Well we just returned from seminary graduation for Chelsae and it was super!!!!
A wonderful spirit and joy to see our 4th and final child graduate from this wonderful program. Though not all our children really enjoyed seminary the entire year, there was always a "good" that came out of their experiences. We believe that we cannot control our association with other people that may have in the past caused us to stumble, but we can control what we do with this moment. Right now we are surrounded with these situations on a daily basis yet it is still up to us to either wallow in the past or to step forward and again to shed the "natural" man in all of us. The seminary program teaches us to look to Christ and not to the world. These wonderful teachers and leaders in this program keep beckoning to us to forget the mote in other eyes and work on the beam in our own. As does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. I love this hope of redeeming love promised to us by a living prophet. Hope is all we have to stand on at times. We also have a picture of Chelsae being honored for being a senior on the softball team at Burley after they beat Minico to pieces!!!

There and back again

Well it seemed like yesterday that I posted a blog but it has been nearly a month. I better catch up. Julie had surgery on Tues. the 22nd and all went well. She is a little sore but soon will be 100 % . Keep her in your prayers. Chelsae attended cheer leading competition but they never placed even though they did very good in their performance. Shawnae cut all of our hair during spring break, even Chris and Hannah's family. Grandma does not know what she is missing. Chris is playing city league basketball and they are in the tournament now and could do very well. Our little "Philly" family have the crud and are laid up for a while. Our prayers go out to you.
Spring is taking its own sweet time getting here and better be bringing some sunshine or else. Well that's a mouthful so I better quit while I'm ahead. Love you kids!

(\\I'll put on a video or two if I can find one)

Well howdy again pard, reckon I'll mosey over to the laptop and wrestle up a post or two. Sorry, we just watched part of a John Wayne movie. It was called El Dorado. A great movie and always a happy ending. Speaking of a happy ending, Chelsae made the varsity softball team. She was "pumped" when she arrived home. So we celebrated with left overs and strawberry milk. Also we are hoping for a happy ending with Julie's shoulder. She went in for an MRI today and we will find out later this week what the verdict is. She is having quite a time with the pain so please keep her in your prayers.
Shawnae is coming down tonight so her and mom can go to Twin tomorrow and get Shawnae's braces off. Another happy ending!!
We love happy endings. We watched a movie the other night called "The Lake House" and even this movie had a happy ending. You guys would love it. Even this night had a happy ending. As I was delivering the monthly reports to the auxiliary heads tonight, I was walking up to the front door of our elders quorum president's home and didn't notice in the dark that the front walk was solid ice.My right foot went first and the my left followed which any other time would have ended me up on my back or head. But both feet collided with the first step and steadied me helping me maintain my balance. I thanked Heavenly Father over and over for that close call. I even met a member that we did not know of. A mother with two children that are old enough for mutual. It reminded me of the missionary splits years ago that we would do every Sunday night.
Well we will end this with a happy video or picture. Don't you just love happy endings.

2+3=5

Today was a very special day.Even though it snowed like crazy and cancelled our weekend plans. Even though it is colder than a mother-in -law's kiss outside. Even though the only thing you want to do is snuggle up next to a fire and read Moby Dick and you instead do the laundry and cook and clean. Even though the poinsettia plant that you bought last Christmas is dropping leaves as fast as a pizza dropping slices at a Weight Watchers convention.Even though the promise you made to yourself to change your eating habits began 9 weeks ago and for some reason the pants are tighter today.
Yes even though all that, this was a very special and happy day.Julie and I are ....... well you will just have to watch the video for the rest of the story. Love you kids!!

