More American Idol (I know, you're so excited!)

I was going to wait to do this blog, but a few comments in this post made me decide I better do it now. In the future, I'll try to lump up my American Idol posts all at once, okay?

What. The. Heck! I couldn't believe that three --yes, THREE! --of my favorites were voted off last night. What the?

So, yes, the girls are not very good this year. But the two girls they voted off last night were actually two of the best that they had (Alaina and Alexandrea). And then Robbie was voted off, too!

What is going on?! This kind of stuff never happens. Each season, we weed out the annoying and talentless, and then the shocking vote-offs happen in the Top 12. Always. Always, always, always! I count on this type of consistency, because, honestly, I have a problem. A consistency problem. I rely on it, you see, and to have it taken away...? Well, for now, "it would be best to remain silent" (name that Jane Austen movie!) and get on with what the heck I'm writing about...

Madness! It was pure madness. The only one I'm glad to see gone was that Jason guy. He smiled and bobbed his head too much and it made me feel awkward. I don't like feeling awkward. Ooh! It was like he was "Vick" the lounge singer. Awk. Ward.

Anyway, last night's show has shown me that maybe my vote would matter. I'm so tempted to start voting...maybe. Maybe. I guess it will depend upon their performances next week.
What did you think?

Fabulous News!

Do you remember my brother, the soldier?

Do you remember he's been deployed since June?

Do you remember he's been in Iraq since September?

Do you remember his wife and son live near me?

Do you remember how hard it's been for all of us to know he's over there?

Well, Guess What!? He's comin' home on leave!

That's right. Big D is coming home for 18 days (I think it's 18 days). He left today and should be in California by Monday. Whoo-hoo! We are so excited! His wife is over the moon with giddiness. In my infinite goodness, I will be taking their son for 6 days in the middle of this exciting experience so that my brother and his wife can enjoy some much needed alone time on a large cruise ship. For those of you that know my nephew, I thank you for your sympathy. I don't think I'll get much done that week. :) But it's all good! I love my nephew and I love my brother and I love my SIL. The whole situation just makes me happy.

A million random ramblings

I've got a million things on my brain. Well, not literally. But I wish I could share all my thoughts with you, dear reader. Oh, well, the following will have to suffice. Please don't get bored and stop reading. Or if you do, leave a comment telling me you were bored so I will know for future reference. I do this for you, people! It's all about you (okay, not really, but it's nice to think so, right? Right.):

American Idol:

• David Archuleta 's rendition of "Imagine" was so incredible, my jaw dropped, goose bumps raced across my arms, and my eyes teared up. Brandon and I both agreed that it was the best performance on American Idol since Clay Aiken did "Solitaire" in Season Two. YES --it was that good. If you didn't see him sing on Tuesday night, you better go find a copy somewhere. Wow!
• Brooke White was the only girl I enjoyed watching Wed. night. And it wasn't earth shattering or anything really big. What is up with the girls this year? Why are they so...so...mediocre to me? Are my standards that high? Am I being snobbish? Have I finally turned into Simon? I knew it would happen; I've got nothin' but love for Simon, you know.
• I love the new voting-off format (if they keep it). No stupid re-caps of the night before (i.e. David, you sang....and the judges thought....and you are....Safe!). They just get right to the point. And I say, It's About Flippin' Time! (and yes, I do say "flippin'" sometimes. I'm not above Mormon swearing when it's needed.)

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The Biggest Loser:

• Yep, I thought the guys were totally lame for getting tattoos. What are they, 15 years old?!
• I loved that they lost, but...
• ...I burst into tears when Mark kept his word and allowed himself to be voted off. I never really liked Mark, but in that moment, all was forgiven.

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Total Weight Loss for Week "we've been doing this for a while now":

Brandon: 42.6 pounds (gained .2)

Cheryl: 32.6 pounds (lost .6)

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I'm thinking of doing another give-a-way soon. Any ideas for one? Anything you guys want? Anything "Cheryl" related? Help me brainstorm...

