.

happy birthday my sweet Jane!!

2008-11-04T21:46:00.000-08:00

This is Jane!
Sporty Jane

Nice legs Jane

Thanksgiving Jane

Temple Jane

Great Mom Jane

Crafty Jane

I love you Jane!

Jumpsuits and Bongo Boards

2008-10-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

When I was 8-12, I liked two things more than anything. Riding my bike and skiing. We used to go with my Dad to Solitude on a weekday when it was $5. I had a red jumpsuit for skiing, that I loved, before nylon jumpsuits were cool. (these were the pre-gortex days when the tight, flared, stretchy pants were the rage, but I was a trendsetter.) I could slide down the slopes in that suit almost as fast as I could ski.

We moved back east when I was 15 where the best runs were equivalent to the "seasame street" run at Solitude. That is my excuse for not having mad skills in the backcountry or on the mogul field today. But, I still like to train for the season like a pro. I train on the bongo board like all serious skiing athletes. I also still enjoy jumpsuits.

I learned to ride a bike when I was 2....or so the story goes. When I was 8, my Dad bought me one of the first full-suspension bikes made. It is ("is" 'cause I still gots it and I still ride it with the kids) a Kawasaki brand bike. My dad took me down to Duff's to trade my Honda MR 50 in on that bad boy. I jumped big wheels, plastic swimming pools, friends, dogs...everything on that bike. Until, one day, my feet came off the pedals and I landed full force on the tear-drop shaped bar (point of the tear drop at the top), ouch-chy-mama. I still love to ride my bike.

May I have a fig newton, please?....Bonk

2008-05-31T10:47:00.001-07:00

I joined a group of cyclists heading out to Canyon Lake this am. I had not ridden this ride, but prepared for a 40-50 mile ride. The ride turned out to be 80 miles and the temp was quickly climbing to 100+. The ride was also filled with brutal climbs. Because I didn't take food, gu, gels, gatorade, or the like, I "bonked" big time about 1/2 way back. I managed to stay with the group up until we had 5 or 6 miles left, but at that point, I was done and peeled off the back and ducked into a CVS pharmacy.

I didn't have any $$, so I asked the clerk at the counter if he could spot me a drink. He couldn't accommodate, but called back to the supervisor, Steve. Steve came through and let me pick out a drink and snack. Coke and a Fig Newton were the selections. They tasted so good. (I'll have to drive by later and give Steve some $$ and a thank you card.)

I limped by home, jumped in the pool, (when I did my hammy cramped big time and I let out a yell that the neighbors heard I'm sure). Now I'm ready for a nap.

The scenery on the ride was beautiful. Too bad I was too dead to enjoy it.

I'm supposed to do a 100 miler from Park City, around Kamas, down through Heber Valley, over the Alpine loop, over Traverse mountain and up to Snowbird in August. We'll see if I can improve b/w now and then.

Summer Job List--get 'er done

2008-05-25T21:01:00.000-07:00

Job List—Summer 08

Before Lunch :
Make Bed
Shower
Scripture study (family and personal)
Breakfast
Brush teeth
Pick up dirty clothes, take downstairs
Clean clothes up and put away
Room cleaned
Zone (see below)

Zones:
Ally:
Upstairs Bathroom
Chase:
Family Room
Brooke:
Little girls room and bathroom
Brigham:
Entry, loft/exercise room, back patio
Brynn:
toy room and kitchen set
little girls closet

After Dinner
Dishes (boys odd; girls even)
Clean clothes up, dirty down
Brush teeth

Consequences for poor performance (not completing your jobs each day):

Ally—no phone (no more than 1,000 txt/month)

Chase—computer/TV/Video games

Brig— computer/TV/Video games

Brooke— computer/TV/Video games

Opportunities to earn $$$

Ally—Sell on Etsies / eBay (clothing lots, Christmas décor, stuff)

Chase—Sell on eBay (selling service) power wash, clean garage bathroom

Brooke—sell designs

Brigs—blowing leaves

Clocks, sheets and underwear

2008-04-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Jane really enjoys April Fools Day. She makes a "silly" dinner for the kids every year and they love it. It takes some work on menus and food description as well as prep and clean up. See her blog for more details on this years I'm sure.

But from our first year married, she's been having her way with me (on April Fools Day). For the first few years, she set the clocks an hour earlier. I'd arrive at school or work an hour early and wonder where everyone was. This worked for a few years, then she went to short-sheeting the bed......very aggravating. After the sheets, she became a little more evasive and targeted my underwear; sewing the legs shut so when I stepped in, I was met with frustrating resistance. Not sure what is still in store for me this year, if anything.........hey, maybe that is the trick; I'm expecting something that really is not going to happen........arrrggghh! Now she really has me jumpy.

Later.

