The Grass is Greener

...in California because let's face it, we live in Utah where it's snowy. Craig, Lucas, and I were lucky enough to visit both our parents this holiday season. First we went down to my parents in Lancaster and spent until the Monday before Christmas with them and then we went up to Craig's parents in Manteca and spent Christmas with them. Both occasions were monstrous fun. We got back Saturday night and are happy to be home. While at Craig's parents', though, we documented only two occasions...silly us. First, a visit with our dear friends Enos and Lindsay...we miss them lots. And the second, Lucas' first experience with grass. Enjoy!

I didn't know it was a serious picture...a little embarrassing...

I love awkward pictures...but I love little Lucas more

More awkward pictures...only Craig and Lindsay are able to be viewed in this picture...and only part of Enos and myself...love it.

Mom...is this grass?

It was so cute...when we put him in the grass he wasn't sure if he was supposed to touch it or not so when he was crawling in it...he made a conscious effort to lift his hands really high.

I'm so excited, Mom!

Shhh...be vewy vewy quiet...I'm hunting kitties...

A War? On Christmas??

HERE is an article I read on Yahoo News and, though I celebrate Christmas, I whole heartedly agree with this "group" of people. I do think that Christmas should be celebrated but it's not something I'm going to force someone to believe in. My favorite quote from the article is:

"Christians get all bent out of shape over the fact that someone didn't say 'Merry Christmas' when I walked into the store. But why are we expecting the store to tell our story? That's just ridiculous." - Pastor Ricky McKinley.

Bless that Pastor's heart for realizing Christians or believers in Christ (LDS included) are the only ones that have something special to celebrate this season.

An even better point made is that besides the fact that Christians expect a "Merry Christmas" rather than a "Happy Holidays", is they also expect this to be done while they're going into massive debt to buy their family presents, or making sure they buy the nicest present to win some kind of fictional contest. In light of this, Craig and I have decided to make it a family tradition in our house to put some of the money we're setting aside for presents toward a charity of our family's choice. This, of course, won't happen until next year, but I think it will help remind our children that the greatest gift you can give the Lord is to help his children out.

I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas AND Happy Holidays.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Yes, I know, I saw it. Saturday morning to be specific and yes, to answer your question, the theater was full even on Saturday morning. I do allow that it is better than the first one. It was easy to see that the new director actually knew what he was doing.

The graphics were decent and they did a good job hitting all the important points of the book and leaving out irrelevant dramas within the plot. I do have to admit that the wig they have the guy playing Aro wearing looks a little like Antonio Banderas' wig in Interview with a Vampire. If you've seen the movie...you know what I'm talking about. :) Also, the dialog was a little cheesy and I distinctly remember looking away from the screen because I was embarrassed by what they were saying and doing. But never fret, I need to learn my lesson eventually because the next few movies will be INFINITELY more cheesy and "embarrassing" to me.

OH! And the physical difference between Jacob and Edward is PAINFULLY obvious. It's really sad once you see Edward with his shirt off after looking at Jacob with his shirt off the entire movie. Anyways. I can't really suggest whether to rent it, skip it, or watch it because it focuses on such a specific audience.

And finally, I wouldn't be doing this post justice if I didn't exclaim how Twilight fans crack me up. I think that was one of the highlights about the movie was all their squeals and and coos of joy. Love it.

Halloween

On Friday we had a little costumer party at our apartment. I'm pretty awful at taking pictures during events so this was all I could scrounge up. I even had to steal a picture from our other friends' blog to get a picture of them in their costumes...ugh pathetic. Anywho, enjoy!

