Who Really Likes It?

Blind Dating... who really likes it anyway?  I don't but maybe it's that I just struggle with dating period.  I was approached by my sister in law Sara the other day.  She shared a text she received somewhat randomly from an acquittance.  The subject - her brother in law that is almost 40 and single and how he feels about blind dates.  My response to that was more of a look like death was upon me.  Anxiety.  That is what blind dates mean to me.  Anxiety.  I am not a fan of it.  Anxiety.  I would rather not subject myself to it.  Anxiety.  I will probably end up being single for the rest of my life.  Anxiety.  I wonder how online dating compares? 

Truthfully, I can do it.  I can go on a blind date but if the seeing eye dog is a drool-er I am in trouble because I am really allergic to dog saliva.  I will end up a sneezing mess and that just doesn't go over well on a first date or any date for that matter.

So hey, in other news.   I just ate a delicious strawberry treat.  I put frozen strawberries in a bowl, added my favorite calorie free sweetener and let them sit.  After a while I put a bit of milk on them and again let them sit.  when the berries began to soften a bit I poured in a bit of milk and then mixed it up for a time.  It kind of made a personal bowl of ice cream.  I liked it.  I liked it a lot more than questions about how I feel about blind dating.   

Adding Light

Working away slicing tomatoes at the LBH this morning when suddenly the kitchen got quite a bit darker.  It really felt weird and I was missing the light.  We didn't have any bulbs or a ladder of sufficient height for us to reach the light fixtures so we spent the day working in a much darker kitchen.  I asked Dan if he would get some bulbs for us and then get my ladder from the house.  He was happy to do it.  Grateful for Dan's willingness to serve and help out when needed.  You're a good man my brother Dan. 

After things slowed down I went about changing the bulbs only to find out the ballast was toast.  I checked the next light fixture and found it was bad in that one as well.  So it was off to Home Depot in search of a couple of ballasts.  Fortunately they had what I needed so I went about changing ballasts.  The great news is that it worked.  Light was restored to the kitchen and it was wonderful.  I then went through and changed the bulbs in other fixtures that were burned out.  It really looks great, bright and uplifting. 

Funny it is kind of like the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We learn that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and yet it is so easy to avoid him.  Our lives, our spirits suffer and grow dim.  We distance ourselves from the Savior.  That is not a good place to be in.  Fortunately we have the ability to buy and install lights and ballasts, we can repent of our wrong ways and be reconciled to God.  We can be forgiven and our bodies filled with light, even the light of Christ. 

I much prefer to work in the light. 

Seconds and Thirds

A couple of months ago Jack was given his Pinewood Derby kit at the Cub Scout Pack Meeting.  He was very excited and started looking at designs and online videos about the derby.  He came up with a design he calls the Shark Tooth and was all about it.  I tried to persuade him to do a locomotive theme but got nowhere.  So we opened the kit and I gave him his block of wood.  He drew Shark Tooth.  I suggested one or two alterations and he agreed, then we cut it out.  The Pinewood Derby was tonight.  I was concerned that if he didn't win he was going to have a very difficult time.  We reveiewed good sportsmanship as we left for the races.  I was confident he would do fine. 

Jack never won a race.  His first won he came in third.  His next two races he came in second followed by a third place finish and then another second place to wrap up his races.  With every race he was very excited.  It didn't matter to him that he didn't win, he was just having a ball and he was cheering on the others.  He really did a fantastic job and I was proud of him. 

Seconds and Thirds don't really have to be hard things.  It's okay not to win.  Big Jack, you handled yourself very well.  You are a wonderful young man.  Thank you for your excelelnt example. 

Here are a few pics.   

Brick House Love Story

One of my favorite couples came in today and had lunch at The Little Brick House.  This is a great couple.  I remember the first time they came in shortly after we opened.  They were impressed with the food and so I wasn't too surprised when they came back again, and again.  I went to a singles fireside a year ago and they were there.  I figured they served in a calling to work with the singles.  As we talked that night they told me that this would be their last singles activity because they were getting married.  I had no idea.  Anyway, turns out that their first date was at The Little Brick House.  Pretty dang fantastic if you ask me.  I don't know their names but that doesn't matter, they are good people and I love them. 

The last two times they have come in he has gotten choked up and emotional when talking about the business.  He was wishing us great success today and was extremely sincere.  He told me that he really means that and then, while fighting back tears told me he doesn't say that to anyone.  It is a special place for them.  I am grateful for that.  Grateful that I know these people, only by face but I know them and I love that they have a Brick House Love Story. 

Hospital Visit

This evening I was going to head to the hospital to visit with pops for a few minutes and see how he is doing.  Jack really wanted to come with me so we headed out.  In saying that I am not saying that Natty and Andy didn't also want to go - they did.  I just didn't know what visiting hours were or if they would let kids go back and visit.  They opted to stay home and would come tomorrow night when we knew more.  We actually arrived after visiting hours but the nurse didn't have a problem with us going in to visit. Thank you nurse. 

