Welcome to my World

Did I mention that my daughter is getting married?

2010-04-30T13:46:00.000-07:00

Life is so crazy and i realized that i haven't even blogged that my elise is getting married. um, soon.... like in two and a half weeks. Yeah... may 15th. I'm very excited for her. she needs this. she needs a place to call her own and to feel like she belongs somewhere. she kind of got lost in our move to AZ and didn't have the best of college experiences at snow. she's been with brock since last june and he is just the best. we all love him and he treats her like a queen. they hadn't found a ward that they called their own so haven't been super active in the church, so will be looking forward to a temple marriage in one year. and it's ok. he served a mission to Jamaica and is an awesome guy. i know they will get sealed in the temple. we will be heading to utah for the festivities and are looking forward to seeing lots of friends and family.

My dads doing great and got his treach taken out and a smaller tube put in so now can talk. i'm so proud of him.

Life is good..........

Another Day, Another Movie

2010-03-19T23:19:00.000-07:00

*BOUNTY HUNTER* PG-13. Jennifer Anniston and Gerard Butler, who I really like. It was pretty good for the most part. Slightly predictable and kinda cliche'. Dragged a little, but it had some good parts too. I'm giving it 3 diamonds.

*OUR FAMILY WEDDING* PG-13. America Ferrera, Forrest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, Lance Gross. It was actually really funny. We laughed alot and it was enjoyable and cute. I think you will like it. 4 diamonds.

Another Day, Another Movie

2010-03-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

****ALICE IN WONDERLAND****PG-13. Saw it on the I max in 3-D. I must say I thought it would be more colorful and more interesting. Though I'm not a huge Tim Burton fan I did like it, didn't love it. I guess I was expecting too much. I thought Johnny Depp would have had a bigger part. His character was pretty much as I was expecting. It was alright. Not great. Kinda scary and dark, but fun at times. Wow, how's this for a totally contradiction in reviews. 3 diamonds.

Another Day, Another Movie

2010-02-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

*VALENTINES DAY* PG-13. I couldn't wait to see this movie because of the all-star cast. I really did like it. Ann Hathaway was a crack-up. It was fun and entertaining. So what is it about Valentines Day that makes people hate it? I think men hate it cuz they can't stand the pressure of making sure they don't blow it and are never sure what they're supposed to do to not blow it. Women hate it cuz their man doesn't do what they think they should to prove their undying love and gratitude. What is it we women want? I don't need my man to spend a fortune on me. I just want him to not go on about how much he hates Valentines day because it's so commercialized and its just another day for the stores to make money and that he doesn't need a day to say he loves me, that he loves me every day of the year blah blah blah. Just look into my eyes and tell me how awesome and beautiful I am and that you love me more than life itself. And then give me a love letter that says your so glad there is a day set aside to make me feel as special as I am. Is that too much to ask? :) uh um... good movie....4 diamonds****

*WOLFMAN* R. I had great expectations for this one and was somewhat disappointed. Thought there would be some kind of twist to the typical werewolf story this time but it was a bunch of the same old. The best part was watching him transform, that was cool. 2 1/2 diamonds.**

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER MOVIE

2010-02-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

Well it's been too long since I've put my two cents in about the movies so i don't know where to begin. I have gone to the movies every Friday since I've been here. I don't have my diamonds so I will use stars for now.

*AVATAR* PG-13. I saw this for the 3rd time today. I love this movie! It has it all. Romance, suspense, scary, sad, action, a villain that you hate, and at some points it makes you feel jubilant and triumphant. The colors and graphics are so amazing. I highly recommend it, but 3-D on the Imax screen is a must! 5 diamonds. *****

*LEGION* R. Weird, freaky, scary, disturbing, gross, yet intriguing with pretty good graphics so I'm giving it 2 diamonds. **

*THE BOOK OF ELI* R. I thought this was really good. It has some good messages and some paralells to our beliefs as mormons. I do love Denzel Washington, and Gary Oldman is such an awesome bad guy. It's mainly R because of violence. Good movie. 4 diamonds. ****

*TO PARIS WITH LOVE* R. I've said it before and I'll say it again, John Travolta plays an amazing bad guy!!! He is a really bad a-- good guy in this one. He says the F-word a ton which is ridiculous. Johnathin Rhys Myers is really good, they make a good team. Pretty predictable but action packed. It's ok. Not great. 3 diamonds. ***

*When IN ROME* PG-13. Kinda lame and corny but entertaining and fun. Predictable too. 2 diamonds. **

Gotta go for now, getting kicked out of moms house. More later.

Of course I would put you up Michele! :)

HELLO EVERYONE!

2010-01-30T20:38:00.000-08:00

How are you all? Sorry for my absence, the days just get away from me. I still don't know how mom's work full time and function. We're all hanging in and plugging away. I think we could all get used to it here except for Erika. She is still convinced that she is going to go back to Utah next year and go to her high school. I really don't know what to do. The thought of moving back already is just more than I can bear. And let's not even go there with Jeff! He took the brunt of the move and is still recooperating. The High School here is kind of scary and not great. It is brand new and doesn't have any programs or extra-curricular activities. I feel like I need to let her go there and that we're ruining her life. :(
On a lighter note, can you believe that Elise came to visit us for Christmas and stayed!? She had finished her semester at Snow and was going to attend the community college in salt lake but decided to move to Arizona cuz she liked it so much. Well, and her boyfriend liked the aviation program here and came with her. He lives with his aunt and uncle in gilbert and will be teaching flight school in the spring. Now if I could get Brandon and V here, and get Erika to stay, I would be so happy. Well, I will come back soon. Love to all.

Which Flavor Are You?

2009-11-06T21:17:00.000-08:00

Every day at 2:00 at Wal-Mart we have to go over to the grocery side and straighten all the shelves and throw away card board and put things away that are in the wrong place. It's called the 2:00 zone, and I dread it! The other day I had to do the freezer section, namely, ice cream. My hands were freezing. I was amazed at how I started thinking about everyone I knew as I saw all the different kinds of ice cream. It started with the sherbet, I almost got teary-eyed as I thought, 'Oh, Brandon loves sherbet.' 'Oh, wow, I didn't know they made brownie-cheesecake ice cream, that's Jeffs favorite kind of milk shake.' 'Chocolate chip ice cream? they still make that? that was always my dads favorite...' 'Caramel pecan, I remember that being Uncle LaMont and Chantels favs.' 'Strawberry cheesecake, my sister would love that, she loves loves cheesecake!' 'Coffee, oh boy, my crazy Erika loves coffee ice cream.' 'Cookies 'n cream, there's Bryce's favorite.' 'Cherry Garcia? that has to be Lesli's fav.' (Jeffs sis) 'Chocolate-banana shakes are Elise's favorite I think, do they make that kind of ice cream?' 'Oh it must be the holidays cuz ther's peppermint ice cream. My old neighbor in West Jordan couldn't wait for Christmas so she could get peppermint ice cream.' 'Ooooh! chocolate peanut-butter! thats the one! that is THE best flavor! not with chunks of peanut butter cups, noooo. chocolate with creamy real peanut butter! mmmmm. And that's my dear friend Lisa's favorite too.' 'Hmm, I wonder what kind my brothers like, and Venessa.... and my mom! I have to know! I asked Brandon what kind V likes...mint choc chip. Okay, the verdict is in....if my mom could have any kind of ice cream.... she would choose... a vanilla cone from McDonalds:) So what is your favorite? Do tell!!!!

Mikele and Trent tie the knot

2009-10-23T21:25:00.000-07:00

Mike and Charlottes gorgeous daughter Mikele got married today at the gathering place at Gardner Village. It was so fun and beautiful!! I'm so glad that I was able to fly to Utah and be part of it. It was awesome. Can you believe that almost all of the Aunts and Uncles were there! And check out the cake, made by a gal from the food network, ...amazing!

HERE I AM!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-22T22:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! I am alive! I am officially living in Phoenix. I got here July 17th at about midnight and had to be to work the next morning. Jeff stayed for a couple days then went back to Utah for a 'couple weeks' to get us completely out of the house....... 6 [agonizing] weeks, and 14 huge truckloads to the D.I. later he made the journey to Phoenix. The kids started school Aug. 3rd, (while he was still in Utah, so Charlotte had to come to the house every morning at 8:00 to help get Bryce off to school) and have had a hard time adjusting. Bryce has an extremely hard time with the language and behavior of the junior high kids. I try to explain that it's like that every where. Even in Utah, but I don't think he believes me. Erika misses her friends and wants so badly to go to Riverton High, and be on the drill team. (She is such an amazing dancer, it's so sad that she isn't dancing.) I wish she could too but I just can't make that happen. It's SOOO hard on me to not be able to fix that. This has been the most bizarre and surreal year of my life. One year ago today I drove my son to the MTC. It was so hard to say good bye to him. Today is his hump day. (or would have been i guess) The next day I had to get rid of my Toyota Sequoia that was my favorite. The Mortgage Co. crashed and we slowly started packing up the house anticipating moving. March my missionary came home and April we decided to try Arizona. I thought it was hard to say good bye to Brandon, but that night in July, before I left for AZ I had to say good bye to Elise and that was probably one of the hardest things I've had to do. I just felt like I was deserting her and like she didn't have a home to go to if she wanted to visit for a weekend. We were both crying and after, I went into my closet and sobbed like a baby. I knew that a month later when she left for college things would never be the same. July 10th my family was together, living under one roof. Within a week we all went our seperate ways and I have had to feel the pain and sadness of not having my children with me. I left my sister and my adorable nephews, my bro and his sweet kids in Tremonton, and my ward family and friends. I really miss seeing everyone at wal-mart while working, especially Aunt Katherine, Dan and Vickie and Amber, and her kids and even Cade and Jill and their cute boys on occasion. Living without Jeff for six weeks was excrutiating and I was about at the end of my rope. I also felt so bad that he was dealing with all of the packing and trying to figure out what to do with all of our stuff. I'm afraid that he really does have post traumatic stress disorder, as he has stated...We went from a 6000 square foot home to 1550. Which is totally cool, I absolutely love the house and yard, I mean, to go from an acre of land, whith 1/4 of it weeds, to a beautifully landscaped yard with a pool, it's awesome. It has just been a HUGE dilemma trying to find a place for everything, and we sold and got rid of A TON of stuff! It was a good cleansing process though and feels really good! It has been so much fun to hang out with Mike and Charlotte and the kids and my mom, they have all been so good to us. We could not have made it through this transition without them! So anyway.... here we are.. adjusting to AZ with all of the palm trees and heat. Jeff is loving it, and the winter will be awesome. Now if we can just get Erika on board and not beg every day to go to Utah then we'll be good. Wow, thanks for letting me vent, I've missed the blogging world and will be catching up on all of your lives. Love you all!:)

A Holy Union

2009-07-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

Wow. ...Wow. It's hard to put into words the experience of yesterday. Amazing. Incredible. Spiritual. Breathtaking. Sad. Happy. Fun. Exhausting. Surreal. Unbelievable. They looked so happy. Venessa was absolutely beautiful and glowing. I can't believe my baby is married. How did he grow up so fast? Here are some highlights from the day so that all of you that couldn't make it can feel like you were there. From waiting FOREVER for them to come out of the temple, to the party at 'The Pie', to the beautiful reception and Jeff's dad surprising us with him singing 'You Raise Me Up', here is a peek into our day. Thank you to all who came and to all who wanted to but couldn't and were sending thoughts of well wishes all day. (Michele :)

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-06-29T23:51:00.000-07:00

****Transformers****rated PG-13. Almost 3 hours of screeching crashes and clashing metal. I actually fell asleep for a few minutes, which is weird cuz it's SOOOO noisy. There has been alot of contraversy about the characters, I didn't pick up on that at all. There are alot of swear words and some slinky scenes. I don't know, I thought it was kinda weird in some parts, but had some really good action and amazing special effects, of course. Brandon and Bryce really liked it, Bryce gives it 5 diamonds, Jeff and I say 3.

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-06-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

****Imagine That****rated PG. I Thought it was cute and had some substance to it, but Jeff, not so much. Though Eddy Murphy seems to act the same in alot of his movies, I did like him in this. So maybe it's kind of chick flickie. Oh well, I liked it. Jeff, 1 1/2 , me, 3.

****Year One****rated PG-13. I'm sad to say I was very, VERY disappointed in this movie. Man, I don't think I had that high of expectations for it, but I thought it would be alot better. All the best parts were in the previews, I promise. Some parts were in very poor taste. I wouldn't waste your money. Jeff and I both give it 1 diamond for the 3 funny moments.

Thank you so much...

2009-06-09T21:30:00.000-07:00

Family. You're so awesome. You are always there to make me feel better, and your prayers in my behalf are the best! :) I am looking at this as an adventure. A growing experience. A new life. A fresh start. I am really looking forward to getting away from my acre of half-grass, half-weeds. I still am just so nervous to be living so far away from my kids. They will be great. I'll be great. And everyone will come and visit me! Right? Right! Love you all.

Another Day. Another Movie

2009-06-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

****Drag me to Hell****rated PG-13. I'm pretty sure this was not meant to be a comedy. Oh my gosh it was so stupid. We laughed hysterically at parts that were supposed to be so scary. STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID.

****Land of the Lost****rated PG-13. I like Will Ferrell just as much as the next guy, but this was kinda dumb. It had it's funny moments, but was kinda weird, and dumb. 2 1/2 diamonds.

****My Life in Ruins****rated PG-13. Finally, a good movie. I loved 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' and this was somewhat reminiscent of it. Even Nia Vardalos is in it. Richard Dryfuss is awesome and it has a really good story. Very funny and touching.

