Tuchi's Spot

Christmas Time with the Perez'

2011-12-26T08:01:00.000-07:00

It's December 26th, the day after Christmas and Annie and I have just said good bye to Marissa, Tom and Bolt. My sister Karen and her family left earlier this morning. It's unbelievably quiet in our home now and we're almost feeling like we're missing someone. Well, we already miss Marissa and Tom and they just left. I think most of us that are parents understand the feelings we may be feeling right now. We're so grateful for our family and all the fun they made here in our home. We love you tremendously and want the best for all of you.

I'm grateful for the traditions we have already started to develop and that each and every child of ours contributes to the good feelings and the care for eachother. It's fun to sit back and watch these grownups do their thing. I do have to say, the schedule was packed. There was no wiggle room. Christmas programs, caroling, present exchanges, meals that were huge and in general, just family time at it's fullest was the order of the week.

I guess I just wanted to say We Love You All and Thanks for a great holiday week. I'll let the slideshow say it all.

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-04T23:06:00.000-06:00

Our trip began on Tuesday and ended Sunday the 3rd of April. We started with a visit to family in Richfield Utah and continued on through to Kanab, to Page AZ, then on to Cortez Colorado. We hit Mesa Verde National Park the next day and drove on from there to Colorado Springs where we spent the next few days with the most beautiful twins in the world. We loved every minute of our trip until we headed home and through Wyoming once again, slide offs and blowing winds and snow.

All in all, it was a beautiful drive, saw the most unique and beautiful redlands, the movie set from the Outlaw Josie Wales in Kanab, Glen Canyon dam in Page, and the drive through the Navajo country was spectacular. The best way to view america is on a two laned highway. forget the interstates.

The Denver Aquarium is an excellent place to go if you want a great aquarium experience. The Rykenzies loved it and Dave & Steph are the best little parents ever.

Also, David makes the best pizza ever! I mean it was tasty. Stephie makes the best spagetti using the other white meat as opposed to the artery clogging hamburger we're so used to. Here's some pictures:

Christmas Time 12-25-2010

2010-12-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

We started out at Tony & Julie's house in the morning and ended up at our home in the afternoon to open with Ell and Critter. The pictures are self explanitory. What a blast.

Ed thought he was really Leonardo from Ninja Turtles. All were happy with their Christmas. We heard from Dave and Stephie and we'll be there this weekend to visit with them in Colorado Springs.

My Quick Visit to So Cal

2010-12-08T17:01:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful trip to Lancaster CA to visit my family and to record the old High School days band "Fuzz". I traveled alone because Annette was in school teaching and is saving her days for our trip to Colorado Springs to visit Davey and Stephie and the RyKenzies. It was a fact finding trip and a trip that helped to understand human behavior and how we, as the people we are, deal with consequences. What I learned wasn't harmful or mean, it was just revealing and helped me to understand those I love and admire.

The other day I went to lunch with my friend Curtis. He shared with me how we in this life because of our choices, are always dealing with consequences.From start to finish, we make choices and then we deal with the consequence from that decision whether it is a good, bad or indifferent decision. Anyway, it was a time for me to plan and reflect upon my life and goals that I am working on as well as my business plan too, which is really nothing more than a goal or set of goals to accomplish for the year.

The first night I spent with Kevin, Karen and Troy in North Edwards. I woke up to a beautiful morning where I awoke and saw Troy off to seminary, Kevin heading to work and Karen got ready putting on her War Paint for the day. it was fun. After they left i took an hour plus walk/hike along the little buttes around North Edwards. I saw coyote, bobcat, and quail tracks. I also saw quail too. Then I traveled in to Lancaster to see my folks. They are so funny in that their schedules are so mixed up and are so unorganized. They seem to do everything rather last minute or in a fashion that is opposite to the way I'd do given the same choices. Anyway, it was a fun day with them and spending the glorious time together. We topped it off with a meal in Victorville at the Marie Calendars. Everyone was there except for my brother. We had a real good time.

The next day was spent with the Old Fuzz band in Tehachapi. Martin came up from Woodland Hills and we traveled together to Steve and Ellens home where we met up with Steve and the very frail Dale. it seems as though life has dealt him some serious business. But, even with all the challenges he faces, he stayed a full 8 plus hours to record 4 songs together. There will be a link to see at least one of themm. It was fun and the feelings shared where ones never to forget.

You can see all the Youtube videos of us if you type in HEPLAR in the search. it should populate all of our videos.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0mBiy2tTDA
A great time for sure.

Pics from Missy & Toms wedding

2010-09-24T07:11:00.004-06:00

A glorious weekend with the family attending the wedding. I'll let the pictures & video speak for them selves

She Turns 25 on 9-3-2010

2010-09-02T23:06:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday Marissa! The above picture was back in 1995. Ever since she was a little girl, she was always dressed to the hilt. Annette always made the best clothes (all homemade) for our girls. Marissa was always the ham and loved showing off.

She was also always my bright spot in life. I don't want anyone to think that she was my favorite at all. Many think that and it's not true. I will say, Marissa and her dad communicated well. We were always on the same page. Unless I was never given "The Book" so to speak! ha ha ha.. We only disagreed on a few of the boys she dated and maybe about a few teenage things. I took care of the first boy that asked her our with a pair of Bull Balls that my friend Scott Bowman had taken from a bull turned steer. I would place these testicles on the table and ask if he ( the boy) knew what they were. I waited for their response while Marissa would cry out "MOM...He's talking to my date!!!! I used those balls to intimidate boys by telling them that if their's were bigger, they would be welcome to try to do something wrong to her. If their balls were smaller, then we were going to have a nut brunch and they were hosting! Marissa hated me for doing that! I'm not sure the boy ever came back for a second date. The two gate keepers were Tony and myself. Somehow, the balls dissappeared by the time the second boy came around.

Tommorrow my baby girl turns 25. She is an absolutely beautiful girl and fun to be around. I love her very much and I wish her a happy birthday tommorrow and I'm happy that her and Tom are getting married this month! I'm sure Marissa will have a wonderful family. I'm seeing boys. More than one. Heaven forbid there should be a girl in her family!!! That would be competition! ha ha ha

Mountain River Ranch with Julisa and Ellory

2010-06-26T18:00:00.005-06:00

When I was a little boy growing up I was fascinated with the Old West and generally anthing Pioneery! I enjoyed our family vacations to Virginia City Nevada or even to Knotts Berry Farm which had a sort of Pioneer feel to it. Even traveling to El Paso Texas with my Aunt on the train traveling across New Mexico and Arizona via the train was enchanting in my mind. I would envision wagon trains and individual riders and basically anything that resembled somthing I saw in the old west movies of the day.

The terrain across much of the West is so very picturesque that it was easy for me to imagine ( as I did a lot as a kid).

As I grew older, my travels with my dad to Fallon Nevada from Lancaster California had us crossing old pioneer trails and old outlaw laden country ( in my mind). i grew to love the Old West and was grateful to live in the place where it all really happened. Life in Fallon was at least 50 to 100 years behind life in L.A. County and i welcomed it. Thanks to my dad to help me be able to let my mind just wander in my youthful daydreams.
Anyway, that still continues to this day. I enjoy going to Lagoon to the Pioneer Village and anything where there is a Pioneer theme. Today we went to Mountain River Ranch and enjoyed the company of Critter & Ellory. Ell loves horses and wagon rides. Critter deplores it but Ell and I have a common thread. We love outdoorsy stuff and live for it.

Thoughts on April 18th 2010, but a week late

2010-04-24T09:57:00.010-06:00

So, in the year 1980, the month of April, and the day 18, a beautiful girl of 20 years from Utah and a boy from the California desert were married in Manti Utah in one of the most beautiful LDS Temples that has ever been built.

Over the years we experienced joy in so many ways and heartaches in so many ways too. We've loved each other, been really mad at each other, wanted to SHOOT each other, told each other to go to (someplace really hot!), held eachother through difficult times, held each other when loved ones past on. We've made common goals with each other for our family and ourselves both collectively and independently (albeit, many times we took different routes getting there), stood behind our children when tough choices needed to be made, shared with non family members perhaps when we really didn't have that asset or commodity to share. I could go on for hours and tell stories for days. That part I'll leave in a book that I have been writing from time to time called "My Life History". I'm certain ,my kids won't care about it but perhaps my grandkids will find something of value in it at the time that they elect to read it.

Anyway, back to Annette and Ralph. We spent our 30 year anniversary here at home, me doing domestic chores and Annette suffering with strep throat. Not the glorious 30 year anniversary I had anticipated so many years ago. We did celebrate an evening out to the movies with Ellory and Critter by going to see Oceans, a Disney Nature movie last night, a week later. Will we celebrate another day? I'm certain we will, but unlike before when it was so important to make sure we celebrated on that given day, we will just do it on our own time. I know, I know, it's my unstructured nature that makes me this way.

Hey, at least we did go to the Oregon Coast and to Bellingham to see Missy and Tom. I'm sorta counting that as part of a celebration though certainly not substituting it for the actual celebration. We'll get around to it and no one has to tell me that I have to do it on the said day. Ahhh, there is just a whole bunch of good about me getting older! No structure! ha ha ha ha

Here's some pics of our vacation ( my first one in years other than hunting vacations)

Our Weekend!!!!

