Interesting Day! Brigham Open house and the news!

Yesterday was a interesting day.


Not only did I have memories and thoughts of 11 years ago and the Attacks Back east, as well as thinking how different our lives are now with air travel, not feeling completely safe in our own country, as well as how the instant news has grown since then.

I am so grateful for the freedoms I have and the people who fight to keep it that way. I also will always remember 9-11 and not just once a year.

I took off work early to go with Boo and Nat up to the Brigham City Temple open house. We had been warned that it could take hours on hours to do this but thought it worth the risk.

I took us just under an hour to drive up, we hit main street and saw a sign saying to park here, but I had already driven past it. We continued down main street to the Temple itself, turned east to go behind the Tabernacle (right across the street from the Temple) and as we drove a car started to back out of a spot right on the street so I pulled in.

We then walked the block to the back of the Temple where they were having the people enter. After declining the nice man with his offer to give us some reading material, we made a stop by the porta pottys then into the tour. We were the first into the room to watch the movie so being good Mormons we sat on the back row. This made it so we were the first out of the room and onto the walking tour. (Nat took these shots with my phone...such talen that woman has!!!)

It was gorgeous!!!! The workmanship was top notch. The style of the stairs and room lay out was very warm and friendly, kind of felt like the building had been there for 100 years.

Boo was all wide eye and really enjoyed her little booty coverings she had to wear.

After the tour we went to Madox to eat(of course, why drive all that way and not stop to eat there!) and didn’t have a long wait. The food was good as expected. Pricy but good. Rolls are to die for.

Then on home.

We had a great day…last night the dog woke me up about 3 am to let her out, I turned on the TV and spent the next hour trying to come to grips with the attacks and deaths that were being reported. Once more feeling entirly safe is not an option. But safe in the knowledge of Family is an option and a way of life!

I am so grateful for the blessings of a forever family and of the knowledge that this life is but a small moment in the grand scheme of things.

I am so grateful for a fantastic wife that shares this knowledge with me and for the kids and grand children I have.

Teaching is my Favorite!

Yesterday I got to do something that I love to do…teach Sunday School!


Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the High Council and the time I have spent with great men and learning from them, but nothing is more enjoyable than to prepare a lesson and then run way short of time in giving it since the discussion was so great.

Yesterday was what we can learn from the Stripling Warriors, believe me it is a lot!

Nat and I spent time during the week talking about it and how we want to have Boo and our grand kids as well as the adult kids know how we feel about the Church and the covenants we have made.

Last Sunday I was able to preside while the Ward I am over ordained 4 young men to become Elders. They were each amazing and a spiritual experience. Yesterday all four of them came before the High Council to say what it meant to them and to bear their testimonies to us. They were awesome!!!!

I wish they could all leave now for their missions but all 4 have almost a year to wait. They get it. The Church means something to them. They have been taught by parents and a great Bishop and are ready to not only clear the bar but set a new standard if need be.

I am so grateful to see the traits that made up the stripling Warriors and know that I can apply them and help my family do the same.



Nothing is more important than the Salvation of my Family!

Here is the list I gave of the traits of the Stripling Warriors to the class



Traits of a Stripling Warrior

a.“They were exceedingly valiant for courage” (Alma 53:20).

b.“They were … true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted” (Alma 53:20).

c. “They were men of truth and soberness” (Alma 53:21).

d. They had “exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe” (Alma 57:26).

e. They “put their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:27).

f. They “[stood] fast in that liberty wherewith God [had] made them free” (Alma 58:40).

g. They were “strict to remember the Lord their God from day to day” (Alma 58:40).

h. They kept God’s “statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments continually” (Alma 58:40).

i. “Their faith [was] strong in the prophecies” (Alma 58:40).

Vote for my kid!

Vote for the cutest kid ever!!!!

