  Regular hockey nights at the LDS institute, fabulous.

Natty is great on her skates.  She's been roller blading for a while now.  Jack is ready to go again and so we will, soon.  Andy also wants in on the action and borrowed some 4 X 4's from his cousins.  They scared me.  Maybe we can find him some second hand inline skates at the local thrift store.  No reason he can't be involved as well.  And who knows, maybe with a little work I can get back to my old form... less all the jumping of objects and what not. 

My Paul Blart

We hosted Skaryoke at The Little Brick House.  Good times.  I walked in to get things set up while Mak, Taryn and Carmina were hard at work.  I went in through the back door of the kitchen and caught them off guard.  They didn't know who I was at first - "Who is this cop coming in the kitchen?"  It way my attempt at Paul Blart, Mall Cop.  They all laughed pretty hard when they realized it was me.     

It is too bad I didn't have a Segway.  That would have taken things over the top but this is Cedar City and there are not a plethora of Segways out there.  There was one up at a Pawn Shop and if I had time I could have gone in and asked to borrow it for an evening but I simply was out of time.  As it was I got home at 7 and still had to iron on the flag and the shield patch.  I had to pass on a few things like enhancing the shield patch and attaching a cord to the radio.  Also, couldn't find pixie sticks to save my life at the local Wally world.  What gives?  Are they gone?  That was going to be a major part of my character when I got up to sing.  I had to improvise with some milk straw things.  It was okay, people laughed and that's really what I was going for. 

Mr. Greg Mauger came as my dad twenty years ago.  I think Greg needs to adjust his time table a bit.  Pops is 62 and Greg is early thirties at best.  Wait, who am I kidding.  Pops is only 27.  Has been for 35 years now.  Greg and I belted out a little Neil Diamond Sweet Caroline.  That might be the ultimate Karaoke tune.  We rocked the house and the crowd participation was excellent. 

Dave is the ultimate host.  He is also a Karaoke champion.  The guy just gets up and sings anything.  Dave, Jay and I got together on a little Stayin' Alive complete with dance moves inspired by the movie Airplane. 

In the end, the Paul Blart costume was good.  It was easy to get together especially since I had most of it in the house already.  I had to pick up a shirt at DI, a flag patch, the badge, and the shield patch.  The hardest part was probably giving myself a haircut which really isn't that hard.  It was a good warm up for Halloween.  My kids will certainly be safe walking the streets with their Paul Blart escort this year.  Nobody messes with Paul Blart. 

An Encouraging Word

Sometimes the only thing I need to hear is an encouraging word.  It seems a regular part of life these days involves walking in exhaustion and feeling completely overwhelmed.  Wow, it can be quite easy to beat myself up to.  Somehow I know exactly where to punch or which buttons to push.  Hearing that encouraging word, feeling like you matter to someone, that is a powerful thing.  It can provide a great lifting of spirits and courage to carry on.  So I guess the big question tonight is this - Who do I know that needs to hear and encouraging word? 

Anonymous Ruby

A gal came into the shop today, one of our first customers.  She oreded a Ruby.  Dave started it, I finished it.  At some point Dave was visiting with the customer who handed him an envelope.  He then came back and handed it to me.  It was an anonymous gift and wow, what can I say?  I can say how humbled and grateful I am for whomever put this together.  We'll call you Anonymous Ruby.  Anyhow, thank you. 

Sculpting Skeletons

Getting ready for Skaryoke.  Dave found some fantastic trophy ideas online and we've made some.  These will be our awards for performance and costume.  I quite enjoyed this little project.  Next up is paint. 

The first pose here is my attempt at the Neil Diamond Jazz Singer.  It will ultimately be for the Best Male Vocal.  I may have to win that myself by knocking out one of my favorite Neil Diamond tunes.

I had an extra skeleton so I played around a bit and figured I could use this pose for something along the lines of craziest performance.  We'll see. 

I thought this could be a nice pose for best female vocal.  We'll add a feather boa or something girly.

This is my thought for Best Costume female.  A little curtsy.

Best Couple Costume.  No need to elaborate.

This is my interpretation of one who is completely embarrassed at their attempt at karaoke.  It is one of those "I can't believe I am doing this" moments.  I don't know. 
 

 

 

Dave did one yesterday that is based on the Oscars trophy.  I am assuming we can make it the best male costume. 

 

 

Like I mentioned.  This was a fun project.  Looking forward to the paint and then awarding them of course.  

Purify

One of the interesting things that was taught in the Priesthood Leadership session of Stake Conference over the weekend had to do with Priesthood Power.  I've heard for much of my life the term magnify the priesthood.  We were taught that this is false.  The Priesthood is the Power of God given to man.  It is the power of God and we cannot, as men, magnify that.  We cannot make the Priesthood bigger then it already is.  Nothing can.  It is the Power of God.  When a man received the Priesthood his is given the authority to act in the name of God.  Priesthood Authority and Priesthood Power are two completely different things.