Spring Break

2008-03-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

The trip to Rocky Point, excuse me, Puerto Peñasco, (alt 164 to put the ~ above the n if you are interested) was a mixed bag for me. I was in charge of prep since Jane was in NYC with Liz. We decided to go ghetto and not rent a trailer, but take our Cargo trailor and our big tent and canopy to rough-it with all the RV'ers. With a fair amount of frustration, we head down the road early Saturday after Jane arrived 11:30pm on Friday.

We pull into PP in the afternoon. The route we took, carried us through the ugly part of town (think of a frat party mixed with Mardi Gras all on 4 wheelers and ATV's) making the kids bury their heads on a few occasions.

Once you get out by the resort and to the unusually nice RV park where we stayed, the muck subsides. There are dunes behind you for miles, the RV park and then a great beach and the Sea of Cortez. The conditions in the RV park are cramped but clean. The RV culture is very friendly and mingly. We had 15 families from our ward and neighborhood there at the same time. So the kids play on the beach or wii in one of the RV's while the adults sit on the beach and watch or by the fire and talk.

I did sneak in a mtn bike ride with a friend from our ward and a run down the very nice beach. We also ate amazing shrimp that a guy brought to us fresh driving around the RV park. Another lady brought tamales and breakfast burritos.

I was incharge of meal prep and did a pretty poor job of meal planning, so we were lucky to have the people bringing the food around.

Good time. But still prefer a W or JW resort to the RV. But, it appears we will return next year, RV in tow, for the kids kids sake. (I'm thinking 42ft toy hauler full of quads. It makes a lot of sense from an emergency preparedness standpoint, right. I'll need a new truck to pull it, 3/4 ton, diesel, crew cab as well.)

Oli

2008-03-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Not the hopping skateboard move, but the 2nd of Chuck Dicken's novels, Oliver Twist. Kelly lent me a copy and I just finished it on the plane yesterday. Typical classic. Tough to read through at times, but well-worth the effort.

Poor Oliver Twist can't buy a break in life, due largely to the society and governments turning their backs on the poor and needy. (England even had a law, during Dicken's time, that made begging illegal.) He eventually comes across someone who has true charity, takes him in and cares for him.

Admirable how Dicken's rips the government and it's ridiculous programs with his writing. Must have been quite controversial.

Makes you wonder how much we neglect the poor and needed and pass judgment on those in need.

Todd

My wife left me....

2008-03-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

to go to NYC with her sister, Liz. Leaving 75+ degree weather for 40*- weather? Eating out, seeing plays, shopping, seeing the sites,........................Are you sure you just don't want to come back and sit by the pool?

Don't worry about us. We'll make it somehow on flavored noodles, tuna/crackers and cereal.

Holli Dolli

2008-02-25T21:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Holli Dolli!

The sweetest little sister
in the whole wide world.
Pure joy in her heart,
And, did I tell you, she's really, really smart?

Beautiful too,
and she has a wonderful family.
Happy birthday wishes to you,
From us here in the valley.

Happy Birthday! Big 34! Ohhhh, yeeeeaaaahhh!

Tender Glances--Jake and Andrea's un-stated wedding theme

2008-01-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

Jake and Andrea
Sitting across the room
Exchanging tender glances
with you know whom.

Long curly hair
and an elegant profile.
Jake may be the one,
says Andrea with a smile.

Athletic build
and dashing good looks.
This girl's the bomb
says Rooster, now he's hooked.

Better prepared than most,
this couple is starting off right,
good job, two cars, new home....
They're future is out-of-sight.

Our expectations are high
as you start your climb together.
Don't let the rest of us slow you down
as you enjoy the sunshine and stormy weather.

Biking through the cacti...

2008-01-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

Biking through the cacti is fun to do,
fun to do,
to do, to do,
Biking through the cacti is fun to do,
Especially when you're through.

Watching Brigham wheelie is fun to do,
fun to do,
yooo hooo, yooo hooo,
Watching Brigham wheelie is fun to do,
Especially when he's through, (but so tired that when he wheelies over, his legs are too tired to support himself and he tumbles to the desert floor in-front of the entire grandstand.)

See uTube for details.

Bobcat Brigham

2008-01-19T22:17:00.000-08:00

Brigham is a Bobcat
Check out his roar
had to find his badge
amongst worms and dirt and more.

Foraging for food
Is a skill he does possess
Doing it without his hands
surely made a mess.

Way to go Brigham!

Limericks

2008-01-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

There once was a man from Nantucket
Who kept all his cash in a bucket.
But his daughter, named Nan,
Ran away with a man
And as for the bucket, Nantucket.
-Anon

Does anyone know about the man from Bombass?

The Cat Lady, the Cat Lady....

2008-01-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

Jake's silver bullet died going to a property.
We were headed to see the cat lady,
who has cats numbering almost 103!

It really was a horrid, disgusting sight.
To see cats, lady and a baby's plight.
Mingling all together, I think I might......

Call CPS on lady Tina
But she says the cats are not minha (mine)
and they keep the mice away from baby Felina?!?

