Done

Math is done. 3 tests today with the Pearson test, the pre assessment and then the assessment.  I did well on the Pearson and on the pre assessment and then didn't do all that well on the assessment. I did well enough but not as good as what I have done on other math classes. Well, in fairness this was all pretty much new information for me where I had some experience with the material in the previous classes. The nice part, it is done and that is fantastic. There is another math down the road but it is more teaching concepts or something like that.  Happy to be done.

The Worst

I could easily make this post about my math class as the title seems fitting but tonight was something worse. Some time ago I created a bit of a problem in our drain line that runs out to the grease trap. I was trying to clean it out and had a few things come apart in the pipe. Somehow we managed to run all summer without a problem but here in the last month I have had it back up multiple times. I thought the last time I did it we would be good for a while but tonight I got the call that it was backed up once again.  I spent the evening clearing out a nasty pipe. So fun.  The good news is that I took on the junk pipe and Got it flowing good.  The bad news is that the pipe is still inside the main line. Some day I will come up with a way to fix that.

Back at it

After a few days off we were all back at it today. Outside of the bus not coming for Jack this morning everything went as normal.  I got back into my math course and am pushing through. I want to finish by the end of the month so I've got my work cut out for myself. I am actually fairly close, it is just a lot I have not learned before so it feels pretty heavy.

Gifts

I had the opportunity to teach Gospel Principles today. We had both of our instructors for that class unavailable and the one scheduled to teach contacted me last night and asked for help. I decided that rather than put someone on the spot I would teach. I didn't have a ton of time to prepare but I had some tools and some strategies to use to engage learners. I think we had some success in that regard and some of that turned out ok. I definitely had visions in my head of it being this totally awesome lesson with incredible discussion and a powerful spirit. I don't know that it was the most amazing lesson ever but I got involvement from nearly everyone and really that is what I was going for. The one who didn't comment was kind enough to offer the closing prayer and had we a few more minutes of discussion time I think he would have commented. It was fun. The lesson was about gifts of the spirit and there were some great discussions happening.  Good times. 

Sand Dome 119 - from two days ago

Here is the post that wouldn't publish from Friday.

We took a trip out to the Gold Spike National Park out in Promontory, UT. This is where the Union Pacific and Central Pacific rail lines met completing Americas first trans continental railway. It was a pretty cool place and I learned a lot about the history there that I had not known previously. One of the highlights of the trip was a trip to the engine house where we got to see the 119 and the Jupiter. It was at this field trip that Jack had a little time to shine, twice. First there was a lady that walked backwards and tripped over a log. Jack announced to everyone that this was a perfect reason to be aware of your surroundings.  Once we got in the engine house we had a nice tour. And learned some interesting facts.  At one point in the tour the ranger invited us to look at this sand dome on top of the engine and asked if anyone knew what it was for. While people called out that it was for putting out a fire Jack shot his hand up in the air. After he was called on he gave this amazing explanation of what a sand dome is and how it was used. I had no idea what it was but was convinced that Jack was right... And he was!.  It allows the driver to sand the rails in front of the driving wheels to improve traction and increase adhesion to the rails.  When he finished his explanation the ranger declared Jack the winner.  It was fun times.  Glad we all went out and enjoyed that piece of history together.

Didn't Publish

I've just discovered that yesterdays post did not publish. I have attempted a few times to get it to go but it is not agreeing with me. I have tried to copy the text so I could paste it on an entirely new post but it is not allowing me to do that either. I will attempt this on another device tomorrow or so. I don't have more time to play with it today.

I got a text a few hours ago from one of our Sunday School teachers saying she couldn't teach and her team teacher would be out as well so I will be taking the class. I don't have a lot of time to ponder and pray about the lesson. I was able to read through it and look up some scriptures and have a couple areas that might lead us to some discussion. A bit more time would have been helpful. I will hope in this case for the Spirit to help me out. I will get up early and go through it again.

We are home tonight. Had a good drive down from Tremonten. Traffic ran smooth all day long and the little car ran well.  It is good to be home and in my bed. That air bed certainly wasn't bad and I could easily sleep on it but there is something about your own bed. Of course the wind is howling outside and the house is making all sorts of noise so perhaps it would be better on an air mattress in Laura's. Well, we shall see.

New Thanksgiving Tradition

For Thanksgiving this year we started a new tradition. We had a cooking competition for appetizers and pie.  It was pretty fun as we challenged each other with our own dishes.  For the appetizer round I made individual cheese balls that were crusted in crumbled bacon and rested on a Ritz cracker.  Quite good, big fan.