When we entered the room pops was asleep.  I almost said to Jack that we would go and come back tomorrow but decided we could sit for a few minutes in case he woke up.  As we started towards the little couch in the room he woke up and we were able to visit.  Jack did all the talking.  Jack also told pops one of his new favorite jokes about a blind man that went bungee jumping.  Did you hear about that guy?  Yeah, it scared the heck our of his dog.  Grandpa started laughing at that one to the point where he was wheezing and coughing.  Jack promptly told him to settle down.  I think he was a little nervous when the coughing started.  Anyhow, all is well.  The visit was good and pops is feeling better than he did on Friday.  Looking at a couple more days in the hospital. 

The Old Building

This morning I went to help on an assignment to clean out some of the remaining items from the old 2nd 8th ward building.  A lot has happened since we vacated the building.  It has gone through a little asbestos removal, had sheet rock torn out, most of the pews removed, stain glass removed, the pipe organ removed, doors removed and a number of other things removed as well.  I went downstairs to look for any additional chairs that we were moving today and discovered a room I didn't know existed there behind the primary room.  I knew there was a room because the discovery of foundation issues came to light when people were looking at that room to expand the primary room.  At least I think that was it.  I thought that room was just to the side and not very big.  I was wrong.  It was actually to the back and the room appeared to be the same size as the primary room and then some.  I know this is really exciting for anyone reading this post.  I guess that's what happens when I put my journal on a blog.  I was excited about it, fascinated by it anyway.  I like buildings and so being able to see the original building, to see where additions were made with different materials and to explore for just a couple of minutes was fun.  I snapped a couple of shots on my phone to try and capture a bit of a feel for what was there. 

 

 

Anyhow, we moved tables and chairs to a few different buildings in Cedar.  We also loaded up a bunch of stuff to go to DI.  There were some long tables that we walked out to a shed in the lower parking lot.  That was a workout.  I teamed up with Ron Cardon for two loads and then Jake Whetman for two more.  My forearms are dead right now and have been since about halfway through that first load.  I should do that more often.  I'd have Popeye-ish forearms in no time.  Brutal.  It was good to get out and do, to help, to answer the call.  It was good to associate with others there serving.  It was good to see the building one last time before it gets demolished.  It is the oldest Church building in Cedar.  There have been so many wonderful things that have taken place in that building that have blessed the lives of the saints and others.  It is hard to believe that it is going to be gone in the near future. 

 

So we bid farewell to the old building.  Grateful for the experiences I had there.   

Emergency Surgery

When I got home from walking the boys to school Jay was walking down the front walk.  He said mom was trying to reach me and that Dave ended up calling him trying to reach me as well.  Jay informed me that pops was having some challenges.  Lets just say that pops has had a rough day.  Apparently he found himself in a tremendous amount of pain this morning.  There was pain in his stomach as well as in his shoulders.  It was not minor pain.  It was severe.  To the point that he was rocking back and forth on the bed, unable to bear it, unable to be rid of it.  They took him into the hospital after receiving a Priesthood blessing.  Apparently after receiving the blessing he fell asleep for a while but when he awoke he was still in pain.  That is when they took him in. 

That is all I knew all day as Dave and I worked and Mom and Amy were at the hospital.  I had to run home to take care of a couple things in the afternoon and when I got back to The Little Brick House they were there.  Mom filled me in on some details and let me know that pops was in emergency surgery, surgery that was exploratory in nature as the doctors could not find out what was wrong through cat scans.  They had to go inside.  Well, that was going to take a couple hours.  That time passed and what they found was a hole in his intestine.  They sewed it up and said he should be just fine.  Pretty amazing. 

Mom had blessing at the same time dad got one.  She managed to make it through the day with a certain amount of peace and comfort.  I think about that situation and I am grateful for those priesthood brothers who answered the call to serve and to bless.  It is a comforting thing for me.  I went through the day with a certain amount of peace as well.  After I visited with Jay I came in the house and I prayed, I pondered, I was accepting of whatever would take place and I felt that everything would be fine.  Very grateful tonight that it was. 

Craig and Ed

Two of our biggest fans at The Little Brick House are Craig and Ed.  There are 52 Wednesdays in a year and we probably saw them on 49 of those last year, several of them the year before that and we have yet to miss a Wednesday this year.  Craig has a sandwich named after himself which is a Philly that we add raw onion on after along with banana peppers.  They both love it.  Craig can't eat it right now because the doctor has him on a special diet so he is getting a Muffalatta and Ed orders the Craig just to rub it in.  Craig and Ed are two of the local sanitation workers, garbage men if you will.  We love em.  They have some fantastic stories and are a lot of fun. 

Last week we were talking about kids and got on to Jack and how he loves everything mechanical.  We talked about how he loves to watch informative videos about trains, tractors, trucks, airplanes, boats and anything else you might think of.  He loves it.  He has been really in to this video that details the latest Volvo semi truck and when he turns 16 that will be the truck for him.  He's moved up from the RV he wanted.  Any how Craig and Ed and I got on the topic of their trucks.  They were filling me in on some of the maintenance and other things that go on in taking care of the trucks.  It is pretty amazing.  When it comes to the oil they said you aren't talking quarts, it's gallons.  In the process of conversation Craig offered to let the boys climb up in the truck and honk the horn if we ever see him out and about.  I figured both Jack and Andy would get a kick out of that. 