So, we cannot make the Priesthood any more powerful than it already is.  All we can do is increase our Power in the Priesthood.  This is done through purifying our lives.  As we draw nearer to our Heavenly Father and are worthy and pure, our power in the Priesthood will be increased.  

Oh Sweater, Where Art Thou?

I have spent the last 8 days looking for Jack's sweater.  I guess you could call it a jacket, not really sure.  I call it a sweater.  It is a hoodie that zips up in the front.  He came home from Alaska with it.  Andy has a matching one.  It is a nice sweater.  The last I saw it was on his way to school the morning of Friday the 12th.  I have searched the house high and low.  I have been to the school, talked with his teacher.  He remembered Jack actually coming back to get it on that Friday.  It has vanished and now my heart cries out "Oh sweater, where art thou?"

There was a time in my life when resources were plenty and a lost sweater would easily be replaced.  It is after all only a sweater.  In our current economic circumstances we have nothing and so I realize just how important that sweater is.  It cannot easily be replaced and as the man who is struggling to provide and take care of three children I can say that it breaks my heart.  It's a sweater, I know, but it's more than that.  It's me not being able to give my kids everything they want.  It's me not being able to give my kids everything they need.  It's trying to figure out how to replace what is apparently gone.  It's knowing that in the morning I've got to put him in a two year old jacket that is too small and has seams that are ripping out.  "Oh sweater, where art thou?  Where is the place of thy hiding?"

On the positive, this is Jack and it will not bother him in the slightest to wear a two year old jacket that is too small and has seams that are ripping out.  Perhaps that is why his sweater is missing in the first place.  I don't know.  It is time to scrape some resources together, see what kind of tips we can pull down at work and see what kind of deals we can find out there on a sweater, or hoodie, or jacket or whatever they are called these days.  And so I will and in doing so change my cry to "Oh sweater that is on sale for an amazingly low price, where art thou?" 

The Why

This weekend was our Stake Conference and we had a visiting authority, Elder Monday.  What a neat man.  I participated in 3 meetings with him; the adult session last night, the Priesthood leadership meeting this morning and then the general session of Stake Conference.  What a treat to listen to this General Authority speak and share his testimony and his witness of the Savior. 

Last night he taught us a number of things.  One of his big points was that we need to teach the why.  All the time we here the youth or children ask why.  Why this, why that, why, why, why.  We have become a people with less patience or something and we tire of hearing why to the point where we may get angry.  Our frustration with the constant questioning may lead us to declare "because I said so".  Because I said so is not a phrase that builds testimony and shapes character.  When we focus on the why however, we take the appropriate amount of time to help others understand why we do something and then we can have a better understanding of what we do. 

An excellent example of this is in the question why do we read the scriptures?  Consider the answer "because I said so".  That doesn't work so well as an answer to this question.  If we understand the why then we are more motivated to live the what or do the what.    Here is the why: 

Doctrine and Covenants 18:33-36

33 And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.

34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;

35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;

36 Wherefore, you can testfy that you have heard my voice, and know my words.

 

When we understand that we read the scriptures because doing so allows us to hear the voice of the Lord, to know his words, well that makes sense.  Suddenly instead of being armed with "because I said so" we now have a clear understanding as to why we read the scriptures daily. 

 

I quite enjoyed Elder Monday.  He was very real and I think we could easily relate to him because he was so open about his family and the struggles of life.  There was strength found as he shared the same trials and struggles that so many of us do.   Suddenly it was okay, somebody understands what I am going through and his message is to carry on.  To go forth with continued faith.  I am grateful for that. 

 

There was so much more that he shared and I would love to write more but I am not.  Why you ask... well the answer to that is that I am actually falling asleep and continuing to type could get me in some serious trouble.  Is that a good enough why? 

Left Index

We had a fine day here at the Fontano Compound.  We went to work on some cub scouting requirements for Jack and passed off a number of things.  We even spent time learning how to catch and throw a baseball.  That was fun.  Jack doesn't care much for sports and I didn't know how he was going to react to a game of catch but he did just fine.  He seemed to enjoy it.  We will do it again. 

We also made a tool box for one of his requirements.  It was a great little project and he got to work on some of the skills he had picked up recently at scouts.  It was a fun kit and we got it together without too much trouble. 

As part of the morning a friend posted a note about moving boxes.  Well, I had some up in the rafters in the garage so i mentioned I had some.  She came over to pick them up.  I had taken them down and put them in the back of the trailer.  When she arrived to pick them up I went and attempted to grab the stack of boxes.  While reaching for the bottom of the boxes my finger caught the wood base of the trailer and I got a sliver shoved in between the finger nail.  It hurt something fierce but my friend was approaching where I stood for some boxes so I just sucked it up and went about moving some boxes.  I then went in the house and removed the splinter.  It hurt pretty good.

