tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331819772024-03-07T16:46:40.683-07:00Besaw Family BlogGoofy Insights on a Goofy FamilyKenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-39236936874276885632010-05-10T13:00:00.007-06:002010-05-10T14:52:20.937-06:00First Steps<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyk0AGy6KRIsoW_o6SyBwdddV2B623O3rL77ZQQ17mAUPP_y-BkGcJz2LzCc0vYgWWUYKPgUkywS3k' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw41sl7wRheDXNovmIh7guYutY9LNRnZr0lykynXK_8caQXieqrZGesgvSnxqFSSmfCh3lqi4aNEHQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx4f5wjOaXziDcjfxq4ku0NS6f_yYmVf1kpqQYIhhNVPLL8jrXunj4HalRPvBszlS80_n4mZ_qeNyg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-82579461065586301022010-05-10T12:34:00.009-06:002010-05-10T13:31:10.375-06:00Brian Turns One!I can't believe little Brian turned one this past weekend. I'm sorry that I've been so bad about posting pictures and videos. Brian is such a special little guy. He is one of the happiest little guys you will ever meet. He is also our youngest at taking his first steps and I'll try to post some on that as well.<div><br /></div><div>Blogger isn't letting me re-arrange the pictures the way I wanted. Oh well, the first picture is from this morning when Marcus and Brian (sporting his new B-day Jammies) were trying out Brian's new phone he got for his birthday.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjJ8Df1YfGroufmubBjJFvld79rnE0vUrjaj9TuVl3zO8BwpK4ZFHfSgWh6uGpsGRrrwBcQD9id_TtgpDblAlZwvRs1YruGnky3Raq2ov4JDcKf20-Fxb0GzQvc1WSXIxgapU/s1600/IMG_0282.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjJ8Df1YfGroufmubBjJFvld79rnE0vUrjaj9TuVl3zO8BwpK4ZFHfSgWh6uGpsGRrrwBcQD9id_TtgpDblAlZwvRs1YruGnky3Raq2ov4JDcKf20-Fxb0GzQvc1WSXIxgapU/s320/IMG_0282.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469714782600064210" /></a>Here are a few photos of Brian enjoying his cake. Remembering Tyler's first birthday, we are always relieved when one of our babies enjoys his birthday cake.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6U00Jvcj-pd_vgdEOrnAfDsZBdbzR8UBpZ-qMIJ9eE1FMF_W0P1YqN9OuHreNsRaTQ4sPkHBK2GMhehjJHY_wfWcJcCaZjwOgMMzSzL1_vkY5U5fNXCPn1N16nBV5ZRPlU1A/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6U00Jvcj-pd_vgdEOrnAfDsZBdbzR8UBpZ-qMIJ9eE1FMF_W0P1YqN9OuHreNsRaTQ4sPkHBK2GMhehjJHY_wfWcJcCaZjwOgMMzSzL1_vkY5U5fNXCPn1N16nBV5ZRPlU1A/s320/IMG_0279.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469714773555646018" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTmRZQlaDqa1awOTQOz65CLvyJPsAwK8aONUYfRCydlX0BtDFzBX3N3nET5YP0WaoL5ILcLsm761IM1SRUqUXy9rf4hSiLkHi2RavkoAsfJcyzuDokWv6QsweliY_0m6Y3Wfr/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTmRZQlaDqa1awOTQOz65CLvyJPsAwK8aONUYfRCydlX0BtDFzBX3N3nET5YP0WaoL5ILcLsm761IM1SRUqUXy9rf4hSiLkHi2RavkoAsfJcyzuDokWv6QsweliY_0m6Y3Wfr/s320/IMG_0275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469714492028104274" /></a><br /></div><div>Brian Reacting to all the singing of Happy Birthday.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRbU7vRfdBFO72htm-T6rDjCFaZO_-ThvZZSRw1vNXyGt22Urz1uSZK1WAkcMwD5TN8_429tUnXMwK_p2uiIXNRPp5RHbmI0xLP4yk4R84otyqS-adOQnyB06Z2FK-s4DrFoE/s1600/IMG_0267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRbU7vRfdBFO72htm-T6rDjCFaZO_-ThvZZSRw1vNXyGt22Urz1uSZK1WAkcMwD5TN8_429tUnXMwK_p2uiIXNRPp5RHbmI0xLP4yk4R84otyqS-adOQnyB06Z2FK-s4DrFoE/s320/IMG_0267.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469714480624763314" /></a><br /></div><div>Brian showing off his skills on the new push along fire engine.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvHfyOoYBJZ67v3U57zCtcHJuucwVibNWKfUUM9yzUhyphenhyphenUroa-YRhs7V_Vqyc0YI1zf4hjwEZj5GyWPgcM3DXS0PB1LGI1-Rmd2AIFEC-3dkpzbqMf4fNXXSc2mFNSwtuzhry9/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvHfyOoYBJZ67v3U57zCtcHJuucwVibNWKfUUM9yzUhyphenhyphenUroa-YRhs7V_Vqyc0YI1zf4hjwEZj5GyWPgcM3DXS0PB1LGI1-Rmd2AIFEC-3dkpzbqMf4fNXXSc2mFNSwtuzhry9/s320/IMG_0262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469713965749395266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_LAlGHfpGzgF0rAL2XlFAlORv903714oLm7BQEeh3V0YzSh8fr3OaYFJp8WAls9gRdmbrnnAlyANFxQKWnHUIqm1XrQzhsXXML3ISSmVvD0Tmj9MHK9OeUoLemgEuudSrn2w/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_LAlGHfpGzgF0rAL2XlFAlORv903714oLm7BQEeh3V0YzSh8fr3OaYFJp8WAls9gRdmbrnnAlyANFxQKWnHUIqm1XrQzhsXXML3ISSmVvD0Tmj9MHK9OeUoLemgEuudSrn2w/s320/IMG_0258.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469713951992294754" /></a>Now that he has figured out his balance and can even take a few steps, none of the boys toys are safe anymore.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3MjCfUC_ZMR5FujaKD_EogWVeUxZWxueJWvCrjFaQ_oaCwCHSuqtMnXDcwpnypZsd0pxqJhZukeI0qjvCHC_ombXRA_2WpzVe8gF_CF0Gw5CmcKe6D-inv29wqDKhNahOGM2/s1600/IMG_0230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju3MjCfUC_ZMR5FujaKD_EogWVeUxZWxueJWvCrjFaQ_oaCwCHSuqtMnXDcwpnypZsd0pxqJhZukeI0qjvCHC_ombXRA_2WpzVe8gF_CF0Gw5CmcKe6D-inv29wqDKhNahOGM2/s320/IMG_0230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5469713520230368626" /></a><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxnuaORTqzE5Uo6ZQxkZLHPATaQZL76kmLKnWB7TKnoUkN-s-aYyXd1af5gEzuklJ4CA9rRbw-teFo' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsdFZdX2PplWoy_jv4QFa_jSSzK1bsg_y_AiuzgHHmdJ_ZcsP5k05i8R44Z4adTb9NTmONatlY1d4' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-70885336488375364352010-04-02T19:04:00.006-06:002010-04-03T07:41:12.126-06:00A Couple Quick Videos<p>I think maybe it is time to teach Marcus the real alphabet song, what do you think?</p><p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9qc9yvoMRATzlLSWadHtWCVRflkwCoApeax7gMAru6C9FiB8wgopfocLdAxOn82slUQUQUYbe2Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>And here we have the first footage of baby Brian crawling!</p><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzaaZwd51BZD6bdVSh1YDr1Wnsws9nFHBrUtXzaJUimPCwrqPDEvxVbhqRN-uIbQz33crd-6r3-UMQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-46588416455672631682009-08-05T21:37:00.011-06:002009-08-05T23:33:47.370-06:00Random Summer pics and VideosI think these videos and pictures pretty well speak for themselves, and since it takes a while to load and I am trying to multi-task tonight...Enjoy!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366696276445175202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq6dnNNX2mIu_hz2CLrr66O-gEZIviJ0oR7m3yZys1DsB7DSH96PL642y0GTASMEUSQNnnZmr1whW8YH4nuiRvQ_aACBjLoxJ4q6uADzuZO0ha7fP14SQyhbjs0JxyuRfQmKM/s200/Our+Three+Boys.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366698037944982434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJzv482nbIQCqct2gXA7EYk2XuAZVb7zk7xLEMEFyf-auKVygg-lkbiKpGw2xd7apQ_dnPcqhGyl7y-XXdzbeCSjsQf04TzqSc9li_dYmVkklG2a1lBE-1OqxEJCZMpuOlknb/s200/Snugasaurus.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366698044876200626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7RvKyJGngUQmXy3pm2mm7T_6S7OeAlFZhcdjTwh6cipqsfrJCP_tzFsNm41U3-BYRmm9PC1gGEkSBmOOc3khRpeUI-wf2VyJVhQyZXEMIU_Fs491a2A9FlUcUPbqO3DEHHUw/s200/Tyler+Going+Down+Slide.jpg" /> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sGy4_6oZ0i97PExlGRViC6gaki60KPeFaf-zO8Hi9m-29Nth-eDDVyA5zajJ05lW0rzV6gqEaxbBrqtZXfuq43Mm5l7pAwK3V6ZofrVJKfhG8QQSmWYiAXdmPAZNAp34Td_x/s1600-h/Marcus+on+Slide.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366698031727312642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6sGy4_6oZ0i97PExlGRViC6gaki60KPeFaf-zO8Hi9m-29Nth-eDDVyA5zajJ05lW0rzV6gqEaxbBrqtZXfuq43Mm5l7pAwK3V6ZofrVJKfhG8QQSmWYiAXdmPAZNAp34Td_x/s200/Marcus+on+Slide.jpg" /></a> <div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_dX2cnJMn0Y7gWnfLQZTxUrjwQlvRQfKSYzsZpIvS0TMLihbV3u3nOrYe0tIGsNBF-CYObdXjI-jloUV_PggxQd-yLAPw8_tFOf-dVDhjURrQi-ErbT6PNRjAxR1RPqIevVI/s1600-h/Marcus+Angry+Face.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 173px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366696268451524322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_dX2cnJMn0Y7gWnfLQZTxUrjwQlvRQfKSYzsZpIvS0TMLihbV3u3nOrYe0tIGsNBF-CYObdXjI-jloUV_PggxQd-yLAPw8_tFOf-dVDhjURrQi-ErbT6PNRjAxR1RPqIevVI/s200/Marcus+Angry+Face.jpg" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTFqaYHo_aECR7kSJQYE8_8vOX_2lhJjU0VDE13IGh7p4SDPaPOdTdNR-uwDNxMZbXPWSWNq7sI-mCOeriYoRfBWbO7YLdjwdaD2Zm6WPk09Lmf-I4YXPLXIUvC22EIyFzKaN/s1600-h/Brian+Smiling.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366695268062344290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTFqaYHo_aECR7kSJQYE8_8vOX_2lhJjU0VDE13IGh7p4SDPaPOdTdNR-uwDNxMZbXPWSWNq7sI-mCOeriYoRfBWbO7YLdjwdaD2Zm6WPk09Lmf-I4YXPLXIUvC22EIyFzKaN/s200/Brian+Smiling.JPG" /></a> <iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwBWv_JZJintl_gnOEqv8XdwMbVVO7qdxhmY6-2PKlXq7_gVw1uAP-OPL90Jnpz2B_mATQSZN9laVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxd55V1WqQcmoFMjmPmMvgb3XAoVM_dK0AJ2-8tzE1LM7UPN7Ecz2gjtocM3m3MKzCE314_fL1RCnw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwVoWWtWJgv92jLmdSSmhvborq88Wy4Gxm08wpX7UbypsJjd1dj03umGl9RNPfpHz-eGwdkXeUTVAg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9732c2CeuX9GyMJWh4cTpeuVyenXi0aSTwzlIPiLDBmQD7JgDDAtoPdt1QxxvneH9YI4dz_F1Fjs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWls4Fr-QAQn8bAnH4hBdMSklF963VFChTVpfGLQlHcfEj3qR_zRz7wecviA6QiqPbeAhmK_2Akw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p></div></div></div></div></div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-55745343896594612192009-02-18T11:17:00.004-07:002009-02-18T11:39:00.071-07:00Economy: Rinse and RepeatThose who know me know that I am a big fan of capitalism. One of the things that can be difficult about a free economy is the boom and bust cycle that takes place when markets must correct themselves. I'm not going to go into a lot of detail on that. I did, however, what to point something out. I keep hearing about how bad the economy is and people wondering if we will ever get back to prosperity. In fact, here are just a few headlines from the past year in <em>Time</em> magazine (including a case for saving GM and a picture of Mr. Change Obama and his "New New Deal"):<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHWiexNkbK3igWtk2I8dcjD6iQ1zLEc_rxluVK8zRdGGSvudakrYLaAXM2JlXTh1lhiuUouBiKNZRmE6sLeF9iOTEWHst3r_r4MZIhMR4HfZFd0ABbe9DbvNPq8_wHmVTSMG0/s1600-h/2008-10-6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204703011959586" style="WIDTH: 151px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHWiexNkbK3igWtk2I8dcjD6iQ1zLEc_rxluVK8zRdGGSvudakrYLaAXM2JlXTh1lhiuUouBiKNZRmE6sLeF9iOTEWHst3r_r4MZIhMR4HfZFd0ABbe9DbvNPq8_wHmVTSMG0/s200/2008-10-6.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnupQTtSQC5AOa2ia-vmvGtXsxjEXuNLMg4WkPqr9-tH-kI-btK-9UYgbMw6xYBvwTDoWTxqyvcrHcltVVvmlPpMB-xAsWd0bkpJAkAl6BqkTHlInwlfC6pZqFvLzEZTghAcWN/s1600-h/2008-10-13.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204690126855698" style="WIDTH: 151px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnupQTtSQC5AOa2ia-vmvGtXsxjEXuNLMg4WkPqr9-tH-kI-btK-9UYgbMw6xYBvwTDoWTxqyvcrHcltVVvmlPpMB-xAsWd0bkpJAkAl6BqkTHlInwlfC6pZqFvLzEZTghAcWN/s200/2008-10-13.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9UWRLIlAoT19FOFe75so2Huk3bPU9l78tYIxVy9yskuVaPDk-kIvq9Pw2t2zejsA-sDgXtIAeGFbwMWWYKKAvX2XKr_p58AZD6BMjhCMK-oCCnM41sw1AFMzNeiBYie91LCV/s1600-h/2008-12-15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204695498743874" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9UWRLIlAoT19FOFe75so2Huk3bPU9l78tYIxVy9yskuVaPDk-kIvq9Pw2t2zejsA-sDgXtIAeGFbwMWWYKKAvX2XKr_p58AZD6BMjhCMK-oCCnM41sw1AFMzNeiBYie91LCV/s200/2008-12-15.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa0s-zuitboXOKHME30wN3i_fPRc7xDdTFe3ywlllak7X7fTSu76hSG7f7mecguC61Ju_ujwyLWFwQ6IuQ4xmEgNdL151_wDRz02B-q1xVwK_xucJPVIyJWGRs-snW8_q5fH4/s1600-h/2008-11-24.