Brigham, Gig'em, Buddy Boy...

2008-01-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Brigham!

We love you a ton.
You're one of a kind
and so much fun.

You're rough and tumble
and you like to All-Star Wrestle,
But you have a soft spot inside
that sometimes shows you are caring and gentle.

8 yrs old.
It's a pretty big deal
We're so happy
that you're in our family,
so happy we could squeal!

Happy Birthday Brigham (gig'em, buddy boy)!

Happy Sassy Birthday

2007-12-30T15:43:00.001-08:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Candace Dear.
We want to wish you joy and happiness on this the day of your 22nd year
A sassy young sassafrass, that's what you are.
With your gleaming white smile and sassiness you're sure to go far.

A sassy new do,
A gleaming white smile too.
You're arm-pumping, back talkin' suga-momma
In a white sparkling mouth, you.

But 'nough 'bout da hair.
How 'bout dem teeph?
Double Sassy! Double Sassy!
You cannot be beat. You're an extraordinaire.

Photographer, snappy dragon.
Sassy, snappy, snappy sassy.
With shiney, pearly bling to boot.
Giddy---yap, giddy--yap!
You're the best. So its to you we hoot....
"Happy Sassy Birthday Candace Dear.
May this day be the best day of the whole entire year."

We love you!

poem by jane jr

2007-12-28T13:22:00.000-08:00

i 'm in a chair
whith lots of hair.
my dady calles out were were were?
i say here he says there?
then he says to much hair.

he says ,get a trim
and i'll tickle your chin.
so i get a trim
but he dosnt tickle my chin
all he says is your balldey!

Post from Jane Jr.

2007-12-28T13:10:00.000-08:00

todd said that i can put apost on his blog!soo let me think hmmmh mmmmhmmm?i know i will post about todd!let me see whats some describing words?i know!: funny ,sqiggley,taylory,nicly , me-ey,toddy,and thats all i can think of!by by sweetie pie!

A Sassy, Happy, Happy Birthday Candance Dear....

2007-12-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

Happy, Happy Birthday Candace Dear.
We want to wish you joy and happiness on this the day of your 22nd year

A sassy young sassafrass,
that's what you are.
With your gleaming white smile
and sassiness you're sure to go far.

A sassy new do,
A gleaming white smile too.
You're arm-pumping, back talkin' suga-momma
In a white sparkling mouth, you.

But 'nough 'bout da hair.
How 'bout dem teeph?
Double Sassy! Double Sassy!
You cannot be beat.

Photographer, snappy dragon.

Sassy, snappy, snappy sassy
With shiney, pearly bling to boot.
Giddy---yap, giddy--yap
You're the best. So to you we hoot.

Happy Sassy Birthday Candace Dear.
May this day be the best day of the whole year.

We love you!

Spanky….”Dude”

2007-12-18T19:06:00.000-08:00

There once was a youngster named Cory.
Who burned down a barn near the quarry.
He drove a blue cloud and a brown hornet that was loud
and was called "Dude" by his favorite Aunt Mary.

As today is your birthday dear Cory.
I feel it’s my big brother duty;
to pay tribute to you
and best wished too,
on this your 36th anniversary.

You once defended our home from a Lipper.
And always added excitement at dinner.
Breakfast in bed
or sometimes on your head,
life without you would be boring.

So, now that you’re turning 36.
It makes me feel older than that group called The Styx
Not D.J. Jazzy,
Or even the Cure.
The big, fluffy-haired band from back in ‘76.

No, you're more like Metallica,
You get better with age,
Unlike Michael Jackson,
you're a star on life's stage.

Always willing to help
those of us in need.
With encouraging words
or lending your trusty steed.

Some called you Spanky and others B.C..
For a while you were Brandon.
But you've always been Cory to me.

So here’s to 36 more,
years here on this earth.
I'm sure the next 36 years
will be as good as those since your birth.

Happy Birthday!

Bought a lemon....

2007-12-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Bought a Lemon,

what do I do?

Bought a Lemon,

and an orange and a grapefruit too.

It's got lots of trees,

and a big yard too,

Got a few scorpions

What's a boy to do?

A year in the making,

is what it will take.

We're kind of excited.

Hope we don't make a big mistake.

Gotta have a pool

and a sports court too.

Gotta have a pipe and a kicker

so I can do a few ollies for you.

A place for our guests

is high on the list.

Come during winter (hint, hint)

while the weathers the best.

If you still haven't guessed,

we procured a building parcel.

So on North Lemon Street

we'll be making our house into the Taylor Family Carcel. (that's Jail in Spanish)

Poetry for the duration.. and Iron Mike

2007-12-04T17:18:00.000-08:00

A note of caution....from here on out the majority of posts will take the form of poems. My fascination with poetry started when I was around 10 yrs old and heard the likes of.....no not Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, Pablo Neruda, Shakespeare, or the like; but the fine work of the annonymous poets who published such great works as.......: "There once was a man from Bombass....". I know you all know the rest.

