Nichols Family Blog

del Norte Turkey Trot 2010

2010-12-03T18:26:00.001-08:00

This year was unusual, since Torel had to work. He usually goes to the Turkey Trot, but since he couldn't make it, I got nominated. It was fun though. The kids love it. Next year we will all have to run.

Hallie at the end of her race.

It was a little chilly that day, so Harrli needed her hat.

Hannha and Isabel

Hannah at the end. Sooo tired.

Thanksgiving Cookies

2010-12-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have blogged and already am having a hard time. So after the 3rd try I think I finally got it. Wednesday before Thanksgiving Aunt Trina came over and helped us make cut-out Turkey cookies. We were supposed to send them to Uncle Terel on his mission, but they were so good, we ate them all. Sorry Uncle Terel. We will send him some later.

Aunt Trina is soo much fun.

Hayydn got his hands dirty. Hannah is the best big sister, they all love her.

Hallie and Haddli loved making cookies.

Harrli was the biggest helper of all!! (Notice the flour all over her face!)

HALLOWEEN! YAAAAAY

2010-11-10T09:53:00.001-08:00

Halloween time again. This year was fairly simple. Obviously Halloween was on Sunday so we had a tri-ward trunk or treat on Saturday. It was a lot of fun and we had a lot of participation, which I have to say is pretty common for our ward. I love it. Sunday our kids handed out candy. I can't decide which one they liked better, dressing up and going trick or treating or handing out candy? It was pretty funny to listen in, "hurry get ready, here comes another customer . . ." Seriously, they would block off the sidewalk, nobody was getting by without getting some candy! I eventually had to go down and regulate to make sure they weren't giving away all the candy. They all wanted to hand out candy and so they ended up each giving a candy to each kid. What a mess. :-) BUT, they had lots of fun. Anyway, here are some pics. Enjoy.

Haddli (butterfly Fairy), Hannah (Pirate), Hallie (Witch), Hayydn (hand me down Lumpy).

Now including Harrli (hand me down Eeyore), and Mama (nurse). An interesting note, everyone of our kids was in that Eeyore costume and some point. Honestly, the only way we can tell who is who is by looking at the date. :-)
Harrli.
Haddli.
Hallie.
Harrli and Mama.
Lookin' at something cool. Nice bump-it by the way.
Pandemonium.
Hayydn in his gay costume. (But he still pulled it off). :-)
PUMPKINS. Most of the girls need some coaxing to dig into the pumpkins but Hayydn was all over it - thus all the photos of him.

Hannah, being the big sister and helping out.

Hallie. eeeeeewwww (is what she is saying). But she wanted to collect all the seeds for pumpkins next year. Mama just cooked them instead. They were pretty good actually. Good job Mama.
Hannah getting into the action.
Me helping out. Sorry about exposing my sexy body. What can I say? I like to be naked . . . .
. . . . and greasy. :-)
All the Pumpkins. left to right, Haddli, Hallie, Hannah, Hayydn and Dad.
This is Haddli's pumpkin. She carved it all by herself.
Most impressive pumpkin was by Hallie, again all by herself. Impressive.
Hannah went simple - but effective.
Finally the pumpkin belonging to myself and Hayydn.

Well, that is about it. Until next year, that is about all I have to say about Halloween this year.

The Super Computer

2010-11-07T20:33:00.000-08:00

So, our desktop computer was about ten years old and not running to hot. That is OK because Lisa and I have both gotten a laptop over the years. I purchased mine right before law school about 5 years ago. Wow, that was a long time ago - life sure goes by fast. Anyway, needless to say my laptop is now ill equipped to run the new CS5 software. I had to completely re-image my laptop just to get through the last season of soccer photos. So, I combined the income from by business ventures throughout the year and decided to build a new computer. I decided to build rather than buy because I was sick and tired of getting commercial fluff and garbage. I want a lean mean operating machine!

So, my specs are as follows: (for those of you who actually care)

Case:

Cooler Master HAF X

MOBO:

Asus P6X58D-E LGA 1366 Intel X58 SATA 6gb/s USB 3.0 ATX INTEL MOBO

Memory:

Corsair Dominator 6GB (3x2gb) 240pin DDR3 (x2) = 12GB total

Graphics:

EVGA GeForce GTX 470 (Fermi) Superclocked 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x 16 DDCP Ready SLI

PSU:

Cooler Master Silent Pro Gold Series 800W ATX 12V SLI Readt CrossFire Ready

HD:

2 samsung Spinpouint F3 Desktop Class 1TB 7200rpm 300mbs

OS:
Windows 7 (64 bit)

I have to say that the most suprising thing about the new build is the ATX full tower. WOW, that thing is huge. Check out the Photo of Hallie standing next to it. I finished building it yesterday and fired it up. Perfection. In fact, I am updating this blog right now using my new super computer. :-)

Well, while I didn't fully document the build I took a few pictures along the way. Here are a few.

This is a pic of the MOBO in the HAF X Case.
A cool thing about this case is that you have a back wall to hide all your cords. That way it is cool and pretty. :-)
Hallie standing next to the case during the build, just to let you know how massive this thing is.
This is another pic of the MOBO with the CPU and CPU/cooler, Memory, video card, and fans installed.
And so on.
A pic of the back plugs.
EVGA GTX 470 = Sweet. Someday I will have two. :-)

Anyway, the build went almost perfectly. I honestly don't know why everybody doesn't just build their own computers?? (besides all the warnings about being a trained professional to proceed - which I of course disregarded :-)) ). No, but seriously, I look forward to many years of upgrading my computer as necessary rather than having to buy a new computer every few years.

Pond Numero Dos

2010-10-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, it takes a lot of time and effort to blog with any level of consistency. At least a lot of time and effort that I would rather place elsewhere. Well, technically I shouldn't put it like a choice because lately there hasn't been one. Between work, soccer, soccer photos, my networking event, being sick, and the million "honey-do's" on my list I haven't had time for much lately.

Anyway, here we are. While I have a long list of things that need to be blogged, i.e. Harrli's first birthday, you are getting the pond numero dos.

Last year, when I was broke, I convinced my mom to pay me to build my dad a pond. Well long story short - I finally got a significant amount of it done. Here are some photos to document the process.

The hole was actually dug a few months ago on a different trip but I didn't have time to come back up and finish until last weekend.
Me and Hayydn sitting in the pond. Hannah is about to attempt to give me rabbits ears. Notice my Dad's Dalia flowers in the back. I am jealous - I wish I had some of those surrounding my pond. :-(

Another point of view, cuz I know you were begging for it. :-)
Ok, we are laying out the liner. Maybe this is a good place to say that I tried to convince my dad to go bigger but he didn't want to, so, oh well. It is what it is. I would say it is still about 250-300 gallons.
Had to go get some rocks to hold the liner down. But Hayydn and Haddli are representing.
The first stone. Hayydn is holding it in place. I am not sure where the fat baby went in this one?
Oh, there she is - the fat baby. She probably shouldn't be naked cuz it was a little chilly, but what the hay, you are only a fat baby once, right? I am turning the water on by the way.
Ok, so you have to fill it up slow and smooth out the wrinkles.

Well, Grandpa put the camera down so we are flash forwarding to all of the rocks installed - at least around the pond. That was a lot of work, we collected all of the sandstone from the wilderness with our bare hands. By we, I mean my dad and me. I later decided that I am way to old for that kind of work!
I was quite impressed with myself and how level I got the water in the pond. WHATS UUUUPPP!!!! That is experience right there. :-)

You can see the big spill stone in this one. That is where the waterfall will eventually flow into the pond. That rock single-handedly killed both mine and my fathers backs! BUT, we gott'r done!
The ghetto bench that we will some day replace with a custom bench built by Torel. :-)

Dad sitting in the ghetto bench.

So Cute.
My dad decided that while I was here we might as well go out and get another entire truck load of rock?? I think he was high or something. (trust me Dad it is ok, nobody really thinks you were high and they understand it is just a joke). These are some experimentation for the waterfall section.

Well, I hope you enjoyed it. I am going to heal for a month or two and go back and finish it.

46th to Waterfall and Back by endoquad at Garmin Connect - Details

2010-06-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

46th to Waterfall and Back by endoquad at Garmin Connect - Details

Not Quite There

2010-06-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally got somebody to respond to my inquiries with a little bit of specificity regarding my admittance to the Arizona Bar Association. Before, I would only receive the 'well it takes 4-6 months.' I finally could come back with, its been almost six months?? I am not the most patient person, especially when there is absolutely no ETA. I guess that is just a minor side effect of being severely chemically imbalanced. :-) This is compounded by the fact that I, like the Ziggy comic on my bathroom wallpaper while groing up - I read it over and over again, it read, "I have such a guilt complex that everytime there is an eclipse i think it is my fault." I wouldn't go as far as Ziggy but, I can say that I have messed up enough stuff in my lifetime, especially pertaining to paperwork, to think that if there is any type of delay, it is my fault. Anyway, they let me know that one of my letters had not been returned? Whew! That is an easy fix, the individual had not seen the letter and so we were able to get it faxed and hopefully all is back on track. Someday I might be a "Real Attorney." :-)

All of this might be a mute point because right now I have committed myself to Chase bank, and they have been quite good to me thus far. But, I want to be ready when my time comes. And, I wouldn't mind being able to push that "time" along a little.