This morning it just so happened that Craig was in our neighborhood.  They rotate so it isn't always him.  The boys and I were walking to school when he came around the corner.  He saw me, stopped the truck and the boys got to climb aboard one at a time and honk the mighty horn.  It's one of those horns you pull on.  Jack nailed it and then Andy had his turn.  He pushed the center of the stirring wheel but nothing happened.  Craig showed him what to do and he tugged on that horn.  I'm sure the neighbors were wondering what the heck was going on.  While Andy was up in the truck Jack looked at me and with a big grin and lots of excitement informed me that this was a sanitation vehicle.The boys had huge smiles on their faces as did Craig.  It was a fun moment and made the rest of the walk to school fun as well.

I am grateful for good people like Craig and Ed who do simple things that brighten up our lives.

Bear Arms

Bear Arms - I'm not talkin Polar, Brown, Panda, Koala, Black or Grizzly.  Nope.  Talking the 2nd amendment for a moment.  There is a full court press by the current administration to limit the second amendment rights of the American people.  I don't do a lot of political chit chat but thought I would say a thing or two.  Here is the language of the Second Amendment.

As passed by the Congress:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

As ratified by the States and authenticated by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State:

A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

 

I don't personally have a gun.  It is not that I don't like guns or have anything against them.  I do not.  I like to shoot.  I think it is a great thing.  I remember going on a camp out with my friend Matt Wooley and his family back when I was in 5th grade.  His dad brought his hand gun and he taught me how to shoot.  We took turns shooting at bars of soap and cans.  I loved it.  For my 11th birthday Matt and his family gave me a little Daisy air rifle.  They had gotten permission from the folks.  What a gun.  I spent a lot of time with that Daisy air rifle.  It was a basic BB gun.  I used to set up can pyramids in the back yard and practice shooting over and over again.  I have a lot of friends who have guns.  I've gone out shooting with them.  I've shot skeet with the Scouts and with friends and family.  I really enjoy guns and yet I don't have one. 

I don't know why I don't have one.  I've thought about getting a shotgun of my own.  I've thought about a handgun.  I've thought about a little 22 with a multiple round magazine.  That was a really fun gun to shoot.  I have thought a lot about gun ownership but I have never pulled the trigger when it came to getting one.  I thought that line fit pretty well for this topic.  I know, I'm a dork.  Anyhow, I think that I have reservations on bringing a gun into the house when I have little boys around.  I think about them coming across it and some sort of accident happening.  Obviously there are measures that responsible gun owners take that would prevent something like that from happening but it is one of those things that crosses my mind.  There will be a right time and I will know when that time is.

Lately I've been feeling like the time is upon me.  With what is happening in our Country right now the right of the people to keep and bear Arms is being infringed upon.  I don't have a gun currently for my own reasons but I certainly don't have a problem with neighbors and friends carrying guns or owning guns.  Responsible gun ownership is a right that we have as a people and it needs to be protected.  Whether we have guns for the joy of shooting or we keep them for protection matters not.  What matters is our right to keep and bear arms. 

Wrastlin

After dinner tonight we had a lot to do.  We had to make a trip to the store, we had homework to do and we had our other nightly routines.  Andy had other things in mind.  He just wanted to do a little wrestling.  We did.  It was a good old rowdy wrastlin match.  Soon Jack joined in and it was the boys vs. dad.  I let them have there way with me and served as a trampoline, a crash test dummy, a punching bag and whatever else takes a good beating.  Every now and again when they thought they were winning I would unleash a little fury, perhaps the tickle claw or the pinchers of death would make a quick visit.  It was good times.  The repeated kicking of my back didn't feel so bad.  It was almost relaxing.  I've never had a massage before so I can't say it was like that but it wasn't bad.  We had a good time. 

Well, I can say this.  I am officially wiped out.  All that wrastlin can do that to a guy. 

Story Time

It was one of those nights when bedtime routine got delayed.  I was about to reach my limit and then I walked into the boys room.   There I found Jack reading a book to Jacob his stuffed weiner dog.  Apparently Jacob was enjoying the story.  I stopped, smiled and let Jack continue reading.   I love that he did it all by himself.

Andy heard Jack reading and when he knew what Jack was doing he wanted to do the same..  I got him a book he had written as well as Mario and another little stuffed beagle whose name I cannot recall at the moment.  Anyway, he went ahead and read his story.  It was a great little moment.

 

Now both are sleeping soundly.  Hopefully the prolonged bedtime routines will have no effect on the morning routines.  Perhaps they will and I will again test my patience.  I am sure we will be just fine. 
And with that, my bedtime routine is now over and I will retire for the day. 

