Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

From our family to yours...have a wonderful holiday!

Ick, ick, ick...but nonetheless, it is December!

This was last years snow (2007) and I just had to show our fun snow family the boys and Teacher Lorenda (a family friend) made in our yard...notice baby Mitchell in my arms. Clever, huh?!
So here's our first real snow of the season and I must admit, it was pretty but I can't give up my hard, crusty shell of hating winter! I am truly a summer girl through and through. There's sunshine, short sleeves, longer days, green grass, blue sky, flowers in bloom, open windows, fresh breezes...I could go on and on but you just can't deny the beauty of a freshly fallen snow and then the fun snow activities the kids get to throw themselves into. They built these themselves and I was so impressed! They wanted to go out and play and so checking on them, I found snowmen!


Look at those rosy cheeks! Mmmm, luscious!

One Busy Weekend...

Here's our little basketball star...he played his last basketball game of the season on Saturday and scored 4 points for his team! It was so exciting!
He was passed the ball and here he is dribbling it down the court...getting close enough to make his shot...
2 points! (Camera's don't work as fast as the basketball swooshing but here it is coming down from the net on the right.)
Then, he was passed the ball again so here we are in instant replay. Dribbling...trying to keep control of the ball...
2 points again! Hoo-rah!! You should've heard the crowd...since he's such a peanut, everyone just loves watching him go and they cheered like nobody's business! He got all kinds of 'good job's and pats on the back at the end of the game and the coaches were so happy for him. It felt great and he was all grins!
There were a bunch of festivities this weekend...the Festival of Trees and the Twilight parade and Christmas tree lighting downtown...here are the little boys waiting for the parade to begin. Brrrr...it was chilly!
And here were a couple more goofballs we saw at the parade...trying to get just a normal smile! This was take 2 or 3 after this fellow showed his fangs trying to resemble Edward, then attempting to lick my face...so, to make a little more fun, the gal joined in the goofiness and this is what turned up...

Creepy, huh? We were working on a Christmas craft and these boys found more to do with their googly eyes than just glue them!

Fourth Blessing...

Ya, I know the nostril's big but you can't deny a genuine laugh!

Three blessings...

This is life...how grand! Oh, to be a kid again!

Happy Thanksgiving...

Just wanted to share a little love and gratitude to family and friends! Hope your holiday is full of great blessings and happy hearts! Much love...

My Twilight movie review...

Well...long live the novel! Although I fairly enjoyed the movie (I'm definitely easily amused when it comes to movies so it's not hard to entertain me, but), I am sadly disappointed. Of course the book is always better than the movie and I understand they didn't have time to develop the relationships like the book, I just felt like it was lacking. Minus some corny facial expressions and acting, they did a pretty good job. And considering the budget they had to work with...
I highly recommend seeing it a second time because I enjoyed it much more and really tried to separate the book from the movie.
Some of my favorite scenes..?
1- I thought the baseball scene was awesome! It looked like they had a blast and it didn't seem like they were trying so hard at their characters.
2- the part where she leads him into the forest and asks him how old he is...hubba, hubba!
3- in Port Angeles where Edward skids around the corner and rescues Bella
4- the day he drives her to school for the first time and everyone stares...his personality was so cute!
5- and the last kiss at the prom...I love the slow motion where she drops her head back hoping he'll 'change' her and he kisses her jugular! Mmmmm...
I also really enjoy the soundtrack...I love movie music!
The more I think about it the more, I guess, amazed I am that they dare take on such a highly successful novel series. They have A LOT to live up to with such a huge fan base!
I like to check out www.twilightersanonymous.com and I found this article that summed up exactly how I feel about it. It was nice to have someone put it into words more eloquently than I could...

"TWILIGHT MOVIE REVIEW - QUEEN B (site owner)

The Good, the Bad and the Steamy

It was 6 p.m. on Thursday night when we first got reports that fans were already lined up to watch the premiere in Arizona. I was shocked and wondered if the same could be happening here. Sure enough, we drove by our local theater and fans were indeed camping out. I was stumped, how can this be? Didn’t they already buy their tickets? Is there someone from the cast showing up that I didn’t know about? It seems I simply underestimated the devotion of the fans once again. If they are willing to show up 7 am on a Sunday to see the cast at the LA premier at 5:30 pm on Monday, why wouldn’t they wait a measly 6 hours to get prime seating to watch the movie they have all been anxiously awaiting? And so what if it’s cold, in the wee hours of the morning on a school night?