For the pie round this evening I made a coconut cream black bottom pie.  It was very good and the judges seemed to like it as well.

North

Today we traveled about as far North in the State of Utah as we could. We are in Treemonten for Thanksgiving and are staying at Laura and Nigels house. Awesome.

Had a fun drive up. We delayed our departure because of an accident Dave messaged us about on the I15 outside of Scipio. We managed to miss any delays associated with the accident but did hit.  snow around the point of the mountain and that made things interesting.  Well, I am pretty much. Drained.

The Geometry

I am not a math wizard and do not find great excitement in the subject. I have also never taken a geometry class. That said, things are taking a bit longer as I study and learn this material.

Sometimes

When I sit down to write this blog I sometimes fall asleep. There are times when what I actually get down is completely incoherent and could very well be a series of incomplete thoughts and ideas. I am pretty well worn out when night comes and it is becoming more of a challenge to stay awake. 

Yesterday I was making mention of some lessons I had attended where the instructors were working on their own idea of what they could do to invite diligent learning both in and out of class.  Russ Mitchell taught elders quorum and discussed some ideas relative to Moroni's promise. This was something I had been thinking about for a few days following our own family scripture time and having read and discussed Moroni 10"   Andy had some questions.  The lesson by Russ was an answer to my prayers and desires to help my children.  In FHE tonight I mirrored some of what Russ did yesterday in the lesson.  We read Moroni's promise and then knelt in prayer together.  It was a good experience. Jack felt warm inside, Natty felt peace and Andy was filled with joy.  It was a good experience.

And now I must stop and sleep as I am starting to doze off. Keep it together, keep it coherent

Excellent

Sometimes you go to church and amazing things happen. We are doing our teacher training councils and had our latest one last Sunday. In that meeting we invited all the teachers to think about and write down something they can do to invite diligent learning both in and out of the class. At the end of the council last week I invited everyone to do what they wrote down. I believe that in both the Sunday School and the Elders Quorum lessons the instructors did it. That makes me happy.  I have to say that the lesson in Elders Quorum.was pretty special because it addressed some specific things I have been working on here at home.  We  had good discussion, and I thought it was a great lesson.  Very happy and excited.

Almost a new result

Andy made it through a portion of the night last night in his new bed. That was awesome.  Tonight, not quite as awesome. He is back on the mat on the side of my bed. We will continue to test the new bed and hope. I'm completely out of it right now and must sleep.  Maybe I will go sleep in Andy's new bed.

Andy Bed

When I built the room for Jack in the basement I never quite finished it.  All of his clothes are still in Andy's room and this is a sore subject around Andy who is extremely possessive of his room.  The funny thing about it is just how possessive he is of his room while he refuses to ever sleep in there.  Anyway, tonight I got him a new bed that has drawers underneath a trundle that slides out.  It really is a great bed and Andy is very excited about it.  I too am a fan of the bed and am rooting for Andy to complete a night in his own bed.  It has been a while.  

No School

Today my schedule just didn't settle. I was rarely at home and there just wasn't time when I had sufficient time to open it up. I've got a busy day tomorrow as well but hopefully I can knock things out and sit down for some math.

Philly Cooking

I happened to be in the shop today when a big group came in.  Their order included 6 Philly sandwiches and since I was there I volunteered to make them.  They are my favorite sandwich to make.  Well, wonderful. Anytime I can make a Philly I do so.

Leafy Tree Tops

For the last couple of weeks I have been cleaning leaves out of the yard. There were still large amounts of leaves in all of the trees around the yard. Tonight we've got a lot of wind so maybe we will end up with a couple of leafless trees.l

Passed

The Schooling rolls forth.  I took the assessment for critical thinking today and raised my score by 7 points over my pre assessment.  That was a welcome increase. It was nice to get that class done.  I actually don't know that I would have done much better on that assessment than I did today. The test itself is all about critical thinking scenarios which for me makes it all a cheap shoot. I did my best analysis of the situations and managed to do ok. As it stands that is another class down. Time to bring in more classes. 

Love the Second Sunday

One of my favorite things in relation to my calling right now as Sunday School President is the Teacher Training Council. I love Teaching in the Saviors Way and the quick and powerful lessons it has. I love to hear of the experiences other members of the ward have to share.  This is a special meeting and it serves to improve the work of the Lord.

FootBLAH

Today I was at the football field for three State championship football games. That was 4 football games in 24 hours.  By the time we were done I'd had enough and the thought of more football was blah in my mind.  Last night I might have said Pine View won state. This is false. That division has another week and it will be Pine View vs Desert Hills. Today we watched Beaver win the double A. Then we watched Duchene win the single A championship and then Juan Diego won the three A.  There were some intense moments and some great plays.  Congrats to those who won and congrats to me for being done with football for the season.

