Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Tutti Frutti (Tuesday Tell All)

Today's topic for Tuesday Tell All is about what summer foods you like to eat. I feel like I just covered this topic with last month's TTA about "taste", but lately I have been dying for fruit! I can't get enough strawberries, watermelon, peaches, grapes. I feel like if I'm eating fruit, it can't be a bad thing right?

But as far as what the family is eating, well, we have been grilling a ton! It feels like we fire up the grill or we go out to eat! Last night, for instance, it was Subway, tonight we grilled talapia (all you do is put some seafood rub on it and throw it on the grill for about 12 minutes) and we made some new potatoes with a butter lemon sauce to go with it. Poor Jason has been craving some tuna steaks, but they are kind of pricey, so the talapia has to do for now.

As far as a favorite summer treat, well I found a kick-butt recipe for banana cake with cream cheese frosting. Mm Mm Mm Mm GOOD!!! (I add milk chocolate chips to mine instead of nuts...who needs protein. I figure banana cake has to be healthy, it's made with bananas! :)
Please enjoy these flavorful songs for this post:
Tutti Frutti- Little Richard
Strawberry Fields Forever- Beetles
Blueberry Hill- Fats Domino

Sunday, July 27, 2008

That Spoonful of Sugar on the Pantry Shelf is Gross

Baskets: 8 dollars


Shelf helpers: 24 dollars


Having a pantry you're not embarrassed to take a picture of: PRICELESS



Me and my little rodents (jk) gave the pantry an overhaul Friday. It was in DIRE need of some organization. Here are my before shots - I should add that I was tempted to turn the peanut butter right-side-up and throw away the twizzler wrapper, but I wanted to show what it REALLY looked like before we did anything.





Here are more after shots:

Songs for this post:
Spoonful of Sugar by Mary Poppins (now my pantry is practically perfect in every way!)
Happy Working Song by Amy Adams (for me and my little rodents)

A Call for HELP

Ok, there are just 5 days till my little geek party (Breaking Dawn release, in case you've been hiding under a rock) .
I need to know if anyone has a bridesmaid dress I can wear for the evening. I am not going to dismantle it in any way, (or get vampire blood on it). But the theme for the night is Edward and Bella's wedding reception. They are even giving prizes for best and worst dresses, so I really really need something to wear!
Lexie needs something to wear too, she is a size 0 or 1. Please call me or email me if you can help jandbrand@msn.com
Thanks!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

I fought the law

You know it's gonna be a great day, when you look in your rear-view mirror and see this:

The story:

Yesterday, Sue and I decided we were going to take her car to try to get it inspected and registered. It has been sitting in our driveway since November, and since she is getting her license in about 16 days, she wanted to get it ready. Before leaving though, I thought I might want to call and get the car put on our insurance, so I did.

After insuring it, we took the car about 3 minutes from our house, to a Jiffy Lube.
The car failed :(

It failed because the horn doesn't work, and because when they hooked up the emissions, the car read "not ready". The guy told us it said that because the car had either been sitting for a long period of time (which it has) or because we replaced the battery very recently (which we did). He told us it was an easy problem to solve though, all we had to do was drive it for about 60-100 miles and the sensors should be able to get a reading. SOOOOOOOOOOOO, we took it for a drive.

We took it out on Backus so that we could go pretty fast and pretty far without a lot of traffic.

At approx. 22 miles into our drive, I had to stop at a light (it was red). Then, along came a police officer. I could tell immediately that he was going to pull us over. And he did.

He came to the window. He was nice. He asked to see my license and registration. I showed him my license and our failed safety and emissions while I explained what we were doing. He told us that we were committing multiple offences. First, and the reason we got pulled over in the first place, was that the plates were expired. Plus, we still had the same plates on the car from Trent (which evidently is a towable offence) and when they ran the plates, it said we didn't have insurance. The guy was nice, but told us we should have gone about this differently. I explained that we didn't know which laws we should break, because there wasn't a way to do what we needed to do legally. He told us he could tell that I was telling the truth about what I was doing, but because we were doing so many things wrong, he would be back in a few minutes, after he knew the course of action he should take.

Along comes cop #2.
He comes to the window and tells me that we shouldn't have those plates on the car, and that legally, he should seize them.
I told him he could take them if that's what he needed to do, but we aren't trying to do anything fishy.
He leaves, and comes back with more comments: How can you prove this is your car? Do you have the title?
I say: "no, it's at home."
In my head I'm SCREAMING who in the HELL drives with their title in the car? (sorry for the language) My van and truck are both paid off and we don't drive with the title in either one of those vehicles!!!!!!!

