sorry

I'm sick. That's why I've been so quiet. But I'm going to the doctor this morning to find out what's wrong. Wish me luck...

my New Moon review

*****BE WARNED: SPOILERS BELOW*****

I was going to write up my own personal review yesterday, but then I found out I was going to watch it again last night, so I decided to wait until I'd seen it again. It was just as wonderful the second time around, believe you me. This is my "official" unofficial review of Twilight: New Moon.

I'll just make a list and see what comes out of all of this:

#1 The acting in this movie was a helluva lot better than the first; Bella only slightly annoyed me as opposed to really just making my skin crawl. In the acting department, New Moon gets a "B" whereas Twilight got a "D", in my opinion. Taylor Lautner lit up the screen; his acting was by far my favorite. And everytime Kristen Stewart was in a scene with him, her acting went up a couple notches, too. They just seemed so fluid together and the scenes just seemed more "real" to me (this is NOT at all influenced by my Team Jacob status, by the way!). Worst acting in this movie? The kid that played Mike Newton. SERIOUSLY. Like Dobby said, she could play that part better than him. I also enjoyed scenes with Charlie; the guy playing him did a really good job again as Bella's dad. Robert Pattinson was good, normal - I think he's already a good actor. He's just working up there towards greatness slowly but surely.

#2 The werewolves? AMAZING. Seriously, I loved all the guys playing them and I loved the CGI-animation. That scene where Bella slaps Paul and he phases right in front of her was great! Jacob was just great! GRRREAT. That scene in the rain where he's half-naked and steaming? Beautiful. I love the whole Jacob/Bella dynamic. To me, they seem like such a more believable couple. They fight and taunt and nitpick and have FUN. Does Bella ever have fun with Edward? Nope. But I'm getting off track here - like I said, the werewolves impressed me, and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of them in Eclipse and Breaking Dawn.

#3 I have mixed emotions about the Volturi. Michael Sheen did an awesome job as Aro; creepy and a little funny but still scary, like a vampire is SUPPOSED TO BE. Dakota Fanning was very suitable as Jane, I just wish she had more lines (I know she'll get more screen time in the next movies). I didn't like the guy playing Felix; just wasn't working for me. I did like the guy playing Jane's brother Alec (whom I can't recall his name right now) but I've seen that kid in other movies when he was younger and it drove me batty sitting there in the theater trying to remember where I've seen him. The guy playing Caius was beautiful; totally man/woman beautiful! But I hated how he rushed his lines when Bella/Edward/Alice were leaving. It sounded like really bad acting. That Marcus guy was alright, but he just seemed feeble and old and bored. I didn't think that Aro and Marcus and Cauis had a very solid three's company kind of relationship.I just felt like "I wonder what they talk about when no one's around, because they are all polar opposites". The guy who played Demitri? I just liked his hair! All in all, the Volturi served their purpose, but I don't think they were as dominating or as scary as I'd hoped. Maybe they'll build it up better in the next two movies.

#4 Loved the girl that played Jessica; she always cracks me up. Still wearing head-bands. Still talking in that same annoying voice. ("Movie night with Bella...." cracks me up every time) I love Eric and how he's crying during Romeo & Juliet in the classroom (another LOL point for me). The girl playing Angela is SO PRETTY in this movie. Either they dulled her down last time, or she got really pretty this time, but that girl was so beautiful! I've already said my piece about Mike...geez.

#5 The soundtrack was great; just like in Twilight, they managed to get beautiful and edgy music in there. I loved it; can't wait to download it sometime really soon!

Now to discuss my favorite scene of the entire movie:

THAT KISS IN THE KITCHEN! *deep breath* Did anyone else yell at the movie screen? 'Cause I did. I totally did that (the first time, not the second). That was so hot. So much tension. So much love. So much emotion!!! And then the DAMN PHONE RANG. Seriously? Seriously, Edward? You're timing is that bad? (or maybe I should say that good?) I screamed at the screen "COME ON!!!!" After they had left me hanging high and dry in the truck a few minutes before, I just couldn't handle them not following through in the kitchen. It was too much; but it's still my favorite scene. I love it. It's beautiful and at least they kissed....a little.

