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...

Sludge Baby!!!

As you can tell from the picture, the gall bladder is quite the fine organ. At least, it is when it functions properly. My dear sweet wife's decided not to continue to function properly about a year and a half ago, and usually takes her out of commission for 4 or 5 days.
It is with much happiness that I am proud to announce the birth of our new sludge baby on Wednesday, September 10th, 2008, at 6 p.m. We were scheduled for surgery at 11:45 a.m., but due to emergency surgery, her doctor moved the surgery time back to 2:45 p.m., then to "we'll call you when we're ready, unless you want to reschedule?" Upon explanation that we had taken the remainder of our work week off for this, an agreement was reached. We got the call to head to the hospital at about 4 p.m.
Upon arrival, Amy was prepped for surgery, and then the wait began. At about 6 p.m., they came and took Amy away, and I was sent to the waiting room. I had the pleasure of watching Animal Planet or the Boston Red Sox/Tampa Bay Devil Ray baseball game. So after a few innings, several 4 wheeler magazines, and nearly two hours of nail chewing, the doctor came to talk things over with me.
This surgeon was interesting. Shoulder length brown hair, gold cross on a chain, etc., failed to hide the fact that this guy knew his business. He stated that everything had gone fine, and that Amy should be out of recovery in about 25 minutes. He said that due to the lateness of the hour, he wanted to keep her overnight. Thanks to grandpa and grandma Robinson for stepping in to cover the boys that evening.
So I met my wife in the observation rooms, and helped her transfer herself from one bed to another. The nurse on duty was awesome. His name was Chase, and he and his wife were expecting a baby. The hospital was full, at least, our wing was, but Chase took good care of us. I have to say, though, that I had one long night. Amy was pretty drugged up, and the gas they blew her stomach up with settled in her lungs and shoulder. She needed to breath deep and move to get her gas out. I'm not much of a fan of her releasing gas, but this seemed to be more of a necessity than an evil, so I dealt with it okay.
As the night progressed, the machine Amy was hooked up to kept beeping and waking her up every 20 minutes. I looked it over, and it appeared to beep every time her oxygen stats fell below 90%. So I pushed enough buttons to turn the alarm down to 85%. She was sleeping, and slept at about 89% of saturation. I also managed to turn her IV off, then on again without alerting any one, or at least, hushing the annoying alarm bell. Yeah, I'm quite the hazard around hospital machinery, and should never again be allowed within the walls of a hospital for any extended time period.
She managed to live, though, and pulled through with flying colors that night. Her toughness is amazing. The next morning, Amy was released, and I got her back home. I filled her pain prescription, and kept her medicated to a tolerable pain level the rest of that day. That night, Amy didn't sleep well, and panicked when she couldn't breath. Why she thinks she needs to breathe I'll never know, but we had a long night until she came out on the couch, and was propped up by a pillow. Since then, she has done very well. She is even in the process of making some disgusting tomato based recipe today that makes the house stink. She is taking it easy, and trying not to over do it. I wish she would have forgotten about the tomatos.
So all in all, things went very well with the birth of our sludge baby.
We also had a great time last Saturday as we got together, again, to celebrate Kaden's birthday, again. Amy let me use the camp chef to make dutch oven potatos, and we grilled chicken. Combined with rolls and a salad, a little basketball and motorcycle riding, we had a great evening. We all enjoyed ourselves, and the company of family, and think the rest of the family managed to get along as well. We appreciate all those who showed up and participated.

All about Kaden

Kaden's birthday week long celebration started Saturday, August 30th. Amy was mad but supportive that dad decided not to take the family camping with friends that weekend. A movie was decided upon at the Kaysville theatre in lovely Kaysville, Utah. (Yes, at $2.50 per person, we went on the cheap!! What can I say?) After screening Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, complete with candy, popcorn, and soda pop, the boys were ready for a barbecue.

It was just the five of us, which was awesome, and we had a great time. There's just something about Indiana Jones that makes everyone have a good time. The boys managed to stay interested throughout without a potty break!

