The Pike Family

October Update

2011-10-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

Wow, we haven’t posted since January! I’ve been feeling really boring lately, like my life has gotten into a rut and we haven’t done anything exciting in a while. (Boohoo, throw yourself a pity party, right?) Looking back, I realize that LOTS of stuff has happened since January! I guess I’m not so boring after all...just belated!

In February, Jared was promoted to Security Supervisor and moved to the graveyard shift and now works from 10 pm to 6:30 am. I actually see him more NOW than when he was on the swing shift!

March was a busy month--we traded in the truck for a YELLOW car! It is much more reliable and gets better gas mileage. We both kind of miss having a truck to haul stuff around in, though.

March also means Jared’s birthday and our anniversary, so we spent the day at the Wild Wild Wild West Steampunk Convention. I think we will definitely have to return if they do it again next year! It was much smaller and more intimate than a Renaissance Festival, and the costumes were more impressive. Plus, we discovered a new favorite band: Steam Powered Giraffe.

Jared graduated in May, but decided to head back to school to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Management (at first it was Rec. Therapy, but we recently refined it!). I also passed the ABO certification test (American Board of Opticianry) in May, oh, and had a birthday!

In July we went up to Utah for a mini family reunion when Ammon came home from his mission. We brought Penguin with us which was...exciting. He actually did very well, though he did learn how to squeeze through the fence so he could be in the front/side yard and play with the kids. @_@ And of course, it was lovely to hang out with family!

Jared’s school/sleep schedule has really started to affect him, but he’s chugging along through school and work. I’m preparing for the NCLE exam (National Contact Lens Examiners) in November, and working hard as the Primary Secretary in our ward. We are super excited for Halloween...stay tuned for our (hopefully) awesome costumes!

Sir Knight and the New Year

2011-01-06T23:21:00.000-08:00

The name of our truck is pronounced like in Monty Python, and maybe it’s British sense of humour is the reason why it has been breaking down on us lately. The problems seem to be stemming from the lack of a special battery harness which has been shorting out our starter. (It should be noted that I don’t know what any of this means; it sounds like a jock strap for the truck to me). That’s been taken care of--hopefully for the LAST time, but I’m not sure we can rest easy just yet. We’ve been very lucky to live bike-able distance from (my) work, and my parents have been wonderful about providing rides when we’ve needed it, especially when we broke down on the freeway last week! Hopefully in this next year we’ll work out our schedules/transportation situation a little better so we won’t have to depend so heavily on them.

In other news, we’ve both finished school!! I’ve graduated and I’m just waiting on the diploma in the mail--in fact, I’ve been making myself a nuisance for the last couple of weeks making sure I’m still on track (I am!)
Jared passed his last class but missed the deadline for graduation, so we’ll just have to keep checking in for the spring graduation. Right now we’re not sure if he’s going to go back, but that is one of the options we’re looking at.

Jared is training for the Ragnar in February and continues to bring home crazy stories from working Security at the mall. I love my job at Nationwide Vision, though I’m going to start doing more freelance writing on the side. I’m also I’m working on a play (it’s a musical!) in addition to my other writing projects. As long as the truck holds out, our 2011 looks like it’s going to be another great year!

Family Pictures 2010

2010-12-19T22:40:00.001-08:00

So here they are. We finally went out and got some pictures taken of us after being married a for over 2 years. It was mostly my (Jared) fault. That's okay cause they came out great. Thanks to my wonderful sister Kati. Enjoy. These are our favorites.

Doors, windows... escape hatches?

2010-09-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

In life, when one door closes...
...you stand around in the hallway, not sure what to do.
There’s gotta be an open door around here somewhere….

Jared applied for the U.S. Border Patrol a few weeks ago but didn’t pass the written exam. While this is certainly not the end of the world, it does throw a wrench or two in the gears. We’re back to the drawing board. *HEAVY SIGH*

In the beginning of October we’ll move into the Belara Apartments, which are actually in my parent’s ward (Pinnacle Vista). At the end of this semester, we’ll both have earned our degrees. After that, who knows where life will take us?

(Hopefully on vacation. That would be nice.)

There and Back Again

2010-07-17T16:54:00.000-07:00

We made it! It was exhausting, but the roads were surprisingly empty for a holiday weekend—we breezed straight through. Jared and I left at 11 pm July 3, drove through the night and made it to his parent’s house in Utah around noon (their time). Though needed, we didn’t get in a whole lot of napping because it was Dad Pike’s birthday and all the rowdy nieces and nephews came over to celebrate. Plus, there were fireworks.

