Farewells!

In the period of a month, I had the privilege of attending three mission farewells!  It was quite the flood.  The first was Josh White's at the beginning of May, next was Peter Redd's the following Sunday, and the last one was Sydney Young's at the beginning of June.  Needless to say, I was struck multiple times with the importance of missionary work as I listened to the three very distinct farewell talks.  I am excited for these awesome future missionaries, and I really look forward to hearing about the exciting work they will be involved in!  Good luck Elder White, Elder Redd and Sister Young! :)

Mom's visit!

We had such a fun time with Mom when she came to visit a week ago! I spent a fair bit of time with her and the boys since I had the week off from work.
Some of the highlights with the Puente boys included a trip to the Science Museum, where they had a hay day in the kids area and where we saw this neat solar powered house out on the lawn of the Science Museum.

Also, Spence and I were spoiled and got her all to ourselves one evening!! Here we are at various stages of burger enjoyment.


me- SOOO excited

Spence- ordered a 'pretzel bun' for his burger. he's smart to order somethign so yummy even for a bun. How did he know? 'It sounded good-' he says.

Mom, about to take a delectable bite!
So yea, it was lovely to get out and dine together. You can always find an excuse for that. This time, I guess it was because we've been such good Bloggers! These were 'build your own burgers' from a Hole in the Wall (that was literally the name of the place) on Bentley/ East of Sepulveda, and Santa MOnica- it was really great to have a chance to visit together and also enjoy delicious food.
Thanks for a fun visit, Mom! It was great to see you!! Luv you!

Mud Run!

Every year there is a widely attended mud run at Camp Pendleton (a marine corps base located outside of Oceanside).  This was my second year in a row participating and I really love it.  I'm a little disappointed in myself (definitely less prepared than last year), but enjoyed having Melissa and the kids come down with me this time.  We stayed at the Marriott in Oceanside and spent a few hours in the pool after the run.  Actually, I think I got more of a work out in the pool than I did at the run as the kids kept insisting on taking turns swimming laps on my back.  I think everyone had a great time.  We also managed to stop at a beautiful nursery on the way home and pick up a new avocado and lemon tree.  Very productive day!

BEFORE:

  
ONE OF THE MUD PITS:

AFTER

AND ROGERS GARDENS WHERE WE GOT OUR FRUIT TREES

Singing

As many of you may know, Lindsay has a pretty good singing voice.  Our stake did a singing performance recently where she performed a duet with another singer from our ward.  They sang "The Flower Duet" from Lakme.  Even if you don't recognize it by name, you've most likely heard at least the music of this song.  Unfortunately for me, I was traveling up to San Francisco for a conference at the time of the concert and missed it. 

Fortunately for me, Lindsay was asked to sing it again at a high priest's dinner the following Saturday.  Fortunately for you, I recorded the performance:

John in Cap and Gown

Dad and I got to celebrate with John at his official inauguration into the legal world last week. And it was fun for Dad and I to be at our alma mater on this auspicious occasion.
It was interesting to compare the commencement ceremony - with lots of British tradition, including the parliamentary chairs and the mace - with the one at BYU two months ago.  The speaker, a scientist who was an honorary degree recipient, mentioned how in a scientist's world it's failure that often leads to new and interesting discoveries.  He said that for others seeking to carve out their career paths failure can lead to something even more exciting and rewarding. But he did not downplay the role of excellence either.  He mentioned that excellence must always be the goal in anything one strives for.
We're very proud of you John and look forward to seeing how you choose to make your mark in the legal world.
Congratulations!!

A-Frame

Melissa and I went out for dinner at A-Frame a couple of weeks ago.  Its Roy Choi's (Kogi BBQ and Chego) newest place situated in a renovated IHOP in Culver City.  We really enjoyed ourselves.  They do a modern take on picnic food.  You can see a menu here.  We had a spicy kettle corn to start, crab cakes and ribs for appetizers and a cracklin beer can chicken entree we split.  It was very tasty.  I was especially obsessed with the ribs and have spent the last 2 sunday dinners trying to recreate them.  They haven't been as good as A-Frame's, but they have been very tasty.  Failing never tasted so good!  

The Sports Corner

As the self-appointed sports writer for the blog, it's time to catch you up on the latest happenings in the Wild World of Sports (the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat).

All scores and standings are as of 6/10/2012.

Hockey 

The Stanley Cup is upon us.  Those living in Los Angeles have been surprised at the run their Kings are making and are just one win away from the Cup.  They held a 3-0 lead over the New Jersey Devils, but New Jersey has made a comeback and the series is currently at 3-2 with Game 6 being in Los Angeles on Monday night.

