Photos

So, Jacob mentioned we went to conference last weekend. We had a great time and I just wanted to give a shout out to the Ashton's and the Jorgensen's for being so kind! I'm sure they don't read this, but thanks anyway! We had fun being part of your families!

Here we are in the conference center. This is right before Music and the Spoken Word. AKA...Jacob's nap.


Jacob and Andrew wore matching ties...on purpose. Cute.


Jacob and I on temple square.


Jacob also mentioned he has been substitute teaching. I made him pose for a picture yesterday before he left. He's a pretty cute sub, don't you think?

Tickets to Boston

Two posts in one night, I had to one up Deidre since she's starting to post more. That and I'm trying to stay awake. I'm still working nights on Fridays and substitute teaching when ever I can between classes. I taught Jr. high today and after teaching first graders last time, I think I'll stick with the older kids. First grade is rough. I almost retired.

We have some things coming up that have been pretty exciting for us. First, we bought tickets to fly to Boston and see Jessie and Chris next Wednesday. Were going for a week and going to Boston, New York, and Lake Winnipesaukee. Jessie just had her baby so we get to see our niece and then relax. We can't wait. In Boston Deidre has tickets to go see Wicked and we both have never been to New York so we are spending a couple days down there to look around. We will post pictures and this time no photo shopping.

Second, Deidre got her ticket to fly home in November when Tyson gets back from his mission. This has been two years in the making and hopefully the end of many tears shed by my wife. It will be interesting to see how she reacts when Logan goes. Logan, I will cry for you if she doesn't and guarantee you either the same or one more care package than I sent Tyson. (I sent him zero, my bad).

Last, were trying to get the Murris down for thanksgiving. Were hoping you guys come and I think you all would pay good money to see Deidre cook a turkey. She will do great and I'd promise you all a ride on my motorcycle. Jena I won't set you up this time I swear and Austin, I will set you up this time. (I know a cocktail waitress from mesquite who is really nice!)

That's what's new with us so whelp, see ya later.

Elder Packer

I am at work and have been reading about all that has been going on in Salt Lake City this last week. Last Sunday we went to general conference with Megan and Andrew and got to hear some great talks. One that has been a big issue here in Utah has been by president Boyd K Packer and his talk on over coming unnatural and impure temptations.

Seeing protesters and news stations bombard temple square demanding apologies and demeaning apostles has been tough to watch. I'd almost rather be forced to watch a full episode of glee or see Kobe Bryant become the starting shooting guard for the Utah jazz.

This blogs mostly for me but I'm so glad we have leaders from the lord to stand up for what is right and fight against Satan. Moroni 9:6. I admire them and am amazed at their strength. When an 86 year old man can be helped up to a podium and testify against gay marriage, this can not be easy. While he changed his statements on the lds.org website from what he originally said, the point that we can all overcome our temptations was still there. Using excuses to avoid change will not work and while nothing he said regarding gay and lesbian behavior is new, his directness was.

I believe we all have things in our life that we need to repent of and I know I have felt overwhelmed at my imperfections. This talk gave hope that we are not doomed and there is a way out of sin and addiction. It has also made me think twice about my trips to mesquite and the 2$ craps tables. Goodbye friendly foreign blackjack dealer and immodestly dressed cocktail waitress. My new bi-monthly income and secondhand free smoke filled lungs thank you.

Be Prepared for the Chance of a Lifetime

On september 18, me, Jena, and my mom met in salt lake for a girls weekend, and it was epic! We first went shopping which was highly unproductive and disappointing. Then I attempted to drive down town only to find out that it was the 'Dew Tour' in the Energy Solutions Arena. It literally took me 5 minutes to realize that was a bad idea and 40 minutes to get out of there! Once I made it to the hotel we got all dolled up for dinner. We walked to a nearby Italian restaurant. Once we entered we quickly felt out of place. This place was fancy. The average meal was $25-30 (which was way over the budget). The waiter dished up our sizzling meal right in front of us and there was one guy dedicated to keeping our water glasses full. Luckily, the menu offered half portions, so that's what we ordered. We all laughed when we got the bill and it was $38 for all of us. Hahaha. However, the best part was when the water boy came to the table and cleaned off all the crumbs in front of me! So embarrassing.

Once dinner was over we walked to the Capital Theater to see "The Lion King"! it was spectacular! Only thing that would have made it better is JTT himself!


Jacob believes that the people chanting during Circle of Life are saying "hemoglobin aphen hemoglobin" so that was running through my head the whole first scene. I tried to explain to him what hemoglobin is, but he doesn't believe me. He swears it's of African origin.

Walking home at 11 o'clock was a little scary. Jena acted tough, but I was openly nervous. We passed several pubs, one with a mostly naked guy dancing on the balcony. Mom opted to walk down the other street. The only time I really felt safe was in front of the liquor store and that's just because there were 4 policemen outside! We tried to go to McDonalds, but the lobby was closed, so we drove from our neighboring hotel to the drive through. It was entertaining teaching mom how to go through a double lane drive through. She didn't catch on very quickly! Ha ha ha.

Sunday we went to temple square to watch music and the spoken word. I heart the Mormon tabernacle choir. And the orchestra was there which made it that much better. My favorite song was "Over the Rainbow" from wizard of oz. It blew Katherine McPhee's version out of the water! Amazing. At the end Lloyd announced that President Monson had been there for the taping. So cool.

Jena was too cool for pictures, so she was the photographer!


Overall, I had a great time and LOVED the production of Lion King. It was also great to spend time with my mom and sister. Love them.