So, once again I have taken the plunge into exercise and fitness. I ended my last bout with this beast last June when I had to cut back, ok . . . completely stop, any physical enterprise due to necessary preparations for the Arizona Bar Exam. Unfortunately, I never got back after that sharp decent. Every once in awhile I would get out, but nothing consistant or worthwhile. Awhile back, I was pulling my kids around the yard (at a high speed) in the wagon and had to sit down as everything started going black. Now I was either really, REALLY moving fast so as to make myself dizzy, OR, I was just fat and out of shape. :) I just have to say, it is hard to find time to go running or biking and spend time with the kids as well as keep the baby mama happy. Evidentally, I have enlisted myself in the Ragnar relay race. Honestly, if it gives me the reason and drive to get myself back in optimal condition (or at least in better condition then Jared Burr :) ), then I am good. But, I have to say I have my doubts. It seems like life all too often gets so jumbled and messy. My time is no longer my own. Not only do I have to organize my own life but I am responsible for rounding out my children with activities as well. Did I mention that I don't organize? I guess the whole point of this relatively short rant is to say that it is quite overwhelming! I kind of want Christopher Walkin to hand me a remote from 'Way Beyond' but we all know how that turned out. (At least those of us who have seen Click, which is a decent movie if you are wondering). Hats off to those of you who are pulling this feat off. ;-) May the force be with me.

Oh, sorry about my lack of pictures, I have many to blog, and they will be blogged, I promise, kinda. :)

Hallie Graduation

2010-05-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, I haven't done any real blog posting for quite awhile. But I am feeling rather lazy and unproductive this fine Sabbath day and so I think a little family history is just the thing to do rather than everything else I could be doing. :) There is a lot that I have missed and not posted but I have to just say, 'sucks to be that stuff, cuz it aint gonna make it on the blog.' :) well? maybe, just to give it a little bit of hope. :) One thing that will make it - Hallie's kindergarten graduation. I even thought ahead and shot the photos in jpeg format so I wouldn't have to do much to get it up here. :) Anyway, here are some pics from the graduation with brief captions. Enjoy.

Lisa trying to hold back the tears (obviously not doing such a good job). Love you honey, but you're not even pregnant.
Hallie and our favorite Kindergarten teacher Mrs. O'Brien.
Lisa, Hallie, and Grandma Becca. Becca is our adopted Grandma, she Rocks! Love you Becca.
Hallie with her cokkie that Mrs. O'Brien made for her.
Walking away with her "Graduation Packet."
Shaking hands with Mrs. O'Brien. Who, by the way, happens to be the most awesomest kindergarten teacher ever. We will totally miss her. She is retiring. :-(
Hallie is so beautiful! I think her coy-ish personality makes her even more beautiful.
The procession walking in. She was so cute walking in. She is our bashful one and usually does not like to be up in front of people. Her face was bright red the whole time. :)

Time Out

2010-05-30T15:25:00.001-07:00

So, Hayydn was acting up in church so I took him out. When that happens I usually take him in a room and make him stay in a little chair till he is ready to behave and then we go back in. Well, I think I figured out why he was misbehaving. ;-) Pretty funny, especially about 1:27 to the ending. Hey, and you gotta give the kid props for actually staying in the chair. :)

The Table and Chairs

2010-05-17T07:29:00.001-07:00

So, Lisa has been searching for a new table and chairs for our kitchen area. Some how (ok, ok, she is amazing and it has nothing to do with luck ;-) ) she found a really nice dinner table with a leaf and six chairs for only 50 bucks. Nice deal, good job honey. Anyway, the part worth blogging about is my kids reaction. I am not sure why but they were estatic about the whole thing. They bugged me endlessly to get it all out of the truck. I think we had a few boxing matches over who got to set the table last night. Just craziness over a table and some chairs. I guess family dinner time at our house is just that important, (or the other table really stunk). Lol.

Slow Movin'

2010-04-20T07:52:00.001-07:00

It is funny how things seem to go so slow, and yet they race by? Anyway, I am glad to say that I am done with the securities section of my training. I promised them I would pass with flying colors and kept my word. I got a 90, 88, and a 89 and I finished a week early. Luckily, they are able to get me into some of my other training so it isn't a waste. Today is my first full day at the branch, although, I will only be doing online training. Then its back down town for Business Training.

I just have to take a moment and say that Hayydn is already living up to any expectations that I might have. First, he is crazy! He jumped from the top of the couch to the ground. He is only 20 months old so obviously it didn't go well, but I am impressed none the less. He tried to take off a few feet away from the edge, yeah, sorry buddy you don't have those kinda hops . . . Yet. ;-). He landed on his face, sometimes you just gotta wipe out. :-)

Ok, so, secondly, the kid honestly loves RC cars. That is all he talks about. I get home and the first thing he says is, "cars? Go?" With a look of expectation that, regardless of any previous plans I might have had, I am playin with the cars. Who can complain about that? Granted he is still pretty terrified of the darn things once they start going (especially the Nitro one) but he is getting more and more comfortable. I should ahve him on the track by his 3rd birthday. :-) And, I think he enjoys working on them with me more than driving them. I am sure that will prove to be quite destructive once he really can take stuff apart.

On a side note, Hannah, my oldest, is actually getting quite good at driving the cars. Perhaps it will become a family event? AWESOME! (Even though I am sure Lisa still won't come. :-( one can hope though).

Sorry, not sure what the infactuation with RC is right now, I guess I just never grew up. :-)

New Job

2010-02-22T05:56:00.001-08:00

Well, I have a job. That is the good news and the bad news. Unfortunately, this job is not a law related job. Lisa and I sat down and decided that I had to get some type of job sooner than later, because my legal career is about 6 mnths out I had to look elsewhere. So, I obtained a job as a small business specialist with JpMorgan/Chase. I am actually quite excited to for this job. Obviously it isn't what I want to do in the long run, but my legal career will still be here after my time at Chase. Hopefully I will be able to work hard for awhile at Chase while the economy recovers (and while we recover :)) and then get a job as a county prosecutor later when they start hiring again.

So, life is going to be very busy. As soon as I am admitted to the Arizona Bar Association I plan on opening my own law practice. I will pick up a client or two a month. I also still have the custodial business running in the background. Needless to say, my life is going to be quite hectic!

Lisa's won't be any different. She plans on continuing her search for fulltime employment as well as working as much as she can in the meantime. However, the stress of being too busy (and getting paid) is much better than the alternative.

It will be very interesting to see how everything plays out. I wish I could hit fastforward and see how everything works out, but what would be the fun in that, right?

Winter Olympics in PHX

2010-02-15T13:00:00.001-08:00

Hannah trying out her skills at the sidewalk luge.

Fun at the Park

2010-02-15T11:56:00.001-08:00

A little video of us enjoying the nice weather.

The Lawnmower Incident

2010-02-15T09:03:00.001-08:00

So, this is obviously a pic of my shattered van window. No, it wasn't broken into (which I guess is a small blessing). Sunday morning, right before we were going to leave to go to church, my girls come running into the house (they were waiting in the front yard on our porch swing) saying that someone just broke our window. So, Lisa and I go out and sure enough the window is shattered with a six inch hole in one side. Hannah tells me they were playing hide and go seek in the bushes when they heard a loud pop. Then they saw the window. Meanwhile, our neighbor, diagnally across the street from us, is mowing his rocks. He had just started to trim his bushes by leaning his mower all the way back and lowering it onto the bushes. So, I go over to him and let him know that he just broke our window. He says, oh theres no way I could fling a rock that far. Maybe one of your kids did it? Why can't anybody take responsibility for there actions? I understand that it wasn't on purpose regardless of how stupid his actions were. All I wanted was a little bit of backbone and a willingness to compromise, but no I get an all out denial when it is obvious what happened. That is so frustrating because lisa and I usually try to take the high road and rather than start a nasty fued we will just take care of it, but it seems like that is what happens in every altercation I have been involved in. I would love to meet a responsible individual someday!! I guess that is why we have insurance.