Stake Conference is happening this weekend and we had an assignment to move chairs to the Stake Center.  On the very first stack I took out I lifted a couple to put in the back of the trailer and bam, I smashed my finger, same finger as the splinter.  It is not feeling really good .  Don't know if it is the splinter or the smashed finger that hurts worse.  The Left Index finger is hurtin for certain.  Oh well, we can press forward even with a sore finger.   

Bit of Energy

My goodness.  I am wiped out tonight.  It has been a long week.  I am tired and I am feeling it tonight.  Jack is doing much better though he is now developing a bit of a soar throat.  Natty and Andy still seem to be perfectly okay and that is wonderful.  I am feeling some irritation in my throat and am not all that excited about it.  Jay got sick earlier this week and said it was throat centered.  I don't need that right now.  Hopefully it is nothing and we'll keep on keepin on. 

I am hoping we can be back out hiking a trail somewhere tomorrow.  Natty wants Kanarra Falls but I am not all that excited to hike through the cold water at this time of year.  A friend went last week and got some shots with the leaves changing colors on the trees.  It was quite beautiful.  Jack doesn't want to go at all though he said he would settle for a walk around the track at the high school and then he said we could walk on a sidewalk.  We'll work on him a bit more and see if we can't get him on an adventure.  Not sure why so stubborn on hikes lately. 

I guess I need to wrap this up and turn in if we're going to try and go hiking somewhere.  Might need just a bit of energy for that. 

Pie Guys

Did I write about this previously?  I don't remember.  I had a thought a while back that we should become the place for pie in Cedar City.  There really isn't a place for pic in Cedar currently.  I mean, there is a place that serves pie but it is just a pie they pick up from the supplier and serve.  We looked in to those pies and then we decided we would make our own.  We do that with all accept a Razzleberry pie that we bake.  We enhance the crust a bit but that is all though we may start making our own fruit pies as well.  We will see. 

We are getting ready to hit the holiday season and we want to be established as the place to get your pies.  We did a bit of it last year and I hope we can hit it on a larger scale this year.  I love making them and am trying to develop our own recipes.  The Hazelcream pie is a hit.  Made that for the first time about a month ago and it is quite popular.  Peanut Butter pie is great too as well as the Lemon Cream and Chocolate Satin.  I was walking through the store the other day and saw a Holiday Peppermint Pie for sale.  Available for a limited time.  I decided I could make that myself.  Today I did and it appears to have worked out.  We also knocked out a Key Lime Pie tonight.  Hope that goes over well.  I made a Pumpkin Cream last week to test and need to make it again as I believe it is a keeper - at least for the season.  The other day I made pecan butter so that I can make an attempt at a Pecan Cream Pie.  I think it could be quite good and hopefully have a chance to test that recipe out tomorrow.  I also want to start displaying pie for sale in our front cabinet and see if we can't start moving a few more whole pies.  It is fun stuff for sure.  

I am not exactly sure how we become the pie guys in Cedar.  We'll start with social media as well as displaying pies in our store.  Perhaps getting some samples out on the street can help.  Lots of work to do.  Thanksgiving is approaching.

Last Mow

As fall is in the air and the weather is turning colder we get to that point when the grass stops growing and yard work changes some.  I don't know if we are there just yet but I got home from work, got changed and got to mowing.  Got some trimming and edging done as well and the yard is looking good.  If this is the last mow of the year then I have left it in good shape.  If another mow is in order then I will make it happen and will not disappoint.  I love doing a little yard work every now and again and one or two mows won't hurt my feelings.  I just think we are close to that time of year when it draws to a close. 

I don't exactly know what it is about working outside that I love so much.  I'm pretty sure it isn't weeds, that is my least favorite thing to do nevertheless it has to be done every now and again.  No, I think my favorite thing may be trimming trees, cutting them back and training them a bit.  Shaping a hedge, that is a fun little project.  I like to have a nice lawn.  I am battling dandelions this year and that isn't much fun.  Anyway, a well trimmed lawn, I like it.  Perhaps it is the opportunity to ponder life and it's challenges that I like about yard work.  That is a time I have to think.  Sure it is work but it is me time too.

 

Sickly Boy

Jack has been sick since Sunday.  He had a better day today, a little more life in him then yesterday.  That is a good thing.  No puking today, that is also a good thing though puking with Jack just isn't that bad.  I had the one freak puke a couple weeks ago when he just didn't get to the sink but other than that he is a master of taking care of himself and makes sure he gets to a bowl, bucket, toilet or sink.  Yesterday he had a couple of episodes and I was with him and would pat his back or whatever and he actually would stop mid-puke and politely ask me to stop.  Apparently I was irritating him and the puker needed no feeble attempts at comfort made on his behalf.  I would stop and laugh at myself and he would go on about his business. 

