Spent

I am feeling rather spent.  The last month has been exhausting.  Battling illness with the kids and then myself was not easy.  Thanksgiving week was full and now this week has just been non stop.  It is far from over too.  There is a kitchen to move tomorrow and it is going to be a chore.  I am not completely sure how we are going to get it all done but we will press forward.  If 100% of the kitchen isn't moved by tomorrow I will not sweat it.  So long as we have everything there that we need to operate.  It is going to be different.  Lots to do.  We are probably not as ready as we could be but we will get there.  It doesn't end after tomorrow though.  We have catering lined up for next week that will keep us busy everyday.  I am sure that by next Saturday I am going to be brain dead.   

Closing Time

We hosted an 8th Ward Elders Quorum social at The Little Brick House tonight.  It was a good get together.  The fall social is a soup fest of sorts and we had a pretty good turn out.  Fun times were had by all, well, I hope so anyway.  Everyone seemed to be having a good time.  I was glad we could host it at the LBH. 

After the party as I was doing the last little bit of cleaning up I started to think about this old building.  As I mopped the floor I thought about refinishing the hardwood and then all of the other work we have done.  I think back to those very first days in March of 2011 when I was tearing out the old hood.  I knew right then we had a big project ahead of us.  We certainly did and it has been quite the journey.  I was a bit sad as I thought about the move and leaving behind this place that has been our home for the last year and a half.  The old building is tired and some days it is a wonder that she is even standing.  I am grateful for being there.  Grateful for the experiences and the things I have learned.  Grateful for the friendships we have made and the wonderful people we have come to know. 

Well, tomorrow will be our last day at 50 West 400 South.  Closing time is upon us.  I don't know if anything else will go into this old building.  There is so much work that needs to happen there beyond what we have done.  And so we say goodbye.  We are looking forward to our new building, to a bigger kitchen, to cooling in the kitchen, to better exposure, to new friendships and new experiences. 

Win

I remember listening to Jack Christiansen when I was a youth and feeling inspired.  He is one of my heroes you could say.  His stories and testimony of the Savior strengthened me.  Perhaps it was the fact that my first Youth Conference was a weekend get a way to BYU Hawaii and Jack was there speaking to the youth.  He returned a year or so later and participated in another conference.  I listened to many of his talks after that through cassette tapes.  At some point he gave a talk called Spiritual Winners and in that talk he shared a story about attending the Special Olympics with his family.  I was just now thinking about that and the theme from that Special Olympics - now I don't know if this is the theme for all Special Olympics or just the Olympics he was attending.  Anyhow the theme was this:  "Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be valiant in the attempt".  I hope that I can be valiant in my attempt everyday to follow the Savior.  I have been listening to Elder Holland's talk from the last conference and I think about the Lord's interview with Peter as Elder Holland shares it.  "Lovest thou me more than these...".  As I ponder that inquisition and Peter's reply I wonder how would I answer that?  How do I show the Lord that I love him?  What can I do to better show the Lord that I love him?  I want to do what is right, I want to follow the Lord faithfully, valiantly.  Lord, let me win, but, if I cannot win let me be valiant in the attempt.     

Do What Is Right

When I attended Richard Jensen's funeral I learned that he used to play the piano for Priesthood opening exercises at church.  Apparently he only played one song, Do What Is Right. I thought that was pretty fantastic.  As I consider the challenges of life and everything that we are faced with daily I have to say it is not always easy to do what is right.  There are simply moments that arise in our lives when we don't handle something as well as maybe we could have.  There are times when we make a wrong choice and fall short of the example of the Savior.  I don't think any of us go out with the intention of doing wrong but it happens.  For that reason we have a Savior who loves us and who makes it possible for us to overcome our failings and enables us to be perfected through him.  What a precious gift that is.  As we go forth doing what is right in following the Savior, as we repent when we fail in those efforts I know the Lord will provide guidance and strength to weather the storms of life.  As we strive to follow the Lord our spiritual power increases and we draw nearer to our Heavenly Father. 

Thanksgiving Hangover

It is one of those days when you wake up and reality hits and instead of wanting reality to happen you really wish you could just continue with that extended weekend. Everything is kind of, I don't know, dull, sluggish, whatever.  You press forward because you must but ultimately you'd rather just have a nap.  We can call this the Thanksgiving Hangover.  Hopefully tomorrow we will be back to normal. 

Weekend Over

The holiday weekend has drawn to a close.  Wow, it has been a long weekend.  I have a few kids that I think are a little bit worn out by it.  Lots of family stuff going on.  Lots of playing with cousins and I think they are just worn out.  It will be nice to get back on to our normal routine... I hope anyway. 

