Russell, LeighAnn & Family Sealed

 Russell, LeighAnn had their marriage solemnized in the Draper LDS Temple on Saturday, December 21, 2013.  Their daughter, Charlie Kay and their deceased son, Jimmy Russell were both sealed to them as well.  Russell arrived from his Coast Guard training late on Friday night and only got a few hours of sleep before having to get up and go to the temple.  It was a great experience for all that attended.  Afterwards, we hosted a luncheon at our house for family and friends. 

UPS Seasonal Driver

Immediately  after retirement from the Utah Highway Patrol (Nov. 16th) I began working for UPS at the Orem, Utah facility as a seasonal driver.  The first couple of weeks were quite stressful to say the least!  I was trained on one of the Orem business routes which consisted of the State and Center Street area.  My trainer kept me busy.  After two weeks, I was assigned the BYU route which included the BYU warehouse, MTC, East Bay Post Office and the two Orem Post Offices.  After the first couple of stressful days on this route, I finally was able to settle into the job and accomplish it with some confidence.  When I finish the route, the Center sends me to various places to do evening pickups and it keeps me out anywhere between 7pm and 9pm.  As a seasonal driver, this job will end sometime between Christmas Eve and the first of the New Year.  After that I'll need to find a permanent job. 

17 November 2013

I have enjoyed this day of family time and meetings at church.  Today's sacrament meeting talks centered around the Law of Tithing, and it again brought to remembrance all the blessings that we, as a family, have enjoyed by being obedient to this commandment.  We have always paid our tithes with faith- knowing that the Lord would bless us in His own way.  There have been many temporal blessings given to us individually and as a family, but more importantly we have been blessed spiritually in many ways.  The Spirit is ever giving our family guidance and direction in every facet of our lives.

 At the beginning of our High Priest Group Meeting, as Brother Clifford was conducting he said he felt prompted to go around the room and have each brother tell about something that happened in their lives during the past week.  It turned out to be a great experience, in that we each got to know one another a little bit better by allowing just a small glimpse into our personal lives.

Our family attended Tithing Settlement with Bishop Burningham.  Again, we were all reminded of the great blessings that attend the faithful payment of tithes and offerings.    

RETIRED

Today (November 15th) was my last day on the job with the Utah Highway Patrol.  For the most part, it was a day of trying to turn in my equipment- which proved to be a failure!  First of all, there was no one working at Supply since it was Friday, so I just left everything in my car and parked it at headquarters, and someone will take care of turning in my equipment and car next Monday. 

Debbie and I went over to the PEHP office so that I could fill out form for continuing our health, dental and vision plans. 

It's starting to sink in now- especially since I came home without the patrol car.  I'm looking forward to starting up with UPS next Tuesday.

Retirement

After 23 years with the Utah Highway Patrol, I finally decided to retire.  A retirement recognition was held on 04 November 2013 at UHP HQ.  My family (with the exception of Russell who is currently in Coast Guard training) came up to support me.  It has been an enjoyable career and I'm now looking forward to the next adventure. 

Spent the first half today's shift at the EVO (Emergency Vehicle Operations) track.  We were given instruction on the PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) and throwing spikes.  On my first attempted PIT, the bandit vehicle spun around and went off the curb and blew out its right-rear tire.  Too bad the same thing doesn't always occur in a real pursuit.  The damaged rear passenger door was a result of Sgt. Tingey's failed PIT attempt.  I was in the rear seat while he was driving and had a good laugh. 

Provo Parkway Stake-- Stake Family Day Of Service

The Parkway 2nd Ward participated in today's day of service.  Our ward had 2 yard work projects; 1 rain-gutter adjustment project and a project that involved moving a load of stop soil to a ward member's backyard.  There was a great turnout and a lot was accomplished.