Searching out our Story

Feeling Lost

Several months ago Tara and I started a Netflix subscription. We figured it would be a good way to catch up on some movies that we never saw in theaters. Truthfully, we don't go to movies very often. If it isn't animated - we usually don't see it.

Sure, we've enjoyed several good movies through Netflix, but last month we discovered something that has really captured our attention. Don't look now, but 7 years later we finally found LOST!



I knew this was a series I wanted to see. Even when it first aired it looked amazing. Still, there was always something that came up and we never watched the show. After a while I knew it was too late and so we gave up.

Until Netflix that is.

About a month ago we found the entire series available in the Instant Queue and that was all we needed. We started watching Season 1 and buzzed through all 25 episodes.

We usually end up watching the show once the kids are in bed. The trouble is that each episode ends with a cliffhanger. Several times we've agreed to head to bed. Then we get all wrapped up in our current episode and end up watching one more. I'm embarrassed to admit that we've watched past midnight on more than a few occasions.

I guess you could say we're addicted, I just think we're catching up. That's what happens when you're LOST.

Photo of the Day

For Alex's class this week he was able to see the Reptile Guy! I can't say I'm totally surprised to see Alex in the back instead of hands-on with the snake...

Delivering Service

For our combined Stake YM/YM activity this month we headed out to the Utah Food Bank.  It's a great place to pitch in and help those that really need a hand.  Our Stake was divided into two groups:  deliveries and warehouse.  Now I've done both of these tasks in the past and I've always enjoyed going to deliver the food the most.  There's something about getting out of your comfort zone and seeing what food means to various people.  I know I take it for granted that I always have some in my fridge.  I felt happy to be part of the delivery group this time.

We packed up a few boxes of different cans, bread, vegetables, etc. and headed out to find the recipients.  I had another YM leader and a van full of YW to take out for the drop offs.  For the girls it was their first time to deliver food as part of a service activity and I was excited to see their reaction.

We had some mixed results. One no show at the door. A mixed up identity issue at an apartment complex. A trip to the "Duck Lady's" house (You just have to imagine a garage full of 20 ducks - sure the neighbors love that one). Our one sure fired success was a visit to an older widow who made the girls feel so good about their visit. She gave them each a hug and thanked them over and over for coming to visit her. What a great chance to feel the spirit of service!

As our night was drawing to a close I asked the YW what they had learned through our activity. I was sure they'd mention the joy of service, or the chance to meet someone who's lonely. NOPE.

"Don't become a HOARDER!"

You've got to love the Youth.

I've Been Jimmered

I can't believe I'm saying this, but - like the rest of the country - I've been Jimmered. I just love watching this guy shoot.

From anywhere on the court.

With guys up in his face.

No matter what the score.

Jimmer Fredette is an amazing college basketball player and it is fun watching him score. Jared Fawson and I were talking about this yesterday and we reached a consensus.

Growing up we both wished we could be Jimmer.

You know the Mormon kid who could really play ball. Someone who scored at will. Someone who was willing to take the big shot and capable of making it. I spent hours working on my shot, and that was just to play high school and church ball. This guy is doing it on the national stage. It's really amazing to watch.

Secretly, I hope the Jazz have a shot at him in the draft. We need someone who can shoot.

Does that make me less of a Ute? I don't think so. I am certainly no fan of the cougars, but I am a fan of Jimmer.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day from our little leprechauns to you!!!

Diary of a Utah Fan

It's been a tough few months to be a fan of Utah Basketball. Let's face it, it's been a tough decade to be a fan of Ute Hoops. Ever since Majerus left, we haven't seem to get things right. The coaches have had enthusiasm, but lacked in strategy and recruiting. The fans have lost interest and Utah is now considered a football school, rather than a basketball powerhouse. A once proud program is in free fall and it was time for a change.

Jim Boylen was fired on Saturday, after completing a second straight losing season. Everything went wrong this year. The team had multiple losing streaks for 4 or more games. We got swept by several teams in the conference. Things got so bad this year that there were more empty seats than filled at the Huntsman. It was ugly.

