WELCH family blog

Slay Riding at Baxter Hill

2012-01-24T21:41:00.002-07:00

Varsity Scouts went slay riding at Baxter Hill today. What a fun day.

Are these the best answers I could come up with?

2012-01-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

I was asked certain questions about myself and this is what I came up with. After writing this I asked myself. "Who am I?"

Something fun…
I go horseback riding every week with a crusty old Montana cowboy that is a few months my senior though I’m a little more crusty than him, but he doesn’t seem to mind so much. In fact, come to think about it, everything I tell him to do he won’t mind me at all. He’s my good old pard. My favorite sport is sorting cattle. Last year in competition, we took first place a few times.

Favorite color…
My favorite color for as long as I can remember has been “white”. White light has all the colors of the rainbow, but there are times I lean towards greens.

Favorite food…
Simple foods not gourmet. Meat, potatoes, beans, milk, eggs and bread. Vegetables are for decoration and fruit pushes my soar button. As the price goes up my desire to eat it goes down. I tend to get stomach aches in high priced restaurants.

Favorite movie…
My Name is Trinity. Most people have no idea what that movie is about… even after they watch it.

Hobbies…
I love to watercolor but I’m color blind.
I don’t hunt but I love to shoot. I can shoot a mosquito off a cactus flower petal at a thousand yards with one eye closed, and I’m a pretty good story teller.
Road biking is the best fun ever. I don’t know if it’s the bright colored clothes or the speed.
I previously like to rock climb but after getting trifocals, old bones, and tired muscles I’ve left it to my wife who is much younger and better at it.

Favorite Children’s Book…
Tuck Everlasting… living forever as a mortal isn’t inviting.

Family…
My wife is my sweetheart but she doesn’t like nicknames like sweetheart, honey, love, etc. We have six children… all boys except for five. Think about it? Add to that grandchildren and they’re the most exciting and fun part of my life.

Where I’m from…
I’m from the pre-existence, my favorite books are the scriptures, I’m living in a city close to Paradise (I hope to live there someday), and I love learning and teaching, and plan to do so now and forever.

New Years Eve

2012-01-01T00:50:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year to all and Happy Eighty Fourth Birthday to Grandpa Benson!!!

Southwest Desert Pony Express Station

2011-12-25T13:21:00.006-07:00

A winter tradition for the men of the Welch Clan is to go to the West Desert to shoot and explore. Last year, we went out to the North West Desert at the top of the Great Salt Lake. This year, we couldn't find a time to get out there, so when we got together down at Chris and Tanielle's house in Stansbury Park, near Tooele we planned a trip to the Southwest Desert. Before going over a mountain range out in the desert, looking back we could see Mt. Timpanogos to the east. Our first stop was Simpson Springs at the historical sight of a replica Pony Express Way Station. The old foundation was mostly crumbled. But, the ruins were protected by being fenced in by the BLM.

Next, we found a herd of wild Mustangs probably great grandchildren of the old pony express horses. I've heard there are 3500 to 4000 wild mustangs in Utah mostly in this desert and the San Raphael Swells. The Mustang Adoption Program is a real temptation after seeing these wild steads running free. The herd we found was 42 plus. We couldn't see horses that were probably over the hill next to them. The landscape was grass pasture as far as the eye could see. It truly was a horse's paradise on earth. The herd was fat and sassy with grazing watchfulness, and some studs kicking up their hoofs and heels at each other every once in a while.

P.S. Now, it's Sunday Christmas Day. We talked with Brittny (she's in Belgium serving on her mission). It was so much fun seeing and visiting with her for the holiday. She's doing well and loving her mission. It was the best present ever to get to talk with her. We love you Britt.

2011-10-07T20:32:00.001-06:00

Last Tuesday, we had a fun adventure. First, we had an enjoyable visit with Chantell and Presley. Next, it was a train ride on the Front Runner to Salt Lake City with Ronda and Tiffany. The Rio Grand Station Restaurant was part of the traveling by rail experience. Then, at the Gateway Mall we looked at iPhones and window shopped. Finally, we headed back to Ogden on the train to Hyrum in our car.

