Sean's Trip to Montana

Sean got his pictures back from his Montana trip in June. Thought I would post some of them.

Here is the hill overlooking downtown Livingston, just leaving the church. Some of the most beautiful views you will ever see are in Montana.

Here is Sean's friend Ron. He was about to go to boot camp and join the Army, so it was nice that Sean got to see him before he left.

The wonderful Yellowstone River. How can you ever get tired of that?

Sean and Stephanie. His old girl friend looks happy to see him doesn't she? They actually had a good time hanging out during his visit.

Her is the cutie, Chelsea. We were hoping Sean would take her out on a date while he was there, but he wasn't up there for romance.....

or was he? His old co-workers at Dairy Queen are looking all chummy. Who wouldn't want a hug from Sean?

Sant sending Sean home at the Bozeman airport. They had a good time together and Sant wished he could stay for his senior year at Park.

Sorry Sean, Sant still has bigger guns.

Happy Pioneer Day

The Mormon Pioneers arrived in Salt Lake City on July 24th, 1847.  I have many ancestors that made that trek.  I appreciate all that they did to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ.  A few of them died in Nauvoo because of the persecutions they faced or died along the trail during the journey.  My heart goes out to them for their sacrifices.  I am so blessed to have this heritage.  I have a great love and respect for the Mormon Pioneers.

Missionary Farewell

We went to Shreveport on Sunday to hear Seth Martin give his missionary farewell. He leaves in a couple weeks for his mission in Hawaii. What a great place to serve! After church we went over to the Martins for a Luau.

Here is Frank, Brent and Lynn. (Frank's Grandmother died early Sunday morning. We are sorry for his lose)

L to R: The Goletz from Minden, Stake President Brent Merrill, the Doans and the Morantos (Bishop).

Zach and Sean were avoiding me taking their picture

Brent thought he looked good with red hair. Lacey wouldn't let him keep any.

Lacey and her buddy, Seth. He leaves for the MTC on Aug. 9th, then 3 weeks later he is off to Hawaii. He did a great job on his talk. He is really ready to serve. He was like 12 when I was first made Bishop of the Ward. Now look at him!

Leta and Page. Leta did a great job with the Luau.

Deborah was serving some really good Hawaiian punch.

Bashed in the Bible Belt

At 5 pm every week day the talk radio station hosts a 30 minute Bible show where the pastor dude answers questions and talks about the Bible.  Today he was asked about added books to the Bible..... you knew what was going to happen.  Yep, it moved onto the Mormons and how Joseph Smith is a false prophet.  Just what I wanted to hear on my way home from a long day at work in 100 degree heat.... somebody bashing my beliefs on the radio.  And it came right after a great Sean Hannity show.....

Nutella

If you haven't  tried this stuff.  Get some today!  YUMMY.  Giada from Food Channel made some sandwiches with this stuff.  I got a jar and put it on a bagel, and it brought me to my knees.  Its a mix of cocoa and hazelnuts.  Soooo good.  It puts a smile on your face.

Spanish Shame

Here is the Prime Minister of Spain, Zapatero, wearing a Palestinian Scarf

after condeming Israel. I love Spain, but this government is so wrong. This guy would not even be prime minister if the terrorists didn't bomb Madrid right before the election, and the citizens wimped out and caved into the terrorists. Now this is what they get. A man who has stated he understands where the Nazi's were coming from. He is a socialist and hates Jews. The world is turning its back on Israel. I hear lots of condemnation of Israel, but very little of Hizbollah. What is this world comming to? I'm proud America is still standing with Israel in its right to exist and to defend itself. Please Spain, please come back to sanity.... and soon! I can understand France, but not you Spain!

When it Rains it Pours

The thunder is roaring outside this afternoon. It will help the drought if we get any rain out of it. Life was hard today too. So I guess it's true... when it rains it pours.

