$79.95 Bought One Tough Car!

I've written before about Old Blue. He's a tough little car that we paid less then $80.00 for. We've been the sometimes proud, sometimes embarrassed, owners of the 1987 Plymouth Colt for about 3 years. This little car is a fighter.

It's been snowing today and Roland was heading to the church when once again Old Blue became the target of a new shiny car. Wonder how much we'll get from the insurance agency this time.? Last time he got hit we were paid $500.00. Since the damage was all cosmetic why would we fix it? The new grill wouldn't match the rust spots or the residue from smoke that is present on the hood and around the gas tank. Now before the Grandma's freak out we just had Old Blue licensed and the safety inspection done. He's all legal. But, just to be safe the fire extinguisher that was in the kitchen is now in Old Blue.

Old Blue is a gem of a car. We paid the right price and he keeps making us money. Who wouldn't love Old Blue?

The Power of Joy

Affliction leaves no lasting mark,
On souls who know their worth;

Bear then in patience ills which come

And let thy joy shine forth.

Have you not much for gratitude?

Your days not yet as Job's;

Your body neither rent as Christ's,

Your clothing bartered robes.

Lift up your heart and sing for praise,

No earthly cumbrance fear;

"Be not afraid," saith God the Lord

"Fear not, thy help is near."

James Wesley Brimhall

21 October, 1990

Have you ever met someone that you thought was amazing and the more you got to know them the more they proved you right? I was sitting next to "Jack" a few days ago and Jack was telling me what 2009 had thrown at him. I thought to myself that it was a good thing that Jack knew his worth. Most people would be rather bitter by what life has handed him, but he somehow still manages to let his joy shine forth.

So, I thought I'd share my favorite poem of all time, written by my dear Pappy. Hats off to you, "Jack", I'm a big fan.

What I Know About Kiddie Kandids

I've had several people ask me about Kiddie Kandids declaring bankruptcy. Let's just say it's not a surprise.

I worked for RWS Enterprises the parent company for 8 years. I started as their trainer, traveling all over the western US basically firing staffs and rehiring, training, and such. One person named me the "Untanned Terror". Another was shocked when I walked into her California studio to find that I wasn't 7 feet tall. Nice reputation, huh?

About a year into working for them, Scott and Wayne forced Rich (see where the RWS is coming from?) out of the company. Rich was the one who originally started Kiddie Kandids in Orem. Rich had no photography experience, so introduce Scott into the picture. Wayne had a photo development company, so he joined in. Between the three of them there were three divisions in the company; portrait studios(Kiddie Kandids), school photos (Scott Adams Photography), and the labs(Wayne Fox Pro Color Lab). When Rich left so did the general manager of the studio division. Jodi and I ran the studio division after that and eventually we morphed into me being the HR Director for the company and she the Training Director for the studios.

Boy, was that fun, working in a family owned business where some of kids thought they could do ANYTHING and you get to fight the lawsuits that come from it. I about went over the table and throttled one of them when we were in a arbitration meeting. I still think the guy's a, well, guess I shouldn't write that here. Really, for the most part I did enjoy my time there. Some of the most talented people I know I know from my KK days.

Anyway, I was their HR Director until 2001 when Roland got his fellowship to Cornell. I stayed in contact with both Wayne and Scott and some of the family. They sold the company to an investment firm in 2006 or so. (The school portrait division was sold off before I left). I knew it wouldn't be long after that that big changes would be made. In late 2008 a son and a son-in-law that had been running the studio division since the sale were gone. I went to lunch with one of them in January of 2009 he said the new owners would run it into the ground within a year. Wow, did he nail that time line!

I think it's sad that they have closed and locked the doors. But, no I'm not surprised. From what I'd heard the business plan was unsustainable. Let's face it, most moms have a digital camera now and can capture the personalities of their children just about anywhere.