Soccer

As previously pointed out in an earlier post, the European Championships are here.  We are partway through the first games in the group stage.  The major upset so far was Denmark's 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.  Spain and Italy also fought to a tie.  For non-Europe teams, the US beat Antigua & Barbuda in World Cup Qualifying 3-1 and Canada defeated Cuba 1-0.  The US travels to Guatemala on Tuesday while Canada hosts Honduras in Toronto.  On the domestic side, the team at the top of the table in Major League Soccer is none other than my beloved Real Salt Lake; games are currently on hold due to national team games.

Basketball

The NBA Finals are upon us.  The two teams involved are the Miami Heat and the Oklahoma City Thunder (formerly the Seattle Supersonics).  A lot of talk has been about LeBron James, who has taken some flak from fans because of his decision to leave Cleveland and join a couple of other superstars in Miami and try to win a title.  He has played extremely well in the last round and now hopes to win the title against Kevin Durrant.  Game 1 is on Tuesday.

Boxing

Last night (6/9/12) Manny Pacquiao, widely regarded as one of the best pound-per-pound fighters in the world, lost a split decision (2 judges said he lost, the third said he won) to Timothy Bradley.  This decision has been widely criticized as being unfair; most people who watched the fight and scored it at home had Pacquiao winning comfortably.  The stats on total punches landed and thrown also would suggest a comfortable win for Pac-Man (Pacquiao's nickname) but the most important statistic, the judges scorecards, said otherwise.

That's it for this sporting moment.  Please let me know if you think your sport isn't being covered enough and I will consider it (though calls for me to cover cricket and billiards will most likely go unanswered).

Happy Birthday Melissa!!!!

Melissa,


You consistently amaze me with the energy and enthusiasm you bring to life.  Even 2 sets of twins has done little to slow you down.  Thank you for your passion and drive.  It has made such a huge impact in my life.  I wouldn't be half the man I am without you.  I adore you as do your friends and family.  So glad we all get this opportunity to wish you a great day.  May this be the best birthday ever!  Here's to a slightly mellower but no less enjoyable year!  I love you.


Ian


Melissa,
You have been blessed with many gifts - both physical and spiritual.  You are one of the most creative and artistic individuals I know.  Your missionary project is amazing.  I pray that it may be the means of touching many hearts and changing many opinions about the church.  I hope this birthday and the coming year are the happiest of your life for you and your family.


Love, Dad


Melissa!
Have a wonderful birthday. 
Even though you're juggling about 4 full-time jobs (you are seriously the most skilled multi-tasker I've ever hung out with)  I love how your'e always thinking of ways to help other people out. I've been to your place when you're cooking dinner for someone or taking their kids for a couple nights so they can have a vacation, or you're planning a service project for the ward.  You are such a sweet and loving wife and Mom and the best film editor ever.  
Love you, 
Mom  


Happy birthday Melissa! You have always been a great example and an inspiration to us older siblings over the years. Hope you have a great day and will look forward to spending some time with you and the boys in July.


Jordan


Melissa, I love your sense of adventure and appreciate how you've infused your mothering with it as well.  I admire how you are able set and reach really fantastic goals.  You're a great writer, a great photographer, a great editor and a great mom.  I hope the year ahead is full of adventure for you and your family. 


Charla


Melissa is always so willing to help out.  Whether it's with her children, her husband, her family, her work or just herself, she pushes hard and does what is necessary to help out others.


Spencer


Even upon leaving my home to come over, it's like being home when I see you! It's been so great to have stayed close with you all these years through thick and thin. You are such a supportive, loving, helpful, insightful sister who inspires me because you are always working hard, doing your best, and trying to improve yourself.  I'm so glad you're my sister!! Love you! Happy Birthday!


Lindsay!


I love the way Melissa is incredibly talented and exceptionally creative.  Her abilities have given her the opportunity to do amazing things not least of which include her film projects.  I love how, despite her busy schedule, she is always mindful of others and able to engage everyone around her in active and meaningful conversation no matter when, where or who she is with.  She is a great mother, wife, sister and friend.
Beej  


I am always amazed at how great Melissa is at accomplishing a lot of different tasks.  I admire her drive and work ethic.  She also gives great advice, which I really appreciate whenever I chat with her.  Love you Meliss, and have a great birthday!  You deserve it!


Rachel

Euro Championships 2012

The European soccer championships are right around the corner, with the first games being played on Friday this week. This is a tournament that happens every four years and is probably the second most popular and second most watched soccer tournament in the world after the World Cup. Like the World Cup, it is always very difficult to predict the winner. There have been six different finalists in the past three tournaments - France and Italy in 2002, Greece and Portugal in 2004 and Spain and Germany were finalists in 2008 with Spain going on to win. We happened to be in Germany on vacation during the summer of 2008 when Spain and Germany played in the final.  It was an interesting experience to be in a small town in southern Bavaria being around all of the hype and celebrations leading up to the final game (too bad Germany didn't win though - not only was I cheering for them but it would have been more interesting to see the post-game celebration and party atmosphere around the country).