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204696646052594" style="WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwa0s-zuitboXOKHME30wN3i_fPRc7xDdTFe3ywlllak7X7fTSu76hSG7f7mecguC61Ju_ujwyLWFwQ6IuQ4xmEgNdL151_wDRz02B-q1xVwK_xucJPVIyJWGRs-snW8_q5fH4/s200/2008-11-24.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div> The reason I post these is because they remind me of another time. When I was just starting to study journalism in high school in 1992 (a quick shout out to Ms. Beck from Hillcrest High) we were also going through a rough economic time. I remember reading article after article wondering if/when we would ever get out of the tailspin we were in. Interestingly enough, many economists would argue that the '90s were as prosperous a decade as we have ever had. See if any of these 1992 <em>Time</em> covers look at all familiar (including an article about GM and a "Mandate for Change")<br /><div><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6Pdf9yJB-N-ksCLxUn6lPGdFCWl9V_73b9kVTweNslYamdguJc3HBhhp9REsxM5w-nQq8WaHsXja_Z_0OaQtEd8nDEfWQZaJWVUOQCCqtzOB5YCZ52JEr3zwhd78uBZHLEhc/s1600-h/1990-10-15.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204182778736898" style="WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6Pdf9yJB-N-ksCLxUn6lPGdFCWl9V_73b9kVTweNslYamdguJc3HBhhp9REsxM5w-nQq8WaHsXja_Z_0OaQtEd8nDEfWQZaJWVUOQCCqtzOB5YCZ52JEr3zwhd78uBZHLEhc/s200/1990-10-15.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynbsJIB5in7r_NzUWPy-m-WXYzdJ5-d835kjFTrom0rMmf0hPtxLlm62sABXcCKHtRU25pKpgUmUmdUIs3gwx9jEurH9MbZI7aJpdIy-ok77KxHs8OGb2sjNhOjIEfY-gsPud/s1600-h/1993-11-22.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204690450778834" style="WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjynbsJIB5in7r_NzUWPy-m-WXYzdJ5-d835kjFTrom0rMmf0hPtxLlm62sABXcCKHtRU25pKpgUmUmdUIs3gwx9jEurH9MbZI7aJpdIy-ok77KxHs8OGb2sjNhOjIEfY-gsPud/s200/1993-11-22.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl7JKsKlHesyK1MJLQBCodhdAIVxz3Ou8u6K_-WF0k0XkS5-7YuhkmwbVzym5FwXxcfHlBg93QtKkqFgNprc1abKIV1InQJe2X2NB5x7aixVXChNxOd8-z7t_hbZgP1FTNlv5/s1600-h/1992-1-13.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204182887967042" style="WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnl7JKsKlHesyK1MJLQBCodhdAIVxz3Ou8u6K_-WF0k0XkS5-7YuhkmwbVzym5FwXxcfHlBg93QtKkqFgNprc1abKIV1InQJe2X2NB5x7aixVXChNxOd8-z7t_hbZgP1FTNlv5/s200/1992-1-13.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w1zUd3DylpG1JDqP4AoJAOhyphenhyphenErbHuraMCRLMK8hyphenhyphentf8Jll1Lt-zn4UK1ZKQs8Qch9p9giY6v3TG4VGxufWaasQnN0uVa2sPx7k-4rbhtpGeX6cxGNktU3NjlUoFVgRPhh05g/s1600-h/1992-11-9.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204186692221650" style="WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w1zUd3DylpG1JDqP4AoJAOhyphenhyphenErbHuraMCRLMK8hyphenhyphentf8Jll1Lt-zn4UK1ZKQs8Qch9p9giY6v3TG4VGxufWaasQnN0uVa2sPx7k-4rbhtpGeX6cxGNktU3NjlUoFVgRPhh05g/s200/1992-11-9.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF3UoScoUkWPR6XdVgIYRHTkQ1UCExdMf_grYyO2OCz_xLnICUvhwtcQLHYF5HbWogVsX7Qlv-lj1VBt5RHi4z3RFutE9UM0eCcTDqehBJsdiUQA6gjomNC6v4Mxlx82o1Xr1/s1600-h/1992-9-28.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204183737943442" style="WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLF3UoScoUkWPR6XdVgIYRHTkQ1UCExdMf_grYyO2OCz_xLnICUvhwtcQLHYF5HbWogVsX7Qlv-lj1VBt5RHi4z3RFutE9UM0eCcTDqehBJsdiUQA6gjomNC6v4Mxlx82o1Xr1/s200/1992-9-28.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mnjLAnEHBfoqvnTGL39aTeBikG5WcDTzC8-gj4i1vc-Wk7olunD2Xs96gOXewX168yU3pwvSLsU3ZD8H3fXaxla_OBofbsfprA8dPrvNSNCQT9owi-HWl66cKWJxDd1QEWQr/s1600-h/1992-11-16.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304204184260065570" style="WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7mnjLAnEHBfoqvnTGL39aTeBikG5WcDTzC8-gj4i1vc-Wk7olunD2Xs96gOXewX168yU3pwvSLsU3ZD8H3fXaxla_OBofbsfprA8dPrvNSNCQT9owi-HWl66cKWJxDd1QEWQr/s200/1992-11-16.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div>I'm not predicting how or when the economy is going to turn around. In fact, given our governments response, I've never been more worried for the state of our nation. However, I do think that a little perspective on how history tends to repeat itself is worth at least a glance.</div></div></div></div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-46763036018298026262009-02-02T21:54:00.001-07:002009-02-02T21:55:56.784-07:00A Groundhog's Day Worth Repeating (02-02-02)I have a Groundhog’s day story that I have been meaning to write down for quite some time. This year, I finally made the time. <br /><br />In January 2002, with the Olympic Games almost upon Salt Lake City, Jamie and my relationship was really humming along. I don’t have time to write the whole story of how we ended up dating (though I do intend to write my version of that story some time as well), suffice it to say that for as hard as it was for Jamie and I to begin dating, it was equally easy for us to become comfortable with one another and fall in love. On January 24, 2002 I was sitting at my parents’ computer working on a church assignment when my inbox flashed that I received an e-mail from Jamie. Always anxious to see what she had to say, I was rather taken aback when all the e-mail said was, “I’m ready.”<br /><br />“Ready for what?”, I wondered. Did we have a date I had forgotten about? Did she hit send before she finished writing a longer message? Surely this wasn’t her letting me know she was ready to get engaged. Having dated for just three months, I assumed that we were headed to the eventuality of marriage, I just thought it would come several months down the road. Over the next few days I scrambled a little. I made a trip to the temple and prayed about our relationship. I had such a great feeling. Unfortunately, this was not the first time that I had gone to the temple with the intention of getting confirmation from Heavenly Father that this was the right person. However, it was the first time that the peaceful reassurance of the spirit told me I had found the right person.<br /><br />This set in motion a series of planning. I knew that Jamie would be extremely busy once the Olympics started. She was slated to spend a lot of time at the speed skating Oval as an athletic trainer. I finalized the purchase of an engagement ring that Jamie’s sister Tracy helped me pick out, called and got permission from Jamie’s dad to ask for her hand in marriage and tried to figure out the how of asking Jamie to marry me.<br /><br />February 2, 2002, or 02-02-02, fell on a Saturday. Figuring that it would make for a memorable engage-iversery date I ordered up a dozen long stem roses and called Jamie and scheduled a date.<br /><br />It turned out that several of my friends from my single’s ward had planned to all go out to eat at the Garden Restaurant on Temple Square. Unlike in most years, in 2002 the lights around temple square were still up in February (something to do with the Olympics). Early in the day, I drove down to Temple Square with my friend Matt Reading and we picked out an exact spot where I would ask Jamie to marry me. We worked it out that Matt would pick up my roses, store them with someone at the Joseph Smith Building and place them in “the spot” for me as Jamie and I were leaving dinner. That way, Jamie would never see it coming, but I would have a dozen roses that I could magically whip out of thin air.<br /><br />Later in the day, Jamie called and asked if I would be willing to go on our date a little early and go visit her grandma Fran at the Wasatch Rehabilitation Center. I agreed and we spent a little time with her grandma, who repeatedly told me I was extremely handsome, before heading downtown.<br /><br />When we got downtown, Matt pulled me aside. None of the Joseph Smith Building employees were going to be on shift long enough to hold the roses for us so he had given the roses to the hostess at the Garden. All this meant, was that somehow Matt would need to get out in front of us without Jamie seeing him get the actual roses from the Hostess. As luck would have it, we were seated right near the front of the restaurant where I could see the roses throughout the whole meal.<br /><br />The meal was fun. In fact, it was the only time I have ever made Jamie laugh so hard that water came out of her nose. I was totally nervous the whole dinner, but tried to remain relaxed and myself. Finally, after the bill came I decided that I would try to take Jamie out of the restaurant and stall for Matt to get the roses in place.<br /><br />Seeing as how I am a terrible liar, I told Jamie that I needed to use the restroom, but that I really liked the restroom in the basement of the Joseph Smith Building. She must have known something was up…I still can’t believe I didn’t come up with a better excuse. Fortunately, it was a really busy day and Jamie said that a ton of men came in and out of that restroom. So, she actually started to wonder if it was a special room or something.<br /><br />Once I was in the restroom, Matt called me to report that he was on his way with the roses and had a good lead. I walked up and told Jamie I thought it would be nice to walk around the Temple once. Jamie, as luck would have it, didn’t want to, “its too cold,” she complained. I literally had to drag her away from the door closest to where we parked and walk her around to the designated “spot.” Even as we walked, I was trying to make it romantic (despite her thinking I just spent like 10 minutes in some special restroom) and Jamie was doing her best to just hurry up and get to the car where we could get warm.<br /><br />When we did finally reach the bench where the roses were, I pulled Jamie aside and told her I wanted to take her with me to the temple. I started getting down on one knee, but had placed myself too close to the granite bench and I bumped hard into it, so I sorta half-kneeled and half stood and asked her to marry me. (She still ribs me about my less than proper knee-job and in retrospect it certainly wasn’t very slick on my part.) Jamie said yes and I whipped out the roses as a few people around us applauded. We still have those roses, dried, on a shelf above our stairs in our home.<br /><br />As we drove home, Jamie called her family and was really excited. It was certainly not the smoothest proposal ever, but it certainly was a Groundhog’s day worth repeating.<br /><br />Now I tease Jamie's sisters that they need to get engaged on repeated dates. Here's looking to 09-09-09!Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-60586960413624829162008-12-15T15:34:00.003-07:002008-12-15T15:47:00.683-07:00A Brief Pause<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IZlZartoLMwjabx-ghGmH3XesVX6B9ntb2DzLp7sUm4EEcRkV3yNWVoEjQWqwbUwVKDxS_xO1QRrTyLIkOrsXsSptZWfwJzeQtq1IivGQmBqLCe-aZXC7KjN5ogtvkCWV18O/s1600-h/IMG_4105.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IZlZartoLMwjabx-ghGmH3XesVX6B9ntb2DzLp7sUm4EEcRkV3yNWVoEjQWqwbUwVKDxS_xO1QRrTyLIkOrsXsSptZWfwJzeQtq1IivGQmBqLCe-aZXC7KjN5ogtvkCWV18O/s320/IMG_4105.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280151844420117282" /></a><br />I've been a bit of a slacker with this blog, but this is a really cute story and won't take me long to write so I decided to share.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, our family received an early Christmas present from my parents, a Nintendo Wii. Of course, Tyler has loved playing it (especially the boxing and the fitness assessment that lets him "see how old he is"). Recently, I showed Tyler that if his mom calls him while playing he can pause the game. This is useful so that she doesn't get upset at his lack of response and he doesn't have to lose out on his game. Now that Tyler has figured out how to pause the games, he often pauses them for the smallest little scratch or just to tell me something. Clearly, this new found power to pause is something he really enjoys.