Seasons Come & Go

The week was full again as usual, work was busy and the nights each filled with family, church, or work. Monday we had our FHE and Stacey and I did a service project, Tuesday was a 4^th Tuesday which means City Council, Wednesday was the Friends of Scouting drive – everyone was really giving on my assigned route, good attitudes made for a pleasant evening. Thursday was interesting with our Meet the Candidates night. It was fun to hear what all my potential new bosses had to say about their perceptions and plans for the City of Blanding. I expect things will continue to be financially tight for the next few years.

Stacey took off Thursday with Ramona and Kendra to head North for State Volleyball and to do some wedding shopping. (Of course she had to get a traffic ticket up there – speeding through a school zone) The volleyball team was eliminated this year - She got back early enough to watch a movie together. I took off and went fishing after getting things done around the house Friday evening and caught a few fish – I did not plan to keep any but caught my first albino fish – kind of weird – really white with pink eyes a touch of yellow down the back. You can’t see it too good in the picture - I cooked it up and ate it Friday – my favorite fish is fresh trout. It was a fair size trout 14” -

Saturday I got up for a High Priest reroofing service project – it got postponed in the end because there was still snow on the roof – pretty steep and slick.

Stacey and I went to the football game at 1:00 p.m.– San Juan won the quarter finals against Kanab 13-7 and move now to the semi-finals in Cedar next week. We met Randy and Lisa Rarrick at the game and went to dinner with them at the Lamplight after the game. They are always fun to be with. We had an early dinner and got back in time to give out candy to trick-or-treaters. I always like scaring the kids – I got a few pretty good screams. We get a ton of traffic at our house.

We got Haven and Joe engagement pics – they turned out good as well as Haven’s bridal pics. Stacey continues to spend a lot of time planning and preparing for the wedding. It was strange to have snow so early in the season. The leaves are mostly dropped now and the snow that fell is melted. Our life like the seasons seems to keep changing - and like the seasons the changes always are refreshing and rejuvenating. We have added five to our family this year and will need to update our family pic we took last Thanksgiving - we look forward to the holiday season and the change of the seasons and the changing events in our lives.

This Part of the Vineyard!

The week went fast again – busy with work and church stuff. Stacey took off Wednesday morning to go stay with Amanda and help with the Trey and Carter because Cody was off to San Diego on business. It gave her the opportunity to play with the grandbabies again and to see all the kids. She also spent time with Haven doing wedding stuff, announcements, flowers, reception, etc…, and helping Amanda decorate the new house.

I spent Wednesday night with the 8^th Ward YM – no offense to the YM Adult Leaders, but it much more fun to work with the young men then the adults.

Thursday our Ward had initiatory assignments so I helped at the Temple. It wasn’t till Friday night that it got really lonely – I do not like being a bachelor even though I am a pretty good cook. I always buy a good steak and grill it when Stacey goes away – she is not much of a steak person so it is a good opportunity to eat what I want.

I get off at noon on Fridays so I spent Friday afternoon doing the weekly yard and house work and preparing for a four-wheeler trip to Arch Canyon on Saturday. We have our Stake Youth Standards night that I am partly in charge of and we are doing our 2010 “Ho to the San Juan” trek kick off. We invited Elder Gerald Lund down to speak and offered to take him on the Arch Canyon trip. He graciously accepted and decided to bring some of his family. We had 28 of us in all with 17 of the Lund family and leaders from both Stakes. We had 18 four-wheelers and were quite the caravan. It was a beautiful day and really enjoyable. I am looking forward to the fireside tonight. We are excited about our 3 day Trek June 3-5.

By the time we got everything cleaned up and returned it was late in the day and I went and caught the last half of the BYU game at Mom and Dad Webbs. It was great to watch the Cougars win it, but too close of a game – should have been a blow out. Mom’s B-Day is tomorrow and Dad’s Thursday – they continue to be such a support and example – I love them both a ton! It is fun being close to them.

Still, I missed being up North with Stacey and would enjoy living closer to the kids. I don’t doubt that we will move closer as they all settle down and we find out where everyone will be. For now they are all in Utah Valley and that suits us just fine. I like Utah Valley and could easily live somewhere near by. I doubt we will ever sale our home here in Blanding – still you never know – with every election I get new bosses and it just may be that the day will come that I will not survive the politics. Till then we will plug along doing our best to fill our responsibilities in the Lord’s Kingdom in this part of his Vineyard.

More Happenings

I can not believe it has been seven weeks since we last blogged. Time flies so quickly and so much has happened. Most of you who follow our happenings know much of what I talk about here.

