Wyoming

Page and I got to get away for an early weekend and ended up in Cody and Powell, Wyoming on Thursday through Saturday. The Big Horn Basin is an interesting place. It was settled by Mormon pioneers and it still has a large Mormon population. We saw a few LDS churches and a Visitors Center.

Here is Heart Mountain, a popular landmark near Powell, WY. The air was hazy due to the big wildfires in Montana.

Here was a cool sculpture of Buffalo Bill Cody in Cody, WY

We were suprised to see Nephi's bookstore in Cody, WY. It had lot of scrapbooking supplies, and upstairs LDS books.

Here is a historic hotel in Cody, The Irma. Irma was Buffalo Bill's daughter.

We flew in and out of the Cody/Yellowstone Airport. I was expecting it to be the size of Bozeman, but it was only a quarter of the size. Very small, but the TSA employees were very diligent. They went through every bag and inspected ever piece of undergarment in people's suitcases. There were a few embarassed passengers.

this is a picture of the saloon in The Irma. Original bar that Buffalo Bill installed. Now it is a cafe, and we had a nice lunch before we headed back to Texas.

Longhorns Lose

I hate to talk about the Texas Longhorns, but this time I will make an exception since they lost to Ohio State yesterday in Austin. So the Longhorns winning streak comes to an end, after they ended ours (USC) in the Rose Bowl last January. That takes a little wind out of their sails. USC didn't play this week, but we have a big game against Nebraska next Saturday. I heard about the loss while in the air between Denver and Houston yesterday. Page and I were in Wyoming for the weekend. The pilot kept us all updated on the score. Not a lot of happy Longhorn fans on the plane.

Sean Speaks

Sean did an awesome job speaking in Sacrament Meeting this morning. The Bishop is implementing the "7 Simple Things" that the Bozeman Stake introduced to the members there over a year ago. Sean was telling him about the 7 simple things on the way to a Temple Trip and the Bishop was impressed how Sean knew them off the top of his head. The Bishop also thought it was an answer to prayer since he was concerned about many families in our Ward here in Texas. The Bishop introduced the 7 simple things to the Ward Council last month, and many of them started it with their families. Today the whole sacrament meeting was on the "7 Simple Habits" (Bishop changed the title a little). Sean was really funny. He told everyone that his parents told him not to air any "family dirty laundry" so he said he wasn't going to talk about our family but another family called the "Fillmores" Everyone started laughing, and we were called the Fillmores the rest of the day at Church. Sean spoke for 20 minutes. Sean was very confident and delivered his message very well. He got a lot of compliments. Somebody told Page that she told her daughter to dump her current non-member boyfriend and go for Sean. Sean always impresses all the Mothers. It was nice that Page's parents were here this weekend to hear Sean speak. They will be here until Wednesday then go back home to California.

Andy Shows Brilliance

OK- Federer beat Roddick at the US Open today, but I don't really care for Federer, so don't have much to say about him except it is a great feat to win 3 straight US Opens and 3 Straight Wimbledons. Ok enuf of that! Andy is back in the hunt. I'm so glad to see that. First set he looked like he was going to go down in flames big time. Somehow he settled down and start getting some mojo at the end of the first set and WON the second set. Third set was tight too, and he had his chance to break Federer's serve and take command of the set, but unfortunately Federer also started putting on the burners and took back the 3rd set, then coasted throught the 4th set to win. I hope Roddick can continue to improve his game so we can see more of him in finals. Hate to say it but Federer is just a cut above any other player out there right now.

Roddick's On Fire

Andy Roddick played some brilliant tennis in the US Open quarterfinals last night.  He beat Layton Hewitt in straight sets.  Now he goes onto the Semi-Finals agains Youzhny from Russia.  Youzhny had the biggest upset of the tournament beating Rafael Nadal yesterday.  Nadal is ranked #2 and Youzhny is unranked.  I was in shock. I actually thought Nadal and Roddick would meet in the semis. I think Roddick has a great chance in getting back to the finals.... where he will have to play Federrer.  Just has to beat Youzhny now, nobody else has been able to.

I have a terrible Summer cold.  Started getting it on Tuesday.  I have been miserable.  I hate being sick.  I can't stop sneezing.  I wonder if it is really allergies?

8 Minutes for Agassi

Andre ended his career on Sunday at the US Open

He made it into the 3rd round of the tournament and played some hard fought matches. His body couldn't do it a third time and lost to German, B. Becker. After his match, the people in the stands stood up and gave him an eight minute standing ovation. Unheard of! He was emotional and in tears, heck even I got chocked up watching it. Enjoy your life Andre.

