Since the funeral, we had been sitting around not doing much and someone decided that we should take out my bro-in-law Brian out for some fun. I went with Deni's Dad and my 3 Bro-in-laws to a Bowling Alley about 30 miles from Heber.
I hadn't bowled in a long time, but was fun to get out and bowl. My first game was pretty good. I had 149 point going into my last frame. All I had to do was get a spare, so I could bowl one more frame. As I was getting ready to bowl Nic came from behind me and ruined my last frame.
All in all it was a fun time.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The Funeral
I went to bed at about 2am this morning (after a long drive alone from Home to Arizona). I set my alarm clock for 10am, so I would be up in time for the 1pm funeral. Wishful thinking. I was woken up just before 7am to help carry the empty casket from the house to the back of Keith's truck.
A closed casket viewing started at 10:00 am. There were lots of people that showed up. I've only been to four funerals total in my life, however by far this was the most attended funeral. I'm sad to think that Deni's sister, Azure, is gone and it is even harder seeing her husband left with a 6 month old. I did fine with my emotions for the most part. I watched as people came in and paid their respects to Azure and spoke with her husband Brian. I didn't know anyone coming in to give their respects, but sat there and watched as they came in and spoke with Brian. I was far enough away that I could hear what they were saying , but watched anyways. Deni leaned over while I was watching the people come in and talk to Brian and she pointed to the guy that had found Azure and did CPR. As I said, I couldn't hear what he was saying, however I could tell it was a special moment. There was also a video/slideshow of Azure playing in the background.
At 12:30 pm they closed the doors to immediate family only. At that point, they opened the casket and let the family pay their respects. Deni and I didn't want the kids to see her, so we kept them back. Personally, I'd always like to remember people the way they were when they were alive, instead of seeing their body.
The funeral started at 1:00 pm. We walked in as the family to a completely packed church. They estimated there were at least 1,200 people there. The Chapel was full, the gym was full, all the rooms were full as well as people standing in the hall ways. Quite the showing, from a small community.
Deni, as well as her dad, brother and sisters, spoke. They all had great things to say. I enjoyed Deni's talk. She focused on the Young Womens theme and how Azure exemplified those values.
After the funeral, I was one of the Pall Bearers, so I helped the casket into the Hearse. We then drove a mile or so to the Cemetery. I then helped the casket out of the Hearse and to the burial site. The grave was dedicated by Brian.
We went back to the church for a luncheon and then to Brian's house. Our family is going to stay at Brian's for the next few days to help him out.
A closed casket viewing started at 10:00 am. There were lots of people that showed up. I've only been to four funerals total in my life, however by far this was the most attended funeral. I'm sad to think that Deni's sister, Azure, is gone and it is even harder seeing her husband left with a 6 month old. I did fine with my emotions for the most part. I watched as people came in and paid their respects to Azure and spoke with her husband Brian. I didn't know anyone coming in to give their respects, but sat there and watched as they came in and spoke with Brian. I was far enough away that I could hear what they were saying , but watched anyways. Deni leaned over while I was watching the people come in and talk to Brian and she pointed to the guy that had found Azure and did CPR. As I said, I couldn't hear what he was saying, however I could tell it was a special moment. There was also a video/slideshow of Azure playing in the background.
At 12:30 pm they closed the doors to immediate family only. At that point, they opened the casket and let the family pay their respects. Deni and I didn't want the kids to see her, so we kept them back. Personally, I'd always like to remember people the way they were when they were alive, instead of seeing their body.
The funeral started at 1:00 pm. We walked in as the family to a completely packed church. They estimated there were at least 1,200 people there. The Chapel was full, the gym was full, all the rooms were full as well as people standing in the hall ways. Quite the showing, from a small community.
Deni, as well as her dad, brother and sisters, spoke. They all had great things to say. I enjoyed Deni's talk. She focused on the Young Womens theme and how Azure exemplified those values.
After the funeral, I was one of the Pall Bearers, so I helped the casket into the Hearse. We then drove a mile or so to the Cemetery. I then helped the casket out of the Hearse and to the burial site. The grave was dedicated by Brian.
We went back to the church for a luncheon and then to Brian's house. Our family is going to stay at Brian's for the next few days to help him out.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Farm Fresh Days
Ryan had a field trip today that he didn't want to miss, plus Deni had signed up to go along and help, so I filled in for Deni and went on the field trip with Ryan.
First we went to Springville to a pumpkin patch and he was able to pick out a pumpkin of his choosing. It was freezing outside (about 40 degrees) and raining on and off, not the best time for a field trip. Then we went to a park in American Fork for lunch. They had us get off the bus and eat outside, but because of the wind/rain and temperature, they finally let us back on the bus to finish our lunches.
