Happenings

Connor is 7!!! He's getting so old! We had a great birthday party for him with family, cake, ice cream, and presents. He had a blast, and we appreciate those coming who could make it. He's also lost both of his front teeth!

He'd truly be the pride of the trailer park.

This is the view from the front porch today, and as you can see, it's not so bad. We've decided to start on our basement, and will start with a bedroom and bathroom down stairs within the next week or two. We're staying put for 2009, with no move in sight. This is an indirect result of being #13 on the Lieutenants roster.

We took a look at the economy, and realized that we are fine right where we are. I still have a lot of work to do with my program, but it keeps getting better all the time.

The lady that worked in the Magna office for Amy's boss quit with no notice a few weeks ago. Of course, Amy felt it a duty to help where she could, so she is driving down to her old office once a week to help straighten out their mess. I think it sucks, and so does she.

Kaden is doing well, and brought his grades up to where they ought to be. This helps him maintain the privelege of a cell phone. Luckily we have unlimited texting, as he used 9468 texts last month. I went ballistic anyway. Freakin' kids need to learn to talk and communicate. We decided to keep the New York Giant's wall paper up, even though they lost in a playoff game. I like it better than the Steelers or the Cardnials, whoever wins out in this years Superbowl. Even though I'm a Columbia Cougar, mabey I'll go for Utah Red, as they were the only undefeated college team that merited a bowl game, and should be the #1 ranked team in the nation. Go get 'em Shurtleff, and see if you have any luck breaking the trust that is the BCS. That's a good use of taxpayer money during a financial crunch.

Winter Vacation

Winter vacation!! The boys have had two weeks off with no school, Amy has two weeks with little work, (A half day here and there) and I have two weeks use it or loose it time. Seems like a great time to take a home vacation.

We just have to figure out a way to keep Connor from loosing all his teeth. He does have a seventh birthday coming up in a few days, so I guess it's time to lose a few.

Our week leading up to Christmas was filled with a LOT of snow. It was nice not to have to worry about my crew getting slid into on a crash scene, dealing with onery UDOT workers who don't want to plow roads, drivers swearing they were driving slow, yet end up in the ditch, median, overturned, or worse. Grandpa, (Amy's dad) did get hit while going down Provo canyon. Four young teenage drivers were traveling at around 50 mph, hit into grandpa, then slid into oncoming traffic. They got t-boned, killing two of them. Sorry for the loss, but give me a break.

I got to stay inside and make puzzles instead! This is the second of two we made in about a three day period.

Our Christmas was nice, with low stress. We went over to Amy's parents Christmas Eve for dinner. Amy's brother Adam had his family there, along with sister's Ashlee and Aletha's families, it was nice. We all brought something, and served the meal buffet style, which seemed to help with grandma's stress level, and allowed us all to eat way more than we should have of the things we wanted most of all.

Our Christmas was a lazy day. The boys received a Wii and several games for it. Spencer already smoked us all in bowling and tennis. I managed to knock him out. In Wii boxing. Mom and Con pretty much play golf like I do in reality, so much practice is needed in this area, which, I am sure, will come with time.

Yesterday, we went across the street again, and slid down the hill again. Ashlee and Josh came over, and we had some friends join us as well. We created a jump and spent a few hours conquering it. No major injuries this time. The boys even stood on the sleds a few times and used them as modified snow boards. The new snow pants, coats, and gloves provided from grandpa and grandma's Christmas money were nice. We appreciate them! I'll modify this post in a few days, after my buddy emails me the pics from the day.

First Winter Snow

The first significant snowfall of the winter hit us pretty good yesterday. We ended up with about 6 inches of fresh powder on the ground here in Morgan. It was sweet justification for my last years Christmas gift I bought for myself, the SNOWTHROWER!!

I used it once or twice last year, but have already used it three times this year. My neighbors to both sides are from the South, so we pitched in and helped them out.