I would love to say more but the reality is that it is very late and I am very tired.  In this long weekend a certain Natty forgot to do a homework assignment for school and so I have been helping her on it tonight though she has been in bed.  What a pain in the back side.  Hopefully she will do well on it.  I shouldn't admit to handling that homework for her but it just needed to happen and I was tired and she needed to get to bed. 

Really just rambling here.  The weekend is over and I am ready to call it a night. 

Twenty Years

It is pretty hard for me to believe that it has been twenty years since I graduated from high school.  It is just under twenty years from the time I entered the Missionary Training Center.  Today I had lunch with one of my friends from High School, David Thompson.  Twenty years ago we graduated together.  Just under twenty years ago we hung out in Salt Lake the day before I reported to the MTC and then I said goodbye to Grandma Vi and David when I went in to the MTC.  I have not seen Dave since that day.  April 28th, 1993.  It was a Wednesday.  I only know that because Wednesday is the day that new missionaries report, it's not like I remember random days of the week in history.  I can say that Thanksgiving was on a Thursday that year... 

Anyhow, it was great to see David.  He is a good man and has a beautiful family.  I met his wife Terry and their two sons Dallin (5) and Conner (15 months).  As an added bonus his younger brother Don was with them.  We went out to lunch and enjoyed visiting.  It was nice of them to stop on their way to Salt Lake after being down in St. George for the holiday.  I always enjoyed Dave and Don and the rest of the Thompson fam.  They are good people.

It is really hard to believe that twenty years has passed.  It just doesn't seem like that could happen and yet it has.  It is hard to believe that I have allowed myself to be completely disconnected from old friends.  I am just not that good of a communicator I guess.  Life gets busy and I get so caught up in the busy that I don't reach out much.  I should probably do a better job of that staying in touch thing. Twenty years is kind of embarrassing.    

White Choc Mac Nut

For those who read regularly you know that I have a deep and abiding love for all things Nutella.  I have made my own on occassion and it is a favorite treat.  Whilst walking through the store the other night I had a wild idea that I could make something like unto Nutella using White Chocolate Chips and Macadamia Nuts.  I wasn't making it for the chocolate nut butter though that did end up being a fantastic blend.  I actually made it so that I could make a pie with it.  I did so and it has had a couple of postitve reviews.  I am happy enough with it.  Might like a little more macadamia in it but other then that it was good.

Enjoyed a day of moving things to the new shop.  We are looking forward to that

My goodness.  It is late.  I am falling  a sleep.   

Turkey Bowl 2012

I should start by wishing all a Happy Thanksgiving.  What a wonderful holiday.  One of my favorites to be sure.  Might I also add at this point in the post that I am grateful for the many blessings of my life.  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me as he does you.  Grateful for a loving Savior and for all He makes possible.  I am grateful for His gospel and the guidance and direction it gives me in my life, for the hope and the peace that it provides and for the joy that I feel because of it.  I am grateful for the testimony that I have of the restored gospel.  I am grateful for the testimony I have of the Book of Mormon.  I am grateful for the blessing of strength that these testimonies give me.  I grateful for family and friends.  I have been blessed with a wonderful family who are a tremendous strength to me and lift me up.  I am grateful for the righteous examples of my siblings and my parents.  There is great strength that comes because of those examples and because of their faith.  I am grateful for and humbled by my children.  It is hard to keep up with them.  It is hard to provide them with all they need.  There are certainly moments when I feel a great deal of inadequacy, that is real.  I rely on the Lord for the difference and it comes through loving family members and friends.  Thank you for what you have done to me and my children. 

I have to take a moment and report on the Turkey Bowl.  It went well.  The turnout was good, well better than the last two years.  Not too many from the Ward.  Just Jay, Darrin Winn and myself.  I find myself playing a little more cautious as I get older.  Perhaps one too many Turkey Bowl injuries in the past.  So I take it easy out there through I have moments where I can relive a bit of the glory days.  Like my kickoff today for example.  I set the ball on the T and went back for a running start.  I got that, planted and sent a beautiful or not so beautiful kick out there.  Well, my left didn't quite plant and so I actually went down pretty good.  My kickoff skills need some fire improvement for sure.  I was flat on my back and laughing at myself.  Perhaps cleats would be a good addition - or not.  The occasional but plant never hurt anyone.  Mmmmm, maybe that last statement is not true.  I am enjoying little bits of pain and soreness throughout my body.