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-06-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

****The Brothers Bloom****rated PG-13. I have always really liked Mark Ruffalo. How can you not after '13 going on 30' . Rachel Weis was really cute, I liked her character. I thought it was good. Kind of draggy at times, and somewhat dark in parts, but good. 3 diamonds. Jeff gives it 2 1/2.

****Night at the Museum 2****rated PG. I love Ben Stiller. I thought it was really good, although sometimes I almost felt like they were trying so hard to come up with things to make come alive, and just plain trying too hard period. Some parts were really good though. It's fun. Oh, except I hate when he and the monkey always slap each other, hate it! Once again Jeff gives it 2 1/2 and I give it 3.

****UP****rated G. I really loved this movie, but it was kind of sad to me, and surprisingly scary for a kids movie. There were some really funny things in it that make you laugh right out loud. Overall very good and fun. 3 1/2 diamonds.

The only thing that's constant is change...

2009-06-02T00:03:00.000-07:00

I've been holding up pretty good. Until today. I can't stop crying. I don't know if I'm doing the right thing. I don't know if every thing will be okay. I don't know if I can live so far away from my two oldest kids. I don't know if Elise can be so far away from me. I don't know if Erika will make good friends that will have good influences on her. I don't know if Bryce can live so far away from Brandon. I don't know if I'm crazy for moving so far away from my sister and her cute boys. I don't know how much longer I can wait for Jeff's project to take off and start making money. I don't know if I can live so far away from all of my dear friends. I have never lived outside of Utah. I don't think I can make it through all of these changes, all at the same time. ....Seperately, maybe.

As many of you know, I have been anticipating moving for quite some time. As you may, or may not have heard, I am moving to Arizona. The moving truck is arriving tomorrow, (well, later today). Tonight will be my last night in my bed, in this house. (Although I will still be sleeping here for a little bit longer, just without my bed.) All the bedroom sets are being loaded onto the truck tomorrow and will be heading to Phoenix. (the first of probably about three loads and trips) I'm selling lots of our things. I sold my favorite entertainment center, and Brandons bed, because they wont fit in Phoenix. I've been having yard sales every Saturday. I'm packing up only what I use and selling everything else.
My sweet, beautiful Elise is graduating from High School on Thursday. She graduated from Seminary last Sunday. She will be staying with a friend this summer and then going to Snow College.
My first born, angel son is getting married on July 11th. Yes, of this year. He and Venessa will start Their lives together and stay here in Utah.
Jeff and I will move to Arizona with 2 of our 4 children. I know people have done this before. But I don't want to. I don't want to grow up and have to let my kids grow up and not live with me. I don't know if I can do it. I don't know. .......I can't stop crying......

Happy Mothers Day!

2009-05-21T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hey, you know my saying, 'better late than never'. It was a wonderful, relaxing day. It was so awesome just having all of my kids with me. I think this was the last year that this will be the case. I'd like to thank my cute mommy for all she does for me and mine and give a shout out to my sister and all my aunts and cousins that are absolutely amazing mothers! I love you all and hope your day was as perfect as mine was.

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-05-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

****Terminator, Salvation**** rated PG-13. This was a great movie. The special effects were amazing of course. I was excited that there was a cameo appearance from Arnold Schwartzenegger. That was awesome. It was very intense and exciting. This is a man's show, for all the chick flicks that Jeff has gone to with me, this one was for him. But I really liked it. It reminded me of Transformers, but on crack. Jeff gives it 3, I give it 3 1/2.

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-05-18T13:53:00.000-07:00

****Star Trek****rated PG-13. Wow, I didn't know I was a Trekie! :) I loved this movie! Who would have thought? It's really fun and funny, intense, awesome special effects. A good story. It was cool seeing the real 'Spock' in it. I never watched one episode of Star Trek but thouroughly enjoyed this movie. Jeff gives it four, so do I.

****Angels and Demons****rated PG-13. Another Wow! At first it's like, 'ya, this is a good movie,' but then it gets better and better. Some awesome twists and turns. Really good movie. Loved loved it. A must see. Jeff gives it 3, I say 4.

St. George in March

2009-05-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

This is long over due but, we (me, Bryce, Erika, and her friend Kelsee) went on our annual trip to St. George for Erika's dance competition at the end of March. It was way fun, especially because we got to spend time with Aunt Judy and Michele and family. We drove down Fri. morn and competed Fri. afternoon. Erika and her friend Kelsee did great on their duo and got a high silver trophy. Then we were free to relax and swim and just have fun. For dinner we all wanted something different, so, I drove around to all the different places so we were all happy. I got Betos mexican, Bryce had wanted subway but last minute came in and got Betos with me. Erika wanted Fazolies and Kelsee wanted subway. When we got to subway they were closed so we went back to Fazolies for Kelsee. What an adventure. I had called Aunt Judy to see if she wanted to meet up for dinner either Fri. or Sat. night but hadn't heard from her. Saturday we swam and relaxed. Judy called and we set up a dinner date at the chinese buffet that I love. Later Michele called and I was in trouble because I hadn't called her yet and she had gotten wind that we were in town. If you remember, last year we had stayed at her house the whole time and got the royal treatment. I tried to convince her that I truly was going to call her and go see her on our way home on Sunday so I could see that baby for the first time, I'm not sure she believed me. so Sat. night we got to have dinner with Judy and it was so fun to see her! I hadn't seen her for SO long! I bet it had been about four or five years? She's a blast, I always enjoy visiting with her. We had fun playing with the baby octopy that were on the buffet to eat. YUCK! There are pics of Erika licking one, Judy about to eat one, (pretending, anyway) me laughing hysterically at the faces she was pulling, and Bryce sucking up his jell-o with a straw. Weren't we a bunch of mature people in public! And check out the pic of Bryce standing next to Judy, keep in mind that he just turned 12! The next day we checked out and headed to Michele's where she had a big Sunday dinner waiting of roast, real mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and homemade strawberry jam and strawberry shortcake for dessert. YUM-O!!! And, oh that baby! what a sweetie pie. SO darling. I'm so glad I got to see him and mug on him, what a treat! I'm telling you, if you ever pass through Enterprise, Michele will feed you like royalty. Oh and I got pics of their chickens that they are raising for eggs. So fun. Thank you Michele and family, it was so great to spend time with you and Aunt Judy!

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-05-04T21:48:00.000-07:00

****Fighting****rated PG-13. Even though I don't like seeing people fight and get hurt, I really liked this movie. I have always liked Terrence Howard and let's face it, Channing Tatum and Brian White are easy to look at. I liked it way more than I thought I would, I was totally surprised! It's intense and has some good twists. 3 1/2 diamonds.

****Wolverine****rated PG-13. Oh you all know how I feel about Hugh Jackman! And he did not disappoint! Oh yeah, it was good. And I tell you what, Liev Schrieber is scary! He was really good. It was interesting to see how Wolverine came about. I thought it was awesome and I highly recommend it. 4 diamonds.

****Ghosts of Girlfriends Past****rated PG-13. Ok, I am a huge Mathew McConahay fan, (except I can't remember how to spell his name and I'm too tired to care) I really like him, looking at him. It was good, but, I don't know, I was a little disappointed. The beginning was so shallow, you know, they had to play up his man-whore life style and it got kind of old. It was too much, all the girls he had been with and his whole attitude and stuff. I don't want my girls to see it and they want to. It got good at the end. 3 diamonds.

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-04-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

****Earth****rated G. One word; WOW. Absolutely breathtaking and amazing! Seriously. How do they get those shots? After seeing this, I honestly don't know how anyone can not believe in God. It's always sad to see the circle of life, I just wanted the camera crew to get in there and save all the creatures that needed saving, but I guess that's not the natural order of things. I didn't want it to end. 4 diamonds.

****Obsessed****rated PG-13. Beyonce' was really cute and so were her 'husband and baby'. It was a mix between 'Fatal Attraction' and 'The hand that rocks the cradle'. Somewhat disturbing and slightly intense. 3 diamonds.

****The Soloist****rated PG-13. I really like Robert downey Jr. ever since 'Iron Man' and he was really good. But Jamie Foxx was absolutely and completely brilliant! I will bet my 3rd child :) that he will be nominated for an Oscar. It was slightly slow and draggy at times, but it worked. I totally loved it. A very good movie. 4 1/2 diamonds.

OPEN MOUTH, INSERT FOOT....

2009-04-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

I think we all have learned the hard way that you don't assume a woman is pregnant and ask her when she is due. Well, here's another life lesson for you. The other day, two older-ish women came to the jewelry counter in search of the perfect gold band. At first I thought it was for one of them, but of course, didn't say anything like "so how long have you two been together?" even though I was thinking it. As time went on I caught on that it was a gift for someone else. They deliberated for quite some time, "I like this one, it's wider, I think she'll like this one, does she want yellow gold or white gold? thicker band or thinner?" They were close to deciding when I piped up and said; "Well, if she doesn't like it she can always bring it back and trade it for what she wants." To which they both replied in unison; "Oh, she's dead." 'Oh, I'm so sorry..'. Yeah, it was for their mother who had just passed away, to be burried in. Hello! what do you say to that?!!!! So, learn from my gastly experience; don't ever assume....ANYTHING...

Spring in Utah.... April 16th

2009-04-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

yes, I know, you all wish you could wake up on a beautiful spring day to this....

I know it was officially spring... and I heard birds chirping, I really did.... but then I looked out the window. WHAT THE ?.....

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-04-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

****17 again****rated PG-13. I heart Zac Efron. Who knew? I didn't know, until I saw this movie!!! OMG how old am I? WOW. I truly loved this movie. I think it's good for everyone to see. It has a good message. And who knew that the Reno 911 guy could act! He was hilarious. I am giving it 5 diamonds.!

****Monsters VS Aliens**** cute. Alot of people were raving about it so I was expecting it to blow me away, I think. It was good, but not like mind -blowing good. Yes, B.O.B. was funny, and it had a good message too. the kids will love it. 3 1/2 diamonds.

****Dragon Ball****rated PG. It was pretty good, as far as weird, fantasy, ancient chinese secret movies go. And the 'kid' was cute. You know how I love it when bully's get put in their place, so I liked it. I don't think it's for everyone though. 3 diamonds.

****Fast and Furious****rated PG-13. I think it was on the edge of being rated R. I had to cover my baby boys eyes a few times. Since when was it okay for women to be kissing and touching each other on the upper region? And so scantily dressed. Anyway, other than that it was a really great movie. Lots of action and suspense. I think 3 diamonds.

****Haunting in Connecticut****rated PG-13. Okay, this was seriously a scary movie. It was really well done and interesting. I don't usually care for scary movies, but it was good. Almost believable! Go see it! 3 diamonds.

****State of Play****rated PG-13. I thought Ben Affleck actually did some pretty good acting. I didn't know he was capable of that. It was really good. Intense and keeps you guessing with some good twists. 3 1/2 diamonds.

Brittany's Baby Shower

2009-04-08T22:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took me so long to get this posted. Brittanys shower was so much fun. The food was awesome and it was great to see everyone. Of course we miss all our family that couldn't make it. :( we love you all!

DON'T YOU JUST LOVE BIRTHDAYS!!!!

2009-04-03T02:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you EVERYONE for all your happy birthday wishes!!! I just love love love them. I had a permanent smile on my face all day because of so many well wishers. It's one day a year where I feel so loved:) I had to be to work at 7:00 a.m. and then spent hours at the beauty school that night, so we haven't really celebrated yet. Friday I'm off and will be spending the day at the theater and off to my annual birthday dinner at Red Lobster! Yay! I will show pics of the celebration. Thank you all again! You're the BEST!

The Big Reveal!!!

2009-04-03T01:33:00.002-07:00

Okay, so here's the deal; last Thursday Shanel came to my house to cut my hair while her daughter was at pre-school, which was so fun! I was trying to be brave, and I did get alot cut off, but I was being too conservative. Unfortunately I had to hurry off to work before I realized that I really did want more cut off to get the look I was going for. I know Shanel would have totally done it. Then coincidentally, a gal I work with, who is going to beauty school, needed a model so I decided to go for it. I wasn't sure that was how I wanted to spend the evening of my birthday, but I did it. So here are pics of my 1st cut, and then the 2nd. Now I feel like I don't have any hair, but I think it will be fun for summer...Yes?...

ok, I've decided I need a better picture, don't really like this one!

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-04-03T01:02:00.000-07:00

FINALLY!

****Duplicity****rated PG-13. Clive Owen and Julia Roberts team up in this mystery thriller that keeps you guessing, because it's extremely hard to follow. They skip around so much that it left me very confused. It was good though. Just pay very close attention! 3 diamonds.

****Witch Mountain****rated PG. Who doesn't love The Rock!? Well, I'm sure ther are a few out there, but I like him, and it has nothing to do with his muscles...I thought it was good, of course it's extremely far-fetched, but it's fun. The kids like it. 3 diamonds.

****Knowing****rated PG-13. Nicolas Cage was good, it was interesting but weird and then turned into the appocolypse and got just plain frustrating. I did not like how it ended. 2 1/2 diamonds.

****12 rounds****rated PG-13. Ok, if you can get past the total absurdity of it, it's good. The special effects are awesome and it's pretty intense. I liked it, it's just really unbelievable. 3 diamonds.

****The Amazing Buck Howard****rated PG-13. When is John Malkovich not absolutely crazy, intense? This was no exception. He really is amazing. It was fun to see Tom Hanks and his son play father and son in the movie, although Tom doesn't have a very big part. It was pretty good, kind of draggy and slow. 2 1/2 diamonds.

should it stay or should it go?

