A Celebration of Family History

The last week in April, I had the privilege of attending the National Genealogical Society's Conference which was held in Salt Lake.  FamilySearch was one of the main sponsors of the event.  This first video is a tour of the Granite Mountain Records Vault.  It's pretty cool.  This was shown at the opening of the conference to about 3000 people.



On Thursday night of that week, we had the great opportunity to attend the concert with the Tabernacle Choir, President Eyring and David McCullough.  It was fantastic.  There were about 15,000 people in attendance with over 1/3 not members of the Church.  They have recently released the videos of that night.  We saw each video and then saw the choir sing live to go along with it.  They were very powerful.  In these clips, the choir is included with it. The entire night will be available for purchase some time soon.  My favorites are Clan McCloud and Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory.  Enjoy!

Are You Kidding?

We've lived in Eagle Mountain for almost 6 years. During that time there has been lots of growth in EM and Saratoga Springs. We've seen lots of houses built in both cities and lots of new stores and restaurants in SS. Along with that we've even been blessed with several new schools. Recently we've had some great additions with new roads. The widening of Redwood was one of the best things to come our way. Yesterday, they opened the new Pioneer Crossing. It is a terrific road. They originally said that the speed limit would be 40, but now that it's open it's 45. Of course, everyone goes 55 or 50. This really will change our lives. I might actually shop in AF again instead of Riverton. I hate Lehi Main St, so I avoid going that way at all costs.

After our perfect drive on Pioneer Crossing, we took SR-73 home. The 2 ½ miles from Walmart to Eagle Mountain has always been 65 mph. They have now dropped it to only 55. Really? How annoying. I'm sure it's to push all of the traffic to use the Pony Express Pkwy extension by the high school (which is going to be a mess when school starts b/c there's only one lane per direction, dumb). They did the same thing with other roads in the city. When Sweetwater first opened it was 45 mph. Then the Ranches didn't like all the traffic from City Center, so they bumped up the speed limit on EM Blvd to 65 to get cars to take that way and dropped Sweetwater to 40. Dumb, no one lives on the road, it doesn't matter. Recently they dropped the speed limit on EM Blvd b/c of more growth, 4-way stop and new church. That makes sense, but I don't understand why they drop the speed limit when there is nothing around. So Yay for Pioneer Crossing, we can now get to AF more quickly from SS. Boo for SR-73 b/c it will now take longer to get to SS. Have we gained anything?

What’s the Gym?

Last summer I was laid off, which kind of took the wind out of my sails. I had little motivation to do much besides look for a job. As you know, I was extremely blessed in September with a job at FamilySearch. My workout routine became extinct. The only exercise I was getting was walking around Temple Square and would occasionally take the 7 flights of stairs to my office. In addition to that, the missionaries here feed me treats almost daily. Needless to say, I've become fat and lazy.

 

I've been looking at different gyms, trying to decide which to join. The Church has a big discount with Gold's Gym, so that was kind of tempting. Last week I had a great epiphany. There is a new Church Office Building in Riverton that has a gym. I decided to see if they would let me visit the gym, even though I don't work in that building. After a bit of paperwork, they activated my badge to give me access. Hallelujah! A FREE gym! I went yesterday to check it out. They have plenty of equipment and at 6 am, there was no one there. Today, I officially started working out again. Again, there was no one there through my whole workout. Not only do a get access to a free fitness center, but I get it all to myself. Having a buddy there would be nice though, so current Church employees, get up and come join me. Non-employees, hurry up and get a job at the Church : )

 

There is no good bus route to get on, so I now drive over and take Trax. It's definitely not as good as the bus because I can't sleep on it. Oh well, they say that if you are getting good exercise you require less sleep, so maybe it'll all work out. I can only hope!

