My favorite season of all!

This is one of my favorite times of year, and not because its the holiday's or because of the changing weather or my upcoming birthday. Nope its because it is the season of HAM!! I must say that ham is the perfect meat and is underused the majority of the year but for 1-2 magical months each year the hams come out in force. I think last year in November to December I had 7 hams and I am looking to break that record this year. If anyone wants a contest I am up for the challenge. I am already up to 2 this year and looking forward to any chance to add to that number. Long live the season of Ham!

No news is good news

I haven't forgot about my blog I have just been sick, busy and my computer has a virus. I would like to post some pictures but I have not taken any lately so here is a review of the past couple of weeks at the Pickle house. Since my last post Beck and I got called to be Rilee's church teachers. She was terrified that I would be to mean to her class and of course I played that up with her and her class. Although I don't think I have fooled anyone. The Girls got their report cards and both did fantastic as always. We had a BYU - Utah party on Saturday and it was a good time except for the final score! And yesterday I broke down and put up the Christmas lights! It was too nice out and I figured its easier to do it now than when there is snow on the roof! I have been out golfing once last week it was fantastic. The weather was good and the sun was out. I played in a t-shirt in mid November what is better than that? I promise I will get a better post up soon.

Trick or Treat!

Last Friday was the annual Pickle Halloween Party! The kids look forward to this party every year and enjoy all the activities from cookie decorations to the donut on a string game. There is also haloween stories and a costume parade for the kids. Grandma and Grandpa go out of their way to make this a fun party and I want to tell them thanks for that. I enjoy this party because it is fun to see what everyone dresses up as because even the adults get into the act. I am looking forward to the real haloween day festivities and the treats that go along with it.

HAPPY HALOWEEN EVERYONE!!

Ice and Superheros what a Combo

This past weekend we went to the Olympic Oval to watch the World Cup Speed skating event. I have never been to such an event and we had a good time. Those skaters are Fast!!!! Grandma Randa came along and there was fun for all, if you get a chance to see one of these you should go it is cool to see the Olympic athletes in action. And for all you women out there you might get to see Appollo Ono in a speed skating suit. He was there and definitely got the most attention from the fans.

On Monday we went to Chick-Fil-A for superhero night and got to see Batman (yep that is Steve in a Batman Costume!!) The kids made superhero capes and colored pictures. We also got to see Steph, Logan and Ike there and also Dan, Chelsea and Logan. It was fun to see the kids make the capes and play in the playland after a great dinner. Thanks to all for the fun evening!

Tis The Season!?!?!?

So on Tuesday October 7, myself and the girls went to Lowes to get some odds and ends for the house. As we walked in I look over and they are taking down all the gardening stuff and putting up Christmas stuff!! I had to do a double take and shook my head in disbelief. Rilee and Ashlee noticed my dismay and anger and said,"Dad why are they putting up Christmas stuff it isn't even Halloween yet?" I said to them I don't know and besides it isn't even Halloween there is another holiday in between them! I don't know maybe some of you have heard of it its called THANKSGIVING!!!! You know the holiday where we are supposed to be thankful for all our blessings and for all the things and opportunities that we have. But I guess the Corporate Greed has reached a new high (or low) and is trying to suck every last nickle and dime out of us and has forgotten that some of us want to celebrate our blessings and be thankful instead of go right into the I want monster that Christmas has become! I will not choose to participate in the Christmas season until after Thanksgiving, but here's a idea for corporate America to milk more out of the consumer set up Christmas stuff on Presidents day and you'll almost have a full year to sell your CRAP!!!

Rise and Shout

Well we are well underway with the football season. I am lucky enough to have season tickets to BYU again this year and I am even luckier to get to take my family with me to games! I also get to go with Scott Sanders and his family and Becky's brother Dan and I am glad that I get to build these memories with them! Saturday Rilee and I and Scott and Lexi went to the game against the Wyoming Cowboys. It was the second straight shutout and the cougars are dominating again this year. Rilee absolutely loves to go to the games and she is getting to know allot about the game and will watch the games with me and is way fun to go with! Ashlee and Isaiah like to go to but are more interested in getting things at the game then watching it! Becky hasn't gone yet this year but will next game. I love going to the games and always remember my Grandpa Barber at some point during each trip to the game. I loved going to the games with him as a kid and it is because of him that I am a cougar fan! I hope my kids will remember going to the games with me and will cherish those memories as much as I do mine! GO COUGARS!!!!

