The End of My Blog

Yes, that is right, after nearly two years of blogging, my blog is coming to an end. I wanted to finish out 2009 as I plan to publish each year into a book (a journal of events). That is the GOOD news. The BAD news is that I will still have a blog. Ashley and I started a new blog. If you would like the address to the new blog, please e-mail me at khp7579@gmail.com. We ask that everyone keep from linking our blog on their own blog (unless your blog is already private) for now to maintain some privacy. We don't care too much who reads our blog and would love for all of our friends to have it, we just want to maintain SOME privacy. So, thanks for reading all the dribble I have written the last couple of years. If you want to read a good blog, remember that Ashley writing great stuff, will probably offset my bad posts. Happy 2010!

Saturday with Friends

The day after Christmas we spent some time with our really good friends. They were really nice to take some pictures for us. Afterwards, we went with them to dinner at Chili's. We had a great time being with them. After dinner we went to:

The Princess and the Frog. The kids had already seen it, but we had not. They told us they would love to watch it again and we had heard great things about it. We went with our friends and had a great time. I thought this for sure was one of the best Disney movies of all time. It was a classic Disney Princess tale. It had all of the greatness of a Snow White or Cinderella movie, but with a new direction all its own. It was a great story, with great animation, and great music. It seemed to be loved by all of kids and adults alike. We especially had a great time with our friends.

• This family of friends includes a little girl who is almost three years old. She loved the movie and would not necessarily get scared by scary parts, but by the loud noises (such as the THX thing at the beginning of almost every movie). She would hide in her Mom or Dad's arms. McQueen insisted on sitting by her. Every time she would get scared he would say, "don't worry, it is just fiction." By the time the movie was over, he had to have said it at least 4 times. It was so cute and so funny.
  

Christmas

We had a great Christmas and Christmastime this year. We especially loved having Ashley involved in our lives this Christmas. Ashley and I spent some time with her family on Christmas morning. We then rushed back here to greet the kids coming back from their Mom's house. We focused a lot on the real meaning of Christmas this year. We also talked about families who have to do without a lot of things, and how blessed we are. It seemed to really set in with the kids this Christmas. They seemed to be very excited about giving to others and especially helping those less fortunate. This kind of focus always makes Christmas better. We loved just spending time together and relaxing with each other as well. It was really nice to have Christmas on a Friday this year.

First we went to see what Santa had left the kids. Santa left McQueen a huge electric race track. It came with two Ferrari's and two Formula 1 type race cars. We all enjoyed competing against each other as the cars would zing around the track. Santa also left him a Lego Star Wars spaceship, and some Star Wars and Spider-man underwear.

Tinkerbell got a whole bunch of the Littlest Pet Shop toy figurines and villages. She played with them relentlessly and loves them so much. She was so excited for them. She also got a huge carrying case for all of them. One of the things that seemed to most excite her was her new Princess and the Frog panties. She liked the Hello Kitty ones as well, but not as much as The Princess and the Frog panties.

We then opened stockings to each find toothbrushes (Wolverine and Hello Kitty), little toys, candy bars, an orange, and an apple. Ashley and I gave each of the kids pajamas (Hello Kitty and Star Wars), a DVD (UP and Monsters vs. Aliens) a game (Guess Who? and The Lady Bug Game), some books, and some clothes.

We had a great Christmas playing and visiting with family. Most importantly we sought to remember our Savior and those less fortunate who we can help each day. We are grateful for the gift from both The Father and The Son who make it possible for us to be redeemed and forgiven. We are grateful for the season and the time we can spend as a family.

Will Ashley Say Yes?????

