Merry Christmas 2008

This pretty much sums it up.

please click picture to enlarge

We received this card from our bishop in church and I think it puts forth what gifts we really should be focusing on giving others...and in turn...ourselves.

Now THAT'S more like it!

Got this info from my good friend April.

MTV News can confirm that 26-year-old "Scorpion King 2" actor Michael Copon [pronounced "COPE-on"] is one of several actors Weitz is considering to play the new, larger Jacob Black. A representative for Copon told us that they're making a full effort to land the high-profile gig. And in a bit of 21st-century self-publicity, the actor has even recently updated his Facebook status with messages like: "Michael Copon [is] in a Twilight Zone!" and "Michael Copon is the older Jacob Black!"

My thoughts: He is MUCH more what I would have pictured, and I'm liking it...HOWEVER...I wish they could find a genuine Native American to play the role. I'll take it though!!

Don't worry...I am now done with my Twilight posts!!

Art Masterpiece...and the fear of embarrassment.

(Breezing Up by Winslow Homer)

Today I was able to go to the kids school and teach "Art Masterpiece". I was excited because I LOVE art and I LOVE going to my kids school. The picture and artist we discussed was Breezing Up by Winslow Homer. I love learning more about artists and their techniques. I really love this painting.

So, the funny thing was that this morning as I was getting the kids ready for school I was reminding them that today was the day I would get to come and teach in the class. Ella looked at me and her eyes grew wide. Then she said, "can I choose what you are going to wear?" WHAT?!!! This...coming from my daughter who barley notices if her shirt is on backwards or even matches?! I think she saw my confusion and said, "your not going to wear THAT to school are you?"...as she pointed to my pajama bottoms and bra-less old t-shirt. I assured her that I would shower and get dressed. I really do get ready most days, but never before she leaves for school. She must assume that I stay that way until she gets home from school. I realized that she is now at the stage where parents make a big impression on the kids when they show up for school. I'll try to keep that in mind and only embarrass her on occasion.

I'm sure I didn't do a very good job at teaching, but I sure had a good time.

Update to my thoughts four posts ago.

Here is an article my dear friend Natalie sent to me!! Parts to take note of are in red, and my commentary is in orange!

'Twilight' sequel: New details on 'New Moon'

Dec 10, 2008, 01:00 PM | by Nicole Sperling

Categories: Movie Biz

Summit Entertainment has tentatively slated Nov. 20, 2009, as the release date for New Moon, the Twilight sequel, which means any director who signs on to replace Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke has to be in Vancouver by Dec. 15 to begin 12 weeks of preproduction before a mid-March start date. Reports have speculated that Hardwicke was fired for being difficult on set, but sources close to her suggest Summit's aggressive production schedule turned her off. "She'd love to do the sequel if she could do it better than Twilight,” says one. “It ­became clear that Summit didn’t have those same priorities."

Indeed, at press time the second movie appeared to have ­little more than a rough first-draft working script. As Summit’s production president Erik Feig told EW during Twilight’s ­record-busting first weekend, “There is that first...script. All the finesse that turns a screenplay into a movie hasn’t ­happened yet.” Two weeks later, Summit is saying it’s happy with screenwriter ­Melissa Rosenberg’s progress.

Okay, these first two paragraphs make me nervous that they are too excited about getting another movie out there. I would assume with the success of Twilight that there will be a bigger budget for New Moon. Let's try to put it to good use huh?! I mean sure, it's exciting have another one come out so soon, but c'mon I'm looking for quality not quantity.

Another of Hardwicke’s primary concerns was that hunky vampire Edward remains MIA throughout New Moon’s middle portion. In her own opening-weekend interview, she told EW, “You have to get the chemistry as strong ­between Jacob and Bella as it was between Bella and Edward. You also have to do ­some­thing with that arc: She’s in love with somebody, he disappears, she falls in love with someone else, and the first guy comes back. Movies like Pearl Harbor have tried it. It absolutely didn’t work.” Maybe I'm crazy, but I thought it absolutely DID work in Pearl Harbor. I liked that movie.

