The Ramblings of Markus Karkus

2012 Alabama International Auto Show

2011-12-04T06:51:00.003-06:00

This year, Gracie joined me and Grant at the Auto Show. We had a great time. It was fun watching the kids race around and get into and out of all the different vehicles.

Grant's favorite cars this year, "The Jaguar Supercharged, The Audi A7, and the Acura ZDX."

Grace's favorite cars this year, "The green one and the red one." That can be translated as the Green Mazda 3, and the Red Dodge Ram 1500.

My observation was that the Fiat 500 was the Kid's choice. Probably because it was the closest to their size. It was nice looking, both inside and out. They spent a lot of time and turns driving it.

The car that most impressed me was the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It looked great inside and out. The interior was very refined. Had lots of features for both on and off road and felt spacious for its size. Additionally, it is a great value compared to its competition.

Looking forward, once again, to next year!

The Lighter Side of Vegas or Sin City's Bright Spots

2011-04-01T13:32:00.001-05:00

Work took me to Las Vegas this last week. Yes, me - a mormon. I was told that I would half to pay an extra "half tithe" just for thinking of going to the Entertainment Capital of the World.

Bright Spot # 1 - Not the strip. I didn't stay on the strip and didn't even get down there until the day before departure when I was able to connect with an old mission companion, Adam Udy. Adam treated me to lunch at the Burger Bar at the Manadaly Bay. Yep, that just the kind of guy Adam is! It was so nice to see Adam and catch up.

Bright Spot # 2 - Red Rock Canyon. Who knew that the City of Lights was surrounded by mountains? I don't remember noticing the mountains surrounding Las Vegas, but on this trip, I was able to get up into them.

Las Vegas, a nice place to visit... but, so glad to be heading home!

Baptism of Grant W. Greenfield

2010-12-21T08:03:00.001-06:00

Last Sunday, we held the baptismal service for my son Grant. It was wonderful. It was a weekend spent with family and friends in celebration of his choice.

A year ago, Grant was tentative about being baptized. It seems his primary concern was being completely immersed in the water, but he had other insecurities that stemmed from the commitment and accountability that come with the covenant of baptism.

Since then, we have prepared as a family for this great and wonderful event. Grant is the youngest in his primary class, so we were able to attend all of the baptisms of his classmates and watch them go into the waters before him; he gained a lot of confidence from their example. Many Family Home Evenings and personal interviews were also dedicated to the topic.

About a month ago, we prepared the program for his baptismal service and Grant extended invitations to his Grandfathers to speak, his Grandmothers to pray and his maternal Aunts to lead and accompany the music, and they all gladly accepted.

At that point, with the baptism drawing nigh and in focus, Grant looked forward with joy and wondering to his baptism.

On Friday, the Grandparents arrived in the afternoon and on Saturday the Aunts arrived, one much earlier than the other!

Saturday morning we enjoyed the Madison 3rd Ward Christmas Brunch and Winter Carnival, which was incredible. In the afternoon, Grant, Grandpa, Papa, Jessi and I went to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, where we gazed at the Saturn V and viewed the IMAX film Hubble. The movie had beautiful and mind blowing images from deep space, including the "Pillars of Creation" also known as the birthplace of stars; and caused all of us to think about the eternities and deep, important questions including, "where did I come from before this life?, why am here? and where am I going?"

Saturday evening we celebrated, a little prematurely, Grant's birthday - it was actually Sunday the 19th, the day of his baptism. He was so grateful and appreciative of his presents; I was very proud to see him express genuine thanks. I thought to myself, while he was busy at work unwrapping his gifts, how blessed I am to be his father and how absolutely proud of him I am!

As we left the house for Grant's baptism Sunday evening, he was filled with enthusiasm and excitement. When we arrived, Grant and I changed into our white Jump Suits. Grant was exuberant to wear his reverent uniform and I was...well, less so. My jumpsuit appeared to have been borrowed from the closet of Elvis Presley and I would have gladly given it back. Se la vie.

The baptismal service was wonderful. After Papa's talk on baptism, Grant & I made our way to the baptismal font together. He was beaming. A broad smile streaked across his face. I went down into the font first and looked back to him to take his hand and help him down the steps, his delight ever present.

I positioned Grant's hands on my wrist and awaited the sign from the ordinance witnesses, Grandpa and Papa, that we could proceed. Pure joy was mine as I raised my arm to the square and uttered the baptismal prayer. Then I laid my son down into the font and pulled him gently forth again.

There is a special spirit that comes from using the priesthood power to act in the name of God for the benefit of family. I had wonderful opportunities to baptize as a missionary and since to have performed baptisms for the dead in the Temple. But how it strengthened my testimony to be able to baptize my own son!

As we were leaving the font, Grant said to me, "this is awesome!" And while we were changing back into our dress clothes he asked, "Dad, so was getting baptized the best day of your life?"

I responded that it was a great day but that it get's even better, like the days when he will receive the priesthood, leave for a mission, get married, have children, and one day watch his children have those same special experiences.

Following the actual Baptism, Grandpa spoke on the Gift of the Holy Ghose and then, with a group of righteous brethren, we placed our hands on Grant's head and I confirmed Grant a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and directed him to receive the Holy Ghost.

After the service, we hosted an Open House for Grant where we enjoyed the company of family and friends.

Wonderful day!

2011 Alabama International Auto Show

2010-11-17T21:36:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday, Grant and I went to the 2011 Alabama International Auto Show down in Birmingham.

We saw cars from GM (Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC), Chrysler (Dodge & Jeep), BMW & MINI, Kia, Toyota & Lexus, Honda & Acura, Mazda, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Ford & Lincoln.

Grant like the idea and looks of the electric Chevrolet Volt. But, in spite of his expression below, Grant most enjoyed Chevy's true utility vehicle - the Express.

He was also impressed with Cadillac's new CTS coupe, of which I didn't get a picture do to the hoards of people surrounding it, but here's a nice shot with G-rant and a CTS Sport Wagon.

The other car that he really enjoyed seeing was Honda's new Sport Hybrid, the CR-Z. Although Kim wouldn't approve, Grant and I thought it would be a fun car to add to the Greenfield arsenal...someday.

Looking forward to next year little buddy.

2010 Space & Missile Defense Conference

2010-09-12T17:41:00.001-05:00

Grant and I were able to attend SMDC together again this year. We had fun walking through the exhibits together, learning new things, collecting treasure, and seeing all kinds of people, including a few that we know.

At Ternion, Bishop Blake showed us cool simulation software. At NASA, we saw the next generation propulsion, as well as rovers used for practice, think mission to Mars. We saw blimps (JLENS) from Raytheon, which is one of Grant's favorites. And, I was able to show Grant the IBCS "Prototype" Northrop Grumman has strung together and had on display. Our friends, Jeff Evans and Joe Wethington explained to Grant what the IBCS does and gave him a tour.

The best hands-on moment for Grant, was sitting in Armored FMTV (see below), a Low Signature Armored Cab.

On our way out, we ran into John Fellows and Kirk Sorenson. Kirk took Grant for a little jaunt, and show him the finer points of getting SWAG, including the good candies.

Looking forward to next year little buddy!

Where were you when...

2010-05-20T06:18:00.001-05:00

Although I have only seen rising health care costs in my lifetime, I fear the Health Care Bill will be the tipping point for a downward spiral of worsening health care. I am not in favor of the Health Care bill that was passed by congress; I am desperately hoping that it will be reversed.

But, if it's not, then I suspect that someday this will be an event, like the shooting of JFK, the Challenger shuttle explosion and 9/11, where people will look back and say, "where were you when the Health Care Bill was passed?"

My answer will be, I was picking up my family at the HSV airport as they were returning from a Spring break in Oregon. Pictured above was my view of the jumbo screens, where I watched the whole, awful thing unfold.

Let's Dance

2010-02-23T20:56:00.002-06:00

I'm a fan of David Bowie's song by the same name, it's good advice.

Most nights, when I get home from work, my kids and I will dance. I come home, we squeeze one another, Gracie jumps around, and before long we have some music going and we're all jumping around.

I have always enjoyed dancing. When I was a kid, my sister and I would dance together. We had some basic skills which included running in circles while my dad played the theme from "In the Hall of the Mountain King" to some more sophisticated boogies taught to us by my Grandma Lee to some Big Band music the likes of "In the Mood" by Glenn Miller & Orchestra.