Monday was pretty mellow, but Tuesday, there was some excitement while we were jumping on the ground level trampoline in the backyard. Jared had just cleared the area so he could show the nephews the “Bunny” flip. They roared with laughter when he yelled out “Bum,” but somewhere between “Knee” and “Flip,” a spring shot out and suddenly Jared disappeared! One minute he was bouncing in the air, and the next he was on his back, staring up through a through a tear in the middle of the trampoline. It was pretty hilarious, to say the least. Unfortunately, Jared broke the nephews’ hearts as well as the trampoline, so there was some guilting from Wesley and Travis about that.

We left for the family reunion on Wednesday and stayed in a very nice K.O.A. next to Bear Lake. There we played games and more than one round of Spoons (which was in keeping with Pike tradition, competitive and near lethal). Bear Lake was gorgeous, clear, and COLD!!! There was skiing and tubing, but by far we had the best time on the jet skis. Aside from scaring Levi (we took a couple of wakes pretty hard) Jared and I had the best time on those things!

While packing away the tent on Saturday Jared and I unearthed an unwelcome visitor—a fat little mouse! Even though she had been burrowing under the tent and not in it, I was VERY glad we’d been sleeping on cots! (Thanks parents for letting us borrow the camping gear!) Of course, all the kids gathered around and wanted to take it home, but with Mom Pike’s help, a cup and paper plate, it was successfully released in to the wild.

After that, we took off for Idaho where we visited some families Jared had met on his mission. It was interesting from my perspective, never having most of these people, but they were all friendly and funny and nice. It was nice to meet the people that Jared had told me stories about—and fun to hear their stories about him! Everyone we visited also had GORGEOUS homes—even the house with twin toddlers was decorated beautifully. In Idaho we also saw Despicable Me (cute!) and randomly met up with one of the missionaries we had met in the Moon Mountain Ward, when Jared was mission leader.

On Wednesday we headed back to Highland to hang out some more with Jared’s parents, then drove back to Arizona on Thursday. Jared had to be to work again on Friday, and I go back on Monday. We had an awesome vacation but missed our puppy dog and our own bed. I guess it’s back to life as usual…but it’s good to be home.

Sufficiency

2010-06-18T01:04:00.001-07:00

Sufficiency is a great thing. Especially when you are trying to make push yourself in a better direction. During the fall, winter and better part of the spring I like to ride my bike to work. This helps in saving gas and in scheduling. I don't like to ride during the summer do to the fact that my work does not have a shower for me. When we moved in with my older brother and his family we found that the were sufficient in many ways. We have definitely learned some of those. The one I found most interesting was making your own laundry soap. I was talking to my brother's wife while she was making the soap. She said if you think about the cost its about 50 to 75 cents a gallon. The great thing also is that it works on high efficiency machines and doesn't ruin them.

Laundry Soap

1/2 bar Fels Naptha Bar
1/2 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Borax Soap

You will also need about a 2 gallon size pot.
Fill the pot with water, about half way. Grate the Fels Naptha Bar and put it in the sauce pan. Heat it until the soap melts. Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour approximately 4 cups water into the pot (almost till it overflows). Mix carefully. Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel.

Now then the directions are approximate. I watched her do it and recalled from recollection.

I am always hungry. I love to snack and am always eating candy or something sweet. I've been looking for something to help curb that appetite and recently found this recipe for granola bars. As a security officer a quick snack to hold you over when things are slow is important. So, here it is with no more ramblings.

Cranberry Coconut Granola Bars

(Adapted from Alton Brown)

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1 1/2 cups sliced almonds
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup light corn syrup (or just use 1/2 cup honey… I ran out of honey)
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon orange extract would be tasty, too)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dry roasted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
1 – 6 ounce bag orange flavored dried cranberries (Craisins)
1 cup sweetened coconut

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 inch by 13 inch glass baking dish and set aside.

Spread the oats and almonds out on a baking sheet (or in my case, your pizza pan because it’s close). Toast the oats and almonds in the oven for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice. Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 300°F.

Meanwhile, combine the honey, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a small sauce pan. Heat over medium-low heat until the butter and brown sugar are melted.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sunflower seeds, wheat germ, cranberries, and coconut. Add the toasted oats and almonds. Pour the honey mixture into the bowl, and stir until all of the dry ingredients are coated in the honey mixture. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly and pressing down with your fingers.

Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely (don’t say I didn’t warn you… If you only follow one part of the recipe, this should be it!).

Cut into squares or bars, and enjoy. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.

I can not take credit for the awesome pictures. The recipe and pictures are pulled straight from this site: www.mykitchenaddiction.com .

Personally I will modify the recipe as such:

Cranberry Coconut Granola Bars

(Adapted from Alton Brown)

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup honey (or agave syrup (healthier))
1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract ( or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon raspberry extract)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
12 ounces dried cranberries (Craisins)
1 1/2 cups sliced macadamia nuts
1 cup sweetened coconut

It is something that can be altered and played with till you find what you want. Enjoy!

