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Christmas snapshots

2010-01-03T09:24:00.006-05:00

A very happy girl, Christmas morning.
The new version of the game of Life. Its pretty easy to cheat, once I saw I was going to lose I added lots of money/life points each turn and still barely won.
Record snowfall
Where did our baby go?
Christmas with family.

Happy Birthday Trevor!

2009-12-12T10:23:00.003-05:00

Even though you apparently died.

Eulogy

Trevor is really good at making friends and creating relationships. People feel at ease around him. He is also generous and sensitive, an excellent catch.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! (I couldn't find a different picture)

Happy Birthday Ashley!

2009-11-11T11:03:00.003-05:00

Way late tribute; I have always loved Ashley's energy and can-do attitude. I also appreciate how close to the surface her emotions are, she is completely without guile.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-10-25T22:23:00.002-04:00

There are a lot of things to like about my dad. He knows the answer to any question that I have ever had, from water pumps to taxes. His work ethic inspires me as does the way he dotes on his family (including the dog that replaced me when I left home).

Happy Birthday Dad!

Jacket Season

2009-10-22T21:38:00.000-04:00

Columbus Day

2009-10-12T20:07:00.003-04:00

To celebrate a chilly Columbus Day we went to Great Falls National Park. We 'hiked' (East Coast hiked, meaning flat walking) on the river trail and saw the old canal.

Some of the highlights: The gorge is really beautiful and MD saw lots of 'woo woos' (dogs - woof woofs) and said hi to lots of people.

Some of the low lights: Ann had on her BYU sweatshirt and some guy said 'Go Utah' as his initial greeting. What a horrible way to start a relationship or greet someone. I was so disgusted I couldn't say anything but Ann was very polite as we made a quick getaway.

This Weekend

2009-10-12T11:45:00.005-04:00

I ran my first official race on Saturday (since high school), a 5k with a time of 24:26. Which isn't record breaking but about what I was shooting for. There were 1400 participants and we heard about it on Tuesday.

They had a giant pumpkin and a scarecrow on stilts walking around. I thought people would get trampled at the starting line but everyone was very civil and polite. Your time didn't start until you crossed the starting line so there was no need to be in the very front.

I'm debating doing a half-marathon next.

Today

2009-10-10T18:34:00.004-04:00

This is Mary Deane.

This was Mary Deane today. Hopefully its just teething (molars) and its over soon.

If God were here what would He say?

2009-10-02T19:24:00.003-04:00

Twice a year the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has General Conference. At the conference the leaders of the church (which include a prophet, apostles, and seventies - please see Ephesians 4:11/Luke 10:1,17) speak about important issues for our day and testify of Jesus Christ. The October conference starts tomorrow and ends Sunday.

To listen to the broadcast see the link below, or wait until the talks are printed and read them online.
http://www.lds.org/broadcast/gc/0,5161,8870,00.html

Here is a picture of the first presidency of the church: Thomas Monson, Henry Eyring, and Dieter Uchtdorf. President Monson is a prophet of God comparable to Abraham, Noah, Elijah and others from the scriptures.

Hi!

2009-09-28T20:02:00.002-04:00

Dry Soda Isn't For Everyone

2009-09-27T08:02:00.002-04:00

Last while

2009-09-25T20:49:00.005-04:00

The FSU loss still stings. Every time they choke or embarrass themselves like that I swear off football. What is the point of not being a fair weather fan, you know? Its just a game and who wants to watch losers. My problem is that I like teams that win just enough to make you think its possible to go all the way and then crush you. It can't be healthy, in fact its emotional abuse.

Its like a TV show that doesn't end. Each episode (sport season) you get your hopes up that something will get resolved but it leaves you hanging. Thats how the money is made. Your only choice is to keep watching, in agony; find a new show; or stop watching TV.

I don't know if I can keep watching, everybody knows the only two teams worth following are BYU and the Jazz so I can't find new teams, so the third option is the most viable solution. I'm going to stop watching and pick up a book or something until they actually give me some resolution.

That is just a sample of what has gone through my head. I'm starting to soften a little, but I'm still not going to watch tomorrow's game, that'll show them. And I'm taking the fight song off of my blog.

Luckily and unfortunately we were in the hospital during the FSU fiasco. Mary Deane had the flu, possibly that flu, and pneumonia. Her fever got up to 104. We, at least I, did our fair share of murmuring; as if MD doesn't have enough to deal with already.

