Sunday, September 22, 2013
Life's Perspective
I find this helpful in putting things into perspective: http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=1289877050001
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Yearly Update
It's been far too long.
We are now back in Murray living in Grandma Challises basement apartment. We sold our Salt Lake home in anticipation of a job transfer, expected to happen in June. We put up our house in early January thinking it would take us a while to sell. We were surprised when someone put in an offer within the first week. After some minor issues, we were able to move out in early February. It was an aggravating house, but a good one too. I learned a lot from all of the fixes we had to make and I learned what to update in a house when one wants to sell it.
Actually, everything just fell into place. Grandma Challises basement apartment was going to be vacant until June and she needed someone to come live here (as she has been having many health problems). She was ecstatic when she learned that we sold our house because Micaela was so helpful the last time we lived here. It's also interesting to note that her health has been doing so much better since we've been here. It seems that Someone is looking out for us all.
The ward has gotten a lot better since the last time we were here. I was more than ready to get outta here the last time. The positive changes have come largely in part because several people have moved out and have been replaced by much more pleasant folks. Micaela wasn't treated well in her calling as a choir director and we were snubbed by some couples in the ward. Bottom line, a lot of worldly, unfriendly people.
Now it's different, there's some kind couples in the ward, and I think I've changed some too.
On to other news: When Eliza saw that the deacon who would be passing the sacrament to us was a little husky, she asked, "Mommy, he has a baby in his tummy?" several times. I had a hard time not laughing (not because the kid was big, but because... Kids say the darndest things). It's funny how little kids will take what you say about one person (she has a big belly because she's pregnant) and apply it to everything else.
Hannah is doing well in school. Her best subject is math (pilot in the making) and she's beginning to sound out words. She and Eliza play together really well. Hannah is a natural leader while Eliza is a follower.
As the weather has gotten better the girls have been playing outside more. I must say some of my happiest moments are watching them play together outside and talking to them about topics such as Canadian Geese, the snow on the mountains, and where Sam the Cat is buried. It's fun to see them explore and wonder at the world around them. I hope my kids never become disconnected with the real world in favor of the digital world.
We are now back in Murray living in Grandma Challises basement apartment. We sold our Salt Lake home in anticipation of a job transfer, expected to happen in June. We put up our house in early January thinking it would take us a while to sell. We were surprised when someone put in an offer within the first week. After some minor issues, we were able to move out in early February. It was an aggravating house, but a good one too. I learned a lot from all of the fixes we had to make and I learned what to update in a house when one wants to sell it.
Actually, everything just fell into place. Grandma Challises basement apartment was going to be vacant until June and she needed someone to come live here (as she has been having many health problems). She was ecstatic when she learned that we sold our house because Micaela was so helpful the last time we lived here. It's also interesting to note that her health has been doing so much better since we've been here. It seems that Someone is looking out for us all.
The ward has gotten a lot better since the last time we were here. I was more than ready to get outta here the last time. The positive changes have come largely in part because several people have moved out and have been replaced by much more pleasant folks. Micaela wasn't treated well in her calling as a choir director and we were snubbed by some couples in the ward. Bottom line, a lot of worldly, unfriendly people.
Now it's different, there's some kind couples in the ward, and I think I've changed some too.
On to other news: When Eliza saw that the deacon who would be passing the sacrament to us was a little husky, she asked, "Mommy, he has a baby in his tummy?" several times. I had a hard time not laughing (not because the kid was big, but because... Kids say the darndest things). It's funny how little kids will take what you say about one person (she has a big belly because she's pregnant) and apply it to everything else.
Hannah is doing well in school. Her best subject is math (pilot in the making) and she's beginning to sound out words. She and Eliza play together really well. Hannah is a natural leader while Eliza is a follower.
As the weather has gotten better the girls have been playing outside more. I must say some of my happiest moments are watching them play together outside and talking to them about topics such as Canadian Geese, the snow on the mountains, and where Sam the Cat is buried. It's fun to see them explore and wonder at the world around them. I hope my kids never become disconnected with the real world in favor of the digital world.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Mommy's 'Day off'
Miceala took advantage of the good weather we've been having and had a coop yard sale with some other women in the ward. They decided to have the yard sale at a friend's house who was closer to a busier street than the one we live on. In addition to selling some stuff we no longer needed, Mic went ahead and printed off several copies of our MLS listing for the house and even made out a poster. More on that later.
