Fall in Colorado

This morning we took a drive to go see the fall colors. We ran into a herd of elk in Evergreen. This old bull elk was bugling pretty good. It was fun to watch the younger, smaller bulls try to move in and then watch this old guy run them off. We made up to Mt. Evans and stopped to throw rocks in Echo Lake. Do we look like a bunch of city slickers with our shorts on??? It was 46 at the lake and 75 in Denver. All along the way we saw some gorgeous colors with the aspens and the evergreens mixed together.

Brant

I Spy: Redwood Dan

Dad, do you think it's time to prune th e lower branches of my spruce tree yet?

Sorry I'm Late

An aerial view of Camp Zirker

Sunday was rather busy as usual and here it is Wednesday night and I'm just catching up. We're trying to get everything ready and organized before we leave Saturday morning. I just sent e-mails to my ward council, 5th Sunday teachers, and bishopric. I hope they release and sustain the right people. I know they will be OK.

Last night I did an Eagle Board of Review for the District Advancement Chairman from Bonners Ferry. The boy had graduated and was at the U of I but had not had time to have his board. Mom, Steve and Larry were the board. It turned out that the scout was Scott Secrist's brother-in-law. He is living with Scott and Lisa while he attends college.

Seth, Weston and I camped out Friday night. Man, my new sleeping bag, 6" thick air mattress, and cool weather made for a great nights sleep. I didn't have to listen to Mom's snoring. Just a few coyotes.

Grandpa sold his Taurus to Matt and Tiffany. It was kind of sad when Mom and I went to visit him a couple of nights ago. I walked past the garage and there was nothing inside. Just a big empty space. He actually seems to be taking it (not driving) pretty well.

That's about it for now. We'll see some of you next week.

Dad and Mom

The Clue May Give It Away But I Just Had to Point It Out

I spy two "healthy" women with tatoos.

Remember Matt's Skunk Trap?

Happy birthday Chavez. Didn't we used to call you Chalvez? How about T.J.?
Work went well this week. I decided that before I irreversably lost my tan and gained 20 pounds I should do something to get outside and exercise. So Friday, I rode my bike to work. All went well until I got a flat tire. There was a gas station nearby so I was able to repair it and continue on my way. I want to ride 3-4 times a week.
Saturday morning a friend of ours, the wife of the friend who offered me the job, took our family photos.
Lisa got a new calling, she's the first counselor in the Primary presidency. The primary presented their program today. Kanyon waved at this mom and dad, made faces, wiggled around, peeked under the sacrament cloth, and sang. He and Braxton both memorized their parts and said them well.
Looking forward to your visit Mom and Dad.

Happy Birthday Chavez

I bet you all didn't know that you have a Mexican brother, now did you? And has he always been such an imp?

I just got back from Denver. For those of you I didn't get to see, my apologies. I had a Linguistics Conference to go to at the University of Colorado and they kept us busy in presentations all day and into the the evenings. I drove out with 3 other students from BYU and then met up with another student and 3 of my professors. I presented my thesis at the conference and I think it went pretty well. I answered all the hard questions at least. It was really really fun to hang out with my professors. And I'm even more convinced that the nerdy professor life is for me. :) Erik and Jaime- thanks again for letting us stay with you and for the food and car and everything. We really appreciated it.

T-rav got a lava lamp for his birthday. And a little tiny Peruvian nativity. And a battery powered toothbrush. And a t-shirt that has a picture of Che the communist revolutionary on it and says "This shirt brought to you by capitalism." Teehee!

I Spy!!

Greasy burger?

Boy, this blog is fun!!!!

Mom's tent from Young Women's on the right and our new one ($39.95) on the left.
Seth with his "forest Saxaphone"

Our new stove with supper on the way

I was busy and too lazy to blog last night but it seems the wires were hopping with others adding their latest info.

Congratulations to Brant on his new calling. I know what it is like to put all your effort into Young Men and then suddenly receive a calling in another organization. That's the way the church works. If you don't like it, don't do such a good job next time. Does this mean your house will never sell?

This weekend Mom and I, Seth and Lacey and Weston drove up to Laird Park Friday after work and had a good time. There were only 4 campsites taken in the new part where we like to camp. One of them was Rusty and Erin Cox from our ward. We visited with them a couple of times. We had good eats, made smores, had a great breakfast and snacked in between. Seth and Lacey left about 11:00am to get home in time for a baby shower and to attend the Latah Fair. Mom and I slept, studied, read, and ate some more. We broke camp about 5:00pm and then sat and read until six. We got home about seven and met Seth and Lacey at the fair. We listened to a singing group, shopped at Safeway and came home.

