Cedar West Stake Historic Meeting

I attended the Stake General Priesthood meeting this evening.  It was quite the meeting. The focus was missionary work and President Schmutz invited two missionaries serving in the Stake to share their testimonies.  They did.  It was good.  This is the first time the Cedar West Stake has had its own missionaries. Pretty exciting.  They are Sisters.  We have Sister "D" from Provo, UT and Sister Frost who just arrived in the mission on Wednesday.  She is from American Samoa.  It was the first time Sister Frost had spoken.  She did so with power and the Spirit and quite a bit of humor.  President Schmutz said we as a Stake would provide meals for them.  I thought it would be wonderful for the kids to have that experience.  I've always enjoyed feeding the missionaries and having them in the home.  I am not sure how I can do that as a single man.  I've never had that experience before but we will figure it out.  With our own set of missionaries also comes the charge to provide them with teaching opportunities.  Much to do.      

Toilets to Scrub

This month was the 8th Wards month to clean the church building.   I like to sign up for this service opportunity and sustain Andy Bishop with more than just my hand.  Andy is the building cleaning coordinator for our ward.  I don't know if that is the proper title  for his calling.  Anyhow,  Andy is amazing in his calling.  He does a marvelous job.   Today was the day I signed up for.  My duty... toilets.  I got to scrub all od the toilets in the building today.  The bowl cleaner was fantastic stuff.  It would be nice to have that kind of cleaner for the house.  Well, scrubbing toilets, that was my part and I did my best to do it well.  I also got to mop bathrooms and the kitchen.   It feels good to participate.  

Quick update from yesterday.   Natty texted me this morning and said she was woken up by Angus licking her face.  He's back!

Little Andy

Walking through the store this evening I answered a phone call and found myself speaking to my little Andyboy.  He was very sad and was crying on the phone.  It was hard to understand what he was saying.  I could only make out that Angus, his mom's dog, was gone.  It is hard to be so far away, listening to your child cry, knowing they are in pain and not being able to do anything about it except listen.   It has been a rough day there and I know the kids and their mom are hurting.   They have made posters, put an ad on Craigslist, contacted the pound and combed the streets.  Hopefully he will come back soon

Surprise Visit

I was cutting bread in the kitchen today when Jessica, one of our employees came and said there were some people asking for me.  I went out to see who it was and was thrilled to see President and Sister Sweeney.  They finished the Mission President training at the MTC and were on their way to Scottsdale Arizona.   It was wonderful to see them.  I am very excited to hear about their mission.  

Missed it... twice

I don't know what happened this week.  I failed to schedule a person to work last night and tonight.  An employee asked about the empty position for last night on Monday and I got it covered.  Tonight, I didn't know that I had missed it until it was time for a shift change.  Nobody came and suddenly I was wondering who I had scheduled and where they were. I pulled up the schedule and, oh, dang, I failed to schedule someone.  That is when I knew I would be working late.  It was great.  Actually, I had to run to scouts so Travis came back to cover things for a bit until I got back.  I ended up being there until 10:30 or so as I had some salads to prep for a catering tomorrow.  I am not really sure how I missed that on the schedule.  Oh well, we pulled through it just fine tonight. 

Feel For People

Sometimes we learn things about friends and loved ones or even strangers who are suffering and it causes us heartache on their behalf.  Other times we learn things about friends, loved ones or even strangers who have been blessed and we have joy for their success.  I suppose it can be a bit of a roller coaster but in reality as we try to follow the Savior we find ourselves mourning with those that mourn, comforting those that stand in need of comfort and rejoicing with those who rejoice in Christ, who press forward with a steadfastness in Christ with a love of God and of all men.  I am grateful for friends and family who have been through it with me, who lift me when I am down with words of comfort and love.  I am grateful for friends and family who set righteous examples for me to follow and inspire me to do good.  I look forward to a day when the cares of this world will fade and we find ourselves rejoicing in Christ and are about His work.      

Obedience

The Lord says that when we obtain any blessing it is by obedience to the law upon which it is predicated.  Doesn't that just make you want to live an obedient life?  I wish I lived a more obedient life than I currently do.  So much to work on and improve.  I want to do better each day and I think that is a key to success in this life.  We are not perfect and will not attain perfection in this life but we can press towards it.  As we do so, as we consciously move toward the Savior, He will move towards us and will bless us for our obedience. 

