*good call chels!

I like a good Giveaway!!
I've got NO furniture, so I think these would really ADD!
http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2008/12/scribble-it-giveaway.html

Dumpster-Find Christmas!

Yes, you read that correctly. I enjoy a good Dumpster Dive from time-to-time. I wouldn't consider myself a 'diver' per say, since "my find" was neatly perched right on top, but...yea, I got our Christmas tree from a dumpster. The Story. One SUMMER several years ago Johnny and I were doing a little yard-work and house cleaning to gather our (usually quite generous) contribution to the annual neighborhood clean-up dumpster. Whilst weed-whacking (yes, I do this) I glanced toward the dumpster noticing how unusually full it was so early in the day. Then, with a wondering eye I spied, the most beautiful charlie brown Christmas tree, and I sighed. Yes. I really need that tree. We didn't have one. We'd spent WAY too much in past years on a REAL one. I knew I had to get a little closer to inspect the "damage", it must be damaged right? For some one to throw away a perfectly good tree already covered with fabulous twinkle lights, it must. I decided to weed-whack my way over there and get a closer look. After looking it over I quickly made a necessary decision...to give this "doomed" tree a real chance I needed to hastily get it home, and give it a proper 'once-over'. So that's what I did. I did a hurried glance around the neighborhood to make sure that no-one was watching, I didn't want to go to jail. You know they actually leave notes on your door telling you NOT to take from the dumpster. Huh? Weird. That's gross anyway. Hoping that not a soul would see...I made some lightning fast attempts at grabbing the tree, then I got a hold of the trunk. The look on Johnny's face as I rounded the corner, Christmas tree in tow...oh, it was priceless. (I would've taken a picture but unfortunatley I didn't find any ill-fated cameras). "You DIDN'T" he says...Oh, I did. Turns out, besides a bit bare from the waste down, there was NOT a THING wrong with this cute tree. Good and Free, my kind of Find! 3 years and going strong. We've decorated our charlie brown tree this year with a couple of my favorite ornaments. To share. Miss Crocodile w her high heal shoes and tiny trees on her back, she's adorable. The One, The Only...Elvis The Famous perched Cardinal and for Johnny, Every year he wants a canoe for Christmas and this is what he gets... Lastly, MY favorite Decoration this year, Three Wise Men Nutcrackers :) They're so cute. So Wise.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY DECORATING!

Confessions

* * * *

i park illegally at work every day.

when i get hurt i use half of the f-word. (fuuuuhhhhh!).

i like country music.

i am always late but wish i could always be on-time.

i like one of my dogs better than the other.

i always sing the wrong words to every song but pretend that, that's how it goes.

i have not driven the proper speed limit in years.

i have perfected the art of sneaking in shopping bags/removing tags/stashing in backs of closets/saying "what, this old thing?"

when i make a bagel and give half to someone else, i always keep the fatter half for myself.

when i bought Christmas presents for the moms and sisters i also bought October presents just for me.

i like coffee. and the smell of burnt grass.

my house is in constant disarray and i can never find what it is i need.

i roll my eyes at people behind their backs.

i have been known to dislike people's kids. specific kids.

i am planning to gain 10 lbs this season.

* * * *

your turn: confess! you'll feel better. i promise. i won't judge. much.

NOW: THIS IS :GETTING GOOD:

28 Reasons Twilight The Movie Is Better Than Twilight The Book

Found this with a fellow blogger hee hee

and added some touches.

1. First of all, the demands of compressing a 500-page book into a two-hour movie means that most of the boring scenes of Edward brooding about stuff have been cut. In fact, for the entire middle third of the movie, Edward seems happy most of the time, which Robert Pattinson frankly plays a lot better than he does the dark, serious looks.

2. The movie adds an amazing sequence in which Edward takes Bella to the top of an enormous tree for a view of the mountains and river below. It actually totally rules.

