Check out Benjamin's new home!

I started my day with a nice visit with a former missionary companion, Kelly Smith, his wife Linsey, and their family.  Thanks for a great breakfast and fun conversation!

After a few hours on the road, I stopped to see Benjamin and his new place.  I have included pictures (I wish they were better!) of the entrance and of Benjamin standing in his new living room by his couch.  You deserve the room, I'm really happy for you!  (And thanks for sharing dinner and converstion with me too!)

Checking out Blue Highways with Becca

After seeing clients today, I got to spend the evening with Becca.  It was fun seeing her campus from her eyes -- I especially enjoyed the Gardens.  Very colorful, amazing variety and display.  What a treat!

The campus tour gave us an appetite for dinner, so we headed to one of Becca's favorites, Wingers.  We got full so waited until later for dessert, and instead headed out to see some fun back roads near her -- to the towns of Sugar City, Teton, St. Anthony, and Parker.  There are also some amazing sand dunes we found.  So now she has a visual of some of the places she hears the people she works and studies with talk about.  We had a great time, then were ready for dessert at Cold Stone, followed by a stop across the street to WalMart where we had our capstone of the evening--a license plate that I tried to get a picture of but got bright flash instead as you can see.

What you can't see is the personalized Idaho license plate ... MAXIMUS.

That made us both smile.  A great evening!

.

Seeing Cousins

I was in West Valley tonight seeing my cousins Margo, Rachelle, and Jennifer Hoyt after finishing my work with clients for the day. It was a lot of fun seeing them and swapping stories. Doug Jr would have liked dinner--I was initiated to Five Guys Burgers and Fries which along with soft drinks are literally the only items on the menu. Not even milkshakes. I had lettuce, tomato, cheese, grilled onions and mushrooms, and barbeque sauce on mine and it was indeed very good!

Get Out to Push

A little after 7 am today, my phone vibrated with this message,


“When our wagon gets stuck in the mud, God is much more likely to assist the man who gets out to push than the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.”

 -- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Two Principles for Any Economy,” Ensign, Nov. 2009, 56-57

I really appreciate receiving these Daily Gems from The Church of Jesus Christ. 

It is wonderful to me how volumes can be spoken in a single sentence, and I admire those who can do it.

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I dwelled on verses 40-44 of Moroni 7 today.  The LDS Institute Manual, pages 392-3, is a wealth of information on these verses, and they are most encouraging to a soul such as mine, putting one foot in front of the other in faith and hope that I can cling to the rod and make it through the daily challenges of this life better for the experience.

In a non-eloquent sentence chain, it goes like this:  Faith is essential and it is built on hope.  Faith and hope are both built on complete charity, being the pure love of Christ where one finds their self by truly caring about others.  Faith, hope, and charity all require meekness.

Neal Maxwell succinctly explained that "meekness does not translate to weakness, but ‘it is the presentation of self in a posture of kindness and gentleness. It reflects certitude, strength, serenity; it reflects a healthy self-esteem and a genuine self-control’".

 --Neal A. Maxwell, “Meekly Drenched in Destiny,” in Brigham Young

University 1982–83 Fireside and Devotional Speeches [1983]

I hope to keep practicing these principles throughout the rest of my life.  After all, the Lord is much more likely to assist the man who actively works at developing faith, hope, charity, and meekness than "the man who merely raises his voice in prayer—no matter how eloquent the oration.”

And The Beat Goes On

That was the title of a luncheon speech I heard at the Dixie Regional Medical Center today.  I have been a member of a professional advisory council that meets quarterly there for about two years, and have found the presentations to be interesting.

So why the title "And The Beat Goes On"?  We heard from Dr. Roger Millar, a cardiothoracic surgeon who is the founder of the open-heart surgery program at our local hospital.  He came to St. George six years ago to start the program, and is quite enthusiastic about what they have been able to accomplish.  They don't do heart transplants or artificial hearts here, but valve replacements, bypasses, and much more.  It was very exciting to learn some more about the great resources that have become available here.  My cancer radiation treatments were another example of this.

Dr. Millar was not only an enthusiastic speaker, but has received the American Heart Association's Heart of Gold Award in recognition of his advancements in cardivascular surgery and the field of heart disease.

I enjoyed my lunch (catered by Cafe Rio by the way) and this experience very much!

I Miss This

Smiling Emma!