This early appreciation of profound expression (following strict form of course) has led to my quest to post in verse. I will also say that I am partial to the Haiku. Not because I like Japanese per se, (domo arigato, moshi moshi, sayonara and konichiwa) but I like the simple rhyming scheme of 5-7-5.

Oh, I rode down the escalator with Iron Mike Tyson yesterday as I was leaving Terminal 4 of Sky Harbor airport. He was dressed in white (white hat), had an agent sort with him and looked to weigh around 300lbs. He was talking on the phone, sounding like a sissy, but with the tattoo all over the side of his face and his extra lbs, I was scared to tell him so. I did, however, snap a photo from behind with my fancy phone, but it came out blurry. (I was giddy with excitement.)

Haiku to Tyler, Jill and Family

2007-12-04T16:44:00.000-08:00

Haiku to Tyler and Jill Carson family who just survived a wicked car crash.

Suburban sideways:
Tyler, Jill and Family,
on Utah highways.

How did it happen?
Pushed from behind by a car
sliding on byways.

Horifying crash:
exploding like a bomb
Everyone buckled?

You one lucky son.
Some divine intervention
you better believe.

All ok? Thankfully so.
Is anyone hurt?
Amazingly, no!

Grateful, you're ok.
What would we do without you?
Life would be so gay. (bad gay, not good gay)

Happy Birthday Brookie Sugar Cookie!

2007-11-30T20:44:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday Brookie!

You are the best.

You came into this world smiling

and you haven't stopped for a rest.

You're a great friend and sister

a great daughter too

I am still wondering

what I did to deserve you.

You're smart and your sassy,

(in only the right way),

You're pretty and classy.

But I have more to say.

You're fashion sense

leaves us all asking your advise

I just can't figure out

how someone can be so nice.

In short, dear sugar

I love you a lot

And wish you Happy Birthday

from the bottom of my heart.

Happy Birthday Sugar Cookie!

Happy Birthday Mom, Nana and Candy!

2007-11-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Mom, Nana and Candy,
We think you are great,
We think you are dandy.

So, Happy birthday to you,
Btw. How old are you?
Still holding at 32?
Nobody would guess 62.

I always love to hear your laughter
So many talents,
Let’s name a few:
A great cook, a fantastic baker,
A fashion Diva, an artist, and even a Cavette / Ballroom dancer,

I’m glad we could spend this
Thanksgiving time with you.
We hope we all learn a thing or two
By watching you in all you do

The best Nana and Mother
You do it with ease.
Will you, won’t you have a great birthday,
Please!?

We love you!

Todd, Jane, Ally

Lessons from Brigham

2007-11-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

Brigham is teaching me skateboarding lessons so I am ready when we take the Dad's skateboard class in a few weeks.

We were out on the driveway today practicing a few turns, how to "manual" which is a wheelie stop. Then Brigham decided I was ready for the next level. So we started making turns on the ramp. All was good, until Brigham started jumping off the side of the ramp (only curb height). Then I made a mistake. The underlying mistake was thinking, "hey, this kid is only 7, if he can do it, I can do it. Heck, I've been riding skateboards since they were invented. I had one with steel wheels." I approached the ramp, made my turn, pulled a little wheelie, went off the jump, all was good until I landed. The skateboard quickly shot out from under me and I landed on my wallet, hard. I let out a grunt as I lost my wind slightly. This scared Brigham and Sophie. I'm still quite sore as I sit here on my wallet.

The worst part is that my confidence has been dinged. Am I really that old? Am I losing my inner ear? (no comments on these last points of self-reflection, please.)

Polpol Vuh.....

2007-11-17T17:26:00.000-08:00

Jane and I recently visited The Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. Since everyone goes to Cancun and slobs it on the beach, I'm deciding to tell everyone that we went to the Yucatan (sound much more eco-vacation, jungle trekk -ish).

We visited one of the Mayan ruins (Tulum). The tour guide reminded me of a book I read in college for a Spanish class called the PolPol Vuh. It is a Mayan book, written in Mayan (no I didn't read it in Mayan or "reformed Egyptian"). It describes the Mayan version of the creation, gives some of their culture and beliefs, etc. It also touches on the coming of Christ and their thoughts on the second coming. Many dismiss these parallels as the book was written after the conquest of the Spaniards and after they had been forcibly indoctrinated with Christian beliefs. For each to decide on his own.

My takeaway.....silly Lamanites.

Technology....star trek style

2007-11-13T17:09:00.000-08:00

Check out the YouTube video of Cisco's new Holographic capability being considered for their Telepresence systems. Are you kidding me? Beam me up, Scottie!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rcfNC_x0VvE

Unreal, hey? That's why Kip loves technology.

I love technology.....

