Princess Swiss Miss ~ Ruler of the Hot Chocolate Empire

Movie Review 10

The year is 2700, and planet Earth has long been uninhabitable. For hundreds of years, WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) has been taking out the trash, and collecting precious knick-knacks in order to stave off the boredom of his dreary routine. Little does WALL-E realize that he has recently stumbled onto a secret that could save planet Earth, and once again make the ravaged planet safe for all humankind. When highly advanced search robot EVE makes friends with WALL-E and realizes the value of his remarkable discovery, she excitedly races back to let the humans know that there's hope for their home planet after all. But after centuries alone in space, WALL-E can't stand the thought of losing the only friend he's ever known, and eagerly follows her into the deepest reaches of space on the adventure of a lifetime.

The kids and I thought it was a very sweet story. Pixar did a good job at giving the robots character and emotions. Cute little robots = heartwarming story.

During a scientific expedition in Iceland, visionary scientist Trevor Anderson (Brendan Fraser), his nephew Sean (Josh Hutcherson) and their beautiful local guide, Hannah (Anita Briem), are unexpectedly trapped in a cave from which their only escape is to go deeper and deeper into the depths of the Earth. Traveling through never-before-seen worlds, the trio comes face-to-face with surreal and unimaginable creatures--including man-eating plants, giant flying piranha, glow birds and terrifying dinosaurs from days past. The explorers soon realize that as volcanic activity increases around them, they must find a way back to the earth's surface before it is too late.

good version of a classic movie/book. Fun for the kids and contains great cinematography. The only trouble with 3D is... in order to see the effects you have to sacrifice all other colors!! I would forget it and just watch the regular version.

The story has Rick O'Connell's (Brendan Fraser) son Alex (Luke Ford) discovering the tomb of Han, the first Emperor of China (Jet Li). This leads Rick and his wife Evelyn (Maria Bello) to travel to China, where an evil General causes the resurrection of Han. The Emperor then tries to break an ancient curse set on him by the witch Zi Yuan (Michelle Yeoh), so Han can use his magical powers to bring his army back to life to conquer the world.

We enjoyed this movie. A fun action adventure full of cool special effects and a few handsome men didn't hurt ;)

Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman, Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes (played by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins), and Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger dons the ghoulishly gleeful Joker makeup previously worn by Jack Nicholson and Cesar Romero. Just as it begins to appear as if Batman, Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) are making headway in their tireless battle against the criminal element, a maniacal, wisecracking fiend plunges the streets of Gotham City into complete chaos.

Mike and I found this movie very intense and shooking at times. Definately not a good one for young kids. Heath Ledger's performance was amazing and creepy, he brought something extra into this role.

If you're a batman fan this one blows all the previous movies out of the water, but definately has a lot more gore in it.

Who Turned Out The Lights?!

"Daddy put my hat on backwards. He thought it was pretty funny then Mommy started taking pictures...I guess she thought it was funny too"!



"This is so humiliating"

Ward Christmas Party

Kaitlin with Santa for the second time that day.

The primary kids made an ornament to put on their tree. It shrinks in the oven.

A carol sing-a-long.

On Santa's Knee

We were invited by my mom to see "Santa" who was visiting her work. Kaitlin was very excited and wrote a list of 13 things she wants for Christmas.
Braden was too cool to sit on Santa's knee and Kaeleigh was too afraid. Oh well ~ one out of three aint bad.

Santa is reading the list ~ "I will try my best to get you these things"


Poor Santa won't have time to get EVERYTHING on her list !


Kaeleigh would only look at Santa from a distance.

Santa's Little Helpers

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Movie Review 9

TWILIGHT When Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) reluctantly moved to the perpetually overcast town of Forks, WA, and set out to carve a niche for herself, she assumed it would be one similar to the low-profile social position she held back in Phoenix. First on the list of surprises was the unfamiliar attention from the male population of her new high school; second, the attention from one male in particular: Edward Cullen, Vampire (Robert Pattinson). Before long, the unlikely soul mates find themselves in a passionate relationship with a variety of significant setbacks, including Edward's special-needs diet (he doesn't eat humans, but Bella's scent inspires a nearly impossible to harness bloodlust) and the human girl's mortality. Though things proceed relatively smoothly at first (Edward even introduces Bella to his adoptive vampire family), a visiting vampire clan consisting of James (Cam Gigandet), Victoria (Rachelle Lefevre), and Laurent (Edi Gathegi) catches Bella's unique scent and threatens the young couple's budding, if dangerous, happiness. James, known for his powerful tracking ability, becomes obsessed with making Bella his next victim. Fearing for Bella's safety and that of her loved ones, the Cullens must combine their collective talents in order to stop the highly predatory James before his goal is accomplished.