I'll probably get killed for this but Saturday morning about six Mom had to get up and go to the bathroom. She moaned and cried about having to "brave" the elements on the way to the KYBO (remember camp Grizzly?) I opened one eye and said, "nothings going to get you". She kept worrying about it and finally peeked out of the tent and said, "there's a deer out there". You must remember there are killer deer in this part of Idaho. Finally I got up, put pants and shoes on and escorted her to the restroom. I'm here to testify that not one deer or other ferocious animal attacked us.

The weather has cooled drastically. Today's high was about 65 degrees. It rained a little last night.

Keep the "I Spy's" coming. They are really brain teasers. Mom had to help me with the C.P. When I finally got it the clues seemed so simple.

James the Prophet finally went to 1st ward. Monte called to say, "thanks".

Have a good week.

Dad

Artist Ty

I got my artistic licence!!! I got it in my art class on my first day. My favorite art word is Zig-Zag. So on my artistic licence I made some Zig-Zags with a background of stripes. I love doing art!!!

I'm better at coloring!!!

Tyler

I Spy...

C. P.

Gettin' Ready

We didn't want Mom and Dad to go through withdrawls and get the shakes without their weekly smore fix while they were here in Colorado, so we made our own "smore still." I got this fireplace from a lady at work. We decided that we should probably give it a test run. Last night we fired it up (ha ha) and it worked pretty well. The kids had fun burning their mallows.

The big news of today is my new church calling. I was released as YM President and put in as Elder's Quorum President. Kind of a sad day. I'll miss working with the boys, after four years with them. I won't know what to do without weekly mutual, campouts, service projects and presidency meetings.

There is a good story that goes along with this new calling. You know that we took our house off the market due to zero showings for the past month. It went from several showings each week, to nothing. Well, it turns out that my Bishop has wanted to call me to this position for a month now, but kept holding off because we were moving. We took our home off the market on a Friday and I was exended this call the next Sunday. If the Lord can dry up the Red Sea, he can dry up home showings and keep you where he wants you.

Have a great week!

Brant

I Spy

Betula papyrifera. Travis, don't give it away.

Highlights of this week:

Tuesday night we had to call 9-1-1 on our neighbor's. We didn't know what the problem was other than some rather loud fighting. I peeked my head out the window to see a total of six squad cars show up. After a few minutes they led one of the brothers away in his boxer shorts and handcuffs. I guess he was drunk and out of control.

Yes, I started my new job on Friday. I got an orientation of the four floors the company occupies. One cube farm looks much like another. I also was introduced to the computer programs I will use and some of the projects I will work on. Corporate types use a lot of acronyms and big words like "leverage" and "capitalize." Lisa wanted me to say that I also came home from work with a Blackberry and my very own ID badge. She laughed at me.

The picture is of me at our stake fair. I got talked into the watermelon eating contest. The elder next to me serves in our ward. He beat me, and all the others, soundly in the contest.

New Job?

Kevin, how about a little update on the new job. New wardrobe, cubical, etc. Mainly, what will you be doing?
Dad

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines

The cars and drivers being introduced for one of the trophy dashes (the tow truck was the pace car last night)

You can see the accident and emergency vehicles on the far side of the track. Everyone immediately stopped where they were (except the guy in the lower left of the picture - the blurrr)

Seth, Matt, Beve and I went to the races last night and had a good time. The weather was great, the crowd was medium, the tattoos were interesting and the beer was flowing. Oh Yea, the racing was good too. Lots of thrills and spills. The "Bump to Pass" (big old boats) were a little low in numbers (8 cars) but they made up for it in excitement. One guy spent the whole race pulling up behind cars and gently pushing their rear ends to the side and causing them to spin out (I know there is a term for this - Matt knows it). There was even one major wreck over against the far wall. They brought out the red flag (everyone stops immediately, right where you are so they can bring out the ambulance), but in the end everyone drove away from the wreck except one car that had to be towed. I got home at 12:45am and had to get up at 5:30am for work. I took a little power nap at work.

That's it for now. See you Denverites in a could of weeks.