Sunday was a very restful day. Amy managed to squeeze in about 20 hours of sleep between Saturday night and Monday morning. The rest of us tried not to wake the growly bear, and mostly succeeded.

Monday morning brought about a phone call from the friends we were supposed to be camping with inviting us to the movie. After sharing the news that we had already gone to Indiana Jones, we invited them to the Kamas Rec center for swimming. With grandpa, grandma, Ashley and Josh all in Logan, we were left to our own devices. We managed to bring everyone home that we started with, so that was a good day. Our friends have three boys that are the same age as our boys, and a little girl Connor likes, so we had fun. Kaden is shown above with his buddy, Morgan, and Connor to the left with his buddy, Blake. We had a blast, and dad and his friend managed to soak the lifeguard with some skillful cannonballs and canopeners!
After several hours of swimming, and a game of pool, the rock wall was opened. As you can see, the boys tried climbing and repelling. Kaden wimped out, Spencer made it to the top, of course, and Connor went about half way up before deciding to repell down. It was a great time, and we got to see grandma and grandpa for a minute.

Grandpa and grandma brought a very thoughtful, appreciated bag of gifts from Josh and Ashley, combined with a very much enjoyed sketch pad.

(Spencer raiding the treat bag at the top of the climbing wall.)

After this, and cheesy bread from the Summit Inn, we made it home for the evening. Not bad for a Labor Day. It was wierd not working or worrying about area coverage, but nice.

The boys had to go to school The rest of the week, but made it through. Wednesday, Kaden's birthday, was a typical day. Dad got home from work, and grilled steaks, while mom went to Ogden and picked up a basketball standard for Kaden. Kaden and dad went to young men, and spent the evening with 20 or 30 of his best ward friends playing human foosball. (Yes, it's a real game!) This weekend, we anticipate another barbecue with family and another opportunity to get together and enjoy each others company. Amy has surgery to remove her gall bladder baby next Wednesday, and I wait with baited breath to see how things work out. I'm taking a few days off to be sure her every need and whim are catered to. Mabey I'll bring HER some frozen peas this time :).

School Days!!

The boys started school this week. Kaden, 8th grade, Spencer, 5th grade, and Connor 1st grade. It makes me feel like Amy is getting so old to have all our kids in school full time. I still think she's hot, though. (Not bad for a 35 year old lady;) Love you babe!

I have a hard time thinking that our Kaden, pictured here, several years ago, (2006) is almost in High School. Where are the glasses, pleasure in life, and boyish desire to play baseball?

Replaced by basketball, Ipod ear buds, backpack, and face cleanser of a teenager. Kaden's greatest desire is to finish writing a book he started. He works on his book unencouraged in his spare time. He is also, I hope, about three years from "testing" dad physically. This is why dad works so hard. Yep, it's to try and keep up with Amy and the boys.

Here is our wonderfully responsible teenager on day 1 of 8th grade. Last year we had him take a full year of band, sewing, cooking, etc., so he could have a greater say in what classes he wanted to take this year. I think he's learning the meaning of our family saying, "Do the things you have to do, then you can do the things you want to do." Me and my freakish obsession with philosophy. It's working, though, as he came home from the first day of school saying that all of this years teachers are so much cooler than all of last years teachers. I also think he likes being one of the oldest kids in school. His birthday is quickly approaching, and he'll hit 14. Great. I get him in teacher's quorum. I think he's looking forward to being released from Deacon's quorum president.

Spencer started 5th grade this year.

He's also made a few changes since 2006 when we lived in Price. I think he was just finishing second grade at the time of this picture. He is so full of life and full of fun. He seems to "attract" a certain type of people that most find offensive. I think it's his adventursome spirit that others are attracted to. He did get the one male teacher available to the 5th grade. He's never had a male teacher, so it should be interesting.