It wasn't all bloopers.  I did manage a few good plays, a few touchdowns.  My favorite was a kickoff return.  I was in our end zone when I picked up the ball and everyone was saying to down it.  No way.  I took off and I somehow managed to weave my way through the kicking team and score.  I laughed in the end zone "down it" and I spiked the ball.  I have no idea how my flags managed to stay on.   Anyhow, it was a great game.  Lots of fun.  Good balance between the amount of pain I feel now and the game itself.  So, on to next year and another blooper real.  Perhaps one of these years I will decide the time has come to hang em up but for now, and while I still can, I will go out and enjoy a little football on Thanksgiving. 

Mental Prep

Tomorrow is a big day.  Thanksgiving only comes around once a year.  I've got to get mentally prepared for the occasion.  Well, really I am just talking about mental preparedness for the Turkey Bowl.  Oh, they did put me in charge drinks, potatoes and a few pies.  Sweet.  We'll get that done but really, I am most excited about the Turkey Bowl - it's a football game.   You know people have a lot of traditions for Thanksgiving, so do I - it's called the Turkey Bowl..  So hey, mental prep is underway.  I am getting into the zone.  I would write about more but I am absolutely exhausted right now and the most important thing I can do is sleep so I can be well rested for the Turkey Bowl.   

The Pie Guy

Grandma Vi was a wonderful cook and was very well known for her pies.  I was always a bit fan of hers and loved her little Vi does Pie cookbook.  We used to have one of those, quite possibly still do.  Unfortunately I have no idea where our copy would be.  I am certainly a far way off of her pie mastery.  I am, however, feeling like The Pie Guy.  Perhaps it is the 23 pies I made today?  Pops made an additional 8 and I can't remember how many Dave made.  At least 15 plus.   So hey, maybe not The Pie Guy as much as The Pie Guys.  I'm sure I will have a few more to make tomorrow and then I also have been assigned a couple of pies for the family gathering.  Now, however, I am completely drained and void of energy.  Must sleep!

A Little Paint

One thing about the new location that I really didn't like was a teal paint on the lower half of all the walls in the entry and dining areas.  It's a major turn off for me and I definitely don't think it goes with The Little Brick House feel that we have created.  I pushed to have it painted now rather then wait and have to move a bunch of stuff.  I was quite happy when others agreed.  The folks picked out a color that I may not have chosen myself and brought in a guy to paint it.  I was planning to paint but have to say, with getting sick and everything I am quite happy someone else took on this job.  Today pops told me it got done and that it looked great.  After our FHE lesson tonight we took a little family field trip over to see the new look.  Wow!  It looks fantastic, I mean really good.  What a difference.  That teal made me want to throw up in my mouth repeatedly and now that desire is completely gone.  I am quite relieved as I really don't like to throw up and having that feeling is just bad, bad I say.  In other exciting news, mom began decorating the big wall and it is really looking sharp.  I left tonight feeling quite excited for the developments there.  The kids all liked the new look too.  We've got a ton of work to do in the next two weeks to get in and get out.  I don't know how we are going to manage it all but we will get there.  That little bit of paint sure adds to the excitement. 

Cousins

Made a trip down to Vegas today and stopped in at Jim and Clorinda's house.  Pete, Tara and fam were in from Houston and were going to be over for a bit.  Sara had mentioned this a few days ago when I was near to death and in that state there was no way I was making a trip anywhere.  Yesterday pops mentioned it.  I still wasn't sure I would be up to making the trip.  This morning however I woke up feeling much better.  I asked the kids how they would feel about making a road trip today to see their cousins and they were all about it.  So much so that they all got showered and ready for church without a problem.  We went to an earlier Ward than ours.  Not sure what Ward it was but they meet at our Stake Center at 11 so I know they are part of our Stake.  I recognized a few people there, most likely from The Little Brick House.  It was High Council Sunday and the rep was Brother Dotson from our Ward so it was almost like being at our regular meeting.  The theme as you might guess on this Sunday before Thanksgiving was gratitude. 

On that note let me just say how grateful I am for cousins.  I grew up idolizing my cousins.  They were the best and I wanted to be just like them.  Well, I was happy to see my kids have the opportunity to spend time with their cousins.  They are actually quite fortunate to spend many a day with their cousins that live next door.  That is pretty fantastic.  Today they got to spend time with nearly all of their cousins from the Fontano Fam.  The only cousins missing were Shey and Donovan Jack.  Pretty neat day and a neat visit. 