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BONES

2011-10-07T19:36:00.001-06:00

A new friend hovers over our ESL classroom evidently until Halloween.

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Presley's Visit

2011-07-31T23:01:00.002-06:00

Chantell, Joel, and Presley came to visit tonight from Ogden. Guess who got to hold Presley the longest?

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Face Painting Continued

2011-07-13T12:27:00.001-06:00

They say, "What goes around, comes around."

This must be true in face painting. I thought, for children, the fun would be getting your face painted. Sydney had a better idea, "Uncle Dave, may we paint your face?" I didn't see that coming.

The next morning, Sydney painted one side of my face and Samuel paint the other.
Samuel painted camouflage on his side.

P.S. Sydney also took the top and continued down the nose with a beautiful flower.

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Location:Utah

Vacation wilth Sylvia, Sydney, & Samuel

2011-07-12T22:45:00.001-06:00

They arrived tonight after a visit with Chantell, Joel and Presley in Ogden. First, we cooked hotdogs, ate them with chips and soda pop. Ronda had marshmallows, chocolate, and gram crackers to make s'mores. She also cooked eclairs over the open fire. Next, we did face painting. Then, we video chatted with Mark (in Texas). Finally, scripture reading of the Book of Mormon and family prayer. It was a great night.

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Hyrum Rodeo

2011-06-25T22:30:00.003-06:00

Chantell suggested that we have a family cookout and go to the Hyrum Rodeo to celebrate Father's Day. I think we should make it a family tradition each year.

http://youtu.be/PzKdVy4UfEw

Grandma's Garage

2011-06-19T21:10:00.001-06:00

Matt has put tons of work into Grandma's Garage. Thanks to everyone that has helped. Lately, we have been putting siding on. It should be done in a couple of weeks.

If you have any ideas of where we could get a free ten foot garage door please let us know.

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Cedar City

2011-06-04T06:48:00.001-06:00

Friday 3 June 2011

I can't believe it's Spring. The weather is beautifully bright, clear, crisp, and cold down here in Cedar City for the Special Olympics. The mountains don't seem as striking as Cache Valley but it feels as if we are more in the tops of these mountains. I am hot on the sunny side of my body and cold on the shady side. Only in the mountains have I been so divded as to temperture.

The scoocer game has started and we are watching the fast moving action. They have a mild mannered team that is flowing with the fast pace play. Each game Tiff's team just keep getting better. Tiff seems to really enjoy it. In one play Jared ran right over his opponent and apologized later. Another collision was followed by I didn't mean to hurt her. Concern for fellow players was more important than the score. A lesson that is for all of us. Especially in the business world.

Before the game we went to WalMart. WalMart is WalMart anywhere you go.

Our big dining events were eating breakfast at the motel, Burger King for lunch, and Taco Time at dinner time.

We also took Tiffany to the big dance. Only pictures can describe this. It definately was one of the funnest dances I've been to. I am amazed that I still haven't any rythme, beat, or dancing skills. I use to think I did. But mom explained that it was the reason I never could lead when we went dancing. I love her honesty though sometimes love hurts. It must have been the reason our dancing dates fizzled out.

I walked over to the swimming pool at the motel. It wasn't very tempting but I must say it looked wet.

Mom signed up for Facebook so that she could keep up with family news. Trace got engaged to Ashley and Stacy Benson is also getting married. I haven't met him, but am looking forward to it. Maybe the family reunion? Chantell started having contractions so they gave her the medince that stopped them. She and the baby are okay and doing fine.

Tosha, Tyler, Stetson, and Boston drove down with us and then were picked up by Tyler's parents and taken to Las Vegas so that they could look look housing, work, and visit with an adviser to set up his course of study.

Britt sent us pictures of a young lady that they taught and was baptized.

Brittny, it is great to read your letters. We are so very proud of you and the wonderful work and service you are doing as the Lord's ambassador and messenger of truth. You are always in our hearts and prayers. What an amazing message of hope, love and peace you share. That God speaks to mankind in our day as He did anciently through holy prophets. Just knowing, that through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Chirst we can overcome the world and once again live in His presence, gives strength to endure the trials of life. I have felt His redeeming love which has increased my desire to live with Him again. I know this is possible through faith and reliance on Him through obience to the laws and ordainces of His gospel.

