A white and fine Christmas

Christmas this year was very white, as I'm sure the rest of you living in Utah noticed. It was very beautiful and was perfect for my work's Christmas bunch where I was asked to head up a vocal quartet that performed. It was fun to sing with Andy (Young), Warren (Loveless), and Aaron (Garza).




The family parties were a lot of fun. The three pictures below were all from Angel's grandmother's get together. I'm glad that I get a long with so many of her relatives. As a young man you are inundated with stories of horrific get togethers with the in-laws, but I haven't had one yet. Kanga, Roo, and Tigger enjoyed themselves. I love these pictures of them as they do a good job of showing off parts of their personalities. Kanga loves to dress up (that's her trying on a new dress she just received). Roo, when unsure what to do, is quite and watches, very much like his mother (he's also starting to get tired at this point). And Tigger is a happy kid who just can't keep still (you can see his had is blurry because he's pulling it out of his pocket.

 We all got things we enjoyed for Christmas and have LOVED being close to family and visiting with them. With that said, we're planning on taking New Years a little easier, but it still includes a family dinner with Angel's aunt (the one sitting next to her in the picture). The kids have all been very good with Christmas being a little thinner due to Angel quitting her job. While finances are always stressful the blessing of her being at home with the kids is far greater than anything money could buy. With that said, I'm currently waiting to hear about a job I interviewed for (on the same day I sang at work). I've got high hopes that I'll be looked on favorably and have a better than average shot at it. Regardless, it's uncertain what the future holds and while I always have a little anxiety about the unknown I'm glad that I have my family by my side for the journey.

Catching up

It's been a while since I posted. School has started and Kanga and Tigger are going to the same school know. For Peach Days they had a float with the school kids for the kid parade and Kanga hadn't had a chance to do it in previous years. I drove in to work so I could be home sooner and we got them loaded on the tractor trailer and they had fun. We gave Kanga a two-way radio so we could keep track of her and she had a little too much fun with it. They're behind the American flag.

We also celebrated Roo's and Angel's birthdays. He hasn't started walking yet, but he's getting bolder.  He is a delight most of the time, but he has gotten particular about how he sleeps. People talk about having a routine with your kids and he is so insistent on his that he won't go to bed any other way. He can be very funny when he is tired though.

 As per the tradition, I handed out the Lion House Cakes and Cupcakes book and Angel choose what I was going to make. Roo couldn't communicate what he wanted (and he might have shredded the book) so when Angel couldn't make up her mind between a couple, I just made one of her options into cupcakes. A co-worker asked if the the recipes in the Lion House book were difficult or complex. Not really. A lot of them call for a cake mix - Seriously. So Roo got devil's food cake cup cakes with whipped cream topping (I was also supposed to put toffee pieces on it, but figured he wouldn't notice if they weren't there). Angel, on the other hand got a chocolate cheesecake with Oreo cookie crust. That wasn't a mix and I was right proud of it. No picture of the cheese cake, I was too busy eating it every time it came out.

This Saturday, I was very domestic. I made pear honey - an equal mix of pear, pineapple, and sugar cooked until golden (in color) and bottled. The pears were from our own tree. I'm pretty bad at getting them when they are all ripe but the process softens up any of the harder ones. I worked on them all day, listening to an audio version of Pride and Prejudice, It was a good production and made the time go by a little quicker. After I ran the first batch I realized that I didn't have enough pint jars to process it all. I called a few people who we've swapped jars with in the past and even had Angel, while she was running errands pick up an extra dozen. In the end I had more jars then I needed, but I had it all done. I went through twelve pounds of sugar and about about about the same number of cans of pineapple in order to process my box of pairs. But we ended up with over 42 pints of pear honey.

This is just when when I had started and realized that I was going to need more bottles. My own mother used to bottle green beans, pears, peaches, cherries, salsa, and applesauce. A lot of times she would do it while we were at school, so I don't remember helping out very much. There is one year when she made it abundantly clear that we were going to help her bottle pears, no arguing. I wasn't prone to argue about helping her, but was surprised at her insistence. That's because pears are a lot of work. you have to peal and core them before you can do anything with them and they are a funny shape with makes things interesting. This year I felt like I got into a groove and think I found the best way to go about it. Wash the outside and cut it in half. using a vegetable peeler work right to left (I'm right handed) pulling the peeler towards you. Using the pear corer, which you can find in your local art/craft supply store under the tile of "clay molding tool" (shown below), remove the stem, core, and any pits or blemishes. Repeat on the other half. And repeat for the next pear, and the next, and the next, and the next..... You get the idea.

Amazingly my hand and back didn't ache like they have in past years. I made an effort to alternate sitting and standing at the sink and I was moving between the sink, stove and bath canner, which was on the deck on the propane stove. As I was in the the middle of it I told Angel that I thought that canning is one of the most rewarding work efforts you can do. It's also really cool when what your canning is your own produce. I gave away a total of nine pints to those that I borrowed jars from and still came out with over thirty-three pints. My dad, who introduced us to pear honey and gave us the recipe, said that it looked just like the way his mother's and grandmother's did which made me happy.

