Eight Year Old Andy

I can stop and look back at the life of Andy and remember clearly the day he was born.  Rachel was in labor,  we were hanging out at the hospital as you sometimes do during the birth of a child.  I had this really cool device called an IPod and it could actually play movies.  A friend of mine had somehow given me a copy of Nacho Libre which I had not yet seen.  While Rachel was waiting she told me I could watch the movie.  I had quoted it for months so I was ready for it and watching it on an inch and a half by inch and a half screen was a treat.  Oh well it was funny and I laughed a lot sometimes even out loud.  I always had to apologize for my outbursts.  When Andy did finally decide to come we were quite pleased.  He was a cute little baby and is a cute little 8 year old boy today.  I sure do love him and am quite thankful to be his dad.  

Hmmmm

So dang tired right now.  Had a fine day.  Went to the lake at the top of the hill and enjoyed some very cold water.  I also swam out to the rope and realized I've got a long way to go before I am ready for a triathlon.  Anyway, I am exhausted right now, can't keep the eyeballs open and must close. 

Anchor

Tonight the boys and I went over to the high school to watch Natalie play in the pep band at the football game.  Well, we went to listen to Natalie play in the pep band while we watched the football game.  It might have been a little weird for us to stand there staring at Natalie and the band while the football game was going on behind us.  We parked ourselves on the bleachers down from the band section.  We were also located in the student section or just to the side of it, not exactly sure.  In front of us (we were sitting on the first row) was the sidewalk, grass and a fence.  I later learned that this was a designated standing area.  Plenty of the students stood there and I pretty much had no view of the game.  I should have just moved and enjoyed more of the game but alas, I came for Natalie so we sat right there in front of the band.  The boys went out running around, I tried to watch the game and Natty at the same time.  Bit of a challenge. I also couldn't move because the boys were out playing around and if I moved seats and they came back to find me in our original location, that would have been disastrous.  So I dropped my anchor in the best possible spot.  I was right by Natty and that was why we went.  Then I was anchored in and the boys knew that and where to come after their adventures around the stadium.  They came many times.  It was great.  They knew we were anchored.  As far as the game goes, it was good, well, what I saw of it was.  Now I must sleep.  So very tired...

Breakfast with Senator Mike Lee

It was an exciting morning for us over at The Brick House.  We had the pleasure and privilege to make breakfast for one of my favorite United States Senators, Senator Mike Lee from the great state of Utah.  There was a good group of our local leaders present as well.  It was cool and went very well.  We got to take a picture and shake hands with Senator Lee.  Really a nice guy and not as tall as he appears on tv as noted by Dave.  Anyhow,  I was excited to meet him and had intended to tell him how much we appreciated him and the work he's doing, that didn't come out.  No,  I asked him how everything was,  meaning the food/service etc.  He said it was excellent and was impressed with our bacon.  That is fabulous.  Anyhow, the man's schedule was packed so our conversation was over fairly quick but I was glad to meet him.

Dish Washing Man

Sometimes I get the opportunity to do dishes at work.  Today was one of those opportunities.  Actually, I quite often get to do some dishes at work.  Today we didn't have a dedicated dishwasher on staff so I got to step into those shoes today.  It was a moist experience.  I really don't mind but I am  little on the OCD side of things when it comes to dishes.  I have to have them properly sorted and stacked in an orderly fashion.  Perhaps that drives some people crazy but I don't really care, it keeps me from going crazy.  I like to have order and do things a certain way.  Indeed this is the case when I am the dish washing man on duty. 

Not Happy

So I watched a video of Andy where I was in the back ground and was not happy with what I saw.  I have packed on a few pounds and I need to take it off.  Time to get serious.  I thought I was doing pretty good with daily workouts and what not but I slacked a bit on food consumption and have been eating sweets, white breads, peanut butter, nutella and other things that just are not that healthy.  No good.  I have to do better then that and I will.  Today was day one of doing better and I think I did.  Now just getting a routine dialed in and making it happen. 

