Christmas morning.

Today is Christmas. I am wide awake, and the kids are all asleep, how ironic is that? As I sit here reflecting of Christmas seasons from past years, I am both happy, but kind of a little melancholy as I think about how fast the years have flown by. Long gone are the years that we would buy presents that required staying up all night to assemble, only to go back to sleep just in time for the kids to knock on the door to inform us that Santa has come. I am also coming to the realization that this may be the last year that we are all together as a family. Jeff is in college, but next year he plans on being on a mission. After that, who knows where everyone will be? I miss the look of excitement that they would have when they would come down the hallway when we were on Targhee Circle, or coming down the stairs for the past eight years in this home. The presents were always wrapped and set aside in their own areas. When they were younger, the living room would be filled with bikes, little tyke cars, game tables, and other presents that were large and would take up all available space. Now the presents have become smaller, but more expensive. I look in the same room that once was stacked full of things and it is weird to see just a few small packages are waiting to be opened. This Christmas I am so grateful for the blessings that we have had through this past year. My family has made it through a year with their health in tact. We have managed to weather the financial storms that have been so common with this recession. Tonight I looked at all of the Christmas cards that family and friends have sent. Some are in the same boat as us, with their children being grown, others are just starting out with their families, and are going to have their experiences with Santa and his elves looking to see who is naughty or nice. The kids will be waking up soon, and I expect to hear a knock at the door any minute asking if we can go downstairs to open the gifts.

This year, my greatest gifts have already been received. They have come in the form of talking to my now adult son over the phone and having adult conversations. It is knowing that he is on his way to living a productive life and has so many opportunities that lie ahead of him.

It has been watching Tim excel in football, and grow into a respectful, hard working young man.It is watching him get his drivers license and working so hard in school to maintain good grades.

I can't even hardly describe how Manda inspires us, and blesses our home with her music, friends, and her infectious laugh. I have watched her determination to do things over and over again until she can master and conquer her obstacles. She is my only daughter and even though she is growing up, she will always be my little girl.

Jake has been a reminder to me of the innocence of youth. I have enjoyed helping coach his soccer team, and watching him practice moves until he has become an amazing player and leader on his team. I have had some of my best moments with him this year as I drive him to and from school as well as well as hearing him wake up every morning and listening to him sing in the shower. He never leaves the car in the morning without telling me he loves me and saying have a good day at work.

This year has not been the most fun for Kathy. She has started to work, and go to school to finish her teaching degree. We don't see each other as much as we would both like, but we know that this is temporary, and it makes the time that we do have together that much better. I couldn't ask for a better soulmate, and mother for my kids.

This year we made it through another year of business, when so many others have not. I am starting a new job next week that makes it possible to support the family, and gives me the security of having benefits that covers us in the event of illness or injury. I have come through this year being more aware of others, and their struggles and strife. In the midst of uncertainty and fear that surrounds our country, our home has become our safe haven where we can come in, close the doors, and be with the people that mean the most to us.

This Christmas we have fewer presents, but are blessed with greater gifts than I can ever remember having.

Merry Christmas everyone, and may God keep you safe and happy in the upcoming year.

The Mecham Family

Christmas gatherings.

Christmas is almost here and that can only mean that soon the Mechams will get together and have their Christmas Party. Over the years we have had some memorable experiences with these parties. One year we spent it with the Swinns, and I think I got to be the donkey for the re-enactment of the birth of Christ. Looking back I should be insulted, you would have thought I would have been one of the three wise men, instead I had to settle for being an ass.
As the years have progressed we still have the story of the birth of baby Jesus. Sometimes we get lucky and have a real baby, other years we have to settle for a doll. During the years with the real baby it never fails that one of the boys will wrap a doll in a blanket, walk into the kitchen and somehow accidentally drop the doll, (Mom freaks out every time).
The Karaoke is awesome, I usually am asked to sing my special version of Chestnuts Roasting by an Open fire (aka The Christmas Song.) We have had impersonations of Elvis singing Blue Christmas, and my nephew Austin likes to entertain us with a song, he has no fear.
One of our recent favorites is Kathy's reenactment of the twelve days song, especially where she makes fake wings with her arms and shakes her but at 7 swans a swimming, and the look on her face when we get to eight geese a laying.
Cherise is coming early so we are excited. In the past we have had to hold up the phone so she could hear the madness from her home in California.
My sister in law Bridget is not as into it, but I think she is starting to warm up, and this year I hope she does something completely shocking for us to remember. Who knows what will happen this year, there hasn't ever been a fight, so that is good, but it could liven things up. Whatever happens one thing is for sure, we always have a blast, the kids are wayyyy too noisy, and Grandma Mecham never disappoints, she really knows how to throw a party.

