Tuesday, December 30, 2008

AULD LANG SYNE (at least I think that's how you spell it)






Well it's 3:45am and I'm staying awake so that the dog will let Syl sleep preparatory to her work day. HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone ! I am sure that I, like all of you are now looking back and re counting the memories of 2008. There were a lot of them, weren't their. The windstorm and blackout, the economic turmoil, the presidential election result, the Bengals, and other hardships and disasters plagued our lives this year, but I'm sure that the choice good times far out-weighed them. I wish to share a couple of my personal favorites.


This was the year that my darling sister in law, Debra, took my even darlinger wife and the rest of the Gardner girls on the adventure of a lifetime. I will always be very grateful to Deb for this generous gift. To see Sylvia's eyes and smile light up when she shares memories of her cruise is a true delight to me. In my book, eventhough I wasn't invited, as were any of the men in the family, this truly made it a gift for me too. Thanks again Deb.



This was also the year that on a VERY rainy early spring morning I got the pleasure of seeing two beautiful women accomplish a very lofty goal when they took to the rain soaked streets of Cincinnati and completed the 2008 Flying Pig 5k, and in doing so creating something that will not only be about my favorite memory of 2008, but a very cherished memory of mine for years to come if not the rest of my life. It was the birth of Pink Princess Racing. When this happened I got to watch an amazing thing. I got to see our lives improve and change as we turn towards more healthy goal oriented living as Sylvia and I set our sights on being more physically conscious. The team eventually grew to include Maura's daughter Mikayla, Sam Hoffart, my adorable niece Courtney King, and in 2009 we are all very anxious to be joined by none other than Toni McElwain. My team participated in three other events during 2008 and we are all looking forward to a great 2009 season, when even I, P2R's crewchief and photographer plan on getting off the sideline, and out on the road with my team. I can't, however post a tribute to the Pink Princesses without a special shout-out to the woman whose influance, friendship, and personality made P2R a reality, Our dear friend and sister, Maura. From the bottom of my heart Maura, thank you for all the smiles, love, and laughter you've given Sylvia and I through the year, and I'm looking forward to a whole bunch more in the year to come. This leads into another fond memory of 2008. I feel that this was the year that our friendship with the Prince family really began to flourish and grow. This friendship has truly made me feel "ten feet tall and bulletproof," as a country song I once liked said.

WE REALLY love you guys.

Happy New Year everybody. Two days ago I heard a blurb on the news that refered to 2008 as "dismal." I disagree. I think anyone can find more happy and joyeous memories if they look for them, and it is my hope that anyone reading this posting will be able to find great happiness in the year to come.

once again from the MOSL:
HAVE A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS
NEW YEAR

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Quote of the month


" Christmas is Jesus' birthday, and WE get the presents." -Savanna Prince

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

FOR SALE BY GOVE er oh OWNER, yeah thats it OWNER

For Sale, one genuine, U.S.Senate seat representing the state of confusion, uh I mean Illinois. Previous owner moving out of state for the next four years. (at least I hope it's just for the next 4 years,) so must sell. Seat hardly used and in like new condition. No experience necessary to purchase. If you are Democra, uh I mean, INTERESTED, call The Illinois State House at, 1 (800) CRO OKED, ask for Rod

Sunday, November 16, 2008

She Tagged Me

OK, so I was blog surfing the other day when much to my pleasant surprise I discovered that my sweet sister from another mother Maura (http://pamperedprincessmaura.blogspot.com/) had tagged me. Never having been one to turn down a challenge, here it goes.




The rules, as I understand them are simple;
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2.Mention the rules on your blog.
3. Tell 6 un-spectacular quirks about yourself
4.Tag 6 other unsuspecting bloggers by linking with them
5.Leave a comment on each of their blogs informing them that they too have been tagged


So Buckle your seat belts everyone, here we go




QUIRKS, (as if)


1. Like Maura I too once had an interest in learning a new language. But i didn't pursue this interest because I decided there was really no practical need for a knowledge of social Klingon. I have however over the years learned enough Spanish to order a meal at Taco Bell or any other Spanish fast food establishment. I can however after my mission to North Carolina speak fluent southern,






2.Being the life long car-guy that I am, I have had a dream of owning a classic muscle car and having it pictured in Hot Rod Magazine. I remember browsing the pages of Hot Rod as a kid and seeing all the pictures of the beautiful vehicles in there and thinking how absolutely cool it would be to have a car that I owned and created pictured in such a great magazine. I realize now that my beloved and dearly missed old yellow Chevy might be the closest I will ever come to accomplishing this dream due to today's economy, I did get a taste of this dream however when I got pictures of three of my model cars featured in the Nascar models page of Modelers Corner at http://www.slixx.com/.