School's out for...Spring Break!

2010-03-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! It's Spring Break and although we have nothing planned, we are so excited to have a break and catch up on things. Recently, our lives have been very eventful. Jared transferred to Arrowhead mall last week, with a new (later) schedule that makes working out this one car situation difficult. He is enjoying the change of scenery and is less bored because there are a lot more "punk kids" to kick out.

I signed up for graduation yesterday, even though I'm still a little worried about passing my classes for this semester (especially Spanish). Can you believe that there's only TWO more months before we graduate? Remembering that helps me to hang in there and work harder.

Life is kind of on hold for us until after school gets out. The next step is for us to buy a house, but unfortunately we're doing a lot of "looking" right now until we're more prepared to start "buying." At least we're being responsible! We're very grateful to be living with Kenny and Aprilynne right now and enjoying the antics of our silly niece and nephews.

I guess in summary, life is good. Thanks for tuning in!

Happy Birthday/Anniversary!

2010-03-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been 2 years and neither one has killed the other. Although where we went for our anniversary on Saturday would have been a pretty good location to do so. We could have done shot a head from underneath the apple or had a giant vulture rip the muscle off your leg. Either way it would be very gruesome.
Keeping that in mind we went to the Renaissance Festival. It was a double dip of a party. We celebrated my birthday and our 2nd wedding anniversary. We had a great time enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We each had a turkey leg for lunner, enjoyed a joust, the bird show, and many other performances. I tried on many different renaissance style shirts and came to the conclusion that they are not worth $120. Instead I picked up a bow staff and Christin got a nice sun hat and head ornament. After that we enjoyed a nice celebration of my birthday with the Kenny Pike Family and the Dana Edwards Family. Thanks everyone for your birthday/anniversary wishes. We look forward to the year and the obstacles to overcome.

One Word.

2010-02-22T21:46:00.000-08:00

Procrastination... This one word defines how school is not ever completed or how one does not ever complete something right away.

No More apartment!

2010-02-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

We have moved. For the past 1 year 10 months or so we have been living in an apartment and have had many adventures. We will miss our wonderful neighbors the Phoenix Fire Department. Yet our new ones are a lot nicer and we know them very well. Well, for those who don't Kenny (my older brother) and his family are our "upstairs" neighbors. Christin and I actually have moved in with them. Yes that is right we moved in officially a week after school started. It is quite nice and will help us save up for a home a lot easier this way.

Our Christmas Dog is a Scrooge!

2009-12-16T20:14:00.001-08:00

Last year Jared gave Penguin to me as a surprise Christmas present. He is a very smart (sometimes too smart) dog and we're putting him through training to help him be more obedient. He catches on very quickly and is very loving and friendly. We always say that he loves people too much to ever run away. For the most part, Penguin really is a great dog.

However, I found out today when I got home that our Christmas dog is a Scrooge! We put up our tiny little Christmas tree last night and he didn't seem too interested in it then, but apparently it got a lot more fun when he was home alone. When I arrived the tree was knocked over, red ornaments were crushed into the carpet, and all the candy canes mysteriously were gone. He even opened one of the presents early (luckily, everything inside was safe and sound)

What a Grinch! It's a good thing you're cute, dog, or else you'd be banished to the Island of Misfit Toys.

Speaking of banishment, I decided to delete (or as close to delete as blogger will allow) my other blog, The Story Keeper. I will be keeping a more professional, "writerly" blog at
http://livingwithdelusionsofgrandeur.blogspot.com/
to keep my writing stuff and my family stuff somewhat separate. I'll be able to network better and since I'm getting school credit for it, too, I'll be posting a lot more often! Plus, it just means you'll probably be hearing from me on this blog more often, too!

I hope you guys are all having a Merry Christmastime

Stressed = dessertS

2009-10-26T13:08:00.000-07:00

So today is my day off. Last night I tried making a dessert for Christin. But the meringue came out two milky. So I gave it to Penguin. I do not know how it came out milky but it did. So here is attempt two for her dessert. This is well yummy. I used Guittard chocolate, boston cream, and angel food cake cups.

But dessert for turned into left overs. Now to decide what to do with the left over boston cream.

A is for Apple...

2009-10-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, Christin and I went to the local Farmers Market (Sunflower Market). It's a mini Sprouts but not as corporately owned. We went for their special on apples; 49 cents a pound. It was nice. Gala are my favorite and we decided to get a lot. I imagined us getting oh maybe 10 -12 pounds. Which wouldn't have been to bad. Instead the guy was coming out to fill the apples back up. Before he could get the box open I asked how many were there and what it would cost. For a box that weighs 50lbs. and has 100 apples in it. It cost us $19.60 instead of $25. So needless to say Christin and I... well really I am having fun making things. She is having fun eating or drinking things. Today I will start the long process of dehydration. We have already done fresh juice. She doesn't like the imitation stuff now.