Today, we walked across the street and hit the slope. Our plastic sleds managed to pick up some speed, and moved the boys right along. We all had a good time, until Amy hit a rock, breaking a snow sled, and bruising her region. Looks like a long cold winter for me :(

Amy's work party was last week, at Taggart's Grill. Her boss sure treats us well, and the bonus was nice. I took my 4 hour's paid leave from the governor Thursday, and with two weeks use it or loose it time, I'm done working for the year. We graduated our last class of cadets Wednesday. It was awesome to see them make it out alive. We are still waiting to see where I placed on the Lieutenants roster. It is nice not to really care about it, because I'm happy where I am and with what I'm doing.

Thanksgiving

So Amy talked me into going to Blanding for our Thanksgiving holiday. I had been called by a friend about providing a course in Field Sobriety testing sometime, so the Friday after Thanksgiving seemed like a good time to take care of this.

We left Wednesday after Amy got home from work, and drove down to Blanding in a rain storm. I should have picked up on the subtle hint that my mood just wasn't going to get any better than the weather, and given up, but nope, I'm stupid.

The above picture is looking North from mom and dad's driveway. This was Saturday morning just prior to leaving for home. After the rain finally quit.

Well, when we got to mom and dad's they were gone. Turns out, one of my sisters decided this would be a good time to leave her husband and bring her two kids to Blanding. Trouble in paradise for them, and repetative drama all week.

There was quite a load at mom's house for the feast. With the five of us, two of my parents, Jan and her kids, then my other sister, her husband, his brother, and their son, I'm sort of surprised we were able to fit.

The best day was actually Friday when I taught my class. Amy and the boys got to go see some friends from Blanding, and had a great time. I am so glad they did.

Kaden even went to the Twilight movie with his buddy's cute twin sisters. Wow. Two for one. Go Kaden.

Right after coming home, Connor got to get up in front of his first grade class and tell his story about being mad. He did fine, and gratefully wasn't chosen to go to Weber State. Grandpa and grandma Robinson got to go and see him. I got to see his performance via digital video camera.

Things here are well for the most part. We are supposed to be in a HOA, but our money seems to go to pay for everyone else's sprinkler systems and snow removal. Our neighbor contacted us, and we agreed that it was unfair. After a meeting, and retaining an attorney, we are looking at forming our own HOA. The one that was supposed to be in place was never filed, so it's a real cluster. Part of our ward members think we hate the other part, and are taking it out on Amy. I am used to being hated, so it doesn't bother me. I think she is secretly hoping I can make it high enough on the Lieutenants roster to force a move from here. I am secretly hoping for the same thing. There are currently two open Captains positions, meaning there is potential for two Lieutenants spots to open somewhere next year. The roster should be out within the next three weeks. I guess I'll always have the tent trailer to live in if I have to move before we sell the house. I am deathly afraid of getting the Moab spot though. I'd almost rather stay right where I am.

Changes

Changes. I like that word. At the first of the month, Amy and I turned our Toyota 4 Runner back in. This was a hard thing to do, as we loved our 4 Runner, and the Toyota reliability. Amy shed a few tears over the loss, but in my kind, sensitive, loving way, I reminded her, that when you've crashed as many cars as I have, "It's just a flippin' car." We had it detailed before turning it in, and it worked out well for us. It sure looked great after doing this, but we decided to check the equity in it before we bought it. We would have lost a LOT of money, so turning it in was the right choice for us.

As the month progressed, Spencer was disappointed that Obama won the election, so he took a school purchased US news report, drew a bulls eye with an arrow through it, and put it on a picture of President Obama's forehead. He then stuck his pencil through it. Yep. We got a letter on that one. I just don't think I've convinced him that we need to support and unite, and then take exception to the ruination of our country during the next opportunity. We'll see how it goes. He has been going to the orthodontist, and has an appliance in his mouth designed to create space so his teeth grow in properly. We get to adjust it every day.

Morgan school district choose to have all the students in the elementary school share their story telling skills with their class mates. The class winners will then compete at the first of December. The winners in each grade get to go to Weber State to compete in a story telling festival. Connor read and memorized Mercer Mayers "I was so mad" and won his class contest. He goes in front of the first grade on December 4th to try and win his grade level. He worked hard on this, and does a great job with his delivery, stomping his feet, and everything.