3.My late father fostered a deep love for world war 2 era aircraft in me. One of my very fondest memories of my childhood with him were the times that he and I would go and park at the airport and watch the planes and sometimes much to my pleasure the helicopters come and go. My father was a vetran of the Army Air Corps and a non-combat pilot in WW2 so he had a love for the aircraft of that day which he passed a long to me rather easily. I think that today, I love the P-51D Mustang as much as the Ford Mustang. One day after returning to work following my dads funeral I was outside in the yard at Western Building Supply on a beautiful cloudless day. I heard an unmistakable sound overhead. It was the sound of an AT-6 Texan trainer airplane passing by. This airplane's wings and fuselage were polished chrome, and in the brilliant sunlight on that day this beautiful old warplane was shining so blindingly bright that it almost looked celestial. I stood and watched it, crying



To this day I think it was my dad checking on me.



4.I may possibly be the only 46 year old male in captivity to love Spongebob Squarepants



5. I love C.G.I. laid en movies. If the special effects are off the hook, the more I enjoy it. That is a big reason why I loved the movies "Iron Man," "Independence Day," "Transformers,""Pearl Harbor," and "Poseidon" as much as I did.



6.My bucket list is simple, I want to attend races in Daytona, ( its awesome that my wife now would love to travel back to Florida, but I fear that doing it on the second week of February will be a tough sell.) I also want to attend races in Talledega and Bristol as well as own a new Dodge Charger


I now Tag:



Our dear and relocated friend Leslie (http://www.throughrose-coloredglasses.blogspot.com/)


My Friend Scott (http://www.low-techworld.blogspot.com/)


Good Friend and leader Shaylene (http://www.luntfamily.blogspot.com/)


Friend and fun lover Luanne (http://www.louonblog.blogspot.com/)


A true friend and inspiration Patti (http://www.betchadidntknow.blogspot.com/)


Another Great friend, Our Mama, Michelle (http://www.mamadehotel.blogspot.com/)


I truely hope you have enjoyed this look inside the MOSL


Friday, October 31, 2008

Pausing to remember

October 30th will be a day etched in my memory forever.This day, ten years ago was the day of my amputation, which cements it as a day that changed my life forever. As I pause to reflect on where my life has gone since that fateful day in 1998, I can say that the only things that I lost with my right foot are the ability to drive a standard transmissioned car, and to bowl, and I am certain that I could re-train myself to bowl if I ever wanted to. I can also say with full conviction that God loves me. I have been given so many blessings over the last ten years that I can't count them all, but I do want to give recognition to a few of them. Now you should be able to guess what the greatest blessing in my life has been. I think that if you were to look in the dictionary for the words "True Love'" you would undoubtedly see my darling wife's picture next to the definition. She truly is what love , and support are all about. In the last ten years I've given her more reasons to give up on me than I can count, and I'm not even counting last months car wreck after running a red light. She is still, however standing steadfast next to me showing me more love than sometimes I feel I deserve. I have also been blessed with the love and support of a great family, and good friends whom I love with all my heart and give thanks for daily. I have been given the support of wonderful in-laws. Dad and Bobbye have never been more than just a phone call away and they have always had our backs. Their support of us over the last ten years has been truly Heaven-sent. I can't however speak about being Heaven -sent without mentioning our dear friends the Prince family. My sister from another mother Maura has dad such a profound impact on us over the last year by instilling in us a desire to improve ourselves that I will be always be grateful to her and love her like the sister I never had.
I guess to sum this all up some people feel sorry for people who have lost a limb. I hope no one does for me. Heavenly Father has really taken good care of me.


