Okay folks this posting is intended to be an interactive posting of sort. Cheryl and I celebrated our 18th anniversary Saturday. We went out to dinner and as usual Cheryl in an attempt to create discussion began one of her lists: "Share with me a good memory you have in the last 18 years" So almost two hours later as we pulled into the drive we were still sharing some of the good times with each other.
So I am going to list some of our memories and as you read them and you think of some of your own, please share them with us in your comments. I think that you will find out as we did that the last 18 years has been worth it all!
So here are the memories in no particular order:
1. First date and meeting Cheryl's folks at the basketball game. Dorothy knew I was going to become their son-in-law.
2. Second date, the next day, driving up the canyon and showing Cheryl the project I was working on at the time.
3. Vacation to England, Wales, and Scotland.
4. Building our dream home.
5. Selecting our first lot in Highland and our realtor couldn't believe that we picked the same lot without conversing with each other.
6. Observing Cheryl's waggle as she addresses the golf ball.
7. Paul McCartney Concert in Tempe: running out of fuel nearly at Mount Carmel and coasting into Kanab
8. Jenny and Rachel's Weddings
9. Family Canada trip: Frost Heave Signs, Jasper Cabins and glaciers.
10. Having all of our children at the temple for Taylor's Endowment.
11. Learning about Horsemanship with Rachel which included: learning to ride a horse, purchasing a horse named Sister Vester, cost of boarding a horse and hauling the horse to shows.
12. Skeleton racing: first experiencing the race ourselves (Jeff, Matthew, and Jim) and then Taylor showing us all how it is done and winning third in the Junior Nationals.
13. We can dance: Jenny's dance lessons, school dance activities and the awesome trip to New York.
14. Beau our faithful friend and family pet: Can you recall when he was small enough to sit on the dashboard of my vehicle when we would go out and check the night shift?
15. Beau is a sled dog: We all enjoyed the times he would pull us on the sled. It was the inability to control where he went with the sled that caught us all off guard.
16. Deep sea fishing in Cabo: We looked forward to the opportunity and were more grateful for when it ended. Something to do with those Frost Heave Signs again.
17. A night at the R&R Motel, let your imaginations run wild with this one Cheryl and I will be happy to share but trust me it's not what you think.
18. Get-aways to Little America and the Grand America
19. Disneyland vacation: a foreshadowing of the "Frost Heave" signs we would experience in Canada and Cabo.
20. The night before my heart surgery and our family council.
21. Our Honda Prelude: our first family car that barely held all five of us.
22. Kidnapped by Cheryl to Nauvoo for my birthday. She was so excited about the trip she let me know a day ahead that I would be kidnapped.
23. Boston trip and the getting to know Issac Davis better.
24. Our Kirtland trip with John, Rachel and Gabe and our acquaintance with the Deschamps.
25. Taylor's mission tour to Vancouver.
26. Birthday celebrations with crazy cakes and crepe paper.
27. Surprise birthday parties for Jeff and Cheryl. Cheryl is still mad about me not taking her to the parade of homes for her 40th surprise party.
28. Births of Adyson, Gabe and Lexi.
29. Papa's sign
30. Sailing in San Diego.
31. Jeeping in Moab. You're just going to have to hold it Rachel.
32. Other trips to Washington D.C., Savannah, Atlanta, & San Antonio.
33. Neighborhood block parties at our home and the Harris home.
34. Serving in the Bishopric, family pulling faces to make me laugh while on the stand, ward parties, and blessings received.
35. Halloween costumes: Mom, don't call the police it's Jeff in that hideous outfit and the old twin folks.
36. Cheryl meets the clan at Kevin's birthday party, yes those our my children with painted faces and screaming like Comanches.
37. Driving to Garrison, how would Cheryl and the kids ever find Garrison without Dad's map?
38. Christmas mornings and surprises that were totally unexpected.
39. Remodeling the basement: remember it always feels better when you swear.
40. Playing this dumb game.
This is only a "few" of our memories and is not intended to be inclusive. Remember to share with us some of your memories we have had as a family over the last 18 years together. We look forward to more great laughs and tears.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Each life that touches ours for Good
It has been said that "life is fragile". Others say "that you just never know what life will bring". I believe it was Forest Gump who says that "life is like a box of chocolate, you never know what's inside". And others just say "that nobody knows when their time is up."
