tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84474311307207795052024-03-12T23:13:12.638-06:00Michael's JourneyA glimpse into the life of a husband, father, and soldier.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-22205675955796376622009-04-25T08:18:00.003-06:002009-04-25T08:31:27.792-06:00Injured, But Not So Bad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_mrpI1sChMVr37znixnhSsZ1v1v22SYCjc-EzoyavwzY7FDDtbmdS_TL8Vlzv3hkD9YafOKLk3WWzTtugDEqvXrG_TTuC11dRcg0tcZ5BLUpE1sBw-gAa1Tl6c9IOpdjZFrJFVeFI3s/s1600-h/SDC10907.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_mrpI1sChMVr37znixnhSsZ1v1v22SYCjc-EzoyavwzY7FDDtbmdS_TL8Vlzv3hkD9YafOKLk3WWzTtugDEqvXrG_TTuC11dRcg0tcZ5BLUpE1sBw-gAa1Tl6c9IOpdjZFrJFVeFI3s/s200/SDC10907.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328636237605109938" border="0" /></a>It's been a little bit since I wrote in my blog. I got hurt a week ago. We were on a dismounted patrol and got ambushed from 3 sides. The rounds were impacting around us, and one of the rounds fragmented. One of the fragments got stuck in my leg, which I ended up pulling out. Luckily it was small enough to not have made me get med-evaced. They ended up putting me in for a Purple Heart, which the LT signed off on, so I will be having an award ceremony soon.<br /><br />I can't wait to get home. I just have been getting pretty tired of being here, and away from my family. Kathy has been having to take care of our three kiddos who have been sick. Thankfully Mom and the family have been there to help as much as they can.<br /><br />I received word that the kids are now sleeping in my shirts. It was initially Peyton that KAthy allowed to wear my shirt, but then Broc became jealous, so she allowed him to as well. Kathy says it makes them feel really special. She told them that only special kids that I really love get to wear my shirts. Their response was obviously enthusiastic. I think it is pretty awesome that they like to wear my shirts in bed.<br /><br />Other than that, things have been pretty slow around here. I just can't wait to get home.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-30571879994120990592009-04-12T22:49:00.002-06:002009-04-12T22:53:09.365-06:00Happy Easter!Happy Easter everyone! I hope everyone has enjoyed their Easter Sunday. Things were pretty uneventful over here. The Chaplain provided an Easter service, and that's the extent of our celebration.<br /><br />I am expecting to get some awesome videos of the kids having an Easter Egg Hunt, and all the other fun stuff. They are getting to the fun age now, where they can actually participate from what I understand. Wish I could be there!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-32248039028980265492009-04-12T00:50:00.004-06:002009-04-12T01:09:34.676-06:00Weekly Top 2 StocksI have started my weekly Top 2 Stocks contribution. These stocks will be based on past performance in relation to future projections.<br /><br /> Apple Inc (AAPL) - Last Trade: $119.57 <span style="color:green;">(2.79%)</span><br />Apple has shown a competitive edge in their product lines. Their recent overwhelming defeat of the Zune has shown them to be a force to be reckoned with.<br /><br /> Iron Mountain Inc. (IRM) - Last Trade: $25.83 <span style="color:green;">(4.03%)</span><br />Iron Mountain has been a steady performer, even in recent market conditions. Their contracts in the office supply market provides them a buffer against short term market changes. Judging by past performance, I can see Iron Mountain reaching the mid $30s by next year.<br /><br />Do you have your top stocks that you would like to see mentioned here? Feel free to e-mail me at michamus@gmail.com with the title "Top 2 Stocks". Include a summary of why you chose the stock, and it could be mentioned here!Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-3515401481676222122009-04-11T23:42:00.003-06:002009-04-12T00:01:10.228-06:00Is it the Economy, or the Stock Market?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://royeidelson.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/wallstreet3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 168px; height: 136px;" src="http://royeidelson.