City of Rocks Trip, Pioneer Day 2015

Over Pioneer Day (July 24th for non-Utans) we packed the family up for the weekend and headed for Idaho. City of Rocks to be precise. The pictures below are shown as small for reading purposes. Click on them to blow them up enlarge them.

We've learned that with three kids we need more stuff and have less room to pack it. We ended up dropping one of the "captain's chairs" and then packing everything around the kids in order to get it to fit. We're already considering a top mounted cargo pod although Angel wants a trailer. Our van doesn't have a hitch but that hasn't stopped Angel from researching how to attach one.

We arrived at the visitor's Center in Almo in time to eat lunch before heading in. We also watched the 15 minute video about the park and I learned a few things. For instance, the cause of the granite formations in the City was a huge uplifting of magma from which the surrounding dirt was eroded away over many, many years. Interestingly enough, a similar event caused the San Rafael Swell in Emery County, Utah. After getting Camp set up near Practice Rock (one of my family's favorite climbing spots) Kanga, Tigger and I when exploring and had some fun while Angel put Roo down for a nap. We got back to a happy boy and some storm clouds building. We were going to do hobo dinners (tinfoil dinners) but the chicken was still frozen solid, so we did a potato and sausage cook up we had planned for Saturday. We were able to cook dinner between smatterings of rain and it everybody loved it. We got cleaned up and into the tent before the real storm hit. The rain was coming down so hard it sounded like hail and the wind was blowing most of the night. It rained off and on throughout the night, but we all stayed dry. We've been considering getting a Springbar Tent but weren't sure what size to get. We asked Mom and Dad if we could borrow their 10'x10' for this trip and were were glad we did. Our regular tent would have let the rain in and would have been chilly and unpleasant. The Springbar was awesome and kept us dry and warm.

The next day we enjoyed a long hike through the City. The weather was perfect in the morning and the kids did great. Even Roo was a good sport. Granted, I was carrying him. Everyone had water and snacks and despite there being a fair amount of up and down everyone did a good job with very little complaining.

Mom, Dad and Babe (my youngest sister) came up that afternoon and we enjoyed chatting with them before roasting hot dogs and making cobbler before the weather started to turn on us. Tigger had been splashing in puddles earlier in the day and so his feet pruned up nicely. Again our borrowed tent kept us dry and warm. The kids were mighty tired after all the running around thy did.

The City has over 600 climbing routes, not to mention bouldering and hiking opportunities. It's not uncommon to look up at a rock and see climber skylined against it as they ascend or rappel down. If you blow up enlarge the pictures below you will be able to see the climbers on the back side of Elephant Rock and Morning Glory Spire (you can read the labels on the sign to identify Morning Glory Spire - the climber is on "Skyline"). Have I ever mentioned how amazed I am by my phone's camera?

Saturday morning we had our chance at climbing. We got Kanga all suited up and she gave it a valiant effort, but in the end decided she wasn't ready to trust the rope. Before anyone can climb they first must trust the rope. I respect her hesitancy (I backed out of my first rappelling opportunity myself) and Angel, Mom, and I made the ascent. Babe belayed Angel and Mom, but didn't want to belay me, so Dad did. The kids ran around and had fun. There were others climbing on the same rock and so lots of good community.

We climbed until lunch at which point Mom, Dad, and Babe headed home and the kids and I went exploring again. We hit Breadloaves and Bath Rock and ended at Window Arch. Angel met up with us there. We coordinated the meet up with radios. Those have come in rather handy since we picked them up. The kids had a lot of fun (as you can tell from the picture at Bath Rock). That night Angel and actually stayed outside playing games until the stars came out. There was still some cloud cover, but no rain. 

Sunday Morning we packed up and headed home. We had a nice Day of Rest, but missed going to church. All in all a very good trip. The kids had a blast playing on the rocks around camp. Tigger had a fine collection of bruises from his hip to his knee from taking various tumbles. He also got bit by an ant which caused him to freak out. I must confess that I was impressed by how willing he was to climb about and on the rocks. Here he is below with his walking stick. While I can't remember what game he was playing I'm calling this picture:

I HAVE THE POWER

Father's Day tradition

Last year, I decided that for a gift I would give myself time with my kids. As we went to the zoo last year, I decided to take them to the Living Planet Aquarium. Sharadee took the day off as well and joined us and we had a lot of fun.

Tigger liked the sea turtles more than the Caimans in this tank. He had a lot of fun running after his sister.

"I've got my eye on you!" Kanga at the other side of the Caiman tank

They both thought the shark tunnel and tank were pretty awesome, but I couldn't get a good picture of both of them. They kept screwing around. Dang kids!!

Roo (living up to his pseudonym) waved at all the fish from Angels' front pack. He was fearless and adorable.

What is not shown is that this megalodon jaws was sponsored by  a dental office. I like the kids' faces in this one.

Kanga had no problem with this. Tigger didn't think he would have a problem but then did. Not surprising.

