Crazy times

It's crazy sometimes the curve balls life throws at us sometimes. In my previous post, I mentioned how the last several weeks have been really stressful. My good friend and Battalion Chief told me that I was going to need to move to another shift, and with a new crew. I've gotten several calls from ICU and the ER wanting me to work more, My EMS teaching schedule is filling up and a few of my close friends at work are going though some rough times. To top it all off, Life at home was getting crazy, and a few folks under the roof are not too happy with me.

I think all the stress finally got the best of me because I came down with a bad cold the last two days. Today, I spent almost the entire day in bed asleep. (Feeling like crap is not a good feeling) I was thinking the other night that I just can't handle much more and was hoping the good Lord would step in and lighten the load a little.

After dragging myself out of bed this afternoon, I answered the phone and on the other end was our hometeacher. It was nice to hear from him. He's a busy guy, so an afternoon phone call was really unusual for him. We spoke for a few minutes and he asked if I had any plans for tonight. I said no, and mentioned that it was the only night I had off this week. He said great! (I fully expected him to want to come over, since it is the 30th of the month!) Instead, he dropped the bomb. "Great," he said "The stake president would like to meet with you and Lisa tonight at 7pm."

Suddenly, it all made sense in my small mind. I don't understand why I am such a slow learner. I should figure out that anytime life seems to spiral out of control, there is something worthwhile on the horizon. Trial of faith or whatever, I'm glad that the Lord answers prayers. Seems as my seminary teacher all those years ago was right, the tougher life seems to get, the more tightly your grip should be on the iron rod. I'm glad I have had a death grip lately!

Tomorrow will be my first day as a "A" shifter, and since tonight's meeting I feel a little more confident in making the transition. I'll miss all my friends on "C" shift, but now am looking forward to making new friends at station 31. There will be a number of new challenges, but all of a sudden, it doesn't seem so overwhelming.

Lake Powell trip

Sorry for the long delay in creating a new post. It's kinda funny how life happens and every now and again we have to stop and catch our breath. The last few weeks has been one of those times.

My son Jared has had the last three weeks off of school. (Love that year-round school schedule!) Shani, Sam and the other "C" shift gang invited me to come with them to Lake Powell this year, so after much personal dilberation,I decided to shock them all by accepting the offer.

Jared and I met down at Ryan's house last Monday for the carpool down to Lake Powell. I have to say We had a fabulous time. Four complete days of peace and quite! Lake Powell is simply awesome! Never been there prior to this trip, and I'm already missing the serenity found there. I've included a few pictures, but if your interested in a play by play, visit Shani's Blog site. She's better at putting it all together anyway.

Ryan, Shani, Matt, Sam and "Skipper Richard" on board the houseboat. (Jared took the picture)

I admit I really suck at wake boarding! In fact I never, EVER even got up once! (That's what she said) Although I tried and tried. If you look at this same picture 50 times, you'll get an idea each of my attempts. They all looked like this. Burp! :0

Jared had a lot of fun in the water. Could have had more, but thats another blog story!

All in all it was a fabulous time and I can't wait until next year when we get to go back. Hopefully, I'll figure out how to wakeboard by then!

A Period of Mourning

Earlier this week I was informed of my new assignment at the fire department. After 5 years as a "C-shifter" I am being moved to "A shift" as the captain at station 31. I will miss all my homies and fellow bloggers here on "C platoon". Although I am looking forward to the new challenge and oppertunities this assignment will bring, I have decided to black this page out as a subtle tribute to my grief and sorrow for leaving an awesome group of individuals, many of whom I have been privledged to call my friends.

Birthday Celebrations

Since Lisa, Katie and myself all have birthdays within a week of one another we have traditionally held a joint celebration for the family. This year it was held at our house and several family members and friends joined us for the festivities.

Lisa made an awsome pasta dish and everyone enjoyed the bread and fruit salads. Of course no Birthday party at our home is complete without a "Brenda" cake. This year Lisa had challenged her to make a single cake that included three distinct themes. One theme for each of us. Of course, Brenda has never let us down. Here is the final result of her extraordinary effort. You'll notice the Motorcycle is for me, the Neckless and earrings for Lisa and of course the peace signs and lime green color for Katie.


My brother Norm and I talked for a while and caught up on olden times. It's always nice to visit with him. Dave and Tish Larsen graced us with their company as well. That's a special treat for us since they have to come from so far away. We really appreciate them taking the time to travel all that way just to visit with us. It's why we consider them such great friends! Rob, Holli and Sam were also there as well as Lisa's Cousin Luke, who made the journey from Vernal. It was great to see him again.

Even the Summer Dogg got into the action!

Katie's grand gift was her new ipod. (Probably won't be hearing much from her for a few months, although a thank you would be nice!)

Soo...all in all it was a great birthday party. For those of you who didn't come, we are still accepting presents, feel free to drop them by or deliver. We are also will to pick them up directly for a nominal fee!!