Chronicles of Geoff

Things You Will NEVER Hear My Wife Say...

2012-02-13T22:33:00.003-07:00

First off, this is tounge-in-cheek; we are happily married, and drive each other happily crazy sometimes. So, in honor of this fact, I came up with a list of things that my wife will never say to me, no matter how long we are married.

Wow, I ate just the right amount at dinner; I'm sure this will last me until breakfast.
I can't reach that, it's just TOO high!
I couldn't sleep another wink. No, really!
I woke up like two hours before you this morning, just to make you a lovely breakfast.
Thanks for taking the kids for the afternoon, but hurry back, I miss them so much already!
You know what would be awesome? Watching you play video games for a couple hours.
I cannot believe how nice my hair looks today -- and I didn't even use a brush!
Please don't give me more chocolate.
Look honey! I went to the store and bought these 5 outfits and they all fit perfectly with NO alterations required!
While you were gone, I finished up your "honey do" list. You were almost done anyway.
I am afraid we have too much time and money, what will we do with all this surplus?
I don't need a pet of any sort, they would just take my time away from you.
Of course I wanna watch a Naked Gun / Hot Shots marathon, let's hurry!

I love you Diana!

Happy Valentines Day!

P.S. Her list is here.

Valentine's 2012

2012-02-12T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the valentines the I helped the kids make this year. They sound even better if you say them in a Sean Connery voice.

Book of Mormon Reading Chart

2012-01-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

This year's Gospel Doctrine Study is the Book of Mormon. One of my goals is to read it as a family within the year. We have started it several times before, but often get sidetracked or fizzle out. I am sure I am not the only one with this issue. To help me (and them) I made a deal with my children, that no matter how late it was, they could always stay up until we had read scriptures. Not only has this helped us read scriptures every night, but suprisingly has helped them go to bed better and more quickly.

As one of the teachers, I encouraged the class to read the whole Book of Mormon this year, starting from the beginning. To help facilitate finishing and keeping up with reading, I put together bookmarks as a handout (Yeah, I know, how Relief Society of me.) The first column is the month, the second is the page you should be on at the last day of that month. Feel free to save it and print it, or click on the image below for a letter-sized page of 6.

Remembering the little things...

2011-12-13T16:58:00.000-07:00

I am terrible at keeping a journal; I used to be rather regular about it, but I'm not anymore. I could say I will be better someday, but that may not happen either. However, these are a few of the things I want to remember about my family right now.

Diana (Age Classified) Adorable. Loving and thoughtful. Sometimes too thoughtful. Forgiving of my foibles, and too hard on herself for her own. There is no one I am more excited to spend eternity with. Works very hard all day every day, and like most moms, needs a recharge for the batteries that she doesn't get often enough.

Becca (11.9) Wonderful, makes me feel so frustrated and so nurturing all at the same time. Cries for no reason sometimes, but laughs for unknown reasons too and that makes it all worth it. Is more work than I thought I had time for, and Diana takes the brunt of it -- most of it in stride.

Emily (9) Smartest 9 year old I know. Moody beyond belief. I worry about her self-confidence. Does NOT take criticism well, but adores praise. Reads books voraciously like her mom. Passive unless you awaken the sleeping giant within. VERY helpful, even if she gets leaned on rather hard as the pseudo oldest in the family.

Grace (7) Only one who inherited her mom's freckles. Cute, and smart. Asks for help with homework for companionship, not need. Sneaky. Creative and fun when she wants to be. Whines to get the privileges of her sister without the effort. Very sporty. Loving and helpful to her little brothers, fights with her older sister.

Landon (4) Is a rock star to ANY song on the radio. Has all the moves down pat and knows most the words after hearing the song only a couple times. LOVES superheroes. Any of them. All of them. Knows most of their names and superpowers. Recently he's taken up being a "perdition" (Magician). All boy, but very thoughtful and caring toward Becca - even when he uses her as an obstacle in his jumping contests.

Ethan (2) Momma's little shadow. Cannot be without her without asking where she is and what she is doing. Daddy is a reasonable substitute, some of the time. Needs kisses on his boo-boos, but an air kiss in the general direction fixes everything from a small bump to a face plant. Eats ALL the time.

If you don't' keep a journal, at least write things down every so often. It's often the small things they do you forget, but makes them the most loveable too.

One Month Photo Challenge

2011-11-30T23:47:00.001-07:00

After almost 2 years of daily photo posting, I am running out of ideas. So, I decided to write it down -- make a list of a daily picture so that I wouldn't have to think OF the subject, just how to portray it. Comment on this post with a link to your own blog with your participation. C'mon. You know you want to....

One Way, Keep Right

2011-11-06T23:29:00.001-07:00

We went to Brigham City this weekend for a family baby blessing. After sacrament meeting, we took a drive around town. The Brigham City Temple is coming along nicely and we made a stop to take a quick peek through the fence. Due to construction, traffic was re-routed around the temple so as we made our way around it, I saw this:

Notice two very important signs, ONE WAY to get to the Temple. KEEP RIGHT. There really is only one way to get to the temple, keep right with Heavenly Father, keep right with your family, and keep right with your fellow man. Who knew so much could be learned outside the temple that's not even finished.

A Brush With Amazing

2011-11-04T00:40:00.002-06:00

Tonight the whole family had the opportunity to meet Collin Raye. It was an amazing experience. Such a nice guy -- truly awesome. We sat and talked to him for almost an hour while he held Becca and stroked her head and hair. Then we got to sit in the balcony backstage and watch him sing. What awesome messages his songs portray. Life after Death, Eternal Love, Kinship, God's Love. Amazing. If you want to read more about the whole experience, check out Diana's post. Anyway, I did get some decent pictures, and thought I would share them

They did this for a whole hour, he talked, she listened, he smiled, she smiled, he kissed her and stroked her face, she giggled. It was awesome

Our backstage lodgings

Becca just listened intently the whole time, not a peep.