I love getting out with my family and we had a lot of fun looking at all the fish and animals. The last time we went they were in a remodeled supermarket, which they did great things with. Now, they have their own building that is, for lack of a better term, awesome. They have expanded and had a lot of cool areas including local fish and animals. There were some good activities including a 4D short movie. Roo didn't like getting sprayed in the face with water, but he was very curious about the giant moving pictures, even if they were out focus (he wouldn't wear the glasses). We had dinner at Firehouse Pizzeria and enjoyed a nice evening.

In addition taking the kids to the aquarium Angel also got me two gifts. She had been holding onto one of them for about six months apparently - an extended battery for my phone. The other was the complete America's Test Kitchen cookbook. I've already made cream cheese brownies and sugar cookies from it and found both really good.

For another year I am very happy to be a dad and I love me three children very much. It's exciting and terrifying to see them growing up.

They did some worksheets at church this year and they were as enjoyable as last year.

Kanga:

My Dad is _31_ years old. (plus or minus a year)
My dad is really strong, he can lift a _10 pound baby_. (Roo is getting bigger, so I might be able to life a 15 pound baby soon.)
My dad's favorite color is _red & yellow_ (although it looks like she wrote "red 8, yellow," like the dye).
My dad's favorite food is _lasagna _. (and she spelled it "lavonua." Wish I could say I spell it better.)
My dad always says, "_do you know I love you_", (She usually answers "yes")

My dad is the best at _everything_. (Shhhhhh. Don't tell her the truth.)
My dad's job is _answering questions_. (Yup, she know my job.)
My dad laughs when _my baby brother laughs_. (It's hard not to.)
If my dad had time, he would love to _eat a lot of lasagna_. (Can't say no to that.)
My dad and I like to _work in the garden_. (I don't know where that comes from.)
My dad really loves _my mom_. (NAILED IT!!!!!!)
I LOVE my dad because _he makes the best pizza_. (I make the crusts while they pick the toppings.)

Tigger:

My dad is _5_ years old. (Plus or minus 27 years.)
My dad is really strong, he could life a _house_. (I've been working out, but not Mr. Incredible style).
My dad's favorite color is _red_. (Yup).
My dad's favorite food is _everything_. (or at least almost everything.)
My dad always says "_Boo!_" (I think you're projecting, little boy.)
My dad is the best at _ making everything in his cookbook_ (the one that I got as a gift.)
My dad's job is _to fix things_. (Sometimes I fix things for people, but not in the way he may be thinking.)
My dad laughs when _he says "Boo!"_. (Only when it works.)
If my dad had time, he would love to _play some cars with me_. (That would be really nice, Tigger).
My dad and I like to _play cars_. (I didn't know we did it that often, but I apparently need to do it more).
My dad really loves _cars_. (Okay, Tigger. I get the message. We'll play more cars.)
I love my dad because _he putted my hinges on_. (I took his door off the hinges because he slammed it so much. That morning I had put it back on for him. For the record, he hasn't slammed it again.)

It's fun to see me through my kid's eyes. I'm not sure I want to see what they say in ten years.

Reflections on 2014

I had to run through my blog post to to remember some of the things that happened this year. In many ways, it felt just like any other year. Granted, the birth of your third child doesn't happen every year and it has been a wonderful blessing. That is one reason that if I were to sum up this year I would have to say that this year has been about family. We got a new son and two new nieces all in the 2nd half of the year. I also decided this year that my gift for Fathers' day would be to take the kids to the zoo, I haven't decided where I want to take the kids this year for Fathers' day, but I'm already looking forward to it. I also took the kids to a couple of museums. Angel and I were able to get a couple of dates (far fewer than I would have liked, but that's my fault) - including a masquerade ball.

Looking back on the year, family is just what I remember most. Perhaps because I tend to enjoy myself most when I am with family. It could also be the strength of group memories - you remember things better when others were there to share it (and can consequently remind you of it). For whatever reason, and to whatever result, my family is what I remember most about 2014. What's awesome is that I have my family with me always, so they can always be the highlights of my life.

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

With only four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas the season feels a little rushed. Granted, most years it feels rushed because of trying to coordinate parties, gifts, time off, etc. But this year in particular feels like there isn't as much time. I'm just glad that there should be enough time to listen to the music, sign the songs, watch the movies, and read the stories that make the season special.

Once tradition that I started last year was listening to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. While I can usually remember all the important bits when it comes to plot and character, I forget the subtle tidbits that really bring the story alive. I find my eyes filling with tears as Scrooge witnesses the grief of Tiny Tim's family and I cheer at his transformation from wretched miser to loving caretaker. It is a great reminder that "mankind is our business" and we are to mind it as carefully as we would any financial undertaking which would bring us gain. We've already watched one version of the movie together as a family (the Muppet Christmas Carol) and it was fun to watch Kanga as she began to realize what the story was about. As we explained a few things we could see the wheels turning. She
might be ready to watch the George C. Scott version soon (my personal favorite version).

Something else I'm looking forward to is watching the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert from 2004 with Frederica von Stade and Bryn Terfel. My grandmother gave us the DVD of the concert the for Christmas in 2006 and I look forward every year to watching it. The music is so wonderful and it's a fun performance to watch. None the least because of Bryn Terfel's Welsh flag. The whole production is fantastic.