I had a great day -- but the highlight had to be seeing this in my picture mail today!  Love her sweet contagious smile!  (Yes, grandpa is biased and that's OK!)

Headed Home

This will be brief tonight.  I saw an old friend early this morning, then made a new friend a little later in the morning, then made the several hour drive home.  I had to make a lot of pit stops, but made it in good shape.  I'm tired from the trip, but glad I went and got some important things done.

I'm also glad to be home!

This picture was taken by Penny Rieck on her way through a couple weeks ago when we were all here.  I got a copy of it in my e-mail today.  This group is definitely worth working hard for and coming home to!

Flood Your Life With Brilliant Light

I continued my study of the topic of faith, hope, and charity in Moroni 7 this morning.  The LDS Institute Manual (click the underlined link and then go to pages 391-2 if you'd like to read it in full), had this gem in it,

"Apostles counseled us on what it means to have faith in Jesus Christ:

'To gain unshakable faith in Jesus Christ is to flood your life with brilliant light. You are no longer alone to struggle with challenges you know you cannot resolve or control yourself, for He said, ‘If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me’ (Moroni 7:33; italics added).

'If you are despondent, racked by transgression, are ill, alone, or desperately in need of comfort and support, I solemnly testify that the Lord will help you when you carefully obey the spiritual law upon which that help is predicated. He is your Father. You are His child. He loves you. He will never let you down. I know He will bless you'"

  -- Elder Richard G. Scott in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 118; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 86

Elder Scott has a very distinctive voice.  In my mind I can hear him say these words as I read them.  There is something very soothing and reassuring about hearing him say this.  (I tried to post a link to an actual recording, but am finding that 1997 is as far back as the audio/video archives of LDS General Conference goes online.  If you know how to help me with this, please do ... thanks!)

Good News and Good Views

As I pulled into the parkiing lot of a client for an appointment today, I got a phone call from the office of one of my doctors.  I am scheduled to go in next week for a six month checkup following the completion of radiation treatments and monthly blood tests since the last visit in February.

They told me my PSA has been steadily dropping and the last reading (not quite two weeks ago) was 0.03, the lowest ever.  So, "congratulations, you are now on quarterly blood tests and we'll call you for an appointment in six more months!"

How's that for good news!

My last appointment today was near enough to the beach that I could smell it in the air.  So ... I did some checking and found it was a 10 minute drive to

Sunset Beach, near where Warner Ave reaches Pacific Coast Hwy in Orange County, CA.

I parked the car, walked up this short path, and just stood at the top for a few minutes to enjoy this view

and breathe in the sea air!

Music and My Moods

The LDS Daily Gem today is

“Music can help you draw closer to your Heavenly Father. It can be used to educate, edify, inspire, and unite. However, music can, by its tempo, beat, intensity, and lyrics, dull your spiritual sensitivity. You cannot afford to fill your minds with unworthy music.”

--Thomas S. Monson, “Preparation Brings Blessings,” Ensign, May 2010, 66 (the whole talk is great!)

I have mentioned before how I enjoy a wide variety of music.  It definitely affects my moods.  It also has gradually influenced my preparation to consistently learn from Abraham Lincoln's observation, "I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."

I not only know firsthand of that truth, but I have gradually changed my music listening habits, not that I have changed what I like to hear, but that I choose to listen to music that helps me be more sensitive to the Spirit at all times and especially when kneeling in prayer.

If we really have nowhere else to go (and we don't), isn't it worth making a personal commitment to having the best possible experience when we go to our knees?

A Little History and An Old Picture Tonight

It's quiet here tonight.  Everyone is gone.  I liked it with everyone here!  Thanks so much for coming and sharing true joy with Willyne and me!

Since it is quiet, I'm going to share a little history with you tonight.  The picture above was taken of my sixth grade class a few days before we moved on to junior high school.  We had a "winter" class, meaning we finished sixth grade the last week of January and the very next week we went to seventh grade at our new school.  I remember being quite excited about it at the time.

What brings this up now is that one of our classmates, Peggy Sonoda (fifth from the left in the first row) just posted her copy of this picture on Facebook.  I knew most of the people, and thanks to Brad Bobbs, (who is standing next to me in the back row and whom several of you have met in our home when he came through with some of his sons to hike in Zion Park a few years ago) they are all identified as follows:

First Row: Judy Schrut, Bob Grossman, Tatiana Stanton, Claudia Hirtz, Peggy Sonoda, Michael Herman, Andrea Baerwald, Denise Goldstein, Kristy Harmon, Chuck Dubin.

