at last...twilight, the movie

CAUTION! Don't read this unless you've seen the movie or don't care if there are spoilers! I have to give my two cents on Twilight, which I saw on opening night. I went with Kelly and our good friends, the Bentley's and my sis, Em. We went to the 10:15 show. It was packed, of course! There were giggling girls, giddy adults and uncomfortable guys. When the movie began, there were claps, hoots and howls, and shouting "Summit Entertainment!" Ok, weird, never happened before in any of my theater experiences! I think everyone was wound up and just dying for things to start...and to see Edward. I love the way the movie began, love the narrative by Bella (just like the book). I thought the music choices were perfect! I loved the song played when Bella was leaving! I loved when the Cullen's made their appearance into the cafeteria-very cool, loved the white outfits, the couples walking arm in arm...then EDWARD! He is in black, alone and seems awkward and annoyed. Bella can't take her eyes off of him! Love it! BUT, then the Biology lab scene was a little too humorous/goofy for me. I wanted to see some nails grinding under the table! La Push was well done. I really liked the way Edward saved Bella in the alley and just gave a look to those guys and they backed off. He also peeled out in his hot car and that was pretty cool. I wanted more from the meadow scene, although it was really good, I wanted a kiss or two. My favorite scenes were the baseball game, the fight at the end, basically the second half of the movie! I thought Charlie was perfect, all the Cullen's-Jasper was a little too odd for me though. I loved Mike and Angela. I thought Bella was PERFECT! I really enjoyed the movie just thought it should of had more seriousness and intense kissing from Bella and Edward. I loved the scene were Bella gets bit by James and Edward has to such out the venom. It was very intense, I could feel the desire that Edward had to keep going...I could feel Bella's pain from the venom. It was well done. James did a great job making you believe he was very serious about his job as a tracker and you could see the absolute determination of Edward to kill James and save Bella. I'm going to see it again on Tuesday night with the Passey women so I will probably have more to add then. I wasn't disappointed and thought about the movie for the entire day afterward, I just wanted things slightly different-not so teeny bopper and light but more like the book. Loved the song "Flightless Bird" at the prom, also, "Super Massive Black Hole"-Muse, during the baseball scene! And the Edward's Lulluby- Absolutly beautiful!!!!Perfect! I'd give it maybe 3 1/2 - 4 stars.

I am thankful for...

1. KELLY, without him, nothing would be very fun or worthwhile. Man, I could go on and on but I won't.

2. My children, they really motivate me to be good. I am always watched. My life is all about them right now and will be for many more years. They make things interesting, challenging, exciting and inspiring. I love to see their enthusiasm for the little things in life. They are good kids!

3. I am thankful for my sisters. They are my best friends! Life has never been dull because I always have a sister to talk to, email, and go out with!

4. My home. It is such a wonderful, comfort and it holds our most precious things-our memories and love. It is our sanctuary.

5. My car. It has started snowing and my car handles really well up in these mountains! It has been with us for a long time and has never let us down. I think of the people who have to take public transportation and I see them waiting out in the rain, and I am grateful it's not me!

6. I am thankful that we are all healthy...right now. That is BIG!

7. Kelly's great job-I can stay home with my kids!

8. The gifts that I have been given from my ancestors. I am most grateful for my Grandma who, as a young girl, came to America by herself from Germany. She raised 10 children in the LDS faith. This faith has directed my life and given me purpose.

9. Lessons learned.

10. This country! I know that is generic but really, I love being an American and I am proud of our country, for where we have been and where we are today. I have always been obsessed with other countries and cultures, thinking they are so much more exciting, but not so. This country is amazing and full of rich history! That doesn't mean I will ever stop fantasizing about Europe.

11. Hot showers, hot chocolate, warm coats and hats, my snow boots, Ron, our snow plower, heat, fleece blankets, down anything, comfort food! Can you tell that today is a cold, grey, snowy day? Well, there is something to be said about the little things, right?