Yesterday, tragic news flashed across the TV screens. A massive earthquake in China, 7,000, no 9,000, no now over 12,000 people killed. As this news was unveiled thoughts of those that we know who are China brought concern. What about Jason, who is with a college group teaching English to the Chinese people? What about Kay Lin an employee, who was able to go on a vacation with family to China? As thoughts and prayers were offered, the communication came from each of them that they were okay. Shaken a bit but all was well.
Again this evening as I watch 3 life flight helicopters fly by my home within a matter of minutes, I ask myself: "Where is my family?" "Is everyone accounted for?"
Grateful again as we take count and learn that all is well.
But what about those that all is not well. Who are they? Do their families know? Why them?
Another news flash today hits Cheryl and I like a brick. News of a missionary killed in Ohio and the shock and horror sets in when we learn that Sister Deschamps was killed this morning in a car accident and Elder Deschamps is in critical condition.
Saturday, in Kirtland, the Deschamps were the missionaries that so gratefully escorted us on the tour of the Kirtland Historical Visitor Center. Only a few days ago, we spent two hours with them and learned from them and enjoyed conversing and getting to know them a bit.
They were so wonderful and we had commented that the Lord doesn't do things by coincidence and we felt that we had received them as guides for a reason. Sister Deschamps was splendid with Gabe and made John and Rachel feel at ease as we toured the grounds. I told Cheryl this evening, as I reflect back to Saturday, that I was impressed with Sister Deschamps and kept admiring her Christ like qualities, which is unusual for me to repetitively continue to admire individuals.
Elder and Sister Deschamps, thank you for sharing with us The Sweetheart Tree and like the tree the love that you shared with us as you served the Lord. We will cherish this memory.
Despite all of the tragedy in the world and our gratitude that our family is well; our hearts are heavy this evening as we mourn a loss of an "elect daughter of God" and the pain and grief that Elder Deschamp and the Deschamp family must feel at this time. We can only say that we will cherish the few short hours that we were able to spend with them.
Love Jeff & Cheryl
Yesterday, tragic news flashed across the TV screens. A massive earthquake in China, 7,000, no 9,000, no now over 12,000 people killed. As this news was unveiled thoughts of those that we know who are China brought concern. What about Jason, who is with a college group teaching English to the Chinese people? What about Kay Lin an employee, who was able to go on a vacation with family to China? As thoughts and prayers were offered, the communication came from each of them that they were okay. Shaken a bit but all was well.
Again this evening as I watch 3 life flight helicopters fly by my home within a matter of minutes, I ask myself: "Where is my family?" "Is everyone accounted for?"
Grateful again as we take count and learn that all is well.
But what about those that all is not well. Who are they? Do their families know? Why them?
Another news flash today hits Cheryl and I like a brick. News of a missionary killed in Ohio and the shock and horror sets in when we learn that Sister Deschamps was killed this morning in a car accident and Elder Deschamps is in critical condition.
Saturday, in Kirtland, the Deschamps were the missionaries that so gratefully escorted us on the tour of the Kirtland Historical Visitor Center. Only a few days ago, we spent two hours with them and learned from them and enjoyed conversing and getting to know them a bit.
They were so wonderful and we had commented that the Lord doesn't do things by coincidence and we felt that we had received them as guides for a reason. Sister Deschamps was splendid with Gabe and made John and Rachel feel at ease as we toured the grounds. I told Cheryl this evening, as I reflect back to Saturday, that I was impressed with Sister Deschamps and kept admiring her Christ like qualities, which is unusual for me to repetitively continue to admire individuals. Elder and Sister Deschamps, thank you for sharing with us The Sweetheart Tree and like the tree the love that you shared with us as you served the Lord. We will cherish this memory.
Despite all of the tragedy in the world and our gratitude that our family is well; our hearts are heavy this evening as we mourn a loss of an "elect daughter of God" and the pain and grief that Elder Deschamp and the Deschamp family must feel at this time. We can only say that we will cherish the few short hours that we were able to spend with them.
