True Companions

Yeah! Anna and Nate are here!! We picked them up at the airport last night. It has been much too long since we have seen them. I love the holidays! I love that family comes and visits. It is my favorite part of the season. Also, we have no kids!!! The boys are in Minnesota with their dad and the girls are with Melissa. While we miss them (of course) it is quite enjoyable to not have the responsibilities. We can play at anytime of the night or day. We spent the whole day shopping. Since we are not celebrating Christmas until the boys return on Jan 1st, we are able to take advantage of the after Christmas sales to finish purchasing our presents. Yesterday we saw 2 movies. First we saw "National Treasure 2". It was awesome! Greg thought #1 was better since it had more clues and puzzles to figure out. But this one had more character development. It was very good. The next movie we saw was "I Am Legend". The previews show that it is about a man who survives something tha...

.: (You really should read this first!) :. We did our family Christmas pictures and they didn't turn out very well. First we were outside by some trees and those were a bust so then we just decided to come inside and do them by our own tree (even though I hadn't finished decorating it yet!). So these were the best:

The kids had their Winter Sing tonight through school. It was sooo good!! The kindergartners stole the show!! (and not because I worked with them for the last 3 weeks). They were soo cute. I will have pictures and will load them on when I download them onto the laptop. Danny and the kindergartners sang Rudolph, Silent Night, and Nuttin ' for Christmas. They were soo cute and did such a good job!! Hana and Hunter and the 2 nd graders sang Jingle Bells - Arizona Style ("dashing through the sand..."), We Give Thanks, Sixty Million Snowflakes, and Celebrating Hanukkah. Madison and the 4 th graders sang Chatter with the Angels, Go Tell It On The Mountain, A La Puerta Del Cielo , and Frosty Hand Jive. She was also supposed to join in the finale of The Manger Carol but her mother made them leave early (Madison was mad!!!). Regardless, it was a great show and I am very proud of all of our children!! Afterwards we went to the Mesa Arizona Temple to see the Temple ...

.: (You really should read this first!) Another email from Andrea. Here is my get to know you with four things. Four jobs I have had in my life 1. Waitress 2. Office Manager 3. Paralegal 4. Domestic Engineer Four movies I would watch over and over: 1. American President 2. Coyote Ugly 3. Where the Heart Is 4. Just Like Heaven Four places I have lived: 1. Florence, AZ 2. Anoka, MN 3. Houston, TX 4. Pueblo, CO Four TV shows that I watch: 1. LOST 2. America’s Next Top Model 3. Amazing Race 4. Did I say LOST? Four places I have been: 1. Mexico 2. Grand Caymen Island 3. California 4. Ozark Mountains Four People who e-mail me (regularly): 1. Greg 2. Emily 3. Amy 4. Andrea Four of my favorite foods: 1. Subway 2. White pizza from CiCi’s Pizza 3. Steak Fajitas 4. Salad Four places I would rather (or would love to) be right now: 1. On a cruise with Greg 2. On a desert island with Greg 3. With the kids at Disney World 4. Africa!!!! Four things I am looking forward to next year: 1. Hunter ...

I have to begin by pointing out that I have been doing soo well on my blogging lately! (I say that and than I will stop!) Hopefully not. Maybe I can start staying on top of the laundry too - but maybe that will be too much to ask!! :-) Well, we went to see Santa last night. Because this entire holiday season is out of sorts (again blaming the pregnancy) we ended up at Superstition Springs Mall. I am not a fan of mall Santas - unless we talk about the Mall of America Santa because he is the best Santa EVER!!!! But with the time constraints - now only having the girls on the weekends and the boys leaving on the 20th for Minnesota - we didn't have much choice. We ended up standing in line for almost an hour. We first had dinner at Taco Bell which left two of the children with tummy troubles and lead to a few trips to the bathroom while waiting. Right as we got to the beginning, Danny had an accident. Poor thing! But that would be why he is kneeling on the floor and didn't get to ...

Your Holiday Stress Level Is Low You take it easy over the holidays, and you only take on what you can handle.You know the holidays are about celebrating and fun - not standing in line at the mall! What's" Your Holiday Stress Level?

