Christmas

This year was the BB gun Christmas at our house. Taylor wanted a BB gun so bad and I would not let him have one....he'll shoot his eye out. Besides, nothing says "Happy Birthday Jesus" like a weapon wielding 8 year old.

8 years old is a bit younger than I was when I got my first gun, but my philosophy is teach them young and early about guns, then they grow up with a knowledge and proper respect for them. I couldn't wait to just give it to him. Several times I wanted to take him out to the garage where it was stashed and find a way to make him find it early....I am terrible about giving or getting surprises, I can't wait.

Christmas morning came and all the kids opened their gifts, painfully one at a time until there was one little box left under the tree. I pulled the gift out from under the tree and said:

Aaron: This last one says it is from Santa....who didn't get a Santa gift?

Taylor: (sheepishly) I didn't get a Santa gift Dad.

Aaron: Well then, it must be yours...open it.

Taylor: (unwrapping the small box with a bottle of 6000 BB's)

Aaron: Well?

Taylor: (Holding Bottle in his hand and very unexcitedly says) Yea......what is it?

Aaron: Why don't you read the label.

Taylor: I know what they are, but I don't have a BB gun.

Aaron: (pulls the long slender box from underneath the couch) What could be under here?

Taylor: WHOA.....DAD!.....but you said I would shoot my eye out?!?!?!

Aaron: I guess we will just have to be careful then huh.....

As Taylor opened his precious find, Jacob gets wide-eyed and says (very seriously) "Don't let him shoot me Dad."

We set up a small range in the basement and shot into a pellet/BB trap I have had since I got my Pellet gun years upon years ago. It was a great Christmas.

Malia - MP3 player and a new watch
Taylor - BB gun
Alaina - Polly pockets
Jacob - Geo Trax Trains
Dallin - Geo Trax Trains
Lincoln - Firetruck!
Charli - Sleeping pills
Mom - Sleeping pills
Dad - Happy family and staying home.

Merry Christmas everyone....and I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Dryer lint

Nothing says "Happy Birthday Jesus" like a story about dryer lint.....but this one is way to bad to pass up.

If you are reading this and have never thought to clean out your dryer vent (not the trap in the dryer) the actual vent...all the way out to the back of the house, do it. I have added these pictures to give you an idea of what it looked like. (I should have taken my own).





None of these are to the level of what I found. It has been three years since I hooked those up, we clean out the dryer lint catch every time...I didn't know that kind of build up could happen. But then again we do 7 times the laundry of anyone I know.

Again....these don't show how much I pulled out of the vent, these I found online, I actually pulled out about twice this.

Clean out your dryer vent!!!!

This one is funny

You need to try this. Man or woman they have them for both.
Try this, the questions alone are hilarious.
-Aaron

152 As a 1930s husband, I am Very Superior Take the test!

Favorite things

I saw this and thought is was funny enough to share.

Sung to the tune of "My Favorite things" from the Sound of Music.
No I don't think I am that old, I just thought it was funny.



Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favourite things.

Cadillac’s, cataracts, hearing aids, glasses,
Polident, Fixodent, false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favourite things.

When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favourite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.

Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads, hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favourite things.

Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinning,
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinning,
And we won't mention our short shrunken frames,
When we remember our favourite things.

When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eye lids sag
Then I remember how great life has been,
And then I don't feel so bad.

OK - OK - OK Settle down people

I have to apologize for the last post. My Gripe #9 has generated quite the stir. Apparently there are quite a few of you who think I was talking about you....I wasn't. The person I was talking about is one of my clients at work.

I apologize because I feel bad that there are those who think I feel that way about them and I don't. If I am irritated at you, you will know it. If there is one thing folks can count on with me is knowing where they stand, there is no need to second guess me, I will tell you.

Sorry.

The Gripe #9 - People

Why are people idiots.

Lets define 'idiot' first so we are all on the same page....shall we?

Idiot: id·i·ot (ĭd'ē-ət)
noun
A person of profound mental retardation having a mental age below three years and generally being unable to learn connected speech or guard against common dangers. The term belongs to a classification system no longer in use and is now considered offensive.

Can I break that down further...give you everyday examples?.....thanks, I knew you wanted me to.

Lets take this apart bit by bit:

- 'A person of profound mental retardation'. I encounter many people who fall into this category. I am thinking of someone in particular but this can be applied to anyone who can't think or process logic. Why there are folks in the world who consistantly think 1+1=4 is beyond me.


- 'Having a mental age below three years and generally being unable to learn connected speech or guard against common dangers.' This person seems to be an adult. Talks like an adult (sometimes) but are consistently proving otherwise. It is obvious their thought process is not above that of my 3 year old. As far a guarding against common dangers? I WILL BE A COMMON DANGER IF THEY KEEP IT UP!

Basically I can't understand the logic of some folks. James tells me that "everyone uses logic, it is their understanding that is flawed. When someone makes a decision or takes a course of action that is foreign to common logic, it is because their understanding of that issue is out of balance." I agree with that, but it sure is frustrating when there are those who seemingly should be adult or professional simply are not. They act like my two year old, stomping their feet, yelling, screaming to get their way.