<br /><br />Last night, Tyler was saying his goodnight prayer by the side of his bed. He had said a couple of "thank thee's" and then I heard this, "Uh-oh Dad! Pause the prayer!" I looked up and he was rubbing/scratching an itch on his nose. Then, as soon as he was done, he went right back to his prayer. I had a hard time not busting a gut as he finished up. It was pretty funny, but I do think maybe he needs a little better grasp on when it is appropriate to use the "pause" button.Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-26277357330452865442008-11-11T19:58:00.002-07:002008-11-11T20:37:07.792-07:00Marcus Turns Two!<div><embed src="http://widget-8d.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2449958197306904973&site=widget-8d.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2449958197306904973&map=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-8d.slide.com/p1/2449958197306904973/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide1.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2449958197306904973&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-8d.slide.com/p2/2449958197306904973/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a> <a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2449958197306904973&map=F" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-8d.slide.com/p4/2449958197306904973/bb_t000_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide42.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div><br /><br />I've seen other blogs where parents have written up a tribute to their children on their birthdays. I think this is such a great idea. I wanted to try it this year on Marcus' birthday, but I am also worried because it is so difficult to express the emotions you feel for a child in writing.<br /><br />Marcus was born while I was still finishing my MBA and just a little over a month after I had started my new business. Combine this with also having to help care for and play with Tyler and I felt so bad that for the first six months of his life I was not able to spend as much time with him as I had with Tyler. As a result, he was also much more of a Mama's boy. However, from the moment he came to our family Marcus has been such a joy. He has so much energy (for good and bad). He is quick to laugh and already at the age of two he has a well developed sense of humor.<br /><br />Jamie reports that Marcus was a really easy newborn, but from about 3 months to 18 months he wasn't much of a sleeper and this resulted in his being a bit of a monster. I've always said that Marcus is like "Jack Jack" from the Incredibles. He is so cute and then BAM fireball!<br /><br />One of the best/worst memories I have of Marcus is the time he spent at the hospital. I think seeing him in such a fragile state really tugged on my heartstrings. He was so sweet and loving those few days. In fact, I really think that his personality underwent a fundamental change that week. I never would have believed that a year and a half year old could learn a lesson of appreciation. However, as soon as Marcus came home he really did seem to have a greater appreciation of his mom and I. Since then his personality has developed at the speed of light.<br /><br />Of late, Marcus is such a beacon of light. I've nearly cried on a couple of occassions when I get home and he and Tyler lead the charge to the door chanting my name. I'm so blessed to have such wonderful boys.<br /><br />I love you Marcus and hope we are always able to have so much fun together.Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-25451252978328309272008-11-02T15:05:00.008-07:002008-11-02T15:49:52.552-07:00Family Pics on a Budget<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqJG3EJJNxONcaNvL_j0lRZlO4VjLvQqjxX_TNZyeX2Ibnuv-CVl12Rwubho8OWG9uIo9hNsqAeiPsRkT_fEiYqV874o9m5AudbxFnc3BY2ziIr9rnPdEbYrq31rCBEXQQl_X/s1600-h/BesawFamily+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264191593960020050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEqJG3EJJNxONcaNvL_j0lRZlO4VjLvQqjxX_TNZyeX2Ibnuv-CVl12Rwubho8OWG9uIo9hNsqAeiPsRkT_fEiYqV874o9m5AudbxFnc3BY2ziIr9rnPdEbYrq31rCBEXQQl_X/s400/BesawFamily+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>First of all, try not to drop dead, but this is......yes, Jamie blogging for the first time ever. I'm surprised Kent's not doing backflips around the house(he's probably waiting to see how long it lasts). What can I say, I like to ease in slow to the IT world. I never used email until after my mission(I'll let you all guess when that was).</div><br /><div>So, anyway, a few weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon, my sister obliged us(thanks so much Tracy...we love you) and took some family shots of us over by the ever famous "stage" across from the Timpanogus Temple. As much as I would have loved to spring for a big fancy photographer, well you know...tough economic times means family pics on a budget. Every time we try to take pictures with our kids, I gain a greater level of respect for family/child photographers. You'd think that the main difficulty would be the youngest munchkin, but we seem to have just as much trouble with the 41/2 year old sabotaging our efforts. I thought I'd post some of the results to show everyone how our family has g<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jHyAAgXCjKq_I6DQ8__X_yE5xda86vIPaEgyEakJgyYBdY1Nm_tRPkAK0eFRpxs5oPsTrNvatQgFWRwlzX1JF9s8DYPOzU4qY7JkCTDx6TNee4_xEUcIBRk_FrikhDNxmi2v/s1600-h/IMG_3809.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264193512066359954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jHyAAgXCjKq_I6DQ8__X_yE5xda86vIPaEgyEakJgyYBdY1Nm_tRPkAK0eFRpxs5oPsTrNvatQgFWRwlzX1JF9s8DYPOzU4qY7JkCTDx6TNee4_xEUcIBRk_FrikhDNxmi2v/s200/IMG_3809.JPG" border="0" /></a>ro<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CJD2I3ndotHNoeXQqTj_DcLAMAl8jpxDsSo6UvDTgTvLuDkn5eFvUiHimEA2BCJT1UbZD3VFhIt2wR98CnF1ACWw9jm2UAOz-Ck-3nEPXSBn2wSFwp7635clgZKtTIRmMb8Q/s1600-h/IMG_3828.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264194049326063026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CJD2I3ndotHNoeXQqTj_DcLAMAl8jpxDsSo6UvDTgTvLuDkn5eFvUiHimEA2BCJT1UbZD3VFhIt2wR98CnF1ACWw9jm2UAOz-Ck-3nEPXSBn2wSFwp7635clgZKtTIRmMb8Q/s200/IMG_3828.JPG" border="0" /></a>wn.</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc_DmEdJyVUaoosd1ctcrf47cc5As1ft7dmV50oTxNgWPt-K-8XAxcSsuzOsmHTnG1Ycxrf6cSEgY2qWCGzMDZehUDFn6CXNozpIzZW4x-wg0HKrEZSKHX8xeqUtkCemnUgGY/s1600-h/IMG_3815.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264193516635376850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQc_DmEdJyVUaoosd1ctcrf47cc5As1ft7dmV50oTxNgWPt-K-8XAxcSsuzOsmHTnG1Ycxrf6cSEgY2qWCGzMDZehUDFn6CXNozpIzZW4x-wg0HKrEZSKHX8xeqUtkCemnUgGY/s200/IMG_3815.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX45-zbQrEcHuufkwvfMpP9O35uTbwAv0hY-Wfm6Wbt0470sLC61pWuxOuYCupA-yGUMzILaTsuGGdgtr4JgPjYpqlNAB9RWA2qiG8G8TSwI33U8XaL0XS86wa8aTEhupu58O/s1600-h/IMG_3811.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264193519479067202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicX45-zbQrEcHuufkwvfMpP9O35uTbwAv0hY-Wfm6Wbt0470sLC61pWuxOuYCupA-yGUMzILaTsuGGdgtr4JgPjYpqlNAB9RWA2qiG8G8TSwI33U8XaL0XS86wa8aTEhupu58O/s200/IMG_3811.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg4xY0SpkpcOuZNInFPoSZ6_ISCyvbzT3SSuCP_EscXGOOzKFptf19Tqx-BsnuVaBI9D_3nIvNQ2fj4cSqkqzqm18UTkDpUddq2CiZ4FdtK-8_ELebOjqWY-hDSq42Ta2g8jq/s1600-h/BesawFamily+002.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264193495270052882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNg4xY0SpkpcOuZNInFPoSZ6_ISCyvbzT3SSuCP_EscXGOOzKFptf19Tqx-BsnuVaBI9D_3nIvNQ2fj4cSqkqzqm18UTkDpUddq2CiZ4FdtK-8_ELebOjqWY-hDSq42Ta2g8jq/s200/BesawFamily+002.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttDbaLjR85fItJ2-mfhECc-j-__KToXkY_udD74rnDdWZhXDNKIHmD4AG7Odzten6NF7pBe7mFNB57s0V3g3OaEJesQ2gH5gIr0vpFlDYXGtvU7UMyI2qA80nJhowS3c6Nb1I/s1600-h/BesawFamily+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264193502968767746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttDbaLjR85fItJ2-mfhECc-j-__KToXkY_udD74rnDdWZhXDNKIHmD4AG7Odzten6NF7pBe7mFNB57s0V3g3OaEJesQ2gH5gIr0vpFlDYXGtvU7UMyI2qA80nJhowS3c6Nb1I/s200/BesawFamily+011.jpg" border="0" /></a>Jamiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07277373459902125964noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-53556844901008363632008-10-08T14:55:00.004-06:002008-10-08T15:24:17.484-06:00California: Where Swords Grow on TreesAs a lot of you know, at the beginning of September Jamie and I braved the drive to California to attend the blessing of my brother's youngest daughter, Ashlyn. I also had a conference the next week in San Deigo so it ended up being a good, week-long adventure.<br /><br />One of my favorite days on the trip was Labor Day. A lot of the family had already left to go back to Utah. With just the two families left, Carl's gang joined mine for a day at the park. The first park we went to took Jamie back to the mission days as it was an Asian Invasion. There were Chinese women doing their fun dance/exercise routine and men doing Taichi. Unfortunately, there were also no courts that were not being used up. So, after doing some relay races and generally exhausting ourselves, we went to another park where Carl and I were able to play a set of tennis.<br /><br />I'd love to say that the reason I lost to Carl was because it had been five years since I played. Unfortunately, since he had also not played in about that long I guess I'll just say that I didn't want to beat him in front of his new born baby. Ya, that's it! (We did have a very close match that was a lot of fun though).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254892333882317122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv5XvifOFt_k7PnjMVfnsyqAAu46cBzUlFim3O_2VT4F6uqogmWcSAS0ksSmsl0t2XbcC9f5Bkdgw-UBzlxvUu-2jK1vT4id1QM12d5g7behF5VXvaJchTrFTQ4b1mFjJwUj2p/s200/IMG_2456.JPG" border="0" /><br />While we were playing Tennis, Adam, Annaka and Tyler discovered hanging pods from the trees at the park. They quickly became "swords" in the mind of Adam and Tyler. Once they had finished picking off the low hanging and already fallen pods, they turned to Carl and I to jump or climb for more. It was pretty fun to see how many hits your "sword" could dish out or take in before it would break apart. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254892338510663778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZc7DXB8J_kpRFEGPpgsKsTGsvB8QzPMJvfLYPwHYfwZ0vFIoH-yDDvX3-vds_v2ZPYHsqAwzCORi3KkLHhzJhMQKCZEhQPY77KWSf_pcIt3SAdzZg4Cp4tGGflWxliPRy9L6/s200/IMG_2461.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254892338749387586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgctAyF8hC2HZrZM4jE95lGGyU2ayoetSZt2kY0L16AtaYo3fEv38rQccgMYS9uIfPK3A4poKJSLtMmnExcud35R4qsz5QZoz9zy-Z8ZlLTBRp9uJekmAtcV0FShUxJ8UsZwpvz/s200/IMG_2460.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br />At one point, Carl pointed out that California must be a pretty cool place if Swords can grow on trees. Tyler agreed wholeheartedly.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwW9mFO25tfeCUaxPyz6hO5P6cc9UJS5sz1oPveOx5WVW69qqawYpxTLqR7u_Mol_u7JPZHO5YsPBQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />After we got back to Utah, I asked Tyler his favorite part of the trip to California. He told me that his favorite part was Adam. Then he added, "and Ashlyn and Annaka." It really was great getting to spend time with my brother and his family. They were great about dropping everything and letting us invade their lives for a few days. I'm so glad that Tyler has such great family influences. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254892341833914098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDfxhQTHNxwDBDbi9lna2wX0qwj0bwKLnMc42uxbWy1893m8Pa2C7vwfl0-yn9PbUcZ6LbsI5GBCK3osOEpl-yD7ZuJXqJpcm3B_lGlf9BcCL_OBBXjIPWZIyMBR1sYYCrMAE/s200/IMG_2464.