Thursday, February 28, 2008

Purse Parties are Popular & Perfect to Pump up your Prime aPParel

(Say that blog title 3 times fast!)
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I wanted to give a shout out for an opportunity any purse or accessory-loving woman will not want to miss! One of my dearest friends owns a business called Wonderland Pearls. She provides an occasion in which you and your closest friends can mingle, socialize, and shop in the comfort of your own home--and for very reasonable prices! As a hostess, you are under no obligation other than to have a good time and receive discounts that are out of this world! My friend has travelled several times to the Wasatch Front for these "Purse Parties", where those in attendance have found some great bargains! If you'd like to host a party or find out more information on their products and accessories, click on the link below.

"Friends are like bras: close to your heart & there for support!"

This is my friend, Margaret, and I at her "second" 29th birthday party. OK, OK...she's 30. (She's gonna kill me for posting that on the internet. But take heart, dear...some of the best people I know are thirty. My husband's one of them!) Anyway, I thought I dedicate a small little post to my wonderful girlfriend. We met when we were both new mothers in the University ward. If it weren't for our frequent trips with the kids to the park or walks together on the cracked and jagged sidewalks of our South Salt Lake neighborhood, I don't know how I would have survived that period of time, when both of our husbands were gone 80% of the time either working hard or studying hard!
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This is for you, M-A-R-G-E:
M-Mom
Margaret is one of the most dedicated mothers I know. And the most patient! I think what I admire most about her mothering is her ability to find a way to allow her children to participate with her in whatever she's doing. Cooking, cleaning closets, crafting. Whatever. I am so flawed in that I don't have the patience for that the majority of the time. Margaret makes me want to be a better mother.
A-Attentive
Sometimes it's difficult to keep in touch with old friends. No matter how much you love them, it can be easy to become distracted with life and grow apart. I'm grateful that my friendship with Marge is a two-way street and that she is as devoted to nurturing that bond as I am! "TRUE FRIENDSHIP ISN'T ABOUT BEING THERE WHEN IT'S CONVENIENT; IT'S ABOUT BEING THERE WHEN IT'S NOT."
R-Remarkable Wife
Margaret is just about the most loyal wife I know. She loves her husband...well, I guess in describing the love she has for Jason I'm reminded of a quote I heard in a western movie once. A woman said, "I got more love for that man than there ought to be allowed". I think that's the way Margaret feels about Jason.
G-Gourmet.
She is a fabulous cook! She loves to bake; it seems any time I talk to her she has just "whipped" up some confectionary delight or tried out a new recipe. She had a great idea for a pumpkin truffle that sounded simply divine. You'll have to do it one of these days and let me know how it turns out, Margaret!
E-Eternal Perspective
Margaret really knows how to keep things prioritized and in perspective. She is a very (VERY) spritual person. She's always been good to do FHE and scripture-study. She's very focused in the Gospel.
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So there you have it. For those that don't know Margaret and may never get a chance to know her, what a pity that is. For those of you that are fortunate enough to be acquainted with her, I know you agreed with everything I just said!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

FHE: Get-To-Know President Monson






For Family Home Evening last week, we had a simple activity that the kids seemed to really enjoy and also helped them better know our new prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I printed out two copies of 6 pictures of President Monson and his family that I found on lds.org. I then printed out 6 strips of paper, all of which had facts and bits-of-interest about the prophet. We played memory with the pictures, being sure to emphasize different aspects about each. For example, when the kids turned over the picture of "Tommy" as a young boy fishing, we reminded the kids that President Monson once was a child like them, and he had choices to make, just like they do. It's up to them to listen to the spirit like Tommy did, to help them make the right choice, etc.
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One more note...we began the lesson by showing a picture of President Hinckley and briefly talking about what a wonderful prophet he was but also helping the children understand that he is no longer on the earth to be our prophet. We then asked the kids, "Do you think Heavenly Father would leave us without a leader for our church? Or do you think He would provide someone new that can guide us and help us know what to do?" We then talked about how that new person was Thomas S. Monson. We had the kids repeat his name a couple times. I even wrote it down so Halle could read it. We quickly bore our testimonies that the Holy Ghost had told us that he really is who the Lord wants. In just a couple sentences, Brett explained that at General Conference we would have the opportunity to tell the world that we support Heavenly Father's choice and that we promise to follow President Monson's counsel. We explained that sustaining someone means just that--you promise your support and willingness to follow. We helped Wyatt understand that at General Conference if everyone said at the same time, "I support President Monson! I sustain him!" it would be very noisy, so instead we do it without talking, by raising our hands to the square. We had the kids practice this and told them they'd have the opportunity to do it for themselves in a few weeks. Then we jumped into the game.
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I thought I'd post the pictures and facts in case you wanted to do this FHE for your family this weekend. (My kids especially loved the snake story! They were in hysterics...we all were!) After a match is made, read the fact or story that goes along with the matched-pictures.
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1. Read the following with the picture of "Tommy" Monson riding his bicycle:
Born in Salt Lake City, on August 21, 1927, President Monson is the son of G. Spencer and Gladys Condie Monson. As a young child, people called him "Tommy" instead of Thomas. Here is a story President Monson shares recalling how as a youngster, he loved dogs:
"One day I took my wagon and placed a wooden orange crate in it and went looking for dogs. At that time dogs were everywhere to be found: at school, walking along the sidewalks, or exploring vacant lots, of which there were many. As I would find a dog and capture it, I placed it in the crate, took it home, locked it in the coal shed, and turned the latch on the door. That day I think I brought home six dogs of varying sizes and made them my prisoners after this fashion. I had no idea what I would do with all those dogs, so I didn’t reveal my deed to anyone.
Dad came home from work and, as was his custom, took the coal bucket and went to the coal shed to fill it. Can you imagine his shock and utter consternation as he opened the door and immediately faced six dogs, all attempting to escape at once? As I recall, Dad flushed a little bit, and then he calmed down and quietly told me, “Tommy, coal sheds are for coal. Other people’s dogs rightfully belong to them.” By observing him, I learned a lesson in patience and calmness."
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2. Read with picture of President Monson as a sailor:
President Monson served in the United States Navy near the close of World War II. His "job" was working in the Newspaper Business.
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3. Read with picture of President & Sister Monson at temple:
He married Frances Beverly Johnson on October 7, 1948, in the Salt Lake Temple.
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4. Read with picture of "Tommy" fishing:
As a boy, Monson and his family would spend the summer in a cabin at Vivian Park in Provo Canyon. It was there that Monson developed his life-long love of fishing.
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5. Read with picture of President Monson's children:
President and Sister Monson had three children. Their youngest child, Clark, always liked animals, birds, reptiles—anything that was alive. President Monson says that sometimes that resulted in a little chaos in their home. He continues with a story:
"One day in his boyhood he came home from Provo Canyon with a water snake, which he named Herman.
Right off the bat Herman got lost. Sister Monson found him in the silverware drawer. Water snakes have a way of being where you least expect them. Well, Clark moved Herman to the bathtub, put a plug in the drain, put a little water in, and had a sign taped to the back of the tub which read, “Don’t use this tub. It belongs to Herman.” So we had to use the other bathroom while Herman occupied that sequestered place.
But then one day, to our amazement, Herman disappeared. His name should have been Houdini. He was gone! So the next day Sister Monson cleaned up the tub and prepared it for normal use. Several days went by.
One evening I decided it was time to take a leisurely bath; so I filled the tub with a lot of warm water, and then I peacefully lay down in the tub for a few moments of relaxation. I was lying there just pondering, when the soapy water reached the level of the overflow drain and began to flow through it. Can you imagine my surprise when, with my eyes focused on that drain, Herman came swimming out, right for my face? I yelled out to my wife, “Frances! Here comes Herman!”
Well, Herman was captured again, put in a foolproof box, and we made a little excursion to Vivian Park in Provo Canyon and there released Herman into the beautiful waters of the South Fork Creek. Herman was never again to be seen by us."
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6. Read with current picture of President Monson:
President Monson has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. He has said, “I know that God lives. There is no question in my mind. I know that this is His work, and I know that the sweetest experience in all this life is to feel His promptings as He directs us in the furtherance of His work.”
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Friday, February 22, 2008

