I'm going to say something and ask for no judgement.... I like Twilight. I'm sorry I do... I'm a sucker for romances and though some would say that it's no better than tacky velevet painting I thought they were good. The writing was marginal, but the story was really a good one (please don't judge by the movies!). What it seems pitted against is the Harry Potter series (yes I am a huge fan!). Harry Potter wins in pretty much every category, story line, character portrayal, movies, etc. So I hardly think we should compare. Both writers created a phenomenon for today's youth and both have good values. What I think we should take away from both series is what WE got out of the books (Harry Potter movies in my case, I have yet to get my hands on the books!) and characters. Harry Potter instilled loyalty, bravery, hope, and fortitude in it's readers and watchers. Twilight instilled a sense of historical fantasy (think Dracula), loyalty, and chastity... How many movies today really push teenagers to be faithful till their wedding day? Not many, i'm afraid. I'm not going to lie that the glittery skin was a tad over the top (not thinking Dracula), but werewolves and vampires have been part of history, legend, and tradition in some cultures for centuries. It was truly a new spin on a new age tale.
So what separates a novel from a classic? If Harry Potter could (in a sense) be compared to The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, will it take it's place among the ranks of classics by phenomenal authors? All of them had a story unwind around a world of witchcraft, wizardry, and creatures from myth and legend. Will Twilight be next in line to be inducted into the classics for it's similarity to Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, and Frankenstein? All were fanciful books about blood sucking men and humans with an alter ego or personality and the living dead... I think only time will tell, As I am not the person who could tell you whether or not a book could be a classic.
What do you base your opinion of a book on? There are multiple authors I adore that I set any book I read against, I love Jane Austen, Willa Cather, C.S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkein, L. M. Montgomery, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, and countless others that have taken place in the classic writers hall of fame... What I'm looking for is your specs on what you read? What makes it a masterpiece in your eyes? Is it the storyline, the characters, the writing style, the setting, or the cumulation of all?
Thoughts for the day....
Monday, December 10, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Adventures in Puppy Sitting...
Today I got the privelege of watching a 12 week old Mini-Aussie today, and it has been a blast. The girls have been running non-stop, playing with Rio has been their job today. And just when I got into the groove of hey, it's not that bad, it became more of a challenge!
Sarah and I took Rio outside to go potty, he was much to interested in playing with Sarah to even think about doing his business so we went back inside. Five minutes later I catch Rio pacing, nose to the ground in my living room. Anyone who has dogs knows that's never a good sign. So wet soapy hands and all I take Rio outside in a rush. He goes potty... whew... relief!! Bring little Mr. back inside and resume doing dishes... Less than five minutes later I hear Sarah shriek. Figuring Rio got a little too playful I walk over and Sarah is shreiking over the dog doo doo on my living room floor. Think fast think fast! Pick up puppy, take him outside.. first logical course of action. But what about the girls? Sarah won't touch it, but Charlotte has always been a hands on learner. Pick up Charlotte and puppy, take both outside. Yeah right, Sarah would be shrieking in about two seconds. Hurry hurry hurry!!! I finally settled on 'Sarah, pick up your sister, take her to your room. Keep her there until Mommy says it's ok' Take puppy outside, leave door open, come back pick up doggy doo doo, yell at Sarah it's ok, run back outside and grab Rio. Rio goes in kennel, girls go to Little Einsteins, Mommy goes to floor with bucket of soapy water. Whew.... That scenario was a total of about one minute. Can't say Mama's don't think on their feet!
Finally feeling better, thank goodness! So back to working out I went this morning. Christmas party and Little Black dress T-minus 8 days and counting! One thing I have learned through this journey of getting fit and healthy, is that a support group is key in any success. I have been so lucky to have my hubby be my rock... He's told me to push harder, when i'm paying too much attention to the tv instead of the insane elliptical workout i'm doing he oh so gently reminds me that i'm not going to get the body I want by not sweating. He's supportive, he's gentle, he's amazing! There are also two women that have helped me in my Journey as well. Nicole has been great.. She messaged me on facebook offering tips and advice, we became fast friends and she's been amazing to turn to when I have questions or need to vent about lack of progress. She has both a page and blog that anyone who wants to look and feel better should check out immediately!!!
Nicole's Page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/coachnicolemurray
Nicole's Blog
http://nik4213.blogspot.com/
My other friend that has been unbelievably helpful and supportive is Melissa. She just had a baby three and a half months ago and looks so amazingly good. Dedication could be her word! She believes in clean eating and major fitness and if you want to look like that, you're gonna have to work, and you're gonna have to work hard. And work hard she does. Defiantely another page to check out!
