a blessing or a curse

Have you ever wondered what you would do without a cell phone? I have been thinking back . . . I have had one for years - and the last 3 years we haven't even had a land line because we all have cell phones, so why pay for a land line. I pretty much take my cell phone with me everywhere. So let me ask . . . do you control your phone, or does it control you? Do you answer every call, convenient or not? Do you interrupt a conversation with someone in the room to answer your phone? Do you talk on your phone when driving? We have been told that is very dangerous and that we should not do it. However, that is for everyone else, right? After all - we are invincible. Now - let me ask - do you have texting? How many texts to you do per month? On our bill the person with texting averages 5000 to 7500 messages per month. Is that excessive? Do you text when you drive? I certainly hope not! I think that is as bad as driving drunk. People die because other people are texting and cause accidents because they are not watching the road. They are focused on that small and miraculous electronic devise that makes us think we must stay in touch at all costs. Now let's get realistic. Our communications could actually wait for 10, 15 , or 20 minutes - or even longer. There is no need to be foolish and get caught up in thinking that we must make this call or take this call while driving, or while doing other things. Or that we can read a text or even worse, send one while driving. Please, my kids and grandkids are out there. What ever happened to good manners? We have all forgotten manners, because we are like Pavlov's dogs - when the bell rings we run. Come on, folks, take control.

Another Movie Review

This is all coming from seeing a movie this afternoon. I had so looked forward to this movie. 7 Pounds. The plot was such a mystery and all through the movie you were so draw in and trying to figure out where it was going. Let me tell you that for me it was a HUGE disappointment. I really love Will Smith, and I think he is an amazing actor. The acting was great, the filming was great. The story line, however, left a lot to be desired. Once again, Hollywood strikes. Is it okay to commit suicide? Is it okay if you are donating your body parts to people you feel deserve to live and would not live without your donation? Or the quality of their life would be vastly improved because of your donation? Certainly it is okay for the heroes to sleep with someone and break a commandment because they are caught up in the passion of the moment. Even though we know it is not right, it’s okay in the movie, right? How do they get away with making evil good? Certainly we, as the public, allow ourselves to participate or view things that we consider wrong and call it good entertainment. When I left that movie last night, I was so disappointed. I am tired of entertainment that touches the evil in the world and prods people to accept it as normal – as acceptable.

The Movies

We went to see "Australia" on Saturday night. It was one long movie. Beautiful scenery. Interesting story. Makes we want to know the real history that was shown. Very unrealistic love story - kind of like "Gone With the Wind." Too bad they had to have immorality and murder. I left the theater with this feeling: "Why is there such prejudice in the world?" Would I recommend seeing the move? Yes! It was very entertaining.

I am sad...

Today I am sad... even to the point of tears. Maybe I have PMS or something, but the feelings are real, so I guess I will just have a good cry. My kids are gone for Christmas. I took them to the airport this morning. I wanted a picture of them but Becca wouldn't stand by the tree, so I say "fine. I don't want your picture anyway," and stomp off to the car. How stupid of me. We did have some Starbucks at the airport, though, and a hug. My dad broke his arm, and I can't be there to help take care of him. I miss Katie and Julie so much it hurts. I just want to play the train game and do puzzles with them while we guzzle eggnog, Pomegranate 7up, and hot chocolate and eat Christmas goodies. I don't get to see my grand kids for Christmas this year. I am sick with a stupid cold, so I don't feel good anyway. I miss my siblings, LaRue, Janet and David. I miss my Mom. I miss my nieces and nephews. I miss my dear mother in law, who just passed away. (I do NOT, however, miss snow...) Perhaps it is the Holiday Blues... I will take a deep breath and get over this... I know I am blessed with such abundance, and I am not ungrateful in the least. Hopefully this sad spell will pass quickly. I am looking forward to my two week break from work. Perhaps I will go do some cleaning now and use up some energy being productive instead of sad. Maybe we can to go the matinee this afternoon when Rod gets home from work...

Holiday Concert Time

Just let me say first of all, that I hate the term "Holiday Concert." It used to be "Christmas Concert." It is totally Christmas music, and they even sing the word Christmas in almost every song. They had Christmas lights and a Christmas tree in the lobby. Thank you - now I will get off my soap box and continue.

Last night was Becca's chorus concert. It was great! They sang some really beautiful Christmas pieces. This clip is part of her favorite number. She is on the second row just to the left of the pianist - remember she traded places with the "spitter" on the front row. It was hard to get her because of the angle we were sitting, head bobbing, etc. But you can how cute she is if you watch closely! I love Christmas music. It is one of my favorite parts of Christmas! Thanks for a great evening, Becca. (p.s. I know you hate your red dress, but the choir looks nice in their formal wear ;o)

A special gift...

A year ago, my dear friend, Rondaleen, asked us to reserve December 6th, 2008 on our calendar. She asked us if we would like to go to a concert with her. I thought "sure, it's a long way off, but we would love to go." All at once the day was here!

We were at the Jobing.com arena right here in Glendale - same complex where the Super Bowl was held last year. It is a beautiful place!

This is a shot of the people waiting in line to get in. There were numerous lines like this, snaking their way through the grounds.

Just to prove that we were really there - here she is - Celine Dion! It was such an amazing concert! She was incredible. The staging was creative and exciting. Her voice is so powerful and she performed with such emotion and energy. We had such a great time. Thanks, Rondaleen, for this wonderful gift! It will be long rememered as a stellar night!

One week in to December...

I can't believe that we are already one week in to December. How time flies! The days go by fast and furious with work, family and church stuff. Sometimes I feel like I am on a fast moving treadmill and I can't get off. It was fun to decorate for Christmas last weekend - a tradition I enjoy doing right after Thanksgiving. Seems like no one but me was excited about it this year, but I love doing it so that's okay. I just hope they all enjoy the decorations, tree, and lights. I hope to have time to sit still and just enjoy it sometime before I have to take it all down!

Today was our church Christmas Breakfast. It was such a fun event! We had wonderful food, and some talents were shared. Becca and the YW performed a few musical numbers and I made a little video clip of part of one of their songs. I was asked to be the photographer for when the kids visited with Santa. Some of them were scared to death! Others were in total awe. It was so cute to see them whisper in his ear, watch their faces, and enjoy their excitement. Don'tcha just love Santa. I sure do! Oh yes! Jayden loves Santa. But his little brother doesn't look too happy.

While Elli was standing in line, she talked to herself about Santa: "Santa is nice. I can talk to him..." Eli was a-okay with the whole thing.

Get me outta here! The Bishopric even sat on Santa's lap!

Carson just had to go back for a second conversation with Santa...

Here is the video clip of Becca...