I Believe In God...

For those who don't know me, my name is John Fontano.  I am a single father of 3 children.  We live in Cedar City, Utah and we are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the Mormons.  I've been divorced for three years and the last four years have been some of the most challenging of my life.  When I was first divorced I found myself at a crossroads and had to make a decision.  Do I continue to attend church with my kids or do we just stay home?  Being divorced in a family oriented church was a hard thing for me.  I didn't feel like I belonged or that I was even worthy to be there.  It would have been easy to stay home.  I found that the adversary was working very hard on me.  I had to lean on my testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and decided to continue walking in obedience to the things I knew to be true.   In doing so I found that the Lord was aware of me and that I mattered to Him.  I want to share here a couple of my life's experiences that have helped me to know that we have a Heavenly Father and Savior who know us, who love us and who do not leave us comfortless. 

In the church we have 13 articles of faith that outline our fundamental beliefs.  The First Article of Faith states:  We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.  I know this to be true.   

In the next six weeks or so I will turn 40.  That is a big number and actually I am quite amazed at just how young 40 is these days.  As long as I can remember I used to sit in church on Sunday and while listening to the messages shared by the members I would often have a warm feeling in my heart.  I didn't always know what that meant but I knew it felt good.  I later learned that the fruit of the Spirit as spoken of in Galatians chapter 5, is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.  When I had these warm feelings in my heart it was The Holy Ghost testifying to me of the truth of what I was being taught.  I think that has to be one of my favorite parts of life, being taught by the Spirit.  It is The Holy Ghost that teaches the truth of all things and brings all things to our remembrance.  As we are taught the truths of the gospel by the Holy Ghost we are invited to live them.  I have always tried to do my best in that effort but have struggled at times, fallen short at times and have not always been the best example.  It seems to be part of life's journey to learn here a little and there a little.  Throughout my life as I have chosen to be obedient and to follow the Lord to the best of my ability, I have found myself drawing nearer to Him.  As I fall short and make mistakes I know that I can repent and that a loving Savior makes it possible for me to be made clean and whole.   

Twenty years ago I was serving as a Missionary in the South Africa Capetown Mission.  I had been out for just a short time and was suffering from a bit of homesickness.  I was on the other side of the world, missionary work was not what I thought it was, we were not teaching anyone and I was discouraged.  I remember praying to Heavenly Father at the end of a difficult day, sharing my frustration with the work and my desire to return home.  I said something like "if this is what missionary work is all about, I'd rather just go back home".  The next morning I was still feeling discouraged with the work and desires to just go home were in the forefront of my mind.   I proceeded with my day and began my personal study.  I felt impressed to open and read from the Doctrine and Covenants.  I wasn't studying anything in particular in the Doctrine and Covenants so I just randomly opened to section 15 and read the following:

Hearken my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone -

For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing that will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father, Amen.     

The Lord had my attention. You see, I don't think I opened to this section of scripture by chance. I believe that the Lord was speaking to me directly. Oh, I could have started in Section 16 which is on the same page and ultimately is the same revelation with the exception of one word, John. Section 15 was a revelation to John Whitmer and Section 16 was to Peter Whitmer and they are identical except for the name. So, Hearken my servant John, the Lord had my attention. With my state of mind the rest of Section 15 made two things very clear to me.  First, I needed to be a missionary and get to work and second, the Lord was aware of me, He knew exactly where I was and exactly what I needed to hear.  I was humbled and I was filled with love, joy, peace and faith as the Holy Ghost bore witness of these things to my heart. 

As I mentioned previously, I am divorced.   I cannot begin to describe the level of pain and anguish that I experienced at that time of my life.  Divorce is never something I imagined having to go through and I still struggle with a few things today because of it.  When I found myself alone with my kids I was overwhelmed, I was deeply hurt, sad, depressed.  Life was a struggle and I felt like a huge failure and disappointment to my family.  At the same time I had three little ones that I needed to take care of and continue to lead.  When I say I was at a crossroads and that the adversary was working on me one of the things that was prevalent in my mind was the fact that as a family we were reading scriptures and praying together, we were having family home evening, we were attending our church meetings, this should not have happened.  But it did happen and you better believe that the adversary was working on me.  I think he knew that if he could discourage me from doing those things he could destroy me and my family.  Leaning on my testimony meant pressing forward with these things that I knew were right and no matter how difficult it was we did them.  When we exercise faith in the Lord and draw near to Him, He draws near to us. 