Anyone know any good apple recipes?

Penguin's New Toy

2009-09-18T20:49:00.001-07:00

So, all you Mothers out there with small children will find this funny or maybe not. Christin and I were at Big Lots the other day getting snacks. (Great Prices) Since we left Penguin cooped up all day we bought him a new toy. He needed it. As we looked at the dog toys we decided he'd shred those to quickly. So, we bought him a stuffed bird with several parts that he could shake around and toss. Well the cartoon animal we got him was none other then...

MING MING

Who knew a cartoon was not only enjoyable by kids but dogs as well.

Fun Family Movie

2009-09-17T21:15:00.000-07:00

A Hard Last Week

2009-08-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

So, this past week has been hard on me. My Dad has been working in Utah for the last year. He is a civil engineer and there is no work in Arizona. So, he found on a job and moved up there. He comes home on some weekends to help out and of course to see his wife. A few weeks ago they found someone to rent the house. Which is awesome. It has been hard on my younger siblings not having their Dad around. Not to mention my Mother. Anywho... They had to be out by this weekend. Saturday is when it hit me the hardest. I did pretty good at fighting back tears and not trying to be so emotional around every one.

Yesterday I was feeling down in the dumps still and needed something to pick me up. So, Christin and I watched some of our favorite TV shows. After that I decided we needed to clean the kitchen. She unloaded the dishwasher and I loaded it up (a couple times). After that I decided to EXPERIMENT it was fun. I made some spicy chicken and some raspberry strawberry goop for ice cream and shakes and peach freezer jam (I am most impressed with the freezer jam)!

Today, I am most proud of myself. After talking with my Mom and setting up a lunch appointment with her, my siblings, and my Grandparents. I talked with my Uncle Paul (our realtor, a good one at that), I decided to make some treats. But just not some cookies or cake. I made CARAMEL! Yummy gooey caramel. I am going to leave some plane and dip some in chocolate. Hmm... I need some one to test it out. Who should do that?

Christin's Birthday

2009-05-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

So, since the beginning of May I have been planning Christin's birthday. She turned 21 on the 18th of May. After several suggestions from friends and family I figured it out. I called her at work two weeks before and told her to take that day off. I then sat down and planned out a rough schedule. After all she is the birthday girl and can make suggestions. All though dinner was set in stone.

We finally got up around 8am. Our first stop was my Mom and Dad's house. We dropped Penguin off there so that he could enjoy a day of running around free. They have a huge backyard. We also got to talk with my Mother about family and what her life was like and a bunch of other stuff I never knew and found quite interesting.

Our second stop was good old Cabela's. For those who have never been I suggest that you go. When we arrived we first went and looked at all the wonderful "stuffed animals" as Christin would say. The Elephant, Elk, and Polar Bear are bigger in real life than Christin expected. After looking around we stopped by and fitted ourselves with some firearms. No we did not purchase any. But we most certainly liked the options they had. After that we went and looked at camping equipment. Christin and I have been looking for a tent and we found the best one. It fits right in the back of our truck. One of my biggest pet peeves with camping is dirt in the tent. This solves that problem. If you don't like the outdoors then go to the restaurant that is upstairs and try something new. Christin got an Ostrich sandwich and I got an Elk sandwich. Now I have had elk before but, not as a deli sandwich. It has always been an Elk burger. The sandwiches are so big that you could buy one and share it. I'm not kidding. After that we looked around some more and then went and found Christin some nuts. Not just any nuts. But the candy nuts. She got pecans and almonds. We also got an extraordinary mint brownie mix. It was absolutely delicious.

Our next stop was the bank to drop off some checks. After that we went home and cleaned. Yes cleaned on Christin's birthday. The birthday girl even helped. (Latter that night I got guilted at by my favorite mother-in-law for doing that.) After a little cleaning, we sat down down and watched some TV and movies.

After that we got ready for dinner and went to... The Salt Cellar. It is a sea food restaurant located off of McKellips and Hayden Rd across from the Green Acres Cemetery. Christin had never had lobster before so I took her here on several recommendations from people at work. I suggest to all that you should go here at least once on a nice hot date. Christin and I enjoyed ourselves and definitely recommend the restaurant. It was impeccable.

Go and rent or buy...

2009-05-11T23:27:00.001-07:00

Scary!