2009-03-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

my hair, that is. all my life i've wanted long beautiful hair. it just doesn't grow. this is the longest it's been in a long time. and it doesn't get to the point of beautiful either. so, once again, i get it to this point and i want to chop it off. what do you think i should do? i have in my mind what i want, but i've never been brave enough to do it...i think i'm gonna do it!.....stay tuned......

WELCOME HOME MY SON!

2009-03-25T18:03:00.000-07:00

Yep. He made it home safely. He's doing well. Can I just say that it is AWESOME having him home. I love seeing him every morning and having his sweet spirit in our home again. Sorry, I know he probably should be out there working for Heavenly Father, but I'm the mom and I love having him home...

Happy Sadness

2009-03-17T00:15:00.000-07:00

When Brandon left, part of my heart left with him. How can one feel such conflicted feelings all at the same time? Such extreme joy and pride and total heart wrenching sadness all at once, until you feel like your heart is going to explode. I see missionaries at Wal-Mart almost every day. When he first left, and I'd see them I would get teary-eyed and my heart would ache. Slowly I started bursting with pride when I'd see them and sometimes shed a tear of joy at the thought of how awesome he was doing. My heart would flutter every time no matter what. For the last two weeks I'm back to the teary-eyed stage and my heart tugs a little. Well, it kind of tugs a lot. I wonder how my son will adjust back into the real world again and will his decision always haunt him? Will his heart-strings tug every time he sees missionaries, for the rest of his life? Or will it be okay? I think it will be okay. I will always remind him that he served an honorable mission, though not as long as some, and his mission will continue for the rest of his life. My heart is so full right now, as I'm sobbing, anticipating putting my arms around him in 3 days. I'm so happy at the thought of seeing him again, yet so sad for what he is giving up. Ouch. I don't know if my heart can handle this again, so soon. It was just barely starting to heal from him leaving. I will always get a warm fuzzy feeling when I see the missionaries because my son was one, a really good one, and he will always be one. My family will be complete again, and sadly, I'm happy...

What's A Mother to do Part 2....

2009-03-11T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well, if you recall, the first letter I got from Brandon when he had just settled into Alabama was pretty scary. He assured me not to worry because he "... would be killed before he was raped so it's all good..." I didn't think that was very funny and have worried about his safety as he has been serving in that same area since Nov. and not been transferred yet. As time has gone on I have learned not to worry as much and felt at peace that he is in the Lord's hands. When I blogged about getting his disturbing letter, I called it; 'What's a Mother to do?' Well, I am sad to announce that my sweet Missionary boy will be returning home from his mission Thursday the 19th of March. I am not exactly sure why, and I have only known for about a week, but from what I understand it is because he wants to and is not being sent home. So I ask you once again, "What's a mother to do?" I'm serious. Somebody please tell me. I know without a shadow of doubt that he was happy and loved being on a mission. He loves the people and they love him. He had a baptism a couple weeks ago and has another one scheduled this weekend. I don't know if he is just really homesick or what, but I do know that he has put alot of thought into this decision because he knows what he faces in coming home. We have all tried to encourage him to stay, via e-mail, but I guess his mind is made up. Now I get to worry once again about his safety in this crazy world and his well-being in this economy. He doesn't even have a car and I had given up my Sequoia to pay for his mission. We're trying to figure out how to pay for Elise to go to college and there is no way I can pay for him too. Anyway, sorry, I'm kind of thinking out loud here. All I know is that we love him and are proud of him for the things he has accomplished in these 5 months, and will welcome him home with open arms. I am thankful he has had this opportunity, as short as it may have been, he learned a great deal and grew and changed and will be a better person for it. His patriarchal blessing says that he "...will fulfill a great and glorious mission here on earth..." so I guess his misssion will be finished here at home. Who knows what the Lord has planned for him. I do know that he is destined for greatness. This is a picture of him the morning we left him at the MTC. I can't help but wonder what is going through his head. Thank you so much everyone for all your love and support. Your prayers will still be needed and appreciated. I have cried so much this last week that I'm all dried up.

My trip to Phoenix Feb. 9-15th

2009-02-22T18:49:00.000-08:00

I was able to go to Phoenix to be with my Mom for her surgery to have the difibulator put on her right side. I got there Monday night, the 9th, and her surgery was Tues. morning. She didn't know I was coming so Aunt Arlene picked me up from the airport. It was fun to surprise her. The day after her surgery she was supposed to be released at 9 or 10 in the morning, but the nurses didn't get that memo apparently. So we stayed all day in her room, waiting for the doc to come and release her, and I knew he wasn't coming. Finally they realized this and let us leave at 6:00 p.m. I guess the doc was pretty upset about it, oh well. She's been doing really well. She has been in pain, but has done much better this time around. It's always so fun to be with my Phoenix family, although I didn't get to see Aunt Carma or Chantel, which made me sad:( We had the awesome opportunity to go to Mike and Charlotte's and join the whole family for their annual Valentines Day dinner, what a treat! Kole and Kyle made the beautiful place mats, Mike made his famous tri-tip and pork loin on the grill, YUMMY!! This trip I made sure I got pictures of the clubhouse Mike made for the boys, and Corbin with his record player that he plays Mikes old records on. I also got pics of their awesome garden and some veggies I watched Mike pick. The beautiful roses Mike gave Charlotte, and the boys on their pull-up bar, and I made Corbin flex his muscles. Also of Mikelle and her man Trent. After dinner Mike treated Charlotte and I to a movie and treats, we saw 'Taken'. I had seen it but knew they would like it, they did. Arlene took Mom home cuz they weren't up to the movie. While in Phoenix I was able to go to 'Chevy's' with Arlene, my favorite place!, Go to two movies with Mom and Arlene; 'He's just not that into you' and 'Confessions of a shopaholic'. Go yard sale and good will hopping, and on the way to the airport, 'In 'n Out burger' oh yeah. While there I kept thinking of Brandon's reaction to 'In 'n out' when we went to Cali in '07. I kept saying how awesome it was and how people come from far and wide to eat there. We walked in and after seeing the menu said, "that's it!". So funny. Thank you everyone in Phoenix for a wonderful time! I love you guys!

this was just before she went into surgery

this is a pic of an actual difibulator like the one they put in her, next to a quarter so you can see the size. It's quite heavy. It has tubes coming out that go through veins and to her heart.

Arlene and me with her right after surgery

just after surgery. sorry mommy:(

this is one of the only times she was obedient and
wore her arm sling. naughty mommy.

getting ready for the movie to start

81st Academy Awards

2009-02-22T14:52:00.000-08:00

I thought I had better put my two cents in about the Oscars since, you know, it's kinda my thing.
These are my predictions;

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Heath Ledger

Josh Brolin for 'Milk' didn't see it

Robert Downey Jr. for 'Tropic Thunder' saw it, wasn't crazy about it, but he was pretty amazing as a black guy.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman for 'Doubt' didn't see it.

Heath Ledger for 'Dark Knight' you all know my take on this one, oh yeah, the winner!

Michael Shannon for 'Revolutionary Road' very small part, weird.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Penelope Cruz

Amy Adams for 'Doubt' didn't see it, but love her.

Penelope Cruz for 'Vicky Christina Barcelona' weird show, but she was really really good.

Viola Davis for 'Doubt' I'm starting to wish I had seen this, Jeff did and said I wouldn't like it.

Taraji P. Henson for 'Curious Case of Benjamin Button' loved her.

Marisa Tomei for 'The Wrestler' haven't seen it yet.

BEST ACTOR: Sean Penn, cuz the academy is so liberal

Richard Jenkins for 'The Visitor's' didn't see it.

Frank Langella for 'Frost/Nixon' he was really awesome as Pres. Nixon.

Sean Penn for 'Milk' didn't see it but I think, judging from the trailor's I saw, he was really convincing.

Brad Pitt for 'Curious Case' loved it.

Mickey Rourke for 'The Wrestler' can't wait to see it.

BEST ACTRESS: KATE WINSLET

Ann Hathaway for 'Rachel getting Married' she was seriously amazing. I think she deserves to win for this performance. It was so totally opposite from anything she's ever done before.

Angelina Jolie for 'The Changeling' she was good but I don't think she's gonna win.

Melissa Leo for 'Frozen River' didn't see it.

Meryl Streep for 'Doubt' next year I promise to see every movie that's nominated!

Kate Winslet for 'The Reader' absolutely incredible in this role!

BEST PICTURE: SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (IS WHAT I WANT TO WIN BUT I WOULDN'T BE SURPRISED IF 'MILK' WINS BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THE MOST BIZZARE AND CONTOVERSIAL ONES ALWAYS TAKE IT)

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button loved this movie

Frost/Nixon kinda slow but interesting

Milk didn't see it, but could very possibly win

The Reader amazing movie, though very risque'

Slumdog Millionaire love love love this movie. hopefully it will win!

The Movie I am really upset that didn't make it in is...'Australia' But I am excited that Hugh Jackman is hosting. Oh yeah!

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-02-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

****Confessions of a Shopaholic****rated PG. It's refreshing to have a nice PG movie that's not a Disney cartoon. I really liked it. Isla Fisher is so cute and funny. Mom said it's not as good as the book, but I haven't read the book so I didn't have anything to compare it to. I thought it was entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm thinking it probably is a chick flick, although I suspect the guys wont mind looking at her. I give it 3 diamonds.

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-02-12T21:34:00.000-08:00

Jeff did give 'Taken' 3 diamonds like me, but just as I suspected he is only giving 'Push' 1.

****He's just not that into You'****rated PG-13. Okay, I thought it had it's funny and entertaining moments, but man it made me so happy that I'm not single!!! Although I already knew that I am happy that I'm not single. I think Bradley Cooper is so sexy but I was so disappointed in him. It probably depicted what it's truly like out there in the world, so I'm happy to just stay in my own little world, thank you. I'm giving it 2 1/2, Jeff gives it 2.

****New in Town****rated PG-13. Yes It's somewhat predictable but I really got a kick out of hearing the way those Minnesotians talk. Hilarious. Jeff doesn't really care much for Renee' Zellweger but I thought she had a certain charm, and so did Harry Conick Jr. I really enjoyed it. Jeff is giving it 2 diamonds but I give it 3.

Another Day, Another Movie...

2009-02-07T00:32:00.000-08:00

****INKHEART****rated PG. I should have reviewed this one sooner, I hope you don't miss out on seeing it, it's great! I've been a big fan of Paul Bettany ever since my fav movie "A Knights Tale" and he was really good. Kind of a different role for him. Very adventurous and exciting and touching, AND very well done. Bryce really liked it too. We're giving it 3 1/2 diamonds.

****Taken****rated PG-13. Liam Neeson is really good, he's like James Bond meets Rambo. You all know that I love movies that get the revenge that is deserved, so I liked it. I don't think Jeff did as much, but you know how he is:) It was intense and suspenseful, kinda frustrating though. I'm giving it 3 diamonds. I'll have to ask Jeff tomorrow, he's asleep.

****Push****rated PG-13. Okay, though it's kind of bizzare and out there, I really liked it. It had all the elements of a good movie; suspense, romance, action, and the element of surprise. (no this is not Pink Panther, Jeff doesn't want to see it?) Dakota Fanning was awesome as usual. I think you will like it. 3 diamonds, I have a feeling Jeff will give both of these movies far less bling than me..

A picture's worth a thousand words....

2009-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:00

enough said...

Let's go back in time...

2009-01-25T22:25:00.000-08:00

In honor of Brandons 20th birthday, I wanted to post some of his cute pictures. He changed my life the day he came into it. He's always been such a good, happy boy. I am so proud of him...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SON

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-01-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

****BOLT****rated G. I finally saw this movie and I loved it! That dog is so cute! And the cats and hamster, don't get me started!!! Jeff and Bryce had seen it awhile ago and Jeff had raved about it so I knew it must have something special to it. It's just fun. We give it 3 1/2 diamonds.

****BRIDE WARS****rated PG-13. I enjoyed it. Jeff, not so much. He gets too analytical about movies. I thought they were great together, so did he, but he didn't like how Ann Hathaway was a nice person her whole life, and then, just because she gets mean and nasty for a few months, she changes her whole life. Hard to explain without giving too much away, but I really liked it. Jeff gives it 1 1/2, I give it 3.

****DEFIANCE****rated R. It was nice to see Mr. 007, Daniel Craig in a different light. This was about the Jews getting treated so terribly, the horrible things they had to go through, and a man making a difference. It was very interesting and intense. I really liked it. We give it 3.

****FROST/NIXON****rated R. This was about President Nixons resignation and the Nation thinking that he owed them an apology. Reporter David Frost tries for about 3 years to get funding to pay for a four-part interview. It was kinda long and draggy but interesting at the same time. It was based on actual events. I liked it. 3 diamonds.

****PAUL BLART, MALL COP****rated PG. Jeff and I really enjoyed this movie. I don't know if it was the mood we were in, or what, but we laughed and really liked it. I love Kevin James, he cracks me up. We are giving it 3 1/2 diamonds.

****REVOLUTIONARY ROAD****rated R. Leonardo DeCaprio and Kate Winslet are together again, but this time it's much more depressing. (Is it really possible to get more depressing than Titanic?) It was frustrating how pathetic they were when, really, they had it all. Jeff said they just needed the missionaries to knock on their door :) The acting was good, but it was just a downer, annoying and sad. We're giving it 1 diamond.