We then went to "Farm Fresh Days" where the kids learned about farming and ranching. One of the ladies talked about pigs and what pigs are used for. She said, they use pigs to make make-up, so go home and tell your mom's that they have pig on their face. They also had some really cool "sheep" dogs that herded the ducks around the arena we were at. The kids really enjoyed the field trip.
After the field trip, we went home and left for Arizona. This was the first trip that I had ever driven by myself for such a long distance. Dad came over to help me look at my cruise control, which hasn't worked in a while and we found out that it was just a fuse. After fixing that we were on our way to Arizona. We left about 3:19 pm Utah time. The drive is about a 10 hour drive.
Deni's sister, Azure's funeral is on Thursday at 1:00 pm in Heber, AZ, which is why we had to leave after Ryan's school and drive all night until we got there.
I got in about 1:30 am on Thursday, so it took me just under 11 hours. It was a very long drive by myself, one that I don't care to ever do alone if I don't have to.
First we went to Springville to a pumpkin patch and he was able to pick out a pumpkin of his choosing. It was freezing outside (about 40 degrees) and raining on and off, not the best time for a field trip. Then we went to a park in American Fork for lunch. They had us get off the bus and eat outside, but because of the wind/rain and temperature, they finally let us back on the bus to finish our lunches.
We then went to "Farm Fresh Days" where the kids learned about farming and ranching. One of the ladies talked about pigs and what pigs are used for. She said, they use pigs to make make-up, so go home and tell your mom's that they have pig on their face. They also had some really cool "sheep" dogs that herded the ducks around the arena we were at. The kids really enjoyed the field trip.
After the field trip, we went home and left for Arizona. This was the first trip that I had ever driven by myself for such a long distance. Dad came over to help me look at my cruise control, which hasn't worked in a while and we found out that it was just a fuse. After fixing that we were on our way to Arizona. We left about 3:19 pm Utah time. The drive is about a 10 hour drive.
Deni's sister, Azure's funeral is on Thursday at 1:00 pm in Heber, AZ, which is why we had to leave after Ryan's school and drive all night until we got there.
I got in about 1:30 am on Thursday, so it took me just under 11 hours. It was a very long drive by myself, one that I don't care to ever do alone if I don't have to.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Carving Pumpkins
Prior to Deni leaving for Arizona, we had invited my parents over for dinner and for Family Home Evening (to carve pumpkins).
In our garden, we planted and grew pumpkins this year for the first time. Both the kids planted their own pumpkin plant (Ryan named his Ghostrider and Sydney named hers Jackie.) From those two plants, we got 8 good sized pumpkins.
I cooked dinner for all of us (yes I can cook). Then after dinner we carved pumpkins.
Ryan and Grandpa Berger carved 2 pumpkins while myself and Sydney carved 3 pumpkins. Grandma Berger made sure the pumpkins were cleaned out and ready for carving. Grandma Berger also took pictures of us carving. Here is Sydney with one of her pumpkins.
Ryan wanted to carve a "Ghostrider" pumkin. Grandpa Berger help him design this one.
Sydney even helped me make cookies for dessert. We had chocalate, chocalate chip cookies. As you can see, Ryan was in the middle of eating his.
We had a great time having my parents over for dinner and then carving pumpkins. I know the kids had a great time too.
In our garden, we planted and grew pumpkins this year for the first time. Both the kids planted their own pumpkin plant (Ryan named his Ghostrider and Sydney named hers Jackie.) From those two plants, we got 8 good sized pumpkins.
I cooked dinner for all of us (yes I can cook). Then after dinner we carved pumpkins.
Ryan and Grandpa Berger carved 2 pumpkins while myself and Sydney carved 3 pumpkins. Grandma Berger made sure the pumpkins were cleaned out and ready for carving. Grandma Berger also took pictures of us carving. Here is Sydney with one of her pumpkins.
Ryan wanted to carve a "Ghostrider" pumkin. Grandpa Berger help him design this one.
Sydney even helped me make cookies for dessert. We had chocalate, chocalate chip cookies. As you can see, Ryan was in the middle of eating his.
We had a great time having my parents over for dinner and then carving pumpkins. I know the kids had a great time too.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Azure Dae Starkes (Deni's Sister) passes away
Just after 2pm today we got a call that Deni's sister, Azure, had been in a horrible car accident. At the time of the call, all we knew was that she had her son, Eric, with her.
We later learned that despite wearing her seatbelt, Azure had been thrown from the car and was being life flighted to Flagstaff, AZ. We also learned that Eric was not harmed.
Deni felt like she needed to be in Arizona with her family, while she packed her things, I booked the earliest flight to Phoenix, AZ that I could. The earliest flight was 5:30pm. I booked it around 2:45pm. Deni was packed and ready to go before I could buy and print out her ticket. I called the neighbors and asked Ryan to come quickly come home. I also called my mom, which was out and about in Provo, and I asked her if she minded if she watched the kids while I took Deni to the airport. We met her just off I-15 at about 3:15pm, switched the kids into her car and Deni and I headed to Salt Lake City, UT.
