A THANKSGIVING POEM (by JULIA)

Each must make a choice,
Sound with their own voice
The yearnings of their soul

For if it's not spoken
The line remains broken
And silence begins to take toll.

But if we are open
There rarely is mopin'
And everything's far less dull.

So now I will say
"Happy Holidays"!
May the rest of your year be full.

THANKSGIVING

We returned to Las Vegas for Thanksgiving. It was special to be with and see family especially in the mix of so many fantastic things happening--my first Thanksgiving with Julia as a married couple, baby shower for my sis. in law K and brother W (first baby in our family), my cousin's band signing a record deal and appearing on the newest American Idol commercials, and one of the largest Thanksgiving meals we've ever had (45+ people). I will forever be grateful for a wonderful family.

Julia cooked homemade cornbread stuffing and homemade cheesecake and she wrapped all of the family presents for my SIL's shower in addition to purchasing or at least shopping for each of them as well. She also did our laundry and rubbed my back. My wife is gracious.

We saw the always excellent The Muppet Christmas Carol as well as the new movie, The Muppets (fun yet still not quite their best work), and visited with a lot of family and friends. We also played Clue and Scrabble simultaneously (VERY tough) and chess. One of our HTA artists, Mindy Gledhill, released a Christmas album being featured on iTunes. The single "Winter Moon" has a puppet/muppet-esque music video here--



I enjoyed playing sports and telling jokes/ghost stories while the baby shower was held.

During Thanksgiving meal we enjoyed super gravy, terrific orange peel rolls, fresh Marco rolls, and plenty of other delectable fixings. Afterward, I told a young cousin several jokes until he finally peed his pants laughing. What a fun Thanksgiving!

IMAGINE DRAGONS SIGNS

Many of my friends have heard me talk about rock band Imagine Dragons. It didn't slow me down that I worked for them via HTA or that one of the members of the band (Dan Reynolds) is a loving relative.

I am very pleased to congratulate them for signing with major label Interscope Records!

Imagine Dragons are now working on their first full length album (although they have three independently released EPs on iTunes). Grammy-winning producer Alex Da Kid (Eminem, Rhianna, T.I., Paramore, U2) is working with the guys. And they are all really nice guys.

Previously, they won 4 battles of the bands, earned "Band of the Year" accolades across Las Vegas, and were invited to perform with Weezer, Interpol, Neon Trees, The Temper Trap, Foster The People, O.A.R., Blue October, Hot Chip, and many more.




Imagine Dragons website
Imagine Dragons wikipedia (written by me)

Will's Birthday

Last Saturday we met up with my sister L and brother Will and his wife K to celebrate his 25th birthday. We went to Zuppas where Jimmer Fredette got in line behind W & K. Then, we all went to the Mitt Romney call center in Orem, UT. The place was hopping and we made calls for about an hour and a half and much to most of our surprise this was really fun. We even were on pace to lead the nation for calls on "National Call Day" (Romney had callers making calls in everyone of the 50 states). I don't know if we took gold but I wouldn't be surprised...we were mostly doing survey work but there were some very polite but very dedicated people working the phones. It was a good birthday in my estimate. My parents even bought Will one of the most awesome birthday presents ever dreamed of. They like to stretch the imagination.

Recently, Julia and I have also been watching a lot of the television series MONK. We love it.

Julia is also studying American Heritage in between working out at Gold's Gym.

Quick Trip To Las Vegas

Over the weekend we headed to Las Vegas. The trip was stormy but we arrived safely and in good time. Friday night we mostly just settled in after talking with Mom and Dad Meservy.

Saturday morning my dad and I went to the Clark County Shooting Range with the Elder's Quorum. The top shooter earned a trophy declaring him "Top Shot" and that went to Bro. McFadden.

Next, we sanded and painted a used sewing machine table that Julia and I bought on a super deal (including machine). We rounded out the evening watching Imagine Dragons and AWOLNATION perform downtown near Fremont Street as part of the Vegas Music Summit. I also chatted with the attorney for the artist Prince.

Sunday, we enjoyed attending the home ward and I ran into Shane Flowers who I worked with from time to time during the summer of 2011. He was visiting because his cousin was inducted into the golfing hall of fame.