In honor of our mousehunt...a clever word from Grandpa B.

One quick little story I forgot to share with my mouse-news, was a funny poem Brett's grandpa recited for me during our visit last night:
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"She's afraid of a cockroach,
She screams at a mouse;
But she'll take on a husband
as well as a house!"

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Anyone up for a game of MOUSETRAP???


DING-DONG, THE MOUSE IS DEAD!
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Yes! We have Victory! The nasty little rodent (which, disgustingly, wasn't as little as I'd hoped) got itself caught in a wooden trap in my island drawer (it seemed to favor the bottom one). But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me share with you the events today which led up to the mouse's ugly demise...
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First of all, I'm so grateful it happened while Brett was home. And all my male relatives and neighbors should be grateful as well, because YOU are who I would've called to help me clean up the germ-infested corpse had my knight-in-shining-armor not been around to do his husbandly duty.
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This morning I checked the mousetraps we've had set since Saturday. I realized why we hadn't had any success. It was obvious... They didn't work! You can see from the picture on the left the metal trigger the mouse has to step on in order to eat the peanut butter off of the roof of the trap. Now in the next picture, take a look at the PB. Um, yeah...it's gone. You can even see the little paw or teeth marks where Stewart Little dined. So we either have a PB-addicted lightweight who isn't heavy enough to set off the trigger or we bought piece-of-crap traps. Back to square one. At least we know the mouse wasn't allergic to peanuts after all. In fact, now that we knew how much he liked it, we were ready to give him a generous serving. Right after a metal bar broke its neck, that is.
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Off to Home Depot! Where Brett loaded up on glue strips and good ol' fashioned cheap wooden spring traps. Around 8:30 p.m. we (Brett) placed the traps in the island drawers (that's where most of the droppings were found). At about 9:30, only one hour later, we were watching television when our ears heard a much-anticipated (but not expected) SNAP! We both looked at each other and couldn't believe it. NO way would we have caught one already. A trap must have simply discharged accidentally. I sent Brett to investigate and the look on his face told me all I needed to know. "Mickey" had met its match!
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Decking himself out in his "mouse-retrieval" gear (gloves and a plastic bag), Brett braved his overactive gag-reflex and rid our house of at least one mouse. I am just praying our furry friend was flying solo! Time will tell, I suppose. Until then, my kitchen will continue to be turned upside down as my cupboards remain empty and my most frequently-used dishes, silverware, and pans stay safe on my tabletop (I tell myself the mice can't get there. And I refuse to listen to anyone who tries to overturn my denial).

highly-anticipated D.Q. movie opens tonight!

(And no, "D.Q." does not stand for Dairy Queen. Although it does stand for something almost as delicious: Dennis Quaid.)









VANTAGE POINT




a political thriller of sorts






Who's in it? Dennis Quaid , William Hurt , Matthew Fox , Forest Whitaker , Sigourney Weaver
What's it about? In "Vantage Point," Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid) and Kent Taylor (Matthew Fox), are two Secret Service agents assigned to protect President Ashton (William Hurt) at a landmark summit on the global war on terror. When President Ashton is shot moments after his arrival in Spain, chaos ensues and lives collide. In the crowd is Howard Lewis (Forest Whitaker) an American tourist video taping the historic event to show his kids when he returns home. Also there is Rex (Sigourney Weaver) an American TV news producer who is reporting on the conference. It's only as we follow each person's perspective of the same 15 minutes prior to and immediately after the shooting that the terrifying truth behind the assassination attempt is revealed.


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Go check it out...Maybe I'll see you there! (Just don't talk to me if DQ's giving a line...)


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And now a word about "Hollywood Crushes". Everyone's got at least one actor or actress they find especially appealing to the eye. Everyone. Even Brett.


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Brett tells me his is Kathy Bates.
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Actually, he really does have one: Charlize Theron. (No wonder he watches Italian Job so much!) Anyway, mine is Dennis Quaid. I even "met" him once--I was working a SkyWest flight to Sun Valley that he and Meg Ryan were on (this was just before they divorced). My first impression is that he looked much older in person. Not unattractive, mind you! He was still pretty hot-stuff. He just looked older. That's okay, Denny...I look better with make-up, too.
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Good looks aside, I also really enjoy his acting. He makes a good hero, I think. And I find him pretty funny.... Have you ever seen Undercover Blues? But my two favorite DQ movies were Frequency and Parent Trap.






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Who's YOUR Hollywood-Crush?

Shake, Rattle, & Roll!