I dropped Deni off at the airport just a few minutes before 4pm. I didn't even get out of the airport before I got a call from Deni telling me that Azure had passed away.
When Deni told me, I felt like I wanted to throw up. I drove to my parents house to get the kids. I told the kids that Aunt Azure has passed away, but told them they would see her again when Jesus came again. Sydney isn't really sure what is going on, but I'm pretty sure Ryan understands.
It appears that I'll be traveling down to AZ with the kids for the funeral.
We later learned that despite wearing her seatbelt, Azure had been thrown from the car and was being life flighted to Flagstaff, AZ. We also learned that Eric was not harmed.
Deni felt like she needed to be in Arizona with her family, while she packed her things, I booked the earliest flight to Phoenix, AZ that I could. The earliest flight was 5:30pm. I booked it around 2:45pm. Deni was packed and ready to go before I could buy and print out her ticket. I called the neighbors and asked Ryan to come quickly come home. I also called my mom, which was out and about in Provo, and I asked her if she minded if she watched the kids while I took Deni to the airport. We met her just off I-15 at about 3:15pm, switched the kids into her car and Deni and I headed to Salt Lake City, UT.
I dropped Deni off at the airport just a few minutes before 4pm. I didn't even get out of the airport before I got a call from Deni telling me that Azure had passed away.
When Deni told me, I felt like I wanted to throw up. I drove to my parents house to get the kids. I told the kids that Aunt Azure has passed away, but told them they would see her again when Jesus came again. Sydney isn't really sure what is going on, but I'm pretty sure Ryan understands.
It appears that I'll be traveling down to AZ with the kids for the funeral.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Novell yearly layoffs - 2007 edition
As always, rumors have been flying for some time about layoffs this year. It seems like just about everyone knows something a little bit different about when and how many people will be layed off this year.
I always hate this time of year as I never know if my badge will actually let me in the door as I get to work. So far I've been at Novell for just about 7 and a half years and made it through about 7 layoffs (including this one.)
As of this afternoon, the layoffs in my group, Global Technical Support, have been completed. My manager of 3 years was demoted and I report to a new manager. There were 2 other managers that lost their jobs. With those changes there is lots of restructuring.
The layoffs this year in my group won't really effect me much, however the real big layoffs for the rest of the company, which are coming next week, will. It is rumored that anywhere from 30% to 50% of the Provo campus. Not a good thing for me.
I always hate this time of year as I never know if my badge will actually let me in the door as I get to work. So far I've been at Novell for just about 7 and a half years and made it through about 7 layoffs (including this one.)
As of this afternoon, the layoffs in my group, Global Technical Support, have been completed. My manager of 3 years was demoted and I report to a new manager. There were 2 other managers that lost their jobs. With those changes there is lots of restructuring.
The layoffs this year in my group won't really effect me much, however the real big layoffs for the rest of the company, which are coming next week, will. It is rumored that anywhere from 30% to 50% of the Provo campus. Not a good thing for me.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Date night -with kids
Ryan recently complained that Deni doesn't spend enough time him, so we decided that we would have a date night and each of us take a kid and spend one on one time with them.
Tonight, Deni took Ryan and I took Sydney on a "date".
Deni and Ryan went to to Burger King and then the nickel arcade. Ryan came home with all kinds of little things he "won" from getting tickets from the games.
Sydney and I went to McDonalds, then to a sports store (we looked at pink soccer balls), stopped at the grocery store to get some candy and finally rented a DVD (Fantastic 4, Rise of the Silver Surfer) and came home to watch it.
We are going to try to keep this up every other week, but switching kids so we have some one on one time with them.
Tonight, Deni took Ryan and I took Sydney on a "date".
Deni and Ryan went to to Burger King and then the nickel arcade. Ryan came home with all kinds of little things he "won" from getting tickets from the games.
Sydney and I went to McDonalds, then to a sports store (we looked at pink soccer balls), stopped at the grocery store to get some candy and finally rented a DVD (Fantastic 4, Rise of the Silver Surfer) and came home to watch it.
We are going to try to keep this up every other week, but switching kids so we have some one on one time with them.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
17.14 tons of rock
I worked from home this morning as my rock was going to be delivered sometime this morning. I finally got a call saying they would be here between 11:30am and noon.
When he called to tell me the time, he also told me the exact tonage (17.14 tons) and the price. The price was about $125 more than I was quoted, so I called the company and got that straighten out. A dump truck holds about 15 ton, and since I ordered 17 ton, they brought a "truck and a pup". They had 10 ton in the truck and about 7 ton in the trailer (pup).