With or without Hardwicke, Summit ­faces other snags. Two sources tell EW the studio doesn’t want to rehire baby-faced Taylor Lautner - my thoughts exactly -(pictured) as Jacob, though Lautner’s agent has apparently reached out to the ­imaging company behind The Curious Case of Benjamin Button in an attempt to demonstrate to Summit how a digitally bulked-up Lautner could work. No, no, no...that was MUCH of the problem with him in the first one!!! He wasn't authentic!!! The wig was obviously horrible, but he didn't even look Native American! (Summit says it won’t make a decision until a new filmmaker is on board.) There’s also the matter of finding a cast of Native American actors to play Jacob’s werewolf clan (oh yes, they were sad...very sad) — a difficult challenge Hardwicke was also faced with before ­settling on Lautner, who isn’t completely ­Native American. (ummmm...yeah...like I said...we all could tell!!!) And with a slightly increased budget of $50 million — much of which is ­assumed will go to leads asking for heftier paydays, location shoots in Italy, and ramped-up F/X — Summit will have to scrimp somewhere.

So what director would want to take on such a big headache? Well, at press time, an offer was out to Chris Weitz (The Golden Compass), who put Summit on the map years ago when its foreign sales operation made tons of cash off of his first film, American Pie. (One source says Weitz has already had conversations with below-the-line crew for New Moon.) “We are in a recession,” ­reminds one Hollywood insider. “It’s a hit franchise. Whoever steps into it is guaranteed a $100 million gross. Everyone wants this movie.” Adds an exec at another studio, “You’d have to have a very high standard for art, (he he he)hate the movie business, and hate ­money to walk off this sequel.”

I just have to brag.

This truly is his handwriting...1st grade!

2009 - A Space Odyssey

Wait...make that....We traded the 2002 Chrysler (plus a little cash) for the 2009 HONDA Odyssey!!! But it is so nice that even Max said, "this car feels safe...like a rocket. Can it go into space?!" No son, but I sure am glad you like it...I do too!

Yup! We finally did it. Merry Christmas to me!!

I feel special!

Apparently my friend Gabi from "The Gab Blog" fame thinks I am interesting enough to feature on her blog! Who knew?! So if you want some advice for the holidays (I really need to put it into practice) then head on over and let us know what you think!!

P.S. Many of you may have been introduced to Gabi from this post. She was plagiarized like crazy...like this. She's brilliant, funny, and just a regular mom of 4 like me.

Reiforcing my dislike...

I came home from the movie very disappointed about this...
...only to see my kids watching this...(Shark Boy and Lava Girl)
...and realizing it's the same guy!!!
...and he bugs me in both.

He did it!!

HE...


DID THIS...


ON THIS!!!
AND HE ISN'T EVEN SORE!!! 'ATTA BOY!

Boys

"Boys are found everywhere-- on top of, underneath, inside of, climbing on, swinging from, running around, or jumping into. Mothers love them, little girls hate them, older brothers/sisters tolerate them, adults ignore them, Heaven protects them. A boy is truth with dirt on its face, Beauty with a cut on its finger, Wisdom with gum in its hair and the Hope of the future with a frog in its pocket."
--Alan Beck
I am SO GLAD that my kids have each other. This past week I have been overwhelmed by the love they show to one another.
Jack and Max are the best of buddies. Max has told me a few times this week how much he loves his brother. One day he said to me, "Mom, Jack is my best friend." I love that they will always have each other. I know my siblings are my best friends. These boys give me a run for my money...as the above quote points out...and I'll take every last minute of it!

NYC with the ladies!

Me, Ashley, Lane, Jen, Julie, Jenny - Central Park

As you can see I'm trying to finally get a little updated on my blog. I'm seriously behind and still have a half a dozen posts in draft form. SOMEDAY!! I did quickly want to document the FABULOUS time I had last month with a bunch of my High School friends. We all met in NYC where my good friend Lane lives with her hubby.

We had such a great time with each other. We are all SO DIFFERENT in so many ways, but each one is so REAL. It makes for great times, good conversation, no drama, and beautiful memories. Here are some of the quick Highlights of the trip.
Looking out onto ground zero.
My chance meeting with Zack or Cody or Dylan, or Cole...whatever...I did it for Ella.
Our scrumptious brunch and Norma's.
At our brunch we happened to be sitting next to Howie Mendel (deal or no deal). I faked taking this picture of Jen to really take a picture of him. (you can see him over her shoulder) We were being silly.
Our "barley got there on time" viewing of the soon to be classic Wicked.