During the singing of Amazing Grace...

His Rockstar pose.

3 in the outhouse

You can also check out the first time we went to see him in concert

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T21:15:00.001-06:00

The Candy Corn Princess

Mad Climbing Skills...

The Dynamic Duo

Rosetta the Garden Fairy

Tinkerbell the Tinker Fairy

Family Trees

2011-10-05T21:48:00.001-06:00

Sometimes I get bored at night -- and I tend to draw....

Our Plaque

2011-09-05T23:48:00.000-06:00

I made a plaque to go in our entry way today. Used some old fence planks and then sanded them down a bit. I tried 3-4 different ways to hold the corners, and eventually ended up just using L brackets. Took me 4 or 5 hours to get it all put together. I am not completely satisfied with the corners, but it turned out pretty nice I think.

Kids at the Temple

2011-08-22T00:23:00.000-06:00

We went for a Sunday evening drive and ended up at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. The kids had a good time pleasantly frolicking on the grass, and we even got some good pictures of them!

Hallway Home Improvement

2011-08-21T11:01:00.001-06:00

After about 3 months of on again off again work on the entryway, upstairs hall and stairway, we finally got it finished! It looks very nice with white trim.

Removing the Wallpaper

Removing the paste from the wallpaper (harder than removing the wallpaper)

Grafitti

"Cutting In" near the ceiling with paint. Yeah, I am over the stairs, and yeah Diana IS holding the ladder.

The finished entry way.

The finished stairway

The finished hall with all the "Helpers"

Sagers South Dakota Summer 2011

2011-07-27T21:59:00.002-06:00

Our whole trip!

Part of the kidlets at the Motel we stayed at the first night in Rock Springs, WY

At Martin's Cove, the kids got a chance to pull handcarts

I took a turn too, and sufficed to say, I wouldn't have made a great pioneer.

Becca was her own handcart, though she would have gotten to ride in the handcart in Pioneer times.

I'll take little kid for the win please, Mr. Davidson

Two deer who got into a physical argument, and ended up starving to death.

Fireplace made out of a rancher's daughter's rock collection

The whole family!

Wind Caves - they call this Boxwork.

Our tour group

Jewel Cave

The Dakota Hills

Forest Fire Lookout on Grace Coolidge peak

The rolling hills of the Dakota's

Herd of Buffalo? We saw and Heard them.

They were all over the place

Had trails along the mountainside they followed.

Some even came down on the roadway.

Part of our 5 van, 1 car convoy

One of the 9 tunnels carved through the mountains we went through.

The Needles in South Dakota

Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

The family at Mount Rushmore

They are quite amazing both in size and detail

And were lit up at night

Devil's Tower

Devil's Tower at Sunset

Yep, more Devil's tower, but this time with cute kids in front of it!

One of the scoop shovels from the Coal Mine in Campbell County, WY

The tires from the trucks they use in the mine.

Independence Rock, WY

Total Mileage - 1817.4 miles, 35 1/2 hours of driving, about $400 for lodging, $350 for gas, but the memories will be priceless!

Mystery Box(es)

2011-07-27T19:54:00.002-06:00

At the Hammon Reunion there was a Silent Auction to raise funds for next year, and I bid on a mystery box. The winning bid was $25 and was the most cutthroat of all the auctions. It was very close.

Now, I know you are wondering what was in the box. Well, here's a picture of all the wonderful loot!

Two MemoryStor 12 x 12 scrapbook folders
One Big Book of $5.00 Gift Crafts
Four Rolls of ribbon; 2 red, 1 yellow, 1 turquoise (approx. 16 yards)
Four toothbrushes; 3 orange, 1 purple.
Three packages of "Blenders" Skittles
Two Black Sharpies
One Blink Gel Tears lubricating eye drops
Nine sticks of deodorant (5 mens, 4 Womens)
- 1 Dove Extra Fresh scent
- 3 Dove Clean Comfort scent
- 1 Degree Sheer Powder scent
- 2 Suave Powder scent
- 1 Lady Speed Stick Powder Fresh scent
Three Tubes of Colgate toothpaste
- 1 Tartar Protection Whitening Crisp Mint
- 2 Max Clean Whitening Spearmint Blast
One Shick Hydro 3 shaver
One Nivea "Touch of Sparkle" Cream Oil Body Wash
One Olay Total Effects Body wash
One Olay Foaming Face Wash
One Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion
One Tylenol Precise Pain Relief Heat Patch
Four pads of Post-it notes (400 sheets)
One Excedrin Extra Strength pain relievers
Four Johnson and Johnson Soap Buddies easy grip sudsing bar
One Bioré makeup removing towelettes
One Olay Bar Soap
One Kotex Regular Security Tampons (18 count)
One Kotex Super Absorbent Tampons (18 count)
One Crest Glide Dental Floss (43.7 yards)

So, all in all, yes, I got a great deal. $25 wouldn't even cover the cost of the deodorants, and I got so much more than that! Thank you Kristin!

Gracies B-day

2011-07-18T00:00:00.002-06:00

Start the day with some presents

and then a few more...

Dinner at Subway

And a pretty little crown from Gramma.

Hammon Reunion

2011-07-11T23:16:00.000-06:00

After the Farmilee Reunion (see previous post), we all headed up to Boise for the Reunion of my mother-in-laws siblings. Diana's cousin's daughter rode up with us since she lives in Provo. The kids LOVE her. They had so much fun talking to her and asking her questions. (Hopefully she did too)

We went to Golden Corral for dinner ...

The kids loved the choices and getting whatever they wanted.

The next day, we went to the park and had games and activities, some lunch and a silent auction.

Noodle Hockey

Red Rover

The siblings who attended

That night since we staying at the hotel again, and we took a walk down by the riverside.

It was very cool and relaxing ...

... and the kids wore themselves out running up and down the embankment under the bridges.

