Bob's Blog

"Run Fat Boy, Run!"

2009-12-03T21:32:00.004-07:00

Thanksgiving morning I ran a 5k at the South Davis Recreation Center in Bountiful. This is the begining of some personal goals I have set for myself recently. I started training for the race that Monday. I ran Cross Country in High School and running a 5k was nothing back then. I was in the mindset before the race that running a 5k would still not be a problem. Let's just say I hit the wall early on in the race. I did walk much of the race, but I still beat the one legged man. I am planning on doing another race in Feburary, and lets hope I can take a good 20 minutes off my time from the Thanksgiving race.

Another Bad Day!

2009-06-15T21:31:00.004-06:00

Bad days are becoming a proverbial thing in my life the last two months. I thought my trip to Logan and USU would be the crowning moment of the day and the remains of the day would cap off like a setting sun over the Great Salt Lake. Traffic, the end of the work day and the replacement of the broken window would be the things to bring down my day. The replacement window cracked as I was sliding it into place. Also, I did not wear gloves, thus the band aids on my fingers. This must not become a trend!

Chalk this one up as one of the worst!

2009-06-08T21:38:00.006-06:00

I thought today was going to end as a pretty good day. No major problems when I woke up, but, oh, when I arrived home after work, down came the curtain hiding all of the demons of horror.

The first problem I had to solve in the morning should have been the indicator that it was going to be one of those days. My son Isaac does not like to flush the toilet. I flushed what he left for us to flush and the water started to runneth over the bowl. This little incident made me late for work. Work would be the only respite I would have until I arrived home that evening.

When I pulled up to the drive, I saw Kristi pulling the garbage bin around to the side of the house. She was picking up broken glass. Adeline broke the glass in Isaac's bedroom window, with her head. She is lucky to be alive (in more way than one.

I stepped inside to change so that I could help Kristi, and I found the kids destroying the kitchen (making one heck of a mess).

We took out all the broken glass and I sent Kristi on a peace mission to Albertson's for Double Coupons and a chocolate bar.

As soon as Kristi was gone, Isaac started throwing up his dinner in the bathroom sink with Addie asking if she could watch and see it. If you ask Isaac the reason that he threw up is because he ate too many rolls.

I hope the night will end better with dreams about loving my children, rather than sending them to military school.

The day would finish with my Blood Drive coming WAY under goal.

What a day!!!!

Math Problems

2009-03-30T20:24:00.003-06:00

Today Isaac asked for some help preparing his "Math Bag." He has to bring in a large number of objects to be counted, sorted and measured. To this point everyone in the class has brought in a food based object (mostly candy). Isaac was set on that fact and that he too had to keep the Status Quo. Kristi and I stated that we would use something we already had, and the fact that candy never lasts long, the objects he would take to class would most likely be something plain and boring. He said he would look "stupid and lame." I quickly shot back saying it would most likely be the latter. I explained that he would always be remembered as the kid who brought beans or pasta, because no one remembers all the different candy that was brought in. I guess I am just a mean Dad.

Facebook & Patrick Duffy

2009-03-18T20:12:00.002-06:00

Not everyone is hooked to Facebook.

Book Club

2009-02-25T19:53:00.003-07:00

I would like to introduce the blog of the book club my dad and I formed. The name of our book club is "Two Men & A Book Club." We have since grown beyond the two men, but the name has stuck. We wanted to share our thoughts on books that have a historical background. I don't think my dad understood what he was getting into. We have started in the early years of our country and walked the path with Harry S. Truman. For me these are the kind of books I really like to read. For my dad, it has been an eye opening. He has since forming the book club found that politics is a dirty art.

The blog is still a work in progress, but we have most of the books we have read together up. We still need to make our comments on each book. I hope there is enough room on the web for my criticism of Joesph Eillis's books.

Well, happy reading. I know that I am.

A Scout should always be prepared

2009-02-21T19:24:00.010-07:00

In Scouts I was always taught that a Scout should always be prepared. Yesterday as a troop we went to Crystal Hot Springs. I spent a month getting the permission slips taken care of, ensuring I had every one's Class 1 Medical forms, camp site reserved and Tour Permit filed with the Council. I thought I was ahead of the game and this would be the best camp out ever. Well that was what I was picturing in my mind. What I had left to do was the food prep and packing. In my mind that was the easiest part of this camp out.