Holy crap I just had a spider land on my knee and begin crawling down my leg.  That is a bit scary.  I didn't mess around with that spider though, slapped it dead with one good slap to the leg.  I guess one could say that spider is not happy!

Living Prophet

For Family Home Evening tonight we read a few stories from the life of President Thomas S. Monson.  These were stories of faith, of prayer, of listening to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, of priesthood power.  The spirit was certainly present as we read and discussed these stories and was a testament to the life of President Monson.  I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, for the restoration of that gospel and for living prophets on the earth.  I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet on the earth today.  Grateful for his life of faith and the lessons learned from his experiences and his example. 

Uplifting Day

Picked up a phone call at 8 this morning.  It was mom.  Pops had fallen and couldn't get up.  I put on some shoes and headed over, Jack was up and rode with me.  We got to the home, went in and there was pops laying at the side of the bed.  He was almost there and a leg decided to do its own thing and he went down.  It is a scary thing to see him down and mom not able to do anything about it.  We managed to get him back up and in bed.  He goes in for an injection in his back tomorrow and hopefully that will provide relief to the nerves and he can regain some motor function in the legs.  He says he is feeling them get weaker everyday.  That is also scary.  He's started some physical therapy and is working on some things so hopefully we'll start to see some improvements there. 

After church today Andy had an appointment with the Bishop for his Baptismal Interview.  It went well, he passed.  We're excited for his upcoming baptism on the 6th of September.  During the interview Andy just smiled a lot and was really happy.  It was neat to be there with him.  To add to his joy I got to share with him that his mom will be coming down for the baptism.  He was pretty sad when I informed him she wouldn't be able to come a couple of weeks ago.  He told me I ruined his entire day.  It was tough.  Today's message was much better.  Special thanks to mom for rallying the fam to the cause of securing an airline ticket for Rachel.  Rachel was very appreciative.  I am gladdened by the joy on Andy's face and the love of my family for him and making this happen. 

Certainly this was an uplifting kind of a day. 

Two Thirds!

I decided this morning that I was going to try and accomplish two thirds of a triathlon sprint race.  I rode the exercise bike for 12.5 miles and then got on the elliptical and ran 3.1 miles.  It was a bit of a journey.  I mean, I didn't really go anywhere but I did get through it.  Truly the exercise equipment is not as brutal on me as going live in the field.  Maybe it is the comfort of riding or running whilst watching a good TV series on the Netflix.  Anyways, it was a good little journey this morning.  I will do it again sometime and maybe even include that missing element, the last third which is actually the first third in a triathlon, swimming.  That is going to take some time and some effort.  Fabulous!

The Daisy Air Rifle

For the last couple of days Andy has been asking if he could shoot the bb gun.  It seems he always asks at a moment when I cannot.  This evening he asked and it was going to be a few minutes but finally we got there.  We got a cup of water and set it up on a bucket.  We took some turns shooting.  It was a great.  My goodness.  I am completely wiped out.  Gotta sleep.

Pants and Shoes!

It is my first year having a child in the High School ranks.  Sure it has only been a week but let me tell ya, I was not prepared for the financial demands of Public High School.  The fees just to get her into school were $166.  I had already paid for a shirt for band at $35 when we signed Natty up for band at the end of last school year.   So I'm sitting at $201.  I've also been hit up for $10 for something last week and $5 for something last night.  My Freshmen in High School budget is officially tapped out.  I got a call at work today from Natty who tells me that I need to buy her a white shirt for Pep Band.  What the what?  Well, lucky me, when I got home she told me she found a white shirt but now she needs black pants and black shoes.  Pants and shoes, are you kidding me?  Have I mentioned the black dress that she needs to have for band?  We went out in search for these items.  My goal, cheapest possible solution.  Natty's goal, something hip and swinging regardless of cost.  We looked at Walmart and had not luck.  Next we'll visit the local Deseret Industries and hope we can find a sweet deal on some second hand threads.  Not sure we'll have luck with the shoes or that I would want to have luck with the shoes.  Hopefully a lovely black dress and a pair of black pants can be found.  Coming up for air financially is a killer sometimes.  The good news is that she'll get into the football game tomorrow night for free because she is a member of the pep band - look at that, whatever we spend on pants and shoes will pay for itself. 