Dad

Back By Popular Demand

Kimbre went off to work, so I took a little trip to the local library to cure the boredom. By Travis' request, I thought I would give a little update. Today Kimbre and I had Lunch at "Azteca" it's a new place in town, not so new to those of you who may have eaten there before. Kimbre won a $25 gift card for her efforts during her work's sales promotion last month, so she took me out to lunch. With a little left over we may go to Shopko for a cheap movie and call it a day.

Work has been good for me. I had a dry spell of two weeks without an arrest, so this week I arrested two drunks (DUI's) and a guy with marijuana under his seat (he was the passenger of one of the drunks and claimed it wasn't his). Don't do drugs kids!! I'm also scheduled to get some new toys this week and next. On Thursday I get a new Heckler and Koch .45 pistol to replace my 1980's boat anchor. Next week I get one of the new AR-15's our department bought with some spare change the county threw our way. I'm also planning on buying (for myself) one of the old patrol rifles that the AR-15's are replacing. The next Christmas shootout at the Woodbury's should be fun.

Kimbre received a new calling a few weeks ago. She is the secretary in the YW's presidency. So she gets to go to all the meetings, sub for out of ton teachers, and go to mutual. She taught a lesson on Sunday and really had a great time with the girls. She was sad to say good-bye to primary (sarcasm), but loves working in YW, probably because she was one of them not too long ago.

I was upgraded from YM secretary to 2nd counselor, so now I get to teach all the ADD deacons. I'm also enjoying my new calling. The weather has been quite calm and steady lately, 80's all week, but it does get a little chilly in short sleeves around 3-4am. If all goes well this month we may get a new computer and, heaven forbid, start paying for reliable internet service.

A Day Late

"The family that fights together stays together". Paraphrased from President David O. McKay

We (Seth, Lacey, Weston and Mom) were enjoying ourselves so much yesterday afternoon that I didn't have time to blog. Mom and Lacey were in the lawn chairs and Seth and I were wrapped up in blankets with three pillows each and taking a nap on the lawn. It was a beautiful day. Aimee called and wanted to visit over the web-cam but we were so lazy we suggested that we do it tonight. So, Amiee, we're ready to web-cast.

Church was good yesterday until the Prophet James walked in during sacrament meeting. I walked down to visit with him after the prayer and he said the Lord again told him to come to our ward. His next sentence was a request for money. I told him his membership was already sent to the town ward and I couldn't help him. I think that will help him decide. I called ahead and warned Bishop Walker.

The Latah County Fair starts Thursday. The carnival started showing up last week. We may not go this year. We will be camping at Laird Park. If we make it back soon enough on Saturday we may slip by for a chicken fajita.

Keep up the good work. I love reading your blogs.

The "I Spy" has me stumped right now. How about another clue?

Keep smilin.

Dad

Season of Changes

While the weather is changing with each new day, so is Weston. We've (I've) been starting Weston on some "Big Boy" transitions lately. Instead of taking them one at a time, I seem to do them all at once. Yesterday, Seth and I went to Farmer's Market to find some cinnamon rolls and had no such luck, so we went and got doughnuts at WINCO. After doughnuts, we headed to Shopko in Pullman to look at a toddler bed for Weston. I've had my eye on it for awhile, but have been waiting for it to go on sale. Well, they had one left and it went on sale today, so we bought it and I'll take the receipt back this next week to get my discount. We brought the bed home and Weston helped Seth set it up. He really loved it until it was time to actually sleep in it. I have been chatting with some of my friends about different ways to do the big transition from crib to bed and I attempted the Super Nanny technique of sitting next to the bed and placing Weston back in everytime he got back out but not talking to him when I did it. Well, that drove the both of us completely nuts and I ended up cutting the tips of his binki's because he was throwing them all around the room. That didn't do any good, so we ended up watching Curious George and both falling asleep in our big yellow chair while Seth was at the U of I football game. Last night, was Weston's first night in the bed and he finally fell asleep at 11:00pm on the couch watching Curious George while I finished up my primary lessons and wrote my talk. So, I pretty much gave up until this afternoon. When we came home from church, we played a little and then Seth put him in his bed with a little ball that we also bought this weekend, and he actually stayed. I was so excited. Too bad Weston is standing at his door crying as I type this story. He actually just got quiet so we'll see if he's asleep in his bed or on his floor, or playing with his toys.
That's about all I'm up to-helping Weston figure life out right now. I'm offically 31 weeks prego today, so I'm excited about that. Seth is enjoying school. He is taking an anatomy class that keeps him busy and learning a lot. I've actually enjoyed learning some of it too. Can anyone name the 11 systems of the body. I'll give you a hint: "Run Mrs. Lidec."
Next time I take some pictures, I'll post them for all y'alls.
Peace Out.

