Children

So first a little information, block 11 is done and so just one more block to go.  Block 12 is mostly admin stuff and 15 pass/fail test.  I will be graduating on December 17 but I still do not have any information on phase II training yet.

Friday we were given a 5 hr lunch break so I went and saw a matinée of the new Harry Potter movie.  It was great, now just have to wait longer to see part 2.  I is going to be out in July 2011.  That means you will be able to by the box set of all the movies for Christmas 2011.  Good planing on their part.
I also went to Wal-Mart and pick up a new toy for Lucy.  She really likes playing with them.  She is so fun to have around.  I spent most of yesterday and today reading.  I really like the series I have been reading.

Now for the children.  I talked to my three oldest today.  I got good news, bad news, disappointing news and news that brought a tear to my eye.  It will be an interesting year.  You just never know what news they will spring on you next.  I love all my children very much.  They are all so different from one another.  They can bring such joy and such heartbreak.

Reading:  The Work and the Glory  Vol. 7 by: Gerald N. Lund

Ether 11: 22 And they did ^areject all the words of the prophets, because of their ^bsecret society and wicked abominations.

Ruby

The text message came about 6:30 this morning from my son-in-law, Ruby was finally here.  Ruby Margaret Matthys was born at 5:43am and weighed 8lbs and was 21 in long.  Reanna went the the hospital where Zach works about 11 last night and they never went back home.  The doctor was going to induce labor today if she have not decided to come on her own.  Both mom and baby are doing good.  I now have 3 granddaughters to spoil.  I will get to see her over Thanksgiving weekend.

I also what to tell about my dinner last night.  The Golden Corral had is annual Veterans' Day free meal last night.  A fellow airman and I wanted to go, free food.  When we got there about 5:30 the line was almost around the building and still more people come in the parking lot.  We decided to kill some time at the mall and wait and see if the line would go down.  We returned about 6:30 and the line was just inside of the building now, so we went in.  We were greeted at the the door by members of the local VFW and given a sticker thanking us for our service.  The local Boy Scouts were there to seat us at a table that had two open spots.  They were filling every table to the max.  We were seated with an older couple, that was just about done.  We chatted with them some and them went for food.  Upon our return of refilling our plates, they had gone and our table had been cleared.  So they had to find us another table.  This time we sat with two gentlemen.  They had both severed in Vietnam.  One was drafted and one was not.  One was in the Army and the other was a Marine.  We had a go chat with them.  They asked what we were training for, where we were from and where we were going.  The night will be remembered for the event and not the food.  It is good to see have things have changed over the years for the better.

Reading:  The Work and the Glory  Vol. 6 by: Gerald N. Lund

Ether 4: 19 And blessed is he that is found ^afaithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be ^blifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him ^cfrom the foundation of the world. And behold it is I that hath spoken it. Amen.

Veterans' Day

I have been thinking of this for a few day and it still might not come out right but here I go.  In my family there are many veterans, from extended family to my direct family, but most dear to me is my dad.  Dad was in the Army before the war in Vietnam started and for many years after.  I know it was never a declared war, it was war none the less.  He was in the army when it was not cool to be GI Joe.  I don't remember many details, but I do remember him being gone and his return from his second time there.  That was the longest he was gone from home but it was not the only time.  I remember my dad having to leave many many times for TDY (Temporary Duty Yonder) as I was growing up.  I know that the sacrifice was not just his either.  My mom had to support him in his service which was not always easy with 4 boys.  The families of all our service men and women deserve our gratitude for there sacrifices.  My dad was active duty for over 26 years. He received a medical discharged because of a heart condition in 1983.  He served with honer and I proud of him and the many years of sacrifice he made for this country.  He then went to work for the army as a civilian.  He did that for about 10 before receiving another medical retirement.  Now he serves the visually and hearing impaired students at the university that he got his degree from after his second retirement.

The first 18 years of my life I spent as an 'army brat'.  I would not trade it for anything.  I got to do and see thing many people will never be able to do or see.  The two that stand out most to me as I reflect on this Veterans' Day are the Berlin Wall and Panmunjom.  These two stand out as place where I felt the most grateful for the freedoms we enjoy in the United States.  While in Berlin I had dinner with a family that had a boy my age and it was fun to play with him in his back yard.  The only draw back was that his back fence was the WALL. We could see across the racked sand, trench and barbed wire another boy our age playing too.  How would it be to grow up neighbors and never know even know each others names.  Then at Panmunjom, which is the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea the tension so thick you could almost cut it.