Love Jeff & Cheryl
Board Meetings, Dancing with the Stars, and a Trip to Ohio Continued
May 10th, Saturday A wonderful day today. Started the day at the Kirtland Historical Visitor Center. Elder & Sister Dechamps gave us a wonderful uplifting tour and more important tolerated our grandson, Gabe during the tour. I have come to realize the true meaning of "down", "uh-uh", and "No". I can truly say that John and Rachel have their hands full with Gabe. He is full of energy. Today can maybe be best summarized as a wrestling event with Gabe taking on Dad, Mom, Grammy and Papa and let's just say that Gabe was victorious.
It was a provocative moment to walk the grounds of Kirtland and to ponder on the many events that transpired in Kirtland. To walk through the Newel K. Whitney home, store, the saw mill and ashery and finally the Kirtland Temple.
We also visited the Issac Morley farm and walked the original trail of the early settlers. We also visited the John Johnson Farm and here again stood in the same location as the early church leaders. The service rendered and sacrifices made is nothing to what we today are asked to give. What wonderful examples of giving one's heart, mind, and strength to the Lord.
Returned to Dayton, needless to say tired yet filled with the spirit of the day.
Sunday, May 11th, Happy Mother's Day! Rain all day today but despite the rain we still found time to honor the mother's in our life.
I don't know what I would do without Cheryl who keeps the spice in my life alive. Thanks Honey!
We first, attended church with John, Rachel and Gabe. Hm, or was that another wrestling match with Gabe we went to this morning.
I would say that Rachel has earned her stripes as she provides the constant care and attention that Gabe requires of her. Her hands are full taking care of Gabe and she does an great job of it.
As a father, I couldn't be prouder of my daughters, Jenny and Rachel and the great mothers that they have become.
We then had a delicious pork roast dinner with John's secret ingredient mixed into the mashed potatoes. Our stomachs full, we then crashed after lunch and slept for a couple of hours before coming back to life. Called our mothers in our life and daughter, Jenny and wished them all a Happy Mother's Day. Watched a couple of movies and then retired for the day.
To my wife, mother and my daughters: Thank you for your endless service and love!
Monday, May 12th, Time to go home. John actually left early this morning to fly to Boston for a conference this week. We spent the morning leisurely relaxing and then drove to Dublin and walked about the village. With a storm brewing, we then had Rachel take us to the airport and began the journey home.
I guess the best part of the journey home was I actually encountered a Playboy Bunny in real life. We were booked on a full flight and all the seats were taken. Cheryl and I found two seats together and a fellow across the aisle asked us to save the aisle seat for his girl friend. Okay, no problem. Well the next thing I know here comes this enthusiastic, bubbling girl up the aisle of the plane and plops down next to me and says Hi, how are you? I might add at this point, she was nearly dressed in a bunny suit.
Well after about 5 minutes of non-stop talk and asking questions, I knew that it was going to be a long long flight and I began to figure out how to imploy my headphones politely. Amongst all of this girls discussion she finds out that Cheryl and I have been to Las Vegas before and then informs us that she is a Playboy Bunny working at the Playboy Club in Las Vegas. She then invited us to come and try the blackjack table where she dealt cards. Hm, I told her the stakes were not high enough and that I was a licensed gambler in Utah where the stakes started at $10 million and went up to the Billion of dollars. I think that caught her a bit off guard, she never did figure out that I'm a contractor but at least it allowed me a chance to imploy the headphones and close my eyes.
The life we live by following our dreams and the adventures we encounter makes life our journey. Another memorable adventure lived.
It was a provocative moment to walk the grounds of Kirtland and to ponder on the many events that transpired in Kirtland. To walk through the Newel K. Whitney home, store, the saw mill and ashery and finally the Kirtland Temple.
We also visited the Issac Morley farm and walked the original trail of the early settlers. We also visited the John Johnson Farm and here again stood in the same location as the early church leaders. The service rendered and sacrifices made is nothing to what we today are asked to give. What wonderful examples of giving one's heart, mind, and strength to the Lord. Returned to Dayton, needless to say tired yet filled with the spirit of the day.
Sunday, May 11th, Happy Mother's Day! Rain all day today but despite the rain we still found time to honor the mother's in our life.
I don't know what I would do without Cheryl who keeps the spice in my life alive. Thanks Honey!