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/wallstreet3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I have noticed that lately there has been a lot of talk about how the "Economy" is in a downturn. What I think is interesting though is that the reference provided in support of this viewpoint is of the Stock Market.<br /><br />I am not a particular expert when it comes to economics, but I know the difference between the Stock Market, and the Economy. The Stock Market relies heavily on the financial market, for the very fact that it is usually a credit based endeavor.<br /><br />This recent Stock Market downturn has been mainly due to the freezing up of credit flow, primarily due to the sub-prime mortgage bubble bursting. These banks lost billions of dollars on bad loans, which they needed to reallocate quickly. This means they needed to call in outstanding loans, rally up fresh capital, or sell stocks and bonds to infuse themselves enough to rebound.<br /><br />The obvious result was a little bit of the first, and the last. This created a huge stall in the Stock Market with the mass sale of shares at lower prices. With this massive move out, enough shareholders were spooked to follow suit, creating a domino effect, bringing the whole market down.<br /><br />What is my point you ask? I personally have not seen any actual atypical changes in the Economy. Businesses that were credit dependent folded due to lack of credit availability. These were weaker businesses anyway. I haven't seen a single business fail of late, that wasn't already trending to failure.<br /><br />An example would be GM. GM has been selected against for many years now due to their inability to adapt to changing economic demands. Simply put, consumers want cheap, small, fuel-efficient vehicles, which is everything GM isn't. The failure to adapt has always been the theme of a "survive or die" world.<br /><br />I would say that to equate the Stock Market with the Economy is a gross misrepresentation of our economy. A vast majority of jobs and commerce is provided by small businesses. Businesses that aren't public, so they can't be found on Wall Street. These businesses are not seen in Stock Reports, which means those same reports will never be a true representation of our Economy.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-58447912440580441972009-04-11T23:28:00.003-06:002009-04-11T23:42:18.232-06:00Leave is behind meLeave was excellent. All I can say is that I wish I had more time to spend with my family. I was amazed at how much the kids had grown. Peyton's development has improved dramatically thanks mostly to Kathy's desire to get her enrolled in pre-school. She has improved her language skills to a much greater level than before. Her vocabulary has increased quite a bit.<br /><br />Broc has become a big dude. He and I had all kinds of fun playing with his trains, cars, and just hanging out. I could tell he was very happy I was home. I was very impressed with his development as well. The guy is very smart and has quite the vocabulary. He and Peyton love running around and playing with each other. They do get in the occasional fights, but those are usually quickly resolved from parental interference in the form of a time out.<br /><br />Hunter is a very handsome fella. It was nice to finally get to know the guy. He has a very sharp intellect for a 9 month old kid. Despite his should difficulties he has been learning to crawl, and from I have heard, he has taken his first step! This guy has no concept of quiting. I can tell he is going to be a very inspiring person.<br /><br />I wonder how many dads actually look up to their sons? I can tell you that I honestly look up to both of my boys. I can only hope that I can help them in their paths to manhood, in whatever way I can. My children have certainly humbled me.<br /><br />I think the person I enjoyed spending time with the most though was Kathy. I had been apart from her so long, I had forgotten what it was like to have her by my side. It was awesome being able to just discuss things with her. I love how she listens to me, and understands me. It's really nice having her to go to when the world doesn't seem to care.