Lant & Amy tie the Knot.
Of course Lant & Amy’s wedding went well and was so rewarding. We loved seeing so many of the family and enjoyed being together in the temple. Amy’s family is so wonderful and we have enjoyed getting to know them better and their commitment to each other and the gospel. I have determined that it is the gospel, our common goals, values and principles that make it so easy to love and join families. Amy’s family was no exception. Going through this now for the third time was another good experience for us.

We enjoyed our trip to Texas and were treated with so much hospitality and love by Steve and Sue. It was fun to see the love their friends and ward members had for them. Of course we were saddened at the news that came to us the Sunday we left Texas and the wedding reception down there that Amy’s brother Matt had been killed in Kuwait. That was followed by a tough week for Lant & Amy and her family as they buried their son and brother.

Thanks to everyone who participated and helped with the many aspects of the wedding. It is good to have so many loving family members and friends.

Three Weddings in Five Months.

Significant events did not stop with that – Haven and Joe formally announced their wedding that will be held the Saturday after Thanksgiving – November 28 at the Draper Temple. A reception will be held that same night in Alpine. I did not have a hard time saying yes when Joe asked my permission to propose to Haven. We have learned of his love for Haven, for his Heavenly Father, and know that they together will build a righteous home and family. We are excited for them.

During the past weeks we also spent a week in Salt Lake at training conference I had for work, and enjoyed a great weekend with Shad and Brooke on the mountain - it has been such a beautiful fall.

We love our children – they continue to bring joy into our lives as we see them make righteous decisions and progress in their lives.

Still My Little Princess!

Since Haven was a baby she has always been my little Princess and forever will be. At least for the next year I will have to share here with San Juan County since they crowned her Miss San Juan. We have always known we have a beautiful talented daughter. We are proud parents.

Lant Engagement Pictures - Here we Go Again!

Lant announced on the new Lant & Amy blog (http://www.lantandamy.blogspot.com/) his engagement as of May 25, 2009. They have been working hard to prepare for their wedding on September 5 in the Salt Lake Temple. They will have an open house in Blanding August 29, a reception/dinner in Provo the evening of September 5^th after the wedding and an open house in Texas on September 19 after the honeymoon.

Amy and Lant were made for each other and are so happy – I have included a little slide show with a few of their engagement pictures.

We Have Gained a Daughter

We have had such a busy summer starting with Lant and Amy’s engagement and we have not had much of a chance to blog, After I got through Timberline and Youth Conference, I joined Stacey in planning for weddings and receptions. Shad & Brooke got started early with their open house in Blanding the weekend of July 4^th. It was fun to have Brooke’s family down to join the celebration and join us for the open house. It was held in our backyard, and with the exception of a little rain in turned out nice.

The wedding and reception the following weekend in Ogden also turned out nice. We appreciated so much the support of family and friends. We love Brooke’s family and are so glad to have her part of ours now. This was a real payday for us as parents, I cried as Brooke and Shad committed to each other for eternity. I thank my Heavenly Father for this wonderful day.

Life Seemed to Come Full Circle.

As I sat eating breakfast in bed this morning visiting with Stacey a knock came at the door. We both looked at each other wondering who may be k nocking on a Sunday morning. Stacey quickly answered the door to find Gay Turley our next door neighbor delivering fresh hot blue berry muffins. The note said: "For your first 'Grandfathers Day'! Real 'blue' blueberry muffins!! Can't wait until we see you chasing those boys across the lawn, as in days past."

That is when I realized she was right - wow my first Grandfathers Fathers Day - and there I was sitting with my eternal companion "Grams" (that what she expects to be called as a grandma) - in an house empty of kids (not even Haven home to sing me "I am so glad when daddy comes home"). Still I was not sad - but had a tear of joy and gratitude that I made it this far. Then I thought of Cody - his first Fathers Day - life had gone full circle.

A brand new Dad - the feelings flooded back and memories of being a new Dad - I felt so humble, knowing I wasn't perfect, I had so many weaknesses - but wanted to give so much - still I could only offer what I was - I felt inadequate.

Now the years have passed and I see that the Lord's hand making up the differences, filling the voids, magnifying and quickening me in my imperfections. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family, they all turned out in spite of me. (I guess I can blame it on Stacey). So I look ahead and see how full my own Dad's life is and I am excited for the future. Excited for my kids.

Lant and Amy stopped by today on their way home from Phoenix to have supper with us- I shared some of my feelings - they laugh at me and my little tidbits of life's reflections. My "aw hah" moments I sometime share -

Excited to have Stacey home - man was not meant to be alone - at least not this one.