Then he says: How can you prove that you have insurance on this car?
I say, I guess you can call the place if you would like to.
Then he says: you mean to tell me, that you insured a car that has been sitting for the last 7 months with no one driving it? (in other words, he's calling me a liar!)
I say no, I called and got insurance just before taking it to get inspected.
Finally he takes the stupid plates off the car and goes back to get another shot of testosterone.

After what seems like forever, the nice cop comes back. He gives me all my stuff back, then tells me the correct way of getting the *$#^ thing registered. And then asks me for my word in taking care of it legally tomorrow (now today). We didn't get a ticket of any kind. Whew!

Guess what...we got it done legally this morning, but still waiting on the horn and enough miles to do emissions.

Songs for this post:
Bad Boyz- theme song from cops
I fought the law (but I won!)

Pioneer Spirit


I'm not very pioneer-y, and I don't know squat about my family history, but I will say that I am very grateful for the faith and the endurance of the pioneers.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Snurpees...Flashback Friday


When Loo was about 4 she was asked to give the closing prayer during primary. Although I wasn't in the room, I was told her prayer went something like this:

Dear Henly Fader,
Please bless us that we can all go home in safeny and that we can go and get Snurpees.
Name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Wedding Announcement


I know this picture doesn't really go, but it is of Bella and Edward :)
I just got my invitation today, and I wanted to pass on the gory details!


Charlie Swan and Renee Duyer
Are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter,
Isabella Marie Swan
To
Edward Anthony Mason Cullen
Son of Carlisle and Esme Cullen
Your presence is requested at a reception held in their honor at
Barnes and Noble in the Jordan Landing Plaza on
Friday, August 1 at 8:30pm
Activities for this event include:
Pictures with Bella and Edward
Pass the Bouquet
Alice Bingo
Best and Worst Bridesmaid gown competition
Hourly Bouquet toss; catch the bouquet, win a free copy of Breaking Dawn!
Formal attire requested by the bride and groom
Sale of Breaking Dawn to commence at 12:01 a.m.
Edward and Bella are registered at Blood Bath and Beyond


Note: Jordan Landing is not the only Barnes and Noble having book release parties. Check http://www.stephaniemeyer.com/ for event finder or http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

songs for this post:
I'm Getting Married in the Morning: Rosemary Cluney
Love Like Winter: AFI
Starlight: Muse


Thursday, July 17, 2008

Kelli, our girls' cute tumbling teacher









We are sad today. Our cute tumbling teacher is taking a break from teaching until January. She is getting married. Cool for her, sad for us :(
The girls have been taking tumbling from her for the past year and a half. They love her! They love to go to class each week, and they have learned so much from her. Ashley is addicted to tumbling and constantly does "tricks" around the house. She can't wait to go to class to show Kelli how she has improved!
We all love Kelli because she is so good with the kids and she has great taste in music. Throughout this past year we have even traded music with her. She introduced us to Regina Spektor, Beth Orton, Brandi Carlile, Erin McKeown, and many others! Jason thinks she's cool, because she likes Bruce Campbell! (B.C) Plus: not only has she seen "Bubba Ho-tep", but she also owns the special addition DVD complete with vinyl Elvis jacket! She also has a B. C. action figure AND has read If Chins Could Kill by B.C.
Basically, we just love her, and can't wait to trade more music with her, and see her possibly at her reception, or if not, then we will definitely see her when we sign up for January!!
songs for this post:
Regina Spektor: Fidelity
Brandi Carlile: The Story

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Fitness

This weeks TTA is about fitness must-haves and workout routines, or in my case, the lack thereof!

If I burned calories every time I thought about working out, I would look like this:


Enough said! See you next time!
Song for this post: Play With Me by Extreme. When I was working out regularly, I always had this song on my player. It has an awesome beat (which for me is a must) and it has all kinds of activities we could be doing! Love that song!!!
The woman in the picture is Lauren Graham. Jason says that I remind him of her. (how nice)

Monday, July 14, 2008

You want to make a memory

1.Take a trip down memory lane with me...As a comment on my blog, share a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot. If we're only blogging friends, write about a memorable post.
2. Next, if you would like to, copy these instructions and paste them to your blog and see how many people have a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I will surely leave one about you!

song for this post: Make a memory (or as I like to call it...the Scrapbooker's Song)

Friday, July 11, 2008

Solid Gold and Rhinestone Cowboys (It's Flashback Friday)


I was just about to go to bed, when I remembered IT'S FLASHBACK FRIDAY! And my Works Hard for the Money post got me thinking about Donna Summer. I have forgotten how many cool songs she sang that I loved as a kid! Remember Love to Love You Baby, or Hot Stuff, Bad Girls.... Oh my goodness! (sounds like a TimeLife music commercial doesn't it)

For some reason, Donna Summer reminds me of Solid Gold. (did she used to be on there or something?) Anyway, I absolutely loved Solid Gold. That and Jacques Quosto were my favorite tv shows. But when S.G came on, I would get on my leotard and move stuff out of the way, so I could dance along with that show! (nerdy ha)

I want to know: What songs did you love as a kid?
I loved Rhinestone Cowboy! I distinctly remember belting that song out, in my garage, with my cousin. I think we were about 6 or 7 years old.

