Not so Cool, are Ya

There was a time when I thought I had it going on. I had several people who read this blog every day. Occasionally, comments would be left on some of our posts. I may even get cross posted in someone else's blog. All of that has changed. About a week ago I added a new feature to the blog that allowed people to "follow" us and our blog. We don't even have one person who's taken us up on the offer yet. To quote Elaine from Seinfeld, "Is it just that I'm not as good looking as I think I am?"

Evening Conversations

We had a pretty special day today in church. Kennedy participated in her very first Primary Program and she stole the show (for us at least). Singing in full voice, everyone mentioned how great she did. Never at a loss for words, Dede confidently strode to the mic and proudly declared,"I went to the temple so my family can be together forever." I have to admit she really melted my heart with that line. She is so happy that our family could go to the temple and be sealed. After the meeting was over we celebrated her achievement with a trip to the Bishop's office and a special treat. Quite a day for our little Sunbeam...

To listen to our Evening Conversation, click here.

Getting Closer

We've been hard at work this week trying to finish the tile in the bathroom. After about 20 hours or so we're in the home stretch. The tile's been laid, the grout has been set, the paint's been - well painted.

I think the room is starting to come together. By tomorrow night we should have the fixtures on the shower. The new toilet should be up and running. Hopefully, we'll have the vanity and the sink up as well.

I can't say we're ready for our turn on This Old House, but our little bathroom has been a fun project and I'm glad we're doing it ourselves (with a little bit of help). You be the judge on how it's going....

A Different Look at the Campaign

In case you're getting tired of debates, news blotter, spin, and headlines - here's something completely different.

In and Out

One of the things that I like about my job is the ability to see different places and meet new people. I don't think I really got to do either of those things with my 36 hour marathon to Kentucky.

Perhaps you'll recall my trip to Columbus in January. Tim and I had been requested by our boss, Laura, to help her present at the NETA conference. Things went so well there that we were booked to repeat the session at the NMM in Lexington, KY. Here's the thing. Tim and I mostly sat around in Ohio, so we wanted to get home as soon as possible with this trip.

We arrived in the Blue Grass state around 6 pm EST and immediately went out for a bite to eat. Kind of a goofy place called Winchell's (home of the bean bag toss game called 'corn hole"), but the food was good. As we headed back to the hotel it was after 8 and pitch black. Still, that didn't stop me from going out after a cache. I can't let a state go by without at least one find. After dodging cars on the highway and scaling a wall or two I was back in my room, cache in hand....

The bad part about a quick trip is you really don't have time to adjust for the time zone change. We were up at 6 am EST for our meeting, and it really felt like 4 to me. Still, we persevered and the presentation went great. Tim and I headed off to the airport and by 11 pm MST we were headed home from Salt Lake International.

I can't really say I saw Kentucky. Still, being on campus at the University of Kentucky was enough to bring back some bitter memories of 90's college hoops and the dreaded matchup with the Wildcats. All in all we were only gone for 36 hours, but it was still a fun trip.

1/3 and Counting

Tara and I officially celebrated our 11th anniversary this week and I can now say that I've been married for 1/3 of my life. Where does the time go? Unlike most couples, we didn't go to the movies, there wasn't a romantic rendezvous, no presents were exchanged. Nope, we reveled in #11 by hopping on a bus and heading to Vernal, Utah. Weren't expecting that one were you?

It was the ward's annual temple trip and we chose to head east and see one of our favorite little temples. We enjoyed our trip so much 3 years ago, that everyone decided to do it again. The trip didn't disappoint. Even our dinner at Golden Corral was okay - where else would you eat in Vernal?

It was an all day trip and by the time we got home both of us were pretty tired. Maybe it wasn't as exciting as some anniversaries, but it isn't often that we get a day away from the kids and a chance just to sit and talk. Personally, I think that's the best thing a couple can do with one another. So, there you have 11 years down, Eternity to go. I'm just happy I can celebrate with my best friend. Happy Anniversary Tara - I love you.

Toiling with Tile

The bathroom project is in full swing. Over the past few days I tore out the toilet, sink, cabinet, and floor. I have never swung a sledge hammer more, or used as many power tools as I have the past two days. Fortunately, I've had a lot of help. Tara helped pound out the old floor and Willie has been a lifesaver. He's been doing tile for a long time and I've really relied on his expertise (not too mention the 10+ hours he's spend in my bathroom).