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Sweet husband is in Miami for three days. No, no, this is a good thing, although I miss him. Mostly I miss the parental tag-team. Okay, okay, I miss his sweet neck and his beautiful eyes. But anyway, this trip of his has to do with a job that would eventually take us elsewhere and not actually Miami. I know, it's confusing when you are not privy to all the details. But his comment on my previous post (please see previous post) prompted me to announce something to all of you. Are you ready?

Our job decision will be made within the next five days. (Please hold while the thunderous Choir of Angels finish singing their Hallelujah's!) Be prepared for incredible announcements to come!

You can't learn these skills anywhere else

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Crown and Anchor Society from Royal Caribbean for sending me a fabulous member card in the mail about 5 years ago. It has, for the bazillionth time, opened a locked bathroom door. If I wasn't lazy, I would take a picture and show you the wear and tear on this bent, yet highly sturdy, little card.

What would I do without throw-a-way "credit cards"? Without old detective shows that showed me how to use the "credit card" to open locked doors? [Hooray for Charlie's Angels!]

And what would I do without children who give me the chance to practice these amazing skills? Honestly, what are Pulitzer Prizes and Carnegie Hall Bookings compared to breaking and entering with a cruise card?

Love for the Faithful!

That Summer. You know, over at Summer's Nook. She just loves me. And how do I know? Well, gosh darn it, she just gave me my another award! So that makes....one...no...how many?...oh, yeah...FOUR awards! For me! Three of them are from Summer! See, I figure she must like me.

Anyway, this award is for Faithful Commenters. I knew my time spent blogging and leaving comments rather than doing dishes and playing with my children would finally come to fruition! Yes!!

I would like to pass this onto my Faithful Commenters (ones who seem to comment no matter what crazy drivel I put out there. If I missed you, and you believe you deserve it because you comment on my fab blog, then please just pretend I gave it to you. Yes, you may steal it. No, I don't mind!):

Jamie J

Amanda

Kelly A.

Cristy

JoJo

Hillary

Amber (kanga5)

Bythelbs

Katie

Janelle

Tracy M

The Wiz (hey, can you even accept awards!?)

Yep, It's My Birthday, so it's all about ME!

It's My Birthday! I'm celebratin' up a storm by bringing you a glimpse of my charmed life. We're focusing on the good here, people, so have some fun learning about yours truly. It's all about Me, today!

On February 26th, 1979 at exactly 4:32PM, my awesome life started. Wasn't I cute?

I was an amazing baby. No, it's true! Ask my mother and father. They were so thrilled with me, their first born, that they thought "Hey! This parenting stuff is easy. Let's have another one!"

And so they did. 16 months later:

They went on to have more children, but this isn't about them. It's about me! So, let's continue on about me. I grew up into a delightful young girl.

I endured the "awkward" stage. You know what I'm talking about --the braces, the weird hair, the pimples, the horrendous puberty years --and so I've chosen not to show pictures. Because they aren't pretty, people! And there are too many pictures of me in this post as it is, and I get to choose what I post, etc. etc. blah, blah, blah...so, let's skip to high school graduation!

I graduated in the top half of my class! Whoo! I went on to BYU, and a short time later (exactly 3 semesters), I married my Hunky Hubby. He, of course, was thrilled to find such an amazing woman. I was cute and quirky. [Sorry, no wedding pictures. If you want to see them badly enough, go here.]

When I see these next pictures I want to yell "Yeah, enjoy your wrinkle-free skin now, baby! Because in 9 years, you'll miss it!"

Here we are, working our second year at Aspen Grove Family Camp. That's right, people! I worked as the Cub Leader for 2 summers and was the Office Manager in between. Brandon did stuff, too, but this isn't about him. Really, dear reader, do I have to remind you?

After graduating from BYU, we had children. Wait! What am I talking about?! #1 came to us six days before we both graduated. That's right! She's a BYU baby.

I actually LOVE being pregnant. Everything about me is better --I don't even mind the double-H whammy (heartburn and hemorrhoids). I have great skin, great hair, no PMS, excuses to get my feet rubbed, etc. And best of all? I have no complications (well, except some anemia and bleeding out during delivery, but that's mostly after the pregnancy, see?). I recognize this all for the blessing it is, so without further ado, here are pictures. Of me. Since this is about me!

