Tube Wars

Long ago...
In a household far, far away....
There were two parents awaiting the ripe age of interest to occur in their children so they could share Star Wars with them.
That time has come at last.
The inspiration started when the Father became a loyal fan of the light saber iPhone app. But he needed a young Jedi to train with, so he purchased two Light Sabers from the store and devotedly presented them to his children. After becoming educated by the classics, they are prepared to fight. Will they choose good or evil? Blue or Red saber beams? Paper or plastic?
THESE.
So much for destiny.
At least Scott can truly say, "Luke. I am your father."

Warm & Fuzzy

This is a great article a friend of mine just shared on Facebook. Take a minute and read it.
"Hope" is right.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Check it check it one-two...
Guess what!? I actually got our Christmas cards completed and sent out in the nick of time. So check yer mailboxes, my faraway friends! It's like a little toy for the kiddies where they can slide our pic and make us all look like Santa. The unfortunate result of my execution was I did not make enough.... so if you didn't receive one, consider this your digital version. The intent is the same: We wish you a Merry Christmas!

The great thing about blogs is every year we can have friends check in on what we are doing. But stay tuned because on January 1st, change is a-foot!

HolyCowChristmasIsInTwoDAYS!

Sorry I have not been updating as often but I am sure you all know why. Christmas preps and other drama. Much to do, much to do.
So I'll be brief in my update here:
I finally completed my Christmas cards, have done 98% of the shopping... now I need to get wrapping like nobody's business, get to the grocery store and finish my homemade prezzies. Good grief, Charlie Brown....
A couple of high lights from last week. After the snowfall I wanted to go ride the Red Rock loop and see it all dressed in white. I wasn't able to go until Saturday so most of it had melted, but I was surprised to still see how much there was. It was so pretty! I took lots of pics but will only bore you with one. :) If you squint you will see the area where I run back in those mountains. Looks coooold, eh?!
Last week also marked the end of School. Elliet had parties and all kinds of to-do that was crammed into Friday due to our "snow day". She went to school in her pajamas and was quite a sight when I picked her up with frosting in her hair from their gingerbread houses and candy stains all over her face. Sadie and Luke do a small Christmas program at one of their preschools where they sing and tell jokes. Usually I live the true twin odds where at least one is whiney, pouty or grumpy- but not this time! It was a Christmas miracle. They sang and looked rediculous, just as they should and it was hilarious.
Now the kids are out of school for TWO WEEKS! Fun? we'll see.

Snow Snow Come and Go

I am sure you have heard... as this has made some big waves in the news. Historic snow fall in Las Vegas! Like....an inch on the ground! I know, not a lot but it's been really fun and atmospheric to drive around in snow-globe size flakes and have a rare winter wonderland. Just like when I grew up in Utar. Unfortunately we didn't get to play around in it much because Luke has been sick, but we stood outside and let them fall on our tongue, utilized it as a back drop and put on holiday music through the house while making gingerbread cookies (Um.... yes, more of them. Yum) and commenting on everything we drove by. Last night Clark County declared school closed today due to the weather. Not really necessary since most of it was melted by this morning. Therefore, I had the kids home for two days with no school. It's time, my friends. It's time for them to go back tomorrow. A fort can only entertain for so long.
Yesterday school was out for Parent Teacher Conference. I went in and sat at a short desk and listened to her report. Elliet is doing awesome! Already reading at 2nd grade level and is doing well in all her subjects. Whew. She has even nick-named the teacher. I am glad she (the teacher) has a good sense of humor.....
Most Christmas preps are finally falling into place. Working on the Christmas cards now and then it's time to get wrapping the Patch way, all crazy like. With all of our free time, the kids and I watched 'A Christmas Story' yesterday and I got misty eyed when Ralph was opening his BBgun. It was his Dad that did it to me- so great! How he gets all giggly as Ralph is opening the box and then guides him as he pours in the bb's... ah charming. Sometimes you miss being a kid and being the one to receive, but it doesn't compare to giving something wonderful that you put your heart into. Now if I could just get those things DONE. Nah, I'll blog instead.

New Kids In The Box

It's done! Scott's present has finally come to fruition. The built in cabinet is complete as well as some much needed TV/Satellite upgrades. We played around this weekend with some of the features and got in more Christmas movies. We even have ways to watch movies outside in the summer. Oh boy! Fun for the kids and adults! I think a night of "Jaws in July" will come to pass, complete with watching from the pool. The very dark pool. I know, sharks could toootally be in our pool... just humor me.
Now, another very fun thing about home improvement is it usually involves big empty boxes. I love big empty boxes. One word: FORT. I told the guys to leave a couple of the biggest ones and made the kids this "castle". It's a huge eyesore in front of my tree experiment (more on that later) but it's the biggest one we've put together yet. I taped it up, made some windows (drywall saws are great for this) and stuck some large pieces on the top to support our blanket roofing. It's currently full of random toys, chairs, a possible sandwich from lunch a few days ago....who really knows. Quite fun, though.
Now- my upside down tree. Do you see it? Oh, you do? Is that because you can't MISS it?! So here is my story (it's short)... Big tree handed down to me from my parents, unlit and must be assembled. It's had some good years with me but this was the year I was going to get rid of it. But before I did, I decided to try this upside down thing that has been done with some display trees. Has anyone else noticed this? They look so cool all dripping with ornaments or ribbons hanging down over your head...it's like you are in the tree. So there is my attempt. And guess what it looks like? Um... an upside down tree. Yep. I realized at the end that I probably should have variated the branch lengths a little so it looked more organic, realistic, what-have-you. So I hope you got a good laugh from that strange sculpture. :)
Still some busy days ahead and things to get done but I'm hoping to have some time to work on my handmade gifties. Here's hoping the eggnog is strong enough.

