First Semester is over!!

As of today, I am officially done with the Fall 2010 semester at the U. It has been a new ride and experience for me. At first, I was worried going to the UofU, its a big university with allot of red. Didn't know if I could handle it. But I have become a custom to the color and university. Haven't converted yet but become a custom too. My semester grades are good too. I have really found my niche in learning Parks, Recreation and Tourism (PRT). I am really liking the idea of working in PRT and sports management. Its going to be good for me. Its good to just be done and have a break before starting in for the spring semester. According to my record, I can be done with my bachelors about this time next year. Keep your fingers crossed!!

Ding! Fries are done!

So Danny and Katy showed us this video for maybe a talent they were going to do at the family party. I have had it stuck in my head for about 5 days now. figured I would share it with everyone that looks at my blog. It is so funny. Makes me hungry for a whopper!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Animations provided by MUDTRAP.COM

I can believe it is already Christmas and New Years. Where did 2010 go?? Last year around this time Alicen and I had said we hoped to be in better standings by now. Well the year is over and to tell you the truth we are in worse standings then we had ever thought. What a year we have had. Seems like every time we would get ahead, something would come up. I would wish for 2011 to be a great year but I might jinx it. Dont want to do that. Looking back over the year it has all but blended together between work, school and family. There have been good moments and seriously bad moments. All in all, its just been a below average year for the Kettenring family. But may everyone have a good Christmas season and a Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Years Graphic provided by MUDTRAP.COM

Winter Break

No I have not given up on my blog, although it might feel that way. I have been so busy with school that it has consumed every minute I had open in my life. However today was my final final for the semester. I have successfully finished my first semester at the UofU. I am so relieved and happy. I told my boss that I don't have to see, breath or drive to that school for three weeks. He being a Utah Fan couldn't see why I would want to miss out on that. Oh believe me, I have my reasons. I think I did a good job and got some good grades as well. I am excited to continue on in my classes and degree. According to my councilor, I have about a year and I could be done. Finally finished! That lets me see light at the end of the tunnel.
I am not going to look too far ahead but I am going to enjoy my break for Christmas. It will be well deserved and needed before going back. Too bad I don't have that time off of work as well. But that is a different story.
Just thought I would give a quick note on why I have not updated my blog for a while. Other then school nothing has really happened. Just getting older one day at a time!!

Staying home sick

The last couple of days I have been down in the dumps. I am not really sick just lost my voice. Not sure what it was from. I think I was getting a cold, then screaming at the BYU game last weekend did not help. Anyway Tuesday I work up with really no voice at all and figured I better take a day off to recoup. Something I should have just shrugged off and went to work.
To start the morning off, as McKinley and I were waiting for her bus to come, McKinley decided to throw up all over the kitchen floor. I got her a bowl and cleaned up the mess. I asked her if she felt good enough to still go to school. She said yes. Well just as the bus came around the corner she did it again. I ran outside let the bus driver know she would not be coming. I sat on the couch with her and watched cartoons.
Later that day, driving around with Allie for something at the store. Tait said "I'm stuck!" well he was buckled in his seat because we were driving. So we said yea. Then he said it again "I'm stuck." Just as we went to talk to him again he just puked all over the front of him. All over his cloths, car seat. Lucky for us we were at the store. We hurried and parked, Alicen went in with McKinley to the store to get baby wipes and disinfecting wipes. I started to undress Tait down to his diaper. It was cold out side, the wind was blowing and Tait is completely naked. He was shaking and blue. Alicen then took Tait into the store to get new cloths and get him warm.
My job was to clean the car seat. Lucky me! I got the car seat totally dismantled and just went to town cleaning up the chair, seat in the car and just threw the cloths in a sack. It was so gross! What a mess. Once I was done all I could smell was puke! Tait threw up a couple more times but we had a bowl.
The rest of the night both kids were fine. I am figuring it was bad chocolate milk or something they ate. Not sure what really happened. But what a day to take off thinking I was going to rest and get myself better. Not quite so, I was taking care of the kiddos instead. And I still don't have a voice. What a day. Tomorrow going to work will be a great day!!

End of October

Last time I posted anything was the beginning of Oct. and now its the end. Nothing really special has happened to really post about. School is still going and going good. I only hate one class and the only reason I am in the class is because I messed up and signed up for something I did not need. BYU games are still fun although they are playing like a high school time that cant win. I bet Bingham High could give them a run for there money. My kids are both being potty trained. McKinley is at night sleeping potty training and Tait is full on with pull ups at night. Its working pretty well, just some accidents here and there. Kinni just wakes up in the night crying because she did not go. Its actually funny unless you haven't slept that well that night. We also got a new puppy that is half shepard/half lab. We named her Harley and have been trying to potty train her as well. Its been fun around out house. Other then that nothing really special going on. Just thought I would put down a few words on my blog that I have neglected. Now if I could do the same for my journal.

How I feel lately!!

16 day later

So its been 16 days since my last post, and to tell you the truth I have nothing really happen that is worth blogging about. My days are all about the same. Here is what my week schedule is like:
7:30am- 8:30 am: get up, get dressed, start breakfast for Allie and I, get the kids up, finish breakfast, get the kids in the car, pack my lunch, kiss Allie good bye and then eat my cold breakfast.
8:30- 10:15: work at ICS doing estimations
10:16 - 1:00pm: go to school two classes Monday, once in Wednesday and Friday. learn, learn, learn.
1:01- 5pm: back to work at ICS doing whatever I do there.
5 to 9pm: depending on day its either class (Monday & Wednesdays) or doing home work before the next class. Mostly reading all the different chapters and getting the information into a unraveling ball of knowledge.
9-11: absorb all the information, get ready for bed, get into bed and try to fall asleep.
7:30 am start all over.
As you can see there is no time for anything else to do. It's hard not having the free time I use to have. What is funny is when Krista/Derek moved in next door both us and the cox's said we would hang out all the time. Some days I don't see anyone, not even my own family. But to get the education and hopefully money jobs its has to happen. At least I know I have a mini vacation coming up. that will be great!