Donnie, Jenni and Asher as Mario, Luigi and Donkey Kong

Melissa and Levi as Elastigirl and Syndrome

Philip as Anikan

Finally Craig, Me and Lucas as Dr. House, The Brave Little Toaster and Blankie

Valkyrie

Last night Craig and I finally sat down and watched the movie Valkyrie. I don't know why we were waiting so long because it was an incredible movie. Granted, it's not for everyone. If you're interested in World War II or Adolf Hitler history, it is an extremely powerful movie. The actors they used did a phenomenal job acting and what an honor it would be for them to play the characters they played. You felt anxious when they were anxious, you were upset when they were upset. It was just extremely well done. In most movies you watch the movie and learn to hate the villain. In this one, you go into it already hating him, but again, only if you are extremely aware of the atrocities Adolf Hitler accomplished. In the movie, it does not build on the hate for the villain and I would be surprised if they had. He was an extremely sick man; a charmer of thousands. Thank heavens there were people like Colonel Stauffenberg and General Olbricht that understood the madness that was spreading throughout Europe and took it upon themselves to try and protect the rest of the world. May they rest in peace.

A Gift from Grandma

Grandma Dell sent these wonderful hats for Lucas for the winter. They just looked so cute on him we had to share it with everyone (or at least those that read my humble blog).

On a lighter note

So Craig and I were watching this SNL skit that is a parody of the "mildly amusing Lawrence Welk Show". We still can't stop laughing...enjoy!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/73360/saturday-night-live-lawrence-welk

http://www.hulu.com/watch/37752/saturday-night-live-the-lawrence-welk-show

Clarification

I suppose I need to clarify the meaning of my previous post in response to what I have been hearing and reading from friends and family members.

Craig and I agreed to post the previous post merely because we found it unjust to give credit to a person who, first of all, doesn't even feel they deserve this award, and second of all, hasn't even come close to completing the things he was awarded for. Interestingly enough, he knows he won't be able to complete these things within his lifetime.

That being said, we would like ALL to know that we, in no way, have any ill feelings toward our elected president, President Obama, nor the Democratic party. We would also like to point out that we do not take political sides but choose our elected officials based on what we feel is the best course for the country. We feel it is silly and ignorant on both sides to make the fact that President Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize into some kind of political war between political parties. In fact that was the opposite of what we were trying to accomplish in our previous post.

"United we stand, divided we fall."- Patrick Henry

A reason to blog

Friday, October 9, 2009 President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."(time.com). Granted, these "efforts" have not even been placed into effect yet. So pretty much, they gave him the award on a promise that he made while he was trying to get into office. It upsets me that they (they being the new Nobel committee which consists of people from the socialist left party) have given him the award to bind him into a promise that a hundred other presidents before him have made. Too bad that people like Greg Mortensen didn't get the award. Here's his story:

"Son of a missionary, a former army Medic and mountaineer, he has made it his mission to build schools for girls in places where opium dealers and tribal warlords kill people for trying. His Central Asia Institute has built more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan- a mission which has, along the way, inspired millions of people to view the protection and education of girls as a key to peace and prosperity and progress."

Too bad a prestigious award has been turned into something for political gain. Too bad that those that have done everything unselfishly for the world will not be recognized for their efforts. Too bad.

The Happy List

So here is a little pick-me-up for well...me...and whomever else needs one. I was reading my brother's blog and he was listing a few things that make him and his wife, Rikki, happy. So here is a list of 25 things that make me happy:

1. Babies named Lucas.

2. Irish folk music (and yes...Flogging Molly counts because they are punk BASED on irish folk music.)

3. Sleeping after a long physically challenging day.

4. Rain...especially Seattle rain.

5. Clean apartments/houses.

6. Delicious meals that I don't have to cook.

7. Sushi...and sushi with friends...

8. Working

9. Having that sense of accomplishment after doing something I've wanted to do for a while.

10. Craig being spontaneous

11. Jackets and Jacket weather

12. Family food shopping...yes...we do it together.

13. Oliver Queen...my car that is...even though the actor that plays him on Smallville is uncommonly handsome.

14. My family in the same room...priceless.

15. The way Luke smells after a bath.

16. People watching at the University Mall.

17. Reading "fantastical" books with Craig.

18. The word "fantastical"

19. Watching powerful movies

20. Listening to music while getting ready for the day.

21. Sledding with Craig and my cousins Brooke and Brian.

22. Dancing Grandmas

23. Thanksgiving food

24. Listening to classical music...especially in the fall when it goes with the like colors.

25. Reading when it's cold out. It makes me feel accomplished.

oh and one more...I lied...