Melissa's Page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/strongisthenewskinny0816
Thank you girls for all your love, support, and help! I wouldn't be where I am today without you! Goal for 2013 you ask?
Run a half marathon.
And i'll reach it :)
Sarah and I took Rio outside to go potty, he was much to interested in playing with Sarah to even think about doing his business so we went back inside. Five minutes later I catch Rio pacing, nose to the ground in my living room. Anyone who has dogs knows that's never a good sign. So wet soapy hands and all I take Rio outside in a rush. He goes potty... whew... relief!! Bring little Mr. back inside and resume doing dishes... Less than five minutes later I hear Sarah shriek. Figuring Rio got a little too playful I walk over and Sarah is shreiking over the dog doo doo on my living room floor. Think fast think fast! Pick up puppy, take him outside.. first logical course of action. But what about the girls? Sarah won't touch it, but Charlotte has always been a hands on learner. Pick up Charlotte and puppy, take both outside. Yeah right, Sarah would be shrieking in about two seconds. Hurry hurry hurry!!! I finally settled on 'Sarah, pick up your sister, take her to your room. Keep her there until Mommy says it's ok' Take puppy outside, leave door open, come back pick up doggy doo doo, yell at Sarah it's ok, run back outside and grab Rio. Rio goes in kennel, girls go to Little Einsteins, Mommy goes to floor with bucket of soapy water. Whew.... That scenario was a total of about one minute. Can't say Mama's don't think on their feet!
Finally feeling better, thank goodness! So back to working out I went this morning. Christmas party and Little Black dress T-minus 8 days and counting! One thing I have learned through this journey of getting fit and healthy, is that a support group is key in any success. I have been so lucky to have my hubby be my rock... He's told me to push harder, when i'm paying too much attention to the tv instead of the insane elliptical workout i'm doing he oh so gently reminds me that i'm not going to get the body I want by not sweating. He's supportive, he's gentle, he's amazing! There are also two women that have helped me in my Journey as well. Nicole has been great.. She messaged me on facebook offering tips and advice, we became fast friends and she's been amazing to turn to when I have questions or need to vent about lack of progress. She has both a page and blog that anyone who wants to look and feel better should check out immediately!!!
Nicole's Page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/coachnicolemurray
Nicole's Blog
http://nik4213.blogspot.com/
My other friend that has been unbelievably helpful and supportive is Melissa. She just had a baby three and a half months ago and looks so amazingly good. Dedication could be her word! She believes in clean eating and major fitness and if you want to look like that, you're gonna have to work, and you're gonna have to work hard. And work hard she does. Defiantely another page to check out!
Melissa's Page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/strongisthenewskinny0816
Thank you girls for all your love, support, and help! I wouldn't be where I am today without you! Goal for 2013 you ask?
Run a half marathon.
And i'll reach it :)
Monday, December 3, 2012
Could someone hand me.....
A tissue? And another one? Maybe one more... never mind, I need the whole box.
Bryce was nice enough to hand me his nasty cold right after I got done with the first one. He also then graciously bestowed the bug on two little girls that are rather grumpy. They are currently being soothed by a tub full of warm steamy water, to be followed by warm towels and apple juice. While in the bath it's so much fun to see how even though they're sick, they play their own games. It amazes me how smart they are with each passing day. Sarah got into the tub and pronounced that she was making tea, but will conquer the land of the mermaids... Then Char started scooping handfulls of water on the top of her head saying 'wash wash wash wash...' the whole time. I'm still sitting here watching them, even though dinner should be started, because though a clean house is important missing out on these little pleas of joyful laughter is much much more. They don't have nearly as many toys in here as they used to (Sarah went riding in the tractor with Daddy yesterday morning and Mama 'cleaned' the toy rooms), but they seem to be having twice the fun. Runny noses aside, today actually hasn't been too bad. I got 3 pounds of fudge made, did some laundry, killed a gazillion gnats that have been plague-ing my kitchen lately... I can't figure out how to get rid of the stupid little things. They never die!!!! Oh well, come summertime when the windows are open all the time i'm sure they will find greener pastures. Until then, apple cider vinegar resides on my counter adjacent to the fly swatter.