As I approached High School and church dances, I became self-conscious of my skills and was essentially a wallflower save the slow dances when I did take advantage of the opportunity to be closer to the opposite sex. It wasn't until my Senior year that I finally started to cut footloose.

Hear is a small sample of the tradition that has been passed on to my children.

13!

2009-12-31T07:13:00.002-06:00

Well, this looks to be my 13th and final post on my blog for the 2009 calendar year. This is a record and shatters my previous record of 8 set in 2007. I have not done as well at blogging as I had hoped. My first post came over 3 years after having joined blogger, so I suppose my posts are growing exponentially, except for last years anomaly of 2 posts for the entire year.

Coincidentally, as I was looking back over my posts, I reread the post of our engagement on the 28th of December 1996; 13 years ago. If memory serves, by this time 13 years ago, we already had the temple reserved for our appointment to be sealed together for time and for all eternity.

It is amazing to think that 13 years has passed. I really had no idea what was in store for us, but I would be pleased to have had a glimpse into our future 13 years down the road to see how things were going.

I love Kimberly. I am so grateful for her. It is a wonderful life.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T18:34:00.019-06:00

This year, I participated in the Huntsville Stake Christmas Festival Concerts as the Choir's Narrator. The assignment was given to me in late October, I accepted but was not excited. Frankly, I've never been a fan of the sound of my voice. Since my teen-age years, I have been self-conscious of the way I speak (slow & monotone), as well as the nasal, raspy sound of my voicebox.

Additionally, I have not enjoyed participating in choirs, plays, or other thespian activities in the past. I was not looking forward to the time it would require of me, and the time away from my family.

My first practice with the Choir came on the evening of Sunday, November 29th; just after receiving a call to serve in the Bishopric of the Madison 3rd Ward. So, I felt particularly humble that evening and exceptionally nervous while delivering my lines.

After the practice, I phoned my folks and shared the news of my calling into the Bishopric and pending ordination as a High Priest. How fortunate I was that my dad agreed to perform the ordination and booked tickets to Huntsville that same night.

My parents arrived the afternoon of Friday the 4th of December, just in time to be with our chittlins while we attended a wonderful Christmas party hosted by Jeff and Heidi Cianciotto.

On Saturday morning, I had practice with the Choir and invited my parents to come along. Overwhelmed by the week, and by having my parents seated directly in the chapel, I was caught up in the sweet text of the narrative and was quite emotional while delivering several of my lines. In spite of my blubbering, my parents loved the performance and remarked on how wonderful the choir sang and what a great festival it would be. That afternoon, Kim had a wedding shoot, while the rest of us journeyed to the land of Bridge Street Town Center. Although I cannot afford to shop at Bridge Street, it's a great place to visit and to take out of town guests.

When Kim and I woke up on Saturday, we began our normal habit of getting online to read the news, email, etc.; only to be cutoff. Upon investigation, I found that our wireless router (an Apple Time Capsule) had died, R.I.P. In case you have a Time Capsule (TC), you may be interested to know that it will die at pretty close to the 18 month mark. The TC had been a great device for us, in addition to routing and safeguarding our Internet, it also served as a wireless hard drive; Kim was able to move and store her images from her laptop without messing with wires. When the TC kicked the bucket, not only were we without Internet, but also a back-up device. Even worse, I needed to transfer the images that were on the defunct device or face certain death. So, among the list of things to do Satuday, recover the data from the TC moved to the top of the list.

The Genius at the Apple Store at Bridget Street agreed to replace the TC, but he couldn't do anything to recover the data. He recommend the Mac Resource for data recovery. So, after lunch at P.F. Chang's, wandering the mall, shopping for my mom, and serving ourselves Yogurt at the oddly European Orange Leaf, we headed over to the Mac Resource.

The Tech guys at Mac Resource couldn't cure a blown power supply to recover the data, but recommended removing the hard drive within the TC and placing it into an external USB SATA enclosure to recover the data. So, I purchased the enclosure and we headed home. Due to the fast and furious weekend, I didn't recover the data until Monday. The good news is that I was able to get the data off the old TC, and exchanged it for a new, second generation model. Hopefully we'll have better luck this time. But I did learn an important lesson, backup the backup!

Sunday, I was sustained and ordained. As it was our day of fasting, the wonderful, outgoing counselor in the bishopric bore his testimony and prior to turning the time over to the congregation, indicated that our Stake President had asked for me to share my testimony. I did so, eventually, after crying for a good 10 minutes. As I looked out and saw Kim, Grant & Grace, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for our family, for the blessings we have received, and the incredible responsibility of the stewardship to which I had been called. I thought about the changes and sacarifices that may be required by our little family. To Kim, I am thankful for her support, for her encouragement of doing what is right, and for making our home a place where the Spirit is felt. I thank my maternal line for my leaky ducts and my inability to speak when I am emotional. My father ordained me to the office of a High Priest, which was very special. I am so glad that he was able to do that and that he and my mom were able to be here.

The week that followed, leading up to the Christmas Festival, felt like an Eternity. Work was busy, we had family engagements, and I had church assignments to fulfill. Come Friday afternoon, as I was preparing to head to the church for the commencement of the festival and prepare for the first concert, I thought how nice it will be when the weekend is over.

As the performance drew nearer, I became more nervous. I knew my lines, but I was concerned about choking back the tears through the recitation. I offered up a prayer, and asked my father in heaven to help me to feel of the spirit, feel the depth and meaning of my lines, but at the same time remain composed, and to deliver the lines energetically and enthusiastically and not blubbering.

For those who were at the concert, you can at least stand as witnesses that I made it through the concert without breaking down and crying. I am so thankful that my prayer was answered.

As I look back on my participation in the Christmas Festival Concerts, I wonder what if I had missed it? I have felt the Spirit of Christmas earlier and stronger this year because of my inclusion in the concert. The choir was wonderful. As narrator, I had the best seat in the house.

Prior to the Choir singing the final carol of the concert, "O Come, O Ye Faithful", my last narrative was this special message:

Born in a humble stable and laid to rest in a lowly manger, Jesus went on to fulfill His divine mission upon the earth. He set the supreme example of obedience to the Father and of service to all. He wrought the atonement, taking upon Himself the sins of all mankind. He laid down His life and took it up again, giving the world the gift of the resurrection. Through Him, the faithful have the hope of eternal life.

As the shepherds of old who went to worship Him at the manger that very first Christmas morn, may we too, be faithful in coming unto Him, even Christ the Lord.

Merry, Merry Christmas to all!

The 2010 Alabama International Auto Show

2009-12-24T06:11:00.008-06:00

On November 14th, Grant & I went to the The 2010 Alabama International Auto Show down in Birmingham. Grant loves cars, so when I first heard about the show, I had hopes that we could attend.

I always love going places with him. He is a great, little traveler and we talk most of the way. He likes to look at the scenery as well, and asks me all kinds of questions about what he is seeing or ideas that are sparked by his visual stimuli. Grant is always full of questions, it's fun to hear what he is thinking about and to attempt an answer.

The show was pretty good, but didn't quite meet Grant's expectations. He was hoping to se a lot of old cars, "classic cars". But there was only a small section filled with immaculate specimens that were up for silent auction. We could look, but not touch.

The show was filled with mostly 2010 production vehicles, the most rare being the Nissan GTR and the Acura ZDX.

The major showings were from Chrysler, Ford and GM. I am a fan of wagons, so I enjoyed seeing the Cadillac CTS Sport Wagon. However, as it resembles a small hearse, I don't see it being very popular. The wagon body style has been a favorite of mine for some time; I like how they look, and I love the functionality.

One of Grant's favorites was this Ford Utility Van:

An interesting thing about Grant is his choice in vehicles. Unlike most boys, including little Mark, he is not into sports cars. It doesn't matter too much to him how fast a car can go, he is much more concerned about its gas mileage or other utilitarian qualities.

The secondary showing was filled by Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Grant's absolute favorite car of the day was the Nissan Cube. Although I find it hideous, I tried to let Grant develop his own thoughts and opinions about it. So, I did not give out my opinion freely; but after some time, when he asked me outright if I liked it, I responded, "No, I do not!"

Didn't matter, he still went on loving it; Go Grant!