2010-02-15T13:37:00.009-07:00

What a wonderful time we had with our families all visiting and all over this valentine weekend.

We started the visit with a meal at Tony & Julies and watched the little cousins just have a blast with their little Twin Cousins. They were a hit. Of Cours, it was all topped with one of Julie's delicious meals

We were blessed with a visit from Dave & Steph and the twins. They are growing up so fast and we had fun watching them smile and giggle and just play around with us and all thier cousins and grandmas and grandpas. Stephies folks came over and hung out with us for a couple of evening while we all played with the kids. I think we decided, we need more chairs in the family room!

Also, Critter got a new bike that we put together for her on Saturday. I had fun riding it down the block even if was pink!

We love our entire family and only wish that they all lived closer. We missed not having Missy there with us. It's a good thing she calls frequently to talk with us.

Hunting Pics with Gramps!

2009-12-02T16:19:00.008-07:00

One of the greatest blessings I've had in my life is my Dad. He's a constant that has always been there for me in times when I've needed him and in times that were just fun, he's added to my life in so many ways that they are too many to count.

Growing up as a kid, I didn't have the best life to look forward too back then. I had a beautiful single mom that was always preyed upon by various malcreants. We were poor, living in some pretty interesting places back in those days. My mom had come out of an extremely abusive relationship with my biological father where there was severe physical, mental, financial and Heaven only knows what kind of abuse which was mostly mostly inflicted upon her. The worse was when he held a gun to her head and that is when she decided to get out.

When she met my dad Tony (1964), I sensed his goodness and fell right into his calm demeanor. We became best of friends and I was jealous that he wanted to spend time with my mom instead of me. Well, it all worked out in the end and I was sealed to him and my mom years later in the Los Angeles Temple. I had returned from my mission and was know as Elder Ralph Perez. The folks at the Temple had a hard time understanding why I didn't change my name. I told them it was what I was know as and that worked for me. It took them a while to accept that but they eventually did.

My dad took a city boy and taught him how to hunt, fish, and to love the outdoors. He also taught me how to have etiquette, respect for others, especially the elderly and to be accepting of all people and to give more than I ever took.To this day, the legacy of what he taught me, all the good things, all the life lessons, many were taught out in the field or while he and I worked on cars at night while I was kid, lives on and have been taught to my kids. I've done a terrible job of emulating what he taught me but I always had his example to use as a standard. I would do anything to hang around and learn from him. He taught me to be honest and upright. Even though there were challenges in his life, he made sure that we didn't make the same mistakes. This last week my dad had an Elk hunt that he came up for. Despite our best efforts, we just couldn't catch up with them. I watched my 76 year old dad hunt with the same enthusiasm he had when I first met him. He can't seem to go as far or nearly as fast but, he still goes and that to me is important. His words are " I had a great wilderness experience! Chuckle Chuckle Chuckle!" We are still laughing at our funny follies chasing these blasted critters but what is the real plus, is the memories we made and the feelings shared. Tony my son, Gramps and me had another wonderful bonding experience out in the hills. It's barely over and we're already planning the next year! Crazy huh? ha ha ha ha

We love you Dad (aka Gramps)!

Stealth Cam Ride 11-07-09

2009-11-07T18:15:00.009-07:00

My dad who is 76 years old was fortunate enough to draw an elk tag for our sacred sacred hunting unit. In preparation for his coming up around Thanksgiving time, we went up and placed 3 stealth cams to capture critters moving around. we had a beautiful day for doing this chore. We placed cams up at Chukar Springs, at UDSB, and at Knee Cap Canyon! These names are made up names that we created for the area that we are in and also are to protect the guilty. he he he... I hope you enjoy them.

Fishing after work!! 11-05-09

2009-11-05T23:40:00.005-07:00

Dean and i went fishing today after I left work (early).

I bailed out of there at 3 p.m. and hit the river south of town. It was fun and it was beautiful. especially as the sun went down. I caught a small trout on a spoon ( my favorite lure) and cooked him before band practice tonight. Annette had her 4 hour class and never made it home before I left for practice.

I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Halloween Time With The Kids

2009-10-31T20:39:00.011-06:00

Annette and Critter planned a party for all the cousins to come and hang with each other and basically make a mess at Grandmas place! They had fun as did Critter and Annette! Gramps was out hunting for a furry creature and missed the whole thing. He did manage to go Trunk or Treating with Ellory Friday night. We sure do love these little guys! Happy Halloween!!!

Various Family Shots For The Last Few Weeks!

2009-09-27T16:58:00.014-06:00

I'm not sure what we have posted lately but here are a few pics from this summer and up to and including this last weekend. We seem to spend lots of time with little Smelly Ellory! What fun it is to be a gramps.

Do We Ever Not Worry For Them?

2009-09-18T15:10:00.005-06:00

This last week has been one where I was reminded that perhaps, I should spend more time at home with those that I love the most. It also got me to thinking of each of our children and how they are doing, surviving, coping, struggling, dealing with life, and how they each are doing emotionally. In fact, the week has been filled with emotions for me that have ranged from panic for some of my children to a state of peace in my mind for the others.

I've wondered how each deals with their very own life challenges. I think the most interesting part is how each of them responds so differently to their own situations and circumstances. For one, there is peace in putting one foot in front of the other. For another, there is loneliness and an unsettling feeling of being family-less for the present. For another it's dealing with a world of less than honest people causing huge personal necessity of going without. For another it's working through huge emotional stress and committments mainly imposed by that very same person on that persons own self. For another it's the perfection and absolute accuracy and attention to detail that consumes that persons time and energy perhaps for a population that may or may not even care if that person is doing his or her best. Interestingly enough, each of you could say to yourself that I'm defining you in each of those observations. Maybe I am.

Well, as a parent, I wish I could take all of your pain and struggles away and carry them for you. I've got broad shoulders that the Lord blessed me with and I'm no stanger to the cruelty of life and it's stress and I would do that for you. Unfortunately, we all know that it doesn't work that way. Each of us must rise to the occasion and just do it ourselves. The only thing we as parents can do is at times, provide a bridge to get you there. But you alone must walk the path and come out on top. Good thing we have a Savior huh?

My hope is that each of these loved ones always and I mean always never forget who you are, where you came from and where you are going. I love all of you so very much and I pray for you daily. I pray harder now than I ever have in the past! So does your mom. This is good. I'm certain my folks prayed for me too. At least I hope they did!

Keep making good choices family. For those of you who are struggling with sin. Move away from it. It never makes you feel good in the long run. Short runs, maybe but the cost of that short gratification carries with it an enormous price to pay for the rest of your life. You can either pay it yourself or let the Savior pay it for you. By the way, he already has. He's just waiting for you to give him permission to pay for it. Don't be fooled into thinking that you're too far gone! It's a LIE! The worth of souls is Great. Don't forget that.

I love you all!

Papa Ralph

Labor day Fun with Tony and Julie's Fam 9-5-6-2009

2009-09-07T07:30:00.014-06:00

Tony and Jewels asked if we would come up and play with them and their family on the Labor day weekend. We agreed and we were assigned breakfast for about 22 people on Saturday morning. We brought up the fixings for Annette's delicious french toast ( made with cinnamon bread, YUM), dads greasy bacon and sausages, hash browns plain and hash browns O'Perez ( actually O'brien style with onions and green peppers). The peppers were from our garden which was pretty cool. Orange juice or milk for drink. Alllanyone needed was a shot of ketchup or their own hot sauce, a healthy appetite, and they were off to the races.

We got on the boat and had a blast transporting folks to the dock. The water cops were there and they would only allow the recommended number of folks on the boat that it had capacity for. This required us to shuttle folks. Neil took Annette and me and several kids to the first available dock and we got off with the fishing poles and all the gear to fish and swim and have fun. this allowed all the older kids , surf, and have boating fun while we played with the little ones.

Later that night we came back for dinner and played games until about 10:30 and then Annette and I came home because of our responsibilities in the YSA branch. We felt the need to be there and fulfill our responsibilities, especially because we are newer and we want to set a good exapmle for those whom we are entrusted to lead. Besides, we really enjoy it too. We also came back because my allergis were killing me. I'm severely allergic to earthworms. I used them because that's the only thing the fish were biting from the dock. They wouldn't chase a single lure. By the end of the night I my face was swollen like a balloon, and I needed a dose of allergy medicine which I hate to take because it knocks me out for over 24 hours. I struggled all day in church to stay awake.

We went back the next night and played more games and had fun with the kids and got some beautiful night sky.

E.D's first Dove hunt 9-1-09

2009-09-01T17:44:00.005-06:00

So Today was E.D.'s first day for going hunting. This lively little 3 year old never stopped all day long. And he thought that he actually shot some doves.
Today we went with Mike Shirts, Jerry Coon, Dean Arnoldsen, Tony and E.D. out west of Idaho Falls along the Lava's and only got 5 doves total. We had a good time enjoying the nice weather and eachothers friendship and also for me, watching my son and grandson interact and bond just like my dad and I used to do. That was the best part.

The final score was, hunters 5 doves. Doves clearly won after nearly a hundred rounds at them. What a great day!!!!