Planking

2011-06-02T23:50:00.001-06:00

We are on our way to Cedar City to watch Tiffany play soccer in her Special Olympics Games. We stopped in at an In and Out Burger joint in Spanish Fork for a Hamburger while Boston and Stetson did some planking. Stetson was laughing so hard he curled up. Boston gets a 10 for concentration and form. What incredible strength. He makes it look easy every time he does it.

Not bad for a four month old baby boy.

Location:This ones for Joel who introduced us to planking.

Seek and Ye Shall Find

2011-06-01T23:08:00.001-06:00

The innocence of a child never ceases to amaze me. Little Elle looked so sweat and innocent it just lead to creating a small story board.

One More Week

2011-05-15T22:48:00.004-06:00

It has been another week in the life of the Welches here in the beautiful Cache Valley. Dirt roads still draw a straight line to pictures of farming fields of isolation while cows and horses fill the air with smells of money. ll These two lines represent the straight and near path to heaven. S While this represents the crooked path that leads us away from God. Some of us think that we can have both roads in our lives and still get to heaven. But, when you put both together you get $$ (this is suppose to be one S and two ll) and this was the rich man's weakness... loving money more than God.

Bishop Roe told it so much better.

In Sunday School, he told the story about a man that started collecting earthly treasures. He would attend auctions, garage sales, estate sales, and any place that would sell little pieces of gold or precious stones, etc. Each time, he would return home his wife would question the wisdom of this after all he would take it up into the attic and put it in a small box where it was never seen. After each time of being criticized he would say to his wife, "Don't worry, when I die I'll stop by the attic on my way to heaven and pick it up." Finally, the day came when he was called to the other side. After the funeral services and the burial the wife came home and remembered the box in the attic. Hurrying, she climbed the stair and went into the attic. Sure enough there was the little box. Opening it, she found all the small treasures of the past years still there. Looking up to heaven she quietly prayed, "I knew it. He should have put this box in the basement."

So often in life we place our efforts towards the riches of the world and not the things that really count.

I need to ask the question the rich young man ask our Lord and Savior, "Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Mark10:17

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T21:09:00.001-06:00

Happy Mother's Day, Ronda!!!

What a Great Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T20:05:00.001-06:00

At 11:00 AM (7:00 PM Netherlands time) Brittny (Zuster Welch) Skyped us from her mission wishing Ronda happy Mother's Day. Hearing Dutch in the background was an awakening that she really was thousands of miles away in another corner of the world. For a little less than an hour it felt as if she was home again and yet it was so exciting hearing about the wonderful people she was teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and how receptive they were to its gospel principles.

We appreciate so much the kind family that invited her into their home and her missionary companion that we met briefly. Please convey our thanks and appreciation. Our hearts are full of gratitude to Lord for His watchful care over her and those He blesses her life through while she is so far from us.

Chantell and Joel cooked everyone breakfast. Her baby bump is growing and she looks beautiful. Tosha, Tyler and the boys came just in time to visit with Britt.

Later today, Ronda and I got to teach our granddaughters in Sunday School. It was so much fun. Our lesson was on the Sabbath Day and if we keep it holy the Lord will bless us that we will be "unspotted from the world". In other words we will remain clean and pure and worthy to enter into the Lord's presence in the next life. We sang primary songs, played thankful games, and enjoyed learning about Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Tanielle and the girls stayed for Mother's Day and we enjoyed each other all day long.

It's 8:00 PM and everything is again quiet.

Britt we miss you but love that you are an ambassador of our Savior and King.

2011-05-08T10:17:00.001-06:00

Stetson ( little blue eyes) was in his car seat watching Cars.

Tyler Stanger Graduates

2011-05-07T17:14:00.001-06:00

Congratulations, big T of TnT! It was a great day. To see Tyler march after years of hard work and dedication to studies and his family it was a day to remember. Good Luck at U.N.L.V. in your new studies.