It seemed to be all worth though it for the young girls who were giddy and swooning as we left the movie theater. I almost wished to be that age again and just revel in how much easier it is to be pleased back then. But I’m 31 and if I were a teacher, I would have to give the movie a B+.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the movie. I squeed, laughed, and sighed happily during a lot of it. I always enjoy seeing a book I love come to life on screen. There’s just something about seeing a book visually. I’ve learned a long time ago to not expect too much with books made into movies. I will be thoroughly surprised if I ever see an adapted movie turn out as good as the book. But back to the movie… I liked the modern adaptation of dialogue in the the movie and I also thought the humans were well portrayed, particularly Charlie & Jessica. I have never seen Taylor act before this movie, so I was nervous since I had seen many people say he can’t act. But I thought he did well and that last scene where he exchanged glances with Edward makes me eager to see more in future movies. I thought a lot of scenes were well executed, like when Bella was seeing bits & pieces of what was happening while she was being poisoned by the venom, when Bella & Edward first showed up to school together, and I also loved how they did the scene where Mike is talking to Bella and all she sees is him blurred and Edward clearly behind him. If only more scenes could have been as cleverly portrayed.

Considering the small budget & early bad reviews I was already not expecting much going into the movie. But I was still caught off guard by the tone as the movie began. Raise your hand if you loved the latest trailer for this movie! Why was the movie not as well compiled or the music better implemented into the editing as the trailer? Important scenes seemed comical and the background music throughout most of the movie was so ill fitting and did not capture the mystery, the intensity, and the angst of Bella & Edward’s developing relationship. The music sounded terribly dated and affected my mood in several key scenes. I hoped to be more emotionally moved, but just didn’t get there, especially with the meadow scene, which I thought lacked a lot. I also heartily agree with those who already said that there was some over acting, some bad acting (I was particularly disappointed with Kellan), certain scenes that could have been done better (biology!) and that some book lines did not translate well at all on screen. But what bothered me the most besides that the background music was the under use and lack of dialogue of the other Cullens!

I suppose they wanted to put a lot of focus on Bella and Edward, literally, since they had so many close up scenes. Fortunately, Rob and Kristen had great chemistry, and even though certain things were overdone, they are both just so watchable. Kristen’s line deliveries and mannerisms were very Bella and Rob’s glances and mouth twitches, coupled with some husky delivered phrases did not disappoint. And that kissing scene…SHIVERS! Yah, I am so not one to quote Paris Hilton of all people, but “that was HOT!”

I look forward to seeing this movie again. I think I’ll definitely enjoy it more with less people around who may laugh at inappropriate scenes. I’m already replaying certain scenes in my head. I think a lot of us today will be still wrapped up in the movie, whether we’re reading or writing reviews, or simply daydreaming ourselves in certain scenes with Rob. And since it was a school/work night last night expect to see a rise in the female population showing up late, calling in sick, or deeply distracted with a smile on their face."

I love where she quotes Paris! Ha!

I have serious high hopes for New Moon. Hopefully this experience will give them time to develop and strengthen their characters better and they'll take more opportunity building relationships more similar to the book.

My good friend, Karen and I...

And here are all of us giggly girls waiting for the movie to start...it's so dark you can't see us all. There were about 14 of us. From teeny-boppers to us Twilight moms! It was so fun!

AND, I have to say that the movie theater owner (this is Baker, remember) remembered me...I had come in twice (previously) and asked if I could have their movie poster after they were finished with it and he had it rolled up and ready for me to take after the movie...yes, I jumped up and down and giggled like a little girl at him!

Overall, I'm easily amused at the movie and look forward to the others...

I am, however, interested to know what others thought! Especially my Aunt Julia...

Twilight Movie Tickets!

So...I went and bought my Twilight movie ticket for Friday, 9:00 pm! YAY! YAY! YAY! I'm getting some girlfriends together so we can go and do the fangirl giggles and squeals! So exciting! The only thing that could make my date any better would be to have my sister on one side and my mom on the other! Sigh.

Mitchell gets his first haircut!

Giving my babies their first haircuts is alway so hard for me to do because it grows them up and they don't look so much like babies anymore! :(


Here we have the befores...I shouldn't have combed it before I took the picture so you could get the whole effect of 'dogs rear-end' fuzziness in the back! You can kind of see the boofiness of this picture on the right...










And so we begin...check out the length of the hair on top...it was a good 4 1/2 inches! He got a little feisty now and then but we fixed that with some mini marshmallows and he was loving life just fine.



