I'm not a geek

Free Comic Book Day is this Saturday. It is a great activity for the kids. They get a ton of free comic books, which may encourage them to read. Check out the link for your nearest participating comic book shop: FREE COMIC BOOK DAY!

Happy Birthday Sara!

Today marks the final day of Sara's week long birthday extravaganza. It has been an excitingly fun time here on the home front, but all good things must come to an end. However, we are celebrating in style. We are going to the happiest place on earth to celebrate the woman who makes me the happiest. Part of the celebration will include picking up a free bag of tortillas and doing whatever she wants for our whole stay. I saved my favorite gift for last, but won't reveal it. I don't want to spoil the surprise for Sara. Feel free to find us hanging out with Goofy today and wish Sara a happy birthday. So to summarize what we have learned during this week; Sara is breathtakingly beautiful, she is Wonder Woman, she's athletic, she is a great mother, she is surprisingly talented, she's the best snuggle buddy, and the best friend anybody could ever ask for. I love you Sara and hope that you got everything you wanted during your week long birthday extravaganza. I still had a few pictures from Sara's past, so enjoy:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA!

Day 6

Today is the sixth day of Sara's week long birthday celebration extravaganza. We will be getting together with some of Sara's family to celebrate numerous birthdays. It seems like half of the family was born within a two-week span. So, some of the family will be meeting at Sam and Bonnie's to possibly reminisce about photos like these:

Last night our family went to Bob's Big Boy for dinner to celebrate. Some of you may know that Sara used to work at Bob's Big Boy. Some of you may not. In fact, there are still times that I am surprised by some of the things I learn about Sara. I'd say that Sara is surprisingly talented, meaning that I still get surprised by some of the things she has and continues to do. For example, I dusted off the old Nintendo a while back and popped in Super Mario Bros. Sara asked to play a 2 player game. I thought I was doing quite well, given that it had been many years since I had last played. Then it was Sara's turn. She completely destroyed me! In fact, it didn't take long for her to completely finish the game. I shouldn't have been too surprised, because I remember a date to the Nicklecade up in Orem in which she beat the crud out of me at Street Fighter. A few other random things about Sara are that she played the violin and piano (but not at the same time), she won 3rd place in an elementary school contest for her essay on Martin Luther King Jr., and she makes amazing things out of fabrics and thread.

I'd also like to talk just a little bit about how great of a girl friend/wife Sara has been. The majority of our courtship was done while she lived in California and I was in Utah. However, it didn't seem like we were apart very much. She made frequent trips to visit me, and it seemed like I would get a letter from her in the mail every other day. She has always made time for me, and has sacrificed a lot for me. She left everything behind in California to get married and move to Utah. She worked to support us while I finished school. She's had to take care of me during labor with our first child and just before she went into labor with our youngest. She puts up with my sense of humor and the everyday possiblity that I will do something embarassing. The only reason I can figure she does for, is because she really loves me. I'm not a very affectionate person. I'm not a hugger, and would be just fine not touching other people at all. Sara is not that way. If she is ever close enough to touch me, she will. And, I actually enjoy it. Just her simple touch still makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. She is the best snuggler I've ever known(even better than the Snuggie). She is the perfect woman for me, and I can't imagine ever being without her.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA! I LOVE YOU.

Cinco de Sara

Today marks the fifth day of Sara's week long birthday celebration extravaganza. I would like to focus on what I consider to be her best quality. Sara is a special mother. I don't know if it has anything to with their dislike of me, but our children LOVE her. We gave Geronimo the nickname DT (short for duct tape), because he was always stuck to her. Now, Bodie is Little DT. It is not uncommon to see Sara dragging a leg with Bodie stuck to it. When the kids get hurt, they run to her. When they go to sleep at night, they want her to tuck them in. And she loves them right back. I can see it in her eyes when she rocks Bodie to sleep. I can hear it in her voice when she agrees to make each child something different for lunch or dinner. She does very well in her role as family doctor, tutor, referee, and stinky diaper disposer. I grew up without any sisters, so I may not be as sensitive to people's feelings as I should be. When our children cry it is sometimes hard for me not to tell them to toughen up and get over it. That is why I am so lucky to have Sara. She always rushes to their sides and quickly gets them to stop crying and feel all better. I could go on and on about how great she is as a mother, but instead the kids recorded some messages for her.