The ABSOLUTE highlight of our trip...bike riding through Central Park. The weather was delightful, the people were out, and I was with great company. I honestly didn't want it to end.
Here we are posing in front of the famous fountain. Julie takes her "posing" very seriously.
We spent NO time at Times Square other than Subway stops, so we had to snap a quick picture.

We had memorable experiences in China Town, with our housing situation, outdoor restaurants, and star sightings. You can get better details Here, and Here. I just have to say that I am so blessed to have so many great friends. Here's to another girls trip...and it better be less that five years this time before it happens!!

Halloween 2008

It's been so long since Halloween that I've already forgotten most of the details. Yes, three weeks is long for this memory...I'm my father's daughter...sorry Dad! So, here is my attempt at documenting SOMETHING!!
The real highlight of Halloween around here is the ward/neighborhood carnival that is hosted by one of our incredible neighbors. Honestly, everything else is secondary to that fun night. The actual night of Halloween is just the candy gathering...the real fun is had at the carnival. The above picture was taken as we arrived. In my book it was a winner. The kids couldn't wait to get in and start getting some prizes from the games. So, the fact that they even stayed still for a moment was amazing!
I had dreams of a family theme this year involving Star Wars, but Paul (party pooper) and Nora (couldn't be convinced that Yoda was a princess) wouldn't cooperate. Maybe next year. Jack as you can see, was thrilled to be Anakin Skywalker. Quite the handsome Jedi if I do say so myself.
Here we have uncooperative Dorothy (aka Nora). The only thing that got her into the costume that I got for $5 on clearance after Halloween last year was the red sparkly shoes. Unfortunately I believe it is my last year (ALREADY!!) to choose her costume for her. Oh, she's only two by the way. She sure had a mind of her own and I love her for it.
Here is my fun Ella. She wouldn't be caught dead in a sparkly pink princess costume like her sister dreams of. She is SO EASY TO PLEASE. I love that! She saw this $3.99 kit at the party store that had the headband, glasses, and necklace in it. She remembered her tie dyed shirt and called it good. Did I mention I love that girl?
Here is Max as the evil emperor from Star Wars. I had bought him an Obi-Wan Kenobi costume which he proudly wore daily for the three weeks prior to Halloween. Of course, the week of Halloween he changed his mind. So, holding true to my "I am only buying ONE costume" threat...we modified the Harry Potter robe we had in the dress up box so you couldn't see the emblem. Voila...evil emperor. I tell ya...this is the easiest costume ever. Oh, and the pose in the picture is when he shoots lightning out of his hands...that's very important.
Of course, on the day of his school party he just wanted to be Harry Potter. This kid LOVES to dress up.
We were so excited when we saw one of our favorite families out trick or treating and their Kylie was twins with Nora! I just had to get a picture. Can you tell that Nora LOVES Kylie?!

All in all, it was a great Halloween. I'm starting to like this holiday more and more every year. Now I've just got to get my act together for Thanksgiving!!

The boy is genius I tell ya...

This came home in Max's backpack the other day. I'd love to crawl into his brain for just one minute. I love that kid.

Blog therapy...and other resources.

Wowza!! I guess I need to always remember to resort to blogging when I'm feeling down. I have felt so much love and encouragement through the comments and some personal emails. Thank You!! I've also had some other thoughts and experiences this past day or two that have really helped too.

I have so much to be grateful for and was reminded of all those things constantly yesterday. Church was great as usual. Sacrament meeting can get a little hairy, but the kids are getting better all the time. Our bishop gave some remarks on being grateful and recognizing all our blessings. I'm usually really good at that, so I'm going to put forth an even better effort. There were great testimonies borne, and of course Primary was wonderful. I just love being in there with all those kids every week. It shocks me every week how much I enjoy myself and love all the kids.