A Little Singing

Last week after church Lucinda Duncan asked if I was going to stay for choir practice.  Well, no.  When church is over I want to get the kids home.  Keeping them later without anything to do while I attend a choir practice is likely not going to go well.  I brought them home and decided whilst doing so that I would go back and join in a little singing.  The choir was practicing Abide With Me Tis Eventide.  I took my normal position in the bass section and began learning the line.  It was a good choir practice.  I enjoy the choir director Kyle Bishop.  He and I are about the same age and he comes in to the LBH regularly.  Really a neat guy.  Anyhow the performance was today.  I was relieved when going up that more male voices had been added to the choir.  At the practice there were 2 basses and 2 tenors.  We had at least 4 of each today.  The song went well, we sang it acapella.  I quite enjoyed being able to do that.  Singing in the bass section of the choir is one of those things I just really like to do. 

I didn't grow up singing.  I don't know why, I just didn't.  There were a few things that I did but nothing formal.  No school choirs or anything like that.  I do remember singing in a youth choir when we lived in Hawaii and singing in the Stake Center in Honolulu.  Do they call that a Tabernacle?  I don't remember.  That was a long time ago.  I remember we sang As Zions Youth in Latter Days.  Well, other than that I didn't do much and I didn't know how to read notes.  My first day in the mission field my trainer, Elder Mayer, said to me: "It's time to go to choir practice".  I said something like "That's great, have a good time, I don't sing".  I was then informed that all the missionaries sing and that I would be joining the Bellville Ward Choir.  That is where it began.  For the Beauty of the Earth was the hymn we were singing and for the first time I began to understand notes.  I joined the bass section because it just seemed right and I really started to love singing in a choir at that time. 

Brother C.D. Roode was the choir director in the Bellville Ward.  What a fantastic man.  The second time I served in Bellville the choir did a special musical fireside/video presentation for the Prophet, Ezra Taft Benson.  We sang many of the songs about prophets.  There were special messages from the Bishop and Elders Quorum President.  The entire ward was involved.  It was a gift for President Benson's birthday.  It wasn't too long after that President Benson passed away.  I was grateful to take part in that.  I still remember the bass lines to those hymns today and think about that project and President Benson whenever we sing those hymns. 

The institute choir in Las Vegas was a great choir.  I loved participating there with Brother Steve Shank.  There again the bass section was the place to be.  At least we basses think so.  Mark Hollingshead and Thomas Wadsworth were two of my faithful bass brothers.  I remember when we performed Steven Kapp Perry's Come Oh Come to The House of The Lord.  That is probably the wrong title.  It is something like that and was all about the temple.  What a wonderful program.  We performed it several times.  I had a speaking part that I delivered in my best South African accent.  It was a good time and I enjoyed associating with the members of that choir.   

I am grateful for the times that I have sung in a choir.  I find a lot of joy in doing a little singing.  I think I will do more of it.  I also know there will be a lot more of it to do. 

But Not Today.

I don't really have much to say today.  We enjoyed a fine day at the house today.  I did end up going to the Little Brick House for a bit.  It was a pretty okay day for s Saturday. 

The kids and I did other fun things today like clean.  Decided to clean out the DVD collection.  I decided to toss any second discs.  These are the ones that include special features.  i am sure those are all great and perhaps one day I will miss those, but not today, Is there anyone who actually watches that stuff?   I never have. 

Wow, this is what I am writing about today... purging DVDs.   Sorry friends.  I am exhausted. 

Shake The Tree

Nelson Mahrati Letsoalo always used the phrase "shake the tree".  Who is Nelson Letsoalo?  He was one of my mission companions.  Together we served in the Queenstown Branch in Queenstown, South Africa.  Anyways, "shake the tree", it was one of his favorites anytime someone needed a little correction. 

Today we had to shake the tree with a couple of employees.  It was a fun one, or two.  I think we handled it well and I think we will overcome the challenges that we've had with these employees.  They are both good people who we have enjoyed having on our team and who we have trusted with a lot. There is value in that.  We learned some things about ourselves in the tree shaking experience today and found that not only were there challenges to overcome with employees but also adjustments that we need to make. 

I handled both the reviews and had Amy with me for the first and Dave with me for the second.  Amy will be heading up St. George and needed the experience for when she has to do reviews herself.  Dave doesn't really like moments that require confrontation so he needed to have an opportunity to observe so that he can be more comfortable with it.  I, well, I've had to work with employees a number of times and though it isn't always the most pleasant thing to do, it does get easier.  I don't know if I really showed them a great example, hopefully it was a good example. 

 

And The Winner Is...

Tonight was the Chamber of Commerce night of excellence awards program.  The Little Brick House won the business of the year award. We were honored to win the award and to participate in the evenings events.  There were a number of great organizations and individuals recognized and it was humbling to be counted among them. 

We had 8 tickets to the event and there were 7 of us attending.  The folks, Dave & Dani, Amy & Dan and then me. I couldn't go without a date and didn't have anyone I really wanted to go with so I decided to take one of the finest young ladies that I know.  Thanks Natty for a fun evening.  Always good times on daddy - daughter date.