Tonight we are going to dinner as a family to celebrate Sara's birthday, and then there will be a special treat waiting for her when she gets home.

Happy Birthday Sara!

Day 4 of Sara's Week Long Birthday Celebration Extravaganza!

Today's feature is about Sara the sportswoman. Sara comes from a family who fish and married into one as well. According to the photo evidence, it appears that her catches have decreased in size over the years. Her family has some weird tradition of biting the head of off bait fish. I hear that it causes poodoo breath, but never want to find out for sure. I like that Sara is willing to get her hands a little slimy and get her feet a little wet (I won't talk about the time she fell in the creek and got drenched that one time). Sara also is willing to spend time in the outdoors. I proposed to her when we were camped out in a tent one evening. She has also done things with scouts and doesn't shy away from an outdoor adventure. Today's gifts were a couple of books about some vampires that she has been wanting to read.

Happy Birthday Sara!

A Moment of Silence

Tuesday marked the end of Dikembe Mutombo's professional basketball career. Unfortunately, it was due to injury and not because of his choice. Dikembe has been my all-time favorite basketball player. I watched him play in his college days for Georgetown. I became a Denver Nuggets fan when he was drafted by them, and I have followed his career through the long years and numerous teams. He was one of the greatest defenders in the history of the game. He could score when his team needed it, but deferred to teammates when it was for the good of the team. Not only was he unselfish on the court, but he has used his fame and fortune for the good of his fellow man. Most players who have been asked about Mutombo mention his big heart before his long wingspan. Here are a few videos featuring Mount Mutombo.







It will be tough not watching him wag his finger anymore, but I'm glad I got to in the first place.

Day 3!

Today marks day 3 of Sara's week long birthday celebration extravaganza! Yesterday's flowers were deemed, "the best flowers I have ever received". So, I would consider that a success. Yesterday was Earth Day. When I took a couple of our kids to the Disney Store to get our Earth Day special gifts, I noticed a tote bag that I thought Sara would like.
So, Happy Bearthday!Today I would like to feature Sara's athletic side. She is an extremely good swimmer and even played some soccer(Since it is her birthday, we will call that a good thing). She did both in high school. Here is a picture of one of her soccer teams:

As an interesting side note, Sara wore #11. When I played sports in high school, I wore #11 too. Coincidence? I think not. This year for T-ball we asked Geronimo what number he wanted to be and he immediately said #11. He said that was his favorite number.

Maybe it is just me, but I think there is something extremely sexy about girls who play sports.

See what I mean? She is still very strong and powerful. (I have pictures of the bruises to prove it, but am saving those for a future domestic violence case). She doesn't kick the ball around anymore these days, but she will always be my all-star.

Happy Birthday Sara!

Day 2 of Sara's Week Long Birthday Celebration Extravaganza!

Today marks the second day of Sara's week long birthday celebration extravaganza. I waited to post this until I knew she was at work, because she has a surprise present waiting there. For those who don't know, Sara works once a week as a dental assistant. She really enjoys it, and I could see her doing that once the kids are old enough to all be at school. Her favorite flowers are Gerber Daisies, which will be delivered to her at work today. I also snuck a couple of CD's she has been requesting into her CD changer for the drive to work.

On another note, Sara is Wonder Woman. One of my favorite things about her is that she can accomplish anything she puts her mind to. I learned early on that all McAlister women are stubborn like that. Once they have decided to do something you can either help out or get out of the way. Anything else and you will have to deal with their fury(trust me, you don't want to do that). As I thought more about this, I realized that Madison is already like that. As I looked at some of the pictures of little Sara, I realized that Madison gets her attitude and her looks from her mother. Happy Birthday Sara!

