Snow, Snow, Snow!!

I'm home for the weekend for my sister Julie's new baby Mya's Blessing. It's a little like a christening in other churches except no baptism, because we don't believe that babies need to be baptized. Her husband Brian gave Mya a beautiful Blessing, and because this is a big family event, pretty much everyone has come to visit. It has been really wonderful to see my family. I love hanging out with my sisters (and Kir) and my mom, who still wins hand and foot every stinking time we play...

The best part has been waking up to snow each morning. The weather man predicted 1-3 inches and really only a 40 percent chance, if that. So it was a real surprise to wake up to it. I miss the snow, and I mean the REAL stuff, not the two inches we get in Seattle occasionally. I mean the BIG snow...put a base in the mountains snow, the "how fast can we get to the resort to go boarding" kind of snow. That is the kind of snow I miss. It's also the kind of snow that makes you wonder how much milk you have on hand, because it's not worth the work to go to the store to get more.

Really the ONLY thing missing is Harley...He loved to play in the snow.

We (this is a grand we, because I was still in the house) got Daddy's tractor stuck this morning plowing the driveway so we could leave for church, and it was a pretty slippery drive. But oh so much fun. It is still snowing a little bit now as I'm writing at 6pm and we have around two feet of snow. Mom and Dad are at the airport with my brother Doug, I'm assuming that he is leaving, and that his flight has not been cancelled, we haven't heard from them.

I took pictures for my little family back in Seattle so that they could enjoy the snow too.

This was Saturday's snow. It was gone by the time the sun went down.

This was this mornings snow, I took the pictures around 10 am. We couldn't see the mountains in the distance. Sadly, not snowman snow. Just powder.

Oh...Twilight

First I'm going to start out saying HOW VERY MUCH I love the Twilight BOOKS. I think Stephenie Meyer did an awesome job with the story, the characters, creating a world with in a world. Fantastic... I always have something to read, Thanks Stephenie.

That being said, I thought the movie was pathetic. It was frustrating to me that it was almost a parody of the book. In fact the whole group of women I saw it with, we pretty much just laughed (hysterically) our way through it. Poorly directed, over-acted in very crucial scenes, so much so that it striped them of their power, and Bad, Bad Edward. Not even remotely cute... BAD BAD Jasper. What was with HIS hair and the bug eyes? Did the director forget Jasper has the calming influence on everyone? He looked like a paranoid drug addict. Aaahhh, I missed Alice, the way she is written, and when in the books was Charlie an Alcoholic??

I did like Bella, I thought she was OK, I think the brooding- trying -to- figure- out-Edward shots were very good. Maybe the only part of the movie that was truly true to the feel of the story. I do have to say I did enjoy the "Bad Guys" they did the best acting in the whole movie.

So going into it, I had very low expectations...I knew this was a teen movie. But I think that the director forgot that at least half of the Twilight fan are adults. I'm hoping that if they do the next book into a movie, they get a new director, or more budget or something... maybe they will "Hulk" it and start over with a new cast (except Bella) new writer (maybe Stephenie) and maybe just maybe, they will actually film it in Forks?

It is scheduled to make 70 million on opening weekend, and I do plan on seeing it again with my Mom and Sisters this next weekend... if only for a laugh.

Please Stop Smoking so Elleory Can Breathe!

Elleory has asthma, not a new thing for us, but not something we deal with frequently at all. She has had probably had ten attacks since her diagnosis in 2004, which averages two attacks a year, not bad for asthma when you consider the thousands of people who have attacks weekly, daily...


This week we have seen firsthand how scary asthma is. Elleory, bless her, had a full blown asthma attack that landed her in the hospital. She fought bravely, and hard to stay out, but in the end, she really needed to be there. She was such a trooper. I had NO IDEA how much medication or how many times a person can get nubulizer treatment and still be able to stand! She started out Monday morning with three treatments in one hour and then an oral steroid to keep her airways open. Then back to the doctor that afternoon for more nebulizers, then two more at home before bed, two in the night. Only to start it all over in next morning. It took most of the day for her doctor to decide that she really needed to be at the hospital. So off we went, I have to admit to breaking a few laws to get her there before the last treatment wore off.


Once at Seattle Children's, we started it all over again. By seven in the evening, we were admitted and she had had 2 hour long nebulizer treatments and a huge dose of steroids. Her heart was racing, she was ravenous, and totally jittery, and scared to spend her first night in the hospital. But, her air ways were open, for the first time in days. The goal at this point was to get her to a treatment every four hours, then every six hours, than she could go home.


Once again, she did a beautiful job. Her night went as well as could be expected. She saw a doctor or respiratory therapist every hour, and even got a little sleep. The next day went by slowly as her treatments got spread out, and her breathing got better, but she was isolated to her room so that "just in case" she wouldn't catch anything in the hospital. The hospital has a therapy pool (92 degrees) which was calling her name, but sadly the answer was "NO WAY!" I guess chlorine is a trigger for asthma attacks. Don't want that again. We spent the time reading, playing board games, and watching TV. She did get a nap in once the nurses didn't need to see her every hour.