Get a Rope

I believe it was Pace Picante Sauce commercials that used to examine competitors jars of salsa with fake cowboys and one would read that the sauce was made in New York City or maybe it was New Jersey.  Anyhow, when that cowboy would reveal the location of the sauces production another cowboy would echo the city of origin and follow it with "get a rope".  This of course has absolutely nothing to do with the post with the exception of the title. 

Today was Wednesday which is scout day at the house.  I have the 11 year old scouts over for our weekly meeting.  Kaden Leko is the other leader and together we have the privilege of trying to keep these somewhat scatter brained 11 year old boys on task.  Our meeting today was good, it was productive and it had to do with whipping and fusing rope, knot tying and then teaching using the EDGE method.  I decided earlier today that I needed to get a rope and we needed to get the boys through this set of requirements.  So I did and they managed to get through it.  They are a good group of boys.  Certainly they are hard to keep focused and sometimes it seems like we are getting nowhere with them but we do our best to have fun and move them along as best we can. 

Selective

Selective - selective hearing, selective memory.  Sometimes I joke with the kids that they have selective hearing or selective memory and only hear things they want to hear or only remember some of the details of a certain event or of an assignment.  Perhaps there are times when each of us can be somewhat selective in what we hear or remember.  Certainly in life we should be selective and only chose those things which are the best.  I say that with an eternal perspective in mind and the thought of choosing the right.. 

Today I was listening to Elder Robert D. Hales conference talk and was intrigued by his discussion of selective obedience.  Said Elder Hales:

At times members may participate in "selective obedience," claiming to love God and honor God while picking and choosing which of His commandments and teachings- and the teachings and counsel of His prophets -they will fully follow.

Some obey selectively because they cannot perceive all the reasons for a commandment, just as children do not always understand the reasons for their parents' counsel and rules.  But we always know the reason we follow the prophets, for this is the Church of Jesus Christ, and it is the Savior who directs His prophets in all dispensations.

There are times when I may be a little choosy in my obedience.  Perhaps I wait for certain instruction to sink in before committing to obey.  Life can be challenging and obeying things that may not be the most convenient for us can sometimes be difficult.  I hope that I can remember the importance of obedience and that I can remember the needs I have to obey quickly and fully.  Obedience to the Lord is not a fancy buffet where we get to pick and choose which of his commandments are our favorites and live only those. 

Selective - we should be selective in what we allow to occupy our minds and our hearts.  We should choose the right even when it is unpopular.  If we are to be selective let us select the Savior. 

   

Family Tree

This evening we got on to FamilySearch.org and took a look at our family tree.  The first thing that was exciting for the kids was for them to see themselves listed as my children.  We then went through and looked at different views of the family.  We looked at the fan view which fanned out my ancestry from me.  I believe that went back 4 generations. Then we took a look at a traditional family tree and we played around with that for a bit.  We went as far back as we could on the Fontano side and I believe we looked at Johann Fontana who was born in 1641.  That's a ways back.  It was pretty exciting to look at all the names and the dates.  Natty liked that we have an Emma Brown in our line.  She actually created a character in one of the stories she is writing who is named Emma Brown.  She did not know of the link to the family until tonight.  We also took a look at a picture view and focused in on Israel Dodge Allphin.  I reminded the kids of our trip to the Pine Valley chapel and the tour we took of that building.  We talked about seeing a picture of Israel Dodge Allphin on the wall.  They remembered his picture.  It was pretty cool stuff.  We set up Natty with a user name and password and she is excited to get on and look at it some more.  We had just read the verse about the hearts of the children being turned to their fathers and so we reviewed that again and talked about family history and temple work.  I think is was a good night, a successful night.  Family Tree's are exciting things. 