Other high-lights I enjoyed:

-The hair-tugging scene in Bella's bedroom - actually that whole scene is kind of awesome.

-When Sam comes in and loves on his woman, Emily. They did a good job of bringing their love to life from the book.

-When Charlie refers to himself as a "ladies man" :)

-When Bella finally gets to Edward in Italy and he says "Heaven" as they embrace - too perfect.

-That FIRST KISS of Edward and Bella's in the parking lot at school - whew! I was not prepared for the hotness. AND THAT SMILE? People, Robert Pattinson (even with his semi-crooked British teeth) has a beautiful and endearing smile. I won't even get started on the dimples.

-Speaking of dimples...the first time Jacob gets SHIRTLESS. I just about fainted along with every other girl in the movie theater. He's not just "sort of" beautiful; that boy is damn fine. I mean it: DAMN FINE.

-The dream scene at the beginning was just like I pictured it in the book; they did an awesome job with that one, too.

Some parts I didn't enjoy so much:

-Bella's beyond annoying shaky-breathing thing she does ALL THE TIME. They've got to do something about that, puh-lease.

-Edward's mock crying, squinched up face thing (thanks for pointing it out Dob) that he does a lot in this movie. Victoria cried in the first movie; why can't Edward cry in this one?

-Speaking of Vicky, why'd they change her hair? I get her eyes can be all red now 'cause she's mad and has a personal vendetta to settle the score. But why'd they redden her hair? It was beautiful to begin with.

-The bike scene when Bella and Jessica go to the movies; not like in the book and not fun or funny.

-I hated not seeing/hearing Bella's mom in this one. I know she's not a major part of the series at all, but I like her in the first movie. It would've been nice for them to at least include a phone call or something.

And now for a few questions I have:

-Anyone notice the top of the Volturi's big thrones? All three of them had different patterns on them, and I wondered if it meant something important or significant. (Dobby thinks it represents their powers)

-How is it that Alice didn't see the papercut scenario? HONESTLY?! And why did Edward have to shove her ten feet across the room before Jasper even moved?

-Why did they make the Cullen's eyes even creepier than before. They look like those damn monkeys with the big yellow eyes. Not enjoyable. And why did they mess up Jasper's hair? It was awful; worse than any toupe I've ever seen!

-WHAT THE HELL WAS UP WITH THAT VISION ALICE HAD IN ITALY? Seriously? Running through the woods all sparkly? How is that supposed to be vampire-y? I would've much rather she had a vision of Bella eating some carcass or something; not running through the woods looking like a music video for Mariah Carey.

-Did the Volturi really eat all those tourists? (Cassie asked me, and I think yes they did, but I don't know)

-Was that whole werewolf tattoo business in the book? I don't remember it. What is it? What's it mean?

-Was Aro speaking Latin? What did he say? I got that "encantante" and I think that's got something to do with love (yes! Spanish sort of pays off...a little!)

I think that's about all of it. My likes and dislikes and questions. It was a great movie. I took shots of it last night on my phone so I can have something to look at for the next seven months while we await the release of Eclipse (by the way, thank you powers that be for releasing it so soon - waiting an entire year was not fun)! I loved this movie; it solidified my TEAM JACOB status even more. And it broke my heart, because Taylor Lautner's acting is so good, it's going to kill me to watch him suffer so much during the next two movies!

Did you see New Moon? Did you like it? Did you hate it? Feel free to discuss with me and PLEASE someone answer my questions!!!

an idea for all that leftover turkey

I'm definitely going to try this recipe out! It looks/sounds so yummy!

Rosemary Turkey Squares

I found this recipe on my new favorite food blog Taste & Tell - so amazing!

beaker was always my favorite

And he's still my favorite! Isn't this the most awesome, amazing thing you've seen all day? And it's not even lunchtime yet!

Christmas Wish-List (3rd Edition)

IS MY HUSBAND PAYING ATTENTION?!?!?!

I want THIS necklace from Figs & Ginger:

Seriously...it has to be said that is one of the cutest family necklaces out there. I dare you to find a "family of three" necklace cuter than this one (no, seriously, I double-dog dare you)!!! And the best part? You can add little birdies with each new addition (read: more babies!!!!!!!!)