Dinner and a Blanket

2010-02-09T08:37:00.001-08:00

So, earlier in my blog I talked about the Linus Epidemic. Then I realized "epidemic" probably wasn't the right word. Perhaps 'complex' or something like that? Anyway, I came down stairs the other day to find Hayydn eating with his blanket on his chair? What is up with that? I was too lazy to take it away (since panicked screaming would ensue). Oh, by the way, one cruddy thing about mobile blogging is the lack of a spell checker. So, cut me some slack on that one.

Aaauugggghhh!!!!! My phone just "force closed." That is the equivilant of a computer crash. Luckily, it auto saved my info, well most of it anyway. I had this huge selfish tangent/rant that now you will never get to read. That is unfortunate because there were some really deep insights, not to mention a few witty remarks as well. It was a one of a kind and now it is gone . . . Ok, I am over it, you should move on as well.

I was just reminded of another cruddy thing about mobile blogging, EVERYONE KEEPS CALLING ME. Sorry for yelling, but that drives me crazy! Don't they know that I am using my phone to blog?? I need a special ringback tone that lets the caller know I am killing time on the web, call back later. All I want to do is make a quick little blog post. Oh, and texts are worse because you end up inadvertantly sending half your blog to the person that texted you before you realize what is going on. (Sorry Lisa). :) Oh well. So, to the point of my blog, I have included a pic of Hayydn's blanket dinner. Although I think blogger puts it at the top and I am too lazy to 'really' go online and fix it, besides you guys are smart, you'll figure it out.

2010-02-06T22:22:00.000-08:00

This year, my three oldest girls and I participated in the Laveen Parade. Our ward, the Laveen Ward, had a slot in the parade. Bro. Papp, as well as others, made a wonderful float and Bro. Lund printed T-shirts for everyone to wear. Then all of the children held flags and pictures of relatives who had served in the military. It was quite fun, although I have to say that I was pretty tired after completing the one mile stretch from 43rd to 51st ave. Especially since I had to carry Haddli half of the way. Then, I joyously got to carry her the full mile back to the car. :) Luckily we were #8 in the line up so we got to see the rest of the parade on the way back - meaning plenty of breaks and lots of candy to energize us. :) I took lots of photos and made a little collage for brother Lund to print. Here it is. Oh, click on it to see the fullsize.

The Linus Epidemic

2010-01-30T20:01:00.001-08:00

So, my son has what I like to call the "Linus Epidemic." There is one particular blanket that he is very attached to. Luckily it only causes problems at bedtime. He absolutely cannot go to sleep without it. Tonight we spent like an hour trying to find Hayydn's blanket twin (yes, luckily we have two). We tried others of similar fabric and color - no go!

Finally, we just pulled the original out of the dryer, a little damp, and yet he was asleep in minutes with a huge smile on his face.

The question is, 'what happens when we don't have the blankey anymore?' I think we are in serious trouble if we don't solve our little problem before those blanketrs wear out or disappear.

Somebody tell this kid it is winter!

2010-01-29T22:38:00.001-08:00

So, I was hosing out the back of my truck and I turn around and Hayydn is splashin' around in the water. It is freezing mind you. But it was pretty funny so I had to grab some video. I had to coax him a bit because he got a little camera shy. :-). Good thing mom didn't see it or I would have been in trouble. :-).

Test

2010-01-29T19:33:00.001-08:00

Just testing the video posting capabilities.

Test

Job Interview

2010-01-29T12:03:00.001-08:00

My wife and I attended the funeral of our neighbor's baby today. It was a nice service. I have to say that I think the hardest thing I could ever be asked to do is lose a child. They are a pretty tough pair though and seem to be hanging in there.

Anyway, I also have a job interview today, so my lovely wife came along, unhappily, but she still came. If I could only get her off the phone. :)

Mobile Blogging

2010-01-29T11:57:00.001-08:00

About 3 months ago my old phone (voyager) which I loved, developed a hunger for battery juice. :) I would get about 2 hours per charge-standby. Unfortunately, my phone would die all the time and I wouldn't know it. A replacement battery cost about $40. I went into Verizon and found out I could get the Motorola Droid for $99. So, I did it.

I love the Droid. I am able to do anything and everything with it. Like the commercial says, the Droid Does! However, this is my first "smart phone." So, I might be blown away by stuff that is common on a bunch of phones, but ignorance is bliss. ;-).

Anyway, I found an app for updating and viewing your blog and others via your mobile device. I have to say that I kind of like it. This blog entry was created using the app. So, hopefully that will mean that I will be able to actually update my blog with much more frequency.

Adobe Photoshop Training Seminar

2009-12-14T10:48:00.001-08:00

I am testing a new plugin on my Adobe Lightroom that allows me to post directly to my blog. I am kind of likin' that - if it works. Anyway, last Monday, the 7th, my siter, Tara, and I had the opportunity to go to an all day training seminar on advanced Photoshop techniques. WOW! It was amazing. If I had only knew what I know now back then. :) Anyway, you should see some of the benefits of that seminar on the blog later. CYA. Torel-

Harrli Pics...

2009-10-19T21:55:00.001-07:00

Hayydn loves his new baby. Yeah, he loves to wack her...and kiss her. He actually does really well, he is definately doing better. Only tried to sit on her once today. :)

Harrli Tyrel Nichols

2009-10-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Harrli arrived at 1:44 pm, on October 9, 2009, weighing a whopping 8lbs even! That is my biggest baby. She was 21 1/8 inches long, also my longest. She did have the Nichols do, but not the most. Hallie had a bit more height on her hair, but Harrli comes in second. She is beautiful and looks a lot like her big brother, who loves to kiss her. She is a good mixture of Haddli and Hayydn. She is very good at eating, sleeping, and pooping...of course. We are enjoying her very much. Pics to follow soon...hopefully.

Labor Day - Pool Side

2009-09-08T08:40:00.000-07:00

So, it has kind of become a tradition for the family to get together on Labor-Day. We usually go out to my parents house in Queen Creek. But, that is like 2 hours away and the pool people are super strict about "pool rules and conduct." Seriously, I don't think you are allowed to splash! Anyway, we were able - luckily - to convince my Mom and the fam (those that came) to go out to the pool at our timeshare. It is so much better! It has a graduated entry for the kids, a whirlpool (although we were supposed to have a lazy river :( ), a big slide and other fun stuff. It is only 30 minutes from my house but the family seemed to think it was in outer space, i.e far away. Regardless, we all had fun and got a little too much sun. :) Here are a few pics. (Not in any particular order because that just takes too much work - sorry).

Hannah surfing on Terel's back.

.Hannah jumping off of my back. She actually gets pretty high but Lisa cut her head off in the photo. So, this one gives you the idea.

My Mom and Dad actually cuddling. lol.

Hannah and Georgie playing chicken. Tana was a weak base so I had to take over - we won. Sorry Terel, you just couldn't hang and let go of your man.

Hayydn riding on my back in the whirlpool. It is the same idea as a lazy river but just a big circle. We would run really fast in circles and it would really make the water swirl. The kids like it.

Tana and Brasia.

Hayydn eventually went into the water pretty hard. :) BUT, I tried to save him. He was cool about it though.

Me and Hayydn waiting to go down the slide.

Lisa, Hayydn, and Haddli in the shallow end.

Dad, Arturo, Tana, Hannah, Terel, and Brasia.

Arturo and Tana.

Brasia.

Terel.

Hannah.

Hallie.

Arturo, Tana's Hubby, getting some good speed around the corner.

Tana, well, not so much speed.

Jadie, relaxing in the pirate ship.

Terel and his "friend," Brasia (I hope that is how you spell it??

Grandpa and Georgie. I have pictures of the ending - it isn't pretty! Georgie gets pile drived! Ha Ha Ha.

Haddli, Mom, Hannah, and Hallie waiting for everyone else to come down.
Hannah, just like Mom.

Hallie showing some excitement. She learned that she can stand up after she lands. Even though she can swim she stands up and walks out with the water right to her mouth.

Mama on the slide?? I could have sworn there was a "don't ride if you are pregnant sign?"

Hallie, Hannah, and Grandpa watching as Mom heads down the slide.

Haddli couldn't go down so she sat by the exit and did her part as a little cheerleader. As much as Lisa doesn't want any of our girls to be "Ra - ra's," (no offense to any of you cheerleaders) Haddli is destined for cheer.

Terel, Brasia, and Hayydn.

The lazy people. It looks like my Dad and Lisa are both due at the same time? Well, Dad may be a little ahead of Lisa. :)

Georgie in the boat. He has actually come a long way this summer. He can swim pretty good now.

Hayydn strutting his stuff. Terel, trying to learn from such a naturally studly little man.

Working it.

