Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Exhausted.

After seeing nothing but memorials for three days solid now, I have come to the conclusion that some of these just don't make any sense at all!  Some of them are really meaningful.  The Lincoln Memorial is an awesome place, and there are many others that just make you appreciate, and want to give honor to the people they were built for.  Then there are some that just make you say, "What!?  I have no idea what that is supposed to be depicting."  Just so you know what mean, I took a picture of one such monument.  If after seeing this picture, anybody wants to shed some light on it for me, please feel free.  I admit, I am kind of intrigued.  
Both Amber and I have kind of reached that point in this vacation, when you are having a lot of cool experiences and enjoying yourself, but your own home is starting to sound pretty darn good.  I think everybody reaches this point at one time or another unless you REALLY love traveling.  We are still excited about what is ahead, it is just a little harder to get out of bed in the morning.   Plus it is still better than having to go to work 8 to 5, so we are still really happy we are out here.  Home=Good.  Work=Bad!!!

The next picture is a dead giveaway to anybody who has gone and seen the new movie "Bolt."  I saw the archway and just couldn't resist.  For your enjoyment and mine........

"It's a good day to die!"










Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Washington DC

Really cool place.  There is just a reverence at the Lincoln Memorial.
Amber in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
Nice of them to remember to name something in Arlington Cemetery after me!
The Hills!
The changing of the guard at the Arlington cemetery.
Wow that is a good looking jacket.  No idea who that could be, but great jacket!
Amber for Amber.
The Hope Diamond.
After everything we saw today, The White House, Arlington Cemetery, the christmas lights in front of the White House, the Museum of Natural History, etc., by majority vote, this was the most beautiful thing we saw today.  The DC Temple is enormous and it is beautiful with it's Christmas display of lights.  Plus the traffic is a LOT better around it than in downtown DC.

Monday, December 15, 2008

ANTIETAM NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD


Gee Whiz Fact #1: They ruined a perfectly good cannon by filling it with cement! What injustice!
Gee Whiz Fact #2: The trail known as the sunken road was filled up with so many bodies that you could walk straight across from right to left without dropping down. The fallen soldiers bodies filled the entire length and width of this road.


















Gee Whiz Fact #3: The bloody cornfield. The entire crop of corn was completely mowed down during the battle through the sheer amount of bullets flying around. Not a single plant was left standing.



















Gee Whiz Fact #4: Amber is REALLY cute!!! It's okay, this is Grant typing, not Amber, so I can say that!


















Gee Whiz Fact #5: The Burnside Bridge was an area of great loss to the Union soldiers. They lost thousands of men trying to take this bridge. 500 Kentucky sharpshooters were placed at elevated positions along the opposing bank making this part of the battle a mere shooting gallery. The entire first union campany that tried taking this bridge was obliterated with minimal casualties to the confederates.




Gee Whiz Fact #6: When Amber and Brent get bored, they have no problem trespassing in the search of the next great adventure!!!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Ye Olde Homestead - Cumberland

In the year 2000! In the year 2000!!

In the year 2000, Grant Biesinger will return to the land of his childhood, but more importantly...THE FRUIT BOWL!!!

Today we backtracked from Hagerstown to Cumberland, MD...see!


These lights are at a Christmas lights show at Rocky Gap State Park. See...

It has been one of those surreal experiences. For years I've had memories of this place far far away where I used to live. Memories of catching garden snakes, and pulling rocks out at the rock pit. Shooting up an old abandoned house with a bb gun. All of the fun stuff that an 8 year old would remember. Now I've officially revisited the land of my memories. We took off at the 68 and went up Long Dr, then Shortest Day Road, turned up Butler Drive and to the house of mischief!Anyway, without making a long story even longer, we went to (deep breath) the Fruit Bowl, Bob Evans, The Bowler, Country Club Mall, Downtown Cumberland, Cash Valley Elementary, our old church, saw the County Market was out of business, and just saw the area in general. Whew! And speaking of the elementary school...

Surprisingly enough, in the mind of a 6 to 9 year old the name of the school got changed to "Trash Alley." Yeah pretty clever. I know.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Maryland Trip Day 2














Carthage!!! After driving a full night and almost the rest of the next day, my cohorts (Brent - Amber's Father, Moana - Amber's Mother, Nick - Amber's Brother, and Amber - My Wife) and I reached a stopping point in our travels to Maryland. This is a picture of Carthage Jail that I took. It was the jail that the prophet Joseph Smith was killed in.
We took the tour and listened to the Elderly missionary who asked that he not be quoted. It seemed he was worried that he was going to be mis-quoted in the Ensign. I'm not sure what that was all about. So all I can say is he talked about Joseph and Hyrum Smith's deaths.

This is the staircase that the mob rushed up to reach the room where Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, John Taylor and Willard Richards were being held. The room is up the stairs and to the right.
Next is a picture of a bullet hole in the door. The bullet that created this hole continued through the left side of Hyrum's nose and killed him almost instantly.