All the "buzz" this morning is the 6.3 earthquake that residents in Nevada felt this morning--and the those that felt the tremor East of the epicenter. I felt it, too! I was actually just waking up. Wyatt had come in to tell me he had to go potty, so I groggily cracked open one eye long enough to tell him "Good boy--go in and go!" Then my eye slammed closed again and I tried to motivate myself to get vertical. What seems like what may have been a minute or two later I thought I could feel my bed shaking, but I was so tired I wasn't sure. In fact, I was kind of annoyed because it was such a tiny motion I thought that the kids were trying to be funny by wiggling my mattress. When I opened my eyes and saw that I was alone in my bedroom, my next thought was that I must be dizzy. I closed my eyes tight trying to make the "dizziness" go away and after a few seconds it did. "Weird", I thought. Then I rolled over and grabbed the remote for the stereo and immediately after turning it on, reports of the earthquake tremors sounded across the airwaves. 2-and-2 came together and I realized what it was I had experienced exactly. WOW!
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From what I understand they are still assessing the damage in Wells. Of course what I felt was nearly nothing. I can't imagine what it would be like to be in the epicenter. Prayers go out to them and hopefully there were not serious injuries or fatalities.
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Have you ever experienced a major shakedown? Tell me about it!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Changed URL/Blog address


OK...like a rat following the Pied Piper, in an effort to protect my family from the creeps and weirdos out there I've also changed the address of my blog. It is now:

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http://oneluckygal.blogspot.com/

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I know you all have me saved in your favorites, so...
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ha. ha. ha.
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P.S. If any of you are also concerned about online predators and would like to change yours, simply go to SETTINGS>PUBLISHING>and then apply for a new one/to check availability.

The House of Mouse

Yuck. This is my life right now. A mouse in my kitchen. And until he is caught, all of my frequently used dishes, silverware, pans, bowls, etc. are out on my kitchen table so that I don't freak about "mice germs" and have to clean them with bleach every single day. Not a fun time to be at my house. And hopefully sooner than later, it will be a bad day for the mouse as well. So far he has avoided the 8 (yes, EIGHT) traps we have set for them with peanut butter.
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Maybe he has a peanut allergy.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

LOVE-FEST MOVIE SPOTLIGHT, DAY #4: "Anne of Avonlea"

(OK, so I should have posted "Day 4" yesterday, but it was a bit busy with Halle's play and all.)
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I'd be surprised if you had not at least heard of my next love-fest movie choice, whether about the movie itself or the classic books by L.M. Montgomery. As far as the movies go, my pick is #2 in the series, which is a set of three (Anne of Green Gables, Anne of Avonlea, and Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story).
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"Anne of Avonlea"

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This takes place after Anne has "graduated" and becomes a schoolteacher, who also writes stories only to collect rejection slips. She so desperately wants to be a writer, but her imagination causes her to over-romanticize her characters.

She makes the acquaintance of a handsome, rich, bachelor (Morgan Harris), chases a cow, and wins (to her chagrin) a baking soda company's writing contest. She acts as Diana's maid of honor, and refuses Gilbert Blythe's marriage proposal; which sends her to teach Kingsport Ladies' College, an exclusive girls school, where she meets opposition from one of the teachers, Miss Brooke, and the Pringle clan (one of whom is the rich, handsome bachelor). But while Anne enjoys the battle, and the friends she makes, she discovers that she left her heart somewhere else and returns to Avonlea, only to find her true love, Gilbert Blythe dying of Scarlet Fever.

The scenery is breathtaking...someday (one of many "somedays" I frequently talk about) I want to travel to Prince Edward Island for myself. I'd love to go with my mom (come on, Mom...let's start saving up those Frequent Flyer miles and just do it! Let's stop talking about it and plan our trip!). Accompanying the beautiful backdrop in the film is the soundtrack/score. I wish I could put it on my blog so you could hear it.

I remember as a teenager enjoying the occasional "Anne Saturday" with my mom, where we'd do nothing but sit back and watch both (the 3rd installment wasn't out yet) 3-hour videos of the Anne movies.

I've seen other television and movie versions of Montgomery's books and I just don't think any of them hold a candle to Megan Follows' "Anne". She was perfectly cast and brought the character to life in a way that I think Lucy Maud Montgomery had in mind when she published her stories in 1908. And anyone who has also seen it will not disagree that Jonathan Crombie was the ideal Gilbert. Focused, reliable, unselfish and down-to-earth, yet incredibly handsome and alluring. (If you'd like a moment to drool, scroll down to see his picture.) Who doesn't love the angsty gazebo scene??? Just say it: You love each other!


The journeys that Gilbert and Anne take individually before they finally find their way back to one another is magical and romantic. It's also got a lot of humor thrown in. Seriously, if you haven't seen these movies, make it a top priority! Set aside an afternoon/evening to watch them--you can find them at movie rental stores and most libraries. You'll be so glad you did! And they are appropriate for anyone in the family. Younger children most likely wouldn't be able to follow the story line, but it's just nice to know that even if they are in the room, they will not be exposed to anything even close to crossing the line.

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It's jam-packed with memorable quotes, but since we are centered around the romance of the movie, here are the ones that give me the most butterflies:

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Anne Shirley: You just think that you love me.
Gilbert Blythe: Anne, I've loved you as long as I can remember. I need you.
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Gilbert Blythe: What are you thinking?
Anne Shirley: I'm afraid to speak or move for fear that all this wonderful beauty will just vanish... like a broken silence.
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Anne Shirley: There's a book of revelations in everyone's life.
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Anne Shirley: It's not what the world holds for you. It's what you bring to it.
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Gilbert Blythe: (said as he lay dying) Anne, There's not going to be any wedding anymore... I called it off. It wouldn't be fair to Christine. There would never be anyone for me but you.
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Anne Shirley: I promise I'll always be here if you need me. Good friend are always together in spirit. Let's not change Gil, let's just go on being good friends.
Gilbert Blythe: Friends, huh? I thought we were kindred spirits.
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Anne Shirley: Fred is... extremely good.
Marilla Cuthbert: That is exactly what he should be! Would you want to marry a wicked man?
Anne Shirley: Well, I wouldn't marry anyone who was really wicked, but I think I'd like it if he could be wicked and wouldn't. Ha Ha! I love that!
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Anne Shirley: Our friendship, it won't ever be the same now. Why can't he just be sensible instead of acting like a sentimental schoolboy?
Marilla Cuthbert: Because he loves you.
Anne Shirley: He loves me? I can't know why.
Marilla Cuthbert: Because you made Josie Pye and Ruby Gillis and all of those wishy-washy young ladies who waltzed by him look like spineless nothings.
Anne Shirley: Marilla, he's hardly my idea of a romantic suitor.
Marilla Cuthbert: Anne, you have tricked something out of that imagination of yours that you call romance. Have you forgotten how he gave up the Avonlea school for you so that you could stay here with me? He picked you up everyday in his carriage so that you could study your courses together. Don't toss it away for some ridiculous ideal that doesn't exist.
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And of course, the best line of the movie, as Anne accepts Gilbert's humble proposal:

I don't want diamond sunbursts, or marble halls. I just want you.