Thursday, October 23, 2008

Quote of the week:

"Somedays you just can't get rid of a bomb." -Batman

Sunday, October 5, 2008

My Heroes have always been racers

As you may know I am a very profound "Car Guy." Race cars have been part of my life as far back as I can remember. In fact, I'm pretty sure my teething ring was a steering wheel. Some of the most cherished memories of my childhood were going to the old quarter mile oval at the Utah State Fairgrounds on Saturday nights with my dad. The local racing talent quickly became heroes to me. men such as Joel Terry, "Wild"Bill Madsen, and Danny Caputo. This went on until my teenage years when after the closure of the Fairgrounds Speedway I started going to the old Bonneville drag strip also in Salt Lake. There, with my friends of those years I got my first taste of big time auto racing being able to see some of the men who are now the biggest names in the sport of Drag Racing compete. This went on till my darling wife and I moved to Ohio and I was introduced to Nascar. And the rest, shall we say, is history.

I can now however say that I have new racing heroes. They are only loud when they are laughing together. They don't compete in beautiful, brightly colored race cars. They don't beat very many physical opponents, but they are fiercely aggressive against their personal ones. They aren't even particularly very fast. (except for Mikayla.) But I have seen more beauty, excitement, and life changing inspiration at their events than at most car races I've attended and I thank God daily for my association with them. Of course my new heroes I'm speaking of if you haven't guessed already are the girls of Pink Princess Racing

Yesterday, "my team" participated in the fifth annual Run with the Nuns at Winton Woods. There, all four members broke their previous personal best marks, with Mikayla taking an impressive fourth place for her age group. YOU GO GIRL!

But the "hero" I really want to brag up is my darling Sylvia. During her race she came across a young girl whose young companions were overwhelmed by the difficulty of the task at hand and decided to give up, leaving this sweet little girl all by herself and doubting her own resolve to finish the race, Syl spoke to her and encouraged her to continue the race. The two of them walked along as Syl heard delightful stories of the things and activities commonly important to a child until they could see the finish line and Syl pointed that the award was in sight and encouraged her to go for it and finish the race. As it turned out, Sylvia, my best friend and darling eternal companion freely sacrificed what would have been the exciting accomplishment of a benchmark goal, to see a young girl whom she didn't know prior to this race, accomplish hers. Incidentaly Sylvia still beat her previous best time by almost four minutes.

General conference was still several hours away, but I had already learned a profound lesson about living Christ-like on this beautiful Autumn morning.

Now don't get me wrong, I still love motor sports as much as I ever have, but my being the "crew chief" of Pink Princess Racing has taught me their is something much bigger to life.

So in conclusion I just want to say to the members of P2R, particularly the team captains My darling wife Sylvia. and my sweet sister from another mother Maura. Thanks for letting me tag a long. I can't wait till Thanksgiving.

Love you guys.

Friday, October 3, 2008

A retraction

Any of you visiting my blogsite recently may have seen my sidebar item titled: "Welcome back KITT," endorsing the premier of the new Knight rider series on TV. I am taking back my endorsement of this show at this time. It saddens me that the day and age we live in took what was such a fun show in the 1980's and turned it into a poorly-acted, pornographic mess.
If any of you have any curiosity about this series, please don't waste your time with it. I couldn't be sorrier that I ever did.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Didn't really like Ike

I guess last Sunday just didn't quite grasp the whole "day of rest" concept. I'm certain my wife and I aren't the only ones who came home from church looking for a quiet, uneventful evening only to have it blown away literally.

My first sign that we were all in for something really big was when I was in our kitchen starting to fix our lunch when out our back window I saw this huge tree limb go down in our neighbors back yard. I knew the wind was really whipping up, but I never would have imagined it was this much.

Hey Mama and Papa D, we had our front yard tree try to come into our house for safety too, although ours didn't actually get in. Ours just got to our front porch. By this time the power was out so the nervous adrenaline at least on my part was really starting to flow.

But I guess I didn't comprehend the full scope of what happened until I took a drive around our neighborhood on Monday and saw this on the other side of the block from us . There is a line from the movie "Twister" that I love that was really reminded to me on this day, " Woo hoo, It's the wonders of nature baby." But more so than this, one can't look at all the damage without marveling at the awesome power of God. The MOSL would like to give a special shout-out to Bro. Mark Anderson. who loaded his family into their van and went out to personally check on ward members, and our home teachers, The Cruz brothers, who were on the phone with us volunteering help and checking our welfare. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you.

-MOSL

(P.S. did anyone else notice that the church was completly unharmed. HMMMMM)

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Quote of the week:

"There is no charge for awsomeness
.................or attractiveness."
- Po, the Kung Fu Panda

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Quote of the week:



" Winners, never say no." -Dwayne ("The Rock") Johnson,

from the movie: " The Game Plan."

