Sunday, December 30, 2007

Another Movie Review


WD and I went out to a movie earlier this week. We saw "I am Legend" with Will Smith. Will is a super actor, but the movie was no so great. I was disappointed more with the ending than anything else. I have to give cudos to the special effects people... great job. I would wait until this one comes out on DVD instead of seeing it on the big screen.

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Movie Review of "Awake"

I really enjoyed the movie, "Awake". I like Jessica Alba and I loved the terrifying topic of “anesthetic awareness”. I never thought about being “awake” while undergoing surgery! I guess while most folks wouldn’t go crazy over this movie, I enjoyed it because it made me think about a topic I hadn’t thought of before, it was spooky, with spots of comedy, and it was only 84 minutes long (I guess I have a touch of ADD as I get older, because I can barely make it through a 2 hour movie anymore without getting fidgety or if at home, I fall asleep.) This flick has some strong language that you have to overlook and if you are squeamish, you’ll have to cover your eyes during surgery scenes. It’s not on the big screen anymore (I saw it last week), but it’s due to come out on DVD in March.

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Christmas Morning

Check out our Christmas Slide Show at the bottom of my blog!



What a great time it was yesterday. WD and I were awakened at 6:45a.m. by the creaking of our bedroom door and a jubilant dog "pounce" by Chewee. Erin and Dylan said that they had already been downstairs and that Santa had indeed stopped by our house and left gifts. It was time to get up. Santa left two special notes in the Christmas tree which led Dylan to the hall closet where he found a Wii game system and Erin to her bedroom where she found a Dell desktop computer. After opening the other surprises left under the tree, WD tackled the game system in order to have it up and running downstairs on the big screen tv. I headed up to assemble Erin's computer. After installing the wireless network card, hooking up all the wires with the computer, keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, speakers, etc, Erin was online and in business. She immediately logged onto the webkinz website where she registered the her new pet that Aunt Brandi and Uncle Brett gave her. It was very nice to see them enjoying their gifts.

"Christmas Rocks!"

Erin and Dylan were beside themselves with excitement. We spent Christmas Eve at their "Granny's" house with all of their cousins. It was wild and feverish squeals of delight as all the aunts and uncles passed out gifts to them, then as their Granny and Pawpaw doled out unique gifts bought just for each of them. Erin exclaimed as we drove home that night, "Christmas rocks at Granny's house!" I don't know what they were most excited about though... the gifts, the great food, or hanging out with all of the kiddos.

Here they all are piled on the couch... Hayden, Dylan, Zann, Caden, Erin, Blaise, Victoria, and Titus (it was hard to squeeze them all in!).

Erin couldn't believe she got a digital camera! Her pawpaw arranged for the extra memory card so that she could click away (up to 800 photos).
Dylan was so shocked that he finally got an iPod shuffle. He also got a docking station, that he called "surround sound".
All of the moms and dads sat back with pride and happiness watching all the activities. Our entertainment came when we all got to play a board game which generated lots of laughter and silliness for the adults. I think Dad Roddy mentioned how wonderful it was to have family that could all get along and enjoy each other's company. It's truly a blessing!




Monday, December 24, 2007

Christmas is for Chilling Out

I think I have watched more TV in the last two days than I have the whole year! I actually sat and watched 5 full length movies, a few episodes of ER, an episode of Amazing Race, Crowned, Don't Forget the Lyrics, plus much more. It has been totally relaxing. I cooked up a few sweets, made a pot of shrimp soup, and have enjoyed curling up in my chair with Dylan on one hip and Chewee in my lap. WD has had to do last minute shopping, and Erin has been running from friend's house to friend's house hanging out. I have wrapped more gifts than I care to count, but on my own time schedule... a few here and a few there. WD and I ventured out to the new Perkins Rowe mall just because we wanted to get out and enjoy the cool weather. It has been a very good time and I am looking forward to tonight's Christmas festivities at my mother-in-law's where we watch all 8 of her grandchildren excitedly open gifts and play. Tomorrow will be just as exciting to see Erin and Dylan fill with excitement and joy!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Thankful

As we approach Christmas, I am reminded of how very richly blessed I am. Two healthy and happy children, a husband who loves me, great friends and family, plus lots more. There are of course "poor me" days. During one of these recent moments, I ran across this song on my i-Pod by Cindy Morgan:

It really helped me see the really great things in the everyday things. I now have it tagged on my i-Pod so that I can quickly play it when I dare have a pity party!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Get Elfed!