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What are your favorite parts of the ANNE movies?








Friday, February 15, 2008

Our "Crusty Marshmallow"


Before I post the next love-fest movie, I absolutely have to give a quick shout-out for my sweet father-in-law, John.
This is Grandpa John with the kids on Halloween in '06.
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I've never seen anyone embrace the Valentine Holiday like he does. He takes it very seriously. He considers all the women in his life and how to make them feel loved and special. This is not just his wife. It's his daughters, his daughters-in-law, and even his mother-in-law (his own mother passed away in 2003). Each year I can expect a well-thought gift accompanied by the most wonderful, tender card. It's become something I really treasure and look forward to--not for the gift as much as the card. He has always written a message that melts my heart and makes me feel so good. I like to call him our Crusty Marshmallow, because inside he is just "goo"! He's warm and sweet and a giant SOFTY! Thanks for always making my Valentines Days even more special!
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(By the way, I know I said it's not about the gifts, but this was too great to not talk about it!)
This year he gave me a Scentsy warmer with three delicious scents! I put in "Lucky In Love" as soon as I'd opened it and it made my house smell fantastic!
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And one more superbly important note: I am so proud of my Brett! This week he has been in Vegas on business and wouldn't you know it? He planned ahead and before he left hid a card and V-Day gift for me in one of our dresser drawers! I'm super-impressed! Thanks for "The Office" DVD sweetheart! It's been fun to watch to help pass the time until you're home again and can watch it with me. I miss you and am looking forward to your return today! xoxo

Thursday, February 14, 2008

LOVE-FEST MOVIE SPOTLIGHT, DAY #3: "Good News"


Another "oldie, but goody"! This is a lesser-known film but it stars one of my all-time favorite actresses: June Allyson.
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"Good News"
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Some people from my generation may only recognize her from the commercials she did in her later years for Kimberly-Clark products, such as Depends, etc. True, that's not very glamorous, but back in the day Ms. Allyson was much more than a spokesperson for senior citizen products. She played various roles, everything from Jo March in "Little Women" (in which she also starred with Peter Lawford) to Helen Miller in "The Glenn Miller Story" with Jimmy Stewart. She was the 40's all-American-girl-next-door.
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What I like most about June Allyson was her smile. It seemed every movie she starred in she brought a certain happiness, wholesomeness, and optimism to her characters. They always looked at the glass half-full. * As her idol, Ginger Rogers, once wrote, "She’s the girl every man wants to marry and the girl every woman wants as a friend." She was a real go-getter. Someone who was not afraid to roll up her sleeves and get to work. In fact, following a serious accident as a child which injured her back, doctors feared she might be left crippled. An avid fan of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals, she viewed one of their films 18 times at the moviehouse and began to teach herself how to dance. This, along with her other love, swimming, served as major parts of her recuperation. She would practice dance steps at home by herself for hours on end. She eventually not only recovered completely, but became an expert dancer in the process. I think that is incredible! After boasting that she could dance just as well as Ginger Rogers to the kids in her neighborhood, she was dared to go audition for a Broadway show, which she did. She walked into the audition not knowing what to do, but whatever she did was good enough for her to be called back and eventually get hired.
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At first June did not want to do the film "Good News" - it had a first-time director, Charles Walters, and she was always worried that her singing with her characteristic husky voice was not good enough ("I was at the same studio as Judy Garland, for heaven's sake"). With an amusing script by Comden and Green, the film proved an utter delight.
This is a link to a YouTube video tribute to June (it's a little long) but it has a couple scenes from "Good News", such as "An Easier Way", "The Best Things in Life Are Free", and "Varsity Drag"(located at 2:18 and 7:07 on the red line below the video):
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Below is a wonderful description given to the movie from the June Allyson official website:
"The gone-but-not-forgotten college days of the
'20s, when students wore raccoon coats, carried ukuleles and met at the malt shop, are happily brought to life again in this adaptation of the Broadway hit musical, Good News.

Starring that winsome twosome, June Allyson and Peter Lawford, it's a happy-go-lucky frolic with great performances and a solid score. The
light-hearted plot involves two women in love with the same man, football hero Tommy Marlowe (Lawford). One, the seductive and vain Pat McClellan, loves him for the wrong reasons (she thinks he's the school gold mine,) and the other, the reliable school librarian, Connie Lane (Allyson), loves him for the right reasons (she thinks he's the cat's meow.)" As Tommy's grades begin to slip at fictitious Tait University, his football scholarship is threatened. Enter Connie who begins to tutor him in French, and soon they are more fluent in the language of love than anything else. "The plot moves along at a quick pace and includes sensational numbers."

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One of my favorite lines from the movie:

Connie Lane: [as Pat McClellan is admiring herself in the mirror] "Gee, I wish someone loved me like you love you!"

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I'm curious to know if anyone else has seen this movie. So far I've never met another viewer... Oh, and once again, I must mention that my birthday is coming up and I do not own this on either DVD or VHS...

I'm just sayin'...








Wednesday, February 13, 2008

LOVE-FEST MOVIE SPOTLIGHT, DAY #2: "Movies with Hugh Grant or Sandra Bullock"