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254892342496936178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9zFVtfkcShsWygH7sCAbopQj7_N4uBbOELvLrNIjE-oWl0EaaU_MXUsOsg_A4em2pv9U4oI6EGLZgaVEtooEw-Rlk-BkmBV1v1bMkdchKKcS9CUBg26jrRQXhs0IXSfG01ZT/s200/IMG_4123.JPG" border="0" />Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-10818492053185641232008-09-24T09:33:00.013-06:002008-09-24T10:47:03.619-06:00Relay-A-ThonI apologize for the blogger's cramp over the past few weeks. I have plenty to blog, but am just now getting back into a post-vacation routine where I can put a few pictures up and tell a few stories. I also apologize for blogging out of order...I do want to blog about our California trip, but I am still arranging those pictures.<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eIfWugqEC0GMusuVZgWEXv3POCdjKUFRbsckQIG3vA2LvTW17slEvf4VYzPfH7V4B7tmW8d_fc6vArsVASVSbfenK0zj6vq5pN7cn8pE12xvPVyv-BP2vIaK1jkt7hFAmtm1/s1600-h/pics_005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249612360983432978" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0eIfWugqEC0GMusuVZgWEXv3POCdjKUFRbsckQIG3vA2LvTW17slEvf4VYzPfH7V4B7tmW8d_fc6vArsVASVSbfenK0zj6vq5pN7cn8pE12xvPVyv-BP2vIaK1jkt7hFAmtm1/s200/pics_005.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXgEGGem0grv2FqYWoTe4VBKKOW8Kr5LFPlzVqkJg8j6XB3vfJq5QdfkGCJzqOCNJPLDh-frPb36OiBVc1w3uxVpoKM5QfvZZ4ZSiu9wPYb0jUKpvSnZkApaJPiIh5-4qzqYJ/s1600-h/9.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249615006027404850" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXgEGGem0grv2FqYWoTe4VBKKOW8Kr5LFPlzVqkJg8j6XB3vfJq5QdfkGCJzqOCNJPLDh-frPb36OiBVc1w3uxVpoKM5QfvZZ4ZSiu9wPYb0jUKpvSnZkApaJPiIh5-4qzqYJ/s200/9.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsvXEh2en3m1A_Arhru4zz5MuLkc02Pf8XQ96worKkadAeOcpkIwqMU7-KqLfdS79MSIPtoGr_NtWn32SDsdy92QljEjOBgsLu3jTyrJ5r1UspMrOXYWhgGg8P6g5misVQDtW/s1600-h/6.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249614306800668274" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsvXEh2en3m1A_Arhru4zz5MuLkc02Pf8XQ96worKkadAeOcpkIwqMU7-KqLfdS79MSIPtoGr_NtWn32SDsdy92QljEjOBgsLu3jTyrJ5r1UspMrOXYWhgGg8P6g5misVQDtW/s200/6.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P2VENbBiuzoDFzDJwTfFmRgdHWHYlfYfNAflCSwOlM_E4PZXGrlX9dc6VuT_gsjhjtt0Bo6I9BTNDBimILZwI1g0O52ltOOegBIBuLNstGRXQ5-Xxl9zfNyLIUah_eEZx3ZU/s1600-h/1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249612937478931154" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P2VENbBiuzoDFzDJwTfFmRgdHWHYlfYfNAflCSwOlM_E4PZXGrlX9dc6VuT_gsjhjtt0Bo6I9BTNDBimILZwI1g0O52ltOOegBIBuLNstGRXQ5-Xxl9zfNyLIUah_eEZx3ZU/s200/1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>I know what some of you are thinking...another blog about a race. Well, this is more about Tyler than Jamie and I. It started out as a relay marathon that Jamie, Tracy, Tracy's friend Kyle, our neighbor Veralyn and I were going to run. We each were set to run a fifth of a marathon despite varying illness, injury and lack of training. (Our team was still 19th overall so I'm proud of our group!) I could blog about our team runs and that we all had fun and stuff. But you've heard about that from me before. I'll just leave it at we had a great time and everyone did a great job. (By the way, I tried to checkerboard these photos, it didn't work...oops! Maybe I'll figure it out next time).</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XCeK9VtFHUj4R9M0USp-V5XvqfiYABm2YZU4qS7k5KdbYY9cDalY7BDRdczEM24t-hxRc2ro66pyaSj77YEh99fQuKZuAcFkFv14TsPyLHqawxc2ZWlWDpYOuwY_iT6HBmfi/s1600-h/11.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249629576042477458" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XCeK9VtFHUj4R9M0USp-V5XvqfiYABm2YZU4qS7k5KdbYY9cDalY7BDRdczEM24t-hxRc2ro66pyaSj77YEh99fQuKZuAcFkFv14TsPyLHqawxc2ZWlWDpYOuwY_iT6HBmfi/s200/11.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpBtItrTowoYgNT-r5sAdd_ZSDM4CgwD9WckHx7V8ALsjBm0d5w32mE9sbV_9WD6WsH57h38QEv_X5-9LCZKaejRQZGuAlbsmDrkc6alZrcxavPxcZnBRrlFLmUOJYVqpCH4w/s1600-h/8.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249629583592975938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpBtItrTowoYgNT-r5sAdd_ZSDM4CgwD9WckHx7V8ALsjBm0d5w32mE9sbV_9WD6WsH57h38QEv_X5-9LCZKaejRQZGuAlbsmDrkc6alZrcxavPxcZnBRrlFLmUOJYVqpCH4w/s200/8.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-l_5B_aJoNH_24A3KRs0CWzC9ohhiAQDHBborAg2jcNFKsJPctpslgzIkAssnCuC_8K6pFgZ8lwliyBZAxjqAzyueUFPgLYss5INpQNrvWkCHdvFbpDKjY7RptzeZGaEhswE/s1600-h/pics_030.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinaWrH_RkosW-fjw1beoJDU0rlFgFVN3OuRrYxnddmP2qs27ORyMA5O4n4dPFXR92XSerXRM9gMg3WvQC_iTJ9X8YjDuJm9NpYU4FQqOmVNjWUHLsYh9Nfz9t1lcUpCbnY3-yv/s1600-h/8.JPG"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLncEHcoFgJ6rPvjlrourOlsKN4P7bBOoUCYscV2HTf_H8ynuvRIg9WN1T2K7wBiZsOmI2DR2GK5GEtCdZdL5Y7RzWCdKal7q7o3DbTeBoFbHi3UVjkiNpd8QkLet6UIV8NblG/s1600-h/7.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VI_xXI-xcQnw6T2MopHs1v2mpHZIp379NBB557ZrQ2wbklZ4jTJq8V4NqHbupguKwaSECD8jt23lL2VqYCREGUgfEVwAj2IghN5_UOsg1EdESx5JlqkVRvD-XyM2Amicik24/s1600-h/pics_010.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8XTznCiaOP70ldSD_Fgm0uIka-MYF8cfk6MknAUZNQQBmxh1r0iwitpHi6VFWvADxrVVLIdT8XOQaV_TeHYuzuFrXhSfZzE6niyLvAgOJbApNxEBPFj6GxZdrX3t5gKHGvTY/s1600-h/7.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249629586399086866" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8XTznCiaOP70ldSD_Fgm0uIka-MYF8cfk6MknAUZNQQBmxh1r0iwitpHi6VFWvADxrVVLIdT8XOQaV_TeHYuzuFrXhSfZzE6niyLvAgOJbApNxEBPFj6GxZdrX3t5gKHGvTY/s200/7.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFsRz8LJPYKjAkTlwwFNgGPzhCApLJqhKC9fduY-Z2R4ovTJKgmC_ffC0PC-apu2LuFwUCaZ0mAQmrul6y03OCejy1QgTG1Ds__aQ_z92hub2r6h6np8cvAZk_N3qqPLxHfUO/s1600-h/pics_010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249629590500249858" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFsRz8LJPYKjAkTlwwFNgGPzhCApLJqhKC9fduY-Z2R4ovTJKgmC_ffC0PC-apu2LuFwUCaZ0mAQmrul6y03OCejy1QgTG1Ds__aQ_z92hub2r6h6np8cvAZk_N3qqPLxHfUO/s200/pics_010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>When we got the race it was pretty cold and the kids were not exactly enjoying the playground because they were too busy being cold. However, once it started heating up they announced that they were having a kids race. Tyler decided that despite no training, wearing his Crocs and jeans and without having a clue how far the race was that he wanted to run the kid race. I was nervous thinking he would never be able to go the full distance (I think it was a 1k race which would be about .62 of a mile). Fortunately, his mother has more faith in him than I do because she signed him up and he did AWESOME!</div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WCZgqvVehlrdB1voRZfCPgLkqwai1p0wuPBeU97CDew6OJMm7xlaYX5NsV2HfXj7szi6lO2an47DvcVnBfEfokXDKR27uvPsbFoG-xQEP4YbtHOrxs1u_Z2Q-Tmk0hdaf1LW/s1600-h/pics_007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249612351279491986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WCZgqvVehlrdB1voRZfCPgLkqwai1p0wuPBeU97CDew6OJMm7xlaYX5NsV2HfXj7szi6lO2an47DvcVnBfEfokXDKR27uvPsbFoG-xQEP4YbtHOrxs1u_Z2Q-Tmk0hdaf1LW/s200/pics_007.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1jTDq93FIZB0dBNZ9CGmlUZurpDvhUcoGcVwLr2I_ykZXm9pPcloLDTbIQx9w7_XJpo5B4-HHdYWoGqUDtQvyoMTvoOQ-XyPpSoyB0LDYtaf2dllnikho5Y6w_81PplOTBxu/s1600-h/5.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249614301275992258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1jTDq93FIZB0dBNZ9CGmlUZurpDvhUcoGcVwLr2I_ykZXm9pPcloLDTbIQx9w7_XJpo5B4-HHdYWoGqUDtQvyoMTvoOQ-XyPpSoyB0LDYtaf2dllnikho5Y6w_81PplOTBxu/s200/5.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qpq82dDvEIcQoHNXNplXliPikCXrzFjpNUi0l7GVZsuEwqsXFhvvozL-7cyspB8_VeVp01qfqHyEPYWcwU5mTLfdwvpQ8jX9wpfNklgRITg5tmXnrK2oJo2YRr8PmHCFmIsL/s1600-h/pics_025.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249612353358571442" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qpq82dDvEIcQoHNXNplXliPikCXrzFjpNUi0l7GVZsuEwqsXFhvvozL-7cyspB8_VeVp01qfqHyEPYWcwU5mTLfdwvpQ8jX9wpfNklgRITg5tmXnrK2oJo2YRr8PmHCFmIsL/s200/pics_025.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL3GsCZfDv4mqfamrn2FvqSPaGZK90o6rHsDgwxMUXeeoSjkRNuU0eBZmfbZPAfrnwTfvaj0ogJ0WC-5w5LJ2SbsIif-B7tjjVP-q4Z2Tq3jU9E1YiOyVXskX2-lxDgtFrZf6/s1600-h/pics_039.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249612361960123842" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL3GsCZfDv4mqfamrn2FvqSPaGZK90o6rHsDgwxMUXeeoSjkRNuU0eBZmfbZPAfrnwTfvaj0ogJ0WC-5w5LJ2SbsIif-B7tjjVP-q4Z2Tq3jU9E1YiOyVXskX2-lxDgtFrZf6/s200/pics_039.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>He ran the whole way and at the end was so proud of his accomplishment. At one point in the race his best friend Lauren started to slow down and walk. Veralyn (who was running beside them at the time) reports that Tyler slowed to a walk for a few seconds and then said, "This isn't a walking race, this is a running race," and kept on chugging along. </div><div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiym-Cur3E-xG8mo1E7Q4E-wwYJqhvvKLoY6iVqGGlnfpAiHPXc_KBke9PqFD4iKiXd8npwcEj2QAHa8jEqpY8NFZEWp5XnLd9D-8NSXcfup-L604fON2GipXgqnubINYXfl048/s1600-h/3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249614288359453938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiym-Cur3E-xG8mo1E7Q4E-wwYJqhvvKLoY6iVqGGlnfpAiHPXc_KBke9PqFD4iKiXd8npwcEj2QAHa8jEqpY8NFZEWp5XnLd9D-8NSXcfup-L604fON2GipXgqnubINYXfl048/s200/3.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDk_1636J7oMJglnmiuTdfZrUjenJD2nSuN56iQZvVrZGEgoNR2bNCflhyO0qldAtgLQdxEecZhZMyvLKZkB3C6JIbuNn98wbodvM1IMnk98P_z02kOxJsXVy1kA9uRs7mDRO/s1600-h/2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249614282038750146" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcDk_1636J7oMJglnmiuTdfZrUjenJD2nSuN56iQZvVrZGEgoNR2bNCflhyO0qldAtgLQdxEecZhZMyvLKZkB3C6JIbuNn98wbodvM1IMnk98P_z02kOxJsXVy1kA9uRs7mDRO/s200/2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ekEYjVaK3ctXAEMu91kgwdnDGSo6JmEKNDCbwBoWtN0iVc4R3q_mQvc3HmiHx-RDpSKsLJKaD613NuMe5mkhiitfFRp_-ZDioNGU-JdxvJu-ConWgAf1ALcmElegbtMkzhRG/s1600-h/4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249614297107948418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ekEYjVaK3ctXAEMu91kgwdnDGSo6JmEKNDCbwBoWtN0iVc4R3q_mQvc3HmiHx-RDpSKsLJKaD613NuMe5mkhiitfFRp_-ZDioNGU-JdxvJu-ConWgAf1ALcmElegbtMkzhRG/s200/4.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5trSIlTDKZVv7aToCFNFN0aQurkLwn1E4mWrol9xD6ZWjAWDtfQ9N1mtuk8pz4g6QuWOrgW-B5qWjOkwFNntrrMoy-0Zon6mMCHGL4JXr5Zsgt3ZsEhkm8dnv5Q-CyFDVw9Tj/s1600-h/10.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249619270620938770" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5trSIlTDKZVv7aToCFNFN0aQurkLwn1E4mWrol9xD6ZWjAWDtfQ9N1mtuk8pz4g6QuWOrgW-B5qWjOkwFNntrrMoy-0Zon6mMCHGL4JXr5Zsgt3ZsEhkm8dnv5Q-CyFDVw9Tj/s200/10.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Tyler has seen his mom and I race a fair amount in the past. I think this is one reason why he was so proud of himself that morning. They also gave him a really cool medal that he didn't stop wearing all weekend.<br /></div><div>Last, but not least, Marcus has now started standing next to a wall or door and saying "GO" and then running (or quickly waddling as the case may be) across the room. Looks like we have yet another racer in the making.<br /></div><div></div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyTYhkmYPA1XoLEeb8DYAsMnPRV3x8wCSBYOv7j-ITRiByv6-nJp2daMQpAT24J1hxJlMvQ5qbFosw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div></div></div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-35903875836105887022008-08-22T08:11:00.000-06:002008-08-22T09:26:03.120-06:00Playing Superhero<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndjK7X4Zt-YUxbQj6kX3s1S7Qg7dhzL8lY9Ns7AlbO6wjjd1lM1bT-JgKEqU_9_XnfG7onqVLLDmKIYrGfm7vBxlg3zuYOHC83zGDuhO_66moMfHn2Wi9b1CC4JBSQ3IMm5qv/s1600-h/IMG_4080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237361817844936130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndjK7X4Zt-YUxbQj6kX3s1S7Qg7dhzL8lY9Ns7AlbO6wjjd1lM1bT-JgKEqU_9_XnfG7onqVLLDmKIYrGfm7vBxlg3zuYOHC83zGDuhO_66moMfHn2Wi9b1CC4JBSQ3IMm5qv/s320/IMG_4080.JPG" border="0" /></a>About a week or so ago Tyler had his first invitation to a non-family birthday party. His friend Luke invited him to a superheroes birthday bash. At the party, he even made a cape (that Marcus also really likes). Of course, given the fun he had at the birthday party he and Marcus did a lot of dressing up over the next few days.