2009-03-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Okay so, I have a lot of other posts that I have been working on. But this happened today and is short. Christin and I are puppy parents. We both believe it is a good idea to have a dog before getting kids. Christin did a paper on it and can explain in further depth as to why. Anywho... Penguin rides in the back of the truck. I have secured a climbing rope between to of the tie downs with a hook in the middle. Well kinda in the middle. Well, when Christin is dropped off for work or school Penguin starts whinning and fussing. Cause his Momma is leaving him. Well, today he did the unthinkable. He jumped out of the back while I was driving. Therefore strangling him. It certainly was scary. Well, I got out pretty quick and undid his leash and put him in the truck with me. But I thought I might put up some pictures of the growing beast too.

Christin and Penguin Pike (Christmas Morning 2008):

Penguin at 9 weeks:

ONE YEAR?

2009-03-07T14:40:00.000-08:00

I think Christin made it quite simple for me. Having my birthday then having our wedding on the next day. Yes, already it has been one year that Christin and I got married. In that year we have lost a Grandfather, gained more nieces and nephews, received 4 wonderful church callings, got a dog, gained and remade friends, gotten to know new sides of the family (still doing that), learning, loving, laughing, and growing to new heights and expectations. I am currently working for Paradise Valley Mall as a Security Guard. Christin is at Nation Wide Vision and mainly is there as a receptionist but does a wide variety of other helpful tasks. We both like our jobs and enjoy what we are currently doing. We both are attending college still. It appears that she will finish first, that is okay though. I on the other hand am slowly finishing my Associates in Forensic Science at Phoenix College. After that I am headed of to A.S.U. most likely for a Bachelors in Marketing. Started to get things in order to buy a house this year. Starting up businesses and reconfiguring old ones. Learning a puppy is not all that and its a lot harder then it appears. I wonder if I could relate that to a child. I know my wife has. :) I know that there is so much more that has happened to us in a years time. What do you think?

25 years ago.

2009-03-06T06:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I certainly don't remember what it was like 25 years ago. But here are 25 key things that happened 25 years ago.

1. A year-long strike action begins in the British coal industry.

2. Iran accuses Iraq of using chemical weapons; the United Nations condemns their use on March 30.

3. Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi orders Operation Blue Star to flush out separatist militants from Harimandir Sahib, the most sacred shrine of Sikhism.

4. Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams and 3 others are seriously injured in a gun attack by the UVF.

5. The CIA station chief in Beirut, William Francis Buckley, is kidnapped by Islamic Jihad and later dies in captivity.

6. Teachers at the McMartin Preschool in Manhattan Beach, California are charged with Satanic ritual abuse of the schoolchildren

7. General Rahimuddin Khan becomes the first man in Pakistan's history to rule over 2 of its provinces, after becoming interim Governor of Sindh.

8. The 1984 Winter Olympics close in Sarajevo.

9. The United States and the Vatican establish full diplomatic relations.

10. Dr. John Buster and the research team at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center announce history's first embryo transfer, from one woman to another resulting in a live birth.

11. STS-41-B: Space Shuttle Challenger is launched on the 10th space shuttle mission.

12. STS-41-B: Space Shuttle Challenger makes the first shuttle landing at the Kennedy Space Center.

13. United States Marines pull out of Beirut, Lebanon.

14. U.S. President Ronald Reagan meets with Navy Lieutenant Robert Goodman and the Reverend Jesse Jackson at the White House, following Lieutenant Goodman's release from Syrian captivity.

15. The 1984 Summer Olympics are held in Los Angeles, California

16. United States President Ronald Reagan, during a voice check for a radio broadcast remarks, "My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes".

17. Aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan becomes the first American woman to perform a space walk.

18. U.S. presidential election, 1984: Ronald Reagan defeats Walter F. Mondale with 59% of the popular vote, the highest since Richard Nixon's 61% victory in 1972.

19. Average Cost of new house $86,730.00

20. Average Income per year $21,600.00

21. Movie Ticket $2.50

22. 1 gallon of gas $1.10

23. PC Apple releases the Macintosh computer.

24. Recession continues to be a problem in the US and 70 US Banks fail in just one year.

25. Jared Douglas Pike is born to Douglas and Kari Pike in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Yes, today is my birthday and I am 25. Do I feel old? Yes and no. Why, you might ask. I won't go into that. I will save that for another post.

Disappointment... Not really.

2009-02-02T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am proud to say that my team the Arizona Cardinals went to the Super Bowl. I did not think that was going to happen for a very long time. The game was the most exciting Super Bowl I have seen in a long time. Matter of fact I don't remember a more exciting game then that. I believe that the Cardinals defied all others and truly were the winners of that game. Yes, they were not the official winners. They had a 9-7 season and showed America that they have what it takes to go all the way. I look forward to a new and even more exciting season.

puppy penguin picture

2009-01-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

CATCH UP!!