HolyCowChristmasIsInTwoWeeks

Sorry for my lack of posting the past few days. Lots going on...
Our house is currently under mild construction as we're installing new TV's and cables and receivers blah-blah-blah everywhere... something Scott has wanted to do for over a year (he says is now his Christmas present). We even have a spiffy new built-in cabinet going in the main room so if you see remnants of destruction lingering in photos, that is why.
I've also been moving files from my old computer to a new one (hooray for freelance work!)... my iTunes library alone took over 5 hours to transfer. That is normal, right? Toooootaly. PS- External hard drives are the bomb. They are, like, the new black. I have so much media with my music, photo's, etc. and it didn't even put a dent in my modest box. It's a great holiday prezzie for any techie you love! Can you see me selling this in a big 50's ball gown with white gloves? "Buy Today!"
In addition to all this I've been cleaning out more closets and purging toys...all this overhauling is contagious and keeps spilling into new areas of my house. I actually had room in my downstairs closet for hiding most of 'Santa's' goods. Nice. But you know what? These accomplishments come with a price and some suffering has occurred. Tons of laundry to do, I'm behind on gift preps and haven't started my Christmas cards yet. I also want to make one gift for each of my kids this year and Scotty.... um yeah... with all the time I have. This is what I do! I have a list of things to get done and I go dust the ceiling fan, remember?

Anyway, the pictures. We finally put up our tree as we had to wait for some of this work to get done before it could go up. I think the bottom half looks especially cheery-they put 3 or 4 ornaments on single branches. We're starting to bust out our favorite Christmas tunes, dance around and watch Holiday movies. I feel like the Christmas spirit is starting to settle in.

One funny thing I have to add so I don't forget.
In addition to Christmas music, the kids keep asking me to play the song "Move It" from Madagascar (I'm serious, people- the first one was okay, but the second one was hee-larious. Go see it). So I downloaded the song and they all dance around like monkeys. But there we were, me and the twins on our way home one morning from dropping Elliet off at school and Sadie is preaching to me...
Sadie: "Mom... when they say 'we like to pahty, pahty', he means it like a party, like a parade, right?"
Mom: "Yes, that's right...." (waiting for the 'other' meaning.....)
Sadie: "Mecause it sounds like he's singing "Potty potty" like when you...havetogotothebathroomMOMINEEDTOGOPEEPEE!!!!!!"

Dude. You have GOT to be kidding me. The girl hears the word and it causes a Pavlov trigger. Classic.

The Weather Made Me Do It

We had a little rain on Sunday night which helped motivate me to get moving early Monday morning (Well, that and all the seasonal goodies I've been eating/making/eating lately). Once I stepped out of my car in the dark gravel lot and smelled the damp sage air, I was really glad I went. It was one of the most beautiful runs ever. There was this great low ceiling of cloud cover that started to fade by the time I finished, but it made for a fabulous sunrise. Check out the pics if you are interested. I didn't edit any of them so you could see for yourself how real it all was. I only wish I could get some of the 'fall' tones from the plants... they turn deep rich colors after the rain. Anyway, enjoy!
PS- if you click on the bottom right corner of the page, follow the link to see the pics bigger

Call Me Weird

...I already know this.
Lately we've Tivo'd some old school Scooby Doo episodes for the kids and this came on. It's a short film made using an old Johnny Quest board game and I thought it was so cool. I kept the recording to show Scott and now we've been Tivoing some of these episodes. Cool old sixties art. Anyway, this film is really creative- I wish the quality was better on this YouTube version but it was all I could find. And don't forgot your sound- the music is great, too.... especially when Doc is punching in slo-mo- the flute is lights out! :) Rich, I think we need to collaborate and make something like this. You in?

Me Wanty

Design Within Reach should really be called "Design Not Quite Within Reach". But they still have some really cool, albeit smaller items that one can obtain and I want these.
A good tape dispenser is one of those things that has to be just right- heavy so you don't pull it along with the tape and sharp enough so you can tear it away without wrinkling and pulling so it will stick to your childrens mouth better.






And these routed, wood tops are SO COOL! There are five or so of them and look like art. And, well, it's like paying for art because they are not cheap. Still fun.