With the Utes headed to the Pac 12 we need a new face for Utah basketball. I don't know who'll end up getting the job, but I feel it's important that he be an experienced head coach with a proven resume. No more promoting an assistant. No phenom from a junior college. We need someone who can right the ship now! We need someone who'll have a good mix of local and national recruits. We need someone to bring the fans back to the Huntsman. We need a real Utah man....

Really Big Show

A few weeks ago it was announced in Church that we were having a "Really Big Show" on March 11th.  No one had any idea what this meant, but we were told to mark our calendars, as this was a can't miss event.  As things got closer I discovered that the "Really Big Show" was a throw back to the old Fall Follies. Essentially, it was going to be a mix of bad sketch comedy and authentic talent.

I figured we could all participate in some kind of number, me from the Elders Quorum, Tara with Relief Society, and the kids with the Primary.  I didn't plan on a request for me to play the role of the MC.  Truthfully, I don't mind doing that kind of thing, but I would rather give someone else a chance to perform.  Right now it seems as though I'm on the STP (Same Ten People) list.  In the end I consented and it was time to come up with an act.  Fortunately for me, the Internet (check out MormonZone.com for the jokes) has plenty of Mormon material for a total hack like me.

The evening was a lot of fun.  The crowd was willing to go along with my terrible jokes and awkward stage presence and the talent was great!  Each of the different groups from the Ward put together a number and everyone made things fun.

Alex and Kennedy sang with the Primary, and the "Wide Mouth Frog" song was a crowd favorite.  It's always fun to see your kids perform and ham it up with their friends.  Kennedy is a natural comedienne, and Alex was surprisingly confident in front of the audience.  Too bad Tara wasn't able to be in the Relief Society's skit as she had Dylan duty, since I was up on stage.  She definitely took one for the team, as the combination of two-year-old and open candy table can be a lot to handle.

The show lasted just over an hour, but it will certainly be a lasting memory for the 4th Ward.  I think it's great to have a night where friends and neighbors can get together to have fun.  Let's hope it becomes an annual tradition, only next year they find a more talented host....

Photo of the Day: Sunday Best

I was asked to help motivate the Primary yesterday as they learned some new songs. Little did I know the motivation would be dressing me up like a Hawaiian pimp....

UCET 2011

We just wrapped up the 2011 UCET conference and I'm tired. The good news is I'm worn out because we had a record setting conference. I've never seen so many teachers in one place, with one goal. Everyone was looking to learn new skills and improve their teaching. I am so impressed with the number of teachers who want to impact the lives of students. Over 1300 people gave up their weekend to take and teach classes and listen to speakers at our conference. Amazing!

A few of the highlights from UCET 2011

The keynote speakers were fantastic. We were lucky enough to have two great speakers this year: Kevin Honeycutt from ESSDACK, and Jamie Casap from Google. Each had a different story, but theirs was a common thread - teachers make a difference. I can't think of a better message than that. Technology is awesome, but good teachers are better.

The UCET board and volunteers are incredible. They are such a committed group of individuals. No one is looking for acclaim or recognition. Everyone willingly devotes their time, creativity, and effort towards helping teachers be successful. I've grown very close to so many people through my time in UCET and I truly appreciate all that I've learned from great people and friends.

It sounds crazy but I look forward every year to the late night set up session the Thursday night before the conference. Working with good people brings out the best in you. These after hours sessions are some of my favorite UCET memories.

The Friday night conference wrap up was quite an event. After a long first day, the board gets together to unwind. This year we were treated to a wonderful dinner with our spouses at Carvers. One of the conference vendors made it happen and it was awesome. Tara and I have never been to the steakhouse, but it hopefully won't be our last trip. When they brought out my steak I almost fell over. It was incredible!

The evening ended with "Digital Jam 2011". Kevin Honeycutt invited everyone to participate in a makeshift band using a combination of real and iPad instruments. It was pretty fun to watch everyone rock out on their different devices. I'm glad we went and it was a great end to fun filled day.



So, there's the UCET 2011 wrap up. A great conference. Tons of amazing people. Lots to learn. Now, we'll have to see how next year goes with some crazy guy at the helm. Let's just hope I don't screw things up!