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237361832150968658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB-62kgwbVVP-2nP6NZFuewmATNrWhvouCJiVnvjty6ksHU1v38jl1VlGxpzl-IJCTpGeD8X_VCnF2q99JfH4N4MmUkvhGgZlqeETFkLm9vBN7nRJEQwk5tMxzJ_ofYHemkUL/s320/IMG_4096.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237361844069413410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCBjr3umehxCr9-OiqFYzu25pyIcbdhkrwTEUwN_XmF7XUXIGgTOeXPCrLjgxePqITKAewh-wpsoAFW1-Uwe8U0R-vNkSMalENqvPmyw6kk-A8fXss7pvkAiS9duejc1DXIB49/s320/IMG_4094.JPG" border="0" /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxsdcCbUuQJ1Ho1K-pfIk9bTCWzPyFI0Rc2gqkkc9VjzMGF9zWxcMFDCmb-MCN5pVfm4gIqoL-63w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Perhaps my favorite was the day that I received a package from Amazon. That night Tyler kept cutting the box up and trying to make things out of the pieces. Eventually he came to me for help and I was at a loss. Then, in a flash I remembered that he had been on his superhero kick so I took the strips he had cut up and convinced him they were superhero arm and leg bands. The results were one very funny "Cardboard Man." Watch out, he might just be the next big superhero.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyyqz5NNUqtnVSA5PDVi2QZXvTWWAFggv3JPE_7J2CSugJWtNAfA6LGj4VIzBiI7GTLzcEeaQ08yno' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237361824948787138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTG7vycWeJIRlom75tpSMqQY6Y_XDFPLBOu4BaLWVERFixDRY-WelRQHr0VHDG9fn4-2lAzxtdR4FEzTxbjJ_7VYiZODcYrZaYT2RicRDrSjHLjgzlAki8H1cWpq_Rz9sbgg8c/s320/IMG_4090.JPG" border="0" />Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-23879741391527028972008-08-07T09:07:00.002-06:002008-08-07T09:10:17.210-06:00Marcus' Good News<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbDpHIR4ArJvaNYUUlUKCUdBTIdUl1waZYsQDqHMHsN3GkTRwdNiwdlF141vNRfXmcciXJX_YjjZOEgw1NJqjZpBcDFUpmDRCoZ_-kffpjROzt31h2r0ISBen83nsirokNgWO/s1600-h/Marcus.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231793212378400642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbDpHIR4ArJvaNYUUlUKCUdBTIdUl1waZYsQDqHMHsN3GkTRwdNiwdlF141vNRfXmcciXJX_YjjZOEgw1NJqjZpBcDFUpmDRCoZ_-kffpjROzt31h2r0ISBen83nsirokNgWO/s400/Marcus.jpg" border="0" /></a>Thanks to all those who prayed and fasted for Marcus over the past little while. We are very grateful for the faith of good friends and family. Yesterday, Marcus' tests were all normal and it appears as though the issues he was having this time last month were just a minor blip on his overall health radar.<br /><div>We are so glad that he is doing well, in fact, he has gained most of his weight back already.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231793218337354930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYyLpe5CRVdGTNiUBsNo1ErtS6X0zBOj06cyuu21zWgmzLTKYpMbW8ZKDiXWILJdxOL13Qzuu7tmQs9UetqVc-nr9MJHvjqHfJfWFuydiW29JA2VbtkUXyahaxarjC4jminaDq/s400/Boys.jpg" border="0" /></div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-32934354722871971502008-07-30T09:29:00.005-06:002008-07-30T10:03:03.448-06:00My Helmet Story: Tender Mercy or Coincidence<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228835942740960306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBIWF3ktAe8o8vYICiXBvxYt9LgPyM9Cadfu0mJC0VG9Ktv4CdykF-xjPqBgGJ5n4H_CDRPzbqsLB8poDvD4vIwVb7Jg3LqQsmyTa8Q2VJqk0XlRFXWxHqwLy_k8Ve9BYgwFh/s320/helmet.jpg" border="0" />I am now in my third year of posting on this blog and have posted a total of 5 or 6 "deeper" posts. Oddly enough, it seems that all of them have come recently. I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Either way, here comes one more than is a little more personal.<br /><br />My post begins with a story. Last Saturday Kirt Melling and his dad dropped me off at the Spudman triathlon transition area where Kirt would finish the swim and my bike would begin. They then headed off to the area where the swim would start. About a minute later, I realized in horror that I had left my helmet back at the Melling home. Race rules would prohibit me from racing without a helmet (not to mention it isn't a good idea for safety sake). I just about dropped an expletive when I made the discovery and, frankly, am pretty proud I held it in. Though I didn't drop to my knees in prayer, my mind was racing asking how it could work out for me to still race. I decided to walk out and see if I could hitch a ride with a local as the Mellings didn't live that far away. I had about 20 minutes before Kirt would begin to swim and figured it would take him another 20 minutes to complete the swim. I figured that worst of all, I could probably run to the Mellings and back in about 45 minutes, but I would be exhausted for the rest of the race and that would really stink.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>As I dejectedly headed out to see what luck I might have "thumbing" a ride, I immediately spotted Jeff and Melanie Lambert from my ward. When I described my plight they didn't hesitate at all to drive me over to get my helmet (with some risk that they would be late for the race themselves). </div><br /><div></div><div>I hate to admit it, but I sorta just shrugged this off to great luck and went on the race. However, as I biked and ran amongst so many competitors (over 1,750 competed) Elder Bednar's 2005 conference talk (found <a href="http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-520-33,00.html">here</a>) kept coming back to my mind.</div><br /><div></div><div>He said, "Some may count this experience as simply a nice coincidence, but I testify that the tender mercies of the Lord are real and that they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them."</div><br /><div></div><div>I, too, testify that this was not a random occurence. I have a loving Heavenly Father who knew that although this wasn't important in the grand eternal scheme, to me on that morning it was a big deal. After the race, I spent a lot of time trying to find the Lamberts to thank them for their help. I never did spot them again amongst all the participants. Coincidence that I just happened to see them at exactly the right time earlier that morning?</div><br /><div></div><div>As I said before, this could be easily chalked up to good luck. However, I am so grateful for this little experience as it reassured me of the many other ways, both big and small, that my Heavenly Father watches over me. I hope to work harder to be worthy of these tender mercies.</div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-66604725835689940722008-07-28T15:27:00.006-06:002008-07-29T09:09:48.964-06:00Spudman 2008 Recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMNDzNZsOLBnNDfBlNXky7eF0KqBkmknejTSTabXqeHIuI9d_W0hALgFqpwJC-OPZcum8qDAuTVmuep6tqJtX-wkcOHvRVBXMSnN1aX1GllsfHFiyp4sYxsXSRFneZ1YAmWf0/s1600-h/IMG_3334.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228278040301894674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMNDzNZsOLBnNDfBlNXky7eF0KqBkmknejTSTabXqeHIuI9d_W0hALgFqpwJC-OPZcum8qDAuTVmuep6tqJtX-wkcOHvRVBXMSnN1aX1GllsfHFiyp4sYxsXSRFneZ1YAmWf0/s320/IMG_3334.JPG" border="0" /></a>As the sun rose in Burley, Idaho on Saturday, Jamie and I were preparing for the Spudman Triathlon. (It was a hectic morning and that story will be a post of its own that I'll put out here in the next day or two.) Some of you may remember that last year I did the swim and run for this race. This year, my intention had been to do the whole thing with Jamie. My April ear surgery rendered me unable to do the swim portion, but my neighbor Kirt (whose parents let us stay at their home) helped me out. Although Kirt's swim was a little slower than my swim from last year, the time was gained in the transition since I didn't have to dry off before getting on my bike. Therefore, I feel as though my time was an accurate reflection of my racing abilities.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228277502476143778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Ej1Fyk8qmzkDTbOlaW_TmWepYowG_ofpJIPOr02MkmQUxpaS7Of_0Fdx2_8-fj9QvrRAKM6xs8CT3i2u8csyJ0Wr7EiGtP_H-4GnCetEC83IFux3ytmLaYSTv9_SmYT_E9_r/s400/IMG_3352.JPG" border="0" /><br />Jamie, who has really been doing an awesome job of keeping up with her workouts completed the entire race in 2 hours and 38 minutes. She killed her goal of 2:45! My time was 2 hours and 36 minutes and was also ahead of my goal time which was to finish. Fortunately for me, since my heat started about a half hour before hers, I got to cool down and still watch her at the finish line. It was pretty awesome watching her as she finished really strong and with an incredible time. (In the picture of her finishing, I am on the far left in blue cheering my wife to the finish, while clinging to the fence post for support.) To see a breakdown of our times click <a href="http://www.milliseconds.com/ResultsIndividual.php?varParticipantRecID=316&varRaceID=1081">here </a>and <a href="http://www.milliseconds.com/ResultsIndividual.php?varParticipantRecID=1279&varRaceID=1081">here</a>.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228278056171675394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3vcg_9VhbVYThtvD2jEYHSLf2tmCdYixfprYBMuerZEvZwuq1pk1r3DonnsKDDRnWdlmbfI3J0t9IdIjIcnlvmp6NhbMj3o8nES9P82mKsLYfTek8NZNDqrdTFWSQXx6GHkG/s320/Jamie+Finish.JPG" border="0" />There were over 2,000 people who signed up for the race, and over 1,750 that actually competed. This included Jamie's sister Tracy (who rocked the race with a time of 2:55) and several others we knew. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228277523561767394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-VJOdnnslUqkrhLU0Pb8ioo-ig30DT5J9L8nrJrz7_PlY4poPAL9Zxz7CQiw7cY9uBA-IQehvvmR-93ethJ9H_TKwdb0J0QaoRdq4tuYjZl7H7VuCqqGjI4e3f9TH-psi1TRN/s400/IMG_3354.JPG" border="0" /><br /><p>The great thing about the Spudman is that the mile swim is in the Snake River so you get a little help from the current. Jamie flew down the river beating my time from last year by almost 3 minutes. The 25 mile bike course is pretty flat, and that is a good thing. Jamie toasted me on the bike, and I learned the hard way as I watched packs of racers fly by me that I should have done more bike work (I never rode for more than about 8 miles before the race...oops!). The bike course took us around the farmland of Burley and if my legs hadn't been yelling at me, I think I would have enjoyed the scene. Jamie, meanwhile, didn't even notice that there was a strong headwind and managed a pace of 20 mph throughout her ride. No wonder her legs have been looking so good lately! The run was a 10K loop that followed some of the canals around the farm. I felt pretty good on the run, considering my legs were so achy from the biking. In fact, I never got passed on the run and did a fair amount of passing. Of course, considering the hundreds that passed me on the bike it should be no surprise there was no one left behind me to pass me up.</p><p></p><p>One funny thing, as I was running by a guy, trying to be encouraging I said, "Great stride man." His response floored me and I almost burst out laughing. He said, "Don't patronize me, I recognize those hairy legs and must have passed you an hour ago on the bike!" My legs are pretty one-of-a-kind. Though my run time wasn't great for just a 10-k, considering I'd just done 25 miles of biking I was proud to have kept my average mile well under 8 minutes. The run is also the only part of the race where I was better than Jamie who is seriously in amazing shape.