Monday, August 25, 2008

The meaning behind "Im preparing for rain."


Any of you visiting my blog have undoubtedly seen my use of the statement, "I'm preparing for rain," and thought "OK, whatever." This quote comes from an absolutely great movie titled: "Facing the Giants" that I strongly recommend to all of my readers. This movie is about the coach of a totally dismal christian high school football team who decides to use his faith in and overwhelming love for God to turn the team around and make winners out of them. He uses a statement throughout the movie that I've grown to love, "We'll praise him if we win, and we'll praise him if we lose." During the movie a story is told about two farmers both suffering from the effects of a severe drought, Both prayed for rain, but then only one prepared his fields to receive it. He was the only one of the two who showed the faith that he would receive the miracle, and he did. Later in the movie as the team faced an extreme long shot chance to win the championship, the coach made a very highly risky play decision to go for the win. "THIS WONT WORK. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" was the reaction from the assistant coaches, to which the coach in a very serious tone replied, "I'm preparing for rain."
Since then this has become my personal slogan as I prepare myself to receive a miracle when I finish the Flying Pig 5k next May

Thursday, August 21, 2008

That'll be the day

Like countless others in this country I have been following the Olympics. I too have thrilled at the accomplishments of stars such as Michael Phelps, Our two star gymnasts, Shawn, and Nastia and running's "incredible Hulk," Usain Bolt. However, it was because of my awe at the accomplishments of Mr, Phelps, that I was struck with such humor at the audacious claim that our own ( er, somebody Else's own ) Chad Johnson made that he could beat Phelps in a race. Yeah, on a jet-ski maybe. Now I think everyone needs a dream, but this one is a doosie. I am not a gambling man, but I think that if "Ocho-Cinco versus Aquaman" ever became a reality I would have to lay at least $1,000 on it. But now that I think about it, just think how famous Chad would be if he could do what the greatest swimmers on the planet couldn't do. Beat Michael Phelps. His name would be famous forever. I think I will issue a challenge of my own. I think that I could beat Nastia Luikin on the balance beam. Heck, I wouldn't have to do a thing on the beam because the difficulty score for me just getting on it and staying on it would be good for 500 points. I think that while I'm at it, I will challange Usain Bolt to a hundred yard dash, but only if he lets me choose the car I'd get to use. Now we all know that I'd have about as much of a chance to win either of these challenges as Mr Cinco would have of beating Mr Phelps in a pool without the help of a good jet-ski. I guess if I could say anything to Chad it would be, "It's always better to remain quiet and let everyone think you're a dummy, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
(Now, if Senator Obama would only learn that.)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Last night, I held my wife a little closer

Last Night, I was shocked to learn as many of you will learn today of the passing of Kathy Chamberlain, I just want to ask any and all of you reading this to remember my good friend, her husband Bryan, and their family in your thoughts and prayers this week,

-MOSL

Friday, July 25, 2008

Quote of the week


"Eagles may soar, But weasels dont get sucked into jet engines,"

Saturday, July 19, 2008

An endorsement



I am now endorsing my candidate for president. Here are some of the reasons why:

He's a hard worker, willing to work all hours.

Being a multi-millionaire, he's obviously an expert financial handler.
Very tough on crime.
Thousands turn to him when they are trouble.
and lets not forget:
He drives a VERY cool car.
For these reasons I am endorsing him for president.
Besides, I just dont want to vote for the Joker.

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Quote of the week:

"I will rid the world of nuclear weapons." - Sen. Barak Obama

Sunday, July 13, 2008

And now a thought from your host

I hope that all of you enjoyed a fun and thrilling 4th of July holiday, Syl and I enjoyed three days with good friends, family, and explosives. (I love fireworks.) I also got to personally enjoy one of my favorite holiday traditions, The holiday weekend Nascar night race at Daytona. It was exciting. During the race telecast the commentators said that they had asked several drivers the question; "Where do you want to be at the end of this race?' As the race wore on I marveled at the mind-numbing stupidity of this of this simple question. I mean come on, where else is a pro race car driver going to say he wants to be at the end of a race, could it be VICTORY LANE, Hmmm. But as the evening wore on I thought about this question, my mind was opened up and I found a real wisdom hidden under the true silliness of this question. Think about it, Where do you want to be at the end of this race? We all have races we run daily and whether the results come daily or months in the future, where do we all want to be when those results come. I am involved in a big race right now and I full well know where I want to be. Standing on the other side of the finish swine after completing the 2009 Flying Pig 5k along side my precious wife. I have found out that this question is such a huge help in striving for personal goals. I have the question printed out and posted where I can see it during my daily workouts and it has really been a strength to me. I would urge anyone to try this approach in competing in your individual races. write down this question, post it where you can see it and seriously concentrate on your answer.

"WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN THIS RACE HAS ENDED?"

I did want to give special shout-outs to first My darling wife and best friend Sylvia, Thank you for freely showing me far more love and support than I deserve. and to our dear friend and my "sister from another mother, Maura for making sure that where I want to be stays in focus.
I know full well, that with the love and support of my team, I will be where I want to be when my race is over

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Question of the week


"If Barrak is elected president, will America become an Obama-nation?

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Quote of the week:

"What doesn't kill you, probably will on the second try."

-Mr. Krabs

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Thank You

As many of you know Sylvia and I are one of the families truly blessed to enjoy a weekly visit from Maura to help us out around the house. Last week she redid our flower bed, and if you saw the bumper crop of weeds, and dandelions that Sylvia and I had growing through a protective layer of last year's dead tree leaves, it's very simple to see just how incredibly far above and beyond the call our dear friend went for us last Tuesday evening.
Maura, the flowerbed is gorgeous. Thank you so much for everything you do for us, and giving us the pleasure of having you visit our home weekly. I really wish we could pay you more than we do, but hopefully our heartfelt gratitude will cover that. We love you and THANK YOU.

-MOSL

Saturday, June 14, 2008

BRAKING NEWS


High speed chase peacefully stopped in downtown Cincinnati, Film at 11:00

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Keep Your eye on the goal


Like probable millions of others, yesterday with a strong sense of dismay, I watched the seemingly invincible and unbeatable race horse "Big Brown" falter to a meager last place finish while his owners and jockey tried to race him into triple crown , horse racing history. This got me thinking especially after Maura asked me today "Have you had any fun this week?" What I heard from this friendly, caring question was, Did you continue pursuing your goal this week? In honesty, I had to answer no. This took me back to yesterday's horse race and how all the hype, talk and speculation was met with such disappointing results. I really don't want this in my life. We are all told throughout are lives as members of the church that we are to "endure to the end" and I think this is especially true with those of us who are striving for "triple crown" goals like my entry into the 2009 Flying Pig 5K. I want to re affirm my dedication to my goal as well as send my best hopes and prayers to any of you who are striving for your own, personal goals and having a hard time pursuing them. I hope that we will be able to stay strong, resolute and dedicated to seeing the accomplishment of all of our goals come true.


-MOSL

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Quote of the week:


"It would be easier to leave if you were all jerks." -Leslie Merrell
(Sorry Leslie, I tried.)

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Welcome to the Vroom Vroom room



As you probably all know, my hobby is Nascar memorabilia collecting. This began shortly after our moving to Ohio and meeting my racing buddy Jim. Slowly my collection began to grow to what it is today. Sadly, over the course of last Summer through Winter, my beloved hobby room or "Sanctuary," as it became affectionately known fell into a state of total disrepair while some deep house cleaning was going on. (my room was trashed.) This lasted until just recently when I finished the cleanup, and much as the mythical Phoenix, The Vroom Vroom Room rose from the ashes of my beloved Sanctuary

As an explanation as to how the Vroom Vroom room got its name, I need to go back to just shortly after I was released as a ward clerk and called as a Primary nursery leader. At that time my darling wife Sylvia asked me if I had a group of 1/64 scale ( hot Wheels car size ) race cars that I would be willing to contribute to our nursery. I did, and happily made the donation. Maura has been assisting us in the nursery while also keeping her young son Jared company ( Jared is one of our nursery kids. ) Upon the debut of the race cars in nursery, Maura informed us that Jared just loves cars and calls them, you guessed it, "vroom vroom's." Fast forward now to just a few weeks ago. As work was nearing it's completion on my room, and as we sat in Sacrament meeting this week a long side the Prince family, Jessica was holding Jared on her lap as he thumbed through his cars and trucks picture book. Occasionally Jessica would point to a picture in the book to which Jared wold respond with an enthusiastic, "Vroom vroom." Syl and I both enjoyed the total cuteness of the moment, but I was inspired. At that moment I knew that my rebuilt sanctuary would be officially known as "The Vroom Vroom room."


