Andyboy is 11

Hard to believe it but it is true. Today Andy turned 11 years old. That is just getting wild and crazy. I think he had a pretty good birthday. He got some battle bots, some strange writing utensils and, he got a new drone. Good times. He wanted to eat at Red Lobster which was ok. If we don't eat there ever again it won't hurt my feelings. Well, grateful for Andyboy. Love my baby boy.

Family History Visit

I arranged for sister Arnold to come over to visit with the fam and teach us about some of the cool things happening with family history. I had met with her in July and learned a lot but the kids were in Alaska. Tonight we saw some fun things happen as Jack was able to reserve a couple of names. The kids were also able to link the Atwood family to their lines and the Griffin line as well. For some strange reason those were not connected. Anyway, we had a great visit, we learned some things, we did some things, and we had a good time doing it.  Just want to keep the kids involved and having fun.

Diet Ginger Beer

It is late and I am tired. Trying to reflect on the day and just done have a lot to say. I am keeping busy and trying to keep up. I just got back from walking a couple miles and sat down with a diet cock and bull ginger beer. I love me some ginger beer and especially love this one as it is free of the sugars. It still has great ginger flavor and a bit of bite. I quite enjoy it and find myself purchasing it on occasion just get my fix.  If you are looking for a diet ginger brew I highly recommend this one.

Nice Visit

I had three ward members contact me recently about the Brick House donating for different things. We try to participate in a number of different things and had participated in all three of these in previous years. Today I made up gift certificates for two of them and tonight I took them around.

The Sons of Utah Pioneers is one of the groups we have donated to as part of an event being held to raise money for scholarships. Brother Morrell asked me about it and so I stopped by their home tonight to drop them off. Sister Morrell invited me in and so I sat down and visited with them for a while. They are awesome folks and I really enjoyed sharing stories and learning from them. They served a mission in Hawaii and taught at BYUH. I thought that was great. We talked bugs and geckos. It was a good time. They also served a mission at the church history museum which I thought was great. Sister Morrell invited me to put a mission on my list of things to do when I get older. I assured her it was on there and talked about the missions my grandparents served and how they influenced me from a young age.

Anyway, it is good to visit with good people. They have so much experience they can share and I can learn from. The Morrells are wonderful people and I admire them greatly.

Fun Times

Tonight we invited some new neighbors over for dinner. Nice young couple. Husband teaches biology at the high school and the wife is at home with two kids. She does some work with a restaurant or two here in town. They've got a little boy named Sam who loved hanging out with Jack and Andy even if Jack got a little snappy about a train track Jack did share the train with him after dinner. The baby girl is such a sweet little thing. It was great to have them over and good to have good neighbors move in. It's even better when they are family. Welcome to the hood Dan, Amy, Sam, and Ellie Bean!

Wasabi Almonds

We just finished scriptures and prayer as well as. Few other things in preparation for bed. I pulled out a bag of bold wasabi flavored almonds and grabbed a small handful. Jack likes to grab almonds when he sees me with the bag and tonight was no different. He longingly looked for some of those and I let him take some. He threw them all in his mouth before I could give him any instruction. It didn't take long for his face to drop to the floor as well, just long enough to taste . we all enjoyed a good time.

Full Day

This was from a few days ago. I want to say it was Wednesday. I just saw that it didn't actually publish and so we will try again.

Started early and went late. Electrical, hvac, temporary cooling, making dinner, chopping wood, homework, scripture time, kids in bed, 5K walk, weird cat followed me home, ready for bed. It has been full. It has been good. Look forward to bed.

Father and Son Outing

Tonight Jack is out camping with the scouts. First time without me. Fantastic. Natalie was hanging with friends. Andy and I were home alone so we made a depot grill run and enjoyed a a fine meal. Later were off to the Wal-Mart and he checked out the drones and other remote control devices while I shopped. I am grateful for my children the blessings they are in my life. Grateful Andy and I could hang out together.

Snoring

I just woke myself up with a mild snore. Wonderful. Must get to sleep.