I don't pretend to be smarter than most, usually I am amazed at how much I don't know and how brilliant others seem to be. Which is why I get so frustrated. If I believe myself to be on the lower end of average smartness, and I can see the obvious flaws in actions, decisions or things said, then WHY THE HECK CAN'T THOSE SMARTER THAN ME SEE HOW INCREDIBLY POOR THEIR DECISIONS OR ACTIONS OR THINGS SAID ARE?!?!?!?

Sheesh....

It helps to get that out.

Time to get LOST

I am a lostie, I love the show. Christmas comes for me in Jan when LOST starts again. A friend of mine has recently capitulated and picked up the series from the very beginning and it reminds me how sucked in to this series I am. I feel like I have been on the island.

I was there when Locke found the hatch.

I walked with them when they found the Black Rock.

I stood next to Sawyer when he killed the Polar bear.

I was locked up in the cage with Kate.

I sat next to Ben during his surgery with Jack.

I rode with Hurley in the VW Van.

I cried with Charlie over his addiction.

I stood by Sayid after he buried Shannon.

Is it the story, the writing, the characters? I don't know but I really like this show. Those who have not seen it won't understand, but those who are invested can sympathize.

Anyone else want to get.......LOST?

Bacon Wrap

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

OK folks this Photostory Friday is more like a journey....a journey into the blissful world of singing taste buds. I do not recommend this to people with cholesterol problems, for obvious reasons, but since my best friend Chris mentioned funeral potatoes on his blog (click here) I had to make them. I came up with this side dish idea with a friend at work.

Directions: (I actually diverted from these but I will explain that later)

- Weave bacon
- Cover cookie sheet with foil
- Put a thick layer of butter on the foil so the bacon won't stick to the foil
- Place bacon weave on foil
- Put it in the oven @ 400 degrees for 10-20 min (until done)
- Pull out of the oven (with tongs) and put it on a plate and dab dry with paper towel
- Put one cup of cheese in the middle(I used mild cheddar, but any will do...whatever you like)
- Roll the bacon and cheese
- Put roll back in oven for 5 min to melt the cheese (I used the same tray, just pulled off the foil full of grease and put a new sheet down.
- Let cool 5 min, slice with knife and serve with funeral potatoes, which is appropriate, because this could kill someone.
- Enjoy....and I promise, you will.

There you have it.
My wife took the pics.






















Ok boys and girls, I am going to warn you ahead of time, do not make this....it is way too good.

Good luck.

Birthday

Today is my birthday.
36 trips around the Sun, 469 full moons, 13149 sunsets, over 18 million ticks of the clock....seems like a long time...but its not.

I have had birthdays in years where I hated my life, the struggles, the disappointments and overwhelming frustrations.

This year is not one of those.

I love my life, wife and kids, job, friends, family, house and cars....I don't think things could be much better. Well, of course they could be better, but for certain I have sufficient for my needs, and a lot of my wants. In this world of financial crisis, corrupt world leaders, children killing children and so on, I thought I would be a voice of gratitude for what I have, what I have done and where my life is headed.

I am grateful.

There are two songs (I heard on my iPod this morning while working out) that made me reflect on things.

#1 - 100 years by Five for Fighting

I'm 15 for a moment
Caught in between 10 and 20
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
I'm 22 for a moment
She feels better than ever and we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
I'm 33 for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way a family on my mind
I'm 45 for a moment
The sea is high and I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star
15 I'm all right with you
15, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live
Half time goes by suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye 67 is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm 99 for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
15 there's still time for you
22 I feel her too
33 you’re on your way
Every day's a new day...
15 there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey 15, there's never a
wish better than this
When you only got 100 years to live


And #2 - Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol


We'll do it all everything on our own
We don't need anything or anyone
If I lay here if I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

I don't quite know how to say how I feel
Those three words are said too much they're not enough
If I lay here if I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

Let's waste time chasing cars around our heads
I need your grace to remind me to find my own

If I lay here if I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told before we get too old
Show me a garden that's bursting into life

All that I am all that I ever was
Is here in your perfect eyes they're all I can see

I don't know where confused about how as well
Just know that these things will never
change for us at all

If I lay here if I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

OK, Well that 2nd one sounds better than it reads but what they both remind of is #1 - We don't have a lot of time here, make the best of it. #2 - Catey and I need to chase cars, I'm not sure what that means, but if its with Catey it sounds fun.

Thanks to everyone who is reading this, without you, I would be nothing.

Funny....Really funny

This was something I came across today, handed to me by my cousin Brian. I laughed hard enough, I thought I would share...

Keep in mind, this was a real 'personals' post on a Craigslist New York Community board on Oct 14, 2007:

A Desperate Single Woman’s Question:
“What am I doing wrong? I’m tired of beating around the bush. I’m a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25-year-old girl. I’m articulate and classy. I’m not from New York. I’m looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m over-reaching at all. Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a businessman who made around 200-250K. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. $250,000 won’t get me to Central Park West. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker, and lives in Tribeca. She’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? Here are my questions, specifically:

* Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics – bars, restaurants, gyms.
* What are you looking for in a mate?
* Is there an age range I should be targeting?
* Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the Upper East Side so plain? What’s the story there?
* Lawyers, investment bankers, doctors. How much do these guys really make? And where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
* How do you rich guys decide on marriage vs just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY.”