Ashley and I went on our first date in January of this year. I was very cautious in moving the relationship along because I was scared I was not good enough, and I was scared that either I or the kids could get hurt. I now KNOW I am not good enough for her and I am willing to chance my being hurt for the happiness of being with her. After going out at least once a week for four months, I finally introduced her to the kids. A week later I kissed her for the very first time, although we shared many conversations about when our first kiss would occur. About the time this post hits my blog, I will be kneeling on one knee to propose to my sweetheart, and the girl I hope will accept my proposal, to be my eternal companion. I won't go into the details of how I will ask/have asked her. I will leave that up to people asking her. What I instead want to address is why I so badly want to ask her. I love Ashley with all my heart. Typing that even now brings tears to my eyes. I have been truly blessed by a loving Heavenly Father with one of his most amazing daughters. I know that, I am so thankful for that, and I treasure that. In times of sadness, some question, "what have I done to deserve this?" The blessing of Ashley in my life instead makes me deeply ponder in a completely different way "what I have done to deserve this."

Ashley is beautiful in every sense of the word. There is no question of her physical beauty. From her looks, to way she carries herself, to her modest dress. She is gorgeous. She has the sweetest face and the most loving eyes. Her outer beauty is only enhanced by the inner beauty she possesses. She radiates such a bright light from deep within her soul. It seems to pierce me to the heart and brightens all around her. She is truly gorgeous.

Ashley is so sweet in so many amazing ways. She could make anyone's heart melt with her sweet gentle nature. Children, not just McQueen and Tinkerbell flock to her and follow her in droves. She is especially sweet to Tinkerbell and McQueen. She cares for them and truly loves them as her own. She is so gentle and kind, that everyone can see her love for them and their deep love for her. My love for her grows so deeply as she loves my children. She is as sweet to me as anyone, which I am sure requires much more patience. Even when she sees the many imperfections in me, she does not use harsh tones, words, or deeds to make me better. She uses gentleness and sweetness to make me want to be better. She inspires those around her through kindness and people therefore gravitate towards her. She builds others up through sweetness rather then tearing them down in bitterness. Anyone can be harsh and tear things down. Ashley has mastered a sweetness that builds and creates. If kind words and deeds were hammers and nails, it would be breathtaking to see the beautiful city she has created around her.

Ashley is amazingly thoughtful. She constantly worries herself sick in the behalf of others. Her worry leads to action, and that action leads to others receiving help, nurturing, love, or healing. It has been said there are a couple different kinds of people. Those who sit on the sidelines, those who help when asked, and those who recognize a need and act. Ashley is very much the one who recognizes needs and takes care of others. She truly astounds me by the way she serves and knows those around her. She is always a friend, even when a friend might be hard to find. The kind of love Ashley gives does not come from a responsibility, guilt, or persuasion. The kind of love that she gives comes from a Christ-like heart.

Ashley is funny. To see Ashley smile and laugh melts my heart. There is rarely a time we are together when we do not make it a point to laugh together. We spend so much of our time doing that, and I love every minute of it. We laugh at ourselves, the world around us, or just about anything. All that is required to have a good time with Ashley is to have a sense of humor. Some of my favorite dates are the ones where we sat in the car and talked and laughed. I know that Ashley's favorite date was seeing the movie "Race to Witch Mountain," but mine were definitely our talking and laughing dates. Just kidding about the movie babe. :)

Ashley is my best friend. It has been said that a true friend is one who makes doing the right thing easier. Ashley is unquestionably a very true friend to me. I love all the time I get to spend with friends and family. I feel that I do not get to see far too many often enough. However, my number one choice of where to spend my free time is still with Ashley. I don't feel I have to hide who I am, and I can completely and totally be myself. She doesn't judge me, yet she makes it easier for me to be better. I can tell her anything and I think she can tell me anything. We support and help each other and we are happy to be there for each other.

Ashley is a Mother in every sense of the word. She may not have the official title, but she is a Mother. Only a Mother can nurture as she nurtures. Only a Mother can loves as she loves. Only a Mother can worry as she worries. Only a Mother can care as she cares. And only a Mother can feel the feelings in her heart that she feels. I am lucky to have her as a Mother to ALL of the the children we have now and that we may be blessed with in the future. They are so blessed to have her in their lives to love them, care for them. and raise them up. There is no question in my mind of her divine nature as a sweet, nurturing, caring Mother. I am so grateful that all my children are lucky enough to call her their Mom.