I burn. I pine. I perish.

I won something!

Believe it or not, I actually won something! And I'm so excited :)

I won a copy of the book "The Vampire Is Just Not That Into You" by Vlad Mezrich from Scholastic!

Awesome, right? Here's the link to the article on Scholastic's blog.

I *heart* my BFFS

For this very reason alone:

Straw in the Nose

MRS♥MOMMARUTH

MySpace Video
 
I seriously can't wait to see them...hopefully tonight!

ole Eddie makes 'em swoon in the aisles

I haven't seen New Moon yet. But I will...soon...like, hopefully before the week is out.

I'm dying to see this film; I've been waiting, just like all the other females in love with Edward (or Jacob), all year for this moment. I'm really looking forward to the *first* time I get to see New Moon, just like I still remember the *first* time I saw Twilight. (Sidenote: I'll never forget the first time I heard Robert Pattinson singing 'Let Me Sign' during the climatic moment when Bella almost dies...I didn't know that was him singing at the time, I just remember thinking it was a beautiful scene with equally stunning music/lyrics)

But I've been doing my research and looking at pro- and anti- Twilight blogs and articles. Most people love it; some people loathe it. And it's very interesting to look on both sides of the phenomenon. No matter if you love or hate it, chances are you spend some amount of time talking about it (whether you want to or not).

The only real "issue" I have with the whole Twilight series is Bella. Bella, Bella, Bella - she is NOT the kind of role model I would want my child to look up to. Granted, she's just a character from a book with an almost cartoonish, over-amplified range of emotions. Every girl has felt what Bella feels during the book series; hopefully, it's just never as intense as what she goes through. I wouldn't want my daughter to revolve her life (and death) around a boy, hot sparkly vampire or not. I would want my daughter to pull herself up by her bootstraps and get over it. I would want her to recognize when to fight for love and when to walk away. Basically, I wouldn't want her to be such a freaking whiny pansy...which Bella is 110% of the time.

I think most people, girls/women in particular, are drawn to this story because it reminds us of a time in our lives where we felt, or wanted to feel, like Bella does. We want(ed) the fairy tale. We want to believe that we are uniquely special, and despite our mediocre flaws, great things can happen to us (that will make every other girl in the world jealous). We want Mr. Perfect who desires us on every level: emotionally, physically, and apparently, even in a hungry kind of way. We want to be the center of light for a boy/guy/vampire/whatever and we want to be treasured like we are the only thing in the world that matters. I get all of that; I get why women/girls like this story and why they fall in love with the characters. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Robert Pattinson has a smile that could outshine the sun** and perfect toussled hair (when he washes and styles it!); Jacob isn't too bad-looking either, although I can't properly moon over him until he's legal, so I'll save that post for another day...in a few months :)

What I'm trying to say is, I get it - I get Twilight. All parts of it. I understand why girls love it, guys hate it and most people just scratch their heads going "I don't get what all the fuss is about..." I understand all of that, and sometimes I catch myself saying "Why am I so involved with a fantasy story?" The answer is easy: because I want to be. I'm a girl. A dreamer. A hopeless romantic. I want to believe that love that strong and that demanding exists for someone, somewhere out there in the world. I just don't want to be the one living it. I'd rather pay $8 a ticket to watch it on-screen, and then go home and demand to my husband that he SPARKLE more, dammit!

**I haven't felt my heart flutter so much at a boy's smile on-screen since Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You...those dimples! I miss Heath a lot; it's going to be hard watching movies in the future thinking he could've played the role so much better than the actor they picked.

Christmas Wish-List (2nd Edition)

A cardboard fireplace for those of us who are unlucky in the home decor department? Yes,please. Too bad it doesn't come with a matching cardboard mantlepiece!


My very own piece of clothing from Carol Hannah's (Project Runway's 2nd runner up) ETSY shop? Yes! Yes! Yes! This is my personal favorite:

I want a pair of Levi's, again - thanks to this commercial. I also want a used copy of Walt Whitman's work - also thanks to that commercial. (O you youths, Western youths, So impatient, full of action, full of manly pride and friendship...)