We discussed Jeremy, Abbie, Ben and Oliver being there and Natty, Jack and Andy were all excited about that.  Jack was especially excited to meet his new little cousin Oliver.  He got to hang out near him quite a bit.  Here is a picture of them meeting each other, Jack just wanted to talk to him and play.

Both the boys were pretty excited about that new little baby.  They actually took my phone and would record videos of Oliver and others then they would play back the videos for Oliver.  I think Oliver actually liked them, for a while anyway.   It was pretty cute to watch them.

Here is Andy hanging out with Clayton and Jeremy.  We've also got Ben there on the floor. 
 

 

 

I didn't get a picture of Natty but she had a ball there with all of her cousins.  Though I am tired tonight and we did a lot of driving I am grateful to have made the trip. 

 

Now just for a moment I will speak beyond cousins.  I briefly make mention of Brothers and Sisters.  I am humbled by the greatness that exists in my brothers and sisters.  Today we had 5 of the 8 there together and it was a wonderful treat. Each are good and faithful people who I look up to and admire greatly.  I actually saw that Amy had posted a picture from her wedding as the background pic on her facebook.  It was a picture with all the siblings at the Temple, on the grounds, striking a funny pose.  It makes me laugh and it makes my eyes a bit wet as I think about how much my family means to me.   

 

Snow Boots

Andy pulled snow boots out of the closet this morning.  One was his and the other was Jack's.  These are now 2 years old and I figured Andy would be in to Jack's boots this year and I would have to get Jack a new pair.  I mentioned that to Andy.  He was not a fan of the idea and squeezed his foot into his boot.  He then went and found the other boot and did the same.  He was very happy with himself and excited about his boots.  He declared that he would wear his boots everyday this Winter.  I note that he did not say all day every day because that simply didn't happen.  He took them off after a bit.  I had felt his toe in the boot and it is right up against the boot.  I can't imagine that is at all comfortable but the little man is determined.  It was one of those seens where perportions just aren't quite right.  His body was definitely too big for his little feet.  It is really quite amazing to look at these kids and see just how fast they are growing up.  Andy has always been a little smallish but he is starting to sprout up some.  I know, most people use a ruler, a pencil line and a door jam to measure growth.  Why mess with that kind of hassle when all you really need is a good pair of snow boots?  Next year I will simply cut the toe out of the boot and we'll determine his growth by how far out of the boot his toes stretch.  So grateful for Natty, Jack and Andy.  They are wonderful kids and truly keep me going.    

The Twinkler

I am sitting here wondering how to say this without grossing people out.  Forget it.  If you find this offensive then so be it.  The fact is little boys have little man parts and sometimes little boys can come up with some interesting names for their little man parts.  Some time ago Jack started referring to his unit as his Twinkie.  What possessed him to come up with that name for his man tool I don't exactly know but it is his chosen handle for the hammer in his tool belt. 

We ventured out to McD's for dinner.  Admittedly not my idea of a delicious meal but sometimes you do things for your kids that make them happy.  They like to go and play in the McPlayPlace and I like to sit and watch the news.  As a non TV, cable or whatever watching person the occasional news program is nice.  On extra special visits to this fine establishment I might even catch some sports but that really isn't relevant to this story.  So, what was big in the news today?  Looks like today marks the end of the road for Hostess.  Hostess is the maker of the Twinkie and other wonderful snacks that many of us grew up on.  I am sure this is sad news for many out there. 

This story came on the news as we were sitting and eating our delicious meal.  I said to the kids, "The Twinkie is going away!"  I then clarified that Hostess is going out of business and their will be no more Twinkies.  In all seriousness Jack says "I've still got my Twinkie".  Yes, yes you do Jack.   Hostess can't take that Twinkie away from you or any other man.  So weep not for the Twinkie my friends, it lives on. 

Weird Dad

I am sick.  Wow, I had no idea just how awful this cold was for my kiddos to endure until I got hit by it full force.  It has been coming on for a few days and I figured I had been through the worst of it and then I woke up this morning.  I actually didn't go in to work today.  That is rare and you know I am hurting if I don't go in to work.  I have no idea how I would have done it today at work.  I had absolutely no energy.  I did get up and go in for a few minutes to pick something up and to outline Dave on something I needed him to get info on from the suppliers.  Apparently I still looked pretty bad even though I had taken a shower, shaved, brushed my teeth... maybe it was the fact that I forgot to get dressed that caused every one to stare in freakish horror.  Only kidding, I was fully clothed.  In fact, when I came home I got back in my bed with my shoes still on my feet.  I pulled the covers around my legs and just went back to sleep.  Jack got home from school and came in to hang out with me.  He climbed in to the bed and cuddled up.  Then he started to laugh and said "you still have your shoes on your feet, you sure are weird dad."   Well, there you have it.  I am a weird dad.  And with that I am going to bed... with my shoes on my feet.  Well, maybe not.  That would be weird.