2009-01-28T21:44:00.000-08:00

Okay so a lot has been going on since the last post. First off we got a dog. Well, I got a dog for Christin for Christmas. His name is Penguin. He is a Borader. It is a cross between a Border Collie and a Labrador. We also recently prequalified for our first home. We do not know when we will be moving or to where. More to come on that later as well. No pictures of the dog right now due to camera equipment malfunctions. I'm sorry. I really am.Hopefully on Monday I can get somethings going and get a few delayed posts up here. Take care.

November!!!

2008-11-29T07:49:00.000-08:00

A new list of dogs will not come for some time. It gets more hectic as it gets closer to finals and the holidays. Being the Ward Mission Leader (WML) is a little more challenging then I thought it would be. I have a lot of things that have yet to be accomplished and that hopefully will be done soon. I have not forgotten about the dogs of the month. For the month of December I would like to know what your favorite kind of dog is. I will then post those dogs and tell you all about them.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

October!!!

2008-10-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

Dogs, Dogs, and Jared's new diet. Well, October has thus far been an eye opening month. Much has gone on and much has come into perspective. But that's for later. First the PUPPIES! There are 5 dogs this time. They are all just to cute and fun.

Our friend Wicket. Wicket is a close relative to my Mother-in-law's dog Deuce. Christin chose the name Wicket because he looks like the Ewok from Star Wars. He definitely acts like Wicket... I'm guessing that it is a Shih Tzu behavior. He has tude and loves to show off. Not much else to say.

This Border Collie was a tough one to name. His color does not reflect his personality at all. So, I will let you tell me what his name should be. So, this time there is two competitions. Name the BC (Border Collie) and what dog should we get?. The BC is a wonderful friendly and outgoing puppy. He is intrigued by everything and wants to learn and figure it all out. He is shy also, but he warms up to you real quick. He is very playful and wants to be in charge. He is not scared of other dogs no matter how much they out way him.

Tiger is an English Mastiff. He reminds me a lot of the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. He just needs to fill in his paws and become that dominating dog he was meant to be. He is a cuddly, snugly giant and would not harm a fly. Don't get me wrong he does let out one frightful bark but behind that bark is a small peaceful heart.

This Norwich Terrier is Teddy Bear. He is snugly and kind hearted but if you push the wrong button he will protect whomever he loves the most. He is very obedient already and will listen to small commands. He also puts a lot of trust in his Master's and those his Master's brings around. Teddy is from a proud line of dogs and will make his new Master(s) proud some day too.

This Shiba Inu is Smirks. Smirks is very playful and love to be the winner always! But there comes a time when Smirks is all smirks and trouble lurks just seconds or even hours away. He is all white and very gorgeous. He of course will not add any new color. Smirks reminds me of some one I know. Who it could be?

Well, there are the puppies. Comment and let me know who should be the winner. I guess I should let you know who the two top dogs were of September. In Second place came General the English Bulldog. Drumroll please. In First place is.... DUKE the Australian Shepherd!

Part II: So, I am on a new diet. In the beginning of the month. October 4th, 2008, I do believe. I went to the hospital with a sharp pain in the groin region. I had been experiencing it all day and was unsure as to what it might be. We were having a family party celebrating Elizabeth's birthday and enjoying the company of my Father. Since he works in Utah now and is home only every other weekend or so. Any who. I went to go watch some college football and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. When I all of a sudden wanted to keel over and die. I was in so much pain I went to the hospital. Before we went Dad, Darren, and Grandpa C. (who's name also begins with D) gave me a blessing. My Mother drove Christin and I in our truck to the hospital. As because Christin was to worried to drive. I could have but I decided not to. Upon arriving and describing a TEN as to the pain I felt I was admitted rather quickly. The next few hours are kinda boring. Christin might have fun writing about that. They did a a Urine and Blood Analysis and a Catscan. Nothing was wrong. Was their analysis. I was prescribed Hyrdocodon for the pain until I could see my doctor. Six days later I saw good old Dr. Bob. After explaining my diet over the past 6 months, my exercise routine and several other things. Dr. Bob concluded that I might have Diverticulitis. (I think that spelling is right.) Well, that is where your colon gets these pockets to form coming of your colon. Then when you eat seeds, nuts, processed food, and other hard to digest food gets stuck causing a great deal of irritation and PAIN! Lots and lots of PAIN!!! So I am a high fiber diet. Guess what it is working too. Oh I forgot to mention that those that are usually diagnosed with this are 50 years of age or older. Go me :( . So, I am watching what I eat and making sure to stay of the Segway at work and walk a lot more. I am good now no more worries. Though I do owe Christin a book from Barnes and Noble or somewhere like that for putting her through all of this. Well, that has been our month thus far. More to come later.

Which one do you like?

2008-09-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Every month I will post four puppies or more that I have fallen in love with. Generally only four. So vote for which one you like the best and would like to see running around our home. I will now explain about each dog and what they are like.

