Want some extra loot?

With Christmas around the corner, you're probably getting your shopping done. And if you're like everyone else I know, you can probably use some extra shopping money. Allow your friend Connie to hook you up with this news! My husband Tony sells security systems for ADT. Heard of them? Of course you have. If you know of someone interested in getting a free ADT home security system (or if that someone is you) refer them to me (I'll pass the news along to Tony) and you'll recieve $50 cash! As long as the person you refer signs up, you're good to go! Let me know if you're interested and we'll go from there.

*The customer gets all of the equiptment free, free installation, and free activation. They'll just pay $43.99/mo for monitoring. It's a way better deal than if you call the company directly or try to sign up online.

Thanksgiving

I can't believe the year is almost over! Well, Thanksgiving was great this year. A little bit of football, Macy's parade, Apples to Apples, etc... and A LOT of food. I miss my family but I'm grateful for Tony's family who live nearby. It's so nice to be around family during the holidays.

I did a little cooking this year, nothing extravagant. I've decided I'm not making the sweet potato bake anymore since no one really eats it. Tony was sweet- no one took any of it and he saw me coming up in the line so he took the biggest scoop ever, just to make me feel good. haha! I don't care that no one likes it, I just made it last year cause Tony wanted to try it... I don't even like it, really.

It was a beautiful day in Arizona

I sat Brody in the grass and he was rather disgusted by it. He wouldn't touch it and then he started crying! haha

Our family football game. I didn't play this year though.

Brody looked so cute so I sat him down and took a few pictures of him before the day was over.

I have a lot to be Thankful for. I have a beautiful son, a wonderful husband, great family and friends, and not to mention the gospel. I'm so blessed!

OK... so what did SHE think?

*This post and the link contain NO SPOILERS so read away... I was curious to know what Stephenie Meyer thought of Twilight, the movie. After all, it was derived from her book. I found THIS article. Check it out! I like what she said.

OK and I left out a comparison that is actually pretty important! You may disagree with it (but don't hate me)...

The Book: In Bella's eyes you find out Edward is the most dashing, dazzling, gorgeous man alive. The Movie?: Did they pick the right Edward? Was he really perfect?! Well, maybe not for you (or me). Keep in mind, Edward is Bella's perfect man. And I was definitely feeling their compatibility- I was convinced by the acting that Bella is head over heels, as she should be. He may not be "the most perfect man alive"- but he's Bella's perfect guy! And that's really what the book was about.

*Read my other comparisons if you haven't already and tell me what you think! (I'm open for discussion.. and criticism)

My thoughts about Twilight

FYI, If you haven't seen the movie yet, you might not want read this.

I saw it this weekend- what did I think??? Well, I wasn't expecting it to be so much like the book because usually nothing ever is. But, I thought it was really close and they included everything that needed to be there. I was completely giddy the whole time I was watching. Pretty much, I LOVED it!

First things first- not everyone was feeling Edward and Bella's love connection, although I did. But I have a theory for that...I knew that their connection would be a hard thing to duplicate. Most of what you learn about their relationship comes from Bella's thoughts. Bella is such a THINKER. She thinks WAY too much (typical teenage girl...it's a good thing Edward can't read her mind.) Anyway, unless she narrates through the whole movie, there's no way you can really know what's in that head of hers (unless you've read the book and know her). So, there was A LOT that people who hadn't read the book, were missing. Because Bella of course didn't narrate the whole time (thank goodness). And then for that reason though, you miss a lot about their relationship. Make sense? No? Basically, you have to have read the book to fully appreciate and enjoy the little things (Like the look on Edwards face when he smells Bella's scent the first time- sooo funny.) Anyway moving on.

Here are a couple comparisions for ya: (you don't have to agree with me, I'm just saying...)

The Book: had a lot of tention between Bella and Edward at first, for a while, until she figured him out. She was so drawn to him but thought he hated her...and then would think he didn't.. and.. The Movie?: Same thing. I loved that they got that right. So don't be annoyed at the awkwardness because it's totally meant to be there. He was a jerk in the book (for her own safety!) and a jerk in the movie. (But like I said, just at first until she figured out why).. then of course they get over it and fall madly in love...

