I'm OK. I Don't Need To Be Talked Off The Ledge!

The 2009 USC Trojan Football Team in front of Heritage Hall which houses 11 National Football Championship trophies and 7 Heisman trophies

Supporting a team that wins is fun. Supporting one that wins often is more fun. Supporting a team that wins regularly simply ROCKS! There is just one problem...inevitably they will lose. It is natural law. What goes up, must come down. Boy, when you come down, there are soooo many at the bottom waiting to talk to you! Most of them are anxious to attempt to ruffle your feathers. After all, they haven't had the opportunity to do so in such a long time. Misery does enjoy company and they want you to be miserable too! For two reasons, I typically won't talk smack in the midst of success; 1) Why do so? Focus on the positive. Let your smack talk happen on the scoreboard and in the heads of the losers. They know they are losers. There is no reason to pound the point home. 2) I am smart enough to know that one day we will be in their spot and I hope they will be gracious winners as I have been. Now, with that said, I throw those two rules out the window and will happily talk smack on UCL-Lame any day. HAHA! Sorry, Timbo!

We interrupt this blog to announce that Urban Crier has retired early. Please direct all attention and sympathies his direction. Now back to your programming.

The flip side is that there are always that group of fans, like me, that feel bad when your team suffers. These are typically fans of other dominant teams. I think it is somewhat comical because they are always quick to make sure you are okay, as if I was literally on the ledge of a high rise building trying to gain the courage to jump! To them, let me send this message. I'm OK. I don't need to be talked off the ledge. I am a dear fan, but even I realize it is just a game.

We interrupt this blog again to announce that Urban Crier is no longer retiring, but is simply taking a leave of absence. Apparently his narcissistic personality did not receive enough attention the first time. Please send letters, flowers and congratulatory praises to Urban Crier Attention to The University of Florida. Now back to your scheduled programming.

USC had their worst season of the decade and finished 9-4 without a BCS bowl. While I was obviously not happy with the outcome. There are several reasons why I am "OK" with the outcome.

1. SC played a tremendously difficult schedule. Possibly the most difficult. They played four teams that were ranked in the top 10 at the time and beat three of them. The biggest point is that all four of those teams were played ON THE ROAD! In places like "The Horseshoe", Notre Dame Stadium and Autzen Stadium, three of the most difficult places to play on the road in the entire nation! They also played five other PAC TEN teams that at one point or another were ranked in the season. Five of the teams they played finished the regular season in the top 25. Tough schedule!
2. They lost a total of 12 players to the NFL draft last year. 9 of which were defensive. Anyone knows that Defense wins ball games. We were extremely inexperienced this year. We definitely have the talent, but not the experience and maturity.
3. Freshman quarterback Matt Barkley is going to be something magical. There is no doubt about it. However for now, he is just that...a true freshman quarterback. He will only get better.
4. Pride in the schedule. SC doesn't take the same path more trodden as the Big 10 (really eleven), SEC or sometimes even the Big 12, by scheduling patsy, Division II or directional schools like University of Louisiana Monroe (Texas), Charleston Southern (Florida and Alabama), Northern Texas (Alabama), Chattanooga (Alabama), etc. Instead, they scheduled a highly ranked Ohio State, and a ranked Notre Dame. The PAC Ten don't play that way, and I for one, take pride in that. I hope they don't ever succumb to the pressures created by a weak BCS system and change this policy.
5. No Coaches. Pete Carroll replaced his Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Quarterback Coach, Defensive Line Coach, Cornerbacks Coach, and Special Teams Coordinator all in one year. What's worse is that the previous coaches all went to coach for teams that SC would play and it proved effective against them as was seen in the Washington loss.
6. 9-4 is not a bad season. If 9-4 has become the low point in a program, you are doing great! About now, UCLA would kill for a 9-4 record. OUCH! Historically, THE University of Southern California is the most storied and successful program of all time. Once again, SC has put together the greatest team of the decade. Arguments can be made for other teams as well, but just to be in the argument speaks volumes regarding the success of Pete Carroll, USC and the Men of Troy.

We interrupt this list to announce that Urban Crier will be back at the helm of UF next year. In an attempt to get more recognition and attention he would like everyone to refer to the off-season as "leave of absence" from this point forward.