An Investment Banker’s Response:
“I qualify as a guy who fits your bill – I make more than $500K per year. Here’s how I see it: Your office is a plain and simple crappy business deal. What you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here’s the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity – in fact, it is very likely that my income will increase, but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful! So, in economic terms, you are a depreciating asset. In Wall Street terms, we’d call you a trading position – not a buy and hold. It doesn’t make good business sense to ‘buy you’ (which is what you’re asking) – so I’d rather lease. The deal that makes sense for me is dating, not marriage.”



I thought that was funny.

A bittersweet holiday Christmas miracle

For several months (as many of you may know) I have been willing to sell our boat. It was the last thing that tied me to what I once knew as my family growing up. It seemed like we spent endless summers on the lake as a family in that boat, but when my brother and I did the math, it was actually only two summers. I think they stuck in our minds because those were the last two summers we were a family. Our parents divorced after that second summer and our lives have never really been the same again. I had to grow up early, my mom started a new life with someone other than my dad, my dad was dating really weird women, my brother and I didn't really live together anymore, we all just fell apart.

The boat has remained with my dad and we went with him to the lake many, many times. Once, he took my brother and two of our friends (Mario Quintero, and David Ives) down to Lake Powell for a week, just us. It was the greatest trip, just us guys. It was the 'boo-yah' trip, we listened to YES and Van Halen, got sunburned, waterskiied until we were sick and drug each other behind the boat until we drowned, or couldn't hold on to the rope, whichever came first. It was good times.

On a side note, I have wanted to sell the boat to pay off a little debt and help finish our basement. That little debt kinda grew over the last couple months and the financial woes of the world have not helped my stress. The boat has always been for sale, but nobody ever really looked at it more than once.

I am blabbering, I will get to the point.

This morning, I got down on my knees and prayed. I prayed like I have not poured out my heart in a long time. I let the Lord know that I really wanted to find someone who would buy the boat so I could absolve my debts, put a little money in the bank and get prepared for any financial troubles in the next little while (we are not expecting any, but it is good to be safe and ready). I asked him to find someone who would buy the boat. I got to work and thought I would relist the boat again, just in case someone wanted it for their family for Christmas.

I listed it and didn't think anything more of it. I got home and there was a message for me from a guy in Ogden that was interested. I told him where I was and he drove all the way down (80 miles) to see it tonight. He liked it so much he wrote me a check on the spot. I nearly fell over. It took me two hours to get it ready, but I was so happy, now I have no debt and I have a little money saved. It didn't hit me until all the papers were signed and he drove off with the boat.

As I watched the boat go away, I started to cry. It really hurt to see that last tie to my childhood drive away with someone else. I felt kinda dumb losing it over a 22 year old boat, standing in the middle of the street, all alone. I slowly went back to the house and put the fence back together and tried to gain some composure.

The strongest memories I have of my family were on that boat, out on the lake. I had a great time showing it to my kids and playing with them out on the lake, taking my wife out (best date ever) and the fun times with friends we had. I don't think I will ever be able to afford a boat again (not that I could afford this one) nor would I be able to get one big enough to fit our whole family.

Even though you know you are doing something right, it does not take the pain away.

I am so happy that my prayers were answered....and in the same day. It goes to show the Lord really does listen. Many would call it coincidence but I don't. Even if it is, I am willing to give the credit to the Lord. This will make me sleep much better at night knowing that I have paid my debts, I am free and clear (minus my house and van......someday those too).

I am still blabbering, and a little bit teary, but I am happy to do the right thing. I don't think my kids will appreciate what a sacrifice it was to sell it, nor will they recognize that it is for their benefit. I guess in a way that is how our Father in Heaven feels about the things he does and gives us every day, and yet, it goes relatively unnoticed and unappreciated. Hopefully he feels my gratitude tonight.

Weekend funnies

Here are a couple funny things that happened with Jacob and Dallin.

Jacob -

On Sunday we were at church and the Primary secretary came up to me laughing, grabbed me by the arm and said "I gotta tell you what Jacob did." Usually this makes me nervous but I was intrigued. She said that the teacher for his class (5 year olds) didn't show up so the kids were in the class all by themselves. When the secretary walked by and saw the kids, she poked her head in the room and asked if they needed a teacher (of course she knew the answer). Jacob was standing at the front of the room and held his hand up and said "Nope, there is no need, I will be teaching today."

Nice to know he is so well versed to be teaching.

Dallin -

We opened the Christmas stuff to decorate and we keep the Christmas movies with the decorations so we are not watching the Santa Clause in June. Dallin pulled out the movie 'Elf' and brought it into me to ask if he could watch it. He came up to me sheepishly and asked if he could watch the movie. I leaned over, sniffed him and said "You smell like beef and cheese" (a funny line from the movie). Dallin straightens up threw his thumb over his shoulder pointing and said "Well I just came from the kitchen!"

Very funny.

Hit Update - Final

Well, here are the totals. I missed a few states but overall it was interesting to see who checks in. - Thanks for playing!

