The Fun We Can Have with Language Barriers

I just got an email forwarded from Roland's sister that her son wrote from his mission. It contained a funny story that made me think of other mishaps that have happened because one of the people in a conversation didn't speak the native language.

My Uncle and his wife served a mission in Russia. They were talking to a group and said, "Let us tell you a little about the Burtons." They then told the audience about all their children. (Total of 6). The person translating translated it to "Let us tell you a little about our burdens". When they couldn't understand all the weird looks they were getting they stopped and figured out what had happened.

When we lived in Ithaca we had a great woman in the ward, Berta, from Mexico. She would sometimes translate for another Spanish speaking member. One fast Sunday Berta was helping the woman bear her testimony. The woman started out in English so Berta kindly translated it all into Spanish for us.

And now to the funny story from Alex, the missionary, serving in the French West Indies. His companion was having some health problems. Lost feeling in his toes. He came away from the Dr's office with a prescription. (Keep in mind this is a 19 year old boy). Let's just say he didn't leave the apartment for a few hours once they figured out he'd just taken Viagra.

Do you have any funny stories?

A Day at the Park

We were so happy to finally have some good weather so we could ride our bikes to the park. Luckily the mean 9 year old didn't show up until a few days later. Next time I hope the kid's Mom comes with him so I can beat her up. Sounds fair, doesn't it, since the renegade was trying to beat up the rest of us. Just kidding. I don't think I could take her.

What a good big brother!

I love Peter's little hand is his pocket as he surveys the scene.

Should I do it? Should I do it?

Nah!

Aaron loves to swerve around the trail. Pretty good shot for taking it while I was on the bike, huh?

My first attempt to get a shot of Peter on the back of my bike. It was an over the shoulder shot. Not so good.

Getting closer....

Got him! I almost crashed and I whacked the camera on the handlebars, but I got a slobbery shot. That's worth almost crashing isn't it?

What Does that Say About Me?

I was cleaning up the evening dishes and realized that once again the top half of the dishwasher is stuffed, while the lower half is a quarter full.

I have waaaaay too much plastic in my life.

Indy 500 Here We Come!

Driving gloves? Check! Driving goggles? Check! Seat belt? Check! Buttons for turbo boost? Check! Pit Crew? Check! Serious driving face? Check!

All set!

Quote of the Day

Aaron was telling me what he wanted for his birthday. For the life of me I couldn't understand what he was saying. So, after the second time of me asking him to repeat himself he said in his most condescending voice, "Say it with me Mom, Air Hog Sharp Shooter."

At least he enunciated that time. Still don't know what an Air Hog Sharp Shooter is...

To Comment or Not to Comment, That is the Question!

I had a conversation yesterday with a friend about blogging. She doesn't have one at the moment and is contemplating the idea. She was a guest blogger on our church blog, and may I say she did a mighty fine job. The comment section on the church blog is turned off so she won't get much feedback about her post.

We talked about how it was to put effort into writing something, putting it out there, and then... nothing. It can be a let down after working hard to get your words right, try to be funny but not offend, don't give too much info so you keep your family safe, make sure your tenses and punctuation are correct (which I'm bad at), etc..

I think if I took the time to read a post that someone took the time to write I should let them know I was there. I try to comment when I have time, which sometimes doesn't work when a 2 year old needs attention. Often, it just one sentence but still the writer knows SOMEONE read it. I'm often told in person that someone is reading my blog which is also nice. I've even been told I've been blog stalked. Good thing she's not a scary stalker!

So, Dear 6 readers, what is your take on comments?

National Marathon

The National Marathon is next weekend. I signed up with two friends as a relay team. I started running back in January so I could make it in the time allotted. A week and a half into running my ankle started hurting so I stopped running. It took 2 weeks of no running just to get it to stop hurting when I walked! Great! How am I supposed to get into shape if I can't run?

I start thinking of ways to support my ankle. I think, a brace? Maybe wrap it? I remember that I have some braces and ace bandages from when I was the Ice Skating Director for the Special Olympics. I had to wear braces and double wrap my ankles so I could stand in ice skates for a few hours. I'm thinking, "I bet I can dig those out of somewhere". Then I think, "Am I insane? I had trouble just STANDING, not skating around the rink, just standing!"

I think about it some more and decide that even though I think running past the memorials would be exhilarating it's not worth the doctors bills. I'm out. Sorry team!

No Future in Baseball

I always knew I wasn't so hot at baseball. In the youth games I played in they put me in as catcher but even that was a mistake. I was terrified of being hit by the bat. Who wouldn't be with 12 year old girls hitting the ball then throwing the bat so they could run to first base. One hit in the head was enough for me.

Yesterday I took our car into the local mechanic for a seat belt repair. I was walking home and passed a neighbors house. Their paper was on the sidewalk so I thought I'd just walk it up to their front door. They're good people. Help us out, so I thought I'd try to do something nice for them.