<br /><br />Coming home for leave has deepened my appreciation for my family. I am certainly looking forward to coming home soon, and getting to have my family again.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-65280015755512955562009-02-08T05:17:00.001-07:002009-02-08T06:39:41.186-07:00CloserEvery day I am that much closer to coming home for mid tour leave. It is extremely exciting. So much has changed at home, it will take me awhile to catch up. Peyton is growing in leaps and bounds, especially with Pre-school and a very attentative mommy. Broc's arm is out of his cast, and Hunter is well... Hunter. I can't wait to come home and be with my family.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-40968914301314957742009-02-06T02:15:00.002-07:002009-02-06T02:27:38.468-07:00Bailout billI am appalled at the latest Bailout bill congress is considering. The last bill of $700b has yet to be completely spent and congress is begging for more. What is this next package going to cost? 850,000,000,000 dollars. What is interesting about all this is that no one in the media is asking where this money is coming from. I can only imagine the ungodly amount of interest we are going to have to pay for this loan. Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-69284874842703152862009-01-21T08:01:00.002-07:002009-01-21T08:14:28.853-07:00Long time no blogWow! It has certainly been awhile since my last blog. I have been extremely busy, so I haven't had much time to blog. My perspective on life has completely changed. I have been deployed for 7 months now. I have learned to appreciate the ones you love, and that life is all too short. Too many of my friends have died here, and sometimes it is hard to bear. I know their sacrifices were not in vain though. My Pashtu has been improving considerably. I can make basic conversation now, including requesting patient information and such. We have an excellent interpreter that has been very patient in helping me understand the language and culture.<br /><br />Where I am located now is much more calm than my previous assignments. It took me about a month to calm and realize we don't get attacked often. I had become used to constant fighting, and medic duties, and hadn't realized it. I should be going on mid-tour leave in about 1 1/2 months, which I am very much looking forward to. I can only imagine how much the kids have grown and matured. I miss Kathy all the time, and there isn't a day that doesn't go by without me thinking of her.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-65241320197285279752008-11-13T07:08:00.005-07:002008-11-27T13:06:10.766-07:00Invasion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXtU1oN3DSXA73Lg5oGAzqtBGeBgSBTf7xCj8cRKWEJNwNrX9EHlSKYKKrxbN0vhI2Ef24bCON5kELqdleSnNssbWmy5sM-j3RPSr4mOM6FdGhtUmyHAlwYjG2DqHJgewoDRQ3Iyb2qs/s1600-h/PICT0001.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXtU1oN3DSXA73Lg5oGAzqtBGeBgSBTf7xCj8cRKWEJNwNrX9EHlSKYKKrxbN0vhI2Ef24bCON5kELqdleSnNssbWmy5sM-j3RPSr4mOM6FdGhtUmyHAlwYjG2DqHJgewoDRQ3Iyb2qs/s200/PICT0001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268169084530824386" /></a>It is with a heavy heart, and a sad soul, that I inform everyone that our outpost has been invaded by cats. We have identified that there are three cats. There is a mother, and 2 kittens (pictured). We help keep them fed, as they are excellent at hunting mice and rats, which plague the area. Not to mention they help morale by quite a bit. Nothing like having a cat come up to you on a glum day.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-33568942160458943562008-11-05T05:39:00.003-07:002008-11-27T13:06:10.768-07:00Obama has been elected<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgZsK7zRZtaB6wi-fNR57IURV-KKuXbB4hTD0rPSQ-WsWr-p2vs2RdBZZroLVhi_pJrkt7Nv-2EWNIMuIWva78kTV5kyt1-8BgtM2sqNs1H2uuk7GIdtQWZ257dCChdsMJuTsK3_Wp-g/s1600-h/barack-obama-official-small.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgZsK7zRZtaB6wi-fNR57IURV-KKuXbB4hTD0rPSQ-WsWr-p2vs2RdBZZroLVhi_pJrkt7Nv-2EWNIMuIWva78kTV5kyt1-8BgtM2sqNs1H2uuk7GIdtQWZ257dCChdsMJuTsK3_Wp-g/s200/barack-obama-official-small.