An eco-friendly, alphabet calendar that both Sidney & I can enjoy? This is perfect.

There are so many more pretties out there. I'll take them all, thank you!

the big "R" word

I know a lot of people don't like to talk about it: Religion. What's yours? What do you believe in? When did you find your faith and what convinced you to believe the way you do?

I honestly don't know where I stand on this issue. For several years now, I've been toying with my beliefs over and over in my head. I was raised Christian, and for the most part, I enjoyed the feeling of "church". I enjoyed Sundays and getting saved (and baptized) at an early age. I enjoyed the singing and the traveling and the feeling of community a church can give you. I spent hours praying to God when my dog was sick; I even stood up in church asking for prayer for my dog when he had cancer (he survived, by the way). I never really doubted God or Jesus or anything that I was taught; the only issue I ever seemed to face (and still face) was DEATH. The mere idea of death and the endlessness of being gone forever terrified me. I can remember, on more than one occasion, being so completely freaked out about floating in a black, starry abyss forever that I would have little breakdowns.

Death still terrifies me; the unknown absolutely drives me crazy. I want to believe that there is something after this life. I want to believe that we're all driven by our "souls" and that after we're gone, our souls have a place to go, too. I want to believe that good people are rewarded and bad people are punished. But what defines good? What defines bad? How good is good enough and vice versa? Who's to say who goes where? Who gets the ultimate decision of how we spend eternity, if there even is an eternity to spend? It's these kind of questions that plague me. They go hand in hand with questions like: how can there be so much evil in the world? How can people put their faith in a higher power, and still cling to that faith when they witness such horror on a daily basis? Why do good people die when bad people live? Why do some people pass away when others go on forever (it seems)? How can a person just give up their faith to something they will never see until after their life is over.

I just can't seem to bring myself to turn over my power, my trust - my faith. I want to believe - I swear to you, I want to feel comforted in times of turmoil by a higher power and a being who is not of this world. I want to trust that I am a path set before me, and that no matter my decisions, I am being watched and cared for. I want to know who to thank for the good things in my life. I want to feel confident in my beliefs and confident in my afterlife. I want to know that I will see the people I love when my life is over; I want that guarantee that these moments on earth with my family will not be the only time I have with them.

But I just can't - not yet. Maybe someday I will. Maybe someday, I can put that blind faith in a religion and trust that my life is whole. But right now, I just can't. I know it disappoints some; I know it hurts people that I love and makes them doubt things about themselves. But I can't pretend; I've been taught enough about religion in my short lifetime to know that faking it doesn't count. There's not much point in putting on the mask if you don't believe what's under the surface. I'll keep digging and searching and praying to whoever out there is listening. I'll keep looking and thinking and waiting for that moment of clarity to hit me. I'm hopeful; I'm forever on the watch for my divine moment. I'm looking for my religion.

Christmas Wish-List (1st Edition)

I'll take one of these adorable keyboard covers; who wouldn't want one of these?!

Honestly, how amazingly awesome is this?!?! I think I spent a good ten minutes chuckling over this thing; it's so neat! Great colors, great little graphics - just pure genius! I want one for my laptop at home and for my computer here at work.

Christmas present? Yes, please!

(GO HERE for more information...)

the 300th post

This is my 300th post - it's almost impossible to believe. I go through spurts where I blog and blog and blog and almost beat you all down with my words. And then there are times when I can't find anything so say, and I post a million pictures/videos. Either way, I'm always trying to keep the blog flowing - I don't want to A) burn out and B) bore you to death.

But this blog isn't always about YOU; sometimes, actually most of the time, it's for ME. And that's exactly how a blog should be - you should be blogging for yourself. It's great that I have readers - I love that you enjoy reading my words and looking at my photos. It's super-encouraging and makes my day when I get comments from you relating to me. I LOVE IT and I LOVE YOU GUYS. But if I tried to blog only for you, only about things that I thought would get the most feedback, this blog would suffer horribly. So, I just blog about what I know and what's interesting to me at the moment - and you guys chime in every now and then when something really strikes you. Again, I can't tell you how much I love what I've (and what we've) got going on here...it's great.

