Ok, if you want to see what is happening with my family you need to check out Shelly's blog. She is the picture posting guru around here.

Piece of Cake!

I know, I know, I have completely fallen off the blogasphere. (it's round I couldn't help it)

Well, I will have to leave for another post my reason for posting the Proclamation on the Family for so long.

In the mean time...
Out here in the Golden State we have had an important ballot issue that you may have heard about. It is called Proposition 8, the Protect Marriage initiative. It limits marriage in California to between a man and a woman.
Attorney General Moonbeam has put the language on the ballot to read: "Eliminates right of same-sex couples to marry."
The Brethren have asked us to stand in the breach on this issue and support Prop 8 with our time and treasure.

Today was a bit of time.

I spent this afternoon/evening with members of my ward waving yes on Prop 8 signs on busy street corners in our town.
I was a bit nervous at first I admit. Any time that you are openly putting yourself out there on an important issue, and showing the public at large where you stand can be intimidating. But it also was invigorating and eye opening.

I live in a small town, about 20,000 population.
Those of us working our intersection estimated that the responses we got from people was about 80% positive versus 20% negative.
Of the negative responses that we got 80% of those took the time to roll down the window and be truly vitriolic. Calling us F#$%^* degenerates, F#$%* that S#%*, F#$%^* homophobes, and giving us the bird. Truly classic opposition in these matters, when all else fails use foul language and name calling to get your side heard.

There is no in between on this one. There is a right and a wrong side to be on.

The gay rights leader in San Francisco is the one who put the importance of this whole election in context though when he said in news article on Prop 8, "The whole Prop 8 thing really doesn't concern me that much. The important issue is electing Obama president, then he will appoint judges who will guarantee that we will have gay marriage nation wide".

I have to agree with him, that is the real issue. Prop 8 in California is just one slice, and they want the whole cake.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

WE, THE FIRST PRESIDENCY and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.

ALL HUMAN BEINGS - male and female - are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.

IN THE PREMORTAL REALM, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.

WE DECLARE the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.

HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives - mothers and fathers - will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

THE FAMILY is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.

WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.

WE CALL UPON responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Summer in the City

Inside of the human kaleidescope at the Exploratorium.

Fine arts at the Palace of Fine Arts

Obligatory cable car

AT&T Park in SF

The Palace of Fine Arts was undergoing renovations but the scenery was beautiful nonetheless.

Top of Coit Tower

Beach in front of the Maritime Museum

No trip is complete without a visit to Zachary's pizza in Oakland.

top of Coit Tower again

A short few days at the SF Marriott brought to you by Priceline.com
Who I highly recommend for last minute deals!

Hannah's Wedding

OK so I haven't quite got it down in the Posting Pictures in the right order yet. (Hannah and Robbie were originally the lead off photos) I'll have to consult with Barb.
You can see my best efforts here non the less.

I've had the good fortune throughout my life to always be surrounded be good looking women!

Farah's Day

Yes I know it has been 2 weeks now since graduation and her birthday was yesterday, but I figure better late than never.

So here is my baby who is 14 now.

Junior high school is behind us now.
Just 4 more years of High school to go.

Sunday was heart tugging, watching all the primary children sing on Father's day and realizing that the last time I had one singing with them was 2 years ago.
The next time it happens it will be grandchildren.
Enjoy it while it lasts.

Falyn & Friends

Falyn with her boyfriend and dinner date.

Her and Casey at the news desk.

& Brittney

And her boyfriend again

And of course with her best bud.

And at the end of the summer she'll be off to college!
How it all flys by.

Happy Birthday Dad/D-day Remembered

You can't hardly think of Dad's b-day with out thinking of D-day also.(he planned it that way)
Hope your day is filled with joy and fun Dad!

And for those who would like to honor those who fought and died on this day in history, go here for one of my hero's great speeches on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Army Rangers taking Pointe du hoc.

Go here to see how the media would have covered D-day today!

American Solutions

DRILL NOW! DRILL HERE!

I encourage all to take a look at this site and sign the petition.

