Busted!

I am fairly certain that I have mentioned the eating challenge sandwich that we put together at the Brick House. It is a monster of a sandwich. I have attached a picture of it for visual reference. We call it the Brick. If you finish it you get a t-shirt that says 'I Busted A Brick'. It is fairly cool stuff.  Jay designed the shirt and he has been wanting to do the challenge.  Today was the day since they were in town.  I joined in the festivities.  The record time prior to today was 17 minutes 35 seconds. That was dang impressive. Today a new record was posted, it was not by either Jay or myself.  A group of guys came in and all did it. There were three of them. All three beat the previous record and did so convincingly. One of them was under 10 minutes and set the new standard at 8 minutes and 45 seconds. That is going to be tough to beat.

Anyway, there we were with Jay and Jayson going for it. I was kind of backing out on the deal, not confident I could do it and not sure I wanted to be sick for the rest of the day. I was getting harassed by the rest of Jays fam as well as pops throwing some smack my way. I had enough and went back to the kitchen and got another burger going. I got started a few minutes after Jay and Jayson and today I was in a groove. I was pounding it. The hardest part was biting into it and having the heat of the patty there. The meat was way hot - temperature hot.  I navigated through it with pure determination and in a very short amount of time I was done with the burger. I was feeling it too.  I started shoveling fries in my mouth and was within striking distance of the newly set record. I didn't beat it and came in at 9 minutes, 39 seconds.  I was quite thrilled to knock it out in less than 10 minutes.  It is now about 10 hours later and I am still full.  Probably won't be hungry for a long while still. Jay also finished and Jayson did quite well for a 12 year old.  It was a fun outing. I don't know that I will ever do that again so it is good that I put together a great run today.  Busted!

Work Cut Out

Had a nice conversation with my mentor this morning. She told me that in the 8 years she has been working as a mentor I was the first person she has seen score in the 90's on the constitution and government assessment. She said she has only seen a handful of people score in the 80's. Wow, what an honor. I told her I did a good job a guessing on some of those questions. She said it is deductive reasoning and that is something good. Sure it made me feel pretty good. I certainly put in study time and also said some prayers.

In other parts of our communication she let me know that I need to knock out 35 more credits by June 1st in order to be on track to student teach in the spring of 2018.  That is going to be a tall order but I will do my best to get there.  The work is certainly out for me.  I will be praying a lot and appreciate any prayers you care to offer on my behalf. 

One More Down

After some additional study and review today I took the pre-assessment for the government class.  I did quite well scoring a 96 so I requested the final assessment and passed with a 93. I'm thrilled with that and pleased to be done with another class. Tomorrow I'll get to roll in one or two more.  Gotta keep pressing forward.

Schooling

Back at it with the schooling. Trying to get through this government class but I'm not feeling totally confident. I've got some work to do before I'm ready for the pre-assessment but maybe by tomorrow evening I will be ready. The goal for completing the class is the end of the month so I've got my work cut out for me. Going to have to push it for the next couple of days.

I did get a run in to the temple this evening. That was welcome and is the more important schooling environment. I've heard the temple described as the Lord's classroom and I can certainly see that. I don't think it is his only classroom but definitely a place of higher learning.  I enjoy the time I am able to spend there.

Old Friends

Back when I was just shy of 17 years old we moved from Hawaii to Carson City. That was 26 years ago. I have not been back. Seeing friends from my life in Hawaii is not something that happens with the exception of Facebook.  Today I was doing some school work and instinctively checked my phone and found a message from Shey Lani Christiansen letting me know they were in Cedar and had just tried to stop by the restaurant to eat. We were closed today. I sent her a message asking if they were still in town and they were, eating at the Sizzler. I said I would come over. I called pops and told him and asked him to share that with Jim. I went over and enjoyed a sweet reunion with what was at one point of my life one of my closest friends. It was a sweet reunion with Vince Southon and his parents and of course Shey. I met Vince's family who I have only seen on Facebook. Oh my goodness, this was a great day, a wonderful reunion. There are some friendships that last a lifetime, there are friends that are very much family and that is how I felt today. It was great to see them and to catch up and to feel that bond from so many years ago still there, still strong.  I have thought about making a visit there someday, today made it apparent that this needs to happen. 

Merry Christmas 2016

It is Christmas. The day started early with an assignment to shovel snow. Then I was off to church and then up to the folks. We had a nice brunch and then did gifts. I managed to get a little nap in before dinner but I am pretty darn tired. I have a major headache coming on right now and am hoping it will pass with rest. It was a great day, so very Grateful for the savior, for his birth, his life and all that is made possible through him. 