Total: 684

United States: 648

491 - Utah
31 - California
23 - Texas
11 - Arizona
8 - New York
8 - Virginia
7 - Florida
7 - Washington
5 - Colorado
5 - Idaho
5 - Wisconsin
5 - Pennsylvania
4 - Michigan
3 - Minnesota
3 - Connecticut
3 - Maine
3 - Nevada
3 - Missouri
2 - Lousiana
2 - Tennessee
2 - Vermont
2 - North Carolina
2 - Ohio
2 - New Mexico
1 - Maryland
1 - Iowa
1 - Illinois
1 - Kentucky
1 - New Jersey
1 - Kansas
1 - Massachusetts
1 - Nebraska
1 - Georgia
1 - Montana
1 - Vermont

Internationally: 23

21 - Germany
6 - Canada
3 - Northern Mariana Islands
2 - Australia
1 - South Africa
1 - Armenia
1 - Mexico
1 - United Kingdom

States nobody got:

Oregon
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama
Mississippi
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Delaware
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Gripe #8 - Thanksgiving

I hate Thanksgiving.

Too much drama.

I don't know why I hate Thanksgiving, I always have, just ask Chris. I know it is irrational but I really don't like it.

The food is good, here is what we do:

Turkey - This I do like. We don't cook a regular Turkey, we thaw it out, cut out the breast, carve it into 4"x4"x2" cubes, roll it in flour, brown it, then put it in a crock pot for 6 hours. Best ever. Fall apart good and juicy! Just be sure to cover the bottom of the crock pot in onions (keeps the turkey from burning on the bottom) and then put about a tablespoon of apple juice in the bottom. It is the best way to cook it.

Rolls - Catey makes homemade butter rolls. Divine.

Cranberry sauce - Disgusting. Don't even go there.

Peas & corn - Always a must. Frozen, then cooked with butter.

Mashed potatoes - This is my secret. Butter, sour cream, salt all mixed in in perfect amounts.....Nobody cooks mashed potatoes like me. I am the best (and I am humble about it.)

Gravy - Gotta have it.

Pumpkin pie - Catey and I found a 'knock off' recipe online for Marie Calendar's pie and have adjusted it a bit to perfection. Catey also shines on this one.


So....to the gripe part. I don't know why I didn't like it as a kid, but being a parent has perpetuated my dislike for it. I hate going anywhere for holidays, I want to be home with my wife and kids. Since Catey and I have the most kids of anyone, and on both sides had the first grand kids, we are expected to be everywhere.

My in-laws always want me to to bring the kids up to their place, my mom wants me to drive 16 hours with 7 kids to go see her, my Dad, he doesn't have a place for me to come see him. Everyone pulling me every which way, I would rather hang out in my PJ's and chill with my family.

I do that for Christmas. I finally told everyone that I am not leaving my house. We have the biggest family and I am not moving from my house on Christmas. Most folks said "Yeah, we'll see" and I said "I have all the grandkids, if you want to see them, you know where they are". I am a jerk, but I don't go anywhere on Christmas....now to just make Thanksgiving the same.....

Hit Update

Total: 531

United States: 504

371 - Utah
30 - California
20 - Texas
7 - New York
7 - Arizona
7 - Florida
5 - Virginia
5 - Washington
5 - Colorado
4 - Michigan
4 - Wisconsin
3 - Minnesota
3 - Connecticut
3 - Maine
3 - Pennsylvania
3 - Nevada
2 - Lousiana
2 - Tennessee
2 - North Carolina
2 - Missouri
2 - Idaho
2 - Ohio
1 - Maryland
1 - Iowa
1 - New Mexico
1 - Illinois
1 - Vermont
1 - Kentucky
1 - New Jersey
1 - Kansas
1 - Massachusetts
1 - Nebraska
1 - Georgia
1 - Montana
Internationally: 23

12 - Germany
6 - Canada
3 - Northern Mariana Islands
2 - Australia
1 - South Africa
1 - Armenia
1 - Mexico
1 - United Kingdom

States still missing:

Oregon
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama
Mississippi
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Vermont
Delaware
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Hit Update

Total: 497

United States: 473

344 - Utah
29 - California
19 - Texas
7 - New York
7 - Arizona
7 - Florida
5 - Virginia
5 - Washington
5 - Colorado
4 - Michigan
3 - Minnesota
3 - Connecticut
3 - Maine
3 - Wisconsin
3 - Pennsylvania
3 - Nevada
2 - Lousiana
2 - North Carolina
2 - Missouri
2 - Idaho
2 - Ohio
1 - Maryland
1 - Iowa
1 - New Mexico
1 - Illinois
1 - Vermont
1 - Kentucky
1 - New Jersey
1 - Tennessee
1 - Kansas
1 - Massachusetts
1 - Nebraska
1 - Georgia
1 - Montana
Internationally: 23

10 - Germany
6 - Canada
2 - Northern Mariana Islands
1 - South Africa
1 - Australia
1 - Armenia
1 - Mexico
1 - United Kingdom

States still missing:

Oregon
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Iowa
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama
Mississippi
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Vermont
Delaware
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Eye-Witness account (sorta funny)

When I was a Senior in High School my step-sister was in 9th grade and was doing some research on the unreliability of the eye-witness account. Chris (my best friend) and I were helping her and somehow we came up with the idea to stage something that only the teacher and my sister would know about.

Chris and I would barge into class and start some kind of ruckus and then my sister would pass out papers and ask for an eye-witness account of what happened.

We all agreed on what to do and when it would be done.