Some of the things the vroom vroom room includes are two actual used Nascar stock car tires , an engine piston a race car hood lock pin , two wheel lug nuts, many driver autographs and over 300 cars. Well folks, I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into my labor of love, My salute to gas-guzzling v-8's. The all new E,H Johnson Vroom Vroom Room.

Monday, May 26, 2008

F.P.2009; week 1 report


11 POUNDS LOST

3 MILES WALKED

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

IT HAS BEGUN


F.P.2009 officially began today as I kick off my drive to join my team at next years Flying Pig. I have a whole bunch of walking to do and at least 60 lbs to lose before next May. So I hope I can count on all of your support and prayers as I set out in pursuit of this lofty goal.


Next May It's MY turn.


progress reports posted weekly

Friday, May 9, 2008

Quote of the week:

"We will praise God if we win, and we'll praise God if we lose."
-Line from the movie, " Facing the Giants."
(posted in honor of my champion)

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Confessions from a squealer



SQUEALER: n. (pron. Skwee - lur) A fan \ spectator at the Flying Pig Marathon.



What a day ! I could have never imagined a day in downtown Cincinnati could have ever been so life changing without getting shot. I must admit that with as enormous of a part of life as my interest in Nascar has been, (and in many ways still is) Syl pointed out to me that it has not been a subject of conversation once with me since the stock car race ended late Saturday night. pretty amazing, huh. Fact is that as big of a motor sports fan as I am, and as many races as I have attended, I have never been treated to the pure inspiration, heroism, and motivation that I was while standing in the rain at the "finish swine" Saturday. I watched my dearly beloved best friend and companion Sylvia, and our dear friend, Sylvia's teammate and my " newest sister, " Maura accomplish a very lofty goal. That will truly be a highlight of the year to me. But it was only the beginning. I saw people who would dream that excessive weight, diabetes, and a missing limb was all that was wrong with them cross the finish line, something that I couldn't do this year. This humbled me. I watched blind people with an escort cross the line. I watched people with all manner of challenges cross the line. There was an electric wheelchair bound man whose chair lost power on the course during Syl's event that was pushed across the line by a group of complete strangers but fellow competitors. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments was when a severely impaired, elderly man for whom it was a struggle to even walk, crossed the line to the wild cheers (er, squeals ) of the fans there. All of this has truly changed my life.
With this in mind, I would now like to make it public and official about my intended entry into next years 5k event. With the support of two beautiful women in my corner, and a year to train and condition, I see absolutely no reason why I couldn't cross the "finish swine" next year.
I also wanted to thank my team, Pink Princess Racing, for all the pride, motivation, and encouragement.
I love you guys
-MOSL

Saturday, May 3, 2008

LOFTY GOAL ACCOMPLISHED!!

THEY DID IT! Sylvia and Maura both completed their races today. In a true to life Olympian fashion deserving of American Gladiator status, my beautiful and very loved wife, and my sister from another mother participated in their respective legs of the 2008 Flying Pig while battling harsh elements and physical pain. ( it rained cats and dogs and Sylli got blisters on the arches of her feet. ) Maura was up first leaving the starting gate among a vast multitude of runners to compete in the 10k run at 8:00am. She completed it in a personally exciting fashion having slowed to a walk just 2 very brief times. We celebrated her moral victory, she cooled off, we rested, and then it was time for Sylli's turn. Maura decided to join Sylli on the 5k walk. I was very pleased about this decision because it meant Syl would have company as she walked. As I watched my wife standing with our dear friend at the starting gate, my heart soared with pride honor , and love. The starting gun fired at 11am and a life changing adventure was under way. I found refuge fron the rain, then made my way to the finish line after the rain began to let up. I couldn't have been prouder of my wife as she strolled across the finish line after completing 3.5 gruelling miles in the pouring rain. Once again, my heart soared. I am so happy, and proud of "The sweat sisters" for completing such a lofty goal. Todays experience I think is going to become a launching pad for me to correct some of the problems in my life, hopefully culminating in my crossing the finish line physically with her next year rather than just in my heart as I did today.
I wanted to close this post by giving praise and thanks to Our Heavenly Father for showing such a God given friend as Maura into our lives. Her inspiration and strength made today possible.

Prince family, We love you guys

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

It's almost here


As self appointed crew chief for Rupert the Round Racing, I wanted take a moment to say how proud I am of my walker, and my runner.

