Make no little plans ...

"Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long after we are gone will be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency. Remember that our sons and grandsons are going to do things that would stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty. Think big."

- Daniel H. Burnham


This is my motto in life. The bold language hands on my wall in my office and above my computer at home. I read this quote and remember why I push my self so hard. What is the purpose of life, if your blood is not stirred?!? I know I don't want to live a life where I don't feel challenged. This is why I strive every day to lift myself a step higher - whether that be in my personl or family spirituality, at work or in any other facet of my life.

Yes, I am going somewhere with this ... I promise!

I have decided that 2009 will be my "breakout" year - as far as summer physical activities are concerned. I plan on doing the following events (internet links were available):

• Logan Century (100 mile bike ride starting and ending in Logan, Utah);
• Spudman Triathlon (in Burley, ID) (1 mile swim, 25 mile bike ride and 6 mile run)
• Twin Falls Triathlon (1 mile swim, 25 mile bike ride and 6 mile run)
• Sawtooth Century (100 mile bike ride, starting in Ketchum, Idaho, traveling over Galena Summit to Alturas Lake, then back over Galena Summit to Ketchum, Idaho)
• Lotoja (207 mile bike race from Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming)
• Y-Not Tri (1/4 mile swim, 6 mile bike and 2 mile run)

PHEW!! I can't wait for this. The Logan Century may not happen as it appears I may have a family reunion that weekend, but I have my sights set on the others.

The Y-Not Tri is a triathlon in Boise that I will be doing with my family. I have a sister in law, brother in law and other family members who will be doing it. We did this a few years back and had a blast. It's quite disgusting to swim in the Park Center pond, but your are close enough to drowning that you forget about the bird poop pretty quickly.

I plan using this blog as my training journal over this winter. Keep posted!

I'm excited and my blood is stirred!!

Baptism, Biking, Baseball, & BBQ

PHEW!!! That's alliteration at its best. Let me just say that I am a slacker. Given the time since my last post, I guess I could have also put the word pitiful procrastinator ... but that wouldn't have worked with the theme.

In the nearly 3 months since I last wrote, a TON has happened. I've done TON's of barbecuing and A LOT (but not a ton) of cycling. In fact, I'm quite frustrated with the cycling this summer. Well, everything in its due course. I've had a busy and eventful summer. The above items take up the bulk of the summer.

BAPTISM

My oldest, Kiara, was baptized on August 2, 2008. I can't believe that she is already 8!! I remember when she was born, thinking how long it was going to be until she was 8. Well, I was wrong. It was more like a blink of an eye! Of course, my mom and dad have been warning me about that for years. Here are a few pictures:

Kiara in her baptism dress with me right after the baptism service:

Here's my two favorite gals. Aren't they beautiful!
Here's the happy family. This was an awesome experience that really emphasized how lucky we are to have the Gospel in our lives. The spirit was very strong at the service - a testament to the truthfulness of the Gospel. Thanks to all who attended and showed their support.
A side note - and EXTREMELY exciting turn of events: Kiara, who is 8, is now eligible to attend the dedication of the Twin Falls Temple (which will take place on August 24, 2008). Michelle and I are beyond excited about this opportunity to take her to this spiritual event. We are truly blessed!!

BIKING

My last blog bragged about how excited I was for the 37 or so mile ride I went on. I am disappointed to say that that is about all I got in this summer. I have been extremely busy lately with church callings, family and work. As a result, all of my Saturdays are full and I have been forced to get up at 5:30 and going for a good 18-25 miles before work. LOVE IT! LOVE IT! LOVE IT! However, the longest ride I got in this summer (so far) was only 46 miles. GRRRR!!!! I'll just have to live with what I can get.

I did find another bike that I love. Check it out here.

BASEBALL

Kegan played baseball this summer. Since he hasn't started kindergarten yet, he had to do "pre-school baseball" which also required that I be with him the entire time. It was quite fun. He sure learned a lot. I'll never forget watching the kids try and play a game. Someone would hit the ball and everyone on the field (including the kid who hit the ball) would run after the ball and try and get it. Kegan played first base.

Kegan has found the sport he loves! We are doing soccer this fall and he is frustrated with that he has to because "soccer is boring." He just wants to play baseball all the time. But, he's OK with soccer until baseball starts again. Here are some pictures:

Kegan and a friend, Trevor Walter

Hitting a home run!!

BBQ

Summer wouldn't be summer without BBQ. I've had some great opportunities and will post just one ore two events. My brother and his wife had their first baby and had the blessing on July 6, 2008. On July 5, they hosted a BBQ for her family and our family. I volunteered to do the BBQ. We did 4 pork butts and a whole packer brisket. Let's just say that Charlotte had met her match. here are some pictures:

My BBQ Queen smiling behind mountains of pork and beef:

Charlotte: Level 1, no more can fit in here!!

Charlotte: Level 2 - I had to sit that butt on its side.

BBQ Queen smiling as the smoke raises behind her.

These butts look done!!!

YUM!!!!! I'm hungry again!

A plate of port, chopped to perfection!

Here's the brisket, also chopped for better sandwich-ification (I'm sure that's a word).

Finally, the first weekend of August is our family barbecue contest - the Brouhaha. This year, Brad and Kilie (my sister and her husband) won the contest. I got third place (of 4) and took home the "Most Flavorful" ribbon. Oh well, you can't win them all. Congrats to Brad and Kilie.

Also, Kegan entered in the youth division and took home the trophy. Here's the pround victor.

That's about all for now. I'm sure more will follow ... someday.