 

To Be or Not To Be

I live in the Festival City.  The city that hosts the great Shakespearean Festival.  People come from all over to see the plays and enjoy the beauty that is Cedar City and Southern Utah.  With a title like this you might think that I am prepared to deliver some stirring commentary on Shakespeare but the reality is that I am not.  I don't know much about him and my thoughts are not along those lines.  To Be or Not To Be for me tonight is centered on gratitude.  That, I guess, is the question.  Can I find it within myself to count the blessings of my life, the blessings of each day or will I choose to ignore those blessings and acknowledge not the hand of the Lord in my life?  I am sad to report that there are times when I fail to see the blessings, when I ignore them, when I get so caught up in the struggle of daily life that I do not take the time to reflect and see and count.  The song says "When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done."  I need to remember that, I need TO BE grateful even when life is hard.  I can choose NOT TO BE and in so doing will miss out on much of the beauty and splendor that is life.  To be or not to be grateful will determine whether I find joy, true and lasting joy, in this life or not. 

JD4

Natalie was the recipient of Just Dance 4 for Christmas.  Do I even need to continue?  Yes, I play the game.  Yes, I look like a fool.  No, I don't care.  We have a lot of fun even though I lose to her quite often.  The little detail that is missed in all of this is that she plays it a lot more than I and she has the moves down pretty well.  I do hold my own on a couple of songs.  The Rock Lobster, I dominate.  Some, and I am embarrassed to say this, some Justin Bieber song I somehow dominate on, I did take it to her on a Rhianna song, don't ask me how that happened.  There are a handful of others that I manage to do well on.  There are a few songs that I try to beat her on but simply cannot do it.  There is something about having moves like Jagger and I have had her beat a few times right up to the last move which is a power move and I miss it and she gets it and I lose.  Well, that's okay.  I am still trying to take her down on a Flo Rida song, a J Lo song, something called Mr. Saxobeat and there are others.  It isn't looking real good though.  We have fun, we laugh, did I mention I look like a fool?  The boys are right in there playing too so it is a good family activity. 

I still have bragging rights on Just Dance 3 but it seems to be missing...  One of these days I will get a little practice in and then give Natty a run for her money on JD4.  I do have to say it is a bit comical.  Natty demands her space and so the boys and I are crowded in a little area all together.  We're crashing into each other all the time.  We're like the Three Stooges of dance or just really bad back up dancers to Natty.  Whatever the case it is one of our nightly rituals now.  We get done with homework, do a little dancing and then move on to scripture reading and other night time routines.  I'd love to say it really sets the tone but I don't want to push this testimonial over the top.  We'll settle for having a fun time as a family.   

Downer of a Day

Had some struggles today, feeling low, feeling down on myself.  Sometimes I just get tired.  Sometimes I struggle to have a lot of hope.  Sometimes I feel alone.  I was in the middle of trying to work today and all I wanted to do was leave, get away from things.  I couldn't.  I was standing there making hot chocolate and cider for customers and praying that I could keep it together.  I don't really remember what happened after that, just moved on to the next order, moved on to who knows what?  My head cleared and somehow I had enough peace of mind to carry on. 

When I was visiting with the counselor back in the days of trying to salvage the marriage, Sharon said to me that she was worried about how I would carry on.  I was in the middle of making the hardest decisions of my life, the most painful ones.  Each day tested my resolve to stay positive and there were days when I failed those tests. I fail those tests today.  Anyway, the worry was about how I would respond to the rejection that I went through.  I thought I would manage fine.  I think some days I am just that, fine.  Other days I am not.  I carry a burden on my shoulders from those times that leaves me feeling of no worth, unworthy of any sort of relationship now or in the future.  I was not good enough and I fear I will not be good enough for anyone and that is the burden I carry.  I don't know if this is what Sharon was concerned about but there are times when this haunts me, some days it is a struggle.

There isn't really time to stay weighed down.  I have to come home, put dinner on, do homework with the kids and make sure everything in the home is okay and progressing.  We manage.  Here I was typing this post and Andy woke up, came over to me, climbed in my lap, rested his head on my chest and patted me on the back as if to say "it's okay dad, you'll be fine".  Sometimes that's just what I need to push forward, to carry on, to get over myself. 

Charity Never Faileth

I like to attend Gospel Principles for the Sunday School hour of church and today the lesson was on Charity.  In the lesson there was a question posed about the story of the Good Samaritan and also those that passed by.  It was something along the lines of what kind of people were they.  Anyway, I had to wonder where would I have fit in. what choices would I make if I were to come across someone in need.  Perhaps this is why we are invited to pray that we can have charity, that we might be filled with it, even the pure love of Christ.  So much to work on personally.  I think my charity goes in spurts.  I need to be a little more charitable... all the time. 

Rare

The theme over the last couple of months has been work, work, work.  That's not an official theme but it appropriately describes life for me.  Today was a rarity as I didn't actually go into work.  I had to handle one small situation involving movie tickets this evening but that wasn't me being there.  Natty was gone on the cam pout and I hung out with the boys.  We slept in a bit, almost made it to 9.  That was welcome.  I ran for a while on the elliptical after that and got in a bit of exercise.  Other then that it kept pretty basic.  We did go over to Dani's baby shower which Natty attended and the boys and I played games in the cultural hall.  We flew paper airplanes and both the boys seemed to enjoy that. 