Stealth Cam Run 08-29-2009

2009-08-30T00:12:00.005-06:00

Today for me started out at about 5;45 a.m. I purposely stayed in bed for an additional 15 to 20 minuted so that I could tell myself that I slept in. It is amazing how guilt works on the mind!!!!I got up and cleaned the kitchen so that Annette wouldn't have too. She really doesn't love cleaning the kitchen. and I don't mind because it's small . I also folded the white clothes, and ironed a few pairs of pants for both of us. All this becuase I wanted to make sure that we could get off to the Sacred Hunting grounds and place the stealth cams up in our strategic spots. I did have to slip into the office and meet with a client for his annual review and Annette had Visiting Teaching to get done.

We left by 2 p.m. and took our two oldest grandaughters with us ( Hali and Niki). We got there and we were off to do the chore. It is an all day job and because of that, we were only able to get two cameras up and into place.

The girls hiked up those mountains with not too much problem for sure. They are tough little girls. Annette came home sore and tired. as did I .

I only got the 4 pictures but, they should speak a thousand words.

Annette has her own Blog!!!!! Hooray!!!

2009-08-18T16:37:00.003-06:00

Yes, she has her own blog and what a treat it is.

Annette is the most well versed woman in the gospel that I know. She can expalin simple truths and make them very understandable and fun. She can also take complicated and difficult subjects and make them very easy to understand.

I remember listening to her as she explained things to me and I was always most impressed at how close she was to the Lord. I've never met anyone that prays so sincerely and so easily as she does. She does this because she is well practiced. C'mon, living with me has required her to be on her knees a whole bunch! he he he he...

http://thinkaboutit-annette.blogspot.com/

You'll find tons of inspiration and well thought sincere thoughts that will warm your heart and give you hope. (check out some of the responses too. some of them blow me away!!)

David's Graduation from Lineman's College 8-13-14-09

2009-08-15T08:49:00.012-06:00

We had the opportunity to attend our little Davey's graduation from the Northwest Linemans College and Linemans Rodeo in Kuna this last Thursday and Friday. It was an opportunity to see David excel in his love of his new career. What a great thing for us as parents to see a son make good choices and have opportunities in multiple ways presented before him. We can see how he and Stephie will be greatly blessed for the sacrifices they have made.
It was also fun giving the girls ( Kenzi and Ry) rides in the bucket. David was busy competing in the rodeo when I had the hair-brained idea to take Kenzi up in the bucket about 50 feet or so (hey, it's windy up there and wobbly). David didn't see us until I was about 20 feet up! He just looked and said "NOOO!" Too late! We were up in the air and what a view. The Lineman that operated the bucket was so very kind and polite. Anyway, we made it back down and a little later Donette took Rylee up and Dave actually took the controls over and took them up.

It was fun watching and I was so proud to see David with his entire graduating class and see the hope in all of their eyes. It was a great weekend.

The girls are doing great and they are beautiful. It was a great trip for Annette and I. I was informed that I hadn't done a thing all summer with Annette and that we didn't go anywhere. So, we squoze one day into the summer. Hey, it's been a tight year so we'll make up for it next year.

We love all of our kids and are especially pleased and glory with all of those who have made great choices in life. We celebrate with you and revel with you in your new found career choices and love you dearly for it. We love all of you and want the best for you all. Keep making good choices and you'll see what happens! Trust me!!!!!! It's Good!!!!

Love,

Papa Ralph

Summer Fun Pics

2009-07-31T23:33:00.015-06:00

We've taken several misc pics and had so much fun this summer, that I thought I'd just post a bunch of pics and movie clips of Ellory. Also, got some photos from my dad of our fsmily. My friend Joe Sacco, his wife is a professional photographer and she took family photos of us. We are all pitchin in to buy the disc. She took over a hundred photos and I will post some later. In the mean time, here's a bunch of candid shots.

Life is wonderful and all are doing well

Annette's Surprise 50th!!! 6-13-09

2009-06-18T16:24:00.013-06:00

Let me set the stage!!!!! I had been Lying, and Lying and Lying to Annette as she so inquisitively asked questions for the previous couple of weeks as to what we were going to be doing on the weekend of the 13th and 14th. I said we would work on the house and other vague things and she was wondering why I was being so elusive. He he he he... It was fun playing with her for a week. It was so hard not to say anything and she always wondered why I would slip outside to answer my phone if I saw it was one of the kids.

Anyway, We invited all of her closest friends, her family and most showed for the party. her dad Wayne came up and Davey and Stephie came up from Caldwell ( lying that he had a job interview) the twins and all but our lovely Missy and Tom came up to be with us. It was fun.

It rained the whole time we were partying. It didn't before, and it didn't afterwards. It was worth it to have her be so surprised.

By the way, she still hasn't forgiven me for throwing the party. She hates being the center of attention and she let me know for three or four days that she wasn't happy with me!!! Oh well, when have I ever NOT been in trouble!!! I like it!!! wink wink

Blessing the Little Ones!!!!

2009-06-11T22:38:00.012-06:00

Last weekend we went to Caldwell, or rather Middleton and had a wonderful time spending the weekend with the newest additions to the family, Kenzington and Rylee Perez. We spent time with Dave and Steph and the Hammonds at their beautiful home and enjoyed their wonderful hospitality. We enjoyed eachothers company too and all the fun we had at the Mall, the Cafe ole with Dave , Steph and the Twins and at the hotel with Tony & Julies family, and Critter and Ellory.

We topped the weekend off with the blessing of the girls in Middleton and what a beautiful blessing David gave the girls. His blessings were so touching and the Spirit was so strong while he blessed them. It was good to be there with my two sons and most of Stephies brothers and Rich.

We had a great dinner afterwards and had a great time with all the family. Afterwards, Annette, Hali and I traveled home and we went the Mountain Home/Fairfield way home. All I can say is WOW! It is absolutely beautiful to take that route. I think We'll take that way home and there everytime!

Memorial Day Work & Check Out Missy Singing ->>

2009-05-28T16:42:00.007-06:00

Well, there hasn't been much to report lately other than things are going just fine. Work is still quiet, relatively speaking), life is good and our biggest news is that i've been called to be 1st counselor in the Young Single Adults Branch of our stake. I made the mistake of going fishing with my good friend Deano (second counselor in the Stake Presidency) and mentioned to him that the best kept secret in the church is teaching Sunday School and how there are no early morning Priethood Leadership , nor Auxillary meetings to go too. Well, that was a mistake. After a mere two weeks, I got called. It's cool though. I'm serving with my good friend s Lamont Hanson Pres. and Roger Harshbarger 2nd counselor. We will have fun for sure. I know most of the kids from when I was their Stake Young Mens President and or the High Council talk assignments.

Also, we had fun working around the house on Memorial day weekend. Other than the gig I had with the band on saturday afternoon, the rest of the weekend was dedicated to my beautiful bride and my family. We worked on the yard and the fences and just had an enjoyable time.

Tony and Julie are visiting Aaron and Crytal in Florida at Disney World where Aaron works and we had their little ones with us for the weekend and we'll have them again this weekend.

Poor little Hali was out of sorts because her mom and dad were gone. She would never admit to it but she missed them so very much. She spent most of the time by herself just moping around quietly and out of everyones way. Kinda cool to see an emotional little girl again. Anyway, she was in the upstairs bathroom taking a 2 hour soak and I came in from outside and spoke to her through the door. I yelled out to her "Hali! Who loves ya?" She responded, "You do Gramps" rather discouragingly. I asked her again "Who else?" She responded "Grandma!" I added, well i think everyone loves you. She proceeded to tell me about a girl at school who hated her and turned many of her friends away from her. ( I think she was just down and needed to vent!) I said to her " She really doesn't hate you Hales!" She responded that she was sure she did in her best Eyore tone. I responded by reccomendeing to her " Well, tell her to go to Hell!" (Grandma did not approve) Hali just started laughing her loud deep from the bottom of her belly laugh and she had me laughing. She thought that was funny and then she quickly said to me, "Hey Gramps, you owe me a buck" "I almost forgot because I was laughing so hard" Ya see, everytime I cuss, I owe her a buck. Julie tells me that I will singlehandedly fund her education! Little Poops!

Our Trip to Caldwell to See the Twins

2009-05-03T13:33:00.009-06:00

So yesterday, we all loaded up into Tony's van and left Idaho falls and made the 4 hour trek to Caldwell to see Davey and Steph and also Kenzington and Rylee. We had a blast.

The only little person to go with us was Ellory. She was fun. I'll just say that it was an honor to give the girls a blessing and to spend even if it was just a few hours with our newest grand girls. They are beautiful and PUNY!

We hated to leave and if we would have driven, we'd have been there until the hospital staff would have had to to get the retraining order in place and remove us! It was nice to be together with Tone, Julie, Missy, Critter and Ellory to see Davey, Stephie, Kenzi, and Ry.

Kenz & Ry are here!!!! Wahooooo!!!

2009-05-01T16:10:00.004-06:00

Well, they came last night around 6:45. Both of the girls are Healthy and doing good. Kenzington was 1st weighin in at 5 lbs 1 oz and Rylee was a whopping 3 lbs 14 oz's. Here are two piuctures that Dave sent.

I talked to Steph this morning and she is doing great. She says the girls are doing excellent. She said that Ry was eating a ton (she has to catch up to her sis). She figures it's cuz Kenzington's butt is finally off of her and she can eat!