This blog is all about moving forward and growing and pushing myself farther as a mom and a woman and a human being living in this great big world of ours. I try to look forwards - never backwards. And with that in mind, I thought I'd dedicate this post to all the times my daughter has pushed forward without me. I've always been right there behind her capturing her milestones and cheering her on...kind of like my readers. You watch me during these milestones of my life. And you always cheer me on. Thank you - 300 posts is incredible. And I'm so glad you're here sharing it with me.

I love these dogs already

Both of our dogs are sick - roundworms and ringworms! Archie felt bad all night last night; Jace and I stayed up with him until around 2AM when he finally fell asleep. Jace is such a good big brother - he stayed by Archie's side, followed him around everytime he got sick, and even helped me clean up which means he ate all of Archie's puke, good boy.

Their personalities are really starting to come through. Archie is the soft one, the lover. He's always willing to cuddle and he's a bit of a whiner when he's alone or afraid. Archie is definitely the baby of the bunch! Jace, on other hand, is the protector, the watchdog. He doesn't sleep unless the whole house is still. Nothing gets by that dog; and he's not always so willing to cuddle and be a "puppy". But he's such a good boy...he loves our little family and his brother.

I took them to the vet this morning, so hopefully everyone will be 100% soon. Until then, I know Jace will be there to help me give poor Archie all the love he needs. I'm so glad I got these two boys!

we are the world

It may be cheesy as hell - but this chokes me up every single time.

(And DAMN! the 80s had some questionable fashion statements)

we're the lucky ones

I'm still not sure how we managed to get from HERE:

(3 days before Sidney's grand arrival...)

To where we are now. How did we get so lucky? We were such naive kids thinking we had it (mostly) figured out; we thought we knew what it'd be like to become parents in an instant.

And we were so wrong. But I'm so glad we were - because this journey has been incredible. Every moment of every day is new with SidMo; and every moment is better than the one before. How on earth did we ever get so lucky? I ask myself this almost every day.

I never take my child for granted. And I never stop thanking my lucky stars that she came into my life. There are times when Justin and I think back on our past years together and wonder how in the world we ever managed to stay together? We wonder what magical bond kept us tied to one another when we clearly didn't belong. I think the answer is clear now: we were destined to be parents to the one and only Sidney Morgan.

We were destined to wind up HERE:

And it is here I'd like to stay forever.

a new blog!

I have a brand spanking new blog! It's just a for-fun kind of blog - for inspiration and for sharing thoughts and words with the internet community. I'm hoping to get all sorts of people to share their words with me, and I'm hoping you will, too!

All you have to do is email me with your words; they can be from a book, a movie, a song - something someone said to you on the street that resonated with you. Email those words to fishfoodisgood@gmail.com along with whatever name (and if you'd like, a link back to you) you'd like to publish them under. Give credit where credit is due (cite your words if possible) and I'll publish them up daily.

Pass the word along; and send me your words! You'll be among the first to get published on my new blog! Go visit and follow fish(food) please...you'll make me a very happy gal :)

I need to help my hubby

My husband has been stressing out lately; and I'm trying to think of ways to help him out a little (non-sex ways before you even go there).

When we got the PS3, I thought it'd help him out immensly. He's a big gamer (not just video games, but board games, card games, etc.) so I knew he'd appreciate the new system and new games to conquer. But so far it's done nothing but cause grief and headache and a helluva lotta cussing.

I think it's work...and family issues. And life in general. So, what's a wife to do? What non-sex things do you do to help your husband out when he's feeling blue? I need some advice, please!

(PS: I've got some adorable photos to share of SidMo and the puppies...but it'll have to wait until tomorrow!)

finally see what it means to be living

I know the feeling.

#maddie

I know I'm a day late....but Happy Birthday MADDIE.

finally...

The puppies have names!

This is Archie, short for Archimedes, inspired by Archie Bunker. He's my fat, po-boy and I adore him. He's taken to following me everywhere and sleeping on my head on the couch; he's a whiner and a baby - he's Momma's baby!

