The Newest Inductee to the Twilight Club....

Let the hazing begin, because I have now officially inducted myself to the Twilight fanatic fan club. Am I allowed to induct myself? Well, either way, I have, so you can now consider me one of your sisters. Team Edward of course!

Last Friday, Carson came home from work and promptly sent me on my way to go see Twilight. I had no intention on seeing the movie opening day for a few reasons. 1) I hadn't read the books so I was therefore not invested in the story at all. I wanted to see it at some point, but I didn't have any reason to see it opening day. 2) I wasn't interested in squirming through the hoards of teenage girls who were most likely up past their bedtime anyway and probably seeing it for the second time that day and would inevitably be screaming every five minutes. 3) I didn't want to be one of those people. I'm comfortable being an eternal non-conformist so I would have been fine doing exactly what I did with Harry Potter-not jumping on the bandwagon for a few more years. By about 5 minutes into the movie though, all of those reasons went out the window. I was fine being there with the teenage girls because I was screaming right along with them. It didn't matter that I didn't know the story, I was going to read the books anyway. It's okay to go with the flow every now and then and be pulled in the direction of the majority-in the this case, the majority is all of the moms at playgroup.

Like I said, I hadn't read the book. Most people would probably not go see a movie made from a book if they hadn't read the book. I'm totally different. I actually prefer to see the movie first because I don't have a really active imagination so it helps to see someone else's vision of how I should be picturing it. I'm also not a big reader, so there you go. I'm also able to go and watch the movie and enjoy it without having to dissect it for everything that is different or wrong from the book. I tried that with The DaVinci code and I came up disappointed. Eventually, they become separate entities to me and I can enjoy them independent of each other.

Long story short, I loved the movie. Sure some of the effects were less than stellar and some of the acting was slightly melodramatic. But I don't mind that so much because what movie doesn't have those flaws at some point? I'm excited to see it again while we're in Utah. I think that I might actually be going twice while we're over there for Thanksgiving. Once with my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law and another time with Carson for date night (hopefully).

My friend Emily lent me Twilight last Wednesday in hopes that I would read it time to see the midnight showing. While I appreciated the offer, that wasn't happening. I had a hard time getting into it at first. But I saw the movie on Friday and then really got into it Saturday night. Sunday we were home from church due to illness so I took advantage of my resting time and read over 200 pages. I finished on Monday night. I think that's a record for me. This morning I picked up New Moon Amy and I am now close 150 pages in. I can't help myself. I'm not sure what I'm going to do on the way home from Utah. I'm sure I'll have it done by then. Maybe by the time we get there.

Oh, and also, I love Fonzie. (that was for Carson)

Something New

I just added something fun at the bottom of my blog for all of you who were as disappointed as I was. Scroll down and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Big Day Today

Well, only two things on my to do list didn't get done. I didn't get all the bottles packed away, but that was mostly because I still had bottles outstanding and unaccounted for. So rather than do it twice, I thought I would do it all at once. I also didn't vacuum. That's because the vacuum was upstairs and I wanted vacuum the downstairs and I just really don't feel like carrying it downstairs when I'm 6 months preggers. But I have a whole new to do list today because yeserday was such a success. Dinner last night was amazing too. To answer your question Kathleen, you ginger a carrot by cooking it on the stove with margarine, cinnamon, ginger and brown suger. They almost taste like candy in my opinion. By the way, I also gave myself a pedicure last night before bed, so all in all, a successful day.

We're going to be walking to preschool here pretty soon becuase it's actually a pretty nice and I want to take advantage of the sun before it goes into hibernation. Siobhan's very excited because I'm going to let her ride her bike. Luckily preschool is just up the street a little way.

And FYI, we changed the baby's middle name. He was going to be William Perazzi but we've changed it to William Phinehas.

This is how Audrey posed for a picture last week at The Hard Rock Cafe. Siobhan soon followed. Is it just me, or do they have the biggest mouths?

