I personally have been relishing in all the family time we've had this past week. Diamond has taken several days off from work, the boys are home from school, and even the phone calls from church have slowed down. Now THAT is a Merry Christmas!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Images of Christmas 2008
I personally have been relishing in all the family time we've had this past week. Diamond has taken several days off from work, the boys are home from school, and even the phone calls from church have slowed down. Now THAT is a Merry Christmas!!!
Shopaholic
The good news is that this book began a series of Shopaholic books. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan, Shopaholic Ties the Knot, Shopaholic and Sister, Shopaholic and Baby... I've already ordered up Manhattan and Ties the Knot. I'll let you know about those.
Apparently Hollywood found this novel worthwhile and is making it into a movie. But for me, I always prefer to read the book first.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Stupid Blog! -or- The Truth, Part II
This afternoon, he came to me asking if Santa was real. He had just read my blog and was trying to figure out what I meant when I said "Big Boy #1 recently turned 10 years old. And he still believes. And I'm not sure what to do about it." Right next to a big picture of him sitting on Santa's lap.
So I came clean. BB1 is totally fine. You could see his mind working a million miles a minute. He kept asking questions like "Did you make that grocery store thing?" "Do you eat the cookies?" "Is that why you always stay up late on Christmas Eve?" After each answer he would get a little smile and say "That's so cool!"
But it's killing me. I want the magic just a bit longer. I was on the verge of tears, and BB1 was smiling. Of course, we made him swear to the Universal Law of Secrecy, and I'm pretty sure he's good. We're going to let him stay up late tomorrow and fill stockings. He's thrilled. Me? I just hate this part of growing up.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Santa Baby!
On the way home, Big Boy #1 pointed out that Santa, and the guy that sat next to us at dinner, sure seemed to look and sound a lot alike. That, and the drunk lady who said "Steven!!! You were the BEST Santa EVER!!!" in front of the kids.
Maybe The Truth won't be such a relevation??? (Or not. He stopped buying the whole Mall-Santa thing years ago.)
Princess Academy
For whatever it's worth, Shannon Hale also wrote Austenland, about a single women who visits a Jane Austen resort in an attempt to get over her Mr. Darcy obsession. Maybe it's just because I'm not Pride & Prejudice fan, but that book didn't do much for me. Nonetheless, give Princess Academy a try, and let me know what you think!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Look Who's Forty!
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So last night, Vern and I decided to kidnap her for dinner and a movie (Australia: two movies for the price of one. But really? I only wanted one movie.) It was a fun, frolicy, snow-filled night - complete with Ginger's husband calling in the middle of the movie to tell her that he was about to be prosecuted for accidentally shop-lifting milk from Wal Mart. Let that be a lesson to you!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Addicted
- The girl I worked with at the mall in high school - she's now a doctor.
- The boy I had a crush on from birth to age 12 - he has three kids.
- The kid I sat next to in homeroom for three years - he's gay. (no surprise there!)
- The boy I dated my junior and senior year of high school - ???
(OK, my techo-savvy friends; How do I lurk on Facebook? I found Serious Boyfriend #2, but I don't want to be recognized - and yes, you are seeing a pattern. How do I look at his page without asking to be his friend?)
So, wanna be my friend???
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Truth?
I found out when I was a wee seven year old. My neighbor, Missy, told me. When I confronted my parents, they came clean.
Monday, my 7 year old asked me for the truth. I answered his question with a question; "What do you think?" Apparently, that was enough to stall him - hopefully for at least a couple more years.
But my 10 year old? Really, it's about time. Sure, he's had his doubts. I almost lost him when he was in kindergarten. He had all sorts of tough questions. But somehow, he always comes up with some explanation.Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thanksgiving
The Caboose: That Santa will bring toys.
Big Boy #2: His family.
Big Boy #1: That Heavenly Father made everything that we use.
Diamond: A healthy family and a good school year for the boys.
Me: Modern medicine, Diamond's job and Diamond and my parents support in my calling.
While I didn't make much more than mashed potatoes, at least I helped with the dishes...
Monday, November 24, 2008
Monkey Business
My other boys were never all that interested in stuffed animals. I will admit that setting an extra plate at dinner, or buckling up Monkey when I'm in a hurry can tax my patience, but it's worth it. I think it's ADORABLE!!!
