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