Kristi insisted that she go shopping with me for the food. If it was not for her and her suggestions at the store, my Scouts would have eaten Hot Dogs and Pop for dinner and breakfast. I know that I was taught different when I was a Scout, at least I could have cooked garbage (Frito's, beans and peppers). Kristi helped me prepare a well balanced set of meals for the camp out. We were to have Dutch Oven Parmesan Chicken with a salad and Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler for dessert. For breakfast I bought oatmeal and a lot of fruit (of course I disregarded Kristi's advice to have scrambled cheesey eggs too). Any Nutritionist would agree that these were the perfect meals for growing boys.

By this time I was envisioning in my mind the boys saying, "Brother Koger took us on the best camp out we ever went on; and he feed us like Kings!" I think I spent too much time reveling in my future glory rather than planning for the "Perfect Storm" that was soon to happen.

In my haste to prepare the night before, I thought I could pack and get all the small details taken care of when I got home from work. Well, I was delayed and I was also was stuck in traffic for a while. When I got home all I could do was change out of my work shirt and put on my Scout shirt. With late start we did not get to the campsite until after 7pm. By then it was dark. With haste we put up our tents and started on dinner. I sent the boys off to swim while I finished with dinner (and the only reason dinner even got started in the first place was one of my really prepared scouts had the can opener and matches that I forgot). Well, I was not ready to deal with all the snow and cold that would hinder the cooking of the dinner. It took almost 2/3 a bag of charcoals to get the dinner somewhat warm. With all the time it took get all the charcoals hot, the winter weather had greater force on the outcome of the dinner. Only one of the chicken dinners was fully cooked, and the Cobbler was still pretty much still goo at 11:30pm. With all the energy it took to get dinner to luke warm, I was so tired. I was ready for bed. Again, I did not prepare for the cold night a head. I was sooo cold all night long. I even put my mittens on my feet to keep them somewhat from freezing.

I thought breakfast would be my saving grace of the camp out. Our neighboring campers offered my Scouts some of their Mountain Man breakfast. The boys took one look at the oatmeal and fruit, and set them down and took the campers up on their offer.

All I had to do was jump start my car and get the car out of the hole I drove it into (that is a whole different story. Lets just say it did not help the trip.)

Needless to say, I was never prepared and I felt awful the whole time. I want to be the Scoutmaster that you see in the Norman Rockwell posters. I know there is always room to improve, but I never envisioned I would need to prepare so much room.

I missed this episode

2009-02-07T21:25:00.002-07:00

I thought when I worked at the nursing home I saw all of the Lawrence Welk shows, but I must have missed this one.

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-02T20:10:00.005-07:00

Tonight we put up the Christmas Tree. Isaac and Addie loved putting up the ornaments. The only hang-up they had was they put all the ornaments on just a couple of branches. I asked Kristi if we would correct this, but she thought it best that we leave it be.

The ravages of Tetherball

2008-11-28T10:13:00.005-07:00

Now many people know that Kristi and I's marriage is based on spite. Well these photos should prove this. We played until the ball smacked Kristi in the face and I felt really bad. Me being the good husband I am, I called it a draw.

Are you ready for 02/17/2009?

2008-11-28T10:01:00.001-07:00

I hope you and your Grandma are ready for the digital switch?

Hello Again

2008-03-25T22:53:00.001-06:00

It has been too long since I have updated my blog. I will update the blog this week with some news and photos. A lot has changed since my last post.

Ta for now!

Don't tell Charlie!

2007-11-29T19:06:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks we have had to buy eggs from the grocery store for the first time in over a year. Our chickens have not been laying, because they are moulting (replacing old feathers with new ones). They have not had a constant laying process in over a month. I hope this ends soon so I don't feel guilty when we load a carton of eggs into the shopping basket at the grocery store.

We are thankful for?

2007-11-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

For our FHE this week Kristi prepared a poster board with a Cornucopia that would be filled with things we are thankful for. Here is what each member of the family was thankful for:

Adeline:
Colors
Books
Light
Coloring

Isaac:
Mommy
Hugs
Daddy
His friend Tanner
The body Heavenly Father created for him

Kristi:
Her job as a nurse
The Gospel
The Scriptures
Her mom
Her Family

Bob:
Temples (and that we live so close to one)
The YM & Scouting program
Kristi
Our home

Halloween (Late Posting)

2007-11-21T10:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is a late posting. Both Isaac and Adeline choose to dress up as their alter egos. Adeline was the pretty princess, and Isaac was Spiderman. Kristi put a cap on Koda so he could be Isaac's sidekick, but Isaac said that Koda needs to go out as a "dog." Oh well.

