Teardrop Camping: The Maiden Voyage!

Part of my Father's Day present included a camping trip, one that wasn't planned or decided upon until 7:00 p.m. on Friday night! Haha. So we went to the park, ran some errands, went to the grocery store, and as we pulled into the driveway, Amber said: "Why don't we go camping tonight in the teardrop?" We couldn't think of any reason not to so I threw some supplies in the trailer while Amber grabbed clothes and by 7:30 we were on our way!

We decided to go up Trapper's Loop towards Pineview Reservoir and Monte Cristo, since that was pretty close and I knew there was plenty of Forest Service land up there. As we pulled into Morgan, we had a surprise waiting for us: the Ragnar. The Ragnar is some big time relay running thing that apparently goes all night long, from Ogden to Provo or something like that. Not really that big of a deal, except that it made for slow going and we were fighting daylight. When we finally reached the top of Trapper's Loop, there was a sign at the turnoff to Snowbason Ski Resort that said Forest Service access, so we made the turn. Well, the Ragnar was going that way too. (Of course it was, right?) Anyway, we got up to the top and where the Forest Service access was, there were barricades set up to guide the traffic and runners past the turn off with a sheriff parked there as well to guard the way and we were forced up to the resort lodge.

I wasn't coming all this way just to turn around and not go camping and it was getting pretty dark now, so we came back down, pulled off the to the side of the road, and I went over to the sheriff. Apparently he wasn't too stoked on sitting up there that night because he wouldn't even roll down the window! I knocked on the glass and he finally rolled down the window with a less-than-jovial: "What?" I told he were had come up to go camping and all he'd say was: "Where?" I told him we just wanted to go up into the trees around the corner and go camping. He reminded me that the road was closed into the National Forest with all the flooding (as if the cement barriers with the bright orange ROAD CLOSED sign wasn't obvious enough) and I told him again we just wanted to drive up the side road into the trees and that was all. He ended the conversation with: "I don't care." and rolled up his window. So I opened the barricade, drove the truck and trailer through, and we drove up the short road into the trees.

There was a long gravel area that resembled a parking area with more cement barriers at the far end. I got out and explored the area and there were plenty of fire pits around and even a place where I could easily drive around the barriers and into the trees. With Officer Grumpypants just up the road, though, I decided we'd be better off just parking near the end of the lot and roast our marshmallows in the nearby fire pit. We had a great time!

After our campfire, we all climbed into the trailer and watched "Brother Bear" and then fell asleep. Everything was going great until 2:00 a.m. when I woke up to Amber saying: "Jake! There's somebody out there!!!" Sure enough, bright lights were shining through the window and someone was knocking and saying: "Hey! You need to leave now!" I'm like: "What??? Why?!" Mystery guy: "You can't park here! This is mountain security. You need to leave!" Amber told him: "We asked the sheriff and he said it was fine!" Security guy: "Okay fine you didn't know. You can't park here over night. You can park in the lower parking lot, but not here. You need to leave." I tried to get out to talk to him and tell him that we would be leaving early in the morning, but he got in his truck and took off. I was really annoyed because there were no signs posted anywhere and we weren't near anything or anybody, much less the resort. We decided that we'd go down to the other lot and finish the night, so I got in the truck and started down the road. I could see the other guy's taillights about half a mile ahead of me as we drove towards the lower parking lot and I saw him turn off the road towards the lot... and he locked the flipping gate to the lot so we couldn't pull in! Yep, locking the gate and locked us out. Freaking LAME. Lame, lame, lame.

Instead of searching for another camping spot at 2 in the morning, we just came home. It was still a really fun outing and I'm glad we were able to go, but for real?! I'm still pretty miffed about it. Oh well. Next time will be better. Oh, and the teardrop was SIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!!! Thought I'd better mention that.

Father's Day Comic

I thought this was so rad. I hope I can be a cool dad like this.

Released

After over two and a half years of serving as the Elders Quorum President, I was released last week. I've been trying to write this post ever since and I'm still struggling to find the words right now. On the one hand, it feels really great. I can honestly say that I gave it my best efforts and did everything I could for the Quorum and loved those I served. I feel so humbled by and so happy with what we were able to accomplish and for the experiences I had personally that helped me grow. I know that my service was accepted by the Lord and that I did well and that feeling alone is priceless.

On the other hand, this is really hard. It's hard to step away from anything that you devoted and dedicated so much time, energy, and life to for such a long time. While the bishop has assured me that I can and should continue to be involved with these people I've grown so close to, I will miss being able to drop by any time unannounced when the inspiration comes. I'll miss the responsibility and the inspiration that comes with such a great calling. I'll miss working so closely with my councilors and secretaries, men who I look up to so much and feel that they were always better than I was. We'll always been connected after these experiences together. I was always afraid I asked too much of them, but they never complained. They always stuck with me. We've become close friends and I trust them and depend on them so much. I'll really miss being involved in that level of the ward and with those great men...