Here he is on his first day of 5th grade, knee immobilizer and all. Of course, he had to remove the imobilizer, pull back the bandage, and show off his stitches. This allowed dad to practice his sweet bandaging skills every day. He only has to have this immobilizer on until the 25th. He asked me if it would hurt when they remove the stitches. I hope it hurts less than when they put them in, because that's what I told him. He is quick to point out my occasional unintentional dishonesty, though, if it does hurt. Amy gets to take him in for stitch removal, so I'm sort of off the hook. Yes, Spencer insisted on a school bag with a single strap. He thought it'd be cooler than a backpack with two straps. He starts gymnastics again in September. Connor starts with him this year. After he heard the high school girls go wild over Spencer's quadrupple back flip during the review in June, Connor wanted a little of that action. That's my little thinker. Go where the hotties are.






This was Connor in 2006. Talk about change in a two year period. He's quite the little man now. This is a long way from his "Sandy" days, when our neighbor across the street watched him while we worked. At least until Kaden got home form school and picked him up.


















This is Mr. Attitude on his first day. I think he was a little worried about going all day to school, but seems to be adjusting just fine. His teacher is from Morgan, and is a likeable lady. We'll see the positives and negatives as we go.






One of the cool things about the start of school is the traditional pinewood derby. This year, however, we got a "space derby" kit.



What the He** is a space derby? Dad can build a car, but a rocket ship? Give me a break. We got the kit near the end of July with the very direct instructions to "build this for our derby sometime in August." Great. I love specific details.


So a week or two ago, dad is messing around with some silicone adhesive caulk, repairing some small household necessity, when he gets the idea to "caulk" the space ship thingy together. So I did. Well, last Tuesday evening at 2045 hours, (8:45 p.m.) our phone rang. This is 15 minutes past sleepy time, so I was very happy to groggily fall from the couch, bounce from the floor, shake my head around a few times, and mumble, "hullo" into the receiver. Yes, I was being informed that the space derby was to be held Wednesday, the very next day, at 1830 hours, (6:30 p.m.) This happens to be about the time mom and I get home from work. After a quick debate about supporting our kids and the church, and how wonderful a gift knowledge and timely information is, a basic shape was formed via hand sander. Kaden was left in charge of painting the rocket, which turned out to be a colorful, patriotic, red, white and blue with white dots for stars in the field of blue, and black flames near the back. The picture just does not do the excellent paint job justice. Well, we took first in the races where dad wound the propeller. Spencer actually wound the propeller backwards one time, (the second time) and we flew the rocket backwards into the starting pole. No, we didn't win them all, but we didn't loose them all either, and the boys got to actively participate in a great rocket building experience. The sight of a wooden red, white, and blue hand made rocket ship flying backwards into the starting pole was simply awesome.





Here are the boys pre-rocket ship flying backwards experience. Connor rolled the paper into one of the strongest ninja swords known to man. He has some skills in the martial arts area that should pay off in gymnastics.




To rant a little, it is so helpful for those in charge to actually provide accurate, reliable information to those unfortunate enough to actually have to do the work in a timely manner. This allows the peon insubordinates time to actually help the program succeed, and helps you look good. I've also discovered if you happen to be the unfortunate one in the leadership position, that it helps you look better as a leader. Okay, moving beyond the rant.

Dr. V.'s dental office, newly opened in Coalville, hired a young lady from the one dental office in existence. Of couse, she was getting married this week, which makes my beautiful wife have to assist him, take care of the patients, and do it all. One more week of this, and they should be back to full staff. It is humbling to hear her talk about running from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. or so every day without a break. They are so busy, that this is what has to be done. Job security is a great thing. Amy mentioned that since the first of August, their office has added 68 new patients. Thanks to my talented, hard working, sexyful wife for working so hard.