Have A Holly Jolly

So December is here! I feel like it has crept up on me this year and am still trying to get into holiday mode. Despite this, I took advantage of the great weekend weather and put up our Christmas lights. More and more neighbors are putting theri lights up and I love it. It's so friendly and fun. The brighter the neighborhood, the better. Even if they are all ghetto like mine with bulbs burned out and ending too early before the roof stops. Soon we'll take car rides with the kids and scope out what people have done. PS- The nostalgic girl in me nearly bought a big, plastic Santa figurine for my yard....not only is it a storage problem but it's probably tacky. Yes? No? What about thick rolls of white batting on my lawn?

Anyway, as we've been getting things decorated and up, the kids are remembering more and more traditions that go along with it. Gingerbread houses is one of them. And hey, I like cookies so we did some already. I made the dough (this is the best, btw- I use it every year) and used the molds from WS to make the pieces. Um... yeah. It might have been a great idea, but these need some modification. Modification which I am more than happy to help with. The little slots don't fit together no matter how careful you are when you slide that dough on the sheet to bake. So I ate them off. Each one. Yup. It was way good. I ate them and slapped the royal icing on there and they held together just fine and dandy. Elliet and Luke had fun decorating (and then eating) them. Sadie, as you can see in the picture, did not finish her dinner so her's is still naked, waiting to be adorned today... or eaten by me. Nothing is safe in this house. Ah... the holidays....

(I especially like how both kids have frosting on their faces)

They Are Like Cute Cousins

Okay, okay... I know this diminishes my maturity level a little bit but I came across these on someone's blog and couldn't help myself. I think these pictures ran in a recent issue of Vanity Fair (?) and thought they were some of the best. And now that we've all seen the thing, it's fun to see pictures post Twilight.
I think I have perhaps four male readers (S, Christian, Rich and Mark (Mark-I miss your comments btw!)) which will find this post tiresome, so by all means, move along.
Now female friends... let's discuss this a bit. Um, the black and white pic is great, no? I think Rob Pattinson looks esp. good here. I also thought Jasper was hot in the movie, more so than Emmet... probably because the skinny, interesting boys intrigue me more than the husky jock with his dorky hat sideways... and sweet sweet Jacob (on both pages)! I thought he was really well cast and think he'll mature quiet nicely... like a fine wolfish red wine. Even James. Is it those slightly whiskered chins? (okay-probably not on Jacob since he's, like, 11)
Now, page 2? Aside from another great image of Jacob, this is one of the LAMEST things I have seen. What's up with the shirt off and red dripping from Emmet's mouth? "How can you resist me and my alluring stare into your soul?" I'll tell you how- you look like a dork. This is the very reason men have a right to joke about this story/movie. Well, that and the fact that I am a grown woman in my thirtees and still swiped the pics and blogged about them.
I admit, that is pathetic. And...you're welcome. :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!
Are you sick of me yet? I am sick of me. So I am giving you all an early Christmas present and officially ending my "thanks" as of today instead of the end of the month. :) Now it's back to posting my usual randomness.
There are so many blessings in my life and it's been good to focus on them.

1) The rain. We've had a solid day and a half of great rainfall. Low, cloudy skies, misty and scented... not that common here so I've tried to savor it (the run tomorrow morning will be beautiful!)
2) Love and forgiveness
3) Hugs (especially with those you love. They fit just right)
4) Music music music music music
5) Time

Bite Me

Monday night was my make shift Twilight movie gathering. I wanted to have it the Friday before but we went to Tucson instead so it was a bit mellow compared to an opening night frenzy. Ah well. Still fun to have friends come, eat tasty treats, play a silly review game and go watch it. My friend had a great idea to rent a party room at the movie theater because they will reserve your seats for you- the main perk for opening night. It was going to be fab to not have to fight all the other obsessed fans for seats! But we had the theater mostly to ourselves now... ha! Still, it was fun to decorate the colorful room and be mushy in our little obsession. (And Erica, I need that red velvet cupcake recipe!)
Glad some of you could make it! We missed those who couldn't but no worries... I will happily see it again.
My small review: By not expecting much, I was not disappointed much. :) Bella didn't bug me, I liked the actors and settings... and the Cullens house had me drooling, esp. Edwards room...those windows and trees! Take me now, cold creature. And he was delicious, just as he should be. Again, the fashion gets me: his big blue parka, the button shirts with rolled sleeves, the suit! All in all, not bad. It is what it is, right? A fun, teen series full of romance and flaws. If your too serious, you'll miss all the fun.