Amy overcame her disappointment later in the month, though, when she let me get rid of her Saturn. I hated that car. We replaced the 4 Runner and the Saturn with a new Camry.

I like this car a LOT more than the Saturn. This one Amy doesn't have to worry about putting miles on. I like knowing she will get to and from work safely.

I also can't believe Amy talked me into going to Blanding for Thanksgiving. I scheduled a training session at the college there on Friday, the 28th, so we'll be taking the unmarked patrol car, and working the day after the holiday. This will be the first time in three years that we've actually gone to Blanding. I would rather have gone to North Dakota. I will take my camera, though, and hope to get some pictures of the sunsets. There is nothing I know of like the sunsets in Southern Utah. I also expect the results of the Lieutenants exam to come out by the end of December to see where I placed. This is probably the last year I'll be willing to move anywhere.

Halloween Party!!

Of all the days of the week to have Halloween, this year landed on a Friday. Thursday, after finishing a workout consisting of back and bicep work followed by a short 5 mile jaunt, I settled in for the rest of my work day. As I was evaluating the radar course I had just completed teaching to the cadets in the academy, Amy called. Of course, she's the priority of my day as she is my world, so my attention immediately went to her needs and issues. She asked if I would care if Ashley and mabey her mom and dad came over on Halloween. Being as focused as I often am on her needs and wants, I, of course, said "yes, absolutely. It'd be great fun."

So, Friday afternoon, Ashley, Josh, Kaybree, Daimen, and grandpa and grandma came over, which was wonderful, just so we clear that up right up front. Seriously. Morgan was having a trunk or treat for the little ones on main street at 3:30, followed by a carnival. We decided not to go, and to just let the kids play while we hung out. Great.

Monday, we carved pumpkins with my buddies family. He was in San Diego finishing the last of 8 weeks of training in administration of the lie detector tests we like to give to lying sacks of sh** who like to be less than truthful during our POST investigations.

Mabey we should have just shown them our sweet pumpkin carving abilities. Mabey THAT would intimidate them into telling the truth.

So, anyway, we finished dinner(s). and headed out for the evening. Living where we do, we chose to go up hill first, knowing it would be all downhill from there. Yes, some of the neighbors had full size candy bars. Reeses, M&M's, etc. Sweet!! Spencer dressed up like the Grim Reaper, Connor like the master chief on Halo. Kaybree was naturally a beautiful witch instead of an ugly one, and Daimen was Batman. Until he stepped on his cape and fell backwards off the porch. Then he was tired, and Amy got to carry him around. Luckily, it only took about an hour and a half or so before we got to this point. In the mean time, grandpa and grandma got to give out tricks or treats in our absence. So all in all, it worked out well for me. The only problem is going to be getting rid of the candy before Christmas. It usually takes us a while. The good stuff goes before Thanksgiving, then the Sweet tarts and flavored tootsie rolls hang on for ever. That's what a trash can is for. Sometimes it's good to be the garbage disposal for the family. This is, after all, the role of a father.

After tiring the kids out, and then jacking them up on sugar, we decided to try a game until the sugar rush was over. My wonderful, sweet, beautiful, gorgeous, competative wife begin to get a little fired up, so Ashley wisely choose to end the game prior to the shedding of blood. Well played, Ashley. Well played. We sure enjoyed seeing those who came, and appreciate their willingness to come spend time with us.

The boys had the end of the semester within the last couple of weeks. Connor is reading exceptionally well, and is doing some math. He is a great student, and has an awesome teacher for first grade. He likes school, and is happy there. Spencer is also doing well in 5th grade. This is the year they start with the letter grades. I guess straight A's isn't bad. He is having fun at gymnastics, and Connor was asked to go to the same class as Spencer. Not bad to have a 6 year old and a 10 year old in the advanced class. Kaden is getting straight A's as well. We let him choose, and he picked guitar lessons over basketball this year. We're just happy he's doing what he wants to do.