So I wanted to share something that happened when we got home. We had scrambled eggs for breakfast, which we only do semi-annually, and tried to give MD some. She didn't eat it but did rub it around her mouth and it fell on her legs. A few minutes later she had rashes and hives all over, so to top it all off she has an egg allergy.

The next day at the doctor's office we were going to give her the flu vaccination and Ann brought up the egg incident. Who knew that flu vaccinations are egg-based? And that we would decide to eat them the day before her vaccination. She could have suffered a lot more than rashes if we had gone through with it.

Point being, we have felt Heavenly Father's support and love through the murmurable times. He has tried all of us while still keeping us safe. Like I've mentioned before, I used to believe in coincidences but I think He is more involved in our lives than we realize. Next time I think I'll murmur a little less.

Last while in photos

2009-09-25T20:42:00.004-04:00

MD rides the wind

2009-09-15T18:44:00.001-04:00

BYU 2-0!

2009-09-13T12:20:00.002-04:00

BYU beats Tulane 54-3, on to Florida State.

MD's driving skills

2009-09-13T12:12:00.002-04:00

Watch out future drivers! She talked on the phone and didn't look at the road very much but I think she has some potential; and she still has a few years to get ready.

PS Seth flashes his brilliant smile and says hi to Grandma and Grandpa

More North Carolina fun

2009-09-13T12:06:00.007-04:00

Happy 27th Anniversary!

2009-09-13T11:24:00.002-04:00

My parents have taught me, from their example, that marriage is important, worth the work, and fun. I wish everybody was lucky enough to have had parents that care for each other as much as mine do.

Quote of the Weekend

2009-09-07T21:14:00.005-04:00

After much internal and external debate I decided that it was too good to pass up. The quote of the weekend came from Ann while she was enjoying the ocean. A particularly hard wave sent her flying and when she got up she said loudly, "I got knocked up!"

BYU 14 OU 13

2009-09-07T20:22:00.002-04:00

For those who haven't heard, the #3 team (Oklahoma) in the nation just got beat by the BYU Cougars. Just for the record, BYU did not win because Bradford was injured, the defense just played a great game.

Bring down the BCS!

Still bring earplugs

2009-08-30T18:33:00.004-04:00

I spoke too soon, I'm pretty sure they're getting the broom handle again tonight.

A Mr. Roberts Moment

2009-08-28T19:30:00.004-04:00

The last scene of the film 'Mr. Roberts' remains one of the most inspiring moments in movie history. Okay, maybe its not that great, but I grew up with the movie and it has always inspired me. After learning of his mentor's (Mr. Roberts) death, Ensign Pulver overcomes his fear of the tyrannical captain and fulfills his potential. A clip of the scene can be seen here:

Our neighbors above us have pounded, hammered, and stomped for months, as many a visitor can attest. Today, amidst the stomping, I could bear no more and ran up the stairs and knocked on their door to inform them of our feelings. Of course he was really nice and it appears they weren't aware of the problem. Months and months of bitter plotting (on my part, which included holding a crying MD up to the vents or taking a broom handle to the ceiling in the early morning hours) could have been avoided by a simple conversation. In fact, I think we'll invite them over for dinner.

So the experience didn't match up exactly with Ensign Pulver's but the feeling of accomplishment is the same (and our broom handle will only be used for sweeping now).

Sunday thoughts

2009-08-23T19:29:00.004-04:00

Mary Deane says "just say no" to bad things

What we are is the sum total of our good and our evil actions and desires.

Dallin H. Oaks - From his book 'Pure in Heart'

Also of note today was from Ann's lesson. She read a talk from Elder Faust that pointed out that Jesus called his apostles as they were working. Idleness only opens us up to temptation.

Outside the Box

2009-08-20T20:11:00.008-04:00

Marines are learning how to use pack mules to take the fight to the Taliban. I read the thin air isn't ideal for helicopters and neither is getting ambushed with 100 pounds on your back. Mules cost $5 in Afghanistan so they're cost effective, but it looks like it takes three Marines to run one.

Eventful Weekend

2009-08-17T17:10:00.011-04:00

We finally saw our snapping turtle. It looks something like this. That neck stretches out really far. Apparently it is a fan of multi-grain cheerios and banana puffs.