Back to the other hand, I feel so much lighter now. I can already feel in this past week a greater joy in other things that I didn't notice as much before. For the first time in over two years, I feel like I have more time for self reflection and improvement. All of a sudden reading my scriptures doesn't feel like such a daunting task anymore. It's kind of silly that these things are easier all of a sudden, but I guess it's because I didn't realize how much time I spent consciously subconsciously thinking of others and what was going on in the Quorum.

It was quite the process getting released. There were multiple interviews and times to share testimony. My testimony grew so much in these two and a half years! A lot of tears were shed as well. Tears while meeting with the Stake Presidency, with the Bishopric, with the new Elders Quorum President, with my councilors, with the Quorum. I even cried when I handed over the key to the building! They are always tears of joy and love though. What a joy it is to look back now and feel like more experience was gained, personal growth achieved, and a greater purpose found. I can honestly say I was able to perform every possible Priesthood ordinance and blessing possible for me while serving as the Elders Quorum President. I can't even begin to describe how strong my testimony is of the Priesthood, that it is the literal power of God on the earth and that it is real. These Priesthood keys are real. And I know that they are true, just as this Church is true.

My wife has been so good, so patient, so gracious, and so caring throughout this whole process. Unfortunately, she wasn't there to hear my words of gratitude in any of the other meetings, so I'll give her the shout out now. Amber is amazing. Calls came in the middle of dinner, late at night, even on our son's birthday, and she never said no. She always supported me and advised me. I could not have done this without her. She truly is my source of inspiration and guidance and I'm so incredibly lucky to have a good wife to stand beside me. She shared the same vision of raising Jeremy as I did, that we wanted him to see his dad serving in the Church and to know of its importance. We want him to know his dad takes his Priesthood responsibilities seriously, just as Amber and I saw our dads do the same. (On that note, what a coincidence that I was released on Father's Day.) Amber is the greatest person I've ever known. I can't thank her enough.

So I guess this is the end of one chapter in my life and the eventual start to another. It was a great ride. It's hard to imagine anything else coming close to this as far as callings go. I'm sure others will be just as good or better. But this is a very special calling and I'm so grateful I got the chance to experience it. This has been a very personal post, but I can't help but want to share my feelings and proclaim my gratitude to and testimony of a loving Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ who have never given up on me. On the contrary, They never let me forget They are there. They live. They love us all. I know that to be true.

Peep My Crew: Krista

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!

*****

I've got the greatest sisters-in-law ever and Krista, a.k.a. "Dancing Queen," a.k.a. "Forensicshick," a.k.a. "Chemistry Krista," is truly the older sister I've always wanted. I feel like I've known Krista forever! Somehow we just clicked from the beginning and have been close ever since, even though she has had to live so far away from us. Whenever Krista comes to town, you know it's a party! One night at Christmas time, we drove out into a blinding snow storm to use my new emergency truck kit to save stranded people's lives! We didn't find anyone to save, but had we found someone, we could have saved them. She's one of the smartest people I know too. Just this week I couldn't think of a certain word and before I could even finish explaining the predicament, she already knew it was "compensation." And did I mention she always gives AMAZING gifts?! Yeah, she spoils me. The coolest thing of all was when I was struggling through college Chemistry and she would help me over the phone, email, and text all the way from Tennessee. I look up to her soooo much and I'm so lucky to have her in my life. You're the best, sis!

How long have you known me?
Uh, a really long time. I think I met you when you were 16 or 17? Not sure, but you had a thing for my sister, and I remember you mowed the yard while we were in Yellowstone and my Mom loved you for that.

How did we meet?
I am guessing at Chez (the house of) Stanton, but I don't remember not knowing you, so it's hard to say. Maybe in the pre-mortal life??? ;)

What's something funny that has happened between us?
We have some rocking text conversations. A recent one was when we were talking like country folk and I told you, "Aww shucks. Yer maken me redder than a houn'dawg with er sunburn," and apparently you "snorted like a piglet."

Another funny memory was helping you do chemistry over the phone. I was in Tennessee and you were in Utah and we were trying to draw certain molecules... Good times!

What's your favorite memory we share?
One of my favorite memories of you was before you got married and you asked me to help you clean the apartment, (you had been living there as a bachelor), before Amber moved in. We had some really great conversation that day and I felt closer to you than I ever had before.

Any words of wisdom?
Compensation... remember that word. When in doubt, call Krista first. ;)

Farmington Pool

The day after the wedding reception, we were all EXHAUSTED! What better way to rejuvenate and enjoy a beautiful day than at the pool?! So Amber, Jeremy, Mom, Dad, and I went to Farmington Pool and had a great time!