They were 2 weeks short of a full term! We are going to see them tommorrow.

Hali's "101 Dalmations" Play

2009-04-29T14:25:00.006-06:00

Yesterday evening we went to see Hali's play. Her G.A.T.E. program put on "101 Dalmations". these little actors were great! They did excellent.

Hali played a Chihuahua and she was as cute as a button. Afterwards we went to Arby's for dinner and proceeded to get soaked with spilled pop and slimed with ketchup from our little group. It reminded me of when my parents took my sister Martha and I to a real nice restaurant in LA when I was just an 8 year old kid and Martha and I spilled things and we were crawling around on the floor picking things up and eating them. All the while embarrassing my mom and dad.

Of course, last night, I didn't even get mad at the fact that pop was spilled all over me. It was fun because it was my grandkids. Anyway, here's a clip of her last night

End of March Photos!!! What a difference today!

2009-04-22T11:23:00.004-06:00

Ok, so this was the view from our door on Sunday the 29th of March. The markets were gloomy (but improving), the weather was relentlessly reminding us of the nasty grip of winter and it seemed as though we should have remaned Idaho Falls to something Siberian! Maybe even Chernobel or something that would fit for the times. Here's another two:

As you can see, it even feels cold to look at these pictures!!! and now we are in full swing of Spring. yesterday, Annette, Ellory, Critter and I were working in the garden areas getting them all prepared for planting some fun stuff. I moved a bunch of shade loving plants from the back yard that were'nt doing so well after the apple tree that used to shade them so well had split in two and had broken. Since then the plants had done just terrible. So, along the front of our house, it faces north and we always need shade lovers there. So, we'll see if the transplant actually works. I guess that slowly, one by one the projects will get done around here. Annette wants the big pine tree gone in our front yard. I say please not yet. I like it and I know the neighboorhood kids would sure be upset. Years ago, our little Critter and her friend put up or had me rather, put up two swings in the pine tree. Now, years later, every neighborhood kid plays on them. It's really kinda fun to watch and to hear! I know, I'm starting to sound like a nostalgic old man!! ha ha

Easter Weekend 2009

2009-04-12T15:42:00.010-06:00

We started the weekend by going to Annette's uncle's funeral. Seems to be that all we do now is go to relative funerals. I suspect it will only continue as we all seems slide over a chair in life as we get closer to the end. It was good to visit with family and to spend that special time with everyone there.

Once we got back well, here is what we did with the grandkids. They were instructed that they could only hide eggs in the upstairs family room, the dining room and not out in the livingroom, any bedrooms or bathrooms nor anything downstairs in that family room nor any other bedrooms downstairs. It just had to be right in the family room and out on the deck. It was a balmy 56 degrees out there and so it was nice and toleable for them. We had fun and they did too.

Today My Little Boy Leaves I.F.

2009-03-31T08:56:00.005-06:00

Our Little David has been working towards becoming a lineman. He's been an electrician for the last 8 years. He's a full fledged journeyman and has worked his way up to a forman and worked crews. After all this time he has made it clear he really wants to go in a different direction. We're proud of him and so pleased that he wants to continue to make good choices for himself and his beautiful wife Stephanie. These choices include he and Stephie moving to Boise where he will be attending school and from there, well, who knows where this world of opportunity will take my little boy. I wish him all the best and hope that his dreams come true because he deserves them.

So last night, Tony and I helped him move the last of his and Stephie's stuff to Michelle's basement and also into his truck. Tony went home after our lirst load to Michelle's and then it was just Dave and me. It was fun working together. We worked together until 2 a.m. I loved every minute of it. I was with my little pal who was always a quiet little feller to take along. Now, I look at him as an accomplished and focused young man. He's funny, and just good. He wanted to leave this morning at 2 and I encouraged him to sleep so that he could travel safely and get to Stephie in one piece. When I left this morning (7:25), he was asleep on the couch (just like he did when he was living with me) and he looked at peace. I gave him a big hug and a squeeze and a kiss and he slept right through it.

I looked at his truck out in front of the house all tied in with his stuff and shed some trears of joy for him and Stephanie and their new little babies that are coming. Tears of joy anyway and not of sadness. I guess it's really the first time that Dave has really ever left! Well, he did leave to work in Big Sky Montana for a winter and then there was the time he left to go live in Columbus Ohio. Back in those days, it was probably ok for Davey to leave. In fact, I believe we held the door open for him. ha ha. But, through all the stuggles that his sweet mom and I had, he always came home and he was always here. Probably, he never knew how much I so appreciated him being here. I guess he was a rock to me just like all of my kids are. He just was always there. Sooo, I'll have to get used to going to Boise to see him. At least for the time being.

Good for you Davey! I love You Kid!

Dad

Spring is coming to Idaho!!! Hooray!!!

2009-03-05T09:59:00.007-07:00

Ok, It's been a long winter here in Idaho. I still have a good load of snow on my lawns especially the ones facing north and on my deck in the back. I can now see the stuff that was left on the deck and hidden under th snow. Shame on me for leaving stuff out there.

Anyway, I'm excited to get the duldrums of winter, the current economics, peoples portfolios in the negative, completely out of the way. I'm ready to have Faith. I think it was Neil A Maxwell that said that "Fear and Faith cannot exist in the same person at the same time". I really believe that and this time of our woes for many will go away like they always do. I have told my kids and friends who struggle that "I've been broke before, and it ain't so bad!" It really isn't for all that matter.

Anyway, along with that has also come much beauty and joy and fun times too. We have countless blessing that I think we take for granted. For us, some of the blessings include reasonable health, a comfortable home, kids that live close, grandkids that live close, parents that are doing well and coping with life in ever diligent ways, and also, twins that are coming to Davey and Stephie! We are so excited that they will be moving in with us for the month of April brefore they move to Boise where Dave will be going to school. Thats the only sad part is that they will be 4 hours away from us. Oh that really hurts Annette but, she's tough and I'm sure we'll be putting on miles to go see the little ones.

Anyway, here are some pics from the last month of Idaho winter fun and beauty:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, RALPH! From Annette

2009-02-13T21:44:00.002-07:00

We have been celebrating Valentines Day together for almost 30 years. Even though a few of them have been rocky, there are still many reasons I love him. Here are just a few reasons why I love the man I'm married to.

He is a man of many interests: Hunting, fishing, music making - plays guitar in two bands, mixes and records music, sings in the ward choir.

He is a man of faith. He read the scriptures and prays daily. He takes his callings seriously and fulfills them with never a word of complaint. He is always willing to serve others.

He is a loyal friend. He has many friends that he still keeps in contact with from his high school days. Once a friend - always a friend. He is gregarious. He stops and talks to everyone because he knows everyone. Don't send him to the store if you need something quickly. He'll be gone at least an hour because he ran into so many of his friends. When we go to the store together, I leave him with the first person he finds and continue the shopping. When I'm finished, I usually find him with someone else.

He is a hard worker and self-motivated.

He runs his own business and really cares about his clients. After a lot of different jobs to keep our family fed and clothed he found a career that makes him happy. He dedicates time and talent to his clients with a smile on his face everyday.

He often does the cooking - mostly because I don't like anything to do with the kitchen - but he seems to enjoy it. He'll even clean the kitchen and do the dishes. The kids complain about his famous mystery stews, but there are many dishes he makes that are enjoyable.

He likes to cuddle on the couch with me after a long day at work and watch Law and Order. His first choice would be COPS! Luckily he compromises and we get to watch what I want.

He irons his own clothes and will often iron mine. He is meticulous about everything being crisp and neat.

He has the ability to make everyone laugh. He could entertain all types of crowds with his wit and sense of humor. He has MC'd different parties or functions, and even amuses fans in his own band.

He likes his home to be clean and organized. He never leaves dirty clothes on the floor.

He is good looking!

He brought four beautiful children, five amazing grandchildren (and two more on the way) into this world with me.

Ralph, thank you for being a great husband and father. I love you. Happy Valentines Day

Guitar Projects with Seth!! Look to the right and play

2009-02-10T14:53:00.005-07:00

Please push the play button and listen to these songs to the right

Over the last few weeks my friend Seth Callister and I have been recording LDS Hymns for our pleasure and for our family and friends to enjoy. They are straight forward guitar or stinged instument only with all the parts and noodles to go with it. We've been so pleased with the outcomes that we thought we might even share some of them now. We are putting a group of about 16 to 20 hymns per cd together. We are sitting on 8 right now and two more are in the can right now.

This has been one of the most enjoyable projects that I have ever done. I listen to them on a daily basis and this has helped me to calm down dramatically. I hope it does for you too.

Soo, to my family and friends I ask, what hymns would be good for us to record? What would you like to hear us do for you?

Seth and I were inspired by Michael Dowdle principally followed by Mark Geslison, Goeff Groberg, Small-Clemente Duo and other great LDS Guitarists and stringed instument players. Seth and I will be using various instruments to play these songs. On one of the recordings I used my Dulcimer, my mandolin, and at least one of my 12 strings. Most are recorded with my Seagul and Seth is playing his Martin D-28.