Soccer Break

The fall soccer season has officially ended. Luke loved playing, even though he was one of the smallest on the team. The coaches are great and his teammates are all nice and just like him (dramatic at times; crying, wrestling, etc.). It was a pain to have one more thing fit into my Wednesday but I loved going to watch him run around.
They took some team pictures and here are mine of just Luke. Unfortunately, none of the team ones worked because Mr. drama here was all tears and whiney so he slumped his head down during the entire shoot. Then when it was all done, he skipped to me and asked if we were going to get ice cream. I'm telling you, he is probably the biggest 'girl' in the family. But look at him! He still melts my mommy heart.
The story of these three pictures is this:
Me: "Okay Luke... smile! One... two...."
Luke: " But Mooom, you need to say me something to say... like... cheeeeese!" (and then he'd give that really cheesy grin, squint his eyes and hold still... so funny)
Me: (thinking of a different, funny thing he can say so I can distract him to get a geniuine, non-cheese rehearsed smile) "Okay, Luke... how about we say.... Purple Dinosaur!" ...as I snap the photo of his serious face...
Luke: "But Mah-om, not purple dinosaur... I want to saycheeeese!" (cheese face again)
Mom: "But Luke I can't see your eyes.... how about... Chocolate Monkeys!" (I snap the serious face again)
Luke: "No Mooooom, no chocolate monkeys...."
We did this about three or four times until I got at least one candid 'normal' shot of him. Of course, none of them are really outstanding. We have obviously chosen the right sport for our child because he has no arms. I didn't do that well, did I. At least he is smiling.
Note those tiny feet and cletes! My chocolate Lucas!

Monday

Been an interesting day. I received a call from my Mom (and sister) that my Grandfather was admitted to the hospital yesterday. He passed away this afternoon. Both of my fathers parents have been actively involved in things, getting around and being busy but the past few years they have slowed down with age. They are so fun and witty, even still... but we all knew my Grandfather's time would probably come soon. As much as we'll miss him, I can't help but be happy for him now. He lived a wonderful accomplished and amazing life and how nice it was that he could go so peacefully. I grew up picking apples in their orchard, cherries from their trees, playing volleyball with cousins in the tall tree-enclosed back yard... his funny jokes, wisdom and advice. I feel honored to be his granddaughter and privileged to be a Patch.

My five for today:

1) My family. I love my parents and my siblings! I hope my own family can have similar relationships when they are grown.
2) I never, ever thought I would say this... so I am whispering it. Twins. There are moments, fleeting spots of glee along the way that do force me to accept that... hey, twins are pretty fun. Hearing them laugh in the slide today at the park was one of them. I couldn't help but giggle on the park bench.
3) Friends that know me well enough to help me out, especially because I'm not good at asking.
4) My voice. No, I still don't have it yet and I was way wrong- it's far from some hot Amy Winehouse... now I just sound like some honking duck.
5) Kind of goes with #5, but I am grateful for my sister. She is SO so so so funny and had me laughing so hard today giving me her Twilight review. She just 'gets' things and it's priceless. Big loves, sis. You are awesome.

Sunday's Thanks

We're back... What a week I have had. And now for more. But it's all in good fun and the week starts with an especially good kick because I am finally seeing Twilight tomorrow night with some other crazy pals. Oh yes. Then I can finally update with pics from GND and such.
Hope you've all had a good weekend. Here are my five for today:
1) Band-aids
2) Deoderant (um... for others. I smell like roses all the time, yo)
3) GPS systems
4) Massages
5) My in-laws and their willingness to watch my kids for our quick trip. The kids had a great time and were a bit bummed we weren't gone longer. Awesome. Thanks Mimi & Bobba!

Saturday

Today Scott and I rode in the "El Tour de Tucson". It was SOOOO fun! I am very new to events and wasn't sure how I would feel today as I have not been riding my bike much lately. But wow- I am hooked. Riding on the road with all these people, passing tons of them, trying to hold onto others.... it was a blast! The old San Francisco driving monster in me surfaced and I was in major maneuvering mode trying to zip around everyone. At one part we had to carry our bikes through a dry river bed area (in the pic). We got sand in our shoes and all gritty- great fun. Scott and I did separate distances, him 109 miles and me 66. We came with some friends of ours who did the same thing so Michelle was my riding buddy today. After those 45 or so miles I was starting to get tired. But I realized that the faster I kept going, the faster I would finish. And finish I did! I haven't checked my official results yet but I think I technically did it in about 4 hours. I am, of course, being generous because there was the long walk through the river bed and a rest stop or two for a quick bite, so I knocked off 20 minutes, but hey! Not bad for a rookie.... at least, I hope it's not too pathetic.

Now I have to take a minute here and give major props to many of my friends who have ridden MUCH longer than this MANY times a year. I was tired at the end of my wee 66 mile ride. I was sore, I wanted food, I was done. But Seriously? Lotoja!? 206 MILES??!? Sitting on a bike for 9+hours!?? I have such a humble respect for that pain management. That has to require super mental powers that I don't possess. Alison! Tiffany! Cori! Erica! Heather! And not to mention all the guys (who don't read this blog so it doesn't matter anyway) that do it every year.... just amazing. Today's ride is mostly flat, had great weather, etc.... but others have huge, huge climbs, big temperature differences and more competition. So I honor you on my silly, little blog tonight. You are inspirational!