Just a Ghost in This House

The Last few weeks have passed quickly by. The first week I was gone all week serving as an assistant scoutmaster at Timberline leadership training. The week was enjoyable watching young men grow in skills and testimony. It was very rewarding. It was fun to serve with my little brother Kevin who recruited me into the deal after he agreed to serve as Scoutmaster for the course. He did a great job. By the time I came home Saturday Stacey had already been gone for a day. She took off to Provo to play live in nanny with Cody & Amanda and our grandsons Trey and Carter. She spent the week with them. The boys are doing well and Amanda and Stacey get a little sleep between taking care of all their needs. They wake up every three hours and want to get fed. Mean time I have been playing bachelor at the house - just a shadow upon the walls - I get more sleep than Stacey and Amanda but I get lonely. Someone has to take care of the flowers and the garden though. We have to keep things looking nice for the two open houses we will be having here this summer - Shad in July and Lant in September.

I did take a business trip to Brian Head to present a grant request and proposal to the State of Utah Community Impact Board for additional grant funds to build the Wellness/Recreation Center here in Blanding. We got $975,000 so that will give the project a real boost.

Things were in a bit of an uproar in the community when 150 FBI agents raided several homes in town with search and arrest warrants for illegal dealing of Anasazi antiquities. Most thought the use of authority, force and resources were excessive - people in the community are upset. My doctor Jim Redd was caught up in the raids and after being charged committed suicide. This is a big lose in the community and a sad deal. Things went to far -

Stacey, Shad, Brooke and Haven came home late Friday and were here till this afternoon. Stacey came back for a few days to throw a bridal shower for Brooke. It turned out cute and was fun for all the family involved. Shad and I went fishing during the shower and caught 8 fish. We only brought three home and filleted and cooked them up for lunch Saturday. It was good to have family around for a while.

Looks like I have another lonely week - just a ghost in this house - anxious for next weekend when I will get Stacey home again. Until then at least I have pictures of the family I can look at.

A Bird Came back to the Nest

Been a busy week. It was so great to see our grandbabies they are so cute, we just love them, I can't wait to go see them again this weekend. Last weekend Lant and Amy came down and Haven and friends also. The plan was to go out on the wave runners but there was too much rain all weekend. We did go camping and ride the 4 wheelers. Lant also asked Amy to marry him and she said yes. So there will be two weddings this summer. Shad in July -Lant in August. Brooke and Amy are wonderful girls we are excited to have them in our family.
So Chris likes to get up early in the morning and open all the doors in the house. He says it brings down the heat load in the house. Lately I have told him it also brings in flies and moths and all sorts of insects that I don't particularly want to house. Well I woke up the other morning and a bird also decided to join the household. He continued to fly around and not use his manners and do his duty were it should not be done, but proceeded to "do it" on the floors and front closet. Gross! I could not get him out of the house, so I left the front door open and went for my run, when I got back it was gone. I do have a picture of him on the top of the stairs, seemed to be his favorite place. We have a busy couple of weeks ahead we will tell you how they went next time.

A Humbling TIme

Our most exciting news for the year is the safe arrival Trey James and Carter Christopher - Amanda had gone in for her regular check up Friday and they were concerned that Baby B (Trey) was not getting the nutrition he needed and was not growing. So they decided to induce Amanda and get those babies delivered. When we got the call we dropped everything and drove to Provo. We got there in time with about 3 hours to spare - around 6:30 pm Friday night May 22 our first grand babies were born. I was so thankful and releaved I could not stop tearing up. To have those little miracles here on earth after all the prayers and struggles is truly a blessing and a humbling feeling. We are not in control - and we are so thankful to our Heavenly Father who is - who saw fit to allow this blessing for Cody & Amanda and us. The boys are struggling just a bit to keep their blood sugar levels right and are in ICU now for a few days. So keep your prayers coming in their behalf. Amanda is doing well and recovering quickly.
Trey is at the bottom and weighed 5 lbs and 8 ounces, Carter at the top was born six minutes before Trey and weighed 5 lbs and 15 ounces. Both boys were 18" long.

Cody also had good news Thursday this week receiving notice that he was promoted at work and also recieved a good salary increase. That will be a blessing with two new additions to the family.

We have enjoyed the past few weeks of spring and getting things done in the yard. New flowers, more garden, spraying the fruit trees, fertilizing the yard and killing weeds. We plan to have Shad & Brooke's open house here in July and would like things to be in good shape. We also took time to do our maiden voyage in the new camp trailer. We went up last Friday to reunion ridge (near Palmers flat - Blue Mtn) and enjoyed a night. We invited Mom and Dad Webb up for dinner with us. It was our Ward's father and sons that night and with no sons around it was nice to spend time with them. I did leave Stacey alone for a few hours Saturday morning and the priesthood brethren did a service project down at the Dude Ranch cleaning it up so it is ready for use this summer. The most eventful part of the trip was cleaning up the milk. Yup I did not get the fridge latched all the way and when we got to the mountain to set up we found a gallon of spilled milk on the floor. It took a bit to clean everything up - some went down the floor vents so I pulled the registers and cleaned the vents too.