MD's first daiquiri ice.
Lots of pool time lately. The water is finally warm enough.
MD is oblivious to any and all obstacles in her life.
.

Never ceases to amaze

2009-08-13T21:38:00.003-04:00

Country

2009-08-13T21:34:00.002-04:00

Country was the music that we made fun of growing up. Secretly I never hated it as much as I let on. Now we live in an area that has very few radio stations, and most of it is talk radio. The country station reliably plays music all the time. More and more I find myself listening to that station and not minding at all.

Happy Left Handers Day!

2009-08-13T21:31:00.002-04:00

Ann told me that it was left-handers day. We left-handers have come a long way, didn't they used to 'put us down' back in the day?

Happy Birthday Karlie!

2009-08-10T21:07:00.002-04:00

Ann took the good picture of Karlie that we had on the computer, so I had to improvise. Karlie is a fun to be around. She can talk to you about anything and it will be a fun conversation. Happy Birthday!

PS - We're praying for her to get a job this week.

Nap

2009-08-09T12:54:00.001-04:00

Right now MD is still sleeping. She has been asleep for at least two hours. She is still a little sick so I stayed home with her today.

Join the resistance.

2009-07-31T14:09:00.004-04:00

For those who haven't heard, Iran just had an election. A quick google search should get you up to speed. I've heard that Moussavi isn't a huge change but I think they can only go up from where they're at now.

Funny Story

2009-07-31T13:15:00.003-04:00

I think our three-hour church schedule is taking its toll.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=7341904

Happy Birthday Katy!

2009-07-27T19:59:00.005-04:00

We had the pleasure of having Katy stay with us for a few days. Katy has great style, and not just the fashion kind.

She is calm and collected, she is content and is always doing something productive.

You feel comfortable around her because she is comfortable with herself.

She is a great mother/wife/listener/traveler...

I'll save some for next year.

Happy Birthday Katy.

Not a woman yet

2009-07-27T19:50:00.005-04:00

(KATIE IS ON THE LEFT)

Several blogs have insinuated that just because Katie is 18 that means that she is a woman. Unfortunately that just can't be true because women date men exclusively and Katie isn't talking to guys yet (or so she assures me, ...somewhat unconvincingly now that I think about it).

Katie is one of MD's favorite aunts. She is confident and fun to be around.

She has ambition and direction, the right kind of direction.

Love you Katie,

HAPPY 18th.

Good pictures

2009-07-21T20:23:00.006-04:00

I think this picture is especially moving. It brought up so many thoughts. I tried to write them but I think I'll let you have your own.

I thought that this picture was funny. Its from a strike at a factory, and the workers won't leave. A side of South Korea we haven't seen yet. I don't think those are water balloons.

Usually when I haven't blogged in a while it means I've been having a lot of fun

2009-07-21T20:09:00.008-04:00

I'm not going to fix them, too much time and I don't know how to.

Fourth of July Weekend Activities

2009-07-05T19:25:00.011-04:00

We thought we had enough time to put MD down for a nap before we went to the baseball game, but by the time we made it to the stadium the game was over.

At least we have the freedom to be depressed if we want to.

The day before the baseball game we looked for a free and quick activity; and found it at the NRA Museum.

Just the lingering smell of this place will repel liberals for the next week.

We saw some of Teddy Roosevelt's extensive collection, Billy the Kid's personal sidearm, a history of the rifle (and the story of the first shot that started the USA), a ranking (according to kills) of the Old West gunfighters, and a wall size depiction of the 2nd Amendment.

I even saw an M-4, which was one of my trusted companions in Iraq. (M-4)

What made it even better, or disturbing, was that MD kept flapping her arms, saying 'Die, Die' over and over again (her word for diaper).

Nothing says Fourth of July like racks upon racks of firearms.

(Just as a disclaimer I don't own a gun and I do believe in diplomacy--but when it fails it sure is nice to have these NRA types around)

I hope you had a Happy 4th!!!

2009-07-05T19:23:00.000-04:00

A fun Father's Day

2009-06-22T19:52:00.008-04:00

So far this Dad gig isn't too bad.

Breakfast in bed (Ann will have to tell you the secret of the swirls):

Head massages:
Although you do have to watch out for breakfast pirates:

She wasn't my present, but she enjoyed the paper

Thanks Ann, and MD, for a great Father's Day.