Ashley is my love. A couple of years ago as events unfolded, I was not sure I ever wanted to be married again. I thought perhaps it was just not to be in this life. I would go on raising my two sweet kids and go on dates occasionally, but I may never remarry. I had a certain ideal of what I would like in a wife, but I was sure those kind of women would not be interested in me. Even if they were, I was not sure I could give them what I felt they deserved. Some barriers broke down over time, and some feelings fell dim, but much of those feelings remained. In this area, I had created a gray wall, blocking my view. Ashley continued to date me and show me her sweet, gentle kindness. One day when I looked at my gray wall, I saw something beautiful standing much taller and brigther on the other side. You see, instead of attacking my feelings, Ashley had just simply built a big beautiful palace on the other side of my wall. It was so inviting and amazing, that I had to tear down my own wall, so that I could see what was waiting for me on the other side. I am forever grateful for the palace she built. We now work together side by side to build it ever more beautiful and inviting for our family now and forever more.

Thank you Ashley for everything you are. I can't wait to spend eternity with you. I love you!

Abscession

My body has had a recent abscession. No, I did not spell obsession incorrectly, I know what I write.......most of the time. Anyway, it seems that I developed an abscess. I was not super thrilled with it, as it has been the most immense pain I have ever felt in my life. Way worse then my recent surgery to get the tonsils and adenoids yanked. Worse then the broken collar bone, and even worse then the discs I have crushed in my back. Yes, this is what real pain feels like. The doctor told me that there was a woman who had given birth without any medicine and she thought this pain was worse. The pain just started on Saturday afternoon and got worse from there. I could barely walk, and sitting and laying has not been that much more comfortable. I had to stay home from church on Sunday because I knew I wouldn't be able to hack it. I went to my doctor (they thankfully have half day urgent care on Sundays) and he gave me some medicine and referred me to a specialist. They got me in on Monday and immediately sent me to the hospital for surgery. Here I make it 30 years without ever even needing more then local anesthesia. I hit thirty and wham, two surgeries in one year. So, by 9PM, I left the hospital and I was already feeling a million times better. The last couple of days have been down right wonderful compared with the two prior. Apparently these abscesses are usually caused by staff infection and develop over months before presenting themselves. I wondered why I needed so much more sleep lately and why I have just been dragging for a couple of months. Now, I think I know why. They gave me two amazingly strong anti-biotics to kill it off while all of it continues to drain out. I am feeling great and I will head back to work tomorrow. The last couple of days at home has at least given me a chance to catch up on my blogging. I totally gave up on NaBloPoMo, but I just couldn't do it this year without a decent computer and and no extra time to speak of. But hey, there is always next year.......as long as some weird abscess doesn't set up permanent residence in my body!!!

The Blind Side/Theater Dog

The other night Ashley and I went to see the movie, The Blind Side. All I can say is WOW!! What an amazing movie. This was again just an amazing TRUE story. There was not a bunch of garbage thrown in or anything else. Sandra Bullock's character was a good Christian woman and they portrayed that well. Sometimes when I go to the movies I feel like they constantly bash on religion and God. It was refreshing to see a movie that revered it. All I could think when we left was how much difference one person (or family) can make. I would love to be able to help a person as much as they were able to. It truly changes both persons lives. What an amazing movie and story.

When the movie had barely begun, there was a 20s something girl and her boyfriend/husband that sat right next to me. They were getting their treats all out and everything. She was opening her purse and out of the corner of my eye, I saw something moving. I looked and she pulled a dog out of her freakin' purse. What the heck! I sort of laughed it off and whispered to Ashley that we were very privileged that we get to sit next to Paris Hilton and her dog tonight. Next thing I knew the manager was coming to ask the people about the dog. Apparently the people behind us had a huge problem with it. They retorted that it was a service dog (small enough to fit in a purse mind you). I mean what does it do, protect this girl's mascara? She would step on it before it led her anywhere, were it a seeing eye dog. So the fight went back and forth between the people behind us and them. They complained the people behind kept hitting their seats and all kinds of stuff. The people behind complained that they "MIGHT" be allergic to dogs, etc. In the end, I think this: I cannot imagine that dog was a service dog of any kind, especially because if it were, you would not have to sneak it in your purse. On the other hand, the people behind were a little bit over the top and making WAY too big of a deal about it. Either way, I got another sweet weirdo story for the blog.