Grandpa and Hayydn (Actually I think Hayydn is running away). :)

Grandma floating.
Whale Watching. lol

Haddli practicing swimming under the water. She did this the entire time. I was actually quite impressed. I think she will definitely be a full fledged swimmer next summer. Oh, and her eyes were ruined this morning. :) Guess it is time to invest in some Haddli sized goggles.

Taking a breath.

"Ha ha dad, boys don't kiss," was all I got.

This kid loves the water. I had to keep him close because he would just walk off into the water no big deal. I even let him float for awhile, see if it helps him wise up. Uuuhhhmmm, nope. He liked being on my back. I am like his permanent horsey. I don't mind.

Haddli chillin' by herself.

Mama taking her turn with the little energizer bunny.

Showing off for the girls. He was practicing his dramatic exits.

Hallie saved up all her money so she could buy this water puppy. It is actually pretty cool. It has little contact points on the outside so that it will run automatically when you put it in the water. I had teach her how to blow on the contacts to dry them off so it would stop walking. :)

Finally: A Pond Post

2009-09-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

So, back in February I put a pond in my backyard. Some time later I actually created a word doc which I intended to use as a blog entry in regards to that pond. Some -further time later - I can't find that word doc. You have no idea what that does to me! It drives me so crazy that I will spend an hour combing my computer looking for it rather than just rewriting the stupid entry. Well, as you might be able to tell at this point . . . I didn't find it. That sucks! But, here's to rewrites. (I am severely tempted to go back and look some more - now that is why I am jacked up - Thanks Mom and Dad - I blame you for my problems!! The genetic ones anyway).

Ok, the pond. I know you don't want to hear it but there is a little bit of a back story, so sit back, get comfy - and try not to fall asleep. (or you can just scroll down to the photos - I will just pretend you can't read).

We have three turtles. One of which we have had for close to ten years. We got him when he was no bigger than a milk cap. He has spent some time in my brother's care (can't believe he is alive after that) But, the important thing is, we have him back (granted he had a huge lump on his right side - which we got fixed). I have always wanted to give our turtle (he doesn't even have a name - who has a ten year old pet with no name? Me) a pond. Well, I was walking through Lowes (window shopping) and low and behold the were closing out all their pond stuff. I couldn't say no. Window shopping became actual shopping. So, I called Lisa and told her I wasn't going to make it to the bus stop to pick up the kids (I know that is low - but this is serious savings).

I picked up a 300 gallon liner for $10, that is a savings of $280. I bought three preformed water fall pools $2 a piece - Total savings of $30. I bought a biological/mechanical filter with built in uv $35 - $150 in savings. (ok, and some other stuff that wasn't on sale ;)) Point is, I saved over $450 bucks.

After a few trips to collect river rock my pond is functional. It will be beautified later when I have money and time. Check out the pics.

You wouldn't think that you would need to dig that much, but . . . YOU DO!

Posing for the Camera.

Uuuhhhmmm, yeah, that didn't end well. I thought it would be funny to throw dirt on her. I guess it isn't??

Haddli is trying out the liner. "Pretty nice," she says, "it is a swimming pool dad," - she continues.

Work continued on into the night.

The next Morning.

From upstairs. Man that is a lot of dirt.

With the river rock.

Here are a couple o the turtles enjoying their new home.

My Filter.

Now that is a dive!

Mountain Man

2009-08-30T18:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't been very good at keeping up with our blog, so all my posts are out of order. But I found these pictures and thought I should share them. So, Torel had been studying for the bar since the middle of May and he took the test at the end of July. He decided that he wouldn't shave for that long...well here is the end result. Not too bad for a guy who can't grow facial hair very quickly. He was so proud of it, but I wasn't too fond of it, so it had to go. Now he has that beautiful baby face back that I love. :) Anyway, here he is...

So Tired!

2009-08-28T05:14:00.000-07:00

I am soooo tired, for the last week I have been getting up at 4am to get ready for work, to leave the house by 4:40, so I can be in Tucson by 7:00. Well I have gotten cancelled everyday for the last 6 days! So I still get up at 4:00 every morning and leave the house and drive, sometimes to the I-10, just so I can turn around and come home. I should be in bed sleeping right now, but I guess our blog needs some more posts and I am feeling motivated. But maybe my pillow does sound good right now...I will do some more later.

Gotta Love Phoenix!!

2009-08-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hayydn's Grandma Connie bought him this pool for his birthday, but being the person that I am I never let them go out and play in it. Cause then I would have to watch them and make sure no drowned! Well everytime Torel goes out to look at the pond, he loves so much, which is several times a day, Hayydn follows! This time when Hayydn went out and he stood in the empty pool, and grunts several times to let us know that he wants to play in it, that is what I assume anyway. So of course, we fill it up and everyone gets in and it becomes so much fun, even though it is the smallest pool ever. They still love it! Gotta love Phoenix in August, where it is still 110 degrees!!! Who would ever move!

YESSSS!!! 2 kids in school!

2009-08-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

So now Hannah and Hallie are both in school! It is so exciting! You would think I would have all this extra time to blog!! But since my husband insists on adding to our family, I am extremely tired and lazy all the time! Oh well, at least we will be done with kids before I am 30! Woo Hoo. Here is Hallie's 2nd week of school, first homework! She has the same teacher as Hannah did last year, so we know what to expect.

A few more ultrasound pics...

2009-07-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

She weighs 1 lb. 9oz. Woo hoo!

It really is a GIRL!!

2009-07-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

So this is our 3rd ultrasound and we had to have it because they couldn't see her heart very well in the last one. So I was like they say it's a girl, but I am not convinced, will you just check for me while you are there. So here is the answer!!! Now I am convinced and am not unhappy. Hayydn will be a very spoiled, femine little boy. :) But will have lots of chicks to date when he is older.

2009-06-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I was hoping that Lisa would pick up the slack and keep our blog stocked with great photos and comments while I bow out for some self induced torture via the BarBri Bar Study class. I am sad to say that I feel a little let down. Now before you get upset, I am talking about quantity wise not quality. I would never comment on the quality of my wife's posts, even though half of the pictures she put up are of little kids peeing?? I don't get it? :D (Just kidding honey, they are GREAT!)

Anyway, this post will not be full of intense thought or reflection, (I know, you were so accustomed to that right?) BUT, I felt like I should at least put up a few pictures, in no particular order or importance?? Anyway, enjoy, or don't enjoy - I don't care cuz in about 25 minutes I will be turning my brain matter into mush once again and all that will matter is . . . I was going to say something cool and couldn't - that is the bar effect - sorry.

This one is a picture during a rain storm at night at Los Burros. I used about an 18 second exposure on the bulb setting. Don't remember anything else, processed it in LightRoom.A Cool Pic of Hayydn and Grandpa at Terel's Graduation.Holy Lot of BICEPS. That girl is backing some power. The Eager boys and my girls were stripping the Bark off of this tree, just for fun. I know - I don't get it? But I surely am not complaining! Anyway, Hannah was holding her own!Another Pic of Hannah going at the log.The Eager boys, Jack, Jasper, and Gavin with Hannah and Hallie - workin on the log.A shot of the Family (at least a small part of 'em) at Terel's Graduation. Man look at that guy on the left, woah - Now That is GRUMPY! (It is all for show, though) Ha, Love ya Grandpa!A Cool Oak Tree by the side of this little pond I found. I would like to go back and re-shoot it with better light, but I didn't have time. Anyway, It was quite beautiful in real life.Terel and Hayydn.Terel and the Girls.A pic out of our window while driving, yeah I know I am amazing. Anyway, there was lots of impressive fog all the way up, fun to drive through except on the rim. Lisa was peeing her pants, ok, ok, I could have slowed down but where is the fun in that?
Alright, one final picture, an oldy but a goody! The kid is wearing girly glasses and still looks good! Impressive, I am in awe! :O

2009-05-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is a HDR (High Dynamic Range) pic of our latest camping trip to Los Burros camping area. It was created by combining two Photos about 4.03EV apart (i.e. one is really bright and the other one is really dark). Obviously I couldn't accomplish this with the people holding really still and there was some movement in the leaves of the tree, but overall everything is pretty crisp. My only complaint is that because it was late in the evening and quite dark I wasn't able to expose the people enough to make them crisp. But, se la vi! It turned out pretty good considering. And, you can't even tell it was dark. The moral of the story, HDR is cool!

Splash Park fun...or not.

2009-05-27T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hayydn wasn't too sure about the water park. He loves swimming in the pool but it took awhile...a long while to get used to the splash park. Haddli on the other hand loved it, along with Carter. Hannah loves it so much, she ran off and I got no pictures of her!

Happy 5th Birthday Hallie!

2009-05-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Hallie's birthday and we went to Peter Piper Pizza and to Tempe Splash Park. It was a fun day.

It's a...