Christmas Evening 2016

It is the evening before Christmas day and it has been a good day. There was a good storm today that dumped a lot of snow so I did a bit of shoveling. I also got out and about and delivered some fudge. That was good stuff, it would have been better to tackle that with the kids so they could have the experience. Anyhow, had a good time and then had a fine evening at the folks enjoying some fondue.  Well the morning is approaching quickly and I need to be up early to shovel snow at the church so it is time to call it.

Quiet Time

With the kids up in Alaska I am suffering what is commonly referred to as quiet time. I'm keeping busy enough just trying to get things in order at home, it's just quiet.  I went out to the movies tonight with the ever lovely Missy Moss. We saw the Rogue One flick and I quite enjoyed it. Holy cow there were a ton of trailers tonight. I don't get out to the movies much so I don't know if extended trailer times are the norm now or if everyone was jumping on the Rogue one popularity train.  Good movie, lots of funny stuff. Back home now, enjoying the sound of silence and ready to crash out.

North to Alaska

Today we got up, loaded the car and got out on the road. We had snow all the way down to Snowfield and then we had rain for the majority of the trip. The trip went well enough though the I15 in Vegas was terrible with multiple accidents and major lane closures. We managed to get to the airport on time and the kids are safely in Alaska. Happy they are there.  I am home tonight and had rain the entire drive back until I hit Snowfield where it was snowing.  It made for a white knuckle driving experience.

All Sold Out

And so the lesson of not procrastinating hit me square in the nutcrackers today.  Andy has orchestrated his gifts this Christmas and has his mom buying him a game for a Nintendo DS system. He doesn't yet have one of those systems and that is where my part of Christmas gifts comes in. I was told that I was to get him a 2-ds.  I saw a goodly number of them at a local video game store and figured there would be plenty. Not so. They were sold out. We headed south in hopes we could find one at a store down there. Well, it made for a long time and none of the stores had anything.  Had to be the gift for Andy.  Well we have a plan.  Jack is going to let Andy borrow his until such time as Andy's own one comes in. Thanks big Jack.  Well, I've gotta wrap things up.  Looking for some rest. Long day tomorrow.

Time is Short

Oh my goodness, time is getting short. Tomorrow is the kids last say at home and then we leave for the airport and they fly to Alaska. We will leave early in the morning on Thursday.  It would have been wise for me to have done some Christmas shopping previously.  I have somewhat of a plan and am hoping it will all come together tomorrow. It will definitely be simple.  Tomorrow is fix in to be a very busy day.

Love Nativity

Tonight for our Family Home Evening we took the show on the road and headed south to St. George. Jack wanted to give Sam his old Thomas train stuff so we stopped by. Sam totally loved it and it looked like Jack was really happy to have given it to him. Awesome. We were also heading down so that we could go and see the live nativity at Tuacahn. It was actually very well done. I snapped a couple of pics but nothing turned out well.  Anyway, it was a good time and certainly worth the trip for us.  For an added bonus I took the kids to in n' out for dinner and they loved it. 

Love This Place

We ran up to the folks for dinner tonight. It was delicious, zucchini casserole.  Andy ate at least 3 servings at their house and then polished off the leftovers when we got home.  On our way up to the folks house I decided to take a quick temple trip. I snapped the attached picture tonight. Quite a lovely place. We had a great day.

4 men and a mixer

There are some things in life that you simply have no desire to do again. One of those things for me was to try and move this gigantic Hobart mixer. We had tried to move it once before and that ended in complete disaster. We were pretty much stuck with a big old mixer in the kitchen that we wouldn't be using.  Well, today we tried to fix that mixer to where it would run and we could sell it. The fix didn't work and we were a bit bummed by that. We did decide we would try get it out of the kitchen. When I say we I mean Dan and I. We were able to enlist the help of Payton and Drew and we also had the use of a floor jack and that made a huge difference. We got it outside. We were disappointed that we couldn't get it to operate but decided to list it on the interweb. Well, we had an hour or so and I got a call from a guy that was interested. After that we got an offer.  It was awesome.  I am passing out so this is it for tonight.

Pay Off

Had a great report today from Mr. Montgomery, Jack's special ed teacher at Cesar Middle School.  He shared that Jack had gotten 100% on his science test and also had the best score on his Aleks exam in his math glass. For the science he was on his own and I am certain his success there has to do with the fact that he can remember details very well and science is a major interest to him.  The Aleks is an online math program. Everyday we sit at the computer and work on that math together.  Some days it can be quite the challenge, a battle of wills. It can be pretty discouraging and I often wonder how much he is getting. Turns out he is doing pretty well. After a fairly tough week this came as refreshing news and will surely keep us going. 