The next morning, Sunday, we loaded up and headed home. We filled up in Boise, then again in Brigham City. Oddly enough, a man dressed rather shabbily (torn shorts and shirt unbuttoned) asked if he could get a bit of gas for his RV that was out of gas. His credit cards were being denied, it was a full moon, dogs hate cats, blah blah blah... long story short, I gave him 10 gallons of gas. Yeah, I know, I probably didn't need to, but I figure Karma eventually works itself out, eh?

All in all, great trip and the kids had a great time.

Farmilee Reunion

2011-07-07T23:55:00.000-06:00

This year was the first of (hopefully) many D&D Lee Family Reunions. We themed ours, the Farmilee Reunion, and set up activities based on living on a farm.

We went to the LDS Church History Museum and as you can see, my children would have made great pioneers. It was roughly 30 seconds before they complained.

We saw the farm animals at our friends the Blackhurst's Farm. They had chickens, calves, cows, and horses. The little girls were in Seventh Heaven to actually get to pet the horse. Over and over and over.

The obligatory family picture was taken

Becca watched her cousins run to and fro for 3 solid days

Five (four pictured) girls donated their hair to Locks of Love

Sparklers were played with...

despite the rain.

Fireworks were lit...

Causing LOTS of smoke to go with the Ooh's and Ahh's

We went to Thanksgiving Point

The kids enjoyed it thoroughly

And topped it off with an UN birthday party for everyone!

Thanks to ALL those who came when they could and spent time with the family.

Landon's Birthday

2011-07-01T23:47:00.017-06:00

Today was Lanny Man's 4th Birthday. He was so excited all day long to be the center of attention and get to choose his favorite meals -- Including Panda Express for dinner.

Presents Galore - Cars Sleeping Bag, Spiderman Plush, and Batman Board Books.

Grandma and Grandpa Sagers stopped by and got him a new baseball bat and wiffle ball....

... and some books

And a car themed Birthday Cake to end his WONDERFUL day being the center of attention.

National Abilities Center

2011-06-25T20:29:00.001-06:00

Today we had the opportunity to go to the National Abilities Center in Park City. It is basically a recreational area that specifically caters to persons with disabilities. They had bike and horseback riding, a climbing wall, high and low ropes course, and an adapted playground. They are all specifically laid out such that no matter the disability, everyone can participate. We started off on the bikes.

I rode a 3 wheeled, 1-hand steering and brake recumbent bike.

With Becca on my lap

Gracie rode a hand pedaled recumbent tricycle

Emily rode a large tricycle with regular pedals, but a large seat to help maintain balance

Ethan rode a hand pedaled tricycle -- and when I say rode, I mean he even pedaled himself around, CUTEST thing EVER.

Landon also rode a recumbent style trike, and loved every minute of it.

They had a small obstacle course for practicing. Becca loved just cruising up and down the road.

The climbing wall, Becca wasn't much for climbing, but loved sitting and swinging on the rope. BTW this is what I would look like with a long mustache.

Emily climbed about 1/2 way up the 30 foot wall

Landon about 10 feet

Gracie 1/2 way up as well.

Ethan wasn't too sure about it, but got to swing a bit like Becca too.

The low ropes course let Grace practice balance

And Emily got to too.
(Note: the woman on the right is also named Emily. She is one of Becca's supervisors in the state program)

Landon loved the ropes course and did awesome

Becca did the High ropes course as well, she was 20 feet in the air, swinging in the breeze. She even held her head up part of the time to look around. She loved the wind in her face.

Then she got to help brush Stormy the miniature pony. She wouldn't look at the horse, but every time she felt him rub his muzzle on her leg she laughed and giggled.

Gracie got to ride

Emily was all smiles

And Landon was proud as he could be.

It was a great experience for our whole family and we had a great time. We learned about all sorts of adaptive devices we can use with Becca so she gets the most out of our playground and family activities. Thank you USDB for a great day!

One of two days celebrating ME!

2011-06-19T21:56:00.001-06:00

So there are 2 days a year that are all about me: My birthday and Father's Day. And boy howdy, do I let my kids and wife spoil me...

Breakfast in Bed. Notice the "Morning Face"

The Scrambled Egg Bandit kept stealing my food.

Reading the Cards

Card from Emily

Card from Gracie

Card from Landon, with Gracie's Help

Seeing the picture of my gift from Diana (since it hasn't arrived yet)... But it's this lovely little number to add to my tools, most of which I have gotten from my own father...

I am VERY excited to play... *cough* I mean work with it!

It's almost Primeday....

2011-06-09T21:02:00.000-06:00

Yes, I am a nerd. But I find this song HILARIOUS. I listen to it sometimes several times in a row -- even when it's not Primeday eve...

Featured Blogger

2011-06-08T19:46:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine has a Blogger-dash (think Balderdash) contest on her website where she has people submit captchas and fun definitions and then vote for a winner. Well, I was the winner with - tatervan: where you put your potatoes when you want to transport them somewhere. So as the winner, she features my blog, talents, etc for a week.

Check out her blog here: http://hereslivinthedream.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-blogger-dash-winner-announced.html.

It's where I live on a farm vicariously through the adventures of others... Submit an entry and join in the fun! Thanks Melanie!

Saturday Picnic And Tree Climb

2011-05-21T23:25:00.003-06:00

Today Grandma and Grandpa Sagers came to visit. We had a nice picnic lunch in the park.

Then we went to a different park where the Utah Forestry Council was having a Tree Climbing Competition. There were speed climbing, aerial rescues, and a few other competitions. They also had a children's tree climb. Landon, Grace, and Emily all got a turn.

Gracie made it the farthest. She was in sandals and made it clear to the very top (about 20 feet up in the tree) but they all had fun. Diana and I both had sunburns by the end of the day from working outside, mowing the lawn, weeding, and cleaning up the yard. Good Day.