Location:Utah State University

Date Night

2011-04-29T21:10:00.000-06:00

Tiffany had a fun date with Jason tonight at the movie... Rio. While they went to the movie Ronda and I went on a date. We started at IFA looking at fertilizer, stopped at Al's to buy fishing scissors, window shopped at a camping trailer lot, and had dinner at Rumbi's Grill. Now, at home we are watching Monk. Cool date! Right?

Graduation Day 22 April 2011

2011-04-29T19:38:00.003-06:00

Congratulations Chantell and Joel!!! You're now officially university graduates!

Boston, Matayia, Bergen, Elle, and Stetson hangout under the Juniper bush at Chantell and Joel's graduation.

The all-star couple.

No Longer a Teenager

2011-03-23T21:19:00.002-06:00

It's hard to believe my baby is 20!!!! Where did the time go. The BIG 20.......................... ALMOST makes me feel old....... but not quite, not yet anyway! (now you know that this is not a Dave blog post, cause he's been old ever since we met, according to him)

20 Things That I LOVE About Tiffany.

1. She is kind

2. She is patient

3. She is without guile

4. She is loving

5. She is thoughtful

6. She knows all about "good" movies

7. She is obedient

8. She is a hard worker

9. She loves animals

10. She is caring

11. She is honest

12. She is very, very generous

13. She is helpful

14. She is empathetic

15.She is a reverent person

16. She has great faith

17. Her prayers are from her heart

18. She is non judgmental

19.She knows how to live on a budget like no other

20. She is a great bowler, bocce ball player, biker, skier and friend

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIFFANY---------YOU ARE THE BEST

FYI Things she hates........ to be called "Tiffy"

Called to Serve

2011-03-03T18:00:00.005-07:00

We dropped Brittny off at the MTC Feb 23, 2011 and "drop off" is putting it mildly. It was harsh. You turn in, they give you a number, you pull into your spot, unload and they are waving you to move on. We did get an extra perk, Joel's younger brother was there to greet us. He was our host that day (leaving for Japan soon) and he took Brittny with him. I cried all the way home. I will miss her but she will be an amazing missionary.

IPAD APPS

2010-11-23T08:58:00.002-07:00

Yes, I'm goofing around with my Ipad Apps.

HALLOWEEN

2010-11-23T08:55:00.001-07:00

Halloween was so so scary. I even scared myself.

Newsroom - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2010-10-12T17:55:00.000-06:00

Newsroom - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints

Top of Utah

2010-08-28T20:52:00.002-06:00

Tawni Welch was the star of this movie. I watched the whole race and couldn't see her. Here are some shots from the race. Maybe you will have better luck. Tawni... congrats for a great race.

Tiffany's Bike Race

2010-08-23T06:48:00.004-06:00

Comic Strip Movie

2010-08-09T23:07:00.003-06:00

Some videos are just for fun...

Our Grand Teton Adventure

2010-08-06T12:00:00.004-06:00

Video using slides below.

Dead Bison bones picked

2010-07-31T21:21:00.001-06:00

Ronda

2010-07-31T21:18:00.001-06:00

Dinner Time at Camp

2010-07-31T21:16:00.001-06:00

Ghost Bison

2010-07-31T21:14:00.001-06:00

Campfire Visit

2010-07-31T21:11:00.001-06:00

Tyler Meets Buffalo

2010-07-31T21:09:00.001-06:00

Tyler had just climbed to the top of the hill coming face to face with this buffalo. He turn and quickly retreated. I ask him if he got a good picture. "No way!" We were all glad he was safe.