Food Storage cont'

Not that I started this post, Heather actually did.
But since I received our early Christmas present from The Mom (and Dee) today I am sharing what we are going to do with it.
I'm sure you know that there was a precondition with this gift, they want it going towards food storage needs.
I had discussed with mom the topic of having lots of wheat but nothing to grind it with. So I have been on the look out for a decent hand grinder that would be half way economical and actually be able to make flour and not just crack it.

This is what I came up with.

The Family Grain Mill should do the trick when it comes to actually having to use that wheat. It will also flake oats or barley for meal.
At $109.95 this is affordable for most everybody.

Of course I am also assuming that there will not be any electricity when we have to actually use it.

My Indulgence At The Nokia

The one or two of you who actually read this may or may not know that I have a slight affinity for Rush.
Thursday last I was at the new Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live. Built on what used to be the parking lot across from the Staples Center. I have to say that this theatre is the best new venue in L.A. there in not a bad seat in the house.

Anyway at the encouragement of my wife I bought a ticket last minute for the show.(actually about 20 hrs before the show, one never knows when it may be the last.) I have to tout Vivid Tickets for that, they were great with the last minute purchase.

(and don't start, I knew you could not get out of school last minute!)

I was in a luxury box with with a group of other people with our own waiter.

My camera does not quite get it, but not too bad for the little Kodak.

Neil was in perfect form.

And who can out play Alex?

My little Kodak did an ok job with the video. Mind you I had never used that function before.

My new favorite thing

I love the Costco outlet!
I picked up this reader for a song.
Upon registering it at Sony eBooks I received 100 classics free. (the Book of Mormon was one of them, very nice)
On eBay I picked up a DVD of over 10,000 books for $22.00.
I am now never without an interesting read wherever I roam.
What a great thing to live in the modern age.

Prom "08"

Falyn's Senior year also marks her first and only trip to Prom.

Aaron wore exactly what he was told to wear, and of course they were the best dressed couple there.

While many of her classmates dined out at places like "Chevy's" and "Chili's" (what's up with that?)

Being the only Prom couple at the Vintage Press, one of the premier restaurants in this area, Falyn and her date were wined and dined by the staff.
Note the rose petals on the table cloth, Falyn was very impressed.
And the report is that a great time was had at the dance.
Which I gather is high praise because everything in high school according to this generation is either "stupid, gay, or lame".
Now if we can just get her out of high school that will be another accomplishment.

We'll Sing and We'll Shout!

Solemn Assemblies don't come around that often, and to be able to participate in one is truly a blessing.
I know that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of the living God.
Surely millions received and had reaffirmed the same witness this weekend during conference.
How could you watch/hear and not know.

Too Much

I am tired of going to these parties.
It has been too many of late.

This guy had his kids in the truck with him, going about 5o in a dense fog.
Always strap your kids in.

The always seem to hold them so late at night.

Sometimes it's just too much fun for one guy!

Shop Victoriously!

So have you seen those commercials for Ebay where they are on the fox hunt, or football field, and the carnival balloon game? The winner just barely outdoes the rest of the participants and ends up dancing the victory dance!
That's me!
Now I've been an ebayer for some years now (1999) but I have never had the feeling of really coming off the winner like I had this last month when I won our F150.
Having been in the market for another vehicle for some months and finding no great deals in our area, I once again thought; why not check on Ebay? I often find that we can get the best deals there. And yet just as often forget to check on Ebay for something we need or want.
Shelly does virtually all the girls school clothes shopping on it and I buy books, computer cables, books, cameras, books, birkenstocks, books, scout uniform, books, guitar, books, guitar lesson books, cd's, books, well anyway's we use it a lot.
So this time I am thinking why not a truck? I found many for sale in the price range we were looking for but most had reserve amounts on them that had not been met. However several auctions had no reserves and one particular outfit National Auto Mart had more that 17oo sales. They had 2 F150's up for auction and I kept track of them for a week. During the last 1/2 hour of each auction the bidding started taking off and the first one went way past what we wanted to pay but still was in the KBB range.
On the 2nd auction Shelly and I did our math, came up with what we would be willing to pay and watched the time wind down. In the last 12 minutes it went from $3200.00 to $3970.00. Excellent KBB value for this truck was 7900.00 and good was 6500.00.
I checked the bids to see who was bidding and saw that one bidder was always one up on the rest.
With 10 seconds to go I was going to place our max bid at 4500. Upon starting to populate the box it pre populated with and old bid with an uneven amount and I thought to myself," that's right, make it an odd number". So I bid $4503.27. Ten seconds later we won the truck with that exact amount. The other bidder having previously placed his max bid at 4500, we would have lost.
I was dancing around the computer! I could just picture the guy banging his head against his monitor! Beat by $3.27!
I flew to Arizona to pick it up last week and I think it is one of my best deals ever from Ebay. Shelly and I both think it is a KBB rating of Excellent and could not be happier with out dealings with National Auto Mart. If you need a vehicle check them out. I highly recommend them. They deal in commercial lease returns.