My To Do List

It's fun to live in the fridge!
Wearing their new outfits from Grandpa Mike and Debbie.
Keep Reading

I rarely make to do lists. I find that when I do, I get really disappointed because I never get everything done that I set out to do. Than I'm disappointed. However, in keeping with my theme of being proactive, I decided that I would make my day go the way I want it to. I have the rest of my day to get it all done and with a little bit of planning, there's no reason why things can't overlap and all get accomplished. So here goes:

To Do:

Make Dinner

*Chicken and Stuffing Rollade with Italian Sausage (chicken is almost all thawed)

*Mashed Potatoes

*Bread (rising, about to go in the oven)

*Jello (What can I say, I had a craving. It's in the fridge)

*Salad

*Gingered Carrots

Put away clean laundry (with my newly organized dresser and finally cleaned out closet, it should be easy)

Put away bottles and pararphenelia (Audrey uses sippees now, I don't need the bottles and drying rack for a few more months now)

Shower (It's pretty sad that when you're a mom, you have to schedule that)

Empty dishwasher (Thought I'd give Carson a break)

Vacuum

Blog-done!

Clean in Master Bedroom (the only room in my house that is routinely neglected, but also probably the most important)

Do dishes.

I figure that it doesn't have to all get done before Carson gets home, just before I go to bed. That's doable right? We're going to Utah for thanksgiving, but we're not having Thanksgiving food, hence the fancy meal with similar tastes and textures. Wish me luck! And here's some pictures from when it snowed last week.

Siobhan is 3!

I've been meaning to blog about this for a while, but just haven't had the time. And our camera is on the fritz and thus makes it pretty difficult to download pictures onto the computer. But, at any rate, I feel the need to show my eldest some 'blog love'.

I can't believe that it has been 3 years since that 9 pound little Kamikaze emerged from my loins! By the way, Kamikaze is her new nickname. I still remember the first time that I held her and she looked right at me and made complete and total eye contact. People may say that newborn babies aren't really aware of people and places, and to a certain extent, I agree with that. But when her big blue eyes, which soon darkened, made contact with mine, I could tell that she knew she was looking at her mommy. And all I could see was this amazing little spirit who I can only hope chose to come to our family and be raised by Me and Carson. She had that most beautiful dark hair and gorgeous skin. The perfect addition to make us feel complete (for the time being).

As I look back on the changes that have occurred for us since she was born, I realize what a special little girl she is, as she has handled each and every one of them in stride, with a huge smile and something goofy to say. We moved her to and apartment in Colorado, to a new house in CO, added a little sister and are on our way to adding a little brother. That seems like a lot for a lifetime, especially when that lifetime is only 3 short years.

I am continually amazed at how smart our little girl is. She can quote movies just about as well as her mom, she picks up on her dancing with style and grace of course, she is an amazing big sister and her memory is something to be admired. I'm so proud of her ability to love those around her and be kind to her friends and family. Her ability to forgive is something of a treasure as well.

Being a mother is a tough job and even you continually find your Kamikaze scaling the fridge or trying to climb the half wall above the stairs, you still find it in your heart to scoop her up in a big hug and tell her how much you love her. But then I say find it in your heart, I should clarify that it never goes to far. I know that this special little spirit came into our family at the perfect and exact time. She was saved to come to me at a time in my life when I felt that I had lost so much. I feel her Nama Sue's spirit radiate through her and for that I am truly blessed.

Me and Siobhan the day she was born. 11/13/2005

Shortly after Siobhan's 1st birthday. I'm not sure why I can't find the pictures from her frist birthday party.

Siobhan and me the day after her second birthday.