****UNBORN****rated PG-13. Oh my gosh, what was I thinking? This movie had some freaky sh--! Theres no other way to describe it! It really kinda freaked me out. I am not a horror movie fan like Elise. Didn't like it. However, as far as this kind of movie goes, for those who like this kind of thing, it was very well done. 2 diamonds.

****SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE****rated R. We saw this awhile back, before it was re-leased, but I don't think I reviewed it. This was a really good movie! Very interesting, very real, sad, but triumphant. I really liked it. I think it was rated R because of some of the torture scenes, but it wasn't that bad. Quite a tame rated R. I think everyone will like it. 4 diamonds.

Another Day, Just ONE Movie :(

2009-01-16T18:31:00.000-08:00

****HOTEL FOR DOGS rated PG. This was surprisingly a really good movie. It was fun and funny, but also had elements of sadness, adventure, and scary! I love Don Cheadle, and Emma Roberts was good. The dogs were so cute and it was fun to see all of the inventions by the boy for their benefit. I enjoyed it. I think it's great for kids. Bryce gives it 4 diamonds, I think 3.

From the mouths of babes....

2009-01-15T17:14:00.000-08:00

While finally getting a chance to catch up on some of the families blogs, I came across Anaise's and Matt's posts about recently having "The Talk" with their kids. I found it hilarious as well as coincidental because just last week I had the grim opportunity as well. This was not by my choice, but, just as the "Santa Claus Talk" had come up before Christmas, I guess this topic was apparently on my "little" Bryces mind. Since my posts are always so boring, holding to the theme of movies and my missionary, I've decided to share our conversation with you, even though, if Bryce finds out, I fear he will never speak to me again.

Bryce; "mom do mormons have sex?"

..............silence.......................

"mom?"

me; ummmmmmmmmmmmm

"MOM"

...silence..awkward silence...........

B; soooooooo...?

(oh man, he's not gonna let me stall out of this....)

me; uhhhhhhhhh. Well, do you know what sex is?

B; "ya I'm pretty sure I do"

me; Well, I'm thinking that if your asking me this than your not quite clear about it.

B; "so they do?...have you...ever.....?"

me; well, you know you have to have sex in order to have a baby...

B; "OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!"

me; .....yeah.........

B; "oh, so that's why you didn't have any more kids"

me; well, er, ummmmm........

B; "so am I gonna have to have sex someday"

me; well if you want kids.

B; "but what if I don't want to"

me; believe me, you will someday

....silence..... quiet..... crickets chirping.... (oh good, glad thats over....)

B; "I'm gonna have to buy condoms aren't I?" (?!)

So, I guess 'The Part 2 ' that Matt is referring to is the part where we have to get into more detail. Me, part 1.... Jeff, part 2..... Definitely!

How about dropping a line...

2009-01-13T23:55:00.000-08:00

How would you all like to make a missionary's day? Birthday that is. My sweet missionary boy will turn 20 on Friday the 16th of January. Yes this is short notice but I thought it would be fun for Brandon to get some letters from you dear family. He loves letters. He is doing so awesome. We talked to him for an hour on Christmas and he sounds great and is very happy. Thank you for all your love and prayers and support. The address I have on my blog is the mission office. This is the address to his apt. which would be better to send letters to:

114 Crabapple Lane Apt.F
Forestdale, AL 35214

Another Day, Another Movie

2009-01-13T22:11:00.000-08:00

****BEDTIME STORIES rated PG. It was cute, fun and funny. I am so at a loss as to what to say about it...It's par for Adam Sandler. We give it 3 diamonds.

****THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON rated PG-13. I really liked this one. I thought it was very well done and tender. Brad Pitt was really good and Cate Blanchet was beautiful. It was interesting and intriguing. It's long, 3 hours, but it keeps your attention. Again we both give it 3 diamonds.

****SEVEN POUNDS rated PG-13. WOW! I thought this was amazing. I've talked to some people who didn't like it. They said they didn't get it and that it was slow but I thought it was so poignant and deep and incredible. It is sad but I think everyone should see it, I would even venture to say that it is life-changing. Will Smith is amazing as always and Rosaria Dawson was really good. A must see, 4 diamonds.

****MARLEY AND ME rated PG. Ok, if your going into this thinking it's a fun, light-hearted movie for kids, your wrong. It has its funny moments and it's very real. It has some adult situations and worries and is quite sad. I know it's stuff that a whole lot of people go through so it is relateable... but sad. but good... Jeff gives it 2, I give it 3

****SPIRIT rated PG-13. Weird. Weird. Very comic book, but not the good kind like Batman, just weird. Good special effects. Eva Mendes is pretty and... different. Samuel L Jackson was good, but evil... and weird. Jeff gives it 2, I give it 1.

****TALE OF DESPERAUX rated PG. Kind of cute but draggy and sad in some ways. Well, it wasn't so bad but it did seem long. It would probably keep the interest of little ones for awhile, some parts were kinda scary. Jeff and I give it 2, Bryce gives it 2 1/2.

****VALKYRIE rated PG-13. It was very interesting to see it played out and to realize that there were people that worked for Hitler who were against him and tried to do something about it. It was very well done and intense. Sad. Good to see to understand. Sad. 4 diamonds.

****YES MAN rated PG-13. I really did like it. I thought Jim Carrey was great and Zoe Dischemel was awesome. There was one scene involving an old woman that was totally uncalled for and disturbing, I wish they would have left that out. For the most part it was really fun and enjoyable. Jeff says 4 diamonds, I say 3 1/2.

****GRAN TORINO rated R. Clint Eastwood was good. He was very angry and unhappy. But over all the acting in it was terrible. It was frustrating at times and quite predictable. I absolutely hate punk kids that think their so tough. This was also sad but I did like it. Jeff liked how Clint Eastwood was so prejidiced and would just say it how he saw it. That was funny. He only gives it 1, I think 2.

What happens When....

2008-12-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

You go from never eating properly or consistently while living at home, to eating three square meals at the MTC, and then eating southern cooking from generous members? Here are Brandons exact words;

"I have gotten a couple compliments on my butt. Well one of them was from my companion so it didn't really count and he only said that it filled out my pants, so i'm not sure it was a compliment, it might have been an insult. Then the other was from one of our investigators. She asked me if I had any Black in my blood and I said 'not that I know of why?' Then she asked why I have such a ghetto booty. Those were her exact words. Well that might have been an insult too so I don't really know. I'm not sure what a ghetto booty is, if it's good or bad but whatever, lol. Well speaking of my butt filling out my pants, I actually tore my pants. I was carrying a couple boxes and then I bent over to set them down and my pants ripped. Yep right down the crack- the whole thing. I knew I was gonna gain weight but I never thought that it would be so fast."

Isn't he cute... I miss him...:(

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-12-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

****The Day The Earth Stood Still rated PG-13. I've never really been a Keanu Reeves fan and he didn't do much to change my mind in this one. It was kinda weird. Jennifer Connelly was quite good and so was Will Smith's son, but it was too Sci-fi for me and just, weird. Good graphics, so it gets 2 diaminds.

****Four Christmases rated PG-13. It's no secret that I'm a huge Vince Vaughn fan. What can I say, I like big brawny men. :) I liked this one. I'ts funny and fun and crazy. Don't take any kids to it that still believe in Santa. Luckily Bryce had found out about a week before this movie. It's fun to see Tim McGraw play in this kind of role. Fun Fun. 3 1/2 diamonds.

****Transporter 3 rated PG-13. How many times can they make the same movie with different girls being transported? Same everything it seems. The only good thing about it is Jason Stathams body which almost makes it worth it, almost. 1 diamond.

****Australia rated PG-13. Oh my gosh I LOVED this movie!!!! The little boy in it is so cute and Nocole Kidman was great, but can I just say, I have one word for Hugh Jackman, and it's the only word that fits; DAYAM!!! Holy cow, yeah, let's just say that the people who chose him as the sexiest man of the year were right on. It is 3 hours but to me it didn't seem long. It has romance, adventure, a villian, and BEAUTIFUL scenery. You will laugh and cry, you know I don't like sad, and there is sad, but oh it's good. I'm trying to remember if I have given any movie five diamonds yet? I think just a couple. Well guess what..

WHATS A MOTHER TO DO?

2008-12-07T20:50:00.000-08:00

Well, Brandon has been in Alabama now since November 12th and I haven't been able to blog much about it because my mom has been here helping me de-junk and de-clutter my house, trying to get it ready to sell. Can I just say that she is truly an Angel in disguise because of all the help she has been. And here she is supposed to be taking it easy, oh the guilt.
The first e-mail we got from Brandon was quite disturbing to me. He said that he's in such a dangerous area that they can't go tracting, they're just doing media referrals. The neighboring zip code has the number 1 murder rate in the nation. Uh hum.. (???????????) They did go to an appointment of an investigator and had to run to their car after hearing gun shots. There are gun shots in the window of the church they attend, but don't worry, their just random cross-fire shots, not specifically aimed there...(? and thats supposed to make me feel better) He spoke of rumors of sorority girls drugging missonaries and having their way with them in order to get in to the sorority. In his exact words, "So don't worry, I'll be killed before I'm raped." HELLO!!! What am I supposed to do? I wanted to jump on the next plane and go drag him out of there. But he is doing so well, just loving every minute of it, and he and his companion, who is also from Utah, get along so well. I am trying not to worry too much. He's on the Lord's errand. Heavenly Father will bless him and protect him.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-11-21T02:13:00.000-08:00

****'TWILIGHT' rated PG-13. Well, I don't know if I was just expecting too much or what, but I don't think I loved it like I thought I would. I liked it, but I think I was just a tad disappointed. I had hoped that it would have played big time on the romanticism that I felt in the book. I felt that it was kind of rushed. I did like Robert Pattinson as Edward, I did, but sometimes he seemed like he was trying too hard or something. I think Venessa summed it up perfectly when she said she kept thinking,"okay, now it's gonna get good, and then it ended." I don't know, I think I will like it better the second time, which will be on Saturday with Kandis, Aunt Ellen, Shanel and co. I might have to re-review it. I did enjoy it, but it's only getting 3 out of 5 diamonds.

Guess who we saw!!!

2008-11-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday at approximately 4:45 a.m. I got to see my cute son before he flew off into the sunrise to Alabama. It had been 21 days since we had seen him and it was so great. He is doing so amazing and is so happy. We got to visit for about 45 minutes before we had to say good-bye. He really enjoyed the MTC and made some good friends. The good-byes were much easier than at the MTC, but it was hard for me to watch him walk away and know that I really don't get to see him now for 2 years. He is so excited to get to work in Alabama and I think he is going to touch many, many lives there. Here are the pics of us at the airport, and then the pics of him at the MTC that we got off of his SD card. So fun. I can't believe that my son is on a mission?! WOW! Doesn't he look cute with his name badge on? Here is his address in Alabama if anyone wants to send him a letter, he LOVES letters!

Elder Brandon Birschbach
Alabama Birmingham Mission
3100 Lorna Rd. Ste 102
Birmingham, AL 35216

MIS-SION-ARY; (noun) someone who leaves their family for a short time so that others may be with their families for ETERNITY

2008-10-27T20:15:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my dear friend Lisa, who bought me a plaque with these words. It has helped me a ton!

Well, he's been gone for 6 days and I'm still alive, breathing, and even smiling on occasion. Wow. The MTC experience was amazing. It was very peaceful and comforting. We all cried, but he was so excited that it made it easier. I think that the days leading up to it were harder. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel or react, so I'm so happy that I feel this good and have been fully functional, which I seriously questioned before he left. I just didn't know what to expect. I don't worry about him anymore, not like I did before. We find comfort in writing him letters and singing 'Called to Serve' and 'God be with you til we meet again' around the piano. In the six days we have sent 2 packages and about 10 letters. Too much? Oh well. We got a letter from him a couple days ago. There are 4 missionaries in his room, including himself. 3 out of the 4 are going to the Birmingham mission, the other one is off to Nebraska. They are; His companion; Elder Hauck from St. Geroge, Elder Kendall, from Nephi, and Elder Whatcott from Pleasant Grove. 3 out of the 4 left girls behind. He said his companion is cool. And I quote; "I can only write once a week but you guys can write me whenever you want and you can send packages (which are really popular to get or exciting I mean) well anyway they are exciting to get and I can get them anytime out of the week so send whenever you want." He sounds great and I feel such a sense of peace that I just can't describe. Thank you everyone for all of your support. I got some great pics of Jeff's family, his sisters two boys who have both returned from missions, one in Denmark and the other in Brazil, with Brandon, doing a . . .cheer? My dad and his wife Julie, Mike with his daughter Courtney, her husband Chandler, and their kids Talon and Kylee. Mikes daughter Danielle. Melanies family, and can you believe, one with my mom AND dad, and all four of us kids, in the same picture! WOW. It was so surreal to see my parents talking to each other and my dad even put his arm around my mom! WOW. Oh, did I already say that? :) And at the end we all crashed, we were SO beat! But I feel so bad that I didn't start taking pictures until after some people had left, so sorry Aunt Ellen and Uncle Ken, Cade and family, Mark and Darcy, Aunt Kathryn and Katee, and our dear friends, Joel and Lisa, Todd and Julie, and Pam and family. Thank you so much for coming! Here is his address if anyone wants to drop him a line, he would LOVE it!!

ELDER BIRSCHBACH
MTC Mailbox #272

AL-BIRM 1112

2005 N. 900 E.

Provo, UT 84604-1793

Let us gather and say farewell...

2008-10-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone who can will come to bid farewell to Brandon. Some of you have asked what you can bring. Of course it isn't expected, but anyone who wants can bring something that goes with sloppy joes. Thank you SO much!!! It will be so fun to get together!

