Monday, October 29, 2007

Me again?

I'm back... and blogging!

Actually, only half back. We have moved (house number three), my wife is 32 weeks pregnant, Noah is Lightning McQueen, and I just finished my Wood Badge training (I'm workin' those tickets!).

I'll have more soon, hope everyone is well.

Monday, September 17, 2007

Homies

I just have to share this picture. Noah loves wearing a white shirt and tie. Like Dad?
Team Noah/Brooks strike! Here the two are at Lagoon, flashing their signs.
Noah and Brooks stike again! Super friends!
Noah at the Children's Museum with his stuffed animal, Snoopy.


Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Battle Royale!

Noah and Brooks learned their battle skills in underground Thai cage fights- and
it shows! Here the two are aptly demolishing their former sensei.

Here I fend off two bloodthirsty toddlers. Those red eyes-Real!

Why I'm Happy


I love my wife and son! We are so excited for Hayk, and have never been happier together. Sure, it's a bold statement, and things aren't perfect all of the time. But we are all kinds of happy the majority of the time, forgiving of each other, and love to spend time together. Not bad, right?

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The Citizen


My wife is a citizen of the United States of America. Last week she took an oath with a few hundred other immigrants- it was an amazing experience.


I don't know who the guy in the picture with Hripsime and Noah is by the way. When I took the photo he just jumped in.
He's handsome though.

Us!

Here we are at the St. George Temple Visitor's Center. Please note that Noah is trying to escape- he really wanted to speak with the Sister Missionaries (true story).Here is Hayk's ultrasound at 20 weeks (check out that profile!):
Here's a picture of Noah's killer smile. People comment that he'll be a heartbreaker- I don't know about that whether or not that will be true about him breaking anyone else's heart, but he sure breaks his Mom's and my heart constantly with that smile:
Noah has an affinity for sleeveless shirts- and stethoscopes:
Here's a picture of Noah and I racing in St. George. I love you Noah!



So! Zara mentioned we should post pictures of us on my blog (er, the fam). I don't know why a picture of us would be more interesting than a giant mutant stalk of broccoli, but I will still oblige.
I love my family- we have some exciting times ahead.








Monday, August 20, 2007


Yesterday morning I was eating Fruit Loops, getting ready for Church. Hripsime and Noah were both asleep.

OR SO I THOUGHT!!!! (Cue dramatic music!)

I heard the patter of Noah sized footsteps walking along the upstairs hall, and then down, down, down the stairs.

He turned the corner into the kitchen, and walked right towards me.

He paused, and began to assess what I was doing.

Noah requests, “Dad, please don’t eat my cereal. It’s my favorite.”

Seth inquires, “What should I eat instead?”

Noah responds, “Broccoli.”

Seth laughs.

Noah laughs.

My son is so funny.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Yes, That's What Friends Are For

I am an advertising executive. I create ad campaigns, analyze data, and consult with clients on their best course of action for their business.

A co-worker of mine does much of the same. He is my friend as well- which I suppose is why I decided to prank him.

I’d write more about it, but he already has here.

Thursday, August 2, 2007

Hand On My Heart


It's official... Hripsime and I are welcoming another son into our little family! We are so excited, and humbled, and well, excited. I told Noah that he will have a little brother soon, and his reply was, "How strange." I love Noah! And I can't wait to meet my second son.
I love this picture of Noah. He's so sincere.
...
Music, it makes the world go around- But only if you listen to it. And only if you like it. Otherwise, something else probably makes the world go ‘round for you.

So I’ve decided to post a list of music that I have in rotation- music I consider the best for me now. Like Bob Sagat, I’m listing the songs in a random order.

1. Fink “Pretty Little Thing” I love when songs become thought clearinghouses. I’m not saying that a song about stalking is a good thing (as spoken about in this song, but pining after a phone number and opportunity to hang out is. Jazz/Alt/Acoustic fused goodness.
2. Travis “Battleships” Travis gives new meaning to a Hasbro marketed, mass plastic produced, two player board game. (I wonder if they can do the same for Hungry Hungry Hippo?) Likening relationship woes to naval ships under fire is brilliant.
3. Satchel “Trouble Come Down” Everybody needs some kind of ‘90’s throwback, right? Plus this is a great rainy day song, and the crazy falsetto is weird enough that I’m down with it.
4. Broken Social Scene “Shampoo Suicide” Just a great song from a great movie (Half Nelson). I really dig it. A good driving song.
5. Royksopp “So Easy” A great work out/study song, provides just enough goodness to keep the cerebellum active.
6. RJD2 “Mooore” Lovin’ this song constantly. RJD2 can do near no wrong in my book.
7. Jose Gonzalez “Hand on Your Heart” Awesome… reminds me of Nick Drake, others… “Put your hand on your heart and tell me…” Brilliant.
8. Cary Judd “Coma” “Hit me on the head, put me in a coma, I could use the rest…” What a fantastic lyric.