Look at how much she's grown! 11/13/2008

For Siobhan's birthday we had a great time! We got up and made some banana chocolate chip muffins. That was the treat that she wanted to take to pre-school. I told her she could take cake, cupcakes, cookies or muffins and she chose 'nuffins'. She got to open her presents from Mommy, Daddy, and Audrey which included a new outfit, Tinker Bell, and of course a new room. I haven't posted pics of the room as it's not all the way done yet. We ran into a snag which now requires some help from home teachers. Hopefully I'll have pictures on Thursday. And of course for dinner we went to Hard Rock where they made a big deal about her birthday. That night they had her celebrating her 3rd birthday and someone else celbrating the 80th birthday. Quite a spread. We're having a her party with Saturday. I'm very excited about it! Stay tuned for adorable pics!

Kathleen's Tooting Hilarious Tag

My friend Kathleen over on the East Si-ide (that's my lame attempt at Kathleen style humor, what do you think Kathleen?) created this tag. I think it's hilarious! Only Kathleen would come up with this. And she's right, tags only exist because we're nosy and they have totally taken over the blog-o-sphere. You can check our her tag rant here. You won't be disappointediack.

Directions: ALL questions must be answered. Yes/No answers are not appropriate, a sentence per explanation/justification of response is allowed but make it a good sentence.

What celebrities have the same birthday as you? I'm the type that would totally look this up and be super fascinated by what I found. My results of the google inquiry were this:
*Tom Hulce from Amadeus
*Peter Buck from REM, he wrote Man on the Moon, easily my favorite REM song. There must be some connection
*Agnes Moorehead, played Endora on Bewitched
Have you ever eaten snow? It's been a while, but really, who hasn't.
Have you ever eaten play-do? See above answer.
How does your name appear on your credit card? Meghan S Mitchell
Do you know how to tie a tie? No but Carson keeps trying to teach me.
Brad Pitt, Michael Phelps and Edward Cullen are on an island, who would be eaten first, vampire-ness aside? If I had my choice, I would probably say Brad Pitt. I don't really like him all that much and Michael Phelps could probably swim to another island and get everyone rescued anywway.
Would you rather be O- (universal donor) or AB+ (universal receiver)? O-
Would you rather be trapped in Harry Potter or Twilight? Definitley Harry Potter. I tell Carson on a daily basis that I wish I was magic.
What is your social security number, last four digits will suffice? ****
What was your halloween costume when you were 7? I think I dressed up like a baby in my friends feety pajamas. That could have been when I was 8 though. That whole era is a slight blur for me.
What is your dream job and what salary do you think would be appropriate? High Fashion supermodel/professional dancer/clothing designer/shoe model/wife/mom-of course/Head of PR for a large multi-national corporation. With all of those hats that I would wearing, I think that I would deserve at a least 100 million dollars-and that's not a sad attempt at an Austin Powers reference. I would also need about 48 hours in one day.
What is your mother's maiden name? Stone
What is the theme song to your life? Lolli Lolli by 3 6 Mafia
Was Ally McBeal a lesbian? I never watched the show but I'm going to go out on a limb and say yes.
Which holiday do you feel guilty for hating? Fourth of July. I appreciate it for the fact that we celebrate the independance of our country, but I've really never had fun with it. Something about watching fireworks on TV just doesn't do it for me.
What is the number of your credit card with the highest limit? I think that's a math question, so I respectfully decline to answer...mostly because it would make me look like an idiot.
What color toe nail polish are you embarrassed you wore in middle school? Lime Green-maybe that was high school, I don't remember.
Are you angry this tag has no apparent theme and thus warrants no clever title? No, the more random the better I think. But I am angry that the questions aren't numbered.
Do you secretly crave fried chicken, are you craving it NOW? I hate fried chicken.
What is your pin number? Yeah Right.
Have you ever been (secretly) scared by the person you were sitting next to on an airplane, honestly post 9-11? I really haven't. I'm not that person.
Did you ever have a snorting problem accompany your laughter? I think that I've snorted while laughing once in my life, so I don't think that would be considered a problem perse.
What is the security code on the back of your credit card? Again, really?
Have you recently picked a booger? Wiped a booger? I'm going to go with a similar answer to the second and third questions, who hasn't?
Which WWII evil dictator do you most admire? Mussolini
Visa, Mastercard or American Express, Discover? Ummmmm
Do you think Peter Pan was a jerk to Tinkerbell once he got the hots for Wendy? Totally, she almost died for him and even though he acted like he cared, you could easily see it in eyes that he didn't need her wings flapping around him anymore!
What would rather be doing right now if not participating in the coolest tag ever? Taking a nap.
If you could name your child anything without fear of being called a minority or insane what name would you give them, please no vowels? Phineous
Who would play you in a movie of your life, if you were played by the opposite sex? Russell Crow
What is your maiden name, do people believe you? McGuire...oddly enough, when people find that out, I get one of two questions, 'Are you related to Mark?' and 'Are you related Jerry?' My answer to that last one is always the same, 'Yes, I enjoy being related to fictional character.' Is that question there because you're bitter about your own last name, Kathleen?
Who would win in a fight, Dora the Explorer or Go Diego Go!? I'm pulling for Diego
Who is more Bad A**, your grandma or your mom? That's a tough one, but I'm going to say my grandma.
What is your computer password? My computer is not password protected, that I know of.
Do you buy into any odd conspiracy theories, like the non-moon landing? Lach Ness Monster. Do Urban Legends count because you could totally get me with the whole 'Bloody Mary' thing, or 'Light as a Feather Stiff as a Board.'
Do you really think organic food tastes better/good at all or do you just convince yourself it does so you'll eat it? I can't tell the difference in all honesty.
What is the answer to your secret question? Shammie
Which superpower would you make a sixth sense for everybody in the world? Flying, it would be so useful!
Do you sometimes get confused between the London Bridge and the Tower Bridge, be honest? I didn't even know that they were different.
What is your gross annual income? Not enough.
Have you noticed the identity theft questions scattered throughout? When I first read the tag, I totally thought you were serious. Why would I think that?
Okay, so maybe you don't have to answer EVERY single question. Maybe some of these were just so I could commit a federal crime against you. But, in all seriousness: I tag EVERYONE on my blog list.