Pizza on the Barbie

We decided to make some pizza for dinner tonight.  We did three different flavors.  Andy chose cheese, his favorite.  Jack wanted Canadian Bacon only and Natty wanted Hawaiian so we did a half and half special.  We also did a Chicken Broccoli Alfredo.  I got the idea to barbecue the pizza and pulled up some ideas.  One built a brick oven in his barbecue and it looked good so I did the same.  It was good stuff.  Not the best I've ever had but pretty dang good for a make shift pizza oven.  We certainly have more experiences ahead of us.

The Adventures Continue

A couple years ago we started Adventure Saturdays.  On our adventures we would go out and hike some of the beautiful trails that are in Southern Utah.  It really is an amazing place to live and has some unique geography.  We love it.  Tonight we were out on another adventure and had a great time.  I had to work most of the day so we didn't get on the road until 6:30 or so.  We drove up Highway 14 out of Cedar, past Duck Creek and then on to Mammoth Cave.  It was a good time.  We explored a couple of caverns and then made our way completely through the third cavern.  It went for quite a ways and then came out on the other side.  Natty was a bit Closter phobic and turned around.  She met up with us at the exit point.  The boys were belly crawling through it ahead of me and it was a bit tough.  They thought I should turn back but I'm a trooper and pressed forward.  There were some tight spaces but we made it through.  Great times.  Love the adventures we can find ourselves on.  May the adventures continue...

Late Nighting It!

I have two children that came home from school today and took very long naps.  Jack actually didn't sleep much at all last night because his new friend up the road told him about a Utah Bear and a Sasquatch Sheep.  All Jack thought about through the night was the Utah Bear.  I guess he thought the bear was on its way to our house or something.  I kept waking up because Jack kept getting up to go to the bathroom.  He was also laying on the floor in my room as was Andy.  Both on different sides of the bed.  Andy - he didn't wake up after coming into my room. Anyhow, Natty was also saying that she was up much of the night.  I don't mind them coming home and having a nap though they are a little wired now.  Good thing it is the weekend I guess.  We're truly late nighting it.  It does remind me of my school days and of coming home, laying down in the middle of the floor, taking a nap and then getting up and going to work.  Loved those naps right there on the floor.  I probably showed up to work with carpet print on my face on more than one occasion.    

School's In

Twas the first day of school.  Everyone was excited to go.  That makes things a bit easier in the morning.  Anyhow, the reports were positive.  Natty loved the high school especially German.  The instructor is really good and a lot of fun.  Exciting times.  I would love to write more but I am falling asleep and have a ton of papers to sign.  Let me say the boys loved school today as well.

School in the Morning

It is hard to believe that we are already heading back to school.  The kids seem to be excited.  I seem to be losing money left and right with school supplies and registration at the high school level which just about killed me.  I don't know that I was quite ready for that one.  Holy crap.  Now I have Jack wanting to join the orchestra which is fantastic except that I have to rent for him an instrument.  He wants to play the cello.  I called, the rental is $40 per month with a minimum of 5 months.  Is there something out there for those of us who live in the poverty level?  $40 per month is a significant amount of money for someone like me.  I would love for Jack to do it, I don't know how I am going to make that happen.  The gal at the music store told me that a portion of the rental goes towards the purchase price of the instrument which only runs in the neighborhood of $1200.  That's no big deal right?  I am not joking about the poverty level thing.  Life is beyond tight.  So anyway, school expenses hit me deep this year and are not done.  Not fun.

School in the morning.  It'll be here early.  It'll be good to get back onto our school routine. 

Don't Say Anything At All

If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all!  Is that the advice we hear so often?  I am not sure really, I may have messed it up.  Regardless I think it is fairly sound and makes some pretty dang good sense.  Tonight I am practicing not saying anything at all.  Something came across the wire that I found frustrating and I twice wrote a reply and twice deleted it.  A reply simply was not worth my time though I invested some time twice replying.  I guess the key is that I didn't send it.  Somewhere in the scriptures it says that it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles a man.  Well then, I guess I successfully didn't say anything at all.  No reason to get excited, just let it roll off like water on a ducks back.  Funny enough on something completely unrelated the kids and I were discussing the need to have a punching bag to release frustration on.  Perhaps that would help in the efforts to not say anything at all?  We might need to put that to the test...