So with my day mostly consumed with this race, my Thankfuls relate to these doings.
Today I was really, really grateful for:
1) Sunblock!
2) Sunglasses!
3) Safety- No wrecks, no flat tires
4) Smart cyclists- people who have experience and stay on the right side of the road, know where to look when passing, warn you of road debris, etc....
5) People with good attitudes. I don't care if you are waiting in line at Disneyland or at the bank.. I appreciate it when others are courteous and respectful. It is contagious.
6) Um... bikes again! They are infectiously happy toys. Everyone should have one. :)

Fridays Thankfuls

1) Lip Balm
2) Vacuums
3) Air Travel
4) The beautiful southwest! The sky, the cactus and plants... So
organic and modern....
5) Macs (Apple!)

Thursday's Greatfuls

See that? How I did that- "Great"fuls? Lately Elliet has been pointing out every compound word we use. This morning I was making pancakes and she said, "Pancake... that's a compound word. Pan, like 'I am cooking with a pan' and cake, like 'mmm- cakes are good!'. Pan-cake." And I was like, "Do you know the compound word sitdown?" jk.
So even though Greatful isn't really a compound word that way, I have made it so. Because I do that. That is Andrea language. And today I noticed some pretty great things:
1) Swivel chairs. Someday I will have a cool art studio and have desks everywhere, stations and what-not of current projects with glossy smooth floors which I will roll across to and fro...until then, I swivel in my art room. They are pretty great, swivel chairs....
2) Amazing and supportive friends. Tonights GND show went well but it wouldn't be anything near the success, or fun, it is without my talented friends who take the time to create/participate as well as the support from people who come. Even if it's just to say hello. I am grateful for the great people I know.
3) Drugs. C'mon now, nothing crazy. I've come down with a wee cold but thanks to some meds, the symptoms haven't been as bad. And Tylenol PM knocked me out last night. Hooray for modern medicine. Anyone want to call me? I will have a sexy Amy Winehouse voice for T-minus 27 hours.
4) Talents. I am constantly inspired by people around me and it's not just through art or creativity.
5) That November 20th finally came. :)

Wednesday's Gratefuls

1) Chloraseptic
2) Razors
3) Luke's fun soccer coaches. They know it's for fun at this age and I appreciate how they've made this new experience something positive
4) Bottled water (and recycling...though I still feel guilty after all this metal bottle hype)
5) The seasons. The leaves are finally exhibiting the change of Fall everywhere and combined with the pleasant weather it's been beautiful.

Happy Faces

Found this in an old stack of papers. I think Sadie did this a while ago when she was practicing writing her name. I think the faces are cute and I like how she used different colors of hair, eyes, noses, and mouth....

Tuesday's Gratefuls

1) Cleaning supplies. Brooms, mops, cleaners, towels...all make cleaning easier and a bit more pleasant for me. Ipods also help make the job fun. :)
2) Electricity. Don't need to expand much on this one. Pretty wonderful.
3) Q-tips
4) Soft, warm beds and sheets
5) Warm enough weather to drive with my windows down

Monday's Gratefuls

1) Taste. Some of you know part of my Mom's symptoms a while ago included her losing the ability to taste many things, mostly sweet things. Can you imagine?! Especially at this festive time of year-- gingerbread, pumpkin, soups... traditional family recipes. It's such a wonderful part of life- all the flavors out there and textures of food. I am grateful for the variety to keep life interesting.
2) Recipes! Confession: I... can not cook. I am horrible at it. Let me clarify: I tried a few days ago to 'make' a salad containing ingredients that sounded good. Ohmygosh it was the most awful thing ever. I choked it down out of pride but really appreciated recipes that day. I enjoy cooking and baking and trying new things to keep this duty of mine interesting, but I am very grateful for good recipes. Like my Grandma's apple pie. Thanks, Grams!
3) Carpooling
4) Hair ties/barrettes/rubber bands or my poor girls would look like nomads. Well, so would I. So make it big. All hair products so we don't look like nomads.
5) Scott making dinner tonight... which he just threw together and it tasted great. Hmph.

Double Thanks

Oops! So distracted with Bond-ness that I missed posting yesterday, so lucky you! Here are my five for then and five for now.
Yesterday:
1) My bike
2) Washer/Dryer
3) My job. I know I am probably way too honest with some of my mothering frustrations but I would not want to be doing anything else. I am grateful that I can be here for my kids, help them with broken toys or forts, paint fingernails and teach them new things. I don't miss running a business or going to work and answering to someone. I am grateful to be able to do what I do and hopefully I am not damaging three, impressionable minds in the process. At least not too much.
4) Those folding chairs that you take to your kids soccer games. And soccer practices. And more games. Yeah. I am grateful for those.
5) Fandango!

Today:
1) Culinary convenience. If I want to make something, I can. If I need eggs, I can get them. Or milk, or fresh vegetables or bread... how blessed are we to not have to hesitate for hardly any food item or recipe at all?! (unless it's a Martha recipe- then I can't guarantee it- you may actually have to travel to acquire some saffron or truffles)
2) Punctuation! You ALL know how much I overuse it. Picture me in a pile of parenthesis and commas, tossing them gleefully in the air so they fall on my head....
3) Sight. Broad, I know, but vision is priceless. To see my children, the sky, the color of shadows, the eyes of those you love, architecture and color, everything....
4) Shoes. I don't mean for fun (though it's so very true that they are) but how functional they are. Again, it's the book I'm reading but these poor women would stand in freezing temps for hours on cold ground, do hard labor and walk for miles with hardly anything on their poor feet. I think I am very grateful for shoes.
5) Milk.

