A Wet Wash cloth

Boo has been a bit sick the last couple of days. Early this morning, about 1:45 am she woke with a fever. She has had a slight one on and off but she felt really hot this time.
I gave her some Tylenol (what a blessing that is) and then sat by the crib with a wet wash cloth that she seemed to really like on her head and back of her neck.
After about an hour she settled down and started to go deeper in sleep.
This morning before I left for work I checked her and she was not hot at all.
Modern science is wonderful but sometimes the good old fashioned stand bys are what makes the difference

Still Grateful

Even though I have not posted for awhile I still find things to be grateful for each day.

My wife you loves me and puts up with me
My kids who never cease to make me smile
My job that I can go to so Nat can stay home (wow what a blessing)
My family (both sides) that make Christmas special
My dog who lets me know that no matter what I am needed to let her out and feed her
My Church calling that lets me use my talents (Sunday I had to run around and replace Toilet Paper) (Never thought my janitor days would be so handy for church)
My testimony that miracles happen, and will continue to happen.

And most of all for all who touch my life...you truly make me feel blessed!

Lifetime of Memories

We returned in one piece from our (Nat's Family) trip. I told my brother in law on the plane as we landed that no one killed anybody and we are all still speaking to each other so life is good.
It was:
4 years in the planning
12 days in happening
One lifetime to remember

I am grateful for the trip and being able to return home safe and sound. I am grateful for the safety of family members while we were gone. Dad escaped injury when the snow blower blew up only to fall down the stairs Monday night. (I found out when I called my mom after we landed last night). He is shaken up but ok. (I still have a bone to pick with my mom for not letting me know it happened)

The house and the dog survived Randy and Cody taking care of them (thanks guys)
The plane ride home was a bit loud with 3 kids under 4 but all in all ok. No throw up, no stinky diapers etc.
As I looked at just some of the pictures today I almost started to cry because it seems Boo grew up so much this trip. She may not remember details but we have pictures galore to help her "remember"

Most of all I am grateful for a wonderful wife who spoils me and loves me, Boo and My kids.

Magic Moments

Have a very slow connection here...more pics will follow once we get home.

Grateful for the magic that happens between kids and characters and how nice and sweet they are no matter how rotten the kid before ours was.

Mid Way for Vacation

This is what it is all about! Love getting to see Mickey!

Today is a sort of rest day. Most the family went to Universal Islands of adventure. Nat and Boo and I stayed back just to save money and let Boo just relax. I also knew I would have to work a bit.

Since we were staying Nats siblings asked us to watch the little ones. (Nats parents are staying as well)

So we have in the room 3 kids under 2, one 4 year old, and 4 tired grownups.

Family is great even in large confined doses!

Blessings

Today I got a voice mail from my mom saying, "good news and bad news. Good is dad and the house are all ok bad is truck and snow blower are burned up from the snow blower exploding."

Well to say I redial fast is an understatement.

Turns out my dad was in the garage starting up the snow blower due to the storm. It blew up and caught the truck on fire in front. Dad had the keys in his pocket, was abole to keep hold of them and move fast enought to get the truck out of the garage.

The fire department showed up put out the truck, got the burning blower out of the garge and then even shoveled the walks for him.

Wow, this is why I do not like going on vacation for extended time...I am grateful for everything working out ok. I told my mom that there are no lucky things. The boss upstairs is involed in even the littlest thing we do.

i am grateful for that.

Day 2 At Disney World

Two things to be grateful for. We had a great time at Epcot but when we got back to the hotel the TV was on. We thought that was weird until we noticed Boo's blanket and little Lumpy sitting on the bed watching it, remote in hand of course.

Also we have adjoining rooms with Nats sister and Brother in law. This way we get visitors at all hours

Empty Plane seat

Very grateful today that I am not home in the snow.... also very grateful that even though we were on a full plane, the seat next to Natalie never filled so she moved over and Boo had a seat all to herself for the flight to Florida. (Yes we are in Disney World. The final end of 4 years of planning and saving is here.)

Also grateful for my boys who are staying at home and taking care of the dog and shoveling snow and things there. Thanks guys, love you and drive careful.