Music for this post:
Rhinestone Cowboy: loved that song
Bad Girls: Donna Summer: Beep Beep! Toot Toot!

p.s Is that Patrick Swayse on the picture above (left side) if so, I had no idea he was on Solid gold!

2 parter: He Works Hard for His Money...and Hellboy II, One Heck of a Movie!


This week started Jason's 4 day work weeks! The company he works for decided to give it a 90 day trial, and this was our first week. His days off will float, so that can be pretty cool, and not so great at the same time. (this week, he has a 4 day weekend - that part is cool) We thought the transition would be so easy, but with Sue working so late each night, and my young women's, and the girls' gymnastics, plus Jason needing to go to bed earlier, it has been a bit more challenging than we anticipated. This past week it feels like all Jason and I do is wave a brief hello to each other, then rush off to the next thing! :(
The good thing though, and the thing I am most excited about, is the ability to go out on dates without having to worry about babysitters or anything. The kids will be in school, and as long as his day off isn't on a Tuesday or Thursday, we will have most or all of the day together!

Today, we gave the ol' date thing a test drive! We went to breakfast at Mimi's (remember how I said that was my fave), then we went to see Hellboy II. Breakfast was delish and the move was fantastic!
For those of you who might be thinking of taking your kids to see it, here's what I thought: The beginning was kind of spooky, but the rest was pretty easy going except for the usual super-hero violence (probably equivalent to Pirates 3). I would say it would be good for boys 9 and up and for girls, maybe 10 and up. (unless your kids are used to PG-13 movies)
For a grown up... it was very very good. It had action, humor, love, suspense. I even got a few tears at one point (those who know me well, won't find that hard to believe though) I think the show ranked up there with Spiderman 2 and Iron Man for me. And, the cool thing about the Hellboy movies, is that they don't feel like the other super-hero movies. I give it 4 1/2 stars. (only because, as a movie critic, no one gives a movie all 5 stars)
Here is what my hubby says about Hellboy: The central theme to Hellboy is that he has a choice to be who he wants to be. His adopted father gave him the ability to choose what he wanted to do with his life. (sound familiar?) So in spite of his origins he decides to be good to his fellow man. Even when the people he is helping judge him solely on his appearance.
now for a funny quote from the show (not a spoiler)
man 1: No thanks, my body is a temple.
man 2: Well, now it's an amusement park!
ok: now let me explain this post's song choices:
40 hour week: well, I couldn't find Donna Summer's She Works Hard for Her Money. The only other song I know about working is this Alabama one. (reminds me of Jr. High)
Can't Smile Without You: from Hellboy II
Beautiful Freak: from Hellboy II (I really like the Eels.)

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

I Love America!

I love all the different types of beautiful landscapes America has to offer. I love that we have mountains, deserts, oceans, beaches, and forests, amusement parks, museums, zoos, etc.
I love that I have the freedom to do and say what I want.
I love that I can be outside with my family and not have the threat of bombs or being shot.
I love that my kids don't carry fire arms and they don't have to either.
I am proud to be an American women. Where I have rights just like my husband does.
I love that we can vote on who our leaders are.
I love that I can pursue work if I chose to do so.
I love the American flag and what it stands for.
I love the military who continue to fight for our freedoms.
I LOVE AMERICA!!

note: photo above is from Disneyland Paris...someday, I hope to be an American tourist!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Interview with Stephanie Meyer

Here is a link to an interview Stephanie Meyer did for Amazon.com regarding Breaking Dawn
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m38Y4RL2PQXLBV

Book Release Party at Barnes and Noble


OK! I know I have mentioned to many of you that there is a Breaking Dawn release party at Barnes and Noble. Here are the details:

Date: Friday, August 1

***At 9:00am Friday morning, they are handing out wrist-bands for books. Each person can pick up up to 5 wrist bands. I got the impression that the wrist bands were going to be handed out in numerical order. (last year, we got in line in the order of our number, so if you want to stand by your peeps in line, you may want to get your wrist bands at the same time)

The party starts at 8:30pm at
Barnes and Noble at Jordan Landing.
The party has a theme:
Bella's wedding reception. (so you can be VERY creative in your attire last year they gave out prizes for costumes: Bella look-a-like and Edward look-a-like)

During the party last year, there were stations set up throughout the store where you answered trivia questions about the books. They had prizes for the most correct and stuff like that. They also had Cullen family pictionary, and that's all I remember. I do remember that we had SO MUCH FUN!!!