Some Double O? Yes, Please

You know what? I don't know what it is about Bond, but I LOVE Bond. I grew up watching Bond. I love the fashion, the music, the wardrobe and great set design... especially from some of the classics. What is it about this slice of Britain that is so sexy and exciting? Well, I don't care. I just love it and thought Casino Royale was fab so I've been anticipating Quantam for months and the weekend finally arrived! We are having a Bond-A-Thon with some friends and I can't wait to overload this weekend with unrealistic car chases, unfairly beautiful women and drool worthy Bonds (is it the suits? the way they drive the obscenely magic cars like they are bored? The mush-face kisses?). So I hope you all have some Bond in your weekend and do give me your review. I'll be interested to swap observations. And... uh.... sweet visual moments.
---And as my sister has so acutely pointed out, we also have Edward for next weekend. I will quote her when I say, "I love November". :)

So on that note, here are my five for today:
1) Entertainment!
2) I'm thankful for temperate weather. This week has been so so so lovely out! Dad, it's weather that makes me think of you because I know you would appreciate! Nice cool high 70 temps and a soft breeze today. The kids and I enjoyed it while at the Springs Preserve and standing in that warm sun on a beautiful day is such a gift in November.
3) Relief Society. Seriously. I may sound a bit cheesy with this but I love it's purpose, support, service and sincerity. And the good people I meet through it.
4) Events to look forward to
5) Electric stand mixers (or... maybe I shouldn't be because they make baking way to easy for me)

Thursday's Thankfuls

1) Freedom (it's the book I'm reading)
2) Ovens
3) Online ordering
4) Watching my kids discover. Today our painting turned into marbling and they loved it.
5) Jeans

Wednesdays Five

1) Motrin
2) Perspective
3) My wonderful, wonderful sis-in-law Jess. She called me today and is always so kind-hearted and selfless. If I can become near the heart of her, I will be honored enough.
4) Good friends - Always
5) Updated blogs (Like Rich! ....jk. Boy, am I funny)

Ho Ho Ho

Um.... I think this cuff is cool.
Merry Christmas to me? Si.

Today's High Fivers

1) Lower gas prices.
2) The Playroom for the kids at the gym.
3) A successful movie with one mom (me) and five kids. Took the kids + two cousins to Madagascar II today (as they are out of school) with some friends and got through the entire thing with no one kicking chairs, talking loud, getting bored or having to use the bathroom (even Sadie! It's a Christmas miracle). Not a bad show, either. I enjoyed it and they even plugged an 8-track of Boston. A special moment to my heart. :)
4) Scott putting the kids to bed last night and tonight. Oh boy- I have really appreciated him doing that.
5) A good book.

Full Moon

Took this photo right now and immediately posted. How cool is that? I
know, for some of you having me post once a day this month is already
too much... I promise I won't abuse the "posting this instant" feature
that often...but aren't moonlit nights grand?
Even if I'm only on a simple grocery store run...I find joy in small
things. :)

Today's Gratefuls

1) Accessible outdoors. We live close to Red Rock and I bike there, run up there, hike up there, think up there, etc. and it's only minutes away. I am grateful for those who preserve and maintain it.
2) Time with my kids today. For a good week or more the kids have been asking to go "climb the mountains" so I took them hiking today. We explored some new trails and climbed quite a bit around the rocks. It was fun to comment on thoughts and things we observed. There was a guy up there being life-lighted out of a nearby canyon, too- so we witnessed some helicopters very close. Quite an adventure! (and a good enforcing visual of my orders to be careful-yes, I milked it a little)
3) Public restrooms. Sure, they can be gross sometimes, but isn't it better than nothing? Sadie has the bladder the size of a teaspoon and always needs to go. And at the worst time. Like right NOW. She never gives me a preview, it's just a sudden gasp of horror as she is grabbing her pants and collapsing to the floor. Sheesh.
4) Soap
5) Babysitters. And specifically our two most devoted. They are like members of the family. Jeannine is like an aunt and is such a great woman. I trust her completely with the kids and she loves them to bits and it shows in how much they adore her back. I am grateful for her in our life and the way she cares for my children. And Jessica has grown up these past few years watching our kids nearly every weekend. She's so capable and fun and again, the kids love having her come. I think my kids actually like them more than me.

Sunday's Five

1) The magnificent sky. What a sunset tonight! (I slipped out of church to peek and even tried to capture it with my phone. Didn't do it justice). And the moon is nearly full- last night the white clouds were coasting in front of the moon and navy backdrop. The West blesses us with it's vast beauty and I love it.
2) Heat
3) Humor
4) Distractions. I think a lot and this offers reprieve be it movies, a good book, responsibilities, projects, focusing on others, heavy medication, eating my feelings...you get my drift.
5) My Church

More Kid Art

Elliet came home from school the other day with this bookmark. I was impressed with her little kitty drawing and I liked the colors, which I don't think show up well on the computer. The paper is this rich orange color and she used a purple crayon.