Second Row: Scott Fishman, James Canter, Dana Severy, Eric Bradley, Neil Solarz, Kathy Erteman, David Lasoff, Randy Rockney.

Third Row: John Warshawer, Karen Fink, David Gilbert, Martha Ourieff, John Stern, Barbara Zipperman, Blair Thurman, Carolyn Piper.

Fourth Row: Mrs. McMurray, Doug Beecher, Brad Bobbs, Christina Bercovici, Sue Beckstead, Gary Goldenfeld, Steve Fishman, Jonathan Faraday, Lorilee Jennings, Tom Goldenberg.

I can tell you that posting this picture created a lot of excitement among those who are in the picture, all these years later.  For anyone else, well you can see what I looked like at age 11 on a good day and perhaps it is interesting to see how people dressed for class pictures back then.  Enjoy!

Random Thoughts On A Hot Summer Night

Pretty standard mid-July day.  Hot.  At least it dropped to 108 today, it was 112 the last four days.  I like to say that you put up with the six hottest weeks of the year here so you can be here to enjoy the rest of the year.  Maybe I'm getting older, maybe it was the radiation treatments, maybe it really was hotter this year.  I will admit I have gotten dizzy a few times with the heat this year, so I've had to be careful.  And that's OK.

We had horrible viruses hit the two computers we use at the house a week ago.  I wound up replacing one computer completely and had to complete clean the other and restore everything.  Tonight I'm just finishing up with the "restore everything" part.  I've lost track of how much time it has taken, but I think it has passed 20 hours.  Wow.  I'm glad it's about over...

The best part of the day was watching the movie Chicken Run with Ethan and Kate.  They decided it was a good night for Grandpa to be goofy.  This means lots of hugs and general fun.  I really look forward to those nights!

Fortunately Time Goes Quickly

Another wonderful Sunday.  Josh and Megan and their children, and Hilary came for dinner of barbeque chicken, potatoes, corn, and amazing cake served with strawberries.  Kevin was still here too, he left after dinner.  Benjamin, bless his heart, was here a third weekend in a row.  He goes home tomorrow.

It has been a wonderful time having our family all together for several weeks.  It will seem so quiet in just a couple days ... fortunately time goes quickly -- when you're waiting for the next chance to be together, that's when it is fortunate that it does...

Apricots!

I was part of a volunteer crew canning apricots this morning at The Church of Jesus Christ Welfare Cannery in St. George.  Took this picture as we were leaving a noon and a new volunteer crew was coming on.  They are good apricots, someone who needs them will really enjoy them!

In the afternoon and evening it was family time -- the final weekend here before Rachel, Maggie, and Emma head home (Tuesday morning).  Swimming, Mario Kart, homemade chocolate malted crunch ice cream, good times!

With Real Intent

It is interesting to me how our Heavenly Father blesses us step by step.  Yesterday I was reminded that knowledge (or testimony, if you will) of the Saviour is a key to walking peaceably through life (an increasingly challenging but infinitely rewarding task).

Today, my e-mail had this sweet message in it first thing this morning,

“To gain a testimony, you must nourish it step by step. ‘[Your testimony] will increase as you make decisions to keep the commandments. As you lift and strengthen others, you will see your testimony continue to develop.’ ”

-- Mary N. Cook, “Never, Never, Never Give Up!” Ensign, May 2010, 118, quoted in LDS Daily Gems, July 16, 2010. (you can subscribe to these daily thoughts by e-mail or RSS feed for free at this link)

I noticed with interest Sister Cook's recommendations for nourishing a testimony step by step:  By making decisions to keep the commandments and by lifting and strengthening others. This was a sweet reinforcement of my recent reading and prayerful pondering. 
 
Later in the morning I continued reading in Moroni 7, this time focusing on verses 5-11, which included the following,

 

"5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their works ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also.  6  ... for if [a man] offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.  ... 11 For behold, a bitter fountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he follow Christ he cannot be a servant of the devil."