Anyhow, no such puking problems today which is great.  He didn't have much of an appetite though I did manage to get him to eat a couple of things.  He refused to eat saltine crackers, hates them.  He wanted ice cream and somehow we came together on chocolate chip waffles.  He then tackled some pulled turkey while hanging out at The Little Brick House with me today.  Couldn't get him to go for much else - he had a Sprite and a little water.  By the end of the day he was feeling pretty crummy and his fever had returned so we got him some medicine and he has been passed out on the couch for the last 5 hours.  His fever did break.  I am happy about that.

I am really hoping that Natty and Andy do not come down with whatever this is.  I am hoping I don't come down with it either.  I just don't have time.  Who does?  Well, hoping my sickly boy makes a full recovery soon.    

The Brothers Mario

For Halloween this year the boys decided they wanted to go as Mario and Luigi.  Fortunately there was no arguing who would be who.  I think they got it right.

They have been really excited and have nearly worn out their costumes since getting them last week.  Special thanks to their mom for sending them.  I managed to hide them in a safe place on Saturday in hopes to preserve them until Halloween.   Fun times.

 
In some not so fun times Jack came home sick from Church yesterday and the vomiting kicked in at 3:30 in the morning.  He spent the day with me where we rolled out a camping sleep pad in the office and he watched some train videos and slept.  Poor fella.  Hoping we have passed the puke stage.  We shall see...  We may have to pull out a certain Luigi costume to help promote a speedy recovery.                             

Church

I am 39 years old.  I know, hard to believe.  Anyway, I have gone to church my entire life.  Very rarely do I miss a Sunday.  I am grateful for the influence the Gospel of Jesus Christ has had on my life.  I am grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I am grateful that as I attend I am uplifted and edified by the things that are shared and by the Spirit that testifies of truth.  I am grateful for those things that help me to become better, to have a desire to become better, to work a little harder, to remain faithful and to stay the course.  It is not always easy to be at church with 3 kids that are learning and developing.  They don't always want to be there and that can sometimes create some challenges but we press forward with faith.  We strive to train up a child in the way that they should go and trust that when they are older they will not depart from it.  Yes, I am grateful for the influence church has on my life.  I guess I should properly define that.  I am grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for the church that he established on the earth in the last days even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I know that Christ stands at the head of the church and that we are lead by his Prophets and Apostles on the Earth today.  My life has been blessed because of this knowledge.  My life is blessed as I strive to follow the counsel of these living Prophets and Apostles.  In doing so I am following the Lord and in that there is strength, there is happiness, there is hope. 

Ford Men

It has been a full day.  I ended up working all day which is never fun when the kids are at home on a Saturday.  I don't like doing that but sometimes we have to. We did end up needing to make a trip to St. George for a few items at Costco so I came home, picked up the kids and we went down.  We shopped and then had to treat ourselves to a little Costco snack bar.  The kids like the Pizza and I prefer the dog.  Love those things.  It was extremely busy, I expected it to be as every other Saturday afternoon that I've been there it has been busy.  If we didn't have to go I would not have.  We had a good time. 

After getting back and unloading things at the LBH we came home.  Then Jack and I ran over to Wally World for a few things.  On the way back to our house he got all excited when he saw "Mr. Jenkins" truck.  It is one of his favorite things in the world.  He's informed me that Mr. Jenkins is going to give it to him when he turns 16.  We were reversing into our driveway and Jack patted me on the forearm and said "We're Ford Men..."  I thought I was going to die laughing.  It was great.  Jack didn't quite know what to think and couldn't understand why I was laughing as he was dead serious - we are Ford men.  I agreed with him, how could I not?  Anyway he went on to tell me how Mr. Jenkins is a Chevy Man and that he isn't even sure how he ended up with that Ford.  He is going to give it to Jack when he turns 16.  This is all according to Jack, you know, my fellow Ford Man. 

Sure do love these kids. 

Another Encounter With Judas

When I went into work this morning Dave and I talked about the football game.  He works the chains with his father in law for Cedar High and SUU football games.  Anyhow, he told me a story about this kid named Kyle.  It was a neat story about how he never gets to play and how Dave has always been impressed by how positive Kyle is on the sideline.  He thought Kyle was a younger player and was surprised last night when he was talking with him to learn he was a senior.  Well, I guess it was the last home game or something and Cedar was up so they sent in all the seniors to get some playing time in front of the home crowd.  Kyle got in.  Apparently a guy he was supposed to defend got by him and got a big gain.  The coach was upset with him and let him know it.  A couple plays later Kyle made a big interception and returned it quite a ways.  The entire team went nuts and the coaches were all grinning big.  Dave said he was a little emotional.  It was like a Rudy moment right there.  It was apparently very evident what a positive influence Kyle is on the team and with his teammates.  Neat story. 