Mother's-In-Law Day Present

2011-05-14T08:51:00.001-06:00

With the help of Hobby Lobby and Home Depot, Diana and I made this for her mom. The board was from Home Depot, and painted with cream enamel, then painted over the top with gold, then wiped off for a "glazed" effect. Then we attached the letters and word with wood screws. I think it turned out quite nice.

Project for My Niece

2011-05-05T00:49:00.000-06:00

My sister (with the help of her husband) recently turned an old sheep camp into a playhouse for her littler girl. It had sat vacant at my Grandma's house for at least 20 years, so it was quite the project. She remodeled the inside including the upholstery and flooring. Anyway -- now, her daughter has a cute little playhouse. Which brings me to MY contribution.

I decided to make her some "play food" she could have in her kitchen. We have a glut of spare cans from Becca's food powder.

The nice thing is the lids are removable so she can store whatever she wants in them. I created my own labels, printed them on 11x17 paper (cut in 1/2 lengthwise) and glued them on the cans. I think they turned out pretty darn cute, and I think she will like them.

Prom 2011

2011-04-24T23:38:00.001-06:00

With the help of my siblings, Diana was able to have a prom of her own! Read about it here!

Why Won't My Hands Do What My Brain Sees?

2011-03-30T22:13:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I get SO frustrated with my body. Whether it is taking a photo, drawing a picture, or creating a computer program, my brain has all these great ideas that my hands have no intention of doing. Well, that's not totally true, my hands do the best they can, but things get in the way like time, cost, effort and good old know-how. I have had my share of successes:

Photography -- I have well over 400 pictures posted on my photo blog
Graphic Design -- I have had some success learning Adobe Illustrator (Some of my work)
Clothing Design -- I have come up with a few interesting shirt desings
Computer Programs -- I have created some fun, yet useful computer programs (Baby Poll, and People Lipsum)

But sometimes I want to be more than a Jack of all trades -- I want to be King, Czar, or Emperor of one.

Anyone else have this problem?

Nerd Merit Badge

2011-03-08T08:28:00.002-07:00

First off, yes they exist and secondly, I just earned one. I gotta say, its probably one of the hardest merit badges I ever had to earn, and that includes environmental science, and citizenship in the community from Boy Scouts. This one was for doing something every day for 365 days. As most people know, my photoblog (http://photokapi.com/)has been an endeavor of mine since Jan 1, 2010. Here's the badge I earned:

I feel a huge sense of accomplishment for having completed this, and would highly recommend to both my readers that they do it too! Maybe it's not a photo blog, but write a poem, draw a picture, do a craft project, read your scriptures, what ever you decide. Do SOMETHING every day for a year. Starting today. Trust me, it's worth it!

Barrier from the World

2011-03-01T22:43:00.000-07:00

With all that goes wrong in the world, I am so blessed to have a family that makes me happy. Two little boys who ALWAYS can't wait to see me. A smallish girl that has the energy of 10 kids, and loves to tell me all about her adventures. A medium girl who regales me with stories of made up worlds and lands and wonders. An oldest girl who snuggles any time day or night. And a wife who literally exudes warmth -- in all senses of the word. If I was stranded on an island, as long as I had my little family, all would be well. *Sigh*

I hope you dance....

2011-02-06T09:28:00.001-07:00

Last night, we went to my cousin's wedding; afterward there was dancing. Becc and I danced 3 whole songs before my arms gave out, and she LOVED it. So much so, by the 3rd song, there were tears streaming down her cheeks from laughing so hard. I look forward to the day when we can dance together with her feet on the floor.

She is so much work, yet all that is erased with a hug or a smile. I guess in that way, she has my other kids beat out. No matter how frustrated I am with how much extra effort she is, she can change my outlook in 2 seconds.

Love you Bec!

P.S. In case you were wondering (and I know you are) the 3 songs were: All the Single Ladies by Beyonce, Forever by Chris Brown, and I can't remember the 3rd, but it had a fly groove. Yeah, I can dance, don't be jealous.

Snow Day

2011-02-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Drew this over the past few days; if its gotta snow, spend it with the one(s) you love!

On turning 35...

2011-01-27T08:35:00.001-07:00

Pros:

over 1/2 way to retirement. (unless they keep raising the age, which they might)
can run for President of the United States. (Not that I want to, but nice to know it's an option)
Only 5 years until a midlife crisis, and then I can get that new _________ I have been wanting.
Only 20 years until my senior discount kicks in.
All my kids are still younger than me, and think I know more than they do (for another couple of years)
1 year closer to being a millionaire, at my current rate, I only need to live several thousand more years to hit my goal.

Cons:

I should know by now what I want to be when I grow up, but don't know if I do.
Body parts will continue to get old and fall off/out or be removed; so far I am down 2 teeth and one gall bladder.

Overall, I gotta say though, I never imagined being 35; I remember looking forward to the year 2000, and that's 11 years in the past now.

I look forward to life, love my wife, can't play the fife, have fun with my swiss army knife, and try to avoid strife. And I like rhymes and symmetry.

Ambigram III

2011-01-24T18:54:00.001-07:00

My third attempt at an ambigram.

Ambigram II

2011-01-24T08:10:00.006-07:00

This is my 2nd attempt at an ambigram; commissioned by my wife's cousin, Emilee.

Ambigram

2011-01-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

An ambigram is basically a typographical design that may be read as one or more words not only in its form as presented, but also from another viewpoint, direction, or orientation. That said, I present my first attempt at an ambigram, this one reading the same rotated 180 degrees. What do you think?

Molecular Weight 401.7336564

2011-01-18T08:10:00.009-07:00

Luckily, real weight is less than that by almost 1/2. Nevertheless, my name elementally speaking is:

I realize there is no such compound, but if there was, according to my research, it would be F₂GeOReY or DiflourineGermaniumOxyRheniumYtterbium. I think. Any contradictory ideas would be subject to up to and including one full minute of research.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 12

2010-12-26T23:25:00.001-07:00

The Seabreacher J

I don't care who you are; If I had the money, I WOULD SO GET ONE OF THESE. If you haven't watched the video, you need to. A personal watercraft that looks like a shark and swims like one too! A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

Also acceptable gifts are a real AT-AT Walker and Land Speeder from Star Wars, or a teleporter/transporter and Phaser from Star Trek.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 11

2010-12-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

A Lightsaber.