On the way home we enjoyed some good ole' Country cookin' and lunch at Cracker Barrel. As we were getting back into the car, a car pulled up into the parking space in front of us. Out popped this short, round, old woman from the passenger side. Unbeknownst to her, the bottom of her long-sleeved shirt had rolled up over her pot-belly to just below her bust line, leaving the greater part of her abdomen exposed for all to see. She must have felt the cool air, and quickly looked down to find she was wearing a tube top. Fortunately, she was able to quickly correct her costume malfunction. Being the little boys that we are, Grant & I laughed for a good ten minutes afterward, as well as several other moments on the ride home when Grant would replay the story.

Fun day!

Cal Athletic Hall of Fame

2009-12-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

My dad attended the University of California as a student-athlete in Gymnastics. He was very good and made the 1972 US Olympic Team.

Here's the press release:

George Greenfield, Men's Gymnastics Greenfield earned NCAA and USGF All-America honors in each of his three years at Cal from 1969-71. The Bears did not lose a dual meet during his tenure, claiming Pac-8 championships each season. Greenfield finished fourth in the all-around at both the NCAA and USGF Nationals as a junior, and he placed second in the all-around at the 1971 USGF Nationals. Following his Cal career, Greenfield earned a spot on the six-member U.S. Olympic team that competed at the 1972 Games in Munich after placing third in the all-around at the Olympic Trials.

I was able to be at the induction ceremony, in Berkeley CA, on Friday the 6th of Nov, where we had a nice dinner, and each inductee gave a brief acceptance speech, (some more so than others); dad's remarks were very nice. The following day, the Hall of Famers were showcased during half-time at the Cal v. Oregon State football game. Unfortunately for my dad, Cal lost to my Beavers.

Here are some pics from the weekend:

12th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference

2009-12-22T10:16:00.005-06:00

The 12th Annual Space and Missile Defense Conference and Exhibition took place August 17-20, 2009, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The theme for last year's event was Space & Missile Defense...the Path Forward.

I was able to take Grant to part of the event. We had a great time walking around, collecting some Swag and seeing some cool equipment. We ran into several members of the church including our Bishop. Grant's favorite vehicle was a Russian SCUD transporter/launcher at the Missile and Space Intelligence Center (MSIC) booth, hosted by Alex Marsaw.

Here's a couple pictures of Grant testing out the Avenger system.

3 Years

2009-10-12T10:07:00.003-05:00

It's a little hard for me to believe, but we've been in Huntsville for three years now.

Here's a link to Kim's blog of our arrival: http://agreenfieldphotography.com/blog/?p=117

She also has some posts (older posts) about our journey from Seattle to Alabama.

Although we've missed being close to our family and seeing them frequently, we do recognize what a blessing it has been to come to Huntsville. We are so glad that family and friends have been able to visit and we hope to continue to lure y'all to the South. We are very grateful for the new friends that we have made, and express a real heartfelt thanks to the welcome reception we have received.

Meet In The Middle

2009-10-04T11:58:00.008-05:00

I'd start walking your way
You'd start walking mine
We'd meet in the middle
Neath that old Georgia pine

We'd gain a lot of ground
Cause we'd both give a little
Ain't no road to long
When we meet in the middle

-Diamond Rio

Yesterday, I met in the middle by participating in the Murfreesboro Half Marathon known as, The Middle Half. Murfreesboro, a suburb of Nashville, is the geographic center (middle) of Tennessee. The race was hosted by Middle Tennessee State University and major sponsorship by Middle Tennessee Medical Center.

It was a great race.

The weather was perfect, in the upper 50's at race start and low 70's by race finish, at least for my finish.

We started and the MTSU Track field before heading off toward down town Murfreesboro. There was a lot of shade provided by the large, over hanging branches of beautiful, old deciduous trees in front of the well kept, old homes.

Amongst the homes, the race course weaved past Oaklands Historic Mansion House, which was the most crowded part of the race due to its narrow entrance.

From there, we continued to the down town of Murfresboro, and ran around its square. I noticed a monument erected in the middle of the square that was dedicated to the valor of the Confederate soldiers. It was at that point that I passed a woman who had a handwritten note on the back of her shirt that read, "I just had twins! What's your excuse?" As I went by, I looked over and said, "I'm fat!"

The race continued on down Main street, where Kim, Grant, Grace, and the Meredith children were cheering on the runners, just prior to the 6.3 mile time stamp. It was sooo good to see them. I was lifted up and felt new energy while going by.

At about mile 7, the course emptied out on to a busy street that did not provide shade from the bright, morning sun. I picked out a couple of men at this point that I wanted to keep up with. I edged up on one of them at the 10 mile mark and ask for the time, he replied that we'd been running for one hour and 58 minutes. I was feeling good, and thought to myself how I would likely shatter my previous snail's pace of a personal record. Unfortunately, I gloated too soon, I ran less than a quarter-mile before my legs started cramping up.

I ran off and on until the race finish, walking more than running. As the track came into view, I ran into the stadium to find Grant waiting there to run the last tenth of a mile with me. With my legs stiffened, I pressed forward toward the finish much like a mechanical robot or Frankenstein's monster.

It was fun to finish with Grant. I was grateful to be finished, but all I could think of was getting to the field to stretch out my legs. Eventually, I made my way to the rest of the finishers in my party (Kelly, Jen, Megan and Josiah) and we sat, stretched, rehydrated, and refueled. Over the field intercom, we heard the announcement of the race winners, including the award for racer who finished in the middle.

After cooling down for almost an hour, the clan packed up and headed back toward the Meredith home to get cleaned-up for lunch. We exited the field with the stadium speakers blasting Journey's, Don't Stop Believin', good times!

I was so glad that the finish line and my wonderfully supportive family met me in the middle.

Youth Conference - A Man's Perspective

2009-07-17T20:53:00.007-05:00

Last weekend I had the great opportunity to escort the youth of the Madison 3rd Ward to Youth Conference at Troy University. We all met at the Publix on County Line @ 8AM on Thursday the 9th and departed at 8:40. There were a total of 37 youth that went down, including one stow away from the Winchester ward, in all 6 vehicles went down. We had an enclosed trailer that fit all of the Youth's luggage.

On the way down, I drove 7 Young Men. They watched both Transformers and Paul Blart: Mall Cop on the way down. We had lots of fun making fun of the characters. When the boys got hungry, we made a brief stop at Subway in Pratville before continuing our sojourn to Troy.

At about 1PM, we pulled into the University and checked in to the Conference. As there were 6 stakes attending, it was pretty chaotic. The Young Men helped unload the luggage of the Young Women and then we headed over to our own lovely dormitories. No sooner did the guys get into their rooms when it was time for the first activity - Service.

The objective was to pick up trash around and already immaculate campus. So, after 20 minutes, the job was done and the major trash items were the leftover garbage bags. This was a real missed opportunity. The opening ceremonies, if you will, should of included some games that would encourage the youth to mix with youth from other wards and stakes. This was the only shortcoming of the conference as there were not any activities during the conference that gave the youth opportunity with reason to interact with youth from other areas.

The guys headed back to the dorms to hang out until dinner. Southern Fried Chicken was on the menu the first night, and it was delicious.

After Dinner was a brief Fireside delivered to a hall that was filled to overflowing. Chairs, sofas, and tables were brought in to the auditorium to try to accommodate the crowd, but were not sufficient. I ended up standing, with the rest of the peanut gallery in the far back, behind the sound barrier. The message was on the Conference theme, "Be Thou an Example."

The first dance immediately followed the Fireside. It was loud and long, from a man's (old man) perspective. Its always a good time to watch the Youth at a dance; the line dances are the best.

The dance was followed by a brief devotional; each stake held their own. Brother Glen Davis spoke to us on being proud to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He encouraged the Youth to use Social Networking sites to proclaim the gospel.

We returned to the dorms for the night where we had prayer as a ward before retiring to bed.

Friday morning we had breakfast in the dining hall preceding the workshops. We attended 3 workshops, the first was on Chastity and Dating, the second was on Being an Example and the third was regarding understanding the plan of salvation or happiness. Each was uplifting and enlightening. The youth felt the Spirit and enjoyed the speakers, whom were full-time Seminary teachers.