Amy has been doing great at work, and is feeling a lot better following removal of her sludge baby. The father of the dentist she works for died Thursday night, so she has been extra busy arranging the schedule. She also got emotional when we turned our leased 4 Runner back in. We are waiting for final billing to replace it with something else. She'll get what she wants, as she usually does, as far as a replacement is concerned.

I passed all parts of the promotional exam. This includes the written exam, PT test, interview, and in-basket. A list should come out in December sometime with the placement. We'll know then if we will be invited to interview for any potential Lieutenants positions based on roster ranking. I am currently enrolled in school, Tuesday and Thursday nights from 8-10:30 p.m. I am down to 7 classes to receive my bachelors. The one class at a time makes it easier to struggle through, but drags it out significantly.

Speaking of dragging things out, I have scheduled a class in San Juan county on November the 28th. We'll go to Blanding for Thanksgiving, then I'll teach field sobriety refresher and introduction to Drug Recognition the next day. We're looking forward to our first visit to Blanding in 3 years. Should be fun.

Family Fun night

Spencer and Connor brought home an announcement for "family fun night" last week. This lovely event was to be held at Morgan Elementary school from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on October 9th. Being the ultimate participant in every community and school event that comes my way, I dragged making dinner out as long as possible, then headed over to the school at about 6 p.m. There were various games, relay races, a bounce house, etc. Of course, the boys liked playing on the playground best of all, and spent a little time "fishing", in the bounce house, and face painting. It was a lot of fun, for them, though, as cold as it was.
Of course, the boys had to get a car painted on their faces. This ended up being a great time for the boys to get out and do a little something different.
Kaden has had a pretty good month as well. His buddy wanted him to get a bass guitar. Kaden went to his buddy's music lessons, and checked out the music equipment while his buddy had his lesson. He then called Amy to ask if he could buy a bass guitar. We'd discussed this, and asked him why a bass instead of another type, and he had no reason, other than that is what his buddy wanted him to get. Kaden had put 10% of his earnings into savings, and paid tithing, so we didn't feel like we had much to say about how he spent the money he earned this summer. So, a REGULAR electric guitar, Peavy amp, cables, guitar case, and picks are now owned by Kaden. His guitar is some limited black and red number that actually sounds cool when he plays Ozzy's "Iron Man." Takes dad back to the high school days. Mabey I'll take up hunting animals again instead of legal violators. Just thinking of the old philosohpy I had, "If it flies, it dies." Wow. That same night, grandma Robinson stopped by with some plums. Apparently, someone in the house is having "issues." Oh wait, it's PRUNES that help with old folks tummy troubles. In reality, the plums were for jam, as Amy gets domestic now and again, and makes delicious jams and jellies. The peach jam she made is soooo good. You can see grandma likes it. I put it on some ice cream Sunday, and it was awesome. I look forward to having something made with plums. Better than tomatos.

Things at Amy's work are busy as ever. She was telling me that she is booked for appointments until the end of November, and has room for only one emergency appointment a day until then. She is so awesome and hot, it makes me realize how lucky I am to have her as my wife. Although she did try to get me to eat instant oatmeal that expired in 2003. "That's not bad, is it?" I made it, and the first bite made my choice pretty clear as to what to do with the cereal. No wonder we had tummy troubles. One bite shouldn't have been such a big deal. As for me, work is going great. I like working with the academy cadets. Here is a cadet workout for everyone to try. It's a good one that only takes 15-20 minutes to do. I use this as a test to see how my cadets are progressing physically.
100 Air Squats (For explanations, ask in the comment section!)
30 Box Jumps, 24" box
30 Push Ups
30 Lunge Jumps
30 Sit Ups
30 Burpees
Cross 50' by broadjumping
800 Meter run
50 Air squats
10 Pushups
50 Airsquats
10 pushups
Time yourself, and see if you improve from week to week. Let me know how it goes...