The simplicity of the Season.

Last night the kids were all away at friends homes. Kathy and I were alone at home and we were preparing to put up the Christmas tree. As we pulled out the box containing our fake tree (which by the way I love over the hassle of a real tree), we shuffled around furniture, cleaned out the area that the tree would go, and got things ready to put up our tree. The house was quiet and it was nice to have just the two of us. I had just come from an appointment, and Kathy was taking a break from a studying for her final exams in calculus. Judging from her pile of empty sunflower seed shells she had been at it for most of the day. As we put the tree up it was nice to just have the two of us there, it reminded me of when we were first married and were anxiously getting ready for our first Christmas season as new parents.
The tree went together without any hitches, the lights worked the first time without having to search for the strand that had a burnt bulb or finding the right combinations of cords that is key to making it light up. Once the tree was up, we had a chance to set back and look at the simple tree with the white lights. To me it was perfect, and I would have left it exactly as it was because it seemed so pure and to me represents the feelings that I have over this Holiday. There have been past years that we have had some really good presents for the kids, and those were fun years. This year things will be scaled back, but surprisingly enough, the kids are aware and are fine with this. Things are looking up, I should start my new job shortly, Kathy is almost done with her rigorous school and work schedule and is getting ready for some time off.
We are looking forward to seeing Mandy perform with the Mormon Youth Symphony for her first year. Jeff is making plans to come home, Jake has purchased his presents from Santa's workshop, and Tim is working on getting his drivers license so that he can get a part time job.

This year we are counting our blessings. At the beginning of every month I have sat in my truck on my way to a job and silently say to myself, "it is July, or August, or whatever month, and we are still here." This has been a year of struggle, but it has also been a year of blessings. We have learned to live on less, but as we look around we realize that we are still more fortunate than so many around us.
Christmas has become so out of control over the years, and I am glad that this year we have the opportunity to simplify things to really appreciate the importance of season. Two nights ago Kathy got out one of my favorite gifts ever. It is a blanket that she made for me several years ago, it is a blanket made out of old jeans from work pants that she had somehow saved over the years. I like it because it was such a personal gesture, but the jeans represent many years of hard work that has allowed us to support our family, and make a living.

As we stood by the tree the other night she leaned back against me and I put my arms around her. We looked at the tree and just looked at it for a moment in silence. There was a sense of peace and contentment, something that has been lacking at times lately. We will add to the tree, but it will be with ornaments from years past, vacations that we have taken, special ornaments from Grandma Mecham that she gives to the kids every year, and I think we will leave it at that. I have seen some trees that are so over the top that you cannot even see the branches. I have seen some of these trees, and the costs of the decorations that have gone on them, but as we looked at our simple tree, I am certain that it is the pretties one that we have ever had, and this year it will serve as more than just a decoration, it is a reminder that the Lord has blessed us over this year, and we are here as a family, closer than ever.

The difference is....