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Ok so I am really a sucker for these. (Which is probably why Amy continues to send them all to me). Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay,here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire email and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be NICE! 1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for Christmas…but I am a gift bag person otherwise. 2. Real tree or Artificial? I love the smell of the real trees but the needles all over the house dictate that my sanity can only handle an artificial one. 3. When do you put up the tree? Usually the night of Thanksgiving. I was a bit slower this year – but I chalk that up to the pregnancy!!! 4. When do you take the tree down? I can usually last until a day o...

1. What is your name? Gregory 2. 4 letter word: Good 3. Vehicle: Gondola 4. City: Grand Rapids, Georgetown, Glendale, Gilbert 5. Boy Name: Geoff 6. Girl Name: Gwen 7. Alcoholic drink: Gin, Grogg 8. Occupation: Geologist, Gemologist, Geneticist 9. Something you wear: Gold (bling, bling), Grass Skirt, Girdle 10. Celebrity: Gisele Bundchen, George Clooney, Gwen Stephani, Gemma Ward 11. Food: Grapes, Gravy, Grapefruit, Goose 12. Something found in a bathroom: Gel 13. Reason for Being Late: Gas, Gout, Great-big-accident 14. Cartoon Character: Green Lantern, Gary the Snail (from spongebob squarepants) 15. Something you shout: Great Scott! 16. Animal: Gorilla, 17. Body part: Groin 18. Word to describe you: Genius

I ran across this link for basic photo editing . It's specifically for photoshop elements, but is a good rule of thumb for editing in any software.

.: (You really should read this first!) :. I got this from a friend of mine and thought I would post it here. SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Copy and paste into a new email. When you are done, send it on,including to the person who sent it to you. *Use the 1st letter of your nameto answer each of the following... *they have to be real places, names,things...nothing made up! Try to use different answers if the person in frontof you had the same 1st initial. (WHICH BY THE WAY IS HARD IF YOU ALREADYREAD THEIR ANSWERS) You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl 1. What is your name? Jennifer 2. 4 letter word: Jump 3. Vehicle: Jeep 4. City: Joplin 5. Boy Name: Jack (if it’s a boy) 6. Girl Name: Jillian (if it’s a girl) 7. Alcoholic drink: Jack and Coke 8. Occupation: Janitor 9. Something you wear: Jacket 10. Celebrity: Jennifer Anniston 11. Food: Jello 12. Something found in a bathroom: Jewelry (if I leave it on the counter) 13. Reason for Being Late: Jumped (car jack...

.: (You really should read this first!) :. So...I have been sick all weekend. I have a cold - I know...it's just a cold, but it has kicked my butt!!! I have been down for most of the weekend. I love my mom living soo close!! She came and took care of me. Today while Greg and Allen went to Stake Conference, mom came over, made me soup, watched movies and played cards. I have to admit - I enjoyed this more than I think I would have if I would have attended Stake Conference (Am I going straight to hell for that??) But I have been up and running enough to do some decorating around my house. I have finally organized the book shelves in my entry way and hung some pictures. I got the boys' room painted Friday night (before the train hit me) and put up their S pider Man border. They had a blast hanging their own wall stickers. You can definitely tell by the height of where the stickers are placed which child placed them. :-) Cecily and the kids came over tonight and hung out. It is ...

So my daughter had her first orchestra concert. Here is the video. Bear in mind this is the BASICS !

OK I looked at the blog and realized that we never posted anything from Halloween. I know it is December...and I won't even tell you when I last blogged (mostly because it has been soo long I have no idea). But I thought I would blog tonight....I am feeling a bit ambitious - I don't have a Christmas tree up yet but I am blogging...that is something, right? :-) Halloween was a blast. We only had the boys (the girls were at Melissa's and they were missed!!) We went trick or treating around our neighborhood. And then invaded Mom and Allen's for a bit. It is certainly nice having them soo close! We took Riley with us - although at times I think he would have rather stayed home. I have been meaning to take a picture of me and my belly but so far this is the only one I have managed to get. This is me at 6 weeks pregnant. :-) Hee hee hee (at least I don't have to worry that people just think I am getting fat!!)