My son goes to the Temple

2008-10-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Wow, what an amazing experience. I had the opportunity to go through the temple with my son on Saturday. It's been so neat to watch him grow up and hit milestones in the church. I remember watching him, my first born, enter into the waters of baptism, and how touching it was. When Bryce turned 8, Brandon had just turned 16 which meant he was able to baptize him. I will find those pictures someday, they are so cool. I remember thinking "this is what he'll look like when he's on his mission baptizing people" and I just wanted to hold on to that image forever. It seemed like his mission was forever away, and suddenly, here I am, looking at 9 days til I have to say good-bye to my baby boy for two years. But to be in the temple with him was so crazy! Thank you Jeffs parents and sis and brother-in-law for driving all the way from Logan and then home in one day to be with him. And also Mel and Mark, I was so happy to have my sister by my side. After the temple we met the rest of the family, (except Erika, who was at a party) at Village Inn and had a nice visit before Jeff's family headed back to Logan. My emotions are running wild, I cry at the drop of a hat. How am I going to do this? How have mothers done this for over a hundred years? I have to remind myself that he belongs to Heavenly Father and I have been blessed to have him for these 19 years. I have to give him back for 2 years. Did Heavenly Father feel like this when his son was hanging on the cross? Sacrifice.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2008-10-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish Grandma Sanders was still here. I know that today we would have been sitting at a salon getting wonderful pedicures and then going to sonic (with our flimsy pedicure flip flops still on) to have a coney dog and cherry 7-up. That's what we did on this day 5 years ago, 43 days before she passed away. I so wasn't ready to part with her, it's so unfair. I am thankful for the time I had with her and feel so blessed to have had her in my life. She would have been 88 years old today. I think about her every day and wonder what she's doing. Oh how I love her. She would want to be here with all of her posterity. I bet she held Natalies baby boy before she sent him down here this morning. Congratulations Natalie! What a wonderful day to have your little guy! Sorry the pics are blurry, but I had to take pictures of pictures...

Duh! It's frustrating how bad these look. I will try to fix it later, I've got to go to bed. I really did start this on the 9th, but now it's the 10th. Good night.

My impromptu trip to visit my Phoenix family!

2008-10-07T22:32:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago my schedule at work changed and it created an unprecedented four days off in a row. As soon as I realized this was the case I got Aunt Carma on the phone to see if there was any way I could get to Phoenix and surprise my mom. She quickly obliged and within two days of deciding to go I was sitting in the living room of my moms house. I took the first flight on Thursday morning and Carma snuck out to pick me up before mom was awake. I had been sitting on her couch for about twenty min. when Mike walked in and started talking to Carma, then he saw me and was so surprised. Mom came out of her room at this point and was talking to both of them for about a minute before she finally saw me. It was so funny. Her jaw dropped and then she grabbed her glasses that were on top of her head and put them on. She said "how did you get here?" It was so awesome. I took her to her doctors appt. later that day, where she got her stitches out, (the pic is of her incision, if your faint of heart, {no pun intended}, look away) and then we ate at Culvers, yummy! We rented movies and just relaxed. She had a puzzle out that she had been working on, 1000 pieces, I told her I wasn't a big fan of puzzles, but after finding my first piece, and her getting so excited, I was hooked. So we worked on it off and on the whole time I was there. (The pics are of the finished puzzle on Sunday, FINALLY,...and then of mom tearing it apart to put it away... Why does that seem crazy to me?) That night we went to the theater and saw "Burn after Reading". I had seen it and thought she would like it. It's really quirky. She did like it. Friday we made corn chowder and Mike, Charlotte, Mikelle, Kole, and Kyle all came over for dinner, (Corbin was at scout camp) I got to shoot guns full of foam "bullets" at Kole and Kyle, how fun is that! And then we all went to the theater again. The girls saw "The Women" and the boys saw "Fly me to the moon". Saturday mom and I went to see "Mamma Mia". It was fun to see it with her, she liked it. We then went to Mike and Charlottes house to see the project he's been working on in his back yard, and to have a barbecue. He built a club house for the boys and it has a foosball table in it. He's also been spreading gravel all over, it's really nice. Mike barbecues one mean cheeseburger! Holy cow, he puts onions, jalapenos, and spices in the hamburger, pats olive oil on each side, cooks it for exactly 7 min. on each side and then puts montery jack cheese on top. Oprahs best friend Gayle King needs to make a trip to Phoenix, her quest for the perfect cheeseburger is OVER! Then we drove to 'Justice' where Mikelle works and I got Bryce a web-kins. I got some pics of us at Mike and Charlottes beautiful home, and of me holding their cute dog Bebe, who loves me. The absolute best one is of mom making gangsta signs, pic-line and all, with a big cute smile on her face, priceless! Sunday we went to my favorite mexican restaurant, Chevy's, who closed their doors in Utah:( As we were driving away from moms house for the last time, I got a pic of it from the car window, and then we headed to visit Carma and gang. It was so fun to see Chantel and her darling family, and she, always being ahead of the group in electronics, enlightened me on the blue-ray world. I have one word, WOW! I got to see LaMont, who absolutely never quits. I got some pics of him working on their beautiful home, the gorgeous tile that he and Chantel did, and of their shower from the future that looks like a space ship, awesome! The pic at the end thats kinda dark is of Carm and LaMonts home. Later that night we went straight to the airport from Carmas. It went too fast! It was so much fun! I kept wishing the whole time that my sister could have been there with me:( Thank you Carma, Chantel, Mike and Charlotte, and especially mom! I miss you all!

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-09-15T21:34:00.000-07:00

****'Fly Me to the Moon'****rated G. I thought it was cute and enjoyed the 3D effects but Bryce thought it was totally lame.? I was so surprised. I think small kids will like it. It had a good story. Bryce says he gives it 5 lumps of coal? I give it 2 diamonds.

****'Babylon A.D.'****rated PG-13. Vin Deisel plays his usual mono-toned tough guy, hard-A blah blah blah. It was just kinda weird for me. I wasn't crazy about it. The girl that he's protecting was bazarre and bugged me. The special effects were pretty good. Jeff and I both give it 1 diamond.

****'Bangkok Dangerous'****rated R. Nickolaus Cage plays a numb assasin who has never had love or happiness in his life so, he's just a barrell of laughs, let me tell ya. I thought it was so sad and depressing. It had it's intense moments bit was just a total and complete downer. Again it gets 1 diamond from both of us.

****'Burn after Reading'****rated R. Francis McDermot was great and George Cloony was kinda quirky but good. Brad Pitt plays kind of a laid back, surfer dude, crazy fitness trainer and was totally funny. It also has John Malkovich (who was absolutely insane) and Tilda Sweeney. Some big names. It was a big tangled web of craziness and love triangles. It was really wild. I think it will be nominated for best picture because it's so weird. They say the f-word way too much. Jeff gives it two and I'm giving it 2 1/2.

****'Everybody Wants to be Italian'****rated R. It was so hard for me to get through this one. It was gruelling! I don't know why, I mean it could have been good. The main kid drove me insane, he was so stupid and a jerk, though I don't think that's what they were going for. I got really bored and restless. Not sure why it was rated R, it could have been PG-13, so thats good anyway. It gets 1 diamond.

****'Righteous Kill'****rated R. You can't go wrong with Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino! It was really good. Intense, suspenseful, Intriguing. It's racy and risque. Too bad they have to do that. They could have totally left that out and made it PG-13. They play cops that are trying to figure out who's killing the murdering, raping, very bad men who get away with their crimes. It was good. 3 diamonds.

****'Traitor'****rated PG-13. Don Cheadle (love him) plays a terrorist spy... This is a great movie. I very highly recommend it. You're on the edge of your seat alot. I can't say much about it, just go see it, you will like it! We both give it 4 diamonds.

****'Errand of Angels'****rated PG. The sister missionaries try to get along and understand each other in Austria. Jeff said it was pretty true to form. It was good. We all saw it together, and since we're all in hyper-mission mode, it was really fun. We give it 3 diamonds.

****'Women'****rated PG-13. Meg Ryan, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Annette Benning. Oh and Eva Mendes. It was really pretty good. Though it wasn't a total 'man-basher fest', Jada plays a lesbian, and, get this, there is not one single man in this movie, NOT ONE! That's amazing! It's kind of predictable, but it's fun and I liked it. Jeff gives it 2, I give it 3.

****'Fly boys'****rated PG-13. Wow! I saved the best for last! This is an AWESOME movie! Seriously! It's kind of a lower budget, Sundance film festival movie. It has Stephen Baldwin and Tom Sizemore, who I don't usually like, but was great in it. It's a feel-good, triumphant movie that puts you on the edge of your seat more than once. I think I can guarantee that you will like this one, if not love it! It gets 4 diamonds all around.

The 'on'velope please...

2008-08-24T11:54:00.000-07:00

...And the missionary goes to...

sorry It's sideways, I'm lucky I got it on here at all!

more later:)

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-08-22T23:52:00.000-07:00

****"Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants II" PG-13. Mel and I watched the first one at her house and then went straight to the theater to watch this one. That was fun! We did it for her birthday. I liked it, I like the characters and their inter-action with each other. It is very chick-flicky. I would not recommend it to the men. Cute and fun and I liked the scenery. 3 diamonds.

****"The Rocker" PG-13. With Dwight from the office who plays an old drummer that cant get past his grudge. I must say it was funnier and less stupid than I thought it would be. It's kind of a combination of 'School of Rock' and 'That thing you do'. It's fun, not thought provoking.
3 1/2 diamonds.

****"Death Race" rated R. Jason Statham plays the same role in all his movies, it seems, but he's good at it. He goes to prison for something he doesn't do and then is forced to become the driver in a death race for entertainment on the internet. Very graphic and violent. Hard to take. Joan Allen plays a heartless prison warden, interesting, but overall, just yucky. I know the men will really like it. Special effects were good so it gets 1 diamond.

****"House Bunny" rated PG-13. Okay, she's really cute and has quite the body. It's funny to see her transform the plain, misfitted girls from the Zeta sorority into cute popular girls. Starring Bruce and Demi's daughter and Katherine Mcphee. It was fun to see what she was going to wear next, although most gals wont like that part, the men will. Includes a Cameo performance by Hugh Heffner and his girls. I dont know, predictable, sometimes extremely stupid, yet funny and touching. 2 1/2 diamonds.

Okay everyone, I have been waiting for more guesses about Brandons mission destination. You know me, I want more before I post it... And, yes, I do know where he's going...And if you have heard it through the grapevine, mums the word! I will post it tomorrow if I get more guesses:)

At Last...

2008-08-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

My cute son is finally mission bound! I can't believe it. We had a few gliches along the way, (who knew that you have to get 3 hepatitus shots, 3 months apart) and a very strict Stake President, (the bar truly has been raised.) But we did it, and I am so proud! I have seen a transformation in him over the last few months, and words just can't explain how amazing it is. One month ago he was ordained an Elder and recieved his patriarchal blessing, WOW, it was incredible! The next week he spoke in sacrament meeting, and two weeks later, bore his testimony. That may not seem like a big deal, but he had never gotten up and done that once in the 5 years we have lived here. Last Sunday, August 10th, his mission papers were officially submitted! The butterflies have taken up permanent residency in my tummy as I wonder every day where my son will be living for the next two years. So now, all my beloved family and friends, we are anxious to hear your guesses as to where you think he will go. I will be writing them down and putting them into the globe. Don't be shy, I want a guess from everyone! Thank you for all your support and prayers, I will be relying on them to help me through the missing him part, which I can't think about right now.

August 6, 1977

2008-08-06T06:44:00.000-07:00

On this day, 31 years ago, I was blessed with the birth of my little sister! I was so happy to get her in my lonely little world. I remember taking her for show and tell when I was in fifth grade and she was just a little baby. She has been a joy in my life, a confidant, and my best friend. I honestly can't imagine my life without her. She baby sat my kids when they were little and now my kids baby sit hers. She even has babies for me! How selfless is that! She loves me the way I am and never puts me down for my inadequacies. She really is one of the most amazing people I know! There is so much more I want to say... maybe another day... I LOVE YOU SIS!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Have a great day! Do something crazy!

BREAKING DAWN

2008-08-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

Yay! Did you all get your book? I got to work the party at Wal-mart from 8:30 til 12:30. It was way fun. We had free hot dogs, (in honor of Jacob) wedding cake, cotton candy, prizes, trivia, and face painting. It got CRAZY!!! They started lining up to get the book at about 9:00 and the line wrapped half way around the inside of the store. I even got to take a turn guarding the books!Our store manager started handing out the books at 11:30 and they went wild with excitement. They couldn't buy them until exactly Midnight so they just started reading where they were sitting or standing. At midnight we had almost every single cash register running. I worked today from 9:30 to 6:30 and couldn't believe how many books were sold, almost everyone had one in their hands or shopping cart. I've gotten to page 78 and really like it so far, but I'm extremely nervous about what is going to happen... I just don't want to be disappointed, or mad, or sad...

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-08-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

****'The Mummy'...rated PG-13. I always enjoy Jet Le in fighting scenes. I thought it was quite entertaining, funny, yet extremely unrealistic. Of course it was about bringing mummy's back from the dead right? The special effects were very good, so was Maria Bello, the guy that plays their son, not so much. Some of the dialogue seemed lame, but over all it was a good movie. We give it 2 diamonds.