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265174105508405122" /></a>Barack Hussein Obama has been elected as the next President of the United States of America. I find it very interesting that he won by such an overwhelming majority. He received well over 66% of the electoral votes. It seems the majority of Americans want him as the next president. <div><br /></div><div>I have a line of thought that I came up with today on this topic though. A majority of people are aware of the question of Barack Obama's qualification as President in that he may not be a "Natural Born Citizen". I am thinking that he isn't as he has yet to release an original certificate of live birth. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would imagine that this will be discovered, but seeing as the Senate and House are well controlled by the Democratic Party, they have the required votes to overturn an amendment. This means that the "Natural Born Citizen" clause could very well be removed from our Constitution, thus allowing anyone of the appropriate age, and period of residency to run for President.</div><div><br /></div><div>With this, I am predicting Arnold Schwarzenegger will be running for President on the next election. I suppose we will see how this will all pan out though.</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-42146948875736311552008-11-04T20:53:00.003-07:002008-11-27T13:06:10.768-07:00Election DayThe polls are coming in, and this race is looking like it will be very close. Obama is being reported with 207 with CNN having gratiously giving him several states that have not even reported. It is obvious they are trying to inflate voter confidence in Obama in a last ditch effort to sway still neutral voters. McCain (predictably) is only being appropriated votes for the states that he has secured. They have been doing this for the last week or two. I imagine the drama will be quite overwhelming.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-7838788497301196612008-11-04T20:48:00.001-07:002008-11-27T13:06:10.769-07:00Post-SurgeryI haven't had a chance to talk to Kathy directly yet, but Mom says she is doing well. I am glad to hear everything went smoothly. We are hoping that this appendicitis has been causing the issues she has been experiencing for the last couple of months. Only time will tell though.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-35180541492438457182008-11-04T10:37:00.006-07:002008-11-27T13:06:10.769-07:00SurgeryKathy is going into surgery today, and boy am I stressed out. She has an inflammed appendix and they are going to have to remove it. It's a fairly standard procedure, but I'm sure it's not unusual for a husband to be concerned about the woman loves needing surgery. Prayer and a strong testimony are a great companion at times like these.<div><br /></div><div>On a cheerful note I am scheduled to leave for mid-tour leave on the 12th, and arrive in the States on the 15th. We are all very excited, and I can't wait to get home to my family. I miss my wife, kids, mom, dad, brothers, and sisters a lot (not to mention our close family friends). It will be cool to be able to see alot of the extended family as well on thanksgiving. Uncle David and Aunt Sandy are going to be renting a house in Utah again, which means it will be quite a big event. I am very much looking forward to it.</div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-58846438180180241972008-10-22T15:28:00.004-06:002008-11-27T13:06:10.771-07:00The Big 4 Months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt_n5e9Cr4PGypG3oq6s2NrumAfA-zjYvi77p5Lbtb2TXeN9ViqAa-9gzJTw6vQ_kzspRpm_qoGwuWMzPTuxyOprvoJ8GlYGbFRy_okHkeHdGdKXTqviZIpZAqZLxhsgogk8NCBaPl6o/s1600-h/Smiling.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdt_n5e9Cr4PGypG3oq6s2NrumAfA-zjYvi77p5Lbtb2TXeN9ViqAa-9gzJTw6vQ_kzspRpm_qoGwuWMzPTuxyOprvoJ8GlYGbFRy_okHkeHdGdKXTqviZIpZAqZLxhsgogk8NCBaPl6o/s200/Smiling.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260094746484295490" /></a>Hunter is now officially 4 Months Old. Isn't he a handsome devil? From what I understand he spent most his day travelling around with Kathy. He is certainly getting big. He wears '6 month old' size clothes, and they fit him comfortably. I can imagine this guy is going to be quite strong, just like his big brother.