2009-05-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

So we have had 2 other ultrasounds, the first one was at about 12 1/2 weeks and I thought it looked like a boy. Then we had one at about 14 weeks and the ultrasound tech said she was 95% sure it was a girl. I didn't believe her and even switched offices to see what another professional had to say...well of course, the first chick was right, and I think I knew it all along, just in denial!!! So we are expecting Harrli Tyrel Nichols the second week in October! We are very happy that she is healthy and perfectly fine. I think Torel might be a little sad that Hayydn won't have a brother to play with but he will be the best boyfriend because of all his sisters! :) I will post pictures later so you all can decide for yourself!

Crazy Hair

2009-05-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

COOL!!!, need I say more?

PARK PICS

2009-04-29T13:39:00.000-07:00

My kids are addicted to going to the park! They always want to go. Well, therefore, we are always on the look out for new ones. This one is over by Cesar Chavez. It is actually pretty good. It was really, . . . REALLY windy that day so we didn't stay for very long but we still had a good time. Anyway, here are a few pics. Oh, the last photo is one of the girls after a horrible loss to their Daddy in a water fight. We were in the back yard and started flirting with a little water and before we knew it even Mom was involved in a massive water fight (well actually it was just me with a hose, ha ha ha) - she also lost (she finally got her own hose) but was wearing a white shirt so I have been forbidden to post any pics :). As for me - well I was dry :D.This really was a cool slide, it was really long.Hannah absolutely has to do anything Daddy does.You can't tell that they lost?? They just like getting wet. :)

End of Semester Stress

2009-04-27T09:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but I just can't make myself finish anything until I am up against a deadline. It kills me, it really does. I have the know how, and it is definitely not a case of lack of time (although I always have something else I could be doing). I think it just comes down to extreme anxiety issues and how I deal with them. My wife thinks I am a pansy (although she uses some other more choice and perhaps less appropriate terms) you get the idea. But, either way I just can't do it, until it has to be done.

So, the point of this entry is that I am coming into my busy season. The law school semester is almost over. Actually, my last semester of law school is almost over. And, as always, I have waited till the last two weeks of the semester to do anything (anything really productive anyway). Today starts crunch time. I have two papers to write, (well I actually already wrote one, but it needs extensive revising). AND, I have one final. Not too bad, eh? Although, I haven't read anything all semester long for my final- I know- That was stupid! BUT, nothing I haven't done before. :) The way I look at it, I give up one week (entirely) for a lot of free time along the way.

One wrench in my system though, is a business conference/training that I have to attend this weekend. It is all day Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and half day Sunday. Usually, for finals prep, I am used to spending all day everyday preparing, so this time around will be interesting. Luckily I don't have that much to do and it is my last semester so my only "real" concern is getting a passing grade. :D

Oh, yeah and the Character and Fitness. Aauugghhh.

Changing the background!

2009-04-14T08:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I guess I am not as smart as I thought! I did accomplish my goal of changing the background on my blog, not once, but twice, but I guess I erased all the side information on our blog, which, doesn't make my husband too happy since he is the one who has to "rewrite it!" Anyway, Torel wants a black background, but this is as black as it gets for me. I am sure he will change it when he has "time!" (Which just means that right now he doesn't but when it fancies him, he will.) :)

Mountain Bike Branding

2009-04-07T14:50:00.000-07:00

In response to my wife's earlier post below, -sorry honey, but I know everything- :D. No, I am glad to see that Lisa is taking an initiative to contribute to and update the blog. It makes it a better blog and it lessens the amount of work I need to do to maintain it (regardless if I ever actually do that work or not!).

Anyway, a few weeks back, a friend of mine and I started mountain biking at night. I am totally addicted to this practice. It is almost a necessity here in the phoenix area. Especially since we are already reaching temps in the nineties. So, we have begun riding more and more during the cooler nighttime hours. Hopefully this will allow me to bike through the summer and not lose any physical gains that I have achieved over the last few months. Well, we (my friend and I) were doing a pretty extensive ride one night and towards the end and with about 1200 feet of elevation to descend, my buddy's light started going out. It was shorting (which I later, in a masterful manner I must add, repaired). I know, I know, I am a mechanical genius - please I don't need any adoration - it is bad for me. SO, I went awfully slow with lots of break use in an attempt to allow my friend to use my light to get down the mountain. Needless to say and unbeknown to me, my disc brakes heated up like a hot branding iron. Here is a pic. of the disc I am talking about. The disc work just like those in a car, it is squeezed between to brake pads via a hydraulic mechanism.Ok, so that little disc got burning hot (I know - you see where this is going - just bear with me). Well, at night (at least this particular night) it was still pretty cold. My legs were fairly icy after having been exposed to this cold for about 2 hours. Well, at the bottom of the hill I leaned my icy cold leg up against this burning hot disc. WaLa - A perfect mountain bike brand.I especially like the little holes. It stung pretty bad but I didn't realize I had branded myself until I got home and took a shower. I was so proud of my "stupid" injury I woke my wife up (it was about midnight) and made her look at it. She responded, "Nice, leave me alone!" She later came around. :)

I AM SO SMART!!!

2009-04-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

I know it sounds dumb, but I just figured out how to change the background on our blog. I am very impressed with myself, especially since I had to login to Torel's part of the blog to do it! The best part is, he doesn't even know! Ha ha. So Happy Easter!!

I Love the bucket!

2009-03-02T19:28:00.000-08:00

So on Saturday we were playing in the loft and Hayydn is now mobile, so my favorite place in the house to be, is in the loft, since it is mostly free of crumbs, dog hair, and tiny objects to put in his mouth, cause that is the phase we are in, anyway, he found that he likes to crawl into this bucket. Of course he couldn't sit up in it on his own, cause there just isn't enough room for him to turn all the way around, so mom helped and here is what we get...until he moves and the bucket rolls to one side and he falls over.

Fitness Credit Card

2009-03-02T07:25:00.000-08:00

Ok, prepare yourselves! I am feeling a little chatty.

So, I was sitting in my private office this morning (if you don't get that one let me know and I will explain). I couldn't help but notice that I still get a pronounced three pack when I sit down. I would post a picture but someone might shut down my blog :D. This phenomenon is quite alarming to me. You see I have been putting in extensive exercise since the beginning of the year. I started riding my mountain bike in December. But, in January I added treadmill time. I basically put in about 5 hours of serious mountain biking at various locations each week. Everyday that I am not on the bike I spend a little over an hour on the treadmill. I exercise just about everyday except for Sundays. All in all I average a little more than a 1000 calories burned per day. Multiply that by six days and you are only a little shy of two pounds worth of exercise each week. Now I understand that 'muscle ways more than fat' and all that junk but what I don't understand is how I still have this awesome pudgy three pack??

Ok, ok, ok, (Ha ha I can't help but think of Leo on Lethal Weapon when I say 'oks' in my head). So, I have to admit that I feel great! I am arguably in excellent cardiovascular and aerobic shape (or perhaps it would be condition(ing)?). I have never been able to keep up with my buddy Jared Burr (sorry Jared for putting your name out there on the internet :)) Jared has information OCD. Anyway, now I can actually keep jared in sight. And that is no small feat. This guy plays basketball 3 or 4 times a week, plus biking, plus hitting the Gym-oftentimes doing two activities on one day. What he doesn't realize is that when my outsides catch up with my insides I will have long out grown him! (Better work harder Burr!) But you wouldn't know it by looking at me. So, I have come up with the Fitness credit card.

In today's world of instant gratification you don't have to wait for anything. You simply pull your credit card out and put yourself in more debt - right? Well whatever might be wrong with that idea economically speaking it is in every way RIGHT physically speaking! What is the number one reason people stop exercising? (ok I don't really know, but stay with me). People don't get the results they want and it is just way to stinkin' hard to work through pounds and pounds of fat! How cool would it be to simply pull out a credit card-of sorts-and bam you get your rock hard in super shape bod up front? Maintenance is much more easily obtained when you have lots of lean muscle mass and can actually perform the activities needed to maintain it. Don't get me wrong this isn't a freebie card! And it definitely cannot be included in your bankruptcy action. So, that being said you will eventually have to pay, and with interest probably more than you would have paid otherwise (and not in dollars, you gotta pay the same price - Blood, Sweat, and Tears. However, so often people work so hard to get their bodies into peak conditioning and never quite get there. At least with the fitness credit card they would get to enjoy the benefits a little before it eventually goes away. And we all know that as we get older certain areas are just destined for fattiness (that is if you actually have a life and cannot plan your whole day around your exercise). I think this kind of debt is like school or house debt. It is acceptable. One cannot put too high a price on his/her health. Right? I don't know, I am just really liking the idea of the Fitness Credit Card!