Mountain West Conference

I would have to say the last couple of week have been a killer for the Mountain West. First having Utah decided to leave for the Pac 10 and now BYU leaving to be Independent. Its been a bad summer for the sports programs. Everyone else has seemed to have an option, so here is mine.
Utah: I think its great that Utah decided to make the move to a bigger conference that will give the school more recognition and more opportunities to advanced in the nation aspect of things. Do I think they could have busted the BCS by staying. Yes! Having Utah, BYU, TCU and Boise St. in one conference would have given any other conference heart burn. That is a might big power house of untapped potential, oh well we will never know. I hope they will do well in the Pac 10 and make the state of Utah proud. I think it will be tough for them and no cake walk by any means but they will hold there own. Just don't raise tuition!!! I beg of you.
BYU- Now with BYU going Independent. I have mixed feelings. I know they want some more recognition as well but not sure if going Independent will do it. Sure they have some help from ESPN for tv time but are they going to regret this in the future. I think its funny that the other sports will be part of a religious conference (WCC). Its kind of a good fit but strange fit as well. The pros I see is they will get more attention and we will see some bigger name schools that will play at LaVell Edwards Stadium. It will be broad casted further then the MTN station that sucks so bad. I am excited to see what BYU can come up with in the next couple of years. Also I see this as an opening for other conferences if they offer it to BYU. There has been talk for other opening up.
As of the Mountain West, I feel bad for Boise St. to make the jump thinking that Utah and BYU where going to stick around and make it stronger. It leaves Boise St. and TCU in a weaker conference then both really want. I would not be surprised to see them jump ship in the next couple of years or earlier. I would have to say either the WAC or MWC will be out of a job here in a couple of years. But that is just my option. Good for BYU and Utah to make the moves they did. I hope they are successful in their endeavors

New School, New way of life

I finally finished my first week up at the U and half way through my second. I have to say its been pretty rough getting back into the swing of things. I am tired, overwhelmed with homework, work, family life and finding time to really sleep. I know I know welcome back to school. What has made the transition hard is the longs days of going to work, leaving work to go to school, going back to work, then leaving work to go to school. There is not break or free time to just relax for a moment or two. And parking is crazy at the U, don't get me started on that. Then finding time to study when you kids just want some attention from there Daddy who they have not seen for a day or two.
I do have to say I was a little nervous about going to the U as a BYU fan. I don't know why? maybe just all the rivalry games I have attended over the years, I had this idea that all Utah fans, and students are bad (now don't start calling me Max Hall), those games are not too friendly as anyone who has gone can testify. I have come to realize that the two Universities work together more then the uneducated fans on both sides understand or fail to see. Its been a good transition. I have even come to see why some people change alliances or at least conform to the school they attend. My wife is really concerned about this. I still bleed blue, I just study red! I actually like the campus and the people I have met so far.
I hope just to get the rust and kinks out quick so I can get moving again. I can see a little day light at the end of the tunnel again and only have like 4 semesters left if all goes well.

Sonotubes

A Sonotube is a big round cardboard tube that ICS sells. They are used for making footings and concrete cylinders. But I have heard of people using them for sub woofers, cat posts, everything to do with concrete and the best was a potato cannon. Since I got to unload a truck today I figured I would blog about it. ICS carries these tubes from the sizes siz inches in diameter to sixty inches in diameter. They weight between ten pounds up to 160 pounds. I figure in the seven years (yes seven as of two days ago) I have unloaded over 5000 of these cardboard tubes. I have been able to carry on my shoulder every size up to forty eight inches, (with that only carried it 5 feet--still better then my friend Josh). The only size bigger is a sixty incher that is too round to get a good arms grip. Never tried, and most likely never will. They are not the most fun things to move but they beat cold, wet and dirty cure blankets they use in the winter.

Cougar Tickets

Over the last month or so I have been talking about the U and becoming a student up on the hill. It has been taking a toll on my roots as a cougar fan. I could literally feel the blue blood draining from my body and being replaced by this red oozie stuff. I know kinda gross!! I just did not feel whole. UNTIL TODAY-- we got our 2010 BYU Season tickets in the mail, and all was restored!!! What a feeling it brings to hold those tickets in my hand and know its that time of the season again. I love the football season! Faith has been restored to the great roots of BYU. Although I am a U student, my veins still flow with cougar blue.
Too bad the final BYU/Utah game in the mountain west conference, I will not be attending. I was planning on getting tickets through the student center and hoped to see it live but Alicen told me that we will be in Pheonix for Thanksgiving. Its really sad to know I will not be there in person. I was going to be the brave BYU fan to sit and live through that game sitting in the might Muss section of Utah. Oh well, maybe some other time. Every Utah fan says that is a death wish but I think I would be ok.
The Tickets are here and it makes life that much better. Ah the football season is upon us yet again. God bless football!!

Netflicks

Watching television shows on a regular bases was something that took place a long time ago. Now with DVR's, internet and netflicks you can see the episodes missed, catch up on full seasons (see blog about "LOST") and start shows that never seem interesting just to find out they where. When Alicen and I got a xbox 360 we decided to cancel our cable/dish network and just watch netflicks. Well we never cancelled our network but we do watch a lot of netflicks. Here has been the flavors of the month as of late.

Alicen has been on the Veronica Mars seasons, because my sister Robyn said she really liked it. Alicen has been watching it pretty consistanly and really liking the idea of a high school girl solving problems in and out of high school. I cant believe how many high named actors/actresses are on it. whether seasoned or just starting roles. Our kids know to leave the room when Alicen starts Veronica Mars, they know its time to go play in their rooms and make sure its sometimes quite. Its a pretty entertaining show to watch, too bad it only lasted 3 season before getting cancelled for some unknown reason.

My new television show has been Spartacus. Most likely not too known because it can only be found on HBO or Stars. Most average folk do not get that package on the network. I only heard of it from my brother who watched some of it. I always have liked historic hero's or historic figures. This show is full of everything a historical fiction show should have. Of course, I have to watch it when the kids are sleeping and usually Alicen is studying or out of the house. Reason being if its on HBO or Stars you know it has at least three things- Gore, Nudity and language. This show has had plenty of gore and a little of the others. I have really liked watching it.
Not sure what series we (Alicen and I) will go to next but the way I see it, it will be school books. Us both in school full time, me working full time, Alicen watching the kids, and both of us giving them attention, church duties and sleep. I dont see much time for anything else. I will just have to see. At least I can enjoy a show for a little longer.

I am BYUte!