Storyteller

One of the things that I have really grown to love is sharing stories with my kids.  A lot of times these can be personal experiences that I share or they can be things that happened to those around me or someone I know.  It can also just be a story but the ones that are the funnest are the personal experiences.  Talk about a captive audience.  All three kids will be sitting there listening to every word.  If there is something funny about the story they laugh and they laugh and they laugh some more.  Usually when I finish the story I get asked to tell it again.  After I have shared it twice I usually get asked to share it one more time.  Without fail a couple days will pass or even just one and Jack will remind me of the story... remember when you did this...  and he starts to laugh and then he'll ask me to tell the story.  Or he'll tell someone else something about the story and then ask me to finish it.  It can also be quite random.  Yesterday Jack repeated S double N double 2 4 T.  How he remembers my old mission car license plate number is beyond me but then again, why do I remember it?  A personal experience with Mr. Lau at a mental hospital outside of Queenstown, South Africa.  A story I shared that made the kids laugh and had to be repeated, well repeatedly.  It is funny how these things stick.  I am always so thankful for the captive audience that is Natty, Jack and Andy and hope that the little lessons of my story telling stick with them and strengthen them when they need it. 

My Turn

I had a thought earlier about what I was going to write about today.  I was excited about the topic and felt it would make for a great post.  Well, I have no idea now what that Idea was.  My mind has gone completely blank. 

The last week has been quite the week on the kids and it has worn me down some as well.  Today I think it took me beyond being worn down to simply being sick.  It would seem that it is my turn.  Hopefully I have been through the worst of it.  Hopefully we can all get past this mess.  Apparently Jack threw up at Annie's house tonight.  Fantastic.  He had bowl.  Love that. 

I do need to mention that Jack's IEP was today following the assessments we completed.  Oh my goodness.  He is now officially classified as Autistic and ranks up there on the Asbergers scale.  I am grateful for the good people at South.  They have been so good with Jack. 

Any now, I must sleep.  It is afterall, my turn. 

Say It Aint So

I was thrilled this morning to start the day with healthy kids, or healthier kids who are on the mend.  All three made it to school this morning and seemed to be feeling good.  We even managed to make it through the day without any calls from the schools requesting a pick up of a sickly child.  After a very long week last week this was a welcome day. 

I got a call from Natalie later in the day and in her partially lost voice, sounding weak and sickly she requested I come home.  She had just thrown up in the living room.  I did not want to hear this and my reply was something a long the lines of "say it ain't so" or "are you kidding me?"  Well, she wasn't kidding and suddenly I completely lacked the desire to head home.  I did not want to walk in to a pile of puke.  I invited Natty to clean it but she was not interested.  I had a few more things to do at the Brick House.  After getting home I learned that Natty had actually cleaned up her puke.  Wonderful, wonderful news.  Unfortunately she is down and out of it again though she is getting much needed rest.   

I Will Choose the Right

I believe the theme for the Cedar 8th Ward Primary was something along the lines of I Will Choose the Right.  That program was today and it was actually a very good Primary program.  There was a wonderful spirit and certainly the confirming witness of the spirit that truth was being taught. 

Andy had a bit of a rough time.  He was very involved with his chair.  Constantly up and down.  Well, he sang along with some of the songs.  He said his part, I never actually got his part for the program so we didn't have a chance to practice here.  I actually couldn't understand much of what he said.  I think it had something to do with praying.  I was happy to see him involved.

Jack got his part down and he also was very much involved with the program and all of the singing.  He really did a great job.   I was moved by his involvement and his enthusiasm for the program.  It gives you hope when you see your children doing good.  Well, it gave me hope anyway.     

Dusting

We got a little snow last night.  Very thankful that it was just a little snow.  I don't know that I am ready to wield the snow shovel right now.  I think perhaps I am just a bit tired from a week of sickly children.  I need to get ready for that snow though.  It will be here soon.  That is okay, I will be ready for it and grateful for what it provides the land. 

Although it was just a dusting there was one AndyBoy that really wanted to go sledding.  I said know a few times and then I said why.  He didn't like being told no and he carried on and on.  Once I explained why we wouldn't be out playing in the snow he accepted it and we didn't discuss it again.  The why was that he has been sick all week with a cough and sore throat.  Going out and playing in the cold would not help the cough and would only make it worse.  He cannot miss more school next week because I lest him go outside to play in the snow today.  It just seemed to click and it was nice not to have to continue to say no. 