Sorry about all the interruptions. Where was I...oh, yeah! I am glad the season is over. Am I happy that SC had what amounts to a mediocre season...not really, but maybe a little. A wise man once said, "There must needs be an opposition in all things". Losing makes winning taste sweeter. Winning cannot be taken for granted. It should be fought for valiantly and then graciously accepted, but never expected and undervalued. SC had a great run, but the run is not over. I believe the path has become more difficult, but 2009 will prove to be but a speed bump in the road. Fight On Trojans! FIGHT ON!!!

Sunday's Talk

They say that often the speaker or teacher learns more than the recipient. This was the case for me on Sunday, meaning I am sure that I got more out of preparing my talk than anyone did listening to it. I am definitely not the first person who should lecture or teach about repentance. It was a difficult subject to speak on. I typically choose a more fun approach to delivering talks, but this issue is one that should not be treated lightly. I hope it was well received. I know it was by me.

Good day brothers and sisters. It is good to be with you this afternoon. I am happy that my wife and daughter are here to support me as well. I hope each of you enjoyed a fun filled and safe holiday. More importantly, I hope you paused to reflect on the Savior's birth, life, death and resurrection. Thanks to this speaking assignment, I know I did. Incidentally, the last three talks I have given in the last year or so, I have had to prepare while on vacation. I prepared one talk in Puerto Rico, one talk in Mexico and this time, I prepared my talk while my family celebrated Christmas in the mountains near Ogden Valley!

It was so beautiful there and we were anxious to make memories with our loved ones. Once we arrived, some time before the rest of the family, we quickly unpacked. I was excited to get the presents under the tree so we could enjoy the excitement on the faces of my young nephews as they arrived to find the neatly stacked gifts wrapped in shiny paper with beautiful bows. As each new family arrived they brought with them gifts and packages and placed them under the tree next to ours. And they came. And they brought more and more presents until they gifts rose to the size of a small mountain under and next to the tree.

At some point, I became frustrated. Frustrated that I had "bought into" the commercialism of Christmas. While I understand that the gifts were given in the spirit of soooo much love, I still couldn't help to wonder if we, society as a whole and myself included, had become totally oblivious to this crazy run away train called Christmas. I have a little bit of "hippy" or "soul surfer" in me and I feel this side of me becoming stronger with each year I grow older. It seems like I struggle with this more and more each year during this season. I debate thoughts of abandoning the holiday as we celebrate it today and instead make it one of pure service; instead of gifts, acts of kindness, time and thought. Of course the reality is that gifts allow us to show kindness. They take time and some gifts require a great deal of thought and preparation. I understand the concept of gift giving is divine. We still must choose to focus and not lose sight each Christmas of the pure meaning of the holiday and gift giving; that of the gift of a Son, by our Heavenly Father. A Son that would provide many gifts to us, out of kindness, consideration and great sacrifice. Ultimately the gift of His life in death which was followed by His resurrection.

My family has a tradition of opening gifts Christmas morning one at a time. Of course, this delays the discovery of what Santa or loved-ones may have gotten for us, but the process allows the necessary time to enjoy the gift and, more importantly, appropriately express our gratitude to the giver. Each of us have undoubtedly given a gift to someone that maybe didn't appreciate the gift or didn't know how to properly express their gratitude. While this may sting at times, it is okay. We give gifts for reasons other than praise and thanks. It is a little more stinging to give a gift that maybe the recipient doesn't want or doesn't use. Some recipients may offer lip service regarding their love for the gift, but then promptly put it aside when the giver has departed. As I prepared my talk early Christmas morning, I pondered the Savior's life and this question; "How must Christ feel?" How does He feel knowing He has offered the world the most amazing gifts ever, that of freedom from death and freedom from sin? I know the gift of resurrection is one that we have no choice to receive or reject, but how does He feel when we choose not to accept the gift of His atonement for our sins. How does He feel when we offer lip service and draw near unto Him with our tongues, but then deny the power of the atonment to take full affect in our lives by repenting. If there was ever a gift to be appreciated and enjoyed and used to it's fullext capability, it surely must be this gift, the gift of repentance.

Jesus spoke to his people in darkness, "Yeah, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me, ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me." In the last general conference, Elder Anderson spoke of repentance and pointed out that the "scriptures speak of His arms being open, extended, stretched out and encircling. They are described as mighty and holy, arms of mercy, arms of safety, arms of love, lengthened out all the day long." The Lord's desier that we come unto him and be wrapped in His arms is an invitation to repent as is explained by Alma in the Book of Mormon, "Behold, He sendeth an invitation to all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: repent and I will receive you."