Yes, he did briefly name his Monkey "Jesus." However, we encouraged him to find a less blasphemous name, so he has since opted for "Santa." I was hoping for something like "George." Whatever.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Twilight: The Movie
It's always a little disorienting to watch a movie after reading the book. The mental picture I had of Edward, Charlie, Jacob, Rosalie, etc. didn't match what I saw on the big screen. While I was a bit disappointed with that feeling of disconnect, the music and breathtaking scenery pulled me into the story in a way that that only film can manage.
What did I think? I liked it. In fact, I really liked it. One of my big issues with the books is that I am not a big Edward fan. Their relationship always seemed so, um, unhealthy, to me. But I liked him a whole lot more in the movie. When I read Edward saying "you are like heroine to me," I rolled my eyes. But when I heard it? It made me melt just a little. OK, maybe it made me melt a bunch - which really just leaves me feeling plain ol' silly!
The theater was packed last night, so I know I wasn't the only one who saw it. What did you think?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
New Shoes
I have NO idea how in the world my shoes ended up looking like this! I swear I don't walk around like the humpback of Notre Dam.
Nonetheless, it was a great excuse to head to the outlet mall with my sister. And, while I was just trying to replace my black loafers, who was I to resist those really cute boots that were a total steal???
Monday, November 17, 2008
Cougars!
Every other year BYU comes to Colorado to play Air Force. It's such a fun game to take kids to. The jets do a fly-over- complete with parachuters, the cadets do push-ups, and the crowd is generally well-behaved.
Should I have gone to the game? I considered it, but a nap?? Chipotle??? It wasn't even close!
Everyone won! The boys had a blast at the game, I had a relaxing afternoon, and even BYU beat Air Force. Go Cougars!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Book Thief
It was a book that left me bothered. How can such evil exist? Is death really as random as it appears? What kind of impact can one person really make?
One of the most bothersome aspects of the book was witnessing the senselessness of war. Seeing so many lives shattered in the name of the Fuhrer was devastating. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I kept thinking "Please, not my boys." I am beyond grateful for all of those who willingly sacrifice for the interests of our nation. Yet, I feel almost physically ill at the thought of my boys being called upon to serve in a war. I know it's selfish, but I don't want to lose them - ever, for anything. Maybe when they are old enough to play outside without supervision I'll feel differently, but honestly, I doubt it.
While there are countless non-fictional accounts of WWII, which I tend to prefer, this book was still well worth the read. It's a longer book (550+ pgs.) and it had a bit of a slow start, nonetheless, I did enjoy it and would recommend the story.
Oh, and if you have preteen readers, Number the Stars is another excellent, fictional story of the Danish rescue of the Jews. BB #1 just finished that one for school, and it was a fabulous, kid-appropriate read.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Mini Me
Hmm. Maybe I need to reexamine my discipline techniques? (But I swear, I don't throw my kids out of anything!)
Monday, November 10, 2008
Hut, Hut, HIKE!
I'm no psychic, but I see another very long stretch of sports related parties for this one!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
A Third Party?
*I'm kinda over the GOP. I thought they were supposed to be the small government, fiscal responsibly people. Yet, when we had a Republican President and Congress they were spending money like a freshman with daddy's credit card. I feel ripped off. If the Republicans aren't going to act with discipline, why should I give them my vote???
* I adore Palin. I want to take her out to lunch and then go see Mama Mia! with her. She's bright, witty and fun (or is that Tina Fay?) However, I simply don't think she is ready to assume the role of President. She's just not.
So what should I do? I'm seriously considering this man. He is running for the Libertarian Party.
Why I MAY Vote for Bob Barr:
* He means it when he talks about fiscal discipline and small government.* He believes in letting the economy work itself out. He's opposed to earmarks and incentives. He wants alternative fuels, but doesn't want to subsidize ethanol (a product sure to fail.)
* Libertarians are generally more conservative than I am, however, maybe this will send a message to the GOP - that they need to control their spending, reduce the size of government and nominate a better candidate.
* He's not McCain or Obama.
A third party candidate in Colorado, a toss up state? Am I throwing away my vote? Quite possibly. However, I just can't bring myself to vote for McCain or Obama.
Halloween
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I figured he already had the hair...
(We had some glasses for him, but they were misplaced.)