While Mic was at the yard sale, I watched the kids at home. Admittedly, I complained because I had some stuff to do and because Saturday is really the only day I get off (forget Sundays with my calling), but I also realized that I had left Mic with the girls several times for business trips. At first, I just had Eliza as Hannah wanted to see what the yard sale was all about. Eliza is so fun to be with and easy to take care of; she can entertain herself for hours. It was a joy to be alone with her for a little bit.
When Hannah came home, I sent the two girls off to play with each other (we've been trying to get Hannah to play more with Eliza lately) while I painted the frame to our utility room door (we had to buy a new door with louvers because of the furnace (code reasons)). Afterward, I took the girls to the local tot lot and was pleasantly surprised at the absence of any teenagers (there's usually a bunch of them there swearing and such). Hannah complained to me that it was boring (no swings) but Eliza sure enjoyed the small slide there. I tried to make it interesting for Hannah by playing games with her, which included going down the slide (not a comfortable experience. Oh, I miss the old metal slides). Finally, we went home for lunch and naps.
Naptime was another adventure. Eliza hasn't had much interest in naps lately. She'll go down fine, but then it becomes a whole new level of playtime for her. From 1-4 pm, she sang to herself and played with what she had available to her in the play pen. Poor Hannah tried to sleep but gave up after about an hour. Shortly after getting up, Hannah and I went outside so I could 'till' the garden with Hannah. That didn't last long for Hannah; she ended up playing: first by herself, then with her neighbor friends. Unfortunately, her playtime was short lived because she disobeyed me and rode her tricycle down the block. In our neighborhood, we're very careful about letting our kids out of the yard because it is Salt Lake's ghetto. I was pretty upset because she had been disobedient several times throughout the day (she does have quite a strong will). Overall, it was a good day. I got to spend some time with my girls and got some good things done.
Back to the yard sell. We actually had a little more success with the home advertising than selling out stuff. Mic had one person express interest and said he would drop by on Monday. In addition, I showed a couple around last night who said they had learned about our house through the yard sale. They seemed genuinely interested; which is more than we've ever gotten before. But I'm also realistic, knowing that nothing's a done deal until the closing papers are signed.
While Mic was at the yard sale, I watched the kids at home. Admittedly, I complained because I had some stuff to do and because Saturday is really the only day I get off (forget Sundays with my calling), but I also realized that I had left Mic with the girls several times for business trips. At first, I just had Eliza as Hannah wanted to see what the yard sale was all about. Eliza is so fun to be with and easy to take care of; she can entertain herself for hours. It was a joy to be alone with her for a little bit.
When Hannah came home, I sent the two girls off to play with each other (we've been trying to get Hannah to play more with Eliza lately) while I painted the frame to our utility room door (we had to buy a new door with louvers because of the furnace (code reasons)). Afterward, I took the girls to the local tot lot and was pleasantly surprised at the absence of any teenagers (there's usually a bunch of them there swearing and such). Hannah complained to me that it was boring (no swings) but Eliza sure enjoyed the small slide there. I tried to make it interesting for Hannah by playing games with her, which included going down the slide (not a comfortable experience. Oh, I miss the old metal slides). Finally, we went home for lunch and naps.
Naptime was another adventure. Eliza hasn't had much interest in naps lately. She'll go down fine, but then it becomes a whole new level of playtime for her. From 1-4 pm, she sang to herself and played with what she had available to her in the play pen. Poor Hannah tried to sleep but gave up after about an hour. Shortly after getting up, Hannah and I went outside so I could 'till' the garden with Hannah. That didn't last long for Hannah; she ended up playing: first by herself, then with her neighbor friends. Unfortunately, her playtime was short lived because she disobeyed me and rode her tricycle down the block. In our neighborhood, we're very careful about letting our kids out of the yard because it is Salt Lake's ghetto. I was pretty upset because she had been disobedient several times throughout the day (she does have quite a strong will). Overall, it was a good day. I got to spend some time with my girls and got some good things done.
Back to the yard sell. We actually had a little more success with the home advertising than selling out stuff. Mic had one person express interest and said he would drop by on Monday. In addition, I showed a couple around last night who said they had learned about our house through the yard sale. They seemed genuinely interested; which is more than we've ever gotten before. But I'm also realistic, knowing that nothing's a done deal until the closing papers are signed.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Moving on Up...
To all my fans (Jamie and Jen), here is my latest edition:
Since taking that trip...