I shadowed the "Green" group which had two classes followed by lunch and then another class. After the third class, the youth were released for some free time until they need to return to the dorms to get ready for dinner. Saturday night's dinner deserves some comment, it was a Southern Fried Pork Chop. The pork chop was mostly gristle, and it seemed that it was really just scraps of gristle, with bits of meat attached reformed into the shape of a pork chop. It was the nastiest thing I've eaten or attempted to eat in some time. The good news is that the black eyed peas and smashed potatoes were wonderful.

From dinner we went straight to a Fireside where we were addressed by Elder J. Devn Cornish of the Seventy. His message spanned many subjects. It was obvious that he had great affection for the Youth. He shared that he is a Doctor by profession and I have since found that he is a Child Neurologist at Emory University Dept. of Pediatrics in Atlanta, GA. He spoke of serving as Mission President of the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission. One experience he shared was about a Dominican baseball player that choose to serve a mission and ultimately to be married in the temple over playing professional baseball. He emphasized what a great missionary he was, and that he did not pity himself or his lost opportunity but that he forgot himself and got to work.

Following the fireside, we had another dance. The dance was not as loud, but it was longer than the night before. It was scheduled to end at 10:45 PM but didn't finish until after 11:15. The dance ended with the youth singing the medley "As Sisters in Zion, We'll Bring the World His Truth" by Janice Kapp Perry. Following are pictures of the youth taking turns singing their respective parts to one another.

Following the dance, we had another Devotional message which was delivered by President Steven Vaughn. His topic was the importance of honest, effective communication in any relationship. He shared a story of when he was at BYU and took a roommate out hunting. His roommate was grumpy because of arising so early and became more belligerent as the morning wore on and they did find any place to pull over and hunt. Eventually, President Vaughn got up the nerve to pull over and ask a rancher if they might hunt on his property. The hunter said they could, but President Vaughn thought he'd pull a joke on his roommate. When he got into the truck and shared the news that they wouldn't be permitted to hunt, President Vaughn grabbed his gun and made off toward a horse in the field and told his roommate that he was going to shoot it. Then fired a shot into the air, immediately after he heard two more shots. When he looked to see what had happened, Pres. Vaughn's roommate said, "well, we better get out of here because I just shot his dog and cow too!" At that point the room lit up with laughter.

As we dismissed from the devotional, everyone said good night and we returned again for a prayer back in the dorm before heading to bed.

Saturday morning we had a Testimony meeting and we fasted until its conclusion. Due to the number of youth in attendance, there were several separate testimony meetings. I chaperoned the orange group where only a few of my young men were. It was wonderful to hear the testimonies of the young men and women. I was very impressed by the depth of their testimonies and I am so grateful for their strength and willingness to put the Lord first in their lives.

Following the Testimony meeting we returned to our dorms and changed and packed. We then packed up the luggage of the Young Women, had lunch and then got in the cars to return home. On the way home, I drove our Bishop's SUV and pulled the enclosed trailer. There were 7 young women in the car, so it was a very different ride going home than coming down, but we had fun.

I am thankful to my wife for being supportive of me and watching and caring for our children while I attended this conference.

My faith was strengthened.

Reflections from a Bachelor

2009-06-04T22:35:00.016-05:00

Missing the family tonight; they journeyed to WA from Corvallis for the weekend to visit family and friends.

Found this pic of Grant and I at Pike Street Market in Seattle; typical wet day.

Some great young men put together the playset for my children. I'm excited for them to come home and use it.

Our Tomato plants are growing. Hopefully we'll get some good ones. Fresh garden tomatoes are wonderful.

Found a turtle in the middle of our road, on my way to work, the other morning.

Looking forward to seeing my family again, less than one week to go.

The District of Columbia

2009-05-19T20:21:00.010-05:00

I had a quick trip up to DC last week and was able to take some time to visit the National Mall after my meetings. The weather was comfortable and the crowds were in full force, including many schools on field trips.

The Lincoln Memorial was the highlight, where I watched as so many stared in reverence at the larger-than-life sculpture, apart from the annoying 11-year old boy walking around beeping, deliberately taking advantage of and destroying the mood for those around him. Yes, apart from him, all stood in near silence and contemplated the five lines behind the giant:

IN THIS TEMPLE

AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE

FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION

THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

IS ENSHRINED FOREVER

Beached Whale Finishes Country Music Half

2009-05-01T16:01:00.004-05:00

Yep, I did it, number 14317. Although I cursed the crowds, my need to use a bathroom, the hills and heat during the 13.1 sojourn, I hope to do it again next year.

Immediately following the race, while I was seated with my fellow racers, my wife Kim, Kelly and Jen Meredith, and Kelly's sister Meghan, I vowed to not do the overcrowded Nashville race again. But the very next day, I felt differently.

We met up with the Merediths on Friday, the day before the race to pick-up our race packets. We stayed the night with Kelly's brother Trip who graciously let us stay in his home, and the next morning Jen's mom Jo picked up all the kids and generously donated her time by watching them during the race. We're so grateful to to y'all for making it possible for us to run.

We got up Saturday morning a little after 0400 and headed out the door a little before 5AM. Several miles South of Nashville the traffic started getting bad, but lucky for us, our Captain Kelly new a shortcut. We parked the car, and headed over to the stadium to catch the shuttle to the start line. We picked the wrong line for the shuttle and stood around for a long time. We arrived at the starting line, near the Parthenon, about 6:45, just shy of the 0700 start. The ladies in the group needed to make a strategic pit stop. Later, I would wish that I had joined them; however, at the time, the long lines detoured me.

By the time the ladies rejoined us, the race had started and several "corrals" had already moved out. We scurried over to the runners area and caught up to corral 15. In all, there were almost 27,000 finishers, so it took a long time to get all those runners through the start line. Corrals were released about 1 to 2 minutes apart from one another. After corral 14 took off, we moved into place. At that point, it was like being at a pep rally. The emcees were exuberant and the runners in the crowd as well as fans and onlookers reciprocated their excitement. We all clapped a cheer before heading out into the course.

I took off like a shot...of molasses. Kim and I hung together the first 2 miles and then Kim started to pull ahead as we went up our third hill. We were close until the 5K mark, and that was the last I saw of her until the finish line. In training for the half-marathon, I worked-out mostly on the treadmill. This was fine for the flat land, but proved to be insufficient for the many hills throughout the course. My hamstrings even tensed up less than half way through, another thing to work on before my next race.

Around mile 4, I felt nature call; I attempted to stop at 3 points along the race, but the lines were too long. It was more irritating to stand and "hold it" than to keep moving forward. I was able to stop just after mile 10, and life got better.

Throughout the race, there were Rock'n'Roll bands about every mile, as well as cheerleaders. There were also throngs of athletic supporters (aka family and friends). At several points, there were literally miles of onlookers offering support, high-fives, sprays of water, as well as beer and mimosas.

The last 1.5 miles of the race was very enjoyable for me; we were running through downtown and I could feel the end in sight. Just beyond mile 12, I really could see the finish line by looking down from the bridge toward the stadium.

I enjoyed the energy of the race and the feeling of accomplishment post race. It reminded me very much of the feeling I had climbing fourteeners while growing up in Colorado. There was a very unique feeling finishing the race, unlike accomplishments at work, or around the yard.

My next race will be "The Middle Half" in Murfreesboro, TN. I hope to do the Country Music Half again next year. Stay tuned.

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life

2009-04-22T21:40:00.007-05:00

Our van was damaged by the severe hail storm that came through Huntsville on Good Friday, 27 dents in all. While the van took a trip to the doctor to get well, I was blessed by Geico to have a ride around town via the above pictured Toyota Yaris. Since Monday, I have cursed the Yaris and all its imperfections. This morning, Grant begged me to take him to school in it, so I obliged him.

From the moment Grant got in the car, he made one observation after another praising the Yaris; he loved the manual windows, that it looked like a van in the front and a sedan in the back, that the instrument cluster was in the center of the console, that there wasn't a hump on the floor in the rear for the transmission, and that it had wide, flat (non-form-fitting) seats in the back. Just before he got out of the car, he told me he had a new favorite car (the suspense was killing me), "a Toyota Yaris."

I love how Grant, and kids in general, tend to just look at things and situations and see the bright side, the silver lining, the good things in life. I was also glad we got our van back today.