3. In the movie, vampires make an unnecessary but awesome whooshing sound when they jump around.

4. Bella's new friends in Forks have been given the Catherine Hardwicke treatment: They're cooler, funnier, more multicultural, and way more interesting than they are in the book, where they're mostly there to serve as distractions that Bella ignores on her way to Edward. For instance, Eric -- described in the book as "a gangly boy with skin problems" who's "the overly-helpful chess-club type" -- turns into a hip, attractive Gaysian. And when everyone goes to the beach, they don't just take boring walks to the tide pools; they go surfing!

5. Who knew Charlie's mustache was so awesome?

6. At the movie, you get to hear teenage girls shrieking, "I love you, Edward!!!" before the opening credits even begin.

7. We predict at least one actual Team Edward vs. Team Jacob riot in a movie theater somewhere in America; the rivalry gets much more visceral with audience members cheering the arrival of their heroes.

8. While the baseball scene can't completely avoid seeming like the campy miscalculation it is, we love that the vampires wear old-timey baseball uniforms.

9. There are jokes! Like, people tell jokes! Instead of just glumly or romantically talking about things! Bella and Edward even tell jokes to each other!

10. We guess because the movie was made by non-Mormons, there's a joke about Speedo-stuffing! And two jokes about boobs.

11. For no apparent reason, the alluring young waitress who can't stop flirting with Edward in Port Angeles has been transformed into a weird hipster chick with a hilarious bouffant. (and a tattoo on one of her breasts...thanks to Nikki for being the only one to spot it out!)

12. When Edward explains to Bella that he can read thoughts, he points around the restaurant and tells her what every one's thinking about: "Money ... sex ... sex ... money ... cat."

13. In a touching ode to primitive research technology, Bella actually reads a little bit about vampires in a book! Before going straight to Google.

14. Unlike in Twilight the book, in which Edward's afraid to even describe a hunt, we actually get to see Edward chase down a deer in the movie.

15. When Bella visits Edward's family, they charmingly attempt to cook her a meal. "We finally get to use the kitchen!" Dr. Cullen says.

16. The wall of the Cullens' house features a cute mural made up of dozens of the vampires' high-school graduation caps.

17. Due to Edward's chastity, at every point in the movie where you're expecting a sex scene, the filmmakers are forced to show long sequences of Edward and Bella lying down and staring soulfully at each other. They're even shot just like sex scenes! It's impossible to explain just how funny this is onscreen.

18. It really drives home the book's overarching message of the dangers of female sexuality when we actually see flushed temptress Bella, late at night in her bedroom, forcing herself upon Edward and the poor innocent vampire flinging himself against a wall to keep himself in check.

19. When Bella's mom hears that her daughter has a boyfriend, she demands, "Are you being safe?".

20. At no point in the movie does this scene occur. (Referencing the "YOU MADE ME FAINT!" scene).

21. Also, this scene was cut, thank God. (Referencing the "You're intoxicated by my very presence" crazy).

22.In general, we're just so relieved that the movie did away with most of the 1,000 scenes in which basically this exact thing happens: Bella: Don't go! Edward: I should go, but I can't. Bella: I am happy! Edward: You're an idiot for being happy. Bella: You are still totally gorgeous OMG OMG.

23. The other vampires - Laurent, Victoria, and James - don't just appear out of nowhere on page 375 because Stephenie Meyer belatedly realized something needed to happen. They make appearances throughout the movie, hunting and killing humans, which gives the movie not only little bursts of much-needed action but at least a game attempt at some suspense.

24. There's an actual fight scene between Edward and James, instead of Bella just passing out and getting told about it later. Mostly it's just them throwing each other through windows and crap, but in a story that's totally starved for action it's nice that they tried.

25. The movie answers in seconds a burning question the book never bothered to address: Do vampires in Twilight have reflections? Spoiler: Yes, they do!

26. Uh, Alice jumps onto James and TOTALLY BREAKS HIS NECK!

27. Movie prom is set in a gorgeous, opulent building with a twinkling gazebo for Edward and Bella's final dance! Book prom takes place in the gym.

