A Lesson in the LAW...

I had an interesting lesson in my U.S. Institutions class on Tuesday. We talked about laws, and about the fact that there are many laws that are still in effect that are really dumb or outdated. Here are a few Utah laws that are pretty hilarious.

Crazy Utah Laws

• It is illegal to detonate any nuclear weapon. You can have them, but you just can't detonate them.

• Birds have the right of way on all highways.

• It's legal for restaurants to serve wine with meals, but only if you ask for the wine list.

• It is against the law to fish from horseback.

• When a person reaches the age of 50, he/she can then marry their cousin.

• A husband is responsible for every criminal act committed by his wife while she is in his presence.

• You're not allowed to sell beverages containing more than 3.2% alcohol.

• It is illegal not to drink milk.

• It is considered an offense to hunt whales.

Kaysville

• You must have identification to enter a convienence store after dark.

Logan

• Women may not swear.

Monroe

• Daylight must be visible between partners on a dance floor.

Provo

• Throwing snowballs will result in a $50 fine.

Salt Lake City

• No one may walk down the street carrying a paper bag containing a violin.

Trout Creek

• Pharmacists may not sell gunpowder to cure headaches.

• It is illegal in Tremonton, Utah to have sex in a moving ambulance, if caught the man is let loose and the woman is punished and her name printed in the newspaper.

I had no idea that being lactose intolerant could make me a criminal!

Pink Mountain

This was the view from our backyard to the Southeast the other night. It's a little dark, but I didn't want to Photoshop it, because I didn't want to loose any of the "realness" of the color.

Breathtaking...

Cache Valley is so beautiful!

Halloween

We all had a great Halloween. Lydia was the new Holly Hobbie, and Violet was a dragon (the costume I made for Lydia when she was 2) . We went to a carnival at Lydia's school, then to Sherm and Becky's for their traditional Halloween meal of chili and doughnuts. MMM!

Cell Phones and Radiation...?

I am looking to upgrade my T-mobile phone, and I have been reading reviews on phones. I came across a term on CNET that I was not familiar with... an SAR rating. According to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), specific absorption rate, or SAR, is "a way of measuring the quantity of radio frequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body." Here is the disclaimer made on the website-

"While research abounds and some tests have shown that cell phone radiofrequency (RF) could accelerate cancer in laboratory animals, the studies have not been replicated. Cell phones can affect internal pacemakers, but there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they cause adverse health affects in humans. Conversely, there is not conclusive or demonstrated evidence that they don't cause adverse health affects in humans. So, in short, the jury is still out, research is ongoing, and we will continue to monitor its results. "

There was also an interview that Larry King did on CNN with 3 top neurosergeons, and they said that they do not put their cell phones to their ear. They use an earpiece or put their phone on speaker.

Whether I think this is true or not? There isn't solid proof, but of course I want to play it safe. Unfortunately this means I have to decide whether I want the nice sturdy Blackberry pearl with a SAR of 1.22 (for FREE) or the cheap looking Samsung Katalyst with a .662 SAR rating (also free). The Samsung does get great reviews on call clarity and reception, but overall it's a much cheaper phone with a lot less features. I may still get the Blackberry, because I can use the speaker phone as much as possible, plus, I really don't talk on the phone that much.

If you'd like to read more or to check out the radiation level of your phone, click here.

Wii Music

Sisterly Love...

Today, as we sat down at our dining room table to eat dinner, Lydia reached over and placed her hand over my hand. She looked at me like she had something very important to talk about. I said " What's up, honey?" She gave my hand a little squeeze, and ever so sweetly and very seriously said,

"Mommy, you know how sometimes people say they want to keep Violet?
Maybe we should let them."

Her eyes still looked very sincere, like she was really trying to convince me that it would be okay to let her go.

Quickly I said "You should never say anything like that again," as I ran into the other room to have a good (quiet) laugh!