Or more accurately a laser that can cut holes in plastic, fabric, and various other materials, or according to the website:

It will blind permanently and instantly and set fire quickly to skin and other body parts, use with extreme caution and only when using the included eye protection.

But, come on in the right circumstances would be AWESOME! And by "right" I mean most circumstances.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 10

2010-12-21T07:25:00.000-07:00

Plasma Ball

This can make you feel like a mastermind with an evil and sinister plot to carry out, or allow you to see "the force" coming from your fingers in a cool way like an ultra powerful Jedi/Sith. They even make USB ones now so you can run it on your desk. I know, right? Sign me up for at least one.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 9

2010-12-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

T-Shirts, make that 2X please. For 2 TIMES THE AWESOMENESS!
SnorgTees.com has a ton that I like, but two of my very favorite are below.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 8

2010-12-19T08:02:00.001-07:00

So I says Mildred, its none of my never you mind, but anyway. Ok, well gotta go Mabel, talk to ya tommarra.

Yes, that's right a vintage telephone. I've always wanted one, and the more steampunk it is, the better.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 7

2010-12-18T08:10:00.001-07:00

Unicorn Meat

Don't get me wrong, I am QUITE aware this is not made from real LIVE Unicorns. Obviously its made from really Dead ones. However, as everyone knows, Unicorn meats gives you all sorts of special powers depending on whether you follow the He-Man version, Harry Potter Version or some other twist on the age old fairy tale. Still, special powers are special powers.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 6

2010-12-17T08:02:00.006-07:00

Backpack / Jetpack

Buy It Here

Buy it Here

Choose to be Luke in training with Yoda on your back, or Boba Fett with his sweet jetpack. The choice is yours, the awesomeness is free of charge.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 5

2010-12-16T07:37:00.007-07:00

The Complete Far Side

Yep, every Far Side ever, including some that were never published. -- this item is slightly different that the others I have posted so far, because I already own it, and it was worth every hard earned penny I spent on it. I have read all 1272 pages several times now, and sometimes I just laugh thinking back to one of them I read.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 4

2010-12-15T08:18:00.001-07:00

The Ultimate Swiss Army Knife. Priced at a measly $999.00 and weighing just over 2.5 lbs, this 85 function knife knows no equal. When someone says, man, if I just had a ... you whip this puppy out, and YOU are freaking MacGyver.

This is a Knife!

In case you were wondering (because I know you are) Here are all 85.

1. 2.5” 60% Serrated locking blade
2. Nail file, nail cleaner
3. Corkscrew
4. Adjustable pliers with wire crimper and cutter
5. Removable screwdriver bit adapter
6. 2.5” Blade for Official World Scout Knife
7. Spring-loaded, locking needle-nose pliers with wire cutter
8. Removable screwdriver bit holder
9. Phillips head screwdriver bit 0
10. Phillips head screwdriver bit 1
11. Phillips head screwdriver bit 2
12. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.5 mm x 3.5 mm
13. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.6 mm x 4.0 mm
14. Flat head screwdriver bit 1.0 mm x 6.5 mm
15. Magnetized recessed bit holder
16. Double-cut wood saw with ruler (inch & cm)
17. Bike chain rivet setter, removable 5m allen wrench, screwdriver for slotted and Phillips head screws
18. Removable tool for adjusting bike spokes, 10m hexagonal key for nuts
19. Removable 4mm curved allen wrench with Phillips head screwdriver
20. Removable 10mm hexagonal key
21. Patented locking Phillips head screwdriver
22. Universal wrench
23. Laser pointer with 300 ft. range
24. 1.65” Clip point utility blade
25. Metal saw, metal file
26. 4 mm allen wrench
27. 2.5” blade
28. Fine metal file with precision screwdriver
29. Double-cut wood saw
30. Cupped cigar cutter with double-honed edges
31. 12/20-Gauge choke tube tool
32. Watch caseback opening tool
33. Snap shackle
34. Telescopic pointer
35. Compass, straight edge, ruler (in./cm)
36. Mineral crystal magnifier with precision screwdriver
37. 2.4” Springless scissors with serrated, self-sharpening design
38. Shortix key
39. Flashlight
40. Fish scaler, hook disgorger, line guide
41. Micro tool holder
42. Micro tool adapter
43. Micro scraper-straight
44. Reamer
45. Fine fork for watch spring bars
46. Pin punch 1.2 mm
47. Pin punch .8 mm
48. Round needle file
49. Removable tool holder with expandable receptacle
50. Removable tool holder
51. Multi-purpose screwdriver
52. Flat Phillips head screwdriver
53. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.5 mm x 3.5 mm
54. Spring loaded, locking flat nose nose-pliers with wire cutter
55. Phillips head screwdriver bit 0
56. Phillips head screwdriver bit 1
57. Phillips head screwdriver bit 2
58. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.5 mm x 3.5 mm
59. Flat head screwdriver bit 0.6 mm x 4.0 mm
60. Flat head screwdriver bit 1.0 mm x 6.5 mm
61. Can opener
62. Phillips head screwdriver
63. 2.5” Clip point blade
64. Golf club face cleaner
65. 2.4” Round tip blade
66. Patented locking screwdriver, cap lifter, can opener
67. Golf shoe spike wrench
68. Golf divot repair tool
69. Micro straight-curved
70. Special tool holder
71. Phillips head screwdriver 1.5mm
72. Screwdriver 1.2 mm
73. Screwdriver .8 mm
74. Mineral crystal magnifier, fork for watch spring bars, small ruler
75. Removable screwdriver bit holder
76. Magnetized recessed bit holder
77. Tire tread gauge
78. Reamer/awl
79. Patented locking screwdriver, cap lifter, wire stripper
80. Special Key
81. Toothpick
82. Tweezers
83. Adapter
84. Key ring
85. Second key ring

Oh, And you can buy it here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/tools/8b97/

12 Geek Gifts - Day 3

2010-12-14T08:28:00.001-07:00

Tauntaun Sleeping Bag. Yes, if I was going to have an awesome (rather than specifically useful) sleeping bag, it would be this one. But it better smell good on the inside.