When I was sitting on the saddle of Mount Timpanogos, a couple of guys where talking about BYU and Utah. They started talking trash about each other and I realized that I cant pick a side. I cant say BYU is better then Utah or vise versa. I then came to the conclusion that I am a "Byute!" Yes a made up word, I know but it defines me. I am both a BYU fan and a Utah student. Its kinda like superman by night and Clark Kent during the day. Only mine is BYU fan by weekend, Utah student by weekday. When I say it I feel like I am going to Louisiana or something. Just so you know I have figured out what I am when it comes to university alliance. I would have to say its fair ground either way.

Corn Dogs

Last night for dinner, I was frustrated with trying to figure out what to make and eat. Alicen was going to the library to study for finals and I had to make the kids something to eat. As I opened the freezer I saw a bag of fries and I knew I could get out our deep fat frier. Then I saw hot dogs- I knew then I was destined to make homemade Corn Dogs!!! So I made the corn meal batter, got the hotdogs on skewers and started to cook. Lets just say I will not be working in the Corn dog stand at the Utah State Fair any time soon. My first Corn dog fell apart in the cooker (oil too hot I guess), turned that down, then the second one the batter fell off the hot dog. So I tried freezing the dogs to see if that would help. NOPE!!! I gave up and cooked fries- just cooked the hot dogs on the stove instead. My dream of being a corn dog maker just flew out my new windows! Sad sad day.
Anyway I found out I needed to flour the dogs and then batter and cook. If I had only known last night. Maybe I still have a chance (if allie lets me cook with grease again). Also since I am talking about deep fat frying- those of us that do just a idea but deep frying a twinkle has been said to be great! just a thought..

Mount Timpanogos

Over the weekend I went with our wards scouts to hike the back side of Mount Timpanogos trial. It sounded like a lot of fun (and it was) but I found out quick its not an easy hike. We started on Friday around 3:30 pm at the trail head. We planned on staying over the night up on the flat area by Emery Lake. We had 4 boys and two adults, each of us carrying a 45 to 50 pound pack. We moved really slow at times and didn't make it to the lake, like we had planned. We where just a good 10 minutes from the lake when we stopped to camp in a meadow area. We had run out of light and it was getting dark. We where tired, sweaty and hungry! We set up camp behind some trees and started dinner.
As for food we told the boys to pack light. Everyone brought either Cup of noodles or Ramon noodles to eat. However come to find out, we could not have fires up there right now. So most of the boys and I ended up eating our noodles cold. They are not too bad cold, just crunchy. Then it was just bed time. The scouts were so tired they went right into there tent and went to sleep. Chris (scout leader) and I stayed out to look at the stars. It way cool to see so many stars, that you just don't see in the city. It was awesome! As for sleeping, I was so tired but I had to sleep on the hard ground. I have not done that for like ever!! It was hard and I moved around a lot. My shoulder and hips would hurt, so I would lay on my back, then it would hurt, so I would move to the other side. All night long this went on. I think I might have got an hour of sleep at the best.
On Saturday morning, we hiked to the lake. The lake is really pretty, for a somewhat glacier in Utah. Nothing like Alaska, but who is counting. The water was so cold, it tasted so good (after filtering of course). We then hiked up to the saddle part of Timpanogos that looks over the Utah county. It was really high and a lot of fun. There were a lot of people resting at the saddle when we got there. It was really fun. Another hour or so hike was the observation view which one leader and two scouts did but I stayed back with two other boys there were tired and ready to go back to the lake. So we headed back, I wanted to go up to the top but a leader has to be with boys at all times. So we headed back, got fresh water and skipped rocks into the lake and watched some BYU kids jump into the close to freezing water. It was really funny to watch. About an hour and a half the rest of the troop showed up with no water and tired.
After that we head back to camp where we left our big packs and eat lunch, rested, and got ready to hike down the hill. We made OK time down, although we where slow. I took off ahead because I don't like to hike slow. On my way down, I went to step on a rock that rotated under my foot and causing me to twist my ankle. Needless to say I slowed way down and stayed in the back of the pack the rest of the way down the hill. I have twisted my ankle like this before but doing it hiking down a trail with a 50 pound pack on did not make it easy. Around 5pm we got off the mountain and on our way home. It was a long two days of hiking. But at least now I can say I have hiked Timpanogos mountain.
Just a note: after getting home, I was sunburned on my arms and neck, my ankle hurt and my leg muscles could barely move the next day. Sunday was a slow and relaxing day of recovery. I was hurting, as of Monday still hurting. What a hike!

Girls Camp

First off I have to say that when my wife signed up to be Camp cook at camp this year I figured everything would go sooth. I have come to find out its not that simple, here is what I have learned so far in the last couple of days:
1st-The girls in our ward eat better then any King in the world. The saying "we will feast like kings" really hold true when talking about girls camp. Sure this year our girls are not sleeping in cabins but going hungry will not be a problem. Alicen bought so much food, and good food that if the young men ever where to see what they eat would picket and strike on every camp out the rest of the year. Last year, the girls starved and Alicen was not going to have the happen this year.
2nd- when you buy some junk food for camp and bring it home. Make sure to put it all away or up high so the kiddies don't get to it. Alicen forgot to take such notes and found out the next morning that not getting up when the kids do is a bad thing. McKinley took it upon her self to feed her and Tait breakfast consisting of Pringles chips and Red Licorice. At least she has learned manners to an extent. She got her play set utensils and plates. Her and Tait ate junk food like teenagers that morning. Although through a good source, I heard someone told Alicen the kids were awake before that source went to work.
3rd- Stress is a bad thing when too many activities are taking place. Both of us have been stressed out over school now and next semester. Alicen has had to figure meals, get homework done, do finals, watch the kids and pack for camp. I have been the one to pick up the pieces when I can. Not an easy task. I don't know how Allie does it on a daily bases. Hopefully with camp now going life will get easier.
4th- Having someone to watch the kids. It's been great to have my little brother Jayson over to help with the kids. Its someone my kids know and are comfortable around. Although the X-box is an addiction. But for a teenage boy its understandable! At least while I am at work I know the kids are taken care of- even if the kid couldn't follow directions on cooking Mac & cheese. With my kids though he will get a lot of practice the next couple of days to master it. Thanks Jayson for being willing to watch our kids and help out. If it was not for Krista telling Jayson what Pro bono was he would have been doing it free.
5th- Feeding two kids and a teenager, if I ate like my brother I don't know how my parents afforded to feed me. I have to laugh about food though, for lunch yesterday Jayson cooked up two boxes of Mac. I know my kids maybe ate 3/4 of one. The rest but a bowl full was Jayson. I ate the rest. For dinner we went to Taco Tuesday at Del Taco. Jayson ordered 20 soft taco's, I was surprised he wanted so many or could eat so many. I felt like everyone was watching me as I picked up a tray of tacos. I do have to say Jayson only eat like 10, I had 4 and the rest we took home for today I would imagine. That is a lot of food.
6th- I found that once you get use to sleeping next to someone when they are not there; you really don't sleep. I found that out last night. I thought finally I can sprawl out on the bed and get some sleep. After tossing and turning most of the night, it just was not working. Finally around three in the morning McKinley came down stairs (sleep walking again), so I just throw her in the bed. After that I slept just fine. As for the whole bed thing, when I woke up I was still in my regular spot. I did not take advantage of it at all.
The sad thing is its only day two of the camp. I still have 2.5 days left until Alicen comes back. The days are longer, time moves slower and I have a lot to do once I get home just to prepare for the next day. Life is good!! Its just preparing me for the school year approaching again working full time, school full time and family, church, ect all fit in between.

