11/13/16 Tithing Settlement

      Once a year each family has a chance to meet with the Bishop and declare whether or not they are a full tithe payer. We believe in paying a full tithe in our family. The promised blessing is that the windows of Heaven will be open that there will not be room enough to receive the blessing. We have been blessed our whole lives by paying tithing. Heavenly Father certainly provides what we need and more. 

      Above is a picture I took of the kids while they were still in their Sunday clothes. We are blessed to have such a loving happy family. 

11/12/16 Riverview Park

     This morning we told the kids that if we could get the house cleaned up we could go to the park and invite a friend. As it turned out only Rebecca's friends, Missy (in white) and Krissy (in peach) were available on short notice. We'll have to plan better for next time but at least two friends came. On the other hand the park was packed and it made it tough to keep the kids in sight at all times. Perhaps it was for the best. Notice that Joseph loves being in photos. Sarah was glad Rebecca's friends visited with her as well. 

     Can you spot TJ and Joseph on the rope climber?

     Here is a close up of Joseph. 

     Here is Peter doing a rock climb. 

     I didn't get any shots of David. As far as I can tell he spent the whole time running or on his scooter. The kids all seemed to have a good time. 

     This shot is actually from earlier in the day after Peter finished off the black berries but I think it describes how Heidi and I felt after watching 8 kids at the park. Thankfully they are all good kids. When it was time to go nobody fought us. Krissy and Missy were polite and said thank you when we took them home. 

     Heidi and I have been talking about how memories of experiences seem to last much longer than memories of things. We hope we created some memories today. 

11/11/16 A Crew of Helpers

      My picture today is of Sarah the apprentice reader. She, following in Rebecca's footsteps, is developing a love of reading. Delightfully, she is also developing her sister's loving and helpful spirit. 

      This morning I took all the kids to Gram and Papa's house while Heidi went to help at the Wilken funeral. Sarah, TJ and Rebecca opted to stay and help with Gram while the rest of us went to move the Motorhome. Poor Rebecca had a painful crick in her neck so this left Sarah to water the tree and to work with Gram and encourage TJ. 

     At the storage place a covered spot had become available so it was time to move Bigfoot. David, and Joseph said that riding in the Motorhome was a highlight of their day. Papa and I chatted about the surprise of the Presidential election. We both pray that the new president will do a good job. 

      This afternoon Sarah had another chance to show leadership. She, TJ, Joseph and Peter biked with me to the nearest grocery store. All three boys wanted to ride in kid carts but there are only two seats in each. Sarah pushed a cart with Peter in it while I pushed Joseph and TJ around. It was a chance for her to learn about appropriate follow distance. We also talked about how to use price per ounce to find the best deal. I was grateful to have her help. 

11/8/16 Cramming Things In

     This morning I saw TJ putting his shoes on under the bench. In hindsight it seems like a metaphor for how busy today ended up being. 

       When TJ saw me he gave his usual big smile. 

      Once the kids were at school Heidi visited the Temple. Peter and Joseph and I worked on numbers. 

      After the temple trip the four of us went to help Gram and Papa install their new range. We also helped Gram with her DVD recording set up. 

    Next up Heidi taught a class on using software for tracking scout awards called Scoutbook. While she did that Joseph and Peter and I set up mics for a Relief Society Activity at the church. 

       We got done early so, at Joseph's suggestion, we stopped at a park for a few minutes. 

      Here is Peter demonstrating his hanging ability. 

      By now it was time for the Entz crew to come home. As soon as Rebecca, Sarah and TJ got home we loaded into the van. One of the doors at Grammie and Grandpa Mangum's failed to fully secure on Saturday and the alarm went off. We got to drive there and back to close it. I joked to Heidi that next time we should keep going and visit her parents while we're out. By the time we are out there it feels like we should be almost close enough to visit them on their mission. Heather kindly watched David for an hour since we couldn't be home when he got dropped off from school. 

      Finally Heidi got to enjoy the Relief Society dinner activity. The rest of us had microwaved corn dogs. It was a jam packed day. 

11/6/16 Creative Boys

     This afternoon TJ asked me if he could use some empty boxes from the garage to make something. He and Joseph collaborated and made a person from the boxes. He asked me to come upstairs and see it. I was in the middle of something so I asked him to remind me in a minute. He patiently waited before asking if it had been a minute yet. I am happy to see the two boys using their imaginations. 

         I should mention a tragedy that happened yesterday in our ward. Sensitive readers may want to skip this part. A four year old boy climbed out a window while his dad was taking a nap. He fell into a mostly drained pool and drowned. I don't know the family well but we share our back fence. The family and many ward members are understandably broken up about the loss. I try not to think that Joseph is the same age. A girl who lives across he street from the family bore her testimony today that she knew he was in Heaven. At the point I couldn't help silently tearing up. Heidi told me later that she thought I was "ugly crying". Thank Heaven for eternal families. Even so we, and the whole ward, are praying for them. I can't imagine what a tough time they must be having. 

10/31/16 Halloween By The Numbers

    One of the fun Entz Elementary traditions is the costume parade for the younger grades. 

