Exhaustified from New Moonish Festivities

I'm tired. I have had two fun days full of good friend and a good movie, but I'm tired. But, that doesn't mean I'm not going to share my thoughts about New Moon! :) I'm going to write this and try not to have spoilers, but read at your own risk...

I really liked this movie.

kthxbai


Okay, I'm kidding. I'll just say that I was extremely impressed - especially upon watching it directly after Twilight. The cast all seemed SO much more comfortable in their roles. (Direction? Do we have Chris Weitz to thank or is it just that the cast is more comfortable with each other?) I was also impressed with Taylor's portrayal of Jacob. I mean, he's a kid (LADIES - HE IS A KID!!) and he really pulled it off, for the most part. And I adored Charlie - he was perfect, as usual.

My favorite part was the scene where Thom Yorke's song was playing. For those of you who have seen it - Victoria, Wolves, Harry Clearwater, Cliffs. That scene. Although I can't lie - I also loved the moment when Edward pulled into the parking lot - it was reminiscent of the cafeteria entrance in Twilight but with a whole different feel.

All that being said, you know how Twilight had kind of a kitschy, cheesy feel to it at parts (or for most of the movie)? Well, New Moon did not disappoint in this area either. I was happy to see some scenes (especially one in particular) that made me giggle when I shouldn't have. Yay for some cheese!

Overall - loved it. Will see it again. Will force Kevin to watch it at least once.



[SideRant: I've also noticed a lot of "haters" out there because they're "sick" of all this Twilight stuff. SO - ignore it! Turn it off if you don't like it. (Unless you're Kevin and then, sorry babe, you're kind of stuck with it for a little while.) A lot (and I mean A LOT) of people do like it, so let us have our fun and enjoy it. Why not, really? What is it hurting? It's providing me with some great distraction while waiting for Baby Girl, I'll tell you that much! :)]

Whatch Doing Tonight?

Seriously, friends. I don't think there is any way I could actually post today about real things. So, I'll post about fictional characters...



That's right. For those of you who don't know - tonight at midnight I will be seeing New Moon for the first time. I'm extremely excited - not just for the movie, but for a night out with the girls. And then again tomorrow with my friend who has a blog and used to write about this book called Twilight and then I decided I needed to read... and you know the rest. (*whew* longrunonsentencethere) She is driving miles and miles (in her shiny volvo!) to see the movie with me! So, this mama is taking a break, and going out with the girls for a while... (Which is good, bc I can't even seem to make sense today or write a coherent sentence.)

I found this on youtube and thought some of you would enjoy it - to get ready for tonight! :) :) :)

Fandom Gives Back

Okay Twilight friends (and I know you're out there) - have you heard about this?



Here's the deal. Twilight fans from all over are coming together to support Alex's Lemonade Stand, which raises money to help fight against childhood cancer. Pretty cool, right? And people think us twi-hards are only consumed with things like this...



Okay, that may be true for the most part, but here is our chance to show the world that twilight fans care about things other than hawt vampires! The Fandom Gives Back is taking donations, but they are also hosting an auction where you can bid on Twilight Fan-Fiction authors - they will write you your very own Twilight story. Or a story about you and Edward. Or about you and Jacob *gags*. Whatever you want - they'll do it. And, all the proceeds of the auction go to Alex's Lemonade Stand. I don't really read fan-fic but I do know people who do, and I want to recommend Meadow as a writer you should bid on if you're interested. I've actually read her new story - and it's really wonderful - I can't wait for her next installment!

Books and a Big (and Little) Red Dog

(Oh Blogger! Still with the html? Okay, let's try this anyway...)

Okay, Books!! Micah and I like to discuss books here on the blog, so we'll start with my picks.

First, Waiter Rant.



I LOVED this book. It made me laugh out loud throughout. I don't know if you'd have to be in the "industry" to really appreciate it, but it's not just restaurant tales. It's also the story of the writer's life and how he came to find himself working at a restaurant. And, I highly recommend you read it, or at least read Appendix A, if you have never worked in a service job. :)

And, if you're looking for a good series - look no further. Have I mentioned Mortal Instruments before? Oh well, if I have, I'll do it again.



