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!