Hospitals are interesting places for me, I'm at once very aware of the emotions that are involved with having a loved one there, and intrigued with the "clockworks" the goings on around me. Maybe it's my desire to get an education that would involve hospital things, who knows... but I find I'm drawn to the door to watch, and listen. There was a little girl next door to us that was Liam's age who was also very intrigued with the goings on. She was there due to a fall on the playground in which she needed stitches by her eye, that, then had gotten so infected that her eye had swollen shut. She was staying in the hospital because she needed I.V. antibiotics. Her recovery was amazing to watch. Her eye slowly emerged and as the swelling went down the bruising came up and was brilliant colors, purple, and yellow. Her parents just walked behind her for hours, following her around and around the unit, while she watched the people. She was discharged in the morning, much to her parents relief, I think. She was the only kid who was curious about Elleory and the only one Elleory was curious about. She missed her brothers.


Finally after the endless hours of hospital purgatory, we saw the doctor and were released. Oh blessed day! Even I was getting a little restless. She is home now and recovering beautifully. We saw her Doctor on Thursday and Friday for "just checking" check-ups. Saturday was her first doctor free day all week. She had a friend over to play "quietly" Saturday night and is resting this morning.

So all in all a scary week. Our "take home" from this is: Drugs are OK, Asthma is scary, but manageable, and we are once again very lucky and grateful.

All I Want for Christmas...

Is a Coach Tote Bag,
a Coach Tote Bag,
oh a Coach Tote Bag,
Gee, if I could only have a Coach Tote Bag
then I could wish you Merry Christmas!

This song is dedicated to my sweet sister Lindsay. Who has a Coach Tote Bag, sitting in her closet.

Sequels

I just finished a very interesting book. I actually listened to it, because that's how I get any book "read" now-a-days. It literally took over my life. The name of the book is The Hunger Games, by Susanne Collins. (Fabulous book by the way) I read it because I had a recommendation from someone. I'd recommend it to all of my friends as well. HOWEVER, little did I know... It's the first book in a "projected trilogy". Are they "projecting" that maybe it won't be?!?

I'm getting to the point that I need the whole story NOW. So Please if your going to suggest a book for me to read, and I hope you will, PLEASE, suggest ones that are already all written. I'm getting to point where I'm sick of waiting. Harry Potter, Twilight, Uglies, Blue Bloods, now this. I'M NOT GOING TO LIVE FOREVER! Geeeechhh!

Rain Rain Go Away

We have had an unusual fall. Not a whole lot of rain, and not a whole lot of "unusable" days. Today is one of those, however. Elleory and the boys have school off, for Veteran's Day. I made Elleory put on an hat and gloves to go outside to play today, and the boys wanted to stay inside. I'm racking my brains for something to do, cookies? Play-doh? Then I notice that Anders is conked out, so I guess I'll balance my checkbook. So much fun!

We did go up the street to the new pet store in our neighborhood. It's called '"Raining Cats and Dogs". They sell outrageously expensive small dogs, most of them mixed bred. Today they had pure bred English Bulldogs, the Male was $3500. But the one that caught my eye was the Golden Retriever-Poodle. Such a sweet little guy. Liam and the puppy kissed about 20 times, and Anders kept sticking his fingers inside the puppy's mouth. He will grow up to be BIG, and was so sweet. Only $900. Even though I'm completely in love, I remind my self about the very small yard that doesn't even serve my own children's best interests. (The money wouldn't be a problem because SURELY, I could sell one of my children.) Maybe someday... But I guess right now while we are in the middle of toddler hood, I'll just have to continue to window shop.

Elleory played with the kittens also $900 a piece. (IF we got a cat, it would definitely be the free-from-a-box-outside-a-grocery-store variety.) And Anders and Liam really enjoyed the cat jungle-gyms, and dog toys. "I want to buy this" was the comment I heard most in the store. We left without much fuss and came home to watch our current favorite movie "the Aristocats". Which reminds me...I remember Corbin telling me as a little girl, "Your not a lady, your nothin' but a sister." Which is a line from that movie.

I'm enjoying today's break, but I'm glad life will start up again tomorrow. Maybe the rain will stop so we can play outside.

iPod/ Zune Tag...finally

My Sister sent this to me but I didn't have an iPod at the time. So Brian bought me a Zune for my bonus this year, now I can play... here's to you Lindsay.

Ok, here are the rules:
1. Put your itunes/music player/cd player on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT!!! NO CHEATING!
4. After you've answered all the questions, tag three other people.

