My Raw Take

My good friend and fellow student, Tommy Ashby, has put in countless hours working on this project for the Dixie State Sports programs. He is putting together a promotional video for them which will highlight the different sports that are played here at Dixie. This video will be used in recruiting and promotional work. 

One of his biggest projects for this video involves student athletes standing in front of a flaming D-state. Tommy came up with this concept and has spent the last few months putting it all together. From finding funding for the metal used, to cutting and welding the entire thing, Tommy has had his hands quite full with this one.  It was really fun seeing his vision come to life tonight as he finally turned the flames on and rolled the cameras.

My Illustration

John's Story

My first week of being a father. 

I know this is kinda cheesy and all but I really wanted to share some photos I took of my little girl during her first week of life.
Her name is Paige Elise Merrill and she is a model already! Holly and I arrived at the hospital Monday, March 3rd and began the procedure for induction. Paige had been measuring small for about a month and after numerous tests they concluded that she was perfectly healthy, just small. Because they were still a little worried about her they decided to induce and bring her to us. The procedure was started close to midnight Monday and they expected it to take anywhere between 14-24 hours. Long story short, Paige arrived at 8:20 am Tuesday the 4th of March. After spending a few days in the hospital we were able to bring her home with us. It was the slowest I have ever driven in my whole life! Paige is almost 2 weeks old now and she has been an amazing little girl. She likes to pull faces and loves her momma's singing!

 Holly finally got some rest after receiving her epidural.

 The nursing staff couldn't have been better. It was nice knowing that we had good caring ladies taking care of my two girls.

She was so tired after that rough journey.

 They both did amazing!

 Holly was so tired but Paige didn't mind spending some time in her arms.

 Over the last two weeks we have figured out that Paige likes things touching her face while she sleeps. She is constantly pulling her blankets, headbands, and hats over her eyes and onto her face!

 Like I said, she likes to make faces. I think pirate is her favorite face!

 She even smiles for us every once in a while. It makes me excited for the day that she can actually smile on purpose!

I knew having a child was hard but until you go through it yourself you never will fully understand. Holly has been an absolutely amazing mother and wife through all of this. I feel bad that I have to go back to the real world of work and school tomorrow leaving my two girls home without me. I know Holly will continue to be an amazing mother though and she will continue catching little naps while working hard. 

I am a blessed man