This is #1 (inside and out!):

Here is #2!

Now, #3:

And now #4 (inside and out. And yes, I have BIG babies!):

My life is full of children stuff, this is true. But I still manage to have fun. Here are some photos of me in my post-baby body. Now, I'm saving my New and Improved body (and the really fat body) for after I hit goal weight. Then I'll do the big unveiling of the before and after shots! Whoo-hoo! You'll have to stick around for that one, for sure.

[From top to bottom (L to R): Cruise, Cruise, Maui, Maui, Gualala River, and Alcatraz]

Well, that's all for now. Happy Birthday to me! Next year will be even more fun, since it will be the big 3-0! But for now, I'll enjoy being 29.

P.S. To all of you wonderful blogger-commenter-people (and friends who send emails): You are the reason I write. Thank you so much for your kind comments in my previous post; thank you for reading the silly words I take the time to write, and thank you for making my life that much better. I'm so lucky to have blogging friends like you! THANK YOU!

Just gotta get through the rain

I don't think it's possible for us to have challenges one at a time. In my short life [HUGE PLUG FOR MY BIRTHDAY! I'LL BE 29 ON THE 26TH! HOORAY FOR ME!], I have witnessed how difficulties, challenges, and great big disasters always seem to come together. For example:

1. Last year, we didn't just have a baby, accept a new job, and move two states away (all within 3 1/2 weeks). We also had extensive flood damage in our basement because of a frozen pipe. (If you really want to know, you can read more here.)
2. Then there was that time that Brandon lost his job and we had a baby 3 weeks later. And had purchased a brand-spankin'-new Tahoe 3 months earlier. And we didn't get a permanent job for 6 months.
3. Or that time I developed heart arrhythmias from my asthma meds, and so we forced our cat to be indoor/outdoor (long story) and we lost him for 4 days, only to find him in our neighbor's yard near death.
4. Oh, and remember that time (1997) when we lost Princess Diana AND Mother Theresa in the same week!? What was that all about?!
5. But a good friend of mine takes the cake. Last year, her sweet (and severely diabetic) husband was in a car accident with their three oldest children (all under 7 years old) while she continued to suffer acutely from her fourth pregnancy (she loses weight when she's pregnant; in and out of the hospital, etc.). The miraculous blessing from that accident was that they all were unharmed. But talk about trials! All at the same time! And yet I never heard her complain. Not once. That could be a topic for a different post, though. I would entitle it: "The most Christ-like woman I've ever met". But I probably should get permission first. Huh. But I digress...
6. And now? For me? My PPD doesn't seem to be PPD anymore. It might just be D. Or PMSD. Is there such a things as PMSD? Or maybe it really is just PMS. My MIL warned me about this, though... Anyway, I'm struggling with these emotional/mental problems, and, of course, it's right at the time when we're planning on more change in our lives. More BIG change. Figures, eh? The worst part is what a monster of a mother I've become. I'm forgetting my responsibility to raise righteous children by being righteous myself! I'm forgetting that if I expect my children not to yell and belittle, then I cannot yell and belittle! I absolutely hate how I act --and so I'm changing it (keep reading!).

Well, I could go on and on and on about how "when it rains, it pours", and I'm sure you, dear reader, have stories on the tip of your tongue. But instead of focusing on all these negative things, I'm going to list some positive things about the above trials:

1. Our insurance paid for almost everything and we got a brand new wall, brand new carpet, and new window wells, not to mention the fabulous experience of living in the Bay Area this last year. Oh, and our baby rocks.
2. Our marriage was strengthened ten-fold and we learned about patience and respect.
3. I saw what I needed to do to be on top of my health; I learned to love my body; I learned to really love our cat.
4. I learned that Mother Theresa deserved ten thousand more coverage about her life than Princess Diana. Don't get me wrong, I'm a Di fan, but hello? Mother Theresa was...Mother Theresa!!
5. Whenever I feel bad, I have to remember that it could be worse. And if it is worse, I have to remember how the Lord has blessed me, and know that He will help me get through it all. I also know I have such wonderful examples around me of those who struggle but never lose faith. I never want to lose faith, and so I cling to these experiences.
6. I will probably struggle now with Depression for the rest of my life and now I know it's triggered hormonally. But I've found some things this last week that has helped enormously with my PMS problems:

• An understanding husband (go HERE to see the funniest clip ever!)
• Not speaking what I'm thinking/feeling in the moment I think/feel it. If I wait and let the rise of freakishness pass, I do much better.
• Reading my scriptures. At our Stake RS Enrichment night, I went to one of the best classes I have ever attended. It was about daily scripture study. I learned how reading the scriptures daily will make my life better --something I have heard constantly since I was a child. And yet, it never occurred to me how desperately important it is for me, as a mother, to read the scriptures on my own. I'm not sure why or how, but the Holy Ghost knew that I was ready to listen this time, and here I am, a mere three days later, testifying to all of you that reading the scriptures daily will improve your lives. It has to! And it will.
• Sincere prayer. I'll tell you, that RS enrichment night just rocked! There was this fabulous skit by a sister, kneeling and saying her prayers, and offstage, you heard the "voice" of Heavenly Father. She was just going about her repetitive prayer, and HF was asking her a whole bunch of questions, which took her off guard. The point was that we need to make our prayers sincere and conversation-like, since when we do pray, we are actually talking with somebody. This isn't some Rameumptom we're sitting on, here. God knows us each individually and He wants to hear from us individually. I learn this each time I take the time to pray with purpose. I testify to you that God hears our prayers and He answers them.
• Remembering: I just have to remember that I am strong and that I get through my PMS episodes each month without fatalities. I have to remember that my children are amazing creatures and need their mother to be healthy and kind. I have to remember the charity my husband is showing toward me when he lets me berate him and holds me when I don't deserve it. I have to remember.

Yes, when it rains, it certainly pours. But you see, after the rain comes green growth, renewed resolve and sweet, sweet reserves of fresh water. Nothin' but optimism here, people! (for now, anyway).

Okay, folks. Since this isn't just about me (even though it is my blog!), I want you to tell me how you respond to trials in your life. How do you get through the pouring rain?

You take the Pressure, and I'll be the Buzzer

After you get married, the big choices are not easily made. There are two lives affected; two lives that must be validated. Have, let's say...four children? The choices get even harder.

It's not enough any more for the breadwinner of the family (a.k.a. my wonderful hubby) to just make a decision based on what he wants to do. He has to take into consideration the happiness and desires of his wife and the welfare of his children. Then add to that the current trend (over the last 20 years) for careers to shift and change throughout a work-life; gone, it seems, are the days when a person would choose one career --one company --and stay put for 40 years.

For example, look at...say...us! Brandon currently has two companies vying for his skills; two companies that would give Brandon the experience he needs to go far in his career and give him a chance to continue his education. Both companies are solid. Both companies would pay well. Both companies offer good things. Both companies are on opposite sides of the country. And if Brandon only had to think about himself, his decision would be easily made. He would go where it would benefit him the most long-term. (After praying about it, of course!).

But you see, he can't. There's this very loud buzzing in his ear, and it's coming from the anxious and impatient mouth of Cheryl. Every once in a while he also hears the sweet sounds of his dependents, voicing an opinion here and there (not surprisingly, those change almost daily--as well as the Cheryl-buzzing). And darn it, that's the way it should be! Brandon knows! --I know! We know that this decision is not going to be based solely on what would be best for one person; it has to benefit all of us, even if only a little bit. Which has made for a lot of praying in our home on this subject, by all residents.

I don't envy Brandon's responsibility. I have chosen not to have a career for this very reason (and the fact that I have absolutely no business "sense"). I love bringing in extra money teaching piano lessons and getting my many novels published (hmmmm...maybe I should actually work on that), but I'm so glad that the responsibility to keep our family in a home and fed belong to him. Someday that could change (hey, I'm all about unpredictability, baby!), but for now, I'm grateful to him for taking the pressure. I couldn't hack it. But I'm more than happy to be his support system. And his Buzzer...