28. "And so the lion fell in love with the lamb," Bella says. In the book, you just roll your eyes. In the movie theater, everyone cheers wildly!!

**A NOTE FROM MYSELF:

REMEMBER THIS??

AS IF YOU COULD OUTRUN ME. AS IF YOU COULD FIGHT ME OFF.

A PART IN THE MOVIE THAT I 'D CLEARLY OR SUBCONSCIOUSLY CHOSEN TO FORGET.

Why do we really like any of this, at all?

On the one hand, it was awful.

On the other hand, it was fantastic.

Special effects? Terrible.

Robert Pattinson? Swooooooon.

* * * *

I GUESS We'll NEVER KNOW!

YO GABBA GABBA!!

ANYONE HEARD OF THIS KID'S SHOW?

IT'S LIKE CRACK, FOR BABIES.

IT'S PROBABLY THEE WORST SHOW YOU'LL EVER SEE, at first. DON'T BE FOOLED BY YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS, THERE IS SOME FUNNY STUFF ON THIS SHOW and THERE ARE SOME ACTUAL LESSONS TOO! THIS SHOW IS ALL ABOUT MUSIC AND DANCING AND HAVING FUN...EVERYTHING IS MADE INTO A CATCHY SONG! THEY HAVE ALL SORTS OF CELEBRITY GUESTS, SOME BEATBOXING WITH BIZ MARKIE AND LOTS OF KIDZ SHOWING OFF THEIR "COOL TRICKS, COOL TRICKS!" IF YOU CAN GET PAST THIS GUY..."DJ LANCE"

YIKES. THEN THE SHOW ISN'T TOO BAD. ;) THERE ARE 5 DIFFERENT MONSTER CHARACTERS WHO TEACH THE KIDS LESSONS AND SING ABOUT EVERYTHING. OLIVIA GETS TO WATCH 1 SHOW A DAY (BUT SHE CAN'T GET ENOUGH) AND SHE LOVES TO GET UP AND DO THE MOVES THE MONSTERS DO WHEN THEY SING. IT'S REALLY QUITE CUTE. BESIDES THEY HAVE COOL MERCHANDISE LIKE THESE SHOES, AND THIS SHIRT: I TOTALLY WANT THE SHIRT. COME ON, IT SAYS "THERE'S A PARTY IN MY TUMMY" (SO YUMMY, SO YUMMY). YOU CAN BUY IT AT HOT TOPIC IN CASE YOU'RE DYING TO OWN ONE TOO.

JUST THOUGHT I'D GIVE A LITTLE "BEWARE", IF YOUR KIDS HAVEN'T FOUND "YO GABBA GABBA" YET...DON'T LET THEM. KIDS WILL GET ADDICTED & THE FIRST EPISODE IS ALWAYS FREE!

so i guess it comes down to ONE question...Am I a bad mother for letting her watch it? hmm.

Twilight.Food.ChoCoLate.Bowl

Last Friday Angel and I organized a movie night out with 30+ peeps from work. All 30 of us and some husbands went to see the movie Twilight. I will officially claim that, YES, I did love the movie. I went in with really low expectations and came out wanting to watch it again & again! It was a little cheesy in some parts but completely romantic through-out which I was totally in to. I'm considering myself LuCkY that Johnny was willing to come with us ladies to the movie, thanks to AJ, Duane and Jake I was able to enjoy his presence! After all, Johnny will admit that he liked the movie, apart from all the giggling throughout the ENTIRE theater during the whole 120 minutes. Who knew such a "serious" movie could be so funny. hee hee :) Thanks to Edward.

After the movie my friends and I realized that we were ALL kid-less for the evening and decided to make a night of it! We grabbed some dinner and then stopped by the Chocolate Factory for some delicious Dessert. To top of the best night ever we decided to hit up the bowling lanes. While we waited for the rest of the crew to arrive, me and Johnny played some air-hockey, and Nikki and I did some DanceDanceRevolution-ing worth seeing. The bowling was as excellent as expected and our teams totally got 1st place, not so much in scores but in dance moves and style. Everyone else bowling that night was so lame, not us. I am proud to say that nobody came away injured, everyone just went home with sore throats from screaming and laughing so hard! It was a much needed, super FUN Date night! I am SOO lucky to be able to work with such amazing friends and for babysitters to allow us parents to get out!