I joined the Air Force and served during the 1991 Gulf War.  The contrast to the way the service men and women were treated at the end of that war compared to Vietnam are like day and night.  I remember a bumper sticker that said volumes in just a few words 'I am not a Gulf War hero, just Vietnam vet'.  I was able to spend some time with my dad while I was doing some training in Oklahoma and he was drive between New Mexico and Missouri.  It was a good time to talk and really get to know my dad.

  I got out of the Air Force in 1996 after 10 years and move to Missouri to be near dad while he was having medical troubles.  I loved serving my country and an glad to be doing it again.  This time it is with the Missouri Air National Guard.  I am almost done with phase I of my training and will be on to phase II.  Phase II will be completed in an operational Air Force hospital.  That training should last about four months.  

Now to end this were it started, with my dad.  Starting about two years ago my dad was in and out of the hospital several times and one time he was very critical.  We all thought we might loose him.  Family and friends shed tears and prayed for him.  He is loved by so many.  Dad spent a lot of years serving his country and then so many others.  He is such a charitable and kind man that quietly helps so many.  I want to tell the world how much I love and respect the man I call dad.

                            

Internet

So last I wrote I was having to move.  Well the building that I was living in is now in the process of being demolished.  So I guess the move was necessary and could not want for me to graduate from here.  The really bad thing about the move is the location of my new room.  I am on the second floor of a three story building and midway down the hall of an old brick building.  So with that I get really bad cell reception and I was not able to get the internet anymore.  Finally another airman that will be here for sometime got the service and I pay him some so that I can use his connection.  It is not he best but it is better then nothing. Now with that I should be able to post more often.

My days here are getting short, just over a month to go.  My hole class made it by the Continental x-ray machine and block 10.  The first half of block 11 was fun and easy.  We got to put a computer together and work on fixing it.  I enjoyed it.  We am just about done with block 11.  We have one more hands on test to take on the 19th or 20th.  When that is done I will have taken 106 test worth 6440 points and about two dozen pass/fail test in the 41 week school.  We will have some pass/fail test in block 12, that will start Nov 23and end Dec 17.

I also started a spin class ( stationary bike)  in addition to the noon workout with one of my classmates.  As it turns out the spin instructor is the wife of one of the block 11 instructors.  He comes to the class sometimes.  Those days the workout is harder, we blame him.  It is a good workout but she keeps it fun too.  Nothing like riding a bike for 45 minutes to a mix of old and new music.

Reading:  The Work and the Glory  Vol. 6 by: Gerald N. Lund

Mormon 9: 27-28

  27 O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. ^aDoubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and ^bcome unto the Lord with all your ^cheart, and ^dwork out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

  28 Be ^awise in the days of your ^bprobation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your ^clusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and ^dliving God.

Moving

So Wednesday night one of my class mates knocks on my door and tells me he just heard rumor that we were going to have to move.  The next day after lunch he gives me a new key and says rumors true.  So today, because, I did not have any retest I moved.  I went from a nice 1st floor, end of building, no one on either side of me to second floor, middle of building, with a smoker on one side room.  I have only ten weeks left out of 41.  It was not a very happy day, till...


While at lunch with a friend I heard "Jack and Diane" on the radio and then again on Pandora while I was just about done moving. So I made a Facebook post about it: Jack and Diane...crank it up...love this song. 
Then my son posted the following commit: Yeah... I'm not sure I have ever, or ever want to hear you say 'crank it up' again.
That was the first good laugh of the day.  Then later during a chat with an other friend I asked what was up, answer "the moon".  I just had to laugh as that is something I would have said.


I did have a long and enjoyable lunch with a friend today.  It was nice to just sit and talk for a while.  That was followed by hot wings for dinner with a group from the barracks.  You just have to love hot wings and beer (the root kind for me).


Lucy seems to be liking the new room.  I did have to make some modifications to her box as she was getting out.  I found her sleeping on my bed curled up in my shirt.  She is very playful and likes human attention.  I let her run around the room when I am in.


As for school, block 9 is done and we start 10 on Monday.  It is said to be one of the hardest blocks.  We will have 15 test in 4 days, then lecture of the lab portion of the block.  In the lab we will be working on the 'Continental', it is an x-ray machine.  The good part is lecture and lab will be broke up by a 3 day weekend.


p.s.  form being mailed tomorrow and did not ask.


Reading:  The Work and the Glory  by: Gerald N. Lund

D&C 135: 3 Joseph Smith, the ^aProphet and ^bSeer of the Lord, has done more, ^csave Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the ^dfulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own ^eblood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not ^fseparated!