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228278052676615986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixnm8OdBtGdKTMe1oNvgzq3VkfJjEykBXos8LUwZ95lHcd-ezGUViw7oJ4Y6wrPwM3YM_ZpqNpnsOR_CPUmkLqLkBBLBDBCtTRp0vftMHRyLcbhG3lJ-Bs6vRU4CmpsN438W_/s320/IMG_3343.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228278047162950818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQB8ZfDk4xI74XqDp1J4u9hUngVR2q9DNhBcphVzK24_jZQH1QE3IWn4d_pKrtmdmkfD2512iUUvpWP1Q8-oPJc5E_itiO-PZm2OdBJb03T55B6Wb1NMaJQx-RU3NmGPe2XI0/s320/IMG_3337.JPG" border="0" /></p><p>Of course, our boys were also very proud of us. According to my mom they were as good as gold while we were gone. Special thanks to my parents for watching the boys so that Jamie and I could do this together. Tyler was a little disappointed when I told him that I didn't win the race; but I told him that his mom and I are definately winners just for doing so good. Not sure he totally bought it, but I tried.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsJCTuMHCQxpEfceTr4EZcoQqxv_62__GBAU0WVLkFKXrUmIMVIS1dOOoKy7Lc3Awtr1fiRXfkiI5bi2kvBIXQUtwlwtzNHiBq86J3r9pvQ7AuqeYZEyxTLewXbmGPLYb7RYA/s1600-h/IMG_4052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228277518194515282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsJCTuMHCQxpEfceTr4EZcoQqxv_62__GBAU0WVLkFKXrUmIMVIS1dOOoKy7Lc3Awtr1fiRXfkiI5bi2kvBIXQUtwlwtzNHiBq86J3r9pvQ7AuqeYZEyxTLewXbmGPLYb7RYA/s400/IMG_4052.JPG" border="0" /></a>One very unfortunate story that did put a bit of a damper on the event was that a Provo man passed away during the swim. I don't know a lot of the details, most of what I do know came from this article <a href="http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/274685/79/">here</a>.</p>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-32131211761824545672008-07-27T21:23:00.007-06:002008-07-27T22:03:52.992-06:00Pioneer Day 2008<div>This year's Pioneer day was a total blast! I hope you are all willing to check out my sister's blog <a href="http://laurencelife.blogspot.com/2008/07/pioneer-day.html">here</a> because she has given a great recap of the evening at my parents' house. Rather than even try to match the sweet blog entry they have, I'll just refer to hers and add these few pics. Oh ya, I'll also add the clip of Tyler's song he made up for his favorite firework, The Sky<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HiQ7LbimQWgx09VuJN5IlndMMXx4IBbreHuBvxd4bheeKPithRqXH817-qp67vca5mu13Rbgv8T3aBY-9Bwy01dzbYs7iLCUAjJ_l1DD86CeTT8ai_ddWNm4xT8twtea53tT/s1600-h/IMG_4025.JPG"></a> Spider.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYf26s-drHP2H68i-1073L8wi7-oe0spt2nsSzv2j18XdfVXirPejFkFrAlSo8qtkAVgmQvrSuvpFHcqvQ0lhEzm3jNdcRinbmPVfUi_F1wTt8gDIxtob_ZI0KE5K1Ned2xw8/s1600-h/IMG_4028.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL-egf4od0mzaEAYjJTpvs8kNiY7V3T2SHuDM-zcyxO1FDBz54pqo43dnb4ZU_umj7Ng1UvlP9PdyxaikBjhlv9H1QT1BgDP0BG49J7WCooVbr4O7XE4BgVHjBrm_8I5YVZbc/s1600-h/IMG_4028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227907055774800050" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnL-egf4od0mzaEAYjJTpvs8kNiY7V3T2SHuDM-zcyxO1FDBz54pqo43dnb4ZU_umj7Ng1UvlP9PdyxaikBjhlv9H1QT1BgDP0BG49J7WCooVbr4O7XE4BgVHjBrm_8I5YVZbc/s200/IMG_4028.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr5HVDdu5wPcS_nTbz38H-LV2amc01K2ctkakTZnHjdY6Xu1F060aimVkBEXuc_w2XhC7AQVvAgUkqaSMrN4i10mpgQR69etCKWne-VnLAHFaDbSuBV8a-kZvwcd40RKTKLEn/s1600-h/IMG_4025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227907041600348882" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyr5HVDdu5wPcS_nTbz38H-LV2amc01K2ctkakTZnHjdY6Xu1F060aimVkBEXuc_w2XhC7AQVvAgUkqaSMrN4i10mpgQR69etCKWne-VnLAHFaDbSuBV8a-kZvwcd40RKTKLEn/s200/IMG_4025.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuXUiayTfhm4lpFflIAtHa_53I-b3LXI4MqdAlxalsM33eJhpU9k-PItNjrVZiuZXhf3qaKwUpwNsWlbawxPDwJONchr_EdCBnrtdtNkF7B-3NJu-Nd5qqLSE8QgUW5xhR2GL/s1600-h/IMG_4033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227907051111208418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuXUiayTfhm4lpFflIAtHa_53I-b3LXI4MqdAlxalsM33eJhpU9k-PItNjrVZiuZXhf3qaKwUpwNsWlbawxPDwJONchr_EdCBnrtdtNkF7B-3NJu-Nd5qqLSE8QgUW5xhR2GL/s200/IMG_4033.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpS-UCqTQsxr8IaPT1dHCxhqMmdWeOvJKJuqzF3wLwA8gHq3Q3V1bj4gFqJx2I7lNIyG-qAzKPu-VlBfc_dpggf1QfcJ37IOiahZ_3r_WnNuscVLuy3VtwiUfmkPDtjlzENqb/s1600-h/IMG_4036.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227907078146795826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpS-UCqTQsxr8IaPT1dHCxhqMmdWeOvJKJuqzF3wLwA8gHq3Q3V1bj4gFqJx2I7lNIyG-qAzKPu-VlBfc_dpggf1QfcJ37IOiahZ_3r_WnNuscVLuy3VtwiUfmkPDtjlzENqb/s200/IMG_4036.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2EIYphhjdD_kYtdsLqKHE3UTVGsfqJC-621o2t02jszv98qC5nMTa-OsnsQdMuZS6o3K_xrZbcoE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I do have more to add from that morning. Jamie wanted to get out and try an open water swim in preparation for our Spudman race on Saturday. So, we packed up the kids and went to Deer Creek where we met up with Jamie's sister, Tracy. They both swam and we had the kids out in little blow up rafts. Marcus loved throwing little rocks in the water and Tyler, of all things, enjoyed pulling me around the shoreline while I lounged in the boat. It was so great!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHs2Uyluv5dUr48WQVzaxnIiRTcyzoTmp4alr3rmsz8oun0Da1fL0QOLsJEWqVDr0eJD8pzNo5BP6fYP07jljdJxdyV1HKrCz-LIGlWl_KlGI9HQNv-n-3RVF3UqRyrSpG3hHF/s1600-h/IMG_3316.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227908402607578898" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHs2Uyluv5dUr48WQVzaxnIiRTcyzoTmp4alr3rmsz8oun0Da1fL0QOLsJEWqVDr0eJD8pzNo5BP6fYP07jljdJxdyV1HKrCz-LIGlWl_KlGI9HQNv-n-3RVF3UqRyrSpG3hHF/s320/IMG_3316.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsMEOC059aQ291K2nrXJzcP3pDhizgr0qmO-QcopcPQ7Sy0lmpzrTH6tNdoOZlWeXp-oyA7nnLMfELuYbfagl-ZlMurZ5oGkBYSoCaGaEyuQiXCE6ONSaIpj-HTfkYfdcyjma/s1600-h/IMG_3327.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227909946677966946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsMEOC059aQ291K2nrXJzcP3pDhizgr0qmO-QcopcPQ7Sy0lmpzrTH6tNdoOZlWeXp-oyA7nnLMfELuYbfagl-ZlMurZ5oGkBYSoCaGaEyuQiXCE6ONSaIpj-HTfkYfdcyjma/s200/IMG_3327.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0deoh0ux7aWxfuX2ZmGxrAessESDe2BzxU1KywCkJrYSpMyZryoWVlgKJFrc-NSJ3GuoKVC3E4uKxj3aFrfTqlcsq-ASuLliVeEwPSMI3KaZB47uQxjPoHv3MnGmL3P2mtH2/s1600-h/IMG_3318.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227908412794219986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW0deoh0ux7aWxfuX2ZmGxrAessESDe2BzxU1KywCkJrYSpMyZryoWVlgKJFrc-NSJ3GuoKVC3E4uKxj3aFrfTqlcsq-ASuLliVeEwPSMI3KaZB47uQxjPoHv3MnGmL3P2mtH2/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5Gmt8i5yFz_81LMWYtuBGlqCyUv73sBkmQNkISlveOFATt3ypkUlaLSNpikKUdJ5DsAlNxIVMGgxfbudtAG83qrJ8JgFZ60Nk2K0MAi4ioa79QojkDDOL_UbYqNtcD_PadWy/s1600-h/IMG_4007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227909954839244562" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji5Gmt8i5yFz_81LMWYtuBGlqCyUv73sBkmQNkISlveOFATt3ypkUlaLSNpikKUdJ5DsAlNxIVMGgxfbudtAG83qrJ8JgFZ60Nk2K0MAi4ioa79QojkDDOL_UbYqNtcD_PadWy/s200/IMG_4007.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IbTMt-17YZo0MzGPfQ4Jq_vPW2HMlg7Xew-rdb5ncST1khvav00lGhSS-o3g_vFqhgtGW5_RqzXqmf1klsQLC-gXnY37vjIoygtlChzhQtsm9hqeTYoGA36pB7JfVE8LYNWH/s1600-h/IMG_4011.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227908434876849986" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IbTMt-17YZo0MzGPfQ4Jq_vPW2HMlg7Xew-rdb5ncST1khvav00lGhSS-o3g_vFqhgtGW5_RqzXqmf1klsQLC-gXnY37vjIoygtlChzhQtsm9hqeTYoGA36pB7JfVE8LYNWH/s320/IMG_4011.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUXZ4NGz16ETT57AX7H3JHNfLajcTkxeo83q6pglyxtzJXRYu4rILEVaNh3cHalNQ-5H1kUMYV-ZiTuhXCD182jc61xg5AQ9vfmTSdnhI1eIj4btpi08ZGEqMblGomn3jy5dH/s1600-h/IMG_3319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227909962063246658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUXZ4NGz16ETT57AX7H3JHNfLajcTkxeo83q6pglyxtzJXRYu4rILEVaNh3cHalNQ-5H1kUMYV-ZiTuhXCD182jc61xg5AQ9vfmTSdnhI1eIj4btpi08ZGEqMblGomn3jy5dH/s200/IMG_3319.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jSP9pKaos6Ti1QWzILz2rXeMua3gzPKjO4VJiS8zWn-7nElSRPjXorLDQgw7VqyqVlaqshsDXjVaM0LiooKwjXshYP_niZIeZnSzgTh-zEfNl6fBUN9OJPYAlD2byu9y6wb8/s1600-h/IMG_3325.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227908945356202994" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_jSP9pKaos6Ti1QWzILz2rXeMua3gzPKjO4VJiS8zWn-7nElSRPjXorLDQgw7VqyqVlaqshsDXjVaM0LiooKwjXshYP_niZIeZnSzgTh-zEfNl6fBUN9OJPYAlD2byu9y6wb8/s320/IMG_3325.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jnfT3vy4kpM1wrHLpwPGgtTLpMbE7eQ0EaURFKaI_8l4jGJ6tsV4h4ORhFyL2R97H0Ky-8J-4Qm-ZSuWKP6ibrJIV513G1aaa5R96CEoopnx2eedqdUl7yfPpcZNIOqnLMGb/s1600-h/IMG_4018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227910476149901970" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9jnfT3vy4kpM1wrHLpwPGgtTLpMbE7eQ0EaURFKaI_8l4jGJ6tsV4h4ORhFyL2R97H0Ky-8J-4Qm-ZSuWKP6ibrJIV513G1aaa5R96CEoopnx2eedqdUl7yfPpcZNIOqnLMGb/s200/IMG_4018.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqY1IJhzc9m84pwjVRCGPTPFWB8WnJZEehYG_AsAJZBlLBnVhkKMi54t3cJE9XV2hkcYuVbYwddx35gzx2m522PtUlgPWzveru4Hy8AoReOuLB6GywpGRf8RmrlOzWmGscTq-6/s1600-h/IMG_4014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227910475209930210" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqY1IJhzc9m84pwjVRCGPTPFWB8WnJZEehYG_AsAJZBlLBnVhkKMi54t3cJE9XV2hkcYuVbYwddx35gzx2m522PtUlgPWzveru4Hy8AoReOuLB6GywpGRf8RmrlOzWmGscTq-6/s200/IMG_4014.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>I was a little bit of a scrooge the night before. I didn't really want to get up early on a day off, pack everything up, etc. However, I'm glad we went as I had as good a time as anyone. </div></div></div></div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-71457987390182027402008-07-27T21:04:00.002-06:002008-07-27T21:23:28.694-06:00A Visit from my "Blood" Brother<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPvguEmYzKHXEQTPkEivlQh79lr1qWUMiD17P-r892uIdyEgi_7lCDNGjiM9pDEiHDBWbxqlw06npBiOQu2Syj46nTbe0x4zeAi4MHRMz_qz7VlwtO7xGEQXHwEIYXWP-2WY3/s1600-h/IMG_3998.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5227895981202765202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPvguEmYzKHXEQTPkEivlQh79lr1qWUMiD17P-r892uIdyEgi_7lCDNGjiM9pDEiHDBWbxqlw06npBiOQu2Syj46nTbe0x4zeAi4MHRMz_qz7VlwtO7xGEQXHwEIYXWP-2WY3/s400/IMG_3998.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Seems crazy, but it was about 9 years ago that I was looking for a roommate for my junior year at BYU. I just happened to start talking to this wacked out West Virginian who was living in my complex, but surrounded by slobs. Well, that meeting literally turned the next two years of school on its head.</div><div> </div><div>Dan Blood and I became roommates and did about everything together for the next two years. Of course, this stunk whenever we met new people. They would inevitably ask about our majors. Dan would say, "I'm studying Chemical Engineering." They would respond with "Wow, you must be smart." Then I would say I was studying Chinese and they would tilt their heads and say "what are you going to do with that?" I often felt like pulling out a stick and beating these people, but that would be impolite. So instead I would say, "Actually I'm the smart one, for all you know Dan here is failing out of Chemical Engineering."</div><div> </div><div>Turns out they were right after all. Dan is a successful Nuclear Engineer working on the U.S. submarines (at least they better be our subs he is working on.) Meanwhile, the last time I spoke Chinese was just so Tyler wouldn't catch on that we were planning on putting him to bed a little early.