It's not for everyone, but if you liked Twilight, you might like this one too. I loved it and am planning on reading it again. I should mention that I am a voracious reader. I read anything and everything - not just young adult fiction. :) But, that seems to be what I like these days (???) so there you are.

Okay, on to Micah's picks! He is really getting into books these days. He always loved storytime, but he would not sit still for the longer books - you know, with lots of words. Finally I achieved a longer book by getting him this classic story...



Of course it is about trains. But, it's a very sweet story and he adores it.

And, another one of his favorites right now is a book we received as a gift for his baptism last Spring. It is a very sweet book and has that lyrical quality that helps Micah relax before bedtime. I love reading this one.



So, there you have our picks for today. And, because you know I like pictures, recently we went to the bookstore to see Clifford the Big Red Dog! Micah was lucky enough to get some handmedown Clifford jammies this summer and you know he had to wear them last night. He was the cutest thing I've ever seen in his Clifford jams...







(I am now crossing my fingers and hoping all this html blargle becomes a real post when I hit publish...)

You Asked for It!

Okay, well just like 3 of you asked for it, but when anyone asks me to discuss Twilight, I'm more than willing. So, let's take a break from mommyhood and be twi-hards, shall we? (I understand that many of you will now be leaving. I understand. It's okay, I still love you.)

The New Moon Soundtrack! Have you downloaded it? Do you love it? I think that I would have loved it no matter what, but I reallyreally love it. I love sad, dark music. A friend and I were discussing this - because she is the same way - and we decided that it's because we're generally positive, happy people so we have to have an outlet for the dark stuff. Music! Anyway, this soundtrack is definitely less upbeat than the Twilight soundtrack - but that is to be expected. I mean, this movie is about Edward LEAVING.... *begins to cry*



And, my thoughts on the movie? Well, for Twilight I had SUPER HIGH HOPES. And they were shot to... um poop. (Remember - family blog here.) I do love Twilight but my first viewing left me feeling like something (or many many things) was missing. I'm trying not to get my hopes up for next Thursday, but it's really hard after watching things like this...



My plans for that night include a 9 pm showing of Twilight with 5 friends followed by a midnight showing of New Moon. Don't think you won't get another Twilight post on November 20th!! Who else is going?! What are your thoughts?

My Little Fish!

So, we've been gone for a while... sorry about that. But, we've been having so much summer-time fun - including a trip to the beach in Florida! The best part about this was that Micah started swimming. All. By. Himself. Seriously. He would stand on a ledge in the pool, I would count to three and say, "Big kicks!" and he would launch himself, face under, towards me with his arms and legs going. It was about the cutest thing ever. And, I'm a swimmer, so this mom was proud! Pictures? Yep!

Isn't that the cutest? I love it. It's a good thing I love it because he made me catch him for almost an hour straight. I would make him take breaks to take big breaths and he would start stomping his feet - ready to go again. I think we have a future swimmer in the family? :)

That's all for now - but I will leave you with this lovely image from our trip...

hahahaha!

Woo-Woo!

So, I may have mentioned before that we are a family of obsessions. When we like something we REALLY like it.

Ahem... Where was I? Oh, right. Obsessions. So, Micah's latest obsession is the Woo-woo, or what is commonly called a train. (He is also obsessed with sounds, but I'll save that for another post.) We rode the train a couple of months back at the zoo and now he is all about the trains...

We have to ride the train almost immediately upon arriving at the zoo these days, and if we don't - that is all he will talk about until we do. "Mom, woo-woo?"

So, lately we have been satisfying both of our passions by going to Barnes and Noble. We've actually been going since he was a wee babe, but now that he has discovered the train table, it is a brand new, magical place. I grab a book I'm thinking about getting, sit myself on a chair next to the table and he plays for minutes at a time! It is magical.

But, I have to be honest about something. I cannot look those tiny wooden trains in their tiny wooden faces. Why? They are Thomas trains. I have always had an unnatural fear of Thomas the Train and all his cronies... I mean... his friends. I think it is their faces...