Elder Anderson simply explains, "When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back towards God." Luckily, "the invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to 'Re-Turn' to God." Heavenly Father desires us to taste the fruit of love and the fruit of perfection through repentance. He will forgive those who seek it with a sincere desire. "Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience." For most, repentance is more of a journey than a one time event. it is not easy. To change is difficult, but it can be done. Repentance is turning away from some things and turning towards other things. it is "re-turning" to God.

Seeking forgiveness is rarely a simple task. It takes courage, humility and faith. Repentance may require an uncomfortable conversation with your Bishop. It may require long periods of painful remorse or a period of prayerful repentance. It may require a simple change of habits or behavior. Change is difficult for most and nearly impossible for others, but change is necessary in the quest to become Christlike. Always remember these two things...Firstly, as I stated before, repentance is more a journey than a one time event. Whatever you do, take heed to the words of Alma to each of us, "And now, my brethren, I wish from the inmost part of my heart, yea with great anxiety even unto pain, that ye would hearken not unto my words, and cast off your sins and not procrastinate the day of your repentance. The time is now. there are no benefits in waiting to turn over this leaf. It is one of such importance and weight, or as Almas says, "Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point." In other words, there is no better time than the present.

Secondly, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Your Elder Brother has felt your pain. Christ declared, "I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands." Listen as he speaks directly to YOU and ME regarding this great sacrifice, "I have engraven THEE upon the palms of my hands." On the slope of the Mount of Olives, Christ suffered for each of us so that we may gain compassion, empathy and understanding regarding the pains suffered by us. Without that atonement, we would be forever lost in our sins. We would never experience a release from the bonds of spiritual death. With Christ's pending death and resurrection, He knew that we would also be resurrected and be forever doomed to suffer for our sins. He knew from the beginning that there must be a way provided for each of us to shed the burden of our sins so that we may have the opportunity to become perfect. thus, he bled from every pore in the Garden of Gethsemane.

In this sacrifice, this perfect man, who knew not the woes of sin, gained the perfect knowledge of what sin did to mankind. The feelings included in the sin itself, the emotions of struggling to make the decisions to sin or not to sin, and most important, the soul wrecking after-affects of the sin. This allews Him to have mercy on us so that we may be forgiven by Him. He has engraven each of us upon the palms of His hands. This is the greatest gift of all. Let us not be like so many others and fain appreciation for this gift. let us not be that ungrateful recipient. Let us show our gratitude for Him, but not with lip service. Let us take advantage of this gift. We must repent daily, weekly and each time we err. We must resign now to make this our commitment.

This time of the year is special. We are perfectly primed to make repentance part of our daily lives. In November, we are reminded of our many blessings as we celebrate Thanksgiving. We spend December reflecting on the birth and life of Christ and in January, we ponder the accomplishments of yesteryear and set goals for the next. The goals we set should be such that we progress in areas of Health, Wealth, Mental Capacity and Spritual Growth. What better time than now to set this goal of repentance and begin or renew our efforts to become perfect in Christ. If we do so, we will progress toward the goal of perfecton and over time, we just may get there. The most important thing to do is to simply progress. "Don't be discouraged. If you are striving and working to repent, you are in the process of repenting."

Perfection is clearly impossible as it is our nature to make mistakes and it is the plan of our Heavenly Father ot make such mistakes so that we may learn and grom from experience. Perfection is possible in Christ. He has paved for us the way with the example of His perfect life. He then bridged the gap for us with His atonement and suffered for each of our sins. When we take advange of this great gift, our sins are forgiven. Though our garments are red as scarlet, through Him, they may be white as snow. When I was fifteen I attended a youth conference where the Spirit touched me. I wrote a poem about Christ. The poem was not great and forgettable, but the closing line stated my understanding of the atonement. "With every sin I've yet to bore, causes my Savior to suffer more. I hope that in my future life, I ease my Elder Brother's strife." I would like to ease His suffereing. I can do so by minimizing my mistakes. I know my efforts to do so are appreciated by Him. I would like to believe that when I repent of my sins, that through Him, they are no more and thus somehow reverse His suffering. Of course, this is the gospel according to Q, but a wonderful thought none the less.