The Book: Had a lot to say about Jacob. I actually wanted Bella to end up with him at first (gasp!- wait, calm down I don't anymore) But because he wasn't giving her mixed signals like Edward was. Edward would say, "Don't talk to me" , "Stay away from me"... and then, "Let's date" (Not exact quotes, but he was sending mixed signals for a good chunk of the book) Jacob on the other hand was cute.. nice... right? The Movie?: There wasn't a lot about Jacob in this one. Which is going to be interesting seeing is New Moon is more about him than Edward. They didn't build his character up as much as they should've. I felt torn between Edward and Jacob at the end of the book; but, not by the end of the movie. And what was the deal with him coming out of the glowing misty forest when he tells Bella to stay away from Edward? That was probably the cheesiest part to me. I laughed out loud, it was so random. Remember, in the book he cuts in when they are dancing- which I doubt would've made the ending as romantic as it was. But that was the point- I thought- because you're supposed to think Bella and Jacob might have a future! Mike was more pushy too, but not so much in the movie. Of course, everyone WANTS her and Edward to be together.. but still, Jacob is a crucial character throughout the series! He was in like 3 scenes with Bella and only one hinted at his crush for her (but even then, not that much).

The Book: Book Bella is insane. Really... if you think about it... she's crazy. The Movie: Bella is awkward and makes these faces throughout- and it was... just so... her. I loved it! Crazy girl.

The Book: Edward drives like a psycho. The Movie: He drives ridiculously crazy in a couple parts, and basically fast other times, but I wish they showed him peeling around the windy roads and gunning it towards his driveway. Few times, he was going really slow

The Book: Not hilarious but humorous in it's own way. The Movie: Had lots of one liners that cracked me up, and everyone there. I thought it was a great addition to the movie, to throw in some humor.

Overall, I absolutely loved the vampires. All of them were amazing, I want to be one. haha! Although I did catch a glimpse at the contact line Edward had in his eye. Couldn't they edit that? The baseball scene was one of my favorites and... Oh I hope you've seen it and loved it as much as me! I wouldn't change a single thing about the actors they chose. They were all perfect! What did you think of it?

Ps. Brody is crawling!

Wait, one more...

It's the little things, and big things

Wednesday, I was out and about when I get a few text messages from Tony who asks what I'm doing and where I was. Nothing out of the ordinary. As I'm driving home, he texts me "I love you" Still, nothing out of the ordinary (we say it like 20 times a day) but I still said out loud: "Aww."

Then I get home to see this:

Another Awww! How random and unexpected!
A rose and chocolates! My man is the best...

I. Love. Chocolate.

Then I looked over to our white board on the fridge and see this message:

When tony got home he texted me to go upstairs so he could set something up. And when I came down he had this set up for me...

My favorite! Pizza, Martinellis, and chocolates! By candle light! haha!

Brody hung out with us. He was a little freaked out by the candle light at first!

Random sepia pictures...lol

Tony also brought home "Baby Mama" for us to watch since I told him I wanted to see it.
Thank you Tony for making me feel so special! I love you!

AND...My BIG boy! He's all grown up and busting out of his jammies. I heard some struggling and- riiiiip. Sorry Brody, I don't mean to stuff you into clothes that don't fit.

I thought I could just poke it back in but he kept making the hole worse. Those jammies are no more.

He was so happy when I told him he didn't have to wear them anymore! Notice the pinkie toe making an appearance. It's no secret that my boy is big for his age... even when he was a newborn, he was too tall for his sleepers! Oh, to find pants that fit! Do they have a big and tall store for babies?

I've had worse

Couple things...
I figure most people are curious to know how the "Twilight event" was... is Jacob really as tall as he should be, and are Victoria and Laurent as frightening in person as they should be? I will answer all of your questions as promptly as possible.