Continuing to live the gospel basics was a test of faith for sure and the Lord did in fact draw near to us.  This time, instead of hearing what I needed through the scriptures,  the Lord sent Angels.  Really they were just friends and neighbors but I consider them Angels.  It was a dear friend who called and made arrangements with other friends for my kids to be picked up from school and my youngest to be watched during the day so that I could work.  It was a sweet neighbor who showed up at my door several times just to see how I was doing or to help clean my house or whatever I needed.  My Home Teachers came a gave me a blessing, the Relief Society President stopped in to make sure things were okay.  Friends that I served with in the Stake called or stopped by to see how I was.  My dear friend and Stake President came to my ward, sought me out and visited with me for quite some time to see how I was and then laid his hands on my head and gave me a blessing.  My sweet employer carried me through when I was not able to meet my normal work loads.  A friend prepared frozen meals that I could simply put in the oven and have dinner for the family.  A friend just gave me a big hug and told me he loved me.  When I say Angels it is because that is how I see these people.  I was praying for help, my parents and siblings lived across the country and were praying for me, friends were praying for me.  The Lord heard those prayers of faith and sent Angels to bear us up.  In my darkest hours someone would come and I knew that it wasn't just by chance but that the Lord was keenly aware of what I needed and He provided.  How grateful I am for those that acted on the promptings they received. 

I believe in God.  I know that He is our loving Father in Heaven and that He has a plan for our happiness.  Jesus Christ is His Son and our brother.  He is our Savior and through Him we can return to live with our Father in Heaven.  I know that we are known to them, that we matter to them.  I am just a guy trying to live my life and take care of my family.  In this world I don't matter a whole lot but to my Heavenly Father I matter, I know that and I know that you matter to Him as well.  As I try to live the gospel I am strengthened and my children are blessed.  The Lords plan is one that brings joy in our lives.  It does not eliminate trials or struggles, those are necessary for our growth and learning.  It does provide hope, strength, safety and direction.  I know God lives and I invite any who desire to learn more about Him to contact missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  They will help you.   

Cleaning Time

Sometimes you just have to take a time out and clean.  Today I was able to spend some time cleaning.  I have been slowly cleaning for the last few weeks.   With the kids gone the cleansing seems to last and I can thin out a few things without objection.   I move next to the basement and the kids rooms.  That will be an adventure.

Call to move

One of the things I've come to know over the last 20 years is that in the church people move and when they move the Elders Quorum gets called to the work.  When you respond to that call chances are you will find a few friends there to work alongside.   Such was the case tonight.   A new family was moving in down the street and needed some help unloading.  It always feels good to associate with good men and to serve with them.  Those good feelings and associations come as we heed the call to serve.

By The Way Dad...

It was my temple night tonight for this week.Had a good experience there and was quite humbled as I thought about the atonement of Jesus Christ and the love He has for me, that he suffered so that I can be made clean, so that I can return to my Heavenly Father.
As I drove home I called the kids.  I talked to Natty and enjoyed talking about soccer and haircut and other things.  She is doing well and making friends at church.  That is great. I then talked to Jack and he told me all about his latest invention.  It was a slip and slide tower and by the way dad, it will be able to hold you and by the way dad, we can hang out together and by the way dad, it will be free for you... He went on for quite some time and by the way dad was stated repeatedly.  I had to chuckle every time. Fun conversation.  Sure enjoyed talking to both Natty and Jack.  I missed talking to Andyboy and by the way, I sure do love these sweet kids.

The Heel

For the last week and a half I have been nursing a bit of a heel injury.  It was the hole I wore in the back of my foot when we were hiking at Havasupai.  I think I mentioned this previously and may have noted that I am not so sure this qualifies as the heel though maybe it does.  Anyhow,  it has been slow to heal.  That hasn't made for the most comfortable days on my feet but we manage.  Fortunately today it appears to have closed.  It is still fairly sore and tender but does seem to be on the mend.  I am itching to get out hiking and other things but don't want to tear it up before it is fully healed.  Maybe I will test it a bit on Saturday.   We shall see.