I also enjoy the music. Most of the stuff on the radio is okay. I do hate the song "Christmas Shoes." What I really like is Trans-Siberian Orchestra, The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Josh Groban, and The Piano Guys. I realize that all of those groups have non-Christmas albums and I like those too, but I really like their Christmas stuff. Particularly The Piano Guys. There is something about sitting on the couch with the tree lit reading a book while soft piano (and cello) plays. Such are treasured moments.

I really love the Christmas season and am glad that I can spend it with my family.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Of all the holidays out there Thanksgiving has to be one of the all time favorites. It's because of the family I get to see and, of course, the yummy food. This year we visited with my parents, EA and Jate, my Mom's parents, and a trio of graduates from a high school in Cairo, also known as three of my cousins. It was a grand affair and very tasty. The conversation was lively and my kids actually behaved pretty well.

Two of the three trouble-makers (aka cousins).

I was worried because my maternal grandmother always seemed like a very stern lady when it came to table manners growing up. We always worried about making a mess on the lace table cloth or using the wrong fork. As we got older we came to appreciate the corrections she gave us and learned that she wasn't as formidable as we thought. Regardless, I was anxious that my kids would do some of the things that they try to get away with at home. I shouldn't have been worried. Other than Kanga eating a little as possible (until she got her hands on a slice of pie) they were quite well behaved. Speaking of pie, my sister EA made a caramel apple, a pumpkin, and a chocolate peanut butter. Kanga had the pumpkin and downed it like a pro. I had the caramel apple and enjoyed every bite, particularly the ones with the homemade caramel on them. Angel and I signed up for a wellness initiative where we try not to gain any weight during the holidays. It took a bit of a blow over the weekend, but I'm don't regret the pie in the least.

Friday, because it was after Thanksgiving, we got all of the Christmas stuff put up. We decorated the tree, I hung lights, and we pulled out the Christmas music and movies. Some people may call me Scrooge because of how much I'm against Christmas before Thanksgiving, but once it's the season I totally love the music, movies, stories, and traditions. I love sitting by the tree and reading or just listening to music. Carol of the Bells and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen are two of my favorite Christmas songs and The Piano Guys did a version of the two together, which puts me on cloud nine. Angel hung the star on the tree this year, mostly because the kids were fighting over it, but otherwise the kids did a great job of getting the tree all decorated. My mom gave us some fun glasses last year that create a hologram around the lights that changes between "Jingle Jingle" and a set of jingle bells. The kids love them and I just hope they last for next season. Friday night we had some friends over and were up way to late playing games. Good times overall.

Halloween and Getting things done

I didn't get pictures of the kids this year for Halloween, but they looked good as a cat and firefighter. I wasn't sure what to think when Tigger wanted to be a firefighter again this year, but in the end I figured that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be a firefighter. Beats the pants of other things he could have wanted to be. Angel took the kids out while I stayed home and took care of Roo and hand out candy. Roo was all wrapped up in a blanket. Once when some friends were at the door with their kids they asked what he was dressed up as. I said he was a burrito. The kids had fun and collected a fair amount of candy. We were able to listen to the music that one of our neighbors pumps out every Halloween. They set up a DJ table and have strobes and a fog machine, turning their driveway into a open dance floor. It was a pretty good selection this year. Somehow we've managed to train our kids that when they get candy it all goes into a communal container which is shared for those moments when sweets are appropriate. It has become the norm in the house, so it doesn't matter who gets more, or who gets what because it's all shared. And as I wrote that I felt like a communist. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Other than that, this weekend was well spent running errands, working on my van's brakes, and spending time with the family. We got caught up on laundry and dishes, as always, but I was proud that I was finally able to get the brake pads changed on my van. They've been making me nervous the last little while with the noise they've been making and I finally had a weekend to take the two tires off and see to them. I'm glad I did too. One pad was completely down to the metal break shoe. I was also pleasantly surprised that brakes pads didn't cost as much as I thought they did. The kids went with me as we picked up new pads, stopped by the library and hit the grocery store. I did end up putting the pads and wheels on in a small cloud burst, but otherwise it went really well. I'm glad that I can get some of those basic maintenance done on my vehicles. It save money and it makes me feel like I'm able to "take care"of my family.

The other fun thing I did was make a couple of lime chiffon pies on Sunday. We had the limes and were looking for something to do with them when I found that receipt in the Lion House Lite cook book. The one mistake I made was letting the filling set up in the bowl in the fridge. I was still able to scoop it into the crusts, it just looks a little lumpy. It should taste fine.

The most exciting thing that happened was that my parents got a new piano and offered their old one to us. Muscles had first dibs, but they are looking into getting a new one themselves. Dad popped up on Thursday and we got three guys to come and help move it after Kanga's school program. It's a little compact piano that needs a tune, but I've very happy to have a real piano in the home. Both of the kids like singing and Tigger has a really good ear for music. I played a few bars of the main theme of Star Wars and when I asked if they knew what it was he didn't hesitate and had it spot on. Kanga's school program was good as well. It was fall and Halloween themed and the kids sang a lot of fun songs, most in English, but a couple in Chinese. It was very crowded but it wasn't too uncomfortable. I'm just glad that we now have another reason for music in our house.