Tuesday, July 31, 2007

The Golden Rule

I was e-mailed this quote, and must share it:


President Spencer W. Kimball said,
"God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom."

This is so evident in my life, and probably in yours as well. More on this topic to come.

Bad Challenge!


As a follow up to my "Good Challenge" post, I am now going to share a few "Bad Challenges".

1. Pie eating contest. This is a bad challenge, because I will try to win.
2. Duck-Duck-Goose Challenge. Although a group challenge, it all comes down to the one guy who winds up a goose. What’s wrong with geese? I never understood the inter-aviary anger.
3. Holding your breath under water challenge. I so hope this is self-explanatory.
4. Sudden death-tie breaker challenge. It’s really the name I have a problem with- why not call it, “Sudden Winner Tie Breaker”, or “More Fun Challenge” or “Play Until We Have a Winner Challenge”.
5. Thumb War Challenge. “1, 2, 3, 4- I declare war.” WHY? I have no desire to “pin” your thumb to your own hand. It’s bizarre.
Feel free to add on to these, or challenge them. Yes- you may "challenge" the "bad challenge" list. And you will lose!

Monday, July 30, 2007

Rules Keep Me from Going Crazy

I have rules. There’s no nefarious foundation for certain life guidelines I have, they just are.

Here are a few of my rules:

1. No talking in the bathroom. Public or private restroom, it does not matter to me- I will not speak to you. In fact, I will ignore you. Ask my co-workers. I do speak with my son through the door in the bathroom but only because he tells me interesting things, like how church would be better if we had hot dogs there.
2. There is no substitute for face to face communication. So if someone does not want to see my face, we do not communicate that well.
3. It’s okay to exhibit OCD if it involves something important. If you lock a door behind you, how do you really know that it’s locked unless you check it again?
4. Socks do not have to match. Seriously, it’s okay- Apocalypse will not ensue. Socks need variety too- imagine always being paired up with the blue with plaid pattern, when you could possibly be facing the novelty “Rockin’ Santa Sock”.
5. Sleep is cool, but sometimes is a real time waster. I mean, I could be blogging.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

There and Back Again

Somewhere between California and St. George I lost track of my precious bloggin' time.

But I'll be back soon with info on all that is going on (re: family; work; me vs. trans fats; my film)

I promise!

Sunday, July 8, 2007


Marvin J. Ashton...is anyone familiar with him? Or had an experience with him? I recently came across one of Elder Ashton's talks, and it really hit home with me. I love the Spirit of the Lord and how it can rejuvenate my hope and keep me on the right course.


Below is a fantastic talk of Elder Ashton's... I love the quote from the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr... I love how he defines and gives examples of people- like you, or I, or perhaps even him- who struggle with "feeble knees"...


So enjoy. I'd like to know from you though: Do you have a favorite talk, or a talk that has impacted you recently from the General Authorities? Share it in the comments section, I'd like to know what it is and read it.


Here it is:


“Strengthen the Feeble Knees”
Elder Marvin J. Ashton Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