This was all happening when I was standing out in the rain with my friend Judas who I wrote about yesterday.  I shared that story with Dave.  Good old Judas.  Well a little later in the morning I heard Carmina telling a story about a stranger that asked her for some money on her way home yesterday.  She talked about this guy and how he ended up following her for a while.  She only lives around the corner from the shop so she decided to walk past her house and around to the next street over.  Then she snuck down an alley and slid under a fence and got home.  I heard her describe this guy a bit and he sounded familiar.  I asked her if his name was Judas.  Her eyes got big and she said it was.  She knew this because she told the man after she gave him a dollar that she would pray for him.  He told her his name was Judas and God bless.  As she walked away from him and he started following her she said that she offered that quick pray from Judas and prayed that he would stop following her and get to where he needed to go.  I asked her what he was wearing - a hoodie.  Gray?  Yes.  Did he have on a Cal Ranch ball cap?  Yes.  We laughed and then I teased her about how her giving him a dollar gave me the opportunity to help him out of the gutter.  So there you go.  To quote the late Paul Harvey - Now you know the rest of the story...  Well, almost the rest of it anyway. 

Some Guy Named Judas

One thing I don't see a lot of in Cedar City is public intoxication.  Oh, I'm sure it happens but it isn't something that I would usually find myself around so I really don't see it.  Tonight was a JV Band Concert at Cedar Middle School and so we went up to see Natty and the band.  They did a great job.  Don't worry, there was not an intoxicated individual at the concert.  The boys wanted to ride home with a friend and so Natty and I were driving home together.  We were heading up a frontage road to an overpass and there was a guy stumbling all over the place and then he just turfed it in the gutter.  He was not a small man and he went down hard.  It was actually raining pretty good and starting to get a bit chilly out.  Anyhow, Natty was quite concerned and wanted me to stop and help the man.  I was going to do that anyway.  We stopped where he was at and I rolled down the window and asked if he was okay.  He said he needed help getting up and that he was having a problem with his legs.  I had cars lining up behind me so I pulled up and parked, left Natty in the car and went over to help him.  He was in bad shape.  Said his legs were giving him fits.  Mr. Nelson, the Vice Principal at the Middle School also stopped and came over.  The gentlemen said he needed a ride to the north side of town.  Mr. Nelson made a call and I asked the man if there was someone I could call.  He gave me the number of his sister - Mable.  I dialed and then asked for his name.  Judas.  Well, a woman answered the phone and I asked if her name was Mable.  No came the reply.  She then wanted to know what I needed.  I explained the situation and that Judas gave me her information.  She didn't know a Judas.  Well, it was pretty exciting stuff and it was about that time that I noticed a bottle of booths belonging to Judas sitting in the gutter.  He was trying to get up and got to his feet at one point only to have his legs go out again.  I thought he was fixin to roll down the hill and into a barbed wire fence.  He kept trying to get up and so I stood there and held his arm for a bit and talked to him about just relaxing.  Mr. Nelson got a hold of a guidance officer at the school who apparently got hold of the police and after 10 minutes or so a car got there.  I don't think Judas wanted that and I think he knew  when I told him we had help coming that it was the police.  I don't know what his history is.  I don't know what happened after we left but I do know that the officer that came on scene and another that followed shortly after had it under control and that Judas would be fine.  I was sure grateful that Mr. Nelson also stopped and helped out as well. 

Natty was happy that we stopped and that I helped.  She wanted to know what happened and I explained that Judas had apparently been drinking quite a bit and was drunk.  This was her first time seeing a drunk person.  It was good to stop and make sure Judas was okay. 

In other exciting news I told the kids a mission story about the huge township dog that was a cross between something like a German shepherd and a wiener dog.  It was this huge full bodied dog with a ferocious bark.  He came at my companion and I and all I saw was a big body hovering across the lawn.  He had a deep and intimidating bark and then these short little legs.  It was such a funny looking thing.  Jack was laughing hysterically and thought this story was great.  He was seriously down on the floor in tears he was laughing so hard.  It was fun. 

That was a completely unrelated story but it was something I want to be able to remember.   Good times to be had for sure. 

We Heeded Them Not

One of the staples of my life and that of our family has been to read daily from The Book of Mormon.  I am not going to pretend that the results of this daily endeavor are bliss and happiness.  Sometimes it can be the most stressful part of our night time routine and I admit that there are times when I wonder why I bother to put myself through the torture.  Surely my kids are getting nothing from the experience and the goal is not to create contention in our home but rather to rid our home of it.  Well, it is an exercise of faith.  It is listening to a Prophets counsel and choosing to live it.  It is heeding the promise of a Patriarchal blessing and choosing to carry on even when it seems a waste of time.  No matter how hard it is I have a testimony of it.  I have partaken of the fruit of the book and I know it to be good.  And so we press forward with a steadfastness in Christ and we feast upon his words.  Let me submit that when I say feast there I don't mean to paint a picture of Natty, Jack, Andy and I sitting and dissecting each verse and delving in to the deep doctrinal vortex.  We do not.  Sometimes it is all we can do to get through 10 verses at night.  The two shortest verses going to Jack and Andy, who always ask if it is the shortest verse.  You know what, that is perfectly okay with me.  The Lord knows and the Lord blesses our efforts. 