 

I then read from pages 388-9 of the LDS Institute Manual about these verses.  I recommend all of it, and will quote a portion here, in which Elder Dallin H. Oaks discussed the meaning and importance of the words "with real intent",

 

“. . . Scriptures make clear that in order to purify our service in the Church and to our fellowmen, it is necessary to consider not only how we serve, but also why we serve.  People serve one another for different reasons, and some reasons are better than others. . . . We should all strive to serve for the reasons that are highest and best. 

“. . . By way of illustration, and without pretending to be exhaustive, I will suggest six reasons. I will discuss these in ascending order from the lesser to the greater reasons for service.

“[1] Some may serve for hope of earthly reward. . . .

“[2] Another reason for service— . . . to obtain good companionship. . . .

“[3] Some may serve out of fear of punishment. . . .

“[4] Other persons may serve out of a sense of duty or out of loyalty to friends or family or traditions. . . .

“[5] One such higher reason for service is the hope of an eternal reward. . . .

“[6] . . . The highest reason of all. . . . Charity. . . .

 

-- Ensign, Nov. 1984, pages 12–15

 

I feel wonderful just letting these inspired thoughts pass through my head, and am deeply appreciative of my Heavenly Father for leading me to them.

A "Peaceable Walk"

I had an 8 am appointment to get the oil changed in my car, and was more than ready to start walking again.  So, we get multitasking, passionately smiling tortoise style.  I took the car over and then headed out on a two mile walk instead of sitting in the lobby waiting.  My Blackberry sent me e-mails from work, which I answered while I walked.  I smiled at the thought of how much better I was feeling walking and working than sitting and working.  This picture was taken about the midway point of the walk, near the corner of 400 West and 170 South streets.  I was hoping to get the details of the bluff in the distance, it really is unique to look at. 

I finished the walk in 47 minutes, no speed record, mostly I wanted to get moving again and looked for a route with as much shade (trees) as I could find.  My car was ready, I said hello to Fred Thomas and David Wilson.  I talked with Fred about "Driven", the life story of Larry H. Miller that I recently read and he was there reading in the waiting room.  Fred was especially enjoying it because he had played softball with Larry earlier in life and so could personally relate to much of what was in the book.  We agreed that Larry wasn't perfect (who is?) but he was a great example of what happens when you focus your energies on good goals and set out with persistence and determination to accomplish them. 

I really recommend this book to anyone, not just sports fans, car enthusiasts, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ!

I came home, and continued deep reading in Moroni 7.  The LDS Institute manual (click on the underlined words, then head to page 388 if you'd like to follow along with me) asks an interesting question about verses 3-4, "What does it mean to be a "peaceable follower" of Christ and to have a "peaceable walk"? (see also D&C 19:23)""

Verses 3-4 say,

"3 Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven. "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me. "

4 And now my brethren, I judge these things of you because of your peaceable walk with the children of men. "
 
The Institute manual has a meaningful quote that helps answer the above question.  I have highlighted particular portions that apply to the question,
 

"After quoting Moroni 7:3, President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) wrote:  “This is a very significant passage. The rest here referred to is not physical rest, for there is no such thing as physical rest in the Church of Jesus Christ.  Reference is made to the spiritual rest and peace which are born from a settled conviction of the truth in the minds of men. We may thus enter into the rest of the Lord today, by coming to an understanding of the truths of the gospel. . . . Not all need to seek this rest, for there are many who now possess it, whose minds have become satisfied, and who have set their eyes upon the mark of their high calling with an invincible determination in their hearts to be steadfast in the truth, and who are treading in humility and righteousness the path marked out for the Saints who are complacent followers of Jesus Christ. . . .

“I thank our Father that I have come to a knowledge of this truth, that I know that Jesus is the Christ, in whom alone there is rest and salvation. As God lives, they are deceived who follow men and their philosophies; but happy are they who enter into the rest of the peaceable followers of Christ, obtaining sufficient hope from this time henceforth until they

shall rest with him in heaven” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 126, 128).

D&C 19:23 is indeed a good companion to verses 3 and 4,

Dealing With The Heat

Maybe it's the lingering effect of radiation treatments, maybe I'm just getting older, but I seem to be hot to the core all the time these days.  I'm generally taking lukewarm showers to try to help. 

The Ragozzines made it home today, it's quieter, but we do still have family here, including Kevin Despain who arrived last night to see his sister Danielle and to do some hiking in Zion Park.  Here's my picture of the day, actually taken July 12 when we had one last gathering of the "big group", enjoy ...