Anyway, we like them and hope you do to! Here is a picture from a few years ago of Me, Michael Dowdle, Seth Callister and in front, Kelly Manwaring (Seth's daughter) from a couple of years back

Saturday Fun in January

2009-01-31T23:27:00.007-07:00

What an unsettling week it was for me. things at my work became completely unsettling after trying to negotiate an agreement with a new advisor that wants to be my OSJ. All I can say is that trust is the most important virtue we have in business and any time any one person feels perhaps a bit of manipulation, then it all goes out the window. So went my week. It completely disrupted my entire routine that I've adpoted this year to reach my new goals. Anyway, next week is a new week and it will be better i know.

At least we had a blast with Tony and Julie's little ones out sledding this afternoon. We went to the Erickson School Hill where all of our own children went and sled when they were kids this age. For Annette and i it was like reliving the old memories and yet we were with our Grandkids.

It was interesting because all the same antics were pulled by them on eachother. Snowballs in the face, stealing and appropriating sleds and the funniest part was little E.D. He decided that the school jungle gym and slide were more fun. Well, he was obviously bundled up pretty tight and he decided he didn't need his gloves, coat nor his boots! He slid down the slide a couple of times and then realized that it was cold. We saw him at the bottom of the hill there walking through the snow with none of the above on and crying because he was freezing. It doesn't take a little feller long to get frozen.

We loaded everyone up and came home for some hot chocolate and goodies from grandma and beatings from grandpa! They love the beatings. ( they're not real beatings!) It was fun to take my mind off of the challenges of the week.

Critter Turns 20- Little Party 1-18-09

2009-01-18T21:48:00.006-07:00

Well our baby turneed 20 this last Friday. She is such a good little mom. It's fun to watch her grow up, make good decisions and learn from the bad ones. She was always the most bull headed of our kids and like her big sister who is stunningly beautiful, Critter is just Strikingly beautiful.

Anyway, All of the family was here except Missy and Tomasio as they live far away. We had fun. we ate pizza and salad, Chips and some of Annettes homemade (too die for) salsa. After which Jules and Annette colaborated on a cake and ice cream treat. We also had the sacred slush from Julie. Oh baby! Bring on the calories tonight.

All in all we had fun. Little ED and I went downstairs and put in the movie CARS (his favorite) on the bigscreen and the surround sound. We got told to turn it down. Ha ha ha, we turned it up!! Yep, we're training him young so when he joins the band of his own, he'll be all tuned up.

Next birthday will be Ellories! She'll be one

CANDY BAR GAME

2009-01-03T20:59:00.002-07:00

This is how to play the candy bar game: Buy a bunch of different candy bars - you need only one of each kind - the more the better. We usually buy about thirty or forty. You will also need lunch sacks for each person and at least one dice. Everyone sits in a big circle. Put the candy bars on the floor in the middle of the circle - spread them out so everyone can see them. Then everyone takes turns rolling one dice. If the person rolls a 1 or a 6 they get to choose a candy bar and put it in their bag so no one else can see it. Continue around the circle until all the candy bars are gone. Once the last candy bar is in a bag, continue around the circle three more times. This time if someone gets a 1 or a 6 they can take someone's candy bar, but first they have to name the person and the kind of candy bar they want. If the person has it, they have to give it up, if not, then the person who guessed just misses out. After three times around, everyone keeps the candy bars in their sacks.

Christmas time in our part of the world

2009-01-02T16:57:00.012-07:00

We had a wonderful time this christmas season with all of our family visiting and with all of the festivities!! We actually started way bak at the Festival of Trees in Novemeber with the girls singing and then ended up on the 26th of December with my little nephew Troy and my grandaughter Hali Ann and I Ice fishing at the Roberts gravel pond.

We started on Christmas Eve with our annual candy bar game. The entire Family was there including Nick and Tom ( they are not officially family yet but they are as close as they can be right now right now!) ha ha!

Then we went to Tony & Jewels house on Christmas day at 6:30 to watch the g-kids open their gifts and toeat a healthy breakfast and watched Kung Fu Panda. We then returned home and had our second shift of present opening at our house for Missy and Tom, and My siter Karen, Kevin, Kayla and nephew Troy and of course Annette and I.

After all of that, we went terrorizing the neighborhood on the 4 wheelers and sleds and got the kids from California all riled up!! ha ha Tom Even got in on the fun and hurt himself. Now he knows why I don't ride behind one of these things!!! The drivers always try to launch you in the air and watch you moan when you come down. We just aren't little kids anymore!!!

After that, we went to Critter's to open gifts there with Ellory, Critter and Nick. They are really good to spleep in and started their day so much later!!! We then had games again back at our house and the festivities continued.

The following day we ended up going Ice Fishing. We tried to get Kayler to go but she was smarter than that! All in all it was a great time and it was an appropriate way to spend time together.

The giving of gifts is such a wonderfful feeling and to share in the Spirit of Christ's birth is a wonderful opportunity to give of ourselves!

Mom and Dad

2008-12-05T11:37:00.001-07:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

E.D. and the Girls recording with Gramps

2008-11-23T09:36:00.003-07:00

The Saturday prior to the Festival of Trees we recorded the two Christmas songs. I have this portable digital studio that I usually use to record the band and other bands. I've also recorded other little projects. I never use the regular programs on a computer like Pro-Tools, or Q-Base to edit to the tiniest bit of perfection. I use the tools available on this thing to capture a rather raw sound. Think ala MUDCRUTCH ( Tom Petty's original band and their latest recording).

The nice thing about this is that I am now starting to fulfill the dream I had when I originally bought this piece of equipment. It was to record my grandkids singing. Thanks to my buddy Brian for the percussion and drums on the track of "Must Be Santa". Tony was on the bass, I was on the 12 string and the girls and I sang. We did it in stages. I recorded Brian on the drums and one 12 string track at the band room with Brian and also a scratch vocal track. Then we laid in the shakers followed by another track of sleigh bells. Afterwhich I laid in a slide acoustic guitar track. Then, we came home to the basement and recorded the girls and their vocals and redid mine. Now, Wha-la!!!! You have it.

We recorded Hali singing "Are my ears on Straight in our front room with first Julie playing the piano and then followed it with Hali singing it twice. We made two versions. One with her singing alone and another with her singing in unison to herself on the chorus. It sounds really wonderful Of course. We are so biased!!!!!

Critter heard it yesterday in our car and couldn't believe it was us singing. She was blown away!!

Festival of Trees Nov 17-21-2008

2008-11-19T11:36:00.004-07:00

What a blast we are having. Annette, Seth and Rene Callister, Mike Toombs and me are all part of the Festival of Trees 2008 entertainment committee. That meant that the band was playing in various forms. Little 1/2 hours spots where we wouldn't have time to set up the whole band. We just basically plug in and go. No sound checks nothing. We are in charge of the sound this year and also the performers.

With that we debuted the Tony and July Perez family entertainers. Our granddaughters did great. I mean it was touching to see Hali Ann Perez sing her first solo outside of church. She did great. The girls and i did Must be Santa by Raffi too. It was fun. I will try to include the clips. They're working!!! They're working!!! Enjoy

Our Trip to the BIG APPLE!!!!

2008-11-12T15:00:00.010-07:00

Last Week Annette and I went to New York (Manhattan) with one of our mutual fund families that we represent. It was an absolute blast. We stayed at the Embassy Suites off of Vessey right next to Ground Zero and the Hudson River. Every night we would look out toward Jersey City and at the Ferry's that would cross the river. Oh, the Hudson River makes the Snake River here in Idaho look like a small creek.

We went to the Empire state building and enjoyed every minute of our visit there at the Empire. One thing that we noticed right away was the white people there in line with us, spoke other languages other than english. Mostly tourists out on the town. And what a town it is. After that we went to Little Italy and ate. We went via the subways both to and from. That my friends is an experience in itself. One thing I noticed is that people in the city for the most part, have money because they haven't got anything else. Small living arrangements, no vehicle, no place to store stuff. I guess I wouldn't trade our fewer dollars earned for the lifestyle that we have. It is certainly fun toi visit but not to live. At least not for us.

Saturday, we slept in and had a wonderful breakfast at the hotel (It should be for the $500 per night that it cost us). We once again boarded the E Train to Central Park and got off and walked through this beautiful park. The colors were stunning! I mean stunning. We felt we were in an episode of Law and Order and waited for Gorin and Eames to appear!! ha ha. Anyway, we went to the Museam of Modern Art. All I can say is O-M-GOSH!!! It is huge. I mean really huge. We were there for 4 hours and all we did was skim the surface. We were completely overwhelmed. From there we went to Lexington Ave and found a little Deli to eat att. The food again, was excellent. We hoped the Subway back towards the financial district where we had our luggage and a Limo waiting to take us to the airport. We made friends with two cute little ladies from Ireland that were there in NYC to shop because it was so much cheaper than Ireland!!! Go Figure???!!! Anyway, they were so warm and friendly. They were headed for Century 21 to shop. They asked if we knew where it was and neither Annette or I knew what they were talking about!!! I thought they were buying Real Estate!!! Ha ha ha ha!!

Anyway, it was good to come home to a blessed City like Idaho Falls and our family. We brought the typical gifts that you buy there in NYC. Oh man, what to get a growing family of grandkids and inlaws!!!