My boy, Andy Roddick won his match in 5 sets yesterday and had to play Becker today. He almost had to play Agassi, which I would have loved to have seen. Instead Andy played Becker today and killed him in three straight sets. Way to go Andy! My second favorite, Nadal, won his game today too. If all goes well, Andy will play Rafael in the semi-finals before Andy goes onto the finals and beats Federrer! I can dream can't I?

USC 50 Arkansas 14

Well college football season is finally here.  USC had a big game against Arkansas on Saturday night.  We beat Arkansas 70-17 last year and they wanted revenge.  The first half Arkansas hung tuff and the crowd was loud and wild.  However,  our great Trojan team proved that they are contenders for the National Championship again this year.  Sean and I wanted to go to the game this year since we are only about 7 hours from the Arkansas campus, but couldn't make it.  John David Booty, our new QB looked real good too.  Our Defense was really impressive.  I think we are going to have a good season this year.   Other games of interest:  BYU lost to Arizona by 3 points last night and Montana State had the biggest upset of the day, beating Colorado. 

John David Booty- QB

$2.43

I was in Livingston on Friday and found a gas station with gas for only $2.43 a gallon.  My tank was 3/4 full, but i filled up anyway.  Keep going down!  Keep going down!

Fundamentalist Mormons?

Since the capture of Warren Jeffs, the prophet/leader of the Foundamentalist LDS faith, they keep talking about fundamentalist mormons on the news. What? It really bugs me they are using the name Fundamentalist Mormons. It makes the LDS church seem like it has some part in the kooky group. I hope those poor women in Colorado City can get some help.

You know what else bugs me? I'm not condoning polygamy. The LDS church has stopped that practice for awhile. BUT, interesting how the world is disgusted with these polygamists. OK, maybe they have a right to be, BUT (again) I wonder how many of these condemers have extra-marital affairs, or have fathered children with multiple women out of wedlock, or women have children by different men. So many people think having multiple sex partners is just fine.... I guess, ... as long as you don't marry all of them, at least at the same time. Is that perfectly ok? Now attack that lifestyle and see how people react.

I learned something the other day. I was talking to a Shia Muslim from the middle east the other day and he said they still practice polygamy. I didn't know that. Interesting. Anyway, this is just a rant since I keep hearing "Fundamentalist Mormons" all the time now, and I don't like it. I don't want anyone thinking that this group in Colorado City, AZ is affiliated anyway with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Page's Parents have arrived

Page's parents are with us. They got here yesterday. They flew from California to Houston and got stuck in some nasty weather so they diverted them to San Antonio to refill the gas tank on the plane, since they had to circle Houston forever. They were supposed to get here around 4:30 pm and didnt get here until 9 pm. What a long day for them. They are spending a couple days with us, then taking a huge road trip. Going to Nashville on Friday and attending the temple there, then on to Kirkland, Ohio to see church sites there. Then heading back they will stop in Nauvoo, Adam-ondi-omen, Far West, Liberty Jail, Independence, etc. Then they will come back for a few more days and watch Sean play a tennis match before heading back to California. Sounds like a long hard driving trip to me, but I think seeing all the church historic sites would be a blast.

Working Man

Sean got a job at a local steak house and had his first day of training today after school. He came home a little tired, but I think he is going to do very well. He brings out the food to the tables. When he applied for the job several weeks ago the owner said he would have to work Sundays. Sean said he went to church on Sunday and couldn't work. The guy said he couldn't make an exception and that everyone wants Sundays off, but he would try to minimize it. He offered Sean a job but told him to go home and talk it over with Mom and Dad. As we discussed it, Sean decided to tell the guy he would love to work there, but he could not compromise on Sunday. It was a religious belief that he keep the Sabbath Day holy. Sean called the owner and talked to him about it. The guy said he would have to think about it. Well it's been several weeks and last Friday the guy calls and leaves a message on our machine that he wanted Sean to come work for him and he would give him Sunday's off. On Saturday, the owner called the house and Page talked to him. He said he was impressed that Sean would stand by his principles. He said Sean wanted Sundays off for the right reason, so he gave in and will not work Sean on a Sunday. Page thanked him. He then said he would have Sean come in on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday to train this week. Then out of the blue the owner says. "Doesn't Sean go to church on Wednesday nights too?". Page told him yes, but that since he is getting Sundays off, we will not make it an issue. The owner said that it was ok. He would give Sean Wednesday nights off too. So he goes in on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday this week. WOW. I think this was a good learning experience for Sean and a great spiritual experience.

Mallory gets Married

One of my young women (when I was Bishop in Bossier) got married in the temple on Friday and had her reception in the Shreveport Stake Center on Saturday night.  Here is a picture of Mallory and Jeremy.  They look real good together.