All in all, it was a very good weekend. The extra hour of sleep was appreciated as well, although it does mean that I'm up at 4:00 am with Roo. Well, that's just what being a dad is all about.

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day weekend I did my best to help with the water situation in Utah. I went camping with my wife's family. Growing up my siblings and I always joked that if we needed water Dad just had to plan a camping trip. Well, I was glad to help continue the tradition as it rained the first twenty-four hours or so that we were there.

Angel took the kids up early with her mom and brothers and I came up after I got off work. Luckily they got the tent up before it really started coming down. There was enough water that some did get through to the inside the tent but it was stayed around the edges and so our sleeping bags and pads stayed dry. I was able to air everything out the next day, for good measure, and the rain stopped by Saturday afternoon.

The kids did really well. We were worried about Tigger soiling himself as he still has some trouble getting himself to the bathroom. It's much more fun to play than to go to the bathroom apparently. However, he didn't have a single accident, not even during a couple of naps. Both of the kids ended up with dirt on the end of their noses at different points. While we were playing cards they were building volcanoes with rocks and dirt. They had fun running round, collecting rocks (were somehow disappeared the next day), and snuggling with the various family members. At one point he was a little out of sorts and the only way I could get him to lie down was to snuggle him. Unfortunately the only place to lie down was on a bench in the trailer. My feet were hanging off the end and fell asleep faster than he did. I ended up dozing with him for about forty minutes before getting up rather groggy. He continued to sleep for an hour or so in a frog like position.

It was a lot of fun to get out and enjoy nature and family. I was able to listen to some books, take a small hike, take many walks with the kids, and play games. It was a good break from the routine. While out in the woods it was easy to think about those that weren't here this year that were in years past. I'll miss them and be glad to see them again when the time comes.

The Excitement of a four year old

Tigger's Birthday was this weekend. We had a little get together with family, but nothing big. The highlight for him was getting a bicycle. He got to pick out the helmet. Tigger is a very excitable little boy on a regular day. Both his ups and downs. If he could pitch a baseball as fast as he could pitch a fit he would be set for life. Most of the time he is a very pleasant kid with bursts of happy excitement. It's not uncommon for him to come running into the kitchen with a grin on his face, wrap his arms around my knees and say, "Daddy, I love you" and then go running off. When he gets really excited he'll hold his fists next to his head and clench them until his whole body shakes all the while emitting a high pitched, "EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" It is really quite adorable.

Yesterday at church he was called up in Primary (the combined children's class) so they could sing to him and the other children with birthdays. Apparently, according to three different witnesses that told us about it later, when Tigger's name was called he jumped up and in his excited voice said, "I got a new bike!!!!!!!" all the while doing his body shaking thing. The bishop, who was present to give a few words, started his remarks with, "You know, Tigger, my wife and I went and bought a car yesterday and we weren't nearly as excited as you." The excitement continued when the Primary gave Tigger his birthday voucher (they call it something a lot more kid friendly) which they can redeem with the bishop after church. Tigger was anxious to cash it in, but the bishop wasn't in his office. We looked around for him and spotted him on the other side of the gym. "Go get it." I said to Tigger, who took off across the hardwood like a miniature sidewinder heat seeking missile with its target locked in (I'm relistening to a Clancy novel - can you tell). He accompanied the bishop into his office where they chatted for just a minute and a miniature bag of M&Ms was handed out. As the bishop opened the door to let him out I heard Tigger say, "Bishop, I love you!" The bishop couldn't help but smile. Tigger has that effect on people.

Tigger was a good sport with his birthday. Beyond the bike he got one toy and a bunch of clothes but everything he opened was, "Just what [he] wanted!!" Everything. Even the pajamas. Which he looked at for two seconds before returning to play with his new Bucky the pirate ship. He's a good kid who didn't mind that his birthday was dominated by his grandmother's graduation party. He got to play with his sister and some other kids at Grandma's most of the day and got cake twice. He's a pretty happy boy.

With his birthday comes memories of the day he was born. Three months premature and literally only 9 oz bigger than my current new shoes. It was a harrowing day. He has always had a pretty cheerful disposition. But we've always said that any day he didn't wake up in an isollet was a good day for him. He has had a lot of good days.

The plague of Rome, a neighborhood egging, and a baptism

Friday night I spent watching Rome fall to pieces. As the years ticked by the death count mounted. Pluto, the God not the ex-planet, had never been so busy. The blood lust was thick and money and armies changed hands as the Gods played with the lives of mortals. It was the Ludi Romani again! Last year something came up and I was unable to attend. But this year I remember in the nick-of-time and got my usual position as Apollo, sun God and thrower or plagues! It was good to see people from past years and I even saw a cousin who is a student in the program. I went up by myself. Angel was feeling under the weather what with hitting her 19 week mark with baby Roo. More than ever I saw the Gods (or the people playing them) manipulating the mortals until the final battle consisted of two factions both championed by some major divine support. I didn't have a faction and enjoyed the chaos. What can I say? It doesn't matter who wins the Sun will set on their empire just like the last. (He he he he!)