In other news Shad graduated end of April and and also passed the Utah Real Estate exam. He is working for NAI Commercial Real Estate Utah Valley and enjoying his job. He and Brooke are preparing for their wedding in July. This was one of their engagement pictures. They are doing great - we are proud of Shad and what he has accomplished. We love Brooke.

Lant and Haven are still up going to school. They both plan to graduate April 2010. They are down this weekend with friends for Memorial Day. We followed them down after spending time with Cody, Amanda and the twins Saturday Morning.

Their seems to be a lot happening in our lives. Our children are active and happy and let us be involved. It is rewarding to watch them grow and succeed. We truly feel blessed, we see Heavenly Fathers hand in our lives. Feel free to call us Grandpa & Grandma.

Womens Conference

Picture is of Chris's mom, sister's and me. Mom made us all bags
with our name on it, for the conference. I'm sure they took hours
to do. She also made Liz one but she wouldn't get in the picture!!


This week we spent mostly apart. Chris went to St. George on Tuesday for meetings and I left for Provo on Wednesday. I talked my sister Liz into going to Womens Conference at BYU. It started Thursday moring and went until Friday at 5:00pm. We stayed at Cody's and Amanda's ( or the Webb motel). We had a good time there, and learned some things also. Some of the classes we went to were on being happy in an empty nest, learning to laugh in life, and strength in the Lord, and many more. We laughed a lot and of course talked about our kids. All but one of Chris's sisters were up there also, so we sat with them when we could. We had pizza one night with all the family that was up there except Shad and Brooke weren't there because Brooke had her tonsils out on Wednesday and Shad was up seeing her. Hope you are feeling better Brooke. Cindy bought all the pizza- thanks Cindy. Good to see everyone. I also went to a Dr Appointment with Cody and Amanda and got to see the boys as they did a ultrasound. That was fun. I told Cody that baby A looked like him. Babies will be here soon, so excited! When we got back we headed to the baseball field, Nate (my nephew) was playing in a play off game. I'm glad we could watch some of it. We sometimes miss going to games every week--or do we? Nate also got his mission call to the Phillipines, congrats Nate. Good to see all the kids as usual.

A Few Short Weeks

Time fly's quickly by and we find April gone - where did it go? We last posted on conference weekend up in Provo. Since then most of the kids were down for Easter and we have been up to Provo and back twice and to St. George for four days. I have had lots of business meetings so we have been going a lot.

Easter was fun, though we missed having Cody & Amanda home. The doctors have Amanda on bed rest until the babies are born now. Haven had Joe down for Easter, a boy she has been dating. Amy could not come down either in the end so Lant was a bit gloomy to match the weather that weekend. Easter Saturday was a bit blustery with the threat of storms and rain all around, still we decided to venture and headed south. It was Stacey's family turn for Easter picnic and so we were with them. We originally planned on going to the sand dunes by Aneth until we discovered that they had been closed to the public by the Navajo Nation because the medicine man used it as a sacred place to pray. So we headed to recapture pockets.

The day turned out pretty warm and dry - we did the usual picnic, kite flying, four wheeler riding, and Easter egg roll. We had so much fun in the end and were glad we went.



We all got up and went to Grandpa and Grandma Webb's Ward. Lamar and Valynne Family were down so we added about twenty to the Fourth Ward count.

Stacey made honey baked ham for Easter dinner, and after cleaning up and packing, the kids headed home and Stacey and I headed for St George. Stacey had worked extra hours all week finishing up tax season so should could take off a few days early to join me in my City Manager conference. My meetings started early Monday and lasted through Wednesday. We had fun being together and relaxing a bit. We caught a few movies, attended the temple, and shopped a bit. Stacey got to relax by the pool - she would not let me POST that picture.

Thursday we headed north for the weekend. Shad after making the top ten percent of his graduating class from UVU Woodbury Business School, was chosen as one of the top two students in the marketing program and was being honored with the top two students from each of the other programs and the Valedictorian of the business school. Brooke was with us of course and it was fun to honor him and his hard work as he prepares to graduate this month.

Friday was a shopping day, a day to get cars fixed and help Cody & Amanda around the house. Stacey also finished sewing curtains for the nursery and helped get ready for the shower.

Friday night we had plans to meet Brooke's parents. So we drove to Bountiful and had dinner with them. They are great people, we are glad Shad found Brooke, her and her family will be a good fit with ours. We made wedding plans and discussed the luncheon. We are excited for July when they can tie the knot.

Saturday was shopping, golf, and baby shower. Amanda threw a baby shower for her friend Annie Webb and while they did that, me and my sons went golfing at cascade. It was fun to be with my boys even though Cody and I lost to Lant and Shad in golf. it was a great day. That evening we had tickets to the Utah Valley Thunder arena football game and went to watch Haven dance. Joe sat with us as we cheered for the dance team. We yelled for the football team to get off the field so we could see more of Haven. She is a great dancer and fun to watch.