Doug Jr, Sarah, Chloe, Darin, Jacob, Hilary, Rachel gather in the kitchen :)

Ragozzines Head Home... God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again!

The Ragozzines left for home today -- can't believe it's been a month already!  To say that it has been a wonderful month for all of us in our family is a major understatement.  Thank you for making the effort to come, and thanks to every family member who did so much to help us be together these precious weeks!

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Picture of the day... Riley and Emma!

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I continued reading in Moroni 7 today.  I plan to read it a few times repetitively, and ponder and pray to get its full meaning.  I was impressed today that we think of charity as being willing to give to those in need.  Moroni teaches us that there is more to charity than that -- that "charity is the pure love of Christ".  I am realizing that charity in a single word encompasses all the good that Christ did for each of us and the attributes that He desires each of us to develop and magnify in our own lives.

Here are a few more verses I dwelt on and enjoyed today,

19 "Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.



20 "And now, my brethren, how is it possible that ye can lay hold upon every good thing?


21 "And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing.


22 "For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing.


23 "And God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come.


24 And behold, there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good; and all things which are good cometh of Christ ..."

Faith, Hope, and Charity ... keys to the blessings of our Saviour

I read these verses in Moroni 7 today and was again deeply touched by the power of the love of our Saviour Jesus Christ for each of us.  All of it is very inspirational . . . I have added italics in parentheses for thoughts I had while reading and yellow highlighting on my favorite parts ...

32  "... the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men (every one of us!)  may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men.

33 And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.

34 And he hath said: Repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved.

35 And now, my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?

36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?

37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain.

38 For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.

39 But behold, my beloved brethren, I judge better things of you, for I judge that ye have faith in Christ because of your meekness; for if ye have not faith in him then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church.

40 And again, my beloved brethren, I would speak unto you concerning hope. How is it that ye can attain unto faith, save ye shall have hope?

41 And what is it that ye shall hope for? Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise.

42 Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.

43 And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart.

44 If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity.

45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

Thanks for reading this with me, I hope it touches your heart as it has mine!

Enjoying family just a little longer before they head home!

Family started heading home today, sure has been nice having them!  Josh, Megan, and their children left today, Benjamin and Doug Jr go tomorrow, Sarah, Darin, and their children leave Tuesday . . . you get the idea. 

So we enjoyed today while we could.  Had a nice dinner, turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, and apple crisp.  Tasted great, company was even better!

My mother fell at church and hurt her feet and ankles.  Tom and I gave her a blessing, and we tried making her as comfortable as possible.  My dad was there this evening, she tried too.  Hopefully the swelling will be a little less in the morning.

We got a new bishopric in our ward today.  Lee Hogan is the bishop, Lynn Maxwell and Sherm Howard are his counselors.  The executive secretary and clerks (including me) are continuing the same.  They are all good people and really care for the people in my ward.  I'm looking forward to the continued opportunity to serve, it really is a blessing!

Our former bishop, Gary McKell, and his wife Eileen are going to serve a mission at BYU Hawaii.  They are very excited about it, and I'm excited for them!

Going back to family, Chloe, Darin, and Benjamin did some dancing to what I think was ballet music tonight.  It was a lot of fun!

Mario Kart, Swimming, and Computer Viruses

It continues to be a lot of fun having family at our house.  Ethan absolutely loves Mario Kart, and at age 5, generally dominates anyone who plays him.  It is interesting watching the level of detail which he understands this game!

It was 106 degrees here much of the day, so lots of swimming also happened . . . last night we even had a bonus session after dark, clothes and all, just get cool!

Two of our computers got hit with a computer virus where a rogue Internet "security" system gets on your machine and won't let you do anything.  I took the first machine to the shop when I couldn't figure it out, then the second machine got hit with the exact same thing -- "AV Security Suite", so I got the idea to google it.  Over 70,000 items on how to deal with it, so clearly many people are dealing with this same issue.  In my case, a combination of a system reset to two days before and a thorough system cleansing seemed to do the trick.  Arggghhh!