Thats What She Said!

via videosift.com


In honor of the upcoming season of the office and the release of the 4th season on DVD, here is a little clip of the office to get you excited for The Office. You might want to pause the music player before viewing

I know who ate your sandwiches, it was that damn Sasquatch!!

This weekend was the Pickle family reunion at the Spruces. It was a good time with allot of work put in by the organizers. They had crafts for the kids games and a brownie hunt set up and just visiting with family. As you can see from the picture we had a Bigfoot sighting and lots of other fun times just enjoying the mountains. We were only able to come up for a few hours but anytime in the mountains is fun and it makes you realize how lucky we are to live in a place of such beauty!

Rilee and Ashlee Just Hangin Around

Jimmy the Sasquatch and Isaiah

Grandma and the Girls Making yarn dolls

Marianne, Rilee and Grace Working on the dolls

The finished product!

Rad!

This morning Beck told me that she had a dream that I bought her a BMX bike and made her learn how to bicycle boogie with me. We were Doing tricks all over the neighborhood and she was really upset with me. This was a nightmare for her because she hates the idea of anything from the movie RAD. I love the movie and when we got married I rented it and we watched it together and she said it was a waste of 2 hours. I Found this story quite amusing and actually am thinking about buying her a bike just for fun. Anyone want to chip in for the joke?

Monster Bus for 3 Little Monsters

The other day Becky, Isaiah and I went over to Jordan Landing and at Sears Grand there was this monster truck school bus. There was a sign saying monster bus rides but it was closed. Later that day the kids wanted to do something fun so we went over there to check it out. The guy was charging five bucks a ride and so I figured what the heck. The kids had a ball and I liked it to. White Trash, Redneck.....Maybe but how often do get to ride in a monster truck? Also it made me feel better about my truck and its 9 miles to the gallon.....This thing gets 1/2 mile to the gallon. How would you like to fill that at four bucks a gallon!!!

Its a cup of Dirt!!

Last night we went to see Brian Regan the comedian at Thanksgiving point. If you ever get the chance to see him I would highly recommend it! This is our second time seeing him and we all had a sore stomach from laughing hysterically for a hour straight!! He is way funny and he is not obscene in any way and not even a cuss word the whole show! If you haven't heard him google him or check him out on you tube. We also have some dvd's if you want to borrow them. If you haven't been to the Thanksgiving point gardens you need to check them out to. What a great venue!

Goodbye Boots and Jugs

Well in case you haven't heard I sold the boat last week. It was a day of mixed emotions for me. I was glad to sell it because we have outgrown it and I have had quite a bit of trouble with it lately. But I was sad to sell it because I loved skiing behind it and taking the kids out on it. I hope to get another boat that will suit the family better. The kicker for me to sell it was the last trip to Lake Powell when I just about sunk the boat on the trip back to the marina! I think the next boat will be the same style just bigger and more family oriented instead of a one purpose ski boat. It was fun to have but also good to get rid of!

Four Old Friends

Brad and Merilee blessed their new baby boy Brigg on Sunday. It was a great occasion for them and we were lucky to go and see the event. It was good to get to see my old friends all together I don't think we have all seen each other at the same time for several years. Everyone was doing well. Brad has one child, Justin has 2 little girls and Jon has 6 under the age of 9 and one on the way!!! He hasn't figured out what causes that I'll have to let him in on the secret. It was also good to see brad's parents and just catch up on old times.

10 Years of Pure Bliss!

Becky and I recently had our 10 year anniversary on July 18 so I thought it would be fun to list of some things in tens that have happened since our marriage.

Ten vacations we have had:

Hawaii, Florida, Lake Powell, Arizona, Florida again, San Diego (which according to Ron Burgandy translated to a whales vagina), Arizona again and Disneyland three times.

Ten Cars we have owned:

Blue Jeep Cherokee, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Taurus (thanks Steph), Nissan truck, Expedition, Excursion, Freestyle, F350 and the Mustang.

Ten extra pounds we have gained:

We won't go there!