Tried to do a little something tonight in the spirit of giving and sharing. We made a trip to the Walmart and bought a couple little toys that we put in the Toys for Tots box up at the front of the store. It wasn't much but both boys were able to be involved in giving and that is what I wanted them to experience.

Pool Time

We have been venturing over to the pool one evening a week for the last while. Tonight it was much needed after a bit of a stressful day. A certain boy had a tough go and then working through homework with both boys was rough.  My own work today was not great as I had worked through a big section and was right at the end and the computer crashed. I thought I might die when I got it all back up and my work was lost. Well what can one do? I got to redo it all.  Wonderful. The time away from everything whilst at the pool was very much welcome.

Old Clothes

Today we made a run over to the Deseret Industries to donate a few things. We took an old 10 gallon fish tank which is funny cause that is where we bought it 6 years ago when Natty found the turtle. Somebody else can have a go with that aquarium. It would be way nice if the D I would take a live turtle.  Anyway, we gave a skeleton decoration and then a big bag of clothes. It always feels good to give. 

Drowning

I feel like I am drowning in homework right now.  I am in the middle of a challenging class of my own with tons of information that I need to know. I've got two boys who I spend 1 to 3 hours a day doing homework with and I've got Natalie to worry about and who I have to try to motivate to get her work done. Tonight I am ready to break. I need a break but I am feeling nearly broken. Jack had a ton of math that got lost somewhere along the lines so we have been working on that in addition to his other math homework and I'm about ready to die.  It is a big enough battle to get Jack to do his homework, having a ton of additional math doesn't make it any easier.  To add to it Jack refuses to ride the bus home from school which adds one more thing to my day. I'm tired but I'm not throwing in the towel.

Fudge Training

Well this is frustrating. I was nearly done with my post and my phone cleared out everything and started this post over again.  Not cool.  I was sharing how tonight I was trying to help Light the World by passing down to my children something I learned from my parents and grandparents.  Fontano family fudge has been around for many years and multiple generations.  Though they have assisted in making fudge before, tonight I got them more involved. We made two batches and probably have a few more to go to have enough to distribute for the holiday.  I don't know if all of my siblings make fudge at Christmas but I know a few of them do.  I think it is a great family tradition and I would love to see my children carry it on.  We had a good time with it this evening. 

Need to do better

Had our teacher council meeting today. I really enjoy these meetings. One of these things that I find challenging in this meeting is how fast the time goes.  It seems to just disappear. In both classes today I struggled to manage their clock such that we had enough time to share, learn, and practice.  It was hard because we start out with the share idea and I try to encourage participation. That participation tends to start out slow and then pick up. I don't want to cut people off but at the same time we need to have a learning portion of the class focused on teaching in the saviors way.  We then also need to practice.  I struggled with clock management today and need to be better.

Funeral and Christmas Tree

Last night before I went to bed I discovered through a facebook post the Kin Boyd had actually passed away on Wednesday and that his funeral services would be today. Things aligned and I was able to attend the viewing and the funeral. It was a wonderful service and I am grateful to have known Jim.

I had promised Andy that we would set up the Christmas tree today. This afternoon we ran out to the storage unit and got the tree. It is up and has been decorated. 

Grateful for the gospel in my life.

Can't Quit

Had a rough morning with Jack.  He decided he didn't want to go to school and I was not going to let him make that decision. He was perfectly healthy but just didn't want to go. Sometimes in license just have to press forward. We can't quit. We have to do things we don't always want to do.  I was about at my breaking point with Jack today.  I just don't know how much more I can handle and felt like I was crumbling.  I prayed for strength and direction and prayed that Jack could relax some. After a bit of a break he was able to pull it together. We got him to school a little late and he managed to have a good day. Quietly grateful for prayer and for strength given to carry on even when it is hard to do.

Parenting

I am not one who likes to get overly involved with hounding my kids teachers. I kind of grew up taking responsibility for my actions at school. Sometimes I didn't do a great job. My parents didn't get all up in my business but there were definitely expectations and I tried to live up to those. I have been patiently encouraging Natalie to focus on her work and I have been monitoring her grades. She actually did really well during the first quarter but the second quarter has been rough. Last night I got myself involved by messaging some of her teachers and asking for some help.  Today she got some help and I am quite pleased with that.  Very thankful for teachers and for the effort they make. So very grateful.

