The Garden, Year 3

It's that time again, garden time! This is one of the wettest springs I can ever remember, so it's been tough to find a few good hours to get the tilling done and then a few more to get the seeds in the ground. But we finally got it done and now the rain can do its thing. Jeremy had a blast helping us plant this year and he was a pretty good helper too! Amber was able to work around a pregnant belly to get the seeds into the ground and Mom helped organize the whole project. I've really learned to love working in the garden and after I finish, I always feel really genuinely GOOD. Maybe it's Grandma Treft's blood flowing in my veins, but gardening really is good for the soul!

Peep My Crew: Mom

So I've decided to do a little spotlight on some of my nearest and dearest, my Crew. I've asked each of them to tell a little about how they met me, some funny experiences, and I'll give a little insight on them as well. I've been really blessed in my life to be surrounded by great people who have helped me more than I could ever express, and they make it amazing to be me! So they deserve a shout out. Peep my Crew!

*****

My mom, a.k.a. Momma Bear, is amazing. She's always been there for me and my brother, even when she may have felt like she wasn't. Mom worked throughout our childhood and even though she was just downstairs in the office with dad, we always knew it was tough for her. But I never ever felt like she wasn't there. On the contrary, she was ALWAYS there. Mom grew up with 4 older brothers, so she had to be pretty tough. Then she had two boys, and counting dad she was outnumbered again. Add in the fact that she lives in the mountains of Montana in one of the most unique lifestyles imaginable, and she's tough as nails. But she's also soft, gentile, and kind. That's why I look up to her so much. She's always been our biggest sponsor throughout the years, whether it be snowboarding, missions, backpacking, or just life in general. Now, she's the greatest grandma any boy could ask for. Even though I'm coming up on 27, she still sends me little packages of toys, candy, or things that remind her of me or things she thinks I'll enjoy. I hope that never changes. Finally, my mom taught me the Gospel. She's a living example of Alma 56:48. I owe my mom so much, even my life. I love you so much, Mom.

How long have you known me?
All your life!

How did we meet?
At the Presbyterian Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK.

What's something funny that has happened between us?
You make me laugh (from good things) all the time! What first comes to mind is some of the off-the-wall comments of that certain member of our branch, initials: WZ.

What's your favorite memory we share?
The "miles stones" in your life: Eagle Scout, Priesthood advancements, mission call and experience, your marriage, the birth of your son -- my first grandchild!!! The car trips we took when Dad was gone (Butte, Bozeman, Utah...)

Any words of wisdom?
Be worthy of your many blessings and live to achieve your divine potential -- Just because you CAN, doesn't mean you SHOULD.

Book Club: Golf Tournament

We held our second annual Elders Quorum Book Club golf tournament this past weekend and it was a blast. The first year, we only had 5 guys show up so the 8 that came this year was a big improvement. We split into two groups and chased the little white ball around the yard for a couple hours. I wish I could say that I played well, but it didn't matter. It was so cool seeing those guys out there together having a good time. We even had a couple of guys come who don't usually make it to church on Sunday so that in itself was a huge success. In the end, Scott Garton took home the low score, a sleeve of balls, and the green jacket. He was working on Sunday and therefore couldn't accept the jacket, so his wife came in his stead. She wouldn't carry on the tradition of wearing it for the rest of the meetings, though... Tim came out with us and had a chance to win on the last hole, but he put his ball into the drink trying to make the green in two on the Par 5 18th. He was close, though! He got second. Josh Stout came in third, just 4 shots behind. Bill Ince took home the longest putt for dropping a 20+ footer into the clown's mouth! Josh also won the "Anton Jackson Shot of the Day" trophy (a snapped-in-half 3 iron), along with Colby Western, for their tag team hitting of a house on one of the holes. Apparently, one of them hit their ball off a guy's house and the other immediately followed the first by hitting his ball off the guy's trailer... while he was in the yard! He glared at them as they passed by and was pretty bent out of shape about it. One of the balls was sitting in the grass next to him in the yard, but they didn't go get it. Hahaha! I think a good time was had by all and I for one can't wait until the next event! Funny thing about golf for me: Before I go, I'm so excited! While I'm there, I'm so frustrated! After I'm done, I can't wait to go again! What a messed up game.

Jimmered

I got "Jimmered" at work this week. I came back to the office after being out on calls all day to find my boss plastered a huge Jimmer poster on my whiteboard. As previously posted, I'm a Jimmer fan, but this doesn't change anything. I'm a Ute through and through. I thought my boss was too... until I've now discovered he receives BYU magazine. Traitor.

Mother's Day Weekend

This turned out to be one of the busiest Mother's Day weekends ever, I think. I had a cousin getting married and Mom and Dad were down for that, Jeremy had a birthday party to go to, and we were trying to get Dad's teardrop started and mine finished! And did I mention is was Mother's Day?! It was a great weekend none the less. The weather was beautiful for what felt like the first time this Spring and we had a wonderful time enjoying the sun. We made good progress on the trailers too. Mine is almost done now and we should finish it with one more day of work. We got the floor on Dad's as well. These trailers sure have been a great project to work on, especially as a family. Jeremy loves being in the garage with us!