Clog

I am exhausted. Today was another marathon day. I just got home a few minutes ago. Had issues at the depot with a drain being backed up. It kept flooding the kitchen. I was quite puzzled and it took me a while to figure it out. In that time I made store runs, dinner run for the kids, homework run, scripture prayer run and finally I came home for good. The drain has been cleared and water is flowing once agsin. Wow, ready for be asleep.

Running Round

Had a busy day running around between the two shops and trying to get stuff done. Will have more running around to do tomorrow. Trying to keep things moving on. Holy cow Andy had a ton of homework tonight and my running around for work gave him way to procrastinate certain assignments. Frustrating. Oh well, we got through it. Happy to head to bed now. Need it.

Great Sunday

Enjoyed the Sabbath. It is such a wonderful day. I love the break it is from the daily cares of the world. It is refreshing. Had a priesthood leadership meeting this evening that was great. Really enjoyed a talk by President Bulloch about the oath and covenant of the priesthood. He was fantastic. President Heap also had some excellent comments.

Getting New Neighbors

Today we had the opportunity to help some new neighbors move a few things into their home. My kids got along wonderfully with their two little ones. There was even some hide and seek being played as well as some steamroller being played on the living room floor. It was a good time to be sure. They have more stuff to move and we will help again. Always nice to have family moving across the street. Kids enjoyed their cousins.

Season

With school starting this week it is time for high school football. This means it was time for the chain crew to go to work. That is something I really enjoy.  Holy cow. Falling asleep big time. Calling it a day.

The Doc

For the 6 years plus we have been going to the same doctors office. I was never one tonbe picky about which doctor we saw there and those that we have seen have been great. One that we never had an appointment with is the head honcho. We had to reschedule our visit to this afternoon and they scheduled us with Doctor Dowse, the head honcho. He was extremely good and we all were very comfortable with him. He was kind and observant and took the time individually with each of the kids. I was quite impressed. There are times when you meet someone and you feel they are a good person and then you receive a confirmation from the spirit that they are. That confirmation was very much evident for me today as we visited with Doctor Dowse and felt his love and genuine concern for our family. He most certainly was not going through the motions. Natty felt it and was willing to let her guard down and trust him with some things she is experiencing and he was attentive to her specific needs. Very grateful for that.

Passed

Well i finally passed my last class of the semester. Nice to have it all done. I am starting to look at my first class for next semester. It is going to be a busy semester but I've got to get through it. Good times. I really need to move on these classes. Time disappears all to fast. 

First Day of School 2017

The new school year is upon us. Hard to believe Natty is a senior. How did that happen? Everyone had a great first day. We will hope for an excellent year with many more great days to follow. Have to help the SueBug stay focussed and to go strong all year long. She has some good classes and it could be a challenge but she can do it. 
Jack and Andy are both at the middle school this year with Jack in 8th and Andy in 6th.  They sat together on the bus today and had a good day. Great stuff.
Not sure where yesterdays entry is? Maybe it is just because I used the computer and it isn't showing up on my phone. I don't know. Oh well, great day today.

Back At It

Today was a day filled with back to school preparations.  Clearly I waited too long to go shopping for back to school items because the local walmart was on par with what it might be like to walk into the very depths of hell.  I knew we were in trouble when at 11:30 on a Monday morning we pulled in to a full parking lot.  I would have left but then I would have only had to return to probably more people and hardly any supplies remaining.  It was stressful and Jack had to excuse himself from the school supply areas of the store because of the overwhelming amount of traffic and confusion that existed there.  We were fortunate to find most of the things we needed.  No fine tip sharpies to be found and no sheet protectors either.  We managed to escape with out lives and I happened to find a pack of 100 sheet protectors here at the house so win there.  No sharpies but we will get them another day. 

Tonight was the great back to school night and we had a good visit there. That is pretty much just as bad as walking into walmart to try and shop for supplies but tonight we had Jack head over to his classroom on his own, 8th graders can do that sort of thing, and Andy and I went over to his classroom.  As always the classroom is packed with students and parents and we listen to the teacher say her piece and we watch the administrators say their piece and we fill out paperwork.  I don't know how much the kids actually get out of the evening other than putting a name with a face and seeing their classroom.  Perhaps that is the important part of it anyway.  Hard to believe the school year is hear again and we are back at it.  Hard to believe we are officially out of the elementary schools, well, that is until I go and do some classroom observations and some student teaching. 