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY? Through the Morning, Throught the Night- Robert Plant and Allison Krause

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Home Life- John Mayer (sounds about right)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL? There's More to Life Than This - Bjork

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY? Come Back to Bed - John Mayer (HEHEHE More like GO back to bed)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? Soak up the Sun - Sheryl Crow...Yep

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Hard to Handle - Black Crowes

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS? (BawHAHAHA) Nothin' - Robert Plant & Allison Krause

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Vultures - John Mayer (Again BawHAhHAHA)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT FREQUENTLY? Daylight - Coldplay

WHAT IS 2 + 2? 3x5 - John Mayer

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? Viva la Vida - Coldplay (pretty apt!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LOVE? In a Little While - U2

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?Please Read the Letter - Robert Plant and Allison Krause (possible my favorite song currently)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Kite - U2

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LOVE? Killing the Blues - Robert Plant & Allison Krause

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? Gravity - John Mayer (YEP...)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING? God Don't Make Lonely Girls - Wallflowers ( I did not cheat... But don't you think that appropriate?)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? I Shall Believe - Sheryl Crow

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? Death and all His Friends - Coldplay (How did it know that???)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? Politik - Coldplay (again... how did it know that???)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? Daughters - John Mayer

I tag.... SUZE, HEATHER STONE, and MELANIE. Good luck!

Flu Shots and Pumpkin Carnage

Meanest Mom in the Whole Wide World! I made my guys get flu shots today. We aren't happy. Liam cried THE WHOLE WAY HOME!!! "My weg oowwy, my weg oowwy." Only to stop crying and start back up again "my wee-wee oowwy, my wee-wee oowwy." I guess he has a ouch-y Willy on top of a sore leg. I bought him "sighs" (fries) on the way home, which I never do, (apples or oranges only) just for a little peace and quiet. Never got any...

I guess life goes on. Nap time is shortly. Thank goodness for small miracles.

On a creepier note... Douglas sent through the pumpkin carnage picture, but I need to figure out how to get it off my phone and on to my blog. Very Cool Doug! Glad to see the tradition continue. Amazing how similar yours and Anders were! SPOOKY...

I'm so NOT P.C. Like you didn't know that already...

Just some cute picture of my "Wild Indians".

Anders came up with the idea to color "weefs" today while "Wee-m" was sleeping. He got so excited that he went in to wake "Wee-m" up. Could of shot him there and then... I found feathers on a scrape book c.d. I have and away we went. I had the idea to make the head dresses. Anders loves his, Liam isn't too sure about it. But it's a great photo opportunity anyway. And you probably thought I was going to write about the election...

Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday to you!
You live in a zoo,
You look like a monkey
and you dress like one too.

Happy Birthday to Daddy and Corbin. (The one in the middle in the kilt.)
Hugs and soggy kisses from Seattle!

Anders' Ode to Uncle Doug.

One of the things I miss about not living around my Family is the Pumpkin Carnage that Douglas produces every year. For those of you who don't know about this, I'm going to spare the description, because inevitably it just makes us all look a little loony. Because we all think it's funny. So this post is for those Johnson's who get it...

Anders did this all by himself. Not the carving, the stabing. (So I guess this is also Anders' Ode to Uncle Dan as well.) We left it because, honestly IT IS funny. Anders must have the gene. I wonder if it's recessive or if it's a dominant boy gene. And whose side of the family it comes from.

I miss you guys!! And Doug, I'm waiting for pictures.

It's Halloween All Day Long!

This is not one of my better posts and the pictures went in backward, so bear with me...

Elleory's contribution to our Halloween feast.

Trick-or-treating at Daddy's office.

Candy, Candy, CANDY!!!

Like we needed more sugar... frosting!

Decorating Halloween Sugar Cookies.

Our Halloween was really fun this year! Elleory had the day OFF of school so we were able to start our festivities at Breakfast! We went trick-or-treating at our friends office at 11 am, went grocery shopping in our costumes, had friends over to decorate cookies. YES, I made sugar cookies from scratch, cut them AND baked them. I know, AMAZING! Then, when it was nap time, we loaded up into the car and went to Brian's office to Trick-or-Treat. Each year at Microsoft each building hosts the staff's children for Halloween, mainly because it rains every stinking year. So the kids are warm and dry and they get an AMAZING amount of candy. Liam was especially funny, He would take the candy, unwrap it and suck on it then leave it at the next person's office. We finally had to trick-or-treat for him. I think I threw away 10 suckers in one hour. He was a sticky, over sugared mess by the time we got home.

When we did get home we had our annual Halloween Feast. Enchilada Mummies, Ghostly Greens, and Veggie Bones. I'm actually going to put a recipe on the blog for the best salad dressing I've ever had, hands down... after dinner Elleory went around the neighborhood with her friend Whitley Johns and her Dad. Brian, the boys and I stayed home to hand out the Microsoft candy to all of the "friends" that came around. Brian and I went as old hippies for the evening, as I was rag-dolled out. The boys went to bed around 8, and I followed soon after. It's hard to stay up when you start your day at 5:30. We skipped our annual scary movie, which is a tradition I miss, but again, no point when your falling asleep on the couch during scriptures. Besides I wanted to watch "Watcher in the Woods" and Brian is too chicken.

The recipe for Green Goblin Dressing:

Put 1 cup packed fresh basil, 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in the blender and blend on high speed. Add 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; and blend until smooth. That's it. Absolutely the best dressing I've ever had.