Goodbye, Kiddie Kandids. I hope the best for those left without jobs. From what I've seen on facebook there are going to be a lot of entrepreneurs starting their own photography business.

My Latest Favorite Creation

You all know I love yellow. This was just begging to be made. It took awhile to attach all the dangles but I love, love it. I also made cluster earrings to go with it. I've already made another for a friend in a great brown tone. With all this practice of attaching the head pin to the chain I think I can now do it in the dark.

Boys and Fire

Roland and Aaron went with some friends to a cabin for a few days. Poor Peter came down sick the day before so he had to miss this adventure. The boys, big and small, had a great time. Looking at the first picture makes the world right. Sweet little men....

P.S. If you ever want to go on an adventure, or send your husband and kids, let us know. Roland is always looking for people up for joining in his adventures.

When You Need a Laugh

When you need a laugh break out Twister and play by our rules. Aaron and his friend had a great time playing and I got a good laugh. The photo is a representation of hand on green, nose on yellow, and knee on red. Aren't kids great? They held the pose until I found the camera.

When they get tired of you laughing at them have them see if they can jump across all the yellow dots on one foot, or jump from red to green. Lots of fun things you can do to wear them out. :-)

Looking Good!

I was in the middle of doing my hair when Aaron asked for some help. I walked out of the bathroom, he looked up at me and said, "Your hair looks really nice". What a nice comment! Just wish I had finished doing my hair. I had the top in a clip sticking straight up while I waiting for my hair to cool so I could style it; a little tip I learned to get more body on top. I couldn't have looked more weird.

Interesting what he thinks looks good. I should ask him what he thinks of my hair the rest of the time, well, maybe not. I would like to keep my ego intact.

Me, Oh, MY!

Reese finally talked me into it. I've signed up for the National Marathon. I'm not insane ENOUGH to do the actual marathon, I'm part of a relay team. It takes place on March 20th. Anyone want to come do it too? You get to run past the monuments! Through DC and the hood where, apparently, when you pick up a cup of water you need to make sure it's not beer. Ha! How fun does that sound! Come on, who else is in??

Christmas Bowling

Roland's parents gave us a bowling outing for Christmas. We had a lot of fun and Peter loved his first time out. Aaron got a 69 and Peter a 72. I bowled a screamin' 91 (it's not so easy to throw a 15 pound ball while holding Peter) and Roland was the high score with 130. Peter had the coolest shoes.

Thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!

Santa Found Us!

Santa managed to find his way into our house, even though we don't have a chimney. Aaron was so happy to get his 6 shooters. I'm not so thrilled with Santa on that one. The kids had a great time opening their presents and ours. We hope you each had a Merry Christmas too!

He's a quick draw! Dad never saw it coming!

Peter with his new Fire Garage from Grandma Rosie.

Aaron Lightyear. I left the camera in the car, so the lens kept fogging up.(Boy would I get a lecture from my brother about that. Let's not tell him)!

And the Winners Are...

Calleen wins the key chain.

Sylvia wins the bracelet.

I'll get them in the mail next week.

Congrats! Thanks for participating!

Why Roland Can't Walk Normal

OK, he can, but he shoveled soooo much snow I thought for sure his back would go out. He and Aaron spent at least four hours outside on Saturday and Sunday shoveling, digging out cars, making snow tunnels, sledding....you get the idea. Here are some pictures of the fun weekend they had. Peter and I opted to spend the time indoors. Peter went out once and decided that wasn't much fun. Must be my kid.

We've a fox living in the neighborhood. I thought it was living under our shed. Roland and Aaron spotted tracks, so they followed them to a fallen tree. Don't think I would have done that! Roland now thinks that that is his home. Whew! I thought I'd have to relocate a fox when spring comes.

Poor 'Old Blue'. He's covered. The man in the picture is our neighbor Jason. He'd just finished digging out his Pilot.

Exploring down by the old Caboose.