[Besides the Holy Ghost (the ultimate Buzzer!), who fills the role of support in your life? In your marriage? In your relationships?]

Walk, Baby, Walk!

This video of #4 is mostly for people like...my mother. You know, the family we miss and don't see often enough. I just thought you all might like to see #4's newest development; it's more fun to see him walk than to hear me talk about him walking. [Sorry it's not very clear and kind of dark; it was early this morning. ]

I have a confession to make...

...and it's just shameful.

I love American Idol. But I've only voted twice. That's right. Twice.

I'm what you call an AI mooch. I take and take and take and take, but I just can't seem to give back. I want certain people to win, but I can't force myself to pick up the phone. I usually just forget. Yes, it is a sad malady. The worst part? I've been watching American Idol since Season One. That's right, people --I'm a true fan. Sort of. Remember the part where I don't vote? Yeah, anyway...

This season looks pretty good. I think they are overhyping it when they claim it's "the best season ever!!" But I hope it's better than last season. And I hope people vote for the best singers. (Since I don't do a good job of it.) I felt really bad for the sick girls last night, though. That's gotta be so hard --singing with bronchitis. I know, because my lungs seem to love bronchitis.

My favorite picks so far?
Girls:

• Alaina Whitaker (simply amazing)
• Brooke White (genuine and sweet --oh, and Mormon! Yes, I'm biased like that)
• Ramiele Malubay (wow, she can blow!)
• Alexandrea Lushington (she is just so fun to watch; there's no awkward moments)

Boys:

• David Archuleta (sincere. And I think he's also Mormon)
• Jason Castro (so unique! I loved his performance and his hair)
• David Cook (cool rocker, although his smile's a bit big)
• Robbie Carrico (very cool; I like his style)
• Michael Johns (sort of --but only because I know he's better than he was last night)

I tend to agree with Simon on a lot of things. I have since the beginning; and I have noticed he's mellowed just a little bit over the years. But I still love his honesty. And I have to agree with him strongly, strongly on one point last night: What's the big hype about Carly Smithson? Because she recorded an album once, she's supposed to be so amazing? Is that the hype? I honestly have not liked her voice from the first audition. That's not to say she can't sing --I just don't know what's the big deal...

What do you think about the new season of American Idol? Are you a Fan? Do you vote?

P.S. By the way, the two votes of mine? They were for Clay Aiken in season two (for the finale) and last year for Jordin Sparks (in the finale). Why? Beats me!

Google Reader, Thy Name is Relief!

Well, folks, I finally did it. Yep, I finally uploaded all my favorite links to Google Reader.

I can hear the applause! And the taunting voices saying, "What took you so long, crazy woman!?"
Yes, I know. I am bad at keeping up with the blogs. I'm sure it has been noticed by some that although you keep commenting on my suh-weet blog, I sometimes lack in the reciprocation department. This is not intentional. I love all of your sites. I live to read them! But it seems that more and more people whom I love are starting blogs now-a-days. Which means more to read, more to write, and more time spent. But I don't have more time (even though I fake it really well). So, Google Reader --who has been slowly drawing me in, whispering promises of easy access, immediate connections, and instant notifications, luring me in with it's user-friendly interface and stylish borders --has finally won me over. I feel kind of cheap and easy now, although I did hold out for a while.

For you new bloggers who do not know what Google Reader is, I highly suggest you start using it immediately. Then you do not have to waste an entire day (remember the time I claim I don't have?) transferring all those blog addresses into it. At the same time. One by one. So slowly. And then blogging about it.

Hey, don't I have children around here, somewhere? I better go...

Mondays in February are all about bein' outside

Since realizing we may be leaving the Bay Area sooner rather than later, we decided to take in some more of the outdoors. The Bay Area is blessed with vast amounts of green space and forests. Particularly, Redwoods. Not having time to travel north, we opted for the "southern" Redwoods. These are found in abundance in Big Basin National Park, a mere 2 hour drive south of us (and you can blame tiny, winding highways through the mountains for the 2 hours).