Yes, I realize my strategy is a total cop-out and that I'm actually spotlighting 3 movies instead of just one, but who says I can't cheat a little? There are a lot of great movies out there. Besides, it's my blog, right?
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Sandra Bullock is so the girl-next-door. Always having her principles, but also so afraid of disappointing that she's constantly trying to please everyone around her, which is exactly what gets her in trouble 9 times out of 10.
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I have always loved
"While You Were Sleeping"
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I've gotta admit, I'm not the biggest Bill Pullman fan. However, the characters that make this show for me are Grandma Elsie and her camera flashing every ten seconds (not to mention her infamous egg nog), Joe "Joey" Fusco, Jr. with his wifebeater and Ice Capades tickets, and Ox Callaghan, played brilliantly by the late Peter Boyle who most recognize from "Everybody Loves Raymond". And don't forget about the unnamed character who is in the 2nd-best scene of the show: The Newspaper Delivery boy who's bike slips on the ice early in the morning. Only about five seconds, but that part kills me! Of course, the very best scene in this movie is the dinner scene with about a gazillion different conversations going at once:
"John Wayne was tall."
"John Wayne wasn't Cuban."
"Ricky Ricardo was Cuban."
"Ricky Ricardo never rode a horse in his life."
"These mashed potatoes are so creamy!"
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Then of course there's Hugh Grant's romantic comedies. I know some people don't care for him, but I think he is hilarious. I love his dry, British sense of humor--and who can pass up those sleepy, sexy eyes??? And it was fun to get a soundbite of his singing voice (not bad, actually) in:
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"Music & Lyrics"
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Alex Fletcher is a washed up 80's pop star who has a chance for a major comeback when he is asked to write a song for a "Britney Spears"-type diva. The problem is that he's never been all that great with lyrics. Enter Sophie Fisher, his plant lady who has a way with words. Over the course of writing the tune, they naturally fall for each other. Alex shows Sophie how to let go of her past failed relationships and trust again, and Sophie on the other hand helps Alex learn that he doesn't just have to live in the past--he can create a great future for himself as well, with her. I also love Sophie's sister, played by the self-depracating Kristen Johnston, who's character was obsessed with Alex's 80's band, PoP--which has a striking resemblance to Wham!. Hugh Grant's dance moves cracked me up, especially when he injures himself when as a 40-something he is trying to pull off 20-something maneuvers! The soundtrack was awesome. I bought it as soon as it came out--Brett even surprised me and put it as my ringtone.
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And now, coming full-circle, I must talk about the combined Hugh Grant/Sandra Bullock flick, in which I feel as a team they totally knocked it out of the park. I'm talking about, of course:
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"Two Weeks Notice"
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In some ways, Hugh may have played the world's worst boss, demanding not just 9-5 from you, but 24 hours, 365 days per year-dedication! On the other hand, who wouldn't want to work for Mr. Grant? I really enjoyed seeing his character come into his own, really growing up over the course of the movie. By the way, this is at least the second time Sandra has played a LUCY (the first being "While You Were Sleeping"). A couple of my favorite quotes:
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[talking about a leather belt]
George Wade: What do you think of this? Too ornate? Or do you think it's... beltacular.
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Lucy Kelson: I think your the most selfish human being on the planet.
George Wade: Well that's just silly. Have you met everybody on the planet?
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Helen Wade: Would you like anything?
George Wade: I'd love some Milk Duds.
Helen Wade: We don't have any, I could send out for one.
George Wade: Oh, no, don't be ridiculous. If you're going to send out, get a whole box.
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George Wade: This apartment is amazingly small. [walks off]
George Wade: [comes back] It's a good thing your parents went to the movies, we would never have been able to squeeze in. [walks off]
George Wade: [comes back] Did you know it only takes me six seconds to walk across the entire apartment? Watch. [walks off]
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OK...So which one of these movies is your favorite?

Monday, February 11, 2008

LOVE-FEST MOVIE SPOTLIGHT, DAY #1: "The Courtship of Eddie's Father"


I wanted to blog today, but had a hard time thinking of a topic. Then I decided that in honor of Valentine's Day, every day this week I would spotlight one of my (many) favorite romantic movies. Today I start with one I can always watch, no matter what mood I am in. Most of you have probably never heard of it.
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THE COURTSHIP OF EDDIE'S FATHER
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If you have any sort of appreciation for "older" movies (no, this is not a musical, nor is it in black and white), you will love this show. Below is a description from Amazon.com that I thought summed it up quite well:
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"Decades may pass, but this show never loses any of its abundant charm. Long before he became an Oscar®-winning director, 8-year-old "Ronny" Howard costarred with Glenn Ford in this heartwarming family classic. This 1963 production is straight-laced and, for its time, remarkably frank--and disarmingly funny--about the many questions that precocious son Eddie (Howard) has for his widower father (Ford) as they recover from the death of wife and mother. It hits all the right notes of sadness, hope, and parental concern; Ford's unspoken love for a helpful neighbor (Shirley Jones) may be a foregone conclusion, but romantic subplots (and Eddie's diligent matchmaking) add plenty of domestic drama. Sweet but never saccharine, this timeless Courtship is guaranteed to make you smile."
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Personally, I think Glenn Ford is just downright attractive. Call me strange (yes, he is older...much older. In fact, he actually passed away last year--but not before I emailed him an enthusiastic fan letter!). However, when he was in his prime (the early 60's), I think he had a definite sex appeal about him. Then there is Shirley Jones. You may recognize her from "The Music Man" or "Oklahoma", or perhaps you'ves seen episodes of "The Partridge Family". She is just a knockout--she's got this beautiful smile and of course, that Hollywood figure. She is literally the girl-next-door. Sweet, humble, but also independent and not afraid to speak her mind. Then there's the irresistable redhead. Ron Howard steals the show! I just think he is so adorable! I can't watch him in this without smiling and giving an "Ahhhh, how cute" every 10 minutes! (My favorite part is the end when he is trying to teach his father how to call a girl on the phone. The dialogue is hysterical.) Father & Son teach each other about love and life in unforgettable ways.
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This movie is a little difficult to find on video--a couple years ago I was in Toys 'R Us when I spotted it on VHS for a mere $3.99! I could hardly believe it! What a buy! I snagged it right up and now I am on the hunt for a DVD version. (My birthday is in May, in case anyone wanted to buy one for me!) If you're interested at all in seeing it, start calling around to the rental stores to see if they have a copy. Trust me, it will be worth the search. If you can't find a copy and you live on the Wasatch Front, I'd be happen to loan my copy to you...if you are willing to sign a Release Form as well as leave a credit card number and urine sample (gotta protect my investment, you know!).
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I think the reason I enjoy this movie so much is because it's wonderful to watch in all the right ways (providing laughs via witty writing, butterflies in my stomach from the chemistry between Tom & Elizabeth, and sensitivity displayed between a father and son who have experienced a terrible loss) without the trash and smut that you get nowadays. It's clean and wholesome...worry-free and yet still entertaining! Imagine that!
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I've got 6 more movies to spotlight (man, was it ever hard to choose!), but in the meantime, what movies best get you in the mood for V-Day?