Had some fathers blessings tonight to start the school year and will be up in a few hours to see these kids off to their first day.  Should be pretty dang exciting.  

August 13th

Had a fine day as we went to church this morning and enjoyed good meetings.  Natty went with the young women to hear Maise Ellison give her farewell talk. That is great. I think she enjoyed it. We had a fine walk this evening. We laughed at some funny videos. We are now in bed ready for sleep. My brain function has diminished and it is ready to sleep.

Depot Intro

Took the kids out to eat at the depot tonight. They have not had the chance to eat there and so it was a nice treat for them. It was surprising to them just how fancy that restaurant is. Glad they were able to go and enjoy. Andy was excited to have the chicken pot pie and he loved it. Jack had a pork chop which was thick and delicious. Natty went with chicken and waffles. They all seemed to enjoy it. Grateful for that

Canyon Loop

The boys and I hiked up the canyon trail tonight and had a pretty good time. The river was flowing pretty well and the water was pretty dark. Used to seeing a lot of red in it but today it was much darker like a charcoal grey. Well we made a loop of it. Where the pavement ends at the top you can easily attach to a dirt road 9nd we took it home.

Oh my, jua

Riding After Dark

The boys and I went out on a little biking adventure tonight. We rode down and around SUU for a bit. It was good to get out and go.  I need to get them back out on the East Bench Trail. That is a good ride. Had to go in to work today as one of our people had the flu and then had to run to the high school to sign paperwork for Natalie. So after being busy for much of the day it was good to have a ride and just enjoy that time.

Home Coming

Today was a travel day for the fam. The kids flew out of Anchorage this morning, changed planes in Seattle, and landed in Vegas this afternoon. I left Cedar a little later than I had hoped because of a catering delivery but still had about 4 hours to make the trip. All was going well until I got to St. George and the car suddenly lost power. The check engine light came on and when I tried to accelerate the engine would start to die. This is the kind of stuff that gives me nightmares, having the kids show up expecting me to be there and then I'm not there. I got off the highway thinking I would need to call the folks and see if they could bring me a car. Then I thought to call Amy. Fortunately she was home and was willing to let me borrow her van. The entire episode cost me some time but I was back on the road and on my way. It was good that I had the four hours. Had I cut it any closer I would have been late. As soon as I got to the gate I received a text that they had landed. I thought about the timing on that scenario. The car crapped out at the perfect place as I was only a few minutes from Dan and Amy's house. The travel time I had turned out to be just enough. Praying over the car and the trip and the kids all paid off. Very grateful for that. The kids are great. So happy to have them home. Jack likes to run over and jump into a hug when he spots me when he gets off the plane. He almost took me down today. Getting to be a big boy.  Andy and Natty are a little gentler. Anyhow, they are wonderful and it is good to have them home.  When we got back to Dan and Amy's, Dan ran a diagnostic on the car and the code indicated a problem with an oil pressure solenoid. We pulled up info on the internet and the repair didn't look back. Unfortunately no one had the part available. Sam had come by to drop something off and recommended we tap on the solenoid a bit. We did that and cleared the code then loaded up the luggage and drove home. It ran just fine all the way home. What a day. So glad we are all home. Sure do love these kids.

If I Pass, I Pass

I just now turned in my task for my latest class at the WGU.  It was an interesting task and I learned some good things in this class about behavior and modification of it.  There are things that apply not only to special education but people in general with antecedents, behavior, and consequences.  I naturally go to a gospel conversation in my own mind and compare behavioral management and intervention to a lesson I was taught on sin and crossing ourselves before we commit sin. The crossings, or the things we do before we commit sin (the violation or the target behavior) are the antecedents.  As we learn to recognize antecedents in our lives that take place before we act inappropriately, we can fortify ourselves with a plan on a replacement behavior that when implemented leads us to much better consequences. The better consequences act as reinforces of the replacement behavior and we strengthen ourselves against the sin.  I may just be talking crazy here and perhaps I have lost you but it makes sense in my mind.  Anyway, I am hoping that I pass this assessment and can move on to the next thing.  There is much to do to get on track and I will have my hands full trying to make that happen. 