2009-06-21T20:40:00.008-04:00

My Dad has taught me a lot over the years, here are just a few lessons:

-After about three years in one place its time to move on

-Anything over mild sauce is unpalatable (Ann made fun of me when we first met so I had to up my spicy tolerance)

-All you need are the first two lines of the BYU fight song chorus (woken up by it every Saturday morning)

-White water rafting is more fun with crocodiles in the water

-God, Family, Country

-Be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly...

-Minuteman, always be ready with a scripture, a story, and a testimony.

Happy Father's Day

Thank you for your continual sacrifices on our behalf

Speechless (although the text below suggests otherwise)

2009-06-20T21:56:00.009-04:00

I just finished the Kite Runner. I am still trying to figure out how I feel about it. I think heavy and depressed are close. Its been a while since a book that has had such an emotional impact on me.

The good things: Hassan (a character). The book gave me a lot more perspective, and respect (in some ways), about some of the culture of Afghanistan. The prose is direct and unflinching. He tells the story. I felt very attached and repulsed to/by the characters. I appreciate the indirect and direct attention to forgiveness, and how necessary it is because of our humanity. It is possible to accept and love people and not their sins.

The bad things: Bad things happened to the melodramatic level. After the suicide attempt I just skimmed the rest to see what happened at the end because I was frustrated with bad thing after bad thing happening. I don't like those movies that have characters just missing each other when its important that they meet, or making abnormally stupid decisions on which the entire plot rests upon.

Swearing, rape, suicide attempt. I think shockingly bad things like these are trendy now and could have been replaced or omitted. However, I did see some symbolism to the situation in Afghanistan and these negative events.

Conclusion: I still feel like I took a hit to the gut so its too soon to say. A well-written and moving work. I read that the author works for the UN helping refugees; I think this book is educational for those of us in a more stable region of the world. I don't mind something like this every now and then but I just like to see the good guys win, ideally without such gritty conflicts to overcome.

Moses 7:28, 37

And it came to pass that the God of heaven looked upon the residue of the people, and he wept; ...wherefore should not the heavens weep, seeing these shall suffer?

Those verses sum it up pretty well.

Any thoughts?

Update

2009-06-19T21:44:00.014-04:00

We've been busy.

A sexy haircut, you were all thinking it, so I said it. I wish you could see it in person. Wow is all I can say, over and over again.

A much appreciated gift

I'm her new toy. By the way that was my second time through that book and I don't recommend it. I really like the idea but a lot of fluff and swearing.

She was so tired on our DC trip she stayed like this for at least half an hour

We crossed boundaries at the Hirschorn (?) Museum with Ashley and Eli

A trip to the zoo

Just hanging out

PS - The Rihanna song is a shout out to my bon qui quis ridin dirty out there! (translation - Karlie and Katie, otherwise they just turn my music off when they look at my blog)

Oh the places you'll go!

2009-05-27T19:48:00.008-04:00

Here are a few of the places we could apply for this year to go to next year. I'm still a little green to be qualified however, so we'll hold off for now.

I tried to find somewhat obscure pictures, how many can you identify?

?!

2009-05-26T13:47:00.003-04:00

North Korea fired more missiles. Some countries are known for diamonds, others for cocoa beans, North Korea has made a living of being the country that violates international law. Trying to get as much as they can for the minimal concessions.

I'm not too convinced about their strategy however, just ask Milosevic and Saddam how it worked out for them. I feel that sooner than we think the day will come that the DMZ will be as applicable as the Berlin Wall after 1989.

Doctor's appointment

2009-05-26T13:36:00.004-04:00

We are feeling really good after this latest doctor's visit. Her oxygen is 100%, whatever that means (I just know that 100% is usually really good). Her lungs sound good. We've stopped the antibiotic but learned that the green stuff (Linusx..., to loosen the bowels) is here to stay for an indefinite period. She gained about 9 ounces in a week and a half, which is great. On a side-note she is army crawling and is starting to get up on her knees.

Karlie and Katie

2009-05-26T13:19:00.006-04:00

Karlie and Katie entertained us for Memorial Day weekend. Katie whupped us at LIFE. We braved our pool again and lasted a little longer this time. We brought the game SCUM back to life but after spending about 3/4 of the game as scum I think we might have to pull the plug for a while. You can only take being told "Sweep 'em scum" so many times. We went to the mall for some dollar Old Navy flip-flops but the entire wall was bare. We got some Ben & Jerry's on a hot day but it might have been my last because of some horrible customer service. Despite these few setbacks we had a great time filling each other in on the latest drama, laughing, napping (MD was up by 630am every morning), and memorializing.