Running Water

A few nights ago, as I was getting ready to go to bed, I went to get a glass of water to take my old man out of shape, pills. I turned on the faucet and nothing. I check the bathroom, nothing. I knew it had not been cold enough to freeze any lines but wondered what the heck?
Since it was close to midnight i couldn't very well call a neighbor. I decided to go outside and look around. Down the street I could see lights from a truck, a back hoe and dump truck. I drove around the block to see a Water truck and men working on a line in the street. About 30 minutes later the water came back on.
Made me think how thankful I am to have the water work when I need it too. Most the world does not have this let alone the old man out of shape pills to make me live longer.

The Basics

This morning as I was driving into work, munching on a hot dog (Yes Nat I know I need to stop getting them...) I got slightly irritated at traffic then thought of how lucky I was to be driving and not dependant on UTA. I am grateful that I have a job I have to drive to. I am grateful I have a car that is able to get me there and is paid for. Grateful for a house I have to go home to.
Grateful I have the money to buy a large Hot Dog and drink.
Grateful for my health, (yes I have my problems but over all am healthy)
So happy for the basics that most in the world do not have.
I am grateful to be so lucky.

Thanks-Giving

Yesterday in Church one of the speakers mentioned that this time of year we need to remember not only to give THANKS but to GIVE.
Giving helps both those who receive and those who give.
The Stake President mentioned that in connection with a local food drive going on next week that if we were thinking of a few cans we need to up it to a case.
As we as a family have increased our giving we have not missed anything. Blessing are so cool.

A teen ager in a toddlers size

As the pics show I am often amazed at how old Boo acts at times. I swear it is a view of what is to come when she hits her teens

Christmas movies...

I am a sucker for the cheesy Christmas movies. Yesterday at Redbox, as I was getting Star Trek, I notice a new Christmas movie from the Hallmark people with Henry Wrinkler as the only star I recognized. I rented it as well.
Even though I knew as soon as it starts, how the plot would go, I still enjoyed it.
I start watching my Christmas movies early.. Here is a list of must watch. (I am so grateful for DVD's)

White Christmas (several times)
Love Actually (The best ever)
Santa Baby (cute but funny)
Polar Express (A classic)
Scrooged (Bill Murry rocks)
Christmas Carol (With George C Scott)
Mickey's Christmas carol

Too name a few

Now Open Sundays!...sad

I had to get some milk this morning before coming to work. I went to the local grocery store, Locally owned as well. As I drove in I saw a sign saying they were now going to be open Sundays. How sad that made me feel.
In high school I worked at a local store that stayed closed on Sundays. "Sundays are for family or Church. Hopefully both" the owner used to say.
Now I wont go on Sunday but I feel sorry for the workers who have to work just to keep a job...It made me sad...I may have to get my milk from the store further away but who stays closed on Sundays.

Ripples of influence

This morning I was able to go to a Ward conference in the Stake and witness a new Bishopric being sustained. As the old Bishopric was being released the Person conducting asked anyone who had received a blessing from the Bishop or his counselors to stand. A lot stood up. He then asked for those to remain standing then asked for any one who had a visit from the Bishopric to stand. More stood. In fact it seemed the entire room was standing except for a few visitors.
I am so grateful for a religion that allows us to form friendships and be able to touch each others lives.

Good Health...so far

Since the purpose of this blog is to talk about what I am grateful for I must say good health.
Each night at family and personal prayers we say thanks for the health we have as well as ask for the blessing to continue.

Monday I read online that they were giving tickets away for times to get the H1N1 shot. Nat and I are not able to get it and Boo got one a month ago but they suggest all toddlers get 2. So I left work early, went home, changed clothes, grabbed a chair and went and sat in line for 2 1/2 hours to get tickets for Boo and her cousin. Nat and her sister took them on Thurs to get the shots.
The first time we went it was a mad house, this way seemed much better.

Nat usually gets the flu once each year and I usually don't. Here's hoping we avoid all sickness this year.
On a side note our Stake President mentioned to the High Council that there was nothing wrong in giving preventive blessings to our families.

Forever Family

Forever Family is central to my belief system. Over the past few weeks that has come to center stage.

Halloween we had a ball seeing family and neighbors. I do not know how my wife is going to top the costume next year, but I know she will.