Chris and I had (and still have) very vivid imaginations and being left with the idea of what to do, we decided to take it to the next level. We dressed up in what we thought were 'gang' clothes (bandanas, clip-on earrings, studded jackets) and I brought a pistol that had blanks in it. We walked into Churchill Junior High ready to give the class something they would never forget. We started yelling in the hall about some drug deal gone bad and about how he owed me some money. I slammed him up against the door and he hit the handle and into the classroom we flew. The kids jumped back into the rest of the classroom (some started yelling) and Chris and I had this short exchange of yelling. I pulled my gun and shot him three times, he hit the floor.

At this point, kids were screaming a few in tears, the teacher had her head in her hands (probably thinking she was fired for agreeing to this) and my step-sister was trying not to laugh.

I waved the gun at the class and said "none of you saw anything" then walked out. Chris stayed down for a few seconds then jumped up. I came back in, hugged him and we took off laughing.

Of course by this point (yelling, gunshots, screaming) the halls were starting to empty and we just laughed it off and left the Jr. High and went on to school....or maybe we sluffed the rest of the day...not sure.

Anyhow, I thought it was very interesting that my step-sister had the class return to their seats, not talk to each other and describe what happened on a piece of paper. People said things like Chris and I were black, hispanic, one of us was a woman, I was a blonde (I had dark red hair then), Chris had red hair (his hair was almost jet black), he shot me one time instead of me shooting him three....on and on. It really punched holes in the 'eye-witness' account of things.

I would love to try that again, however, I think the era for those kind of 'gotcha' tactics is long gone. After columbine and 911 I think we would be read the riot act and sent to jail for a very, very, very, long time.

Wouldn't that be a felony now?....discharge of a firearm in public school....hummmmm, don't think that would just 'blow over' do you?

We need to get the word out....quick!!

I thought it was important to get this out to everyone I know and do my part to save your lives!!!

STATISTICALLY:
(A) The number of physicians in the U.S. is 700,000.
(B) Accidental deaths caused by Physicians per year are 120,000.
(C) Accidental deaths per physician is 0.171.
Statistics courtesy of U.S. Dept of Health Human Services.

Now think about this:
Guns:
(A) The number of gun owners in the U.S. is 80,000,000 (Yes, that’s 80 million)
(B) The number of accidental gun deaths per year, all age groups, is
1,500.
(C) The number of accidental deaths per gun owner is .000188.
Statistics courtesy of FBI
So, statistically, doctors are approximately 9,000 times more dangerous than
gun owners.

Remember, “Guns don’t kill people, doctors do.”
FACT: NOT EVERYONE HAS A GUN,
BUT ALMOST EVERYONE HAS AT LEAST ONE DOCTOR.
Please alert your friends to this alarming threat. We must ban doctors before
this gets completely out of hand!!!!!

Out of concern for the public at large, I withheld the statistics on lawyers
for fear the shock would cause people to panic and seek medical attention

GOD HELP US ALL!


-Author unknown, but appreciated.

Hit Update

Total: 440

United States: 421

297 - Utah
27 - California
17 - Texas
7 - New York
7 - Arizona
7 - Florida
5 - Virginia
5 - Washington
5 - Colorado
4 - Michigan
3 - Minnesota
3 - Connecticut
3 - Maine
3 - Wisconsin
3 - Pennsylvania
3 - Nevada
2 - Lousiana
2 - North Carolina
2 - Missouri
2 - Idaho
2 - Ohio
1 - Maryland
1 - Iowa
1 - New Mexico
1 - Illinois
1 - Vermont
1 - Kentucky
1 - New Jersey
1 - Tennessee
1 - Kansas
1 - Massachusetts
1 - Nebraska
1 - Georgia

Internationally: 19

8 - Germany
6 - Canada
1 - South Africa
1 - Australia
1 - Armenia
1 - Mexico
1 - United Kingdom

States still missing:

Oregon
Montana
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Iowa
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama
Mississippi
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Vermont
Delaware
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Crazy Sundays

I don't know why I try going to church. I know I am teaching my kids what to do and I have a testimony of church, but I am not sure I have a testimony of my kids and church.

Taylor is sick, Jacob is sick, Malia is writing on her hands in ink, Jacob and Dallin were licking each other, Lincoln has to "GO POTTY" right when everyone decides to be quiet then Malia needs to go, then Alaina, then Jacob, then Taylor, none of which are together, just as one leaves one more comes back then Lincoln leans over the pew and steals the other kids binky then Catey has to take the screaming baby out to be fed, then it is time for class while trying to get to my own class then teaching because the teacher woke up vomiting and while teaching Taylor opens the door saying he is going to throw up, then it is time for priesthood, before I go I check on Jacob who has his shirt pulled through the neck of his sweater and is chewing on the top half with his feet up on the chair in front of him, I get him to sit up and pull his shirt out of his mouth then I head off to my class where I find the teacher is going on and trying to have the spirit but I am trying to be funny and making smart remarks then we are 10 min over class and my kids are banging on the door, I round everyone up then head out and the kids are fighting about who gets to ride with me and who gets to ride with mom.

I know why old people sleep in church.