O Israel

When will Israel find peace? I'm really feeling for the Tribe of Judah, since we are related and all, since I am a decendant of the Tribe of Ephraim. It's really interesting to see how the world is condemning Israel for trying to defend itself. No big surprise that France has already condemned Israel, but Greece? And Russia (Gog and Magog!) needs to stop suppling weapons and enabling Iran and Syria to finance this whole attack. Of course Russia wants to do anything to keep USA in turmoil and this is a way to do it. And China wants Iran's oil and more dominace in the region too. But I know one thing, I agree with President Bush, Israel has a right to defend itself and we need to stand with our friend, Israel. Lost in all of this hatred and power struggle is that innocent people are getting hurt... Lebanese, Palestinian and Jew alike. My boy is 17 and I'm worried what "World War III" is going to look like when he gets a little older and if he will be drafted into the military. Like it or not, we are in War. Terrorism is everywhere, not just in Iraq and Afganistan. Look at the bombings in India, London, Madrid, the terrorist arrests in Germany, Canada, USA..... you think if we just be "nice" to the terrorists they will go away? I think they want to destroy us. Hasn't Israel given up lands to the Palestinians for peace? Pulled out of Lebanon for peace? What happened? Once Israel pulled out, the terrorists went in and set up camp and now those areas are were the missles are coming from to kill Jews. Terrorists have no problem killing innoncent civilians. Look at the people in the world trade center, on the airplanes, in their homes...... if an American bomb or Israelie missle kills a civilian the world is outraged and condemns us as loud as they can, but if a terrorist chops of the head of an innocent american there seems to be a deafening silence from these same people. Ok, Im on one of my long rants again, but I'm getting tired of the people criticizing freedom loving people for protecting themselves. Just last night I was dumb founded to hear Senotor Biden critize Bush because we are moving too slow in the Isralie conflict becuase we are bogged down in Iraq. I think a guy who insults an intire ethnic group (" can't go into a convenience store without having to speak Indian" or some crazy crap like that!) should work on his own short commings! This nation better get unified in its battle agains terrorism or we are in for even tougher times. "signs of the times" people.... that's what this is!

The Birthday Girl

Here is my favorite picture of Page.  It was taken while I was on my mission in Spain.  That is what I came home to... a true beauty!  No wonder I "popped the question" just months after getting back home.  Page sent me this picture while I was on my mission and I kept it by my bedside so I could see her sweet face before I closed my eyes every night.  She still takes my breath away.  Happy Birthday, Ally!

Lots of Birthdays today

Today is my Sister, Hope's, Birthday too. She turns 50 today!!!! I can't believe I have a sister that old. She is out in Utah so I don't get to see her too much anymore. Happy Big 5-0 Sis!

My neice, Taylor, celebrated her 15th brithday yesterday. I have an Aunt who's birthday was on the 14th. And Lacey's birthday is in about 2 1/2 weeks. We have lots of July Birthdays in our family. October must be a real fertile month for the women in my family..... hmmmmm.

Put Another Candle on your Birthday Cake

Happy Birthday to my wife, Page. She is another year older, but like property values in Southern California, she gets better as time goes by! Well it's official, she now has lived with me longer than she lived with her parents growing up... not sure if that is a good thing for her, but it a great thing for me. So here is a special poem for you Page on your special day:

Roses are red
Page is my honey
Happy Birthday to you
my cute Cuddle Bunny!

ok, maybe I'm not ready to publish my poetry just yet, but I love you more than you'll ever know Page Allyson!

Family Goal

We have been reading the Book of Mormon as a family and it has been a sweet experience.  We gather around the table after dinner and read a few chapters then discuss what we have read. The discussion has been more enjoyable than anything else.  It is so fun to hear the thoughts from Lacey and Sean.  Today we talked about the parable from the ancient prophet Zenos in the Book of Jacob.  He was a prophet in ancient Israel, but you only read about him in the Book of Mormon.  We had a good discussion on what it means when he said the first shall be last and the last shall be first. 

We are trying to get back to doing the 7 simple things that President Heap in the Bozeman Stake encouraged all of us to do over a year ago.  We were pretty good at it then, but had to get things back on track.  Page has posted the 7 simple things on the pantry door so we see it every day, since we all like to get into the pantry looking for snacks.  The 7 simple things are:

1.  Have personal scripture study every day

2.  Have family scripture study at least 5 days a week

3.  Have personal prayers, morning and night

4.  Have family prayer, morning and night

5.  Have Family Home Evening every week

6.  Attend all Church meetings

7.  Attend the Temple every month

I can truly say, that when we follow these 7 simple things the spirit is in our home and their is a peace that is there that isn't there when we don't do them.  So I wonder why we sometimes fail to do them?  But we are really trying again, and plan to finish the Book of Mormon together as a family.

 

My Mom's Birthday

Happy Birthday, Wilma Jean !!!

On July 7, 1939, in Midland, Arkansas, Wilma Jean Congo was born in her home to Sarah Gladys and Emmett Lafayette Congo.  Lucky for me she was born and years later would become my Mom.  She has a  heart of gold and is a great Mom.  She is out in California and here I am in Texas today, so I have to send my wishes across the miles.  I love you Mom!

