The Next Chapter...

Let me give you a quick recap of our family adventures, starting with the summer of 2005 when I returned home from Toronto as a missionary.

Summer 2005: All-star employee for DR Winn Construction (Albany, Oregon)

Fall/Winter semesters 2005-06: Sophomore at school at BYUI, Whit a freshman (Rexburg, Idaho)

Summer 2006: Got married in April, packed up the baby blue Taurus and started selling pest control (Columbia, South Carolina)

Fall/Winter 2006-07: Junior at school at BYUI, Whit a Sophomore (Rexburg, Idaho)

Summer 2007: Headed out to lead a team selling pest control, with the legend himself Brandon W. (Santa Clarita, California)

Fall/Winter semesters 2007-08: Senior at school at BYUI, Whit a junior (Rexburg, Idaho)

Summer 2008: Headed off once again, third time is a charm. This time following whit, “The Crafty Intern” to Rip City, to be a solicitor one more time baby! (Portland, OR, p.s.-“Rise With Us”)

Fall semester 2008: Seniors, fboth inishing our last semester at BYUI (Rexburg, Idaho)

December 16, 2008: Move to Missouri to start my career and family with my beautiful bride. Which leads me to my report that I have done on Mizzou. Doing this made me feel like I was in 4^th grade again doing a report, I miss those days.

Missouri facts:

NFL:

St Louis Rams who are 2-10, but thanks to the Detroit Lions are not in last place in the NFC. They do have one of the NFL’s leading rushers, Steven Jackson an Oregon State alumni.

KC Chiefs are also 2-10, but they have the Cincinnati Bengals to thank for taking home the last place in the AFC trophy.

MLB:

St Louis Cardinals missed the playoffs last season, but won the World Series in 2006.

KC Royals are known as the laughing stock of baseball. Last year they surprised some people but still finished well below .500 with 75 wins and 87 loses. Lets just say the last time they went to the playoffs I was a chubby one year old.

NBA:

NONE, that is the second biggest blow to me (more on the biggest blow to come, see the airport section). On the other hand I guess I could claim the newly acquired Thunder in Oklahoma City, formerly known as the Seattle Super Sonics. I think they have two wins now this season!

College’s:

Missouri Tigers: Going to the Big 12 Championship game Saturday hoping to pull off the upset. They have really turned their football program around the last few years. Although I think they are still hurting deep down inside from that heart breaking loss to Oregon State in the Sun Bowl in December of 2006. I just learned that their mascot is “TRUMAN THE TIGER” that just brought a smile to my face. Their colors are black and gold, that and other shades of yellow seem to haunt me wherever I go, I just can’t escape them. Their Rivals = Kansas (known as the Border War), the one Big 12 team I have ever cheered for. BTW, did anyone see that game on Saturday, it was an instant classic. I only see two other problems with MU, number one being their “M” logo on hats and such looks too much like the Michigan “M,” especially if the black hat is faded to dark blue (I wonder if former alumni Lloyd Carr had anything to do with that?), and secondly their fight song reminds me of the Mickey Mouse song every time I hear it. Hear is your ESPN, Did you know about Mizzou? Did you know ESPN anchor John Anderson, was an alumni of MU and competed in the high jump as a student athlete?

Missouri State Bears: formerly known as Southwest Missouri State University. The last time MSU went to the playoffs in football (yes they have playoffs) they lost by six in the first round to Idaho (1990). But they have been known to make some noise on the basketball side of things. They play in the Missouri Valley Conference, and we will see if they can get to the big dance this march. I am contemplating season tickets.

City of Springfield:

Nick Name: The Queen City of the Ozarks

Location: (See Map) Southwest corner of the state

Closet Big Cities: Kansas City 211 miles, St. Louis 216 miles, and Tulsa, OK 183 miles

Other Cities: Portland 2,000 miles, SLC 1,280 miles, Minneapolis 640 miles, Washington DC 1,050 miles

Population: 152,000

Politically: In the last election it was the closet state, but ultimately went to McCain.

Demographics: As of the census of 2000, 64,691 households, and 35,709 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,072.0 people per square mile. There were 69,650 housing units. The racial makeup of the city was 91.69% White, 3.27% African American, 0.75% Native American, 1.36% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 1.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.31% of the population.

Average Gas Prices (State): $1.58

Average home price (State): $136,000 (nationally $206,000)

Sales Tax: 6.6%

Meet the Neighbors: Median age 34. Completed at least some college 58%. Married 47%. Divorced 11%.

Temperature:

Monthly Normal and Low Temperatures (and Precipitation)

Month	Jan	Mar	May	July	Sept	Nov
Norm High °F	41.6	57.8	75.9	89.9	81.2	56.4
Norm Low °F	21.8	34.9	53.4	67.1	57.4	35.3
Precip (in)	2.11	3.82	4.57	3.56	4.83	4.46

Things to do when you visit: play basketball with Ev, countless outdoor activities, Branson shows and theme parks, golf, tennis, really just too many to list, hang out with Richard.

Chapman’s: Yes, my out-laws live nearby in a new development called Saddlebrooke (between Springfield and Branson). They have Kailey and Alissa still at home, while the two boys are off to college.

Airport: The number one drawback, SWA does not fly to Springfield (SFG). Airlines that do fly to SFG are: American, United, Northwest, Delta, and Allegiant.