Sunset at Kelly Warm Springs

2010-07-31T21:02:00.001-06:00

Teton Bison

2010-07-31T20:54:00.001-06:00

Stetson and Marmie

2010-07-31T20:51:00.001-06:00

Two Wading at Kelly

2010-07-31T20:48:00.001-06:00

Three Friends

2010-07-31T20:42:00.001-06:00

Daughters at Kelly Warm Springs

2010-07-31T20:25:00.002-06:00

Grand Teton Rainbow

2010-07-31T20:21:00.001-06:00

Stetson lighting the tent

2010-07-31T20:06:00.002-06:00

Baby's camp bath

2010-07-31T20:02:00.003-06:00

Mormon Row Tetons

2010-07-31T20:00:00.002-06:00

2010-07-31T19:58:00.001-06:00

Mormon Row Tetons

2010-07-31T19:57:00.002-06:00

Barn on Mormon Row

2010-07-31T19:55:00.002-06:00

Snow King

2010-07-31T19:54:00.002-06:00

2010-07-31T19:52:00.001-06:00

2010-07-31T19:45:00.004-06:00

2010-07-31T19:33:00.001-06:00

2010-07-31T19:31:00.002-06:00

2010-07-31T19:28:00.001-06:00

Dad's Latest Hobby

2010-05-18T19:06:00.003-06:00

The sorting season has ended for the year and since The Montana Kid is going back to Montana and taking his horses with him, this may be Dave's last sort.

Tanielle "A Pioneer Women"

2010-03-29T20:31:00.003-06:00

This is posted for Tanielle, Chris, and the girls. Your mother was and is a real pioneer woman. She can do anything!!! (Click on the picture for a better view)

Houston

2010-02-21T21:30:00.002-07:00

Visiting family is always great.

2010-01-31T20:52:00.002-07:00

Stetson Stanger (my grandson) is the little buck-a-roo sporting my Heiser Saddle that I found after a long search. The saddle had added meaning when I saw the saddle I shared with my dad and my big sister (see blog below).

2010-01-31T20:48:00.002-07:00

Arza Huff Welch is my father. He is the tall cowboy in the Hawaiian shirt. Karen Coleman Welch is the one holding me in the saddle. The motherly instinct runs deep and come early in the Welch Family. In the front of the saddle horn riding shot gun is David Welch (myself). This saddle looks like a Denver Heiser an old saddle very hard to find but one of the best ever made. Over the last two years I have be looking for a Heiser (having ridden in one my friend Chuck has) for the last two years. I finally found one on KSL.com and bought it December 2009. To my surprise, when pulling out this picture I found this saddle also looks like it is a Heiser. I never would have guessed.

Many years ago!

2010-01-27T20:58:00.002-07:00

Queenie was my favorite dog... I just don't know if this is her. I remember Dad having to give her away. It was a hot summer Monday evening a few days later and we were having Family Home Evening. Dad let me say the prayer. As any little heart broken boy would do I started to pray that Queenie would come home. The prayer was suddenly interrupted when Queenie jumped through the broken screen door and bounced into the living room into my arms. I had and still do have a testimony of the power of pray and my Heavenly Father. If you haven't prayed for a while... try it. With love, I invite you to come unto Christ.

Welch Christmas Card 2009

2009-12-20T19:48:00.002-07:00

Merry Christmas to one and all, from the Welches.

Team Sorting

2009-12-04T20:41:00.004-07:00

Team Sorting is an every Thursday night event at the Logan Willow Park Fair Grounds indoor arena. Chuck Jones is the field judge, Kirk, Jenny (riding with her son Keith), and Donnie are the team sorting.

Great Salt Lake

2009-09-19T21:11:00.000-06:00

Great Grandpa Ora's old truck.

2009-08-23T11:23:00.002-06:00

This is Grandpa Benson's old dump truck. It belonged to his father Ora. He has kept it all of these years. It is of sentimental value.

Happy 4th Grandpa Huff

2009-07-11T21:15:00.002-06:00

We still think of you on your birthday!

I'm sleepy!

2009-07-07T06:41:00.003-06:00

This is why I've been up since before 4:00 AM.
I wouldn't trade Tanielle's and the girl's visit for anything. We have spent the fourth with them and other V.I.P.s from our family. (We wished very one could have been here.)

Memorial 2009

2009-05-25T16:19:00.004-06:00

It was a reverent day of reflection with family present and past.

A Stetson is as handy as a pocket on a shirt

2009-04-12T18:23:00.001-06:00

2009-04-12T18:21:00.002-06:00

"I'm tired and cold, Marmie," winked Stetson looking out of sleepy eyes.

2009-04-12T18:19:00.000-06:00

"That's warmer and better than a cold night next to a old steer," Stetson replied warm heartedly.