November, 1991


There is a phrase used four times in the standard works which has always intrigued me. It is the expression “feeble knees.”
By definition, feeble means weak, not strong, without force, easily broken, frail.
When Frederick G. Williams was called to be a counselor to Joseph Smith, he was given this charge: “Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” (D&C 81:5.)
Coupled with the word strengthen, which is to make or become stronger, the phrase led me to contemplate the meaning of these words.
Early on, I assumed “feeble knees” meant weak or exhausted. However, the context of its use in Isaiah (see Isa. 35:3–4) suggests that it may have a somewhat richer meaning, something more like fearful. I actually favor this latter interpretation. Today we often hear such expressions as “weak in the knees” or “knocking knees” to denote fear.
In D&C 81:5, the verse might be interpreted as the Lord’s urging Frederick G. Williams to provide strength to the weak (“succor the weak”), to provide encouragement to those who are exhausted or discouraged (“lift up the hands which hang down”), and to give courage and strength to those with feeble knees and fearful hearts.
In March of 1832 when this section was revealed, Church members had reason to be fearful. In Hiram, Ohio, where the Prophet Joseph Smith was living, there was a rising tide of hostility against the Saints. Joseph and Sidney Rigdon were brutally attacked by a mob of fifty men.
Those who would destroy at the present time no longer use tar and feathers; they taunt and fault.
Today, almost 160 years later, there is no doubt in my mind that the admonition to strengthen feeble knees is more apropos than ever.
Who among us has not experienced feeble knees or fear and uncertainty over the responsibilities we encounter in this mortal existence?
What of the father, for example, who works long hours to provide for his family only to find at the end of each month that his income only barely meets his expenses? Is he likely to experience the fear that an unforeseen expense might upset his family’s delicately balanced, already strained budget? Does he ever fear that he might not be able to adequately provide for his family’s necessities?
And what of the parents who find themselves rearing an unhappy and nonconforming child? Do they ever experience doubt and fear that they might not be providing the right counsel, discipline, and rules? Do they ever fear they might not be able to provide enough unconditional love to their child? Do they ever fear that the child may be lost eternally because of their parenting?
What of the single parent who is rearing children by himself or herself? Does that parent ever fear that he or she will be overwhelmed by the myriad responsibilities, particularly since these challenges must be met alone?
It would seem that no one escapes some uncertainty, insecurity, doubt, and even fear. This mortal existence is invariably challenging and unpredictable. An honest person who is acquainted with the characteristics of life cannot ever be completely confident that his circumstances will not change unexpectedly.
How do we deal with the inevitable moments of fear or “feeble knees”? It is vital that we not face them alone. Always it is helpful and comforting to be able to confide in a loving and trusted friend or relative who empathetically listens to our uncertainties. We often find that our confidant has experienced similar fears, and we may even share in his wise counsel.
Life is never easy, and we cannot escape our own case of feeble knees from time to time. It is thus essential that we love and support one another.
As we look for ways to strengthen friends and loved ones who may have feeble knees, it would be well to examine ourselves. Do we have feeble knees, wherein by word and action we can weaken ourselves and our associates?
Let me share a few of today’s subtle trends and enticements that can cause our knees to become feeble. None of these is going to cause apostasy by itself, but as the conduct continues, our knees may lose the strength we need to face the realities and fears of life.
In D&C 11:22, we read: “Study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men.” Nowhere are we advised to dilute the doctrines of the gospel with personal amendments. Our view is limited and our personal strength is dependent on understanding and following His word.
Some of us may be inclined to study the word with the idea in mind that we must add much where the Lord has said little! Those who would “add upon” could well be guided by the anchor question: Do my writings, comments, or observations build faith and strengthen testimonies? Oftentimes we can cause confusion and misdirection in our lives and in the lives of others if we promote the startling and unorthodox. Feeble knees are strengthened by those who lead with purpose rather than with personal interpretations.
Some today are losing the reinforcement that comes from observing the Sabbath. They say, “Sunday is my day off. I will do as I please. I can worship without having the day structured for meeting attendance or meaningful family and neighbor relationships.”
Sometimes the freedoms and blessings of the Sabbath can be lost by attitudes that allow selfishness and lack of personal involvement in tried-and-true patterns. Sabbath days can be lost an hour at a time. Sabbath days can be lost an outing at a time.