Go to this link, go into the contest album, click on this picture and like it as well as like the site as a whole

So grateful I have this bundle of energy in my life:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.396391183743082.81101.175768352472034&type=3

Deep Thoughts

So I have not posted for quite awhile and I know you all missed me!
A lot has happened int he world and I am in deep thought on it more and more. I guess that comes from getting older.
Just a few of the highlights:

Free Speech:
The owner of Chick-fil-a stated on a Christian Radio station that he supported traditional marriage and opposed gay marriage. The media picked up the story and alot of noise ensued. People refusing to go to any of his food chains, people saying he was mis guided, and people complaining as well as supporting him.
This was fine and I think it is healthy for people to say their feelings and then have to defend them. But, a few government officials weighed in and said because of his personal views they would not allow any of his business's to open or expand in their cities. Some even said the ones there should be forced to close. THAT IS WRONG! To this some suggested that we all go eat at Chick-fil-a on Aug 1st to show support. Nat, Boo and I did. While I do believe in traditional marriage I went to support the business not for that reason. I went because in my mind it is wrong for a government official to discriminate a company based on their CEO's opinions. Also if he had said he believed in Gay marriage no government official would dream to try to stop his business. It seems some believe free speech only works if you agree with their ideas.

The Olympics:
With all the grandstanding and excitement I have enjoyed part of this sports moment.
The opening ceremony was long and very English. A few stories that I will remember.

Manteo Mitchell was a runner on a relay team for the USA> As he started his first leg of the relay he heard a pop and felt great pain. He had broken his leg but continued the race. He finished his part and the team went on to qualify. This is important lesson that you should finish what you start as well as finish your part when people are depending on you. Too often people take the easy out.

Stephan Feck a German diver scored a 0 on his dive. He hit the board wrong and basically did a back flop into the water. Even the very best can stumble and have a bad day.

McKayla Maroney a USA gymnast came in 2nd on the bars I think, her scowl on the medals stand has gone all over the Internet and no one will remember the greatness she showed in her sport only the funny captions that people have attached to her picture. You never know who is watching you!

Well enough for now...I am grateful that I have free speech and live where I do. I am so grateful for my wife who never fails to make me smile and get a bit giddy when i think of her.

Father's Day

I love being with family! I love being a Dad and Papa.
Sunday I was able to sit by Nat and Boo at Church (doesn't happen all the time now) Able to see Boo go up to the front of the chapel full of energy and confidence and sing with the rest of the primary kids. Her smile down to me was the high light.
In High Priests group, at the very end the door opened and they said can the primary come in, in walks Boo and heads straight to me. Not many (only 2 others) in that room have young ones in Primary. She handed me a package of M&M's and a hug followed by a kiss. Priceless.
After Church we went over to my folks house and we saw the rest of the family including the other 3 kids and the grand kids. I love being a grandpa almost as much as being a dad. To have the grand kids smile at me and be happy to see us is great.
I am not one to want a lot of presents (no really I'm not) but I had a great day. I got a Church book I have wanted for months but have been too cheap to buy myself, got a mug that says Grandpa's prove that all hero's don't wear capes" (or something really close to that, and then I got a instant message with the following:
Patience that is unmatched and a heart larger than life. He lives his life in the service of others and knows no other way, supportive in all things even if he doesn't fully agree. A shoulder that is always there to lean on and advice that is given when asked for while making you choose your own destiny. He may not change the world but he has indeed changed and bettered mine he is my father he is my hero and true example…scott bradford
(I did not write this)

Doesn't get much better than all this. For having the privilege of being able to be called the most glorious name of Father...I am truly grateful.

Did you say S*()&

I have been working up at the Church tearing apart a room where we had Emergency supplies and making it to be converted into a new Mothers room.


In demolishing a young man’s eagle project from years ago, (tearing out the shelves that were bolted into the cement wall) I scrapped my arm up pretty good. That night Boo noticed my scrapped up arm and the conversation went like this:

Boo: where did you do that at?

Me: Up at the Church tearing out shelves

Boo: Did you say shit!

Me: NO! Where did you learn that word?

Boo: From you daddy.

Talk about being instantly humbled. I do not remember ever swearing in front of her but I must of. I vaguely remember once out in the yard but then once is all it takes.

If my wonderful, 4 year old can pick that word and meaning up from just one or two times I wonder what else she picks up from me. I know I did not like the sound of that coming from her.

For a very sobering lesson, from a sweet 4 year old I am truly grateful

5 Stars out of 5 (Not often I do this)

I do not often give 5 out of 5 stars to a book but this one I did. 
I found this book to haunt me since I have finished and begging me to do better with myself.
What higher praise can I give than this.