There really isn't all that much to report.  The day was simple.  it was rare to be sure but it was great.  Every now and then having a day with no agenda  can be rather relaxing.  I recommend it and hope I can do it a little more often. 

Camping Out

Natalie went on a winter camp out with the Young Women tonight.  They were heading to the Thorley's cabin and would be snow shoeing in.  She was very excited about it.  When I got home from work she had already left so I ran over to the Thorleys to see her off.  We had a nice little chat and a hug and then we were off... until I got a call a few minutes later because she needed a different jacket.  Anyhow, she was all taken care of and I am hoping she is quite well and warm tonight. 

The boys and I have had a bit of an evening ourselves.  We went night sledding per their request.  It was a good time. I used Natalie's sled and was soaked by the time we were done.  The boys also wanted to have a bit of a camp out of their own.  I had to get the sleeping bags out for them as well and after scriptures we had a few stories.  They are all camped out in my room.  Andy is at the foot of the bed and Jack is situated at the side.  Funny boys.  Grateful for these sweet children.

 

Back to the Swamp

Truly one misses the beautiful beaches when the leave Florida.  One also misses the swamp - which was just about everywhere.  I did my best to create a little bit of Florida right here in Cedar City.  When I got home from walking Andy to school this morning I poured a bowl of my favorite cereal and looked out the window at the back yard.  I was shocked when I saw a ton of water sitting in the planter area along the back fence.  Then it clicked.  I started hearing a noise yesterday when I got home from work.  I thought it was something with the heater.  I was a little concerned when it was still going this morning.  I turned off the furnace to see if the noise would stop.  It did not.  When I looked out and saw all the water I realized the noise was coming from the sprinkler system.  Last year the landlord turned off the water valve that goes to the sprinklers.  I discovered this morning that he did not do it this year.  I borrowed a T from a neighbor down the road and got it off.  It was quite a bit of water and had flooded over into Jay and Sara's yard then it was also spilling over and into the yard behind us as well.  It was a lot of water and a great reminder of the swamp. 

It was probably a good thing it all came together this morning as tonight we've had just a wee bit of snow.  Everything is covered. Always good to get a little snow when you. 

Pocket Blog

Just pulled out my smart phone and found I was pocket blogging.   I know, pretty dang amazing.  My blogging skills are going through the roof... or through my shorts pocket anyway.  And now my all impressive post:
Kba
Uk ljjmujk.dnlnimul

Roibos

When you serve a mission in South Africa there is one thing you come to know pretty quick, Roibos Tea.  It can be found in just about every members home and you really can't go anywhere without being offered a cup.  Tea is offered in just about every home you go into anyway and we found that many people had Roibos available.  Roibos is church approved for those who are concerned with the topic of conversation here.  It was just over 20 years ago that I had my first cup of Roibos, it was pretty odd at first, a little different.  I quickly grew to quite enjoy the flavor.  It has been just under 18 years since I last had Roibos.  What, scratch that.  I believe Pete brought home a little Roibos so it may be more like 17 years or so since I last had Roibos. 

For Christmas this year Laura gave me a present that was a big package of Roibos.  Wow.  She has a friend at the U who is from South Africa and got her some.  I was quite surprised.  Yesterday I made myself a cup.  I put in the usual sugar and milk and my goodness me, it was like time traveling.  It is a taste that is connected to a 2 year period of my life and I seriously can picture myself sitting with friends in their homes enjoying a cup.  Sister Kitchen in Capetown really comes to mind.  I can see her living room, her family, I remember doing our best to try and draw their attention away from the TV and the soaps they used to watch.  It is quite amazing.  They always served the Roibos with biskets which were always good when they were soaked first. 

I am sitting here right now enjoying a cup, enjoying the smell, enjoying the taste.  I don't have any biscuits but if I did I would probably be enjoying them too.  Makes me want to go find some South African goodies.  There used to be UK Foods and More down in Vegas where we could pick up some stuff.  Some ProNutro or Wheatabix, some Biltong, the assortment of Cadburry chocolate bars and so many other delicious things.  Perhaps I need to locate a supplier because when I run out of this package of Roibos - by the way you roll that R.  Anyway, when I run out of this package of Roibos I would rather not wait 18 years to get it again. 

On the topic of things we don't forget let me just add one quick story.  Jack and I were working on his homework and he stopped me and said "I will never forget that I am a Child of God.  When Satan tries to get me I will just tell him NO!"  I love that.  We have been listening to Jack Christianson when we drive around and he talks on this subject.  Anyhow, I am grateful that this is what Jack picked up and that it is a strength to him and to our family.  Andy was listening in and wanted to do the same. It just makes you feel good as a Parent.   

SpagO's

So it turns out that Andy is a huge fan of SpaghettiO's.  We had a meeting at the LBH yesterday afternoon and as I was leaving I was trying to think of what to do for dinner.  Sometimes it isn't the most exciting thing to be working in the food industry all day only to go home and prepare more food.  I was looking for an easy idea that could not be pizza.  Ma suggested SpaghettiO's for Andy and so I went for it.  He was really excited about it.  Today when I got home I was looking up some information to send to Dave and Andy was all over me about the little SpagO's, I mean he was relentless.  He pulled a can off the shelf (I bought a few cans) and he had it there right in front of me.  I got up to get him some and he reminded me that the can was already there, ready to go.  He wanted them cold - I am also a fan of the cold ones though it has been years since I have eaten them.  I used to eat MonsterGhetti when I was in South Africa.  It was just like SpaghettiO's with a bit of a tin can flavor.  Anyway, glad to know that Andy has a love for SpaghettiO's and I will try and keep him stocked up. 