The Menu Boards

Over the last few months I have worked on refinishing old windows for the new menu boards.  Today I hung them up.  I think they look pretty cool. Nice to have that project done anyway. 

Not much else to report.   I am grateful for my family.  I miss my sweet children. 

Concrete Head

Woke up this morning not feeling all that well.  My head has been aching all day.  It feels like wet concrete is sloshing around in there.  It really is less than comfortable.   My goodness,  hopefully tomorrow we are good to go.

A Father's Day Gift

Today is father's day and I have to say they are somewhat uneventful for me.  The kids are in Alaska and I am on my own.  Not expecting anything I was surprised to find out the kids had put together cards and a gift for me.  Awesome.   I waited until I got home from church to open the package.  It included individual cards with notes and then a little photo album.   Annie helped them put it together.  Thanks.  It really made my day.  Here are a few pics.

Just need to...

It has been a long, nonstop week for me.  With the exception of visiting the temple last night I have either been at the LBH in Cedar, the LBH in Washington,  behind the wheel driving between those two stores somewhere on the I-15, at Walmart in either Cedar or Washington.  The only other place I've been is here at home but that is only to sleep for a few hours and type this blog.  I did get a couple hours of yard work in on Thursday morning,  a welcome treat.  Tonight I decided to go see a movie.  Sometimes you just need to sit down, relax and be entertained.  I did just that tonight at the Cedar theater.  Watched Oblivion which I thought was good.Anyway,  it was nice to sit back, relax and watch a good movie.

My Legs

I feel like my legs have been destroyed.   I mentioned the bug bites a few days ago.  These things are not going away.  Perhaps I need to find some natural way of relieving the itch.  Oh my goodness.  

Double Mow

It's been two weeks since my last lawn mowing.   The yard was in desperate need of attention so I got up  early to get a move on.  I mowed on and got round a second mow.  The yard is back to presentable.  The rest of the day has been full.  I'm  fixin to pass out so I am signing off.

Jack Calling

The phone rang, I answered with a hello and... "Dad, do you remember the micro racers?  Well now they have micro drifters and they are really cool...."  He went on and on for some time about it.   I didn't care, it was just wonderful to hear Jack.  He went on to tell me about lego jeeps and lego tractors and I could hear Andy laughing and talking in the background.  Sure love those boys and Natty Sue too.
.. 

Day of Rest

My body is pretty well wiped out right now and there is no stop to my schedule until Sunday.  I am really looking forward to a day of rest.  I'm thinking a nice long nap is in order.  Spent the day in Cedar and then and closed up St. George while Amy is out of town.  I am back down to St. George in the morning and will work from there tomorrow.  Speaking of tomorrow, Natalie is leaving for Girls Camp up there.  I just got off the phone with her.  She is very excited about it.  Oh my goodness.  So dang tired.  I'm going to sleep. 

Bug Bites

Is there anything worse than mystery bug bites?  Mosquito bites and I don't get along. I didn't notice any bites in Havasupai but since having a shower they sure have come out in mass quantities. Not all that comfy.

Up to Hilltop

Today started early as we packed up and hit the trail to begin our journey home.  I am completely spent right now and so will only say that I am home.  I am going to bed and will finish this in the next day or so. 

It is now Tuesday morning and I figured I should try and finish this one. 

I woke up Sunday morning around 4:45 and started packing.  Actually, I was awake at 2 thinking I should get started but the plan with the group was 5 AM so I went back to sleep for a bit.  I stocked up on my water for the trip, got the bag packed, mole-skinned up my big nasty blisters on the back of both feet - that was the first time in my life I'd used moleskin and I have to say, it was great.  I didn't feel them for most of that hike.  Anyhow, broke down the tent and packed that and then was ready to go.  I helped with other needs in camp and by the time 6:20 rolled around we were on the trail. 

We beat the sun on the hike between the campground and Supai.  I was very grateful for that.  It made that stretch much more pleasant.  After a quick stop at the store in town, we were on the trail again.  I want to say it was about 7:40 when we got back on the trail.  I really didn't want to get caught in the sun.  That is a long 8 miles though and by the time we got to the last mile and a half, the big ascend up the cliff, the sun was baking.  I didn't look at the watch so I don't know what time it was when we got there.  I just know that my pace slowed.  No shade, major heat, uphill - that can take it out of you fast.