Go Utes!!!

OK now that I have said that, and threw up a little in my mouth as well as just finish brushing my teeth with toilet cleaner. Yes, I am officially a student at the University of Utah. Yes, I know I know, a big Cougar fan that bleeds blue is switching sides and becoming a traitor to the cause. Is this possible? Yes, it is true. To finish school I am taking one for the team and going to the U. I am actually really excited to be moving forward with my education and actually having a degree in a field I know I will like. I will be starting in the fall. Its been interesting figuring out my schedule and work as well as family life. My advisor told me its really hard to balance all of them and not get burned out. But it has to be done! There is not other way around this. Although having my associates degree it makes my schedule hard because most of my classes are during the day. Not good at all, got to support the family and have an income. I will have to figure something out. I will be studying in the Sports Management program under tourism, parks and recreation. Its a good fit huh? I think so. Well, in the words I have learned to despise since I was a kid- Go Utes!! (cough, cough...hack hack.. uuugghhh! There I go again).

Brick Breaker Update

So any of you that read the blog entry about my obsession on brick breaker, here is an update for you. Here are my totals: 490,420 and counting, my lives are at 75 and I cant seem to break the 80 mark on that. I want to get to 100 lives but that has been harder to do then rack up my score. oh well! Not sure what my goal is now or when I will stop. That is the latest on my brick breaker game.

Happy 4th of July- Independence Day!!

Animations provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

Brick Breaker

I am totally obsessed with a game on my blackberry called brick breaker. For those who have not played it, all the game Intel's is a moving board and a ball that breaks bricks. I never got into it until my co-workers Andy's wife told me that her score was 68,000 points. My high at the time was 1500 points at the most. I told her I was going to break her score. This is where the obsession started- As of today my score stands at 256,560 points, 55 lives, 6 months of wasted time that I used when I had nothing else to do and a good 50 extra hours that I could have used sleeping. My goal was to beat Andy's wife score, then 100,000 points, now its whatever. I looked online to see the highest score and was disappointed to see the total at 4.6 million points. And you thought I was wasting a lot of time!!! So who knows how long I will go on this game. Maybe up to 4.6 million over the next couple months (years), or like so many online go until there game craps out on them and has a total technology meltdown. Just know I will keep playing my obsession until it breaks or I find something new. Now everyone knows when I say I am busy, there is a good 50/50 chance I am only playing brick breaker!

Swamp Coolers

Once again it is that time of the year, that I have to get our swamp coolers fixed, cleaned, tuned and ready for the hot summer months. I really hate swamp coolers! This year I thought it would be different. I cleaned, fixed, tuned everything up and nothing leaked. So I thought maybe this year I will not be up on the roof everyday adjusting something. NOPE!!! I was way off. One cooler needed a new floater, then it over filled and leaked. I got that fixed with a new floater (always buy the more expensive ones, they work better). Mess taken care of. Everything was back to normal again. So I thought to myself we are good now.
I really need to quit thinking. Last night the other coolers line blew! I had to run to the store get new piping, parts and figured why mess with a bad floater when I can get a new one on since I am fixing the line. Well two hours later everything was put together, not before the new floater I bought was cracked (thanks Lowe's for putting it back broken), so I had to put the old float back on re hook up the line, go and down the ladder to see if the water pressure was too much, see if the float is not going to over fill, then clean up, and taking tools down off the roof. By the time I was done with that it was 9:45 at night. So much for doing anything else tonight.
To top it off, this morning when checking to see if that bad float worked or not. I opened my window to see the cooler leaking water. Which tells me (yes, I do hate Swamp coolers with a passion) but the bad float is still not working right. Back to Lowe's tonight after work. Did I mention I really hate Swamp coolers that don't even work when it gets really hot in Utah.

Bring on Boise St!!!

Let me be the first to say- "its about time!!" I am glad to hear that the Mountain West Conference is going to bring in Boise State. That is way exciting. With all the changes taking place between the Pac10, Big 12 and other conferences. This is a great time to get Boise into our conference. Do I think Boise will make us contenders for the National title?? No not really but I think it makes the MWC a little stronger case in a chance to contend. It will be great to see Boise St. compete with BYU, Utah, and TCU. As long as no one jumps ship within the next couple of weeks. I am really excited to see Boise St. come into the MWC. It will be a good year next year and this year to see just how well everyone does. There logo is sweet too, cant complain there either. Maybe I will have to travel one year to Boise to watch some one in the MWC conference play Boise and on the Blue turf they have up there. That is just sweet!

My Week Night

So last night, Alicen had quote "Girls Night" at my moms house where they do crafts and really just B.S. about whatever. Anyway so I was in charge of the kids. I went with Mike and Mark Parker and kids to Artic Circle to eat. Of course, the kids wanted ice cream and didnt touch there food. Marks kids where good with ice cream, he said no and they told the worker no! Even when Mark was not around. Any other kid would have jumped at the chance. Finally after getting the kids home, putting them to bed easily (I love nights they dont have naps during the day). I was going to play X box but decided to catch up on my journal. I turned on to old but great movies- Street Fighter and So I married an axe murder. I stayed up writing in my journal and watching these two movies until midnight. Not good on a work night. Oh well, it was fun to watch old classic movies. Between cable and Netflicks good movies are hard to find, I found two good ones tonight. That is how a married with kids husband spends his night at home. Living the dream!!