I know my Heavenly Father loves me. I see evidence of His love for me in everything I see. I know my Redeemer lives. I know their love for me is intense. I know they want happiness for me and there is no happiness to be found in sin. I know the atonement is real. it is my prayer that this New Year we each make a renewed effort to seek Their forgivenss and repent of our sins so that we may progress toward eternal life with them. In Christ's name, Amen.

A Little More Christmas Cheer

Here are some more Christmas pics. I hope your season was bright.

How can you not have a bright holiday season with this little one around?!

Cole, the wise man

Cole on the left and Elijah on the right

Her Christmas best

My two loves

Ready for the snow

Jake loves his cousin, Leah and is helping her down the stairs.

"I can't put down my arms!"

Leah's happiness in the snow was short lived.

Merry Christmas from the Trospers!

Mya getting ready to rip!

Josh and Cole after a gnarly shred session

Scott with his new Norwegian Baby containment system. He is going to market it on ebay.

Sarah and her new pajamas

Leah the red-nosed reindeer!

Chrismas Morning! Santa came! Santa came!

"Ho!Ho!Ho!" A pimps autobiography

Of course if you spend hundreds of dollars on gifts for Leah, she will prefer the wrapping paper, boxes, bags or tubes.

A nap after a long day

Macy and Abby. These two were so fun to watch (or listen to) sled. They were brave and funny. They would scream and giggle the whole way down the hill.

Sarah did good at sledding. Me? Not so much.

Cole always preferred to not know where he was going

Molly and Cole getting air.

Elijah flying high.

Our beautiful cabin.

Molly and Cole wiping out

Whew! They survived.

God Bless Us Everyone!

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas

And a Happy New Year!

Wow! For someone who had a hard time getting into the spirit of Christmas, I sure dove in head first this week! We first celebrated with Molly and Duane Reed as we went to the Conference Center Concert with Natalie Cole. This was an amazing show in an amazing venue. We took Trax into Salt Lake City and back again. Sorry I don't have any pictures of that wonderful night. We figured the boys would like it so we made plans to do it again; this time to see the temple square lights. We then celebrated at work and that was fun, though I have no pictures of that either. I received some great gifts from my employees which was way too much. Even though I don't need gifts, it was nice of those that gave me gifts to let me know I was appreciated. Simply awesome. I work with the best people.

Of course, we should never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. Every year I get more disgusted with society and even myself as we tend to get sucked into the commercialism of the holiday. Every year I have thoughts of abandoning the holiday altogether. I would never do that of course as I realize that the spirit of giving, even if misguided, misdirected or mismanaged, is still a good thing. Nonetheless, it is important to reflect on the purpose of the season, which is to celebrate the life and birth of Christ.

These are not really Christmas photos, but I had to put them on here anyway. Leah has learned to fold her arms and is fairly accurate on when she should do so. In this pic it worked out pretty good as she is using her new found skill to help keep her modest.

What a doll! This was taken after our ward Christmas party which was simply phenomenal! The effort and thought that went into this was tops...as it usually is in our ward. (sorry, no pics of this event either!)

The Tuesday before Christmas, we had scheduled to go with Sarah's entire family to temple square to see the lights and let the boys ride the Trax train.

Sarah's cousin, Jenny, had a baby the night before which made it difficult for her family to come (congrats by the way), and the weather outside was frightful, so we decided to go see the lights at Thanksgiving Point, which were delightful.

This was taken with my new Canon power shot. It sucks. I need to read up on it and find out how to more effectively use it. Sarah took a bunch of pictures this holiday season too, but this blog entry only contains the pics I took.

Leah is typically not afraid of animals. Any animal. She was a little apprehensive about the reindeer.

Merry Christmas from Sarah, Marque and Leah

It was f-f-f-f-f-freezing outside and snowy too. Here is Sarah warming up with some hot cocoa.

We were going to get a pic taken with Santa, but the line was not worth it to any of us. Including the kids. Apparently Molly and Sarah took them to see Santa at the mall and three of the four threw a fit.

My little snow angel!

Now bring us some figgy pudding! And bring it right here!

The Reeds minus one

Afterwards, Duane and I got In-N-Out and then cleaned the driveway.