Sprinklers

On Saturday, I replaced a busted valve.  I then ran two stations.  When it was time for the 3rd to come on, another valve started spraying and the manifold sprung a leak.  AAAARGH!  I decided I was done with trying to fix it on my own, since I've replaced at least 4 valves every year (this was only the 3rd for this year).  I called James Wilson in 8th ward.  He came over the other night.  He said that normal PSI in Eagle Mountain is 120.  He's seen it spike to 140 or 160.  He says most valves are designed to max out at 120.  No wonder I have issues.  He then told me that my jar top valves are known for busting easily, great.  Last night he came and redid both of my manifolds with commercial grade valves, put in a pressure regulator and added a big faucet drain for winterizing.  When he put the pressure regulator on, my PSI was sitting at 155.  Since I had so much pressure before, I only had 4 big heads in the back yard.  With normal pressure, that is not enough.  I now have to retrench part of my back yard, so that he can come back and add more valves and redo my sprinkler set up back there.  What a mess.  It sure will be nice when it's all done and I can work at reviving my yard.  Part of this mess was my own fault as I installed it, but most was from the builder's landscaper that did the front yard.  My advice is, if you live in EM and don't have a pressure regulator, get one.

Preach My Gospel Workout

Our stake has asked that each ward give a copy of Preach My Gospel to each 8 year old when they are baptized. Last night, a member of the bishopric asked if I would buy a case for our ward since we are out. I often buy things at Distribution for various auxiliaries in our ward since it's in the same building that I work in. Well, today I went down there to get some camp manuals for Rheanna for girl's camp and decided I would ask if they had a case of Preach My Gospel in stock. They had 1 left, so I bought it. I didn't think about what was a head of me. I had to get that case from there to my car. I picked it up off the floor and then carried it off. I decided since it was just one floor up to ground level, I could take the stairs and not bother with the elevator. By the time I got outside I was completely winded. Then I walked by the Temple and paused a few times to not get in any wedding pictures. I took a moment to set the box down on a bench before crossing the street. 22 copies of a book weigh quite a bit when you carry them that far. When it was time to cross the street, there were lots of elderly people crossing at the same time, so I had to walk slowly. By this time my back was tightening up and begging for relief. I made it inside the Conference Center and found a resting spot for the box on top of the trash can, while we waited for the elevator. When I got off on my parking level, I almost ran to the car in anticipation of finally setting this box down. Phew, I made it and could feel the relief. I just looked up the weight and it is 72 pounds. No wonder it almost killed me to carry that a block and a half.


 
Upon my return, my efforts were validated. I know sooner walked into the Joseph Smith Memorial Building than I ran into Elder Ballard. He greeted me and said that I looked a bit out of breath (I was still red in the face and recovering). I told him what I had just done and that our stake gives Preach My Gospel to each 8 year old. He thought that was fantastic and thanked our stake for our efforts to prepare missionaries. Needless to say, it was a great little conversation as he sipped on his root beer from the Nauvoo Café.

I Just Want to Sleep

This past weekend, we took a trip to Arches. We got home late, and then I had to get up early for Sunday meetings and was busy all day. Needless to say, there was no nap. Monday morning I woke up and decided that rather than stay in bed, I should get up on time and take the bus to work, so that I could nap to and from. Great idea! I decided to go to a stop on State St in Lehi, instead of the park and ride. This would allow me to get a good seat before the crowd of people get on (I sleep much better in a window seat). I got there in plenty of time. I parked at the church parking lot and waited for the light to change to cross the street. It was time for the bus to come, but no bus was coming, instead a guy pulled over in a car and said that the bus had changed its route and would not be stopping there. He was from UTA, so he called the bus and asked them to wait for me. He then offered me a ride, but I said I'd drive so that my car wasn't a mile or two away when I was trying to go home. This time, I didn't wait for the late; I just ran across traffic and hurried to the next stop. There was the bus waiting for me. It was nice that they did that. I got on the bus to find it very full and so I was left with a few aisle seats to choose from. I tried to fall asleep, but probably only dosed for a few minutes. I guess I should have just stayed in bed longer and driven myself : )

Most Transient Employee

I've now been working for FamilySearch for 6 months and absolutely love every day. My responsibilities have changed several times and have evolved into a great fit. At the same time, I have moved offices 3 times now. I first shared an office with some missionaries, which was enjoyable, but management felt bad that I wasn't treated like an employee, so I was moved. The next office was nice, near the door, across from my boss (who is the best boss ever). Then, I was moved to an ideal spot. It was a little smaller, but it was right by a huge window that looked out at the temple. What a view, I'm almost level with the spires. It was a great reminder of the work that I have the opportunity to be involved in. Unfortunately, I only had that office for 2 weeks. I have now moved to a bigger space, but instead of looking at the temple, I look at the Church Administration Building, not nearly as breathtaking. Either way, I'm happy to be here. I manage several missionaries, even some in Oregon. Each day starts with a devotional, which is exactly what I need. The only downside to it all is that there is a huge surplus of treats every day. I think it's time to get back to the gym, or move offices again, as that is beginning to be quite a workout. We'll see who can break my record of 4 offices in 6 months.