I am completely exhausted and will close this out.  I am feeling a bit sickly tonight and am hoping it is just exhaustion and not what the kids have had.  I really don't have time for that, not even a dusting. 

Long Week

It has been a very long week for me.  It is not that the days have dragged on it is that the kids have been sick all week.  I managed to get Andy to school today for the first time this week.  Oh my goodness.  It probably wouldn't have hurt to have had him home again today but he really needed to be there.  I believe his day was good though our discussion on the matter has been limited by him sleeping.  He is so tired.  Jack has also been sleeping all evening.  Natty was home today from school and she is feeling pretty crummy.  Wow, it is exhausting trying to place dad nurse to all the kids. Anyhow, this has made the week long.  Hopefully we are getting through it and hopefully I don't come down with it.  I really don't want to make it a long two weeks. 

It's Read!

Jack just came up stairs, after he was supposed to be sleeping, and said he needed me to tell him a story so he could go to sleep.  Is he trying to say my stories are just boring enough to help him fall asleep?  No, he usually laughs at them, remembers them and wants me to share them over and over again.  So there I was searching my mind for a story to tell.  A few days ago as I was pondering things a story from my mission popped in my head and made me think about listening to and acting on the promptings of the spirit.  Here's the story.

I was driving to a Zone Conference one day in Port Elizabeth with my companion, Elder Travis Youngberg, a former companion Elder Justin Merrill and his companion Elder Lee Donly.  Elder Youngberg and Elder Donly were both new missionaries and Elder Merrill and I were training them.  They were both practicing scriptures they had learned and we were working to get Elder Donly prepared for his first Zone Conference.  Elder Donly was reciting a scripture and I was watching him periodically through the rear view, it allowed me to feel a little more connected.  Well Donly was doing a good job on one and Merrill starts saying "it's read, it's read, it's read"  and I was like; Dude, so he's reading it, big deal..."  I then looked up and realized that Merrill was telling me that the light was red as we came skidding to a halt in the intersection.  Slightly embarrassed and very lucky.  there was no cross traffic. 

Jack thought that story was hilarious and he had a good laugh.  I'm certain to be sharing it with him again soon.  Anyhow, sometimes the Spirit is telling us something and we simply fail to hear or understand. Sometimes we look up just at the right time and and suddenly the message makes sense.  Well, I hope that I can hear the word of the Lord clearly and act on the things he would have me do.     

Pray That America Wins

This was not my favorite election.  It was really a hard one and a difficult loss last night.  I don't talk a lot of politics in the home, it just isn't a big topic of discussion with a 12, 8 and 6 year old.  We talked about the Presidential race and we discussed Obama and Romney.  The kids knew that I was voting for Romney.  They knew my feelings about him, of his goodness and his character.  They also knew that I am not the biggest fan of Obama.  I don't believe that he has been a good leader for our country.  Last night when the race was called for Obama I was not happy and the kids knew that.  Jack wasn't happy either and he said a few things about Obama that I might have said sometime in the past.  I am not sure.  I do know that it was not something I really wanted him going to school and saying and I also felt it important that the kids understand that we pray for the leaders of our country, even Obama, especially Obama.  In that conversation this morning Jack caught on pretty well.  Andy was pretty angry about Obama and said something that was less than nice.  I sat with him for a bit and told him how much I love him.  We talked about how sometimes we lose, we hope to win but things don't always go our way.  We prayed that Mitt would win the election.  He did not.  We need to pray for the leaders of our country, including Obama and we specifically need to pray that our country, that America wins.  A little while later little Andy, who is still sick as can be, looked up to me and with a very sweet voice said "Dad, I prayed for our country in my mind, that it can win".  He was so sincere and I am grateful for his tender heart. 

Ballot Casting

A quick update on the boys - still sick.  Spent the day with Grandma.  Thanks Ma for taking them.  They are in bed now. Medicated.  Blessed.  Prayed over.  We approach tomorrow with optimism that they will be on the mend and ready to head back to school. 

On to today.  I looked forward all day to the opportunity to go and vote.  It is election day in The United States of America and we have the opportunity as a nation to let our voices be heard.  Around 5:30 or so, after picking the boys up from Grandma, I made my way over to South Elementary School to cast my ballot.  As I returned home I sat and pondered our right to vote and I thought about being on mission in South Africa in 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected President.  I was reminded of the great privilege it is to vote.  I shared the following:

It is always a pleasure to cast my ballot. I can't help but think about the elections of 1994 in South Africa when I watched a people who had never been allowed to vote before line up for two days to cast their ballots. They cherished that opportunity as do I.