We hiked, we had a picnic, we walked through a museum, we saw a waterfall, we drove and drove and drove. We saw Posh towns, we saw Hippie towns, we almost saw Stanford Univ., but accidentally missed the turn-off.
It was great to be outdoors, it was great to be together as a family, it was great to have three children sleeping in the car at once.
We were grateful for the beauty, we were grateful for the fresh air, we were grateful for no potty accidents.
Yep, it was just another Monday in paradise.
Here are the photos. Please forgive those which are out of focus. Our camera isn't the best in that type of light. You know, low light. Or is it filtered light? Perhaps just Redwood Light. Anyway...

"Whoa! These trees are Tall!"


"Now kids, these trees are really old..."


"Ooh! A waterfall..."


I wish the camera could do the beautiful scenes justice:


"Why didn't you like the waterfall, #3?"


"Hey, mom! The view of Big Basin from the top is fabulous!"

5 pounds to go!

Week Bazillion Total Results:

Brandon: 42.8 pounds --only 2.6 pounds until goal weight!

Cheryl: 32 pounds exactly --only 5 pounds until goal weight!

Yep, we are rockin' weight loss machines (although some may notice I didn't report last week. That's because I gained .2 pounds. Heehee!)

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My favorite type of scene only moments before piano lessons begin [and I happen to have no sitter for the day and #4 is already asleep in his crib and #1 is playing at a friend's house]:

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Later tonight I will blog about our awesome adventure yesterday. We had some more outdoor fun. To be honest, I was hoping it would include 10 job offers. Which it did...not. Ho, hum.

I'm nothing if I'm not optimistic, wouldn't you say?

And the Winner Is...

April J and Bythlbs! [Please email me (cssavage at gmail dot com) so I can get your mailing addresses and to let me know which Jane Austen movie you would like (for the record, there are still two other movies in the series to come). ]

Congratulations! And just so you all know, I didn't use the random website; my daughters helped me write them all down and we drew two out of the hat. It worked quite well.

So, hooray!

Thank you to all of you for your stories. They were so much fun to read! If anybody wants to still share a scary or wonderful Valentine's Day story, you are welcome to share for the rest of my blog's life. Which should be long. I hope.

The Big News you've been waiting for? Yeah, not so big.

Have you noticed how little I've been blogging this week? Even on my own blog? The reason is kind of complicated, so here's some of the "Big News" I was dangling in front of you so rudely for so long (10 days in blogging time --an eternity, no?):

Last March (2007), we moved to California because Brandon got a job. This is a most valid reason for moving, wouldn't you say? And this job had potential. And it was in California. And it was close to Wharton's west coast campus, which happens to be in San Francisco. We had been talking for years of Brandon pursuing his EMBA at Wharton. This was our opportunity to fufill this dream.

Well, within 7 months, we realized that the potential in the job was not quite as accurate as we had been hoping. Then earlier this month, when the Wharton application came due, Brandon's supervisors refused to supply a letter of endorsement, which would allow Brandon the time off needed to pursue his degree. In defense of the company, it truly is a lot of time off --62 days in 2 years (basically every other Friday). But Brandon had been upfront and honest about his intentions and there had not been any indication that they would not endorse him. The saddest part? Wharton will not accept applications without a company's endorsement (note: endorsement in this case simply means support; not money). Brandon could not turn in the application; we lost another year. This, to us, was the final dealbreaker.

So, currently (as of last week), we are in "search" of new employment. I say "search" because we already have a couple of options. But these options are not solid and so I don't have any "Big" announcements to make. There's a job opportunity back in Utah; there's one in Indiana; there's one in Boston. And although the Utah one looks the most likely, we're staying open to other options. Because we've been through all of this before.

The Big News? We're most likely going to be moving. As early as next month --as late as this summer. My feelings about it? I'll save that for another post.

As to not blogging this week? Well, my sweet hubby has been home, catching up on projects. Which is nice! Except he needs the computer. My computer. Okay, our computer. And that leaves me very little time to blog. And so I apologize. I haven't meant to ignore you guys --especially Sara! (and yes, you can add me to your blogroll, since I'm going to replace your old link with your new link on mine). But you know what I did instead?