Read my thoughts on my other blog, link listed at the side or direct link below


http://scottiesbooks.blogspot.com/2012/06/jacob-t-marley.html

How Do We Marinate Our Spirits

My wife is a great cook, and lately she is striving to be a healthy one as well. It is amazing the amount of things she can do with Chicken.


Part of her magic I think lies in a process called marinating. She will take the chicken or steak or whatever meat and place it in a bowl with different liquids in it. I always love when she use soy sauce as part of it, I love the smell.

This process of marinating is different depending on what result she is trying to get.

I have learned that you can leave the meat in too long as well as too short. That the items used in one recipe may not work with another. It is all about what you want the end result to be.

I got thinking about this process and how it changes the actual texture and flavor of the meat. It is a neat trick.

I wonder how we are marinating our spirits every day.

What formula are we using to change the texture of our souls?

Do we surround ourselves with things that will enhance the overall recipe?

I have come to enjoy my MP3 player. I love music and have it on around me as much as possible.

On my player I have several playlists, one is entitled “Mini Power” or mini marinated.

It has 4 songs on it, whenever I feel like I need that extra push or reassurance or the extra kick in my Spirits seat of the pants. I hit play on this list. This is my list and my not make sense to others, but it is mine and I gladly claim it.

The songs are:

Bring him home from Les Mis as preformed by the Piano guys

Be Still My souls as sung by the group Eclipse

Abide with me as sung by David Osmond

And Let Me In by the Osmond’s.

Lately I have added one more to my list. Today is you day by Shania Twain

I have a much larger play list called Greatness that includes these songs as well as a lot of others.

The spirit that I feel when I surround myself with these tools is priceless.

I don’t watch a lot of TV just for me. As soon as I walk in the door my 4 year old seems to think that it is my job to keep her entertained.

I have seen bits and pieces of some Reality TV and I am so glad that I don’t have time to watch TV just for fun.

In the”For Strength of Youth” put out by the LDS Church we read:

Satan uses media to deceive you by making what is wrong and evil look normal, humorous, or exciting. He tries to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and has no negative consequences for you or others. Do not attend, view, or participate in anything that is vulgar, immoral, violent, or pornographic in any way. Do not participate in anything that presents immorality or violence as acceptable. Have the courage to walk out of a movie, change your music, or turn off a computer, television, or mobile device if what you see or hear drives away the Spirit.

Sounds a lot like reality TV show descriptions to me.

What does this do to our spirits? What are we willingly choosing to marinate in?

Some have told me, “It’s only a few hours a week that I watch this show, it’s not that much. Well, we are only in Church a few hours a week and see how that effects us. I have also heard, well it’s only a few words in a few songs, or these songs are great to dance to and sound awesome with my head phones.

If we go back to my marinating the meat example,

I have never seen my wife use gas to marinate with. Not even a quick dip. Now gas is awesome and powerful item when I use it in my car or lawn mower but I think it loses some of that awesomeness when it is used for something it was not meant to be used as.

One time My wife bought a knock off brand of sauce to use as a marinade. It smelled close to the real thing but the overall effects just simply lacked the power of the original.

The same can be true with the media we choose to surround ourselves with.

My wife is getting ready to go to girls camp. She has been asked to teach the girls 2 songs that they need to know for camp.
For a few days I have come home from work, opened the door to find my wife and Boo singing along with the music to these songs. I cannot adequately describe the feeling I get as I enter into he house on those days. It is warm, and so inviting and something I wish was there every time I walked through the door.

For the knowledge and direction I get from leaders on the media and for a wonderful wife you helps my home be a place of warmth and where the spirit feel comfortable I am grateful.

Goofing up again and the Sacrament Prayers.

So you are probably wondering what the two have in common? I will get to that; first let me review my weekend.


On Friday my loving wife informed me that I had “once again” flooded the basement by leaving the sprinklers on too long. She wasn’t mean about it. She wasn’t super nice about it, simply justified frustration I think. (I am grateful for that even if I deserved the worst.)

Saturday we had Mother’s day and Nat’s birthday at my moms. It was great to see family and to see the grandkids, they make me so happy and feeling old.