2007-11-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

....and what the church is doing to help us with family history work. I mentioned a while ago that I am turning into the old lady in your ward that is the family history specialist. My brother, Shea, works with the family history department sometimes and provides them computer hardware and storage that they are using for the digitizing of the microfiche records. He's known about some of these tools for years, but for us newbies, here's a few cool tools to check out if you haven't already.

Indexing work. Digitizing scanned microfiche records. You can help. Here's the link. Get signed up doing some indexing today. http://www.familysearchindexing.org/en/index.jsp
New PAF. User friendly. You should start gathering info from your aging relatives and consolidating them into a master PAF file for each of your family lines that you can share with your family so you are all working together and not duplicating. Here's where to download it. (down on the right side of the page. ) http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/default.asp
PAF Insight. Ohana software http://www.ohanasoftware.com/ came out a few years ago with a software program that compares your own family history records (in PAF) with the temple records that list the ordinances that have been completed in the temple. It loads directly into your PAF program under the "tools" menu. It shows your personal PAF records on the left side of the screen and displays the closest matching temple records on the right along with the % probablity that they are the same person. (over 90% is surely a match down to under 60% is probably not a match, but could be....get it?) Then you go through, updating your file with the information from the temple records thus avoiding duplicating the temple work for these family members. It's also valuable to see what other information those that have worked on that have have found, so you can add it to your file. I downloaded it a few weeks ago and have checked 1000 names so far on the Taylor/ Mayberry side of my family and was only able to find a handful of individuals who lacked ordinance work.
New Temple Ready program at the family history libraries. The church is also using a duplication check process in it's temple ready program (the program you use when you go to have the temple cards made from your PAF record) that will not allow a card to be issued for someone who has already received the work. So using PAF Insight upfront, will save some embarrassment when you go to the family history center to have cards printed.

It's amazing what we can do these days with search technology and how effective and easy it is. A very little computer literacy and web familiarity goes a long, long way. It seems we are just at the beginning of what will be some pretty exciting advances.

Jane is how old?

2007-11-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

Only 36! Still a fine young philly. Here are a few "glamour shots by Todd".

Happy Birthday to you!

Jane attacks Red Mtn

2007-10-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

Jane and I took to the hills today northeast of Mesa. There is a nice spot to ride around Red Mountain and Salt River. Quite picturesque as well.

We took off during a lunch break in the 90* ++ heat, but had a great time. Jane tore it up, no wrecks and a good time.

I sported the new Jamis, thanks again Cory for the sweet hook-up, and really enjoyed both the climbs and descents on the new machine. (I had Jane take video of me tearing it up down the steep, but it didn't come out and I was just too tired to climb back up.)

We're going to enjoy the year-around biking.

Tag...not the body spray....

2007-10-28T14:07:00.001-07:00

'cause I don't need cologne, I have natural essence. Besides this possible mis-perception, here are 7 idio(t)synchracies.....

Mullets...I kind a like 'em and think that the style will come back. My favorite photos are when I had my Mississippi mudflap. The style will probably come back when I'm pushin' 50 which will be perfect 'cause I'll be able to wear the mullet Hulk Hogan style, bald on top, long and stringy down the back. Sweet.
Low-riders.....I want one (as bad as the lady on Napoleon wanted the boat in the glass bottle). Not low-rider jeans that show your crack, "pull up your pants for Pete's-sake"; the cars that my Latino brethren sport down here in the valley of the sun. A few weeks ago, I was bumpin' along in my jeep and was stopped at a light when dude in a old Mazda truck pulls up next to me about eye level (you know my jeep sits pretty tall with the lift and tires). I didn't think much about it, but then he drops out of sight, like the earth swallowed him up. From sky rider to low rider. Cool.
Bad breath.....I admire it. It shows me 1) you could care less what I or anyone else thinks about you, 2) you are too busy to brush or floss so you are using your time really effectively or 3) you are fasting for either spiritual enlightenment and guidance or for a purge/cleanse. attaboy/girl.
Poet.....I think I am one. I can't really remember the form that the different types of poetry should follow that I learned in college (except Haiku's and that is because I know a lot of Haiku's....all of which are potty humor in nature), so I just write what I want and call everything "free verse". wink, wink....follow me?
TVs in every room.....I don't want it. We looked at a house the other day that had almost 20 TVs in it. Theater, kitchen, office, Master, bedrooms, deck, cabana, garage.....Seems like this particular family had the perception that sitting in a thoughtless, slobbering stupor in-front of the tube is a mark of success. (note to my family.....the TVs are going to the DI or Goodwill along with their evil cousins, the TIVO machines.) uhhh....huh.
Hair in ears.....I'm growing mine out. Soon I will be able to braid my ear hair with my mullet hair (neck/back) and my nose hair in a fine-twined auburn lasso. Giddy yup.
The Family History lady in your ward......I'm becoming her. Discovering what the church has done and is doing lately and all of the great tools that are available is really exciting. So my heart is turning and I'm anxious to 1) clean up our families existing records and ensure we don't do anymore duplicate temple work and then 2) start filling in all the blanks (I'm seeing this will be never ending, but that is OK).