Another Crazy Dictator

How do these crazy people get in charge of whole countries?

I haven't been too concerned about all the hysterical actions of North Korea with this missile business. I figure they just want more attention from the USA. We are too occupied with Iraq and Iran and they want in part of the fun. Aren't they a part of the axis of evil? So they want their just due recognition.

Well looks like they are getting it. They tested a few missiles on July 4th. I wonder if they picked that date for any particular reason? Just now on Fox News they have breaking news of a report coming out of Japan. The long range missile that was fired was aimed at the State of Hawaii. If true, now I'm a lot more annoyed at the North Koreans. The missile obviously didn't make it that far before it crashed into the ocean, but the projectory line was aimed right for Hawaii. I guess they have our attention now. I wonder if they really want it....

All you liberals complaining about us going in and taking out Sadam in Iraq. Better to take him out before he gets to the point of North Korea with nuke capability and test missles aimed at one of our States or Israel.

Are we in the last days yet?

Happy Birthday USA

The Greats Have Fallen

Andy! nooooooo! He loses in the 3rd round of Wimbledon to another Andy, the Scot, Andy Murray. Andy has been having one of his worse years ever. When is he going to turn it around? I did get to see him win his match in Houston this Spring. One of his few wins, I guess. Hey, I still stand by Roddick. But that picture says it all....

Agassi lost to Nadal today too. Ok, Roddick is my favorite tennis player, but Nadal comes in second (got to back the Spaniard!). But I do have to say it was sad to see Agassi lose and end his Wimbledon career. I thought he would win this match since Nadal has been poor on grass courts, but Nadal was amazing. The fans gave Agassi a standing ovation, and even Nadal said "It's Agassi's Day"- what class!

I watched Portugal beat England in the World Cup quarter finals and then the UNBELIEVABLE... I saw France beat Brazil. Nobody saw that coming, not even the French.... but now I know why Spain lost.... the French are THAT good!

Spain and fans are shocked

Spain thought this was the year for World Cup victory.  But now they are going to have to wait 4 more years for redemption.  I bet a lot of people call in sick tomorrow.....

Spanish Curse Continues

Spain is out of the World Cup after losing to France today 1-3. Lost to France? Ugh. I didn't see that coming. Zidane of France was too much for them.

Torres, one of Spain's leading scorers, came up short today against France.

As the French danced through Paris tonight, the Spanish fans rioted in the streets of Madrid in dissapointment. Riot police had to break them up. I guess they are tired of never getting past the quarter finals. They didn't even get into the quarter finals this year. The curse continues. And I thought this year would be different.

Lacey at Girl's Camp

Lacey left really early this morning to travel 5 1/2 hours north to Oklahoma for Stake Girl's Camp.  Not as a participant, but as a camp leader.  A leader?  Isn't she still too young?  She was really excited to go and be a leader this year.  But there isn't any air conditioning!  Should be interesting to hear all about it when she gets home later this week.  I'm sure the girls will love her as she gets into all the fun and drags them along.

Grilled Beef

We BBQed some hamburgers today. 

The Trek

Sean went on "The Trek" last summer before we moved to Texas.  This was a super activity by the Bozeman Stake.  They took the youth down to Wyoming to trace the steps of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies.  The kids prepared almost a year for it.  They had to wear pioneer clothing, they only could take 10 pounds of supplies in a bucket, they walked for a member of the handcart company and also for an ancestor.  Sean walked for his great great grandmother, Mary Larsen, who immigrated from Denmark and walked this trail to the Salt Lake Valley.  He also represented one of the "Valley Boys" that came and rescued the company in the winter and walked them across the cold icy river.  It was a once in a lifetime experience. 

When Sean was in Montana last week, he got a copy of a DVD movie, documenting the trip, and a CD of pictures.  Here are a few of the pictures from the CD:

Hard to see Sean, but he is in the river just on the other side.  He has on a dark hat, right in front of the girl in the pink dress.  Pulling his handcard across the river.

They reinacted the rescue where 4 boys from the Salt Lake Valley came as part of the rescue party and carried the handcarters across the frozen icy river.  The boys that did this act had health problems the rest of their life.  And Brigham Young said that act alone ensured them a place in the Celestial Kingdom.  Here is Sean walking a couple of kids across the Sweetwater River.  (This area is also where my great great great great grandmother died, being sick on the journey to the Salt Lake Valley. -  she is buried in an unmarked grave near the crossing of the Sweetwater.  This is sacred ground to me.  And over 150 years later, Abigail Shaffer Woolsey's great great great great great grandson is there crossing the Sweetwater, something she wasn't able to do).