Zoo Lights

Tonight we went to the Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. It was a lot of fun and actually quite a bit better then I imagined it was going to be. Most of the animals were asleep and/or away for the night, but the tigers (including all three babies) were still out. The lights were really pretty spectacular all over the zoo. We all had a great time. They even sold hot chocolate there (at, of course, outrageous prices). I bought one of their "souvenir cups" complete with free refills all night. We shared and I knew the kids would down more then a couple of cups. I feel very confident that we got our money's worth out of the deal. It was a lot of fun. Seeing the lights is kind of expensive, but we would still recommend it. I will have to post pictures when I get them all downloaded from the camera.

Fat Cats

My Brother's family came into town for Thanksgiving weekend, and so they could be here for the BYU v. Utah game. We had a lot of fun with them while they were here. All the kids could not seem to let the Wii ever turn off. They kept challenging each other to game after game. I thought the console was for sure going to start smoking. On Friday night, my parents took everyone to Fat Cats for pizza and bowling. It was a lot of fun with all of the kids. They also gave all of the kids some tokens to play the games. McQueen definitely loves this Speed Boat game, he can't get enough of it no matter where it is. He is actually quite good. Tinkerbell just loves any game that she thinks is going to give her lots and lots of tickets. Despite our bowling scores, we all had a lot of fun as a family.

Black Friday

I have never before participated in the whole Black Friday thing. A little while ago my laptop seriously melted down (I will never buy a computer with an AMD processor as long as I live). I have been borrowing an old laptop from my parents to get by, but since it is going on seven years, it is having issues as well. I went to all the websites for the sneak peaks at their leaked Black Friday advertisements. I went between three stores in the last week, down to two in the last day, and then finally found what I think was the very best deal. The doors were to open at Office Depot at 6AM, but tickets for items (so as to avoid people being trampled, etc.) could be handed out as early as 5AM. Ashley wanted to come with me to participate in the big event. I was more then happy to have her come along. We left the house at 3:50 and got to Office Depot just before 4AM. We were the 13th people in line. There were only 10 of the particular laptop guaranteed per store. I started asking what everyone was getting. People were really hesitant to tell me, as if I was going to start shooting people who wanted the same thing. Finally people started sharing and I knew I was safe. So we braved the VERY cold morning. Office Depot employees arrived at work, handed out the tickets in an orderly way, and took care of every customer need (not want). By the time the doors actually opened, there were easily 100 people gathered outside. I am now the proud owner of an amazing laptop found at an amazing deal. My only hope is that it lasts for many many years to come. We also made trips to Gymboree and Old Navy afterwards and found some pretty good deals there as well.

Even at 4 in the morning with no sleep to speak of, she is as beautiful as ever.

Thanksgiving

We spent Thanksgiving with Ashley's family this year. Her Mom made such amazing food, and it was a great meal. The food and the company was great, and we all ate plenty.

Here is my best buddy all cuddled up next to me on the couch with a nice full stomach

Ashley's sister and brother-in-law were so cute with the kids. They totally let them help with what is clearly an adult puzzle. I am sure they did most of the work, and the kids LOVED being a part of it. In the evening we decided to go to a Thanksgiving movie. We checked out the new "Planet 51" movie. It was a cute movie and entertaining. It also did not have a lot of weirdness to it. Many of the kids movies coming out lately are too in-depth, have political agendas one way or another, are more geared for adults, etc. This for the most part just seemed like a normal entertaining movie.

Tinkerbell learned a new song at school and wanted to sing it for everyone.