I won't "tag" anyone else as this is a little too revealing. (blush, blush)

I would, however, like to hear what Chase thinks are his quirks.

Jane-ey Oakley, Rodeo Queen/Country Dancer Extraordiare

2007-10-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

On our first date, 16 yrs ago, Jane and I went to my grandpa's to ride horses. I was living with my grandparents while attending BYU and even though I helped out around the ranch, I was a very novice horseman. I knew enough to saddle the horse, but during this first date, I made one big mistake.
The mistake I made was in horse selection. I wanted to put Jane on a very tame, and trusty steed. I selected the ever gentle Daisy for her to ride. But the horse I thought was Daisy turned out to actually be "Fire Kimmy". So I unknowingly saddled-up the wrong horse, helped Jane into the saddle and sent her off walking out to the pasture while our friend, Mike Hargraves and I saddled the other two horses.

All of the sudden, we hear a faint, "help" and look back to see Jane 3 feet over the saddle and Fire Kimmy kicking and bucking like a dange PRCA bull. In fact, it was bucking very similarly to the horse you see in the photo here. Jane was holding on like a rodeo queen for a few bucks, but then bailed-off and landed on her back. Unfortunately, this is not the end of Jane's pain, because Fire Kimmy then turns and proceeds to try to stomp the life out of Jane with her back feet....raring up, stomping, raring-up, stomping, etc. I sprinted over there thinking she was near death. Miraculously, but still very painfully, Fire Kimmy had only landed one direct blow to her thigh (can you say Charlie horse?).

We would've taken her to the hospital, but didn't for fear of Grandpa or just fear of admitting to the accident.

So instead of going to the hospital, we played a game of basketball, well h-o-r-s-e and planned our evening activity of country dancing.

We met up later at the Star Palace where we swung, spun, twirled, lifted, slid and boogied all the while Jane grimacing in pain but toughing it out nonetheless.

So here's to you Jane-ey Oakley, Rodeo Queen/Country Dancer Extraordinaire!

The girl of my dreams

2007-10-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

16 yrs ago,

I saw the girl of my dreams.

Sporting boots and denim

Eating a Navajo taco with chili, rice and beans.

In the Cougar Eat,

She was helping me with biology,

But I couldn't concentrate due to her Physiology.

Mesmerized by her green eyes and curly brown mane,

And the wit that she used when guessing any passerbys name. (Monique....was it?)

She is amazing,

I thought in my mind.

But how will this girl ever like anyone of my kind?

Lucky for me.

The feeling was in-common

and we eat Navajo tacos each year

to commemorate our reunion.

Where or where....

2007-10-18T21:13:00.000-07:00

did my Janie-cakes go? To NYC, with my Mom, Sisters and Sister-in-laws. They have Wicked plans, temple plans, food plans, shopping plans, other play plans, more food plans and more shopping plans.

I'm here with the kids having a grand time. Jane's sisters are helping during the day, but we sure miss Jane.

Ally made dinner the past two nights, very tasty. But she stayed up late (which keeps Brynn up and running around consequently keeping me awake), sent too many text messages, took a 25min shower this am and is now suffering the consequences. She has 2 b-day parties to attend this weekend, but has to trade something in order to attend. So she volunteered to go to bed at 9:15 every night until Thanksgiving. That's lights-out lady!

Heading to TJ (that's Tijuana) tomorrow for a day of revelry....well a day of work with Panasonic, a customer buying some storage stuff from HP. Hopefully, the border crossing goes smoothly.

Later Skaters!

Disclosures on Jake T.......

2007-10-14T21:40:00.000-07:00

Andrea....there are a few things you should know about my brother Jake before you go any further.