Oh, and just a disclaimer - - I understand that if you want to talk spiritually, at least as far as the word of wisdom is concerned, that yes there is a lot of growth to be obtained from the battle betwenn carniality and spirituality. But in my own farcical world, if you can just suspend your disbelief a tad, you have to admit that a fitness credit card is a pretty darn cool idea!My Fitness Credit Card Bod (Although, I wouldn't have to put too much on my card cuz I am almost there :))

Fun at the park

2009-02-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

Torel forgot his lunch/wallet and so of course I, his loving and sacrificing wife, came to his rescue. I picked up lunch, picked him up, we took the kids to the park to play, and then took him back to school. It was a fun little 45 minutes. This is a picture of the kids on the bench before we took Torel back to school.

Hello Everyone

2009-02-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Torel insists that I contribute to his blog so he set up this access thing and forced me to add a post. I am not very technologically advanced but I will do my best to make this blog all it can be! Ha Ha Ha.

2009-02-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

I made a huge error the other day and didn't check the settings on my camera. Huge no-no, especially when I have it set to 2.8 with an iso of 1600. Needless to say the pictures just came out pure white (super blown out). Anyway, I fiddled with them on Lightroom to see if there was anything salvageable. The results were actually pretty cool. I am thinking I might explore this whole blownout and then adjusted concept a little more. So, here was one that I really liked. It is a picture of Hallie and Hannah's friend Amalia.

Some pretty cool temple pics

2009-02-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

I received an email from a friend with some photos that were taken by vpalmer39 of the Salt Lake Temple amidst some of SLC's extreme pollution problems. The photos are actually pretty cool. Anyway, I thought they were worth sharing.

Soccer

2009-02-23T09:25:00.000-08:00

Well soccer season is over. I have to say that it was actually a lot of fun. Steve Faller and Jeff Hale did an excellent job of organizing and carrying out the youth soccer league. I would definitely do the league again. Anyway, they asked me to do the team photos and I decided to do individual photos as well. There were twelve teams and about 86 kids. It took about three hours and was quite a bit of work but I think overall the photos came out really well. So, here are the photos of my girls. Oh, and I need to add Hallie's team photos and I am not sure why they are weighted towards Hallie? But she is pretty darn cute -eh?

More Pics of Terel's State Championship Weekend

2009-02-19T10:13:00.000-08:00

I must say that Terel is pretty studly. Perhaps some day he might be as studly as me, although, it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, BUT the kid does have potential! Too bad he is not more like Hayydn, now studliness just comes natural to that kid, must be genetic? Anyway, here are some more photos of Terel's State Championship wrestling weekend. Enjoy. (oh, and they are in no particular order).

News Story on Terel and Tyrel

2009-02-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

02/17/2009

Snowflake's Terel Nichols joins late brother as state champion
By: Keith Morris , The Independent can be found at: http://www.wmicentral.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20263259&BRD=2264&PAG=461&dept_id=505964&rfi=6

Snowflake's Terel Nichols has a good grip on Holbrook's Adrian Perkins during their 189-pound championship bout during the 3A individual state finals on Saturday. Nichols won 7-3 to join his late brother, Tyrel, as a state champion.
PRESCOTT VALLEY - Terel Nichols had a lot of family members on hand to cheer him on in his bid to win a state wrestling championship on Saturday.
"About 13," he figured.
There was one missing, however.
The Snowflake senior's older brother, Tyrel, did not occupy a seat at Tim's Toyota Center to witness the 3A individual state finals.
Sadly, the 2002 state champion recently took his own life.
"He got mentally ill," Terel Nichols said of his brother. "He wasn't all there."
Tyrel was a big part of his younger brother's life and was a key to his success on the wrestling mat.
And, although he wasn't physically there in the arena on Friday or Saturday, he certainly was there in spirit.
"Oh yeah," Terel said when asked if his brother was in his thoughts as he posted a 7-3 victory over Holbrook's Adrian Perkins to win the 189-pound championship and cap a 45-4 season. "It was hard but I wore this thing he took state in," Terel said, lifting his sweatshirt to revel the uniform with the block "S" his brother wore seven years ago in claiming the 171 3A title.
He wanted nothing more than to join his brother at the top of the medal stand.
"It feels good," he said. "My brother took his (title), now it's my turn...It was something I wanted to do."
He was hoping to win it all a year ago but had to settle for second place. Winning a championship took on greater significance for him when he lost his brother during his final season.
"I wrestled for six years before doing it," he said. "It's what me and my brother always wanted - to have two state champs in the family. So, I finally got it."
Terel is one of nine children. He has five sisters and one living brother. His oldest brother, Taj, died in 1987, nine years after falling into a pool and suffering brain damage as a 2-year-old. The large family offers him plenty of support in grieving for Tyrel.
"It means a lot (that) I could do it for them," said Terel, also a standout football player. "It kind of helps them too as long as it helps me. It means a lot. They're all supporting me and my brother's up there with me too, so it's good."
Tyrel was a big supporter of his younger brother on the mats.
"The last tournament I took was Moon Valley and he was there with me and I took first," Terel said. "I was named Most Outstanding Wrestler, had the most takedowns and most pins. After that he passed away and in my next tournament, I took fourth (at the Doc Wright Invitational). It was really hard for me."
But he was determined to succeed in his final tournament for both himself and his brother.
"I knew I could take state and I pulled it off," Terel said.

Valentine's Fun

2009-02-15T18:13:00.000-08:00

Well Valentine's Day was a little bit different this year. My younger brother, Terel, had the opportunity to wrestle in the 3A Arizona State Championships Friday 13th and Saturday 14th. He won all four of his matches on his way to taking the championship. I was so proud of him. He has worked so hard at the sport of wrestling and he has got a lot of talent to boot. Terel is our second State Champion wrestler in the family. Ty was the State Champion wrestler a few years back in his weight class. He went on to Nationals and did very well. I will be honest, with Ty's recent passing, these State Championships were a little tough to handle. It was hard not to have him there with us. I found out that Terel actually wore Ty's State Championship singlet. So, that is a pretty neat story. I know Ty would have been (is) very proud of Terel.

It is kind of funny when I think about Terel being a State Champion. He is the baby of the family and for some reason even though he is as tall as me and much more musclular (ok, actually only a little bit. :) ), he is and will always be the baby. It is hard to believe that he is actually 18 years old. And I just have to say, while we are on the subject, he is the nicest kid. Honestly, I think he is the most tender hearted and caring one out of all of us. He definately has a lot of potential! Here is a pic of Terel holding his championship bracket -Anyway, the whole point of the story is that Lisa and I didn't get to do the traditional valentine's stuff (whatever that is). Unfortunately, we couldn't find a babysitter to watch our kids all day on Saturday (plus the girls had soccer). So, I had to go to the wrestling match alone. I did however write her a cheesy poem. She said I could post it on the blog. It was a a stream of consciousness poem and contains no edits and there are some "inside" references or spellings. :) Anyway, take it for what you will.

It has been eight years

Since I got down on one knee

And asked you, this beautiful, vibrant young woman

If you would marry me.

It was raining that night

Though I was not cold

My mind, heart, and soul were focused

I was striving with all my energy to be bold.

You see, you weren’t just some typical girl

At least not to me.

The Lord showed me your heart

Your immense capacity to show charity.

Sure, I was blown away

By your beautiful eyes, long brown hair, and curves galore

But inside, beneath your tough girl façade

The Lord revealed to me that there was much much more.

You are a beautiful daughter of God.

You are my Queen.

I am so grateful to the Lord

That with you I will spend all eternity.

Although you plucked me, a wildflower

From a world of seeming freedom

Where the sun constantly warmed my petals

A place I could call my own personal kingdom.

You took my rugged raggly roots and all from that domain

Without a moment’s hesitation

You knew we were meant to be,

You unabashedly declared this proclamation.

Over time, with great love,

Lots of patience and devotion

You opened my eyes and I was shown

A glimpse of heaven.

We have created a family

Three beautiful girls and one studly son.

What a great responsibility you and I have

I feel that my cup has over run.

When I look into your eyes,

Hold your hands – you pull me near.

I cannot hold you close enough

How can I show you how much I love you, how much I care.

I know, I know, “just take out the garbage.”

Perhaps, it is that simple, perhaps it is that clear.

Well, I know I am not perfect, in fact

Into perfection’s window I cannot even peer.

BUT, I know you love me anyway,

You see in me something better

Like I said, you have this amazing ability to love

And for “this” I am indebted to you forever.

You are my very best friend

It is with you I want to share

My every thought, feeling, and emotion

And although you don’t realize it – a friend like you is very rare!

Ok, so I rambled a bit – actually quite a lot

But you know this is nothing new.

I guess all I really want to say with this poem is;

My love, “My Enternal Sweetheart,” I love you.