Born Free

2009-02-12T09:37:00.002-06:00

I am now free to blog from any place at any time (assuming AT&T holds up to their end of the bargain).

This pic is from a visit to the USS Alabama with my little buddy, Grant.

New

2008-05-13T18:24:00.010-05:00

These last months, life has been one new thing after another.

I am very happy and proud to report that on 25 March 2008 at 3:37 PM, Grace Ann Greenfield came into the world, screaming. We are so glad to have her. She has been a real blessing.

We were very lucky to have had family here with us. Kim's mom came in advance and was later joined by YO-Curt. My folks flew in the weekend of Grace's blessing, which was 13 April 2008. It was very nice, and helpful, to have them here.

Her big brother loves her, but is struggling with and competing for the attention she receives. He has even gone as far as to say, "Throw me out with the garbage!" Isn't that awful? We have worked hard to make him feel included and a part of the nurturing and caring of Grace, but it hasn't been enough. I am hopeful that he will work through and get over this phase soon.

I have been newly called as the Young Men's President in the Ward. I have been working with the youth the last year, so attending mutual and such is not new, but it has been unique to lead the organization and rub shoulders with great young men and leaders.

I started a new job on 31 March 2008. Yes, just days after Grace was born. I now work for Northrop Grumman as a Program Control Analyst. The job has been fun and rewarding so far. There is a lot of opportunity to do some new things.

We got a new operating system, and a computer to go with it. Yes, we have either seen the light, or crossed over to the darkside, depending on your point of view. Kim is the owner/operator of a Macbook Air. The thing is amazing, its form and function are leap years ahead of anything else that even calls itself competition. I am seriously looking forward to the day when my work computer is as cool.

We got a new car...er, uh Mini-van. Yes, I have officially turned old. We are the, dare I say it, proud owners of a Honda Odyssey. Its not much to look at, but its like an RV on the inside. We already see why so many people love them.

The months ahead look to be busy as we head out west to visit family and friends for weddings, reunions, and holidays. Stay tuned, you may have a Van load of Greenfields coming your way in the near future.

Counting Down

2008-02-02T10:39:00.000-06:00

Kim is 32 weeks pregnant, today. Her due date is 1 APR 2008, but she'll tell you that she is due at the end of March. Since Grant was early, that's when she expects the baby to arrive, and it just sounds sooner. We're very excited for the arrival of our little girl, but I have to confess that I am nervous too.

Such a gap between this one and the last. We're entering back into the world of early morning feedings, diaper changes, and having to bring everything except the kitchen sink along with us an all of our outings. We are also headed back to - so, so small; soft cries; and curl up in my arms.

It is strange to think of raising a girl. I had hoped that Grant was a girl. My thought was that a mature, older sister can lead the way for a younger brother. I am so thankful to have Grant and we now look forward to having a daughter and sister in the family.

The urge to nest hit Kim hard after Christmas. We have prepared the Baby's room. Thank's to Kim's parents for all of their help. Curt and I put up a chairrail and Kim and Jan painted the room pink below the chairrail and yellow above. I reassembled the crib. And, finally, we were able to move our childlike bedroom furniture into the nursery.

When we moved into our first house, we purchased some inexpensive bedroom furniture. It is the kind that is put together by the purchaser using cams and screws and is made of particle board. The furniture is nice enough looking, but due to its small size, is slightly juvenile. After putting the pieces together, I told Kim that it belonged in the bedroom of a little girl. What vision I had; my dream has been realized.

Well baby, just 8 more weeks and you will be here. I look forward to that day. We have waited such a long time for you. You will have a wonderful, nurturing mother, a great, big brother to help you along the way, and a father that will cherish you and provide for you. See you soon!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun?!

2007-11-04T20:15:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Mythbusters, I know that time doesn’t really fly when you’re having fun, but it sure feels like it. I am shocked to find that it has been over three months since my last post.
Thanks to Kim’s blog, I have a record of these last three months.
Brief Recollections:
August
· Surviving the heat by enjoying the Home Owner’s community pool, and double scoops at Bruster’s.
· Trip to Vandenberg Air Force Base. Now I can officially say I've been to "space" country. VAFB is home to much of the Nation's missile defense, its pretty unbeliveable to be rolling around and see silos for minuteman and peacekeepers.

September
· Trip to the Gulf Coast ala Destin, FL. We all had a great time. This is sure to become a Greenfield family tradition.

October
· Boy’s trip to SoCal, which included a stop at Disneyland. Grant and I had a superb time visiting my Grandma, Aunt & Uncle and their kids, my cousins. We were able to take a cruise in a Magnum SRT8 (Thanks to Adam to showin’ us how to make it perform), a ’71 Plymouth Satellite, some Quads, and a beefed up Go-cart.
· My Parents came to visit the Plantation. My Dad acted as the head builder to get me on the right path for building a deck. We were able to complete the foundation, I am still awaiting the decking material. Stay Tuned.

Crazy For Crocs?

2007-07-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I was listening to a story about Crocs on public radio's Marketplace called "Can Crocs go the distance?"

My first introduction to these funny looking, plastic beach shoes was on a trip to Wilmington, NC. Soon after, I came down to Huntsville, and was once again struck by the ever present shoe. As a minor leage shoe aficianado, I had assumed that Crocs were a southern phenomenon, as I had not seen them outside of the South. But, apparently they are not unique to the South as their quarterly report demonstrates!

Crocs are a very lightweight shoe that are made from a "special" formula of plastic known as "croslite". They are very popular here in the South and are worn year round by children and adults alike. We see them all over the place from the grocery store and shopping mall, to work and church.

Interesting to note is that CROX is not seeking a patent on their formula but keeps it a secret similar to the way other businesses, including Coca-Cola, keep their formulas and their proprietary information known to only a very few within the company. So, not having tried a pair of Crocs, I cannot argue the point of whether their special blend is ground-breaking or whether its all a big croc. My perception is that Crocs is benefiting from being the original and is garnering sales and high profit margins due to its brand name, image, and loyalty.

My wife compares them to the Jelly shoes of the 80's, which were made of PVC (plastic) and worn mostly by young girls. The shoes were worn barefoot and tended to provide the ideal climate for micro-organisms to thrive; which led to smelly shoes, smelly feet, and even tenia pedis. At the time of publication, my research could neither confirm nor deny that fatalities occured from the wearing of the Jelly shoe. At any rate, due to the aforementioned reasons, my wife was denied the opportunity to dip her tootsies inside of a Jelly.

But the Jelly craze was just a phase, and it came down as quickly as it took off. For now, Crocs are living large and longer than expected. Perhaps they're living up to their namesake.

Songs That Make You Feel Good!

2007-06-22T07:17:00.001-05:00

Recently, I saw the new Apple commercial featuring Paul McCartney's new song "Dance Tonight." Instantly, I connected with the song. I felt as if I'd always known it. My instant compulsion to buy that tune made me think of other songs that have had instantaneous, and long-lasting impacts on me. I love how the tune and lyrics of a song can transport me, in a split second, across time and space bringing back fond memories or putting me into a new mood.

This month, I will turn 33. In honor of this momentous occasion, I present to you 33 Songs that are guaranteed to make you feel good. Some are upbeat. Some are a little melancholy. But, each one will make you come away feeling good and feeling good about life.

The following are in chronological order. Enjoy!

1. Homeward Bound - Simon & Garfunkel
2. Good Vibrations – The Beach Boys
3. Gimme Some Lovin' - Spencer Davis Group
4. Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show - Neil Diamond
5. In The Summertime - Mungo Jerry
6. Our House - Crosby Stills & Nash
7. Pink Moon – Nick Drake
8. Dancing In The Moonlight - King Harvest
9. Sing - Carpenters
10. Matthew - John Denver
11. Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
12. Feels So Good – Chuck Mangione
13. Rainbow Connection - Muppets (Related Recordings)
14. Xanadu - E.L.O.
15. Sailing - Christopher Cross
16. Walk Of Life - Dire Straits
17. Your Wildest Dreams - The Moody Blues
18. Tuff Enuff - Fabulous Thunderbirds
19. I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me) - Aretha Franklin & George Michael
20. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
21. Set Adrift On Memory Bliss - P.M. Dawn
22. Can't Help Falling In Love - UB 40
23. AM Radio - Everclear
24. Starry-Eyed Surprise - Paul Oakenfold
25. Big Yellow Taxi - Counting Crows
26. Daughters - John Mayer
27. 100 Years - Five For Fighting
28. All That I Can Say - Mary J. Blige
29. Brand New Day - Sting
30. Clocks - Coldplay
31. Save the Last Dance For Me - Michael Bublé
32. Constellations - Jack Johnson
33. Dance Tonight - Paul McCartney

Count Your Many Blessings

2007-06-14T06:20:00.000-05:00

The last few months, I have been compelled to count my blessings. It is remarkable how being grateful heals. In the scriptures, the account of Jesus healing the 10 lepers has new meaning.