I know he is smiling. And I know he's probably a very nice train with a face, but it CREEPS ME OUT. He's just creepy. It's so bad that I've tried to steer Micah away from the Thomas the Train books and toys. I can't imagine reading one of these books to him every night (as I'm sure it would be requested every night).

So, for you mamas who have embraced Thomas, I say, right on! You are brave. I'm still just a little too scared to bring home trains with faces. Of course, Micah usually wins out in these things, so it could be just a matter of time....

Obsess Much?

Okay, so you all know I have an obsession as of late - you know, those vampire books? And, the movie? Micah also has a new obsession, which I will get to, but mine first.

I am pretty much Cullened-out for a while. The party was so much fun - we had about as much fun planning it as we did at the actual party. I'll let the pictures tell the story...

Pocket Edward getting ready for the guests to arrive. Such a gracious host.

Vampire , Red Truck, Black Swan and Bella Sera wines. Our wine glasses each had a book quote on the stem - so you could tell which glass was yours. I think mine said, "Stay very still..."

"Uh, yeah, this is my room."

My friend Becky as Lauren (after she cuts her hair :), my friend Tracey as Victoria and myself as Alice.

What was left of the party-goers at 12:15 a.m. That's my friend Kari in the grey shirt - she's Edward. I still giggle at that!

Okay, so fun was had by all. Now onto Micah's latest obsession (apparently this runs in our family)...

Yep. Curious George. Let it be known that Micah has never once sat and watched a whole movie. Usually not even 5 minutes of a whole movie. Until now. He BEGS us to watch George constantly. And, he can even say "George". He won't say dog (still says, "woof" for dog) but he says "George." We're not the kind of parents that let our kid veg out to movies all day, but this new obsession has come in handy every now and then.

He is also, as a byproduct of his George obsession, obsessed with Jack Johnson (mainly the soundtrack from CG). In the car I listen to the song "Jungle Gym" over and over and over and over. If I try to play something else he says, "NO MOM." (Just to let you know, I do, in fact, play other songs - I don't think my sweet two year old should have complete control over our listening choices all the time.)

So, there you have it. We have our obsessions. Kevin, by the way, is currently obsessed with playing XBox Live - Call of Duty. Weird in my opinion, but he doesn't really get Twilight, so we're even. :)

I have supplied myself with something new to obsess about, but this is a much more important something (actually a life issue), so I'll save it for the next post...

Snippets** EDITED with Video!

This is the randomness that is occurring in our life lately...

* Micah has started to sing. He does not sing real songs (he's still not talking much) but he opens his mouth as wide as he can and lets it loose. He did this today while 'playing' the guitar hero guitar and listening to Jack Johnson. Then later his dad started singing some song and Micah joined in. (I will try to get video of this - it is so great.)

*EDIT: I got video! This one is with his totally awesome 1984 keyboard as accompaniment...

How hilarious is the giant intake of breath he takes right after raising the "microphone"? I know, completely hilarious.

* Work is going well. I don't have to tell my name to my tables. In fact, we're discouraged from doing so. Last week was training and they fed us a mountain of food every night. I've never eaten so much. Ever. We open this week so we'll see...

* Micah is doing well at school. He cries when I have to leave, but then I can hear that he is quiet by the time I get to the door. Whenever I tell him (at home) that I have to go to work later he blows me a kiss and says, "Mom, bye."

* Have you ever seen such amazing eyes? I mean - wow...

* I would like to say that I am not really that crazy about Twilight and Edward. I'm just having fun.

* Did you know that my purse came with a small pocket that Pocket Edward fits right into? It's true.

* Micah still fits into his 12 month shorts. His 2T shorts fall off him. These are the shorts that he fits into now...This was taken in July of last year.

* Micah will now have complete "conversations" with us. He still has a very limited vocabulary, but if I ask him to tell his dad about how we went to the bookstore and got chocolate moo, he will turn to Kevin and give him the run-down in Mic-speak. It's so funny.

* Micah calls milk "MOOOOO" because there is a cow on the label. That is an obvious sign of his geniusness. (I know - not a word! I do not have signs of geniusness.)

That's all I've got for now. Oh - and Happy St. Patrick's Day! :)

Twilight Party!