It's no secret that I've anticipated this movie. I'm really enjoying the books, written by Stephanie Meyer. I dragged Mike to the theater to see this one. This was the first time that I read the book before watching the movie so I felt I would be disappointed,you can never put everything in a movie with a time limit. Mike said the story flowed well but for me it seemed choppy in the beginning. It didn't detract from how much I enjoyed the movie, I loved it and now when I re-read the book I can see the actors in my mind... who were absolutely perfect choices for their parts. They nailed everyone perfectly in my opinion.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next movie in the series...New Moon :D

Harrison Ford reprises his role as the iconic, snake-loathing screen hero in a sequel that also finds Karen Allen returning to the series for the first time since 1981's Raiders of the Lost Ark. Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent, and Shia LaBeouf round out a cast that also features Cate Blanchett in the role of villainous Russian operative Agent Irina Spalko.



We watched this in the theater. It was good, very much like the other Indiana Jones movies. A good sequel but had one or two unrealistic parts. Lots of action in this flick... great movie.

Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) were complete strangers at the beginning of the day, but that changed the instant a strange woman called to threaten both their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Suddenly forced into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, Jerry and Rachel must now take orders from a woman who's using everyday technology to track and control their every move. As the situation intensifies and the hapless duo are deemed the country's most wanted fugitives, they must work together in order to discover who it was that turned their lives upside down, and what they can do to thwart the criminal mastermind's cunning yet diabolical plan.

Mike and I watched this in the theater, It was awesome. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. We would definately see it again.

Babysitting Update

I've just had the opportunity to bring three kids into my home. As a result I will be getting certified by the state and become a day care provider.
My goal is to have a very limited number of spots available, about 5. I've done this for three reasons.

1. I can't handle more than that.

2. I want to give each child the one on one attention they deserve. I'm not sure if they get that from a day care center.

3. I need to fit them in my vehicle.

I'll be making my schedule more structured from now on. This involves a weekly menu plan and a daily schedule with enrichment activities.
I feel very positive about this but also overwhelmed as there's a lot of state requirements to meet.

Wish me luck :)

Twilight

As most of my friends know...I don't read much, but a friend gave me this book and said it was great. Unsure of the story I decided to give it a try. Quite a few people have read this story and loved it, I quickly realised that I would love it too.

I couldn't pull myself out of the book until the third chapter, not because my interest faded but simply because it took 52 pages to break away!

When not reading I wonder what will happen next, it's as if a fire has been rekindled (I enjoyed reading as a child and teen but it faded away when I had my family).

I'd heard the movie will be in theatres on Nov 21st and did some math, realizing that I would need to read 70 pages a day in order to finish.

I chortled to myself knowing full well that it would be an impossibilty (for me anyway, I read slowly to fully enjoy what I'm reading).

I must say that it has been an effortless task...no...a joy reading this book. I've been reading for 2 days and already I'm half way through...that's 276 pages. There's something about this book that I adore but I can't put my finger on it.

Here's hoping the movie will live up to my expectations.

Our Little Pumpkin

We took these pictures on Halloween, before going to the kids parties. Our intention was to get some ice-cream at Village Pointe Shopping Center but came across a pumpkin display at the entrance. Hence...no ice-cream... but great pictures instead.
I love it when photo opportunities come along in unexpected ways :)


How can...

We resist...

Her charms???

Halloween Fun

Mike and I went to the school party. It was fun to help in the classroom and watch a magic show.
costume parade

4th grade magic show

Kaitlin - Spider Bride

Braden ready to go home

TRICK OR TREAT ~ SMELL MY FEET ~

GIVE ME SOMETHING GOOD TO EAT

Kaeleigh in her pink puppy/bunny costume (not sure which)

Note the two fisted grasp : she didn't let go the whole time (2 hrs)

"Pay no attention to the woman behind the skeleton".

I really wanted a picture of all three kids but Kaeleigh was afraid of Braden.

Kaeleigh ~ Oh I get it...I hold this pumpkin and people put candy in it... Why don't we do this everyday?!

Next to some cool decorations.

Kaeleigh realized, if she stood at the door with a cute expression, people would give her extra candy. She ended up with more than her brother and sister. We had to dump it out several times so she could carry the bucket.

True depiction of their relationship. Isn't it sweet?

Now, if I can just STOP eating the treats...somehow I don't think that will happen (as she blogs surrounded by empty wrappers). ;-P

A Conversation At Dinner

I'm in the kitchen making dinner, Braden is in the next room and Kaitlin is hovering between the two rooms.
Kaitlin is complaining at the fact that she's always the one who has to fetch things for her Dad (who's just called down to her to bring him something...which happens often).