I'm standing at their front steps a mere 8 feet from their door, throw the paper, and wouldn't you know it, I chuck it into their bushes three feet to the right of me. What? Seriously? I can't throw a paper more then 3 feet? AND, and can't hit a large flat target 8 feet away?

Well, I managed to huck the paper to the BACK of the bushes. I stand there in total disbelief that I am that bad at throwing a large object. Then I burst into laughter, hoping, that no one else has witnessed my ineptness.

A minute passes while I debate my dilemma. How do I get the paper? Could this situation be any more ridiculous? Are they inside wondering what on earth I'm doing standing at the base of their stairs at 7 am? Are they wondering why they hear someone laughing?

I decide to stifle the laughter and grab a big stick. I get the paper out and take better aim. I manage to get the paper on the porch and then I run away, embarrassed but still laughing.

Once There Was an Igloo...

Once there was an igloo, igloo, igloo.

Once there was an igloo, tall, tall tall.

In the sun it melted, melted, melted.
In the sun it melted, small, small, small.

The roof of the igloo is now laying on the wool blanket that Roland put down on the floor.

Sleeping in the Igloo

Guest Post

I love my cousin. She is one of a kind. Here is her post from February 9th.

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART

I confess, I am totally addicted to the reality show "The Bachelor." It is so full of romance! It really gives me hope that I can find true love and my soulmate one day. Each week I watch the show, and I get to see this fabulous guy falling in love and I think to myself, one day, Mr. Right will be falling in love with me! My heart pitter pats when he hands roses to all the right girls, and sends all the wrong girls home. Ha, take that loser girl! You don't get a rose at the rose ceremony!

Reality TV hit the nail on the head when they scripted out this show. I love how all the cast of characters have a debrief session of their feelings on the camera every night. And then blessed be America, we get to watch it! Oh, and can we contain our excitement for when they launched the Bacholette?

What can be more romantic and heartwarming than a bachelor who is looking for love? Especially when he is kissing, making out, and claiming to be falling in love with four or fourteen different women for four or fourteen different reasons all at the same time?

I think it is great how catty and jealous all the girls are. These women are super smart! They agree to go on a show, have their entire life subjected to being recorded, compete for love and then cry and act shamefully disappointed on TV when they get sent home.

If you can't tell, most of this post is pure sarcasm. I don't watch the show. I am appalled and turned off just because of the freaking commercials. If a chick or a dude is stupid enough to go on a show like that, stupid enough to think that they are in a real relationship inside of this totally fake and controlled setting, and then they are stupid enough to be hurt by the outcome - they need to have a lobotomy. Or get kicked in the shin and punched in the nose.

P.S. The only thing more pathetic than the fact that The Bachelor is still on the air is that 90210 and Melrose Place are back on the air with some of the original actors. Couldn't they have chosen a better show to revive like ALF, Dukes of Hazard, 21 Jumptreet or Gilligan's Island?

Nothing Like Sporting Green Teeth

Don't you just love big sugar cookies with frosting so thick it will take 3x's of brushing your teeth to get the food coloring off?

Peter just can't finish the cookie. Good thing his big brother was there to help.

I wanted to do another post featuring the igloo but the images are taking too long to down load and I want to go to bed. And, yes I know it's only 7:38.

"Excuse Me, You Just Put MY Groceries in Your Car!?"

We have a great neighborhood grocery store called Grand Mart. They have produce for much less then most stores but there are a few draw backs.

The draw back I faced today is that you cannot take a cart past the front walk.

I typically just load up my arms and drag all my newly purchased items to the car. Today I had Peter in tow and decided to do like all the other customers; leave the cart on the front walk and drive the car around to load it up. This isn't an option that I usually go for because, well, I'm afraid someone is going to swipe my hard found stuff.

I get Peter in the car, drive around to the loading zone, all of which took no more then 2 minutes, and whaalaa! My groceries are gone! I look around and locate a likely suspect. She's just loaded her car and is starting her engine. I run to her car and wouldn't you know I freak her out. She doesn't speak English and I can't get her to understand that she just took my groceries. I take her to her still fully loaded cart and still she's not getting it. So, I decide the time for being polite is over and I start going through her trunk. In my defense, she had opened it. I found one of my bags and opened it for her to see. I see the light go on and she finally understands what I'm trying to do.

We're now both smiling and laughing. All is well. I have my groceries and she doesn't feel so threatened by the weird American.

I think to myself on the way home that next time I'm going to leave a blonde haired, blue eyed, kid in the cart, that would set it apart. Preferable the curly headed one. He'd yell if someone tried something. The straight haired kid would just grunt. Can't hear grunting in the parking lot!

Is That an Igloo or a House?

Making the perimeter

First few layers


Had to take the picture from the second floor to be able to see Roland
Aaron on top

The Supervisor

Working on the entrance

Finished product!

It only took 3 days but our family's second home is complete.

Quote of the Day

Aaron, " I need a spatula, so I can spatula things!"

$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.