For the past couple of nights we have been reading in 1 Nephi 8 and learning about Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life.  As we read through this tonight, I had read some pausing at the two shortest verses for Jack and Andy and then Natty read a few verses.  There were a few verses left after Natty read and so I finished off the chapter.  We got to the following verse and I felt inspired to expound: 

33   And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building.  And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.

Natty and I discussed the strange building and what it represents, we discussed the fact that she will know people in her life that will choose to go in to that building, friends even.  These people will point at her, they will make fun of her, they will do things to try and belittle her and her beliefs and it will be a hard thing but we need to remember that the fruit is the most desirable thing we can have, it is the Love of God and it brings us true and lasting happiness.  No matter how hard it may seem, or how alone we may feel when the finger of scorn is pointing at us we need not heed those buffetings.  We had a good conversation and Natty gets it.  She wants to do what is right.  I know it isn't easy, life hasn't been easy on her but she is strong and she has a good heart.  I am grateful for her strength and all that she does for our family. 

During this conversation Jack was thumbing through one of his airplane books and I really didn't think he was listening.  Andy was playing with a roll of duct tape and I didn't know how close of attention he was paying.  I figured the message of being true to our Heavenly Father and not heeding those that would drag us down was one for Natty.  Well, as that conversation drew to a close Jack spoke up and said "Dad, I will always go with God".  Therein is a lesson in Jack, he is always listening, always observing and he understands a lot more then we think.  In that short statement he captured the entire lesson. 

We had our family prayer and then were off to bed.  I go in with the boys to put them to bed and per our usual Jack says his prayer and then it is Andy's turn.  Andy is a master of the repeat prayer which is quite simple "Heavenly father, bless us to have a good night.  Bless us to have good dreams not bad dreams.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen".  I invite him to think about others, to pray for his mom, to think about and pray about other things.  Every now and again he will remember to pray for his mom or me but that is about it.  Tonight, without any prompting from me he said something else in his prayer.  After his usual petition to the Lord for good dreams and not bad dreams he paused and said "bless us to always follow the Lord".  Perhaps that duct tape didn't have his undivided attention after all.  It certainly did my heart good to hear this surprise addition to his prayer.   

Each night I kneel at Andy's bedside and hold his hand while he falls asleep and I say my own prayers.  Tonight I am very grateful for this experience.  My heart is full as I think about these wonderful children.  My heart is full as I ponder the blessings of daily reading from the pages of The Book of Mormon.  Again, there are days when it is truly a trial of my faith and I feel that I am wading through the very depths of hell in an effort to do what is right.  As I ponder the goings on in my life and the things that we have been through in the last few years there have been some extremely difficult and depressing times.  There has been a lot of heartache, pain, loneliness and fear and yet through it all the Lord has not left us comfortless.  I attribute that to our diligently seeking the Lord through our daily reading from The Book of Mormon.  Through our daily prayers.  Through our regular attendance at church and in our weekly Family Home Evenings.  Sunday School answers I know, but more than that it is a recipe for lasting happiness.  I believe it starts with an open Book of Mormon.  An open Book of Mormon bespeaks power.  A closed Book of Mormon bespeaks no power.  That was a lesson I learned almost 20 years ago when Elder F. David Stanley of the Seventy visited the South Africa Capetown Mission.  I know that it is true.  If you are looking for something in your life, if you are seeking to draw nearer to God I invite you to open a copy of The Book of Mormon and sup from its pages.            

One of Those Days

It was just one of those kind of days for me when it just didn't stop.  It's starts early and just stays busy all day.   I have been preparing drain pipes so we can relocate our ice machine in hopes to fix a water leak that we have under ground somewhere.  When the ice machine is running we end up having water seep through the wall and into the basement.  So, we ran a new drain with plans to relocate the ice machine.  There were several things that had to happen over the last few days in order for us to make this happen and today we were there.  I got the supply water line run and relocated the water filter to the ice machine and once I had everything ready Dave and I moved the machine.  Then we had to tie it in.  We discovered that the plug had melted on the machine.  Well, this kind of thing creates a delay because we had to change it out.  We also had customers coming in after close again and we took care of them which pushed us back further.  Well, finally around 7:30 it was done and appears to be working and draining fine.  That pushed me back from getting home.  When I did get home I found that the kids were across the street with our friend Annie.  Natty does a cooking thing with her each week and so I came home to a prepared meal.  So grateful for that.  The kids came home, we ate, we outlined some homework needs for the night and then I had to run to a meeting.  I got home from that meeting a little after 9 and sat down with Jack to do his math homework.  He will not do it if I am not sitting with him.  It is just one of his things.  I'm trying to motivate him to get on it by himself as an incentive for his train simulator game but so far he is determined to wait until we can do it together.  Anyhow, it was a non stop kind of a day and leaves me a bit on the tired side.  Very grateful for Natty and Annie making dinner.  That was a huge help.  Grateful for Natty helping Andy with some of his homework as well.  Well, that was a bunch of rambling on about a busy day.  I would erase it all and start over but then I would have to think more and I'm kind of done today.  It is hard when you have things that have to get done and you know that there are other things that have to get done waiting for you at home and then there is a meeting that you are supposed to be at and suddenly your feeling overwhelmed and guilty that you are not able to be doing everything that you need to.  I'm pretty sure I am far from the qualifying round of the father of the year award.  I've probably been disqualified from even receiving an honorable mention on that one.  When you are going at it alone it is nice to have friends that step in and lend a hand.  And that is enough rambling at the close of one of those days. 