Thanksgiving this year was a bit crazy. I was sick and had the flu. I ended up in the hospital twice with dehydration. At least I wasn't really sick on Thanksgiving day. Because we had the holidays this year the girls were able to celebrate with us. We went to Cecily and Jason's for the celebration. Thanks guys for hosting it!! There were soo many people there! Scott and Gina and their family came from Flagstaff. Jenny and Ken and their family came from Utah. Unfortunately Mom and Allen were home sick and David was in the hospital with heart problems. I am glad that everyone has turned out healthy and I am soooo very thankful for my family. I love you all and I am blessed to have you all in my life!!

This story deserves a link. Usually I get these things in a spam so I am greatful to have read this on a blog and get to enjoy it's message. Let's face it, sometimes we get a good story in a SPAM or CHAIN eMail and it just ruins it because it was regurgitated by some thoughtless forwarder. So the message might be good, but the the delivery is abrasive and rude. just my 2 cents. I have very thoughtful, considerate, and responsible relatives. ;-) .: (You really should read this first!) :.

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free! almost disturbing.

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!

.: (You really should read this first!) :. So at work today we took some time out (at around 2:00pm) to attend the Pinal County 8th Annual Veterans Day Tribute. We watched the Color Guard and the Fighter Plane (F-16) Fly by, said the pledge of allegiance, and then listened to David Maestas (a veteran of the Air Force) our public works employee, speak. He gave a pretty heartwarming commentary on the life of his hero father and informed us that often we forget the Veterans who are victims of the tragedies of war. He told stories about Veterans who act 'crazy' but only because no one knows their story or sad experiences that have effected them so deeply. Overall, it was one of the better speeches I have heard regarding the subject. Thanks to all the veterans!!!

I really love vector artwork. I found a tool that will unraster and vectorize things for "FREE". (it does a good job too!)

.: (You really should read this first!) :. So I was going through my regular RSS feeds and saw a link to some interesting eCards . I like the contrast between the 'message' and the 'clip art'.

Daniel Ross and Sierra Tolman on their 5th birthdays!! Danny had a big birthday bash at Chuck E. Cheese. His friend Sierra Tolman turned 5 a couple days before him so we combined the party. They had a great time and a ton of their friends came to celebrate with them!! I can't believe that my baby is 5!!!!

Who you gonna call ? Originally uploaded by Delgoff . You just gotta love a creative guy with a worker vest, a vacuum, a helmet, a camera and an idea. Reminds me of my own crazy pics .

.: (You really should read this first!) :. I read this really interesting blog post from Tim Ferris . It seems you can improve your life simply by eliminating complaints that come out of your mouth. I like the added commentary by Tim about how it is important to add a solution if you have a "problem" so it doesn't qualify as a 'complaint' unless you don't offer a solution. Anyway.. something to think about!

I-35W Bridge Originally uploaded by Rick Allen Photography . This is a good composition. Its amazing to me that I was so close to being on this bridge. Thank heaven for the little messages that keep us out of danger.

Bongeunsa Temple Originally uploaded by heather . I love the way the lanterns make a beautiful pattern as the light falls through them. The poles add to the composition as well.

.: (You really should read this first!) :. My wife and I were given a calling this Sunday. So I guess we have gotten everything 'out of the way' as far as CHURCH is concerned. Last Sunday (which was Jennifer's first ever sunday in this ward) we were asked to speak. Jen spoke on the topic of Obedience. I spoke on the topic of Human Suffering (luckily it was a short one due to the lengthy speaker before me ;-) ) We are now on the 'welfare committee'. I pray we will be able to make a difference.

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Well it's been quite a while since I have blogged. I have been quite the busy body. With moving into the house, picking up my wife from Minnesota, missing the 35W bridge collapse, getting a new Dog, preparing my response in preparation for a Family court hearing on the 15th, working in the yard and in the garage, etc I haven't had much time to blog. BTW - pray for me in regards to the children and my custody of them. Pray that I will get full custody or at least that I will retain the custody I already have of them. Pray for the Judge as well. Her name is Karen Potts. Jen and Kendall went horseback riding for their birthday. They had fun, I know because Kendall couldn't stop talking about how fun it was. So..... I spoke in church today! Well actually I didn't have much to say or at least the time to say it. It never fails, Jen insists that I write a long talk so that I can cover for the time she leaves me with, but the th...

:p Originally uploaded by baleia . This is quite the shot. well done!