This is now the second vehicle we have paid cash for and I will never again borrow money for a vehicle. What a great feeling! We are doing our best to live the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover!

One of the more memorable moments from this purchase was my mother-in-law telling my wife upon hearing that we had bought a truck on the internet.
"For intelligent people you two sure are dumb."
I think it just must be her generation.

Threepeat

Lemoore High has won the Kings County Academic Decathlon for the 3rd straight year. With that honor comes the right to once again represent the county at the State Championships to be held in Sacramento this year.
And yes, Falyn is going as one of the 9 member Academic Decathlon team from Lemoore High.
Go Tigers!

My list

I need to preface this with a quick comment; in many places on my list I have simply placed the authors name due to my belief that all of their particular works, or most of them anyways, should be read, or at the very least a taste of some part of them.
And it is definitely a work in progress.

The Scriptures(daily)
J.R.R. Tolkien
William Shakespeare
Erasmus
Plato's Republic
Jane Austin
The Bronte sisters
Winston Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples and History of WW2
Leo Tolstoy
Charles Dickens
History of the Church
Bruce R. McConkie
James E. Talmage
Orson Pratt's Masterful Discourses (family bias)
John Taylor's The Gospel Kingdom (another family bias)
The Teachings of Joseph Smith
John Stienbeck
Robert Frost
Emily Dickenson
Edgar Allen Poe
Homer's Iliad & Odessey
Thomas Paine's Common Sense
The Constitution (annually)
The Declaration of Independance(annually)
Farenheit 451
George Orwell's Animal Farm & 1984
Dostoyevsky
Robert Louis Stevenson
Daniel DeFoe's Robinson Crusoe
Ernest Hemingway
Rudyard Kipling
Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn
Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels
Cervantes-Don Quiote
Alexander Dumas- The 3 Musketeers, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Count of Monte Cristo
Herman Melville- Moby Dick
Chaucer-The Canterbury Tales
William Faulkner
Dante-Divine Comedy
Hans Christian Anderson-Fairy Tales
Bulfinch's Mythology
The Brothers Grimm
Complete Tales of Washington Irving
Ayn Rand


This is only a partial list but I thought I had best post something in order get it up and moving.
I am sure that I will be amending this list continually for the time being.

A Widow's Appreciation

I was in the storm room at the Chico service center one morning the third or fourth day after the storm hit Northern California, when a supervisor that I had known in Fresno, who now worked up here, saw me in the yard and asked if I had a bucket truck. I assured him that I did, to which he replied, "bring it around front and meet me at the flag pole".


When I arrived out front I found that the flag that hung from the pole was in tatters and needed to be retired.
Kevin presented me with a new flag and asked that I remove the old one and raise the new one.
Noticing that I noticed that the new flag was a full size burial flag and not our typical 3x5 size, he asked me if I had heard about this flag. I said I had not, so he told me that woman had come into the service center that morning having noticed that our flag was in need of replacing. She wanted to express her appreciation for all that we had done and were doing to restore power to the area, so she had brought in the flag that had adorned her late husband's coffin and asked that we fly it.
I am always honored to be able to raise the colors at any time.
I was doubly honored on this day.

A Call For Lists In 2008

I have seen over the years lists compiled of the so called top 100 books or must reads of all time.
I have read a good many of those recommendations.
Now I am putting out a request to all who read this blog for your recommended list. (I know it's only family who read this)
What books are on your top 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, list of must read in this life time books.
I am making this request for purely selfish reasons; I want to expand my list of must reads.
So, tell me what's on yours and I will add mine on the next post.