Ten Jobs had between the two of us:

Firefighter, Chick-fil-A owner, Arvey Paper, Mancini and Groesbeck, 107.5 the end, E-bay store, bobcat operator, Chick-fil-A manager, Circut city salesman and a gold cross handi-van diver.

Ten people to come along in our families since our marriage:

Rilee, Ashlee, Isaiah, Grace, Olivia, Luke, Logan P. Isaiac, Logan A. and Tara( She is not a grandchild but Steve's wife the next newest spouse in our two families)

Ten places we have lived since marriage:

Mark Twain, John and Kathy's Basement, house in t-ville, the Anderson's and our house in west Jordan. OK I know that is only five but there is two of us so a basic math review 2x5-=10

Ten years of great memories and experiences to last many peoples lifetimes. I am glad that we have made it this far and look forward to the rest of our lives together. It hasn't always been easy but I can say that it has always gotten better! I love you Beck and I really do think it as been ten years of true Bliss!

The New Swingset

So upon the request of my sister here is a picture of the swing set we just got. I was going to take a picture of it at home in the yard but I can't do it now. Isn't it beautiful? It is finally built after a week and about 30-35 hours of work and with the help of my Dad and Scott Sanders, Thanks for the help! The kids have liked it and have played on it some, but it has been so hot they have been limited somewhat. Grandma Randa brought over Logan and Isaiac to play for a while on Saturday and everyone seems to enjoy it. I would recommend it to anyone just don't ask me to help you build it cause I have had enough! Just kidding I would help if you need it. If anyone want to play they are welcome anytime!

Summer Goings On

Summer is almost over! The kids went back to school today and were excited to start second and fourth grades. We have had a busy summer and I haven't had time to post much so this might be a little long but I need to document all the events and fun that we have been up to. First off we had Steve and Tara's wedding in the back yard. It was a lot of work but it turned out well and we had great weather for the big day so the garden wedding was a success. We also went for a family outing to the copper mine. It was actually pretty fun. they have a museum at the visitors center with all kinds of cool stuff to look at and learn about. Isaiah liked the trucks and Rilee and Ashlee enjoyed reading about all the displays. Becky and the kids went to Lagoon, the Aviary and the Aquarium. They have also been to many other cool spots around the Valley. We also Got to go up to Brighton to stay in a cabin for a few days. We were lucky to have both sides of the family up and some friends also for a fun couple of says in the mountains. Hikes, games of crud, good food, good company and Guitar hero were had by all. The fourth of July and the 24th were filled with bbq's and family gatherings too many to number. All this fun into one little summer ( and you wonder why I haven't had time to blog lately).

Happy Birthday Smiles!

Well yesterday was Becks birthday, yep she's the big 30! I had to work so I didn't even get to do anything for her. So maybe this post will help her know that I was thinking about her and wishing I was home with her! She took the kids to the Tracy Aviary in the morning and then did some yard work while the kids swam in the wading pool. Here are some of the things I love about Beck in no particular order:

1-She can still make me laugh after 10 years.

2-She is the most caring and generous person I know

3-Her eyes are absolutely stunning to me! I could get hypnotised by those green beauties.

4-She is always busy doing something.

5-She not only has green eyes but she also has a green thumb. She is a amazing gardener!

6-She loves her kids!

7-She loves everyone unconditionally.

8-She is good at her job

9-She could find a way to make money selling poop if that was all she had to sell!

10-She loves candy. (Me too!)

11-She has a amazing smile!

12-She loves to sleep

13-She pulls weeds to relieve stress

14- She loves the mountains

15-She is a fantastic mom

16-She loves snakes and pretty much anything slimy or slithery

17-She loves to read

18- She is able to make friends anywhere she goes.

19-She is a good friend to many people

20-She would open her door to anyone in need

21-She is the best wife!

22-She is the hardest working person I know!

23-She puts up with me!

24-She loves all things green.

25-Even though she is thirty she doesn't look a day over 22 to me!

I could go on forever but I don't want to brag her up to much because then she'll realize that She could upgrade me in a heartbeat. But I just want Beck to know that I love her and hope her next 30 years are the best ones of her life and I am proud of her and am lucky to be your husband! I love you Babe!