     This year Sarah and TJ are the right age to participate. Sarah dressed as a black jaguar and TJ is Chris Kratt from the Wild Kratts TV show. All the kids reprised their same costumes from the other night. 

      Another treat today was a present that came for Peter. Grammie and Grandpa Mangum sent numbers to complement the letters Gram and Papa Connelly sent. 

     Sarah had fun helping Peter practice his numbers. 

     Peter got right into playing with the numbers. 

      The older kids have also been getting a kick out of Peter's letters. Here the older kids made a big 2x3x6 rectangular prism from letters. We also played a game were we gave each team half the letters and counted who could make the most words in ten minutes. The boys are girls had a tied score. 

     The other package that came today had two shower handles for Gram. Papa and Becca B came by to pick them up. Hopefully, they fill the need and work

As expected. 

      This evening the ward had hot dogs for dinner in the Bishop's front yard. Then the kids went trick or treating while I handed out candy. I definitely prefer the cute and creative costumes over the creepy ones. In the end the kids seemed to have a good time and we still managed to read scriptures and get to bed on time. 

10/30/16 Primary Program

      Today the Primary aged children sang song and shared messages about the Savior and the scriptures during Sacrament Meeting. Rebecca, Sarah, TJ and Joseph all had speaking parts that they memorized. They all spoke clearly into the microphone so that people in the audience could understand. We are so proud of them. Heidi sat on the stand and assisted with the microphones and with encouraging the kids to stay reverent. David and Peter and I sat in the congregation. David kindly escorted Peter to the drinking fountain as needed so that I could stay and watch. We had the added treat that Gram, Papa and Becca B were able to come as well. 

      During the rest of church there was quite a bit to do. Bishop Christensen asked me to help play back several videos as part of the third hour lesson. There were a few glitches to work through but I think the message came through. We need to continue to work together as a ward to make everyone feel loved and welcome. 

        This afternoon Jim Nelson and Greg Turley, our home teachers, came by for a visit. We appreciate the spirit they bring into our home. 

10/28/16 Letters From Gram and Papa

     Today we had a nice visit with Gram, Papa and Becca B. While we were there they gave Peter his birthday present. It is a set of giant alphabet puzzle pieces. 

     Joseph was excited to help Peter put words together. Both boys are at an age where this is a wonderfully useful gift. I wish I had a recording of the delighted squeals Peter and Joseph were making. Even after we got home and Peter went down for a nap Joseph kept playing. We spelled words like "mat", "bat" and "hat". We are grateful to Gram and Papa for the useful gift. 

      This afternoon David went on his first ever backpacking campout. We tried to help him pack light while still having what he needed. 

      Also this afternoon was the last Primary Program practice. Rebecca, Sarah and TJ are ready. Joseph may need a little more practice. He and Peter spent the practice time doing laps around the building. I don't know if they got tired out but I sure did. 

10/24/16 Pumpkin Carving at the Taylor's

     This evening Sharon invited us to

the annual Taylor family pumpkin carving event. Matt had to work and she wanted a little extra help with the carving so she could keep an eye on Alex while Lucy made her jackolantern. Sarah helped Lucy with her pumpkin.

     Rebecca helped clean out our winter squash. We decided to try something new this Halloween. 

     Our friends helped us get some produce from a farmer's market. Among the included items were two large winter squash. Heidi turned ours into an awesome Frankenstein. TJ was there to lend a hand as well. 

       Sister Taylor also put together the fixings to make home made ice cream. This is the kind that you need to roll around in a tin can for half an hour. Sarah helped me roll one of the two cans for a long time. The reward was a sweet treat. 

      The other kids spent the time running around the Taylor's large yard with around a dozen Taylor grand kids. 

      It was a fun event. We are grateful that Sharon invited us. 

  

10/21/16 Free Sample and Trunk or Treat

     This morning Heidi, David, Joseph, Peter and I had a nice visit with Gram and Papa and Becca B. We got Becca's set up to watch DVDs in her room. On the way home we made a quick stop at Costco. While there David and I got separated a short distance from Heidi and the little boys. David and I stopped to try a free sample. The sweet white haired gal running the samples did not believe that I was old enough to be David's dad. She was about to give me the speech about how kids need a parent to give permission to try the samples. Luckily Heidi came back by in time to verify my story. She thought it was pretty funny. I had a chuckle as well but I'll admit I didn't like the thought that someone might not believe that one of my kids was really mine. I love all my kids. Anyhow, I think David looks like my boy. 

     This evening Heritage sponsored a trunk or treat event. The kids dressed in a Wild Kratt's theme. It's a PBS kids cartoon show about two brothers who have special suits that let them have animal super powers. David and TJ are Martin and Chris, the brothers. Rebecca is Aviva, the girl inventor on the show. Sarah and Joseph represent animals they find on the show. Sarah is a jaguar and Joseph is a Komodo Dragon. Peter was going to be a panda but he was not interested in wearing the warm costume today. He went as a Kratt Kid, one of the kids on the show who wear normal clothes. Maybe it'll be cool enough by Halloween for him to wear the panda outfit. 