Sunday

2009-05-19T19:17:00.003-04:00

Here is a color picture so you can see the color of her dress.

Happy Birthday Craig

2009-05-17T19:16:00.004-04:00

Happy Belated Birthday Craig! I would hurt myself just to be treated by you. I like how Craig listens really well and is infectiously happy.

First swim of the season

2009-05-14T22:15:00.006-04:00

The pool was freezing, we didn't make it too long. Mary Deane was ready to go but we didn't get her wet beyond her feet. We've had a busy spring so far. We have ducks with babies, geese with goslings, king blue heron (right Ann?), squirrels, turtles, red-winged blackbirds, caterpillars, cardinals, mourning doves, and robins right in the 'backyard'. Ann has been hissed at by the geese twice.

MD doesn't get the pulmozyme anymore but we did add a new antibiotic. She has been sleeping and eating really well. Her new favorite food is prune puree. We went to the monthly CF support group and met some other parents dealing with CF. There is a CF run/walk soon that Ann and I are going to try and participate in. I'm trying to fill in some of the holes from Ann's blog, I think that's good for now.

I've been holding out

2009-05-14T22:06:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the latest MD pictures.

Happy Mother's Day

2009-05-10T20:20:00.003-04:00

There are only a few people in the world that actually care about you, and she is one of those for me. Out of the many admirable attributes that my mother has, the one I admire most would have to be her willingness to sacrifice. As a new father, I can see how much I took her for granted. Thank you for being involved in my life. I love you and happy mother's day!

2009-04-28T20:18:00.000-04:00

I've been stoned before

2009-04-28T20:09:00.004-04:00

Middle East style. If you look closely (and quickly) you can see a boy in a white shirt, he's kind of behind the girl in the red shirt on the right side of the picture, throw a rock at me. It hit me straight between the eyes and broke my $5 Iraqi sunglasses. He must have not gotten the pencil he wanted or something. I'm glad they throw rocks better than they shoot.

Happy Birthday Ben!

2009-04-27T20:57:00.004-04:00

If you look closely you can find Ben in this picture. Ben was the first in-law that I talked to and we've hit it off ever since then. I like how content Ben is to be himself, you can relax around him because he is just with you with no hidden agendas. People are drawn to him because he is a good listener and just plain friendly. Frankly I can't figure him out and I think I prefer it that way.

Egg-layers or Cinderella Story?

2009-04-25T18:38:00.003-04:00

The Jazz are back in the series but down 2-1 against the Lakers. Every year around this time optimism dares to bloom, and every year around this time it is mercilessly squashed by reality. Someday the Jazz will win a championship and I hope I'm alive to see it.

Can't forget who keeps this blog in business

2009-04-25T18:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-04-20T21:20:00.003-04:00

Something that comes to mind when I think about my Mom is sacrifice. She has sacrificed for me from the beginning and still does. Just last week she spent a week with us cleaning, shopping, babysitting, and comforting. I also think of progression. My Mom has consistently improved herself. I have learned to love, forgive, and endure better from her example. I gave a talk recently about the Family Proclamation and realized again how much she fulfills the descriptions of an ideal mother. She has always put my needs above her own and I love her. Happy Birthday Mom.

I don't believe in chance anymore

2009-04-19T20:10:00.003-04:00

We walked into church today, a little late, and Pres. Eyring was sitting on the stand. He and his wife were in town for a BYU Management something and picked our ward to attend sacrament meeting. After the planned speakers he got up to bear his testimony. He mentioned two specific things: that some of us had medical problems and some of us were living in sin and didn't know it. Ann said he looked at us (for the former not the latter I hope), and I believe her, though I was entertaining MD and didn't see. He then testified that the Savior saw the fall of every sparrow, and that we should unceasingly seek his help.

I used to think that things just happen sometimes. I knew there were miracles now and then, but for the most part I figured we were left to endure well. I have come to believe through numerous personal experiences that we're guided and cared for (not controlled) more than we think. This experience was one of those.