Sunday evening I was able to just sit back and enjoy my kids a little bit. They are so amazing. I just couldn't get over how blessed I am to have them in my life. As I was laying down with them to put them to sleep I just couldn't get enough. I wanted to eat them up just as I did when they were babies. I couldn't hug them close enough, or kiss them long enough. My heart ached a little when I thought about them growing up and away. I do my best to brain wash them while they're young into believing that they must ALWAYS give mom hugs and kisses on demand...and unsolicited.Me...gobbling up Ella!

How can anyone be down with those two smiling mugs comin' at ya?!...the handsome men in my life!

So, I am going to revise my list from the previous post and put a positive spin on it all...an add to it...if you don't mind. (the revisions will be in blue...or auqa...or whatever this color is)

• I talk way too much and often get myself into trouble.
• My lack of shyness (is that a word?) has made it possible for me to develop so many friendships and relationships that I cherish. I truly like being nice and chatty with people. I'm sure some people find it disturbing, but I will talk to anyone, anywhere and most of the time I think it lifts their day. I compliment people often (yes, strangers) and always engage with people I'm interacting with. Whether it be the person at the checkout, or the people in the voting line. 99% of the time I walk away happier because I've made contact beyond that of the required communication.
  
• I don't say things well and often get myself into trouble.
• I have realized that I don't have to say things perfectly for most people to get the intention. I am opinionated, but I NEVER mean personal insult. I think most people are that way and that is why I almost NEVER get offended. If people think differently than me...GREAT! It makes for interesting conversation and growth in my thinking.
  
• I feel upset with the state of our country and social issues (I don't recommend YouTube videos of angry protesters).
• I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ which is not a perfect knowledge of things. I walk by faith. Faith is powerful and humbling. I feel more solidified in my beliefs and in who I am when my faith is challenged. I feel comfort knowing that God loves each one of us (His children), and is always there to guide and help us. He has a plan and is all powerful. My membership in my church is precious to me and I will not be brought to shame for any of my beliefs. I truly love ALL of Gods children. One thing I have been blessed with is the capacity to love people. I truly can see the good in anyone.
  
• My house is a disaster despite being perfectly clean less than 24 hours ago.
• My kids watched no TV Saturday besides when the babysitters came, and that meant a lot of creative play. Oh, and guess what?...WE LIVE IN OUR HOME. It isn't a museum, or a showroom. I'm glad that our home is one where friends want to come over and can play and interact. Cleanliness is overrated...right?! Please tell me it is.
  
• I'm sure I will be getting a photo cop ticket because of the flash that went off in the intersection on my way to the temple for a Primary activity...that just seems wrong.
• We are so blessed to live close to a Temple of the Lord. We are so blessed to be getting three more here in our state over the next several months. One will be about 5 miles away, located just past the soccer fields and Costco!! How's that for convenience?
  
• I have so many closets, drawers, files, photos, bins, etc. that need to be organized...and I've been saying that for a year.
• I am so grateful for closets, drawers, files, photos, bins, etc. that hold precious memories, and items that help me take care of my family. Paul and I have worked hard to be able to provide a stable life for our kids, and I am grateful to be able to have the "stuff" we need to do that. I will have plenty of time to organize when my kids are all in school all day. For now I need to do my best, but not let those tasks get in the way of nurturing and enjoying my children. Organizing is overrated right? Please tell me it is.
  
• I need a new car in a bad bad way and can't seem to pull the trigger on such a HUGE purchase.
• This is a great time to buy a car. Car prices have dropped. Gas prices have dropped, and we have always been frugal on the car front. I'm grateful that because of this frugality (again, not sure if it's a word) we are able to buy the car we need. I am so excited to get a new car that will hopefully seat 8, and won't have transmission issues.
  
• I just found a bin of baby onesies that I made for friends babies...and never sent. I'm seriously dying about that one. Any ideas for what to do with personalized onesies that will not fit the babies anymore (these are not common names)?! Any ideas on how to ask proper forgiveness for never sending the baby gifts?
• I am so grateful to have so many friends that have been blessed with babies. I will send the onesies along with a heartfelt note and gift, and hopefully brighten their day. Who expects a baby gift for their almost one year old?
  