Fall has come to Provo too

Well, what's new here? Last week I looked up on Y mountain and the leaves on the maples have started turning red. I thought it was a little early because it was still Aug. but now that it's Sept. I guess it's ok. The chill in the air has been nice for work but it still gets rather warm in the afternoon. Kelly is liking her new jobs but the new experience has been a bit scary. One of her biggest problems is getting her Asian (mostly Korean) students to believe what she tells them. After talking to many friends she has learned that age plays a major part in their social hierarchy and respect system. The fact that Kelly is the same age as some of her students (and looks younger than most) has led to her Korean students arguing about the definition of English words with her and telling her what she should be teaching in class. All kinds of fun stuff for a first time teacher. Mom, she may need some hints.
I don't know if any of you have seen on the news but there was a girl from BYU that went missing last week and they've been looking all over for her, especially around Bridal Veil Falls (that's where they found her bike). We joined the search effort this morning and were assigned an area off of Timpview Dr. in north Provo. We knocked on some doors, searched some fields and our group came up with one or two leads. While we were at church this afternoon they found her body at the base of a cliff out by the falls. It appears she went for a hike and fell off of a cliff. So far they don't suspect foul play.
So the blog has been a little slow these days. Any reason? Matt, Lacey where have you guys been?

I Spy

This one may be a little more "Challenge"-ing.

P.S. Lisa is making Spudnuts.

LIfe of a Tent

Not too much new on the picture front, so I thought I would add this picture from the first day of school. Les told the kids that if they took a serious picture, they could take a silly picture. I wonder how the silly picture turned out.

Labor day has come and gone. It was one of the few times I haven't had a big side project lined up. We spent the weekend getting caught up around the house and yard. We slept out in the back yard in our tent on Friday night. The kids then decided that they would destroy the tent and threw Tyler through the front door. Later Aimee finished off the tent with a rip in the roof. It was sad to throw away the old tent in the trash. I thought about all the fun trips we had with that tent. Les found us a new 11 man tent at Goodwill for $10.00. We set it up and it seems perfect except for one split fiberglass pole. I think I can spring for a new pole section. We will have to see what new adventures lay in wait for this tent.

That's about it for this week. Kevin, good luck with the new job! Mom and Dad, looking forward to seeing you in few weeks.

Brant

I always wait until after I write the blog to insert the title.

One more week of landscaping. This Friday I put away the carharts and t-shirts and don the Dockers. I went in to work on Saturday to finish a few items. The boys went with me. Erik showed up and helped me give them rides on the machines: skid steer, trencher, compactor.

Lisa put Elder Bednar's last conference talk into practice yesterday by pickling some cucumbers. Do you pickle pickles?

The air finally had a crisp in it today. Fall is just around the corner. I think I anticipate it like you do, Mom.

We're looking forward to Mom and Dad's visit at the end of the month. Dad and brothers, would you like to attend the priesthood session together? Lisa wants me to ask what time you're coming in on Saturday? Do you need us to pick you up? Lisa needs to accompany at a baptism but I'll be available.

Travis and Kelly, how's the weather in Utah. I loved autumn in the Utah Valley, especially on the Saturdays when we did tree work or helped Grandpa Jacobs.

I Spy

A mop with a spring loaded squeeze handle!!

Honeydo List (ie. What not to do on a holiday)

