Woah...

OK, I had no idea what that experience would be like! Having my little girl sit across from me with a boys hand nervously placed on her knee and her clinging to it like she is scared to let go was crazy enough. But, then to have every crazy thought crash through my mind as to what they needed to tell us... yep, I pretty much knew. But, I guess my mind was crashing through thoughts in an attempt to find another possibility. None came. I knew what was about to happen. So, I said, "Wait". Then, I went in and retrieved my gun belt which has dozens of shiny bullets exposed along with my revolver and strapped it on. I then walked back in and said, "you were saying..."

I genuinely think he wondered whether I would use it. After taking it off and sitting there sincerely I think the boy was too nervous to speak so Savanna finally started to. She said, "Dad, mom, Aaron and I are engaged".

OK, here is where I couldn't have ever come close to grasping the intensity of the experience that was about to occur until living it.

I had every emotion possible flood my body at once. While feeling complete excitement for my little girl especially by seeing how happy and in love she appeared to be I also felt fear, confusion, a sense of wanting to be protective and many many others things. All at the exact same time. Very fascinating moment. I have to do this 4 more times?!

After a moment of Savanna explaining her feelings it appeared he was about to speak. So, I said, "Aaron, it is fine, take a deep breath".

My future son-in-law then went on to say the perfect words to let me know he cherishes my little girl and has only the best of intentions to make her happy. I appreciate him doing so.

We welcome him into our family with open arms and thank him for making Banna so happy. Congratulations Banna, we love you.

#5

So, my boot was to be counted (number 4) and now number 5 has happened. This morning as the girls were getting ready they snapped the shower head off. It had a pivot point to allow it to be adjusted up or down but now it is broken.

So, now all I have to do is buy new boots, replace the shower head, overcome the flu (not fun) and wait to see what #6 is.

The good thing about laying in bed for 2 days is I have loved watching the conference talks again. What amazing disciples and amazing messages.

Sniff sniff...

Wednesday night I played church basketball and had our Elder's Quorum President throw his forearm into my face on purpose out of frustration. The result, a 2nd broken nose playing church basketball. The first was an elbow during a rebound (that time not intentional). I dind't even have the luck to have it break from the other side to maybe balance it out. Instead, it was pushed over the same way so when I quit filling the bathroom sink with blood I was able to focus through blurry eyes and realize my nose was closer to my cheek bone than the center of my face. So, I did what anyone would do, I grabbed it and after a few cracks and pops it was closer to where it is supposed to be. One of the guys was with me and his knees buckled. He said, "dude, how did you do that? You are the toughest guy I have ever known".

In reality, I am the biggest wimp he knows because I had a clear thought that if I left it there and went to the doctor the pain would be much less and he would then adjust it which would cause the intense pain all over again! So, while the pain was clear and present I felt it best to get it over with. So, I gritted my jaws together and molded my nose back into place. I then put ice on it for over an hour. The aggressor apologized as best he could and it was enough for me that he realized he lost control and it resulted in a bad outcome. Hey, anything to help a fellow brother overcome his weaknesses...

Then, on top of it all... I came down with the flu yesterday and feel like a house fell on me! I guess I will have to be lazy and lay in bed all day to recover!

And to think I was wondering what #3 was going to be! 2 weeks ago the starter in our car went out. I bought a new one and replaced it. Then, a week ago our kitchen faucet broke and I had to buy a new one and replace it. I thought the sole of my boot busting in half was #3 but it now appears that just simply wasn't significant enough to be counted. The nose has it.

Counting the boot and the flu maybe I am supposed to have 6 in a row or something. I will keep you posted if another tragedy or complication creeps in next week.

Living vicariously

I spent the entire day hiking a hillside of juniper trees (that I am allergic to) locating over 50 deer in the effort. I am very selective so I didn't shoot any of them. I did however want to shoot the hunter that was in full camaflouge during the rifle hunt (hunter orange, duh). A friends 14 year old boy was along. His first hunt. His dads ankle gave out so I finished the hunt with his boy. We hiked 2 miles over 3 hours and it finally paid off. He had shot at 5 other deer during the day with no success. In fairness, his excitement caused him jitters and he was using open sites on a 30-30. Simply put, anyone would need skill to hit a target further than 100 yards with such a gun let alone a 14 year old boy on his first hunt. Just as we were heading to the truck we spotted 12 deer on the edge of a field at the bottom of a MOUNTAIN we were 90% done climbing. So, we did what any avid hunter would and turned around and headed down. My feet were really aching. We watched them enter a strip of junipers surrounded by fields. So, we entered the lower section of it and slowly worked our way in. We found his prize after 10 minutes and with a great shot he bagged his first deer. The excitement was easily detected. That boy will not forget this day and I feel fortunate to have been part of it. I don't think I will forget it either. He was very grateful. I was very impressed.

Elder Holland is amazing...

I have never heard a stronger testimony of the Book of Mormon and appreciated the directness, intensity and strength of spirit that he used. I had no question of the divinity of the book but without doubt instantly increased in testimony upon hearing his talk. I will re-visit it many times in the years to come. I also enjoyed the balance of conference and feel blessed to have the freedom that allows for such a miracle.