He was the first on to fall during the attack. Next John Taylor ran to the window and was struck in the hip by a bullet fired from the doorway, then next by a bullet that came in through the window. The second bullet hit his pocketwatch. Next Joseph Smith went for the window. As he made his move to the window we was struck almost simultaneously by two bullets fired from the doorway and two bullets fired in through the window, mortally wounding him as he fell out the window. This window in fact...

















This is a picture of Amber and I outside of the Carthage Jail.



After we were done here we went to Nauvoo to try to see a few of the sights there and to check in to our hotel. The first big site, and in my opinion the most beautiful thing to see here in Nauvoo is the recently reconstructed Nauvoo temple. It is much prettier in person than in any photograph. Nonetheless, here is another picture of it.
We reached the temple just as the sun was setting. It was awesome to see it sparkle in the warmth of the setting sun. Next we proceeded just down the road to see the Mansion House, the Red Brick Store, and the site where the Joseph, Emma and Hyrum are buried.
This is a picture of the sign at the front of the site where their bodies are layed, along with the wording.
“Smith Family Cemetery
The Smith Family Cemetery is the final resting place of Joseph Smith, his wife Emma, and brother Hyrum, Lucy Mack and Joseph Smith Sr., and many other family members and friends.
After Joseph and Hyrum were assassinated at the Carthage jail on June 27, 1844, their bodies were returned to Nauvoo where they laid in state in the dining room of the Mansion House. Fearing for the safety of the bodies, the coffins were emptied and buried in a tomb near the temple while the bodies were secretly buried between the foundation walls of the Nauvoo House. When construction of the Nauvoo House resumed in 1845 they were secretly reburied under a small building (now reconstructed) southwest of the Homestead.
In 1928, Frederick Madison Smith, president and prophet of the church from 1915-1946 and grandson of Joseph Smith Jr., hired Kansas City, Missouri, surveyor W.O. Hands to locate the unmarked graves of Joseph and Hyrum. Once located, they were moved a few feet north and reburied for the final time.”
-Community of Christ
So basically here is a picture of the three different places where their bodies were buried, including their final resting place.
So, the first place they were buried war in the top left of the picture, with empty coffins buried at the base of the tree where the granite gravemarkers are currently located. Then when construction was continued on the red brick building in the back the bodies were moved and buried under where the shed is now, in the far right of the picture. They were later moved and buried under the granite gravemarkers that now correctly mark the final resting place of their mortal bodies.
Here's the Red Brick Store. Lots of history there.
*Sigh* A lot of info, right? It was all fascinating to see in person. It has kind of brought home to me the actual esixtence of a man that I have only ever heard about. Now that I've been to some of the places he's been and seen and heard these things, it all seems a lot more real to me!
It has been a fun trip so far and there is still a lot to see and share. For now you'll just have to make due with a picture of me! Followed up by a beautiful picture of the sunset to wash the nasty taste of my self portrait out of your mouth!!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Its the time of year...

For Birthdays and Christmas Trees!!


Last sunday, which would be the 7th, I celebrated the 23rd Day of my Birth! It was brought it with a BANG on Friday, with Laser Tagging and Money spending at BoonDocks with my family and Grant and I's awesome buddy Jason!! It was followed by a crazy day out at Jordan Landing Saturday where we watched Bolt with again the amazing Jason, and The Handsomest Grant! Then an all too cool Birthday Party for Grants Brother Garrett later that night(I know it wasn't MY party but it was a riot none the less!) and the fun didn't stop there Oh no we were up unitl 1 a.m. making gingerbread..! On Sunday I was finally allowed to open presents, and as the day progressed I got many well wishes and got to witness the blessing of my newest nephew Asher. As everything is apt to do, the day ended but not without more well wishes and a HIGHLY out of tune, out of sync, out of pitch and I think I heard jingle bells amungst the mass of sound that was my birthday song from my beloved Isaacs. To put it simply I had the best birthday ever!



On to the tree: I wanted to make a traditional tree this year, or as Grant has called it 'White Trash'. Its TOTALLY not white trash and I made him take it back. Now, I underestimated the logistics of a traditional tree and now have more respect for those who would see this as a normal tree. It took me 3 days to put together, not really because it took a long time, just cause.. I didn't think it would take that long and didn't allot it its required amount. Between stringing enough popcorn, keeping the string away from the cat (he stole it, twice!) Making gingerbread, freezing the gingerbread, being impatient and rolling the gingerbread out before it was ready, then putting it away again, and assembling the tree.. putting lights on it, drilling holes in the poor gingerbreadmens head (that actually was pretty funny, good thing Grants got a steady hand) and then just putting it all together, its unlikely I'll do it again, but for what its worth it was fun and looks amazing!!

One of my men
(doesn't he look yummy!)

TA DA!
I know you love my blinds, but you should be looking at the TREE

Merry Christmas!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Cute, Cute, Cute!!!





These are a few pics we did for a friend in the ward. The older ones name is Grant! Heck yeah, we have another one! One day, we WILL rule the world!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Crazy Corn Maze

So last night we journeyed clear out to West Jordon and went to a Corn Maze!! Only because our other Maze options were : Thanksgiving Point, Pleasant Grove, and my personal favorite, stealing some littles and going to the pumpkin patch and mini maze in Farmington.