Straps-on a superman cape and jumps from high places (bunk beds, landings, bleachers, etc), so try to hold his hand when he walks near the edge or climbs up on things.
Speaks in parables. Just go along with this as it's his version of deep thoughts. Ask him about the parable of the lawn mower and blades of grass from his mission farewell to hear a good example.
Fanatic about car cleanliness. He won't let your future kids ever eat in the car. Ever! This is not his fault. It was handed down through both family lines from the past few generations of car cleanliness budahs. Also, no feet on the seats!
Potty humor. Hereditary...but this comes mostly from his older brothers. Sorry.
Mama's boy. Be patient with him and expect lingering (yrs) separation anxiety on his part and his Mom's.
His hair must never be cut. He likes it long and luscious. There is a story behind this. Jake was born with straight hair, but my mom admired Michael Landon, you know...from little house on the prairie, the dad? So, when Jake was young, she sculpted his hair (along with Shea's and Zak's) to be Michael Landon-Esque. She perfected it with Jake's. (She went over-board with Shea's and didn't do quite enough on Zak's. At least if we are using Michael Landon as the barameter.)
Techno-geek (some call it savvy). He will speak in acronyms (TCE, J2EE, ATM--not the bank kind either, RFID, RFP, RFQ, RFI, SPD, TSG, OMS, TQC, RMA,...the list goes forever), will mis-use words (such as integration, architecture, solution, backbone and the ATM mentioned above) and may create words or phrases of his own epitomology. (just like I did with "epitomology"...not a word)
Can do like 50 pull-ups with a 45lb weight strapped to his xtra-wide leather weight belt.
Scales rocks like a gecko. Goes with the freakish pull-up strength. (however, see point #1 and the associated precaution)
Vein on his forehead. Don't worry, it won't burst, he's not hemorrhaging, just laughing or straining. (remnant from the Shea-cloning process.)
He struts around like a "Rooster", but don't mistake his confidence for haughtiness. There is no haughtiness in there, just pure goodness, he is Jake-a-Roo.
Finally, he is a great brother. Absolutely terrific. Maybe overly caring, giving, concerned for others and considerate. He'll be a great dad and husband.

Congratulations! May all your wildest dreams come true.

Do you see the similarities?

2007-10-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

Going through our family history, I see that Pocahontus is my gr..........grand-mother! Too bad I didn't apply for those Native American scholarships at BYU.

Priesthood Session with Chase....

2007-10-07T09:22:00.001-07:00

It was great to go to the priesthood session with Chase yesterday. We drove up to go with Grandpa Beeson at the stake center in Glendale. All the boys went as well. Jake brought man-cheerios (whoppers, starbursts, etc) and we really enjoyed the messages from conference. Chase looked sharp in his new suit and listened very attentively. He enjoyed the talks and probably felt Elder Perry was speaking directly to him about raising the bar to reach his full potential as he prepares to be a great missionary. I felt like President Hinckley was talking directly to me about anger mgmt :>)

After the meeting, we went to Pulanos for pizza and wings. We thought about Papa, Cory, Shea, Judd and Zak and maybe Phil going to JCW's and then meeting up with Grandpa, Jim, Gary and others at the stake center in Am. Fork.

Brigham (jr.) felt a little left out and ended up going shopping with the girls, grandma and Lizzie. I'm looking forward to going with my boys for years to come. Good stuff.

Brigham tears it up

2007-10-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

Brigham is almost 8 and is a kid that tears it up. No matter what "it" is, he is banzai. He just signed up for the rippers skate boarding club where he has classes a few times a week. Chase is also checking it out, but may opt out and distance himself from the long-hair baggies.

Mo's in AZ

2007-10-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

After dinner, Chase, Brig and I cruised the Jeep to the Mall, the Arizona Mills Mall, ('cause they got a Nike Outlet.) We find and buy our merchandise (bball for Brigs, new nike+ sensor for my shoes, ......this is cause I don't like the Nike+ shoes, but I do like the ipod integration tool so I athletic, not duct-tape the sensor to the bottom of my Saucony's. I can't figure out why it only works for a few runs?).

Anyway, on the way out of the mall, Brigham comments...
"There aren't a lot of Mormon's in AZ."
(Todd and Chase) Why do you say that Brigs?
(Brigs) 'Cause they have lots of tattoos and earrings.
This is as we pass 3 gangsters loaded with chains, rings, tats, saggys and probably .45's.

Then Brigs says, really loud, as we pass the FUBU/ROCA Wear outlet.
"There aren't very many Black Mormons." Huh Dad?

We stop to see the fish at RainForest, then head back. On the way to the parking lot, we notice 4 or 5 cop-ers with their lights on a few stalls down from the jeep.
(Brigs) What are they doing Dad?
(Todd) Not sure buddy.
(Brigs) I bet someone stole somethin'.
(Todd) Yep.
(Brigs) Good thing it wasn't our jeep.
(Todd) Yep.

Not OJ, Not J. Lo, ....it's J.O. Check out his site and new CD...

2007-10-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

The guy who built our house in Utah and was also our neighbor is a great guy. (He did, however, bring cheese whiz and crackers to my Elder's Quorum lesson on fast Sunday one month and sat right in-front of me offering a bite here or there during the lesson. Very funny.) But , besides being a human vacuum and holding the record for the most sushi consumed in a single sitting, he is one of those guys with a knack for complimenting others and making them feel like a million dollars. He is also extremely sensitive to needs around him and doesn't hesitate to jump in and help someone out at a moments notice. He is also very musically inclined and just released a new CD. He produced it himself in his basement studio and did it just to uplift and inspire others (he makes ton's of $$ with his rental property empire so he's not financially motivated by this). The best part of the CD, for me, is the "Beyond the Music" section where he tells about the inspiration behind the song. Great stuff, especially if you know the guy and the sincerity in what he says.
Here's the link: http://jaredosmond.com/
Keep up the good work J.O..