I transferred into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) of the navy. That means I no longer have to do the weekend drills or the two weeks a year. It simply means that my name is on a list that if they ever really needed me for a deployment, they could call me up. Because I have an eight year commitment, I'll be in the IRR until August 2010 after which I will have no more obligations with the navy :-)
I thought my life would be a little less busy after I went IRR... I was wrong. I was called to be YM President and my life hasn't known very much rest. Although, I enjoy this job much more than being in the navy.
I also took Hannah with me camping down at the San Rafael Swell. My dad and brother, Ryan came along. It was really nice.
On to more recent news: We're getting ready to put our house on the market next month. We have a few things that need to be fixed, but they shouldn't be too major. We're looking all over the place (SLC, south SL valley, and north Utah County), although we have one house we're particularly interested in not too far from where we're at. It's a home built in 1895 by George Q Cannon's son. This individual (can't remember his name) was the first architect in SLC. The home is gorgeous. Most of the first floor has been remodeled; most of it's historic architecture has been preserved. It sits on almost an acre lot and fronts the Jordan River. I'm sure at the time, it was probably considered a mansion. We would love to have it, but are trying to balance our girls needs with our wants. We just hope we can sell our current home in this economy.
Since taking that trip...
I transferred into the Inactive Ready Reserve (IRR) of the navy. That means I no longer have to do the weekend drills or the two weeks a year. It simply means that my name is on a list that if they ever really needed me for a deployment, they could call me up. Because I have an eight year commitment, I'll be in the IRR until August 2010 after which I will have no more obligations with the navy :-)
I thought my life would be a little less busy after I went IRR... I was wrong. I was called to be YM President and my life hasn't known very much rest. Although, I enjoy this job much more than being in the navy.
I also took Hannah with me camping down at the San Rafael Swell. My dad and brother, Ryan came along. It was really nice.
On to more recent news: We're getting ready to put our house on the market next month. We have a few things that need to be fixed, but they shouldn't be too major. We're looking all over the place (SLC, south SL valley, and north Utah County), although we have one house we're particularly interested in not too far from where we're at. It's a home built in 1895 by George Q Cannon's son. This individual (can't remember his name) was the first architect in SLC. The home is gorgeous. Most of the first floor has been remodeled; most of it's historic architecture has been preserved. It sits on almost an acre lot and fronts the Jordan River. I'm sure at the time, it was probably considered a mansion. We would love to have it, but are trying to balance our girls needs with our wants. We just hope we can sell our current home in this economy.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
End of Summer
Since my last blog, we went on a family vacation to Southeastern Utah and I went on a week-long scout camp.
We took Hannah with us on our trip, but left Eliza with my parents. We went to Cove Fort, Goblin Valley (where we camped our second night. We spent the first night at my in-laws house), the Four Corners Area, and Moab, Utah. We really liked Goblin Valley and were impressed with the camping facilities (they even had showers). The most interesting part about the Four Corners area is that it's on the Navaho Reservation, so it was really like stepping into a different nation within the US. Unfortunately, on the morning of our thrid full day, Micaela got conjuctivitus in her left eye. We spent most of the day looking for a Dr. in Monticello and then in Moab. Fortunately, we got into the Moab Hospital ER where she received treatment. We spent the night in Moab, then went to the Colorado River to relax. Our last day, we went to Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands National Park. We enjoyed our stay, but as usual, it was too short. We especially enjoyed having Hannah with us.
The week after I went to Boy Scout Camp at Bear Lake with the scouts in our ward. Turns out, it was a merit badge camp (something I never got to do as a scout). All of our boys ended up getting multiple merit badges and all were good examples to me. I'm always impressed with how much the youth teach me when I'm supposed to be their leader. I really am learning the value of our youth.
Since then, our life has kind of returned to normal. Hannah started preschool a couple of weeks ago and hasn't been enjoying it as much as I thought she would. Of course, she's been battling strep throat the whole time. Eliza still can't walk, Mic is keeping busy, and life goes on.
We're wanting to move next summer. I have mixed feelings because I like this ward and the neighborhood, but I know the school system here isn't that great and the crime is higher (along with gang activity).
Until next time.