We first, attended church with John, Rachel and Gabe. Hm, or was that another wrestling match with Gabe we went to this morning.
I would say that Rachel has earned her stripes as she provides the constant care and attention that Gabe requires of her. Her hands are full taking care of Gabe and she does an great job of it.
As a father, I couldn't be prouder of my daughters, Jenny and Rachel and the great mothers that they have become.
We then had a delicious pork roast dinner with John's secret ingredient mixed into the mashed potatoes. Our stomachs full, we then crashed after lunch and slept for a couple of hours before coming back to life. Called our mothers in our life and daughter, Jenny and wished them all a Happy Mother's Day. Watched a couple of movies and then retired for the day.
To my wife, mother and my daughters: Thank you for your endless service and love!
Monday, May 12th, Time to go home. John actually left early this morning to fly to Boston for a conference this week. We spent the morning leisurely relaxing and then drove to Dublin and walked about the village. With a storm brewing, we then had Rachel take us to the airport and began the journey home.
I guess the best part of the journey home was I actually encountered a Playboy Bunny in real life. We were booked on a full flight and all the seats were taken. Cheryl and I found two seats together and a fellow across the aisle asked us to save the aisle seat for his girl friend. Okay, no problem. Well the next thing I know here comes this enthusiastic, bubbling girl up the aisle of the plane and plops down next to me and says Hi, how are you? I might add at this point, she was nearly dressed in a bunny suit.
Well after about 5 minutes of non-stop talk and asking questions, I knew that it was going to be a long long flight and I began to figure out how to imploy my headphones politely. Amongst all of this girls discussion she finds out that Cheryl and I have been to Las Vegas before and then informs us that she is a Playboy Bunny working at the Playboy Club in Las Vegas. She then invited us to come and try the blackjack table where she dealt cards. Hm, I told her the stakes were not high enough and that I was a licensed gambler in Utah where the stakes started at $10 million and went up to the Billion of dollars. I think that caught her a bit off guard, she never did figure out that I'm a contractor but at least it allowed me a chance to imploy the headphones and close my eyes.
The life we live by following our dreams and the adventures we encounter makes life our journey. Another memorable adventure lived.
Board Meetings, Dancing with the Stars, and a Trip to Ohio
Monday, May 5th started the week out and after a stockholder's meeting and board meeting, I returned home to be greeted by Adyson, Lexi, and Jenny. Since Cheryl and I were preparing for a trip to Ohio, Jenny decide that she was already missing us and came by for dinner and a movie.
Well of course, everyone knows, except in my case, that Monday evening is "Dancing with the Stars" TV series. Grammy, Jenny and Adyson all of course insisted that we watching "Dancing with the Stars". Okay, I can become a couch potato and watch a TV Series of celebrities trying to dance. Yea, right, little did I know that I had been delegated to participate in the TV Series.
Adyson quickly changed into one of her princess dresses and Papa became the shining prince in honor. When each celebrity began their routine, well Papa and Adyson actually performed the routine for them. With each routine, Adyson would quickly change into the appropriate costume. Then call for her prince in shining armor to come dance, "Papa, it's time to dance". Then after a quick moment of instruction in regards to the current routine; we danced our hearts out. If you think that Jason Taylor can dance, you haven't seen anything yet. Wait until you see Papa dancing the Samba, Fox Trot, and Tango. Quick steps, twirls, kicks,lifts and yes, even a death spiral and tango drag were all performed to perfection. I believe that we nailed every dance to perfection. Adyson would patiently await the results after each dance to see what our score would be. Needless to say, Adyson had fun and Papa was worn out by the end of the evening.
Tuesday, May 6th, was more "bored meetings" and then Cheryl and I caught a plane to Ohio. Well we caught a plane to Las Vegas, and then to Ohio. After 5 hours in the air, we arrived in Columbus Ohio at 12:45 am. Checking into our hotel room we discovered that our reservation was a "no show" for May 6th and that we could still have our reservation but our King Bed despite a reservation was reduced to a Queen bed maybe? Yup, walked into the hotel room and found two double beds, just what we ordered. At 2:00 am, who cares at this point, let's just grin and bear it.