Yesterday was a really interesting experience. After getting the kids off to school, I ran across town to look at a couple of jobs. While I was out I got a call from a friend of mine that is a contractor. I had bid a job for him that is a pretty major remodel project. The project was to take an existing pool, jackhammer out the floor and install an in-floor cleaning system. The existing spa was 9' but they wanted it larger, so we will rip out the spa and install something larger. The equipment on the pool is in working order, but they want to put all new equipment in. They have a fountain, but the fountain needs to be cleaned up, re-plastered new nozzles put in etc.... The homeowner wants to also build a fountain for the dogs so that they will have something to drink out of. This is one of the more interesting projects that we have been asked to do, but I am looking forward to it. As soon as I was finished with this project, I rushed over to the new job to meet with the outgoing employee, and figure out will be needed for me to start. I walked the project, with him and realized that it is going to take a while to figure out all of the things that he has learned to rig up, and what is going to be needed to fix some of the existing issues.
After leaving there I ran over to the Union hall to become a union member so that I could then get a referral slip to take to the new job to start the hiring process. This is so new to me, because I have never had to work for anybody, ever. I have always been self employed and don't understand the corporate world. It was explained that there are mandatory breaks and lunch breaks. I don't like breaks. If I start a job, I just want to finish it, so I will see how this works out. Finally I had to go over to a couple of repair jobs and service jobs that I needed to finish up. I did those, ran home, and grabbed my laptop to go design a pool for a potential client. It was such a busy day, but it reminded me of how things used to be. I am so grateful for the work, and as I get in a new groove I am sure that I will be able to schedule things better.
Kathy is almost done with her classes for the season and should have a slight reprieve from some of the day to day grind. I can't wait to get going on this and try to restore some order to life. I think we are all glad for the opportunities, and the kids will definitely be happy to have some more time with their Mom through the Holidays. In the meantime I hope that anyone reading this is doing well, and weathering the storm. There are lots of things that get us down, but I like to focus on the things in life that make us happy and make life worth living.

Mysterious Ways

Last Sunday I was asked to teach the Elders quorum lesson by the EQ president. I believe that this was an attempt by George Brown to keep me at church for the last hour instead of sneaking off (I still think 3 hours is a really long time). He handed me an article from the Ensign from President Monson that talked about trials and blessings. He asked if I would teach it, and I gave him a solid, certain, I'll think about it answer. Throughout the week he called a couple of times and I picked up my phone and with my thumb, and rolled him to voice mail. Don't get me wrong, I really like George, but I did not want to teach this lesson. For anyone who reads this blog (both of you) knows that this past couple of years has been a real struggle for us in the construction industry, and lately it seems like life just gets harder, with beating after beating with the economy. I have watched my Sister go through so much with the loss of their business, see her stress and financially seen them go right to the edge, only to have things miraculously turn around. I have seen friends go out of business, declare bankruptcy, lose homes etc.. and lately we began to wonder if we were not going to suffer the same fate. We have been pretty blessed, but it seems like jobs have been drying up, and the ones that are out there are just not worth taking because people are bidding them at a loss. Kathy and I have contemplated what we would do, she is working full time, going to school, and it seems like every other week someone would find a way to stiff us in business. One client that we did a tenant improvement on packed up his business and home overnight and left the state without paying.
I have been so stressed because I do not ever want to stiff anybody on a bill, so as the resources dry up, I have allocated what money we do have coming in to pay off vendors and sub-contractors.
Now back to George Brown. Out of desperation that he might have to teach, he finally called back again on Saturday and I agreed to take the lesson. It went well, we talked about blessings, challenges, and what lies ahead for many of us. I relayed the story of visiting a friend in the hospital during the week. He had fallen from a roof and shattered his leg. He is a big strong guy, and to see him laying in his hospital bed realizing that he would be out of commission for up to 6 months instantly gave me a little perspective on how lucky I am that I have at least been blessed with health. After class, I scooted out the door as quick as I could and went home.
I thought a lot about the lesson, and some of the comments, and was satisfied that maybe we didn't have it so bad. I could always work harder, and I have a wife that has a great work ethic and still remains such a good Mom. Jeff is in school, and with his scholarship, and his part time job he is self sufficient and is actually putting money away.

