A Fantastic Idea

I know I'm not the only one who thinks that "New Moon" was made much better than "Twilight". There was a bigger budget to work with, and a far better director. It followed the book more closely, the acting was better-- not so schizophrenic in Kristen Stewart's case. So, I have really been wishing there was some way they could just re-make "Twilight". And then I had an amazing idea. How about Stephenie Meyer stops sitting on her hands, finishes "Midnight Sun" (the story of "Twilight", but from Edward's perspective, for those of you not in the know), and then they make a movie of that! Am I brilliant, or has everyone already thought of that?

Three Showers

We're getting to the home stretch of this wedding business. We've made it through all three showers, and are coming up on the week of weeks. Valentine's Day Sunday (and teach Sunday School), Liz birthday Monday, temple Tuesday, dad birthday Wednesday, deep breaths Thursday, reception Friday, wedding and luncheon Saturday, collapse Sunday. We can do it.

I thought I'd post a few pictures of the showers. The one I was most involved it, the friend one, was at my house, and was a Fancy Nancy themed shower. Riley went to a FN birthday party a while back, and Liz was jealous. So we threw her a FN shower. It was tres fancy. (Everything in French is fancier.)

Fancy Nancy herself

Three very fancy friends. These lovely ladies were the ones who helped me with decorations and food. Many thanks!

You can't see very well, but the girl in the center made herself a headdress out of pine cones and needles. She won the "Best Costume" contest.

Lizzie (or Theodosia, as we call her) and Joan

Joan brought about a dozen purple feather boas, which were given to guests not dressed fancy. Afterwards, Riley tried them all on, and was almost buried.

Then we had the ward shower, which I was supposed to help plan. But the good ladies in our ward just took over, and I only ended up bringing chips and salsa. Everyone is so nice!

Not very flattering, but we can't be too picky.

And tons of thanks to these wonderful women for taking the ball and running with it. You're great!

I don't have any pictures from the third and final shower, Lad's families shower. But they were all very nice-- I'm glad to know Liz is marrying into such a great family.

Well, wish me luck, everyone! Don't know why I'm up so late-- I have to get up early to put together 20 Valentine's for Riley class party. Need sleep. But I do need to know if anyone has an idea of where I can get a dress to wear to the wedding. I need it to be sage green, sandstone/ rust, or possibly brown. I guess I could find a skirt, but I'd really rather a dress, and I'm having a devil of a time. Suggestions? It's getting down to the wire here.

Snow Day!

Our play group is so cool. It snowed quite a bit last week, and we decided to go sledding. I'm thinking we mom's may have had more fun than the kids.

Ivan and Riley

Tanya, so adorable

me, Katie (the Unibomber), and Alyssa

Me, and yes, I am standing up on the sled. I'm cool.

Kyson, Melanie, and Brynlee

Katie and Coleman

Alyssa and Tanya

Josh, who joined us part way through, Katie and Coleman

Brynlee, Melanie, and Kyson

Ivan, Alyssa, and Tanya

me and Riley

the whole crew

We all have so much fun together! For this week, we went to the aquarium in Sandy, which was awesome! Of course we didn't take any pictures, but take my word for it--we had a blast!

Play Group

I get together with three friends every week for a play group, and this past week, someone finally thought to take a picture. Aren't they so cute?

Brynlee, Iris, Riley, Noah, Kyson, Tanya, and Coleman

Don't you love how they all appear to weigh about the same? They're ages range from 4 months to almost 5 years, but they're weights probably have about a ten pound range. Kids these days...

I'm about to enter into my busy season, made busier than ever before because of my sisters upcoming wedding. I'm helping plan two showers for her (the ward one and the friend one), one of which is next Saturday. Then I'm going to the one planned by her fiance's side of the family. Then is her other shower. Then is SIL's birthday. Then Valentine's day. Then sister's birthday (same one getting married). Then dad's birthday. Then sisters reception. Then wedding. (Reception will be the night before.) Then Riley's birthday. Somewhere in there sister will go to the temple to receive her endowment. Then the first week of March is my other sisters birthday. Then anniversary. The brothers birthday. Jeez! Add to all that my usual routine: play group once a week, book group once a month, teach Sunday School every other week, cleaning, cooking, shopping, and mothering on a daily basis, and I'm one tired lady!

Riley the Singing Sensation

Riley had her school program a week or so before Christmas- it was truly adorable. They sang a bunch of songs, and watched some old school Christmas movie, had cookies, and visited Santa. So cute!

Walking in (that's her shy wave)

She would only sit with Santa if someone would sit with her, in this case, Tanya.

Eric the Artiste

Eric had to/ got to participate in an art show for school last semester. He chose what I think is some of his best stuff, and it hung with the other students work in the library for a few weeks. He worked very hard, and we are very proud of him. I didn't get a picture of the artiste himself on the night of the opening, so you'll have to use your imagination.

His artist's statement

Festival of Trees

We went to the Festival of Trees in the beginning of December... finally. I've been wanting to go since we've been married, and we got our act together in time to go this year, and convinced my folks to come along for the fun. It was amazing, as always.