The Reward

I felt the kids needed a reward for doing a good job on the Primary Program. I want those things to be something special and neat, not something where they feel like Dad is always on their case. So, for their reward (emphasizing the good things they did), we went to the Kangaroo Zoo. We actually went to the Kangaroo Zoo that we have never been to before. This one is a little bit bigger and offers some different inflatables. The kids had a great time as did Ashley. Since she weighs less then 150 lbs. she gets to go on all of them. Some of us weigh SLIGHTLY more then that on the most physically fit day of our lives. We had a lot of fun, hung out, had pizza, etc. I think it definitely scores near the top on the kids list of places to go.

It was obviously really noisy in "the zoo," so Ashley and I went in the Parent's lounge for a few minutes where we could still see the kids. Tinkerbell must have thought it was so cool, because she would keep coming in and out of it, and closing the door way too loudly (on accident) each time. We couldn't resist snapping the above picture.
The kids playing together

WOOOOOOO

HOOOOOOOO!!

• McQueen commented that this was the fourth best day of his life and proceeded to tell us the three better days. Surprisingly enough, the day he was born only landed at #3, therefore making the other two less meaningful in my mind.
• Tinkerbell then told us this was the third best day of her life. When she told us the two best days of her life, they were merely things that had ALSO happened that day.

Primary Program

Today in Sacrament Meeting was our annual Primary Program. It was a great program that centered on Eternal Families. McQueen and Tinkerbell each were given a part where they talked about how their Dad strengthens their family and then how they strengthen their family. The both did great on their parts. The Primary Presidency and teachers were fantastic in getting all of this organized and planning it out for everyone. They were so kind and patient with all of the kids and really did a tremendous job. All the kids worked really hard as well and really practiced a lot and gave it their all. I was really proud of McQueen and Tinkerbell and really excited to see their Primary Program. They ended up doing a great job. They sang the songs, did their parts, etc. I must say that it did not come without incident though. The Primary was practicing just before Sacrament. Their teacher got me out of Sunday School because McQueen had become scared that he would have to do his part in front of the whole ward. He ran out of the chapel and they could not find him. I frantically searched everywhere and within ten minutes, he was afraid to be in trouble, so he came back into the chapel. I talked to him and he expressed his fears. I asked him what would make it better. I thought for sure he would ask for a new toy or something. Instead, he wanted to call Ashley to make sure she would be there and said that would make him feel better. He also had to make sure we were sitting closely to him, where he could see us. Tinkerbell, on the other hand, was born to perform. I think she loves the excitement of it all and loves to share her talents. In the end, they both did a great job.

As with any Primary parent, you watch your kids like a hawk at these things. Since we were sitting on the second row, it was easy to do. I felt like I was giving the "stern look" to my kids almost the whole program. I was also folding my arms, and they would get the hint to do likewise. I even pulled out my finger snap once or twice. I think things like this have to be treated carefully though. I feel that as a parent you should be doing as much as you reasonably can from the audience to keep your kids in line during the program. After the program is over though (unless your child has killed someone), you just need to heap on lots of praise. They have worked really hard, are bored, are used to playing with toys, having treats, etc. during Sacrament Meeting. I think it really takes a lot out of them at that age and you must appreciate that and help them see the good they have created. So, here are plenty of moments I was either correcting the kids, or putting my head down to laugh hysterically so they wouldn't see me during the program:

• McQueen wears one of those zip up ties. It was hanging down, so I motioned for him to zip it up. He looked at me funny and then took it completely off. I then motioned for him to put it back on. He did, albeit, totally crooked with his collar muffled all over the place. The Primary President was nice enough to sneak up there and fix it for him.
• When their class was supposed to stay standing after a class solo, most of the kids (including McQueen sat down). Tinkerbell (not very quietly) told all the other kids that they are supposed to stay standing. Her words even included a "McQueen, you are supposed to stay standing, get back up here !"
• McQueen is very sweet to Tinkerbell. He will often even give her kisses on the cheek. After Tinkerbell did her part, he leaned over to give her a kiss. She turned funny and he ended up kissing her eye. She once again (not so quietly) said, "McQueen, why did you kiss my eye?!!" He (actually quietly) explained what had happened.
• This year the kids sang this cool new "I Am a Builder" song (don't ask me what it's called). Just before the song, McQueen slouched down in his chair and pretended to be asleep. I thought he would get up when all the other kids stood up. NOPE. I thought he would get up again when the piano started to play. Nope. I thought he would get up again when all the kids started singing. Nope. He just sat there, pretending to be asleep......until...they started doing the actions. No, that didn't cause him to get up. He sat there pretending to be asleep and then started doing the actions to the song "in his sleep." When he heard laughter, he only smirked and continued with his sleep actions. He only got up and sang the last part of the song after hearing my fingers snap. I would have snapped them sooner, but I was ducking my head for obvious reasons.
• Tinkerbell for some weird reason kept pulling her dress off of her shoulders and exposing her bare shoulders. I don't know if she was hot or what, but I have never seen her do that before. I thought it especially inappropriate in that setting.
• Our Primary pianist, is an amazing musician. During one point in the practice the day before, all the kids were getting bored. He started to play the theme from Star Wars and Indiana Jones and a few other favorites to keep the kids together. The kids all loved it. During the real program, McQueen wanted to whisper to me to see if I remembered when he did that and how cool it was.
• The night before, Tinkerbell hurt her middle finger (I am sure we all know which one). During a quiet time in the program, she raised only that middle finger and pointed to it with her other hand. She was showing Ashley and I that it still hurt. Yes, my innocent child flipped off our whole ward.
• While singing the last song, McQueen raised his suit coat up like he was Batman or something. I snapped my fingers for him to put it down. He then moved his tie back and forth in front of his eyes. I snapped again. At that point, he decided he was done and sat down for the rest of the song. I think he thought I was getting after him sometimes when he was not doing anything wrong, when I was really getting after Tinkerbell. Since they were sitting right next to each other, I am sure it was hard to differentiate.

In the end, the kids did their parts, sang their songs, and worked hard. We were proud of them and took a lot of solace in the fact that all the kids were doing one thing or another here and there. You just notice every little thing with your own kids that much more. Since the program, we have only quietly laughed about all the incidents when the kids aren't around. In their presence we only talk of the great job they did and how proud they truly made us. They are great kids and we love them so much.

Marshmallow Guns

While I was fixing a trunk latch on Ashley's car, the kids wanted to show her their marshmallow guns. It didn't take long to fix and we had a great time with them for a few minutes before our hands got cold.

We then went to the store. Tinkerbell's boots were too small, so we went in search of new ones. She seems to really love the new ones. McQueen got to pick out a Christmas present for Tinkerbell on the other side of the store with Ashley (something Tinkerbell already has done for McQueen).

Primary Program Practice

This morning we went to a practice for the Primary Program. The kids did great. I especially love the song they sing in the video below.

NaBloPoMoSucko No More

Yes, it is true. I agreed of my own free will to participate in NaBloPoMo and post 30 posts in 30 days in the month of November. Up until now, I have been NaBlo-sucko. That has all changed though. I am proud to say that this concludes my tenth post in one night and I have kept my word (so far). I am now all caught up. One can say that I don't follow the rules very well and that I should be doing one post a day. To them I would respond, that rebels like me make their own rules. :) Also, blogger has this sweet thing where you can throw whatever date and time you want on a post. Further, correct me if I am wrong, but all I remember the rules saying is that I agreed to do 30 posts in 30 days. Most of you are not insane enough to participate in this cause (no offense to you Jared; it is you and me against the world brother), so you probably don't even know the rules. I think next year I am going to do 30 posts in one day, on the last day of November and just get it all over with in one foul swoop. Anyway, I have just added a whole bunch more torture......I mean really, really interesting and insightful pieces of wisdom that I am willing to share with you all as we embark on this journey of life together.

Crappy Day

A friend emailed this video to me. I have had some pretty crappy days in my life. However, I don't think I have ever had one that compares with this. I am thinking that the only one who wears a white shirt and tie on a construction site is the inspector. It looks like some workers are about to have a pretty crappy day as well.

Listen for the "GOLLY, GOLLY, GOLLY"....who is that, Gomer Pyle?