We live in a wonderful country.  I am grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and the rights that are ours.  I am grateful to have voted today.

In light of those thoughts let me also express my tremendous sadness.  It would appear as if the candidate I voted for, Mitt Romney, will not win the election.  It has been called for President Obama.  I hope for some sort of a miracle to take place that news stations called it too early and that when the final votes have been counted the results will be different.  I shutter to think what four more years of President Obama will bring to our country.  

As I knelt at Andy's bedside and said my prayers I thought about our great country.  We are more then the person that serves as President.  We are Americans and we can accomplish great things.  We are not subject to a ruler or dictator, we are free to do great things and we should.  In the great game of politics the leader will try to take claim for what we as a people accomplish.  I can tell you that our little business employs 11 people and I'll be damned if I give the credit for those jobs to President Obama.  He has nothing to do with it.  He is not the one taking the risk, not the one working for pennies and certainly has no skin in the game.  The reality is we chose to take the risk as do all entrepreneurs who go out and try to make something more of themselves.  No one man can rob us of that right.  We can choose to sit and do nothing or press forward, working hard to make this country great.  That, I guess, is the pep talk I had to give myself as I shared my feelings with the Lord - well, I didn't say the part about "I'll be damned" in my conversation there with the Lord.  That was just a little creative licence to add a little drama to the blog. 

This is all I have for tonight.  I wish there were more Americans who cast ballots similar to mine.  I know there are quite a few that did and hope that each of us will see fit to do all we can to make this country great, to keep this country great.   

Little Andy Man

My Little Andy Man is sick today, Jack is also though he seems to be on the mend.  Andy seemed okay this morning, no fever but his cough was bad and he just had a look like he was coming down with something.  Indeed he was.  Our friend Annie came over and watched both the boys while I went to work.  She was working from home today and said it wouldn't be a problem.  What a tremendous help that was.  She sent a text around 2 and  said Jack was getting better and Andy was out cold and not feeling well.  I got home and held Andy for a bit.  He has been out of it most of the night, just laying down, doing nothing.  He is a good boy and it is hard to see him hurting.  As a father I wish I could take away whatever pain he is experiencing.  I felt that strongly just a bit ago as we were reading scriptures and I was looking at him there on the floor under his blankets and resting.  Perhaps it provides just a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father must feel when he sees our suffering, our pain.  I can hold Andy, comfort him and be with him and isn't that what our Heavenly Father does for us?  Through the gift of the Holy Ghost we find comfort, we find strength and we feel the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior for us.  I am grateful for that companionship and that blessing in my life.  I am grateful for and love each of my children.  What a blessing they are in my life.   

Sorry Dad

Fast and Testimony meeting today.  It was a good meeting.  Jack got up and shared his testimony.  We were sitting on the front row.  He opened "I would like to share my testimony, I know the church is true..."  then he paused, patted his head, looked down at me, I gave him a thumbs up.  He then leaned forward and whispered to me "I don't know what to say".  I whispered back "Say whats in your heart" and I patted my heart.  He then said "I know the Holy Ghost helps us do what's right" (or something along those lines) and he closed.  Grateful for his testimony and his strength. 

After Sacrament meeting Jack said to me he wasn't feeling good.  He was hot.  I thought he was tired and wasn't excited about going to primary.  I encouraged him to go to class and to get a little drink on his way.  Andy and I practiced his scripture for primary and then we headed out of the chapel.  Andy wanted to go through the cultural hall so we did.  There was Jack hanging out by the stage.  He saw us and said "Sorry dad, I tried to get to the bathroom but I threw up on the floor".  There was no way he was serious... oh no, he was serious.   When will I learn that Jack is not one to make something up?  I need to be a little more in tune with what he says. 

Brother Dunford, Brother Garfield and Brother Dotson were handling the clean up.  I am grateful for that.  I took Jack into the bathroom and discovered Brother Taylor was in there cleaning his sons pants.  Apparently his son was in the splash zone.  I felt bad.  It is never to fun to clean up puke, your own, your child's and especially someone else puke off of your child.  I have not had that experience and would prefer not to. 

Jack apologized to just about everyone for not making it to the bathroom.  He was on the phone with his mom tonight and telling one of her friends the story.  He talked about not knowing that he could break the rule of no running in the halls at church if he needed to get to the bathroom.  Oh my.  You see what I mean?  I should take the words that come out of his mouth literally.  They are exactly what he feels.  So Jack there is no need for you to apologize to me.  You did your part.  I didn't do mine and it is I that needs to apologize to you. 