When Monday rolled around I got a call to go look at a job that I have been bidding, the job grew into a much bigger project than was originally anticipated and it would be big enough to get us through December, January, and possibly February. I also had a call from one of the Engineers from a job that I had done earlier in the year. He asked if I was interested in a job at one of the companies other properties. I had never really thought about going to work for someone, but I thought I would at least hear the offer. On Tuesday, I called the Chief Engineer at the place that was looking and realised that it I had done some work for this person in the past. He told me that when the position had opened up he immediately thought of me. He told me what the job would entail, the hours and the benefit package that went along with it. He explained that it was a Union position, and although the uniouns are not really trying to get new members, he wanted to hire me based on past work, and my knowledge in this field. It is a good wage, I will not get rich off of it, but the hours are set up in a way that I can still run my business and pursue some of the things that we have been working on. It offers us enough that we know that we can meet all of our obligations, and if we budget we will be able to once again put money away in savings, and Jake can go back to Cello lessons (we haven't broke the news to him yet though).
I guess what I am getting at is that this last week I feel like we have really been looked over and been blessed in ways that we didn't realise would be possible. Will we be rich? No. Has my perspective of what is important changed? Yes, most definitely. I realize that maybe the reason that we have had to struggle is so that we could be humbled a little bit, but I would be totally unappreciative, if I didn't acknowledge that this just didn't come about by luck or fate. Every day we are guided. Some days we recognize this guidance, others we are oblivious to it. We are not given every thing we want, when we want it, but we are also never left alone. God works in mysterious ways, and someday when I meet him, I'm not sure if I will want to ask Him why, or just thank Him for the experiences that trials and blessing both have brought.

Headfirst into the Holidays

I know I haven't blogged for a while, sometimes I just don't feel the urge, other times I can't wait to put some thoughts down on the computer, then there is the times that I am guilted into it.
With Thanksgiving out of the way it is time to concentrate on Christmas, but before moving on I thought it would be important to take a few minutes to think about all the things that there are to be thankful for. Don't get me wrong, I am not walking around whistling and singing that life is great, and there are no worries here at the Mecham house, but I also recognize that during the rough times it easy to overlook the good things in life that happen daily.
I am thankful first off for my family, my kids, my wife, and even my brothers, sisters, and extended family. We had probably one of my favorite Thanksgivings this year, and it was born out of simplicity. For Thanksgiving dinner we met at my sister Machelles house. It was so interesting, we had most of the Mechams except for Brett and Family and Cherise and family, but Mindy invited C's sisters and nieces, Russell invited a couple that he knew through work, and Rachael invited a friend, every time she does this we adopt them into the family because they are always so funny and entertaining. Randy showed up and brought Bri with him, although Bri has been part of the family for a while. Whenever we get together it is such a madhouse, that I worry about what people who are not used to being around a house full of chaos will think, C's sister relieved my worries when she announced that we were so much fun that we were all invited to her wedding. When asked when her wedding was, she said that as soon as she found a man and got engaged then she would let us know.
Saturday night we went out to find a Karaoke spot at Stephanies request. We looked up on the internet to find a place, and found one that was a Filipino bar-restaurant. We showed up first to get a spot and immediately realized that we were most likely in the wrong type of place. There was a private party with a D.J a dance floor and lots of people that spoke really fast in a different language. We left there and ended up at a place called Three Tomatoes and a Mozzarella. The Karaoke was setting up outside, but it seemed harmless enough so we stayed. Karaoke quickly turned into karaoke roulette, with some of the submittals being handed in without the person singing knowing about it. We stayed until 12 and had a wild time. A couple examples of songs... Mockingbird duet with me and Manda, I like big butts by Heather. A whole new world with Randy and Bri.. I have friends in lowly places sung by Randy and accompanied by the whole Mecham family. The song from Grease by Jeff and my newest adopted niece. But the highlight was Mindy getting drug up to sing Down low and helped out by C's. If you don't know what this song is, watch the movie The Proposal with Sandra Bulloch. It was such a fun night, outdoors with the family, in a very quiet setting with a very rowdy group.
We had such a good time that I wish we could do it every week, but now the weekend is over and it is back to reality. Kathy is cramming some of her homework, and finishing looking over her teaching plans, I am sweating what this week will bring, and Jeff is on his way back to the Y.
The Tebb's stopped by on their way to a vacation in Monte Carlo and Jakes soccer team will have practice to get ready for the RugRat soccer tournament this week.
It would be great to live in a world that we don't have to worry about paying bills, finding work and studying for school, but that is not life right now. The year is coming to an end, and we are grateful that we are still slowly chugging along. We look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead in the new year.