The Biden's

Joe Biden with his son Beau Biden

Last night Ryan and I watched Jay Leno and he had Joe Biden on as a guest. There were many laughs during the interview, but the thing that Ryan and I giggled at the most was when we found out that Joe has a son Beau (pronounced Bo). I know, the little things that amuse us sometimes... but just try saying it-
"Joe Biden, Bo Biden"
I think they should have had a dog named "Be Bum"-
"Jo Biden, Bo Biden, Be Bum!"

(I'm feeling really silly for writing that now...)

Violet

Violet counted to 10 today. Perfectly. I didn't even know she could count to 5! Sometimes we count together and I'll stop and wait for her to fill in the next number, but she hasn't done it on her own. Today while she was eating, for no particular reason, she started counting 1-10. It's funny what they'll amaze you with sometimes. She has to think really hard to even say "sugar pie honey bunch" and there is a usually big pause between each word when she says it. Today, the counting thing just clicked for her I guess!

Our Little Artist

Lydia drew and colored this picture today. I am so impressed! I asked her who it was of, and she said "I don't know, I haven't named her yet." I think she's pretty cute! (the girl, and Lydia!:)

The Tree is Gone!

We had the willow tree removed over the past couple of days. Before we did the girls and I had a willow fairy celebration and dressed up in willow branches. Here are some pics...

Strike a pose...

Before...

After lowering the tree house

Our house is so much hotter without the nice shade!

Lydia drew this picture. She's had a hard time saying good-bye.

We Plan on buying another tree, but of course we won't get shade for a while. Any suggestions???

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

Last night we watched "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". Lydia seemed to like it, but she didn't say much about it. Today she was playing in my bedroom for a little while, but I wasn't watching her.

Later on, I sat on my bed to read a book and I heard a "ting ting" sound coming from my brass headboard. I had to laugh when I realized it was my bedknob that had been almost completely screwed off!

I can just imagine Lydia twisting it just like in the movie and bracing herself just in case the whole bed might fly away! I wonder where she wished it would take her? I'll have to ask her in the morning!

Sleeping Beauty

Violet Lingo

Violet had her first "real" day at school today (without her Mommy and Daddy). She loved it so much. It was sad but cute- when I dropped her off, a teacher came to the car and took her out and I said "Bye Bye Violet" and she didn't look back once. She was so excited for school!

When Ryan picked her up, her teacher told him that Violet really talks a lot. I agree, but I wonder if anyone can understand her besides her family? To give you an idea, these are some translations of some of Violet's everyday vocabulary...

"My hode it" = "I want to hold that"

"My yours" = I want something that belongs to you."

"In-air" = "In there"

"My habit tookie" = "Can I have a cookie?"

"Grr-damma" = "Grandma"

"Jame" = "James"

"No, my homie" = "Hold me, not Lydia"

"Hans....hum" = "Handsome"

"My dude" = "My sunglasses"

...and many more. I'll have to update again later!

Violet and Lydia's First Day of School

Lydia's First day of Kindergarten was Thursday! She LOVES school!

Violet also had her first day of school. She started the 2 year old Lab Preschool up on campus. Here she is getting under this little boys face saying "Hi Friend!"

Grandmother Willow

In the movie "Pocahontas", Pocahontas confides in and seeks direction form a wise old Willow tree who comes to life to give guidance to her and John Smith.

As you may know, we have a wonderful willow tree in our yard. Unfortunately, the tree is starting to decay and it is very close to our house, so we have to get it removed. A couple weeks ago, we put a rope swing on one of the branches and it has been hours of fun for the whole family. Honestly, I love this tree and I hate to see it go. It breaks my heart. It gives us such great shade. We have had a few cool picnic lunches under it's canopy. It is also buzzing with life- squirrels, woodpeckers, and TONS of other birds and insects call this tree their home , at least for a little while. We do plan on planting a few trees, but none can really replace "Grandmother Willow".

I have been trying new things out with Lydia's hair just for fun, and she likes it when I take a few pictures of different angles for her to see if she likes it. I did that this morning and Violet came up and said "My cheese, my cheese!" Translation: "Please take my picture too!"

Each posing in her own cute way...