You're the BEST!---The Power of + Expression

2007-09-26T19:52:00.001-07:00

One of the reasons for the blog is a thought I've been cooking for awhile about the power of expression. If you think of the times in your life when you felt the best, the most confident, the most hopeful and faithful, ready to take on anything that came your way, many times you can correlate that with a compliment, kind word or recognition of some sort received from a friend, family member, co-worker or someone you respect. It also seems to happen when we've had a personal success or accomplishment. But, when we are down and self-doubting a kind word can go a long way. Even an acknowledgement of existence from a person we respect can be beneficial if we respect that acknowledging person enough. The same, by the way, goes for negative words. Especially to children, an unkind word produces the exact opposite affect of those feelings above.
We can all identify people in our lives that made us feel great. My mom did this a lot for me growing up (maybe that is why I lean towards cocky....at least my 360* evaluations tell me I lean towards "know-it-all"). My Chrismom (grandma Taylor) somehow finds a way to compliment me every time I see her, I had a mission president who is great at this, but almost to the point of being over-done (but I still appreciated it, even when I wanted to say, "ok, ok, ok, ok, stop already, I know I'm the best.")
But even with these great examples, I don't do this so well. And when I try, it seems to come across as sarcastic. But I'm going to put forth a little effort, with my kids especially.

So, just to try it out,...."you guys, reading my blog, yes you, you really are the best. And not just in a Nacho to Ramses sort of way (from Nacho Libre), you really are great. Taking time to see what I'm up to means that you really care and caring is what this life is all about. So, good for you, you are definitely on the right track, getting in the charity groove so to speak. And it makes me feel great that you care enough to read a little thought from me. So, keep it up. The Lord loves you and so do I." (Plus, only people that I know as family or as friends or through friends or family are reading this.)_
So, how did that come across? A little over-board with the "Lord loves you" part? Well, I do think you're the best anyway; and I really do think the Lord loves you, so give yourself a little pat on the back from TT.
Now, on with your day knowing that I think you are......the best! And if I think you are the best, there are surely many, many others that feel the same way. Go on now, you can do it! Go.....fight......win.....! And don't hesitate to exercise the power of + expression with your family and friends and even co-workers (if you have a real office or cube).

Bloggin' from my closet....I mean sweet office.

2007-09-25T15:31:00.000-07:00

Howdy Ya'll! This is my inaugural blog. Enjoy! I'll try to include events and experiences that are not just a reporting of my day's activities but have entertainment or potential value. (The picture to the left here is the place in Munich where Hitler rallied his followers before they marched North to take over the government. Draw any parallels you would like.)

As many of you know, I work from a home office. The home office has many advantages and they far out-weigh the disadvantages for me. But I can't tell if I graduated to a home office or was demoted to a home office and should be striving to work from a real office or should be elated with my home office boondoggle. For me to decide I guess.

Well, Some of the advantages of my home office include:

Short Commute (about 50 yards from bed to chair)
Lax dress code (usually what I slept in until noon, then workout clothes, then shorts and a t-shirt)
Choice co-workers (Jane, Brynn and Sophie most of the time)
Distance to fridge, shooter, weight room and workout partner, pool and bed (for 19 minute power naps).
Focus on work without the disruption of nosy co-workers, boss and employees

However, it also includes a few disadvantages.

Proximity to fridge/pantry, etc. (see how some of these are advantages and disadvantages at the same time? Wierd, huh)
Sophie interrupting customer or team con calls by coming into the office with yogurt or pudding or a banana or another treat for her to eat and wanting me to open. Or her blasting Yo Gaba Gaba, Dora or Sponge Bob from the room next to me before I can put the phone on mute.

Brynn coming in to take paper off the printer every few minutes for her "Drawerings" (pronounced like Mike Meyers). Which, every time she takes paper out of the tray, it messes with the print tray and gives me a paper jam the next time I try to print something. (arrrrrggghhhh).

Jane. No disadvantages here other than periodic work productivity hiccups that come in the form of......"Todd?.....I need to run to the store for a minute, I just put Sophie down for a nap.........bye!"

Scorpions sniffing at my toes under my built-in desk.

Being my personal IT support staff. (I need my brother Shea here full-time to help.)

In the rental house where we are, which we affectionately refer to as the "sweet, ghetto scorpion ranch", my office space is really the size of a walk-in closet next to the family room. It has a desk and built-in cabinets and book cases and such, but is really quite narrow. To give you an idea, I have just enough room to spin a 180 in my chair for easy entry and exit, but that is about it. It does have a window so I can see daylight as I type, think and talk. Well, here is a photo to give you a visual.

So all in all, I heartily recommend the home office, even if your space is a closet and you have interruptions that include the blaring of ....."there's a party in my tummy, so yummy, so yummy, la, la, la." --from "yo gaba gaba" sing along or something, very repetitive, over and over and over and over again.

Well, that's a snippet of what's to come.

Later skaters