Wednesday until present we spent at a cabin in Ogden Valley, UT. The first night we invited the Gravells, and Holyoaks in addition to Sarah's brother, Josh and the Reeds, her sister's family. We had a fun time and the cabin was beautiful!!! I would suggest this place to anyone. This is Kurt Gravell and his daughter, Sky.

The cabin has a ping pong table, fooseball table, Blackjack table, 70 inch plasma and more. We had a fun time. This is Scott Holyoak playing ping pong.

Taylor and Matthew playing Fooseball with Elijah.

The owner of the cabin was kind enough to put up the Christmas tree and decorate the home. Did I mention it was absolutely beautiful and I would recommend it to anyone?!

Sky played her pet game most of the time. I helped her name her new Flamingo, Chelsea.

I was afraid Kurt wasn't going to show as he has done so many times before. He did come though and we were happy about that. He is a good friend.

Me playing the only number I know on the grand piano, "When The Saints Go Marching In".

Leah loved this place. We had to block of the stairs going up and the stairs going down, but other than that she just walked around the whole time, happy as a clam.

Everybody helped with food. We ate sooooooo much! It was sickening! Thanks to everyone.

This is the view we had from our master bedroom. Beautiful 4700 square foot home with a beautiful setting.

The Gravells and Holyoaks left the following day and Sarah's Mom and step-Dad joined us to celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. After playing in the snow, Duane had to warm up by the fire.

Molly read to us the story, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas".

Then Grandpa read the story of Christ's birth as found in the Book of Luke, Chapter 2.

Sarah played a gift exchange game with prizes. It was a fun time. Josh got this old timey wax handlebar mustache.

Sarah and Leah Christmas Eve

As is tradition, we were allowed to open one gift Christmas Eve. It is always pajamas. Here is Sarah and Leah in their new PJs.

Mom and Dave, or Grandma and Grandpa, Ostler

The Reeds; Elijah, Cole, Jakey, Molly and Duane.

Joshy

After we knelt as a family in Christmas prayer given by me, the boys put on their pajamas and began writing their letters to Santa.

Leah's letter to Santa was written in her own hand, but I wrote a translation:

Dear Saint Nicholas,

I have been tremendously good this year. My Mother and Father can collaborate this truth. I am so blessed with all I have been given. I hope you will give my gift to a child in need. If you find it in your heart to leave me a present, I will be very happy. I hope Mrs. Claus is keeping you jolly and fat. Please say hello to Blitzen for me. My Dad says she is the coolest reindeer because she sacks the QB!

Love, Leah

The boys left cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer

This is cole showing off his antlers and his letter to Santa

Our stockings lay in wait by the fireplace for Santa to fill them with goodies.

The mountain of presents was huge! You couldn't help to wonder if there was too much.

The next morning was fun. We opened presents and stockings and tried not to get lost in the mound of boxes and gift wrapping. Because we were celebrating with Sarah's family, we opened presents their way. It is different than my family's tradition, but that is okay. I did miss it though. In my family we open one gift at a time, so everyone knows and sees what the others got. It allows time for the appropriate "thank you" and a photo or two. There were so many presents that it felt like a whirlwind. We love all our gifts. I am sorry if I don't remember what everybody got me, Sarah or Leah, but I do know this much. We are blessed...nay...spoiled.

Leah got a hat and mittens

Sarah got a warm down comforter

Jake and Duane wrestling

A Christmas Winter Wonderland

Two tired girls after the morning festivities.

I spent a decent amount of time this vacation writing a talk that I have to give this Sunday.

Elijah writing his name in the snow.

THEN WE WENT SHREDDING!

Elijah was quite the brave little man on the sled

Josh about to kill Dave. They had differing opinions on how the track should be built.

Josh attempting to set a New State Record!

Elijah

Cole hitting a drift of snow

Grandpa and Cole right before they biffed it

Josh ~ Sledding track extraordinaire

Sarah did awesome

Cole had a fun time too

Elijah's snowy face after an epic wipeout!

Duane shredding the slopes

Mom, going very slow. To her it probably felt super fast.

It has been a beautiful time so far. It has been good for me. I hope it has been good for Sarah's family. They deserve a good Christmas. There will be more pics to come from me and also from Sarah's camera. I hope each of you had a pleasant and safe Christmas full of memories and fun.