Wednesday morning started out like any other. The baby I watch showed up, Brody was awake as well; and we were all enjoying watching the morning news, while I scarfed down my usual bowl of corn chex. I plopped down on the couch when I vaguely heard something about Twilight over my loud crunchy cereal. So I paused to hear what they had to say and...

So I promptly blog about the event. I figured I wasn't going to go- but at least I could spread the word to friends and other people who may have interest in that sort of thing.

I started thinking I would be remiss if I did not at least try to attend. Wouldn't other's enjoy hearing about it later? Well of course! However, I was not going alone. What am I some kind of loser? But no one I know doesn't have responsibilities in the middle of the day on a week day- even I had babysitting to do. But for something like this, I was going to have Tony cover for me (despite his responsibilities to bring home bacon) and surely someone could go with me.

On to my next dilemma. So there I was searching for answers on my faint, stolen internet connection and I came up with very conflicting results. I still didn't really know what time it started, whether tickets were already being sold, if there were any left, and where exactly it was.

I finally find out that it was scheduled to take place at 5pm and tickets were limited. There were only 750 and by 9am 500something were already sold. I figured it was a lost cause. Before I gave up entirely, finally I called the place to see if it was worth me driving 45minutes out there. I was told that they had 20 more tickets. Instantly I bolt out the door shouting instructions to Tony who now was stuck babysitting.

Driving like a lunatic, I arrive to my destination (a stroke of luck, I tell you... I had NO idea where I was going!) I got mapquest directions (which I scribbled on my hand) to some random place in Scottsdale and hoped it would lead me close to Fashion Square (where it was held). By the time I found it, I was circling the parking lot and decide I better get my hopes up now and find out how many tickets they don't have. BUT I was told there were 5 left!

I park somewhere random, assuming it was legal, and sprint for the store. I called one last time to make sure my efforts weren't for nothing, and I was told they had ONE more ticket! Weeeeeeeeeeee! I was in luck! Surely there aren't any other losers like me going to this alone! That last 750th ticket was MINE and I was going to enjoy it.

So now what would you like to hear? I got the LAST TICKET! The signing was a blast, how lucky am I. Oh... sorry. Actually what happened was I was two seconds too late. Not that I should have cared at all- I mean, what am I in love with these people all of a sudden? Who cares I missed it. I didn't even know about it till that morning anyway. But still, for some reason I was pretty bummed. Especially since I blew the day trying to make it happen, and if I hadn't sat around wondering what to do and just went already, I could have made it!

Tony cheered me up though by taking me out shopping, to Pete's for a delish and satisfying meal, he watched a chick flick with me, and later we got Coldstone. Not sure why I shared all this... I guess... when you're watching Twilight you can think of me and how I almost met those people. heh. heh.

The other thing I wanted to say (mom, dad, those that care) I posted a new clip of Brody playing the piano... It's so cute to me! Anyway it's in the same Baby Bach post, just at the bottom. Enjoy!

Love Twilight?

Today- at Scottsdale Fashion Square "Hot Topic is presenting an exclusive 'Twilight' tour with some of the cast members from the upcoming movie. GO HERE for more info.

Are you going?!

Baby got Bach

It's never too early to get them practicing scales and chord progressions! haha!

He's camera shy...

OK this is what I was trying to get...

Como Hacer Tortillas

You asked... so I tell you.

(lol)

A number of you were interested in making your own tortillas. So here's your super-easy-homemade-tortilla-recipe! After having these for dinner Tony threw out the store bought kind and proclaimed: "I'm never eating that crap again! Why? When you can make them?!" All I can say is, good thing they are simple to make.

You need:

3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
4-6 Tbsp vegetable shortening
about 1 1/4 cups warm water

Instructions:
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl

Add vegetable shortening and use a pastry cutter to cut in the shortening.

I used a pastry cutter like this. Don't have one? Don't Fret. You can use your hands, or a fork.

Next add warm water a little at a time until your dough is soft and not sticky. You don't need very hot water. (I didn't end up using more than a cup of warm water)

Knead the dough for a few minutes.