No Pong Sesh

Jeff is in China right now doing a semester abroad for a month and a half. I'm really starting to miss that guy, especially after going downstairs in his house and seeing this:

I guess there won't be any pong seshes for a while yet. Or backpacking seshes. Yikes! Hopefully that guy comes home soon!

The Groom's Men

As part of Tim and Tay's wedding, Dylan, Paul, Brandon, Ben, and I were asked to be Groom's Men. I'm pretty sure most of you are thinking: "What was Tim thinking putting all of you clowns together?!" Haha. Yeah, we thought that too. It definitely made for some... interesting shenanigans at the wedding! So I present to you, "The Groom's Men, In Pictures."

Dylan, PC, Tay, Tim, Brandon, Me, Ben

Yeah... we weren't too stoked on the choice of ties.

Dylan, being Dylan, at the luncheon.

Even Dad got in on the fun!

"Now THAT is a knife!"

About those ties we didn't like... we, uh, took matters into our own hands!

Oops. How'd that happen?

 

This girl ended up with the bouquet and Paul ended up with this girl! (Not really. But way to go, PC!)

Tim & Tay's Wedding

Well, my little brother is married now. Pretty crazy to think about, really. Part of me still thinks he's too young, until I remember that I'm almost 27 myself... Haha. Time flies. Seems like only yesterday we were playing in a pond in the meadow in just our tighty-whities and walking home with our shorts hanging from sticks over our shoulders... For those of you thinking that this could have happened yesterday, you're right. But it didn't. That was a long, long time ago.

So anyway, after a 6 month engagement, Tim and Tay were finally married and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. The bottom line is, they're so happy together and they did it the right way in the right place and that was really, really awesome. I got myself another sister-in-law, which is pretty cool as well. It's been quite a journey for them and the wedding itself was a lot of work... A LOT OF WORK. But in the end, it turned out really beautiful and I think it was everything they wanted it to be. It was really neat to see two very different families come together and have a new one created. And being selfish for a moment, it's pretty special to have a Brazilian as part of my immediate family now. Who would have thought? I wish them all the best!

I think seeing the wedding of someone else, especially someone close to you, really helps you to think about your own personal wedding day and marriage. The thing that keeps popping into my head is: "Holy crap! I married my teenage sweetheart!" Or, "My best friend really truly is my wife!" And finally, "How the heck did I manage to pull this off and marry someone so far out of my league?!" In all honesty and seriousness, I can't fathom how it worked out this way. Amber is the most incredible, inspiring, and steezy person I've ever met. She makes me want to be better. She's my everything. I don't think I tell her that enough. Sometimes in the midst of life's responsibilities and trials, we tend to get distracted or forget to tell the most important people how much we really do need and appreciate them. To this day, nearly ten years since we met, I still have a hard time putting into words my feelings of love and gratitude for my wife. Why? Because the feelings are so sublime, so intense, so sacred, and so amazing that any words don't seem sufficient. You'd just have to feel it.

Tim asked me to be his Best Man and give a speech at his wedding. While the words were directed at Tim and Tay, Amber was the inspiration and the real reason for it all. Enjoy.

It's Hot In Hell

It's no secret how I feel about Utah County, a.k.a. "Crappy Valley", and more specifically, Provo. Of course it's more joking than serious as I know that even Provo has some good things... I think... Anyway, my brother Rob sent me this screenshot from the evening news with the caption: "I'm sure you have a BYU joke that can go with this picture..." I finally feel justification as it has now been scientifically proven that Provo = H. E. Double Hockey Sticks, because as we all know, it's hot in Hell!

Golf Sesh With The Bros

David, Rob, and I went out and enjoyed a beautiful Saturday on the golf course before David had to take off to his new digs in North Dakota. He says the only time he golfs is when he's with me and Rob, so we'd better do our "brotherly duty" and take him golfing, right? Of course! We all had a great time and even hit a few decent shots between the three of us. Whenever I go golfing, I measure if the round was a success by if I come home with more balls than I left with... So it was a successful outing! I also found another BETTER way to measure success, though... If we get air with the golf cart!!! Enjoy.

Perspective

I've been thinking a lot lately about some of the things going on around me. Serving as the Elders Quorum President in the ward for the past 2 1/2 years has put me in a lot of situations and circumstances that have really put things into perspective for me. Over the years, there have been times where I've been asked to be a "marriage councilor" or a "mechanic" or any number of things. One thing in particular has really hit me, however. We have some friends in the ward that I've grown really close to lately and they're going through an overwhelming battle with terminal cancer. John is my age, and has already gone through cancer multiple times. Tressa lost her dad to cancer and is now watching it try to take her husband as well. One of their daughters has special needs. And they are fighting something completely beyond their control. And somehow, in the midst of what appears to be insurmountable odds, they still find joy and happiness.