Gut Check

It is playoff football time and the chain crew will be out in force tomorrow as three games will be played on the SUU field.
Tonight we had the championship game for region 9. It was Dixie vs Pine View.  It was a good game. Pine View was down by two touchdowns and then came back and won with 35 straight. Pretty great game. 

Math Done, Almost

I passed my math class today so I am done with math, well, almost. While I am done with this math class I still have one more to go.  There is another one as well that is more about the teaching aspects of it I believe.  It is good to be progressing through. 

Had both boys call home from school sick today.  Wonderful.  Hopefully they will be fine in the morning.  They think it might be the pizza they had last night. 

New Day

So with the Donald Trump win last night we are experiencing some mixed emotions in this country.  That is only expected in an election when someone is going to lose. Some have been especially dramatic. There are those that have threatened to leave the country after a Trump victory. It will be interesting to see if there are those who will follow through with their threat. I was up late last night and watched Trump give his acceptance speech. It was quite impressive. He was humble, expressed a lot of gratitude, and looks like he is ready to get started. I am excited to see what he will do. I will pray for his success and that of our country. 

Vote - Done

I went out and voted this afternoon. Filled out, signed and delivered to the voting station. Because I brought in a mail in ballot I didn't have to wait in the long line.  I am grateful for the opportunity to vote.  Grateful for the country in which I live and for the freedoms I enjoy.

Daylight Saving What?

I don't know if yesterdays entry was at all understandable. This one may not be any better. This daylight savings time really messes you up. I like the spring forward a lot less than the fall back but neither are very fun. It just hits you and messes with you.  I am feeling half dead right now. Normally at 11 I am just getting warmed up. Not so tonight. I am ready to crash and since I've got to be up before 6 for flags.

Time

I am wiped out. Holy cow. I passed out a bit ago. Just woke up and it wasn't death.  I am done. Must rest well tonight.

Feeding a Presidential Candidate

Had a fabulous and full day today.  SUU had their final home football game today vs. Montana State.  It was a tight game in the first half but SUU dominated the second half.  It was a good game.

After the game I got home, changed my clothes and headed over to the shop to help get things together for a presidential candidate.  The Evan McMullin campaign contacted us on Thursday asking about a meet and greet at our place.  We said sure and it actually went well. Got to meet Evan and speak with him one on one.  He seems a humble man.  Amyhow, way cool experience for our team. 

Chili Champ

For the second year in a row I have won the Cedar 8th ward Elders Quorum chili cook off.  I wasn't even going to enter a chili and had made rice instead.  I came upstairs to drop off the last of the sandwiches and found that there were only two entries to chose from.  I ran back down to the kitchen and put together the winning chili.  I don't know if it is cheating to enter brick house chili so I made some quick modifications. I had a couple of aged rib eyes set aside that I cut into chunks and quickly threw on the grill. I seasoned those with some Montreal steak seasoning and then doused them with some buffalo sauce.  I added some diced onions and mushrooms to the grill and sauteed them up then blended them with the rib eye.  I took a portion of our brick house chili and added my rib eye mixture to it.  I gave it a taste, shot a little more buffalo and then took it up. Apparently it was pretty good.  This year the prize wasn't a $25 gift cert to the Brick House but rather the theater.  That is cool.  I do want to say I voted for the other chili entries ahead of mine.  The one I had winning was from Morgan and I thought it was excellent.  This is a good event and I am happy to host it at the shop.

Forgot It

Dang it.  I worked on some math today and all of the sudden it is like I forgot how to do everything.  That is bothersome.  I look at stuff and think I should be able to do it but I can't remember how to do it.  It is okay because I have been able to then go through and review it, remember what is happening and then I have performed just fine on the test.  It is okay, just wish I could remember everything we did in my online math class at SUU.  The good news is that when I work on problems I am able to pick it back up, sometimes a little easier than others.  Well, I am completely beat.  Sometimes I forget what is is like to be well rested.  Must turn in for the evening. 

Back in Math

I am back in a math class today. Glad to not be in world history today. Not that I am a bigger fan of math than I am of history. It is just nice to have a change of pace. The last math class took me a week to get through. My hope is that by next week I will be done with this math class. So far I am feeling pretty good about it.

Frustrated

I finished the final task for World History. My goal was to be done in October but it took me an extra day. The tasks were a bit challenging and this last one was no . I am hoping to pass this last task. I worry that I may not have done a good enough job despite the hours I spent on this. That thought is a skosh frustrating.  I will hope for the best and see what comes.