It makes me happy when Enos comments and demands a picture despite how necessary they are. :) I miss you guys.

I suppose...

...seeing as it's Luke's half birthday tomorrow this can count as his half birthday gift. We got him a walker. He loves it. He's not really trekking around in it yet, but he sure tries and that's what counts. Here's a video of him with his new toy:

Retrospect

Sometimes it's just incredible how we get to where we are. Once upon a time we were little kids, running around being the biggest dorks and then we grow up...different. But it's not different in the "aw, we're different but it's OK, we understand each other" way, it's the different in the "seriously? you've become the one type of person in the world i don't respect?". I just don't see how it happens. And when you look down through your past and see where you went and and which path they've chosen, you see exactly how and where your selves took two different paths. Sometimes it's when you parted ways, but sometimes, it's when you thought of yourselves as friends and you refused to let that effect your feelings for that friend because you were afraid to be alone. Unfortunately, you see that you would have much rather been alone then waste your emotions on that person. In the end, you're glad you are not where that person is, because you see that you wouldn't have been the person you were today if you hadn't made that necessary emotional severance.

Something New

Ignore the commentary

Me Want Food

So we've been trying spoon feeding for that last few weeks so he can get used to it and finally he's showing interest in helping! He may not be getting it all in his mouth, but he's got enthusiasm which makes us happy...regardless of the clean up.

After the battle

Julie & Julia

While my mom and sisters were here we went to the mall and saw Julie & Julia. First of all, cute movie. Meryl Streep did a great job. It was fun to go in between the two lives and see similarities. My qualm with it is that it seemed a little long. I'm not sure what more you can talk about for two and a half hours. A witty, fun movie worth seeing at home, but not in theaters. I hope you enjoy/enjoyed it.

17 Again

17 Again was fabulous. We watched it tonight with some good friends of ours and actually laughed. I kind of pity Zac Efron because this didn't exactly help his "getting out of High School Musical" plot, but he did a fantastic job. Craig and I definitely give him more credit than we thought we would. He did a particularly good job at imitating Matthew Perry's mannerisms, which I think is something that one doesn't normally see in similar movies. Anyway, worth the Redbox or rent. You'll definitely laugh and probably feel a little embarrassed for Zac Efron.

Why, you may ask....

...do I have these seemingly ordinary pictures of Lucas on his back?

My answer to you: He rolled over for the first time, unassisted!

Online booty call...yeah i know

So ok, we were watching tv the other night over at a friends house and they had this commercial for something that i thought was totally fake, but alas, is all too real. It's called onlinebootycall.com. It's exactly what it sounds like...sleazy and pathetic. I went to the website and it actually uses phrases like "the magic of a one night stand", or "the joy of just hooking up". It did make for a very funny commercial so I'm posting two links to the video or just look it up on youtube. Probably shoulda called it justhornyandsad.com, conveys the same message. Hopefully everyone will at least get a laugh out of it, then put it out of your minds forever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1auGizTCKg&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDTHo9G_t4o&feature=related

and last one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YotP66ggqo&feature=related

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

It's finally here. We were finally able to find time to see the sixth installment of the Harry Potter movies. First of all I would like to point out that I learned a long time ago not to go into the Harry Potter movies expecting it to be like the books. If I did that, I would not enjoy them. Although I do have to say that this one did an excellent job accomplishing what it did working with such a long book. I can actually say that I'm glad they didn't get into as much detail as the movie seemed to take long enough. I think those that are fans of the books got what they want, and those that have never read the books got a great movie.

Another thing I thoroughly enjoyed and have seen improve is the acting. Danial Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have definitely improved their acting since the first Harry Potter movie. And as they should seeing as they are working with Britain's finest string of actors and actresses (i.e. Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Jim Broadbent, Dame Maggie Smith, and many others).

