Time to get back to blogging...

Ok, it has definitely been too long. Sorry to disappoint. I must say I've been much more interested in Facebooking than blogging. I'm much more up to date there. Also, I've been busy keeping up my other blog for my young men.

So let's see. Life continues to be excellent. My kids are growing up right before my eyes. Little Samuel went from an infant to a bustling baby in the blink of an eye. He's moving around everywhere, pulling himself up on things, and seems determined to walk immediately.

I'm still busy with my calling. I still love it. I work with the coolest people you could ask for. They make it great.

Recent events would include going to Pocatello to judge a clogging competition. It was fun. I don't look forward so much to the judging aspect as much as the social aspect of it. It was nice to reconnect with good friends.

Life is Good

Life really is good. I can honestly say that I have everything I've ever wanted in life. I have the coolest wife money can buy. I have 3 awesome kids that make me laugh every day. I have good health and strength, a place to live, clothes on my back, food to eat, and a good job. And of course I've got the gospel, which seems to be the reason I have everything else. Perhaps I'm inviting another round of adversity by saying these things...oh well. But I really am happy. =]

Recent events.

Ok - I've been busy. Here's the 2 cent low down on what's been going on:

- Lots of Young mens stuff (which I love)
- My parents house (the house I grew up in) burned down
- I went to Mexico (Cabo) with my family for Christmas, which was awesome.
- Now I'm home and back to the grind - feeling rather grateful for all I have.

Sorry for the lack of details - I just haven't been that up to posting about some of this stuff.

What is the deal with Santa Claus?

Ok. First of all, long time no post. I know. I disappeared into a vortex of despondent funk there for a while after my team lost. I'm over it now.

I have a hard time with the whole Santa Claus thing. First and foremost, it distracts from the real meaning of Christmas more than anything. Christmas has become so commercialized. It drives me crazy. You hear so much more about Santa than Christ. The kid's songs focus much more on Santa than Christ. The kids are therefore naturally more excited about Santa, than Christ. I always feel like there is this tug-of-war that goes on between the two, and it's a battle to educate my kids about why we really have Christmas. Case and point, The Polar Express, The Santa Clause movies, Elf among countless others. They all have the same message - "you have to believe in Santa Claus, then all your wildest dreams will come true!" Ok, I added that last bit. But believing in Santa Claus does nothing for me or my kids. What good comes from it? I guess it can be cute and fun when they are young... But at one point they're just going to realize that we are lying to them. And why? What for? What is the point? It's all a stupid pagan lie that I hate keeping up. I truly prefer to just tell my kids that there is no Santa Claus. Last year right before Christmas, Christine said to me, "Dad, there is no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, or Tooth Fairy, is there?" So badly I wanted to shout out - "You're right!! It's all this ridiculous lie and I hate it!" But I restrained. I don't know why.

Now don't get me wrong, Christmas is by far my favorite holiday. I am by no means a scrooge. But it is my favorite because of the birth of our Savior, and not because of his aforementioned competition. I love that people are a little nicer, a little kinder, and go out of there way to help others. And why do people do that? Because of Christ, not because of Santa Claus.

So this season I wish to you all a Merry CHRISTmas! May we remember our Savior, his wonderful life, his love, his example, his teachings, his death, and his resurrection. And may SantaClaus-mas be the farthest thing from our hearts.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Go Cougs.

WANTED!

***WANTED FOR PETTY BOOGER THEFT***

SCOTTY AND JANNY
$5.00 REWARD

MAKE NO MISTAKE, THESE TWO BOOGER THIEVES ARE ARMED AND DANGEROUS! IF YOU BUMP INTO THEM, TURN AND RUN AND CALL THE AUTHORITIES IMMEDIATELY!

Disclaimer: Not to be confused with the "Brighton Booger Eaters."

Videos

My kids and I shot this video several months ago. I'm only now getting around to editing and posting it. It was shot in the evening so the light quality is already poor, and now being compressed for internet it's even worse. Nevertheless, it was way fun to make. Enjoy!

WORLD ARM WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP



For our activity on Wednesday night we shot this Mentos commercial. It turned out pretty good. Here's to our future commercial superstars - Bo, Michael, Rylee and Spencer!

MENTOS BASKETBALL