So does anyone out there in cyber land have any Christmas traditions they would like to share? Thought it's only been three years, Bryce and I have made a couple, one more starting this Christmas eve. We always eat sea food for Christmas eve dinner... Just to mix it up :) This year it's Tilapia tacos with a new sauce that will have a review come Christmas! We also decided that following an early dinner, the girls will get to stay up later (a probable failing attempt at getting them to sleep in) and we bought a new Disney movie to watch. Popcorn and apples with Caramel dip will be on the menu. And just in case you were wondering, I WILL be working out like a crazy fiend after the holidays! We bought Lady and the Tramp, something neither Bryce or I have seen in probably longer than a decade, and the girls have never seen it. Can't wait! Nothing can beat the old Disney movies!
On another Christmas note, I have recently found that I have a little elf in the house. Sarah has become my Christmas helper galore... She has given me helpful hints on the tree, told me she wants the super yummy cake from my Taste of Home for Christmas, and helped me pick out Char's Christmas presents. I finally had to banish her to her room so I could finish up my online shopping with a present for her, but I was instantly reminded.... I haven't even started Birthday shopping yet. It's so hard having a little girl with a Birthday so close to a major Holiday, I almost feel like she's cheated out of her special day. This year we are going to make a BIG deal out of it though.... Yee-Haw!!!! :) :) This sicky is signing off, Have a wonderful monday, dear readers!!!!!
Bryce was nice enough to hand me his nasty cold right after I got done with the first one. He also then graciously bestowed the bug on two little girls that are rather grumpy. They are currently being soothed by a tub full of warm steamy water, to be followed by warm towels and apple juice. While in the bath it's so much fun to see how even though they're sick, they play their own games. It amazes me how smart they are with each passing day. Sarah got into the tub and pronounced that she was making tea, but will conquer the land of the mermaids... Then Char started scooping handfulls of water on the top of her head saying 'wash wash wash wash...' the whole time. I'm still sitting here watching them, even though dinner should be started, because though a clean house is important missing out on these little pleas of joyful laughter is much much more. They don't have nearly as many toys in here as they used to (Sarah went riding in the tractor with Daddy yesterday morning and Mama 'cleaned' the toy rooms), but they seem to be having twice the fun. Runny noses aside, today actually hasn't been too bad. I got 3 pounds of fudge made, did some laundry, killed a gazillion gnats that have been plague-ing my kitchen lately... I can't figure out how to get rid of the stupid little things. They never die!!!! Oh well, come summertime when the windows are open all the time i'm sure they will find greener pastures. Until then, apple cider vinegar resides on my counter adjacent to the fly swatter.
So does anyone out there in cyber land have any Christmas traditions they would like to share? Thought it's only been three years, Bryce and I have made a couple, one more starting this Christmas eve. We always eat sea food for Christmas eve dinner... Just to mix it up :) This year it's Tilapia tacos with a new sauce that will have a review come Christmas! We also decided that following an early dinner, the girls will get to stay up later (a probable failing attempt at getting them to sleep in) and we bought a new Disney movie to watch. Popcorn and apples with Caramel dip will be on the menu. And just in case you were wondering, I WILL be working out like a crazy fiend after the holidays! We bought Lady and the Tramp, something neither Bryce or I have seen in probably longer than a decade, and the girls have never seen it. Can't wait! Nothing can beat the old Disney movies!
On another Christmas note, I have recently found that I have a little elf in the house. Sarah has become my Christmas helper galore... She has given me helpful hints on the tree, told me she wants the super yummy cake from my Taste of Home for Christmas, and helped me pick out Char's Christmas presents. I finally had to banish her to her room so I could finish up my online shopping with a present for her, but I was instantly reminded.... I haven't even started Birthday shopping yet. It's so hard having a little girl with a Birthday so close to a major Holiday, I almost feel like she's cheated out of her special day. This year we are going to make a BIG deal out of it though.... Yee-Haw!!!! :) :) This sicky is signing off, Have a wonderful monday, dear readers!!!!!
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Can I see....
A show of hands for how many of you have tried to karate kick your husband? Anyone? No-one? Well don't. A moment of playful fun has me sentenced to the couch for at least today.
The Series of Events:
Bryce, Emily, and Sarah playing in the kitchen... Sarah tried to 'kitcha' Bryce in the ankle, she missed. So of course I had to show her how it was done! I was aiming for his butt, but where I ended up was the floor. I suprise myself with my own strength sometimes... Not! Well I had jumped up and ended up landing on my ankle and tailbone. As I type my foot is still twitching and my ankle is about the size of a golfball. So if anyone asks why I decided to be a grumpy, non-fun person, it's because it seems like everytime I have fun I end up balling and in insane pain. My wonderful hubby put me on the couch with some ice and a hug, then put the girls to bed for me. After what had been such a wonderful day, it was really sad to have it end on such a bad note. Another sleepless night, this time of my own design, was just the icing on the cake.