Our Annual Deer Hunt 10-19 thru 22-08

2008-10-25T19:55:00.009-06:00

What a great time we all had. We missed many of our friends who were not able to come up and spend time at the "Man Camp". Dad, Scott Wilde, John Carpenter, Todd Pitcher (Sorta, he was there but left early because of miss communication by me), and various of Tony's friends were not able to come. we especially missed Missy's beau Tom Soran. We did have our beloved Uncle Kevin, Greg Nichols, Conner Klassen, Tony and I.

We left after church on sunday to set up the camp. of course, we did it in the dark and got ready for the next day. It was nearly 2 am by the time we set it all up. We did not wake to early the next day but, our camp is right there where the deer are. At least in other years. We actually didn't see any bucks all day long on the first day. We hunted all of our usually good areas that are consistant producers of deer and found nothing but elk and does. we made it back to camp in the dark at around 8:30 or so expecting to see our buddy Todd waiting for us. We didn't but Kevin did prepare the absolute best Taco Soup on the planet. It was so good we ate it for breakfast the next morning.

The following day we deecided to hunt lower as we were'nt seeing anything that was up high that was worthy of taking. Amazingly, it was blowing a freezing cold wind that would cut you to the bone. We climbed to the top of where we last left off and kept hunting the ridge down. we tried to stay on the leeward side of the wind. It worked! we got down by Monolithe rock and in the bowl behind the Monolithe Conner connected with his first 3 point buck. He was guided by the best guide in the world, Tony! Congrats Conner boy!!!!

We also got to play hide and seek with some Bighorn Sheep down low. they were nearly tame.

Hunting with the Carpenters 10-18-08

2008-10-25T19:24:00.006-06:00

Ok, we went out to our Sacred, Sacred Rattlesnake Canyon and started our hunt with Jackson and John Carpenter, Conner Klassen, Tony and I and we saw deer about 3/4 of the way up the road. We got the boys in place because we knew that they could get these does (yes does because they are youth under 17). The deer were about 250 yards away and it was fu n to watch them get all buck fevered as they shot. Jackson connected with his and brought the deer down with once shot. He later dispatched the deer with another shot. Conner hit one but even after all 5 of us looked and combed the large sagebrush hill for 2 1/2 hours, we were not able to find her. It was sad but Conner learned the value of placing a shot because he did get one later. I'll save that for another post.

Tony, Conner and I continued up to the top of Rattlesnake ND WE HAVE DECIDED THAT THAT IS THE STEEPEST MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD!!!!

Ellory @ Gramps 10-16-08

2008-10-25T19:19:00.003-06:00

Ok, She is feeling pretty safe here with gramps. I worry about her and how she will be influenced in this life. I like that Critt brings her over often and just hangs out with us. I think critt doesn't trust me yet because she knows that I will feed her what she wants and that would be anything sweet and delicious!!!!

Tagged by Marissa!!! You're next

2008-10-08T12:03:00.008-06:00

So, the rules are:
1. Link to the person that tagged you.
Marissa
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random facts about yourself.
4.Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let the taggers know when your entry is up.

1. I secretly really enjoy soft jazz and classical music. I am a solid rocker but I do listen to quiet stuff while I'm driving or trying to think.

2. I am the oldest son of my mom. I am also the most uneducated of all my brother and sisters.

3. I love taking high quality pictures and sharing them even if I didn't take them.

4. I do not like the markets because of how they make my friends and clients feel. They will get better, as they always do.

5. I am not as bad A.D.D. as i have been in the past.

6. Life is really good to me.

Soo. I tag Tammie, Annette, Karen, Tony my Bro, and Kayla my niece

Stealth Cam Retrieve!! What a ride

2008-10-04T17:18:00.006-06:00

Yesterday late afternoon we made our way to go retrieve the cameras that we had in place. All six of them. Dean and LaRayne and Sarah went with us to get 4 of them before they took off because of the time. That left just Annette, Julie, Tony and I to go to South Creek to get the 2 cameras that were left. We were certainly surprised by what was on the cameras. Take a look at the surprise. Usually we only see Deer, Elk and an occasional Antelope but this time!!!!

Also, I got one shot of the kids with us! They look like saddle tramps!!! ha ha

Ellory & Gramps on the 22nd of Sept

2008-10-01T10:38:00.005-06:00

Ok, I don't know who is sillier to listen too, but, Ellory was over playing with us and she started laughing at these silly little wind up toys from Energizer Battery packets. Critter grabbed the camera and caught the two of us laughing. I never realized how silly I sound. It's cool, because Ellory is just rolling with the "funnies" at these silly little toys. Oh, almost forgot, she also gave me a big ol slobbery kiss right before this. She loves her gramps because, our house, it's my rules and she can eat what she wants, when she wants. Her mom Critter, hates that! No matter, it's the way it is! ha ha ha

Sept 27th 08 Ride

2008-09-28T21:32:00.006-06:00

Well, I awoke early this Saturday and went to view the Stealth Cams. Once again, none of my family could go but my friends Scott Wilde, Greg Nichols and the Gonzalez family all went with me. We started on th east end of where we placed the cameras and went to see what we had. We had pics of critters on several of the cameras. It was good to see activity. Also, we saw mountain lion tracks and black bear tracks right by where we camp. I did set up another stealth cam by where a bear had been frequenting the area. There was poop on the road that gave him away. They were eating currants as they were thick up there this year.

We also took aride up to the top of Mormon Gulch again. Whew! We went a total of 85 miles on the 4 wheelers yesterday! I ran out of gas because I forgot to fill the digger up before we left. Also Scott and I were made fools of agin chasing both chukars and huns. I'll tell all of you that those partridges are birds of the devil!!!! ha ha

Foriegner with Marissa & Tom

2008-09-28T21:07:00.008-06:00

Last Tuesday I went to SLC to join Missy & Tom and caught a Foriegner concert. Talk about a fun venue! The place, The Depot. It was a very nice, clean and smoke free enviroment. It was small too. It is definetly a place I will go to again. Also, it was on a Tuesday night. Only hard core fans there. If you go to Missy's blog you can get more details because she is a better writer than I am. Here are some shots that are duplicates from Missy's blog

I also was completely surprised at how Mick Jones at 63 is still rockin the house down. Good clean solid chops that are ever in style. It gives me, a 51 year old rocker, hope that I can keep rockin for a long time! ha ha ha... Annette is so tolerant of my little boy ways. I realize, I STILL HAVEN'T GROWN UP!!!!

2008-09-28T21:07:00.007-06:00

2008-09-28T21:07:00.005-06:00

2008-09-28T21:07:00.003-06:00

Stealth Cam Review 9-20-08

2008-09-22T15:37:00.007-06:00

Well, I awoke on Saturday to go hunting, ALONE. My sons bagged out on me, my lovely bride just needed a day to herself, my friends were all busy and I was left the lone man on a rainy Saturday. I loaded the smaller 4 wheeler and went to the place where I placed a few cameras ( Stealth Cams) to retrieve them and see what kinda critters were roaming around.

I was rather dissapointed in that there were very few pictures taken of critters and a whole bunch of Chukars again and also plenty of blowing weed shots. All in all, if I total the number of poictures taken or images captured, it was 236. Of those 236 there were only a few big game shots. Here they are.

I did see some beautiful country and got one good snap shot of it all.

Missy's Tagline game

2008-09-12T21:01:00.004-06:00

Ok, Got this from Missy the other day and I'm Gonna pass it on!!!!

A TAG ABOUT ME
I am: mostly crazy and a little selfish (we all have ton's of flaws)
I think: Getting older is not for wimps
I know: That my Redeemer lives
I want: I want a couple of my kids to "Get It! (life).
I have: a Dulcimer that I play just about every morning.
I dislike: Liars...but I love a good story teller..there is a difference!
I miss: My Kids
I fear: losing my health.
I feel: great .
I hear: The washer and dryer going and Annette sniffing (allergies).
I smell: Butt, feet and pumpkin cookies
I crave: Going and getting my stealth cams..No truck..in getting a new tranny! Ouch $$$$
I cry: Every now and then and when the spirit touches me. Usually at church.
I usually: am late for everything.
I search: Deals on music equipment, music, hunting and fishing stuff and knowledge about where I belive the next opportunities lie in the marketplace for my clients.
I wonder: how to format my stealth cams????
I regret: not finishing my college degree
I love: Annette, all my kids, my job, my Lord and Savior, Horchata, Tacos Mexico, Chinese food, my new Chrysler, my folks and my brothers and sisters and uncles and aunts...well, you get the story!
I always: get sidetracked because i'm ADD.
I worry: about my retirement.
I am not: Skinny nor am I a democrat like my folks are.
I remember: The good ol days when my kids were little and Annette and I were poor
I believe: in Truth
I dance: Only when threatened to be TAZED
I sing: In the band at times. Mostly harmonies and a few lead melody lines
I don't always: express my gratitude like I should
I argue: like an idiot...I learned it from my mom.
I write: on pads of paper and later (about 3 weeks) I haver to consoladate to one sheet and clean my desk off.
I win: always at some point
I lose: Patience
I wish: I had the fence done
I listen: Not very well...I'm ADD
I don't understand: Science sometimes
I can usually be found: Working, playing guitar, planning the next event and blogging
I am scared: Liars and mean people
I need: my buddy Greenie (the truck)
I forget: to take out the garbage sometimes.
I am happy: That my kids live close and that Annette and I are close to them !
I tag...Crit, Steph, Bonnie, Hanna, Ali, Tammie, Kim, Nat & Jer Bear Coon
I know.. nearly all girls but they at least will do it!!!