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-87242186754339784772008-10-22T00:20:00.006-06:002008-11-27T13:06:10.772-07:00Afghanistan Slideshow<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre; font-family:Arial;font-size:9px;"><div style="width:320px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w124.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w124.photobucket.com/albums/p7/michamus/ec70c7d0.pbw" height="240" width="320"></embed></div></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here is a slideshow of some of the pictures I have taken of </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Afghanistan so far.</span></span></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-41485875225071570782008-10-21T08:05:00.004-06:002008-11-27T13:06:10.773-07:00Afghanistan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHisEoFJcSTq1TuhWwuJLiF6UyNxMYvs-5ZCx_UzaZCQ2GmQUQK5zRagCovI8JMHWXT9ASad-tYG8PC2oVD6999xj5axogTpaA5x1boTDyjfQ1yRssQrql9oW6mhRSN3iHype-POazTI/s1600-h/afghanistan-valley.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHisEoFJcSTq1TuhWwuJLiF6UyNxMYvs-5ZCx_UzaZCQ2GmQUQK5zRagCovI8JMHWXT9ASad-tYG8PC2oVD6999xj5axogTpaA5x1boTDyjfQ1yRssQrql9oW6mhRSN3iHype-POazTI/s200/afghanistan-valley.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259654141209492434" /></a><br />The Kunar Province of Afghanistan is remarkable. I have been here for many months and the landscape still amazes me. In Northern Afghanistan the dominant language is Pashto. I have been learning this language slowly, as it is quite alien from our own. I have a vocabulary of about 100 words, and I am still learning. I feel silly when I talk to the locals as I am sure I sound like a caveman. It is normal with Pashtuns to be extremely polite, so the embarrassment of my repeated failures on pronunciation are non-existent. The majority of the locals hate the Taliban as much as we do, and absolutely love America. The translators are always asking questions about America and what they need to do to move there. I receive about 5 or 6 offers to convert to Islam a day. The surprise is quite apparent when they ask me "shta muslim sari" (You muslim man?) and I respond with "Zh Nah Muslim" (I am not Muslim). They cannot believe that someone so willing to help muslims would not be a muslim himself. I have even been told that I would go to hell if I didn't convert, and that they honestly did not want that fate for me. They are a very sincere people, so I do not doubt their motives. I kindly tell them that I am not concerned with whether or not I will go to hell, and that I am more concerned about what I can do to make this world a better place. That seems to baffle them even more.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-82738154630847962912008-10-21T01:40:00.004-06:002008-11-27T13:06:10.773-07:00Kathy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbixo9he5Gxoc_fx3uNINzGyuebwAULK-SdHyRVUOZWT_J2ktHIKG8LYA4pHvdBMqGhuL3e31ezlr-o_8UP061y0TEbpzXRzE0OL0bUjcXz-sgh3czWIH03Dd1QhNp94Wb5cQyom31XY8/s1600-h/Kathy-Broc2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbixo9he5Gxoc_fx3uNINzGyuebwAULK-SdHyRVUOZWT_J2ktHIKG8LYA4pHvdBMqGhuL3e31ezlr-o_8UP061y0TEbpzXRzE0OL0bUjcXz-sgh3czWIH03Dd1QhNp94Wb5cQyom31XY8/s200/Kathy-Broc2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260713570000990418" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqdpxhbikXswIppTrneoiQKbxBEgFtsI7uPHil8hny1VWaTqHGrHgaZLstEaf3oBq2l1Emy8AxqTpZRdUB7l3TRLJyTIfXW25EOrj7_5VU9D0zQz3AWSgKlt7XAuPx74HQZRvXEapYqw/s200/Kathy-Broc1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 188px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260713315395667794" /><div style="text-align: left;">Kathy and I have been married for almost 5 years now. We have known eachother for nearly 8 years. We are very much in love with eachother, and our 3 wonderful children. This deployment has been difficult, but we have rarely been strangers to being in a situation of geographical seperation. It seems the fates have it in our lot to love eachother