Monday, February 4, 2008

Eight Years Under His Spell

Yes, yes, ANOTHER tag...bear with me (especially with the lengthy answers, but Brett and my kids are my favorite subjects, so you can't expect me to abbreviate anything about them!). Besides, I decided this was a good time to do this since Valentine's (and the anniversary of our first date, Feb. 5, is just around the corner)!

1. Where did you and your husband meet?

Brett and I met when I moved into his family's ward in West Bountiful. I noticed him right away, but I wasn't the only one. My mom had come up to help me move into my new apartment so she attended church with me my first week in the new ward. Brett sat with his family a couple rows up. Mom motioned to Brett and said, "He's really cute. What about him? He looks like a nice guy." "Moooooooom," I whined. "Look, he's got a girlfriend. She's scratching his back. They all have girlfriends!" (Later I found out the pretty blonde sitting next to him was his sister, Ashlee. Good. Now I didn't have to worry about how to dispose of her body should she have turned out to actually have been competition!) I noticed his smile right away (Brett has a beautiful smile). And in the Single Adults Sunday school class, I noticed that he laughed very easily. Being happy just comes naturally to him. Brett is the first guy I ever went out of my way to impress. I even went so far as to go out and buy a new dress, hoping to catch his eye. We spoke on several occasions (just your typical "hi" in the hallway) but he claims he doesn't recall any of it. I was in the ward only 2 months when I was called to be the Sunbeam teacher. I loved this calling, but since I did not like attending the Single Adult activities (I went through a brief period of being a severe introvert...yeah, weird, I know...), that meant that I rarely saw Brett at Sunday meetings. Around Christmas time of 1999, I began having this nagging feeling that I needed to be prepared to get married, that it would not be long before I would meet the man who would take me to the temple and that I needed to be sure I was worthy and ready. I know that sounds strange, but the feelings were strong and on several occasions undeniable. It was only a week later when the bishop called me into his office and scolded me for not attending Single Adult activities. He told me in a tone just short of commanding me that I needed to start attending, beginning with the activity that was taking place the very next day. It was watching a U of U game at Dave & Sheila McSwain's. I went right after work (still in my airline uniform) and was so nervous (remember, I was going through a shy phase) that I sat out in my car for a good five minutes debating how obedient I was going to be to the bishop's instructions. Deciding to go in, I don't remember if I was early or if everyone else was late, but the only other person there was...dun-dun-dun-dun!...Brett! And that's where it really began. We sat together that night and talked and talked. He was the easiest person to talk to. In fact, he has said what made him realize it could be serious between us was the fact that we didn't run out of things to talk about on the second date!

2. 1st thing said...

Hmmm...This is a tough one. The first thing he ever said to me was probably the week he introduced me in the Single Adults Sunday school class. Something to the effect of: "This is Hope Kremin and she just moved into the Carrington Apartments, so we'd like to welcome her." The first thing I ever said to him was probably "Hi". How boring. Maybe I should have started with, "Hey, my mom thinks you're cute..."

3. 1st date...

First of all, Brett needed a lot of encouragement to ask me out on our first date. The night we "connected" watching the U game at McSwain's I thought he'd for sure be calling me. Nope. So then I went with my friend Kristi Barfus to the church ball game. Brett came over and talked to us. OK...now he'll call me. Nope. (Turns out he thought that because I "worked for the airlines, lived by myself, got my nails done, and penciled in my eyebrows" I must be older than him and he did not want to date an older woman.) No, Brett didn't go out with me until I had Kristi set us up on a blind date, on the pretense that I did not know who I was going out with either. However, Brett knew that I knew it was him. But I did not know that he knew I knew. (Are we confused yet?) So I made a total jerk of myself when I got to his house and made this big scene about being surprised it was him! Just another notch on my mishap list. We went on a huge group date to TGIF's and dancing (that's right...dancing. Those that know Brett and I well are probably trying to pick their jaw off the floor about now.) There was one of those annoying balloon animal guys at TGIF's...I hate those things (not the guys, but the balloons). I'm always anticipating the balloon to pop as they twist it into a giraffe or flower. So the group (not us) waves him over and ask him to make a balloon animal. He does his balloon freak show (the entire time I'm cringing) and then nobody offers him a tip! I was so embarrassed that I threw a dollar his way begrudgingly. I didn't want his squeaky balloon act to begin with and now *I'm* the one tipping this clown? Thanks a lot, folks. Anyway, back to the date. After dinner we were walking to the car when I felt his fingers grasp for my hand. Smooth...very smooth! We met the rest of the group at the M.A.C. (Murray Arts Center) where they were teaching swing dancing and the fox trot. The people in our group were the only ones without a subscription to "AARP Magazine"! It was so cute to see these older couples making their way around the dance floor! Brett has two beautiful feet (seriously, doctors have commented on their attractiveness). Unfortunately, they are two LEFT feet! But he scored major points for trying!

4. 1st kiss...

As we were shuffling around, resembling a drunken version of Fred and Ginger, at one point we made eye contact, our faces coming closer due to the animal magnetism we both felt (hey, we gotta spice this up a bit). Before I knew what hit me, he kissed me, and all I can say is it's a good thing we were dancing and he had his arm around my waste, because my knees nearly buckled! He is a fanTABulous kisser and I remember thinking he had the softest lips. After that, we kissed a lot. A lot. Never inappropriately, but I'd be lying if I denied the frequency! We still kiss a lot, much to the disgust of our 6- and 3-year olds! We get "Ewwwwww!" sung to us on a daily basis at our house!

5. Long/Short Courtship or engagement...


Um, we're Mormons. From Utah. Of course it happened quickly!


We dated for 3 months and were engaged for 3 months. But when you know, you know! It's like Billy Crystal says on When Harry Met Sally: "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to begin as soon as possible!" Why wait, right?