Luke is finally scribbling some identifiable things. :-)
I found this weird little man the other day and recognized his signature from the ghost tags in my earlier post. Notice the different colored fingers. Kind of funny.





And this was a dinosaur! Seriously, this is a big leap for him to make a an identifiable shape. Most kids are probably way ahead of this already so I felt it blog worthy. Plus, he does this thing lately where he likes to put a dot into every circle so I think this took him some time...

Nov8th Gratefuls

1) Warm November days like today. It was beautiful outside and we used it. I swear a little sunshine helps me maintain healthy sanity levels.
2) Creativity & Inspiration
3) Service
4) People who use their car signal
5) Cold cereal

Today's Tops

1) Make Up. Yeah... I am just not that pretty. At least this helps me fake it a little. (Beautiful people, I know you simply cannot relate to this so skip to #2. So basically all my family and most of my friends. You other uglies? Gimme some fist)
2) Hot Water (esp. after a chilly bike ride this am)
3) My Mom. We talked today about art museums and music... I just love her.
4) My husband. He was reading my blog and said that I sound like a happy, single Mom. (oops!) Then he chastised me with a warning to not have that be what motivates a post about him. Too late. :) But I am grateful for him. He is an incredibly hard worker, dedicated father and very funny among many other great things. I would not be who I am today without him. (He also doesn't like me to get gushy, so lucky you- no goosh!)
5) iPods. Ah yes. You knew I would get to music stuff eventually and well, it won't be the last time. These, or any portable player device, are like little treats in the feast of life. I need it. I rely on it. Thanks to them I can think and dream, move and create all to sounds that inspire me. And dance in the dark when no one, I repeat, NO ONE can see. (At least I sure hope so)

Today's Five

1) A car
2) Refrigerators
3) A clean kitchen
4) Morning cuddles when the kids come and snuggle in bed with me first thing in the morning. It's not every day or the same one so it's always a nice surprise.
5) Fingernail clippers

More or Less

The curse of the closet purge. It makes me realize
A) most of my clothes are lame and
B) I need some serious wardrobe updating.
The curse continues because, even though that may sound fun to 'need' to shop, I
C) don't really feel like filling my closet after all that work to thin it out and
D) as soon as I begin to look for something specific, it's not anywhere. It's like it never was.
So instead I browse online and
E) pretend

*How cool is that cuff? And these stove-pipe boots are a deep brown/plum color. Ugh. Fab.

Nov5 Grates

1) Can I hear it for computers?! How do you cut and roast butternut squash? Looked it up today. Yum. Does the library have this book? Looked it up and reserved it. Where is this store located? Found it. Sent emails, read a conference talk, used E's school website, did some design stuff...they are convenient, efficient and resourceful (and fun). So I am grateful for computers.
2) Technical clothing. It was cooold and windy today but the elements become obsolete in the face of my super powers Nike and Northface. I ran early this morning in the 40's and was comfy, wore a cozy sweater all day and stayed warm, wore my sub zero down jacket to Luke's soccer game (okay, so it was only in the 50's but I am a desert girl and standing there gets you chilly) and stayed warm. Hooray for technology and fabric experimentation.
3) Being a Mom. It can get really old stopping fights and picking up everyone's messes over and over and over and over again and emptying the dishwasher again and ... where was I going with this? Oh yeah, it's the berries. Thank goodness there are sweet sweet moments to remind you what it's all for. Especially after bath time and you're all snuggling reading books before bed. Awww. (now goooood night!)
4) Preschool. Oh boy am I ever thankful for that. (before you judge me, see #3)
5) Classical Music. Listened to some Symphonies today for a change. Magnifico! And I don't mean sleepy stuff, I mean beautiful, moving and spirited sound. A true artform. Can you believe people actually compose it? Amazing.

Nov4 Grates

1) Hands. Very useful, they are. Open things, I can. Execute my creative dreams, I need (them...to. er?). To paint, to sew, to fix, to feel my kids soft skin, to run through the hair of those you love, to communicate... go on, I could. Spare you more yoda, I will.
2) Voting. Our country is the shizzle. I hope you used your voice today.
3) Sunshine. Joined some friends at the park today and it was be-yootiful. Nice and cool but warm sun on your arms and shoulders. Ahhhh. I'm telling you my friends, the desert is not that bad, eh?
4) Water. It's so accessible to us. We are very, very blessed for this convenience. Don't waste it.
5) Telephones!