This must be the new holiday thing to do! I have received multiple e-mails from family and friends who have "elfed" themselves. WD sat with the kids last night to "elf" us... you've got to check out these moves...

Saturday, December 15, 2007

Santa's Coming to Town


We were eating supper at my mother-in-law's house Monday evening, when we heard an abrupt knock at the front door. Who could it be? It was Santa Claus! He stopped by to let the children know that he's watching and can't wait to make his special deliveries on Christmas Eve if they can all continue to be good. He had a few little gifts for them as a "preview" to what's to come. Dylan excitedly opened a box of hot wheels skater freaks while Erin tore into her typing computer program.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

HairCut

I finally was able to make it to get my hair done. It has been since APRIL! My stylist was so shocked that I was able to go that long without it being trimmed or colored. I was fighting to not color... I was going to try to let the gray come on in, but it was hard to resign to that at only 33... SO I got it highlighted instead of just colored. That does a great job of concealing all those wirey white hairs from poking through. I also went with the stylist's suggestion of a few bangs, which I was glad I did. The photos don't really do the color justice; not to mention I slept on the "do" last night. Thanks to my little morning buddy, Dylan, for snapping the photos. At 8, he's starting to get the hang of using a camera. (He purposefully and thoughtfully positioned me so that part of the Christmas tree could be seen.)

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Natchitoches





There are a few perks to having to travel for work... the Natchitoches Christmas lights! I was asked to visit Northwestern & LSU-A yesterday for work. It being quite a drive home, my coworker, Gina, and I were able to get rooms at the Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast. I stayed in the "Garden Room" on the second floor which opened out to the gallery. It was absolutely lovely! The whole little town of Natchitoches is like something out of a southern fairy tale. Gina and I were able to do a little shopping downtown, eat at Mama's restaurant, stroll along the Cane River, and take in the lights and sounds. All of this after meeting with some of the friendliest people in the state at NSU and LSU-A... I have to say, I have a great job!

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Gonzales Christmas Parade 2007

We waded through many people to get to see our girl march and cheer in the Gonzales Christmas parade... she was great! Of course, when Ms. Stacie and I began hollering her name, she hid beneath her pompoms... I know, we can be so embarrassing sometimes. Once we saw Erin, we were ready to go... it was so warm. I can't believe this is December weather.
You go, Rin! You are so beautiful! (See blondy in the middle?)

Monday, December 10, 2007

Horsey Birthday Party



Saturday morning, we were invited to attend a birthday party at a local horse ranch. Savannah, WD's cousin's little girl, turned 7! The kids enjoyed riding the horse, as well as eating the hamburgers, busting the pinata, and best of all playing with the "Flarp". Happy Birthday, Savannah!!!

Saturday, December 8, 2007

Happy Birthday Stacie!

Joined my friend, Stacie, to celebrate her birthday at Starbucks today. Got a cute little e-mail invitation to join her and her "peeps" at the coffeehouse to hang out. I don't even drink coffee, but I couldn't wait to get there. We sat around (they drank various coffees while I sipped a lemon tea) and chatted for over 4 hours! It was so nice to sit and chit chat without interruptions or disturbances with chicks that "get" me. Thanks Stac for being born ;-) It gave us a reason to celebrate today (even though it's not yet the 10th)!

Thursday, December 6, 2007

How Christmas-y are You?

Take this special Christmas Quiz to find out just how "Christmas-y" you are! I scored 126.