Controversy and contention are other weakening habits. If Satan can succeed in creating in us the pastime of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier for him to bind us with heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives. Anger is a poor substitute for self-mastery and compassionate service.
In recent days all of us have witnessed many who have weakened themselves even to the point of falling completely as they have sacrificed the leading principles of honesty and integrity in order to climb an artificial ladder of accomplishment. No lasting great personal heights are ever reached by those who step on others to try to push themselves upward.
It is not surprising to learn that people who tell white lies soon become color-blind.
Despite the endless examples of scandals in business, religion, and government, honesty and integrity are still the ingredients to strengthen knees.
A coach of the East St. Louis, Illinois, High School took a group of young men and turned them into champions. A St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports editor wrote:
“This is a story Hollywood wouldn’t believe: kids growing up in America’s biggest urban disaster, slugging it out, year after year. No money, no fancy facilities, just a coach who still believes pride and hard work can mean something.”
The coach told his players, “Life isn’t always fair, but we can still expect excellence from ourselves.”
He insisted on hard work from all of his players, the stars included. His team won more than many championships.
On our last trip to Great Britain, I had a chance to visit with an eighteen-year-old young man who has had close association with many missionaries in the field. As I was going to speak to a large number of missionaries in the next few days, I asked this friend what he thought was the most important trait missionaries needed in order to be successful. His answer was simple. “They must know how to work. Many come on a mission never knowing how to work.” It has been my experience over the years that feeble-knees are not a by-product of work and commitment to goals.
As this eighteen-year-old has observed, we can strengthen feeble knees of others and ourselves by going to work.
Many of us today have a tendency to seek instant strength, instant pleasure, instant acceptance, instant relief, instant answers, instant change, instant success, instant knowledge, instant wealth, omitting day-by-day effort and work. We become discouraged and get more feeble kneed if goals are not reached immediately. Work is a necessary pattern in the solid life.
Often we hear, “Be a light, not a judge.” Yet we assume the right to point out flaws in others or dwell on our own weaknesses. Constant criticism can wear one down and weaken knees. As we look closely at family members, friends, and leaders, we will see their human limitations.
An old fable, and one of my favorites over the years, tells this story:
A Japanese scholar each evening talked with workmen from a factory. One night he told the men that he would bring them something of beauty on the morrow. One man asked the scholar to bring him a rose; another asked for a branch; and the third requested a lily. The next evening he handed out the rose, the branch, and the lily.
“There is a thorn on my rose,” said the first man. The second complained, “There is a dead leaf on my branch.” “There is a clump of dirt on my lily,” cried the third.
The scholar took all his gifts back and said, “You had a beautiful rose and saw only the thorn; you had a lovely green branch and saw only the dead leaf; and on the glorious lily you saw only the clump of dirt.”
In each of us there may be a thorn in our character, a dead leaf clinging to our reputation, or a bit of dirt in our past. If we dwell on past mistakes, we will certainly become weak-kneed and fearful.
When we point out faults or mistakes others may have made, in no way will we strengthen their feeble knees or hold up hands that hang down.
William James wrote, “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” (Familiar Quotations, ed. John Bartlett, Boston: Little Brown and Co., 1980, p. 649.)
Joseph Smith said, “I told them I was but a man, and they must not expect me to be perfect; if they expected perfection from me, I should expect it from them; but if they would bear with my infirmities and the infirmities of the brethren, I would likewise bear with their infirmities.” (History of the Church, 5:181.)
How far we have come since the accepted adage for children was “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” Now both in business and in the home we are encouraged to catch people doing something good and then give honest praise.
We strengthen and build by pointing out the good traits of a person and cause fear and weakness by being unduly critical.
I am in agreement that tact is rubbing out another’s mistakes instead of rubbing them in.
A scripture says it this way: “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph. 4:31–32.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (History of the Church, 4:540.)
With this kind of declaration from a prophet of God, whose knees need to remain feeble?
May God help us to strengthen the feeble knees of ourselves and those about us by daily improvement in our attitudes and examples, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Monday, July 2, 2007