New Threads

I was going to take Tinkerbell dress shopping this Saturday evening. She has a ton of church dresses, but is running low on cold-weather dresses. This year, however, we have yet to really need them. About an hour or two before I was going to take her, my sister showed up with the dress pictured above. Tinkerbell loves dresses and gets very excited any time she gets a new one. She couldn't wait to go to church this Sunday and she looks beautiful in her new dress.

Babies, Babies, Everywhere

Today we went to the zoo. I have to tell you that we have fun at the zoo, but our zoo is not a spectacular zoo by any means. They are trying to fix that by really updating it, but right now it is not that much different then it was twenty or more years ago. But, this trip to the zoo was probably the most eventful one I have EVER had!

Ashley and Tinkerbell on the carousel
My two favorite girls

A Mommy snow-leopard with her new baby. They were sort of hiding in the brush, so I had to reach clear out and take this picture blindly. (baby #1)

Two of three new baby tigers

All three new baby tigers. One off to the left and two wrestling. There was one cute baby tiger who loved to antagonize the others and playfully wrestle with them (including the Mommy tiger). If McQueen were ever magically turned into a tiger, it would be that one. (babies # 2, 3, &4)

Baby giraffe resting comfortably while Mom and Dad stand near the garage doors (baby #5)

Zuri, the baby elephant (the baby we actually came to see, and the only one we could see that had a name). (baby #6)

I am not normally a sap. I like to think of myself as a sort of macho, yet sensitive, male. I rarely find a use for the word cute. Having said all of that, this baby elephant is about as cute as it gets. It was so fun watching this thing. It seriously is something you would love to take home as a puppy, but never keep into adulthood (squashed house anyone?)

It was "career day" at the zoo. This girl apparently is one of the caretakers for the giraffes (among other things). After seeing what she was holding, I started to wonder how much effort she really puts in at her job. I hope this is not one of the giraffes she cared for. It is an actual skull from a giraffe. I was really quite amazed by it. I think it would be even more impressive though if she was carrying around a giraffe neck the next time we go.

So, the baby tally that we saw was 6 new babies. Here the zoo is only advertising the baby elephant and they have a ton of other new babies. I thought watching the baby tigers interact was by far the most entertaining thing. We heard rumors that there were ten species of animals that had given birth since July. While we didn't find all of them (and I am sure some of them are some special species of butterfly or something), but it had to be the best visit to the zoo I have probably ever had. I never remember ONE baby being born at this zoo when I was a kid. Now they have at least six? I recommend checking it out if you have the time before these babies grow up or move away to another zoo.

What Matters Most

I found this video on the church website. I love that the church has started doing these videos, and I especially love this one. What a great message from our Prophet. I hope all the people in my life (whether they see this video or not) know that they are "what matters most" to me. I will strive to show it more convincingly in the future.

Born into Freedom

The other day, I set up some medical equipment. I noticed that the Father was absent from the home. Not knowing the situation, I didn't ask any questions, but just went about my job. In talking with the family, I learned that the Father was stationed in Afghanistan. He was able to come home for a few days surrounding their baby's birth, and then had to go back. It made me appreciate once again the sacrifice of our men and women in the armed forces, and their families, who protect and serve each one of us so selflessly. It made me write the following poem.

When I was born my Daddy came

to be right by Mommy’s side
As I entered so small, into this world

their love could never hide

They held me close and they both cried

as happy as could be
They had been blessed with their first child

in their little family

A couple of days, and I got to see

the door to our little house
Daddy was there, always taking care

of me and his sweet spouse

He showed me love as he held me close

within his big strong arm
I smiled at Dad, as he looked down on me

I felt safe from any harm

He loves both of us so much I thought

within my growing mind
He waits on her, he’s there for me;

he is always so gentle and kind

Then after a week of this sweet bliss

confusion starts to set in
Daddy is leaving, his bags all packed

a frown has replaced his grin

He holds me close just one last time

and then kisses my little head
I look at Mommy, as he holds her close;

her eyes are so wet and red

Then one last kiss, for both of us

as he walks out our front door
Where is he going? We need him so much

Why must HE fight the war?