Hit Update

Total: 397

United States: 371

279 - Utah
26 - California
16 - Texas
7 - New York
7 - Arizona
6 - Florida
5 - Virginia
4 - Washington
4 - Colorado
3 - Michigan
3 - Minnesota
3 - Connecticut
3 - Maine
3 - Wisconsin
3 - Pennsylvania
3 - Nevada
2 - Lousiana
2 - North Carolina
2 - Missouri
2 - Idaho
2 - Ohio
1 - Maryland
1 - Iowa
1 - New Mexico
1 - Illinois
1 - Vermont
1 - Kentucky
1 - New Jersey
1 - Tennessee
1 - Kansas
1 - Massachusetts
1 - Nebraska
1 - Georgia

Internationally: 17

6 - Canada
6 - Germany
1 - South Africa
1 - Australia
1 - Armenia
1 - Mexico
1 - United Kingdom

States still missing:

Oregon
Montana
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Iowa
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama
Mississippi
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Vermont
Delaware
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Hit update

Total: 388

United States: 371

261 - Utah
24 - California
13 - Texas
7 - New York
6 - Florida
6 - Arizona
5 - Virginia
4 - Washington
3 - Colorado
3 - Michigan
3 - Minnesota
3 - Connecticut
3 - Maine
3 - Wisconsin
3 - Pennsylvania
2 - Lousiana
2 - North Carolina
2 - Missouri
2 - Idaho
2 - Ohio
2 - Nevada
1 - Maryland
1 - Iowa
1 - New Mexico
1 - Illinois
1 - Vermont
1 - Kentucky
1 - New Jersey
1 - Tennessee
1 - Kansas
1 - Massachusetts
1 - Nebraska
1 - Georgia

Internationally: 17

6 - Canada
6 - Germany
1 - South Africa
1 - Australia
1 - Armenia
1 - Mexico
1 - United Kingdom

States still missing:

Oregon
Montana
Wyoming
North Dakota
South Dakota
Iowa
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama
Mississippi
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Vermont
Delaware
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Photostory Friday - Catey & the Wedding Dress

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

There isn't much "story" to this one. Catey and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary last year. At the time we had 6 kids (we have 7 now) and on the eve of our anniversary we were wondering if after all the kids and years and things, if Catey would fit back into her wedding dress.

The next afternoon, we tried it out.

I have always maintained if God let me design a wife....I could never have done as well as Catey.

I love you Catey. (She will kill me for posting these)

Would Jesus play football?

One of the biggest college rivalries (BYU and UTAH) is this weekend. The rivalry here is big because the two schools were founded by Brigham Young and only 60 miles apart. Both are nationally ranked while BYU has one loss and UTAH is undefeated. Things are heating up.

Some people around here say that the 'Y' is God's team since the school is church owned. I disagree even though I am pulling for the Y. So the post title "Would Jesus play football?" was a theoretical argument I had with a few friends. I wanted to throw it out here for all to comment.

Here is what I have come up with so far....

It is my argument that there are really two questions here:

#1 - Would he play?

#2 - Could he play?

Let me take both in stride and in order.

#1 - Would he play?
I think he would play. I could be wrong. Catey does not think he would play because of the nature of the game. It was my point that if Jesus played fair (not using God-like special powers) and he went up against Emmett Smith, that (while it sounds borderline blasphemy) Emmet Smith would cream him with the first tackle. But being the Savior he would get up, pat him on the back and say "Sheesh, you hit hard, good thing you can't break me!"
When I was discussing this with Catey she also said this was about "...the stupidest conversation we have ever had..." She said if he played sports it would be nice, gentle sports like golf or surfing.

Aaron: So the only sports he plays is golf and surfing?

Catey: Yes.

Aaron: You don't see him racing cars?

Catey: No....no point.

Aaron: Do you think Jesus would be good at shooting a rifle if there is no point?

Catey: Well according to the church program Aaron Case created (see post) apparently he does and he prefers a Winchester rifle!

...oh boy.
I don't have an answer for this one, I think he would, others do not. Everyone I ask this question to thinks I am stupid for the question....you be the judge. (On the question mind you....not if I am stupid, I think we all agree on the answer for that one.)

So that bring me to #2

#2 - Could he play football?
This one is hard to answer because of his nature and who he is. If he condescends to play among mere mortals, obviously he has abilities that infinity exceed ours so I would say that he can't. But then am I putting limits on what he CAN or CAN NOT do?
Here are some questions to ponder on this?
1 - If he did play with us, would Emmett Smith really even get a finger on him?
2 - Would Jesus run fast? If he did run fast, would he be able to run at the speed of a cheetah, or would he slow up a bit? If he is slowing up, isn't he letting us have some advantage which takes the whole point of the game away?
3 - If the point of the game is to put your best abilities against the best abilities of an opponent, then would he not be playing correctly by giving us a shot?

Either way, if he did / does / does not / or couldn't, he isn't playing for the U or the Y this weekend, so the game will have to be decided by mortal ability.

I hope for the Y....Go Cougars!

What say you?

Hit update

Total: 299

United States: 286

198 - Utah
20 - California
10 - Texas
7 - New York
6 - Florida
4 - Virginia
4 - Arizona
3 - Colorado
3 - Minnesota
3 - Connecticut
3 - Washington
2 - Lousiana
2 - Wisconsin
2 - Pennsylvania
2 - North Carolina
2 - Maine
2 - Missouri
1 - Iowa
1 - New Mexico
1 - Illinois
1 - Ohio
1 - Maryland
1 - Nevada
1 - Vermont
1 - Kentucky
1 - New Jersey
1 - Idaho
1 - Tennessee
1 - Michigan
1 - Kansas

Internationally: 13

5 - Canada
4 - Germany
1 - South Africa
1 - Australia
1 - Armenia
1 - Mexico

States still missing...do you know people in these states?:

Oregon
Montana
Wyoming (do they have internet there?)
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Iowa
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Alabama
Mississippi
Georgia (I am not sure they have internet either)
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Vermont
Delaware
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Great quote

The last couple of days (weeks really) have been difficult on me. No point in going into detail, just realize that the following quote came at just the right time. It was like a warm blanket on a really cold day.