Saturday, we finally got our taxes sent off this week. Right before the deadline. There were complications in obtaining some needed information which delayed us, but we got it done. Finally. We never seem able to get them done in just one day. It's awfully discouraging. With taxes to be done we popped down to my folks and got them done early in the morning. This was because her neighborhood was putting on an Easter Egg Hunt.

This hunt involved about one hundred kids and their parents. It spanned the whole neighborhood. It was a lot of fun. each house participating hung a flyer on their door (or mailbox, tree, etc.) and spread candy or Easter Eggs all over their front yard. At each house, each kid would just take one treat and then move one. Unfortunately, it looked like there were more kids than eggs as some of the house (including my parents and Mom had put out 96) didn't have any more treats towards the end. It was good to walk the neighborhood and I even ran into a high school acquaintance and spent some time catching up with him. His daughter was a year younger that Kanga (and a year older than Tigger) and it was good to enjoy the wonderful weather.

Sunday we were able to attend the baptism of a former coworker of Angel's. When they met he said he was a "non-believing Buddhist" which only served to start a conversation about religion. He is a good man and very intelligent who wanted to make sure he was committed before being baptized. It was a wonderful meeting and the kids even did a good job sitting through it. We were able to talk to Kanga about baptism. As she's be able to be baptized in two years we need to help her start to understand some things now.

All in all, it was a very nice weekend.

Taxes

Today was President's Day, so Angel and I had it off. We always enjoy our days off. It means we can spend more time with our family. I will say that when we went down to visit my parents today, it was to do taxes and that tends to suck the fun out of everything.

I was thinking about why taxes are so horrible. Really, it's a matter of filling in boxes with information that is given to you. Granted, that is if you do your taxes yourself. I understand that having somebody do them for you it's not as complicated as that. Yet, every time I have to put that information in those boxes it tends to stress me out. I think that it from the fact that it seems that I always forget something. Some important paper with squares that I need. It seems that this year is no different - we weren't able to finish it today. I guess we'll have to finish it later. I've often joked about getting back at the IRS for the crazy tax laws by filling out my tax return in Roman Numerals. I'm just afraid that it would put me in the "Audit Me!" pile faster than I could say MMMCDLXXIV.

Christmas Update

I apologize for missing my usual post on Monday. And then for not posting Tuesday. I will not apologize for not posting Wednesday for reasons that I hope are obvious. When I started this blog I thought in many ways that it would be akin to the weekly E-mail I get from my mother or the letter updates I get from my father. As many people are sending out Christmas cards at this time with updates of what has happened this year the thought occurred to me to do something similar on my blog. I guess the thing that makes me hesitate is that I've been posting weekly blog posts about the big events that have happened since April. As my mother's note in the Christmas card she sent us said, "You know what we've been up to." That is not all the handwritten note said.

The other thing that makes me hesitate is that my blog is completely public. Even unlike my Facebook page this has no privacy settings. I'm okay with that and willfully acknowledge the implications.

As I thought about what to post, my mind drifted to what Christmas means to me and why I enjoy it so. Having five days off of work (the weekend, a personal day, and two for the holiday) was certainly nice. Receiving some enjoyable gifts is always pleasant. Being able to watch my kids open their gifts and watch their faces and excitement. The best part was being able to be with family. Monday we spent the bulk of the day at my parents. My sister, Babe, asked if Kanga and Tigger wanted to go sledding with her and her friends. So we went down a little earlier than originally planned and had some fun. Dinner was a little later than planned, but mostly due to some question as to who was coming when. It's great fun trying to coordinate schedules, isn't it? I enjoyed chatting with my parents, playing Ogre with my brother, and doing the Christmas program that my family has done every year since 1968. It's a great reminded about the reason for Christmas and that it is just one part of Christendom.

Tuesday was Angel's family's Christmas party and again, we chatted played games, and enjoyed family. I consider myself very blessed to get along with my in-laws and enjoy their company as much as my own family. I get a find of trill watching Angel and her sisters open their gifts from Grandma Nae as Nae has very good taste and a good eye for size and style. This year they got very fuzzy, very swanky jackets. Both Monday and Tuesday we got home well past the kids bedtime and had to carry them up to bed asleep. They handled everything pretty well, although Tigger is still struggling with his potty training.

Christmas morning, I opened by eyes to my children and wife asking if I was ready to go open presents. Normally I'm up pretty early, but for some reason I was still sound asleep when they were ready to go. Angel had done some work on the kids play room and so they got to see the changes and additions there. Like my father, I handed out gifts for the kids and Angel to open. We enjoyed ourselves until noon when we went to my Grandmother's for dinner. It was particularly nice because those that hadn't been able to come on Monday were there, so we had all of my siblings, spouses, and children there. We came home after chatting and some simple celebrations and put the kids to bed early (since they were up late the two nights before). Angel and I played some games with her Leeroy and his wife (online) and then called it a night since I had to come into work today.