This week I had to present for a grant out State of Utah Division of Drinking Water. So I drove up on Thursday and back the same day. It was a whirl wind trip because Lant and Amy were coming down for the semester break. We were successful in getting $358,000 for our project.

Lant and Amy showed up Thursday night. They slept in late and prepared for their four wheeler trip up Arch Canyon. I drove out with them to make sure Lant knew where to go and took this picture before they road off. They seemed to have a good time and enjoyed the beauty of the canyon, nice day and playing in the water. Of course they ended in a water fight, which Lant claims Amy started and Amy claims Lant started. We will never know.

We have enjoyed having Lant and Amy here - they will go back Monday morning. BYU starts again on Tuesday.

All in all the weeks have passed quickly by and we have been able to get the things done we have needed to. We planted more garden and did more yard work. We continue to strive to fullfill our callings. The Lord magnifies us in our efforts. We are happy.

Rejuvenating Together

We have had an enjoyable conference weekend. As often said we enjoy being with our kids and sharing their lives. We took off Friday late afternoon and headed to Provo. Stacey was going crazy, she had not been out of town for four weeks and felt like she was missing out on something. We listened to a audio book on the way up and the trip was quick. It did snow over the Summit – no problems with roads though. Before we could even get to town Haven had a shopping trip planned – so after pizza with Cody & Amanda – we met Haven and Lant at the Mall. We usually get the kids a spring outfit for Easter. We did some grocery shopping for the weekend and planned to have everything one over for breakfast and supper Saturday and lunch Sunday. (With the blessing of Cody & Amanda)

We got up late and made Belgium waffles and bacon and listened to conference. Lant & Haven showed up, and later Brooke and Shad.
Some of us had a hard time staying awake – but with Cody around you might as well forget it. He took the whipped cream out of the fridge and was filling up mouths of the sleepy – just ask Haven.
We went and shopped again between sessions and got a few things. Stacey with some help made Sweet & Sour Pork and hot rolls that we all enjoyed after conference.
For the first time in seven years I had the opportunity to be in priesthood session with all my sons. I must admit I felt a bit emotional and grateful for good sons with strong testimony and commitment to the gospel.
It was rejuvenating to hear our prophets, apostles, and leaders and be with family. To live up to my children’s expectations is motivating to me. Their trust in my direction as they come to seek help is humbling. I pray so hard for inspiration in blessing their lives. It leaves me with a desire to be better and do better as a husband and father. I have learned that I am not alone, that we are not alone and that we have the powers of heaven and the company of angels to magnify us and bare us up in difficult times and to bless us to accomplish what the Lord expects of us. I am thankful today for a loving Heavenly Father and a loving family here on to share life’s experiences with.

Spring has Sprung the Snow has Fell

With the exception of only a few days the weather the last few weeks have been great and the weekends the best. It has given us the opportunity to do what we enjoy - work together in the yard. We have the fruit trees all trimmed, flower beds cleaned out, the lawn thatched, sprayed for weeds, fertilized and the irrigation system checked and turned on. The garden and orchid is tilled and ready spring. Stacey is most excited because Saturday she planted her peas. She loves peas, especially fresh off the vine, raw right out of the pod. She has also turned the laundry room into a garden with pepper, squash, and spice starts all planted and growing. She is the green thumb in this family. We are excited to plant the rest of the garden and the flowers as it gets a little warmer.

I mentioned in our last blog that we broke down and bought a truck and camp trailer. We have been saving up for a while. This is our first truck and we are excited to use the truck and trailer this summer. The old explorer was wearing out and we needed something big enough to pull the trailer. So I took last Thursday and Friday off. Thursday I drove to Cortez and got the brake system installed on the new truck. (part of the deal) and picked up a few things at Walmart. Friday I detailed the Explorer out, bought some new floor mats and put it up for sale. It was sold by 10:00 am the next morning. Maybe I did not ask enough.

We purchased the truck from a credit union in Provo. It is a 2004 Ford F-150. It was a repo and is in really good shape with 57,000 miles. I gave them a low ball offer that they refused at first, then called back later and took the deal. So we felt blessed to find what we wanted at the right price.

The trailer we bought out of Cortez. It is a 27' , 2006 Keystone Sprinter with a popout. It is really nice. We talked about buying a new truck with such good deals going, but decided a used truck and trailer for less then the cost of a new truck was better. I had a gravel pad with pit run base put in along the fence in the back yard so I would have an area to park the trailer. Everything worked out just right.