I'm sure that will be fine with everyone else but only if he applies recycling practices on those cans.  Jack went to scouts today and learned about recycling.  He taught us all about making sure we cut the plastic holders that a six pack of soda comes in.  Apparently the birds get into those things and choke themselves.  We can't have that. 

In other random recycling world news - we have to decide if we're gong to live in a clean world or a dirty world.  In India people are pulling things out of the dump, and food.  That's disgusting.  Well, that's what I learned from big Jack today.  He's a new Recycling Recruit, he's pretty excited about it.  He and Andy will make a great team.  Andy will eat the contents of the can and Jack can recycle them.  Fantastic. 

One other note of the day.  At dinner Jack didn't come in to join us.  He decided that he was going to fast.  Natalie eventually asked him what he was fasting about - his reply "That I can be closer to Jesus".  That a boy.  Well done.    

Submarines

The kids are all bathed and in bed.  Fantastic.  Everyone was back in school this morning so my day started a little earlier than it has over the last couple of weeks.  It wasn't too bad of a morning.  A little resistance from Andy but that is typical.  Jack was a little slow getting out of bed.  When I woke him up I asked him if he'd like me to sing a song.  He did.  I sang When the Saints Come Marching In.  Don't even know if that is the tune title.  No matter, Jack gave me a thumbs up for my efforts.  Anyhow, everyone had a good day. 

So, bath time.  Jack was in the tub and just chatting it up about random things.  Perfect Turbines was something he kept talking about.  Not sure why exactly but they were on his mind.  I was in my room folding some laundry and then Jack says "I just farted in the tub.  It's like a submarine.  When submarines are under the water air bubbles will come up from them.  We all know a regular submarine would not fit in this bath".  Now see, this is all very good information to have. 

   

Resuscitation and Testimony

My goodness, it has been a fun one.  Back to 9 AM church this morning and all was well except that I failed to get Jack up at 5 AM as he had requested.  When I got him up at 7:45 he was angry at the late hour and refused to get out of bed.  There just isn't a lot I can do when he gets like that so I told him he had 10 minutes to be upstairs so we could get ready and let him be.  After some time he came up, still upset.  After a bit he came in my room and we got him dressed for church.  He lightened up a skosh and in an effort to get him to lighten up a bit more we wrestled for a minute.  That tends to work but today I had my work cut out for me.  He just had a 5 AM chip on his shoulder and in the midst of our wrestle he dropped a big kick down just below my sternum.  It didn't actually hurt but I played it up like he had me in serious pain.  I sat up panting and fighting for air.  I made a couple of desperate gulps for air, went quiet and fell back down on the bed and on Jack.  He was laughing and figured I was faking but I put on a good show.  So good that his hauled off and smacked me across the face in an effort to revive me.  I didn't even flinch, just took it and apparently had him sold that I was gone.  Next came a rather abrupt recovery as Jack decided he had to do mouth to mouth resuscitation on me.  My eyes were closed from the moment I fell backwards so I didn't see it coming but as soon as his mouth went over mine I was miraculously healed and on my feet.  If nothing else it resuscitated Jack's day and he was in a much better mood after that.  Such a funny kid. 

Speaking of funny kids, Andy wanted to get up to share his testimony today.  He wanted me to go up and help him but I stopped him and told him to practice with me before he went up.  We practiced and then he asked me to write down what he said.  I did so, he took it up and read it.  He did a really good job with it and he walked down just beaming with joy for being such a big boy.  Here is what he asked me to write down for him and what he then read:

I want to bear my testimony.  I know the Church is true.  I like this place.  I love my family.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

There are moments in life when you watch your kids do something and you just feel good, you feel blessed.  Blessed with the opportunity to be a parent and to be trusted with their care.  These are moments I look forward to because there are a multitude of moments filled with exhaustion when I can't help but wonder if I am making any sort of a difference in their lives.  It is so easy to get overwhelmed and to feel like you are failing.  Then these kind of moments happen and they resuscitate you in a sense, they buoy you up and keep you pressing forward.  I am grateful for those moments and the hope and strength they provide. 

In White

Tonight Dave & Dani and Amy& Dan and I went down to the Temple. We went with the hopes of seeing the folks on their first night as Temple workers. I am not real sure how they feel about their call to serve in the Temple but I think they were both pretty excited about it. I had talked to pops about it for just a moment and he had said something about starting out in initiatory. I thought he said something about it being the area they like to start training new workers. We decided to do Initiatory work and Sealings. It was a great plan and we did a lot of good work. In the initiatory I saw pops on the list of trainees so I figured he must be in there. Twas not so. The brother in charge of the training was at the initiatory when I came out. He heard my last name and asked some questions. He told us where dad was working and we got to see him there. He looked great there in white. He also appeared to be having a lot of fun - let me clarify that. Not joking around kind of fun but rather finding joy in service fun . It was great to see him there. On our way up the the Sealing rooms we saw mom in a side room. She got a big smile on her face when Dave, Dan and I stopped at the door for a quick hello. Again, great to see them there filled with joy.