Saturday afternoon I had to go to the Stake House and set up for the meetings we were having for Stake Conference. The meetings were great. It is not very often that I get a “Oh Wow” moment from a Church talk but each of them had a oh wow. Talks were on Single parents, faith, grace enduring to the end, doing the little things.

The 1st counselor talked about grace and how we know we are saved by grace, 100% but we do the works to practice since once we make it, there will be a lot of work.

The 2nd counselor talked about doing the little things and having them add up to great things. He told the story of what would you chose to take 1 million dollars or a penny. If it is the Million you get in right away, if you choose the penny you get it after 31 days. During those 31 days it will be placed in the bank and will double every day until 31 days is over. What would you chose? Do the math it is a Oh Wow moment.

The President talked about marrying up and how that means that someone married down. He said he likes to think he married up and his wife took on a long term project…I like that thought especially when I flood the basement. He also talked about how the charge to be perfect is a couple thing and without your spouse you will not do it easily…(Nat never floods the basement I might add)

So this got me thinking on the atonement. Several years ago our Stake studied the atonement for a whole year and the guide went into some deep items, but the more I study the simpler it is.

I liken it to a priest kneeling down to bless the sacrament. He knows, as we all know, that the prayer has to be word perfect, nothing less. He begins and goofs up, then, he simply starts over. If he goofs up again he once more simply starts over. There is nothing in scripture or the Church Handbook that says he is only allowed X number of times to get it right. There is no giant arm that will reach down from the ceiling after goof #5 and throw him out of the Church. There is no number of times that will cause the Bishop to get up go over and kick him away from the bench. (I have seen Bishops’ who have lovingly put their arms around a priest and coached him, word by word). I have seen where, after a few times the whole congregation is silently praying for the priest to have divine help. (I have done this even before some start the first time).

I think the atonement and grace are a lot like that. As long as I still have life and breath, when I goof up I simply take a big breath and start the prayer again trying my best to get it right. When I need it the Lord, or Bishop or Stake Leader is there to put their arm around me and coach me word by word. I know that I have a loving wife who is not only my #1 fan and support but also prays for me daily. That thought alone makes me want to be better. I cannot comprehend any part of heaven or eternal happiness, where she is not present.

For this knowledge I am grateful.

A good and accurate article in the news

Not often do we see a polite and accurate news story about Mormons. I have seen 2 in the past 6 months and am happy that they are there.

Local reporter in Ohio attends Stake Conference and interviews members

http://www.ohio.com/news/local/local-mormons-committed-to-their-faith-1.305067


Female Pastor tours the Temple open house
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/danielle-tumminio/inside-a-mormon-temple-a-female-episcopal-priest-visits_b_1430206.html

I am grateful for the tech that allows me to see that there is good along with the bad reporting that happens

Been awhile

So it has been awhile since I have posted anything.
Life has been normal and busy. Boo is growing like crazy and so much more "grown up". She tells me that she is grown up all the time now.
She gave the scripture in Primary last Sunday. We had been working with her on it all week and she knew it pretty well. When it came time she went up to the pulpit, the President said is she going to need help, we said we will see. Boo then started to just talk. So Nat went up and started her on the right path. She was great.
Nat has been working on memorizing the Living Christ with  the Young Women. She is doing a great job on it. I have tired but not doing as good of a job. The other day Nat asked where I was and I said I was having trouble, Boo, who was sitting a few feet away playing with the dog piped up with the first 2 paragraphs, she then said "it's easy dad see!"
I am so grateful for the spirit that is in our home because of this

Miracles of a PFR

Miracles happen, even where we don't think they would. Case in point.
As some of you know, I have spent the last 4+  years serving on the High Council of our Stake. I started next to last and moved around the table (A very foolish tradition of our fore fathers in my opinion) and now sit at the #1 spot. I have watched several under me come and leave to be replaced by others who have then left as well. I would not have it any other way I love my calling and the following might help explain why.
I see miracles happen all the time. A few examples:

• I get a call saying that the mic is not working at a sacrament meeting. I drive up to the building and get the thought that a button was pushed when I took down the equipment from a satellite broadcast earlier that week. I arrive at the Chapel just as they are singing the opening hymn, sneak into the sound room sure enough the button was hit so I turn it on. The person giving the prayer approaches the "dead Mic" and as he starts the prayer stops for a second as his voice is heard over the sound system. Several people looked around. I had no idea that button worked the system.
• I get a call saying it is too cold in the Chapel and then get a call that it is too hot in the same chapel, during the same meeting, I arrive, step into the doorway, look at the ceiling and around seeing that the heat and air are working then leave. I get notified later that whatever I did worked just great form those that complained. (OK not really a miracle but I think it is funny)
• Often I have been prompted to know just where the right breaker might be, or the right shut off knob. I have learned to be an expert on sound systems and have been told exactly where a problem is with an issue without any verbal communication.
• I have opened up the workings of a pulpit, with several standing and looking over my shoulder, and have been enlightened as to the problem without anyone telling me. This is the best miracle of all to me, since no matter what the problem, if I don't fix it quick I will get 4-5 experts offering up exactly what I should be doing.
• I have been prompted to stop by a building to find that there is a problem, get that fixed, and no one ever knowing what might have been.
• I have been blessed with peace and a calm voice when I want to scream at members that seem to ask and do the most stupid things.
• Cutting locks off of lockers thinking there are cleaning supplies inside.
• Using bleach to help get a spot out of the carpet.
• Letting their children take a knife to the classroom door thinking it's ok.
• Taking apart a classroom door (removing the grill so some one can crawl through) to rescue a 10 year old locked inside instead of calling me or pulling the hinge pins, or having the kid crawl out.
• Deciding that the nursery toys really belong in another room that is easier to have nursery in for her kids only.
• Trying to unclog plumbing by shoving more towels down the toilet
• Demanding to have a key to play basketball at 10 pm since they pay their tithing and basketball is such a great missionary tool.
• Wanting to use the Church Audio equipment since it really belongs to everyone for a family party.
• Wanting to know the Internet password so they can get sport updates during Bishopric meetings on their new ipad.
• Not understanding why You Tube does not clear the firewall from the Church since they will only be playing church videos.
• And the best...why we cannot support their request to have the gym look less a gym and be more like a reception place for their daughters wedding reception. Meaning lights, sound equipment, get rid of the basket ball hoops. (I kindly remind them that they are not paying anything to use the building and we are not a reception center.) Then leaving it a mess thinking someone will come and clean it up before Sunday.

The reason I mention all this is that if God cares about a stove working correctly for a Ward dinner He cares about each individual and the problems you might have going on.

Yesterday we had the funeral for Elder Hillam a member of the 70 who lived in our Stake. The prep started on Saturday making sure the building was cleaned, chairs setup, the new motor in the Podium worked correctly, the parking lot cleaned as well as the entryways cleaned. Several Wards helped me with these tasks which I am always grateful for.
Monday Morning started early with cleaning the windows, quick run through of the building, meeting with Church Security, Secretary to the 70, Secretary to the 12 to discuss the visitors that would be attending.
We had 4 members of the 12 there with their wives. I was able to meet them while they were in the Stake Presidents office. When they were told my calling, that of PFR, they got a special smirk on their face that only comes to people that truly know what PFR means. We had approx 20 of the current 70 there as well as their wives and many of the emeritus members of the 70 as well as some widows of past General Authorities.
Add to that the marvelous family of Elder Hillam some I knew most I did not. What a great feeling in the building.

As Elder Perry (who was the presiding authority) walked into the chapel, passed by me standing by the door, he reached out and slugged my shoulder saying something to the effect "Hang in there!" To me that was a miracle that he would take that brief second to give me that.
I talked with Sister Hillam on Saturday night and assured her all would be ready for Monday. (I had dealt with her when she was our Stake Relief Society President). Monday morning I met her at the building went over her requests to which she said thank you. I also went up to the family dinner that was at another of our buildings, to make sure all was well. She saw me come in, gave me a hug and said thank you. These things make all the headache worth it.