The party goes until 11:30, at which time, everyone will form 2 lines. One line if you pre-ordered, one line if you didn't. (Obviosly, the pre-ordered people get to buy their books first.)Then, when Breaking Dawn is actually released at 12:01am, they will tear open the boxes, and ring people up according to the number on the wrist band. I highly reccommend pre-ordering your book. You will not be guarenteed a copy unless you have done so. (that means you could stand in line for an hour and leave empty handed)

Here is the phone number for B&N if you wish to preorder your copy: 282-1324

Here is the link to the B&N page (I didn't find it very informative though -all of the info. I have, I got from calling the store)
http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com/stores/eventdetail.do?store=2137&event=22717508

Be there...or be a warewolf! or something not good!
Below are some pics from last year. (we didn't take any pictures in the store, sorry)

First chapter of Breaking Dawn


Here is the link to read the first chapter of Breaking Dawn. I am so excited I'm about ready to pee my pants :) But I am still deciding if I want to read it or not. I know I'll just want the rest of the story!
http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20203238,00.html

Saturday, July 5, 2008

Independence Day


Our 4th of July was very nice. We started our day by taking Sue to work (that wasn't the nice part thought) then we tried to go to the parade. We were running very behind, so we did a drive by for the parade, and decided to bag it and go to the zoo instead.


The zoo was very fun and not super crowded. Our favorite part was seeing the elephants. We caught a show where they were going to let the elephants get a bath in the hose. One elephant in particular was a "water-hog" as the keepers put it. She wanted the water to be sprayed on only her. In fact, if they were spraying a different elephant, she would stick her trunk up in the water so she could get a little wet. She also liked to open her mouth and have it sprayed (like the picture below) After their "bath" the zoo keepers hung up a giant fruit Popsicle for them to eat.



After the zoo, we came home picked up Sue, then made another delicious meal from the TOH magazine. It's Lemon Grilled Salmon. Here's a picture of the recipe if you want to jot it down.
After dinner, we went to watch fireworks.
Fun Day!

I guess I'm a fork!

I took this funny little quiz this morning about what kind of breakfast you are...I didn't like the answer it gave me (maybe the truth hurts) so I took this utensil quiz instead. This sounds a little more like me.



You Are a Fork



You are truthful, direct, and straight forward.

People find your honesty to be a bit piercing at times.



You are driven and wildly ambitious.

You know what you want, and you take the most direct path to getting it.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Book Club for Geeks



Jason and I recently traded books. He read one called "Tell No One" and I read one called "Just One Look". Both books are by Harlen Coben. He really liked his book, and I really liked mine, so when we were done, we traded! Kylie said we belong to the book club for geeks! I say that we are having a lot of fun telling each other what is going on in the books, then listening to the other person guess about what we think the big mystery is going to be.

FYI Kylie: I never said we were cool!

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Tuesday Tell All : Touch


With today's topic of touch, I thought I'd talk about things that I don't like as opposed to the previous TTAs about things I love. (gotta keep this G rated)

*I hate the feel dirty feet. So, I am NEVER bare footed unless I'm in the shower or the pool.

* I hate the feel of dirty hands. I probably wash my hands at least 20 times throughout the day. More if I am cooking something or cleaning something.

* I hate the feel of dirt under my finger nails, so I always wear garden gloves when I'm working in my flower garden.

* I 'm pretty sure I don't like the feel of snakes. I would NEVER touch one and haven't ever touched one. They scare the bleep out of me!

* I don't like the feel of bare, unfinished wood (like wood fences or 2x4's) It gives me the heebe jeebies!

That's all I can think of right now.

See ya next post!

I'm going public!

Not that anyone really cares, but I thought I would just let you know that my blog is public now. That means that IF someone wanted to read my blog, they can do it now without being invited. More importantly, it means that if you have discovered how cool the "blog-roll" feature is, then you will be able to add this blog to the list of blogs you tune in to and you will now be able to see how long it has been since my last update, or anyone has updated on their blog! It's spiffy!
TTFN

p.s if you aren't using blog roll yet, you should really think about doing it! It is SO COOL!! (it's under layouts and then page elements if you didn't know already)
Also, if you don't want to lose the list of blogs you read whenever you update your template, I have discovered Google reader. It lets you add all the blogs or websites you frequently look at, and it tells you whenever something is updated. (once you create your reader list, you can import it to your blog roll by the click of your mouse)
I think I should say blog a few more times in my blog! Blog blog blog blog (maybe someday when I grow up, I will learn to be a writer)