Week Long Birthday Celebration Extravaganza!

For those who aren't aware, Sara's Birthday is one week away. She isn't exactly stoked about turning 25, so I decided that we would celebrate for a whole week. We are just doing little things each day to celebrate the life of Sara. I do have photos from her younger years that I could post to embarrass her, but I'll save those for later in the week. As I looked through old photos, this one reminds me of when we were first dating.I don't know if I have told the story before, but when we first met she was actually trying to get me to leave. The problem was that she smiled. I never get tired of talking about her smile. It is like some secret weapon. Armed with deadly dimples and a perfect set of teeth, there is nothing she can't get me to do with just a smile. This morning we enjoyed some birthday donuts and the kids sang Happy Birthday. I have other little gifts and activities planned for the rest of the week, but always welcome suggestions. Maybe there is something you like about Sara? You can submit birthday wishes in the comment section. We will be celebrating the final day of the week (April 27th) at Disneyland. If anyone wants to meet up with us and sing Happy Birthday to her non-stop, let me know. Until then, Happy Birthday Sara! You are my favorite friend.

M.I.A.

I know that it has been a while since I have last posted. I do have some catching up to do. I'm usually pretty busy during the first half of April, so I don't find time for much besides work. I can rest a little easier knowing that I don't have to change the name of my blog. I have successfully defended my title as Mr. Mustachio. There probably are many people who I should thank for that honor, but I don't want to leave anyone out and hurt somebody's feelings. If you didn't vote in the competition, then I do want to hurt your feelings. How can you be such a terrible person? I don't know how you can live with yourself. Luckily, repentance is possible and you can strive to vote next year. I will use this post as a sneak preview of things to come. We took a brief trip to Arizona that I will be talking about, as well as a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific. I also have a post about my various boycotts on the back burner. And, if you are lucky, I will discuss my theory that Obi Wan Kenobi's parents named him with aspirations that he would become an OBGYN. Until then, have a happy Holocaust Remembrance Day(well, maybe a peaceful one would be better).
Mr. Mustachio

You can be the difference

Have you ever wondered what your purpose is in life? Have you wanted to be of service to your fellow man? Have you ever wanted to make a difference in the world, but just didn't know how? No? Well, then why not just vote in the Mr. Sasquatch competition? Voting takes place all this week. Click here to cast your vote. Have a hairy day!

Edward's Law

I need to take a little break in between tax returns, so I figured I would give a little update on our quick trip to Vegas. For the longest time I thought that Murphy's Law was, "If there is a butt crack, your underpants will find it." Recently I discovered that Murphy's Law is actually, "Anything that can go wrong will go wrong." But what about a less serious version of that law? Is there a law that states, "Almost anything that can go somewhat wrong will go somewhat wrong"? In my very limited research(a.k.a. none) I could find no such law. So I am enacting a new law and calling it Edward's Law. Edward is the first name of the engineer that Murphy's Law is alledgedly named after. First names aren't as serious as last names(unless used in a combination with the middle name). So, I figure a less serious version of Murphy's Law would be Edward's Law. Am I still talking about Edward's Law?

Back to our Vegas trip. We went up to go visit family on Saturday and Sunday. Let me preface this by stating that I enjoyed seeing extended family and was happy to be there. However, Edward's Law was in full effect. On Saturday morning I had to work doing an inventory observation(which is as exciting as taming a lion in Bizarro World). I was hoping to be home by noon and meeting up with my folks by around noon thirty. In a sign of how the trip was going to go down, I arrived at the house around 1. By the time we left my parent's house I think it was around 2. Mike was our designated driver. Luckily for us we left just in time for this: It really helped with our goal of traveling 1 mile in 1 hour. This gave Bodie a chance to practice his car seat yoga.