Pretty cheesy - eh? What can I say, I am a cheesy guy :). I hope that it made up a little bit for Lisa having to stay home all day with all the kids, who, as it turned out, all got sick. Yeah, that went over well. :)

We got the girls these little doll necklaces and balloons. I am curious as to what age kids lose their attractions to balloons. My kids love-em to death. Seriously? I don't understand it but, I am definitely willing to embrace it (mostly because they are cheap! :) ).

Beautiful Moon-Rise

2009-02-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

We came home the other day and Lisa brought to my attention the beautiful moon rise - and said 'You should photograph that." All I have to say is that I have trained her well. Anyway, it was quite a spectacular sight. Unfortunately, I don't think that I was able to capture the moment as I remembered it, but it still turned out pretty well. Here is the finished product.

My background is gay - okay

2009-02-05T18:43:00.001-08:00

My wife made me put valentine-ish background junk on the blog so deal. It is only one month - I can survive.

Some Cell Phone Pics

2009-02-05T18:21:00.001-08:00

I went to the park today with the kids to kill some time cuz it was beautiful. I am talking about 70 degrees with a light breeze - Nice! Anyway, I was playing with my cell phone camera and some pics came out pretty good, what do you think?

New Pets - Bugsy and Ellaphant (Ella)

2009-02-05T12:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so Hannah had her annual Kindergarten field trip the other day. We went to a dairy farm out in east Mesa. It was actually pretty interesting. I learned that they put these big magnets in the cows stomachs and because cows stomach and because cow's stomachs process from bottom to top the magnet just sits there. Then when the cow eats a screw or something (which is common because of where they get their food) that something which could possibly kill the cow sticks to the magnet and disintegrates in the cow's stomach acid - leaving the magnet to strike again. Anyway, they had a petting zoo with some cute rabbits, chickens and stuff. Check out a few photos and then we will refocus on the point of my story.
Ok, back to the point. Seing all these animals - if you didn't know Lisa and I are suckers for animals - made me want to get some rabbits. So, after I picked Hannah up from school we went to the AZ Humane Society. We didn't find any rabbits that we were particularly in love with but we did find two Guinea Pigs. They are sisters and were turned in because the owners didn't have enough time for them. Well I bartered a deal (2nd one half off) to keep'em together (sshhh we don't want the Cavies to find out one of them cost less than the other-could cause some issues-they are supposedely very emotional creatures). Anyway, Hannah and I became the proud owners of two sister Cavies. First is Bugsy (because she looks just like Bugsy on "Bedtime Stories"). Minus the CGI (Computer-generated imagery) huge eyes - ofcourse.

Then we have Ellaphant (Ella for short). I think we got that name from Little Bill unless it is just a coincidence that he also has a Cavy named Ellaphant. She isn't so ugly in real life (don't tell Hannah I said that - she thinks she is beautiful - only a mothers love!).Well, of course I couldn't just go buy some dumb cage!! I had to build one. So I crafted a two level cage with a removable tray lined with galvanized steel. The ramp up to the second story is not shown in the picture but I am sure you can imagine how awesome it is!

Put it all together and you have got two very happy Cavy Sisters enjoying some yummy timothy hay.

Oh, and just a note. Part of the Cavy deal was that Hannah and Hallie clean the cage . . . . . .uuhhhmmm . . . . . Yeah - that has worked out really well-NOT! But, at least they keep them well fed along with all the other rodents in their room!

Hayydn; What a Stud!

2009-02-05T11:10:00.000-08:00

So, Hayydn can now eat food, or at least get it all over his face (as you can see below). Although, I have to say that when Daddy feeds Hayydn there is no food all over his face! But, I am not tyring to insinuate that anybody is a better feeder than anybody else, just different - right? :D
Ok, so we are pretty excited about Hayydn's introduction into the solid-ish food world (although it is weird that his favorite is prunes?? I can't say i understand that one). Anyway, it is ironic that he can now eat solid foods because he also learned how to hold his own bottle - consistantly (meaning for a whole bottle). So, what I am saying is that now that he can feed himself - uhhh he doesn't really get much solid food - which is labor intensive. :D (At least until Mom comes home).Oh, the pillows are because he is a roly-poly-oly! Whatever happened to that cartoon?? And by Roly-poly-oly I don't mean his luvable fat rolls. We have been working on those for a while with some push-ups. We try to do about 50 a day. See below.
Nice form, if you ask me.MAKE THE PAIN STOP! IT BURNS, IT BURNS! (at least that is what I think he is saying? :)

Blogs and Journals as Affected by OCD :)

2009-02-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

A lot of people say their blog is their journal or that blogging is a lot like journal writing. Well, although their are some marked differences between blogs and journals (or there should be) I would definitely have to agree on at least one point, My journal entries all start with 'well I haven't written in a while . . . ' and all of my blog entries seem to be craving to follow that same theme. Of course, this is probably because I am inherently slothful, lazy, couch potato-y, or perhaps because I am addicted to tivo'ed episodes of just about every night-time drama on television. BUT, because this is my blog and I am writing it I would like to say that the recent void of any blogging entries on my blog is because of my uncontrollable OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

Unfortunately, I have OCD in many aspects of my life. But the one I want to bore you with today is what I call my 'Sylar OCD' (as in Sylar from Heroes) If you are not familiar with Sylar and Heroes here is a good link to learn a little about Sylar. Anyway, Sylar's ability is that he can understand how things work and then reproduce them (i.e. others' special powers). Now before you go off thinking that I think that I am a superhero with special powers (or to be more correct a super villain) remember this is just an example something analogous to my OCD, so cool it, I am not saying that I have super powers (at least not openly anyway). The point is that I feel like I understand how things work. Now, whether or not I really do understand how things work or not is unimportant, the compelling issue is that I feel like I do. Unfortunately, I feel like I understand what makes any particular thing perfect and I have an irresistible and insatiable desire to produce that perfection (at least as I envision it (after-all perfection is only relative - right?)). I know, I know, you are thinking 'but Torel, nothing you do is even close to perfection?' This is true, but let me explain. Here is a small window into what I would consider a perfect blog - daily entries including my own personal thoughts and feelings on most of my individual activities well documented by enlightening photos of what I am describing. In addition I wish i could include for each of my kids, pictures and entries of the many cute, special, and memorable things they do everyday. Plus, my blog would not be perfect without some type of spiritual reflection (after-all that is the why behind everything I do). I am sure there is much more I would want to include if I really thought about it. And, thus far this discussion has only been content driven. You see I wouldn't want to settle for these run of the mill Blog sites via blogspot.com. No way!, I would have to design my own individual and special website! (which I actually can do - just in case you were wondering) But that is a whole other laundry list of tasks and time consuming responsibilities. And i can't jus post any photos, they have to be fixed and cropped. So, I think that is enough to show what I am facing, now multiply that times everything i do (since you all know exactly how much I like to pretend to do :), if not just ask my wife :)). It is impossible! Half of the time i am just not skilled enough, or have the necessary skill sets, to pull off what I envision as perfection. But, even if I was skilled enough (and remember the other half of the time-if my math is correct-I do have the skills to achieve perfection), the time to do such tasks is non-existent - at least without cutting off everything else in my life. So, I agonizingly settle for mediocrity, sometimes less. I say agonizingly, because it is quite painful to never accomplish what your inner-self is screaming at you as totally obtainable. So why not just do less, or focus on fewer tasks with a higher level of accomplishment in each. Sorry, that is just as excruciating. The fact that I forget to take the garbage out every once in a while seems much more excusable now doesn't it? (rhetorical question - please don't answer-especially all you gals out there - guys, if you are on my side - go ahead).

So, close your eyes and picture the most outstanding and perfect blog - then open your eyes and pretend that is what you see and keep reading. Trust me, delusions, if you entertain them long enough can become reality! SIDE-NOTE: Perhaps that is the easiest way for me to achieve perfection - by causing everyone else to delusional-ly consider what I do perfect?? That is worth looking into but Hayydn is awake and he is just to darn cute to ignore.

2009-01-07T21:21:00.000-08:00

Well it has een a long time since I have done any posting. I have been a stay at home Dad for the last couple of weeks, you would think that I would have plenty of time but it seems to have worked out in the opposite. Anyway, I will catch up but I wanted to post a link to a memorial site for My brother Ty.

Tyrel Nichols
(1983-2009)

Please feel free to visit and post any stories, memories or thoughts you might have of Ty.