Thanks Catey.

"The adversary uses despair to bind hearts and minds in suffocating darkness. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward.

Hope, on the other hand, is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of an eternal Heavenly Father, who has prepared a way for those who seek for eternal truth in a world of relativism, confusion, and of fear."

-President Dieter F Uchtdorf

Hit update

Wow....getting more.

Total: 235

United States: 225

157 - Utah
17 - California
8 - Texas
5 - New York
5 - Florida
4 - Virginia
3 - Colorado
2 - Arizona
2 - Connecticut
2 - Lousiana
2 - Pennsylvania
2 - North Carolina
2 - Minnesota
2 - Washington
1 - Iowa
1 - New Mexico
1 - Missouri
1 - Illinois
1 - Ohio
1 - Maryland
1 - Nevada
1 - Vermont
1 - Kentucky
1 - Wisconsin
1 - New Jersey
1 - Idaho

Internationally: 10

4 - Canada
4 - Germany
1 - South Africa
1 - Australia


States still missing...do you know people in these states?:

Oregon
Montana
Wyoming (do they have internet there?)
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Iowa
Oklahoma
Arkansas
Michigan
Alabama
Mississippi
Tennessee
Georgia (I am not sure they have internet either)
South Carolina
West Virginia
Rhode Island
Maine
Vermont
Delaware
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Alaska
Hawaii

Star Wars nerds unite

I grew up loving Star Wars. I think without George Lucas (Star Wars, Indiana Jones) I would not have had a childhood.....but this has gone too far. I remember a time when the Star Wars people made fun of the idiot Star Trek people who dressed up, went to conventions and never grew up. Oh the tables have turned.

I officially renounce my undying love to the Star Wars world by growing up a bit more and posting this video. Hopefully you can have a good laugh.

The Darth Vader head-bobbing is the best....

Greatest Hits

I don't think I am making history here, but this is fun, I am getting hits from all over. Since people are kinda bored with the "Say hey from where you are" I thought I would post a couple links from past posts that you might find funny or interesting. If you have read them already, a re-read might bring a smile to your face....except the speedo one...that might make you run for cover.

Catey and I and how broke we are and spent our many anniversaries.

Our kids and the neighbors "hugging" dog.

My friend and his mistake with a church program.

Ode to a real hero.

My trip to the Empire State Building.

Arguments on Name Brand vs. Store Brand.

The speedo incident (read with caution)

My advice on how to buy a car.

Do I really look like him?

Funny things the kids have said.

Thoughts on those who are computer illiterate.


So there you go. 11 posts that have had the most attention to date. There are a couple more that I could include....I guess you will just have to check them out yourself.
-Aaron

Hit Update

Here is the first day....not bad.
Thanks for playing so far.

US -
57 - Utah
5 - California
3 - Texas
1 - New York
1 - Missouri
1 - Colorado
1 - Washington
1 - Virginia

International -
2 - Germany

How many hits can one blog take?

So I would like to experiment a bit. I have been able to see where people view my blog with a wonderful tool from google analytics...it is really fun. It does not give me any information about people, just where people view my blog. So I got to thinking...

Self: Hey!

Me: Yeah?

Self: How many hits do you think we could get by the end of the month?

Me: Probably about 30 total.

Self: Nah, we could do better than that...

Can I enlist you to help? Over the next couple days I would like to see if I can fill the US and see how many foreign countries....just an experiment. Again, I don't get to see WHO is hitting me unless you post a note here on the blog, otherwise, it is just raw data.

So there you have it loyal readers....lets see how many hits in how many states and countries I get. I will report each morning the current count. Grab the link to your favorite blog of mine and send it to a friend to laugh at.

That gives us 12 days. I know there are only 10 of you out there reading...get cracking. Oh, and the posts, just say 'HI from [fill in the blank who and where]' if you like. Lets see how we do...

Besides, now it will give you something to talk over the Thanksgiving holiday other than your sisters best friends roommate at college who knows this guy that goes with this girl that saw Ferris pass out at 31 flavors last night....I guess its pretty serious.

A few notes on this -

- I won't send out an email chain to promote this. (You can if you want, but I hate those)

- Nobody is dying or going to die, and visiting the blog won't save said non-dying persons life. (I'm not sure if that was funny or not)

- You will not get bad luck if you don't tell 10 people and ask them to visit.

- I have no money (I have 7 kids), I can't send you millions and Bill Gates is not running a test on this to see who he can leave his will to.

- There is not link or image that will pop up on your screen if you tell someone about this.

- I have no endorsements from movie stars or politicians...nor do I really care.

- Proposition 8 in California will still be there and Obama will not be impeached or become a conservative if you visit the site.

- Eagle Mountain will NOT get a new 60,000 sq ft rec center if you visit.