He then got emotional when I told him to trying throwing a ball or something.
There were a few interesting vehicles around us during our slow crawl. This one was pretty note worthy. Because when I think of a Sheriff vehicle, the first thing that comes to mind is flames painted on it.
We were never actually forced off of the freeway, so we got to see the cause of the freeway shutdown.
And I thought my hatred for Carl's Jr. couldn't increase. So, we finally make it to Vegas and the kids are wanting to get some food. We pulled into a McDonald's. I went inside and looked at the menu in confusion. They were missing half of the items. Surely they would have the McChicken. After all, it is a McDonald's staple. I really wanted to try a new sandwich combination of puting a McChicken patty in the middle of a double cheeseburger and smothering it in sweet an sour sauce. What's that you say lady behind the register? You only have a hot and spicy McChicken? How could this be? In my confusion I decided to order it anyway. I also forgot to ask for no onions on the burger. So heartburn and I were best buddies later that night. At least they had Happy Meals for the kids. After eating we decided to take a drive down the strip. Check out this picture.
Can you tell what that is? Perhaps if there were lights it would be clearer? That's strange. You would think that the strip would be lit up. We started to notice that a lot of lights were out on the casinos as well. We wondered what was going on, but didn't find out until later that it was apparently Earth Hour. Of all the times we could be driving down the strip, we happen to make it during the one hour of the year that the lights are going to be out. And another thing, shouldn't the strip be exempt from turning off their lights? It's like asking Ponch not to be awesome for an hour. It's just not right. I would go on a granola insulting rant right now, but I am a bit tired. We arrived at our hotel just in time for me to get out of the car and witness some kid ralph over and over again on the sidewalk. When we got up to our room it turned out to be a capper's room, which I guess is more of an Edward's Law for my mom.
The room was actually very nice and spacious. We had two beds and were able to fit a pack and play and two air beds on the floor too. After getting settled in Mike and I decided to go hit the town. My "limit" in Vegas is usually between 5 and 10 bucks, which is plenty for playing my high stakes nickle and quarter games. I was playing video poker and thought I was getting the hang of it. Mike was sitting next to me when a royal flush was dealt on my screen. I felt pretty good about the 5 bucks I was going to win and pressed what I thought was the cash out button. To my dismay the cards on the screen changed and I won no money. I had pushed the button to deal me new cards. It didn't turn out to be a big deal when I won 50 bucks a little while later.

Mike was so excited about my winnings that he suggested we go to The Library to celebrate. When we got there things quickly got out of hand. The place was packed and Mike decided to "make it rain". Unfortunately he only had rolls of nickles. He decided to go for it anyway. There were nickles flying all over the place. Hitting people in their eyes, making the librarians fall and causing a huge brawl to erupt. After that, there was about an hour of time that is completely dark in my mind. When I woke up, Mike was introducing me to my new bride, Loshanda.(O.K. maybe I made this paragraph up, although it would make for a good story).

Back at our room everyone was asleep. Before we had left, they made it a point to crank up the air conditioner. For those of you who don't know, I like it hot. It was freezing in the room. I was sure there would be a blanket that I could use to stay warm. Nope. All the air conditioner loving people ended up hogging all the blankets. I was left to use some sort of hotel tapestry left on the bed. Here I am reenacting my night of sleep.
Sunday went well. We made it to church in time and got to spend some quality time with extended family. Plus I was fed well. And I got to see my pick to win the Final Four defeat Louisville. Before we knew it, we were on the road home. We did come upon another backup on the freeway, but it wasn't as bad as the Carl's Jr. Catastrophe. I found this sign to be interesting:
If the main selling point for people visiting your town is the ability to urinate, maybe you should fire your marketing agency. Although, I wouldn't mind having that sign for our bathroom door.
Mater passed us up along the way, and there was a street named after me. I felt honored.


That pretty much sums up the trip. Maybe we could make another trip this weekend? Gotta get back to work.