Duke:

Duke is an Australian Shepherd. He is now 3 months old. Unfortunately he got sick and is at the vets recovering. Duke is a fun loving dog. Very energetic and loves to be around other dogs and people. He starts the fights and loves to finish them. Duke is my favorite because he would force me to take him on walks and exercise with him. He would make our lives more active.

Slick:

Slick is a Grate Dane, he will be very big when he is full grown. But a big dog that is not harmful to others. Slick loves kids and kids love Slick. Slick is Slick because of his coat. It is a shiny black silky coat. He too would force an active life style on us.

General:

General is an English Bulldog, I love him because he is a brute. A small buff dog with "tude". Yes "tude" he lets you know about everything. He chases everything and he is a well respected breed with much great history and a great family tree. He needs his exercise too. But he is not all thatactive.

Spaz:

Spaz is a Maltese Poodle mix. Making him a Malti-poo. I never thought I'd see the day when i would allow a dog of this size in my home. He is small. He too like General has "tude". He cry's if he is not held and follows you around like a lost lamb. He is active and playfull. He is a dog for all sizes and will fight back.

Well folks, vote for which one you like best.

New Books - Expanding Knowledge

2008-08-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

I am not one to admit that I am reading a book or taking a college class to expound my knowledge. On Friday I bought to books to help me sharpen my skills. After flipping through them and reading tidbits here and there. I have come to a realization that I am not as good as I want to be. I still need to improve in a lot of areas. I am talking about Photography. I am good at taking some one outside and using natural light to capture someone in their element. But to capture someone out of their element and make it look like they are in it. Now that's where I struggle. I have need for much more equipment and much more learning. But I have done some interesting things from what I have learned from my new books.

"EYES":

A little creepy yeah. On the more majestic side Christin and I went out on a photo shoot. Christin is my own personal model and what a wonderful model she is. Here is one of my favorite pictures of her from the shoot.

This one is not edited all the way yet. There are a few things that I'd like to try with it. But if it doesn't work out then it will be just fine. I am going to Las Vegas for a cousins wedding that will be most interesting. So I will have lots to tell about that I am sure. Plus a few of my favorite pictures to post. Anywho...

Deuce! The dog with a death wish.

2008-08-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

So, Christin has been bugging me for a long time now to due a story on her Mom's dog Deuce. Yes, a dog named after poop. Pam was headed off to a pioneer trek with two of her other kids and Dana took the youngest to Disneyland. So, while they were gone Christin and I agreed to take care of this Deuce. Deuce is a Shih Tzu, a small annoying dog. He is very annoying. But I tolerate him since he is a part of the Edwards clan. Anywho... the dog came over to the apartment while the Edwards were off on an excursion. It went fine until the last day. The day when Dana would come home and take the dog back.

THE DEUCE TOOK A DEUCE ON MY FLOOR!

Oh, I wanted to take the dog and kick it out my door. Christin came inside and picked the dog up and tied him up outside. I like dogs. I tolerate certain dogs. I am sure that my dogs will most likely poop in the house a time or two. But once trained, they will poop no more in the house. Deuce is no longer allowed in our apartment due to the fact that he pooped on the floor. I do have to say it was an interesting event having him over. I do not mind at all having to take care of him. But we will take care of him at his place of residence. That is all.

Integrit-E

2008-07-14T22:19:00.000-07:00

There's this friend of mine. He's cute, square, and has a really nice personality. Every girl whether they are 2 or 105 like this guy. The thing that is rally awesome though is that he always does the right thing. He has a great deal of integrity. If you have not guest who my friend is. His name is Wall-E. I am not going to ruin the movie for those who have not seen it. I just want to express myself on what a great influence this character is to the new generations to come and even the generations that are here today. Integrity is a trait that not to many people have today. I can say that because I am a security guard at a local mall. Yes, a rent a cop, plastic bacon, and whatever else you want to call me. The kids I see at the mall lack certain things. Some its integrity, others its confidence or just plain sense. The one I'd like to focus on though is Integrity. Through out the movie this character does everything wrong or so its thought. But after looking at the scheme of things we see that he did everything correctly. He stuck up for what he believed in. He stuck up for what he knew what was right. He stuck up for everyone. A story was once told to me that a university president had told a reporter that everyone at his university had Integrity. The reporter asked him to explain himself. He then said if you take myself or any one of my students and put them in a maximum security prison and say nothing to them about rules. They will want out and will try to get out. But if you draw a three foot circle in the dirt. Then ask for my word not to move from that circle and I give you my word. I will stay inside that circle till the day that I die or till you say I can leave. The reporter then understood Integrity with a true sense. Wall-E has that kind of integrity. I hope that we can all learn this lesson or some other good from him and his movie.

A Man who surpassed all others...