2009-04-12T18:14:00.000-06:00

"Now, that's what I'm talkin' about," sighed cowboy Stetson.

2009-04-12T18:12:00.000-06:00

"I'm snug as a bug in a rug," dreamed Stetson.

2009-04-12T18:11:00.000-06:00

"This is almost perfect," whimpered a restless Stetson.

2009-04-12T18:09:00.000-06:00

"Marmie, you're the best," whispered Steston as he silently drifted of into a deep sleep.

Turn off the Movies

2009-04-03T06:35:00.006-06:00

Being less internet savvy, I couldn't find an e-mail address for the movie producers. If you can, would you please send or forward this letter (below) to them? Thank you!!!

My Good Friends in the Entertainment Industry;

When I was a very young boy my father would have us change the channel on the TV every time a tobacco advertisement came on. You could say, he was ahead of his time because years later the networks were told to take tobacco ads off the air.
Is it time to turn off the movies?

While watching Ghost Town I was shocked to hear the “F” word a few times. In the military, I got the same heart sick feelings when vulgar men used it. These were men that gave honor to their country but disgraced and disregarded the virtue and honor of women. Telling them that they would never use that language around their mothers or sisters seemed to deter the use of such a vulgar and disrespectful term.
I was with my wife and two daughters when your company used such indecency. I know you were portraying a loathsome unfaithful adulterer but it didn’t need to reach that level of graphic verbiage to convey the message to a mature and sophisticated audience.

Also, the sacred name of the Son of God (Jesus Christ) was used inappropriately in causal vain disrespect. Even if writers, produces, and actors aren’t believers it would be a higher and more respectful act of sensitivity to regard His name with more honor as to respecting the belief of others' faith by not putting His name in the context of a curse, oath, swearing or even casual response of an actor’s surprise or discuss. We would never use Budha, Mohammad, Zeus, Allah or other people’s gods or prophets with such flippant disrespect or disregard.

Please take these things out of the movies and TV shows.

Pornography, visual sexual acts, graphic violence and obscene language undermine our society and will decay and corrupt the basic fibers and people of a healthy society and destroy them the same way as it would corrupt a clean and healthy family unit. It will undermine trust in relationships, partnerships, and obligations much like AIG has done financially to the fiber of the lending community.

Instead of blindly creating harm whether by AIG, entertainment, business, or whomever… some self-regulation and holding to a wholesome standard would go a long way to strengthening our communities. Please consider, taking the high road.
I don’t believe people in the entertainment business are evil. I understand they are trying to make a profit. I would like to see them do that without sacrificing high standards of virtue, integrity and right.

Please let me know when it is safe to go to the movies again.

Thank you, so very much.
David Welch

Chantell and Joels' Wedding

2009-03-08T16:39:00.003-06:00

2009-03-07T16:09:00.001-07:00

2009-03-04T11:31:00.002-07:00

Time flies on wings of lighting. You cannot call it back. This is the way I feel as I see these precious moments come and go so quickly. Only a few short days have past since Elle's birth and she seems to have grown so much already and little Stetson is as tiny as she was. It is wonderful to cherious these special little spirits and savor the sacred moments.

Grandson

2009-02-21T19:04:00.001-07:00

Welcome home, Stetson Floyd Stanger!

Sweetheart Dance

2009-02-15T09:55:00.004-07:00

This is Tiffany and best friend Megan before picking up their dates. Tiffany and Megan have been friends from the time they were babies.

This is Tiffany and Jordan before the dance. The day date was bowling at the Logan Fun Park. The candlelight dinner was at the Welch's. And the dance was at Mountain Crest High School.

2009-02-15T09:39:00.002-07:00

The Sweethearts dance was Valentines Day and Tiffany and Megan ask dates (girls' choice) to attend with them. This is a small clip of the candlelight dinner they had at our house. After which Ronda and I had our own candlelight dinner.

Visit to the Johnsons

2009-02-01T12:55:00.004-07:00

It was a fun visit. I loved every minute of it. It's great to be a Grandpa and Grandma again... #3.

How very precious... she has her Grandpa Welch's hair.