6. Where did you get engaged...

We got engaged behind the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, as we looked at the Salt Lake Temple. We went out to celebrate my birthday and let's just say I had a feeling it was coming (I got my nails done fresh that day so my hands would look real good! How could I be so confident, you ask? Well, we'd already reserved the temple, so...)
Brett had the cutest idea. He was so romantic. We started out the night going to a delicious (but overpriced) dinner at Tuscany. During dinner, Brett reached into his pockets (he had many...he was wearing these cargo pants with about a gazillion pockets...I found out later this served a purpose of hiding several gifts). As he reached into his pockets, my breath caught in my throat and I thought: "This is it! Make sure you look good! Make sure your reaction is classic!" He pulled out....his wallet to pay for the dinner. SIGH. After dinner, he wanted to take a drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon. As he parked on the overlook, which we really couldn't see because it was dark, he got a look in his eye and I knew something was up. He reached in his pocket (a different one) and pulled out a jewelry box. Biting my lip, again I thought "Here we go--react memorably!" (I know, I'm a dork!) As he flipped the box open, it revealed...a lovely necklace (which conveniently worked for jewelry on my wedding day). "Happy birthday," he says. Then we drive to Temple Square and suddenly he is very nervous and on edge. I sit on a bench, thinking we'll just enjoy the ambience but he won't sit. He's practically pacing! He tells me he has one final gift for me. He leads me to a doorway behind the Joseph Smith building because it was lit and he said we'd need light. He pulls out a ring box. SIGH...FINALLY. I was ready for this moment. Brett says he could see my face change from excitement and anticipation to disappointment and confusion as he opened the ringbox and I saw the...CTR Ring. A few weeks earlier I had lost my CTR ring, so he thought he'd buy me a new one. Sweet, but wasn't quite the "bling" I had been hoping for! Trying to mask my disappointment (which I guess I did poorly) I pasted on a smile and put it on my finger.
Then he says, "I had your name engraved inside. Why don't you look at it?"
"It's pretty dark, I will when we get home."
"No, I bet you can see it. Why don't you try? I think you'll like it."

Ohhhh-Kay...

As I lean into the lit doorway, I spy the word "marry" inside the ring band. Suddenly, my own light came on and I knew. As I turned the ring to read the full inscription, I could see it said "Will You Marry Me?" (Needless to say, that engraved CTR ring means just as much to me as the engagement ring itself!)
I turned around in surprise to find Brett kneeling on one knee, holding the final (and most important) ring box. Inside was the most beautiful, princess-cut sparkling diamond ring. And then he did it (finally)! After taunting me all evening, which he thoroughly enjoyed, he proposed and I was so surprised and touched by the cute way he did it that I was speechless. Before I could say yes, all I could do was kiss him long and hard.
.....And then a man came out of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, throug the doorway we were sitting in. Yes, some church guy came out to find a couple making out on Temple Square! My parents were in town on business, so we stopped first at their hotel in Bountiful, where Shannon (my niece & dear friend) was also staying. It was after eleven, but we didn't care about waking them! The same way we didn't care about going to Brett's family's house to wake them up. Brett's dad said, "Where'd you get that prize? From a Cracker Jack box?"

7. Where were you married?...

We were married at the Salt Lake LDS Temple. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved the ornate and castle-like appearance of this temple. When we got married, they were still doing construction on the reflection pond and all that jazz, so our photographer had to be creative as to avoid getting the construction cranes, etc. in the back ground. I was so happy that day, however, that I remember feeling like nothing could destroy my good mood. Nothing could ruin my day--Brett was mine and mine for good! (Insert Evil Laugh Here: Bu-Rah-Ha-Ha!)
8. How did the Reception go?

We had two receptions and they were both so beautiful and perfect. Our parents worked their tails off (and spent all their money!) to give us wonderful parties! Both receptions were in the back yards of the homes we grew up in. They were both so memorable and the people that mean the most to us were there, offering us their love and support.
My one complaint was that at the 2nd reception (foolishly held the day after our wedding night), I came sporting a lovely hickey on the right side of my neck that could not be hid! Even now when I talk to my Vernal friends that attended that reception, I still get razzed for my "love bruise". (Thanks, Brett. You'll never live it down. And although he's kind of annoyed at me for posting about it, I told him 90% of the people that read this already know it happened. Why deny it? Can't we laugh about it? After the initial shock, we laughed back then, so why not now?) As I said, we reached a point where nothing could be done but laugh. However, at first, it was nothing but a laughing matter! When I first realized what had happened (the morning of the 2nd reception) I tried for THREE HOURS to cover it with make-up. When I found out it was pointless and only made it worse, I called my mom crying. "I look like white trash! Every one will see it!!" I found out later that she pulled my joker brothers aside before we got there and threatened them all with their LIVES if any of them even hinted at my purple friend! They took her seriously--the only one that kind of teased us was Brett's normally conservative dad, who raised an eyebrow at his son (dare I say, almost proudly?) and said, "Way to go, Duder!"
9. Where did you go on your honeymoon?

Brett gave me the most romantic honeymoon. We packed our bags (including turtlenecks to hide the hickey. Just kidding. I only wish I could have gotten away with that in California. In July.) Anyway, he took me to a historic hotel I'd always wanted to stay at, ever since my Travel Agent days. We stayed on Coronado Island at the Hotel Del Coronado--Coronado is still one of our top places to visit. We love it there! We did late-night walks on the beach, lounged in the pool, ordered room service. He also pulled out all the stops, renting a convertible, which made drives along the ocean so fun!
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Babe, it's simple: I love ya. Each year with you just gets better and better, and for me feels as exciting and romantic as the first. Happy "First-Date" Anniversary and Happy Valentines Day! You are my best friend. Nobody can make me smile or laugh like you can. Nobody but you could still make my stomach "flip" after eight beautiful years. Thanks for being a spectacular husband and stellar dad. The kids adore you--you are their world, their hero. And you know what? You're kinda mine, too. I've never met anyone so easy to get a long with. The first time you met my family I knew we were meant to be. It's like Peter Gallagher says on While You Were Sleeping : "My family loves you, I might as well love you!" We've been through highs and lows, but the best part is we've always come out on top, and more in love with each other than ever before.
XOXO

Saturday, February 2, 2008

A Conversation Overheard While Watching President Hinckley's Funeral Services:

WYATT: "Where's President Hinckley?"
HALLE: "He's in heaven. He died. He's with Heavenly Father."
WYATT: "He passed?"
HALLE: "Yep. He passed away and now he's next to Jesus again."
WYATT: "And Coco?"
HALLE: "Yep, with Coco, too."

Friday, February 1, 2008

I've been tagged!

So my sweet friend Tiffany "tagged" me...

I haven't played TAG for a very long time. Suddenly I feel as though I'm back on the elementary school playground running away from Scott Wallis during kissing tag (although I made sure I ran slow enough to be caught)!