Now, like all movies, I don't find it perfect. There were a few things I thought were a little silly, but then I remember that I was surrounded by children when I saw the movie so I'm sure it was entertaining to them. I do think that this is the best installment of Harry Potter yet and can't wait to see then next two.

Hmmm...

...I think I'm starting to see the resemblance....

The Proposal

So Craig and I saw The Proposal a week or two ago and loved it. They did a really good job choosing the actors for the movie and they both executed what they were trying to accomplish wonderfully. I think Craig's and my only qualm was that Sandra Bullock is considerably older (12 years) than Ryan Reynolds and since the crowd knows that...it's kinda weird. But anyways. I thought it was a great movie. Craig found it predictable, but I didn't just because I couldn't fathom that they would change their minds as quickly as they did and how quickly they made their decision in the end. I found if anyone does happen to see it, it's more of a rent than a go see in the theater. It's not necessary to see it in the theater in order to enjoy it.

Until We Meet Again

On Monday Craig and I had to say good-bye to some really good friends of ours. We're going to see them during Christmas, but we're definitely going to miss having them close by so we can hang out with them whenever we want. Enos and Lindsay have moved to San Fransisco, and we're going to miss them dearly. We enjoyed spending time with them and are going to miss the times we get together with our Lucai. We hope you guys have a safe trip today and a wonderful life in San Fransisco. We'll see you at Christmas!

So Lucas H did that on his own...we got pretty excited so...

...we made him hug Lucas D...Lucas D looks apprehensive...but I know he secretly loved it...

yeah...they were watching television...

And there are our strong men!

Uh Oh...

...it's happening. I miss work. I keep thinking about possible places for me to work part time when I know good and well it's not going to happen for a while. A few places I've been thinking about? Cold Stone, again. Olive Garden, again. Hollywood Video. Papa Murphey's. It's become quite pathetic. I think it's just a phase and I'll get over it soon enough. Until then, let's see how much more desperate I can get.

Video #2

yeah it speaks for itself...enjoy :)

p.s. this is Craig not Angie...it won't happen often

Star Trek

So a couple of weekends ago, Craig and I went to see the new Star Trek movie and I haven't had the opportunity to write my review about it. It was incredible. None of this "Next Generation" mumbo jumbo. It was refreshing to see a prequel that wasn't lame (i.e. Star Wars episodes I-III). I mean, it had that sense of a new start, but just a touch of nostalgia. Especially when Leonard Nimoy showed up as an older, wiser Spock. And the actors they chose for the younger versions were incredible. I just loved the casting directors choice and the way the actors played them. Now, I'm not a Trekkie, nor will I be (long live the original Star Wars) but if they made a sequel to this one, I would definitely go. I suggest this movie to all those that haven't seen it (all three of you). Craig and I would see it again, but there are too many other movies we want to use our gift cards on and babysitters are few and far. But we will definitely see it again, sometime.

First Blog Video

Alright! You've been waiting, and here it is! Luke's very first video posted on a blog! Grab your popcorn, find your easy chair and enjoy 40 seconds of crazy camera work, which ever Chuck episode was on in the background, and Craig's Lucas voice.

Wedding Photos

So I've noticed that everyone usually puts their wedding photos up months or years after their actual wedding. Well here is our contribution. There are a few that people haven't seen these before because we didn't get them till a few months ago. Enjoy!

Breakfast at IHOP

Craig and his best man and bud, Nick

In front of the wrong courthouse

In the right courthouse

In the elevator after the ceremony

Outside the real courthouse

Just keeping it casual

My family

The men

Everyone

The best man and maid of honor

The cousins

Motherhood

So I can't seem to sleep. The last few nights I've been having nightmares about Luke.  I keep worrying about his head or that someone wants to harm him. Welcome to motherhood. Then I look at him and think, how could anyone want to harm such a small and precious little person. I love him way too much and would do anything for him. He's the reason I'm here. He's my boy, goofy face expressions and all.