First of all my walker, my darling Sylvia. Sweetie I so admire your courage and determination to enter The flying pig. I am going to be excited to cheer you on as you take on this monumental task. Your dedication to achieving this goal has been fabulous, as well as inspiring to me. I promise you that there will not be a husband in that crowd that will be prouder than I will be of you.
And now my runner, our dear friend Maura. I am so thankful for the close, sisterly bond of friendship, camaraderie, and inspiration that you have forged with Sylvia, as well as the fun friendship we share. I am very happy for you as you finally reach the culmination of what is a very lofty goal that you and my wife have strived for for the last few months. I will be happily cheering you on as you compete in your race Saturday. I am very proud of you also.
I will be praying that you will both be free from harm or accident, and feel the full excitement of a job well done as the two of you participate in your respective races.
Way to go you two.

Monday, April 21, 2008

todays news


Shortly after my hobby of Nascar memorabilia collecting began, I was also interested in collecting trading cards of my beloved sport. One night while shopping at the Tri County Wal-Mart I stopped to check out the sports card sale display there at the store. A gentleman soon joined me who was very interested in an assortment of different trading cards advertised at two packs for a dollar, I could see that this gentleman's quest was becoming more and more frustrating for him until he finally asked me "Do you see any of these two for a dollar cards? all I can find are these card packs marked fifty cents each," After experiencing a moment of stunned silence, I finally looked at him slightly smiling and said "aaand," to which he replied a fairly embarrassed "oh" and quietly left with his selection.


This brings me to todays news in the report about the 2008 opening of Kings Island. The story talked about how the park's visitors will find changes this year to get used to. namely the name changes to the movie based rides, Top Gun is now "Flight Deck," Tomb Raider is now "The Crypt," and so forth. I wonder what would happen if Souvenier stores became Bric-a-brac shacks, if the cafes and restaraunts became Leave and Heaves or the restrooms became Heave and Leaves. Talk about revenew losses. Knowing full well that intellectual giants such as my friend with the trading cards do exist, I tend to worry about all the folks who will pay for a fun, thrill packed day at K.I. only to leave in sorrow because they couldn't find their favorite rides. I don't worry too much though because these same people will probably have problems finding the entire park since "Paramount's Kings Island," is now just "Kings Island."

Maybe this is just me because I fail to see why an amusement park ride's name matters if you know how to get to it and enjoy it.


(This has been another warped thought from the management of M.O.S.L.)

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Quote of the week:


"I am just like Rocky Balboa."
-Sen. Hillary Clinton
( I'll buy that, after all she is getting the tar beaten out of her by an African-American opponant.)

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Quote of the week: (special edition)

The MOSL would like to bid a fond farewell to the beloved Hollywood icon who gave us many memorable quotes such as ;

"Ramses, Let my people go!"

"Get your hands off me you (*flippin) dirty ape!"
(*word edited for content)

"We keep you alive to serve this ship, so row well and live."
and the immortal,
"Soylant Green is made of people!"

We will miss you Charlton,
Thanks for the memories

Friday, April 4, 2008

Spring!

At last winter's ended sring is now here. It is such a beautiful time of the year.
Trees and flowers are blooming, the grass starts to grow. Overcoming the death that comes with the snow. The sun comes out, temps no longer fall, and in parks everywhere, grown men in black pads yell "PLAY BALL!"
There's baseball and racing every where. To find my favorite's no difficult trick. While one involves powerful cars, the other's hitting a ball with a stick.
So put away your knit cap and parka, Time for flip-flops and shorts to come out. While we've all been too cold for months now
soon too hot's what we'll all pout about.

Have a happy spring everybody.

-MOSL

Friday, March 28, 2008

IT'S FRIDAY!


Well friends, I've been up for a half hour now so that our dog will let my wife sleep, oh by the way, it's 4:45 am. But Hey, Baseball season is almost here! No wait, the thought of that is making me even more tired. Besides, I think Nascar is better than baseball anyway. These are a few reasons why. Nascar's on an oval, baseball's on a square. In a baseball park, you could get hit by a little ball, on a speedway you could get hit by A CAR. Baseball has E.R.A., Nascar has M.P.H. Baseball has pinch hitting, Nascar has slam-drafting. And in Nascar the object is to guide your powerful racing car through 42 other cars just like yours safely avoiding the danger that is present at every turn, for 500 miles hoping to be the first to cross the finish line and be crowned champion. The object in baseball is to run home. That's MOSL's take on it.