Better late then never

Where did the week go?  I have been meaning to post all week and here it is the end of another week.  It has been a full one with both ups and downs.

Lucy continues to both entertain and comfort.  I let her run free in my little room most of the time I am here.  She has learned to climb the bed spread so she can even get on the bed now.  She also like to climb into my shoes  and play in my briefcase.  Best of all she like to sleep in my lap as I read at night.

Block 9 is moving right along.  I took four of the six test I have in lab this past week. We will finish up the block this coming week.  Then on to block 10, said to be one of the hardest.

Friday was the longest day of the week.  After school let out I changed and went with some members of the church to Oklahoma City.  They we did a session followed by cleaning the temple.  That was a wonderful experience.  A quick stop for ice cream really topped of the night.

It was a late night getting back so Saturday was a lounge around day.  After a quick trip to the store I watched Alice in Wonderland.  It was very good.  Then spent the some time chatting and reading.  Then it was off to institute class and dinner.  I ended the day with a book and Lucy asleep in my lap.

Reading: Animal Farm  by: George Orwell

D&C 133: 11 ^aWatch, therefore, for ye ^bknow neither the day nor the hour.

Weekend

This has been a full weekend.  Some of it not very productive, but fun nonetheless.  I managed to watch two more episodes of Star Wars in one night.  New Hope brings back memories as I remember seeing it in the theater when it first came out.  I think it cost a quarter.  Those were the days.

Saturday I drove the van for the servicemen's temple trip to Dallas.  Eleven of us were able to go.  One of the group is a new member and he was able to do baptisms and I did initiatory work.  I have family file names I am still working on.  It was a very special time for me in the temple.

Before we left the Dallas area we had lunch at Chipotle and made a visit to the LDS bookstore.  After a wrong turn and a stop for ice cream we made it back to the base.

After a text chat with a class mate I got a ride into town to a pet store.  I had been there early in the week and saw that they had some of their pets marked way down.  After some deliberation and chatting I made the plunge.  Then after I got her home and took some pictures I text messaged a friend.  Thus, Lucy my five month old little friend was named.

Today was the same as last Sunday with a little less anxiety.  It was my second time conducting and there were fewer people.  I am so blessed that the Lord has given me the chance to serve my fellow servicemen.
I am so grateful for a special friend that helped me so much a few years ago.

Reading: Pygmalion By Bernard Shaw

D&C 93: 1 VERILY, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who ^aforsaketh his ^bsins and cometh unto me, and ^ccalleth on my name, and ^dobeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall ^esee my ^fface and ^gknow that I am;

The Block and a smile

We are now in the second of three phases of block nine.  The first phase is lecture and testing.  We have a bunch of progress checks( small test) the first few days the a block test over the material covered in the block.  Phase two has several names: coloring, schematics, or PM / ISO lecture.  What we do is really a combination of all three names.  During the lecture on PM / ISO we color our schematics to help us in the lab.  The lab is the third phase of the block.  In the lab we preform the PM (Preventative maintenance check) and ISO (find and write up a isolated malfunction inserted by the instructor in the equipment).  We will enter the lab on the 21st and complete this block on Oct 1.

Yesterday as I was walking to class I was think of all the walking I have been doing.  It is about 1 mile to class and I walk both ways every class day.  Plus all the waking to every other place I have to go.  I figured I have waked about 600 miles so far, with at lest another 200 to still to go.  Most of the time I walk alone for a few reasons.  One is my pace, which is kind of fast.  Today was different. As two sidewalks came together I was joined by a fairly tall female airman that was running a little late.  Her pace was about the same as mine so we made the mile walk together.  Her class was in the building right nest to mine.  Today was graduation day for her and tomorrow she is on her way to Nellis AFB, NV.  She is from Mesa, AZ so she was happy with her new assignment.  Her job in the Air Force is flight medic, so we had a few things to talk about as we made our way across the base.  It was nice to chat was we walked.
When I walk alone I play a little game to pass the time.  I count smiles.  I love to see smiles, so I give them as I walk and I almost always get one back.  There are now even a few that I see on a regular basis that smile at me first.

Reading: The Power by Rhonda Byrne

Alma 63: 2 

And he was a just man, and he did walk uprightly before God; and he did observe to do good continually, to keep the commandments of the Lord his God; and also did his brother.