Last Saturday was the yearly adoption walk in Salt Lake. We had to miss it this year but my thoughts are still with all our friends that go. Novemeber is National Adoption month. Without the miracle of adoption my entire family would not be as complete as it is. Because Boo's wonderful Birth mother made the heroic choice of placing her with us we are complete.

Randy is now engaged to Misty. We could not be happier, she is perfect for him and we love her already. In fact Boo runs right to her and gives hugs when they come over.

The 3j's are happy as a family and learning from the challenges of a baby in the house etc. (Little J is always in our prayers)

Natalie's family has been together a bit this past 2 weeks since her grandmother is in the hospital and will more than likely pass on very soon. It is a great feeling to know that while we are gathered together as family, worried and anxious over the event that is about to happen, family on the other side is gathered together also anxious but can hardly wait for it to happen so they can be together again. Forever family is a wonderful truth that gives me strength and for that I am grateful forever.

Laughter is the best

Don't know what I enjoy more. Boo being so cute or Nat laughing...just grateful I have both

Prayer

For the past couple of nights if we do not read our scriptures Boo will holler at us and point to where her and Nat's scriptures are. So we read our chapter. She makes it through most of the way. It is then on our knees to say family prayer. Boo starts off good in between us then she will stand up as the prayer goes on and put an arm on each of our backs patting, then hugs.
After family prayer we try her own but that is going to take some work...it will be well worth it.
The house just feels better if we are reading and praying every night.
Never under estimate the power of family prayer!

Eskimo Kisses (Hard)

I am so grateful for Boo when she gives me eskimo kisses. (Notice how hard she is smashing my poor nose!)

The Day turned out different but ok

Yesterday started ok. I knew I had my yearly Dr. appointment which went ok, no surprises. I am still over weight, my blood pressure is a bit too high, no new surprises.
Randy called on his way home from work to advise me that he fell asleep while driving, went off the road and swiped a wall. It could have been a lot worse. The car is ok, the wall is ok (we think) and oh yeah Randy is ok as well.
Last night Nat got a call from her mom saying a family member is sick, (I wont go into details here, but it could be worse).
I am grateful for small blessings that make problems workable. We can't avoid everything bad from hitting us but we can be thankful for it not being as bad as it could be.

At the Ward Hillbilly party

The Internet is so cool in that we can get information and pictures with out trying. We attended the Ward Hillbilly picnic last month. As I was looking at the Face book account of a neighbor I found pictures from that night...This is us...No we did not dress up

Wind and rain

Last night we had a pretty good storm. I don't mind the storms too much. I do always worry if the roof will start to leak or trees fall over or branches smash stuff etc. Last night we escaped with minor causalities. (The back door light got smashed I assume by a branch flying off the tree)
Nat, Boo and the dog all slept well and as I walked around the yard this morning I noticed most of the leaves have blown into the neighbors...

It starts!

Every year on the first Monday of October I remember that the supreme court starts it's session and I start my Christmas music rotation. I know it is early but I love the season.

On face book I am a friend to Greg Olsen the painter. He sends out a daily picture and message. He sent this image out and I fell in love with it. (He has said we can re post them if we want).

I want this picture. I am so glad that I am in a house that believes in Santa as well as the true spirit of Christmas...we can argue later if you want.

Oh well, I love this time of year!

Sun, Sand, Surf, Shopping and food

Since I was fortunate to blow my profit goal from work out of the water I and Nat were able to attend what ACS calls President's Club. This year it was held Thurs through Sunday in Laguna Beach Calif. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton right above the beach, had great food, some activities and of course it was all paid for.

It was great...only bad thing was Boo had to stay home with her sister, brother in law and nephew. (She had a ball it sounds like. Thanks again Jo and Josh)

The weather was great. The only other down side was on Saturday we had the day free to ourselves so we caught the bus down to Fashion Island in Newport (I think) the bus ride was typical. We did have an old guy as he was getting off the bus lose his pants. (He was going commando so it was hard not to laugh). The other funny thing happened after lunch on Saturday I felt pretty bad. I thought it might be a heart attack but then decided it was heart burn and gas. I started burping and it did not stop until we got home last night. I would burp every 7-10 seconds. It made the awards dinner Saturday night an adventure since I was sitting by my boss and his wife as well as one of the big Senior VPs

The other slightly bad thing was we had to miss conference. My Internet connection worked for part of Saturday am but then gave out. Oh well at least it is all online and I can watch it now.