Double Fours

Another year older and wiser too... happy birthday, to me.  Today I have reached the ripe old age of forty-four.  Holy cow!  When I was younger I used to think that forty was so old.  Here I am at forty-four and I feel like an inexperienced turd.  I can look back and see all the things that I have been involved with and see that there is much that I have learned and experienced. At the same time I do not feel like I know very much or am very good at anything.  I am just a guy that plugs along everyday and tries to make the most with what I've got. I feel inadequate much of the time and just hope that the Lord will see me through.  I believe that he does.  I sat in Sacrament meeting yesterday and had been feeling a little down on myself.  As I reached for and partook of the bread I felt the Saviors love for me and enjoyed comfort and peace during that ordinance.  I was grateful for that experience and am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who is aware of our needs and delights to bless us.  I hope that I can be diligent in living the gospel.  I hope that I can remain faithful no matter what is happening in my life.  I hope that I can influence others in a manner that is pleasing to Heavenly Father and helps to draw people towards the Savior. 

Well, forty-four.  I spent much of the day working on a task for school.  I am trying to be done with this class by tomorrow evening so that come Wednesday I can go pick up the kids and I can focus on getting them back to school and ready for a great year.  I have a few other things that I need to work on related to my schooling and that have to be completed by the end of the month.  Always something to do for school.  I guess that is what happens when you are always in an active semester.  After working on my class I went and had dinner with the folks at the Depot Grill.  It was fantastic.  I really think we have a good thing going there. Hope that it will continue to take off and will be very successful.  There is much to do to get it there but we are well underway. 

Speaking of underway, my eyes are feeling heavy and it may just be time to lay down and call it a day, well, a double four day anyway.  Sooo old!

August 6th

Twas a fine day. Loved fast and testimony meeting. There were some excellent testimonies shared and I quite enjoyed it. Grateful for the gospel.

The 5th of August

Got to put some plumbing skills to the test today when I had to change out a faucet at the depot. It has been a week of little repairs here and there. Everyday something would come up that needed fixing. This was the faucet for the produce/prep sink in the kitchen. Last night the stem quit and the water would not shut off at the faucet. It has been replaced and there are no leaks so that is a double bonus. I think it was a decent day there, not as busy as last night or Thursday but still a good day. There are some challenges with efficiency and speed but it will get better as time goes. Lots to learn and some simple mistakes that need to be rectified. We will get there. The Brick House continues to push forward and to do well. Hopefully we can keep things rocking over there. My days are spent going back and forth between the two. Nothing has come up for repair yet and I am hopeful that I can focus on getting through my task for my current class and finish the semester strong. 

August 4th

Out doing some repairs at the depot this morning and out handling financial things. I ended up back and forth a couple of times today. It was a fine day. Things went pretty well at both locations today, which is nice. We had some challenges last night at depot that were rectified tonight. Right people in the right places makes all the difference.

August 3rd 2017

Holy smokes this year is disappearing fast. We are already in August and are 3 days through with it. Hard to believe it is August. Well, fun. The kids get home in 6 days and school starts in 12. Time certainly marches on. I don't know how to keep most of the time. I just keep trying to move forward.

Friends

Made a run to the temple tonight. It was a good trip. I love going to the temple and I love the peace and strength that come through serving there. I got to work with a gentleman I recognized from New Harmony. He asked if I was related to the Fontanos that used to live there. It is a regular occurrence to run into someone that knows and loves the folks. I think it speaks to how they try to treat other people, with love and kindness. I also got to work with Brother Carlisle from the ward. Such a good man. It is always fun to see and serve with friends in the temple.

Asleeping

I am so tired right vow. I have to get t p sleep. Vistrt ... Blah, blah.. I am so tired . I am very tired and I just need t o be Dow.