Update

2009-04-15T22:22:00.005-04:00

US - 2
Somali Pirates - 0

Pirates attacked the US-flagged MV Liberty Sun but were unable to take it due to the crew's quick response. The ship took RPG and bullet fire but took evasive maneuvers and lost their pursuers. Some may wonder what's the big deal, the US should easily handle a bunch of fishermen turned pirates. However the pirates attack unarmed merchant vessels. I believe both of the ships attacked so far were carrying humanitarian aid for African countries, such as Somalia. Its like attacking a nun at a soup kitchen who is feeding you soup.The pirates have vowed vengeance for their killed associates, so stay tuned.

Its good to have another hero to root for

2009-04-14T19:14:00.006-04:00

This is Richard Phillips. For those who have their head in the sand, he is the American captain of a ship captured by Somali pirates. The pirates took the ship and then the American crew took it back. That's right, and then the captain offered himself as ransom to save his crew. The pirates took him in a lifeboat and awaited their ransom. He tried to escape twice. I'm not sure how, but twice.

When the US rescue guys thought his life was in danger three Navy Seal snipers fired three shots and got three kills, and saved the captain. (The fourth pirate had turned himself in) Yes its sad that the pirates died. Its also sad that they chose to be pirates, and chose to hijack a ship, and chose to take hostage a stud of a captain. Bottomline: US - 1 Pirates - 0

Treatment

2009-04-14T19:03:00.003-04:00

Acid reflux medicine - twice daily
Antibiotics - once daily
Enzymes - every time she eats
Salt - once daily
Nebulizer - three times daily
Thumping - after nebulization
Zithromax (I couldn't remember what this was) - once daily

This is basically the regimen for the present time. Ann and my Mom have been amazing in diligently carrying it out. I try to help too. The thumping is especially difficult. You have to thump around her lungs with a plastic thing for about 10-12 minutes. Babies don't like being thumped for that many minutes, if any. When she's about three there is a vest that we can use instead of thumping her. Its been an adjustment but all of a sudden Mary Deane is sleeping through the night and taking three hour naps. This is still a tough situation but the glass if definitely half full.

Out of the hospital!

2009-04-12T14:54:00.007-04:00

After the results of the sweat test came out positive we headed to the hospital to meet with the pulmonologist and start treatment. We rushed over on Wednesday night. My memory is hazy; I think Mary Deane got a throat culture and we talked to the doctor but other than that I remember we had a lot of time to wonder why we didn't just come the next day.

We both slept in a one person slide-out chair, it worked because we turned on our sides. If we wanted to turn over it was a team effort. No matter where I moved one of my arms stuck out at an odd angle. After we shifted around and I found the least awkward angle for my arm we could drift off to sleep. (I snagged another chair from the hallway for the second night but they took it away before the third.)

No sooner had Mary Deane fallen asleep that first night when we heard two loud knocks on the door and a woman say 'Housekeeping!'. I think this was at 930pm, a half hour after we had finally gotten Mary Deane down for good. She woke up crying loudly. The look I gave that housekeeping lady as I shooed her out ensured that the only housekeeping we received the rest of the time was quiet and in the middle of the day.

When we checked into our room a nurse checked vitals and hooked Mary Deane up with all these wires and electrodes. I took them off before we put her down to bed because I figured she had made it this long without them. The first night we were still in shock, devastated, and confused. When someone would come in we would let them do whatever they needed done. We had nurses, pulmonary techs, housekeeping workers, meal deliverers, doctors, visitors (these were welcome), phone calls from hospital administration (which also happened right after Mary Deane was asleep, and on the loud room phone), and many other assorted hospital oompalompas.

We learned quickly and put up a sign for when she was asleep for the night or napping. After several showdowns I think we won the day because we got two decent nights of sleep and managed to keep Mary Deane on a satisfactory routine.Saturday we received the good news that we could go home. She had improved enough to justify home care.

In conclusion, either I have an attitude problem or hospital organization is ridiculous. I think they make hospitals that way so you are encouraged to do everything you can to stay out of one. That being said we did meet some wonderful people that really helped us understand how to deal with the future.

Thank you for all of the prayers, visits, gifts, and more prayers. After a rough first day of educational introspecting, therapeutic crying, faith checking, and intestinal fortitude measuring, we have felt very peaceful. I know we are just getting started but I can echo what Ann said: We can do this.

Coming next: The treatment schedule

Friendly construction workers

2009-04-12T14:49:00.002-04:00

These guys shared some of their lunch with us. They were working on a new school I think.