Pride

I have been called lots of thing over the years, but most often arrogant.  Most find that as they get to know me that my arrogance is a cover.  I have also been called charismatic, loving and charitable.  I much prefer the latter.  I have been thinking of how or if I should blog about today events.  Some might think of it as boosting and maybe it is, but they were very humbling to me.
I was blessed to set someone apart and conduct the church service today for the first time.  I was so nervous that I had to take along my little bear friend.  I share this as I express my gratitude to my Savior for His love and sacrifice that has enabled me to be in this position. I am so grateful that He cared enough for me to die for me.
The last few days have been very good as have tried to uplift others as I have been uplifted.

Reading:  Jesus the Christ  by James E. Talmage

Alma 62: 49 But notwithstanding their riches, or their strength, or their prosperity, they were not lifted up in the pride of their eyes; neither were they ^aslow to remember the Lord their God; but they did humble themselves exceedingly before him.

Contrast

What a day.  I was almost late for my ride to Oklahoma City this morning.  I was a very good trip.
Then on the way home I starting getting test from a friend.  So I spent the evening watching a move and chatting. I had a good time, just not how I had planed on ending my day.  Sometimes you just have to row with the flow.

Reading: The Power by Rhonda Byrne

D&C 121: 35 

Because their ^ahearts are set so much upon the things of this ^bworld, and ^caspire to the ^dhonors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

friend or family

After getting a call tonight I have been reflecting on relationships.  In the church we call each other brother or sister, but do we really feel the love for them as such.  I have grown so close to an extended family that there is that kind of love.  He really is a big brother to me and I have family type bonds to others of his family.  I am in the "know" for family going ons.  I have great love for them and I feel the love they have for me.
I have also felt and seen the lack of it in many of churches I have been to.  Here gossip and roomers have given the weak a reason to quit coming to church.  The church, which should be a place of refuge from such hurt is the source of it.  We can never know the circumstance which have cause our brothers and sisters to make the choices they do.  We can and should love them fully as Christ does.  We need to encourage and uplift our brothers and sisters that are in need.  Even a simple smile goes a long way.
I pray for all the members of this special extended family of mine as they are going though various trials.  I also thank the Lord for their love and support of me in my trials.
May we all treat everyone we meet with the love and respect of a brother or sister, as we all share Heavenly Parents.

Reading: The Power by Rhonda Byrne

Alma 59: 13 

And it came to pass that Moroni was angry with the government, because of their ^aindifference concerning the freedom of their country.

Tap

Today I get to explain tapped.  I tapped a piece of equipment today, the Electrosurgical unit.  I was not feeling the best when I went to take the test and I could give a long list of excuses, but plain and simple I failed the test.  I took a retest right after and got  a 100, but a 70 is the best that is given.  I was the last one in the class to fail one, and with that no GD for any one in the class.  Such is life.  Tomorrow we start block 9.
Rufio made it though the night.  He had a series of seizures and is said to be doing OK today.  He is a very spunking dog that thinks he is the big boss, even if he is the smallest.  I have grateful he is doing well.


Reading: The Power by Rhonda Byrne

D&C 116: 1 

SPRING Hill is named by the Lord ^aAdam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where ^bAdam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.

Long Weekend

The Air Force was nice enough to give us a nice three day weekend, so I rented a car and hit the road.  
I started Saturday with a trip to the vet, good and bad new so now I have to wait and see how things turn out.  Then Daniel and I meet Robbie and Casey and Wal-Mart for a little shopping before the family all meet at the farm.


Casey is a great girl, friendly and out going. Robbie and her make a nice couple.  She seamed to do OK with 37 family members that were gathered for a going a way, birthday and celebrate the birth of the newest member of the family that was born last week.  One of my brothers is in the Army and is leaving for Germany then off to Afghanistan.  Two of the highlights were the running hug I got when one of my granddaughters saw me and seeing her ride Jane ( one of the goat bottle babies from last year).  Grandchildren are such a joy.  I stocked up on their precious little hugs.


Sunday, was church followed by a quite dinner my parents and one son.  I then left the farm to visit some close friends that a planing a move before my school is completed.  He is like a big brother for me.  We have good talks about family, politics, church, guns, and the signs of the times.  It was such a good time I stopped by on my way out of town for a little more time with them.  Then on to the city for another quick visit that was not quick.  I had to deliver some mail containing some very good news.  It was a good visit.


Visiting the farm was very emotional for me.  The night sky are so full and peaceful.  I love sleeping with the window open and listening to all the county sounds. It is wonderful to have all my pets around and wanting attention.  I did missing seeing a few on this trip, maybe next time.


Then the weekend was toped off tonight with dinner with some new friends, hot wings, and fried Oreos.  Yes we battered some Oreos and fried them up, yum!  We also did the same with pieces of a Snickers bar...trial and error but we got it.