How much gravy is too much?

2007-11-20T16:27:00.000-07:00

I was reading the Sunday Paper and there was a part on making the best Thanksgiving dinner. With all the tips and helping guides, the article provided a gravy serving chart. I had to ask myself, how much gravy does one person need to consume in one sitting? Well, thanks to the wonderful researchers at Campbells, we now have a chart of how much one would need to make to supply the eaters with a good supply of thickened, fatty oil/water.

Here is some great sites on how to make the perfect gravy.

Simple Recipes - Gravy

Soul Food Gravy

Potted Meat Gravy

The Mister & Baby

2007-11-01T15:57:00.000-06:00

It has been a long time since we have had professional pictures taken of Isaac & Addie. They turned out really good. I wish I could say the same about our family picture, hence why it is not below.

The many personalities of Adeline

2007-10-18T12:29:00.001-06:00

For Adeline's birthday, we bought her some costumes and a mirror. Like her brother, she likes to have some article of clothing on that explains her personality. Unlike her brother though, who always has a Superman cape on, she will want to be a "Pretty Princess" one day, and the next Spiderman. Whatever she chooses in the morning, I still think she is the cutest little girl.

The end of a great summer!

2007-09-21T09:49:00.000-06:00

Well, Fall officially begins this weekend. Summertime always goes by too quickly, but we were still able to have a great summer. We went camping twice (Kristi wishes it was more), grew a lawn, painted a house, had a wedding in the family, went to fairs, had an addition to the family (Koda), lost a member of our family (Jello the chicken), Isaac's first time fishing, and many play dates for Kristi and the kids. Long list huh?

Happy Birthday my Little Princess

2007-09-20T16:09:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was Adeline's second birthday. She loves her toys and costumes she received for her birthday. The photo is a photo of her, her cousin Dallin, and Grammy Koger who all have September birthdays. Aunt Kali make a cake for all of them an placed candles on it for the kids to blow out.

My new toy

2007-09-10T09:28:00.000-06:00

I have not been one to buy the newest gadgets and fads. We are still driving cars from the last century. Well, I have been wanting a iPod for a while now, but the week I was about to act upon it, Apple comes out with the new iPod Nano. I had to have it. It was the same price as the old Nano's, but it has a video screen. I have downloaded two football games onto it and I love watching them on my new iPod. Oh yea, I also have a couple of songs on there too.

Extreme Home Makeover (Koger Edition)

2007-09-10T09:17:00.000-06:00

Kristi has been hard at work painting the house. With the new windows and light fixtures I installed the house looks great. See for yourself with the photos below. There is a photo of the house when we bought it in 2006 and two of the updates to the front of the house.

Easter Eggs in August

2007-08-26T19:07:00.000-06:00

Our youngest chicken, The Grinch laid her first egg. She will lay green and blue eggs. I think its pretty cool!

Bob as seen on Simpsons

2007-08-23T15:31:00.000-06:00

Here is me as a Simpson character. I have been a fan of Simpson's since they were on The Tracy Ullman Show.

Back to school

2007-08-23T09:09:00.000-06:00

It has been some time since I have posted a comment on my blog. I must thank Danny Jessop for reminding me that I still have a blog.

School started yesterday. I have signed up for two classes this semester. My Biology class was last night, and tonight is my Math class. I have a lab class for my Biology as well. All is well now, but I will keep you posted on how I am doing throughout the semester.

Dr. Bob Dolittle

2007-07-23T13:44:00.000-06:00

For the past couple of months I have had to take a hard look at what I want to accomplish in life. I like my new job, but it will not be the job that I retire from. I have had go in the political realm, and I am not willing to sacrifice my standards on sacrificial idealigoies. These have been weighing hard on my mind, and I felt is was time to pursue a profession that I wanted to be when I was a child. I am returning to school to become a Veterinarian. I do have my Bachelors degree, but the prerequisites for the DMV require a lot more science and math than my Political Science degree required. So, starting in late August, I am a student again. Kristi has been very optimistic and supportive about this discussion. In all I should have my DVM in about six years. I hope to attend Colorado State University's Vet program. It should be a fun ride! Wish me luck.