Pure Awesome-ness!!!

NIKE WRITE THE FUTURE - FULL LENGTH VERSION @ Yahoo! Video

Marathon Runner!

These are two words in the title I thought I would never hear myself say. But the realization has come to kick me in the pants. Since Alicen worked the Salt Lake City Marathon on April 17th, she has decided to start running and try and do a marathon in September. There is a couple in our ward (Veaters) who are gun-ho about running and doing marathons. So they got her even more excited to run. Well in signing up for the Marathon in Spanish Fork, Alicen decided that I could run it to. I am now in training to run a Marathon. I started Wednesday by running with the kids in the stroller down the Jordan River parkway by our house. Between pushing a 75 lbs stroller, stopping to pick up toys the kids throw, and them trying to talk to me. I got quite the work out. So much for listening to the ipod I took. I have decided that running is hard work and with a stroller you have to be He-man to run. Don't get me wrong I am actually excited to try a marathon and see how I do. My sister Robyn has been doing them, and triathlons. She looks like she has fun, so why not me.

My first test comes Saturday at our Wards yearly Cannon Ball Run down the Jordan parkway that I tried to run down. Its just a 5k race for fun but it gets bigger every year. They are having a Paste party tonight just to get everyone ready for the race tomorrow. I will be taking the kids on a run and walk throughout the race. It should be fun. Alicen has school so she is chickening out! Wish me luck!

Yo Gabba Gabba

Kids television shows have come a long way, but as a parent its fun to see what my kids like. Both McKinley and Tait love to watch Yo Gabba Gabba and Dora the Explorer. I believe they watch both of them everyday. Thanks heavens for DRV on our cable box. I think it would be war with out it. We can turn on an episode at any time during the day. It has been great for sanity! I do have to say I am a fan of Yo Gabba Gabba. I don't know why but it is fun to watch. Maybe for the reaction of my kiddo's. As for Dora, Tait has a crush on her. He really likes watching the show and always asks to watch it, he has actually picked Dora over Cars. Which is a huge step for him. McQueen is now in the back seat. Both shows teach good values, and teaches kids how to learn different things while watching the show. I like nickelodeon's look at making children's programs fun to watch and yet still have them learn. It is very educational friendly. Now if we can get Nick to get rid of the moose between shows- his voice drives a person crazy! Sensational!! (ha ha inside joke if you have seen that moose).

The End!!

My morning show is gone on the radio. One day it is on, the next day its not! the Chunga Show on 101.9 The End has been cancelled and gone to a radioless DJ and the music is now really crappy. I am so mad about it too. I really liked listening to Chunga, Cort. That was want made my trip every day to Orem for work great. listening to them. I am really sad to see it off the air. And really no explaination to why it has been cancelled. I am not sure what I will do now when I drive. I cant stand X96 morning show- Gina bugs me so bad! She has such a winnie voice that drive me crazy. I like the Morning Zoo with Frankie and DB, so I might have to go back to them. For one thing, I will not be listening to 101.9 any more since they changed there whole playlist. Its sad to see them cancel the Chunga show after so many years on the radio. Nothing is held sacred any more. j/k!

Utah Jazz

Oh the Utah Jazz! I wish I could watch the season more then I did this year, but to see them finish out the season the way they did was just heart breaking. No one likes to see their team get swiped, and to the Lakers (oh!! I hate the Lakers) makes it even worse. To have it happen the last three years is not cool at all. It was tough to see them play so bad at home in the playoffs. Spencer, Allie and I watched the game and saw no urgency, no drive, no energy out of some of the players. Boozer was a total Loser! I mean he was useless to the Jazz and they kept him in the game. Deron Williams cant do it all himself, even how hard he tries too. I was impressed with C.J. Miles, Millsap who seemed to want to win. Don't get me wrong Williams really tried but I think ran out of steam and patients by the end of the game.

Now with the Jazz waiting for the Free Agency season to begin, here is what I think they need to do to improve their team. First off, let Boozer go! Yes, he is good in the season but falters toward the end of the season and playoffs. The Jazz need a taller, speeder power forward. Boozer is all about money and for the Jazz it would be a waste. As for Korver, he is a good shooter but really nothing more. Let him go too. The Jazz need more defensive players then offensive. Miles is coming into a shooting guard and can take that place. I like Korver and I know he has had injury but I think its time to part ways. As for Wesley Matthews, get him a Contract! Any person who can not be drafted, get a shot and become a starter- needs a good contract. He is awesome!

For the Draft and Free Agency, they need to get a Big man who likes the lane and a Power forward who likes to get dirty and physical. Okur is a good big man but needs to play down low and not outside, Fesenko, "Fes" is still coming into his own and this year helped but he is not there yet. Millsap is great just undersized for big men, and Koufos still needs times to grow. AK is good and always a great 6 man. The Jazz need to look for height, power and speed, someone with heart too. If they don't get that in the next couple of years- D will is out of Utah!! That is not good!

All in all the Jazz are getting to be a power house like the Jazz of old. They just need a little more height, and speed to keep up and be a huge factor. I think they will be just fine in the future. I just hope they don't draft a point guard or shooting guard like usual. Think smart this year Kevin O'Connor. Think smart!! Find a player like Matt Harper who was a team player, a hard and get dirty kind of player, a player that got into others heads. That is what the Jazz need, maybe Matt could help find a player like him. Go Jazz! Let's make next season a better run at the finals.

My Blog

So I have been able to spend some time looking at other peoples blogs and what they have been up to. I have come to realize either everyone else is having a blast or my life is just plain boring. I have been trying to come up with things that have happened lately to write about, but nothing has come to mind. But here is what I have come up with that has happened in the last couple of weeks.

For my kids, Taitan has more infections then one kid or person should have. We had a heck of a time getting him to go to bed Monday night. So Alicen took him into see the doctor and found out he has two ear infections and a sinus infection. How cruel is that?? Poor kid has never had a break from ear infections or a runny nose since he was born. He just cant seem to win! The day he doesn't have one or the other will be the day he is a happy boy.

Last week Alicen had her surgery and I took the week off to help her, thanks to the grandparents that took the kids for the week to make recovery easier for Alicen. To show how lame my week was, we started watching the television show "Lost" on Netflicks. We wanted to get through seasons 1 & 2 before the kids came back. By sunday, we where through season 5 and looking to watch season 6 online. I dont think we saw the sun at all that week. That much television is way too much. We watched a total of around 75 hours of t.v. in a week period. But we are addicted and hoping to watch the finale in a couple of weeks.