I love those hands...so sweet dimpled!



Now...isn't that one of the cutest little boys you've ever seen?! So pickin' cute!











Mmmmm, I love him!

One Word Tagged...

Kacey got me on this one...
The rules are...I have to answer the questions with one word and one word only. Then I pass it on to whomever. So, here goes...

1. Where is your cell phone? charged
2. Where is your significant other? couch
3. Your hair color? red
4. Your mother? California
5. Your father? California
6. Your favorite thing? peace
7. Your dream last night? hot (as in, it was too hot in our room...nothing kinky!)
8. Your dream/goal? happiness
9. The room you're in? living
10. Your hobby? jewelry
11. Your fear? disease
12. Where do you want to be in six years? happy!
13. Where were you last night? home
14. What you're not? prompt
15. One of your wish list items? travel
16. Where you grew up? Idaho
17. The last thing you did? drink (water, not alcohol, silly!)
18. What are you wearing? jeans
19. Your TV? on
20. Your pet? gone
21. Your computer? humming
22. Your mood? solemn
23. Missing someone? sister
24. Your car? works
25. Something you're not wearing? socks
26. Favorite store? bead
27. Your summer? fast
28. Love someone? boys
29. Favorite color? lots
30. Last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? yesterday

People I tag...(hee, hee) Elise AND Lowell (haven't heard from him in like 9 months!), Jessica, Samantha, Brandy, Lisa and whomever else wants to join in!

'BUGZ' & Halloween!

Alex had his 2nd grade music program Thursday night! It was called BUGZ and it was way cute! Alex was a grub worm and he memorized his line..."The picnic is beneath a tree, there in the city square. They're having plenty of food to eat and plenty of grub to share!"
He recited it without skipping a beat but he looked like a deer caught in the headlights! Not much emotion during the 20 minutes but he DID sing so that was a plus! I don't know if he had a little case of stage fright or if he was just bored out of his mind...he said (and acted) like he was excited, at least before the program, so it must've been nerves. Jackson sang along to some of the songs after hearing Alex practice...I was a beaming mom!


Now...moving on to Halloween!

What a day! Alex suffered a little bit of...displacement?? He seems to be getting to the age of still wanting to play and be a little boy but then wanting to be 'cool'. And it seemed like he wasn't sure what was considered 'cool'. (Of course, my kids are always cool!)
He was SO excited to be in his costume but then he was embarrassed about being seen by other people. We waited to paint his face until later in the day and we got him all ready to go trick-or-treat Main Street and it was all fine and dandy, but as soon as it was time to go to the ward Trunk-or-treat, he was embarrassed to be in the parade with the other kids at the church. So he threw a little fit and wanted to hide out so I left him in his hide out and went in the gym to watch and apparently he decided he wanted to be in the parade. So he went running around the church looking for me (this is what he tells me later) so that he could be in the parade and missed half of it while doing this. So the tears were flowing and he was mad that he missed the parade! MAN! Emotions were overflowing! Of course, Ken could have kicked his rear right there in front of everyone but we got him calmed down before any of that... What is a mom to do?? Jackson was having a blast, obliviously to all of this (thank heavens!)
Mitchell was dreamy! He rode along in the stroller down Main Street with his thumb in his mouth, content to check out the sights and the weather was awesome! I don't remember the last Halloween where we didn't freeze our patooties off! I was in heaven!



Cute chicken!


Mitchell, at this time, had had enough...time to get the chicken outfit OFF!

Ken looks like he's having the time of his life...don't you think? He was ready for the festivities to end...

Now for the finale! And I put this on here specifically for my dad because when I saw her, I thought of my dad! I wish I could hear you laugh, Pops!


My poor boys thought I was CRAZY making them stand next to this lady with a stuffed puppy stuck to her rear for a picture! Hilarious!!

Tagged?!

So I guess I've been tagged? Fun! And here's hoping Jessica meant me...not another Jill. Then I'd feel like a huge dork! :)

8 TV shows I love to watch...
1. The Office
2. Life
3. The Office
4. Life
5. The Office
6. Life
7. The Office
8. Life
I think I must be boring! Love, love, love these two shows! There are some I think I'd enjoy watching but either scheduling or my memory gets in the way!