The story goes that Jesus, while traveling to Jerusalem, entered a village and was prevailed upon by ten lepers to heal them, which he did. One leper, the Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus and glorify Him. The Lord asked about the others that had been cleansed and then turned to the one and said, "Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. "

I have thought about the one. All were cleansed, but one was made whole. The making whole of the one is the miracle of the Atonement. Previously I had understood that in addition to the physical healing, that the Lord healed the leper spiritually too; that He made the leper spiritually clean by forgiving him of his sins. Additionally, the Lord healed his heart and mind.

As there was no cure for the disease, the lepers lived a life of quarantine and seclusion. They must have experienced pain and anguish from being kept from their family and other loved ones. The effects of the disease went far beyond the depth of their skin.

By returning to the Saviour, and expressing gratitude, the one was given the gift of having all of the baggage taken away. All of the effects of ostracism gone. All of his pain and suffering remembered no more.

These last months, as I have remembered, recognized, counted, and expressed gratitude for the miracles and blessings I have received, I am being healed and being made whole. The pain of loss dissipates as my faith and gratitude bring assurances that my Heavenly Father loves me.

I am so thankful for my wife. She is so wonderful. I love being with her, I love who she is and the things that she chooses to do.

I am grateful for my son. There is real brightness in him. Grant is my little buddy.

I am thankful for all of my family, for their love and support. I am thankful for enduring friendships. I am grateful for my job and where it has lead us. I am thankful to our friends in Alabama.

So, if you want a real pick me up - count your many blessings. I can assure that it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

"In the Company of Heroes"

2007-02-25T17:14:00.000-06:00

At the Boeing Huntsville 2007 State of Finance meeting, Army veteran and author Michael Durant spoke to us as the Keynote speaker. He is the author of "In the Company of Heroes" which tells his the story of the downed Black Hawk helicopter during the Somalian conflict in 1993.

Mike spoke with such passion about his life changing adventure/tragedy and drew many comparisons with between that battle and current events in Iraq. His talk was compelling because it felt true, because it was sincere, and because the nature of the subject interests me.

One repeating anthem was the need for support of our troops. He recounted the steps and mistakes that lead to the U.S. involvement in Somalia and spoke to the modes and tactics of congress in achieving political gain while exploiting the servants that fight for our freedoms. My personal experience has shown that the soldiers on the battlefield are patriots and heroes that put their lives on the line because they believe that price is worth paying, if necessary, to fulfill their mission.

My prayer is that those who seek office do so without guile, and with pure intent.

I love Kim!

2007-01-27T17:19:00.000-06:00

Kim's back, Yea! This is a list I wrote a few nights ago, but didn't get around to posting it until today.

All over the world, everybody get the word! I love Kimberly.

How do I love thee – let me count the ways:

1. Kim is good
2. and Kim is great.
3. You’re beautiful, its true
4. It is important to her to do what is right
5. Wonderful mother
6. Perfect height – 5’ 2” and she claims another 3/4"
7. Enjoys long walks
8. Listens & tolerates my stories
9. Makes me a better man
10. Does the hard things
11. Perseveres
12. Loves family and traditions
13. Colors my world
14. Fiercely loyal
15. Keeps friendships
16. Came to Alabama
17. Made friends in Alabama
18. Enjoys playing in the garden
19. You really like me
20. Likes to sunbath
21. Wheel watcher – go sisters.
22. Big toe & Long toe
23. On my mind
24. Home
25. Refrains from laughing at my dancing
26. Tells me everything
27. Requires more sleep than the average person
28. Diligent
29. Used to love the Olive Garden
30. Watched every episode of every season of Beverly Hills 90210 – with me
31. Introduced me to Jane Austin
32. Remembered to bring “It’s a Wonderful Life” for Christmas Eve
33. Keeps her family in the know
34. Hates butt rock
35. Loves Reggae
36. Wants “Marsha, Marsha Marshmallow” everyday
37. Takes pictures of place settings
38. Car camping
39. Hiked the Grand Canyon
40. Trained for a marathon
41. Ran two half-marathons
42. Scrimps & “Scraves”
43. Recycles
44. Loves foot massages – I owe you one
45. World Traveler
46. Get’s her news from Comcast
47. Cares for Grant, with her whole heart
48. Has to let her food settle
49. Worked through my asking how much she spends on socks
50. Just loves being together

Bored To Death

2007-01-21T21:54:00.000-06:00

My wife & son abandoned me for a couple weeks, so I have nothing better to do than to make a post. Just kidding. Last week, Kim's Granpa Ray celebrated his 90th birthday and we flew to Salt Lake City for the party. While I flew home to slave away so that I may provide the necessities of life and protection for my family, Kim & Grant flew on to spend time with the Grandparents in Corvallis, OR.

It has been very boring with them gone. The only plus is that I have been able to stay late at work without feeling guilty. I miss them a lot. When I do get home, I am able to go workout because I have nothing else to do. This has given me a new perspective on the single people that I know. Its no wonder that I was half the man I am today prior to love and marriage. After working out, I fix myself a frozen dinner and sit in front of the television until I'm tired. Then, the suspense is probably killing you by now, I go to bed. When I wake up, its starts all over again.

I was able to finish a project for my MBA classes early, which is a first.

I received a calling at Church today. Yep, we've been in the Ward for over three months and I've just received a calling. Its not because the leaders are slow to act, but because there is so much bench strength. What's my calling? I was suspecting an assignment in either the Primary or Young Men's organizations, but instead was stolen by the Elders Quorum as their Secretary.

I have a good idea why I was extended this opportunity - its on account of my typing skills, or at least my alleged typing skills. On Christmas Eve, I gave a lesson in Elders Quorum on Discipleship. I used a message shared by President Faust at last conference where he describes the similarities between Discipleship and Discipline, which share the same Latin root. I asked for examples from the class of things they have learned in a finite period of time; some skill or knowledge that was developed through perserverance and time, and I gave a shallow example to kick-off the feeling fest.

This was my story...during my sophomore year of high school I took a keyboarding class. Prior to the class, I did not know how to type using correct fingering and was looking forward to becoming a touch-typist. The class, however, did not meet my expectations. We spent the first week learning and practicing how to type - starting with the home row and branching out from there, concluding with the insightful sentence, "the quick, brown fox jumped over the lazy log." That ended our tutorial of typing and we began to learn how to correctly format various documents including post cards, bibliographies, memos, and term papers. Well, that's what we were suppose to have learned anyway.

I took the road less traveled and did not follow the prescribed path of our teacher but continued to practice my typing skills, at the expense of not completing my assignments for the class. My parents had noticed that I had learned how to type and remarked on my proficiency. So, you can imagine their surprise when my progress report arrived and I had less than a passing grade in Keyboarding. My dad was stunned, and looked at me in bewilderment while observing, "but you know how to type!"

As far as I could tell, I was one of a small handful of students out of 30 or more that actually learned how to type during the course. But I'm sure I was the only one who manged not to bring home a passing grade. Lucky for me, the semester was still young. Under my dad's thumb, and with some mercy from the instructor, I did complete the required assignments.

But I digress. You see my point don't you? Obviously the Elders Quorum needs my typing skills as their Secretary.

P.S. Miss you Kim & Grant, looking forward to seeing you on Friday.

Auld Lang Syne

2007-01-01T17:53:00.000-06:00

Here's the MIDI, if you want to sing along.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne ?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

I love to tell stories, to reminisce, and reflect on 'the good old days.' Auld Lang Syne is sung in the final scene of "Its a Wonderful Life", and its a summarizes the point of the movie. George Bailey gets swept up in the stress of his current problems and all of his culminating failures seem to come crashing down on him. After being given the gift of seeing what life would have been like without him, he becomes so grateful for his life - including his old, drafty house, broken-down car, and XuXu's petals.

