Cheer Up!

It's no secret that the weather in my neck of the woods has been a little dreary to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I love snow. However, when you live in a part of the country that only gets a serious snow about every 10-15 years, you are reminded of how frustrating it is to be trapped in your house for a week with cabin fevered children.

And so, I was delighted to find out that Brandy is hosting a "Cheer Up" swap to celebrate the impending arrival of Spring! Today is the last day to sign up, so head over to her place if you would like to participate.

Camera Critters: The Snow Dog

This is my first time participating in Camera Critters. I'm a huge animal lover and take every opportunity to show off our German Shepherd, Roman.

A couple of weeks ago, we had the largest snowfall that my city had seen in 18 years. It was 8 inches deep in our front yard and Roman couldn't have been happier. (He must have been a snow dog in a previous life)

Here are a couple of shots of him in our front yard, having a blast with a couple of his "people".

If you would like to participate in Camera Critters, check them out here!

The Wild Blue Yonder

I'm on the road this weekend.

I love to travel. Flying especially.

I'm not sure why flying in a plane is such a rush for me, but it definitely is.

I love the hustle & bustle of meandering through the airports. Seeing other travelers and wondering where they are going.

I love the taxi down the runway as we pick up speed and reach towards the skies.

I love the time sitting and getting lost in a book while clouds rush by.

Do you enjoy flying? If you could hop a plane to anywhere today, where would you go?

My Golden Globes Recap

This year, I watched the Golden Globes with my BFF, who thankfully shares my opinions on fashion and entertainment. We had a blast shredding the horrible dresses & gaudy jewelry and dissing the winners that we didn't think were deserving. It was a good time.

However, the most important thing that I took away from this show, was the discovery of 3 exceptionally good looking actors that I was unaware of up until now. Allow me to introduce...

Matt Bomer

Garrett Hedlund

Edgar Ramirez

Welcome Back, Monday Morning Eye Candy.

Oh, how I've missed you.

Roller Derby

We tried to do a lot of fun things with the kids during Winter Break. One activity at the top of their list was roller skating. Since this was their first time, it was definitely a 2 man job.

Hubby was such a good sport and didn't blink an eye when he laced up those skates. Thankfully he has a good sense of balance because those girls were like newborn deers...on skates.

We all had a fun time and they've been talking about going back ever since we left. I guess I know at least 1 thing we'll be doing on Spring Break!

Let's go to the movies

I've seen a few flicks lately, thanks to a fabulous thing called Winter Break!

The Boys Are Back - This film from 2009 stars Clive Owen as a recent widower left to raise his young son after being a largely absentee father. While the premise is pretty depressing, the movie has some redeeming factors. First, the scenery is gorgeous as this "inspired by true events" story is set in Australia. Second, Clive Owen is definitely easy on the eyes and that British accent is lovely. Third, it's nice to see how the relationship between the father and his 2 sons (an older son from a prior marriage enters the picture also) evolves over the course of the movie. This was a bit of a snooze in parts, but overall, I'm glad I saw it. I'm also intrigued to check out the book by Simon Carr that the movie was based on. I would give this film 2 out of 4 stars.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief - I really wanted to see this movie in the theater last summer but it just didn't happen. The special effects are pretty awesome and the story is great! It's based on the book series by Rick Riordan. Greek mythology was one of my favorite subjects in school, so I'm really thinking of checking out the books. Oh, and did I mention that the film features Kevin McKidd in a traditional gladiator costume?

Adventureland - As I told my husband last night (after we watched this movie), there are 3 things that I now know. First, I'm pretty sure that Jesse Eisenberg & Michael Cera were separated at birth. Second, Kristen Stewart's incessant lip chewing is almost annoying enough to avoid any future movies of hers. Finally, any movie that takes place in 1987 and features Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus" is a winner in my book.

The Runaways - I was extremely skeptical about watching this one, mostly because it stars Kristen Stewart (who I detest). However, to quote my friend Lisa: "it didn't suck". This was definitely indie and had some serious eye-opening moments, but I have to give props to Kristen. She did a great job with her part and the always fabulous Dakota Fanning was tremendous.

Angels & Demons - This is another one that I really had no interest in seeing, but hubby convinced me to watch and I'm so glad that I did. First, Tom Hanks is wonderful! Second, I haven't read any of Dan Brown's books, but I'm now very intrigued to check them out. Third, I really want to go to Italy. The architecture and rich history are something that really become a character of their own in any film.

Have you seen any movies lately?

Hawaii Five-Oh My!

It's been a while since we've had any celebrity eye candy in the house.

Hubby & I have recently started watching the new version of Hawaii Five-O. Actually, hubby has started watching the show. I've been watching Alex O'Loughlin.

Why HELLO there!

That Hawaii really does have some great scenery.

Following in my footsteps

It seems to me that with each passing day, Big A is becoming more and more like me. This is a good and bad thing, but I'm focusing on the positive here.

She received a scrapbook for her 6th bday last Fall and we finally had the chance to sit down and actually put it together over the Christmas break. It was amusing to me to see her enthusiasm for an activity that I love too. And she's got a great eye for design!

I've also noticed that she shares my love of music. She comments in the car about songs that she likes. (She's a big fan of the Black Eyed Peas & Katy Perry apparently) I like that she appreciates a song with a great beat! And she has the memory of an elephant.

One evening, we were sitting in my classroom playing when she suddenly stopped and said, "Mommy, listen. It's the searching in the night song." We both got quiet and I listened to the piano lesson that was happening in the room above mine. And sure enough, the student was playing "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

This might be an indication that I play the Glee soundtrack WAY too much.

Sharing War Stories

There are a few experiences from my childhood that I hoped to never share with my girls. Unfortunately, Big A had different plans.


Her first (and hopefully last) black eye.

I got my first (and hopefully last) black eye when I was in Kindergarten too.

However, I have a much sillier story as to how I received mine. My big girl was bumped by our huge dog into a table. My black eye involved a baton, bicycle and a chain link fence...and my best friend when I was 5.

It makes me sad that she's hurting and has this nasty mark on her face that everyone keeps commenting on. But, I'm a little happy that from now on, we have this thing in common. I only wish I had a picture of my shiner. I heard it was a beauty!

Quite a pair

This picture makes me smile for a lot of reasons.

First, I love that my oldest reminds me often that a smile can light up a room.

Second, I love that hubby loves the fact that his 2 daughters completely dote on him.

Finally, I love that silliness is a mainstay in our family. We share a lot of laughs together and I hope that never changes.

Pure Happiness

I absolutely love this picture of my girls.

This was their first time sledding and their squeals of joy as they slid down our backyard hill just warmed my heart.

The smiles on their faces remind me to find joy in the smallest things in life.

Let it Snow

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2011 is going to be a great year and I want my first picture to remind me of the feeling of joy that I had this past Christmas when we awoke to a beautiful blanket of snow.

This holly tree stands right outside our bedroom window and I immediately thought of a greeting card when I saw the snow on the leaves.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it SNOW!