Pumpkin Run

Tonight we had everything rolling.  Homework with Jack was happening while pizza was cooking.  Got Andy through his homework, Natty was working on hers.  The kids had dinner and during dinner I gave a lesson for FHE.  Following the lesson we made a run for pumpkins.  I told Jack on Saturday night that we could get pumpkins for FHE.  I thought he would have forgotten, nope.  He remembered and made sure I remembered as well.  And so we made a little pumpkin run.  Well, little is not the appropriate word here.  The boys both picked out good, healthy sized pumpkins.  They did a great job.  Natty likewise did a great job and gets the award for finding the biggest pumpkin.  My word, that thing is huge.  We all had a good time.  Now to figure out what we will carve in them...

On our way to the store we continued with our FHE.  We sang a song; "I am a Child of God" and then I asked the kids what their favorite primary song was.

Andy - I am a Child of God

Jack - Jesus Wants me for a Sunbeam

Natty - Teach me to Walk in the Light

We sang each of the songs together.  Everyone participated.  That was nice.  I shared one of my favorite primary songs as we pulled in; Families Can Be Together.  We sang that one together also.  We had a good time singing and a fabulous time pumpkin hunting.  Sure am grateful for Natty, Jack and Andy. 

The Good Word

A few thoughts.  I am grateful for time.  Grateful that time has afforded me different experiences, different trials and certainly opportunities to grow.  I am grateful for that growth.  Grateful for the lessons of my life.  It is not always easy to be grateful in the midst of the trial or to recognize the growth that is taking place.  Undoubtedly I can look back over my life and see those lessons that strengthen my faith, my testimony, my desire to do what is right and I am grateful.  I am grateful that  I have grown in my appreciation of Conference weekend.  I love to hear the words of the leaders of the Church.  I am grateful for the personal experiences, the testimonies and witnesses that are shared and lived.  What a wonderful time to sit and to be nourished by the Good Word of God.   

A Day to Remember

Natty and I were sitting in the office watching the Saturday Morning Session of the 182 Semi Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints this morning and listened as President Monson announced the change in age requirements for missionaries.  Young Men who have graduated from high school or the equivalent and who are 18 years of age should be prepared to serve the Lord in the mission field. Worthy Sisters who want to serve a mission may do so at the age 19.  When these changes were announced I looked at Natty and she at me, our eyes were big and I told her that she needs to remember this day because what we just heard President Monson say was a huge announcement.  It was really exciting.  Perhaps this will be one of those announcements that we will look back and remember sitting together and watching it and how we felt.  Truly a great experience for us.  So very grateful for it and for a living prophet on the earth today. 

The messages today in all three sessions that I attended have been inspiring, strengthening and full of hope, even the hope of Israel.  I am grateful for living Prophets on the earth today and for a loving Father in Heaven who knows who we are.  I know that He loves me and that knowledge gives me hope.  Hope to carry on when all seems lost. 

Missing Fish

We have been maintaining, no wrong word.  We have been limping along with a fish tank for a couple of years now.  I don't remember exactly how many fish we have had, somewhere around 10 or so.  The tank has been down to 4 fish for quite a while now.  The other day I was adding water and I failed to close the lid.  Later in the evening when we were getting the boys in bed and having prayers and closing out the day I noticed the lid was open.  I closed it and counted up the fish.  One was missing.  I studied the tank trying to locate it.  There was no trace of it anywhere.  It was not floating around the surface or the bottom.  It is just gone.  So what happened to it?  I have no idea where it has gone.  I expect one day to be pulling clothes out of one of the drawers for the boys and suddenly there will be a fish corpse.  I don't know.  I am sure this is a very intriguing post.  Really, I just wanted us to be able to look back and remember the fish that disappeared.  So fish, you are gone but not forgotten. 