Getting it Together

A few weeks ago, we decided that we needed to revamp our FHE and also delegate more daily chores. I must say that things are much more balanced. The kids all have 2 family chores to do each day, in addition to their personal and room care. Even Alec is getting pretty good at doing dishes. The house isn’t perfect, but the difference of them really helping take care of things, makes it seem like “their” home. They get most things done before dinner and we are able to eat at 5 most every night. Then that leaves plenty of time to play, read or watch a movie before bed. I have noticed that the key with our kids is to make sure Rheanna and I are also doing some kind of chore. If we just sit and talk, read, use the computer, or are on the phone, they have little motivation to do work themselves. Work is great, and it has brought us closer together.

For Family Night, we are taking turns with lesson, activity, songs, books, and treats. Again, the difference has been nice as they all have felt empowered to really plan out what they would like to do. It’s a little more work for us, but it is far more rewarding. We've expanded our FHE to really be the full evening from when I get home until bed time. What a tremendous difference that has made them simply having it for an hour or less.

It’s crazy to think that our kids are getting older and really can do lots of things quite well. Payton, the other day, sat down and was going to change Alec’s diaper. I was willing to let her do the job, until she unhitched it and found that he was more than just wet. At least she took the effort to try.

Hungry?

Most days I eat lunch at my desk. I may then take a break and go to the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and read. Then, I end up falling asleep by the observation window and wake up to tourists playing “spot the apostle” as they look down into the windows of the Church Administration Building. I had the opportunity myself, the other day in underground parking, when Elder Holland graciously stopped his car for me to walk by. Granted, I was a pedestrian, but I still had the moment of heart stop as a prophet of God stopped his car for me.

Anyway, lately I’ve been fortunate to have much more exciting lunches. I know a few people that work downtown, but none that I ever go to lunch with. Last week, Kevin was working here for a couple of days. We were able to hook up and go to the exciting church cafeteria. I realized how nice it would be to have a friend or someone to eat lunch with. Why’d the Church have to move him to Riverton just before I started working downtown?

Yesterday, Aaron finally had time to get away from work. We enjoyed Café Rio and were able to catch up on a few things. It’s amazing how little you talk with someone when you don’t carpool with them every day. Everyone just pray for Aaron to get a job at the Church and it’ll all be fixed : )

Today was the real treat. Rheanna had a doctor’s appointment in Salt Lake. She found someone to watch the kids and take them to and from school, but brought Naomi with her. I waited in the car with Naomi during the appointment. She, of course, was sleeping, so I climbed in the back and willingly took a nap with her. When Rheanna finished, we realized we had an opportunity to go out to eat together, what a great idea. Chile’s was across the street, so we relaxed and ate for a full 90 minutes. It was one of the best dates. It wasn’t at the end of the day when I was completely tired (I’d just had a nap too). We didn’t stop at Wal-Mart (where all our dates end). We discussed nothing stressful, just bliss. I have an amazing wife and it was nice to enjoy lunch with her and our cute little sleeping Naomi.

Can we make all these outings weekly occurrences? If so, I’m sure the tourists will enjoy a better view of temple square and not some guy drooling on his scriptures as he sleeps.

What will Payton's name be?

The other night we had a conversation about marriage. The kids wanted to understand why people change their names when they get married. Could they pick any name they wanted? I told them that normally the only name that is changed is the girl’s last name.

“Payton, if you marry someone with the last name of Smith, you’ll be Payton Smith.”

Hyrum said, “Payton wants to marry Dallin.”

“OK, then she’ll be Payton Ball.” Then Payton started giggling like none other (I didn’t know embarrassing crushes started that young).

When she settled down, she asked, “Why can’t he just become Dallin Payton Dow?”

Hopefully she’ll have the name thing figured out before she starts dating.