Ready 4 Adoption: abandoned cat and self-claimed artist, both starving and phewing Originally uploaded by paolo tinari . this style of lighting and post processing is my favorite. Ilike the way it looks. He used quite a bit of lighting for this one,

Sunkist Originally uploaded by Symbiosis . I think this is the best capture of what I imagine when I think of a vacation. Do I ever wish I was there! *sigh* Instead I am without my wife.. :(

Michele Self-Portrait Thursday 7/12/07 Originally uploaded by micheledavis68 . This image is very close to what my sister-in-law looks like. I don't know Michele Davis , but she is darn lucky to look like my sister-in-law

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Well, I live an a new house. I have new roommates (two and four-legged variety). New appliances and new payments. My 'relationships' are in quite a roller coaster state. My in-laws and parents are hyper-sensitive emotionally and I miss my wife terribly! My X is a pain! I love my wife more than anything! She is such an awesome mother, lover and friend! I can't wait for her to join me in our new home and make it the best Woolf Den EVER!! Oh BTW, if anyone wants to come visit we live just North of Anthem at Merrill Ranch on Hunt Highway and just south of Arizona Farms Road. Turn right at the water tower just after you cross the train tracks (while heading South). I need a vacation!

Here are the latest entries from co-workers on Photoshop Friday. The theme was before and after polaroids of a life-changing event. Matt gets points for creativity in concept. Image by Matt Thomas Image by Marc Wenning Image by John Horn Image by John Horn Image by Greg Woolf (ME) It was loads of fun as always!

Girl in Vancouver Originally uploaded by Knottyy . When I saw this image I immediately thought of the Mona Lisa. I don't know why, maybe it's the 'mood' of the image. Maybe it's the half smile on her face. (it certainly can't be the pink and green blouse.) LOL Oh did I mention, I really want a job doing this kind of photography . How would you like that kind of imagery AND be able to pay the bills?! Wow!

sidereal portrait #4 Originally uploaded by substrom . Wow what a freaky picture. I dont' know what it is about it that is so captivating. I've been feeling a bit displaced lately. Maybe because I feel like a lot of things are coming at me at different directions. I guess this refiner's fire will either burn me up or make me stronger. I miss my wonderful wife!

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Ok. So I've been out of town in Minnesota. We have been enjoying my little vacation and have seen some old friends and stayed with relatives. Our thanks goes out to Ben & Wendy Mullane , Bart & Angela Smithson, and Doug & Kathy Mock. We love you and appreciate all you do for us. I hope to post some pictures of the trip really soon. For now I wanted to share an image from a photographer who has some really great ideas, Jan Von Hollenben . You should check out her gallery and the "dreams of flying" images. Great stuff!!! I will be returning to Arizona soon and unfortunately will be without my Wife and two wonderful boys this summer. Leave me a message sometime and say Hi. Even if I don't know you, I can appreciate any and all comments. (Heck, if I don't like your comment, well then I might just have to live with it.)

This is a very poignant image. It captures so many emotions and feelings about so many things. WOW! I also want to say that I love and adore my dear Jennifer very much! We will be apart for about 2 months. I often question why. But somehow and for some reason I think it needs to be done. I pray that she knows that I love her VERY MUCH! This is a hard thing to be away from her for so long. I love her for making this sacrifice, as well as her willingness to stand by me through thick and thin. She knows just what to say when I am feeling blue or 'magenta'. She knows just what I need every day. She loves me. And I definately LOVE her! I love you Jennifer!

05.17.07 - 218/365: I Spy... Originally uploaded by d.rex . My life feels about as organized as this image. But it's full of plenty of really cool discoveries!

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Well it seems that when it rains it pours. Last night while I listened to my X torture my children with her emotional distress, a random investigator dropped by to interview Jen on a matter that was at least 3 yrs ago. It's crazy. Jen has been a bit emotional lately as she will be leaving to visit/work in Minnesota this summer. I can understand that she will miss everyone and stuff, but I think this trip will be the best thing for her (and us) right now. I love her soooo much!

.: (You really should read this first!) :. We've had quite the eventful month. It kinda started out with me being ill. Then my children were 'attacked' by their mother. Then my X decided to complain about not getting enough child support (which she is in fact getting MORE than what has been calculated). Then I filed an order of protection after getting word of a CPS investigation. Then I had a hearing to keep the order of protection. Then my son had an allergic reaction to pennicillin. The FUN stuff was.... We went camping, we played at a waterpark, we taught some important lessons to our children, we received a closing date on our house, and news that my in-laws are coming out early to help me and my family. It's amazing what blessings come when we listen to our spouse, the lord, and the friends that care about us.