Cub Scout Egg Launch

2007-07-16T09:31:00.000-06:00

Last Thursday was my finale Cub Scout activity. All the boys made rockets out of 2 liter bottles that would hold a uncooked egg. Their egg would be launched about 200-300 feet and then free fall back down. The rockets would then be opened to see if the egg survived or not. They were given one of two activity patches if their egg survived or not. We had a couple of the boys who's eggs did survive. It was a lot of fun to watch. Below are pictures from the activity.

our house update

2007-07-12T21:43:00.000-06:00

We've been in our house for about 1 1/2 years now. When we bought it, the inside had been updated nicely, but the yard needed a lot of work. We still have a lot left to do, but we thought we'd post some before and after pictures to show you our progress so far.

Ben & Lonni's Wedding

2007-07-12T14:49:00.001-06:00

Here are some pictures from my youngest brothers wedding that was last week. Enjoy!

Deep Thinker

2007-07-12T14:42:00.001-06:00

Isaac and I were running errands the other day, and one of our stops was Smith's Market. Isaac always asks to get a cookie while we are there. On the way to the store I told Isaac that because it was so late in the day (9PM) that the store bakery might not be open. To retort this he told me, "I trust you that the store will have cookies." Sure enough, there was one more cookie to give away. I think I need to start to have faith like a child and I too might get the blessings I need.

Camping

2007-07-09T18:10:00.000-06:00

I remember when camping was easy enough that all I had to do was load a tent, sleeping bag and something to burn, into the car. Now it takes a lot more. With kids it involves nothing short of a U-haul, a tent that sleeps 10, and enough food to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. We spent the weekend before last in Manti for Lonni's endowment at the Manti temple. We thought the kids would love it. We had fun until it was bed time. It was midnight before they fell asleep and they were both up at 6 AM the next morning (after a night of being kicked in my sleep by one or both of them). It also takes a lot to distract the kids from wandering into others camping areas. All I can say is that our first family camping trip was . . . memorable.

Goat Trauma Awareness Month

2007-07-03T12:54:00.000-06:00

Last month was Childhood Goat Trauma Awareness Month. I must tell everyone that I too was traumatized by a goat when I was young and this organization has helped me to set a path to the road of recovery. If you too have been traumatized by goats in your life, either while you were young or more recently. They can help, and you too will find the healing you need.

A Short Farewell to Scouting

2007-07-02T15:31:00.000-06:00

I must say a short farewell to the Scouting program. I was released from my Blazer Scout and soon to be released from the Cub Committee. I was called to be the new Young Men's President in our ward. I know that I will still have some scouting responsibility's, but it will not be a full time job as it was before. I really liked the scouting program and I hope that one day I will be part of it again.

I, however will try to get the Teachers & Priests involved in the Venturing program that the BSA offers for older scouters.

As a final installment, I have added one more Scout video that makes me proud to be a Scouter.

Me Animated

2007-06-28T11:13:00.000-06:00

Ahhh, so shiney!

2007-06-26T11:05:00.000-06:00

I do not come out and endorse many products, but I thought this new, fantastic, wonderful, space age (used on the space shuttle), European product needed a spokesman. I would like to offer Lemishine my name and face as their unofficial spokesman. Here in Bountiful, we have some wicked hard water, and it has taken a toll on our dishwasher and our dishes. Well, this new product, "Lemishine" promises to be the cure for hard water. We have tried vinegar (leaving a smelly mess), Jet-Dry, and standing on our heads. Nothing worked! I saw this new fantastic product in a news article, and thought this would solve our problems. Kristi was skeptical, but is now a believer. After the fist wash our dishes looked brand new, and after the second wash, the dishwasher looked cleaner. We love this product! You can too. Check out their website and you can download a coupon for it.

Broken Glass UPDATE

2007-06-26T11:03:00.000-06:00

The bag has been found! The bag was found behind some busniesses by our home. It was a little wet, but all was OK. Somebody found it while they were out riding thier bike. Yea!!!!!!

Broken Glass

2007-06-25T12:36:00.000-06:00

Sunday morning Kristi was leaving for a early morning morning for her calling. She came back into the house with a worried look on her face. She told me that the Civic's rear passenger window was smashed in with a large rock. They took only one item from the car after braking in; my briefcase. They must have been truly disappointed when they find out what the contents of my briefcase were. The contents were, my church study manuals, scout manuals, and my kids sacrament books. Was it really worth braking my window for these items. I know a scout would not have done this, because a scout is Trustworthy. I hope that the people who stole my briefcase read the materials in it and take a good hard look at what their life choices are.