So thats whats new - the rest of our lives have been routine. Work is still the same - very busy with projects and progress for me and taxes for Stacey - she was saying yesterday how excited she was that there were only two weeks left of tax season. She is planning on going with me to St George on April 13th. My calling is keeping me busy as we plan for many summer camps and activities. I also enjoy visiting the ward activities and being with the youth. We had Ward temple night this last week also and enjoy going to our small temple and knowing everybody. More often then not I get asked to work at the veil and like doing so.

We love interacting with the kids and being involved in their struggles, successes and lives. We continually pray for Amanda and the boys and ask for your prayers too. Check out their blog to keep up on the latest there. Shad is excited to graduate in April, was notified this week that he is graduating in the top 10% of his class and will receive special honors, he and Brooke are having fun planning their wedding and future. Lant and Amy are still dating and Lant is very busy with school. He is planning on starting a job next week as a admin assistant at an optometrist. Haven is also busy with school and her Thunder dance team which has now started their performances.
So if anybody wants to come down and go camping this summer we are all geared up to play and hope we can find time to do just that.

Enjoying the Journey

It has been a while since we blogged, it has been crazy busy – especially at work for both Stacey and I. Stacey is in the middle of taxes and I am in the middle of several projects as well as several grant applications trying to take advantage of Obamanomics stimulus money.

It is Sunday morning and I am up in Provo. I flew up Friday afternoon with a two men from the Hearts & Hands in Action Foundation from Spanish Fork who were down in Blanding to meet with me on help for a project. I asked if I could hitch a ride back with them so I could pick up a truck I had purchased. (another story). I have meetings early Monday morning and had to drive up Sunday afternoon anyway so I decided to stay the weekend. I tried to get Stacey to come with me but she said she was too busy to leave work and did not like the thought of flying in a small plane anyway (too many crashes lately). She thought she might find a ride late Friday or Saturday but never did. So anyway I have spent the weekend in Provo with Cody & Amanda. They are fun to be around – Haven came over Friday after I got here and had pizza with us and stayed and watched a movie – then we all went out to dinner last night – including Shad, Brooke, Amy, & Lant.

I was able to pick up the truck from the credit Union where it had been repoed and I spent five hours on Saturday getting it serviced and then I detailed it. That and a little shopping pretty much took the day.

Stacey had her birthday this week - I had City Council that night, still we were able to sneak in dinner. Mom Webb made a cheese cake we had for desert. It was so good - but only two of us - we will have to share or be eating cheese cake for a month.

Last weekend all the kids got a wild hair and decided to come down. Cody & Amanda were coming anyway because Stacey was throwing a baby shower in Blanding with all the extended family. We did not know if she would be able to come or not because she has been having contractions, but the doctor ok'd the trip. We had fun playing games and eating lots of good food. Stacey cooked Italian on Friday and I cooked dutch ovens and barbecued on Saturday. Here are a few pics of last weekend. This is one of Lant & Amy - they seem happy together and are getting pretty serious - more weddings this year? I think soooo!

This is a few pics of the shower - "Double the Fun"! Everything double for the twins.




This is a picture of Shad & Brooke - their wedding date is July 11th. The weekend before the big extended Ralph S & Mildred Webb reunion.


This is Lant, Shad & Haven doing a little sing along - Brooke and Amy listening in.


This is Cody & Amanda, they are so excited for the twins. She gave us a scare while in Blanding and started having contraction every 5-7 minutes for an hour Friday night - we took her to the urgent care clinic and she got a shot to stop the contractions - whether shot, prayers or both the contractions stopped and all was well the rest of the weekend.


This is the family - (except for Haven - she was getting her hair done by Kendra) - enjoying dutch oven and barbecue.
I have always thought that once my kids were out of High School, out of the house and up to school that life would be less stressful and that I would not have to stress so much. Wrong!! Then I thought well when they graduate college and get married then the worries would end. Wrong!! You can never know what life will throw at you. New babies, a new job, unexpected sickness, a new calling, a broken bone - I decided at least in this life that you can not ever get rid of the stress. It is not going to change - so the only way to enjoy the journey is if I change! I am working on that. It will take divine intervention, but I am working on it. It all comes down to faith and relying on the Lord, that he is in control and will make all things work for your good if you are living righteously. So we keep our recommends current, go to the temple often, use the prayer roll often and pray alot. I consider my worries with only a few kids - then imagine Heavenly Father's with billions - then the realization hits - this life is not the end of my worries - it will last forever - for eternity. Man - I really need to learn to "Enjoy the Journey".