Over all I am grateful for the time to relax and the time with my best friend. (She still loves me even though my burps drove her nuts)

A clean slate

I updated my iPod software and found that it wiped out my ipod content for songs, pics. Funny thing was my pod casts stayed ok. Well at first I was a little upset.Then I thought of the times I would not like what song was playing or the night before I was looking at my movie list and nothing sounded good.
So you might say it was a blessing in disguise. Only problem is that some of the music i did not have backed up and some I had cleared off my hard drive.
So I have spent the last couple of days in my free time rebuilding the music, photos and videos.
It has been fun going through lists and deciding what I really find of value...I think there is a lesson or church talk in all that somewhere.

Just a Good Day

Yesterday was a good day. It started with having to setup the Stake House for a class the Relief Society was going to have. I then went to work where what problems came up were handled well and quickly. I was able to leave a bit early which is always nice.
As I drove into the driveway I saw Nat and Boo on the front porch working on Halloween decorations. When Boo saw the car she started to jumping up and down so excited that she almost fell off the porch.
I then saw Randall was home as well, he told me that he and Misty were now Boy friend and girlfriend...wow and yipeee, we really like her and she brings out the best in him.
We then went to drop Boo off and Nats mom's so Wendy could watch her as we went to the temple to see a sealing of some friends and their son (they got through the miracle of adoption).
I always cry since it means so much when I go to these things. The ceremony itself is only about 30 seconds but it lasts forever! WOW that is so cool. While there we were able to see our case worker who we love to no end! as well as some other friends from the adoption world. This couple happens to live in my parents Ward, where I grew up, so it was neat to see couples that I grew up with their children there to support this couple.
We then went back to pick up Boo and had homemade pizza, then home.
The night ended with Boo and I doing the bed time routine where we watch mu Ipod for a few minutes, then I took her into her bed, kissed her and said good night. She laid down with out a fuss and went to sleep.
Overall just a good day.

Having a BAD DAY?

I dare you not to smile at this...I am so grateful for this little smile maker that awaits me when I get home each day.
I do not know what I did to deserve her or her mom but am glad I have them BOTH!

Such a girl...

Boo is such a little girl! She loves to have her nails painted. (it doesn't even last a day but she loves it) She likes dress up, she loves to put on her moms shoes...She also love Toy story and her favorite toys seem to be a Buzz and Woody that she got from her grandmothers basement.

Miracles keep happening

Just found out yesterday that friends of ours from the adoption world have finally had their miracle and now have a new son born 09-09-09.
As I talked with them on the phone I did tear up since I understand all too well the joy they were feeling after so long of despair.
I am so grateful for Boo and being her dad. I am grateful for all my kids but Boo is special to us all.
Every day I tend to not want to read the news due to all the crap and depressing info it contains. But then good news come and I can't help but smile.

9-11

Today 8 years ago forever change our lives. Not only in how we now travel but in how we look at each other and what is truly important.
Then and now, family and faith are the main building blocks to our foundations.
For that and for the lives of the people that do so much to let us live like we do I am grateful.

The Best Family Ever!!

Sept 2 is a great day for our family. Not only is it the day Nat and I got married but also the day Boo was sealed to us for ever. A day for Family completion if you will.
I am so grateful for my wife who has put up with me for 12 years and who is the most wonderful mother to Boo. She wrote some pretty nice things about me on her blog and I can do nothing less than weep as I think of what she means to me. My life changed forever when I fell in love with her.
I am also so grateful for a petite little brown haired big dark eye mass of curls and bundle of energy that is my shadow from the moment I get out of the car until bed time. Boo never fails to make me smile and be thankful I am alive.