Less than 1 week until the Twilight DVD is released! And that means less than 1 week until the most amazing Twilight DVD Release party ever. My great Twi-hard friends Kari, Tracey and Becky are co-hosting this party with me and we have some serious party plans. I thought I'd share our ideas with you in case you are planning a party of your own... (If you are coming to the party, please cover your eyes - we don't want to ruin any surprises!)

Costumes - the invites ask guests to dress as their favorite Twilight character. We’re going to make a twilight gift basket for the “best costume.” I'll be going as Alice Cullen - can you see it? I can, because I can see the future.

Food - all from the book or movie - mushroom ravioli, mini pizzas (Bella dared Edward to eat and he ate pizza in the book), spinach salad, berry cobbler (from the movie) and vampire cupcakes (just for fun). We’re also having bowls of apples and Twilight Sweethearts.

Wine - Bella Sera (white), Newton Claret, Vampire wine - http://www.vampire.com/. The beer that Charlie drank is not available anymore but we might make fake “R” labels for our beers. And, cokes (from the Italian restaurant scene)

Decor - white lights wrapped around the trees (like Alice’s parties in the books), red roses, red candles. Black plates and napkins. (We’re doing a black/red/white theme.) Stand Up Edward - we have a life-sized Edward and will offer pictures with him. Action Figure Edward - he will be mingling with the guests.

Paper fans with pictures of Edward - the deleted scenes might make people need to fan themselves.

Wine glass stem markers with quotes from the movie and book.

Those are our ideas. I know I'm giving away our secrets... I wonder if this is a good idea. Oh, you won't tell anyone, will you?

Are you having a party? What are your plans?

Mom & Micah Read Books

First - thank you all so much for the feedback on my last post. I really appreciate all the nice things that were said - although I don't really believe Meg when she said she would read if I were counting ceiling tiles, still nice to hear.

So, I've actually been meaning to post about a certain book for a while now, so I figured I would include it in some book reviews by Micah and I...

The first book is from ashes to africa by Josh & Amy Bottomly...

Mom: So, I know a lot of you have read this book, but if you still haven't - please go order it. You will love it. The thing I loved about this book is it's honesty. Josh & Amy hold nothing back and that is quite refreshing. It is very difficult to be honest with even friends and family about issues with marriage, and definitely with infertility. The Bottomly's courageously share their struggles, and ultimately their triumphs in a true and honest fashion. I loved reading this book. I would also like to add that this book would be a WONDERFUL thing to pass along to family members if you are struggling with infertility and considering adoption. I remember how hard it was to put into words the dark time of "trying." I really could not figure out a way to make my family understand. I feel that this book could be a great conversation starter between family members - and it can help family that may be resistant to adoption start to understand.

Micah: I like this book because it has pictures of my bud Silas. I also really like the colors on the front.


Next, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins..

Mom: I read this book in 24 hours. I had a lot of people recommend it, but I read the synopsis and thought I would hate it. (Not to mention the cover - it looks like a Tom Clancy novel to me.) Anyway, I picked it up one day and LOVED it. It is listed under Young Adult fiction, but I could give this to my Dad and he would like it. I've lent it to friends - both men and women who are NOT young adults and they all liked it. I'm not going to tell you much about it - because you just have to trust me on this one. It's good.

Micah: Boring. But, it does make a loud sound when you throw it.

And finally, My Little Miracle...

Mom: I bought this before Micah came home. I love it. It's beautiful. Our copy is tattered and has duct tape and is basically falling apart, but I love it so much.

Micah: This is one of my favs. Mom used to read it to me all the time when I was a baby and it always helped calm me. She told me she got it for me because I am her little miracle. She also memorized it so lots of times she will just recite it to me as I'm falling asleep. My favorite page has a moon on it.

There you have it. I'm currently re-reading Jane Eyre, but am always open to suggestions for another great book.

PS - For you Twilight fans out there - go here and see my debut as a jr. league superhero. (I know - I need help :) And, read the rest of that blog too - very funny stuff. (And see - the non-Twilight fans don't even have to go there! But, really, you're missing out.)