Uplift

Life is wonderful.  I am grateful for great people that bring joy into my life.  I made a stop on the way to work today to see a friend.  She is one of these people of whom I refer that brings joy into my life.  She has a joyful and kind spirit.  It was good to visit with her for a few minutes today.  Then of course there was work and hanging out with Dave.  He cracks me up.  Watching him associate with our employees is great.  He is very good with people and I believe it has something to do with his kind heart.  Today was fun because Dave and Dani found out the gender of the unborn child yesterday.  All the ladies at work were asking about it and he just had a big grin on his face.  Well, we're excited for them and even though I know what the gender of the unborn child is I will not reveal it here.  Look for it in coming days after the official reveal party.

Any how, great people.  I am grateful for those that lift and inspire.  I hope that I can do and am doing the same.  I hope that I am living my life in such a way that my countenance is joyful and lifts others.  I hope that I can reflect the joy that I feel because of the Savior who lifts and strengthens me.   

How Exactly?

I have been thinking about going back to school.  The thing that scares me to death about this is I have no time right now as it is.  I suppose I could suspend my daily journaling and convert that time over to studying.  I have a hard enough time staying awake to write this blog, not so sure I would get much studying in.  I don't know how people do it.  I work everyday, come home and work at home all night with dinner, cleaning, kids homework, kids reading, baths, family scripture time and then putting kids to bed.  The thought of having a bunch of homework to do on top of my day as it currently is just makes me even more tired.  Somehow there has to be a way to balance everything.  I don't know what that is.  I would imagine that going to school would make for a very difficult few years at home.  I don't know that it would ultimately be the best thing for our family.  Everyday is a battle to get the boys through their homework and their reading, it is exhausting.  I realize that I have to do hard things, I get that.  As I ponder the idea of going back to school I worry that I won't have enough in me to be able to properly take care of my kids today.  Much to consider.  I need to get a few things done so that I can have a better understanding of what it would take to get through school.  Also have to see what kind of financial aid I could qualify for.  So much to think about and a lot more studying to do before I can know exactly how I can make it happen.  

Sweet Fire Shrimp

Yesterday I was making lunch for myself at The Little Brick House.  It was a Philly steak and mushroom salad thing.  Dressings are out at the moment so I decided to sweeten up some buffalo sauce.  I decided that I wanted it a little creamy so I added a bit of mayo to it and put it on my salad.  I was reminded of one of my all time favorite appetizers that involved shrimp and a bang bang sauce.  The decision was made that I needed to pick up some shrimp and try this again.  I did so this morning and the results were amazing.  I added an ingredient or two and wow, excellent stuff.  So I gave a little to the folks and Dave.  We put it on a little lettuce and without adding anything else created a spectacular salad.  And so we started talking and I think we are going to try a little something.  I didn't want to call it bang bang sauce because someone else already does that.  I came up with Sweet Fire Shrimp.  Think we can do a sandwich with it as well as a salad.  Also think we could take the sweet fire sauce and create a few other sandwiches. 

This is a fun part of the job.  I like to create dishes that people love.  The Ruby happens to be one of those sandwiches.  It is a great sandwich and I am not trying to boast or pat myself on the back.  I happen to love Reuben's and our Brick House version of a grilled Reuben is really good.  People love it.  I think people would love the Sweet Fire Shrimp.  We've got the ball rolling now.  Doing a little more testing on it tomorrow.  Mmmm, deliciously fun stuff. 

Poor Placement

19 years ago I was serving in Rondebosch in the South Africa Capetown Mission.  I loved the area as it was just at the foot of Table Mountain, on the back side anyway.  The University of Capetown was right there.  Anyhow, it was a good area. 

I will never forget the day I was out on exchanges with one of the Assistants to President Armstrong.  We were getting things out of the boot of the car.  The boot is the trunk for those unfamiliar with this terminology.  Anyhow, I had taken my bag and stuck it on the sidewalk as we grabbed a couple more things.  There was a gentlemen walking his little white fluffy dog down the sidewalk.  As they approached us the dog veered over, lifted his leg and left his mark on my bag.  The man just kept walking apparently oblivious to what had just occurred.  Either that or he was laughing silently for getting one over on us Mormon Missionaries.  Coming down the sidewalk a ways behind him was another man.  He too was walking his dog and had seen what had just taken place and my look of horror.  He chuckled and said, you might want to move that bag before my dog does the same thing.  His dog was no little white fluffy thing.  No, his dog was a giant Great Dane.  You better believe I moved that bag.  This was a serious case of poor placement. 

Tonight, just over an hour ago, Jack jumped up from our reading perch on the couch and ran for the kitchen.  Just a step or two into it he threw up everywhere.  Oh my goodness that is one of my least favorite things in the world.  Easily top 5.   You know, right up there with celery.  Anyhow, the throw up did not fall kindly for Natalie.  Her backpack was, shall we say poorly placed and as a result caught a lot of the splash.  Sooo sad.  I cleaned the back pack and everything else I could.  I'm sure by morning the smell will have faded, at least we hope so.