COME SEE MY NEW DESIGNS!

"THANK YOU" to everyone who came and supported Baby Bumpkins at "Tom and Lucy's Art Shoppe" This weekend, I really appreciate you! If you didn't make it out to the Shoppe you can see my NEW line of Clothing and Goods at babybumpkins.etsy.com, as well as babybumpkins.blogspot.com!

*Thanks to all of you who have added our "BUTTON" to your BLOG! You're ALL awesome supporters in helping me get my name out there!*

Also, Don't forget about the "End of December GIVEAWAY" for a chance to win a FREE T-Shirt or Onesie!! Hooray :) Click on the website links for more details on the GiVEaWAY!!

2 MORE DAYS!

I'm getting really excited about the Art Shoppe, just TWO days away!! Here is a sneak peek of my newest line of children's clothing and tutu's! I will also have adorable hats and necklaces to sell! Check out http://www.tomandlucysartshoppe.blogspot.com/ to see a what else will be at the shoppe! There will be over 50 fabulous vendors at the art shoppe & it'll be stocked with all sorts of fabulous gifts and ideas for EverYonE!

Sneak peek at Baby Bumpkins Booth:

The Shoppe is TWO entire days

I HOPE I SEE YOU THERE!

Johnny's Fight Pics

Check out Carbon Imagery to see a play by play of Johnny's entire fight against Travis Robinson in Throwdown: Showdown II at the MacKay Events Center. CLICK HERE to see his fight pics.

Siegfreid, Roy and the White Tiger

Happy Halloween from THIS Magical Family!

We had a blast with not only 1 but 2 excellent parties! The Millers hosted a decked-out super fun party with a spider cake, home-made tombstones to write our very own eulogies on, uber decorations, food and so much fun. Johnny and I hosted the second at our condo and had fun eating, playing and watching scary movies with some of our friends that we don't get to see enough of!

Tom and Lucy's Art Shoppe

I received an e-mail from Tom & Lucy's Art Shoppe inviting me to join them in selling my Baby Bumpkins creations in their upcoming Holiday Art and Gift Boutique. Baby Bumpkins will have it's own booth and we will be selling all of our adorable baby and kid clothing, we will also be taking orders and giving away some free items! I have teamed up with Ruby Wagon and we will also be making and selling adorable, unique Children's Hat's and Tutu's, they are absolutely irresistible! Along with our children's items we will have some unique scrabble tile necklaces and must have glass pendants! You'll have to see it to believe it!

Baby Bumpkins will be among 30 or so other fabulous vendors! It will be an AMAZING showcase of talented Utah Artists! Please come check it out and support, you won't be disappointed!

DATES and TIMES of the ART SHOPPE:
Friday, November 21, 2008 9:30-7:00
Saturday, November 22, 2008 9:30-5:00
Location: 1889 N 1700 E Lehi, UT 84043 brand new beautiful home centrally located between Lehi, Highland, American Fork.

For Directions and Map , and for other Vendor info please visit Tom and Lucy's blog: http://www.tomandlucysartshoppe.blogspot.com/

Fall is Fun!

Today I realized for the first time in many years, that FALL IS FUN! In the past 'many' years I've seen fall as a nice change in temperature but otherwise kind of a bummer because summer is over. I DO love the first snow fall, all of the happenings of the season and the winter sports...but still, summer is over and here comes the unrelenting doom and gloom. Thanks to my adorable nieces and the little neighbor girl, today I re-learned that fall is so much fun! Olivia has also taught me that everything can be exciting and worth doing, even the chores. Here are some pics from our fun day raking and playing in the leaves.