Me(trying to be nice to Kaitlin): Braden... go downstairs to the freezer and bring me a bag of vegetables.
Braden: Sure, I'd be happy to tell Kaitlin you need her to get some vegetables... Just kidding!

My son the comedian :)

My First Convention

It's THE inspirational event you don't want to miss. TIME OUT FOR WOMEN is not a conference. It's not a formal gathering. It's not church. But it IS a day designed for women who might need a break or want a chance to regroup and rediscover all that's good. This year we're uncovering the JOYFUL LIFE that is waiting for you to more fully enjoy.



Friday Night:

Ardeth KappFormer Young Women General President; board of directors, Deseret Book Company and Southern Virginia University; author, Better Than You Think You Are
"OUR PART IN THE PLAN"

Jenny Oaks BakerMaster of Music, Juilliard; first violinist for seven years for the National Symphony Orchestra; award-winning recording artist
"IN CONCERT:"





Saturday:

Kenneth CopeSinger; songwriter; producer; composer; multiple Pearl Award winner; albums include Greater Than Us All, Women at the Well. and his newest release, All About You
"Musical Performance"

Mary Ellen EdmundsFormer director of training, Missionary Training Center; Former faculty, College of Nursing (BYU); author, Love Is a Verb and Peculiar In a Good Way
"...And Let it Begin With Me"

Cherie CallSinger, songwriter, and multiple time Pearl Award Winner; albums include He Gives Flowers to Everyone and Beneath These Stars
"Musical Performance"

Pam HansenWomen's Advisory Council, Internmountain Health Care; weight loss/management instructor; author Running with Angels and Finding the Angel Within
"Finding Joy in the Mirror"

Elia Gourgouris, Ph.D.Success coach and President of LDSCoaching.com; Ph.D. in Psychology, UCLA; recently released talk on cd DTR: What You Should Know Before You Get Married. Visit Elia at AskDrElia.com
"Creating More Joyful Relationships"
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Jenny Oaks Baker absolutely blew me away with her talent. She's so adorable I just wanted to run up there a give her a hug. She was full of grace and humility but also showed us how normal she is. We could all relate to her but at the same time were in awe of her talent.



Kenneth Cope.

Cherie Call. Her voice and mannerism reminds me of Jodie Foster.

I wasn't sure if I would come away with anything that would help me in my life but actually I was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed every speaker and musical performer, each one was great and had a special message to share.
They said a few things which helped me to re-focus my thoughts and feelings.

I left the convention feeling emotionally and physically drained but with a newfound understanding of some things which I was struggling with personally. Maybe now I can tweak those things and find improvement; where before I found only baracades hindering my progression towards a better me.

I'm grateful to my loving Heavenly Father who provided a way for me to attend this event and give me exactly what I need to endure a difficult time in my life.

A huge thank you to Mike for taking care of our kids so that I could be recharged and refreshed.

Love You xxx

Sanity Saver aka Toddler Trap

Kaeleigh is quite the climber and at 16 months she can climb up the front of the oven and her high chair (standing triumphantly on the tray) but more recently she has discovered the art of crib escapes.

Mike and I heard banging coming from her room and then a loud thud followed by screaming. Kaeleigh had scaled the foot board (which is flat - it's attached to the changing table). Apparently she was stomping on top of the changing table and lost her balance ending up on the floor...she was fine. I on the other hand let out a long disgruntled groan at the realization that my life would officially be over now that she couldn't be safely contained.

Queue the sympathetic "uh huh" from moms around the world.

The next day I put Kaeleigh down for her morning nap, hoping she remembered her scarry fall. A short while later I went to check on Lil' Miss Houdini...

She was perched atop the changing table, talking to the birds out the window!

Oh Boy...I guess it's confirmed. The crib needs to be converted to the toddler bed and everything in the room will no longer be safe.

Now for the good news...

My best friend came to the rescue and brought me the "Crib Tent II" made by tots in mind.

Let me tell you, they deserve every penny for that wonderful idea!!

It's brilliant and I have my sanity back...for a short time anyway.

Thanks Karen you're the best :)

Top TV Picks

My sister in law had this on her blog so I thought I would try it too.
These are our favorite shows to watch...at the moment.


Mike and I love to watch the english shows on sunday evenings.

Bizarre Foods - A family best nomination

one of mine

Braden and I watch this one together...he loves the breakdancing.

Mike and I like this

I enjoy answering the questions. It's usually on

after I get back from picking the kids up from school.

Man vs Wild - A family best nomination

Great show. The kids and I love it.

We enjoy the series in HD.

a family best nomination.