Mini Perez Family Reunion 9-5,6 &7-08

2008-09-08T17:56:00.015-06:00

We were all invited to go to the Hammond Family cabin (Steph's Family) for the weekend and celebrate with Dave & Steph their 1 year reunion. It was so much fun. We went through Yellowstone park, well, to Old Faithful anyway and we saw plenty of wildlife and of course, saw old Faithful go off. and had Ice cream cones at the Old Faithful Store.. On Sunday we just relaxed and had a nice time laying back and playing games. All of Tony's fam was there, Tom & Missy and of course, our hosts, Dave & Stephie were there as well as Annette and I. It was a lot of fun and we enjoyed every minute of it. One of the funnest parts was watching Tom looking at all the animals. I think my kids have been hunting with me often enough that it was a rather normal experience to see them out in the wild. Of course, in Yellowstone, they are nearly tame and so much less wary of man as they are completely protected from man and only have to worry about natures predators. Which by the way, is not a pretty site if you've ever come across a predator kill. It's scary and you can nearly feel the fear. Here are a few samples of the weekend.

Dove Hunt opener 9-1-08

2008-09-08T17:47:00.003-06:00

Ok, I'm a week behind but here are the hard fought results of the Dove hunt for our clan that went out on Monday Sept 1 (Labor Day). Birds lost 8! We were an Army of nine and that meant some of us were poor shots. It was a rather chilly day hunting as it sometimes is for doves in Idaho. Anyway, it was David, Tony, Deano, John and Jackson Carpenter, Todd Christensen, and Brent & Gradin Howard. It was a blast!!! By the way, they were delicious! Doves in Cornbread stuffing!! Yum Yum!!!

Stealth Cam Ride 8-30-2008

2008-08-31T10:11:00.013-06:00

Hali, Steph, Davey, our friend Greg and I went to set up stealth cameras in our hunting area yesterday. We rode nearly all day and climbed mountains to set the cameras up in the most ideal places. We saw currant bushes full of currants, bear poop, got to and drink water from Barney Springs and took pics at the trappers cabin above our hunting camp. Hali and I took up one of the empty bottles of our drinks and tried to fill it as it dripped so slowly into the container. we all got a couple of drinks out of it.

Also Steph shot the 44-40. She kept wanting to hold it like a gangsta! ha ha ha...and Davey was so good to teach and encourage her while she shot it. Hali was the boss of course.

All in all the kids did really good. it was so much fun to be up there with family and especially to have Steph and Davey with me. Annette was home still doing her school work and getting ready for her classroom. Anyone who thinks that school teachers only work 9 months out of the year is nuts! They choose to work in a profession that is hugely under paid and worked extremely hard. Hey at least she didn't get dusty and all stuffed up from the dusty ride. We looked like saddle tramps!

This family is just the best in the world. It was fun. I guess we'll see in a couple of weeks what we have on the cams.

This weekend's Events

2008-08-18T11:04:00.002-06:00

Well I didn't get any photos of the Jones Family Reunion but it was good to be there with many of Annette's family on her mom's side. Her uncles are amongst the finest people I know and have always been great examples to me. My favorite thing to do to them is to see if I can make them wonder why Annette ever married me. They do a very good job of reacting to it all. Anyway, It was fun to be there with everyone including Wayne and Paula. Family is everything!

Also, When We got home from church yesterday, the kids came over and E.D. had to strap up the guitar and rock and roll for us. He loves playing guitar already. I think he's going to take in his dad's and gramps footsteps. Long live guitar players!!!

Kim Smith's Baby Blessing 8-2-08

2008-08-07T14:18:00.004-06:00

We were fortunate enough to be asked by Kim and Janet Smith to bless her baby boy. Kim said I could invite anyone I wanted so, I asked my ever two faithful sons to be there with me. Ya gotta understand how important this picture is to me. I am fortunate enough to have two sons worthy to perform priesthood ordinances with me. It was a big deal for me and also it was honor for all of us to be asked to do this.

Hey, I'm the shortest one there!

Band Gig at the river! 7-26-08

2008-07-28T11:53:00.003-06:00

So our band did a gig on the river for the Idaho Falls Art Guild Show. We perform for free only for senior centers and an occasional community event. The rest of the time we charge. We had a guest appearance by a future member of the 40 Somethin Band. Little Eric came up and sat on Tony's lap and just took it all in. It was fun to have the family there and all happy and all. Thanks to my sweet Julie Ann Perez for taking the pictures. I think it's a nice representation of the 3 generations of Perez boys.

And Yet More Redneck Shots

2008-07-25T11:24:00.007-06:00

I think that basically, country living equals redneck America! I love it. Annette and I went to a tool sale the other day and all the guys there reminded me of "Barstow California". Totally redneck guys running the show. It was funny. Also, I went to Leadore and Salmon area again and took my camera to get some redneck photos, and here are a few with the captions and silly titles. Ahhh, ya gotta love our country!!!

The first is a Redneck Tractor Grave

2nd Redneck Historic Site

3rd(right) Redneck Honey moon Cabin site

4th(left) Redneck Guest Restroom

Mormon Gulch Ride 7-5-08

2008-07-07T10:46:00.011-06:00

Well, we finally got Annette on a long distance 4 wheeler trip. It was so much fun. We did it on July 5th. We went with Dean and LaRayne Arnoldsen, Greg & Willard Nichols and Amy and Luke Murdoch. * 4 wheelers and some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen. We started at North Creek, rode over to Mormon Gulch, to the summit, down to Eight mile campground then back up to Pass Creek Lake, the summit once again and then down Uncle Ike Creek and then back to the trucks. All in all it was a wonderful trip. 30 plus miles and 7 hours later we looked like a bunch of Saddle Tramps from the old west. We were covered with dirt and were just worn out. I can't wait to do it again.

Letter to Anthony Davenport and Family

2008-06-26T15:51:00.001-06:00

Thoughts of Anthony Davenport

When confronted with situations that are troubling and that revolve around the death of a loved one. One of the most important things that I think could ever be done for the family is to write my thoughts of the person who has passed. It seems to me to be more lasting than mere words.

The most prevalent memory I have of Anthony is that he was a kind, happy and sincerely courteous young man. He was a boy that was always smiling, even when he had troubles, he smiled. I remember talking to him once when he was having troubles at home. I listened as sometimes only a neighbor could do, and he seemed to have worked it out in his own head and we parted ways, smiling.

I remember when he started to play guitar. I think he saw some of our equipment and thought it was cool. Sort of like it was for me when I was a boy and had seen my first guitars. I could tell that the guitar would be a lifelong friend to him. It was fun to watch him learn and my guess is that he got pretty good. My children tell me that he played pretty well.

I will never forget how well he took care of his little sisters as he watched them. He was always very careful and responsible with them. He was a fine boy and a fine young man and was raised by a very loving family who are good friends of ours.

Anthony, we miss you and want you to know that we love you and know that our Heavenly Father is taking care of you now. May Heavenly Father bless your family and friends to know the peace that comes to those who believe on his name.

28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Rest my little friend until we meet again.

Love,

Ralph Perez

Andersen Family Reunion 2008

2008-06-23T13:52:00.013-06:00

Soooo, We had a blast again this year down at the Andersen Family reunion in Palisades State Park down by Stirling Utah. Oh, is it beautiful down there. We had a whole bunch of fun and Missy,Tom, Steph and David jojned us for the reunion. Annette and I just enjoyed ourselves. They all went to the pagent on friday night when we got there. ai stayed and set up the camp as best I could. I had to roll into Walmart in Ephriam to get my fishing lic and some stuff for camp. Kam and I started on saturday and played the instruments with Darren and his boys and then Tyson, Larry and I went fishing down at 9 mile res. Then we ventured to Gunnison Res and then ended up in Redmond at the Redmond res. I caught a big ol pike there. We had a blast with the auction and just relaxed and enjoyed the family and got caught up. It was fun as usual. Gramps, Davey, Stephie, Missy and Tom all went golfing all day. We all did what we wanted to do and just enjoyed it. Sure wish that the whole family could have gone. Maybe next year!!!

Malad Gorge 6-11-08

2008-06-12T11:54:00.005-06:00

On my way home yesterday I have wanted to see this place again. I stopped there way back in 1990 when I was selling sweepers with my good friend Jerry Coon. I can't wait to go back and take some of the family to see it. It is so cool looking. It's a huge gorge in the Hagerman area. I see it all the time and it looks so beautiful. The last time I was there, (1990) there were quail all around the picnic area. I didn't see any this time. It is so beautiful there. The foot bridge was a little weird. I read about an outlaw named Moroni Hicks and his bunch that tried to hide out from the law there.

And yet another Snap of Redneck America

2008-06-12T11:46:00.004-06:00

So yesterday, I'm in Caldwell Idaho and for years I've seen the "Big Kahuna" parked out in front of this parts store. It is so classic redneck that it needs to be added to the redneck file of photos. I did notice that it had no engine and I thought it was pretty cool the way it was put together. So, I snapped a couple of pictures of it!