Halloween Adventures

We had a very fun and long Halloween week. On Sunday of that week I got very stressed out because I realised that I would have to dress the girls up 4 out of 5 days that week. Tuesday was day number 1 when we had our annual playgroup Halloween party at my house. It was a lot of fun, but it's always a little stressful for me to have playgroup at my house because I have to make sure that everything is spic and span. It didn't help that the night before Carson was on an over night business trip in downtown Denver. I know it sounds lame, but he was in meetings until 10 pm and had to get going again at 7 am the next morning. So he took advantage of the fact that the University was springing for his hotel room. It was good for him to have the break and relax but it meant that I didn't have any help getting the house in tip top shape. Oh well, I got it all done! Wednesday, day 2, Siobhan had dance class so we got her dressed up for that and Siobhan's teacher wanted to see Audrey in her costume. Not so bad, but still a little bit of a pain. Thursday, day 3, was the annual Halloween party/trick or treat at UofP. It's always fun to show off the girls there. They had a lot of fun! Friday, day 4 and Halloween day, was a little disappointing. We got the girls all ready to go to the ward trunk or treat. I was so excited for it because it was going to be combined with our old ward that we split from at our Stake President's barn. It's a big tradition in the stake and it's really hard to book it anywhere near Halloween so it was a big occasion. As we were getting ready, I realized that I didn't have directions. So I tried to call people in the ward and could not get ahold of anyone. We tried calling the stake president, couldn't get ahold of him. Tried white paging him which was a good idea in theory, but if you didn't know (like we didn't know) that his barn is actually no where near his actual house, it wouldn't have helped and you would have spent about 45 mins to an hour, like us and some friends, driving around on a wild goose chase. We (I) were really mad. I was mad that they never thought to give out directions. They all just assumed that everyone knew where the Polson barn was out in the middle of nowhere Sedelia, CO. I was also mad that while I get about 10 (not exaggerating) emails a day from Relief Society that mostly have nothing to do with me, I never got one with any directions or info about the ward Halloween party. I guess that they gave verbal directions the Sunday before in Elder's Quorum but that doesn't really help those of us in Nursery. So we went home and trick or treated our neighborhood for about 15 minutes, before it got to late and then went to dinner at Chiles. We were all disappointed. Siobhan was just starting to get excited about it when it was time to go home and Carson and I were disappointed at the serious lack of candy. Yes, I'll blame other people for this, I'm that bitter about it. Oh yeah, in case you all didn't know, Siobhan dressed up like a Spanish Flamenco Dancer (with an authentic dress and shoes that grandma and grandpa brought from Spain) and Audrey dressed up like her namesake Audrey Hepburn complete with Tiffany and Co. shopping bag. So adorable.