Feeling Quite Good

After nearly three weeks of feeling ill I find that today I am feeling quite good and that is fantastic.  Truly fantastic!  I was able to get back on the exercise bike today, actually got on this morning and then again for 30 minutes this evening.  It felt good.  I have missed my daily exercise routine and though I did not do my strength training portion it was good to get the riding in.  I will work in the strength training over the next few days.  Maybe I am a little gun shy there, the last time I did my full work out it killed my physically.  I was just not well though I thought I was.  I'm thinking ease into it and make sure I am well. 

My goodness, I think it is quite easy to take good health for granted.  When your body is not well it makes things a bit miserable.  Not being able to just quit everything while you are sick makes it worse, recovery drags out and exhaustion settles in.  Sure makes you appreciate feeling good.  Well, it makes me appreciate it anyway.  Very grateful to be feeling better today!

The Holy Ghost

Today was my first official "second Sunday" instructor Sunday in the Elder's Quorum.  It was the third time I have taught Elders Quorum in the last 7 weeks.  I don't know if they are growing weary of hearing from me.  I guess they have a solid month before I will be in front of them again. That is good. 

Anyway, the lesson today was Chapter 14 from the Joseph Fielding Smith manual, the topic being The Holy Ghost.  This was an excellent chapter and the instruction and life experience shared were powerful and truly enlightening.  I really quite enjoyed the lesson material and would encourage anyone who wants a better understanding of the Holy Ghost, the mission of the Holy Ghost, the blessings of companionship of the Holy Ghost, the responsibilities we have to receive the Holy Ghost and to live worthy of his companionship and the promised blessings that are ours as we are worthy, yes, all of that, I would encourage you to pull up this lesson and spend some time in it.  You can find it at www.lds.org .  In fact here is a link to the lesson itself. 

https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-14-the-gift-of-the-holy-ghost?lang=eng

We started out our lesson by looking at the parable of the 10 virgins in Matthew Chapter 25.  My friend Annie Draper went to Israel this summer and came home with a lamp and vessel for oil that were consistent with those that were used at the time of the parable.  They are quite small and certainly not what I saw in my own mind when reading or hearing this parable.  I always pictured huge lamps and drums of oil.  Not so, the lamps are tiny and the vessel of oil contains just enough to refill the small lamp. 

After we read through that and looked at the lamp and vessel I shared an experience when entering The Hard Rock hotel for a music concert after returning home from my mission I felt very strongly the absence of the Holy Ghost when I walked through the doors.  It was very uncomfortable and I always have felt fortunate that I was quite naïve and didn't think that I needed to purchase tickets in advance.  I should have simply been brave enough to turn around right when I felt the spirit leave but wasn't.  Fortunately there was no way into the concert which was sold out and we departed shortly after entering. 

Finally we took a look at the story shared in the lesson linked above from The Life of President Joseph Fielding Smith.  It is the story of how his son Reyn stepped out of school with a friend one day and gave in to the temptation to light up a cigarette.  His father just happened to pull up at that very moment.  There is more to the story then just what I have written here but the point is that President Joseph Fielding Smith was directed by the Holy Ghost to drive in front of the school that day.  Doing so allowed him to protect his son. 

I went on to talk about these three things, the lamps, the Spirit departing and then the Spirit protecting.  We have only so much time in our lives.  We need to fill our lives with things that are good, things that will draw us nearer to God, things that will qualify us for the companionship of the Holy Ghost so that we are worthy of His direction, so that we have tuned our ears to hear and so that we are ready to act.  We can find ourselves doing things that drive the Spirit away or we can fill our vessel with good things that will keep it near. 

We went on to discuss much more of the lesson.  There were some great comments shared by the brethren.  I felt like I learned a lot and hope that the brethren left the meeting feeling the same.  I know that the Holy Ghost is real.  I am grateful for his companionship.  One of the things I remember very clearly when I was confirmed a member of the Church and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands was the smile that I had on my face and the feelings of joy that filled my heart.  I am grateful for the instruction given by President Joseph Fielding Smith and encourage any who desire to have a greater understanding of the Holy Ghost to spend some time in that lesson. 