****'Swing Vote' rated PG-13. I really enjoyed Kevin Costner in this role as a lazy, irresponsible single father who drinks too much and always disappoints his daughter, who is wise beyond her years and basically takes care of him. Played by new-comer Madeline Carroll who was absolutely amazing. She brought tears to my eyes more than once. It was fun to see the Presidential candidates cater to him for his vote and even totally go against their own strong beliefs just to please him. It had a really good message and the acting was excellent. Costner plays a small town "Hick" and his language leaves much to be desired (his daughter is always reminding him not to cuss) but it's funny. I really liked it. We're both giving it 4 diamonds.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-07-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

****'Step Brothers' rated R. It's so sad that they made it 'R' because I know a lot of kids who want to see it, mine included. No, mine will not be seeing it. Will Farrell is in usual form, extremely funny and stupid. I'm a big fan, but this was just bad. The language was horrid, the topics were horrible, and it showed Farrells...uh hum... part, not all but OH MY GOSH! I liked the chemistry between Farrell and John C. Riley, and some parts were quite funny, but why do they have to ruin it like that? They so could have made it a great PG-13 and opened it up to a bigger market, but what do I know?! It had a good ending, so I'm giving it 1 big fat cubic zirconium.

****'X Files' rated PG-13. Never was into the tv series so didn't understand the inside jokes. It was ok. An interesting yet bizarre murder mystery. Weird. Jeff and I give it 1 diamond.

****'Space Chimps' rated G. What can I say? It was really cute, funny and clever. The scenes on one of the planets kept reminding me of 'The Teletubbies'...on crack. It made us [Bryce and I] laugh a lot. I think small kids will really enjoy it. Bryce gives it 4 diamonds :) I'm giving it 2 1/2.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-07-18T22:05:00.000-07:00

****'Dark Knight' rated PG-13. Well, it was quite hard for me to see my man Heath Ledger again, and especially in such a dark role. Holy Cow was he AMAZING! If they do a sequel, as Ive heard they might, No one else can play the role of the Joker! Not the way he did. It was crazy how evil he was and yet how funny, and even almost likable. It was dark and violent, but intense and entertaining. I don't think there was one swear word in it, which is more than I can say for 'Hancock', (which I forgot to mention in the review.) I have to say I really liked it, and it made me miss Heath. It's no wonder the role affected him in real life, Wow, I know he will get an Oscar nod for this. The graphics and make-up were amazing. I don't think kids under 13 should see it. Jeff and I both give it 4 diamonds.

****'Mama Mia' rated PG-13. Okay, I loved, Loved LOVED it! Jeff, not so much. I cannot wait to see it again. I thouroghly enjoyed the music and will be buying the soundtrack tomorrow. I thought Meryl Streep was amazing in it, and so was the girl who played her daughter, Amanda Seyfried. Streeps friends were hilarious and really made the movie. Pierce Brosnan can't really sing, but I didn't care, I enjoy looking at him:) . I cried pretty hard at one scene that made me think of my mom and dad, wow, no movie has had that effect on me for a long time. Jeff said he expected more from the choreography, but I just really enjoyed it. Jeff gives it 1 diamond, (b00) and I am giving it 3 1/2, and a big xoxoxo
XOXOXO

Here's to cookies and time spent together

2008-07-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

Bryce really misses me when I'm at work and the other night wanted to "make something together out of a cook book." He loves to cook, and aspires to be a fry cook like SpongeBob Squarepants. (I'm so proud) So we spent almost 20 minutes looking through the cook book, trying to decide what to make. We ended up choosing Aunt Carmas Banana Oatmeal Cookies, because we had extremely ripe bananas on the counter. Pearson Family cook book, page 203. We doubled the recipe and used 3 bananas. Bryce wanted to make sure we tell you that we added chocolate chips and that's what made them perfect. Yum-O! It was good for him to see fractions being used in real life, since we doubled the recipe, I made him figure out how much of everything we needed. And, since I have such a boring life, and never have anything interesting to blog about, I decided to document our experience and share it with you:) Lucky's!

American Idol ROCKS!!!

2008-07-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

...And I did with them for 3 hours! It was AWESOME!! I bought myself a ticket with my birthday money and met Jeffs sister and neice there. Each one of the ten sang a few songs individually and then of course sang together at the end. The crowd went absolutely INSANE for Archuleta. I mean, crazy insane, it was so loud! He, of course, was so touched, but didn't cry til the end of his last song before Cook came out. I love his voice and the songs he sings. Cook was good too, I must admit. After he [Cook] sang his first song, he said, "yeah I'm a little freaked out to follow the guy that was just out here." One of my favorite moments was after Brooke sang her first song she yelled "Utah!!! ...This is the Place!" We were on the floor, 16th row, right in the middle, which was right next to the 8th row. That didn't really make sense, but basically, it was the 8th row. I could see them SO well! I had a great pic of Michael Johns, and a whole bunch more of Archie, and am so sad that they got deleted, Argh!! Stupid dinosour camera! I didn't comment much about Idol during the season, so now am admitting to you all that one of my very favorites is Carly! I know, weird, but I just love her. Her voice and her personality, big time. There, I said it.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-07-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

****'Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D. ' rated PG. If you can get past the fact that it's extremely far-fetched and just enjoy it, it's quite fun! I liked Brendan Fraser more than I usually do, I thought he was cute. It was really well done and the graphics were awesome. I was truly surprised at how much I liked it. Jeff did too and gives it 2 1/2 to 3 diamonds, I give it 3 and a surprised face!

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-07-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

****'Hancock' rated PG-13. Will Smith plays an alcoholic super hero. It was fun and entertaining. It was a little different than what I was expecting, but I liked it. I thought Charlize Theron looked especially beautiful. It's kind of weird in a way--- but it is funny. I guess it's the number one movie right now, biggest opening numbers of the summer. Will Smiths 8th number one movie, wow. Jeff and I both give it 3 diamonds.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-06-30T20:59:00.000-07:00

****'Wanted' rated R. Angelina Jolie plays a great bad a__! there's no denying that. It was really violent and graphic. The 'F' word was used too much. An interesting concept, but really kind of lame at the same time. An old ancient loom weaves the names mysteriously on its own of people that are supposed to be assasinated... It lost me. Plus it was sad- not the recipe for a great movie if you ask me. AND, I've never liked Morgan Freeman as a bad guy!... not that he doesn't play the part well, I just don't like it. Jeff is giving it 1 diamond for the special effects. I'm giving it 1 because the main guy, (James Macavoy) was such a good actor, oscar-material, I would bet on it.

****'Wall-E" rated G. I had heard that some of "THE CRITICS" didn't like it. ( that usually means I will) So maybe my expectations were a little low, but I absolutely LOVED it. I thought it was so great how there wasn't a lot of dialogue through 3/4's of it and it didn't need it! So good, and had such an awesome message, a couple of them, actually. Jeff hasn't seen it yet so I can't give his oppinion, but I'll be seeing it again with him:) Bryce gives it 4 diamonds, and so do I!

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-06-22T21:36:00.000-07:00

****'Get Smart' rated PG-13. This was such a great movie! And it's not just because I'm a huge Steve Carell fan. I never saw one episode of the show when I was growing up but that didn't matter. It was so funny and exciting. I thought it might be kind of stupid but it wasn't at all. My mom didn't want to see it but Mel and Mark liked it so much that they talked her into it and she liked it a lot. Jeff and I both give it 4 diamonds.

****'The Love Guru' rated PG-13. I don't know, it had some really funny moments, but some equally really stupid moments. We both like Jessica Alba so that helped. After seeing 'Zohan' it didn't seem as stupid as it would have been other wise. Jeff gives it 2 diamonds (probably because of Jessica Alba) I'm giving it 1.

Decked out in duct tape

2008-06-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

This is Brandon's girlfriend, Venessa and her friend, wearing the outfits they made totally out of duct tape. It's for scholarship money for college. They had to wear these outfits to Prom to be eligible, and I don't know how she did it because her dress is HEAVY!! Out of about two hundred entries nationwide, they are the only ones from Utah to make the top ten! The winner will be announced July 1st, and from now til then we can vote for them. One vote per e-mail address per day. 1st place gets three thousand dollars each, including the school, 2nd place gets two thousand dollars each, including the school, and 3rd place gets one thousand dollars each, including the school. SO, all of you within the sound of my blog, if you're so inclined, could you PLEASE send votes their way! Venessa is getting ready to start school at The Art Institute of Utah and could really use the money! Go to stuckatprom.com, click on 'vote for winner' and then vote away for number 4180!!! Thank you everyone, you're the best!

The girls made it!

2008-06-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

They are home safe and sound from the Pioneer Trek, much to Erika's surprise. She was convinced that she was going to die. Oh if only I could have video taped her the days leading up to it. "I don't want to go! I'm too young to die!" 'You are not gonna die!' "Yes I am!" [a different day] "Why are you making me go?!, I don't WANT to go! I don't understand, that's SO STUPID" [a different day] "I'm gonna break my ankle so I can't go"And on and on and on.... for the week leading up to it. There were also notes stuck everywhere around the house that said simply; "I'm not going, you can't make me" Now for those of you who know me well know my philosophy with my kids; 'If they feel really passionate about something, well then by darn I don't stand in their way and do everything in my power to make it happen'. So knowing that this is how Erika has grown up her 14 years, you can imagine her shock when I didn't back down and stood my ground. I am thrilled to report that she had a great time and said that she would go again. But man were they sore and sunburnt! They walked a total of 33 and 3/4's miles. The bishop said that was like walking from Bluffdale to the mouth of Parley's canyon. Both girls were extremely touched by the 'womans pull' which is when all the men went away to fight the war with Mexico and the women had to pull the wagons 1 and 1/2 miles up a really steep hill by themselves. It was extremely difficult and when they reached the top they all cried tears of pain and triumph. The girls were in different families, but were together a lot and actually bonded and helped each other along the way. The people in the ward that know my girls don't like each other, said they wished so bad that I could have been there to see it.... So do I :) Elise spoke the next day in sacrament meeting about her experiences, along with 3 other youth and 4 of the ma's and pa's. She said her favorite funny moment was when everyone was yelling "hole, middle!" numerous times and then they started yelling "Erika! hole middle! Erika!..." to which Erika finally turned around to say 'what' but didn't get the word out before she disappeared. Everyone saw her fall down said hole... But, she came out alive!

I would like to thank my mom...

2008-06-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

For giving me a renewed desire to review movies. I told her that I had lost my umph to do it. It's hard for me to put myself out there like that when I'm such a non-oppinionated person. She told me that she was telling people the other day how great it is and that I should get paid. Thanks mom:) That makes me happy. So.....

****Another Day, Another Movie****

****'The Happening' rated R. M. Night Shyamalon stayed true to form in this eerie one. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, and John Leguizamo. I must say I was kind of disappointed. It was really disgusting and even a little lame. It wasn't really scary, I would say freaky. I can't get specific, it will give too much away. It didn't leave much to the imagination. I heard some girls at work talking about it, saying that it was stupid and that they were laughing most of the way through it. (Not supposed to be a comedy) Jeff and I both give it two diamonds.

*****'The Incredible Hulk' rated PG-13. Liv Tyler, William Hurt, and Edward Norton. I hated the last Hulk that they did a few years ago, so was kinda apprehensive, but this one is really good! Of course you have to have an open mind, reminding yourself that it's a comic book, but it was great. Action, romance and of course a pesky villain! I had to talk Brandon into seeing it because he hated the last one so much, and he liked it. We're giving it 4 diamonds.

****'Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull' rated PG-13. It had it's good moments, but I was kind of disappointed. Indy's "ex" was annoying and the ending was, well, really stupid. Too far fetched, but then again, that's only my oppinion. I liked how they played on Harrison Ford's older age, because you know everyone was thinking "wow, how old is he now?" And I liked Shilah LeBouf! Jeff gives it 3 1/2 to 4, I think I'm giving it 3.

****'Strangers' rated R. Liv tyler, again, and some unknown guy. It was based on true events, so that makes it really creepy and sad, but it was kind of stupid too. It's like Jeff always says, "they can't make scary without stupid." We got frustrated at the stupid things they would do. Elise LOVES scary movies but didn't like this one too much. It was just too sad. We both give it two diamonds.

****'Sex and the City' rated R. I had never seen an episode on HBO but it didn't matter because they bring you up to speed in the beginning. I thought it was surprisingly good, with some good lessons learned, but it's extremely risque'. All the loyal fans of the series will love it. I really liked 'Charlotte's ' character, she is so darling. Jeff gives it 1, I'm giving it two.

****'Don't mess with the Zohan' rated PG-13. I like Adam Sandler, but this one was just too corny. He's supposed to be some big war hero from the far East, who goes to the States to be a hair stylist. It's SO stupid, Jeff says if you watch it you will lose brain cells. I know some people like this kind of humor, but it's just way beyond idiotic, you must trust me. Yep, you guessed it...

****'Kung Fu Panda' rated PG. How could you not LOVE Jack Black as a big, misplaced Panda! It's entertaining and fun, even for us adults. Everyone I've talked to has really liked it. I don't know what else to say, but if you're taking your kids, there's a good chance that you will thoroughly enjoy it too, bonus! We're giving it 3 1/2 diamonds, and a smiley face.

:)

****'Son of Rambow' rated PG-13. This is a little, low budget. Brittish film about a disobedient boy, (about 6th grade) who is making a movie about 'The Son of Rambow'. Yes, our American, Sylvester Stallone Rambo. He forms an unlikely friendship with a sheltered, well-behaved boy that helps him make his movie. Lot's of adventures ensue, and some surprising emotions come to the surface. The 'bad boy' was absolutely an amazing little actor. I really liked it. It's funny, touching, and triumphant. Jeff gives it 1 1/2 diamonds, but I think it deserves 3.