The "Montana Kid"

2009-01-31T10:41:00.005-07:00

This is my good friend Chuck Jones "The Montana Kid" and is faithful horse "Prince".

This is what you can see of "Joker" and I.

2009-01-31T10:17:00.002-07:00

Tosha, Ronda and Tiff putting the new crib together upstairs in Tosha's new house.
Tosha

Twilight

2009-01-31T09:53:00.002-07:00

Singing that song took the blood right out of my head.

Twilight has nothing on me when it comes to the vampire look. This one is for Tiffany.

2009-01-31T09:47:00.002-07:00

I was messing around on my you cam at Christmas time. I know it is late but let's have that Christmas Spirit all year.

I Love My Toy Horse

2008-12-28T17:46:00.003-07:00

Matayia knows how to document a classic on video.

The Benson side of the family and the Grandpa Tom side comes out in her as she talks about horses... her toy horse. Next, it will be a real horse. I can't wait to catch that on video.

Yesterday as I drove Joshua back home, he talked of building old fashion rocking horses with exotic wood like the one in the video. Put your orders in. It will be expensive but well worth the price for a custom handmade family treasure to pass down through the generations. Remember, you heard it first here on the family blog.

Christmas Orange

2008-12-20T06:41:00.008-07:00

Late Wednesday night, I was trying to think of something to give my elementary school children for Christmas. Standing on the Christmas isle at the grocery store, I saw was over a hundred feet of neatly wrapped boxes and tins of sugary candy treats. If I were to put one of everything in an extremely large bag it would have been more than a strong man could carry or eat over a year's time. It just didn't make sense to stuff children with candy Santa Clauses, jelly elves, marshmallow reindeer, peppermint candy canes, red and green frosted cookies, and chocolates of every shape and size.

Then I remembered, many of the old time Christmas stories I have hear. They tell about a Christmas orange like those I've heard about from James E. Faust, Little House on the Prairie and other stories. Times were hard and oranges in the winter were a real treat and very hard to come by. Oranges seemed to be a symbol of giving something of value through sacrifice, love and thoughtfulness. With that thought, I hurried off to the produce isle and bought two large bags of Jolly Green Giant's (not related to the other Jolly old fellow) California oranges.

The first three oranges I gave away were to my Kindergarten group. I handed them each an orange and wished them a Merry Christmas.

Jack took his and with a puzzled look on his face examined it carefully in his little hands turning it over numerous times.

Finally, he looked up and asked, "What does it do?"

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Now, I have a Christmas orange story of my own. Thanks Jack! Merry Christmas!!!

Three gaints coming down

2008-12-07T17:42:00.003-07:00

The roots were uncontrollable and were of great concern to our foundation and sewer. It was also time to harvest the wood for next winter. One year of drying time is important. The three eighty foot giants were coming down. I have three fifteen feet tall lodge pole pines already growing in their shadows that are taking their place. A branch of the plum tree was ripped off when the first big tree came crashing to the ground. It was trimmed and will do just fine.

The wood is all cut and drying. Evenings after work for clean up will still take another week or two . My friend Chuck and I did the cutting up and Ronda, Tiffany and I have been doing the branch clean up and stacking. The video shows the smaller pieces stacked. The big pieces are stacked by the stumps on the north side of the house and are to large to move until dried and split a year from now. It looks like one years winter storage of fuel and/or a old fashion fence at the edge of our backyard. We still have a forest in our yard with four more giants by the backyard fence. They provide wonderful hot summer day cool shade for spending late afternoons having family picnics in the yard. I have three maples growing in their shade just in case I ever have to take them out.

I think I'm more of a tree farmer than a gardener. I love trees. At one time I counted over eighty tree in my less than one third of an acre yard. Well, quakies have a lot of small starts.

Aaron and Jenni Wedding

2008-11-24T07:34:00.003-07:00

Belly Up

2008-11-16T13:57:00.005-07:00

It just take too long to make a movie so I thought I would try writing and a short video clip... no music... no editing... and no special effects. Therefore, please excuse my inadequate abilities in this attempt to put my thoughts on paper. Writing has never been my cup of root beer. They say if you "belly up to the bar" it won't be long before you take a drink (the same as everyone else that's at the bar). Thus, my first piece of advice is "pick the right friends" and second "pick the right bar" to belly up to. In this little video clip you'll see the people I belly up to the snack bar with. They are the best company in the world for me. I hope everyone else in the beautiful world is as fortunate. That's what families are for.