We were actually separated into two groups at that point.  Todd and Heidi and myself while Vince, Tina and Amandalyn were behind.  Todd kept pushing at a fast pace and Heidi was also clipping along.  She stopped for a minute and then handed me one of her spray bottles.  That was fantastic.  I carried it up the trail for a while.  There were others who were hurting on that stretch and I shared the spray bottle with them.  Everyone loved that spray bottle.  I hit a switch back on the trail that actually was well shaded.  I had a Gatorade I had been saving in my pack and knew that was the spot.  It was fantastic.  I rested a bit more, offered the spray bottle to everyone else that also stopped in that sweet shade spot and was ready to press again when I saw Vince and the ladies come into view.  I decided I would wait for them and hand off that spray bottle. 

When they arrived I handed off and after a couple of minutes began the rest of the walk.  Tina said Vince was going to take Amandalyns pack and double up the rest of the way.  He did.  I had started moving and felt like I was doing well, feeling strong and then Vince was right behind me and then he was passed me and then he was running up the trail with two packs.  The guy is in incredible shape and just blazed up the trail. 

Well, I made it.  Got to the top and was so very happy to be there.  Heidi handed me an ice cold water and that hit the spot.  Todd had pulled the van up and I walked over to unload my pack.  In doing so my walking poles were sinking into the asphalt parking lot.  It was hot. 

In the event that I do this particular hike again I would change my strategy and hike in and out much earlier.  A 2 AM departure from camp would have put us at the climb at 6 AM or so and that would have been completely shaded still.  I would definitely recommend that over the alternative.  The sun and heat are relentless.  Also, a spray bottle - worth the weight for sure. 

Loved the experience.  Happy to say I have done it.  We'll see what the future holds and if I will do it again.  Certainly I will look to make the trip lighter and I will try to figure out something better for my feet whilst hiking and playing around the waterfalls.  Big thanks to Tina for the invite.  Really happy to have spent a few days with some old friends and to have made new ones in the process. 

Mooney and the Beav

Day two at Havasupai I woke up and found flowers outside the tent.  That is all I have for pics on this device today.  I did get a few pics on the waterproof camera of Mooney and Beaver falls. 

The hike to these falls was good.  Mooney is right at the end of the campground and the challenge was climbing down the cliff to get there.  It was a great trail and quite easy.  Plenty of hand-holds and chains plus a couple ladders.  There were a couple of tunnels in the cliff as well.  Quite the climb down.  The fall itself was a great display of power. 

The hike toBeaver was a couple miles.  It wasn't bad at all, just hot.  It also seemed to take forever to get there.  Amazingly the trail cuts right through some grape vines.  It's actually a lot of grape vines, a sea of green.  There were a lot of great little pools, and falls along the way but you don't spend a lot if time near it.  I felt like a billy goat a couple of times.  It is worth the hike down.  Good places to jump and swim around. 

Found that the hike back went much faster.  Maybe it was the lack of anticipation. 

It was a good day.  Quite enjoyable.  The feet, not so happy but that is part of it.  I will probably find a much better water shoe option.   The shoes they rent at Zion for the Narrows might be the way to go.  The rocks and sand did exactly what rock and sand do.  I'm pretty torn up.  A little mole skin will hopefully do the trick for the hike out tomorrow.

Hiking in to Havasupai

The day started early. We rolled out of Vegas a little after 2 and got to the trail head at 6 or so.  Sometime in the 4 AM hour the sun started to rise.  My sleep in the car on the way plan didn't go so great but I caught some zzz's now and again.  The parking lot was packed, really packed.  I think we were all surprised at the number of people.  The land, beautiful.  I love canyon hiking so looking down from the trail head got me excited.

I made the hike with walking sticks.  I quite like those, they saved my ankles which I rolled repeatedly.   I don't know if that is the point of those but that's what they do for me.  Another apparent benefit is that my hands did not swell up at all.  Others were commenting about the swelling of their hands.  No problem for me.