So with the start of the tournament imminent, and going along with our tradition from the past world cup of making predictions, who are everyone's picks as finalists?

Check out this link for the list of teams and pools participating in the tournament.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/european-championship/2012/groups-schedule

The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter final or knockout stage of the tournament.


I think that we should have a wee prize for whoever picks two teams that make it the furthest in the tournament (speaking of which I'm hoping that Beej, the winner of the World Cup pool actually did get his prize in the end :) )

Sugar and spice and everything nice...

What is it about babies???  They don't do anything, they don't say anything yet my little Ruby was the star attraction at the latest Young gathering.   

And when I look into her eyes and she looks into mine and smiles then does her best to speak to me: "Gaa" - it's sacred ground you know, a moment of temples, mountain tops, the most solemn prayer.

I'm so in love.

Minimalist Shoes -- My Take

I've had these shoes for a couple of years now. I've used them around the house and, periodically, to work. I like them and its about the closest I can get to bare feet in a business or polite social setting. That said, I could never quite get myself to run in them until the last couple of weeks. I was too afraid of hurting my feet (particularly my gimpy left foot) as I've heard differing opinions on the matter. On a whim I packed them for my trip to France and used them exclusively on the treadmill at the hotel. I managed to get 4 runs in over the 10 days I was in France and liked the experience very much. I decided to do get some street runs in (I'm trying to get ready for a mud run on the 16th) and set off on the first with a little bit of trepidation. I was extremely pleased with the results. I managed to get a 5.35 mile run in (which marks the fastest distance ramp up I've ever done, less than 4 weeks from total sedentary to 5+ miles) with plenty of hills and really enjoyed the experience. Felt lighter on my feet than I have in years and finished with no shin or knee pain. I had plenty of foot soreness and extremely sore calves, but that resolved itself rather quickly and I vastly prefer to muscle pain to the traditional alternatives. A couple of days later I also did a 4 mile run and felt even better. Ended a bit earlier because I suffered from the only major downside of running like this, which is a massive blister on the little toe on my left foot. Need to figure out how to address that as I have a couple of painful abrasions from the constant fabric rubbing. Overall, I think I'm sold. Still early in the process and we'll see how my left foot holds up, but really enthused by the results. I'm thinking of getting a casual version in brown kangaroo skin which could probably work better at the office. Check out some of the options here.

The Road

I have the book review position for our blog, which works out perfectly because I have upped my book reading rate significantly over the past few weeks thanks to no more classes! Most recently, I read The Road, by Cormac McCarthy.  He has written several books including No Country for Old Men, which was made into a much publicized movie that you may have heard about.  
The Road is a post-apocalyptic tale about a father and a son who have nothing at the world's end except for each other.  They make their way south slowly and painfully with no idea of what they will find, just a hope that things will be better.  It is a depressing, but also somehow hopeful story, both disturbing and moving at the same time.  I recommend it to those who can handle a somewhat of a downer book.  The writing style is very minimalist and hard to get used to at first, but once I did I found it hard to put down. 
I will be sure to review more books that I find interesting for your enjoyment!  Also, I would love to hear any recommendations of great books to read.  I'm always on the lookout.

Backyard Traveler

After a highly competitive and exhaustive search I have landed the coveted job as schneidremarks travel reporter.

I have always enjoyed the Edmonton river valley, which is one of the most attractive geographic features of this city.  Recently, with the help of my intrepid co-reporter, Nana, I have discovered an incredible network of trails and nature walks, almost right in our backyard.  

This is a beautiful time of the year in Alberta.  We have a short but intense growing season due to the long hours of sunshine. Landscapes that were hermetically sealed in glacial ice just a few short weeks ago have burst into beautiful colors, flowers, and leaves. Neighbors that have been unseen and forgotten for the winter months have emerged from their houses to inhale the beautiful spring air and work on their tans and their gardens.  Neighborhoods are transformed almost overnight.

We don't need to travel more than a few feet to enjoy such incredible beauty.

Nana and I look forward to exploring some of these great trails with you when you come to visit.  

Goodbye Toeman

So our betta fighting fish named Toeman (I believe it was Caleb that has the credit for the name) passed away a couple of days ago.  He was a good, hearty fish and he will be missed.  Melissa and the kids had a porcelain ceremony for him.  The kids swear he was still swimming when the chain was pulled and that he probably made his way to the ocean "like Nemo."  Pretty sure he had passed, but can never quite shake the though of mutated sewer pets coming back to torment semi-neglectful owners.  If you are still alive Toeman, no hard feelings eh?