We had a wonderful Mother's Day day at home. I made Amber and Mom and Dad breakfast and then we went to church. I got Amber a new dress for Mother's Day and it looked amazing on her! I'll be sure to post a pic asap. After church, we came home and I made dinner for everyone. My Mexican chicken turned out great and I was pretty proud of my efforts. It wasn't much in comparison to everything that Amber does for us every day, or what our moms have done for us over all these years, but I was so grateful for the opportunity to give something back. We've got such amazing mothers who are now amazing grandmothers and Amber is an incredible mom herself. With another little boy on the way, we both feel so strongly that he's so excited to come to our family. I give most of that credit to Amber. She sacrifices so much for us, even her body and her very life to give us our family. I can't thank her enough...

Not the new dress, but beautiful!

Peep My Crew: Paul

So I've decided to do a little spotlight on some of my nearest and dearest, my Crew. I've asked each of them to tell a little about how they met me, some funny experiences, and I'll give a little insight on them as well. I've been really blessed in my life to be surrounded by great people who have helped me more than I could ever express, and they make it amazing to be me! So they deserve a shout out. Peep my Crew!

 *****

Now presenting... Paul, a.k.a. "PC", a.k.a. "Maverick", a.k.a. "Handy Paul"! I met Paul through my brother Tim when Tim met Paul in the local single's ward and ended up sharing a house with him. Paul has joined me on several adventures, including Tim's proposal, and is now a full-blooded member of theBRIGADE. The more I get to know Paul, the more I love him. Before I can say anything else, I have to say, without any reservation, that Paul is the most true friend I've ever met. The guy would take a bullet for you and then apologize for bleeding on your carpet, you know? Kind of a graphic explanation, but so true. Not only does he have my back, but the rest of me as well. The guy loves his friends and family unconditionally and I love that about him because it has inspired me to try to do the same. Like I said, Paul's a member of theBRIGADE and one of my most trusted companions in the back country. He has helped get Jeff and I out of a couple of tricky spots and always brushes it off with a smile as a mere bump in the road. Like Jeff, Paul knows his stuff with a camera and is a magician behind the lens. Paul's also about as genuine as can be. When he asks how I'm doing or how my wife and son are, you know he means it. He's also extremely punctual, which is admirable as well. Finally, we share the same taste in music, which is always a great thing to share with a friend. More than once a song has played on a play list and we look at each other with the look of "I LOVE THAT SONG!" And he's single, ladies, so step up! Paul, you're the best, man. You're an inspiration in my life.

How long have you known me?
Honestly, I don't remember when we met. I'd say it was right around the beginning of May, 2010, when I moved in with (your brother) Tim.

How did we meet?
I guess I kinda already answered this, but I remember actually getting to know you over Memorial Day weekend in Montana. We hit that giant puddle on the way to church, remember that thing, Jake? I'd never seen anything like it, how the water folded in and landed right in the middle of the truck. EPIC!

What's something funny that has happened between us?
Fetch, I keep answering them one too soon! I'll tell another... Alright, so we were backpacking in Owl Creek and had set up camp for the night. After lounging around for a little while, Jeff mentioned that he had a cactus spine or something poking him in the back. You were so anxious to use your new S&W knife that you jumped at the chance to perform a little surgery. Jeff agreed and turned around. You immediately handed me your camera and gave me that look, the "you're definitely gonna want to get this shot" look, and it took everything I had not to bust out laughing. As you poked his back you looked at me with this huge, devious grin. I snapped the photo, Jeff heard the shutter click and turned back around. He wasn't too happy, but I was cracking up...

What's your favorite memory we share?
Our trip to Mule Canyon. The whole trip was perfect. We found plenty of ruins, it was great weather, you honed your flint and steel skills, and we made it home safely. But the specific success I remember was the ladder we built to go to the best ruins of all. I know all three of us felt so accomplished getting to explore them.

Any words of wisdom?
Uh, yeah... Play the game, don't be a soak and stay away from bagpipers!

Thanks for including me in this, man. "Family need not be defined merely as those with whom they share blood, but for those whom they would give our blood." - Charles Dickens

Tulip Festival

After a morning of golf, I went down to Thanksgiving Point with Amber, Jeremy, and Mom to check out the Tulip Festival and, upon Jeremy's request, the big red barn with the animals. I wasn't really sure what to expect down there because I'd never been before, but it was really amazing. I couldn't believe how much area there was after you walk through the gates and the grounds were immaculate. The flowers were in full bloom and it was a beautiful day to be there. My favorite part of all was the man-made waterfall at the amphitheater. It was incredible! I actually ran into the guy who designed/made it while doing a security job a few years ago and heard all about it, but had never seen it up close. Amazing! It also helped that there were the most delicious mini doughnuts right there as well. They were legit. Then we had some lunch at a little cafe place and checked out the animals, which Jeremy loved. We all had a great time.