Boo was able to go up to the lunch with me and she got a quick hug from Sister Hillam as well. They had met many times before as I set up items for the Relief Society.
Another blessing of this calling is that Boo can tag along on a lot of the things I do and is known by all of the Bishops in the Stake who all spoil her with treats whenever they see her.
She also knows and feels very comfortable in the 3 building we have. So much so that as we enter the Stake House she goes directly to Bishop Rapps door knowing that "fishies and Diet Pepsi" are inside. Over on the other side of the building she knows "cookies and peanuts" are in Bishop Briscoe's office.
She will go in and start to shut doors even if we are there on a Sunday during meetings.
As we were looking at the Ensign a few weeks ago she pointed to a picture of the prohet and said "Daddy, he's your prophet too." I said yes he is. We turned the page and saw more pictures of the 12 and Boo said, "Daddy they are your churchs prophets!" it took me a minute to figure out she was talking about their pictures being on the wall of the High Council room.
For all of this I am grateful and even happy to stay in this calling for however long I am needed.

A Child's Prayer

Lately Boo has decided that she wants to be the voice for Family Prayer. It has been interesting to hear her go through her prayer from start to finish without any help.
She has some set phrases that she is using but I do not think they are vain repetitions since she truly means them.
Here are a few.
Bless Mommy, daddy, carterman, jo, josh, jaxon, ian, carterman,randy misty, baby quinn, baby addie, chloe,ally, papa, mimmi, cody, heidi, spencer carterman, wyatt.(this sentence is repeated at least twice) and yes Carteman gets blessed the most.
Bless them to follow the prophet and love Jesus. (Follow the prophet is mentioned at least twice)
Bless our family, bless Jesus and the prophet. Bless us with the temple

Last night she said "Bless Cody to go to the temple and feel the spirit and bless Randy misty to drive safe (they were heading to Ceder City and I didn't think she picked up on that but...)

How I love this little girl that never ceases to amaze me and her mom that still rocks my world every time I see her same as she did the first time she walked into that meeting room.
I am grateful for a child's prayer and the tears it brings to my eyes each night, (even thought my knees sometimes kill me cuz she will not end it. She prayers longer than some High Priests I know)

No real problems, really.

I work in a call center environment. I have 9 people who work for me here in the US, some are on the phones others doing other tasks. I have 5 people in Juarez as well as 18 more in India. The office where I work is in Sandy and in a building that has over 1000 call center employees on various contracts.
I worked for 10 years int he full call center world, I am grateful I do not do so now.
I say all this as a preface to the comments I will bring up now.
As I walk the halls at work or over hear my own employees I hear all sorts of stories. It seems that the younger cell phone ease generation thinks that if they are yelling on their cell phone no one else can hear what they are saying. I have over heard things ranging from, dead beat spouses refusing to pay their share, excuses why payments will be late, check in calls with the probation office, calls to Doctors, Dentists, Baby sitters, family members and even a judge.
Personal problems range from spouses under arrest, family being sick, kids not listening and on and on.
I am grateful that my problems pale in comparison to those I over hear. My wife loves and supports me and wants me to come home when I can. My kids are decent members of society.
My health and that of my family is basically good.
For all these blessings I am grateful.

Small and Simple things

Last night Boo wanted to say family prayer all by herself, and she did. She went from Start to Finish without any help from Nat or I. She stood up at the end and was so proud of herself, her smile was a perfect one of self joy.
Now before the prayer, we had come out and said lets do Scripture reading, Nat was so so with it since we were interrupting her show but she agreed. Boo wanted to read so Nat would read then Boo would repeat. Hearing her say the big words of Jerusalam, Ama;ekites, Lamoni, Middoni was priceless, she did OK on most. She did 3 verses then it was only Mommies turn then the last 4 verses were Daddy's.
Then we had prayer. The feeling of, "We have to do this and no mater the pain we have to do this" from a few moments before was gone. Instead the sweet spirit  filled our home from a 4 year old doing the small and simple things we all should do.
For that i am grateful

A Fresh Start

So March 1 brings with it a review of how well I have done since Jan 1 on goals and such.
The report Card..."Can use iimprovement"

But never fear! As long as I am still breathing I can still strife to become better. I am grateful for that.
I am also grateful for a 4 year old that keeps me on my toes. last night before going to bed she had to actually watch me brush my teeth. ( No Drink dad BRUSH!!! she demanded referring to mouth wash I use to get rid of a metal taste form a prescription)
She also gave me a scolding since I did not do the dishes. All this without being prompted by mom.