- Even if you don't tell anyone about this, hurricanes will continue to plague the South East, and tornados will still roll through Oklahoma trailer parks.

- Reading this blog will not give your kids bus-driver small pox.

- Jeff Foxworthy will still be just as funny.

- Passing this blog to a friend is not illegal or considered contraband in at least 39 states and Puerto Rico. (We are still waiting to hear back from the Ukraine and Ireland.)

- Reading this blog is not like the next Dan Brown book, nor will it help him release it anytime soon.


Good luck to me....maybe?

Ready.....GO!



Current count:

US Readers : 0
Global Readers : 0

Yesterday

This is a short note to say I am glad yesterday isn't tomorrow or today, but history. What a crazy day.

Want to hear about it.....I didn't think so.

Noisy

I am lifting weights a couple times a week with the guys in the carpool. I work in the weight room M-W-F and then some type of cardio on T-Th. This morning I tried a lift called the 'clean and jerk'. Sounds funny but there is nothing funny about it.

You basically start the lift bent over, you pick up the bar with weights up off the floor, lift to your chest, then push it all the way up over your head.

The bar is 45 lbs, so I thought we would just at 10 lbs and start with that. It works your lower back, biceps, triceps, upper back and shoulders. I did ten sets of that then added 10 lbs. Then 10 sets then 10 lbs...I finally got to 35 lb plates on each side. I knew 10 reps was not going to happen, so I promised myself I would at least get 5.

James had to spot me, but I did it. I think anyone within a 5 mi radius heard me make it too.

James: C'mon Aaron, you can do it...

Aaron: (After doing two reps) {Breathing heavy...gasping for air} No... {heave, sigh} {heave, sigh} can't do it.... {heave, sigh} {heave, sigh}.

James: C'mon, you have three more..... I will spot you.

Aaron: ARARRAGHGEHHRRGAGAGH Grunt.....scream, yell, ARRRRRRHGHGHETHRRHGHRRHG.

James: There you go....just two more.

Aaron: {heave, sigh} {heave, sigh}

I think you get the point.
It was kinda noticeable that I was either giving birth to a watermelon or trying to lift weights WAY too heavy.

Do I regret doing it?.....heck no, lets do another set at lunch...using your arms for anything is over-rated anyway.

iTunes nightmare

Everyone knows I love movies and music.

iTunes is heaven sent.....sorta.

Since I have collected thousands of songs over the years, I thought I should put all the CD's I have collected on my computer for easy access on the iPod......that was over a year go. I have procrastinated.

The other day I was looking for a song that I thought I had and couldn't find so I went to iTunes and downloaded it. $1 is not that big of a deal right?!?! Then I was downstairs looking for another song and found the CD with the song I just bought. AGGGGRRRHRH. I know it is just $1 but it made me mad. I have done that three times over the last year. "THATS IT!" I yelled. "I AM NOT GOING TO DO THAT AGAIN!"

Catey was working a shoe party and the kids were in bed so I decided that instead of blogging or surfing or Facebooking I would get this job done that I have put off for a year.

I was rather pleased with myself, I transfered almost half of my missing music. Then last Saturday I almost finished when I noticed something......my harddrive was getting full. I knew there were settings in iTunes which let you set how you wanted your CD's to be copied, but I was sure I had set them correctly when I first bought the computer last August.....I was mistaken. Each song was being copied to my system NOT in the mp3 format (usually about 4 to 6 MB each) but the Apple Lossless encoder format m4a which is about 30 to 40 MB per song.

Catey: Uh, Aaron, how come the 30 Gig iPod is full?

Aaron: I shouldn't have filled it yet. Let me look.....WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been xfering music since the beginning of my apple incorrectly?!?! EVERYTHING is done wrong!!!????

Catey: Well I guess you will have to just start over.

Aaron: Do you know what that means? We have over 2200 songs on this computer....that will take DAYS to reproduce.

Catey: Yeah....I guess you should get started then.

Aaron: AARRRRRGHGGHGHGH

I looked and looked to see if I could find a way to copy what I had and convert it to mp3 and happy day, iTunes will do that for me. I remember thinking "I will do that tomorrow." What I had done though is move all the huge songs to the trash to see how much hard drive space was being used. I did that right before I went to sleep. The next day I opened my desktop and without thinking emptied the trash.

For anyone on any computer system (Mac or PC) goes to empty the trash there is a little window that pops up and says "You sure you want to do this, the process is irreversible."...and if you are a computer genius like me you ignore the message with the thought in your head "Yes, yes I know, I don't ever put anything in there I don't want to delete, nuke the files and move on stupid computer."

Uh...yeah. I had forgotten that I moved every song bigger than 6 Mgs to the trash. Of the 2200 songs I had, I had kept about 40. I swear I heard my computer chuckle and whisper "I told you it was irreversible....who's the stupid one now?"

So that is what I have been up to for the past week. No blogging, no nothing. I come home from work and sequester myself off to finish this insurmountable task....but good news! I should be done around February.

I am such an idiot.

Veterans Day

Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

A tribute to veterans.

On this photostory Friday, I think we all know the story.....may we never forget it.


"Nothing is dearer than life, but nothing is more precious than to live it in freedom."







The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.
-John F. Kennedy





Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.
-Pope John Paul II










Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
-Ronald Reagan