Now you will pull off pieces of dough to form about 12 small dough balls. Let them rest for at least 10 minutes, longer if you like.

Heat up a skillet to medium-high heat. If it is too hot the tortillas will cook too fast.

Now you can roll out the dough with a rolling pin- it's a good idea to dust each ball with flour to prevent sticking. Lift dough and turn it as needed to get round tortillas. Roll them out fairly thin.

My skillet was non stick so I technically didn't even need to spray it. But you can spray it with PAM if you like; and, cook for just a few minutes on each side. If you let it brown too long on each side they will be too crispy and crack when you fold them.

Easy enough, right? Happy cooking...

Halloween

It was our third halloween together since we've been married; and of course Brody's first!

We went to our ward party the week before Halloween. I carved that pumpkin to bring as a table centerpiece.

In effort to save a few bucks, I decided to use my old Jeannie costume (from 'I Dream of Jeannie') that I wore once back in Junior High. I'm not sure why I kept it this long but it's been right in the bag with my baptism dress. Any hoo, Tony went as Major Nelson, the guy in the show. Then we had Brody- who was a Dinosaur. He didn't really match us...

Brodster. Such a chub.
I made that shirt for Tony to wear. It's just one of his old shirts turned inside out and drawn on with permanent marker. Pretty cheesy, I know- but after the party I was glad we didn't go out and buy him an Air Force uniform. Not like many people would've really gotten who he was anyway. Plus, in the show he's usually just wearing a shirt and tie anyway. Meh. (I'm trying to get Brody to look at the camera...) And don't worry, that's skin colored fabric on my stomach...hence, no belly button.

Here's Brody doing the cake walk. He won us a doughnut...

*****

Tony had the idea for us to be a caveman and cavewoman to match Brody. So that's what we ended up going as to our friend Tiffany's party on Halloween. I wish we would've thought of that sooner... oh well! Brody trick or treated at the grandparents...

Us being cavemen. I thought about growing out my leg hair but then I would probably never get invited to anymore parties.

I couldn't find any cavewoman jewelry in time so I made it instead. The bracelet, necklace, and bone in my hair was made out of Sculpey clay. It was pretty fun, since I love making things. Easy too.. just shape and bake.

Us at the party... I love Halloween, and it was a lot of fun this year.

Lazy Sunday

Today was eventful enough that I took some pictures. The day started off great as I woke up and realized Brody had not woken me up AT ALL from 10pm to 7am. Miracle of miracles. I made pancakes for breakfast (our weekend tradtion), and we were off to stake conference. Did anyone else enjoy that?! I sure did. Especially when President Boyd K. Packer stood up for the marriage issue and flat out told us to vote accordingly. It's not a political issue but a moral issue that we need to stick up for. So yes on 102!

Moving on... after church I found myself watching another Christmas movie. That makes number three so far...oy. I guess it's because I found out last year that there aren't enough days in December to watch all my favorites. So I'm starting early this year. Don't judge me. haha

Tony wanted to go on a family outing so I got my bum off the couch and we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon (although it was pretty hot) at a school playground.
This swing contraption was interesting. It's a workout to get it going... I think they are trying to get kids to exercise without them knowing it...

Brody loves it when Tony throws him up high. He gets pretty high for being such a chub!

My hair wasn't blowing in the wind that was static- you can't tell but Brody's was sticking straight up too! haha

Brody looks kinda miserable in some of these pictures, but he really had fun.

After playing at the park we went to my sister-in-laws who gave us tons of fish! I love fish. Although we're not sure what kind the non-labeled ones are. That'll be fun to eat.

I was feeling pretty domestic and decided to whip up some homemade tortillas. They are actually really easy to make... if anyone is interested. We only had 3 store bought tortillas left so I really had no other choice.

This slop is what I make Tony eat for dinner almost weekly. I'm getting sick of the same old meals but at least the tortillas were so fresh and delicious! Oh yeah, Halloween was fun- I'll tell ya all about it sometime.