Divinity's Hand in The Declaration of Independence


We have a FANTASTIC nation! Check this out:

"The Declaration of Independence . . . is much more than a political document. It constitutes a spiritual manifesto--revelation, if you will--declaring not for this nation only, but for all nations, the source of man's rights. Nephi, a Book of Mormon prophet, foresaw over 2,300 years ago that this event would transpire. The colonies he saw would break with Great Britain and that 'the power of the Lord was with [the colonists],' that they 'were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations' (1 Nephi 13:16, 19). "The Declaration of Independence was to set forth the moral justification of a rebellion against a long-recognized political tradition--the divine right of kings. At issue was the fundamental question of whether men's rights were God-given or whether these rights were to be dispensed by governments to their subjects. This document proclaimed that all men have certain inalienable rights. In other words, these rights came from God."
(Ezra Taft Benson, "Our Priceless Heritage," Ensign, Nov. 1976, 33)

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Good Challenge!


I love a good challenge. Here is a short list of challenge's that I love:

1. Arm Wrestling:
This is a challenge I often offer to my 3 year old. It's difficult to win every time, but he does it gracefully.

2. Staring Challenge:
Talking up a staring contest to someone who takes it seriously is so gratifying when I quickly lose.

3. Scripture Mastery:
I loved the study and technique leading up to a Scripture Mastery Challenge in Seminary. It's been a while, but I think PEC this Sunday is the perfect place for an impromptu contest...
4. Cooking Challenge.
Mostly I see these on television...but I need to be ready for when Bobby Flay shows up. There's no way he can beat my "hot dog sandwich". I made it once and it was awesome. And I make it with foie gras! Throwdown on that Flay!

5. Waking Up in the Morning:
Ah, the battle to wake up... I win this battle with a little technique I call, "Ask My Wife to Kick Me in the Morning". I'd explain it, but it's complicated.
I'm sure there are challenges that I'm missing...if you have any suggestions, make them.
But know that I will prepare for that challenge, show up, and challenge you.
And possibly ask for a rematch.

Monday, June 25, 2007

And...Finally

I feel great this morning...life is really good. I got a monkey off my back over the weekend, had a lot of productive conversation with non-monkeys, and got to hang out with my son.

That's funny actually...sometimes people need to be classified as "monkeys" or "non-monkeys". Maybe one transitions between the "monkey" and "non-monkey" classification, depending on the situation.

Let's talk honesty. Honesty is the first step in any 12-step program. Admitting that one is wading in a simmering pot is the best way to jump out before the full boil hits. Am I wrong? I don't think so: Bill W. nailed this one on the head. Whether it's honesty about addiction, lifestyle, or the choices we make...honesty is the first step to change being made.

I know that I have a lot of faults and imperfections. I'm a work in progress? I have learned that it is not who is right, but what is right that needs to guide my personal progress. I receive feedback from people in every sphere of my life- What if one of them says something that can influence me in a positive way, even though I am not fond of that person? My feeling is that I'd rather make a positive change than worry about the source the suggestion came from.

Which is why it is important to have the right kind of influences and friends in my life. Someone who cares about me will say the things that I need to hear, not the things that I want to hear.

OKAY- I could go on but it would distract me from further pajama posts.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Blogger Truth or Blogger Fiction

Blogging is the new truth. Why tell the truth when you can BLOG the truth. A new kind of truth. One that needs no corroboration. Why would someone blog something that is a lie? Don't bloggers uphold the HIGHEST degree of standards? I mean, they don't let just ANYONE on the internet, do they?

Yes, it's true: if Pinocchio were a blogger, his nose never would have grown. In Blogland, there is no such thing as truth or lie, only the blog. And blogging is the new truth.

Historical revisionists take note- blogging is in your future. Want to twist a failed relationship around? Blog it. Feel like rewriting a previous argument? Blog it. Feel like shirking all accountability in your life? Blog it.

It's a cure all.

...

Today's blog truth is brought to you by three scoops of orange flavored sorbet.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

June 19, 2007


My son loves his pajamas. He chooses his pajamas from day to day. Some times he decides to "mix an match", maybe wearing the race car pants with the Bob the Builder shirt.
And why can't he do that? Pajamas are important- important enough that a three year old can opt out of his Thomas the Tank Engine shirt and in to a navy blue T-Rex short sleeve top.
People love pajamas. We go to see movies about people in pajamas. We watch TV shoes about pajama clad heroes. And YES- I've noticed that some shoes are attempting to take the pajama factor out of the hero. A super-hero without pajamas is like a bean without the string. The pajama factor distinguishes the hero as one powerful enough to choose to be comfortable where and when they choose. A hero without pajamas is not a hero at all, that's what I say.
What is the world coming to?
...
I'm going to make today a fantastic day- so watch out! I love the chance to move forward that life provides. Every dawn is hope for me. Hope for renewed opportunity. Hope for forgiveness. Hope for a chance to make bail. Yes- every dawn is hope for me.
So, I have told no one about this blog. I'll tell my wife today- She's the one whose opinion I value the most. She's the best.
I was thinking today about my commitment. My marriage commitment is ALWAYS. Not six days a week. Not 16 hours of every day. Not every minute but 15 each year. It is always, every nano second- forever.
Blog number 2 is down!

Monday, June 18, 2007

June 18th, 2007

Well, why not try again, right? I've started a blog or two, and let them slip away to the great blog limbo. So here I am- er, virtually- trying again.

Life is super good right now. My wife and I are expecting our second child, I'm enjoying my work, and I have recently broken my toe. YES- life is so good even a broken toe is sweet!

I'll post more later.