A fun part of the job

2009-04-12T14:41:00.001-04:00

On this video all I had were pamphlets, the comic books go the fastest.

Cystic fibrosis

2009-04-09T10:18:00.002-04:00

Its official, Mary Deane has cystic fibrosis. We aren't entirely sure what the future holds yet, but we are at the hospital and they're filling us in. We're still in shock that something we hadn't heard of just weeks ago is now a major part of our lives. Thanks for the support.

I'm surrounded by beauty

2009-04-06T21:24:00.004-04:00

On Wednesday we take Mary Deane in for her test to determine whether or not she has cystic fibrosis. Put in a prayer for us if you get a chance.

Party at the Mangum's

2009-04-05T21:34:00.003-04:00

Anytime you want a good time go see the Mangums. Good food, good company, good looking houses, good coloring, and anything else you could want. Thanks for letting us stay with you and good luck with the house-hunt.

New apostle

2009-04-04T21:11:00.003-04:00

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away, leaving a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In General Conference today President Thomas Monson read Elder Neil Andersen's name, for a sustaining vote, as the new apostle. To understand how amazing this process is click on any of the religious links on the side and look up apostles, or look at Ephesians 4:11-14. I'm grateful that we have living apostles on the earth just like we did when the Savior was on the earth.

Land!

2009-04-02T17:19:00.003-04:00

If anyone is really hurting from this housing crisis I think they have still have some land available in Iraq. I'm grateful I wasn't navigating.

Some things are just not right

2009-03-31T19:45:00.004-04:00

Ann and Mary Deane are hanging out with the Mangums this week. There's just something not right about us being away from each other.

Kurenti

2009-03-31T19:37:00.004-04:00

Slovenia: As far as I understand it these guys scare the winter away by ringing bells, harassing women, and accepting donations. As I recall they didn't do a very good job when I was there, I was freezing for a long time.

Life is a highway

2009-03-31T19:28:00.002-04:00

Just glad its not this highway anymore.

Happy Birthday Olivia!

2009-03-25T17:22:00.002-04:00

Something I like about Olivia is that she is a good example for her siblings. Being the oldest is a tough gig and she is worth looking up to. I also think she has a warm and caring smile.

Mis-tah

2009-03-22T22:16:00.010-04:00

Some of our adoring fans in Iraq. For a year I was Mis-tah (Mister) the giver of toys, soccer balls, pencils, and anything else the kids could think of. If you want to learn about persistence and tenacity I give you an Iraqi child. I clocked one kid who lasted at least four hours under the hot Iraqi sun. My memory is hazy but the conversation probably sounded like this:
"Mis-tah?"
"What."
"Mis-tah?"
"What!"
"Pincil (pencil) Mis-tah."
"I don't have a pencil."
- Moment of stupefied silence -
"Pincel?"
"I don't have a pencil!"
Now repeat that conversation for four hours. If you give that kid a pencil three more show up to fill his place. If you open the trunk you'll have a mini-mash pit, its like opening Santa's bag. As exasperated as I may sound I don't think any of the soldiers I worked with got sick of giving. We did as much good as we could without jeopardizing security, and handed out a lot of pincils.

Maribor, Slovenia - I served here for four months

2009-03-22T20:31:00.002-04:00

BYU lost in the first round again (NCAA Men's Basketball)

2009-03-22T20:04:00.003-04:00

Maybe next year, we are eternal optimists:

Happy Belated Birthday Kurt!

2009-03-22T19:52:00.002-04:00

I've liked Kurt from the start, especially when he suggested that Ann and I elope and get married the next week. It was nice to have that support in case Ann tried to change her mind. I appreciate Kurt's zest for life and his generosity. You can love someone without respecting them but Kurt gets both because he loves the Lord, his wife, and his family; magnifies his callings; and ensures that the Holy Ghost can always be with him. Happy Birthday.

Video on temples

2009-03-14T20:19:00.006-04:00

For a video on why Mormons have temples please click the picture.

Excited for another weekend

2009-03-14T15:55:00.000-04:00

One of the palaces that Saddam's son had

2009-03-14T15:39:00.003-04:00

The beautiful sunroof pictured above is courtesy of a United States missile. A swift antidote for dictators-in-training. Below is an outside shot and the view from the palace.

Skofja Loka

2009-03-14T15:36:00.000-04:00

Skofja Loka 2

2009-03-14T15:34:00.001-04:00

A small town near Kranj. We don't have missionaries here but we came here a few times for P-days. The Elders in Kranj came here to work sometimes but I was never in Kranj.