HELLO EVERYBODY!!!!

2008-06-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my absence! I once again give kudos to all the mom's out there who work full time, I don't know how you do it! I get so tired that when I get home I just crash. Today is the first time I have opened my lap top since I got home from Phoenix, which was May 25th!!! I have a lot to catch up on, and I will try over the next few days, but for now I am just going to touch on sending both my girls off to the pioneer trek! Elise was excited to go and Erika was beside herself that we could have the audacity to make her do something that she had absolutely no desire to do. Jeff got them to the Stake center by 5:30 Thurs. morning and they will return tomorrow night. I am so anxious to see if it had the effect on Erika that I know she so desperately needed and that I have been praying for! I will keep you posted! This pic was taken at 5:20 a.m. just before they left. It's hard to tell, but they are decked out in pioneer dresses!

Oh Happy Day!

2008-05-23T10:16:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to report that my mom is doing great! Melanie and I were gearing up for the worst, trying to prepare ourselves to see Mom not looking so good. I guess the day before we got there she was so weak that she couldn't lift her fork and eat by herself. She would lie there with her eyes closed and Charlotte would have to touch the fork to her mouth to get her to open and eat. She had only had about 6 bites and said "how many more bites? I'm full." When we walked into the room she was sound asleep. After a few minutes she opened her eyes and got a big smile and motioned for us to come over and hug her. We visited forever and she was talking like crazy. I know she's drugged up and that could be why she's feeling good, but she is doing better. They are putting a pace maker in her next week because her heart isn't pumping to full capacity. It's just nice to know that she's finally getting answers because she hasn't felt good for over a year and we could never figure out what was wrong. I'm so HAPPY!!!

My Cute Mommy

2008-05-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

As some of you have heard, my cute mommy is in the hospital with heart complications. I've gone through a roller coaster of emotions in the last 3 days. I was on my way to my Wal-Mart family party Monday night when Mel called me and said "I have bad news" to which I said "oh please don't tell me you guys can't come now!" Yeah, if only it was as simple as that. That's when she told me about mom. So I had to go to the the big shin-dig and put on a happy face, not knowing what was happening. Had to work Tues., all the while wondering and worrying. Thank goodness Charlotte was keeping me informed with as much as she knew. I wanted to just be able to drive up the street to the hospital and visit my mom and I couldn't do that. I was trying to be strong and keep a smile on my face but one of the store planners noticed I was upset. I told her the situation and that I was just sad because my sister was going to visit her and I couldn't go. She said "why not?" I said "because I have to work" She said "it's your mom, you go, we will work it out" I honestly couldn't believe it. It's opening weekend for heaven's sake! Tues. night I started hearing more of the story and was beginning to understand the gravity of the situation. Today was the big grand opening day. I had to smile and interact with hundreds of customers even after I got the phone call from Charlotte saying that my moms liver and kidneys were shutting down. It's been extremely difficult to juggle work with everything else. This is the first time in my life that I have had to do this. I'm so thankful to aunt Carma for helping me get to Phoenix tomorrow and for everyone's love and prayers. And to an awesome company that would allow me to leave on such short notice and during such an important weekend. I get to hug my mom in about twelve hours and I will keep you all posted.

Happy Mothers Day!

2008-05-11T12:13:00.000-07:00

I hope that all of you wonderful mothers out there have a fabulous day! Isn't it fun to have a day where everyone feels that it's important that us moms are treated as special as we deserve to be treated! I love it.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-05-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

****"Speed Racer" rated NR? What's that about? Anyway, we had heard that it was really stupid, but of course I had to see it. Starring John Goodman (it looks like he has lost weight) Susan Sarrandon (Not a big fan) Christina Ricci, Emile Hirsch, ( I really like him, he was in "Into the Wild) It's very colorful, like a comic strip, and it is kind of weird, but Jeff and I both liked it. I don't think kids will really understand all the politics in it, (I had to keep asking Jeff questions:) or be able to handle that it's 2 and 1/2 hours long! In fact, I know they can't, because all the kids in the audience got restless; but they will like the colors and the monkey that's part of the family. So, if you go with an open mind, I think you will like it. Jeff and I both give it 3.

****"What Happens in Vegas" rated PG-13. Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher. I really liked him in this. It's fun and funny. Yeah, once again, it's probably a bit predictable, but we really liked it. The chemistry between them was good and it had some good one liners. The moral of the movie was better than we thought it would be, and it wasn't as risque' as it could have been. I think you will like it. We give it 3 diamonds.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-05-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

****"Baby Mama" rated PG-13. Jeff and I both really liked this one. The comedic timing was great and we laughed alot! Tina Fey and Amy Poehler from Saturday night live are so great together! It also had Greg Kinear, Dax Shepard, and a small but funny role for Sigourney Weaver. Tina Fey wants a baby so bad and hasn't been able to get pregnant so hires Amy to be a surrogate mother. It's kind of like those wife swap tv shows where they get the absolute most opposite people possible to switch places for a week or two. The upper class and white trash worlds collide and have to inter-mingle and that's what's so funny. It reminded me of the odd couple trying to live together. It's hilarious and not too risque' so I think you will enjoy it! We both give it 3 1/2 diamonds.

****"Forbidden Kingdom" rated PG-13. Jet Lee, Jackie Chan and some kid who could be Shila Lebouf's brother star in this kung foo fable. Bryce and I liked it more than we thought we would. It's entertaining and fun, sometimes kind of weird, (the 'Monkey King') but seeing Lee and Chan fighting each other is quite a treat. I'm giving it 2 1/2 diamonds.

****"Deception" rated R. Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman (yum) and Michelle Williams, (The mother of Heath Ledgers daughter) star in this one about money, greed, and a sex club. It was interesting, intense and clever, though risque' because of the subject matter. But it could have been worse, again, because of the subject matter, so, it was pretty good. Jeff and I give it 2 1/2 diamonds.

*****"Made of Honor" rated PG-13. How could you not enjoy watching Patrick Dempsey for over an hour and a half? What can I say about it? It was fun, entertaining, and funny. I'm trying to decide if it was kind of predictable? Maybe, but who cares? I will definitely be seeing it again! Jeff is giving it 2 diamonds! Duh! That's lame. I guess he didn't like that Dempsey was a man whore and then decides he wants her after she found true love. I'm giving it 3. ...and a smiley face :)

****"Iron Man" rated PG-13. This is an AWESOME movie!!! I loved it! I can't wait to see it again! Robert Downey Jr. was great and so was his assistant, Gwyneth Paltrow, although her part didn't seem that big. It was funny and touching and makes you want to stand up and cheer! It made me feel triumphant! It didn't have anything bad in it, maybe it's rated PG-13 because of the war weapons and small war scenes but it wasn't bad at all, I think kids 8 and older will like it. Oh wait, scratch that! I forgot about the scene when he brought the girl home. It wasn't too bad, but I guess that's why it's PG-13. Anyway, I highly recommend it! Jeff and I both give it 4 diamonds!

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-04-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

****"88 Minutes" rated R for violence, brief nudity, and language. Al Pacino is a college professor who also does some work with forensic pathology. Having made some enemies along the way, it's hard to guess who is trying to kill him. He has 88 minutes to try to figure it out before he is dead. Pretty intense and pretty tame as far as R rated movies go. I really liked it. Wer'e giving it 3 diamonds.

A Peek into my New World!

2008-04-17T23:45:00.000-07:00

As some of you may(or may not) have heard, I am embarking on a new world, a new life for me. On April 10th I started my training at the new wal-mart about 5 minutes from my house. On the 14th we started getting the store ready for the big open to the public, which isn't until May 21st. I have been creating shelves and walls with grids, that are heavy and awkward, and walking the legnth of the store I don't know how many times. I didn't know it was possible to feel so sore through every muscle and bone in my body. It's also been quite challenging to figure out where every single piece of inventory goes from the direction of a small map. I've almost got the first week behind me, just 4 more to go! Once it opens it's gonna be a walk in the park! I will be working at the jewelry counter which I am quite excited about. I'm not used to the hours, 8 to 5 Mon. thru Fri. but I guess I will get used to it. Already I am a little, as I'm not quite as wiped out when I get home. Monday when I got home at about 5:20 I plopped on my bed and didn't budge for hours. It's fun, I've made new friends, and for the first time in our 21 years of marriage we will have decent insurance! You can't put a price on that. I miss my sis and the boys, I hope to see you guys soon! Love to all! I'll be seein ya. (at Wal-mart?)

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-04-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

****"Prom Night" rated PG-13. Jeff and I thought it was kind of lame, but of course alot of teenagers I have talked to really liked it. It's always nice when they come out with a scary movie that's not rated R, but I still don't like all the sexual inuendos. Jeff summed it up perfectly when he said; "Too bad they can't write scary without stupid!" I mean , it was okay, but you find yourself yelling "No! don't go there! don't do that! Don't go back into a burning building to get your moms scarf!" (DUH!) Kind of the usual, kind of predictable. Jeff gives it 1 diamond, I'll give it 2, it was entertaining.

****"Smart People" rated R. Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, and the amazing Ellen Page, but I think Thomas Hayden Church made the movie. Quaids character is so unhappy and miserable, it was kind of a downer. It's slow and depressing, but at the same time kind of poignant. Sometimes Parker's character makes you go "What???" I don't know how to explain it, Quaids a miserable widower who tries to hook up with Parker but he's so out of whack socially that it's a strain. Page is his extremely intelligent daughter who is equally as miserable and lacking attention. It's okay but nothing earthshattering. Jeff gives it 1 1/2 diamonds, I give it 2.

****"Street Kings" rated R. Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker are cops who are constantly trying to figure out who are the good cops and who are corrupt. It keeps you wondering the same thing which is fun for awhile but quite honestly, I couldn't remember what happens in this movie! I had to ask Jeff to review it for me, and I just saw it a week ago. It's all over the map and flighty. Not the best, but I'm sure some will really like it. In the words of Simon Cowell; "If I'm going to be honest, I thought it was forgetable. No one will remember this performance tomorrow." Jeff and I both give it 1 diamond.

The Hostess with the Mostess!

2008-04-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

Okay, this is way long over due but I am finally getting to it. A few weekends ago I had to go to St. George for one of Erika's dance competitions. I didn't want to afford a hotel so called up our cousin Michele to see if she would want to come and stay with me, hang out, have fun and split the cost of the hotel. She couldn't but said I was more than welcome to stay with her. I thought it might be too hard to get to St. George on time from Enterprise but she assured me that it wouldn't be bad. She was even gracious when I asked her if it was okay if, not only Elise and Bryce came, but also Erika's friend. She waited up for us to get there, which wasn't until about 1:00 in the morning, and made sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. All three of her kids even gave up their beds for us!!! The next morning when we had to leave by about 7:30, I thought she would be sound asleep, No, she was awake helping us get going, putting a GPS in my car, guiding the way, and giving us yogurt and juice boxes for the trip. As I was leaving I suggested that maybe they could meet us in town for dinner, she said that she would love to cook dinner for us, (Hello!) We got back to her house by 6:30 p.m. and sat down to a full-blown roast dinner with potatoes and gravy, corn that she had cut off the cob herself and frozen, salad, and delicious rolls. Erika's friend said, (as she was gobbling up her second helping) "this is the best dinner I have had in a long time!" We all relaxed that night and watched "Dan in Real Life" and she made us orange julius' and rice krispy treats.

The next morning, my crew all slept while they went to church. When they got home we visited for awhile before heading home. She sent us home with cookies and chocolate, water bottles, oranges, and even a couple movies she burned to watch on the way home. It was so peaceful and pleasant at her house, in the middle of nowhere! I SO enjoyed it! I promise you, if you will go visit her, you will have an absolute wonderful time! She should open a bed and breakfast!!! SERIOUSLY! I can't say thank you enough, dear cousin, and family. You're the best. Thank you for spoiling us. I will definitely be back soon!

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-04-10T20:55:00.000-07:00

****"Miss Pettigrew lives for a Day" rated Pg-13. My cute mommy flew in for my birthday and graced me with her presence at two movies! What a trouper! We saw this and '21'. Miss P is kind of an artsy movie. Set in 1939, Amy Adams plays an aspiring actress that's kind of a floozy and the amazing Francis McDermand is Miss Pettigrew, a poor governess who's unjustly fired. By a twist of fate, and her stepping out of her comfort zone, she lands a job as Ms Adams' social secretary, and the events that take place are just funny, clever, and amazing happenstance! Melanie and Jeff were with us too and everyone liked it. I really liked it and think that this is definitely one for my cousin AD :) Jeff gives it 2 diamonds (it's kind of chick-flicky) I'm giving it 3.

****"Nim's Island" rated PG. Abagail Breslin, Jodie Foster, and my favorite, Gerard Butler(from P.S. I love you) Abagail and Gerard are father and daughter who have lived on a secluded Island her whole life. They get seperated and while he's lost at sea, she is alone and scared on the island. She calls upon the help of Jodie who plays a germaphobic, writer who doesn't dare leave her apartment. It's nice to see Jodie in such a fun, sweet role. It's just an all around fun, feel-good movie with a really cute gecko? or lizard? and a seal? or walrus? Um... that's not very informative, I guess I need to brush up on my reptiles and mammals! Anyway, once again I was pleasantly surprised, and Erika, who, for some reason, is like pulling teeth to get her to go to a movie, (Who's child is this?!!!) really liked it, and so did Bryce! I'm giving it 3 diamonds.