Another One Bites the Dust

The news for the week is Shad proposed to Brooke and she said yes!! Last week I was up North for meetings. Shad & Brooke had been talking marriage and looking for rings and Shad wanted a special way to pop the question. After some brainstorming he decided he wanted to ask with the help of a custom quilt. So we called Stacey and asked if she could help and have it ready for Valentines. Without hesitation she said she would do it - took the next morning off (last Friday) and went to Cortez to find the material. She had to work that afternoon, that day I was headed home. Saturday I helped her put the quilt on and she called her sisters and the Grandma's who all showed up to help. She had it all designed out to pop the question. "Will You Be Mine Forever"? The next few days were a whirl wind of activity around the quilt in anticipation of sending it North with those going up for State Wrestling. Mom Webb went the extra mile in helping Stacey get it done on time. Thanks to all who helped. We were all excited for Shad and couldn't be happier then to get such a wonderful person as Brooke as a daughter-in-law. We promised to share the details - so here they are.

Shad planned to propose to Brooke at a special breakfast on Valentines morning. He arranged to sneak into her apartment the night before and leave a flower and a note expressing his love and inviting her to breakfast at his house. His roommates were going to be gone and he set up a picnic style breakfast on the quilt with a red table cloth over it, hiding the proposal. He had romantic music playing, flower pedals leading to the living room and a dozen roses, candles and breakfast layed out. As she came into the room he came out of hiding and they hugged. She presented him with a valentine gift and they had there romantic breakfast. After finishing eating they cleared and Shad said he had a surprise. He had her step back and he pulled the cloth off the quilt and asked her to read it. As she read outload, "Will You Be Mine Forever", he dropped to a knee and asked her to be his eternal companion with ring in hand. She said yes!

They were headed to Ogden that afternoon and he wanted her to have her ring so they could show the family. The date will be the first or second weekend in May it sounds like but not set for sure. We expect Amanda will be having the twins sometime in May so it will be a fun and busy month.

The rest of the week seemed pretty uneventful comparitively. We had calling stuff, I had City Council, taught roundtable, did preparation. Friday I took off work and did the laundry and cleaning and then took Stacey to dinner at Old Tymer - we then went to the basketball game and came home and watched a movie. Saturday was Valentines and we worked on invitations to the baby shower for Amanda being held at our house the first weekend in March and delivered all those invitations. I spent a couple of hours Saturday answering questions for Haven on our parenting philosophies. It took me about five pages - I got a bit carried away. It was thought provoking to remember and reconsider that important role. The day was relaxing we went to a dinner/theatre at the Arts & Events center that night. The dinner was good, and we enjoyed the play, a romantic comedy -"Slight Indulgences". We enjoy our time together.

Twins Are Double the Fun!!

A Week in Our Empty Nest

I hesitated to post to the blog this week because is was so uneventful. Of course we kept busy with family, church and work responsibilities but just the usual. Stacey and I continue to have family home evening as a couple. It is kind of strange and I continue to push the traditions like saying – I would like to welcome everybody to (and we all yell) Family Home Evening – Stacey seems think that our traditions should change with the growth and changing family – I guess I am still a kid at heart! We usually pick a Conference Talk and study it together – sometimes an article out of the Ensign. We still sing together and I enjoy the spirit it brings as we do. I am usually the only one eating refreshments – unless of course it is popcorn and then Stacey can’t resist. She still watches her sugar intake – I don’t.

Tuesday was City Council and I was gone till late – work is busy – we still have projects under construction and several in the works. It is all about steady progress. I never have a hard time getting more then my share of hours in and will be losing several vacation days if I can’t find a good time to take them – Stacey is tied up at work steady until tax season is over and is putting in more then her 40 hours too.

Wednesday I had to teach pow wow – two sessions for a total of 38 boys – alot of them came to City Council Tuesday creating standing room only - I had set up the sound system before Pow Wow since we continue to teach dance classes to the youth each Wednesday night for an hour after mutual – we get 80 plus kids out each week – so I topped the night off helping teach the cha-cha - we have a few more weeks of that leading up to our Valentines Dance.

Thursday was YM basketball and District Banquet – it was our Stakes turn to be in charge – only once every three years so its wasn’t bad – Stacey came with me and enjoyed the turkey dinner – but mostly the ice cream and brownies for desert.

Friday I was off in the afternoon and did the normal weekly house cleaning and laundry – Stacey had to be at work so I was on my own – She had been craving seafood lately – it was the Red Lobster Commercials on TV that did it to her I think – So I decided to surprise her with a Seafood dinner of Salmon and Shrimp – I cooked me a steak since I am not so much a fish guy. It actually turned out pretty good – We went to the Bronco Basketball game after and enjoyed a close game where we lost to South Seiver (ranked #1) by two points in the last minute.

Saturday was fixing the four-wheeler and a few fix it things around the house – I also spent a few hours in Timberline Preparation reviewing the lessons and syllabus since I am helping staff this year as an assistant Scout Master. We watched a movie later in the evening after enjoying a nice sweet-n-sour pork meal – (prepared by Stacey) – we ate a little early since it was time to start fasting.