Barack-a-bye-baby

Good morning boys and girls. The magic word for the day is "Barack Obama". When you hear that word, scream real loud! (Did anyone else used to watch Pee Wee's Playhouse?)

I try not to talk about politics too much. Still, I must admit, that although I think he's an arrogant loud mouth, that spews out way too much word diarrhea, I do listen to Rush on occasion in the car. Usually I have the kids in the car with me, but I think that's really the only polotics they are exposed to.

While eating breakfast this morning, Violet, out of the blue said, "Barack Obama". Clear as a bell! I'm sure as a 2 year old, she has no idea who he is. She's just heard the name enough to think it's fun to say. When she got the reaction out of Lydia and I, (practically rolling on the floor laughing) she continued to repeat it over and over. Today, it has been the phrase of the day in our house.

Violet's 2nd Birthday

Our sweet Violet turned 2 on July 12th. We are so blessed to have her in our family. She radiates joy wherever she goes (most of the time!). I have never met a kid who smiles more than her. It's been so much fun so far, I can just imagine all of the fun that is to come!

Her Birthday was on Saturday. She woke up that morning to a house filled with balloons and presents. We thought it would be fun for Ryan, Lydia, and I to go in her room and sing Happy Birthday when she woke up. Not a good idea. She was so distraught about the band-aid on her knee from skinning it the night before, she screamed and cried the whole time we sang. What a home video that turned out to be!

On Sunday we had a party at Sherm and Becky's new house. When she wants to go there she says "Papa, new Papa." She says it all the time! Grandma and Grandpa Biggs came up, and we had so much fun!

Then on Monday we had a party with some of our friends at Willow Park Zoo. The lucky girl had a birthday for 3 days! No wonder she tells everyone "Happy to you" all the time (usually as a part of a farewell- "Bye bye! Happy to you!").

Some other cute things she has been saying are "my want it" and "I foun it!". And every mark on her body, if you ask what happened, she says "Sissy did it." Last night I pointed at a mole on her belly and said it was so cute, and she said "Sissy did it"!

Here are some pictures of her Birthday marathon...

Violet with her cool new sunglasses and purse from Grandma and Papa Foht.

The Hello Kitty cake I made for her party at Grandma and Grandpa Conger's.

She loved all of her presents, but she was especially excited about her "Wall-E" coloring book from Emma.

Our party at Willow park and zoo on Monday.


The ice cream cone cup cakes were a hit!


Oh, my sweet little Violet, you are becoming an independent little sprite whether I'm ready or not! I love you so much!

Cute T-shirts

Every now and then I get totally sucked into this website. They have millions of t-shirt designs, so I often spend way too much time checking them out. Here are some of my favorites for the girls...

Save Some For Me

Potty like a rockstar

ipood


Daddy did my hair

"My grandparents don't spoil me
they're just very accomodating."

Elmo is my homeboy

Hello my name is Poopy Stinkerpants



John Paul George Ringo

Lydia's Wheel Throw At Art on the Lawn

A Positive Side to Airheadedness

Image of painting from http://www.spikedolomite.com/still_life.htm

You know how people say if we were never sad, we wouldn't appreciate our happiness as much? Well, I think the same holds true for being an airhead. There are so many times that we have so much on our minds and on our "to do" lists that some things, small, and the unfortunate big, fall through the cracks.

For me, remembering to take out the trash is one of those things that tends to fall through more than others. I can't stand the feeling of hearing the garbage truck zoom by, and realizing that it's too late now. Especially for the recycling, which only comes every other week, so if we miss it, the can gets so full we actually have to make room for surplus until it's emptied. When we miss taking the trash to the curb, we are haunted by a mass of old stinky diapers every time we lift the lid. We are reminded daily what airheads we are for forgetting.

Tuesday night, I remembered to put out our three cans. Wednesday morning came and I heard the first one being emptied. I think I appreciated that sound more than most people who are responsible and take out the trash every week right on time, every time.
So, if I wasn't forgetful, I would have no true appreciation of what it feels like to be so responsible, right?!

(Oh, man, did that post just seem like one of those awful Arctic Circle commercials I despise?)