Buy it here: http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/plush/bb2e/

12 Geek Gifts - Day 2

2010-12-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

Newton's Cradle.

If you don't know how it works, look it up on YouTube.

12 Geek Gifts - Day 1

2010-12-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

1 word or possibly 2. Buckyballs. I am fascinated by them.

12 Geek Days of Christmas

2010-12-12T22:06:00.000-07:00

I'm a geek. That fact has never once been disputed by anyone I know. Many people when faced with the "challenge" of extraordinary amounts of money would blow it on cars or houses or the like. I would prefer something with lasers, or magnets, or maybe both. With this in mind, and if YOU have extra coinage and are looking for a gift for me, I give you, the 12 Geek Days of Christmas (consider it a wish list)

CHRISTmas Tree

2010-12-10T11:31:00.001-07:00

Just some fun typography I made.

Bonus: Friday Doodle

2010-11-05T20:12:00.002-06:00

Yet another meeting, yet another doodle.

Thursday Meeting Doodle

2010-11-04T10:57:00.003-06:00

Doughnuts were the treat of the day.

Last Alpine Loop of the Year

2010-10-31T22:06:00.001-06:00

Today we took the last Alpine Loop trip of the year. The canyon closes tomorrow for winter. While we were up there we decided to take some family shots. I think they turned out pretty well.

Thursday Meeting Doodle

2010-10-29T10:52:00.002-06:00

Stupid pen ran out of ink. Not a lot of notes taken.

Thursday Meeting : Spikemen

2010-10-14T21:32:00.000-06:00

So, I have an attention span problem. I can't sit in meetings or watch movies without DOING something. Every Thursday we have a staff meeting at work, and I have a tendency to doodle. These little doodles will probably be worth millions someday, so I am letting you get in on the ground floor of seeing them first!

Today, I drew the spike men. A couple things you should know. 1) Yes, they have a leader, it's pretty obvious who it is, and 2) if it looks like it was drawn a paper towel with a smudge on it, it was, and the brownie was delicious!

Tilt Shift

2010-10-06T09:48:00.000-06:00

Tilt shift photography uses a special lens that encompasses two different types of movements: rotation of the lens plane relative to the image plane, called tilt, and movement of the lens parallel to the image plane, called shift. The lenses start at about $1200 like this Canon TS-E 45mm or the Canon TS-E 17mm for $2200. Normally, this is used for taking pictures of tall buildings without the parallel lines converging, but you can also use them to make pretend miniature model scenes. You can "fake" this effect with a series of actions in Photoshop, which is what I did; since I am not Mr. Moneybags. It turned out pretty well, especially for a first attempt. What do you think?

Weenie Roast

2010-10-01T22:26:00.001-06:00

Tonight we went up AF Canyon for a Weenie Roast... We didn't actually start until about 7:15, so it was starting to get dark. But the kids had a lot of fun with only grabbing the wrong end of the roasting wire a couple of times a piece. Luckily, there was a stream nearby to dunk their hands in. They got good and sticky with strawberry smores too. Darrin, Kelly, Mia and Tim came too, and the kids had a good time playing with them too.

Last One turning One

2010-09-19T20:21:00.000-06:00

A childs first birthday is the most important birthday they will ever have. If they don't have thier first one, they won't have their eighth, twelfth, sixteenth, eighteenth, or twenty first. And yet no one remembers it. So, in an effort to prove to Ethan that he did in fact actually have one, I present the following.

Labor Day Fun

2010-09-07T19:25:00.001-06:00

For Labor Day weekend, we went to Logan to for my sister Heather's baby's blessing. 4 of the 6 siblings have had children in the last year, so the obligatory "cousins picture" was taken. Notice the monstrous one; he's mine.

We stayed overnight and Monday went to Promontory Summit where the Golden Spike was driven connecting the Eastern and Western US railroads. Landon, whose middle name is "why on earth are you doing that?" decided to check out the local geology.

Jesus

2010-09-02T07:35:00.002-06:00

Eternal Family Word Art

2010-08-26T07:51:00.002-06:00

Uber Nerd Pt I

2010-08-12T17:22:00.006-06:00

Ok, so its Part I, because I can't deny who I am, and let's be honest, there will be a part II, III, etc...

I decided I don't draw enough, so I decided to go back to doing some illustration. My first in the "Nerd" Category is this one: Ever notice that stormtroopers don't seem to be the brightest bulb on the tree?

Pondering the Universe

2010-08-01T23:00:00.000-06:00

My little Becca will never be enrolled in college, but that doesn't mean she doesn't ponder (and know more than most about the secrets of the universe.

3rd place

2010-07-19T09:58:00.000-06:00

I can now say I have award-winning photos on my photokapi website. I took 3rd place in the Wasatch Camera Club Intermediate Open Division last Thursday. It's not first or second, but it IS an award. Hopefully in the coming months that little white ribbon will have some red and blue friends to play with.

Being Remarkable.

2010-06-29T18:00:00.019-06:00

Lets just be straight here. I am above average. I received better grades than a C. I know how to do a lot more things than most people I know. I have been more places than most people I know. I have quite a few talents. I truly enjoy my life. I love my wife, my children adore me, and I love playing with them. I have no reason to feel less than adequate about most things.

