Visit to my mother

I flew to Utah last weekend to see my mother. I had heard that she was not doing great, and that we probably needed to come see her. When I visited her on Friday, she was doing okay. She recognized me and was able to make herself understood, which is sometimes a challenge for her. On Saturday, she was not doing quite as well, but was still Cleo. On Sunday, I was concerned, because she seemed to have lost touch with the world. She kept asking me the same question, which had nothing to do with me. I'm not sure where her mind was, but it wasn't in Orem. I'm glad I went.

I stayed with Lecia Friday night, and Kennedy let me know who the boss in the home really is.

Ben had decided that I couldn't take his picture. Perhaps he felt i would be taking some of his soul away, similar to the Austrailian tribes. I finally asked him if I could please take his picture, and he said I could take a few.

I met my new grandson, Hunter while I was there. It was cold outside, but Hunter is content to snuggle, so I was happy.

Here is a short video of Kennedy, again showing Grandpa how big she is.

New Year Predictions and Speculations

It is always fun and exciting to look forward, wondering what will be in store for us this year. Last year we had 3 births, a funeral, a wedding, family pictures, two college graduations, two trips to hawaii, BYU education week, visiting general conference, as well as a whole bunch of day-to-day living experiences.

So what will 2010 bring? I have some thoughts, conjectures, predictions and dreams.

Here are the top 10 predictions for 2010. I am tryin to sell these to the National Enquirer but so far, they have declained.

1) World peace. Probably won't happen immediately, but I will begin work in that direction by starting with myself. I will work to be a more peaceful person, even when confronted in not so peaceful situations.

2) Continue building memories. We will continue to strive to build memories with our children and grandchildren. Two years ago we took a family to Disney World, and last year we took another family to Hawaii. We have some plans to continue this process this year, but reservations have not yet been firmed up.

3) Saving for Retirement. We have a very good start on retirement funds, but we do not have any extra. We don't think the dollar is going to be worth very much in 10 years, but still, we should do what we can. I will be doubling my 401(k) contribution (which I can becuase the other HC employees are no longer considered HC, which means I can give a bigger percentage without going over the discrimination limits.)

4) I think there will be a general rebellion at the ballot box against un-restrained government spending. It will get bigger, but the corruption in the governement will be too powerful for the people's voices to be adequatley heard.

5) My back pain will continue to get worse, as it has this year, and will deteriorate to the point where I will no longer be able to work full time. I will then need to devote my time to my wife, children and grandchildren.

6) Intenet viruses will effectively shut down the electrical grid on the East coast.

7) Al Quada will run out of suicide bombers. The new recruits will realize the lack of upward mobility and will decline their assignments.

8) Congress will shut down talk radio as subversive and inflamitory

9) The pope will declare, as an official communication, that he as been visited by an angel, who said his name was Maroni, and that Joseph Smith really was a prophet.

10) Unleaded gasoline in Los Angeles will exceed $5.00 a gallon.



So how visionary am I? Feel free to post your own predictions here.