• I read These Is My Words (for the second time. I love that book!)
• I took the kids to the park
• I wandered around aimlessly wondering what to do with this new interruption in my home
• I cleaned the house from top to bottom (okay, I only did that yesterday --I mostly just wandered aimlessly all week)

Now, for those of you who have ever been thrown into a state of limbo --waiting for job offers, not sure of when or where you will move to, etc. --I understand completely (this is actually the third time we've gone through this. We're experts, now!). And I will tell you how to get through it all:

Just pray and make sure you follow the Spirit. Sometimes it will feel as if Heavenly Father has forgotten you; sometimes you will feel stupid because you don't know what Heavenly Father wants you to do. And sometimes you will think you know, but then something else comes along and throws a wrench into your plans. Through all of this, you can't lose your faith. You have to just keep praying and trying. Because eventually, He will guide you to where you need to be. Even if it's to a place you now have to leave, although you've only been there a year and you've fallen head-over-heels in love with it.

P.S. Don't forget to give me your stories! You have until 10PM (PST) tonight. I'll draw the winners (2) and give you the results tomorrow.

Give me your stories, people--It's my first give-a-way!

Masterpiece Classic: P&P
The Pride and Prejudice movie on Sunday night was perfect. That's because I already think the A&E Colin Firth version is perfect. The only part in the entire series that I dislike is the same thing they do in all versions of P&P; they downplay the fact that Charlotte Lucas (Collins) wants Lizzie to marry Col. Fitzwilliam. I think there's some jealousy there on Darcy's part, and it would be nice if they could play that out a little bit. But alas, it's a small portion in the book, and so I can understand why they always leave it out. Ho, hum. Oh, and I apologize for talking about parts of the series that haven't occurred yet --but I feel I'm fairly safe since the majority of my readership has seen it. Right? And if you haven't? Holy cow, people, why are you reading this!? Get out and watch it!

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VALENTINE'S DAY STORIES

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day. As a teen, I actually liked Valentine's Day, especially if I had a boyfriend during it. Which happened...once? Twice? Okay, not often, but I remember those days fondly because dang! I got good stuff! I think the best Valentine's Day I had in high school was the first time I had a boyfriend (I will not divluge how young I was, but just know that I was young. Probably a Freshman. And 14. But I'm not going to tell you, okay?). Here's what happened:

We had 5 hours/periods in the day. On my way to 1st period, he gave me a card with a sweet original poem. I thought it was nice, but lame because I had gotten him at least THREE presents, and how could he just do this, the cheap guy?! (Remember, I was young). Then in 2nd period, I got a decorated folder with a whole bunch of individual valentine's in it (those kind that you pass out in 2nd grade, right?) Each one was numbered, and he had written me a letter in sequential order. It was obvious that it took a lot of time, and my young mind could still appreciate the effort. I then started to feel bad about my previous feelings. Then in 3rd hour (I think I'm remembering this correctly; I could have these things out of order), I got a cute stuffed dalmation puppy. I can't remember what happened at lunchtime --I think I gave him my gifts (a stuffed animal, card, and a skeleton key --it was the "key to my heart". Aren't I a romantic?).
Okay, you still with me? In 4th hour, I believe he gave me carnations in a vase. Then 5th hour was a bag of hershey kisses. When I got home from school, he had come by and left a plate of cookies and a red rose on my bed. Aww! However, my parents were not happy. They hated the idea that I even had a boyfriend, let alone one that would give me so much stuff. But then their concern grew when the next day, he gave me another rose. My birthday is exactly 13 days after Valentine's Day (or is it 12?), and he was going to give me a rose everyday, fudge the math, and my birthday gift would have been 14 roses. Of course, my parents couldn't handle the idea that their daughter would get such attention (they were very protective!), and so they asked me to tell him to stop. Which he did. Because he was respectful like that. To be honest, though, it wasn't that my parents didn't like my boyfriend --they just didn't like my age.

Anywhosers, it was a fabulous day and I'll never forget it. The attention and love shown to me was very nice, which I think is the point of Valentine's Day. When you're single. And have money. But then you get married and holy cow, the day isn't as big as, say your wedding anniversary. Which is good, because the wedding anniversary should always trump V-day.