May 7th,Wednesday morning bright and early, well 11:00 am, Rachel and Gabe picked Cheryl and I up for a tour of Columbus, Ohio. Spent the day at the zoo. Gabe was always on the go. First, was the petting zoo where he ran from goat to goat. Next a trip to the bear exhibits, lunch, and tigers. Continued the day with a trip to the Kangaroo pen where the maintenance work pounding a new sign into the ground was more of interest than the kangaroos themselves.
We even experienced feeding the birds, Lorketts to be exact.
Amazing how birds will flock together for food. A stare down with a monkey and gorilla was enough to call it a day. Oh, yea and it began to rain.
Rachel drove us to their home in Dayton, where we had dinner and planned our weeks activities.
Thursday,May 8th, rain and more rain. Today we kicked back and relaxed this morning and caught up on a little bit of lost sleep. Ventured out this afternoon. Rachel took us on a tour of the WPAFB. Even visited the commissary and purchases some MRE's, Cheryl just has to have more to take home than what she brings from home. Hm, sitting here listen to the weather and they are telling me that nearby a Tornado has just touched down a bit southeast from us. National Weather Service is now issuing a Tornado Warning for certain counties. Okay, Rachel what have you gotten me into!
Back to the rest of the day, after touring the base we visited the National Air Force Museum. Only had an hour and half to visit a museum that would take the normal person two days to go through.
Gabe kept us moving along and on occasion was able to slip under the barriers but we were fast enough to catch him before he climbed onto the original Wright Flyers and the other air craft. However, he did manage to climb into the F-4 cockpit and we luckily pulled him out before he kicked the after burners into full bore.
Finished the day with dinner at a authenticate Mexican Restaurant and rain and more rain.
May 9th, Friday, drove to Dayton International airport, don't ask why we flew into Columbus, and rented a van to tour the state of Ohio in with John, Rachel and Gabe. First stop after spending an hour and half in the vehicle was a McDonald's for Breakfast about 5 minutes from John and Rachel's home.
Talk about going around in circles. A little breakfast and we had our bearings and it was off to Columbus and then northward to the Longeberger Homestead. The home of weave basket for the home decor. A third generation business that is doing well. We toured the plant, shopped in the factory shop, and let Gabe run and run and run. After the Longeberger Factory we moved into Amish country.
As we drove through the countryside all I could think of was how green Ohio is. A beautiful state. It was amazing to be traveling down a country road and come upon a buggy that was going at a "good" clip. It is amazing how these people survive in our busy "everyone is in a hurry" world. 
Yet they continue to find ways to provide a living in this time of history. Industrious, no doubt about it. Visited the Lehman's Hardware Store where you can find about anything for the Amish and for us. Ate some lunch at Lehman's and discovered the best "Fried pies" or in other words turnover. They would melt in one's mouth and were so good!
Finished the day by driving outside Cleveland where we will start our day tomorrow and spend the day visiting the Kirtland area.
Well of course, everyone knows, except in my case, that Monday evening is "Dancing with the Stars" TV series. Grammy, Jenny and Adyson all of course insisted that we watching "Dancing with the Stars". Okay, I can become a couch potato and watch a TV Series of celebrities trying to dance. Yea, right, little did I know that I had been delegated to participate in the TV Series.
Adyson quickly changed into one of her princess dresses and Papa became the shining prince in honor. When each celebrity began their routine, well Papa and Adyson actually performed the routine for them. With each routine, Adyson would quickly change into the appropriate costume. Then call for her prince in shining armor to come dance, "Papa, it's time to dance". Then after a quick moment of instruction in regards to the current routine; we danced our hearts out. If you think that Jason Taylor can dance, you haven't seen anything yet. Wait until you see Papa dancing the Samba, Fox Trot, and Tango. Quick steps, twirls, kicks,lifts and yes, even a death spiral and tango drag were all performed to perfection. I believe that we nailed every dance to perfection. Adyson would patiently await the results after each dance to see what our score would be. Needless to say, Adyson had fun and Papa was worn out by the end of the evening.