8 favorite restaurants...(boy, Baker leaves much to be desired by way of restaurants. I think 8 might list them all!)
1. Subway
2. Burger Bob's...formerly known as Happy Burger
3. Golden Crown Chinese
4. The Chameleon Cafe
5. Arceo's Mexican or El Erradero Mexican (owned by the same people, different locations)
6. Geyser Grand Hotel restaurant
7. Charlie's Ice Cream Parlor :)
8. Inland Cafe (awesome burger!)
Not in any order...if it were, Charlie's would be #1 :)

8 Things that happened today...
1. Got my floors vacuumed and mopped today...hooray!
2. picked up Alex from school
3. changed some diapers, made some lunches, did some dishes, washed some laundry, etc...
4. took Alex to basketball practice (he made 2 baskets!)
5. went to the bead store...love that place!
6. checked out any new, juicy Twilight news
7. bought 3 candy bars from Shannon for a music fundraiser...which Mitchell got a hold of and enjoyed so much! Sneaky boy!
8. Mitchell wore his yogurt bowl as a hat...swiftly followed by a bath

8 things on my wish list...Only 8?!
1. a vacation with my husband with NO STRESS! Is there such a thing? And I mean a real vacation...away. And complete confidence and assurance that my kids will be fine/safe/healthy/happy while we're away.
2. a vacation with my sister to San Francisco...totally dreamy! (which would include a James Blunt concert)
3. to go to Germany when my sister has her baby, to enjoy her and help with kids and home stuff so she can relax and love on her new baby with no worries
4. visit my parents in California
5. unlimited funds so that I could afford to do these things!
6. no sickness...EVER
7. anything that has to do with Twilight or Stephenie Meyer (I think I might be pathetic...but I love it!)
8. a cook to get groceries for us and make our meals...I HATE trying to figure out what to make!

8 people I tag...how about 2...I don't know others besides Jessica (who tagged me) and Elise & Lowell (and she tagged them!)
1. Lisa (you go girl!)
2. Sam

Okay, so I now found out two other friends with blogs and I'm tagging them, too!
3. Greg and Kacey (hope you don't mind, Karen gave me your blog...CUTE!)
4. Brandy

Geekster...

Well, since it is my blog...does that mean I get a second to rant or ramble or whatever? :)

So, I guess I consider myself a bit of a geekster. I do goofy things and I'm quite naive and gullible but I just look at that as being someone of innocence, right?! (My brother-in-law would get a chuckle out of that because he's always trying to get me to turn red, blush, or whatever.)

I'm really not sure what my husband thinks about my being a geekster...I get crazy looks from him once in a while but he must've seen something in me in the first place to want to marry me, right?! I just hope I don't scare him...too late. He's scared.

My sister, on the other hand, is just as big of a geekster as me and it's fantastic! God knew we needed each other, truly. We've often teased that we should be married just because we 'get' eachother like no one else does...and when we crack some weird comment, we can cackle our witches laughs together while on-lookers stare blankly, not sure what to make of us. We have a dream of being neighbors someday...but I'd even settle for living within the same continent! It's been over a year since I've seen her and believe me, I need to see her face turn as red as mine when we do our wicked cackle!

I'm a bit prone to anxiety which is such a royal pain! And I think I'm realizing it's harder to deal with in the winter, when the sun is harder to come by. I'm afraid to think that it's something I'll always be trying to master. Sigh. However, I do have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I guess this is just one of the 'dragons' I have to learn to slay while I'm here. Having that understanding, I realize, has everything to do with who I am, who I can become and of course, the incredible blessing my life is.

I love my boys so much it's almost painful. So pickin' cute...such pains in my rear! :) (It's a good thing I love them, or....) I pray that I can be the best mom I'm capable, in spite of the human inadequacies God's given me, and that I can live worthy enough to receive His guidance and direction to help me know how to be. We live in such uncertain times.... I'm thankful I have Ken who has his 'ducks in a row' to trudge through the uncertainty with me at his side. God knew I needed that too!

Testing...?

Well...I feel like a fish out of water.
Blogging seems to be all the rage these days and I had been toying with the idea the last couple of weeks but didn't really feel brave enough (I still don't). But the last straw to my questioning whether to go for it or not was a 'Thank You' card I got in the mail from my cousin who got married a couple months ago. She closed the card with her signature and a "PS-Do you have a blog?"
At that moment I thought, 'maybe this is why I should do this...so family I haven't seen in forever can still see what's up with me and mine'...only if they want to, of course. :) I didn't get to go to her wedding and the last time I saw her was before she went on a mission for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So, maybe this will seal a gap of lost time with loved one's quite a distance from me and me from them...
So...here's to a new beginning. Man, I hope I can keep up with this adventure!