****"Stop Loss" rated R. Ryan Phillipe doesn't usually do anything for me, but I really liked him in this. For those of you who don't know what 'Stop Loss' means, (like I didn't before I saw this) It's actually a term that's used in the military when a soldier is due for discharge, and "the higher-ups" decide that they're too valuable to let go and require them to complete another tour, against their wishes. It was very interesting but sad. At the end they give you the statistics of how many are stop lossed and all the details. I guess people are trying to eliminate this practice and are fighting it big time. It didn't have any skin, but of course, swear words and violence, which was actually hard to take in the beginning. Jeff gives it 2 1/2 diamonds, I give it 2.

****"Super hero Movie" rated PG-13. Okay, who let me go see this one?! I swore off this kind of movie, remember! Stupid satire, mimicking and making fun of all super hero movies... Please. give me a break. Some of you might like it, it wasn't as bad as 'Meet the Spartans', so Jeff and I are giving it 1 diamond.

****"Ruins" rated R. A bunch of no-names get quarantined to the top of a pyramid-type thing and have to try to survive the elements and a mysterious nemisus that I wont give away. It's an interesting concept but gets too corny and, frankly, too gross. It has an unneccesary quick nude scene and a disturbing murder...well a couple of them, but this one in particular just seems really unneccesary. Jeff and I are both giving it a lump of coal.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-04-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

****"21" rated PG-13. Based on the true story about the MIT student who's a math genius that gets caught up into counting cards in Vegas because of one of his professors. (Kevin Spacey)It has humor, a love interest, a little bit of intensity, and a few twists along the way. I really liked it, though the scenes when they meet in the strip club could be cut out! Can someone please explain to me why Kate Bosworth has one blue eye and one brown eye?! I've noticed it before, in a magazine, but I wonder if it's the true color of her eyes or if she does it on purpose with contacts? Enquiring minds want to know! Jeff and i both give it 3 1/2 diamonds.

****"Run Fatboy Run" rated PG-13. Produced by David Schwimmer, in London. It's about the guy who leaves his pregnant fiance' at the alter, but then 5 years later when she finds a man, (Hank Azaria) he can't handle it and wants her back. He commits to run the marathon for charity because that's what the boyfriend does. Oh My Gosh it was so funny! I don't think I was expecting much going in, so maybe thats why I liked it so much, but I highly recommend it! It's lighthearted, and proves, once again, that people aren't always what they seem! Again, we both give it 3 1/2 diamonds.

****Leatherheads" rated PG-13. George Clooney, and Jim Kavinski! How can you go wrong! Set back in the twenties, George is trying to legitimise football. It kind of had the feel of "Oh Brother, Where art Thou". It's clever and funny, yet even a bit sad. A very good movie that, I think, everyone will like. Jeff gives it 3, I'm giving it 4 diamonds.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

We had a really nice, relaxing day. We hadn't gotten around to coloring the hard boiled eggs by Sat. night so I asked Bryce if it would be okay if we colored the eggs on Sunday after church. He said, "but what about the easter bunny hiding the eggs?" I said "would it be okay if he hides them not colored, then we'll color them after we find them?" He said "sure". The reason he was so concerned was because the tradition is that we wake up and find the eggs that the easter bunny hid during the night. Now, I was surprised that he still believed in Santa this last Christmas. And I assure you, after all my questions and prodding, he truly did believe. But, still believing in the easter bunny at age 11 is really boggling my brain. I really think he does! Brandon couldn't believe it either, so he quizzed him a little bit. Later he said to me, "He lives a sheltered life!" So when he discovers the truth is he going to feel totally betrayed? Anyway...we had a nice dinner at my sister Melanie's house and it was fun to spend time with the boys. Brandon's girlfriend Venessa came with her two little sisters because their parents were out of town. By the time I thought to take this pic they had all left, darnit, so this is the only proof I have of our happy day. I would like to thank the Savior for his sacrifice for our sins and the blessing of the ressurection.

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-03-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

****"Drillbit Taylor" rated PG-13. Owen Wilson plays a homeless, down-on-his-luck ex-military guy that stumbles upon an ad to be a bodyguard for three nerds who can't get rid of their high school bullies. It has some really funny moments, and even some touching moments, but I thought 2 out of the 3 nerds were absolutely terrible actors. I didn't let that ruin the whole movie for me. It was funny. It has alot of language in it; never the 'F' word, but all the other ones. Elise really liked it and so did Bryce. Jeff and I both give it 2 1/2 diamonds.

The big reveal!

2008-03-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

A couple posts ago I talked about Elise cutting her hair against my wishes. Well, I have to admit, I really like it. She looks really cute and it will be fun for the summer. Way to try a new look Elise; I'm so glad you listened to me ;)

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-03-20T21:54:00.000-07:00

****"Horton Hears a Who" rated G. I know one might wonder how they can make an hour and forty minute movie about the book, but I tell you they did and it is Hilarious! Jeff and I were laughing so hard at one point that we were crying! You know that full, deep belly laugh that you rarely get to experience? I liked it so much better than I thought I would. I know the little ones are going to LOVE it and it will really keep their attention. I want to see it again with my nephews! Jeff and I BOTH are giving it 4 diamonds.

Remember when...

2008-03-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

You could buy your little girl a frilly little Easter dress, complete with bonnet, gloves, and matching purse... and she would happily wear them? ( I don't mean to over do it about Elise, but it's just kind of working out that way )Well, Elise was begging for an Easter dress so we set out to find one the other day. Now I know she has grown up and that a bonnet was probably out of the question, but I at least thought that "Easter dress" meant something in, I don't know, a bright color, maybe a pastel, or at least a spring looking dress for heavens sake! Well, I guess not. When she finally found the perfect dress that she was so excited about, I said "but... it's black, that's not Eastery looking" ?! to which she replied... "So." Soooo, once again, as in my last post, I guess my opinion doesn't matter. Sigh. I will be taking Erika shopping soon for her dress, oh boy, that should be interesting...

Bye-bye long hair...

2008-03-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, the time has finally come where my opinion doesn't really count. Elise has decided to cut her beautiful long hair off and I can't talk her out of it. She has actually wanted to do it for a long time. Her Drill Showcase was last night, (more on that later) so now she can cut it. I wish I could have gotten everyones opinions about it and maybe had a vote, (like Kandis did about her bangs) and she would have to go with the majority, but no, it wouldn't matter, her mind is set. I will post pics of before and after, but here is my favorite pic of her long hair. ( Now I know I'm the partial mom, but, HELLO! This picture blows me away. )

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-03-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

****"Bank Job" rated R. Jason Statham heads up a bank heist that's pretty complicated. There's some political stuff that goes on about some naked photos of a princess from another country... Has some 'F' words and skin unfortunately because it was pretty good. Jeff and I both give it 2 1/2 diamonds.

****"Bonneville" rated PG. I don't know if this is playing anywhere else because it was filmed in Utah and surrounding areas, but it has Kathy Bates, Joan Allen, and Jessica Lange. They go on a road trip to California to return the ashes of Jessica's husband to his daughter. Lot's of adventures on the way and lessons learned. I enjoyed it but don't know that it's one for the guys. Jeff said it was a promotional video for Utah's outdoor activities and surrounding areas like Lake Powell, Grand canyon, and even the Salt Flats. Jeff gives it 2 diamonds, I give it 3.

****"College Road Trip" rated G. Raven, who is always fun, Martin Lawrence, super over protective, and as much as I love Donny Osmond, ANNOYING! But not quite as annoying as his "daughter". Oh my gosh, luckily they're not in it too much so don't let them ruin it for you. I really liked it. Jeff gives it 2 1/2, I give it 3.

****Never Back Down" rated PG-13. This is definitely one for the younger, hip crowd. It's about the high school guys that fight for sport but go too far. I didn't like all the fighting, I've never understood that, but the two main guys and their bodies were quite easy to look at! It had a love story, some funny parts, and intense! It was good! We're both giving it 3 diamonds.

****"Doomsday" rated R. It's about a virus that spreads in Scotland and starts killing hundreds of people so the government wipes them all out. 25 years later another outbreak occurs so they send a team over to find an anecdote. Man, it was SO aweful!!! I had a real hard time sitting through this one. I kept thinking "I definitely don't get paid enough!" It was bloody and gruesome and evil, wicked, disgusting, violent, dark, and sad. Doesn't that sound fun! Definitely one for the Manly men... with strong stomachs! Jeff gives it 1 diamond, I have to give it more lumps of coal than I have given anything else to date... 3

Another Day, Just one movie:(

2008-03-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

****"10,000 BC" rated PG-13. It kind of reminded me of Mel Gibsons "Apocolypto" except it wasn't as good. (that by the way is a great movie if you haven't seen it) It wasn't as intense as I was hoping but it is still good and I think worth seeing. Jeff didn't like it quite as much as he thought he would but is giving it 3 diamonds for the special effects, I also think it's worthy of 3 diamonds.

I guess I'm green

2008-03-05T08:27:00.001-08:00

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Green

You're green, the color of growth and vigor. Good-hearted and giving, you have a knack for finding and bringing out the best in people. Green is the most down-to-earth color in the spectrum — reliable and trustworthy. People know they can count on you to be around in times of need, since your concern for people is genuine and sincere. You take pride in being a good friend. For you, success is measured in terms of personal achievement and growth, not by status or position. Rare as emeralds, greens are wonderful, natural people. It truly is your color!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-03-02T22:00:00.000-08:00

****"Semi-Pro" rated R. I think all the die-hard Will Farell fans will like it but I was kind of disappointed. It had some things in it that were really inappropriate and unnecesary. I don't know why they have to put crap in movies. They should have taken out the 'F' words and crass stuff and made it PG-13 and opened it up to a bigger market. It really could have been good, I liked Woody Harrelson's character, for the most part. I can't believe it topped the box office top 5 this week! Once again, this is one that is the reason not to go to rated R movies! jeff and I both give it 1/2 of a diamond, but I don't have a pic of a half, so it gets 1 diamond and a frowny face.

****"Penelope" rated PG. YAY! Finally! A decent movie that the whole family can watch together and enjoy! What a delight. It's produced by Reese Whitherspoon and she is great in it, though she doesn't show up until half way through the movie. It's an awesome story with a wonderful lesson and not too chick-flicky because Jeff and Joel really liked it, and you know they're extremely macho manly men! It's a definite must-see for everyone! Mom, fly here from phoenix so we can go see it together, with Mel too! Jeff gives it 4 diamonds and I'm giving it my only second 4 1/2 diamond rating!

Happy Birthday Bryce!

2008-03-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

February 26th my baby turned 11! We went to an early dinner at Red Robin so that Brandon could join us before he had to go to work. Wednesday Bryce had his last Blue and Gold banquet and gave an awesome farewell speach. Then Saturday he wanted to go shoot guns with Jeff and Brandon because he's been taking a hunter safety class. Saturday afternoon he took his hunter safety test and passed and Saturday night had his birthday party with 2 friends from school and Mel's Joshua. Gabe came too, to hang out with me, Sam was at a friends birthday party. Bryce has been a busy boy this week! I love you bud, you'll always be my baby boy.

Another Year, Another 3-plus hours to drag out the patting-on-the-back ceremony

2008-02-25T21:15:00.000-08:00

Did anyone watch the Academy Awards last night? All of it, or part of it? I have to admit, I only watched a little bit. It's just too long! I think this is the first year that I had seen all 5 of the movies that were nominated, even before the nominations were announced. You can go to my past posts to see what I thought about each one, but briefly; 'Atonement' I liked it, but thought it was really sad and depressing, gave it 3 diamonds. 'Juno' I liked it more than I thought I would, liked the ending, gave it 3 diamonds. 'Michael Clayton' I guess I didn't review this one, I think I saw it before I started my blog. I really liked it, it was great, gives you hope that some people still do the right thing, Jeff & I both give it 4 diamonds. 'There will be blood' I thought it was interesting but sad, thought Daniel Dey Lewis was amazing, gave it 2 1/2 diamonds. And 'No Country for Old Men' Didn't like it all that much, it was too bloody and dark, gave it the lowest rating of all 5 that were nominated; 1 1/2 diamonds. So, I wish I had taken the time to post my predictions, I totally would have guessed 'No Country...' because it seems it always works that way, the ones that I don't like win. I often tell Jeff that if the critics like a movie, than I'll probably hate it, if they hate it, I most likely will like it!

I wish that 'Lars and the Real Girl' would have won for the writing of an original screenplay. Juno won that one, which would have been my second choice. 'The Golden Compass' won visual effects and I thought 'Transformers' should have taken it.

And these are the movies that were nominated for awards that are on my list to see, I actually haven't seen yet!;

'In the Valley of Elah'
'The Assassination of Jesse James...'
'Elizabeth the Golden Age'
'Away from Her'
'The Savages'
'I'm not there'
'La Vie En Rose'
'The Diving Bell and the Butterfly'

Any feedback would be great! And did ANYONE out there see 'Death Sentence'?

Another Day, Another Movie

2008-02-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

*****"Be Kind, Rewind" rated PG-13. Jack Black, Mos Def, and Danny Glover. I went with EXTREMELY low expectations so I was a little surprised that it was kind of entertaining and funny. I knew it was about Jack and Mos reinacting the movies for the video store because Jack is magnetic and erases all of them, maybe that's why it seemed like it took forever to get to that point, but it had some pretty funny lines and Jack Black is fun. I really liked Mos Def! It was better than I thought it would be, though kind of corny. Jeff and I both give it 2 1/2 diamonds. P.S. I'd like to give a shout out to my friend from the cruise, Erika Bassett who I saw at the theater tonight! Kandis, Come over soon, you know I'll be there, and I still owe you a movie! My favorite movie pick right now; "Vantage Point" definitely.