Reading: The Power by Rhonda Byrne

Alma 57: 21
Yea, and they did ^aobey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their ^bmothers had taught them.

Study and dinner

With little to no sleep last night, and a long day yesterday.  I had a 2 hour with an LDS military Chaplin about my new calling.  He was very helpful and supportive.  Then I had to run to FHE with out having time for dinner.  I decided to stop by the mini mall for Taco Bell.  I guess I was suppose to be there, as a member that has missed the last two weeks came in just after me.  We chatted for a few and I found out it was a temporary conflict with work.  It is had for the sisters as there are so few, I know of at least one that does not come because of that.  I will be trying to change that.
School started out on a grand note.  We are being released at 1200 for the three day weekend.  So I will get to the farm about 2100 not 0200. That makes me real happy.
School, however, did not end well. I was forgotten about in lab.  My partner went first for the test and when he was done they never came and got me to test.  So I will have to test in the morning, then start on new machine.
Tonight had a good ending.  I was help a few class mates study in the day room and another group was getting together for a Mexican dinner and we got an invite to eat.  I knew a few of them, they attend the same school as I do, and one female that has picked me up so I did not have to walk to school in the rain.  It was a good dinner and I was invited for beer and hot wings next week.  I will make sure there is celery and blue cheese dressing, the way real New York's eat Buffalo hot wings.

Reading: The Younger Gods by David Eddings

Alma 53: 20 

 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for ^acourage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.

Lab

So lab today was an adventure.  The instructors like to put more then one bug ( bad computer chip in the circuit board) in at a time, which is OK most of the time.  It was not so good today.  One that they put in some how cause an totality different one the was not suppose to be there.  I was a point of real confusion for us all.  Then right after that we had to take our test on it.  It went OK, could have just a little bit better.  Now it is not to the anesthesia machine for the next two days.
We were also blessed with an awesome thunder storm just as school got out.  We got the all the lights and noise with it. Then to top of the day I spent over an hour chatting with my son's girlfriend on Facebook.  I am looking forward to meeting her this weekend.



Reading: The Younger Gods by David Eddings

Alma 46: 8 

 Thus we see how ^aquick the children of men do ^bforget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do ^ciniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.

A day late

Yesterday was such a busy day.  First there was church in Burkburnett followed by a baptism.  A young airman that was coming to church with a class mate had all the lessons in two weeks.  He is a great young man.
Then we came back to the base for service here with the members of the Serviceman's group.  It was my first Sunday presiding over a meeting, part of my new calling.  It was so many things, hard for me to put all those feelings into words.  We then had a short break before the next meeting.  It required us to drive up to Lawton for a wonderful meeting of the priesthood.  Ice cream was served afterwards with a nice chose of toppings. :)
The night was ended with a call from a trucker friend of mine.  He have just saw a wreck and needed someone to talk to.  I really enjoy our talks.
Today was just another day in lab, and our hot instructor was back.

Reading: Crystal Gorge by David Eddings

D&C 109: 16  And that this house may be a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of glory and of God, even thy house;

Saturday

For the most part Saturdays are a day of rest for me.  I started the day with a nice run around the base (about 7 miles).  It was a wonderful sunrise.
I then spent most of the day reading.  I also manged to get my laundry done and talk to my parents.  Mom is in Washington D.C. at a rally with Glen Beck.
The highlight of the day was Institute and dinner.  Elder and Sister Snowden prepared an inspiring lesson and a great meal for us serviceman.  There was even enough for me to bring home leftovers for tomorrow's dinner.
Tomorrow promise to be a good day, even if it will be long.  Three church meetings and a baptism, all at different locations.  Full days go by faster.

Reading: Crystal Gorge by David Eddings

Begining

I was posting a blog on MySpace, but I thought I would move it to a real blog site.  I have been asked a few time to post more so I will give it a try.
For those that don't know I am in TX right now.  I am being trained on how to work on hospital equipment (BMET) for the the Missouri Air Nation Guard.  It is a 41 week school and I have 16 weeks to go.  The school is broken up in to 12 block with 17 academic days each.  Right now I am in block 8, with 7 day to go.  Part of each block is spent part in lecture and part in lab.  I really like the lab part.  My class is made of ten people, 6 Air Force and 4 Army.  The class has guard, reserve, and active duty servicemen, with both new recruits and prior service giving the class a interesting make up.  The average age is around 28, with a high of 45 and low of 19.  Oddly it worked out that the two ends are lab partners.  It is like working with one of my children.




Reading: Crystal Gorge by David Eddings