All in all, we saw lots of family in just the right doses and in just the right settings to have a lot of fun. I do feel truly blessed to have the family that I do.

Audible Book Review - A Christmas Carol by Cha

I've watched A Christmas Carol every year for as long as I can remember. I've seen at least two different plays, and 4 different film versions. My family has also read the story together a couple of times before I moved out. My father reads the book every year in December and enjoys watching the three different versions films they own. They will usually also catch a performance of the play at the local theater. With my last book coming to a close at the beginning of December, I thought that it was time to review the story again. It is one that I do love and has a very timeless message. Here is the link to the Audible page for the book. While there are several versions of A Christmas Carol I was drawn to this one as it was narrated by Tim Curry, a particular favorite actor of mine. I cannot fault his performance for he did a very good job.

Plot: Ebenezer Scrooge is the reason why the word "scrooge" has the meaning it does. A miser, a grump and a uncaring and unfeeling man, Ebenezer does nothing but what is good for business and cares nothing for his fellow man. As the story opens on Christmas Eve Ebenezer has plenty of opportunity to express his disgust with the cheer, generosity, joy, and selflessness that comes with the holiday. When asked if he would like to donate to a poor fund he flatly refuses, saying that his taxes go to support the poor houses, prisons, and workhouses and that the poor must go there. In response to the petitioner's response that "many would rather die" then go there Ebenezer replies, "If they are going to die then let them do it, and decrease the surplus population." Such a man is Ebenezer Scrooge. However, that night he is visited by his old partner, Jacob Marley, who had died seven years ago that very day. At first unbelieving, but later convinced to the true spectral form of his visitor he learns that should his live go on unchanged a horrible fate awaits. Jacob has been sent to tell him of his chance of redemption - visitations from three spirits who were to show him what was, what is, and what is to come. The spirits come and Ebenezer is shown what Christmas really means and why we should care about it.

My personal favorites: This story is associated with Christmas because of the setting and the title. It revolves around the holiday and it uses it to demonstrate the lesson that it teaches. It is not just a Christmas story. As Ebenezer says, "I will strive to keep the Christmas spirit all the year long." The story is one of citizenship in the human race. The spirits that visit Ebenezer are not kind to him. His lifestyle has been established over decades. The chain he wears, as Jacob Marley describes "is a ponderous chain!" That kind of tradition requires a pretty big shock to help him break old habits. Through Ebenezer we are able to see what effect our actions can have over others - particularly our inaction. I love the way that Dicken's teaches us this lesson. While many are familiar with the film versions (or plays) of the story, I have let to see a single version that contains all of the things that Dickens put in the original story. While those dramatized versions can convey the message of the story, the novel provides much deeper insights and convictions that make it the literal timeless story that it is.

Considerations: I've often wondered about the line from the song, "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" that say, 'they're be scary ghost stories.' While dramatized versions of the story designed for children (like Micky's Christmas Carol and the Muppet's Christmas Carol downplay the suspense in some ways, what Ebenezer experiences can be quite terrifying. As I said earlier, the spirits are not kind to Ebenezer. It happened to be late at night as I was listening to the part where Jacob Marley appears and I found myself quite unnerved. Bear that in mind when listening.

This is a book I will return to every year at this time. I have found myself turned off before by overly sentimental, holiday stories. This is one that I have never tired of. Like my father, I find the reminder of what is truly important at this time of year, and every time of year, to be needed in life. On, a side note my favorite film version of this story is the 1984 version done with George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. The story is a short one - only 3 and a half hours long - so it fits into any schedule.

What I am thankful for, (in no particular order)

With Thanksgiving this week I feel the need to express my gratitude for many things.

• The sunrise, sunset, and all the beautiful moments in-between.
• My family - past, current, and future (no, there is no announcement there)
• My wife who is the most perfect person for me possible and who has more patience then she gives herself credit for.
• My daughter, Kanga, who keeps me on my toes and is willing to listen to her old man try to explain everything from jake brakes and airfoils to why we go home everyday.
• My son, Tigger, for being (mostly) potty trained and for being so curious.
• Our home in a wonderful, rural, northern Utah town that we adore.
• Indoor plumbing and warm showers.
• Good books, great books, and excellent, life-changing books.
• Music of all kinds that energize, relax, excite, and calm me.
• My body that is able to put up with the abuse I give it.
• Food and eating.
• My wonderful job with great people.
• My recent trip to Boston, MA - a chance for me to explore our nation's early history.
• My religion which buoys me up in times of trial, comforts me in times of sorrow, strengthens me in times of trouble and gives me joy despite the trials, sorrows, and troubles.
• My mind which still seems capable of learning despite challenges.
• The opportunities that are available to me and the ability to identify the best ones.
• The freedom that I enjoy from political oppression and violence.
• My ability to choose.
• Access and opportunity to work out and improve my physical fitness.
• Hot chocolate - enough said.
• Warm blankets on cool nights.
• Modern technology that provides communication, entertainment, and education in ways never before dreamed.
• The freedom of choice.
• A religion and faith that inspires me to be more and which gives me happiness and peace.
• The challenges that help me to grow and that teach me to be more.
• The way my kids greet me when I see them after work.
• Our hot tub, even if it's simple and has issues.
• The opportunity to live where and when we do.
• A wonderful professional office with excellent coworkers.
• The approach of the Christmas season and the excitement and kindness it brings.
• The opportunity to record my experiences, thoughts, and feelings in this blog.