To say we had a fun time is an insult to the nights events. We had a riot! Between the boys shucking the corn and throwing it hither and thither, and my improve Dorothy meets a Jedi impersonations, it would be safe to say we had gotten lost, in so many ways...

Now the point to this maze -other than the obvious- was to find the numbered markers that when you discovered them had a obscure piece of trivia for you that would direct you were to go next. If it was True you went Left if it was False, you got it Right! This only aided in us getting lost, considering we went straight from 2 to 6.

Eventually we did find the exit, much to our indifference. We didn't really WANT to leave cause we were having a great time, but then again nothing can last forever and it was 10 on a week day.

I'll end my blog with some of my favorite corn maze moments:

(We stopped at Starbucks to get Apple Cider before going to the maze, thinking it would keep us nice and warm while we walked, both Jason and Grant finished theirs before ever entering the corn)
Grant: WOW Amber your hands are warm!!
Amber: Hello!! Apple CIDER!!
Jason: Amber, how long has your cider been cold?
Amber: a while

(This conversation came after another conversation about how many people had used the corn as a bathroom while being lost. A feat in which we were witnesses too.)
Amber: How many people do you think have wet themselves in the Haunted Corn Maze?
Jason: I don't think any have
Amber: Come on their scared AND lost!!
Grant: I think maybe a few
Amber: See he's optimistic!!
Jason: OK someone has probably wet themselves in the Haunted Maze
Amber: Good that makes me happy

(after see a group of teens waving around multi-colored light saber-esc flashlights)
Grant: I should have brought my light saber!!
Jason: You know my brother has all of them! The cool $100+ ones
Amber: NEAT then we could go around the maze like this *Amber doing a bad imitation of a Jedi fighting*

And lastly...

(coming out of a dead end that I was positive was deserted)
Amber: We should skip
Grant & Jason: No we shouldn't
Amber: Come on we can sing too
Grant: Go ahead
Amber: OK WE'RE OFF TO SEE--Holy Crap, Why did people have to show up right as I started singing

TO END I WANT TO DEFEND MYSELF, I DRANK A LOT OF APPLE CIDER ON AN EMPTY STOMACH. AND I"LL HAVE YOU KNOW I CARRIED THE CUP TO THE VERY END INSTEAD OF TOSSING IT IN THE CORN!! AND JASON AND GRANT SHOULD BE THANKING THEIR LUCKY STARS THAT I DIDN"T POUR SOME OF IT ON THEM BECAUSE I WAS DELIRIOUSLY CLOSE...

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Continuation of Work Converstation

Eric: Hows the cake? Germalious?
Me: Yep
Eric: Must not be the poisoned one..
Me: I’m sorry, well maybe its one of those slow poisons
Eric: No, its good old fashion antifreeze
Me: Oh, well then I guess I got lucky. Don’t worry though it seems pretty popular, I’m sure someone will be poisoned by the end of the day.
Eric: That will make me feel better.
Me: *chuckles*

Random Work Converstations

I stole this idea from M&N blog. I wasn't going to because Mark does it so well it can't be duplicated, but this converstation was just to good:

Time: 12:10
Place: Office

Trevor: Amber what are you eating?
Me: Pinapple chicken and German Chocolate Cake – According to Eric its made with real Germans
Trevor: Really? Made by or with?
Me: With!
Trevor: Wow how’d you swing that prim piece?
Me: I don’t know, but apparently my piece is also the poisoned one
Trevor: I guess being the only girl in the office does have its advantages
Me: *eating cake* You better believe it!

Monday, October 20, 2008

MUST LOVE CATS

I was recently sent a rather amusing email about Pets. Having the two speicies depicted in the email I could relate and nod my head quite a bit. But I'm not posting this for similar minded animal lovers, I'm posting it because I have a very odd sence of humor and find the Cats perspective prrrr...fict (lol) and would post it all by itself if I could but I thought it wouldn't work quite so well without the Dogs. Please enjoy!

WHAT PETS WRITE IN THEIR DIARIES.......Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!





Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary

...Day 983 of my captivity...


My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the eve nt. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................










Wednesday, October 15, 2008

In Which I try to break the unbreakable

Last week we made one of our weekly trips to Lowes. (exciting I know)

Now if you've never been to Lowes you haven't experienced the sensation of being bored out of your wits and being overwhelmed with limitless possiblities to better your home and garden(s).


On this particular trip we are in the search for outlet covers(!) Altogether not a hard task, or even that boring, you see its next to the sample light switches, and if you have a child under the age of 3 you'll know the significants of those (they go up and down and make a neat clicking noise!)


Now I'm not entirely sure how this all came about but it started with the discovery of a brand that claimed it was UNBREAKABLE. And ended with me monologing about how unbreakable things really can be broken, "if you honestly put your back in to it, sure".



So to my utter delight and astonishment Grant bought an extra cover for the sole purpose of its experamental destruction.


View Experament below:

(Did I have fun smaking the cover with a hammer? Yes, yes I did)

TA DA ~ * -

Now it still may be in one piece but we're pretty sure it belongs in the land of misfit home accessories ie BROKEN!!!!!!!!