MY FAM-

2008-11-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

I had to give a talk in church about a week ago. I was assigned to speak on gratitude. I have to say that it was one of the more difficult speaking assignments I have undertaken. Not that the topic itself was overly complicated, it was just that every time I would begin to earnestly ponder upon gratitude, I would be overcome by thoughts of my family. I have such a beautiful family! For some reason even though I feel like I have definitely not lived up to my side of the bargain as of yet, the Lord saw fit to bless me with an outstanding wife. Her capacity to love and show love baffles me every day. Her potential is far beyond my own, I only hope she is capable of dragging me along towards the Celestial Kingdom. And my four children - we often talk about those who have been saved for these last of days - Well, I am humbled that the Lord would entrust me with four of those very elect. Anyway, this Thanksgiving I am more than Grateful for my many blessings - especially my family.

Some Pics from My Sisters House

2008-11-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

He is practicing the hang your spit out over your sisters face and then suck it back in trick. I must say he is pretty good at it too. And, by know way do I know about this stunt from personal use or experience, I have just heard of it being used. :D
I am not sure what it is about Hayydn, and I mean no disrespect to my girls because I think the world of each of them, but I can't help but swell up with pride when I look at my son. He is just so freakin' cool! I know he is going to be a pretty studly guy. And, I don't mean that in the traditional sense of studly, I mean he is going to be an outsanding young man! I can't help getting excited about experiences to come. But alas, he is only 4 months old and perhaps I am projecting a bit much. We will have to wait and see. He is pretty cute though!

The Last Game

2008-11-24T07:27:00.000-08:00

Kind of sad! This is a photo of my girls chearing at Terel's last football game. I guess we just have to wait for Hayydn. (Even though mom says he is not allowed to play football - Dad is going to have to put his foot down!) :) We are already training, i.e. he watches a lot of football with dad. At just under 4 months old, you can't underestimate the value of watching lots and lots of football. :)

2008-11-10T16:06:00.000-08:00

When I go to my brothers football games my Dad has to watch my girls in the stands (not that he really watches them but I give him credit anyway). :) I have seen a marked difference in my girls' perception of their Grandpa. Even though they might be freezing and don't understand anything about football I think they gain a lot from just seeing him each week. Oh, and Hannah is throwing some attitude in this photo because she didn't get to sit by Grandpa. :D
Me, My Dad, and Terel after the Snowflake vs Safford Game. Terel had an outstanding game. He ran well over 50 yards and had double digit tackles. He and Matt really took control of the game for the Lobos. If we can reproduce what we did when we play Payson next week I think we will do quite well.
Me and Terel? He is almost as tall as me - but not quite. Technically I am still the taller-maybe not the bigger- brother. :) I think I taught him most of what he knows.

2008-11-06T21:22:00.001-08:00

This is "keeping the dream alive" by Münchener Freiheit a German pop band. I have always loved this song since high school. I Ran across it on You Tube and thought I would share. Enjoy.

Ode to My Toyota. :(

2008-11-06T20:03:00.000-08:00

It was bound to happen, and it did! I finally rear ended somebody. I have never ran into someone before. The sad thing is that I wasn't even driving distracted-which I have unfortunately done before. I was going like 30mph and just couldn't stop in time when the car in front of me slammed on the brakes to avoid the car in front of him. I also had about 12 boxes of 18 inch tile in the back, which comes out to a little more than a thousand pounds. So, the front end wasn't the only thing that got damaged.

The Good News is that our insurance company gave us 15,444 and change for the truck after they totaled it. So, we are going to probably buy a Toyota Tundra Double Cab. That way we can fit more kids more comfortably. :)

2008-11-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

I am not sure why but the girls love to play in enclosed spaces. One of there favorite places to play is in the kitchen cupboards. At our new house, because the kitchen is on steroids, we actually have some empty cabinets. For some reason they love to play in those. Anyway, here is a pic of Haddli up at Grandpa's house. She found a cabinet to hide in. So, cute!

2008-11-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Grandpa definitely loves his grandson! We went up to Snowflake for the football game and it was my Dad and Grandpa who held Hayydn the whole time. But, again how can you resist this guy, he is adorable!

2008-11-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

Now that is one good looking kid! I can't wait to be able to do man stuff with my son. Not that I mind doing the girly stuff, but a little variety will be quite nice.

2008-11-02T21:29:00.000-08:00

One word - Beautiful!

2008-11-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

I have to say that I am pretty proud of how crazy my daughter is! Is that a bad thing - to encourage your daughters to jump off of stuff? We jokingly asked her to do a front flip, then we had to make sure she didn't actually try it. :)

Halloween at School

2008-11-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hannah's class was allowed to dress up, but they had to be a character out of a book. Hannah was Sleeping Beauty. They then paraded around the school so everyone could see their costumes.

2008-11-02T13:58:00.000-08:00

I don't know why, but I love this tree! It is close to the Paper Mill west of Snowflake, AZ. This past weekend as we were coming into town in the late afternoon there were some great clouds in the sky. I had to pull over and photograph it (even though my wife said absolutely not :) ). I am glad that I did because I think that the results are outstanding. It is interesting how anything can be beautiful if placed in the right light.

Cheating

2008-10-30T22:07:00.000-07:00

I remember the days when it was hard work to create ones very own "website." That was before the era of blogs, eons ago - I know. Anyway, now you see all of these sophisticated, cute, and creative blogs. BUT, don't be deceived! No one actually writes their own HTML code or even knows what the heck HTML is. (here is a great link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTML ). In fact, nobody even uses some kind of great software like DreamWeaver (which is kind of cheating too, but better than blogs). It is quite depressing. And the most disappointing thing is that I, in order to keep up with the Jones' or at least with Mrs. Jones (because I get the feeling that it is my female friends and associates that do most of the blogging (at least in the family communications/photo type blog world (I know I am going to get burned for the whole female thing))) -sorry about the parentheses - maybe dashes are better?- Ok, where was I? Oh, I, in order to keep up with the Jones', must fall in line and shamelessly copy someone else's HTML work and plug it into a system, i.e. Blogger, so that my blog will not be shunned by the other cooler and more creative blogs. If only I had time to truly shine? Yeah, yeah, someday . . . . . someday (in a softer almost day-dream-like tone).

2008-10-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

I love this photo of Hallie and Haddli at the football game in Snowflake. I just can't get over how beautiful Hallie is. Even though she is freezing, has two jackets on, has sat through an entire football game, and it looks like some wet wipes in her hands, she is beautiful. All of my girls are beautiful. I have truly been blessed! (At least till High School . . . maybe Jr. High . . maybe - aaauuggghh!!)

2008-10-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

Well, I have decided that I love posting photos on facebook. Granted, nobody looks at them . . . and not that anyone will ever read this either (although my psychiatrist says it helps to talk it through anyway) I have decided to put a stop to my mindless uploading of photos. Ok, ok, not so fast, that is clearly a dumb idea! There is absolutely nothing wrong with your hard drive puking photos onto facebook. Besides, when the drive finally qeels over and dies at least you have something to remember - and even though it is digital vomit it is better then a wasteland of nothingness. So, anyway, just in case you are still reading this entry, the point is that I am going to try not to use my blog just to post photos . . - - Maybe photos with comments???

2008-10-30T17:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Traci and Stewart's Blog and couldn't help but copy it! Lisa and I died laughing as we watched it over and over again! I think it fits everyone of my kids! Enjoy.

2008-08-06T20:11:00.000-07:00

Me on the wake board and My buddy Steve Faller doing some skiing.

2008-08-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

I finally was able to go out to Lake Pleasant with my good buddy John Mundall. He just got a new Malibu Wake Setter. It is awesome. Any way this is me on the surfer behind the boat. Lots of fun!

2008-08-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

Hayydn showing off his crazy hair. "Hey, bed head is in!"

2008-08-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Haddli and Grandma Lisa. Lisa's mom came to visit us for a week to celebrate Hayydn's birth.

2008-08-05T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hayydn doing his Grandpa Halladay impression!

Hannah Hallie and the baby boy.

2008-08-05T19:20:00.000-07:00

Everyone had to take turns holding the baby. Although at this point I don't think mom and dad get a turn; Hayydn's older sisters are monopolizing his time!

Haddli and Hayydn

2008-08-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Haddli holding her new little brother Hayydn.

2008-08-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

Hayydn and Dad watching something manly like football or gladiators. So much better than Princess Barbie.

Hayydn and Nixon

2008-08-05T19:02:00.000-07:00

Nixon Walter Newton and Hayydn. These two were born within two days of one another. They will either be best friends or enemies.

Hayydn Torel Nichols

2008-08-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

It was inevitable. The birth of a baby boy. He is definitely a mini-Torel! Anyway here are some pics.

Opening Night

2008-07-23T22:10:00.000-07:00

Well, it was bound to happen eventually - - that is my submission into the blogging world. It seems that the only way people are able to stay in touch anymore is through the use of a blog. Whether this is a better world than the one I used to belong to (where basically people just didn't stay in touch) or worse is a discussion for another day. Just wanted to say hi to everyone and get this whole blogging madness underway.