What an awful week. Last week was great with a fantastic end to a fun trip in So Cal. This week started out tough with coming home to a home that needed to be put back together due to painting while we were gone. That would not be so bad, except that I was illin' big time. Then Leah got sick which required so much time and attention too, not to mention pain and anguish to see my little girl not feeling so hot. Then Sarah got sick, so now we both had to take turns not sleeping to care for Leah. Work was busy. USC lost to an amazing Oregon Duck team. To top it all off, I finally got the chance to make it up to the church building tonight at 10pm only to find out that I can't catch up because the computer is toast! This has been one of the most stressful and worst weeks of my life! Man, did I pick an awful week to quit drinking soda! There were a couple bright spots...because we were all sick I didn't have to dress up for Halloween and I absolutely loved how cuddly and loving Leah was when she was sick. It was so fun...still I would rather she was not sick...but seriously, it was great!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Warm and Fuzzy
Sometimes I get real fed up with living in a world filled with gruesome and sad news or news that serves the agenda of the person or network sharing it! I think that it is worthwhile to share some good news as we hear it. I think it is even better that we share news about good and selfless young people that rise above their peers and the low standards set by todays society. I think I will begin pointing out these stories as I hear them. Sadly, they are buried under headlines of sad and pathetic news, but they do exist. I will make it my responsibility to find them and focus on the good in the world.
"It makes me feel proud just knowing I am doing a good deed."
~ Alex, 11
Where the Women Instinctively Flock Like the Salmon of Capistrano!
Well, the first day of our vacation as tourists took us to San Juan Capistrano. Of course it wouldn't be a Marque vacation without a visit to some historical or educational location! We visited two missions while we were in So Cal; the first being the Mother of All Missions, San Juan Capistrano ~ established 1776.
Sarah by a sign...a Trosper tradition
Forgive some of these pictures. In addition to history, I also enjoy original architecture.
The missions along the Camino Real helped make California what it is today.
The mission courtyard had such a peaceful and calming effect. You could sit there all day in tranquility.
Leah was pretty good with being pushed around the boring grown-up place.
This was in the soldiers barracks.
They had an informative audio tour that shared the history of the mission as well as more recent memories of those that grew up around the mission.
We ate at Pedro's Taco Shop across the street from the mission. I miss good authentic Mexican food.
The modern cathedral.
Me and Fray Serra who established several of the major missions
This is the modern cathedral designed after the original that fell in an earthquake.
There are not many ruins in the U.S., but this is one of them. The original chapel that fell in an earthquake killing 40+ priests and Indians.
The bells chime regularly now on the hour and half hour, but they used to chime more often to communicate news such as births, deaths, visitors, and etc.
Father Serra and an Indian boy
A well at the Olive tree.
What a sweet angel!
Leah loves riding on her Mom's shoulders
Two cutest girls at the mission.
Father Serra Chapel ~ beautiful artwork on the walls and beams.
A Koi pond.
The Fountain of the Twelve Evangelists.
You can't really tell from this picture, but the brick roof tiles are green from the coastal moisture. It was a very pretty contrast of colors.
What a lucky dude I am, eh?!
McLame!!!
First, read this story...
I don't know who is the McLamest in this situation....The kids for being McIdiots and too McInfluenced by other idiots on youtube...The McDonald's McMoron manager for pursuing the issue after the McIdiots had left...Or the American Fork Police McNumbnutts for actually citing the McIdiots after the McMoron called in the annoyance!
Of course, I was a teenager once too and I did stupid things, so I can't really blame the McIdiots. I also have managed a restaurant, so I can (barely) understand why the McMoron manager was peeved. I can see that the McNumbnutts police officer may have been picked on in high school and thus chose this line of work so as to be able to seek revenge on those high school McIdiots. Ultimately, I think they all deserve a swift kick in the arse and a unique sentence!
The McIdiots have to work at the McDonalds for a month to learn to appreciate the work that the McMoron has to perform day in and day out. The McMoron should work dispatch at the police station to learn to appreciate that the McNumbnutts' time is valuable and better spent serving the public in ways other than citing McIdiots. And the McNumbnutts should have to repeat high school, this time with friends and a some assistance to have a fun time and do stupid, but harmless, teenager things. There! Solved! I should be a judge!
Thanks to all of you involved in this story for the nice McLaugh and wasting my McTime! To waste more of your time, here is the McDonald's rap that the McIdiots were mimicking.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Happy Birthday To EVERYONE!!!
We were blessed to go to California for ten days to visit family and enjoy the warmer weather. We left Friday at 3pm after getting our house in order. We initially planned to drive half way and spend the night in Mesquite or Vegas. We assumed Leah would not make it the entire drive at once. We were wrong. Leah was a dream! She slept so long and simply enjoyed the ride. We made it to my brother's house by 11pm...9 hours!
The first item of business on our trip was to celebrate with family. We had so much to celebrate. First and foremost, that we were all together. I have a great family and we truly enjoy each other's company. Secondly, birthdays! We have four birthdays in October; Jimmy, Mom, Madyson and Leah! Thirdly, Scott graduated from college...THE FIRST TROSPER EVER!!! We are proud of him. Fourthly, my D.O.D. is still with us. After he had a heart attack and emergency surgery two weeks ago, we were simply satisfied to have him in the room with us! Fifthly, USC beat Notre Dame. We enjoyed watching it and it was a good and close game. Lastly, Scott and Cynthia are excited to announce they are expecting in May. We are excited to have another little cousin for Leah to grow up with.
It was fun exchanging presents and laughing with everyone. Leah was spoiled of course. We ate a ton! This is not an uncommon event when the Trospers get together. Jim is a master BBQ'er and Smoker! He had so much good meat prepared. The ribs and chicken were particularly tasty! My Mum made two cakes; one for Madyson and one for Leah. They were so good! I think that Leah's cake may have been the best cake I have ever eaten!
Well, they say that a picture tells a thousand words. Here are a few thousand words to look at.
Leah with her D.O.G. (Dear Old Grand-dad)
Aunt Samantha spoiled Leah with love
Sarah and Mom
Leah was the life of the party, as usual.
Scott and Cynthia showing some of their baby loot!
My Mum reading a birthday card
Scott, proud to be a dad soon!
Jim loves politics and cooking and beer! Happy Birthday, Whimpy!
Happy Birthday Madyson, aka My Lil' Gremlin!
Leah was spoiled with so many cool gifts. She was so grateful and happy with each one.
Mady isn't really sure how to wear boots yet
The Birthday Boy
Leah's cake that Grandmum made
Her cousins love Leah sooooooo much.
Hailey Leilani and Little Leah Caity B
Madyson and her favorite cousin, Leah
Thanks to The Trospers, Trospers, and Trospers for the hospitality they showed us while we slept in their beds, watched their TVs and ate their food. We had a fun time. The party was great!
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