If you get a chance take a look at the Lost series. Its confusing if you dont watch it religiously. Watching it back to back has really kept me interested and makes the story easier to follow. I just dont recommend doing it for 5 days straight.

Other then that not much has happened. Looking at other blogs, everyone is going some where, doing something, seeing everything and I talk about a t.v. series and snotty noses. I guess that is the way different peoples lives go. I would say something about my job in the "Concrete Jungle" but I dont like talking or thinking about it, so I am sure no one else does either. But that is my blog update for now.

Birthday to Remember

When I was little, the Duehlmeier Family use to go fishing at this hatchery and catch some fish. Well this year for my birthday I decided I wanted to do it and take my kids, like my parents did with us. It was a lot of fun back then and I knew it would be fun now. We all decided to meet up at the hatchery around noon. Robyn's family got their first, followed by us (with the Formans). We started to fish and forgot how fast the fish bite. Tait got the first and smallest fish, then Anna, McKinley, and Ethan. I thought the kids would be all excited over the fish but once it started to flop all over the ground, that interest went way. The only reason (I believe) that the kids lost interest is because they saw Alicen go running in fear! For a girl that says she is adventurous, so took off like a city girl. Tait at least touched the fish once. Good little boy! I got put as the designated fish/hook releaser. So I got splashed, pooped and smelly. It was a lot of fun.
By the time my parents got to the hatchery, we had ten fish and the kids where just having fun feeding the fish. I felt bad that the fishing went so fast before my parents got there, so we had the kids get fishing poles again and my Dad got to help them catch some more. Each grand kids got to catch one. My Dad caught the biggest one of all. As he got ready to help the kids, he snagged me in the finger. I have to say a dull fishing hook does not feel good, and it hurts a lot more then a sharp one.
After fishing, we all went to Smith & Edwards above Ogden. It is always fun to go into that store and look around. Mark Forman has never been to S&E, so that was fun for us and him. I could not believe he had never been there. We went shopping for about an hour, and only came out with like 20 dollars worth of stuff. Two nightlights for the kids, candy and an ammo box for my Ammo. It was lots of fun.
At home, we cooked up the fish for a BBQ in my grandmas (Danny & Katie's backyard). We had baked fish, lemon fish and some really nasty Jalapeno/lemon fish. The baked was the best and tasted so good. One bite and I remembered eating it as a kid. Oh it was so good. It was a lot of fun and a good birthday. I think just because it did not feel like a birthday at all. Just a fun activity day.

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Easter Animations provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

April Fools Jokes

With yesterday being All Fools Day, I have to blog about one of the best pranks I have heard of. Alicens friend Ashlee (or as my friend Chase calls her "Crazy Chick") decided to take in some tasty cookie treats to work. The only thing is that they where doggy treats that looked like real cookies. Although by tasting the gravey flavor that person would know that something was up or wrong with those cookies. Anyway, through out the day Alicen would update me on the cookies. By the end of the day, every cookie was gone!! Ashlee then sent out an email letting everyone know that those cookies where actually her dogs treats and got the real cookies mixed up. Just knowing that the people at her work ate them, is just hillarious! I laughed so hard through out the day.
Another good prank I heard of was online about a son still living at home blocking his parents front door with bricks and mortar. He spent all night setting up this prank. How funny is that? I bet that kid will not be living at that house for much longer. But what a way to go. It is way too funny.
Good pranks like that need to be done. At least only once a year.

Eirinn go Brach!!

Just wanting to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's day!! It's one of the favorite days of the year in our family. Alicen and I have had fun making St. Patrick's day fun in our house. We have the Leprechaun that comes and turns our milk green, leaves green foot prints and candy for them. McKinley this year really liked it. But she was worried the Leprechaun was going to get her. We also colored her and Taitan's hair green. Although Tait has reddish orange hair and could have passed with out green in it. I was going to spray my hair but had to unload a truckload of cement tubes and did not want green drops of sweat coming off my face. So I will have to do it later. Then tonight we have the traditional Corn beef and Cabbage dinner at my parents. Always excited for that dinner. Cant wait to see how much Horseradish Jayson tries to down this year. Its always fun to dress in green and celebrate my heritage. Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!!!

5 Years

Last Friday was the anniversary of our 5 year first date. I thought it would be fun to make a big deal out of it. So I bought gifts to give her every day. On Monday, I got her a card. Tuesday was a bag of Milky ways (because we stayed up late looking at the stars where the new Temple is in daybreak). Wednesday I got her the new CD by Lady Antebellum. Thursday was flip flops that she liked and Friday we re-inacted the first date. At least the best I can remember. I called her and asked her out, got a baby sitter, and picked her up after work. We went to dinner at Ruby Tuesdays in Jordan Landing. It was fun to just have dinner and talk with out kids jumping, crying and throwing things. Now on our first date, we went ice skating at the Olympic oval but Alicen fell down some much and had a little boy laugh at her, she has hated it ever since. So rather then make her relive that, I got tickets to the new "Alicen in Wonderland" movie that came out that night too. She was actually worried when I told her that we where going ice skating. She was not thrilled at all.
As for Alicen in wonderland, its really good. I like Johnny Depp and Tim Burton movies anyway. It is a good movie. Its a little dark but that is a total Burton movie. Johnny Depp is just impressive and a blast to watch act, he plays his roles really well. The movie was way good and something to see in theaters. I just wish I would have bought the one for the 3D version. I bet that would have been good. Alicen seemed to like the movie too. It was a good night for going out and just spending time the two of us. So that was our five year first date activity.

Future Generations

Tonight Alicen and I realized that this generation and the next are totally going to be technologically more sophisticated then we ever could have been. I always knew it would be the human evaluation to grow, become stronger, smarter, ect. Like I said today proved that point. As we prepared for dinner. Alicen and I watched McKinley get on the computer, upload the Internet explorer, click on the Disney website icon (we put it on the tool bar), and then got into her Hanna Montana game. She then switched to a memory game and started playing. We have been trying to teach her to play memory but she just could not get it figured out. Tonight on the computer, she not only got passed the first board but got to level five before the time limit got to her. We could not believe how quick she picked it up and online never the less.
After Alicen and I were talking about how our parents did not have the Internet, let alone the computer. We learned the Internet in school and she is only three years old. She will start to school and be able to use the Internet but most likely have it as an everyday use. The sad thing is when we are old and gray, our grand-kids will laugh at us because we don't know how to use what ever future technology that might come out. They will think we are so so old because we used Internet explorer and had Google. Something crazy like that.
It was just crazy that our little girl McKinley was able to do all that with out thinking about it or a blink of an eye. She does me proud to know that she is smart and getting educated in materials that will help her in the future.