Vse najboljse (Happy Birthday) Brian!

2009-03-08T18:25:00.002-04:00

Brian can make everyone feel at home regardless of who they are, or how much they bathe or not bathe (see subway NY). We look forward to you joining us out here if that's how it works out.

Birding in VA

2009-03-08T18:17:00.005-04:00

Virginia wildlife

2009-03-07T18:35:00.002-05:00

WE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND WENT BIRDING FOR THE FIRST TIME (AS A FAMILY) TODAY. THE FOREST LOOKED SOMETHING LIKE THIS. ITS MORE FUN THAN IT LOOKS AND THERE'S LOTS OF POTENTIAL COME SPRING. ANN HAD HER BINOCULARS READY AND WE THOUGHT THAT WITHOUT THE LEAVES THE BIRDS WOULD BE EASIER TO SEE. NOT TOO MANY BIRDS, WE ACTUALLY SPENT MOST OF OUR TIME LAUGHING AT MARY DEANE BECAUSE SHE HAD A BLAST IN THE BABY CARRIER. PICTURES OF OUR ADVENTURE SOON.

The blog was getting too serious

2009-03-05T19:45:00.001-05:00

I always wondered...

2009-03-05T19:37:00.004-05:00

...what it would have been like to live in the day of Gadianton robbers. I don't think we need to anymore. Its interesting that all the military might the Nephites could muster never wiped them out. The word was more powerful than the sword. And the condition of the people's spirituality directly caused peace or robber infestation. I suppose that knowledge would change my ideas of foreign policy. Would it be a stretch to say that a moral issue like same-sex marriage is a matter of national security? If you have no idea what I'm talking about click the link that says Book of Mormon and Bible, then click on free media and order a free Book of Mormon.
PS - I don't know what the sign says I just liked the outfits.

The Longest Morning

2009-03-05T19:24:00.003-05:00

I stumbled upon this story. Its a little graphic but a great example of American courage. Greater love hath no man..., I hope we never forget their sacrifices.

Happy Birthday Ryan!

2009-02-28T20:04:00.001-05:00

Ryan seems very competent. I have the impression that I could ask him just about anything and I'd get a good answer.

Boycott Kyrgyzstani everything! (if you can find something from there)

2009-02-28T18:52:00.005-05:00

Why? Because for one its just wrong to have so many consonants in a name, and two they have buckled under Russian pressure to close one of our bases used to supply the mission in Afghanistan. In all fairness a boycott would probably hurt innocent people, its their parliament that has sold the country's soul to Russia for a 2 billion dollar loan. So I dedicate a moment of quiet fuming to the Kyrgyzstani government for being a minor speed bump.

Another peaceful day

2009-02-28T18:50:00.001-05:00

Lake Bohinj, Slovenia (its a lot bigger than this)

Arabian Nights

2009-02-28T18:47:00.000-05:00

They are definitely an acquired taste.

Photo spree!

2009-02-28T18:43:00.001-05:00

Ann went crazy with the camera and captured some phenomenal images. The problem is that I promised I wouldn't 'scoop' them until she had a chance to use them. So here is the first of a great collection.

Party time

2009-02-26T22:06:00.002-05:00

We are in dire need of a weekend. At work I am going to try a different schedule. I work an extra hour every day and every two weeks I get a day off. A three-day weekend every two weeks.

Logarska Dolina, Slovenia

2009-02-26T22:03:00.000-05:00

The (Iraqi) future is bright

2009-02-26T22:01:00.000-05:00

I'll tell you what the title means when the time is right

2009-02-20T20:22:00.000-05:00

2009-02-20T19:59:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite Iraq pictures

2009-02-20T19:24:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite pictures because it captures a lot of the powerful and confusing emotions of Iraq. The US soldiers see themselves, at least I do, as soteriological figures (savior, with a small s) from an oppressive regime. We deliver light and freedom. Many Iraqis, especially as time goes on, see only an occupation force that imposes values and lifestyles that they don't like. The Americans abuse and damage. Both viewpoints are present in this picture. I still believe in America, although our light on a hill doesn't always shine as brightly as it should sometimes.

Slovenia pic

2009-02-20T19:06:00.002-05:00

Slovenia pics will be a running series on my blog.