Return to Red Cliffs

It has been a fabulous day.  We made a return trip back to Red Cliffs.  This was our third visit to the park over the last two years and we enjoyed it quite a bit. I just realized something, Andy made the entire hike by himself without whining or asking to be carried.  It occurred to me while pondering our other visits while typing just now that I had to carry Andy a lot.  What a welcome change that added to the overall enjoyment of the day.  Not that the other trips were not enjoyable but this one was even more so.

We went further back than we have in the past.  A benefit of the kids getting older and the fact that we have done some pretty tough hikes that have allowed us to develop a bit more skill.  Anyway, we got up to some neat areas with rock that just kind of rippled on itself.  The stream continued back through some tight rock formations and we climbed up above and were able to look down.  I would have loved to continue following it back but the kids didn't want to continue and it was a little rougher.  I do think I will go back again on my own and follow it back as far as I can go. 

Here are some pics of the kids.  The first is the three of them standing on the rippled rock. 
 

 

Jack was taking a hard look at this pool thinking about getting in.  He didn't but he wanted to.

I have a picture of Andy in this little cave from a previous trip.  This time he wanted to get a picture of himself looking out this little hole. 

Here is Natty sitting up on top of a little rock cliff over looking a little area where we sat and played for a while. 

 

 

Andy was all about the photo ops today.  He demanded I take this shot.  Such a funny kid.  





 

Did I mention Andy was all about the photos? 

 

This is the first waterfall and the kids played around the are and this pool for quite a while.  They all ended up in the water eventually and wet from the waist down.  They had a great time though. 

 

 

It was a lot of fun getting out and about with the kids.  They loved it too and that was great.  I don't know that we will be out on a trail again next Saturday.  I don't want to over do it.  I think they got tired and needed a break so perhaps we will look at every other week or so and see how they respond to that.  Still a lot more to go and see and do.  We need to get back into Zion and I still want to get to the Grand Canyon.  I can say that for me it was very therapeutic.  I love being out there exploring, seeing new things and enjoying the beauty of the earth.  

More Good News

So hey, we got a call back today about the space we were hoping for.  Apparently the owner was up half the night thinking about it and would rather have us there.  That is good news.  It is exciting news.  We are quite hopeful that this will allow us the opportunity to expand into more catering, sell more of our prepared products like jam and fudge, host group meetings and simply draw in more business. 

It is funny how things work sometimes.  Had the power company not come earlier in the week and told us the power would be shut off in 30 days because of the meter problem it prompted us to look.  In looking pops found out about this location.  A deal that was in place stalled, got re energized after we expressed interest and then the owner just felt strongly we should go in.  There are little things that we can look at and say it was luck or coincidence or we can look and see the hand of the Lord in our lives.  I choose to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in our lives. 

If all works out we will be able to prepare the location this month and be in by December 1st.  That is pretty exciting stuff.  Definitiely good news. 

Business Awards

We had a bit of good news to finish up the day after having some rough news earlier in the day.  The rough news had to do with what we thought was going to be a new location for the LBH.  After agreeing to move forward another party was contacted that had shown interest but stalled.  They committed to moving forward themselves and we were pushed back.  Kind of a raw deal.  The owner is giving them a couple of days to sign docs and if nothing is done he will get back with us.  So I guess we'll see what happens there. 

So now the good news.  We were nominated for a couple of awards this year; Business of the Year and Best Customer Service.  Last year we came in second place for New Business of the Year.  I said at that award dinner that we needed to win Best Customer Service this year.  I felt strongly that we could do that.  Well, we were nominated but it doesn't appear that we won that category.  We did however win the Business of the Year.  We are all pretty excited about it.  It is gratifying to have that come to pass.  It has certainly required a lot of work, long hours, sacrifice and all the other stuff that goes into it.  We will have to set out to win again next year and hope to take home the trophy for Best Customer Service as well.

I hope I don't sound prideful here like we are the best.  I don't know that we are.  There is room for improvement, lots of improvement.  It is nice to see efforts pay off but it doesn't afford us the luxury of believing we have somehow arrived.  No, we need to constantly press forward with a fixed determination to do our very best each day and to provide each customer with an exceptional experience.  It can be a challenge.  It is a challenge  The other thing we need to do is have faith that as we do the very best that we can and if our motives are righteous, the Lord will help us to be successful.