Sorry for Whining

I feel like maybe I've been a bit of a whiner lately.  It's been a rough few weeks and I have been a little down and out.  My body has been a little beaten up and perhaps I have dwelt on some of the pain and discomfort I have been feeling more than I should have.  Well, I am still in some pain, still experiencing some health challenges and discomforts but life goes on.  We press forward.

The boys and I dropped Natty off at a friends house.  This friends family is moving and today they were cleaning the house so Natty headed over.  The boys and I went over to Canyon Park and had a great time.  Then, after an hour, we went back and picked up Natty.  We managed some river walking and just enjoyed the area  Good times.

Unpleasantries

For the last two days I have felt much better when it comes to whatever I have been suffering.  The flu like symptoms seem to be gone and that makes things a bit more pleasant. Something new has come up that is quite painful and loaded with, well, unpleasantries.  I know, that is a new word and I don't really care.  What I am experiencing is definitely unpleasant.  Some will understand this new pain and others will not.  This actually falls down the lines of gender.  Seriously, it's a little embarrassing but I have this constant feeling that can only be compared to the feeling one gets when they have been hit in the balls, the boys, the gonads, the jewels, the nutties, whatever.  It is that feeling that goes right up into your gut and lingers there.  This is like a permanent linger.  A few hours ago I thought it was gone and I was rejoicing and then it crept back and I am not real comfortable.  I am hoping this is the last stop with the virus thing I seem to have.  I don't really have any clue what is going on inside of me.  All I can say is the last two weeks of being 40 and the first two days of being 41 have not been the most comfortable of my life.  We will continue to press forward and we will do the very best that we can do.  Not much else to do. 

Forty One

I am going to be brief because it has been a long and full day and I am bout ready to call it.  August 7th, 2014.  Today I celebrated my birthday!  That's right, another year older, forty one to be exact.  Hard to believe it I know.  The good news is that I was feeling better for the most part.  I have a couple issues that are lingering but hopefully they will fade quickly.  Had a fine day at work and then a little at play as the kids and I drove up to the Cascade falls  and Ice Cave at Duck Creek.  It was pretty fabulous.  Great little adventure.  We will definitely do it again sometime.  The kids had a great time as did I and we'll definitely do it again... maybe even before I'm forty two. 

Say it aint so

I believe that I am starting to improve.  Today I started feeling a little better.  I am not 100%, far from it, but I feel better today then I did yesterday and that is good.  I did have a moment this afternoon when I wanted to pretty much just die.  We were on our way to get Jack to scouts and before we left the Brick House Jack had to show me something.  He pulled up his shirt and he has a rash all over his chest.  Say it aint so!  I feel terrible.  I have this damn rash on my legs and I have tried to be pretty careful to keep clear of everyone.  I don't know if it is what Jack has, it would appear that way.  So frustrating.  I have a bit of tolerance when it comes to pain but I don't want my kids to suffer.  Hopefully it is nothing major and he will get beyond it quickly.  Hopefully we can keep it contained.  I feel so bad.  The good news is, as Jack pointed out, we are scheduled to see the doctor tomorrow. 

Nearly Two Weeks

Two weeks ago tomorrow is when I first got sick.  Today I continue to battle being ill.  I have a theory as to what is going on and it involves my running into a plant in Kanarraville Falls that did not get a long with me.  The symptoms I am experiencing right now coincide with symptoms experiences by some who come in contact with Poison Ivy or Poison Oak or Sumac.  The only thing that I was lacking was the extreme rash at point of contact with he plant.  I had treated that shortly after contact and managed to keep it clean and cared for.  So other than not having the rash I have felt the nausea, headaches, fevers etc. etc.  I have started to notice a rash on my legs and chest.  Oh my goodness this is so much fun.  On a positive note the information I have read says the symptoms typically last 3 weeks which means I am nearing the end of this ordeal, or so I hope.  I will have to do a bit more research but from what I found the other day I seem to think this is what is going on with me.  I am not a fan.    