All good Halloween costumes of course begin with spongy rollers in the hair. It was Audrey's first time with curlers all over her head.

Audrey, Siobhan and Daddy on Halloween night before we left for the ill fated ward Halloween party.

My solution to the lack of an Audrey Hepburn hat was to tease her hair into a bouffant with a pseudo french twist and a wide white ribbon.
Siobhan and her friend Jack right before the playgroup Halloween party.
Me, Siobhan and Audrey before playgroup.
The dress and shoes from Spain. I made the flower veil. She also had castanets and a fan. By the end of the week, I had to fight her to put it on. It was all well meaning, but the poor girl was sure sick of her costume!

Habit #1 Proactivity

I know everyone wants to read a blog about what's been going with the fam and most importantly the girls. That's coming. I have lots of cute pictures from Halloween and other fun things, but I wanted to post this really quick.
Carson began his doctoral program a few weeks ago and one of the requirements was to build a 'leadership library'. To me that sounds like a very arbitrary requirement for an online class, but whatever. Thank goodness for Amazon.com and the fact that we've gotten all of these self help/leadership books for next to nothing in most cases. Almost all of them are by Steven R. Covey or his sons because really, does it get much better than that when it comes to leadership?We got The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People on CD and we've been listening to it together for the last few days. Talk about a mind blow. It is the most incredible thing ever! We're only into habit one but I can totally see how it all works and how much it can influence every aspect of your life. When we're done with this one, the next one our list is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families and The 7 Habits of Happy Kids By Sean Covey. The last one is actually a series of chidlren's stories to help them leard at a young age how to be good leaders and use the habits on their own level. Maybe my kids are too young for it, but it never hurts to be prepared for what might come.
So I decided that out family's motto for the rest of November and December is:

Be Proactive

I feel that there are a lot of things in life where I/we play the victim. I use what Stephen R Covey calls reactive language. I say things like 'If only this haden't happened to me' or 'that person just makes me feel so (insert negative emotion here).' What good does it do me/us? When it comes right down to it, we all have the choice of how we are going to react to circumstances and scenarios. Thats one of the things that seperates us from the animals, it's our ability to reason out and detatch ourselves and thus observe our own selves and then make the best of our situation. Here's an excerpt from Wikipedia:

Being proactive means taking responsibility for every aspect of your life. Initiative and taking action will then follow. Covey also argues that man is different from other animals in that he has self-consciousness. He has the ability to detach himself and observe his own self; think about his thoughts. He goes on to say how this attribute enables him: It gives him the power not to be affected by his circumstances. Covey talks about stimulus and response. Between stimulus and response, we have the power of free will to choose our response.

Things that I'm being proactive about right now: Beefing up food storage, household organization, my interactions with people and not letting them walk on me. That last one is dealing more with how I let people treat me. If something bothers me, I'm not going to sweep it under the rug and pretend like it didn't happen. I will choose to be stronger in the eyes of those around me.