Ironically, I can't really remember any rotten Valentine's days, although I'm sure I wallowed in many. Perhaps I've repressed them; which is fine for me.

Now, I want to hear your stories about the BEST or the WORST Valentine's Days you've ever had. Dig deep and give me the joy or the hate. If you have more than one story, lay it on me! I'm hoping for stories of romance and love, pain and regret. I want it all, people!

What do you get if you do it? Well, for the very first time, Happy Meets Crazy is having a give-a-way! That's right, people, I've decided to enter the world of giving away free stuff so lots of people will leave me comments. Because I'm sociable like that. Or a lemming. You can decide. The prize? A specialized made DVD of any of the Jane Austen Classics movies we've been discussing thus far. Copied directly from our TiVo, and commercial free! Whoo! I may even throw in a couple of surprises.

Please leave me your stories by Sunday, February 17, 2008 by 10PM. I'll use that random website and choose a winner. Or two. Depending on how many people leave comments. Heck, if there's only two, then I guess you'll both win!

Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Writing!

It's a Photo Fest!

Yep! It's that time of year when I actually remember to take pictures! And download them! And then post them! And use so many exclamation points that you run screaming in horror because you are tired of the shouting! Yes!

HAIR

On Saturday, Brandon cut the boys' hair. They did surprisingly well, considering their hatred for all things hair. Aren't they just cute?

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IT'S A CRAZY BIRTHDAY "DAY"

For some reason, our school district gave everyone the day off today. No complaints here! As you know, it was #2's birthday. Seeing how Brandon also happened to have the day off, we went on ourselves a tiny little adventure. And for those of you who will hate my pictures because it shows us livin' it up in 70 degree weather, you are allowed to hate me. But only a little. Because I'm sensitive like that.

Although #2 hates to hike, and usually complains about anything remotely active, we decided to go hiking near Mt. Diablo. It's a very easy trail that leads to a waterfall. The waterfall is about 3 miles away (a 6 mile loop). We did about...3/4 of a mile. Ummm...yeah, the kids don't know about the waterfall. Shhh! Don't tell.

"Hey, dad!? What tracks are these?"

"Well, kids, it looks like the tracks of...a dog."

We crossed the small stream and settled down on the grass for a nice picnic. It was loverly.

We saw all kinds of wildlife. Okay, maybe not all kinds. We saw a hawk, a couple of squirrels, a ground squirrel or two, some turkey vultures (in the air), butterflies, and a cow pie. [Oh, and butterflies on horse manure. What was up with that?] But the flowers were pretty! And the buds on the trees were showing. Spring is here!

I made the kids stop for a nice photo shoot by a tree. #4 was on my back, so he didn't get in on it. But I managed to take a picture of him without looking! Is my talent amazing, or what?

The best part about California? Green space is literally just a few minutes from everywhere. We drove down this neighborhood, parked the car, and then fell onto the trail. If you look this way, you can see the houses nearby.

But if you look the opposite way, there's nothin' but green, baby.

#2 decided to sing about her birthday as we hiked back to the car. I caught some of it on video:

After our amazing hike, Brandon whipped out #2's first gift of the day, and we headed to a park near our house to try it out:

Despite the small breeze, it flew!

After a nice afternoon watching movies and napping, we headed to Chili's for dinner. Since Brandon and I started Weight Watchers last summer, eating out has been very rare for our little family. But the children remembered their manners, much to this mother's delight! #2 was thrilled with the singing and free dessert she received. I was thrilled with the spoonfuls I stole!

Dinner was followed by presents and cake (like we needed more food. Whoo!):

All and all, a very satisfying day. In fact, it was better than most! Thank goodness for birthdays and outdoor adventures. And cameras. And silly children. And crazy mothers. Yay!

[P.S. For those of you still anxiously awaiting the news I am so rudely witholding for reasons that are logical but cannot be explained, I promise to let you know by the end of the week as to what is happening. So, don't hate me! Unless you live in snow right now. Then you can, because I'm expecting sunshine all week, baby! Cue the evil laughter...]