2008-07-12T15:54:00.000-07:00

Today was a normal like all other days. I woke up somewhat early to finish the needed laundry for work. I then laid down on our coach piled with clean laundry to watch some Saturday morning cartoons. Although they are nothing like the good old days with the original GI Joe, TMNT, or Transformers, they do suffice. About a 1/2 an hour into Tom and Jerry. Christin stumbled out of the bedroom to watch TV with me. We finished our preparations after Tom & Jerry had finished and went to work.

At 14:45 (2:45pm) Elizabeth called me. I figured it was for some very thrilling and exciting news. But the news she gave me was not quite what I expected it to be. She called to let me know that my Grandfather... Kenneth Ralph Pike, had died this morning. Here is where I cry. I cried for a good 15 min. before calling my wife to let her know what was going on. She offered to bring me home but I declined. I am home now and am going to tell you about my Grandpa Pike. What I am going to tell you is not how old he was or what he did for work. But who he was to me. How I will remember him and honor his name.

Grandpa did everything by example. He taught by it. He led by it. He used examples in his every day life. One day Grandpa and Grandma came to visit us here in Phoenix. When Grandpa came it was work time. We would be up early doing chores and finishing projects that my Dad could never finish on his own. Grandpa would tell us stories about when he grew up. When he built planes and when his kids were growing up. He taught me how to use my hands and how to build things. He always told me that if you put your mind to something you can do it. If you dream it and believe in it. It can happen. Grandpa not only taught me of the physical things in life. But also wonderful things about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His testimony in the church is strong and sound. Grandpa is a convert to the church. He loves it with his whole heart. Now, I know he is helping the work up there and pressing forward as if he were still here. The most important thing he taught me was integrity. Sticking up for what is right. Kenneth Ralph Pike is and will always be my Grandpa Pike and I love him dearly and miss him. As I know a lot of people do.

Bowling with Friends

2008-06-26T08:17:00.000-07:00

On June 23rd, 2008, Christin and I went bowling with Brian & Candice and Tony & Erin. It was quite fun. We had fun playing against our better halves. Now, all of our wives are quite competitive and love to win. It was the last 3 frames of the last game and we the husbands had yet to win one game. It was my turn and I choked. The ladies swept us. Now, I wasn't bitter one bit. No, not me. It was fun we had a good time renewing old friendships and telling wonderful adventures of times past and present. On Tuesday, the next day Christin got up and went to take a shower. Before she got in she told me to switch the loads of laundry. Before she got in I asked her three time if she wanted me to do it. She said yes three very distinct times. So, I went to switch the loads. As I switched the loads and started up our lovely washer I heard a very distinct "COLD! COLD! COLD!". It was Christin shreiking in the shower. Even as I was outside on the patio I could hear her in the bathroom. As I peeked in I asked in a sorrowful tone, "Honey what's wrong." She replied, " The shower is cold now. You made the shower cold." She was enjoying her last few minutes in the shower when the temperature suddenly changed. I then responded in my sorrowful voice, "Honey, you told me to switch the loads so I did. I am so sorry that the water went cold on you." Christin replied with an, "I love you" and went back to finishing her once relaxing shower. Call it what you may.

That night I recounted this same story to my lovely Mother-in-law Pam. As I told the story Christin listened in. Here is her account:

I don't like cold showers. Not one bit. Even more, I don't like cold showers by surprise, since usually I have my hair full of shampoo or conditioner when the temperature drops and I have to finish rinsing my hair in the miserable cold as fast as I can before hypothermia sets in. So, Jared suggests after picking me up from work that we visit my parents, and of course I agreed. They were watching last week's episode of So You Think You Can Dance, which I'd already seen, and I had to go to the bathroom so I disappeared for a few moments. Coming back I see Jared lean over to my mother and say "So, guess what I did to Christin this morning" and tell the whole story again. Up to that point, I didn't even know that it was on purpose!
I guess it's my fault...but still, revenge will be sweet...

Her reaction to the figuring out of on purposeness was quite funny. Her Mother... Yes her own mother made fun of her for not figuring that part out out ither. Immediately it was quite funny and mean at the same time. We still both get quite a kick out of it.

Work, work, and more work...

2008-06-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

So, first off this is my first blog on here. Secondly, Christin will be upset since I posted the first blog but oh well. Life has been good to us. Yes, it has been rough but it would not be life it wasn't a little rough around the edges. We just got the internet at our apartment a few days ago. The reasoning behind it is so that I can get my class work done and photography work done without having to go over to parents houses. We still go and visit them. Don't get me wrong, we will be always be visiting family.

The internet is the big deal over here. We haven't had it all that long and we are already fighting over who's turn it is. :p Well, I have some pictures to edit from a wedding I have done as well as a review for work to write. See, all of you later.

By Jared edited by Christin.