Halloween 2008

Warning: Lots of pics (just for you, extended fam).
We had a really fun Halloween this year. I liked that it fell on a Friday, leaving the rest of the weekend to recover. Nevada day is October 31st so the kids were out of school that day. The twins preschool teacher (the cool one that came as such a great zombie to the party) and a friend decided to throw a great kids Halloween party. I think it's something that they should do every year. They did a great job and the kids had so much fun. This is the essence of Halloween! The silly songs and running around in costumes playing games... I don't know why I enjoyed living through all the kids so much... okay, I do... it's a Halloween party. C'mon now.
They decorated cupcakes (think Sadie has enough candy corns on there?), played musical pumpkins and did a candy toss for prizes. Then they wrapped each other up as mummies with toilet paper which ended up being such great fun because they all got to rip out of their mummification to the Monster Mash and throw the TP everywhere during the song. There was seriously a musty air in the room from all the floating cotton fiber. We're just setting them up for some good teenage fun, right? Toilet paper is your frieeeeend. After that it was the old-school classic: eat the powdered donut from the string with no hands. The kids got some good laughs watching each other doing this, powder all over their faces. Luke became quite a ham when it was his turn. PS- Captain (Hook) America wears Rainbows, right? After all the fun we headed back home and chilled out for a little while. I started to make dinner as Scott's parents were joining us that night to trick or treat. Funny side story here- I found a new chili recipe to try that called for Merlot. Yes- I am a sinner. I bought some partly for the simple, vain reason of using a cool bottle to add to my shortage of decorations. So there I was, in my kitchen. The bottle and I staring down one another as I wondered how in the world to open the thing. But I'm a smart girl and figured it out (alright fine- thanks to Wiki. Yes! I'm that lame- I had to look it up!). The recipe ended up tasting well enough but I don't think I'll make it again. So see? I got a cool bottle out of it. So over the in-laws come, we eat our festive dinner and prepare to venture out.
This is the fun part. I got the yard all ready, put up some extra lights, stuck my ipod player out there with spooky tunes and it was perfect. The weather this whole day was so so so perfect. Nice low clouds but warm. We went around our neighborhood and the kids got so much candy half way through that we ended up heading home early. After visiting a while with Bobba & MJ, they headed home and we put the rascals to bed. It was a great Halloween day and hope you all had a fun one, too!
(Whew! All caught up now...)

Nov3 Grates

Grates? Thanks? Not sure how to nickname this little experiment. Ideas?
So here are mine for today:
1) Health (especially easy to appreciate after my Halloween candy diet of late)
2) Colors. The sunset tonight was very pretty. The color of the changing trees and plants... how does nature even know in the desert to warm up her tones come Fall? Pretty cool...
3) Purging. Cleansing the soul results in cleansing the closet and it feels gooooood. Though... now I need some skirts quite badly. Where can I find some sassy pencils? (Anna & Kj- advise!)
4) Hanging out with my kids today. I had a choice to: catch up on laundry and pick up lunch dishes OR join the twins and watch the new Tinkerbell movie (i.e. Sadie in digital form). Did I loose a few brain cells? perhaps. But Luke thought it was "so beyootiful" and Sadie got excited to see the happy ending...and that was more fun to watch than my laundry. Plus, they cuddle with me and I love that.
5) Early voting. Awww yeah. Did it last week.

Nov2 Thanks

1) Today it was Sadie's big hug
2) Having plenty of milk on a Sunday (yup- even guaranteed that with a late run to the store last night...)
3) Toothbrushes/Gum
4) Fresh Vegetables/Produce
5) Hot Water

The Day Before

Here we go as I recap the weekend...
Thursday was a fun pre-Halloween day and jam packed with activity. After getting E off to school complete with her costume that I made the night before (eeesh- you'll be the judge soon enough), the twins and I formed a fine assembly line and put together the treat bags for their pre-school Halloween party later that day. It would be a pretty uneventful thing but ended up entertaining me immensely, so now you have to see pics and hear why. Watching how the two of them executed the same thing so differently was great. I cut out a bunch of white ghosts and asked them to draw a face and write their name. Sadie went right for all the bright colors and started to do one ghost at a time, complete with an eligible name. Luke laid out all six of his ghosts in front of him and drew each face in parts... the eyes, the noses, then the mouths.... then he wrote his "name" (which I then translated in english). How cute is kid art!? I love it..her weird letters and his funny ghost faces.











After loading the car and some quick errands, the twins got dropped off for their party and I hurried to E's school for her big Halloween Trunk or Treat parade. I observed this last year and thought it would be fun to be part of it, but didn't bite until they sent a letter asking for a few more trunk volunteers. HeckyessIweeel. So I thought it would be fun to do some goofy mad scientist thing, hand the candy to the kids in a weird wig/goggles with long tongs, etc....Well, it was too warm of a day to wear a wig/goggles and the swarm of children negated my hopes for one-at-a-time candy distribution by tongs, but I donned the lab coat and my cool black gloves. The kids ended up really digging the juicy brains and worms, etc. I successfully grossed out lots of kids! Who knew striking fear and doubt into young hearts would feel so wonderful! I love this holiday. And how can hundreds of little kids in costumes not put a smile on your face. It was fun to see other friends kids and Elliet had a great time. After clean up, E and I picked up the twins, met Scott and visited the Springs Preserve Haunted Harvest. A beautiful night in a beautiful place was a fun end to the day. Now... Halloween day is next!