We took Hannah with us on our trip, but left Eliza with my parents. We went to Cove Fort, Goblin Valley (where we camped our second night. We spent the first night at my in-laws house), the Four Corners Area, and Moab, Utah. We really liked Goblin Valley and were impressed with the camping facilities (they even had showers). The most interesting part about the Four Corners area is that it's on the Navaho Reservation, so it was really like stepping into a different nation within the US. Unfortunately, on the morning of our thrid full day, Micaela got conjuctivitus in her left eye. We spent most of the day looking for a Dr. in Monticello and then in Moab. Fortunately, we got into the Moab Hospital ER where she received treatment. We spent the night in Moab, then went to the Colorado River to relax. Our last day, we went to Dead Horse State Park and Canyonlands National Park. We enjoyed our stay, but as usual, it was too short. We especially enjoyed having Hannah with us.
The week after I went to Boy Scout Camp at Bear Lake with the scouts in our ward. Turns out, it was a merit badge camp (something I never got to do as a scout). All of our boys ended up getting multiple merit badges and all were good examples to me. I'm always impressed with how much the youth teach me when I'm supposed to be their leader. I really am learning the value of our youth.
Since then, our life has kind of returned to normal. Hannah started preschool a couple of weeks ago and hasn't been enjoying it as much as I thought she would. Of course, she's been battling strep throat the whole time. Eliza still can't walk, Mic is keeping busy, and life goes on.
We're wanting to move next summer. I have mixed feelings because I like this ward and the neighborhood, but I know the school system here isn't that great and the crime is higher (along with gang activity).
Until next time.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Idaho Trip and Other News
Life has been a little hectic since Father's Day. First, I'll start off with our trip to Idaho Falls, Idaho.
We packed our bags and took the family up to Idaho Falls on Friday afternoon. Micaela has a brother who moved up there a year ago with his family because of work. Of course, we hit traffic almost immediately and were stuck in it from North Salt Lake all the way to Layton (Yuck!) We didn't arrive in Idaho Falls until around 9:30.
The next day we got ready and went to what gives the city it's name: some small waterfalls on the Snake River. We took some pictures and feed the local water fowl population.
Hannah and the Idaho Falls Temple
Haley holding Mom and Dad's Hands
Hannah & Haley Feeding the Ducks and Geese
Idaho Falls Temple
After that, we went to the local zoo (who knew Idaho Falls had a zoo?). I wasn't expecting much, but was pretty impressed what that little zoo had. They had all sorts of small primates, some big cats, and various other animals.
Lion at the Idaho Falls Zoo
Monkeys Grooming each Other
A Siberian Tiger
Aleah, Eliza, Hannah, and Haley
We then went back to Challis and Nancy's home and had lunch and put the girls down for naps. After the girls were up, we drove south the Lava Hots Springs to take advantage of... the hot springs. It's actually quite a drive (about 60-70 miles south of Idaho Falls). We were surprised to find out the local city pool is separate from the hot springs. We were told that no kids under two were allowed in the hot springs (which means we wouldn't be able to go) and that there was no swimming (like a hot tub). Based on that, we decided to hit the swimming pool. The girls had fun... actually only Eliza had fun in our family. Hannah was too terrified to let go of whichever adult was supervising us. Eliza, on the other hand, was splashing all over the place and even started kicking her feet. I even held here flat to the water and we cruised the pool; she really enjoyed that. At one point Nancy put Eliza in a kiddy tube. While I was watching her and Hannah, Eliza fell through the tube to the bottom of the pool. I pulled her out immediately and thought she would be traumatized. She was just coughing up water and trying to get her breath back; when she was all settled I put her back in the tube again and she was as happy as she was before (it was Hannah that was terrified).
Challis, Nancy, and Their Girls
Eliza, Myself, and Hannah (This was right after Eliza took the Plunge)
Challis and Nancy Having a Water Fight
On to some other topics: Last week for Independence Day we went to Mic's brother's house, Paul, for a BBQ and to watch the Sugar House fireworks display.
Micaela holding Hannah and Myself Holding Eliza (with Paul pulling a lovely pose in the background)
It was fun, but traffic was awful getting out. The following day, we toured the Beehive House (Brigham Young's home) on Temple Square and ate at the Lion House as a family.
I finally finished the pantry: finished painting the door and installed it, installed the carpet, and hung the shelves back up. It's pretty empty now, but we hope to fill it with our food storage before too long.
We packed our bags and took the family up to Idaho Falls on Friday afternoon. Micaela has a brother who moved up there a year ago with his family because of work. Of course, we hit traffic almost immediately and were stuck in it from North Salt Lake all the way to Layton (Yuck!) We didn't arrive in Idaho Falls until around 9:30.
The next day we got ready and went to what gives the city it's name: some small waterfalls on the Snake River. We took some pictures and feed the local water fowl population.