Watching the Tour

It was a slow day at the Brick House.  I don't think it would have been slow but the Tour of Utah was in town today, in fact it kicked off with the first leg of the bike race.  Really quite a cool thing.  Anyhow it kept Main Street blocked off for the better part of the day.  We did some business but very little really. 

Jack was with me again today and Andy and Natty stayed at home.  We didn't catch the start of the race.  Apparently we arrived just after.  They raced in front of the Brick House and then on quite a long ride covering some 100+ miles today.  It included a climb up the mountain and then racing down Cedar Canyon and back into town.  They raced around a course that took them in front of the Brick House a total of 4 times.  Jack and I positioned ourselves out front and enjoyed watching the cyclist as they flew by.  It was quite impressive really and I had no idea how many support vehicles are running the course with the riders.  It was kind of crazy and pretty exciting.  We had a good time.  It would have been nice to somehow have traffic able to come in during the lunch hour but alas, we will survive.  We had a big group for dinner and had some Tour of Utah people roll in after the race for some food before heading to the next stage. 

Jack at the Pulpit Once Again

It was fast and testimony meeting today and after a few testimonies had been shared Jack decided he was getting up.  He shared a testimony that was sweet and sincere and heart felt.  I had many people come up to me and talk about how special it was.  I saw Ken Bettrige after Sunday School and sat by him for a moment, he talked about how touching it was and how much he loves Jack.  Then Doug Maxwell walked over to where we were and shook my hand.  He started talking and his eyes got a little moist.  I'm a baby and my eyes got moist, Ken's eyes were moist and we had us a little moment right there.  There were many who talked to me about it and there were many who stopped Jack in the hall to tell him how much they liked his testimony and how happy they were that he was back.  He would smile and thank each one. 

As best as I can recollect this is what he had to say. 

"I am grateful to be home from Alaska.  I was up there for 8 weeks, how crazy is that?  I had a hard time and really missed my dad.  When I was in Alaska I realized that Heavenly Father wants us to be moving up.  We can only be moving up or down.  I don't want to be moving down.  That is where Satan is and I don't want to make those kind of mistakes.  I am happy to be back in Cedar City.  I love it in Cedar City even though it is a desert.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen". 

There was more to it than this but I can't recall it all right now.  As he spoke it was with some emotion, some moist eyes and full sincerity of heart.  I am grateful for his testimony and his desire to do what is right.  I am grateful for each of my children and thankful for their examples to me.    

Girls Camp Success!

Natalie returned home from girls camp this morning.  The boys and I were at the Brick House so we didn't see her until this evening.  Anyways, she had a lot to share and though I didn't hear everything because of a couple of boys that were on one, she did talk about how girls camp changed her life and how she was able to grow to love two girls she didn't much care for prior to camp.  She also talked about sharing her testimony twice, once with the stake and again with the ward.  She had some powerful and significant spiritual experiences that she shared with the other young women in the Ward.  Fantastic!  I couldn't have asked for a better young women's camp experience for my beautiful Natty Sue!  She loved it. 

Just Take the Drugs! Um, the good drugs, legal stuff...

Taking the drugs today.  Pounding the hard stuff.  That's right, Ibuprofen.  Popped a few after breakfast this morning and when they finally kicked in I was able to manage the day much better.  I popped a few more after dinner as I was starting to feel pretty nasty again.  Also, got some swelling happening in the throat so hoping for that anti inflammatory side of the Ibuprofen to kick in.  My goodness me.  I've got to get back to feeling good.  This is getting old.  At least the drugs helped me to feel better throughout work.  I don't like to take the drugs, meaning legal over the counter stuff like Ibuprofen.  Sometimes however, you've just got to take them.  Glad they helped today. 

The boys got to go hang out with Grandma today.  They had a great time.  It was probably quite nice for them to get away from the Brick House for a while.  I made a bank run and they were at the DQ eating ice cream.  They saw me on my way to the bank and were hoping I would see them.  I couldn't miss their big smiling faces as I drove by the DQ on my way back and they were standing out on the patio waving at me.  Fun stuff.  Sure am grateful for these wonderful boys and for family.