Now I must also mention my other children, (If I don't they will give me crap about it) I love each of them and am grateful for their individual talents and ways they make me smile as well.
Jo, is so much a mother, she always has been a little mom to her brothers but now she has her own baby and he is awesome! Josh is the best son in law a guy could ask for. He supports his wife and loves her.
Randal is a total carbon copy of the greatest person in the world, me! just kidding, we are soo much alike but it is great to see how his humor and out look on life is shaping up.
Cody is a complete package. He knows what he wants (most of the time) he hates wasting time or money. He has strong political views and even though they are at times different than mine I admire him for having them and defending them so well.
No list would be complete without Yoshi, my grandson! I adore the time I get to hold him and watching how he has blessed his parents lives...(I still hope he will be a BYU fan just to bug his mom)

Boo, another name for NO FEAR!

Over the past couple of months as Boo gets more mobile (Guess she's not a baby anymore but a full blown Toddler sniff sniff) She has shown a love for climbing and has no fear. She has not yet really fallen , that might knocked some fear into her but I doubt it.

Whether it is at a play ground or in our backyard on the newly setup gazebo, she is climbing it. Of course I am usually close by but she would go even if I wasn't.
I am grateful for her spirit of adventure and willingness to explore, but it also makes me cringe as I see how quickly she gets up so high.

Instant News

It is hard to remember what it was like before the instant news with the Internet and phones.
I remember when Pres. Regan was shot, I did not hear about it till later int he day when I walked in the house from school and my mom told me. I do enjoy being able to get instant news, I don't pay attention still but am glad it is there when I want it.
The only time I really listen to the news is the traffic reports or when they are reporting a car wreck. I only listen to make sure it is not in an area where any of my family might have been. If it is I will often use the cell phone to make sure they were not involved.

Oh to be young

Boo loves to draw! She loves to be outside. With the heat it is hard for us to let her be out a lot. However, she has found the joy in using sidewalk chalk on the deck in the shade.

Oh to be young and find such simple joy.

I am grateful I get to see that through her.

Heat, swords,spies and spirit

This weekend was a busy one. Friday we went to Lagoon.100 degree heat and crowds some would call it fun. Boo enjoyed the rides etc
Saturday we were able to go to my favorite play "The Scarlett Pimpernel" It was great. I LOVE THAT SHOW AND THE MUSIC.
Saturday night I went up at 7 to setup the video for Sunday but ran into problems so was there till 11. I am happy to say that I did not swear in the Church. I did step outside once but it all worked out.
Sunday was the dedication of the new LDS temple. It was a nice relaxing day. I had to spend most the day at the Church to make sure the video work and all, as well as high council meetings.

Fun Time

This past weekend we had Natalie's nieces (3 of them)They came Thurs and stayed till Sunday late afternoon. Even though I was tired coming home from a trip Fri morning it was fun to have the girls. We went to the park (several times) almost got rained on with hail. Nat had them help make and decorate cookies, i helped by eating them, we also did what I thought was fun, We went to the downtown library. Boo loved all the books. It was so great to see her want to get into all the books. This will be a regular occurrence.

One Year ago...gotcha day!

One year ago (yesterday) we went to court to have Boo become legally ours! Some in the adoption world celebrate it as gotcha day, not so much for us. However that does not mean I am not grateful for what happened then. It forever changed our family. To hear the Judge say she is ours "as if she had been naturally born to you" was great. Even though we knew we would have no problems to know that she was legally ours and nothing the state or any one else could do would change that. It made the years of waiting and waiting all worth it.
I love all 4 of my kids equally, but Boo has brought such a glue to our family.
I am forever grateful to her birth mother for having the courage and selfless love to do what was best for her baby and place 3 day old Boo in Natalie's arms and then walk away. She is forever a hero to me and everyone i talk to! Over the past 18 months a day has not gone by that i do not think of her and how she is doing or thank the Lord in my prayers for her and ask Him to guide and bless her.

Winter Camp in August

This past weekend we went to our yearly family camp. We go every year around this time and to the same spot. We love it! My parents, my siblings and their families. This year the biggest change we had was the temperature, IT WAS COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So cold. But we had a ball.
Camping for us is games, reading, and for my kids laying in a hammock.
The first pictures below are of me packing. I put a few things in my bag, it along with Boo was sitting on the bed. I turned around to get a shirt then turned back and Boo was gone...I then heard her laugh and saw that she had crawled into my bag! What a riot she is.