However, I have yet to feel remarkable about anything. Don't get me wrong, that is one of my biggest aspirations in life; to be remarkable in something, anything.

I have tried drawing, and I am better than your average Pictionary™ player.

I have tried home improvement, and am far less likely to be hurt than Tim "The Toolman" Taylor (though that's not saying much is it?).

I have a nice looking yard, but nothing spectacular.

I think my yearning to be remarkable partly sparked my interest in creating my photography blog. Its not remarkable photography yet, maybe it never will be, but I find it remarkable to me that there is a new photo every day. Every single day. That I took. Some are better than others. I know that. Hopefully they are getting better in general. On day 365 I plan to grab the folder from my computer and make a book out of it. A hard-bound copy of at least one thing (that took a whole year) to do that was remarkable to me.

Someday, maybe I can look back on it with fondness and my naive dreams of being someone important later on in life. I won't be looking at it from The Oval Office, the Governor's mansion, or probably even the Mayor's house. But, it's something I can look at, and maybe someday, as my grandchildren are cleaning out my house after I am gone, one of them will come across it, and even for a moment, think, "Huh, my grandpa sure was remarkable…"

Time is Running Out!

2010-06-19T23:22:00.002-06:00

If you haven't voted on the prize for the next contest on my photography blog, http://www.photokapi.com please take a second and do so -- and I appreciate any and all comments, praise, or constructive criticism on the pictures as well.

Gracie Can Too

2010-06-14T22:33:00.000-06:00

Gracie learned to ride her bike too -- out of nowhere she decided she could. We went to the church parking lot tonight for Family Home Evening and they rode around all over the place.

First REAL Bike Ride

2010-06-09T22:23:00.000-06:00

Emily rode her bike for the first time -- for real, not for very far grant you, but at least as far as the Wright Brothers 1st airplane ride. Baby Steps.

Em's 8

2010-06-06T22:33:00.000-06:00

Well, the big day for Emily finally arrived. She was so excited/nervous. Our stake has baptisms by ward, and she was the only one in the ward getting baptized Saturday, so she got to plan the whole program. She heard two excellent talks by her grandmother's about repentance/baptism and the Holy Ghost. I asked her if she wanted to be baptized in English or Portuguese and she chose Portuguese, which was a little bit "aww" for me. We gave her a new set of scriptures -- a blue leather-bound quad, and a journal that everyone who came to her service got to write a note in for her. Afterward we had a nice picnic in the backyard and a nice visit with everyone who came.

Pansies

2010-05-29T15:26:00.001-06:00

Today we planted the flowers for our garden. Diana planted some daisies and geraniums in pots, and together we planted about 4 dozen pansies in the front garden. Hopefully within a week or so they will fill out and take up more room.

Geoff 1, Treestump 0

2010-04-24T23:00:00.003-06:00

faI rented a backhoe today to take out a rather large tree stump by the side of my house; 20-24" diameter. It took 2 hours to dig it out and $150 to rent the backhoe, but it was well spent; I would have spent EASILY 3-4 days digging and probably not been able to get it out.

New Family Pictures

2010-04-05T19:56:00.005-06:00

Landons 1st made up word

2010-03-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

We live next to the sewage treatment plant. Now, by next to, I mean 4-5 miles a way. However, when the wind is just right and they are stirring the mixture just wrong... that smell of "I fell into an outhouse at some hippie concert where they only HAD one outhouse and everyone used it"... well, you get the idea.

This morning as we put Becca on the bus there was a lingering odor in the air and Landon exclaimed - "Daddy, that's poo-licious!" And it was... Both Diana and I busted up laughing...

The Gall of Hospitals

2010-02-14T23:47:00.001-07:00

I recently had 2 stints in the Hospital ER. The first one was at 3 am on a Wednesday a couple of weeks ago. My 34th Birthday. The whole experience is rather foggy, I was in a lot of pain and throwing up, and therefore on a lot of medication, but when I woke up I had 3 little dots on my stomach and an inch long slit next to my belly button -- and no gall bladder. Apparently mine had reached it's expiration date, and had started to go bad. (5-6 gallstones). Then the following Sunday I ended up going back (again, in pain, and throwing up) and after several more extensive (ie Expensive) tests, they concluded that one of the gallstones had slipped away and gotten stuck. With a few medications, it was taken care of and passed normally.

Then, a few days ago I got the bill from the 1st ER visit -- Grand Total: $10,680. Still waiting on the second one. However, this is a small price to pay vs the alternative which apparently is 100% less being alive, so... what you gonna do?

Big Boy Bed

2010-01-09T19:26:00.002-07:00

Today I made Landon a "big boy" bed. He is so excited to sleep in it tonight. It isn't stained yet, but that is a job for next Saturday. Total cost of materials? $34. Not too shabby.

New (Additional) Blog

2010-01-07T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am starting a new blog in addition to this one. http://www.photokapi.com/. I plan to post one new picture every day for at least a full 365 days. The purpose of the new blog is to force myself to take MORE pictures. Hopefully, this also helps me take BETTER pictures. Please feel free to share the link with anyone you wish, and comments and constructive criticisms are appreciated as well.

Time Lapse of Landon's Christmas

2009-12-28T00:06:00.002-07:00

Hmm, What's this?

This looks cool!

Cars? -- I LOVE cars!

Check out my haul!

Night Photos

2009-12-01T21:07:00.001-07:00

Tonight I took two of the girls (Emily and Grace) on a nighttime photoshoot. We went to a few different places and I played around with the settings on my camera. Here are some of the better ones. (no postwork)

Ethan has other moods now

2009-11-27T13:42:00.001-07:00

And amazingly enough, they aren't all crying...

Its Autum Time, The Leaves Are Falling Down.

2009-10-25T14:52:00.000-06:00

The girls had a great time playing in the leaves.