So far out of all my youth, 4 are married, one is engaged, 6 have served or are serving missions.  I'm so proud of all of them.

Lacey and Mallory

YouCaught the Tater

Went to Louisiana on Saturday for a wedding.  Stopped by Haughton.

Here is a picture of our old house.  Looks the same.  What a great house.

on Hwy 80 on the way to the High School, this was on a little coffee shop.  Big Tater. I was laughing so hard, made Lacey take the picture.  We caught him, we caught the Tater!

Hezbollah the Great?

I can't believe the news today. The press is praising Hezbollah or at least is in awe how after only a day, they are clearing roads in southern Lebanon and giving people $10,000 each to rebuild their lives. What humanitarians! Interesting how the press can report on the good that Hezbollah has done in Lebanon. When is the last time you have heard the American press report on something good the USA has done in Iraq? Hard to come up with something isnt it! What is wrong with this picture? Im sure we have repaired some roads, have pumped in some money into the economy, built schools, built water treatment plants, repaired hospitals, etc.... but how would we know? But we are finding out what all the good Hezbollah is doing aren't we? I can't help but think that if it was the Democrats that were in power while we were fighting this war, the press would be a lot different. Am I jaded?

First Day of School

Sean's first day of school was yesterday.  He is a Senior now.  He really didn't want us to take his picture, but hey, our baby is now a Senior, so we made him pose.  He has on a BYU shirt and a USC lanyard. 

Last Hurrah

This was the last week of Summer vacation for Sean.  He starts  his Senior Year on Monday. He was very excited to spend a few days with the Anderson boys.  The Andersons live in Mississippi now, but the twins were his best friends when we lived in Louisiana and they are still good friends today.  The boys came to Louisiana to visit, and made a stop to East Texas.  Look how the boys have grown!

Brett, Sean, Trevor and Kyle

Widow's Dinner

The Priests in our Ward planned and hosted a dinner for the widows in our Ward.  They sent out invitations, called to remind the ladies, set up the cultural hall with tables, and cooked lasagna.  The women LOVED it!  These Preists are really a good group of Young Men.  All the ladies at Sean's table kept going on and on to Page how nice and handsome Sean looks in his suit.  Sean wore a purple shirt that his Grandma Sherry gave him for Christmas, and he was a knock out.

Ok, could Sean have a career in modeling?

Thumbs Up, Sean is ready for the dinner

After he takes this very important call.  I'm sure from one of the ladies he is going to host at his table that night.

Hezbollah accuses Rice of favoring Israel

I saw the title of this blog entry as a news heading on the internet just a few minutes ago. Are you kidding me? Rice is favoring Israel? What a shock? You mean the USA isn't favoring Hezbollah? The same Hezbollah who is a terrorist group? The Hezbollah that killed over 200 of our Marines in Lebanon in the 1980s? The Hezbollah that has killed and kidnapped many of our own citizens over the years? How can this be? I can't believe Hezbollah is making such an extreme and outrages accusation.

Sometimes you just have to find humor in this stuff. We all better hope for the success of Israel. There is speculation that Hezbollah has sleeper cells in the USA and may have them start causing problems here. We have been lucky since 9-11 that we have not had a lot of terrorist acts on our land. Israel has to deal with it every day.

Happy Birthday, Lacey

Lacey Megan is 20 today.  Where has all the time gone?  When Lacey was born, we didn't know if she was going to be a boy or a girl until she came out into the world.  We really wanted a girl.  We were hoping for a girl.  When the doctor delievered her, we were so happy.  We got our girl.  The whole family was out in the waiting room at the hospital.  It was almost midnight, and I came out and they could see me coming down the hall.  I yelled to the top of my lungs: "It's a Girl" and a huge cheer echoed through the hospital.  What a great moment in my life!

 

Birthday Party

Lacey turns 20 tomorrow!  She is going to Shreveport, so we had her birthday party tonight.  Page made taquitos, homemade guacamole, beans and rice.  For dessert we are going to have cheese cake.  Page and I bought her tickets to Six Flags over Texas amusement park in Dallas yesterday.  Lacey, Sean, and her friend Tara went and had a great time. 

Lacey loves Pirates, so Tara made her day with this flag.

Tara was funny, getting Lacey a Happy Birthday, Grandson card.

Sean got Lacey a talking Neopolian Dynamite card. 

Grandma Sherry and Grandpa Art sent some nice gifts.  A purse with Lacey's initial on it.

And beautiful bracelet.  (not the Lance Armstrong one... the jewels!)  My baby girl isn't a teenager anymore after today.  She will be in her roaring 20's.  I kinda remember my 20's.  I remember I didn't have any gray hair!

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?