In my world, I had to re-schedule taking the written promotional exam until October. The reason was because I was asked to teach an ethics and professionalism class to our new cadets. My topics were specifically workplace harassment and cultural diversity. I think it's part of an initiation to new POST employees. Give them the crappiest jobs. Well, I didn't get to work until late, thanks to a Utah driver leaving the North bound I15 lane of travel, tearing up the median cable, and landing in the South bound lanes. Way to go, dorkfish, I appreciate the Utah courtesy, and by the time I got the days fires put out, I just didn't have enough time to prepare a lesson plan. So I re-scheduled, and spent two hours on power point. I think it'll work out, though, because I can prepare better for the written exam in October. I hope to simply make the roster next year, and be an option for promotion. If I actually am hired as a section commander, (Lieutenant), it's as far as I can go without being appointed to Captain, Major, or whatever. Permanent rank will remain Lieutenant. With over 16 Lieutenant spots reachable from where we live, and be a Lieutenant, I think it's worth a shot. Yes, if offered a position in an unreachable position, we move again. 12 moves in 15 years is enough, so it'd be great to stay somewhere. We've been in Morgan for just over two years, now, so the timing is getting right to move on. If only the national economy would cooperate. By the way, the boys had a lively discussion on Obama last night, with Spencer spouting his concerns, and indoctrinating Connor. Thanks, grandma. I will be sure to vote in November, so I feel entitled to complain during the next four years.

August

I decided not be be a jerk, and actually post something to our blog. Amy should help me with this, but I hope we can all contribute a little something.









August has proven to be a fun month so far! Harley went to Indianapolis for an International Conference, and loved it! Indianapolis is a very clean town, with a lot to see and do in the downtown area. I got to walk around and see some of the city. I was impressed with the state tributes to our vetrans, and the overall cleanliness of the city. This picture is from the top of one of the memorials, and looks at a library. Harley is an instructor at the Utah Police Academy, and is the state coordinator for the Drug Recognition Expert program, which is why he was in Indianapolis.


Amy has had some abdominal pain that hits her on occasion and causes her about a weeks worth of intense pain. This has gone on for the last year and a half or so. She finally made an appointment with the local doctor, or nurse practioner, who had no clue what was going on. They were quick to reccomend an ultrasound, which we had the next day, (Thursday the 14th). Nope, she's not pregnant. :) She does have to have her gall bladder removed, which we will schedule to have done soon. This dampens our enthusiasm for completing the Ogden half-triathalon in September. We'll just have to try again, mabey next year. This is a picture of our beautiful mommy participating in our favorite family activity.





The same day we discovered Amy's good news, and how to solve her issue, Spencer was at Scouts working on his First-Aid skill award. They had finished, and he was in the parking lot riding his bike around. He tried to wheelie over the curb and onto the sidewalk, but came down a little short. The final result of this escapade was a nice, beautiful deep, boyish type cut over his right kneecap. Sure enough, this was a little beyond first-aid skills, and he had to have stitches. The doctor put two internal stitches over his right knee cap, then put in about 12 more to close the cut. Spencer winced and grabbed my hand during the numbing shot, but then relaxed, and actually laughed as the doctor closed the cut. He is in a knee imobilizer to keep the knee from bending for the next ten days. Poor kid! He is sure a strong minded little guy, and impressed the heck out of his dad during the ordeal.
Spencer watched the doctor stitch him up! He was asking questions about the subcutaneous tissue, and all sorts of intelligent things. Sorry for the sideways view, but it shows the little man's interest in what he had happen to him.















Kaden was at Scout camp making, like, an infinity of boondoggle key chains, and we were short babysitters during the first week of August. We got help from Grandma Robinson, Ashley, and Grandma Watkins. We sure appreciate them and all their help. It is sure nice to have him back playing rockband with his brothers! Connor has sweet guitar skills.






During this same week, Deputies from Summit county and Harley's old road crew hit a drug jackpot.




This is a picture of a "suicide load" of marijuana. It weighed in at about 400 pounds of green leafy substance. The suspect was a man about 60 years old. There was around 53 pounds in the front, and then the rest under the Toneau cover in the pickup bed. The Deputy in the "trophy shot" has a K9, and has worked the road with his dog for the last 6-9 months. This was his first big pop. What a way to start! Guess what? Cops don't have to have permission to search when you can smell the contraband!



Connor is excited to start first grade next week. He is sure getting big. We were blessed with a visit from Aunt Aletha and Uncle Kevin. The boys and dad got to ride the motorcycles, and had a great time. We appreciate the time we had to be with Aletha and Kevin. Connor sure had fun!

Yes, Connor wore his peddal bike helmet. Safety first!