</div><div> </div><div>Dan and I really were a great pairing. We were even both born on April 8, "The Divine Day", and enjoyed nothing better than humor at our own expense. We were never the best looking duo in any of our wards. But on more than one occassion I was asked by a girl if I could get them a date with Dan because they heard our creative dates were a blast. Who knew dates that cost so little, like making boats to race downstream or marshmellow-gun wars at the park would be so fun. </div><div> </div><div>Dan and I are both a little more grown up now. I still love hearing him tell stories of the crazies he taught in New York on his mission. I even think he still likes hearing me tell some of my "classic" missteps. This past week Dan and his beautiful wife and daughter were in town. It was so great seeing him again. You know you are really good friends when you can go a full six months without contact and pick right up where you left off without the need for apologies.</div><div> </div><div>Dan is also still just as skinny as I am. Somehow the topic of the show "the Biggest Loser" came up and we both feel discriminated against. So, if anyone in TV show land is reading. You should seriously consider a show called, "The Great American Bulk Up." Dan and I would make great contestants.</div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-44284302489225109382008-07-23T09:23:00.005-06:002008-07-23T09:37:19.565-06:00Pool Party!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMyaQKb71WeFPVrd6TnSJgcBWsJAe8Eh9nV3S0RbWgWFZPLrmMd-GeLviKTzYQ4jjZdnMBrmkOKhZl9PQqq2ZvaPmrZVqCvQjWajeCul2KNg8pIn2Es38TnVHSxlrYVBsdxV7/s1600-h/IMG_3937.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226231988064850530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMyaQKb71WeFPVrd6TnSJgcBWsJAe8Eh9nV3S0RbWgWFZPLrmMd-GeLviKTzYQ4jjZdnMBrmkOKhZl9PQqq2ZvaPmrZVqCvQjWajeCul2KNg8pIn2Es38TnVHSxlrYVBsdxV7/s400/IMG_3937.JPG" border="0" /></a>Not a lot to say on this post, but had a couple cute pictures and a video I wanted to share. This summer on several occassions we have pulled out the big blow up pool and borrowed the neighbors slide. Our boys seem to love cooling off in the water. Marcus surprises me with how much he seems to enjoy the water despite being so young. Tyler is constantly putting his face under water because "it feels cool." Both of our boys inherited their Uncle Carl's love of water and water fights. I love that I can already have a water fight with Tyler without his complaining when I get him. (The same can't be said for all the kids in the neighborhood, including some quite a bit older).<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226231755926444738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJtsvLskg1kPubz-S60RwxUmUvzmm1nlSlhyWMqz4tGeSRtoDR66mI8iG3fwvKV-iZ2c6jdApVI479ls-qMqSc7qHqOPano8wIMinOTTQu97e6xkXN3xTwgHPsicCJR8CwNxd/s400/IMG_3935.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226231750674908946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXUv1XwcagEnpSJOVSYFlzNfXXrHEkadYMToRe11Rj6EVDy3LWB7meo7BAa_wDbdZIJbaUsGwbaevIbz9GthLkldeOHkDgYICdS_6YkEpqAvvarK4zOMdQ_crl9PLac2GlPfe/s400/IMG_3934.JPG" border="0" /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy5y554YHPWDJIXh2us1uQfAEuo-20KF1pWTTQO2OwoJfUa_N3YTx7bORDJiq4Ut_6sEiXJdZN-Pmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>"Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-32903873118452663102008-07-20T18:26:00.001-06:002008-07-20T18:26:18.341-06:00Me and My Boys<div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A275538' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=gabdtKfb18pJi2S1&service=sendables.jibjab.com' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=gabdtKfb18pJi2S1&service=sendables.jibjab.com'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=gabdtKfb18pJi2S1&service=sendables.jibjab.com'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send a JibJab Sendables® <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables'>eCard</a> Today!</div></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bHQ9MTIxNjU5OTk1MDQ4NCZwdD*xMjE2NTk5OTc3NjQwJnA9MTkxMTMxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTI=.jpg" />Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-5772759762278990472008-07-20T18:04:00.001-06:002008-07-20T18:04:19.082-06:00How My Parents Fell in Love<div style='background-color:#e9e9e9; width: 425px;'><object id='A262688' quality='high' data='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=scqmHTpOzhns1nlA&service=sendables.jibjab.com' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='transparent' height='319' width='425'><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=scqmHTpOzhns1nlA&service=sendables.jibjab.com'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='external_make_id=scqmHTpOzhns1nlA&service=sendables.jibjab.com'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><div style='text-align:center; width:435px; margin-top:6px;'>Send a JibJab Sendables® <a href='http://sendables.jibjab.com/sendables'>eCard</a> Today!</div></div><img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/CIMP/bHQ9MTIxNjU5ODYyNDIwMyZwdD*xMjE2NTk4NjU3NzM*JnA9MTkxMTMxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTI=.jpg" />Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-13110031683703481492008-07-16T16:48:00.003-06:002008-07-16T19:13:38.456-06:00Tyler's Water BellyLast night was one of those parental moments that you could never see coming. Being the baseball junkie that I am I was watching the All-star game when Jamie and Tyler went for a little walk. When they came back Tyler drank a ton of water to cool down. We then sent him to get his PJs on. About two minutes later he came sprinting out of his room with a huge smile on his face and acting really excited. I thought maybe he had found a long lost toy or something. Instead he says, "dad wanna hear something so cool?" How do you say no to that. He then proceeds to do some little jig and asks, did you <strong>hear</strong> that? I was totally confused and he could tell so he did it again. His little belly made this <strong>very </strong>loud swishing sound and then he giggled over to his mom to show her.<br /><br />He spent the rest of the bedtime routine (brushing teeth, scriptures, prayer, story etc) taking pauses to swish his belly around and each time he did it his face would light up and he would giggle for a solid minute. What a little nut!<br /><br /><br />I'm sure this is one of those experiences that you sorta had to be there to really appreciate, but I know Jamie and I definately appreciated our little Water Belly Boy.<br /><br />Here is a little video we took, I don't think we caught the actual sound of the belly very well. However, Tyler's reactions are pretty great.(You can sorta make it out one of the times, but trust us, it was, indeed, pretty loud).<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dytbXwLL-2yZnBa9kU2W29Cdd5gZgdA9O4ngumoBW4_EEf5TWKlEflXdPtUxL5QuJqimaQxj9bL7Xw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-50881625610336407302008-07-14T13:20:00.008-06:002008-07-14T14:10:23.935-06:00A Belated 4th of July PostWell, given Marcus' illness last week I didn't get time to post anything about July 4th. I'm sure that some of you have had more than your fill of July 4th postings so I promise to add a video that is a little unusual (even if it is at my expense).<br /><br /><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222958554717996290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uTXPUb-j32AuQTBPlMeYp5mCLJHV9VgVyLvuCQBJCWZ7vCyNWKVDPK8prHw_6pzebbrhb9O5u1mf6doP4XJv9mG1RGqgW9uWPUBWZfgvK0l5qL-XEtt7i9JKXLFtbgHg2kN4/s400/IMG_3946.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>The 4th this year was a little more relaxed than previous years because the Guth's were out of town and the Laurence's went to Stadium of Fire. So, Tyler and Marcus had their parents and grandparents all to themselves. In the morning we went to the park and in the afternoon cousin Morgan came and played in our blow up pool. (I'll make another post later about the fun our boys have had in our blow up pool this year).</div><br /><div>Since Tyler has been asking about Fireworks for months now (I'm not kidding!) we got started a little early with parachuters, sky spiders and smoke bombs. Luckily, our neighbors the Mellings and Halls had us over to watch some of their fountains so that we didn't run out of fireworks before it got dark. Of course, only yours truly is a fine enough connoisseur of fireworks to know that Black Cat Fireworks far exceed TNT fireworks for variety in color and size. As such, our finale, in my less than humble opinion, was the best! If only I could use my pyro skills for good!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222958070009573474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgnBgWpqAirJ6HPL7WqlTPqhHpIVv5j0jKLHeybzymTrBjR__4Jg4qVlunMAUfrq1EI3ze9gYiQWdnxht3LX3aSt9S5yl-Vv4mEM2XEZsqLt6K1d5zkUCBvn6nmmG9CTIrXLG/s400/033.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Tyler was so enamored with the fireworks that he even convinced me to let him attend the Laurence's firework party on Monday night (the last night fireworks were legal). For more on that show see the Laurence's post <a href="http://laurencelife.blogspot.com/2008/07/cul-de-sac-of-fire.html">here.</a></div><br /><div>A little story here before the video I promised. When I was in college we used to spruce up our firework shows by running through the fountains much like one runs through the sprinklers. However, once I started hosting firework parties with children in attendance this no longer seemed like such a good idea. As such, I was trying to find a way to spruce up a fireworks show, but still have the show on a budget (and legal, I have enough illegal fire stories). So, I discovered that if I made a goofy face or dance while lighting one of the strobe "flasher" fireworks the kids would all laugh. This trend grew to where the kids joined in the dance and now the flasher is the Besaw favorite as all the kids whip out their favorite dance moves. I especially like a few of Tyler's moves in this video. He is the kid on the far right.</div><div> </div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwp68aPme1dqCpbd1jZdcCnSsyOAn1EWNQ0yPxKQzddl5bkSoEV1aGEzs_QQj0bYF3YxJqLLB91' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div>This tradition evolved to the point where the first year in our Lehi home I broke out my ole stand by dance move, "the worm." Now, it is tradition that each year I have to do the worm at least once. Well, this year it was caught on tape so...here is a video of my making a fool of myself doing the worm (the Laurence post has a great video of my nephew Clayton's version of the worm).</div><div> </div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4PkV9aS5P5NwgCDBhhJM-WeGFjqI_7I_HMMElZhT59qSXgceUFvQ8E8-n7g0SJsRhgTXLYVAcVZ8' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /></div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-74778046758584482822008-07-11T15:44:00.002-06:002008-07-11T15:47:33.231-06:00The Memory Game CrazeI've seen this on a bunch of blogs today and though you may be burning out of it, I think it sounds fun. So, I figured that I'd give it a shot as well. Please feel free to play along.<br /><br />Here are the directions:<br /><br />1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!<br /><br />2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-46899516039267506472008-07-09T20:59:00.003-06:002008-07-09T21:57:06.965-06:00A Dose of Perspective<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bOHfTiYL44lohY5VGAbuyf3OPy7DMtJkTUVnrMjBPCCgsD_e8MHJJKQ9OK_Jo-NtN5PQRNOXyblQh6-DdfO0ZYAgiGtdzKd8a-HiaVrRyjmdq_c6279LsDivmTq-06KImHku/s1600-h/Marcus+in+hospital.