from afar. I remember the first time I saw Kathy. She went up in a testimony meeting and shared her feelings on the Gospel and the Book of Mormon. All I can remember is her saying "It's a really good book." I was dating a girl named Sarah V. at the time and asked her who that girl was. She said that Kathy was a "very bad girl." Interesting I was to end up marrying that "very bad girl" and find out what she truly is, a pearl of infinite worth. We didn't actually meet until a few months later at a Quad-Stake dance. Sarah and I had recently broken up, and I was in no mood to socialize. Kathy (un-beknownst to me at the time) was upset with her controlling boyfriend and decided to sit and talk with me because I looked lonely. She and I talked about video games (We were and still are gamers) and other things. We became immediate friends and stayed that way for some time. Then things started to happen. Katie (my Sister) was interested in this guy named Ben. With our religion (LDS) we are required to go on double dates, and she needed someone to go with, so she asked me if I would go, if she hooked me up with a blind date. I obliged. The blind date was a girl named Jamie and was fairly fun, but I didn't feel any friendship potential with her. I told Katie the only way I would go on another double-date was if I got to choose my next date. I asked Kathy and she accepted. We had a blast for several months hanging out as friends, and then it just slowly grew until we decided we wanted to spend all eternity with one another. Kathy and I have been through a lot together, and there is no one I think I can trust more. I only hope that one day the fates will bless us with the ability to spend more than a few months together at a time.<br /></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-46880093629294791642008-10-21T01:33:00.005-06:002008-11-27T13:06:10.774-07:00Peyton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZAmKiRMPyknxiax25liplSjD59k4Hc4MQRF9_seYJqaPk8MTD3reQPkhfcB9vaC27ZXMQAhjPnMtw3WoMAO3gejMAGXYzNlqQQNvI1wivVibyUb6Xhb-DiGdyS6_0dHD92uvfGcRYOQ/s1600-h/Play-Doh.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifZAmKiRMPyknxiax25liplSjD59k4Hc4MQRF9_seYJqaPk8MTD3reQPkhfcB9vaC27ZXMQAhjPnMtw3WoMAO3gejMAGXYzNlqQQNvI1wivVibyUb6Xhb-DiGdyS6_0dHD92uvfGcRYOQ/s200/Play-Doh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259508714371245218" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7N0aahAm_kCyApZSNSXLAJdY0JbPMt8IZbDd7yzEQsVDx9VHoZsZKm5EBtTGIRsG0Py-njBL7-e-WOaeomztCWbGfka7bVF9ds03zua5NpOHerzjH0yHA_UW9fmhnZW5tcL6vvrMoOo/s200/On-Sams-Bed.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259508716832248866" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB1ssMB-ofZhEay2ExbqArwiJdg1vpWsTakFif_s_nz6Iv0vJrIPtVh7vVUF-rW3SAdBr9FekoFUoE00NRV4kMBbfhtjo9I4vpkqIIzKZszHOR-eq-6Z0765YL0H3VpfKMUFUcxHNyKn4/s200/Sitting-Among-Flowers.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259508720711075010" /></span></div>Peyton is our oldest child and only daughter. She is, as my wife says: "Daddy's little girl". I don't know what it is, but there is a powerful bond between Father and Daughter. I remember a year or two ago, we were going up to Grams' and Opa's house for a visit. We needed to stop for some fuel and it was a warm sunny day, so we had the windows down. Peyton was sitting at the Rear Driver's side, and was looking at me as I was refueling the Saturn (Georgina). I looked at her, and she looked up at me, tilted her head, and asked in a clear voice "God?" I couldn't help but laugh and say "Not exactly". Kathy just laughed and said, give it another 15 years and she will do the same thing, but only say "Satan?".<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.baby-gaga.com/"><img border="0" alt="baby development" src="http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/bunbunavi20051016_-8_Peyton+is.png" /></a><br /></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-12856455535757625862008-10-21T00:47:00.006-06:002008-11-27T13:06:10.774-07:00Broc<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KYMoVoV6UCrwAvkMvxCJbm6tw9L6Ti_ET-d0Va6Rt8kn0KaDE1P4HgqYFKK5ImhI4CZuo35Uu-aGZR4u8LUtGh0TF_zp4xwJRILENXw8OA103fG37NQ-Z-4BSx2DX-JiZJ_VMI3B0T8/s200/Standing-Smile.