Well the Bobcats are dust in the wind as far as basketball goes. Canyon Ridge took them out on Sat. A happy / sad end 'cause Chelsae is now "free". All she has now is competition in cheer leading and then baseball season hits. All of our kids have liked competitive sports. Now that we think of it, all of our kids have liked playing with a sphere of some sort. Chris loved the ornaments on the Christmas tree so much that it was not unusual to come down in the morning and find all the ornaments on the bottom of the tree branches. We think that is why he loved all sports so much. Nickie liked baseball but she threw like a girl. (which would make you laugh unless when you had to chase the ball). But Nickie loved circles of family and friends. And she loved "drawing " you in for a hug. Shawnae was great at hitting the ball and teasing the catcher and the pitcher. Chelsae loves to hit the loooooong ball but her speed is her gift. Now Julie was not involved in competitive sports in school but we wager that if there was ever a tether ball team, Julie would have won the gold metal. Recess was the time to prove her dominance in the school yard. As we look back over our years of young parenthood, our children loved ball games, movies and friends. But not all the tea in China could be traded for the times we played catch in the house ( much to mom's chagrin), or bounce the ball in the yard trying to be like Michael Jordan. Those precious moments then were so casually spent as if the clock of childhood ran as slow as molasses in January. Oh my fine friend, how those memories bring warmth on a cold day.
Julie and Chelsae traveled to Poky on Friday to spend some time with Shawnae at her cosmetology school. And while they were there, they had a pedicure, manicure and mom had her hair done. I will try to send a video of this with this blog as well. Any way they were very well done. We are very proud of Shawnae. Keep up the good work. You might make it to the "head" of the class. Get it? Chelsae is trying out for softball and we hope she has "covered" all the bases. Get it? Chris is renting cars so well he was #1 in the state of Idaho. Let's hope the customers don't "drive" him crazy. Get it? Julie is an awesome wife and mother as usual. She is right now at the racket ball club working out with her Pandora music. Let's hope that the "cycle" of life never stops. Get it?
Love you all!!!!

blah-blah-blah

Howdy kids, hope this blog finds you well. Chelsae cheered for the last home game on Friday against Poky and was honored before the game along with all the other seniors. I will try to get mom's phone to grab a picture for you. Shawnae even came down and gave her some roses. She even took the pictures for us for the promenade.
On Saturday we traveled to Twin Falls and attended the B-day party for Brady. Hannah worked really hard in providing a Hogwarts atmosphere. It was Harry Potter day and the games, decorations,food and costumes were great. Brady invited 19 friends and usually only half show up but on this occasion they all came. But Hannah and Chris handled them all very well nevertheless. The weather was warm and so most of the games were outside. Pictures to follow.
Afterwards Grandma and Chelsae headed home in the pickup while your mother and I got lost and ended up in Sun Valley. Why it was the strangest thing. Even the carmel apple store was open. So we ended up eating one and finding our way home. At Shoshone we stop at our favorite burger joint and had a sandwich,fries and a ice cream cone. Because as you know, it is a sin to eat french fries with out ice cream.
Now Chelsae is not one to waste a un-supervised moment so she got together with some girl friends and they made cakes for their "sweethearts". I am looking at it now and it resembles a turbine hat. Her new "attachment" is called Ben or Sam or something like that. And he seems like a nice guy. But then even I can "seem" like that too when I want to, come off it! Chelsae drove up to Hannah's and Chris's place later because of ACT test that morning. She says that the teacher doesn't like her. And that she may have done ok on certain areas of the test. We hope so.
Please listen to the Abbott and Costello routine on the oldies media. It is the funniest skit. They work very well off of each other. Their quick and have it down pat. Also the Smothers brothers is another one that always makes me smile. That media attachment is amazing. I even found an old Bill Cosby skit. Please post some of your funny caricatures and let us know, we always need a laugh.
Well we love you kids and I will post some more home movies with this. Sorry for the rambling that is why I titled it that way.

Well here goes! This video is being very stubborn and will not take. So we will try again. Julie and Shawnae went to Twin Falls today to see the teeth guy about Shawnae's braces. Well she had the lower ones removed and now she only has the top to go. Shawnae's car has the windshield wipers stuck on the "up" mode. They work OK but every time she shuts them off they go right up again. She is so use to them that it doesn't bug her anymore. At least they work!
Chelsae is cheering up a storm and for this next game she will show the crowd what she did with a group of kindergartners. It is called "mini cheer". So for half time on Friday nights game they do a cheer for us. They are so cute. Also she will be escorted by her mom and dad for a senior promenade.
Mom is still sick though she acts tough. Her voice is a little croaky but she still is going to work.
I think she just needs to stay home and kick it. What do you guy's think? I'm trying to help out by doing the laundry and cleaning up but no one does it like Julie. Please pray for her.
Remember guys the big Feb. 14th is right around the corner. I wanted to take Julie to Sun Valley this week-end but we have world wide training on Saturday and New Beginnings on Sunday so that's out. Also Hannah and Chris are having a B-Day party for Brady on Saturday. It was post-poned because of conflicting schedules. So what can I say except we are still going !!! Sometime this month.
Work was crazy today because all of our freight came in today from being stuck in all the snow back east. It was Christmas in February. I had 154 delivery stops with 330 packages and over a 100 packages picked up. I was so glad it was nice weather and the next day air was on time. As I look back on the day, I remember all the people who helped me with a kind word or a door held open. Some of my customers even interrupted their busy day to sign my diad. Even the traffic was mostly polite. I found customer just leaving or arriving the same time I was there. I never assume this to be coincidental. The Lord has to be involved. I don't believe in luck, good or bad. It's funny how the day can just click like today and other days I struggle to get done. Chelsae said the prayer this morning. That must be it! She holds the record of the fastest prayer ever so that must have been the ticket. I got her right in the middle of curling her hair so she had to fold one arm and hold her next curl with the other. Tomorrow I may curl my hair the same way. Wait a minute. You need hair to curl. So that's out. I'lljusttalkreallyfastlikethisandholdahairbrush. But all kidding aside I am sure that the Lord blesses us every day, even on those days we struggle. We just can't see it as clear on those long days.
Well our video is still uploading so we will leave you until it is done. We sure hope it works this time.