Tuesday, May 6th, was more "bored meetings" and then Cheryl and I caught a plane to Ohio. Well we caught a plane to Las Vegas, and then to Ohio. After 5 hours in the air, we arrived in Columbus Ohio at 12:45 am. Checking into our hotel room we discovered that our reservation was a "no show" for May 6th and that we could still have our reservation but our King Bed despite a reservation was reduced to a Queen bed maybe? Yup, walked into the hotel room and found two double beds, just what we ordered. At 2:00 am, who cares at this point, let's just grin and bear it.
May 7th,Wednesday morning bright and early, well 11:00 am, Rachel and Gabe picked Cheryl and I up for a tour of Columbus, Ohio. Spent the day at the zoo. Gabe was always on the go. First, was the petting zoo where he ran from goat to goat. Next a trip to the bear exhibits, lunch, and tigers. Continued the day with a trip to the Kangaroo pen where the maintenance work pounding a new sign into the ground was more of interest than the kangaroos themselves.
We even experienced feeding the birds, Lorketts to be exact.
Amazing how birds will flock together for food. A stare down with a monkey and gorilla was enough to call it a day. Oh, yea and it began to rain. Rachel drove us to their home in Dayton, where we had dinner and planned our weeks activities.
Thursday,May 8th, rain and more rain. Today we kicked back and relaxed this morning and caught up on a little bit of lost sleep. Ventured out this afternoon. Rachel took us on a tour of the WPAFB. Even visited the commissary and purchases some MRE's, Cheryl just has to have more to take home than what she brings from home. Hm, sitting here listen to the weather and they are telling me that nearby a Tornado has just touched down a bit southeast from us. National Weather Service is now issuing a Tornado Warning for certain counties. Okay, Rachel what have you gotten me into!
Back to the rest of the day, after touring the base we visited the National Air Force Museum. Only had an hour and half to visit a museum that would take the normal person two days to go through.
Gabe kept us moving along and on occasion was able to slip under the barriers but we were fast enough to catch him before he climbed onto the original Wright Flyers and the other air craft. However, he did manage to climb into the F-4 cockpit and we luckily pulled him out before he kicked the after burners into full bore. Finished the day with dinner at a authenticate Mexican Restaurant and rain and more rain.
May 9th, Friday, drove to Dayton International airport, don't ask why we flew into Columbus, and rented a van to tour the state of Ohio in with John, Rachel and Gabe. First stop after spending an hour and half in the vehicle was a McDonald's for Breakfast about 5 minutes from John and Rachel's home.
Talk about going around in circles. A little breakfast and we had our bearings and it was off to Columbus and then northward to the Longeberger Homestead. The home of weave basket for the home decor. A third generation business that is doing well. We toured the plant, shopped in the factory shop, and let Gabe run and run and run. After the Longeberger Factory we moved into Amish country. 
As we drove through the countryside all I could think of was how green Ohio is. A beautiful state. It was amazing to be traveling down a country road and come upon a buggy that was going at a "good" clip. It is amazing how these people survive in our busy "everyone is in a hurry" world. 
Yet they continue to find ways to provide a living in this time of history. Industrious, no doubt about it. Visited the Lehman's Hardware Store where you can find about anything for the Amish and for us. Ate some lunch at Lehman's and discovered the best "Fried pies" or in other words turnover. They would melt in one's mouth and were so good!Finished the day by driving outside Cleveland where we will start our day tomorrow and spend the day visiting the Kirtland area.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
PARTY TIME
Celebrated Lexi's first birth day today. Lexi knew something was going on and couldn't quite figure out why everyone would fuss so much over her today. Hm, this could be fun after all. Let's see, Mommy, Daddy, and Adyson are here.
And look Papa, Grammy and Taylor even showed up. Grandpa and Grandma Boyack and even Great Grandma Clyde has come to party with me.
Wow, and there is my good friend Issac and his mom, Shelly Let's party!!!
Wow, lots of presents to open and toys to play with. Hm, whats this it's wrapping paper Wow, forget the toys let's rip and tear and party!! Now what ice cream and cupcakes I love the sugar high. No doubt about it this one year old knows how to party!!
Hm, let's see how can we party some more? I know let's rock out to the music of High School Musical! Watch my sister Adyson dance to the music, yea! What do you say Adyson has got the moves. Watch out, Adyson is on her way to being the next High School Musical Celebrity. What a party, I can't wait until the next B-day party!!
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