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259499372495579106" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqrv9RaNMoQzAnm6OE6F5Je8vNxEzDWUlHrZfBqnSS_AKHCdO40cTXJ5x1qIf53h7uS39XYzgmm2U3jb-PxtMFA7O5T7JFTRrcaybEf7nq5DuAsiyAQjvRkvwD7jXHtH7eJ6p1HFcAdE/s1600-h/On-Pillow.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqrv9RaNMoQzAnm6OE6F5Je8vNxEzDWUlHrZfBqnSS_AKHCdO40cTXJ5x1qIf53h7uS39XYzgmm2U3jb-PxtMFA7O5T7JFTRrcaybEf7nq5DuAsiyAQjvRkvwD7jXHtH7eJ6p1HFcAdE/s200/On-Pillow.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259499366055961202" /></a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlHTMY2B4ChdQuckjR_JLiRjVcF3Nvqw5hXiPD9QFBicPEXVHcV0NiAiVTXYfhD457dZsWJW4Q27WjvZgESi0vCghJneAwYIR-FellZzDKwTQrmS54oafha1L3BJh-o_nAK4ufAtAOy4/s200/Tux.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259499376625453378" /><div>Broc is my first son of two. He is in the difficult 'middle child' position, which leads me to believe he will be the glue between the three. Broc and I have a very close relationship. I have many memories of rough-housing with him, and just hanging out. I can tell from Kathy's observations that this deployment has been really hard on him. He is always looking for me saying "Dada" and other things. He has a very strong personality and can be quite sensitive to others. He and Peyton pal around all the time.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baby-gaga.com/"><img border="0" alt="baby" src="http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/eleeleabu20070320_-8_Broc+is.png" /></a><br /></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-33257433091833814112008-10-21T00:41:00.006-06:002008-11-27T13:06:10.775-07:00Hunter<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNQEDtMmEScdD8ZsXEHe2SKK3TWbfxfTjGDCKVUooG69EJyFtr526_dLxxKAf3BwUPy1w3g0hSX0SndwwWqZ22fmzYtrVvO5Lyc7KrhBL3LYroqHidZOqFJuj7SuhgLJZcxOdz2Scv2Y/s200/Young.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259506733294765154" /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZBUSz3H261Hg_mjS47Ycl_NZbNEs609VnJxjLuV8pqNm8VybiPryJ-5n82zfUfE9ogQOD-3KPt8cNQC4N1R7q4q_mLbGtiGnRgIEJ04H_Vu3N7G8fiyFtX9R0naTpUaJIHPdLxxagDo/s1600-h/Hunter-Sitting-on-couch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ZBUSz3H261Hg_mjS47Ycl_NZbNEs609VnJxjLuV8pqNm8VybiPryJ-5n82zfUfE9ogQOD-3KPt8cNQC4N1R7q4q_mLbGtiGnRgIEJ04H_Vu3N7G8fiyFtX9R0naTpUaJIHPdLxxagDo/s200/Hunter-Sitting-on-couch.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259506733325594178" /></a><div style="text-align: left;">I have been watching my children grow like weeds, through photographs. Broc and Peyton have grown so much since I remember them. My youngest son (Hunter) and I have only briefly met. I had the luxury of spending alot of time with Peyton during her infancy, as well as a good portion of Broc's. From what it seems though, he is quite the feeder. It seems I can't speak with Kathy for more than an hour before that guy needs a refill. Kathy says he reminds her of me quite a bit. I often imagine how great it will be when I finally get to spend some time with him and create an actual connection with him.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.baby-gaga.com/"><img border="0" alt="baby" src="http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/dogdogadg20080622_-8_Hunter+is.png" /></a><br /></div></div>Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8447431130720779505.post-46453744008206816602008-10-21T00:36:00.004-06:002008-11-27T13:15:36.687-07:00My first entryWell, this is my first blog entry, ever. I have been in Afghanistan now for over 4 months serving as the chief medic on a small Combat Outpost. You can see the Kunar river from where we are at, and the mountains that seem to be walls jetting above it. We have the luxury of climbing these mountains for various tactical reasons. I miss my family very much and I am looking forward to spending time with them. It's funny how being away from the ones you love, only makes you realize how much you have taken them for granted.Michaelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03598837652391367767noreply@blogger.com0