Life is Fragile.

Kathy and I were out at a Halloween party last night at a friends house. It was good to see everyone there and we were settling in when the conversation of trying to find a ride back to BYU for someones kid came up. It was mentioned that maybe there was someone down for a funeral that might be going back. I recognized the name of the family mentioned, but was not aware of any deaths in that family. My friend told me about what had happened and all I could do was sit back in shock.
A while back a group of guys invited me to go with them for their morning bike rides. It was early in the morning, and we all rode with lights, jackets, coats, gloves anything that would keep us from freezing. I rode with the group for several months, and to be real honest, if I was asked to pick any of them out of a police line-up I couldn't, I could recognize them by bike and voice only due to the heavy riding gear and darkness that we rode in.
This invite to ride came at one of those low points in life, and I can't even begin to explain how grateful I was to this group for accepting me in and making me feel so welcome.
As we rode in the dark sometimes I would just listen to conversations, other times I would be involved in them. I felt like part of a close circle of friends, something that I don't normally do.

One of the guys that rode with us had a son that was on a mission in Japan and was going to return home soon. Every morning I would hear the sons name and listen to how he was doing, the plans they had to pick him up, and even what he was going to do when he came home.

A couple of months went by and it was time for the family to go pick up their son. When he came home, he became a part of the morning ride. He showed up on one of the ugliest mountain bikes that I had ever seen, but he still would kick my butt on the morning climb up Villa Ridge. On the way down he would fly. There is a stop sign that sits part way down the hill, it is kind of a stupid place for a sign, because there really is never any traffic and it goes to a nowhere street. One morning as I was descending (fat guys go down hill fast) I was ahead of most of the group, but slowed as I approached the sign. The new kid flew past me without even tapping the brakes. When we got to the bottom, I commented on the no slowing at the sign, and was he not worried about cars. He just smiled, shook his head and said "nah".
When he started working for his Dad for a short time before going to school, he would occasionally head back with me early and we would pace back until the turn-off. I can't say that we became great friends, because we never spoke much, he always rode with his I-pod in and I always wondered if he was rocking out, or listening to a church talk. The one thing I did know about him was that he was a good kid, and his Dad was proud of him and loved him.

Last night as I sat at the party trying to sort out the new information, I was numb as I was told of his accidental death. He was too young, it was not fair, and what a tragedy for this family that are such good people and have done so many good things for so many. I can't imagine going through such a loss, how do you say goodbye to someone so young that you love so much. Life is fragile, my friends son died doing something that he enjoyed. He passed away flying down a mountain, and had an accident. He will be missed by his parents, friends, family, and even the guy that he kind of new that would sometimes pace with him on his way back home to get ready for work. I know that in his short life he lived it to it's fullest, and left a positive impression on many. Life is Fragile. We don't get to choose how or when we will go, we only know that at some point we will all die. I know that I have a belief in a God, and it is my belief that when he arrived home that day, he was met by his Father in heaven, and welcomed home. I believe that we will all see our loved ones again, and when that day happens I feel that it will be a celebration for those on the other side. My thoughts and prayers go out to my friends family, it sure adds instant perspective to what is really important in life. I hope that time will heal the hole in their family.
It is my hope that anyone that reads this will take the time to look at the loved ones around them, tell them you love them. If they are not close by, pick up the phone and call them. Life is Fragile, but it has meaning, we have been placed and have been given the opportunity to be in a family. It is one of the greatest gifts that we have been given. Tonight when you get ready for bed, remember this and remember to give thanks to a wise, loving God that has put us here together for a reason.