I asked the driver to drop it in a few locations for me, which he did. He made four drops. Since we were spreading this by hand (and wheelbarrow) it put the rock much closer to where I would need it.
After the delivery, I headed off to work to finish up some loose ends. I talked to Dad and he said he was coming over to help me after work around 5:30pm.
When I got home, Deni had been already working on it and had finished about 20ft of the 125ft park strip. She had worked for hours to get it that far. I didn't expect her to work on it, but she did, which was really nice.
Deni, Dad and I started working on it again about 5:30pm.
Here you can see three of the four piles of rocks.
A friend, Kevin Fenn, also stopped by and helped for about an hour. He had done the same to thing to his old house, so came and worked with us and gave us some pointers, which was really nice.
Just as we were calling it a night, with about 40 feet left, a neighbor came over and said he had saw us spreading the rock by hand and that he had access to a bobcat and would go get it right then. We accepted his gracious offer. He was back in about 30 minutes with the bobcat. It took him about 20 minutes to finish to two remaining rock piles and by about 8:30pm, we called it a night with the rock mostly done.
I couldn't have planned it any better. We used all the rock with a tiny bit left over (probably the .14 ton extra they brought).
I had planned on working on the rock today, all day tomorrow, and then on Saturday too.
I still have some minor finish up work in cleaning up weed fabric.
When he called to tell me the time, he also told me the exact tonage (17.14 tons) and the price. The price was about $125 more than I was quoted, so I called the company and got that straighten out. A dump truck holds about 15 ton, and since I ordered 17 ton, they brought a "truck and a pup". They had 10 ton in the truck and about 7 ton in the trailer (pup).
I asked the driver to drop it in a few locations for me, which he did. He made four drops. Since we were spreading this by hand (and wheelbarrow) it put the rock much closer to where I would need it.
After the delivery, I headed off to work to finish up some loose ends. I talked to Dad and he said he was coming over to help me after work around 5:30pm.
When I got home, Deni had been already working on it and had finished about 20ft of the 125ft park strip. She had worked for hours to get it that far. I didn't expect her to work on it, but she did, which was really nice.
Deni, Dad and I started working on it again about 5:30pm.
Here you can see three of the four piles of rocks.
A friend, Kevin Fenn, also stopped by and helped for about an hour. He had done the same to thing to his old house, so came and worked with us and gave us some pointers, which was really nice.
Just as we were calling it a night, with about 40 feet left, a neighbor came over and said he had saw us spreading the rock by hand and that he had access to a bobcat and would go get it right then. We accepted his gracious offer. He was back in about 30 minutes with the bobcat. It took him about 20 minutes to finish to two remaining rock piles and by about 8:30pm, we called it a night with the rock mostly done.
I couldn't have planned it any better. We used all the rock with a tiny bit left over (probably the .14 ton extra they brought).
I had planned on working on the rock today, all day tomorrow, and then on Saturday too.
I still have some minor finish up work in cleaning up weed fabric.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Starting again on an old project
Our new neighbors drove by today and told Deni that everytime they drive by I've been working on the park strip. Deni laughed and said, that I started the project back in April. The funny thing is that they've driven by the only 2 times I've worked on the park strip since April. I've been really good at coming up with excuses to not finish it.
In April, I dug up the park strip to the west of our house. The park strip is 125 ft long and 6 feet wide of unusable space, plus it took two watering stations to water it. We decided that we would rip out the grass and replace it with rock. I dug it down about 3 to 4 inches deep and had planned on filling the space with rock.
I finally ordered rock late last week. I actually ordered 17 tons of rock, so I have to be ready before it gets here tomorrow. Actually it has been ready for the last few months except for the weed fabric.
Deni and I laid down the weed fabric and got the park strip ready for the delivery tomorrow.
In April, I dug up the park strip to the west of our house. The park strip is 125 ft long and 6 feet wide of unusable space, plus it took two watering stations to water it. We decided that we would rip out the grass and replace it with rock. I dug it down about 3 to 4 inches deep and had planned on filling the space with rock.
I finally ordered rock late last week. I actually ordered 17 tons of rock, so I have to be ready before it gets here tomorrow. Actually it has been ready for the last few months except for the weed fabric.
Deni and I laid down the weed fabric and got the park strip ready for the delivery tomorrow.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Snow in September
It's amazing how much one day makes in the weather here in Utah. Yesterday, as seen in Deni's birthday post, we were outside in short sleeve shirts laying on the grass. Today it snows.
Let it snow.
To contrast yesterday and today:
Sydney outside on Friday Sept 28th:
Sydney outside on Saturday Sept 29th:
Let it snow.
To contrast yesterday and today:
Sydney outside on Friday Sept 28th:
Sydney outside on Saturday Sept 29th:
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