Invasion of the chickens

2007-06-22T08:32:00.000-06:00

We have had our first two chickens (Charlie & Garlic) for a year now, and we now have two new chickens to add to the flock (The Grinch & Jello). They pretty much are free range chickens. Kristi is not too happy with all the chicken poop, but it makes good fertilizer. The kids love chasing them; they eat all the slugs and snails and we are never short on eggs. They have been eating our strawberries and corn starts, and this has not been sitting too well with us, so we introduced two new birds to our garden, and they have been good keepers of the garden. The two plastic flamingos have been perfect for this job.

Who do your kids look up to?

2007-06-20T09:31:00.000-06:00

Every day I worry about who my son hangs out with. More and more he no longer wants to hang out with his dad, but rather go and play with his friends. I was the same way, but my parents could rest assured, because I had good friends. Well, I know that my son is still young, but I still worry about what he will be like as a teenager.
A lot of my fears were eased yesterday as I saw my son interact with my Blazer Scouts. They were so kind to him and took him under their wings. They even got him to eat hash browns (something Kristi and I could never get him to do). They showed him how to salute the flag and put his hand on his heart when he is not in uniform. I never once had to worry that they would be discussing inappropriate information in front of Isaac. I knew that when they were playing by the river, they all had their eyes on Isaac, so that he would not fall in. These are the types of friends I want my son to have when he is their ages. My scouts are good young men, and will make wonderful missionaries and future leaders in the church. I am a blessed man to be a leader of this group of scouts.

One too many trips to IKEA

2007-06-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

Having IKEA next to my work is a bad thing. It is too easy to find an excuse to go to IKEA. Their $0.99 breakfast does not help either. I have made a top ten list of signs that you may visit IKEA way too often.

10. You are able understand Swedish.
9. Fish paste and meatballs are a staple food for you.
8. People shout your name when you enter the doors. (Bob!!!)
7. All items in your house were designed by Svöen Okçiur.
6. You know to bring your own bags so that you don't have to pay extra for new bags.
5. The in store displays are modelled after your home.
4. You consider your self a handyman because all IKEA items are do-it-yourself projects.
3. You now drive a Saab.
2. You have said more than once in a passing conversation that, IKEA has changed your life.
1. You have more Alan wrenches in your tool box than screwdrivers.

The case of the broken windshield

2007-06-05T09:03:00.000-06:00

Last Friday was a short work day for me, because I received a call from Kristi saying that Isaac had taken a garden tool to the Civic's windshield. Isaac tried blaming the incident on the baby, but he was tried and found guilty by his peers (Mommy & Daddy).

It is hard being a parent. I have to remind myself that I too was a child who too raised havoc, and caused my parents to worry if I was going to turn out okay. I know that my son is not a troubled child, and will turn out okay, like his daddy.

The Forever Stamp?

2007-06-04T10:33:00.000-06:00

I went to Wal-Mart last Friday and with the convenience of the world today, I was able to purchase a book of stamps at the checkout stand. I asked if they had stamps and I was told, "Yes, we sell the forever stamp." I was told by the cashier, no matter how much the rate of postage increases, I can affix a forever stamp to my mail, and it will be mailed at a First Class rate.

What the heck! The rates increase every couple of years, right? Well how long do they expect me to hold on to these stamps and use them after the rate increase? Who did the marketing on this product? Come on!

Missing the BBQ gene

2007-05-31T08:02:00.000-06:00

I was born without the BBQ gene. I thought it was ingrained in every male genetic map. I can over cook the simplest of meats on the grill. The night before last Kristi asked that I grill some hamburgers. Pretty Simple huh? Well my is family is grateful for ketchup, because they were eating burgers that were hard as nails and they needed something to help ease the chard meat down their throats. I wonder if there is a support group that I can join that has other men who suffer from the same condition as me.

Bob's 1st Post

2007-05-30T10:09:00.001-06:00

Many things run though my mind though out the day, and I often think, "I should share this thought with others." This blog is how my many thoughts and concerns will be spread to those who care to read and dwell with the life of Bob Koger. I hope that you will enjoy reading my posts. I hope to enlighten you or make you laugh, and occasionally make you think, "What?"

Please feel free to post comments on my posts. I would love to get feedback and your know your thoughts.

Enjoy!

Bob Koger