I have to say the best part of the job for me has been running the tile saw. It's nice when we can get into a groove and have me cut the tile and Willie lay it. Even if my first few cuts left quite a bit to be desired, I've gotten better with each day. On Friday I spent a few hours working on the project alone and it didn't go too badly. I will say that I'm looking forward to a finished product. Is it weird to say you're looking forward to using the bathroom?

We'll finish laying down the baseboards early next week and then grouting. It's sounds like a daunting task, when I think about all the hours I've put in, and there's still so much left to do. Still, it will all be worth it in a week or so. Feel free to drop in and take a rest from all your cares. Just be sure to use the fan....

New Haircut

What do you think of Alex's new look?

Breadnobs and Broomkicks

About a month ago the Elders in the ward started working on a Fathers / Kids overnighter. I couldn't wait! We weren't able to go camping this year, and I love taking the kids to the mountains. Even better, I could give Tara a night off - perhaps scoring some big points...

Well, the event canceled. Somewhere between my trip to Yellowstone and Bear Lake the whole thing fell apart. Rather than throw in the towel I volunteered to change the event to a movie night in our back yard. Like any good Elders' Quorum activity it was put together at the last minute and some details fell through the cracks. No matter, everyone who came had a good time as we watched Bedknobs and Broomsticks.


I can't really say that too many people watched the movie. Mostly the kids ran around the backyard while the adults sat around and chatted. It doesn't matter though and it was great to get together with our friends and neighbors.

The Wall

About three months ago Tara and I decided that we'd had enough of our hallway bathroom. The plumbing was bad, the tile was old, and we'd never really put any time and effort into it. Everything changed over the weekend. In our first indoor remodel project for a couple of years, I started tearing out the old and bringing in the new. There's nothing like a sledgehammer and a crowbar for some good demolition...

I took Friday off, so I could work with my cousin Chrys and his son Jens. I guess I can't really say I did much of the work. Mostly I paid for all the materials and became the glorified gopher. Picking up cast off pipe, handing up necessary tools, getting in the way. All the things you love about a unskilled grunt.

By the time the day was done we'd replaced most of the galvanized pipe throughout the basement, changed the main shut off to my house, and reworked the valves in the bathroom so it would now be a hot/cold valve instead of two.

Everything's gone pretty well so far, and the kids were actually able to take a bath on Saturday morning. Alex loves the chance to "rough it" in the tub. I don't know if we'll be nominated for any parenting awards with children bathing near exposed pipes, but we'll just keep this between us...

Bear Lake 08

I guess it's time I post about Bear Lake. We went over Labor Day, so it's been a couple of weeks, but better late than never.

Bear Lake was a day shorter than last year and we felt it. It was quick but fun trip. We got there late afternoon Friday, so as soon as we could we headed to the beach to hang out with the kids for a couple of hours. Most of the adults just hung out and chatted while the kids played in the water and made sand castles and got dirty. The water was beautiful and we had a nice evening out there.


Saturday was our only full day at Bear Lake that we knew would be nice since it was supposed to storm the rest of the weekend. So we packed it in. The day included:


Kennedy playing in the water-she's a fish. She even joined us for our water volleyball game.


Jared even joined us on the beach for a couple hours. The U of U football game was on later, so that didn't last too long.


Alex almost getting wet. He felt better hanging out on the beach....


playing with the bats and balls.


Later, we did a pinata with the kids. Do you like how Kennedy's PJ's match the pinata?



I love the look on Kennedy's face-such determination. Unfortunately the pinata got the best of the kids and we finally had to give them a little help.

Saturday also included a quick trip to the swimming pool, the playground, kid races, arts and crafts, the in-law vs out-law softball game (and yes, we won...again-we are now 3-0, but who is keeping track...), a volleyball game and late night card games after the kids went to bed. Whew!

Sunday was a nice day, more relaxing. We slept in a little and went to the late church in Garden City. After church, we went for walks, played on the playground and played a little Wii. And, of course, Bear Lake wouldn't be Bear Lake without the Bear Hunt song with Aunt Char!