Well, one goal I had was to post more grateful items here and as you all know I failed there...here's to the future

Little AJ

So I now have a grand daughter and could not be happier.I will not post pictures of her on her out of respect for her parents wishes.
She came in at 7lbs even and 21 inches long. She is a real cutie and Boo loves her. Boo is a bit nervous but that will pass.
I love the idea of being a Papa. I love the family growing.

4 Years of Boo!

 

Fours years ago my life was forever changed.

After alot of years trying to increase our family and 3 years working/praying/waiting in the process of adoption. We finally got our miracle.

Boo came suddenly into our lives. She was born on a Friday, On Saturday afternoon we got a call that still makes me tear up thinking about the events that followed.

We got the call that a very courageous and special birth mother had picked us to be the parents of her daughter and that she had been born the day before and was waiting to meet us.

We drove up to the hospital and met Boo and her special birth family. There was a immediate connection that still is there today. It is hard to explain unless you have been through it. Other families touched by adoption fully understand what I am saying.

Well we met them Saturday night and the plan was for Boo to go home with them for Sunday and placement to happen Monday night.

Those memories of that weekend are sacred to me and always will be.

Feb 1-4 is always a touching time for me because of this.

I am so grateful for a birth mother and her family that are true heroes in my eyes for allowing their love for this little bundle of energy out weigh any needs of their own. For placing the needs of Boo ahead of their own and allowing her to come into our family.

It is very hard to remember the many years before Boo came into our life and what we did day to day.

We were happy but still something was lacking.

I am so grateful for this little 4 year old that attaches herself to me the moment I come into the house and doesn't want to leave mine or Nats sight at times.

So is truly a blessing to me.

I have special and sacred memories of all my kids and grand kids. I am so excited to be PaPa (grandpa) as well as a father of a toddler.

We are about to welcome another grand child any day now (Misty I still say it is 2 more weeks) and this will be a girl to go with the 2 boys we already have been blessed with.

People give me a funny look when I tell them that I have 4 kids 28, 25,22 and 4 as well as two grand kids 2 and 1 and one more on the way. The look is "oh my" quickly followed by a smile.

My family means everything to me and is forever.

For that I am grateful most of all.



A Busy Time

Working in the Accounts Payable world I have come to dread January.
We have to create and send out the 1099's for my client and it never fails to be a anil biting few weeks as we push to get them completed before the 31st.
The main problem is that so much is out of my control and in the hands of people I have hired and who have the access.
I am grateful for inspiration in picking a great team to work with me. I am also grateful that they have been created, printed, folded, metered and are in the mail. (one day before the deadline too!!!)
I am really grateful for an very understanding wife who has put up with coming home a bit later than normal only to bring a grumpy attitude at times, not to mention the sighs  that I give off as i think of all the things just waiting to go wrong.

Also, it is a new year and I have started to read toward my goal this year. Last year was 100 books this year it is 50. I have a lot of writing I want to do as well as some very large books on my list to read this year so do not want to be worried about not making my goal.

It is hard to believe that in a few days Boo hits 4 years old...more on that to come

Long Time No Post

So it has been awhile since last I posted. Time just seems to slip away before I can get around to get everything done I want to.

Life is good. We had a bit of snow and Boo and I went out and built a fort. She just loves playing in the snow.
i have also started to try to lose weight.
Boo told me that I have a tiny butt and a big belly. I just laughed.
I am so grateful for a wife that tells me to get out of the treats and wants to help me get healthy.
Also for a almost 4 year old that tells me the truth.
I will post pics soon.

Also can I say that I love my iPad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Year

Well here it is a Brand New Year!
In reviewing last year...well whats in the past is in the past. I made some goals and even kept to some.
I am happy to say that I set the goal to read 100 books and I made it to 103.
I set the goal to lose weight and I did (just gained it back as well.)
Set the goal to write more (didn't happen) Study more, (did most the time) enjoy time with family etc etc.
This coming year I do not have a lot of goals but they are important  none the less.
I am grateful that I have this new year to celebrate with my family.
I am grateful for do overs and start again that are allowed during New Years.
I am just grateful to be here and have the life I do!