Bobcat Cheerleaders and Basketball

We've never been to so many games in one week that we can remember. Almost every night we were either attending a boys or girls game. And well, all we can say is sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. The girls were beaten out of district on Thursday night up at Canyon Ridge in Twin Falls. ( it's a new high school because Twin is growing like crazy so now there is two high schools) Now the varsity girls were coached by a member of our ward and so my lips are sealed about that unless you are Julie Ann.
Now the boys varsity team have a good all around group of boys but they seem to struggle with getting the ball into the hoop. Now you can have the best blocker, the best dribbler and even the best intention to win but if you cannot end some plays with a bucket, you will lose most of the time. Which is what they do. Now I resent "armchair experts" in any field. Even some of you right now are yelling at a player or coach of a unnamed football team during an unnamed bowl because he could not see the field from your perspective. And of course, what were they thinking when so and so threw the thing-a-ma-gig to whats his face without considering the alternative of running with the dew-hickey around all those yay-hoos in for a score.
But enough of that. The culmination of this bitter-sweet week was a cheerleader competition in Twin Falls for our district that propels the winners to the state competition later this year. This was held on Sat, the 5Th of February (Brady's Birthday! He is 6 now) . Chelsae is a senior cheerleader and has cheered for 5 years. So this is routine for her. We believe that she struggles with cheering at a home game more than any competition because of the peer pressure involved. But never the less their group did a superb job and well you will have to watch the video to hear the end of the story. We are proud of Chelsae . And as we look back on all our kid's achievements we are no less proud of theirs. All of our children have had their own difficulties that they struggled with. And we as parents were tempted at times to jump into theirs and clean it up. Just as you would like to jump into that un-named bowl game and show them what winning is all about. But we don't. We mustn't. It would be against the laws of our Father who knows all. "Train up a child in the way he (she) should go; and when he (she) is old, he (she) will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 . This does not mean that they will do good continually for we "all sin and fall short". But rather this means that when we step on to selfish paths, our memories of a mother's prayer to a living God or father's blessing will cause us to reflect upon our actions and the consequences of them. And with humble prayers on our behalf from parents, friends, and church leaders, the Lord will reach out to the wayward one and with a tender voice and supportive arm of a good shepherd guide the lamb back to the fold. Also remember the line " and when they are old". Sometimes it is years before we finally "get it".
Our ward choir has been practicing for ward conference a hymn entitled "Be Still,My Soul"
I've sang this hymn dozens of times but today the words were re -written for my heart to feel them. Tears flowed into my eyes and my voice failed me as the truthfulness of these words swept me away. Even as I write this, the words still impress me with their soberness. As we leave the Lord to "order and provide" after all we can do on our own, the necessary parts will be provided. And then we will have " loves purest joys restored". This is just one example of the strength this gospel gives us when we feel overwhelmed. We posted this song on the church portion of music.
While the video is uploading I better let you know that Julie caught a cold bug and has been sleeping all day. Chelsae is over at a friends house working on a assignment for school. Please keep Julie in your prayers. The house is quiet now and the only sound is the video recorder. We are going through the family videos and labeling them. As we play them, we run across family outings that reminds us of experiences that we've forgotten. They are heart warming and we will share them with you as we can. One is on this blog and we hope you enjoy it as much as we did. This is at the Craters of the Moon. Chris, was that a "growl" from Shawnae? You decide. And Chelsae do you remember those poor little"wormy" ants?