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221222725355863458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bOHfTiYL44lohY5VGAbuyf3OPy7DMtJkTUVnrMjBPCCgsD_e8MHJJKQ9OK_Jo-NtN5PQRNOXyblQh6-DdfO0ZYAgiGtdzKd8a-HiaVrRyjmdq_c6279LsDivmTq-06KImHku/s400/Marcus+in+hospital.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I always worry a little when my blog postings aren't simply a record of an event or a quick story. I guess I fear that when I write the more serious things in my head it will either sound trivial, cheesy or something. However, this past week gave me such a reality check that I wanted to share a few of my reflections (and they say writing is good therapy).</div><br /><div>In the Book of Mormon the cycle of pride is outlined multiple times. A rundown for those who haven't heard of it, the pride cycle goes something like this: a people (or person) is righteous, due to their righteousness they are blessed, owing to their blessings they becomes prideful, being prideful drives them away from righteousness, trials fall upon the wicked, overcoming the trials leads them back to righteousness. They key is to find a way to be humble without the trials being put in your path. If you can get on your knees and be penitent without trials then the chances go up that you won't face the trials aimed at humbling you. Of course, that isn't the reason for all trials, but it can be a reason for trials.</div><br /><div>I think sometimes I fall victim to not only the pride cycle, but also the perspective cycle. I have all these blessings in my life. Seriously, I have SO much to be grateful for. However, when I begin to pursue or be consumed with those blessings (usually things) that I don't have is when something happens to alter one of my life's greatest blessings.</div><br /><div>Are you with me so far? If you are baffled, its probably me and not you.</div><br /><div>So to the heart of my point. Over the last little while it seems my focus has been on things I wish I had (like a killer vacation, a wii, the funds to finish my basement, etc) and am bugged by things less important (why do I still have acne at 31, why is it so hard to find time to exercise, why does my lawn have so many dry spots). To be fair, I'm generally a pretty optimistic and grateful guy (I think) but like a lot of us, I struggle at times.</div><br /><div>Well, this past week I got a pretty sound Wack upside the head to remind me what really matters. Starting last Thursday little Marcus had flu like symptoms. Friday the 4th he did pretty well, but again Saturday he couldn't keep anything down and had a pretty serious case of the dry heaves. Sunday came and his condition continued to worsen. He was so lethargic that all he wanted to do was sleep or lay on your lap. After many calls back and forth to different clinical nurses and doctors we decided that we would let him sleep Sunday and take him in on Monday.</div><br /><div></div><div>Monday came and we were sent to American Fork hospital where Marcus was hooked up to an IV and they ran tests on his urine and blood. When the results came back my world came to a stop. The doctor reported that Marcus' Pancreas levels were about 4 times the normal number and that this was VERY unusual in a child of his age. We were rushed down for a CT scan and those results were favorable for the pancreas but showed a good deal of abnormality in the Liver. The doctors that we saw were thorough and helpful, but didn't relieve our fears much.</div><div> </div><div>Added to the problem was that owing to either nerves or the flu virus, Jamie began showing all the symptoms of the flu. Monday night I stayed with Marcus at the hospital and realized that no matter what happened, the only things that really mattered to me weren't things at all. I realized that my perspective was all wrong in dwelling on envy or my shortcomings and that I should be so grateful for my healthy and wonderful boys, my amazing wife, and the great network of friends and family that I enjoy. </div><br /><div></div><div>The next morning poor Marcus had to get poked about 3 times in order to draw enough blood to run some (but not all) the tests the doctor's wanted. The poor little guy will likely have a fear of nurses until he is well past adolescence. </div><div> </div><div>Of course, by this time I was feeling the flu symptoms as well. All day Tuesday both Jamie and I were struggling. But, Marcus was the worst off. Poor little guy. He did finally start feeling better once Tyler came to visit and his fluids came back. In fact, for a while we were optimistic that we might get to go home that day...alas, that was not the case. Despite his color coming back and his smiling and enjoying playing catch on his bed, the doctor was still quite worried about Marcus' liver test results. As such, we had to stay the night again and more blood had to be drawn this morning. </div><div> </div><div>I spent Tuesday night tossing and turning hoping my fever would break. It did finally, and when I went back to the hospital this morning the doctor came in and was pretty encouraging. Marcus' levels had dropped down much closer to normal. Combined with his having not thrown up since Sunday night we were allowed to leave.</div><div> </div><div>We came home and Marcus' face shined! He was running all around and so excited to be home. Of course, to keep us from being too comfortable, he did throw up his lunch. AHH! I really hope this passes soon. The good news is that I am pretty sure that the worst is behind us.</div><div> </div><div>Perhaps the best thing to come from this...I think I'm back on the right side of the perspective cycle. I can honestly think of nothing that I want more right now than for my little boy to be healthy and for life to get back to normal.</div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33181977.post-1861546016577226722008-07-01T16:00:00.005-06:002008-07-01T16:27:23.223-06:00Lehi Round Up Parade<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKU8K2-pHa-2QeF9MpSHTWpx3GzgejKmpb1zCjduRVunWkpLzPJDI8x6SPZdowqIUYHxF1dl7GUXzvurxb_aMs73SEFnqETBSpuJZgZYDk212kkRtaJX1RTYh5bF9It9oHcEB/s1600-h/Ty+on+Float+with+Water.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218172453813767074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcKU8K2-pHa-2QeF9MpSHTWpx3GzgejKmpb1zCjduRVunWkpLzPJDI8x6SPZdowqIUYHxF1dl7GUXzvurxb_aMs73SEFnqETBSpuJZgZYDk212kkRtaJX1RTYh5bF9It9oHcEB/s320/Ty+on+Float+with+Water.JPG" border="0" /></a> One thing that is awesome about being a dad is when you just know you are helping your children make memories that will last a lifetime. I was blown away this morning when Tyler came to my room talking about fireworks. He remembered that last year we had a parachute that we shot off at the Laurence house that went over the backyard fence. He remembered that Spencer had his football helmet with him last year and he remembered that we played a running game (we had played "kick the can"). His face was aglow the whole time he was telling me about these memories. </div><div align="left"><br /><div>Often, making those types of memories for our children can be taxing. That was the case this past weekend when the boys, Jamie and I participated in our ward's float for the Lehi Parade. Following a hurried dinner on Friday, Jamie and I took the boys and our wagon over to join with the ward at Wine's Park in Lehi. Our float theme was "FootLoose" and the children were all wearing funny socks or mismatched shoes or the like. We won an award for "Most Unique" (is that a compliment?). The children had even learned a little line dance that went along with the chorus. Tyler went to the dance practice, but I think he was relieved nonetheless when he was able to ride on the float instead of dance.</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218172405640269682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNsjuch3SQ4-H-M0ROzNmps4OS67pKLEKMhswKpyfRAg6RXcfjKRoxrFblBhIh8nPRHdvWiBCnP7sgmNnK2IzsVJzF7QWqOk-AGiEjfcOGBpta-62TH6tnw7l4MjVMZ82recfR/s320/Marcus+in+Wagon.JPG" border="0" />Jamie pulled Marcus in the wagon and he seemed to really enjoy it. Of course, Tyler was in his element. His favorite part was when I would take the squirt bottle I was using to cool kids off with and spray it into his gaping mouth. I enjoyed being the unofficial squirter, but I'll tell you what, my sister <a href="http://laurencelife.blogspot.com/2008/06/everybody-cut-footloose.html">Melissa</a> <strong><em>really</em> </strong>seemed to get into squirting the crowd.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218172411753174930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCh5rCJrakiYW34trCPUcDGKnL91L-lGC3dSE3YSpnOtqvvSX1LjkIMCdC98EeKWO9RRo97mC2MVFLLPclNfBDedmJSfA5_Qb_CUvhr4M9lWnMWl_G9mCbJChf-1u_9XXwcHSs/s320/Ty+getting+squirted+in+mouth_2.JPG" border="0" /> (If you look really close you can see a line of water going into Tyler's mouth)<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218172420940800818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJuP2SIfxMg9FLbT2iJCR5KW0C6vnm3Axe-jaHt9fL4UQ4ucpETinP2PFZaDxln2cf-yqdyJLgnpIrXKA4LYeoXb8EjQlsjLcPtcOYf1tbqS5gIuAdRilM8AgVZeotP2sIcmx/s320/Ty+getting+squirted+in+mouth.JPG" border="0" />When we were all done with the route on Friday night, Melissa asked if I might be willing to help out the next day. When I told Tyler he could ride on the float again he exclaimed, "I love Parades!"<br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218174045282532018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOb3hukO1WQAX-xDVo-HEAUxjHuxttacf6QJDS-nT3y8rc3J6fR2ZdspL-GXjGPJSDRRoVLUBaxeljhck9Y2RPhaVuP_3_VDmlMhH4kI6s1r-Yk0OlagPIkkRun84LHzE2hoW_/s320/Ty+Waving+Flag.JPG" border="0" />Jamie and Marcus took day two off (and who could blame them) but I really had a special time with Tyler. I walked him around before the parade started so he could see all of the floats. He was so cute and excited. We had lunch together and played around while waiting for the parade to end.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218174035536569762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d8IfiFNVzOpjcW-RvVo355yNYabGHIDod_KXRJbRdm9IvqN-_QFdbJiiFaiK-u74YOOUYHptxkAnAoPW_SrNZtswZD1hZiPFXdEbSZhxrlr8JpckSTJ5kIJ5VZJhRolO_2xE/s320/Ty+with+Kent+on+Float.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218172401606718722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEvA_QxaWNhWISuBsQaMEjrw0Gll2NFTM8RjXoVRrPlhChymu9qA1pRxytSPIZDs71tdtbv_nDyPJvSYxpEk63d_2kCLaGawOyGH4CPEJqH6OZApmD3qDw6gvAsC541tmmBuP9/s320/Kent+%26+Ty+Squirting.JPG" border="0" />Perhaps one of the most special things was seeing how much Tyler enjoyed throwing candy to the crowds (even if most of it had to be picked up and thrown again by those walking near the float). I hope that he always prefers the giving to the receiving. <div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5218174027012602578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYoEGLDVmbN_k4ZcOkqrgVSfSMHdso8MwpxrALrOgFCF8NZocOeF-wmB1qc2cKi65QL0TQ0n4eB_3vbACWvRremS1KTjVJX2yq4w-SZSQHrbs1aHkQZAZSy5McMQcXWP2LrINI/s320/Ty+on+FLoat.JPG" border="0" />For those not able to witness the parade, you are in luck. Uncle Craig captured the following video that shows the troops as they pass by. Notice how much fun the kids (and adults) are having. You can also see a little of Jamie dancing, Tyler on the float, and my causing trouble with another adult (all pretty typical of the evening). My favorite part of the video is that the little Fuller girl is being pulled behind the float as a "princess." Check out how awesome her little wave is...great fun!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxyy3-gaWhkhPVnNDjtStgkAPPICwOWc_P7UWeQ80PPCs7yufDe_H8jabCRuprFHwMqC21LKhGZfYo' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13894974605924117476noreply@blogger.com5