Mommy tries to explain to me,

his sacrifice so true and so brave
Freedom he protects for us here

and other people he tries to save

Times are tough all while he’s gone;

we miss him so very much
Hearing him from a phone far away

never compared with his touch

Both of my parents sacrifice so much

for people they don’t even know
I realize my Daddy can’t be here

to be with me as I progress and grow

The question comes as I think:

Daddy could die from the bombs and debris
I now know those who sacrifice all

are the ones who make freedom free

My only hope is people can serve

their families while they are away

Remembering the soldier and the family

as we exercise our right to pray

Across the Street, Around the Globe

DHL: "Across the Street, Around the Globe"

So sure, that is the company marketing slogan, but is it true? On a random day, on a random street (the off-ramp of my work that I literally think I may have traveled on one million times), I put the claim to the test. I noticed the off-ramp especially congested. It seemed the off-ramp had backed up the freeway for over a mile. When I finally got to the bottom of the ramp, I saw the above to be the culprit. Yep, that's right. This truck ain't moving "across the street," therefore, I would imagine it would have a hard time going, "around the globe." They had better retire this barnacle to the bottom of the sea if they want that slogan to stick. I don't claim to be an advertising executive, but I am a thinker.

Backwards and Forwards

I am obviously a huge car person. I think cars are great and I would love to have more time and money to restore older cars. Overall, I think I am an optimist and can find good in almost any situation. Rather than focusing on what I don't have (lots of time and money), I can focus on what I do have. Sure, I am not "restoring" some old antique vehicle, but I am "de-storing" the vehicle I have into a classic antique. Next year, this old girl will be hitting the big 10 year old mark! This post is not merely about my love of cars though. It is about what is showing on the odometer: 155551. Some may wonder why that is significant. Is it because it has 4 fives and two ones? No. It is because the ones are making a "five sandwich"? No. It is because I have agreed to once again participate in NaBloPoMo (national blog post month). Therefore I must come up with 30 posts in thirty days. Accordingly, I thought one of the posts could be the fact that you could read the odometer backwards or forwards and it would still be the same number. Pretty neat, huh? By the way, I don't know what is wrong with my speedometer. I am sure the needle must have just faded out in the sunlight. I am sure I was stopped when I took this picture, and I certainly would NEVER go faster then 65!

Scenery

As I drive around for work, I sometimes get to see some really beautiful scenery. Other times, I get to see, and smell, the back of some 1986 Honda that is blowing blue smoke across six or more lanes of traffic. Here is some of the better scenery, seen through the dinky little lens of my camera phone. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Maybe that is true, but some things are better left viewed then talked about (did that statement just come from me?). In this case, a picture is a big pile of crap compared to the real thing!

Halloween Weekend

Saturday morning, I practically cried as I realized that we really needed to get the boat winterized. Summer seems to go too fast and I never seem to get as much boating in as I would like. Tinkerbell was complaining of an upset stomach since they came back, so she mostly just laid on the boat seats. McQueen loved helping me. Here he is pumping all the old oil out of the engine, so that we can put new oil in for winter. The kids always seem amazed that I can start the boat's engine without it even being in water (with a water hose connected of course).
Getting ready to go trick-or-treating. McQueen was Luke Skywalker and Tinkerbell was Alice in Wonderland.

We even brought Ashley's dog, Buster, with us trick-or-treating. He dressed as a pirate dog this year. We mostly trick-or-treated around her neighborhood this year because we happened to be in the neighborhood.

Ashley had the great idea of having soda and dry ice, to make a witches brew for the kids. We also made homemade pizza. Later in the night, both of the kids were complaining of upset stomachs. McQueen threw up and Tinkerbell had problems on the other end. Most anyone would probably think I gave them too much candy, right? WRONG! Tinkerbell had one piece of candy and McQueen had none. They came back feeling sick. They were both sick through the weekend, which forced us to stay home from church as well. Poor kids. By the way, no, they didn't have the miss piggy flu. They must have just caught one of the bugs that is going around. Despite their bad weekend, they told me they were all better when I talked to them Tuesday.