Small Ride for Big Guy

With being moved back to the Salt Lake store, I will no longer be able to drive a company vehicle. Going to Orem everyday I got to drive a white Chevy pick up on company time and money. On Friday I had to give that up and go back to driving our little Ford Escort to and from work. It was quite a shock factor to drive that car again. Not only is it a manual transmission but I forgot how low it sits on the ground. At the first of two lights to get to work (3 minute commute to work if I have to stop at lights), I had a huge truck pull up next to me. I almost felt like it would run me over. My head was right about the same height as the wheel. Its scary to go from sitting high in a truck to so low in a car. I can see why short people have that so called "short man syndrome." Looking up at something bigger could be scary!!! My only comfort is knowing I spend cents on the dollar to drive the escort, where that truck just wasted gallons of gas to move that huge motor. In that aspect- victory ME!!!

Back to the Future!!!

OK its not really back to the future, but really close. Last week while working in Orem, I was told to pack my bags. I was moving back to Estimating and Purchasing in Salt Lake. That an outside salesman would take over as Orem store manager and I would be working my way into Estimating working under Bob Honeycutt, while he works his way into Purchasing to replace Ken once he retires. I was really surprised by the move. I wasn't planning on moving from Orem for a long while. I was not really sure what to expect. I was content with Store Manager and seeing the other side of ICS but to get back into purchasing was really exciting. I was sad to leave Chase and Andy down in Orem. We all had become great friends and got a long really well. Its always hard to leave good friends.
As for Estimating, I think it will be fun. I will take over every quote from here on out. Its a lot of work and new things to learn. I am excited to try this out and see where it takes me. I will be getting pricing, quoting freight and doing mark ups to all material specially ordered. Although I don't feel at home just yet back in SLC, I am sure it will grow on me. I have only been gone for Five months but it feels longer then that. At least I get to listen to my Ipod again all day long, the radio stations where getting boring with all the commericals. Now I need to update my ipod again. They shall call me "the Estimator!!!"

Basement: update

As Alicen had been reporting on her blog about the progression of the basement, I thought I would update mine as well. Last Saturday (2/6/10), Mark and I have completed the sheet rock, taping and muding, and priming for paint. It has been a long month or so to get it all done. It looks so good now though. We textured the ceiling and I got to do that. Every one's design is a little different. Marks texture looked professional and dare I say perfect, where as mine looked like a whole bunch of Monster Energy drinks logo all over the ceiling. So once we have it done I might get a craving for a drink if i look at the ceiling. It set to paint once we get some touch up work all done. That should happen pretty soon.
Then Monday this week, I decided I did not like the bathroom floor that I stained a long time back and the toilet leaks when anyone sits on it. It needs a new seal. Well I decided that since the toilet needed work and the floor looks bad I would just re due it all. So I took out the sink, the toilet, grinded the off the sealer and stain. Now its ready to be leveled off and restained again. I am really excited for all of this to take place. I have a vision of what I am going to do, now if it just turns out like I envisioned it would. Just more dust to clean up later. That mess gets everywhere. Grinding any surface is not fun, I have decided.
We should be done within a couple more weeks. We just need to paint and get carpet in the room. Then I can start on all the other little projects that might be going on around the house. I will post some pictures once we get them loaded on the computer and once complete.

Vancouver 2010

To get onto a better subject then the health issues of the Kettenring family. I am really excited for the Winter Olympics. After the College and Pro football season this year there was nothing I was really into. For some reason I cant get into the Utah Jazz! Last year it was a smooth transition but this year just can come around to Basketball- College or Pro.
That is why I am glad this year is the Olympics. There is always a great feeling once the Olympics start. What will be fun to see, is how all the transferred snow will hold up in Vancouver. Who would believe that the places that usually have a lot of snow this time of year is having problems and back East is getting pounded with snow. I am sure DC and those places would willingly give up their snow.
But just to seen sports that take place in snow. Not just the Snowboarding, Ice Skating and Downhill Skiing, (don't get me wrong I like watching those too). But I am excited to watch Hockey, Speed Skating, Bobsledding, Skeleton, and even curling! (I know strange). But I really am excited to watch these athletes compete and actually see some sportsmanship that so many other sports seem to be missing. I am just excited to watch. I hope the USA does really well.

When it rains, it pours!!

I know that everyone knows what this saying means and feels like when it happens. This is how it has been in the Kettenring household the last couple of weeks. First off, Alicen has had her surgery on her neck and the problems associated from that. The kids got Pink eye on Super bowl Sunday and just getting over that (although some luck the fact either Alicen or I got that), and now I might have strep throat that came on this morning. Its just one thing after another. I can only imagine what is going to happen next in the Kettenring Family household. Stay tune. I am sure its not over yet!!

Surgery: Part 2

So it has been over a week now since Alicen had her cyst surgery, we thought by now the swelling would have gone down but it just got worse. Yesterday, the doctor called to check up and immediately told Alicen to come in. I guess it was infected and he should have put in a drain like he first thought. Anyway Alicen got this puss like looking fluid taken out and the doctor had to reopen the incision area. She now has an open incision in her neck where she had to put an antibiotic gauze inside the cut and then put a bandage over it. This mess is not over yet. The crazy thing is, she can do the antibiotic by herself. I will have to learn to do it for her for a while. Its going to be great. At least I can handle things like that. Its still crazy that this whole thing is not done with. Lets just hope this works and Alicen's neck can heal, and she can get back to singing and life.

Who Dat? Who Dat?