The hike itself was not bad.  The trail was in good shape but you've got to be on your toes with the mule trains.  They have the right of way.  After 7 miles the trail turns to a soft sand.  That isn't the funnest to hike through.  My shoes filled up quick.  You do see and hear water and that is nice. 

Supai itself is an interesting village.  It reminded me of some of the townships in South Africa.   The Indians seemed indifferent to us being there.  I tried to smile and say hi to everyone.   Some gave a small smile and a hello in return, others were not as interested.  Oh well, I'll continue to be friendly regardless.  
I did stop in at the store and purchased a Sunkist.  It was a must per Sara and Jay.  It was a good suggestion and quite tasty.  

The hardest stretch of the hike was from Supai to the campground.  It was 10:30ish when we got back on trail after checking in.  It was hot with not much shade.  It was also all soft sand.  My feet were miserable in that sand.  The exciting part of that stretch was seeing the falls.  Beautiful.  

Getting to the campground was a relief.   Finding a campsite, not so much fun.  After hanging out for a while as others were in looking for a site I started to head in.  I saw a couple fellas in the group and they mentioned a spot at the end of the campground, I pressed forward to get there and knew that I was fading fast.  I got down to the end, almost to the campsite and they had decided to go back to a different spot.  I was spent. 

I stood by the last bathroom area in the shade and an Indian named Twidel asked me how I was doing.  I told him I was tired.  He suggested I head in by the river in the shade.  As I crossed the bridge others from the group were heading back.  I said I needed to rest and that I would find them.

I found a rock, took off my pack and sat down on the ground.  I tried to drink, forced myself to eat something and fought the urge to puke.  I thought at that point that I might die.  I definitely had a hard time appreciating the beauty that surrounded me at that moment.  I was sitting there with my head resting on my hand when suddenly there was Twidell there to see how I was.  Perhaps it was just his job but I like to think it was something more.  He suggested I cool off for a bit and said he would let the others know when he saw them.  I thanked him and that is when he extended his hand and told me his name.  I gave him my name and felt that I had made a friend.  

I shoved my pack against the rock, laid back and took a nap.  It was a good nap.  When I woke up there was an entire camp set up just down from me.  I felt good.  I took an empty bottle down to the water and poured it over my head a few times.  When I looked up I saw Vince and Duane from my group walking towards the bridge.  They were looking for me, concerned that I had not made it to camp.  It was good to see them and as I reflected on it later I thought about the Savior and the good shepherd who would leave the ninety and nine in search of the one.  I was grateful for their concern for me. 

When I got to the camp it was good to see everyone.   The location is great.  Not a lot of shade but right by the river with our own personal pool.  I set up my tent, changed my clothes and got in the water.  It was rejuvenating.   At one part of the pool the water rushes over a rock area in what looks like a Jacuzzi.   I decided to get in it.  It was fantastic.   The water was cold but it created a natural water massage.   I enjoyed that for a while.

As I began feeling better my appreciation for where I was increased.  Grateful to be here.

I do have to say that a few of us went up to Havasu Fall.  It was amazing and powerful.  I got in with my water camera and snapped some pics.  Then we began playing around and started climbing up the cliff and jumping in to the pool below.  It was great fun.  I'm looking forward to going and playing around more tomorrow.  

Here are some pics from the days adventures.

On the road... again

I was telling the kids on our Salt Lake trip about one of my early memories.  It was driving home from a father and sons campout when I was a wee lad and listening to Willie Nelson sing On The Road Again.  Seems I've been on the road a lot the last two weeks.  Tonight I made the drive to Vegas, Henderson actually.   I am staying with some friends and in two hours will be getting up to get on the road again as we head to Havasupai.  It'll be just a quick nap for me but I figure I can sleep a bit in the car.  Looking forward to it.  I won't have new posts up until Sunday at the earliest.  Hopefully they'll include some great pictures.

Gettin Ready for Havasupai

Last year I was looking at pictures of Havasupai Falls.  I found it to be a breathtaking area.  A few months ago I was visiting with some friends I knew just after high school.  They told me they were putting in for Havasupai and that I could go with them.  I told them to keep me posted.  Well, I've been updated and we are heading out tomorrow afternoon.   Pretty dang exciting eh?  Tonight, supplies and food.  Have to get to packing.  I must close, can't keep my eyes opened .