On a brighter side of things, I have almost all my leather orders caught up, and will hopefully be sent out on Friday. Everything has turned out so well, I'm so excited! I did a belt and wallet for a dear friend, a wallet for a new customer, and a wallet for Bryce's grandma. All turned out beautifully!
In conclusion, I would really like to warn all you fun women out there.... It doesn't pay to try and kick your husband's butt :)
The Series of Events:
Bryce, Emily, and Sarah playing in the kitchen... Sarah tried to 'kitcha' Bryce in the ankle, she missed. So of course I had to show her how it was done! I was aiming for his butt, but where I ended up was the floor. I suprise myself with my own strength sometimes... Not! Well I had jumped up and ended up landing on my ankle and tailbone. As I type my foot is still twitching and my ankle is about the size of a golfball. So if anyone asks why I decided to be a grumpy, non-fun person, it's because it seems like everytime I have fun I end up balling and in insane pain. My wonderful hubby put me on the couch with some ice and a hug, then put the girls to bed for me. After what had been such a wonderful day, it was really sad to have it end on such a bad note. Another sleepless night, this time of my own design, was just the icing on the cake.
On a brighter side of things, I have almost all my leather orders caught up, and will hopefully be sent out on Friday. Everything has turned out so well, I'm so excited! I did a belt and wallet for a dear friend, a wallet for a new customer, and a wallet for Bryce's grandma. All turned out beautifully!
In conclusion, I would really like to warn all you fun women out there.... It doesn't pay to try and kick your husband's butt :)
Fa La La La La......
It appears that it is the Christmas season yet again! If I wasn't feeling so horrible I would get up and take a picture of our tree (it's a fake tree this year, pine needles and me are not friends), but i'm so excited to get Christmas going!! I've got a list going for Christmas baking and it might just be longer than the menu for the month. Thank goodness i've been working out like crazy, because it's going to be treat central in this house. Another wonderful part about Christmas is the Christmas parties. I love to dress up and do my hair and make up all pretty. It's the only time of year other than branding where the ranch crew gets to unwind and talk about the year. Black friday coincided with our trip to Hermiston so my Mama and I got a chance to do some black friday shopping at my favorite clothing place... Maurices. Not only did I get to see some good friends that I miss a ton, I got to shop for some clothes! There is nothing better than a little black dress and my I can't wait to wear my new one! There is something about Maurices that I absolutely love... Maybe it's the stellar customer service in the Hermiston store, maybe it's the killer clearence section. Whatever it is, I love them!!! I got a few shirts and a new lbd. Pictures will be posted before we hit the Christmas party!! Happy Holidays everyone!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Different Definitions...
Cold. It can be taken one of three ways... A noun, it is cold. A state of being, you are cold. Or my personal favorite. You have a cold. Yep, this Mama caught a cold. I wouldn't mind being sick for a month straight after both girls leave for college, as long as the entire term of being Mommy was sick-less. There is nothing worse than a headache, lack of sleep, a sore throat, and a fever with two kids who are healthy and running around like crazy! I wouldn't call it the pits though, the flu with children is ten times worse. Let's cross our fingers that we all stay healthy this year!
Hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we sure did! We made a suprise trip back to our old home town. Sorry for the absence from writing, I happen to be horrible with secrets and was afraid i'd slip! Now that I have the liberty to speak freely, have no fear, I will do so! We got some amazing time with our family and our friends too. The best part though! What is it?! Well, Bryce and I got a new brother! Bryce's mom and dad welcomed Rhett Lloyd into the world a little over two weeks ago! He is the sweetest little guy, can't wait to watch him grow up! Everyone got a good giggle out of taking pictures of Sarah holding her baby Uncle, and Char was the epitome of jealousy whenever I got a chance to snuggle with the little man.
Thanks to my wonderful Mama, Bryce and I got a couple evenings out to spend with friends and we were in absolute bliss. Pretty much all of our friends have little ones now, so even if my babies were in bed, there were always another baby to hold. It's so funny, you beg borrow and plead for an hour or two away, then if there is another baby around, you can't wait to get your hands on that little one! The beauty of motherhood!