"2 mistakes" that can change your life

Well hello again! This last week was a doozey.But Julie was able to cover for me at the b-ball games and even a trip to the temple with Chris and Hannah on Friday. Chelsae attended Preference on Saturday and seemed to enjoy herself. There were 8 in her group and that made for some variety in all their activities. Many is good. Blessed is the man (woman) that has a quiver full of good friends. Looking back on our childhood, I wish that the gospel had more dominion in my life. As I look back at our friends in high school and even after our marriage, the 2 mistakes I made the most was #1 judging the outside of people and#2 using the world's definition of friend to gauge those around me. Even in high school there were moments when the Lord was reaching out for me but I stubbornly refused His attention. Did He give up on me? Nope! He turned me around with the smile of a beautiful woman. He knows me all too well it seems. Yup, I am talking about Julie Ann.
She was and still is my best friend and because of her my life has hope. She makes me look good.
She has an intuition that has helped me see the big picture and can out cook me any day. She is the greatest mom that any one could wish for and you kids better remember her always. After all that she gives of herself all she wants in return is a hug and a kiss.
Well now that we have that said let me add that the gospel is the center of your family and you will benefit the most if you allow yourself to be involved with His work. The adversary will bend your thinking. Just as the world will define friendship and love at times in the most coarse manner, you must be able to steer a straight course and not be swayed into strange paths or short cuts.
Enough of the soap box already. We love you all and pray for you every day. We as parents do not always know what challenges you are facing at this time but I'm confident that your relationship with the Savior will be determining factor in resolving your difficulties. He has never let us down. He will ever love you. No matter what !!

Bobcat fever

Tonight is the big girls basketball game vs Canyon Ridge out of Twin Falls. So Chelsae is "dawning" her cheer leading outfit, curling her hair and painting her face just in case there are any cute boys from Canyon Ridge, heh-heh. Mom is accompanying her tonight alone 'cause I've home teachers coming at 7:00 and a mtg. at 8:00. Our home teachers are J.Craner & S.Sanders who are working really hard to get their HT done. They are great and love our family. I learned many years ago that your home teacher's schedule is busy too and you really need to be flexible with the times that they would like to come. Matter of fact their schedule can be twice as busy considering the two brethren's time availability. So make it easy to be home taught and they will love to come. Show them your appreciation for taking time away from their family to teach you about the gospel. Home teaching and visit teaching are callings that we are never released from. With this in mind, maybe the Lord is preparing us for what is to come. Service to others & sacrifice things we want to do.

Bacon,toast and the " rough" day

Well that wasn't so bad thanks to Nickie so here goes. Had a rough day so came home and pigged out on bacon ( no pun intended ) and french toast. My, My what a difference a little pig fat can make. Can't wait for another "rough" day! Julie went exercising and worked off hers while Chelsae and I waddled around the house. We are a little behind in our reading of the Book of Mormon so we each re-committed ourselves to "kechup". Our family home evening was just reading the B of M and I then gave a spiritual thought given to me by Bishop Kleopfer on Sunday. He recounted a meeting he had attended on Saturday with a member of the quorum of the twelve, Elder Russell M. Nelson who was visiting our area. In the meeting Elder Nelson had you envision the baptismal font in the temple with the font being supported by the twelve oxen. Reminding us of the gathering of the twelve tribes of Israel. Elder Nelson reminded them that the oxen are each looking out away from the font in symbolism of the work that is needed done by us in this gathering of those tribes. What is the gate by which you enter into the path toward the Kingdom of our Father? Only through the gate of baptism are you directed toward His Kingdom. Each time now when I see the font I will remember this wonderful symbolism and of my responsibility as a member of His church.

We have been blessed with 4 wonderful children and now we have one more son and one more daughter through marriage and also 4 of the cutest grandchildren in the world. Julie & I have been married 35 years even though she looks 29. We hope that through this blog we can convey to our children & grandchildren our love for this family,country and the Father who made all of this possible. I do not type well so please be kind. And with practice I am sure this will improve. I'm encouraged by my daughters, Nickie & Hannah. So here goes. We as a ward we have been challenged by our Bishop to read the Book of Mormon by the end of May. This has been both a blessing and a challenged for us. But we will do our best. We have one child left in our home and she is a senior this year. She ( Chelsae ) is a cheerleader and a very good baseball player. She also can squat 300 lbs. and so you do not mess with her.

Julie is hard at work at the bus garage and by being a good secretary and a super mom and grandma ( a term she loves ) to those near and far away. She is getting younger while this old guy looks a little more bent each day. I work at a delivery service company as a truck driver and daily give thanks for our jobs and good health to perform there. We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and love what the church has taught us to raise our family on this troubled earth. This has been a blessing that will pay off through out all generations.