Allow me the pleasure of counting my blessings, and resolving to improve next year.

This was a banner year for the Greenfields, one which will not soon be forgotten. Writing from here in Alabama, it feels weird to think that a year ago today I was in Sumner, WA and three years ago I woke up in Corvallis, OR.

I have had great experiences in each of those places. I am blessed to have a wonderful family. I am thankful for my parents. I am grateful for the good friends and relationships that were formed in the various locations and places of residency.

I am looking forward to 2007. I am looking forward to being healthy. This is the year that I will get fit and stay healthy. I'm divulging my resolution so that all who read may assist me in my quest, as well as providing me additional resolve by shouting from the cyber roof-top.

Happy New Year! May each of you make and keep your resolutions.

Engaged To Be Married...

2006-12-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday the 27th my wee, baby sister Kelli flew into Birmingham to connect with her Fiance whom lives near Atlanta. We (Kim, Grant & I) drove down to the airport to see her and to meet her man, Curtis. All of us went out for lunch, including Curtis' father, and during the conversation Kim & I realized that we were engaged 10 years ago on the 28th of December.

The 28th of December 1996 was an ordinary, winter day in Corvallis, OR. The sky was grey, and a sporadic mist was present. I woke up early for a Saturday, after having been out with Kim the night before, ready to set my plan in motion. The previous night, my second to last act before saying good night to Kim was verifying that she was going to be at her dad's office, cleaning, throughout the morning. Imagine my surprise when I knocked on the door and Kim came sliding around the corner to greet me at her parent's home.

My intent was to speak with her parents that morning and seek their permission to marry their daughter. Instead, I made it look like I had dropped by on my way to run some errands. My errands were to pick up items to present to Kim (think diamond) during my proposal. So, I was especially confounded when Kim expressed interest in going with me.

Evidently, my ability to think on my feet fled and I could not think of an excuse or reason without revealing my true agenda. Harnessing all of my brain power, I arranged for one of Kim's sisters, Jessica, to come along with us. My hope, which became reality, was that Kim & Jessi would head off and do their thing and I would do mine. I dropped of the girls at a Starbucks while I headed to the Jewelers.

I had been shopping around for a diamond for some time, but ultimately piggy-backed on the idea of Kim's brother Lanson, whom had proposed to my sister Amy. I stopped at Richard M Gretz Goldsmiths LTD , where the female sales associate was trying to talk me into a bigger diamond. To this day, I regret not taking her up on that offer and that is a piece of advice that I will pass on to any prospective groom - buy the biggest diamond you can afford!

At length, I acquired the diamond, and it was time to meet up with Kim & Jessi, but I had not yet completed my mission. So, I called my good friend Aaron Hale and asked if he and his wife could help me out. They were happy to help and agreed to pick up my slack.

When I dropped Kim off at her house, I asked if she would like to go for a hike and she accepted. I headed home, and changed clothes, then returned to pick up Kim. As we were making our way to the trail head, it began to snow.

While pulling into the parking area at McDonald Forest, I noticed Aaron & Cami's car. I tried to park in a place where Kim wouldn't notice their car as we passed by, but I was concerned about seeing them along the way. My fear was realized as we ran into them a short while into the hike. Neither Aaron nor Cami were into hiking, and it was especially odd to see them on the trail during a rare snow. I tried to acknowledge them without appearing too awkward or giving hints to Kim as to what lay ahead.

We pushed onward to the top, the snow flakes falling around us increasing in frequency and volume, and I tried help Kim overlook our chance encounter by making conversation about when we might become engaged and how that would be some time in the future.

My rambling lasted to the top, where we found a bench, with a garbage bag lying on it. I persuaded Kim to look inside, as it was my habit to encourage her to look through rubbish, and she found roses with a card from me. The flowers had been placed there by clever friends, the Hales.

After Kim read the card, I presented to Kim the diamond I had acquired and asked if she would marry me. Kim accepted. We Kissed.

Only a few moments later, I said, "Ready?", motioning with my head and shoulders to go back down the trail. Kim wisely suggested that we stay and relish the moment a little while.

A short while later, Kim & I went back down the mountain and began to make plans to tell our families, our exciting news. We picked up pizza, and brought it back to Kim's house where we invited my parents to come over and play some games and visit a while.

Once everyone was gathered, we broke the news, and all seemed excited. It was a great day.

Christmas Time

2006-12-25T12:01:00.000-06:00

Vince Guarldi composed a special version of "Christmas Time Is Here" for The South. Its not widely known, but I managed to find the lyrics below.

Here's the MIDI, if you want to sing along.

Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer
Fun for all that children call
Their favorite time of the year

Snowflakes are not here
Sun is everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share

Rockets in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the lakeside
And joyful memories there

Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...

Merry Christmas! Thanks for all the nice presents; don't worry I'll still be sending along a Thank You card via snailmail.

Scripture Power

2006-12-23T22:01:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday, the 17th of Dec, I was asked to give a talk at church on reading the scriptures.

Following is the Director's cut, the Chapel version was condensed as the Sacrament Meeting agenda was overbooked. Kim ended up staying home with Grant, whom was sick. The Bishopric over compensated by having the Young Women's, Young Men's, and Relief Society Presidents bare testimonies, one of the Full-time Missionaries spoke, and there were two musical numbers. I was the last one up to bat and one of the counselors asked me to keep my talk as close to ten minutes as possible. Guess this makes up for my missionary homecoming talk where I went over by a half hour by speaking for a total of 45 minutes.

Without further ado, here's the message I delivered:

Introductions
My wife, Kim & I were born and raised in the west. I met Kim in her hometown of Corvallis, Oregon where I attended University. After we were married, Kim taught 6th grade for about five years before Grant was born, which was four years ago this coming week.

We recently moved with The Boeing Company from the Seattle area in mid-October.

Right now, we’re in the Colonial Grande apartments, off of Zierdt road, while our house is being built in Heritage Station on Browns Ferry Road near County Line Road.
Kim is at home with Grant today, who is sick. She had prepared her talk in advance, and I’ve stolen some of the lines in her introduction to share with you.

“Our decision to move to here was an easy one – although we are far from family and friends - it seemed to be an answer to our prayers about where our family should be at this time. We are grateful to this ward - we have been overwhelmingly impressed by your welcome and friendship…..the Lord knew the pleadings of my heart and many of you have been answers to my prayers. I am grateful for those of you who have befriended and embraced us.”

I am very grateful that my family has been welcomed, and I am so thankful that my wife already feels at home.

Hiking Story – Music Pass
I grew up in Colorado where as a young man and Scout, we would journey into the nearby mountains for some high adventure and backpacking. One of those summers we set out for a high mountain lake hidden in the top of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range.

We were lead and escorted by our Young Men’s president, Brother Hite, Explorer Coach, Brother Montoya, and the Bishop who happened to be my father.

At the trailhead and before we started off, Brother Montoya reviewed with us the topographic map of the area. He showed us the trail that we would follow up and over Music Pass and that after we descended into the valley, we would depart the main trail and follow a small path, which was not on the map, up a steep grade toward the lake. Brother Montoya, his sons, and other family, had a long tradition of hiking in the Sangres, and they knew the area well. Because the trail was not well marked, Brother Montoya would serve as our guide through the wilderness.

As we started up the mountain, our tallest Priest, Troy Rockwood, took the lead, and I was right behind him. Troy’s long strides quickly got us out ahead of the pack. Our leaders frequently reminded us to stay within their sights, but as Troy and I trekked further up the mountain, the gap between us and our guide grew. When we arrived at the top of the pass, we stared back down the mountain scanning the trail for the rest of our group. After identifying them, Troy and I estimated that we were about 30 minutes ahead of them. Then, going against all of our training, we decided that we would continue on down the backside of the pass until we arrived at the point where we would depart from the trail.

Troy and I sped down the pass, through the valley, and followed the trail into a small stand of trees where the trail was swallowed up. Concluding that we were at the departure point, we set our packs down and began to wait for the rest of the group. After an hour had gone by, with no sign of the others, we started to wonder where everyone was at. Troy and I climbed up some nearby rocks to look out over the valley. After a few minutes, we saw my Dad and Brother Hite walking toward us. But Brother Montoya and the rest of the scouts were not with them. We waved excitedly toward them, and they motioned back at us. After sometime, our delayed intellects recognized that they wanted us to go with them.