Suprisingly, both girls did really good in the car (it's ten hours both ways). Char had some troubles coming home but that was solved with some juice and apple slices. The girl is a sucker for fruit of any kind. She was a trouble baby when it came to sleep though, a note to all you other wonderful moms. Travel with your children!!! I think I got about 16 hours of sleep the four days we were there, and even less since we've been home. Char is such a creature of habit though, that it will take a little bit to get back into a routine.
One wonderful thing about being home is mail! Our family pictures came in the mail while we were gone and it was so exciting to get on there and see our family, all beautiful! There were some questions about whether the rosy cheeks and noses would make for good pictures and I would have to say it was a definite success....
Why the Bug looks so puffy lipped I don't know... But regardless she and her sister were troopers and beautiful!! Happy Holidays everyone!!! Recipes coming soon!!!
Hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, we sure did! We made a suprise trip back to our old home town. Sorry for the absence from writing, I happen to be horrible with secrets and was afraid i'd slip! Now that I have the liberty to speak freely, have no fear, I will do so! We got some amazing time with our family and our friends too. The best part though! What is it?! Well, Bryce and I got a new brother! Bryce's mom and dad welcomed Rhett Lloyd into the world a little over two weeks ago! He is the sweetest little guy, can't wait to watch him grow up! Everyone got a good giggle out of taking pictures of Sarah holding her baby Uncle, and Char was the epitome of jealousy whenever I got a chance to snuggle with the little man.
Thanks to my wonderful Mama, Bryce and I got a couple evenings out to spend with friends and we were in absolute bliss. Pretty much all of our friends have little ones now, so even if my babies were in bed, there were always another baby to hold. It's so funny, you beg borrow and plead for an hour or two away, then if there is another baby around, you can't wait to get your hands on that little one! The beauty of motherhood!
Suprisingly, both girls did really good in the car (it's ten hours both ways). Char had some troubles coming home but that was solved with some juice and apple slices. The girl is a sucker for fruit of any kind. She was a trouble baby when it came to sleep though, a note to all you other wonderful moms. Travel with your children!!! I think I got about 16 hours of sleep the four days we were there, and even less since we've been home. Char is such a creature of habit though, that it will take a little bit to get back into a routine.
One wonderful thing about being home is mail! Our family pictures came in the mail while we were gone and it was so exciting to get on there and see our family, all beautiful! There were some questions about whether the rosy cheeks and noses would make for good pictures and I would have to say it was a definite success....
Why the Bug looks so puffy lipped I don't know... But regardless she and her sister were troopers and beautiful!! Happy Holidays everyone!!! Recipes coming soon!!!
Friday, November 16, 2012
How does one...
Judge a cookie? Who should be a judge? What is it about a cookie that makes it great? What is the criteria? Well I found how out how you judge a cookie today, who should judge, and what the criteria of a GREAT cookie truly is.
Meet my judge...
Charlotte is an incredible judge of food in general but she gave me the low-down on how to judge a cookie today, and I quote:
'1. To judge a cookie, you must have the right cookie to finger connection. You have to be able to feel the texture and gooey-ness
2. Who should be a judge? A small child, I can't honestly think of anyone who might deserve or cherish it more.
3. A cookie is made great by multiple things, but the thing I look for most is how much chocolate is in the cookie. ((I personally think she is bias, anything chocolate is her favorite))'
So there it is, what we all have been looking for. Charlotte also discovered her love for meatball marinara sandwiches this week. They were homemade and everyone cleaned them up, which is amazing because the girls have been on a picky streak. It's a grand thing... but one thing will always be certain... As long as there are two little girls, and of course, one husband, in this house, there will always be a love for Cookies!
Meet my judge...
Charlotte is an incredible judge of food in general but she gave me the low-down on how to judge a cookie today, and I quote:
'1. To judge a cookie, you must have the right cookie to finger connection. You have to be able to feel the texture and gooey-ness
2. Who should be a judge? A small child, I can't honestly think of anyone who might deserve or cherish it more.
3. A cookie is made great by multiple things, but the thing I look for most is how much chocolate is in the cookie. ((I personally think she is bias, anything chocolate is her favorite))'
So there it is, what we all have been looking for. Charlotte also discovered her love for meatball marinara sandwiches this week. They were homemade and everyone cleaned them up, which is amazing because the girls have been on a picky streak. It's a grand thing... but one thing will always be certain... As long as there are two little girls, and of course, one husband, in this house, there will always be a love for Cookies!
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