Hannah and the Idaho Falls Temple
Haley holding Mom and Dad's Hands
Hannah & Haley Feeding the Ducks and Geese
Idaho Falls Temple
After that, we went to the local zoo (who knew Idaho Falls had a zoo?). I wasn't expecting much, but was pretty impressed what that little zoo had. They had all sorts of small primates, some big cats, and various other animals.
Lion at the Idaho Falls Zoo
Monkeys Grooming each Other
A Siberian Tiger
Aleah, Eliza, Hannah, and Haley
We then went back to Challis and Nancy's home and had lunch and put the girls down for naps. After the girls were up, we drove south the Lava Hots Springs to take advantage of... the hot springs. It's actually quite a drive (about 60-70 miles south of Idaho Falls). We were surprised to find out the local city pool is separate from the hot springs. We were told that no kids under two were allowed in the hot springs (which means we wouldn't be able to go) and that there was no swimming (like a hot tub). Based on that, we decided to hit the swimming pool. The girls had fun... actually only Eliza had fun in our family. Hannah was too terrified to let go of whichever adult was supervising us. Eliza, on the other hand, was splashing all over the place and even started kicking her feet. I even held here flat to the water and we cruised the pool; she really enjoyed that. At one point Nancy put Eliza in a kiddy tube. While I was watching her and Hannah, Eliza fell through the tube to the bottom of the pool. I pulled her out immediately and thought she would be traumatized. She was just coughing up water and trying to get her breath back; when she was all settled I put her back in the tube again and she was as happy as she was before (it was Hannah that was terrified).
Challis, Nancy, and Their Girls
Eliza, Myself, and Hannah (This was right after Eliza took the Plunge)
Challis and Nancy Having a Water Fight
On to some other topics: Last week for Independence Day we went to Mic's brother's house, Paul, for a BBQ and to watch the Sugar House fireworks display.
Micaela holding Hannah and Myself Holding Eliza (with Paul pulling a lovely pose in the background)
It was fun, but traffic was awful getting out. The following day, we toured the Beehive House (Brigham Young's home) on Temple Square and ate at the Lion House as a family.
I finally finished the pantry: finished painting the door and installed it, installed the carpet, and hung the shelves back up. It's pretty empty now, but we hope to fill it with our food storage before too long.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to all you daddies out there. It's a good day; the weather's perfect and the day has been relaxing.
A little update: Our family went with our neighbors and friends to Farmington Canyon to go camping on Fri night and Saturday. It was nice to get away, but I wasn't too impressed by our campground. The picnic tables were in a sad state and it wasn't all that great of a location. We even had to pay a fee. Makes me wonder where all that money is going to. The girls were another issue. Eliza had issue sleeping thru the night (not a surprise) and Hannah was really disobedient and sassy. She's bound and determined to do whatever she wants. I'm afraid she'll be one of those teenagers who'll need to learn on her own why she should do what her parents ask her to do/not do.
Our neighbors are awesome, though. They're really easy going and good with their boys. This is the second time we've been with them camping.
Last Wednesday our stake had Lagoon day. With our free entry pass, we had about six ride passes; I think we took advantage of almost all, if not all of them. There was hardly anyone there so we didn't wait that long in lines at all. It was one of the best family experiences we've had in a long time. It was just nice to enjoy being together without having to get after Hannah every few minutes.
Life's good (just wish it could be summer all year round), not much to talk about now.
A little update: Our family went with our neighbors and friends to Farmington Canyon to go camping on Fri night and Saturday. It was nice to get away, but I wasn't too impressed by our campground. The picnic tables were in a sad state and it wasn't all that great of a location. We even had to pay a fee. Makes me wonder where all that money is going to. The girls were another issue. Eliza had issue sleeping thru the night (not a surprise) and Hannah was really disobedient and sassy. She's bound and determined to do whatever she wants. I'm afraid she'll be one of those teenagers who'll need to learn on her own why she should do what her parents ask her to do/not do.
Our neighbors are awesome, though. They're really easy going and good with their boys. This is the second time we've been with them camping.
Last Wednesday our stake had Lagoon day. With our free entry pass, we had about six ride passes; I think we took advantage of almost all, if not all of them. There was hardly anyone there so we didn't wait that long in lines at all. It was one of the best family experiences we've had in a long time. It was just nice to enjoy being together without having to get after Hannah every few minutes.
Life's good (just wish it could be summer all year round), not much to talk about now.
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