Oh man. It is that time of year when my skis call me with expectations of a good waxin'. I was going through some old pictures and found these of Jacob at Brighton. He had just finished Ski School and was spending time with his old dad on the slopes. Here are a few of us on the lift. I think this was in March-April of 08.

My DNA is aching to get out on the snow.....I really hate not being close to the Mountain.

Halloween

Okay. I am guilty. I have not been keeping up on the blog posts. Sorry! This should have been an easy one, I know. -We hope you had many trick or treaters this year. We didn't have many but spent most of our time at the churches "Trunk or Treat". It was fun! Full of games and of course-CANDY! -Some of which is still hid in the house somewhere.....

Grab your spatula....it is time for the "Ghost Poop" relay....!

Hoola hoop toss.....

mmmm...lollipop....

...putting game.....Jacob sure can line 'em up!

San Antonio Pictures

San Antonio River Walk and Sea World

It is not very often that we take a vacation. In fact, when we do take some time off it is usually for just a couple of days. This outing was no different in that respect. However, there is one change from this vacation that contrasts others in the past. It is who we spent it with.

We usually spend time with family when we leave our home to go somewhere. It has been far too long since we have treked to my hometown, Douglas, Wyoming. And of course when we go there it is usually a holiday and we spend time with my side of the family.

Other vacations have taken us to California, Colorado and Utah with Terri's side of the family. We usually rent a house and spend time together soaking in the new environment.

This vacation was different in the sense that our neighbors from Salt Lake City came out and visited us. Colby his wife, Amanda and their one and a half year old Emmalee flew to Texas and stayed with us in our new home. We had three whole days together to enjoy our friendship.

It was planned to also spend one night in San Antonio and visit the River Walk and Sea World.

I've posted some pictures from our trip.

It is Started...

Well, I have decided to give this Blog thing a try. To be honest I have not read blogs but Terri has become quite addicted to them. From what I know about them, I like the idea. Here are my reasons. 1) We don't have family close by and it seems like a good way to share our life with them. 2) Similar to #1 we have friends scattered around. I would like to share our happenings with them as well. 3) I love to take pictures and share them. 4) I found that by putting my thoughts down in written form feels therapeutic to me.

After Huricanne Ike hit the area I started emailing friends and family to up date them how we were doing. I really had not ever sat down at the end of the day to think about what the day had dealt me. -And how I intrepreted it after it had passed. Sure, I had to write a Journal for a short while at some point in my educational rearing; however, it felt forced. Ike slowed my days down for a very short while and I feel God used that experience to teach me a few things. I have become a true advocate for the basics in life after Ike. Not to say that I am putting my Ipod away forever or cancelling my cable. Simply put: I am trying to remember what really matters to me. Things like food, family, shelter, and the feeling of being connected to the people that I care about. If possible, I hope to spark you to think about these things also. It is so very easy to take it all for granted. There have been many of days that I have woke up and went through the daily grind of working for "the man". Certainly I am proud to be contributing to society; but, to be honest I think it is too easy to get caught up with the constant demands of work. It can be consuming to the point that there is no subsidence in the now and the next days challenges must be anticipated today. Keep on your game or you will be edged out. What I have just described is necessary so I won't stop doing it. However, what I will try to do is remind myself of the other values in my life that get pushed aside and stop taking them for granted.

Here is a short reminder of what I find valuable: God; my wife; my sweet, innocent precious children; good health; freedom; music that stimulates an emotion; and humor. I could very easily go on but I will save it. I hope to touch on these values and share them with you each time I blog. I ask that you don't forget about your values and remember that these are the things that fuel our existence. I ask that you please respond to this blog. It will help me to remember as well. Time and reflection on these precious gifts that God has given us only polishes our riches. My riches get dull some times and it is when I polish them do I really see the shine and joy they offer me.