Entering the "Secret Garden"

This goose totally made its roost on the top of a wall!

Male sees female. Male displays plumage. Female avoids male. Fail.

Golf With J.Roy

Had a nice golf sesh with Jeff the other day. The weather was epic and it was great to be out early on the course. Only downside was that the grass was soaked and Jeff was wearing his five fingers... and they decided it was a great day to cut down a bunch of trees on the course so the chainsaws were roaring while we were trying to putt... and that we both aren't very good. Other than that it was perfect! No really, we had a great time. Even got to take some videos of our amazing skills. Take a look!

Top moment of the day for sure was when we were trying to putt on hole #6. The course loops around so that the green for hole #6 is right next to the fairway of hole #3. #3 has a tee box located on top of a monster hill (see above video) that allows you to hit to the green below. Just as I'm about to putt, we hear this "HEY!! STOP THE CART! STOP THE CART!" We both looked up to see a fat man chasing his club cart down the hill as fast as he could go yelling the whole way down! It was absolutely hilarious. Of course we didn't have the camera going at the time or we'd be rich already. Fail. But it sure made for some entertaining golf! Almost as funny as this sign:

Jeff: "What's that supposed to mean?"
Jake: "Run away from each other I guess."

While we were at the course, we also hit up the putting green where we put on a clinic of how to drain putts like nobody's business! Okay, so it wasn't THAT great... but, well, we didn't do too bad. See for yourself...

Softball Is Back!

I joined another softball team with a bunch of members of our ward for this spring/summer. We got sponsored by a local eye clinic so we call ourselves "The Spectacles". Haha! We had our first two games rained/snowed out, but last week we finally played together for the first time. Normally, I play first base and I really enjoy it over there. This year, though, I was asked to be the pitcher. (I guess that's what I get for tossing balls at batting practice...) I agreed, somewhat reluctantly, and seeing as I had never pitched a softball game in my life, I was pretty nervous. Okay, I was REALLY nervous. The entire game was just butterflies and trying so hard to get the ball over the plate. The game was tight for the first half of it and I walked a few people I shouldn't have, but in the end, we won handily and I did a pretty good job. I even got one kid to whiff and fall down chasing an outside pitch which I was pretty stoked about. Honestly, that was one of the most nerve-racking things I've ever done before, which is silly because it's just a rec league softball game. I could feel the pressure of having to perform well and having my team count on me, and in the end, you start to want it again. There was just such a great feeling of accomplishment and a gritty rush of adreneline that you want to experience it all over again even though the game just got over and you were sweating bullets the entire time. Weird. I'm glad I experienced it, though. Felt like I grew a little bit today and learned to trust my abilities a little more. After the game, I told Amber that "I'd much rather speak in Stake Conference than pitch a softball game!" Yeah, I got asked to speak in Stake Conference too... ;)

Easter 2011

We had a wonderful Easter this year with both Grandmas and lots of family to share it with. Easter really is one of my favorite holidays. Not only because it has the best candy of any other holiday (and I'll fight anyone who tries to argue otherwise!), but also because it's usually pretty relaxed and chill with the fam and you get a wonderful Sunday at church to focus on the true meaning of the day. It's a celebration of life and Spring and of the Resurrection and I love that about Easter. Every year the Atonement of Jesus Christ and his wonderful Resurrection mean a little more to me and I've grateful for a day set aside to honor and think about that.

As usual, Jeremy made off with a pretty good haul from Mommy and the Grandmas and had a great time finding Easter eggs in the yard.

Tim and I even got into an Easter egg hunt of sorts via Twitter and Tony Hawk. Tony hid hundreds of "Easter eggs" around the world which consisted of signed skate decks, t-shirts, watches, and other goodies. I was following his tweets about the different locations throughout the day and just as a joke, I tweeted him saying it was too bad there wasn't one in the Salt Lake City area. Within 5 minutes, there was a tweet saying a package was hidden at a drive-in movie theater in Riverdale, just 15 minutes away! Tim and Tay were in Layton at the time and went over to the drive-in, but the package was already gone. Pretty cool thing anyway.

Dinner on Sunday was AMAZING! We had both our moms, Rob, Aerielle, Tim, and our friends the Drydens to join in the feast. The lady folk really outdid themselves! Ham, cheesy potatoes, green bean casserole, jell-o, fruit... And Amber made the best homemade rolls of all time!!! Epic spread. Hope everyone had a great Easter like we did.

Coke Floats

While I was in Disneyland, I was looking for a refreshing treat and had already filled myself up on corn dogs, pineapple whips, and Bengal BBQ skewers. That's when I found the Coke float. I'd heard the rumors, I'd seen the commercials, but I'd never partaken. And now I'm hooked! Soooooo good! Go grab yourself and carton of vanilla and a 20 oz. (or 2 liter) and enjoy! Trust me, you'll thank me later. You had a good run, root beer. It was fun while it lasted...