Here are the 4 boys that reinacted the crossing resuce team.  Sean is second from left.  His buddy, Sant, is on the left and had to cover up since he had a bad reaction to some medication he was taking and burned in the 100 degree heat.

Here is a group of kids and leaders from the Livingston Ward.  Sean is right in the middle.  (Did pioneers have sunglasses?)  It was a hard three day trip, but Sean made it over Rocky Ridge.  He is a tough kid.  He will be able to get over a lot of "rocky ridges" in his life.

Spain uses subs and still wins

Spain is on a roll in the World Cup.  They beat Saudi Arabia today 1-0 just using their reserves.  They won not even using their best players.  I'm pulling for Spain to win the World Cup.

!Viva, Espana!

USA is out

USA lost to Ghana 1-2 today and was knocked out of the World Cup. Italy won their game, so if we could have pulled off this game, we would be in the last 16. Wouldn't that have been amazing!!! Oh well.

I walked into one of my doctor's office right before noon and she had the game on in her break room, and I happened to look up at the TV when Ghana made their 2nd goal on a penalty kick right before the half. What a disapointment to see that. The doctor is from Hondurus and is really into soccer. The USA has more work to do to become a World Cup contender, but I think they are on the right track, although 0-2-1 and last in their group really doesn't look like it. Now I say "GO SPAIN"!

Sean's home

We picked Sean up from the Houston airport last night

Well despite the fact that Sean's flight was delayed once he landed in Denver and wasn't going to get into Houston until 3:05 a.m. this morning, we were lucky to have him go to the United counter to see if he could get on another flight. They got him on one that would arrive at 12:30 a.m. instead.  That's better than 3 am!  So he got a seat.  Page and I got caught in a bad rain storm once we got to Kingwood,  heading into Houston.  We were going so slow on the highway, we were hitting huge puddles and could barely see out the window.  But we made it to the airport.  Once Sean arrived, we found out his luggage didn't make the change to the new plane. We could wait until 3 am (it was already 1 am) or we could have them Fed Ex the luggage to our house.  So we left without his luggage and headed home- up the road 2 hours.  We got into the house a little after 3 a.m.  But we are glad to have Sean back home.  He had a great time in Montana.

10 inches fall in Houston

Sean comes home tonight from Montana and Houston gets 10 inches of rain.  They close the Hobby Airport (luckily he is flying into Bush International) and people were stranded all over town.  But looks like his flight will make it.  Hoever, they are expecting more heavy rain this evening.  We miss him and can't wait to see him tonight.

Spain wins again!  Beat Tunisia 3-1 today in the World Cup.  They go into the final 16...  still have a chance to win it! 

Father's Day

Well we made it through Sacrament Meeting and giving our talks.  With the Primary singing and Relief Society singing, and Lacey talking and Page talking, there was only 10 minutes left of the meeting by the time I had to speak.  So I just took about 5 minutes talking about my feelings on how the gospel and the priesthood help me be a better husband and father.  I started my talk by saying  "well the time has been taken up and I dont have time to give my talk.  I want to thank my wife for that.  She said she had a surprise gift for me and this must have been it"  Everybody was rolling.  Lacey and Page did great on their talks. 

Lacey got me some hand soap from Bath & Body works.  I love the smell of the lemon grass and mandarine orange lotion, so that's the hand soap that she got me.  Thanks Lacey!  Page  knows what a "nut" I am and got me a month's supply of salted peanuts, pistacios and my favorite Spanish Peanuts.  We are spending Father's Day without Sean.  He is spending his last days of his trip in Montana and we will pick him up in Houston tomorrow night.

We had a nice dinner and Page is making me my favorite dessert.... Banana Creme Pie.  Ok, I'm finally getting the recognition and devotion that I deserve....  I love my family a lot.  

McBride bloody but not out

Hey Italy, you may play dirty, but you can't stop the boys from America

McBride takes elbow to the face in first half of USA-Italy match.

I have to speak in church tomorrow, but the match is so good, I can't pull away to get the talk finished. Maybe I can talk about futbol?