Snow!!! On June 11 2008

2008-06-12T11:39:00.003-06:00

So, yesterday I wake up real early because I have to go to Caldwell and do an enrollment meeting for a 401k that I have there. I mean, it's been cold here but it has not been cold enough to snow. Well, guess what? It DID! I was having to run the wipers as it took off the snow. It was gone in just a few m iles (pocatello) as I traveled down. I haven't seen snow this late since way back in 1981 or 82 when it snowed on the 4th of July while Annette and I were on a float for our Stake. Crazy

Wedding Graffitti 5-24-08

2008-05-27T08:19:00.005-06:00

Well, we did it. We re-wed on May 23rd. It was about 2 weeks earlier than I had originally anticipated but it was so that Annette wouldn't have to pay for another month in her apartment. It was along weekend and all the kids could be here if they wanted. I was hapopy to start over again. I don't think there are many of us that actually do this THREE times but, none the less, it's done and I'm grateful and happy for it. We all went out as a family on Friday and had a wonderful dinner. Crit and Nick was the only ones that couldn't be there. Other than that. It was a family affair like last time. Ha ha ha ha. Anyway... the house is nearly all in order, the walls and furnishings are nearly all in place and life is continuing on as it should. Life is good and I'm grateful for it and all my family too.

I woke up to see someone (I know who it was too) had tagged the truck. Leaving cute little messages of the beloved event! I think the people who tagged it are not too far behind Annette and I.

This last Weekend 5-17-08

2008-05-22T10:24:00.003-06:00

Annette and I went down to see Missy and Thom. Also we stopped in to see her brother Darren and his little family that is growing up so fine and all. That Darren is quite a musician. He showed me what he was doing and how he was creating an entire orchestra with his computer! How cool was that. Anyway, I had to go down to meet with a client and we incorporated the trip with visiting Missy. Here's a few snap shots of them. Tom is an excellent barbee man! He does a great job. I need to learn from them how to cook over a grill. I haven't developed that talent yet.

Also, the band blog is up and running now. Go check it out. I think I'll ask Seth to let me put one together for the old Looking Back Band too.

Third Time's a Charm!

2008-05-13T09:21:00.001-06:00

Ellory's Blessing

2008-05-12T16:09:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday we had Ellory blessed. It was a fun time because all the family was there. We missed missy but it was fun having Nick's mom, her family and all of her aunts anuncles were at the house. It made me think that I'd better clean up my Redneck backyard and make it look good. Anyway, I forgot my camer and we had a houseful. Critter did snap one of her in her blessing dress and she sent it to me. David blessed her and it was funny because he first blessed her and then gave her the name of Ellory jane Perez!!!!! OPPS!!!! He fixed it by saying Ellory Jane Howe! He was so nervous. Anyway, Davey sure loves little Ellory and she loves him. He can make any baby smile. He's like his grampa Anderrsen that way. This family is so good to be a part of...hey wait...they can't help but be related to me! ha ha ha

I Love Them All

Redneck America- Gotta Love It.

2008-05-12T15:43:00.000-06:00

This last week I went to Leadore Idaho for my annual visit with the Jr. Econmics students of Leadore School. Kim Sharp, the teacher has invited m\e upmthere for years and I enjoy going there so much because the drive gets me away from my office and the 2 hour drive gives me a reason to think about all that has to happen to be successful in life.

The first time I went to Leadore was back in 1981 and I remember rolling into this little town, turning off the highway and on to one of four streets that goes west. It was like going back in time at least 100 years. I remember the first time I drove in, I drove past this same pile of cars, maybe with one or two less. I also remember a jack rabbit just calmly hoping past the cars in front of me like he was a regular pedestrian there in town. Anyway, I love going there, the people are wonderful and friendly and are the heart of this country. Anyway, I decided to take the camera and grab a couple of redneck shots!! Cool huh?

Ahhhh, a new week!

2008-04-28T08:38:00.000-06:00

So this weekend was a very busy one, as are most weekends. Lets see, we cleaned the church, got help a friend move (well sorta, got there late), went to Stake conference this weekend, picked up stuff in the basement, went home teaching, played a gig with the "Mint Condition" Band on Friday, made cookies, and went to try to refill cartyridges that were just too old I guess at Critters place. No wonder I can't wait to come to work. Besides, I love what I do 99% of the time.

Looks like the festivities for this week are, Home Evening with Crit & Ellory followed by a quick recording session with one named Rick Harris tonight at home, 40 Somethin band pactice tomorrow night, a gig @ Apple on Wednesday, a quick recording session on thursday and finally, a date with Annette ion Friday. Full schedule for sure.

Critter brought the car back last night so I drove that. I feel guilty driving it because they need it so bad but Annette tells me it is good for them to figure out wht they are going to do. I love my little Crit and Ellory, heck I love all my kids.

April 18th 1980 Memories!!!

2008-04-18T16:55:00.000-06:00

Hey!! Today I would have been married to Annette for 28 years. Well, it was such a great sealing to her at the Manti Temple way back then. Who would have thought that from that day we would have 4 great kids and 5 wonderful grandkids. Oh man life is good. I am happy and so pleased with my family. I love it and I am blessed. Life is good.

So today, I was really down and have been for a long time ( 5 weeks) with the slow down and the darned media talking all the crap that they do. They, the media, are so believeable that one would think that this is normal. Anyway, I snapped out of it today and decided to take charge of myself again. I made myself accountable for what i was doing all day. I find that a note pad, and a pen, writing what I've done, who I've contacted, what I've done, is very revealing! No wonder I was down. I'm reminded of a story that I heard aboutr a man that sold mexican food from a handcart in a large California city. He had great food, a good steady business and he worked hard to send his son to college so that the son would not have to sell food from a cart as he was doing. He was so pleased to send his son to the university and worked hard at it and business was good and he was always growing more and more every year.

Well, the story continues with the son coming home from college for a spring break and telling his father, "Hey Papa, don't you know we're in a recession? People are losing their jobs. People are mortgaged beyond their means to pay. People are seeking refuge from all of the emotional stress caused by this recession. Why would you order more meat and vegetables to make more food to sell to people who can't afford to eat out?"

Well, the father thought about it. He knew that his son was more educated formally than he ever was going to be. He thought to himself, "Well, he knows! He's been to school! I should not order more meat and vegetables to make more! He says we're in a recession! So I will listen to him." So the father made fewer and fewer meals from his handcart and soon, he was closing his little business down because there was nobody coming to buy his food. Finally, he too was a victim of the "Recession".

It is interesting how a self fullfilling prophecy will come true if we think that way. It actually works both ways. We are what we think. The little food stand was successful as long as the father thought it was. As soon as he didn't, then it wasn't. So in life it is! "We are What we think!!!"

I'm glad I snapped out of it today!!!!

Ahhh So Much Better!!!

2008-04-17T12:58:00.000-06:00

Yes, today I feel more normal. Thanks to a good nights rest and a kind family who loves me even if I'm a nerd!

Last night, idelivered one of my old printers to Critter. It is so good to see her doing so well. I love Critter so very much and I only want the best for her. I know she will fiugure out what she has to do in life soon.

Missy called me yesterday too. It's always fun to hear from her. She is like a buzz saw. When ever she comes around, well, when she leaves, ya wonder, "where did all the noise go?" She has alot happening around her all the time. She is the cutest little Diva!! Also, I went to lucnch with Tony yesterday and saw Julie and her friend there. Tone went up and pinched her butt. She didn't even flinch! Too funny. Anyway, I teased Jewels by calling her between chews, (Just once). I know I know! Anything to get a laugh!! Then last night before Tone and I delivered Critts couch from Annette's aaptment, Annette came over. I love her very much and it's nice to nice to eachother for a change. She takes care of me. I think I was sick because of the huge danged tax bill I had to pay. I think I paid in taxes what I was paid the first year I was a broker! Yikes!!!! and Ouch!!!!! back to the kids, the only one I didn't hear from was Davey and my lovely Stephy. I love those kids. You should have heard their talks last sunday in church. Wow, they did great. Both were very prepared and I was so pleased to call them "My Own" I love all of my family.

Anyway, back to the salt mine for me. Lunch is over! More Bricks, ....No Straw!!!( from the movie the 10 Commandments)

YUCKIE!!!

2008-04-16T17:43:00.000-06:00

I feel like "Yatahey" (Poop)!!!! Ever since monday night after Remi's birthday party, I've had a flu bug. I thought I was over it but low and behold. Here I am with the Hee-Bee-Gee-Bee's. I feel like a ballon about ready to pop.

I went to lunch with Tony today to the Pita Pit. This is the first meal of meat that I've had since monday after I ate my ham sandwich. I am now in so much pain that I can hardly type. I wonder if this what it feels like to die. Yeah....thats the way to die! With a big ol' fart on the way out. he he he he !!! Oh well, maybe I'll get to feeling better by tommorrow. I think I'll call this the Poop Diet!

Hey, This is Cool!!!!

2008-04-10T15:29:00.000-06:00

My ever faithful and talented little daughter-in-law Jewels has the best ideas and so much talent that drips from her finger tips that taking advantage of some of her ideas seems completely worthwhile. She helped me create this blog and I'm excited about it. I'm going to create one for the band too.