OK, Tif, here are the answers to the questions:

10 years ago:

  • I was a senior in high school. I hated that year. And loved it, too. Reasons why I hated it: My mom had major surgery with a long recovery time so for the first time I was required to take on some actual responsibility around the house. It stunk, but also helped me grow up REAL fast. I was totally burnt out on school. I was working 3 jobs (travel agency, Wally World, and teaching piano lessons). I remember I always felt exhausted. The majority of my close friends had graduated the previous year, so during my sr. year I felt very lonely and like the biggest loser. Why I loved it: I graduated. I loved being part of the high school's show choir. I loved being on Seminary Council.
5 things on my to-do list today:
  • 1. Get Halle off to school. Check. But only after shoveling driveway (again.) and vacuuming up emptied contents of Nestle Quick container from kitchen counter, floor, and barstools.
  • 2. Get boys to sitter and get myself ready to go to President Hinckley's viewing. Check. But only after cleaning up Carson's "spit-up" (more like puke) and having to check on Wyatt like a gazillion times as he sat on the potty for 25 minutes "waiting for it to come out".
  • 3. Go with mother-in-law to President Hinckley's viewing, where I will meet Brett. Check. Had a couple people that attended yesterday talk about how wonderful it was that there wasn't a long line. Go today with false sense of security and thin nylons, which offer no insulation for my toes during the 1-hour and 40-minute wait in line, mostly outdoors. However, I must add that no matter how long our wait may have been, it was totally worth it. An opportunity I'll treasure forever. I'm still so emotional about it that I simply cannot write anymore regarding the experience.
  • 4. Take Halle to Acting Lessons and pick up 97% Fat-free Hebrew National Hot Dogs for Sunday BBQ . "Check" for acting lessons, but once again the evasive "1-point" hot dogs (a weight watchers term) have eluded me. Anyone know where I can find them???
  • 5. Inflate Air Mattress for Shannon and Jeramy before they get into town tonight. Soon-to-be-Checked. My niece/best friend and her husband are driving into town tonight before they fly out to Texas tomorrow morning to go see her mom (my sister).

5 Snacks I enjoy:
  • Curves Granola Bars. Only 1-point in my Weight Watchers plan and seriously probably the best granola bar I've ever had in my life.
  • "Western Bagel Co." bagels with a wedge of Laughing Cow Light Cheese. Only 1.5 points for the entire thing. I eat at least two each day.
  • Tea. I am a tea-drinker. Herbal tea, that is. I have at least two hot mugs of tea every day. Right now I'm in a "peach" phase with just a little milk added in to make it creamy!
  • Low-Fat Kettle Korn Popcorn. Just give me the bag and don't bother asking me to share it. Unless it has sat out for more than twenty minutes. Gross. Then it's all yours.
  • Homemade Guacamole. When we were in CA this summer, a friend made what I thought was the best (and healthiest) guacamole. Just avocados, lime, and garlic. Give me a giant bowlful and I'm happy (I don't even need chips. A spoon will do just fine.)

What I would do if I were suddenly made a billionaire:
  • Pay "Fire" Insurance
  • Pay off house
  • Pay off Student Loans & other pesky debts
  • Pay off Brett (I still owe him a bunch of money for marrying me.)
  • Take an extended vacation in Europe, but mostly in Great Britain. Brett can golf and I'll tour all the old great estates from the Jane Austen era. Then we'll meet up at a charming Bed & Breakfast in the country and he'll call me "M'Lady".

3 of my bad habits:

Naturally, I don't have any bad habits, but if I did, they might be something like:

  • Leaving the water running in the kitchen sink. I do this all the time. Seriously. Nearly every time I use it I forget to turn it off. The sound must be soothing to me or something because it just never registers until Brett says a few minutes later, "You gonna turn that off?" I am likely the sole cause for any water shortage in Utah. Not very many people know this, but that's why Arizona kicked us out.
  • Locking exterior doors behind me, even when I know Brett is outside doing yard work and will need to come in. It's a subconscious thing. And it really ticks Brett off to find he can't enter his own home without first pounding on the door for permission!
  • Leaving cereal bowls or plates unrinsed. I've gotten better at this, but occasionally old habits kick in and I forget to rinse plates I've used. By the time we get around to rinsing them to put them in the dishwasher the food is nearly permanently attached and the only thing that will remove it is a string of "colorful" words expleted from a certain person's mouth.

5 places I have lived:
  • Vernal, UT
  • Bountiful, UT
  • South Salt Lake, UT (Yes, that's South Salt Lake. The scary part of town, near the big bowling pin on 2300 S. and State Street.
  • Mesa, AZ
  • North Salt Lake, UT

6 jobs that I have had:

  • Piano Teacher "1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4, keep the rhythm even, 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4"
  • Maid at Split Mountain Motel (name of establishment must be said with an accent and as though one's bottom lip is full of chew) Knock-Knock. "Housekeeping." No answer. I now unlock door and begin to enter room. Then panic sets in as I shield my eyes and try to close the door. "Oh! I am so sorry! I didn't know anyone was in here!" For a seventeen year-old, this job was a little too...educational.
  • Wal-Mart Checker "Will that be all for you, sir?"
  • Travel Agent "Thank you for calling Murdock, Carlson, Wagonlit Travel."
  • Airline Ticket Agent/Trainer "Ladies and Gentlement, we would now like to begin boarding SkyWest Airlines Flight 3940 with service from Salt Lake City to Boise, Idaho. Please have your tickets out, ready for my collection at Gate E12. On behalf of all of us at SkyWest Airlines, we'd like to thank you for flying with us today and wish you a great flight."
  • Mommy "No, you may not eat your brother for dinner." "Wyatt, please stop sticking those skittles up your nose." "If you keep making faces like that your face will get stuck that way." "Carson! Get out of the Comet!"

5 Things most people don't know about me:

  • I had bladder surgery when I was very young and have the scar to prove it. My bladder and kidneys have never been the same. Troublemakers, you might say.
  • Any time I drink something with carbonation, I hiccup (after every single swallow). It drives Brett batty.
  • My favorite chocolate indulgence is Peanut M&Ms. Especially on road trips.
  • When I was pregnant with Wyatt I went into preterm labor while camping and had to be life-flighted to Salt Lake.
  • During my stint at the airlines, I had several encounters with celebrities. Including Dennis Quaid. (Be still my heart! Can't wait to see his new movie that comes out Feb. 22nd!)
Now I guess I am supposed to tag 3 people. But since it's my blog and I'm in charge, I'm going to tag FOUR (that's me...always livin' on the edge!):

I tag Lindsay, Ashlee, Julie and Misti!!!
"The democracy will cease to exist when you TAKE AWAY from those who are willing to work AND GIVE to those who would not."



Thomas Jefferson