Aaron and Roland thought it'd be funny to bury Peter. No wonder he doesn't want to play outside with them anymore! JK, Peter is standing behind the wheelbarrow. This angle makes him look buried. His brother wouldn't do that to him, at least with Dad near by.

Digging out 'Old Blue'

Peter watching from the warmth of the kitchen.

Hot chocolate after a long day of hard work.

Genevieve in the snow. I can say I was outside right? Sculpture by N8.

Answers to 2 Questions About the Giveaway

1 - I know that most of you don't live near me so I will ship the item.
2 - I don't need to know you. Part of why I'm doing the giveaway is to figure out who some of you are. :-)

Holiday Giveaway!

I did a post awhile back about my new hobby. Since it's the holiday season I thought I'd do a giveaway. To enter leave a comment telling me which item you like best. I'll have Aaron draw a name out of Santa's hat on Christmas Eve. Happy Holidays!

This is a brown tone bracelet and earring set. There are tiny pieces of mirror inlay.

This is a bookmark.



This is a key ring. One of the end balls screws off so you can add your keys.

The Phrase I Love

I love how little kids make up their own words trying to learn all the rules of the English language. My favorite phrase of Aaron's is:

"No I amn't".

Quote of the Day

Aaron took a spill while we were in Moab. It took a chunk out of his palm. As he was looking at it and crying he said, "I hate it when my skin comes off"!

I so agree! I don't much like it either.

Thanksgiving in Utah

Walking in Goblin Valley

Liberty Aaron

Roland found some of his Scouting paraphenailia and dressed up Aaron.

Nate and Heidi

Springer clan watching the WVC parade.

Cousin Scott and Aaron

Sledding with the American Fork Springers

Aaron and Grandpa Springer

Aaron taking advantage of the one snow storm that came through while we were there.

Goblin Valley

While in Utah we spent a day in Goblin Valley (down by Moab). Aaron was being a super spy. He stood on top of the goblins like he was in charge and had so much fun running through the area. I highly recommend the place to people with children. There were no signs telling us to stay on the path, don't go here or there. We had complete freedom to climb, scoot down on our bottoms when we got too high and run all over the place.

Peter wasn't so hip on the idea at first. Roland packed him in but as it warmed up Peter came out of hibernation to walk all the way out. What a tough kid.

Roland's parents came with us. Kurt took so many pictures that I think we've finally convinced them to go digital so he can shoot to his hearts content.

We had a great time in the Valley of the Goblins.

Aaron is in the middle of the picture in a yellow coat. Can you see him?

Peter all warm in Grandma's scarf.

Our Bed and Breakfast

We had a slew of visitors come through in October. First there was cousin Megan. Then Roland's sister Charlene and her husband Jason. Then came Roland's brother Marlow followed by a visit from my brother Nate.

At the Pumpkin Patch

Photos by Charlene

We tried to get to the Tomb of the Unknowns but the Marine Corps Marathon was happening. Apparently, they need a lot of port-a-johns. Roland with Aaron. Jason and Peter in the background. Peter wouldn't let Jason out of his sight the whole trip.

At Udvar-Hazy with Nate.

Nate is striking the Tom-Cat pose in front of the Tom-Cat.

Once again Peter was attached to Nate. Peter is a guy's guy.
Peter decided we were taking too long at each exibit and strikes out on his own.

I started out pretty good. Megan had clean sheets and a sparkling bathroom as did Charlene as Jason. Marlow said he didn't care if I didn't wash the sheets after Charlene. Yeah! But, then Charlene being helpful stripped the bed. Darn! I did go over the bathroom with clorox wipes. But to be honest I shook out the rug on the floor and then laid the rug right on top of the dirt! Eeek! Same for Nate. By the time Nate got here I was done. He didn't even get a home cooked meal. Poor guy. Good thing his sweet wife takes good care of him.

We had a great time with all our visitors. The boys really want Jason, Marlow and Nate to come back. Me, I think the B&B will be closed for a month or two.