This is Jace, named for some Magic the Gathering character. Justin wanted to go with "Garruk" but I told him no one on earth would know how to pronounce it and I couldn't see myself hollering "GARRUK!" out the back door when I want to get him inside. So Jace is much easier, and can be called Jay or J-Dog or whatever for short. He's pensive and very observative, but extra sweet.

Both pups LOVE, I mean LOVE, SidMo. Any time they see her or even hear her voice, it's instant tail-wagging. So sweet! She loves them, too. I've got some cute videos to share with you tomorrow of the three of them playing. Sidney's laughter in one video is unreal!

Speaking of the girl-child, don't you wish you could wake up looking like this?

This is her not even 5 minutes after waking up: bright-eyed, perfectly coifed/teased Tammy Faye-esque hair - all smiles and unicorns and rainbows. Makes me sick. But it makes me smile, too :) She's a lucky (beautiful) gal.

And so am I. Well, the lucky part. You know what I mean!

a little photo challenge

Since I've done nothing on the blog today but post pictures, I thought why not go ahead participate in another little photo challenge?! Sure! I'm game!

And this little challenge is fun and near and dear to my heart - the ever talented and awesome Kenzie Poo challenged us Moms to post a picture of ourselves with our children. She's calling it "The Mommy & Me Photo Challenge" - so here's my entry....

This is one of my favorite pictures of me & Sidney; it was taken at the Pine Mountain Grill in Kentucky by our dear friend (and Auntie) Cassie Jane. I love how Sidney looks how ethereal and angelic due to the fuzziness of the lens. We both look perfectly happy doing our favorite thing in the world: smooching!

Sidney & Logan sitting in a tree...

K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!

So, yeah, SidMo's got a little boyfriend. And we make them smooch every time they get together :) It's just so darned cute!

Aren't they just the sweetest?

babies (& puppies) on the brain

After looking at these two all weekend....

My baby brain is in high gear! Seriously, how could you not want kids (esp. boys) when they can look as sweet as this?! And my Mom gave me the stamp of approval, now that I'm married and all, so I see no reason why there can't be another addition to the family.

Oh, wait, I guess Justin counts those puppies I got tonight as new babies! Damn, no more kids for us for awhile. But arent't our new puppies cute, too?

We don't know what to name them yet, but we already love them!!!

she was a witch

For Halloween this year, SidMo was a witch - and a very cute one at that.

Her costume came from Ebay (yes! score!) and her adorable headband was homemade by a lovely gal named Amanda (thanks again!)....

It was pouring buckets and buckets of rain by the time we got around to trick-or-treating so we only went to three houses; but it didn't really matter that much to SidMo, I don't think. She would never say "Trick or Treat" or "Happy 'Ween" (her Happy Halloween) when we would knock on doors, but as soon as people would put candy in her pumpkin, she'd start her usual "WOW! THANK YOU!" which worked for me; at least my kid is semi-polite, right?

We pigged out at Carl & Teresa's house, which is the norm for us. Teresa makes the best little chicken things wrapped in crescent rolls or something; I don't know what or how you make them but they're my weakness! I make my cheese/hamburger/sausage/tomato/dip for her and we just sort of trade food! The big kids got soaked out in all that rain...but I think they still had fun (and they still got a TON of candy - I think people were just shoving as much as they could in each kid's bucket b/c they knew they definitely weren't getting as many trick-of-treaters this year as they did last year because of the weather)!!!

As always, Dobby & Dustin dressed up together - and as always, they were extra cute.

Isaac was the absolute cutest thing EVER; I found his costume at a second-hand shop, but it didn't matter. He made the cutest pumpkin I've ever seen!

Justin was almost against dressing up this year, because he forgot to get a costume, so at the last minute I made him this shirt. SidMo & I were witches, so I thought he could just be one of our potions. You can tell he was thrilled with it, right? Riiiight.

We basically just hung out on Halloween with our friends and pals and ate tons of finger foods - it was great! I, of course, took a bazillion photos, but I'll only hit you with a few more....just because I can't resist!

(Sorry it's taken me almost a week to get these up - life is BUSY!)