Temple Trip

Tonight I made the trip down to the Temple.  I am grateful for the opportunity to go and serve there.  I got there for the 8 o'clock session which interestingly, had more men than women tonight by probably 2 to 1.  Anyway great to be there and to enjoy the Spirit. 

Holy Cow

It has been a day.  I actually got a little sleep last night.  That was nice.  I wish I could say I was getting so many extra things done but not so much.  Just working and trying to keep up there.  I am treating myself to a movie tonight.   A little Star Trek.  It's about to start so I am signing off.
Holy cow.  I rather enjoyed that movie.  I am a big fan of this latest Star Trek series and hope they continue.  Great acting, great action, great humor, great fun.

Cold Cereal?

I don't often eat cold cereal and when I do I don't eat a sugary cold cereal.  Today the Colossal Berry Crunch is What's for Dinner!  Yep, slide over Beef.  Today was a day for cold cereal.  Actually, it is fast Sunday and with everything that we've had going on this week I did not consider anything for dinner tonight.  So, when the time came to close my fast I went to the kitchen, examined what I had, didn't feel like cooking anything and grabbed the bag of Colossal Berry Crunch that I bought for Andy a couple months ago.  I think he had one bowl and then decided they were not what he wanted.  Lucky me.  There they were and so that has been my Sunday dinner.  It was a nice return to the days of yesteryear when cold cereal was a staple.  Oh, I don't think we will ever get to those days again but I didn't mind the lack of preparation that was required for this meal.  It made for a nice break from the kitchen.  No worries though, tomorrow we'll be right back at it in the kitchen at The Little Brick House as we try to perfect some new salads, wraps and rice bowls.   

Home Alone Three

This is not a movie review. The title describes my current state.  For the third time, the third year in a row now, I find myself home alone.  After a long day of driving and taking the kids to Las Vegas so they can fly to Alaska I came home to an empty house.  I was immediately missing the kids. 

We had a busy morning packing and getting a few things from the store.  Before we left the house I gave each of them a priesthood blessing.  I cried in each one of them.  I love those kiddos.  I am grateful for the Priesthood and for the opportunity to lay my hands on my children's heads and give them a father's blessing.   In doing so we were strengthened and uplifted.   I was given peace and comfort knowing that Heavenly Father knows each of us, that he is aware of our needs and that Natty, Jack and Andy will be protected while we are apart.  It was quite comforting to me.

I did stop at the Saint George Temple and do some initiatory work.  Saw pops working and that was fantastic.   He gets a lot of joy out of serving in the temple as does mom.  I am happy for them. 

Nose Dive - Double Take

After work we had a nice calm evening in regards to the wind outside so we decided to get the slow stick ready for its maiden flight.  I know that last week I posted the maiden voyage - it was a wingless affair.  Tonight we had the complete plane.  So Jack fired it up and he actually did a nice job.  It was a little bit up and down and then it ended rather abruptly with a nose dive.  The prop was broken, the motor shoved back and the rudder or tail of the plane was busted.  We went home and I did some quick repairs.  Jack learned quickly watching videos that packing tape is great for quick fixes.  I performed such a fix on the tail section.  It wasn't super strong but it was in tact.  With our last prop installed and the motor re-mounted we headed back over.  I asked if I could fly it figuring I could take it up and fly it without a problem.  I took it up allright and then I took it right back down with an even worse nose dive then what Jack did.  I ended up needed to make a few more in depth repairs.  The good news is that it is back and ready for action.  Hopefully my Krazy Glue action on the propeller does the trick and we can get it flying - without the nose dive. 

Packing

This morning I walked in to check on Jack and found him laying awake in his bed.  I asked him how his sleep was - good.  He asked if we could take out the slow stick and so we did. 
He had a great little flight, a couple of turns and then a bit too close to the ground he crashed and the prop broke again.  I glued it one more time and we took it out again tonight when I got home.  Tonight's flight was even better, a bit higher, a bit longer and then bam! He flew it into the backstop and there waz a double break on the prop.  Well, lots to learn there still but at least we didn't duplicate the nose dives. 

Tomorrow the kids head to Alaska.  I have been washing clothes, folding clothes and packing suitcases.   I may have gone overboard with the packing.  They should be covered though.