OK I have no idea what that means but I know it goes along with the New Orleans Saints. Super Bowl Sunday is a great time of year. But yesterday before the games started our Super Bowl Party plans were put on hold. We woke up to see that our kids have Pink eye. Yes the dreaded infection of the eye! I went to my Ward Council then took the kids to the kids care and to the store to get their prescription. We called my parents to tell them we were not coming to their party and that we would be staying home. The rest of the day was spent helping the kids not touch their eyes, sanitizing their little hands, and having them not touch their eyes, re-sanitizing and then making sure our hands where clean too. My hands feel like they have been put through the ringer. But we only have to go until one this afternoon before the infection is not contagious. But we still have to disinfect our house again. So much fun.
As for football, our house hold wanted the Colts to win because Austin Collie (BYU vet) plays for them. I liked both teams but I got sick of hearing how great the Saints are, and what this win would mean to New Orleans. To me, I really really hope it will help but not seeing it really doing anything to help those truly in need. But I could be wrong. The game was good and not as high powering offense as I thought there would be. It was still a good game. Too bad the Colts lost but congrats to the Saints.
Now as for the Commercials, I was kind of disappointed in them. No one really put out the money this year for memberable commercials. I have to give props for Doritos, they by far had the best, the Snickers with Betty White was funny, Dockers "No pants" was pretty good (and yes I entered for free pants, keeping my fingers crossed to win). Then the David Letterman and Jay Leno commercial was pretty good too. Kind of a big shot for Leno to be on another station. Cheap shot on NBC, I think so!! Other then that nothing to exciting. Then the whole Tim Tebow and Mom commercial, I did not see anything that caused the media frenzy that came before. I thought it was good and well put together talking about family and pro-kid families nothing more.
But that was my Sunday, I watched the super bowl with a wife that had surgery this past week, two Pink eyed kids that wanted to touch their eyes and only a seven layer dip to entertain my appetite. What a Super Bowl Sunday to remember...

Mountain Bike Iditarod

I don't know if any one else read this story on KSL but this lady who is into extreme sports, is looking to mountain bike the Iditarod trail up in Alaska with a group of people. I don't know about anyone else but seeing the trail and what the mushers and dogs look like after a couple days of the race and after the race. I think this lady and the group are nuts to take this adventure. They are going to be in the snow, out in the wilderness alone, in -30 or -40 degree weather trying to mountain bike this trail. It sounds like a great idea when your training in Utah where the coldest it gets is ZERO. But its a whole different winter up in the AK. What I thought was cool was the specialized bike she will be riding, it has a wider tire that is made to travel on snow. That is kinda cool but I am sure the price tag is extremely high as well. I wish them good luck on their adventure but think they are crazy. Its not going to be easy.

Surgery

So as most everyone knows Alicen went in for surgery on her throat. She had a thyroid cyst on her hynoid bone hynoid bone. So this last week, she went into LDS Hospital to get it removed. A two and a half hour surgery turned into an all day event. Good thing I took the whole day off rather then a half. We got to the hospital a seven am, we're prepped for surgery by eight thirty am and she did not get into surgery until ten thirty when the doctor finally arrived. I had left her side around eight thirty and had no idea that she was waiting. Once Alicen was in surgery, my mother in law Sally and I went to breakfast in the hospital cafeteria. I had an egg omelets with an apple, sally had the same with has-browns. Then we went shopping at the Gift shop. I went through the store in like 10 minutes but we spent the next 30 minutes there. Those gift shops have so much junk packed into one little 15x25 space I have ever seen. The rest of the surgery was spent in the waiting room reading magazines and trying to stay awake.

In the waiting room, a family came in a took up a whole section. They had at least 30 people there. Once their doctor came in, the whole area went quite just to see what the doctor would tell this family. One the of the ladies in that family said "So doc did the s--x change go OK?" Everyone including the doctor started to laugh. It was really funny. After that everyone who was listening in went back to their own business and the doctor updated the family. They guy had actually had some type of brain surgery. Really weird for a in/out patient.

Around two, Alicen was out of surgery. She was way out of it, lots of drugs I guess running through her. Even through all the drugs, Allie was still Allie, first things she asked for was a diet coke. We had to wait for the drugs to wear off before they could release her. We did not leave the hospital until around four that afternoon. She was a trooper through the whole surgery and has been good the last couple days as well. Now she just has bandages on her neck that she has to wear for the next week.

I would like to thank everyone that has helped out as well through this whole thing. My Mom and Dad for taking the kids on the day of the surgery, as well as the night and next day. It was really helpful to not have to worry about them as well as Alicen. For Sally, going to the hospital to support Alicen and give me someone to talk to. She will tell you it was to comfort me in a scary time but she was the only one really worried. For the neighbors for all the dinners and phone calls in support. We really appreciate each and everyone of you. thanks again.

Glee

In the Kettenring house hold we like certain television shows that we watch or DVR on a weekly bases. We usually watch all the CSI's, Law & Orders and Greys Anatomy. We don't usually Vere from those shows. But one of Allies friends from work told her to watch this show called "Glee" that Fox has put out this last season. We had seen the promo's for it and I thought it was a bomb from the beginning, Allie agreed with me. So we never gave it a chance. Well Alicen decided to watch one night and totally got hooked. She would watch it and I would do something else. Finally, she made me watch an episode and I really liked it. We have been watching from half way through the season. Once it ended we did not know how it has started; so over New Years we bought the season (shows how much we like it) and we watched all 13 episodes in two days. I know what a bunch of couch potatoes. It all makes sense now and we cant wait until the second season that begins in April. I think I liked it because its not a reality show, its pretty clean for hollywood, and the music is what makes the show. I think shows need to go back to more music. Just the dancing and singin make it entertaining to watch. The show also has Jane Lynch who plays the Cheerleader couch and she makes the show. She is just mean and out to get everyone. She is great. If anyone gets a chance or has nothing else to do, give the show a try. I am sure you will like it.

Boise St vs TCU

In the Bowl games done, the one that was meant to be good with the Boise St vs TCU game; and I have to admitt it did not disappoint. To me, it was hard to figure out if what team to cheer for. On one side I wanted TCU to win so that the Mountain West could get more reconition for gettnig a BCS bid. On the other side I really like Boise St. Both are good teams. The game was really good. Boise St looked to be prepared, where TCU was at a total loss for some reason. All games they could not get their game figured out. Give Boise some credit though, they double teamed Jerry Hughes and then on offense they moved alot before the ball moved; making TCU have to make quick adjustments. That is not easy to do on the fly. It was a good game that came down to the wire. I hope both teams get a good look at in the standings and start off next year in the high rankings. I am sure both will because both teams almost have everyone coming back. Way to go Boise St and TCU on a great season...