ER I <3 U

2009-10-25T14:45:00.000-06:00

Friday night I had the "opportunity" to go visit the nice people in the emergency room. My chest/abdomen started hurting Friday at work about 3:00 and it got steadily worse; by the time 9:00 rolled around I was pacing the floor pulling my hair out. A couple of our neighbors came over and took me to the hospital ER where they did some blood work, x-rays and ultrasounds to see if it was kidney stones or try and figure out exactly what it was. Results-- inconclusive. They gave me a heavy sedative and some prilosec and that has seemed to help, but next week I get to go have an endoscopy done to see if it is ulcers (again) or something else. Not sure all of what is involved, but if they figure out why this type of thing keeps happening, I am all in favor of doing whatever it takes. Maybe I can watch the video of my guts -- probably rated "R" for grossness.

New Headboard

2009-10-23T19:31:00.001-06:00

This past week I finished a new headboard for the master bedroom. We looked numerous places for one that Diana and I liked that had the "look" we were looking for. The closest ones we found were several hundred dollars, so I decided to make one myself. All the materials cost just over $50 and we got exactly what we wanted.

BLHBB (Becca Loves Her Baby Brother)

2009-10-12T19:14:00.002-06:00

OoOoOh that baby. . .

2009-10-03T00:22:00.004-06:00

So much hair....

2009-09-28T00:10:00.001-06:00

These Small Wonders

2009-09-21T13:09:00.002-06:00

He's Here....

2009-09-19T14:34:00.001-06:00

Ethan Albert Sagers
Born 09/19/09 - 8 lbs 10oz, 20inches long.

Boatin'

2009-09-13T22:46:00.001-06:00

My Aunt and Uncle invited us to go boating with them on Saturday. Emily, Grace, Landon, and I had a good time. We went all over Utah Lake, including over to Saratoga Springs. Emily even rode in the tube. I didn't think she would, but she had a great time.

Emily and Andrew

Emily and Aunt Deana

Grace and Landon

Found a 'tato bug!

2009-08-20T19:24:00.001-06:00

Reunion Kids

2009-08-16T20:44:00.003-06:00

This past week was my Grandma's brothers' and sisters' reunion.
I took some rather nice photos of some of the kids.

Anna

Conner

Elyse

Landon

Take the Poll!

2009-08-05T07:22:00.002-06:00

Diana and I have had numerous -- lets call them "discussions" over what to name the baby, and we need your ideas. Please go to babypoll.sagersfamily.com and let me know any ideas you have for a name, as well as guess the weight, height, etc.

Almost Camping

2009-07-11T12:44:00.002-06:00

We went to Mutual Dell for an Elder's Quorum/Ward campout. Diana had had enough camping for a bit, so we decided not to stay over, so we just went up on Friday, then I took Emily and Grace again Saturday morning. We had a great breakfast of pancakes and omlets.

They also had a zipline that both girls (reluctantly) and I went down. But they both had fun once the had done it, and wanted to do it again.

Gracie on the Zipline

Emily on the Zipline

Landon

Camping Out

2009-06-29T08:26:00.003-06:00

Diana's family had a reunion in Logan Canyon. To prepare we got a new tent, since the 5-man that we had (which barely fits 3) wasn't going to cut it.

This is our new tent -- 12 man (yes, for a family of 6 soon to be 7).

Left Side

Right side, so roomie -- even for a preggo.

On our way home, we got stuck in a big traffic jam. If you look closely there is a little boy relieving himself next to one of the cars. (I found this out after I got them home.)
The traffic jam was caused by this.

Horseback Riding

2009-06-29T08:21:00.002-06:00

As part of Diana's family reunion, we went to the American West Heritage Center in Logan. They had some pony rides and the kids LOVED riding them.

Grace

Landon (had to wear a pink helmet, it was the only one that fit him)

Emily

Almost 3, going on Deacon

2009-06-07T21:24:00.002-06:00

Landon -- Almost 3, going on Deacon. No, he isn't turning 3, just wears SIZE 3T clothes and is pushing into the 4T arena. He's a healthy eater, that's for sure. But he is so fun to be around; just putters around the house playing with toy cars, balls, or whatever else suits his fancy at the time. But if you wait to long to feed the boy, he gets really cranky. So if he starts getting into things or making a mess, you can bet, it's mealtime.

Voltron of Butterflies

2009-06-02T10:42:00.003-06:00

My family went to the Monte L. Bean museum for Family Home Evening tonight. One of the exhibits they had was the Voltron of Butterflies. Too bad they can't really do that in nature, that would be sweet!

Biker lost in the valley!

2009-06-01T22:45:00.002-06:00

Ok, the headline is the attention grabber, but seriously, how come no bikers ever get lost this way? How nice would it be to hear on the news: "A local man, missing for over a month was found today, 40 lbs heavier than when he got lost. Apparently he had a trailer full of food with him, which he ate too much of. In fact, according to experts, he could have lasted as long as 2 more months had he not eaten so much of it at once.

Seriously though, this is my bike load of food for the office for a snack vending setup my co-worker and I have. I am sure I got some strange looks riding to work pulling a trailer full of food, especially since I took the longer way down through some farmland areas.

Springtime Evening

2009-04-20T14:20:00.002-06:00

Emily and Gracie and I were playing out on the front lawn and I decided to take some pictures, there were several nice ones, but this one turned out pretty well though their fingers needed to be over just a little. It was hard to set up staring straight into the sun and all, but with the flash to light the foreground, turned out pretty well.
This one turned out pretty good too, the lighting was good and she was in the shade so she didn't have to squint. All in all, a decent Saturday evening.

Spring might be FINALLY here...

2009-04-18T22:12:00.003-06:00

On Saturday we did a little yardwork. We have a long way to go, but its starting to take shape after WAY too many months of winter. (BTW, anything besides December, and January is TOO MUCH Winter). The flowers are starting to bloom so I took some pictures.

Popcorn popping on the apricot tree

2009-04-13T21:02:00.001-06:00

Winter is NO LONGER allowed until November.