Had a powerful experience doing sealings and enjoyed that. It was good. I was the son proxy and that was neat to participate in that with Dave and Dani as well as Dan and Amy. We enjoyed it, well I did. It was great to be in the Temple, great to see the folks there. I'm excited for the experiences they will have.

Good Night Random Citizen

There are things that come out of kids mouths that just make me laugh.  Andy just walked in and told me he had a nightmare.  It wasn't 30 seconds from the time that I turned off the light and walked down the hall to the office here.  I called him out on it and he corrected himself saying he had a bad vision.  Who can argue a bad vision?  I can't.  He had said something else that had me laughing and makes me realize that I really need to get a book to carry around with me so I can record all these little laughable comments.  Andy just called out to me "Dad, I'm asleep!"  That was my cue to turn off the light in the kitchen. 

Jack was on one tonight.  He was sitting on the arm of my chair looking over Andy's shoulder with me while he was playing Star Wars Angry Birds or Angry Birds Star Wars, I'm not certain what they call that but will say that the sound effects are fantastic.  Anywho, yes who... Anywho, Andy did something good in the game and Jack sticks his mouth to my ear and whispers "Andy's really got some talent".  I realize this probably isn't all that funny to anyone else but I laughed.  Whilst tucking Jack in to bed I said good night and told him I loved him and he said to me "Good night random citizen".  I laughed, he laughed, Natty overheard and wanted to know what we were laughing about, she laughed.  Not sure exactly where random citizen comes from but I believe it is a movie quote.  He said something else but now I can't recall... little book, I need it. 

Yep, perhaps I am just at a stage in my life where I am easily entertained by random comments.  I don't mind being easily entertained and finding joy in simple statements.  It's good for this random citizen anyway.       

Small Voice

Natty had a scare tonight as we went out for our latest installment of night sledding.  She decided to go down a section of the little hill that went straight for the fence of the baseball field at the high school. What possessed her do this is beyond me.  I had called out to her not do go in that area but I was quite a ways away.  The kids had gone over before I had my coat and gloves on hence my distance from them.  Well my call not to go was not heard.  Perhaps my voice was too small.  She went and she went fast, then out of control, then into the fence where she slammed her back up against a fence post.  She was hurtin for certain.  I think there was a lot of being scared that intensified things.  Anyhow, it was one of those situations where I wished she would have heard the warning.  The pain could have been avoided.  Isn't it the same with us?  I don't know that we always hear the still small voice.  Perhaps it is because we are too determined to follow a course and don't see the pitfalls that are before us and so we are not listening for it.  I feel bad that Natty is having pain and I truly hope the injury is minor.  At the same time I feel frustration because I tried to stop her from going that route but it was to no avail.  A little lesson in hearing and acting on promptings from the Spirit.  Hopefully not a lesson with lasting pain. 

Hard Topic

Had a friend in the shop today and we chatted about a few things.  We've done some business with him and he is also in my ward.  He is a fun guy with very interesting insight and life experience.  Anyway he asked me some questions relative to where I am going to be in the next few years.  We talked business and what I would like to see with the LBH over the next few years.  He then specifically asked where I see myself.  That is a question that I don't have an answer for.  I am not a subject that I spend a lot of time thinking about.  Maybe I need to.  Maybe I need to focus more on me.  I don't really know how to manage that. Between work and home and homework and cleaning and laundry and yard work and cooking and family activities and church... I don't really take any additional time to try and figure out things for me.  Dating?  I don't, it's just one more thing.  Would it be nice?  I'm sure it would but it is hard.  I am overwhelmed as it is.  So stopping to look at where I will be in the next 10 years is not something I have thought a lot about.  I should and it shouldn't be that hard of a topic.  Well, something to work on, the personal 10 year plan.  Somewhere down the road will be missions.  Looking forward to those days. 

Clean New Year

Well, the time came that I had to buckle down and clean the house.  Since coming home I have tackled it in different stages but to day I was determined to get things put away and the house back in order.  We closed the store today so I took full advantage of not having to work out of the home and focused on getting things squared away.  I did so.  I am grateful to have it done. 

Jack and I did a little work on shark tooth.  And to answer the question "What is shark tooth?".  The pinewood derby is approaching for the cub scouts.  Jack decided when he got the kit that he wanted to design his car based on a shark tooth.  For some reason today I was thinking of a shark fin and when Jack handed me his block of wood with his design I suggested he change it to look more like a fin.  He kindly corrected me and I felt a bit foolish.  I went with his design.  He did great.  There is still a bit more work to do with a finer sanding, painting, decals, and weighing in.  We'll have her ready to go.  Jack is pretty excited about it.  It is a fun project. 

Not much else to report.  I am completely exhausted so I am going to close it up and hit the sack.