John is a FIGHTER. He decided to fore go cancer treatment at one point because he wanted to enjoy what time he had left with his family, opting for a more holistic route. When more tumors were found, he got back on the treatments because he wasn't going down without a fight. Tressa is as tough as nails and I'm constantly amazing at how she's able to hold everything together and not just shut down.

How grateful I am for an amazing, loving wife and son and that we all have good health. I appreciate Amber and Jeremy so much! So many times this past few months I've soaked my pillow in tears as I've prayed on the Casper's behalf. I think we're all trying to put our faith in a miracle, and yet know that ultimately it's up to the Lord. Like John, we won't stop doing all we can. I hope they know how much so many of us, me in particular, admire and hurt for them. They're a great inspiration to me. This whole thing has made me appreciate the little things in my life so much more and deal better with the minor trials that come my way.

Here's the link to their blog. It's definitely worth a follow: http://johncaspersjourney.blogspot.com/

Peep My Crew: David

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!

*****

David is my brother-in-law and someone I really truly look up to a lot. David and Sharee were already married by the time I got home from my mission, so we've been able to grow pretty close as men married to Stanton women. (And let me say before we get into trouble that being married to a Stanton woman in a JOY and a BLESSING!) Anyway, because David's in the Air Force and they've lived far away from us, we haven't been able to do as much together as we would like. But when we get time together, we make it count! Whether it's playing "Tanks" on Wii, shooting stuff, golfing, or tossing baby dolls, we always have a blast. (And hopefully soon we'll be Jeep buddies as well!) The greatest thing of all about David, though, has been being able to watch him grow and change in the Gospel. He always was a great man, but he continues to get better and better as a member of the Church. How honored I am to have been able to help teach him the Gospel, baptize him, give him the Priesthood, and go with him and his family to the temple to be sealed together forever. It doesn't get any better than that. He's like the older brother I always wanted, and I can't thank him enough.

How long have you known me?
6 years.

How did we meet?
Bob and Marlene Stanton's house.

What's something funny that has happened between us?
Wii Tanks. (Which we actually BEAT the last time we played, after what felt like a couple hundred tries at it!)

What's your favorite memory we share?
Having you and your wife at my family's sealing.

Any words of wisdom?
Work hard and have fun!

Mowing the Lawn

For Jeremy's birthday, Tim and Tay got him some outdoor toys so he could help in the yard and garden. Let's just say, I owe them BIG time...

When he's big enough to do this for real so I don't have to, I'm taking Tim to lunch as a thank you.

Jeremy Turns 3

Jeremy is now 3 years old. Holy smokes! My son is 3 years old!!! It still blows my mind... One thing about Jeremy is that he loves birthday parties. Any time that he hears that someone is having a birthday, he immediately asks if there's a party. And gets even more stoked when it's his own party!!! He actually had 2 parties this year, one in Montana with Mom and Dad, and another on his birthday day.

The day of his birthday, he was pretty much stoked all day long. Another thing about Jeremy, he likes to help Amber bake things. So all day he was asking her to bake his cake, then help decorate it, and then eat it! He was running all over with excitement about the decorations, the presents, and who would be coming to his party until he finally reached overload around 5:00 p.m. and fell asleep. Hahaha. Guess the excitement was just too much for the little guy. We woke him up just in time for the party and had all the family over to celebrate. Soon our house was full of cousins running around and aunts and uncles chasing them and complete pandemonium. But Jeremy loved it.

He made off like a bandit this year, but he's so rad it's pretty hard not to spoil him. And besides, it's his last birthday as an only child. Jeremy is really into "Rescue Heroes," so Amber made him a "Rescue Hero" cake with decorations and everything. Jeremy requested "fire boots and a fire hat" so he could "stomp out fires" for his birthday, and we found the coolest fireman outfit and got him a complete set of fire fighting toys! He LOVED it. We also gave him a little RC car he'd been wanting. And he got some new clothes and a backpack from the Volcom outlet in Park City, so he was looking pretty steezy. Rob and Aerielle got him a book (which he promptly dropped on the ground with a THUD) and some binoculars (which he wears around EVERYWHERE. He got a game from David and Sharee and Tim and Tay got him an outdoor tool set so he can work in the yard and garden with us. Yeah, he was freaking out. Finally he just sat down and just played with everything over and over again...

Jeremy had a hard time opening this one... so I told him to bite it! Haha

He sure is a good boy. It will be an adventure with two little boys in the house now, but Jeremy is going to be a great big brother. We're so lucky to have him. Happy birthday, little man!