The forecasted storm hit around 4 pm and it was a good one. Anyone who has seen a storm at Bear Lake knows they are always fun to watch. The water actually gets warmer (or at least it feels warmer) when it storms, so later that evening, all the older kids went out to play in the waves. They loved it and it brought back memories of when I used to do that as a kid. We loved Bear Lake storms. Anyway, the next morning, the weather was even worse, so we all packed up and headed home early.


We had a great time at Bear Lake. Thanks, Mom and Dad for a great trip!

So Long Summer

With all the trips now over, reunions have said good-bye, days are getting shorter, I guess it's time to say "so long summer."

I won't hide the fact that summer isn't my favorite time of the year. It's by far my busy season at work. Being a teacher trainer, when they're not at work - you are. Over the summer I spent time traveling around the state, and even went to Texas as part of my job over the past few months. I know, I know - here goes Jared complaining that he has to travel to conferences, staying in hotels and eating in restaurants. Too bad for him. Still, I had 4 straight weeks where I only got to see my family for a few hours a week. With little kids, this gets old - fast.

This summer the temperature was as hot as ever. The Trib said that Utah keeps getting warmer when looking at the number of days over 90 degrees for the year. I know I certainly felt the heat this year. Most of you will agree that a sweaty, hairy man is something no one want to see. It's been wonderful to have temps in the 70's and 80's for the past week.

I'm so excited to see the kids grow and develop with the new things they're in this Fall. Kennedy is loving pre-school and Alex is in Kindermusik for the first time. It's fun to watch them learn new things and develop their own personalities. Alex may not be very verbal, but he rocks at using his hands and feet. Maybe he'll be on a world tour someday...

Summer 08' won't stand out beyond the same old things, but it's been a good time to visit family, see old friends, and explore new places.

Hmmm, Huh, Ehhh

Even though he's been saying more lately, Alex is a man of few words. For a while the only word he said with any regularity was "go". Then he went through the typical "mommy" and "daddy" talk. Now, he's settled into a familiar pattern of 3 similar sounds - "hmmm", "huh", or "ehhh". Let's break it down:

"Hmmm" is what Alex says when he's refuting something said to him. He uses this sound to express that he heard you, but doesn't really care about what you said.

"Huh" is Alex's response to any question that is asked of him. It doesn't matter what the request or query - he only responds with a quick "huh".

"Ehhh" is the newest member of Alex's grunt trilogy. You'll hear this little guy when Alex is teasing you. The person in our family who gets this response most often has to be Dede. I don't think Kennedy can say anything to Alex without getting "ehhh" back at her. It absolutely drives her crazy! He also uses "ehhh" when playing around with me. Alex will put his face in mine and give me an "ehhh".

There you have it, the Alex dictionary - Hmmm!

Kennedy's First Day of Preschool

I can't believe my little girl is starting preschool today. Kennedy is very excited to go. She met her teachers last week and already thinks they are great. I was very proud of her today as she went to her school, found her name, walked in class and waved bye to Alex and me. That was it. No tears, not even a look back for mom. She was ready and excited to get going.


I think Kennedy will love preschool and it will be good for her. She loves to learn new things and I think it will be great for her to make new friends and not be the queen of the roost like she thinks she is at home.

Of course I had to take a couple of "first day of school" pics for the blog. I love how Kennedy thinks she has to pose for pictures now. At least she will let us take them. A couple of months ago she wouldn't even look at the camera. We will take what we can get.

Too Close for Comfort

I am a huge advocate of public transportation. If I can, I ride it every day to and from work. I love the fact that we can get cars off the road and people where they need to be. Still, an interesting effect takes place the last of week of August each year. The bus gets inundated with 18 year old virgins - no not that kind of novice, I'm talking about Bus Virgins.

Bus Virgins are people who don't know how to get on and off the bus. I know it doesn't sound that hard, but it is for a 1st timer. Virgins don't know when to show their pass, so they spend 30 seconds digging it out of their wallet - while everyone sits around and waits. Bus Virgins almost refuse to sit down next to anyone else, afraid they might catch something.

All of these factors lead to one result - slow, crowded buses. I can't wait until the semester is a few weeks old and, one by one, the Virgins either figure it out or find another way to campus. Either way I just hope we can start talking about safe bus travel in high schools or simply preach abstinence.