• I have a dog that I personally have been incapable of house training. I'll take ideas on that one too. I've HAD IT!!
• I'm grateful...hmmmm...how do I spin this one...that my kids will be able to say they had a dog when they were little?! Is that good enough? I'm having a hard time finding the good in the dog. She sure is cute and friendly. How's that?
• Paul and I have been blessed with amazing parents who are still together to this day. They are such good examples of hard work, sacrifice, and unconditional love. None of us are perfect, but I'd dare to say that we got the pick of the litter when it came to parents. Paul's parents were able to come and visit us during Halloween and we enjoyed having them so much. We are lucky enough to now count my parents as our neighbors! Okay, so they live a few miles away, but it's quite an improvement from 675 miles. I got my chattiness (let's call it friendliness) from both my parents, so they are quickly fitting in and making new friends.
• Paul and I have also been blessed with siblings that we love and admire. They all are such great examples of courage and grace throughout the ups and downs of their lives. We truly love hanging out with them and count them as our best friends. We are so grateful that they have chosen such awesome spouses. It is so fun to integrate different styles and personalities into the family and learn and grow from each of them. My kids are so lucky to be surrounded by such great aunts and uncles.
  
• As I said in my previous post, I am so grateful for my country. It has afforded me the life and opportunities I have today.

So, as you can see, with friends, faith, family, and country...I've pretty much got it made. What else do I really need? Not much. Thanks for the boosts and bringing me back to the reality of just how great I have it. Oh, by the way...you do too!!

A little down today...

(i actually wish it was raining)

It seems today is one of those days where I am having a hard time seeing the good...mostly in myself.

• I talk way too much and often get myself into trouble.
• I don't say things well and often get myself into trouble.
• I feel upset with the state of our country and social issues (I don't recommend YouTube videos of angry protesters).
• My house is a disaster despite being perfectly clean less than 24 hours ago.
• I'm sure I will be getting a photo cop ticket because of the flash that went off in the intersection on my way to the temple for a Primary activity...that just seems wrong.
• I have so many closets, drawers, files, photos, bins, etc. that need to be organized...and I've been saying that for a year.
• I need a new car in a bad bad way and can't seem to pull the trigger on such a HUGE purchase.
• I just found a bin of baby onesies that I made for friends babies...and never sent. I'm seriously dying about that one. Any ideas for what to do with personalized onesies that will not fit the babies anymore (these are not common names)?! Any ideas on how to ask proper forgiveness for never sending the baby gifts?
• I have a dog that I personally have been incapable of house training. I'll take ideas on that one too. I've HAD IT!!
  

The truth of the matter is that I'm just in one of those "overwhelmed mother" states. I'm sure it will pass by tomorrow.

Proud to Be and American.

What a historical day yesterday was!! We had the first African American on the ballot for President, and the first Woman on the Republican ticket. Although the votes didn't all go my way I do have to say that I am inspired by the democratic process. I am so happy I got to go out and have my voice heard. I am so proud that so many Americans saw this as their opportunity and duty.

I was honored to explain that process to my kids and have them watch history in the making. I was so happy to be able to show them that everyone has a voice. We told them that we will pray for our new President and do all we can to help make this country great. I was so impressed with John McCain's humility and graciousness. I truly believe him to be an honorable man. He showed such class and love for this country. (unlike the so called concession speeches of the past two elections) I do feel like my vote meant something.

I truly hope for and believe in this great land of ours and am anxious to see how we can all use this as an opportunity to be even more engaged in our own lives...because that's what politics is...helping to govern your own life as well as the greater good.

God bless America!!

Stalker

stalk'er n. : obsessively following or constantly observing another person.

Ella has a stalker. No joke. No kidding. This person is obsessed and will not leaver her alone. If Ella is around, the stalker has to be right next to her, often touching her, and will shout out her name at any and all moments of the day. I cannot believe Ella is putting up with it as well as she is. There are times when she tries to run away and hide, but mostly she is just nice...I love that about her.

I would be scared for her, but you see, her stalker is Nora. I'm not exaggerating about the stalker thing though. Just ask anyone in our family, and all babysitters. They will tell you about the obsession. It's getting a little ridiculous.

Nora thinks it's great all of the time. Ella...not so much.
But there are times when she likes it.
Other times when she encourages it.
She has even basked in it.
Often times she tries to run from it.
Most of the time, she just puts up with it.
She carries her load well, and they both will be truly blessed because of it!