The House on Cargo Ave Originally uploaded by geowulf . Well, they are working hard on our house. I hope it is done by next month, that would be a nice surprise. They have really worked quickly. Once they framed the house everything just got done so fast. Can you tell I am amazed at the speed they can put up a house.

Desperate Mothers - John Horn Originally uploaded by geowulf . This was another entry into our Photoshop Friday challenge. This is one that John did last week. I'm not too proud to admit that it would be nice to have a little boy!

Comic-al :: John Horn Originally uploaded by geowulf . So this is John Horn's entry into our photoshop challenge. I like his creativity. I almost look like I have a fu Man chu!

Photoshop Friday Originally uploaded by geowulf . So every week we do a photoshop challenge to try and improve our skills. I took this photos on the way to work and decided to incorporate them into the challenge. I'll try and post the ones from my co-workers as well as the previous fridays.

.: (You really should read this first!) :. I have had severe allergies most of this week. I say severe because I can hardly keep my eyes open they are so sore and red. I also have a headache most of the day. Anyway! I am trying to come up with the best solution for moving all of my stuff out of the house without putting it in an additional storage unit and then moving it again. It would be nice to lock it all up in a trailer and when it is time to move... Move it. I think we will buy a "portable" shed and store most of our belongings in there. Then when it is time move we can just move it out of the shed onto the trailer. Ideally, storing it on a trailer would be best.. but I can't find anyone that wants to loan me a trailer for that long (~4 months). Any ideas? For clarity I just thought I would point out that I would need to move most of my stuff out of the house I am currently living in, so that my brother JOEL could move his stuff into the house. It is a sort o...

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Here are a series of images that I took on Easter Sunday. I think they turned out pretty good. My favorite is of Hana and Hunter together. If you click on the image you can see the rest of my photographs in my Flickr account. Leave some feedback about my photos, please.

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Good morning blogland! We have the most interesting conversations on our Vanpool each morning. Yesterday we spoke about how " Brain Farts " is too harsh a term and should be substituted for something with less imagery. So we decided that "Mind Flatulence" is a much better term. ;-) Today the subject was more along the lines of nakedness and hairy men. Stories were exchanged about accidently making a male hairy nipple into ones computer desktop background and of course not being able to remove it. (Funny stuff) Or the hilarious discussion about the men with abundant back hair that floats in the pool like the tenticles of a sea anenome. ( I guess you would have to be there, trust me, it was funny). I am always one who appreciates clever and creative ideas, so when I got this link from a friend I felt particularly inspired. I usually don't sew, but I'm thinking this would make a great FHE activity. Maybe we can g...

.: (You really should read this first!) :. Okay.. so I'm starting to gain momentum on this whole blogging thing. We recently started a new build on a home out near where I work (Pinal County, Florence, AZ). Here are some of the construction pictures. I realize they may look a little gradiated and strange, but that would be because the images are a photostiched panorama.

.: (You really should read this first!) :. We had a great weekend. I felt like I was at church the whole weekend. Wait, I was at church the whole weekend. Saturday I spent at my Sister's church because my niece got baptized. Then I spent Saturday night at our church at a special "parables" presentation. We did spend Sunday eating Tacos and enjoying the company of friends . BTW - I ran into this really cool bed hack for ikea bed frame. MORE STORAGE!

My cool celebrity look-alike collage. Get one for yourself. .: (You really should read this first!) :.

Well sometimes you have a bunch of old books lying around that you still may want to read but never have the time. Why don't you just make them useful while they are awaiting the day that you may read them. .: (You really should read this first!) :.

.: (You really should read this first!) :. So we went to the Easter Pageant at the temple and had the privilege of sitting in Reserved seating with my Brother and his family. I also discovered that this was Jen's first pageant of any kind. Everyone enjoyed the message and was spiritually uplifted. Danny was a bit of a fussy child, but he learned pretty quick that this gets him a one way ticket to misery. I made him sit with me on the outskirts of the pageant until he could prove he was able to be good. Little Sofia was quite the ham. Here she is saying CHEESE! And here is another of her kissing her Aunt Jen.