I also wanted to say again how happy it makes me to be a part of this blogging neighborhood. I especially wanted to say to my dear friends Mama, and Papa D, Although I am very excited to have you guys back on the mothership, I'm very sorry why your coming back. While on my mission, I served part of it attending a 35 to 40 person branch in South Boston VA. I know full well of the unique and powerful spirit Ray spoke of. It is a real treat to be part of.

However, Welcome back Degraws.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

My A B C's

A: attached or single, very happily attached to a fabulous and beautiful woman. Sylvia

B : Best friend, See "A"

C; Cake or Pie, whichever

D; Day of choice, FRIDAY!

E; Essential item, My right leg

F; Favorite color, Chroma-illusion

G Gummi bears or worms: Gummi's hands down

H; Hometown, "The Promised Land" Salt Lake City, Utah

I: Indulgance. Soda pop

J; January or July, July, who blows stuff up in January?

K; Kids, except for the beautiful kids we borrow for 2 hours on Sunday mornings, none

L: Life rule, " Life starts at 180 miles per hour

M; Marriage, February 20th 1987, Jordan River temple

N; Number of Siblings, Youngest of 4 boys but I have never been the "little" brother

O; Oranges or Apples, Either, I love them both

P; Phobias, Used diapers, and crying women

Q; Quote, " Kill is going to Deborah you." -Frank Barone

R; Reason to smile, Sylvia loves me

S; Season, Racing

T; Tag 6, (I don't understand this one so I'm thinking I'll skip it)

U; Unknown fact about me, I am the soul survivor of planet Krypton's cataclysmic explosion...... Oh and I met President and Sister Benson prior to our wedding

V; Vegetarian or carnivorous, I'll go either way, but I am a faithful supporter of P.E.T.A. ( People for the Eating of Tasty Animals,)

W; Worst habit, Passing out when exposed to Kryptonite

X; X-ray or ultrasound, I've never had an ultrasound, so I'll say x-ray

Y; Your favorite food, Buffalo wings

Z; zodiac, Libra

ENOUGH ALREADY! part deaux


Almost 4 inches of rain have fallen over the last 24 hours;
This is not the snow-alternative I was ranting for.

Monday, March 17, 2008

ENOUGH ALREADY!


While I admit that last weekends snowfall was pretty to watch, IT'S MARCH. enough with the white stuff already. I am so ready for some thunder and lightning, and spingtime weather. We've had our share of snow, I don't want anymore.
(P.S.) I Hope you all enjoy MOSL's newest feature

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Quote of the week:

"

"I lost Ohio because of my opponant."

-Senator Obama


" WELL, DUH"

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Farewell Bro.Johnson, ward clerk.....Hello Bro.Johnson, nursery leader


A chapter in my life has come to an end as I have bid farewell to my ward clerk calling and have returned to the primary to serve along side my beloved wife in the nursery. My clerk calling is going to go down as one I'm going to miss. (even the early meetings) I give thanks to our Heavenly Father for trusting me with that calling for as long as he did. I'm grateful for being able to work with the great men in the clerks office that I did along the way, for having the pleasure of following in my late father's footsteps, who was a ward clerk 22 years in the ward I grew up in, and having the God given honor of working so close to our bishopric. I can testify that they are all great, inspired men who direct our ward through the guidance of our Heavenly Father. I am however excited to have returned to the primary alongside the person I hope to remain alongside throughout eternity, my darling best friend Sylvia. We have a fabulous group of kids, and equally fabulous leadership. I think it is absolutely awsome how Shayleen is leading the primary, and I am excited to be part of it. "The Dream team" is back.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

WE HAVE A WINNER!


Congratulations Papa D. You have been named the grand prize winner in the great name the pig contest. After much deliberation on the part of Sylvia and Maura, the decision was made for "Rupert the Round." You have won an online, exciting, all new 2008 Dodge Charger RT. Remember Papa that the true beauty of winning an online car is that there are no insurance fees. and gas prices are barely noticable. Congratulations again Papa D and a big thank you to all who participated. You are all truly great friends and wonderful people.

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Wish me luck, (again.)


I'm afraid that the wheels fell off of my original goals for this year, so tomorrow I'm starting over again. I am going to start with 5 miles of walking a week. and going from there

"Smile, God loves you."

"Smile, God loves you."