Polynesian Cultural Center

2008-10-11T15:10:00.003-06:00

The Polynesian Cultural Center is another example of the amazing fruits of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The PCC shows the Lord's love for all of His children among all nations, tounges and people. Our time there was like a visit to each of the various islands in the South Pacific. It made me miss my mission family in New Zealand among the Moari People.

Laie Hawaii Temple

2008-10-06T19:22:00.005-06:00

Visiting the temple was my favorite time in Hawaii. Feeling the Spirit of the Lord in His Holy Temple was worth the trip. Part of that blessing was being with the Polynesian People which brought back memories of my days in New Zealand serving as a missionary. My heart was full spending time with my wife and three of my daughters at the temple. I wish all of my children could have been there.

Another Day in Paradise

2008-09-09T19:54:00.002-06:00

Talon's Blessing

2008-09-06T19:58:00.005-06:00

We enjoyed, so much, the opportunity to visit the Colemans and Gearharts in Boise, Idaho for Talon's blessing. Witnessing this sacred ordinance was a blessing and a privilege and it is always a treat to spend time with family. Special thank you to Reed and my big sister Karen for letting us stay with them.

Diamond Head

2008-08-25T17:19:00.010-06:00

We found that one of Oahu’s most interesting sites is on the southeast coast at the end of Waikiki Beach. Diamond Head Hawaii is an old volcano named after a misunderstanding by men from the west. While exploring Diamond Head on Oahu they thought they had found diamonds, but had really found only shining calcite crystals at the volcano and not real diamonds.

Diamond Head's volcano’s original name was Laeahi, given to the crater by native Hawaiians. The name means “brow of the tuna” (or fish face) because Diamond Head resemblance just that. A visit to Diamond Head does require what I would call a walking in the park. The Diamond Head stroll is along a volcanic trail that climbs to a 761-foot peak (OK it does take a little effort) beginning inside the historic landmark. It’s an easy but steep hike with some stairs that takes an hour to an hour and a half. The trail is considered an easy to moderate ascent.

At more than 3,500 feet in diameter the crater remains one of the most spectacular in the United States.

When Hawaii was added to the United States in 1898, defending the harbor became a major priority. Fort Ruger was a defensive fort at the Diamond Head crater. Artillery was set up right inside the crater, and Fort Ruger became a protected location defended from enemies.

In 1919 a bunker comprising four levels was constructed inside the protected walls of the crater creating better access to the command posts. The observation deck was also built in 1910 at Diamond Head, at the peak, which provided a convenient target site. The underground complex and observation deck are now abandoned but signs of the old post are evident along the paved Diamond Head hike. Hundreds of visitors formed an Alaska Klondike line to the top to enjoy the sights of the historical landmark.

Diamond Head is designated as a WWII visitors' site.

Hawaii 2

2008-08-11T16:07:00.003-06:00

This was from the time we landed in Hawaii until it was time to go to sleep that night. We went to bed at 10:30 PM Hawaii time which was 2:30 PM Utah time. Morning came way too fast.

Going to Hawaii

2008-08-08T13:22:00.004-06:00

Hawaii was amazing! We had a wonderful trip and would like to share it with you. I can't put it on the blog all at once so I will publish one chapter at a time. Here's the first chapter "Going to Hawaii".

Pioneer Days "24 of July"

2008-07-25T09:28:00.004-06:00

The celebration of Pioneer Days this year was without parades, fireworks, and pioneers, but it was a great day with some of our family and friends. The Texas brisket was to die for. Tyler did an amazing job cooking it (President and Sister Rose would have been proud) and just as wonderful was Tosha and Ronda's rest of the meal. Thanks for the great meal. I wish the whole family could have enjoyed it. My mouth is still watering. Additional thanks to Breklyn and Tage for the dancing art man video set up and filming.