Troy and I quickly assumed that the group broke for lunch just over the ridge and beyond our view. We quickly made our way back to them. When I saw my dad, he was red in the cheeks, then closed his eyes and shook his head—I supposed too proud of me to speak! Then my paradigm shifted when Brother Hite told us we had gone the wrong way; that we’d hiked three miles in the wrong direction.

When we rejoined the group, my dad asked for me to remove my pack and open it. He went to my younger brother’s pack and pulled out, what seemed to me, the entire contents, save his sleeping bag, and dumped it into mine. He quickly moved for his own pack, pulled out a few more items to top off my pack, then closed it up, looked at me and said, “That should slow you down!”

The remainder of the journey was, as you might expect, arduous for me. That experience, as embarrassing as it may be, seared into me the principle of staying with and using a guide.

Directions
In life, we also have a guide, a map, or directions.

In D&C 82: 9, the Lord says"...I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation."

On that journey, Brother Montoya was the guide. Had I remained with them, I would have avoided unnecessary mileage on my boots and legs, as well as a lighter load going up the steepest grade of the mountain.

No matter what, I was going to incur a challenge. I had a difficult climb to my goal, which was the lake. Had I remained with my guide, and followed his directions, I would have been more physically ready and less burdened for the hardest part of the journey.

We know that life will bring struggles and challenges. By using our life’s guide and reading the Lord’s directions for us, we will be more prepared for hardship and trials and we can avoid sin, which truly is a burden.

Voices from the Dust
Just as I needed Brother Montoya’s voice on that dusty trail, so do we need those voices from the dust, which are the scriptures.

To reveal His will and Plan, the Lord uses His servants, The Prophets. He carefully selected the individuals that would write His will and tell their stories.

Imagine for a moment what the commencement of The Book of Mormon would be like if it had been written by one of Nephi’s less obedient brother’s. Here are a few chapters from what might have been “The Book of Lemuel”.

The Book of Lemuel

Chapter 1

Dear Diary,
I, Lemuel, being born of nagging parents, therefore, I have been harassed much of my life; not only by my parents, but by my younger brother Nephi, and my older brother Laman, with whom I get along the best. There! Now maybe my parents will get off my back about keeping a record.
Lem

Chapter Two

Dear Diary,
Well, its' finally happened! My father is a lunatic!! He has decided that he feels that we should leave the big city and head out into the wilderness. He hasn't said where. He started talking about leaving after he came home from yelling at people to repent. He said the people threw rocks at him. No kidding! I think one of them must have beaned him on the noggin. When he came home, he went to his tent and lay on his bed for about 12 hours straight. I thought he was in a coma.
Lem

Chapter Three

Dear Diary,
Hi, I'm Lemuel, and I'm dumb.
Dear Diary,
I didn't write that last entry. Laman must have gotten hold of the plates. Sometimes he's a real Meany. I wish there was a way to erase engravings. Dad says we have to go back to town and get some brass plates from Laban. Sure, like Laban's going to say, "Here, have them. Maybe you want my coat, too? You want that I should die from pneumonia, then you'll be happy?" Laban hit me once when we were younger because I stuck out my tongue at him. I'm not going!
Lem

Apart from appealing to our sense of humor, I doubt any of us would reach for “The Book of Lemuel” for inspiration, guidance, or revelation.

The Truth
The scriptures are the source of God’s truths. The programs of The Church are based on the scriptures. Our lessons in Sunday School, Primary, Relief Society and Priesthood are taken from them.

Through scripture reading we not only learn the truths taught therein, but we open the channel for revelation.

Elder Dalin H. Oaks said, “What makes us different from most other Christians in the way we read and use the Bible and other scriptures is our belief in continuing revelation. For us, the scriptures are not the ultimate source of knowledge, but what precedes the ultimate source. The ultimate knowledge comes by revelation. With Moroni we affirm that he who denieth revelation “knoweth not the gospel of Christ” (Morm. 9:8).”

Scripture Study
The point of studying the scriptures is to gain direction and understanding as to what actions we need to take in this life so that we may progress eternally. Reading the scriptures puts us in the right frame of mind to responding to and doing the will of the Lord. Through our studies we increase our understanding and become more resolved and faithful to the Lord, His Church, and its teachings. That is why the invitations have been extended by The Lord, and His servants, including our local leaders to search, ponder and pray.

Bruce T. Harper, “Seeking the Influence of the Spirit through Daily Scripture Study,” Engsign, Oct. 1984, 17
“Once our daughter Lori was spending the night with some girlfriends. As they were preparing for bed, she suddenly remembered something she had forgotten to do that day. “Oh,” she said aloud, “I haven’t read the scriptures yet today.” Two of her friends realized that they had not read either, so they borrowed a copy of the Book of Mormon and read together.

Such diligence in scripture reading had not been a long-established habit in our family. Perhaps we were not much different from many other families in the Church when it came to studying the scriptures. We knew we should study the scriptures; we wanted to study the scriptures, but we had never had much success in our attempts. Finally, we decided to dedicate ourselves to gaining a habit of scripture reading. To help us in achieving this goal, we adopted an approach presented by Carvel Whiting, our stake Sunday School president.

His method was simple. He made the habit of reading something each day the primary objective of his program. The goal was to establish an attitude, to raise the scriptures in our awareness. He did not specify how much we should study each day, nor did he suggest that we study in a specific way. We were simply encouraged to read the scriptures every day, no matter how briefly, and to keep a record of how many consecutive days we had read, even if we read only one verse.”

I agree with that point of view. The real challenge is forming and keeping the habit. Choose a method that works for you and your family, but be open, and realize the process will certainly change and evolve as time goes by.

In our family, Kim & I have tried various techniques of scripture study. To get Grant involved, we have found it helpful to use the scripture readers published by the church.

Regarding personal study, the most poignant and long lasting insights into the scriptures for me have come through memorizing specific verses. I have a couple of personal examples:

First, at one time I had memorized (D&C 121:41–44).
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

Through the process of memorizing, I paid special attention to the words betimes and sharpness. Betimes means promptly or in good time. In this passage, sharpness means exactness and refers to the need to give clear, well-defined instructions.

These verses have been especially helpful for me in developing as a parent, and seeking help to know when and how to act.

Second example, our Stake President in Corvallis, OR related to us the blessings and revelations he received from memorizing scripture, as well as The Living Christ and the proclamation on The Family. Feeling that I did not grasp the depth and magnitude of the proclamation, I decided to memorize it too. Since that time, I have been blessed to recall important phrases from The Family during times of need such as “Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

Brothers and Sisters, I know that our Heavenly Father loves us. I know that he has a plan for us and that His plan is communicated in His scriptures. There is great, wonderful power that comes to everyone that reads them and seeks to understand them no matter what age or station in life.

The Primary song “Scripture Power” says it well.
1. Because I want to be like the Savior, and I can,I’m reading His instructions, I’m following His plan.Because I want the power His word will give to me,I’m changing how I live, I’m changing what I’ll be.
2. I’ll find the sword of truth in each scripture that I learn.I’ll take the shield of faith from these pages that I turn.I’ll wear each vital part of the armor of the Lord,And fight my daily battles, and win a great reward.
[Chorus]Scripture power keeps me safe from sin.Scripture power is the power to win.Scripture power! Ev’ryday I needThe power that I get each time I read.

15 Minutes of Fame!

2006-12-23T18:45:00.000-06:00

Although I've had a blogger account since December 2003, this is my first post and the beginning of what is likely to be a short lived adventure. This year, nearly all of the Christmas cards our family has received include a URL to the sender's web log. So, I've decided to keep up with the Joneses' and join this whole crazy online journaling world.

For those of you who are lucky enough to call me a friend, and you stumbled upon this site, it may be helpful for you to know that my family and I now live in Huntsville, AL. That's
Alabama.

"ALABAMA!!!" you say? Yep, we're fortunate to now call Alabama our sweet home, thanks Lynrd.

If you really want to know what's going on in our life, check out my wife's blog - http://greenfield-kmg.blogspot.com/

Glad you got to hear from me! :) Thanks for dropping by.