Reunion 2

Pam, Logan, and Tanner Despain came for a couple days, and Josh, Megan, Ethan, Kate, and Riley are here for a sleepover too. Getting ready for another fire and marshmallows in the backyard. Yum! Maggie is enjoying Baby Signing Time and Ethan is beating everyone in Mario Kart, the 5 year olds are ruling the computer game world. Life is fun at our home tonight ... :)

Ode to Abigail

I mentioned yesterday that I would enjoy finding Put-Put-Charlie's theme song, and we'll still try for that another day.  I have been talking to some in the family since then about how my granddaughter Abigail reminds me of a song that was popular a long time ago (1964) ...  So laugh with me (it is definitely a sound from the past, which makes it a little fun) and take a listen to

Abigail Beecher by Freddy Cannon

Of course, my granddaughter is Abigail Ragozzine, I'm the Beecher here, but it's still fun for me . . .

Marshmallows, Travelling Music, and City Council -- Another Great Day in La Verkin

Chloe Cookin' A Marshmallow On The Fire In LaVerkin in July - Can't Beat It!

We'll go backwards today.  We ended with the marshmallows.  Earlier in the evening I was driving after City Council, tuning up and down the radio dial, and came up with classic travelling music from 44 years ago.  Click on the underlined link, I promise you'll smile even if you've never heard these guys before... 

Why do I call it travelling music?  Because we used to listen to it in the car when going for drives when I was a child.  Drives were just better with it!  Now if I could just find Put-Put-Charlie's theme song on the Internet, life would be a little more complete ... :)

So what did we talk about in City Council tonight?  

• Doug Gubler was named Employee of the Month.
• Wal-Mart came and awarded the city $2,000 for playground equipment in Vintage Park -- thanks!
• We heard reports from the Water Board and the Sewer Board
• We had a public hearing on the 2010-11 Budget, after which we unanimously approved it.  Yea to our great staff, we get so much done with about half as many staff relative to our population as similar size towns around the state -- less than 4 full-time staff per 1000 residents.
• We reviewed the current level of fire danger and voted to keep the level 1 fireworks restictions in place for the time being.  This is the most basic level, allows reasonable family use of fireworks on their own property when allowed by state law (3 days before and after July 4, July 24, and New Years.  We also got a report on what is being done to enforce the laws against illegal burning of weeds during fire season (after April 30), particularly timely after the tragic loss of a family home when their neighbors illegal burn got out of control recently.
• Approved project documents on an irrigation filter project to go out to bid.
• Received reports on public safety, solid waste, recycling, beautification, economic development, mosquito abatement, and the great Independence Day activities -- enjoyed by a record number of people this year!
• All of this was done in less than 2 hours.  Got to love that!

Doug and Rachel, that was for you -- thanks for your interest in the good things we are doing!

Terry and Emma

So glad our whole family was able to come to the reunion this year, today let's enjoy this sweet picture!

A Restful Day

Most have headed home now, tonight we have 9 here, yesterday afternoon it was 21!We cleaned some and I walked 6 blocks with Maggie and Cbloe in a stroller.Very nice!

Hurricane's fireworks were less than past years but nice all the same.

Celebrating Our Declaration of Independence

The writers and signers of our Declaration of Independence sacrificed dearly so that all generations following them, including us, would be able to live with the supreme blessing “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter (it) . . .”

We do not read this remarkable Declaration often enough. We take it for granted. We allow career politicians and others more interested in maintaining power than ensuring the unalienable Rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness to maintain their power over us.

This wonderful gift is ours to read, celebrate, discuss often, and protect always . . .

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, (click to see the full Declaration of Independence from the National Archives website)

Our government works best if we are informed, if we participate, and if we hold our representatives responsible for their actions in our behalf.

Happy Birthday, America!

Family Fun on the Third!

We had a great day, I'll let some pictures do most of the talking!

We walked as a family in our city's Independence Day parade today

Later in the day we played water kickball, had an ice cream making competition (yum!), and shot off fireworks.  Mostly we just enjoyed being together at home!

The Greatest Host of the Jacob Beecher Game

We had two fabulous surprises from Jacob this evening.  We had the rare treat of playing the Jacob Beecher game, with two new twists -- the DOUBLE daily double, and "Steal the Limelight".   There was no hope of the grandchildren sleeping, we had so much fun laughing and being together.

The other was the premier of his new short film, "The 500 Dollar Funeral".  Great satirical humor, we laughed and laughed!  Jacob will be posting it soon on You Tube, and as soon as he does, I'll do a feature on it -- you definitely want to see this!

It's Really Fun Watching Your Grandchildren Make New Friends . . . With Each Other

Maggie and Chloe