USA survives

USA 1 Italy 1

Our electricity went out in a bad thunderstorm at noon today and didn't come back up until 7:30 tonite. I turned on the TV to see the replay of the USA-Italy World Cup match. I watched Italy score and thought, oh no, just like last time..... then we get a flook goal and we are tied. YES!!!! Then the unbelievable happens, an Italian player totally elbows McBride in the face. So blatant and he gets a red card. Well deserved ejection. Now we are up one player. But hold on, we get a bad call and red card to USA (that should have been a yellow card). Crazy game. It's half time and it's tied. Since it is a replay, I already know the outcome. Way to fight back USA. With the Chzech Republic's shocking loss today, we still were in the hunt even if we lost today, but glad we tied, should have won. USA showed a lot of heart today.

Sean- Diego came by today. He goes home to Ecuador on Wednesday morning. You don't get back from Montana until Monday night, so he says he is going to call you early Tuesday to hang out. He is going to watch the Ecuador match on Tuesday morning, and I think he wants you to join him.

*EDIT* OK- I have to come back and add this.... Pope gets a red card, two seconds into the second half? Is this ref for real? Doing this in the WORLD CUP?????!!!!Throw the bum out! And these Italians are great actors, they get bumped and they act like you just broke their bones. One man down and we still tie them. USA USA USA

Spain wins in Germany

ok, I know most Americans are not watching the World Cup in Germany, but if you lived anywhere else in the world this would be the biggest thing going on in your life right now.  The world goes crazy for the World Cup.  I love watching the Spanish Futbol Team.  I was in Spain on my mission in 1982 when Spain hosted the World Cup.  It was huge.  I remember nobody answering their doors to the missionaries when a soccer game was on TV.  If they did open their door, they would invite us to sit down and watch the game with them, but not teach. 

Spain beat the Ukraine 4-0 yesterday.  So they move on.  Great victory to the boys from Spain.  Viva Espana !

  Spain has never won the World Cup.  Maybe this year?

New Clinic

The signage went up on my new clinic.  I think it turned out great.  My boss was very impressed with me and asked if the company I found would be willing to do all the signage at the hospital because it turned out better than the signs he has been getting.  So I guess I scored some brownie points. 

I also have been working on finding a house for the doctor coming July 1st when the clinic opens for business.  We have been able to find nothing.  Until today.....  a miracle.  We found a beautiful  home and the owners wanted to sell, but are willing to lease it (the doctor wants to rent for now).  I have  been working the deal all day.  And finally late this afternoon it was done.  The doctor and his family are moving in.  I have spent three solid days house hunting.  Glad it's finally over.

Let's Go to the Hop

Tonight the Young Women in our Ward held a fundraiser to earn money for camp. They put on a 50's diner. Unfortunately, not a lot of members showed up and after all was said and done they made a profit of about $5 but hey, they had a good time, right?

Lacey was my waitress when I finally showed up. I went up at the beginning of the event with 5 drinks that the young women leaders asked me to pick up at McDonalds. When I was at McDonalds and they were handing me the large drinks on those flimsy holders, they all fell! The lids worked pretty good, but a couple of them spilled all over me and my car seat. I was a little irratated to say the least, so I dropped off the drinks and went back home. Lacey called me to come back and dance. I said "NO" , then Page called "NO" . About 7:15 I decided to go up and eat and help clean up (after I dried up and calmed down). So Lacey served me a couple hot dogs, rootbeer float and banana split. Yeah that made me feel a lot better! It cost me only $5. (Hey if it wasn't for me, they wouldn't have made a profit!)

Lacey tried to get me to buy some popcorn, but I was stuffed.

They had the hall decorated with balloons and the girls dressed up in 50's clothes. They had 50's music playing. It turned out really nice. Too bad more people didn't show up.

Take a Hike

For Memorial Day we had a picnic in our backyard of chicken, potato salad and green salad.  For dessert we had oatmeal scotchies (cookies).  Do you like our Halloween tablecloth?  We talked about all the great Memorial Day bar-b-q's that Page's parents used to host when we were younger.  They would invite friends and family over for a big spread.  Ours was a little smaller- just the three of us (Page, Lacey and me).  Sean is probably eating buffalo burgers in Montana.

After dinner I talked Lacey into going on a hike with me up at the Stephen F. Austin Interpretive Trail in Nacogdoches.  It wasn't too hot today and no humidity so I thought this would be a nice afternoon to go walking.  The trail was very peaceful.  We were the only ones on it.

Here is Lacey by the creek. I wonder who she is thinking about with those lips puckered like that?......

And here is the old guy trying to get some excercise while enjoying the great outdoors.  I really enjoyed hiking with Lacey.  The only animals we saw were some dragonflies, other bugs, and a couple lizards.  We took the short one mile trail.  Maybe we will try the advanced trail sometime.