Today we are enjoying the Sabbath with the usual Sabbath music and relaxation – no extra meetings today so we are waiting for our block to start at 1:00 PM.

We continue to plug away – always hoping for a chance to interact with our kids and friends – if not – we enjoy each other and grow closer with passing time.

Snowman Down

Our snowman came down Tuesday, now it's only two slush balls. Also Tuesday was inauguration day, I got so tired of watching the same thing all night. Who designed whose dress and how many balls the president had to go to. It was all a little much for me, so the TV went off. I do hope he does a good job though. Thursday my niece came to town so the Johnson women had a girls night out. It was fun, you would think we never see each other, we all talk at the same time it drives my mom nuts (although she wasn't there-that's probably why). We had a good time. Saturday went to a shower for another niece. She got lots of cute things for her little baby girl. We always have a good time when we get together. Then that night we invited some friends to come play "rook" we won yay! I'm so bad at getting pictures for all these events, I'm going to have to try harder.(CLIFF)
Chris did some things also this week but not as fun a s mine, he did lots of things for his YM calling so we will just leave it at that. Hope you all have a great week, even if it's cold!! grumble grumble

Savor to a Simple Life!

The family picture is one of those goofy shots that came from November when we everyone was in town for Thanksgiving - I thought it was funny how everyone came up with a different scrunchy face. Amanda is 12 weeks pregnant and still so skinny - check their blog out for an update @ www.webbnet.blogspot.com.

The week was pretty busy, it seems I am still catching up on work since being off for the holidays. I had City Council on Tuesday which lasted a good while because we had not had one for a month. I had to get up the next morning (Wednesday) to be in Salt Lake to present a grant proposal to State Drinking Water at noon. I made it in good time - listened to Greg Poulsens, "The Hatchet" on audio book so the trip went quick. Stacey had to work with tax season in full swing so she didn't come with me. The grant presentation was successful and I got the money I wanted for the city - I just love it when a plan comes together. My favorite thing is putting together projects for the city, it is very rewarding to me.

I spent the night with Cody & Amanda and it was great to see them, we all went out to Red Robin for dinner except Shad who had school - so I didn't get to see him this trip. It would have been fun to see him and Brooke. Haven needed some help with homework and so she came over and did wash and got help. Cody had Elder's Quorum visits so Amanda & I helped Haven. She is lucky to have those guys up there as support. Amanda was in the same major and so she has been great in coaching Haven.

I took Friday off and did things around the house and made copies for Lant's scholarship proposal to Rural Water, I got it bound for him and sent off. Shad got this last year and so it is tough to think that they would give it to a brother - a strike against him in that way.

Haven came down this weekend. Tyler Gunderson has a little brother playing basketball for Manti and wanted to come to watch him. He asked Haven down on a date and they showed up for the freshman game. During the JV game he made an Italian dinner for us, and Stacey & I had dinner with them. It was really good - a new dish for us and very delicious. Haven had Kendra color her hair on Saturday morning and Tyler went with Stacey & I on a little service project, he was a good sport to come along. They took off early Saturday afternoon.


That afternoon after they took off Stacey and I went down to the Balloon Festival in Bluff with Randy & Lisa Rarrick. They are fun to be with and we enjoyed dinner down there and reminising about the good ole days before coming back to watch the Bronco Richfield game. (For those interested Broncos are about 50/50 this season and won Richfield and Lost Manti this weekend) They had several balloons they had up and it was fun to see them light up in the night sky.




































The last few weeks were good ones and we enjoy contact with family and friends. We are keeping busy with work church and family. I am helping with dance clinics for the youth in the stake right now, teaching a citizenship merit badge at the District Pow Wow and working with Kevin on Timberline stuff. We are anxiously engaged and glad to be involved. It gives savor to a simple life.

Back to the Grind

Well we had our fun now it's back to work. After Christmas we were tired of the snow and being cold. So we were trying to think of warm places to go. We decided old stomping grounds in Mesa AZ would be fun, so we headed down Monday. Went to the right place it was in the seventies every day we were there. I love to be warm! We stayed with Chris's sister and her family (thank you Patrice for having us). We shopped and got bargains for next year's Christmas season. We went out to eat lots, (Let the dieting begin) saw the movie "Seven Pounds" yes I cried lots--sad movie. We visited with old friends and neighbors, which was fun to do. We rode Phoenix's new light rail system, we hope they get the kinks out of that! New Years we played games, while Haven went to Mill Ave where STYX was playing, I think Chris and I would have appreciated their music more than she did. It's the 5th largest New Years celebration and she said people were everywhere. Lant flew out from Phoenix to Texas for a few days. Shad was up in Provo. We loved having family around during the holidays. We've set our new years goals and vow to stick to them.