10/18/16 Temple and Teacher Conferences

     This morning I had a special treat. After dropping David and the carpool kids off at Heritage Dad and I got to visit the Temple together. It is a quiet spiritual place. During the session I reflected on how Heavenly Father always plans His creations first and always has people return and report afterwards. 

     This week at Entz it is time for Parent/Teacher conferences. Rebecca, Sarah and TJ waited patiently while Heidi met with their teachers. All three are doing exceptionally in school with a few small ways to improve. Mostly we're working with the teachers to find ways to keep the kids challenged. This is a blessing to be sure. 

10/14/16 A Visit With Gram and Papa

     Since today is still part of Fall Break all the kids got to come to our weekly visit to Gram, Papa and Becca B. The kids could be counted on to make sure Gram's scooter is in good working order. We took a trip to the main building to fill up tires with air. 

    Another project was to refurbish Gram and Papa's scale. Heidi's mechanical skills came in handy here. She noticed that one of the hooks was twisted. It seems to be working better now. 

     Joseph asked me to take his picture. I think it helps him to feel loved to have his picture taken. 

10/12/16 Kohl's 3 A Trip to the Rim

     This morning started with a walk by the stream that ran next to our cabin. 

     Lauren kept Peter and Alex from falling in. 

     Next we visited the Mogollon (pronounced mogyon) Rim. 

     Rebecca used her tablet to snap a picture. 

    TJ found a cozy spot between two rocks. 

     Matt took us to a pretty lake with a walking trail around it. 

     Lincoln Phelps was kind enough to take a group shot of us. 

      Today was the day we came home. It was a good trip. I feel tired but I think everyone who came would do it again. We created some fun memories. 

10/11/16 Kohl's 2 Natural Bridge

     This morning the boys were ready to be out and about before the rest so Heidi and I took them for a short walk. 

      We went to a place called Natural Bridge. This was the view from up top. 

Down below we posed for a group shot. 

    It's a very pretty place. 

     The kids loved climbing on the rocks 

     Back at Kohl's we had a blast playing with this giant chess set. 

     Peter enjoyed swinging while holding a basketball. He calls it a heavy ball. 

10/5/16 Gram and Papa Visit

       This morning Heidi and I worked together on a presentation we'll be giving tomorrow. It's for the agents of one our clients to help them learn about tracking their sales and overall bookkeeping. Hopefully it goes well. 

      In the early afternoon we were treated to a visit from Gram, Papa and Becca B. We were especially pleased to see Gram because she hasn't felt up to going out much lately. We hope this is a sign of good things to come. Gram and Sarah worked together on a pen sorting project. When it was time for Sarah to go to Activity Days TJ joined in. They seemed to have a good visit. 

     While Gram worked on her project Papa and Becca B and Heidi and I chatted about future plans. Joseph enjoyed running in a circle and playing keep away with Papa. 

        After Gram and Papa went home it was time for Rebeca Noelani to go to her Activity Days. Heidi went to the hardware store to buy materials to make benches for the Primary program. David had early Mutual playing sports at a home for kids waiting to be placed in foster care. It was a good, busy day. 

    

10/1/16 General Conference

       This morning we all went to watch the first session of General Conference at Gram and Papa's house. On the way we picked up cinnamon rolls and an air filter. The day before we noticed that airflow was very restricted in the park model. There was ice in the AC. The mechanic said it was due to a clogged air filter. The house was noticeably cooler today. I baked the cinnamon rolls while Heidi tried to limit the amount of crumbs and liquids the kids spilled on Gram's hardwood floors. Rebecca, Sarah and TJ hadn't gotten to see Gram and Papa yet and they were excited to get a turn to visit. 

     After the session we moved a few more things over from the Motorhome. The transfer process is getting close to complete. 

       Later on it was David's first time going to Priesthood session. Heidi helped me set up the projectors. We had an exciting wrinkle when the feed in the chapel was in Spanish. Mark Davey and I scrambled and with Heaven's help we had it fixed before the first talk. The FM

group recently installed a ramp and the satellite sound got disconnected. Apparently when they hooked it back up the channel got changed. Well, that's one way to stay alert during a meeting. David seemed to be a little overwhelmed at his first meeting. Back at home we had ice cream as a family. 

9/30/16 The Return

     This morning Heidi, David, Joseph and Peter and I headed over to 430. After giving hugs to Gram, Papa and Becca B it was to fill boxes, move them to 430, repeat. David was a big helper both with boxes and with his little brothers. We made surprising progress. We even had time to set up Gram's vcr's and help Papa upload his Blog posts. We are so excited to have them back in town. David even included thanking Heavenly Father that they are back in town when it was his turn for Family prayer. 

      In other exciting news, TJ wanted to make sure that we noticed he has a new front tooth coming in. He also lost his second front tooth. He's growing up so fast. 

      A highlight of the day for me was going to the Diamondbacks vs the Padres game with Sarah. Her Primary teacher, Brother Payne, has season tickets and thought that she might enjoy going to a game. 

     She had a good time and so did I. We talked about how to play baseball, she helped keep score. We walked around looking for a science exhibit that was set up somewhere. Sarah even got a souvenir keychain and pink a Diamondback baseball. It was a fun daddy daughter date.