12. Feeling happy-laughing, joking, sarcasm. I love to be around people, good friends, family, and I love to see them smile. We have a tremendous ability to make others happy or sad. I love to make a positive impact on other's day. Today is a great day!

13. Talented people who give me joy. I love music, books, plays, movies, dancing, art etc. I am grateful that I can enjoy other's accomplishments and talents in these ways.

14. Last, but surly not least, my beloved parents! I can't say enough good things about them! I love all that they have taught me and all of our fun times together! They are amazing in soooo many ways! They make my life full and happy. They are hard working, resourceful, talented, and loving. They give so much to me and my little family. I am amazed at their energy! I love each and every tradition that they made for us and I still continue many today with my own family.

Nicky is 8!

Look at those rolls!

First Halloween. He hated his costume! But he sure looked cute!

One year old! He loved soccer then and he still loves it now!

Get me out of here already!

Noah with his first best friend in Monterey, CA.

What do I say about my Noah on his birthday? He is my "first and honored son, heir to all I possess!" (Tikki Tikki Tembo) Noah was my biggest baby weighing in at 9 lb. 3 ou. He was my easiest delivery for some odd reason! He was my hardest recovery! I wondered why I couldn't walk the last 2 weeks of my pregnancy! He was born on election day 2000 so I didn't get to vote! Well, he was a healthy child, beautiful and as good as can be! I remember telling a friend of mine when he was two that I couldn't imagine Noah ever doing anything wrong or making me mad because he was literally perfect! He was well behaved, content, sweet, and charming. Well, when 3 hit, it was all over! And we have been struggling since! BUT, he is still the sweetest, most loving and sensitive boy ever! He is a deep thinker and very in tune with other's feelings. I love to have late night conversations about the purpose of life with Noah. He isn't afraid to ask questions! One night, he and Sam found a tampon in the hall closet and Noah wanted to know what it was for! So , I told him! He was fascinated and kept asking questions. Later he told me that he was glad he wasn't a girl! I found dissected tampons in the garbage in the kids bathroom the next day. He had to "see how they looked" and functioned I guess! Noah is a soccer and baseball player. He is good at these two sports and enjoys his games. He loves Pokemon cards (unfortunately) and Lego's. He had a really hard time learning to read but is now doing awesome! He loves to read the scriptures with Bailey and I. It has made a big difference in his attitude and his school work! I'm proud of him for trying and not giving up. Self confidence is vital to a child's happiness and he feels empowered now that reading comes easy to him! Noah loves computer games and loves going to his cousin's houses to play their game cube or whatever games they own! Santa has been asked to bring him his own PS2 or whatever Santa can afford or find! Sam is Noah's buddy and Bailey and Noah get alone really well but the 3 don't mix. Noah's very best friend at school is Matthew who is a "brother from another mother." They met in Kindergarten and have been inseparable ever since! For his birthday, he is taking Matthew, and a couple other friends to the Dinosaur Museum at Thanksgiving Point and then the weekend after he is having a cousin sleepover. I love Noah with all my heart! He is a good boy and he will do great things in life, I can feel it! Yes, he can be a SPAZ and is definitely the class clown and silliest child in the family, but, everyone loves him for it (except his school and Primary teachers!) Happy Birthday Noah! We couldn't imagine life without your wonderful personality and love!

I Voted!

Today Jenna and I went and voted. On our way Jenna asked where we were going. I told her that we were going voting. Jenna thought I said "boating" which she got very excited about. I kept telling her no, V-O-T-I-N-G! She said, "Mom, will you hold me the whole time!" and, "Will it be a little scary?" I said, "no Jenna, voting for the new president of the USA." But still, she thought we were going boating. "Why can't we go boating?" she persisted. "Because it is snowing outside Jen!" She is so cute! Don't you just love kids?!

A Spooky, Wooky Night!

We had a great Halloween this year! The kids had a blast at their school parties, friend parties, trunk or treat, and trick or treating with their cousins!