Halloween and Ogre

This week have certainly been busy. We woke up Sunday morning with snow on the ground. That made me very happy that the kids helped me rake the leaves Saturday morning. Even thought it probably took longer for them to help me than for me to do it myself it was good to have them help. Afterwards we played Frisbee. Kanga can throw a decent disc and Tigger is learning. He had some good throws and also did a fair amount of running. It was nice. But I should probably also talk about Halloween, which happened earlier this week.

I wore a gee that I bought for Kung Fu back in college to work. I had to give some presentations and I saw that some of the students were dressed up too. Some asked me who I was. I said I was Po, from Kung Fu Panda (my gee is black and white) and that I just wasn't able to bulk up in time. One student thought I was Martin Luther - certainly one of my favorite historical figures, but he wore a robe, not a gee. The highlight of Halloween was having Muscles, Darpa and their kids over to have dinner with us before going trick-or-treating. All of their kids were dressed up as animals (with one plant). They had a tiger, a bat, a turtle, and a lily pad. Don't feel bad for the last one - She was born four months ago and looked really cute. All of their costumes were home made and looked good. Kanga and Tigger were dressed up in costumes from Smith's and they pulled them off rather well. Tigger forgot to put his hat on for the picture, but he had it ready when they hit the street. There were lots of kids out and about in our neighborhood. We've got a good street to go door to door - a fact that many summer sales people take advantage of. We had fun going around and between three adults we were able to keep the five kids in control (for the most part).

Saturday evening was our first ever Ogre night. The plan was to play the latest version of Steve Jackson's Ogre (version 6) with some friends and relations. The unfortunate thing was that the game hasn't arrived yet. It was a near thing with shipping in any case, but luckily we had a back up plan that worked rather well. We had my father, Leeroy, Tree, and my cousin, Mac, playing Star Wars Battlefront I. Like many LAN parties, it took us a while to get things set up, but it was a lot of fun when we had things up and running. Next month, we'll have Ogre and get able to enjoy some good board game fun.

Peach Days

Every year Brigham City holds a "day-off from the harvest and time to celebrate 'an abundance of the best peaches in Utah." [citation]. Started in 1904, Peach Days is a big deal. We weren't living here last year and so didn't make it to any of the activities, but this year we wanted to make sure we took part. I have actually attended once, but I was manning a booth for a company I wasn't particularly fond of working for, so there was little enjoyment and I didn't get to see anything that was going on. This year was different - and very nice.

Friday night we swung by after dinner and had just missed the children's parade. We parked by where the floats were off-loading the kids and walked the half dozen blocks Main and Forest where all of the activities were happening. They had carnival rides (and food) - quite a bit of both. The kids were real troopers because we walked everywhere and they were fantastic. At one point I put Tigger on my shoulders so he could see better. This worked out well until I found him trying to climb on top of my head from pure and utter, abject horror. One of the rides (a roller coaster that just went around and around, back and forth in a giant loop) had scared him and he was convinced that it was the end of everything. We worked our way back through the crowd away from the terror of the toddler and he started to calm down. We didn't go on any of the rides, but they did have some giant inflatables and Kanga enjoyed going to a large slippery-slide while Tigger watched. Both of them had fun. In addition to the carnival they also had booths set up for local (and non-local) businesses and merchants. We saw some wonderful pictures and paintings, fun crafts and restored antiques, and some great clothing designs. We enjoyed the walk around and the nice temperature before heading back to the car and home.

Saturday, after my piano lesson and a couple loads of laundry, the kids and I walked down just in time to catch the tail end of the morning parade. We had packed a picnic lunch and ate while a rock/blues band was warming up and started into their gig on the outdoor stage. It was good music and weather was still nice, despite it looking like it might rain. We walked around some more and saw the area they had with all of the food and saw the local Bikers Against Child Abuse chapters bikes. For both days they had blocked off about three blocks from vehicular traffic and had all kinds of entertainment set up. Music, rides, food, displays, booths, etc. It had been a while since we had been to the library, so we stopped by and resupplied our reading. The hard part was not even going into the basement where they had their used book sale. When we walked out there was a couple of women that had five boxes of books between them. One was keeping an eye on them while the other went to get the car. If that is a regular part of Peach Day's I'm going to have to save my shekels. We put the books in the double stroller (you thought I made my kids walk all 12 blocks didn't you), and started home. It was a good walk in all and I don't think driving would have saved us much time. It seemed that the closest anyone could park was five or six blocks away and the time spent loading/unloading would have just been wasted. Also, my sedan (since Angel took the van) can't hold the stroller and so the kids would have had to walk that fair. All in all it was fun.

Next year we'll be more prepared and hopefully Tigger will feel a bit more courageous.