Feed the Hungry

I hadn't had an opportunity to do something for the Light the World initiative initiativetoda. Today was about feeding the hungry.  Aside from feeding the boys I hadn't accomplished much.  I had to take Natty to Walmart so I loaded myself up with free sandwich cards to give away.  I think it turned out ok and we made some peoples day.  Good stuff. 

Wonderful

Went down to St George this evening to join my friend Karry at a showing of Its A Wonderful Life.  She had received tickets through her work. It was a very interesting showing.  We were unable to attend the entire play as the intermission came it had been nearly two hours. Staying another 2 hours was not possible as I had Andy with me and we had to get home. Karry and I had a good laugh at some of the happenings in that play.  Good times were had. It was wonderful.

Caroling to Jim

There are moments in our lives, experiences that are etched in our memories where our hearts are touched in ways they are not otherwise touched. I had such an experience this evening as I gathered with members of the Cedar 8th Ward and from the old 7th Ward and we went to the home of Jim and Judy Boyd. Jim came home from the hospital earlier today. Jim has come home to pass on from this life. He has been in a battle with cancer for the last couple of years and though he put up a valiant fight it has ultimately won. I don't know how many of us filled the living room, dining room and kitchen of their home but it was a sizeable group. We sang Christmas carols to this dear man. I was positioned in the kitchen and did not have a view of Jim in his hospital bed but I felt a powerful and spiritual bond with those gathered in this home. I turned at one point and saw Judy crying as we sang. My eyes were also wet and I often found myself unable to sing. As we came to our final song Brother Thorley asked Jim if he would conduct. Jim is the ward choir director and loves music. I don't know how long he was able to lead the song but he was able to start us and we sang Silent Night for Jim for what may be the last time. It was powerful yet somber. Hearts were touched and knit together there tonight in a very different night of caroling. We had opportunity to walk through and shake hands with Jim as we exited the home. I don't know that caroling will ever be the same or that a time will come when I won't think about that moment as I struggle to sing Silent Night. Jack came with me tonight. Glad he did and hope it is something he will remember. Much thanks to Cindy Bagnall for sending me the invite to join in this. Grateful for Jim and Judy and their friendship over the last several years.

Wretched

It is easy to identify with Nephi who shares some of his feelings of inadequacy before the Lord. As I think about my life I can see areas where I struggle and fall short. Describing one as a wretched man can be easy to when you know your weaknesses and when being your own worst or harshest critic.  One of the lessons from 2 Nephi 4 is that in his discouragement the Lord did not abandon him and Nephi was strengthened. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father and Savior that are aware of who I am, who know what I need and who provide so much for me. There is peace in knowing we are not alone. I am grateful for a kind and loving Heavenly Father that is infinitely patient with me and my shortcomings. I hope I can live in a manner pleasing unto Him.

Not Enough

I am completely spent. For the last half hour or so I have been attempting to write this post but to no avail.  There is not enough energy to keep me going at the moment. Must wrap up and go to sleep. Have to be up for a meeting in a few hours. 

Light it up

There is a special program of sorts this holiday season where the church is encouraging people to Light the World. They provide ideas on what you can do to help share the light. Yesterday was a day of service. I did a few little things and was looking for little ways to serve. Today had to do with honoring your parents. I tried to do so by posting a little something about my folks on the Facebook. These are not big, in your face acts. It is simpler than that. I think small acts of kindness and though that works for me I am sure there are those much more organized then me who are doing amazing things. Here is what I have learned the last couple days. Even though my acts are simple they help me to feel the saviors love, they help me feel good. Whether that is helping to Light the World I don't know. I suppose it helps to light my small portion of the world. 
Well, here is what I shared about the folks: 

All of my life I have been blessed by the example of my parents. They have taught and continue to teach their children and their grandchildren how to serve others with unconditional love. Throughout the ups and downs of life and no matter how difficult their own trials have been, they have been faithful to each other and they have been faithful to the Lord. Sometimes people wonder how I do what I do as a single father, the simple answer is that I do what I was taught to do by my sweet parents. Love you mom and dad. Jim Fontano Kathy Fontano

Tired

Tonight I am pretty tired. It may have been from not getting enough sleep last night. It may be from having to sit and do a bunch of homework with the boys and it may be because I am sitting here not having been able to do any of my own homework. There was an unexpected rep at the shop today that caught me off guard and ended up taking up a few hours of my day. That was certainly not what I had planned. Well, I need to get in some school work. It never ends.