I've got a little more time so I'll catch you up on the home ranch. I got up this morning expecting to relax and enjoy the holiday and Mom pointed to a chair by the piano and said, "There's a whole pile of things to get done today". She's been saving all these things just waiting for me to get a free moment.
So. I took down the new light we put in the kitchen (it was nice but it wasn't quite right) and installed one similar that we found at Moscow Builders for $13.00. I'll have to admit, I like it better. I took the other one down and installed it in the hallway downstairs. It looks good there. It's even better for those over 6'5''. Then I installed a little shelf we bought when we painted the living room wall. I put the sign Erik and Jamie gave us up just above it and them put new picture frames on each side (see attached photo). I put a picture of each family in the frames (there are a few foreheads missing). We are using more casual shots and will continue to update them as we get pictures we like better. If you happen to have a nice casual family shot you think would look good, email it to us and I will print it the right size and put it in the frame.
Mom added a little oil lamp she bought at the LDS Bookstore (keep your lamp filled and your wick trimmed) and an acorn thing with a candle inside. We like how it looks. She may add a sprig of green if she sees one she likes. Then I re-taped the carpet in the doorways of the two downstairs bedrooms (this is what you do when you are too cheap to put in real carpet). I also installed the tie-back hooks for the new curtains in the living room and the glass door. Now Mom is bugging me to install the new mini blinds in the computer room but I hate that more than anything else so I have to build up to it. It may be several weeks before I get there. I still have to make 4 leg extensions for the new camp stove we bought. We like the stove but the legs are too short and our backs would be hurting if we had to cook over it very long. I am going to raise it up about 10".
We're headed for another busy week. Tomorrow I have another Eagle Board of Review and on Thursday Mom and I will visit four more new families in the ward. I also have to get about 6 or 8 more people called to complete the changes we are making in the ward. Everyone is in a hurry and I am getting emails from my new Relief Society president wanting to know when we will have them all called.
It is 90 degrees today but should drop into the 70's for the rest of the week. I think I can see fall just around the corner. A week from Wednesday Seth, Matt, Beve and I are going to the State Line Speedway. Larry was going to go but he has to help Taylor weight in his sheep that night for the fair. That next weekend Seth, Lacey and Weston are going camping with us to Laird Park. Should be fun and not too hot.
That's about it.
Love, Dad

No pics tonight

I haven't blogged much lately so here's what's new. Kelly started her two new jobs this week and they both went great. It took a little work to convince the kids that Kelly was actually the teacher and not one of the students but in the end they believed her. Kelly is currently in New York for her grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. The Richards were all in town this week (except Tara and Mandi) for grandma Richards' funeral. I got my purple belt in karate and now I get to spar in class. Kelly has decided that it's fun to have me put on my pads and then punch me in the head as hard as she can. I'm going up to Sundance with Grandpa Jacobs in the morning to get him a load of firewood from one of the jobs I did. It's a good deal for me. I get paid to go because I'm finishing a job and Grandpa J is happy because I help him get the firewood for the year. That's about it. We'll let you know if anything new and exciting happens.

Too Busy Right Now

Sorry, for not blogging sooner but today has been busy. It is the beginning of the new semester and we turned the ward upside down and called a new Relief Society President, tried to call a new Sunday School President (he turned us down - they are moving in three months), issued a gazillion new recommends, told the Prophet James that I was serious last week and he cannot attend our ward any more - He then told me the Lord said he was to attend our ward - What do you say to that? I held my ground and said, "you have to attend the town ward". We'll see if he shows up next week.
Seth and Lacey and Grandpa were here for dinner too.
I'll try to write more tomorrow.
Love,
Dad

I Spy...

a Thermostat.

Brant

Rocket Man

Here is a shot of Tyler's latest creation. It is his rocket ship. You climb in from the bottom "hatch" and then as you prepare to launch someone tips you carefully over into launch position. You can tell he is an astronaunt by his "moon boots", "gloves", "glasses", and "suit" (complete with long sleeves which are filled with pretend tubes and cooling liquid.)

The big news of the week is that we took our house off the market. The showings had totally stopped (you'll find out why in two weeks.) and with mortages looking like they do, it wasn't likely to pick up again. We will possibly try again later next year.

Things with Kori are going well. She is gaining weight, sleeps, eats and poops. What more could we ask for right now. We are using this weekend to get things caught up again around the house before we start through another week.

That's all folks.
Brant

Start up the Chatter!

Hello, where is everyone?



"Raya, what do you think of your new sister?"

Lisa and went on a date last night for our anniversary. We ate at a Mexican restuarant and then visited the little park where I proposed to Lisa over seven years ago. It's the same park we had family pictures at back in 2000. We smooched a little and then went shopping at Kohl's to get me a new wardrobe. I have to turn in my Carhart's and Redwings for Docker's and polo shirts with little green alligators on the left breast.





Our stake has made it a goal to increase every member's food storage by one month before December 31. We depleted the food storage over the last year but now have some side money that will help us replenish it. We recommend the same to you alls.






I SPY--


Did anyone find the buffalo?


This week's I Spy is a little tougher. You'll have to zoom the images to find "a toe ring." Hint: they're not just for the younger generation.