Overall, we are very grateful to Rexburg, we have had an amazing time here, both in the gym and outside of the gym. Now we are excited to be moving on to our next journey! I hope that was helpful in educating you on the SHOW ME STATE.

*Special thanks to Wikipedia for most of my information

Happy Thanksgiving, A Great Holiday

As Glenn Beck said,

"It's that time of year again...a time we often greet with equal parts joy and tension. Of course, I'm talking about Thanksgiving -- the one day where my family gathers 'round to see how much I can actually eat in 24 hours. It's sort of like a contest where no one can truly be called a "winner"...But the truth is, I love Thanksgiving. It's that rare holiday with no gifts to buy or cards to send...a time to simply gather together, catch up, and enjoy one another (and pie -- pie never hurts). I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by all the things and people you love..."

Well Glenn, once again I have found myself agreeing with you. I also love Thanksgiving because you don't have to worry about anything else, except good family company and good food.

As I reflect on a rather large turning point in my life, I realize I have too many blessings to truly count. I would like to name a few things, just a few that I am so grateful for.

I am so grateful for Whit. She is my interior decorator, my constant reminder I need to shave, my biggest intramural fan/videographer/stat keeper, my chef who is regularly expanding her rotation, my free throw shooting champ, my supporter of my hobbies/ideas/dreams/and other crazy ideas, my frugal shopper, my all-star anchor woman, my best friend, and my motivation to be a better person.

I know that sounds so typical, but I have always been so blessed. Wherever my life journey has taken me I have been surrounded by great people. From Albany, to Rexburg, to Toronto, to all of our various bug selling coastal locations.

My Mom and Dad are great to us, they compliment one another better than creamy peanut butter and my Mom's homemade strawberry jam. They are great mentors, listeners, friends, and always make me smile. Whether its my Dad talking about his new found love, his GPS or my Mom sending me a new recipe or telling about a great new product Costco is carrying, they are the best.

My sister's, (and Bjrok, Triz, and Big B) they are each MVP's of the McDonald's All American All Star game. Yeah, they each are like LeBron dominating the rest of the field. They each know me for who I really am, appreciate me, and I enjoy spending time with all of them.

My Out-Laws. They probably are so tired of that, but it just gets me everytime, Outlaws. I think its because I am an Outlaw at heart. Richard and Lori have been so great. Frequently I will be with my friends and have to tell them, "excuse me, its my father in law." They laugh because apparently they don't speak to their in-laws everyday, but Richard and I its seems always have plenty to talk about. The Chapman teens and Ryan. Since they all (minus Ryan) are in that teen stage I find them so entertaining to be with, they always make me laugh. And, Ryan, just a guy who is very easy to get along with. We had a great time together earlier this fall, he just needs to give a little more respect to Rip City.

Everyone else. I appreciate all those people who have helped and influence Whit and I. We have made some great friends here in Rexburg that we are very sad to leave. From professors, to intramural teammates, to people who have served us in our wards, to classmates, to cousins (man, I have some really cool cousins), Aunts, Uncles, all relatives, and of course my three nieces, Abs, Savy, and Jocy.

And a few temporal things I am grateful for. The Beavs, The Rose Garden (where the Blazers are undefeated this season), google reader, my new GPS, intramural sports, basketball, football, basketball, basketball, unlimited free heat, pork chops marinated with brown sugar, loaded mashed potatoes, smoothies, pick up basketball, my Brandon Roy shirt, and much more.

When times are tough, just count your blessings. I feel like a rich man. If you are reading this, I am sure you are one that I must thank, so Thank You, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

*Disclaimer: Inspiration came from Trevor.

Champions!

Tonight is a night I have been waiting for on the basketball court for FOUR seasons. It has been a terrific intramural semester for our teams. Making serious runs deep into the playoffs. Tonight, my last semester as a college student, we brought home the ten point Championship game victory.

And to top things off the Blazers are beating the Bulls right now by about 754 points! Not a bad way for GO to open up in the Rose Garden. A sign of things to come?

Great day for me and my team, and for my team that I have been through the highs and lows with, the Portland TrailBlazers!

Rip City.

Prediction for Saturdays game:

Oregon State 31 - Arizona 21

ps- Aaron wilson has started a blog, check it out on our list of fellow bloggers!

First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility

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SALT LAKE CITY 14 November 2008 Five months ago, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter to members of the Church in California, encouraging them to join the millions of other Californians from many religious denominations, ethnic groups and political persuasions in a broad coalition to defend marriage as it has been defined for millennia.

During the election campaign, both sides of the argument on Proposition 8 had ample opportunities to express their viewpoint. The result was conclusively in favor of traditional marriage. More than 40 states in the United States have now voted to protect traditional marriage, either directly or through their elected representatives.

Today the First Presidency issued this statement about the democratic process:

Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism. People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation. The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America.

The Church is keenly aware of the differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive matter. The reasons for this principled stand in defense of marriage have already been articulated elsewhere. However, some of what we have seen since Californians voted to pass Proposition 8 has been deeply disappointing.

Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.

We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other.

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Style guide note: When reporting about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please use the complete name of the Church in the first reference. For more information on the use of the name of the Church, go to our online style guide.

For the complete article, click here.

Halloween

Whit was Thing 2, an 80's girl, and a derranged Mormon house wife.