A Musing Mother 6

Kid's table Teenager table Adult Table (Yay! I finally made it!)

I took myself on a date with myself tonight. I saw Twilight. I get the "Wife of the Year" award for not subjecting my husband to a chick flick. It was a yawner. If I hadn't treated myself so well and bought popcorn and a drink, I may have left. Contrived awkward pauses between seventeen year old lovers is not my idea of a fun two hours, vampire or not. Don't get me wrong, there were parts that were enjoyable but I think I'll stick to the books for the next three movies. I just hope I can get the Edward I envisioned back in my head. Cedric from Harry Potter is just not the Edward I would have chosen. I did like Carlisle, Emmett, Esme, and Alice, in that order. Just to ruin the movie for any of you who haven't seen it, Bella does not turn into a vampire at the end. Surprise.

First day of skiing! This is before they put on the skis. They had fun but also found out it's a lot of work to have that much fun. There was a lot of falling but no broken bones.

The big Game is tomorrow; University of Utah vs. BYU. By far, we are Cougars however, there is an Aggie living in this house. As Dad indoctrinates the truthfulness of being a BYU fan, Mom is quietly sabotaging by explaining the beauty of being a Utah State fan. Today the grade school had a day to show their colors - red or blue. My #2 had this idea. She is now my favorite child (sorry #1, #3, and #4).

I have been thinking about an experience all day and feel that I need to share it. For what purpose and for whom, I don't know, but it's been on my mind. Perhaps it was remembering while driving to work this morning or maybe it was the conversation I had with an old friend later today as she shared with me her very real and difficult struggles.  Two and half years ago, our old dog, Maggie, died of old age. It was a sad day for all of us. We cried until our eyes were swollen. We planned on getting another dog after an appropriate grieving period. Instead, our lives were turned upside down with events we couldn't control. We went through a very, very dark time where things went from really bad to worse. When we didn't think it could get worse, it did. We seemed to be literally hanging on for dear life. Prayers were more sincere and desperate. Answers trickled into our hearts but nothing concrete seemed to happen. That October, we found ourselves watching conference...

Naturally, I didn't read the note home carefully. I sent my dad the date and time without thinking. He responded with an email that read something like this, "The recital is tonight?" I responded with, "No, on the 12th." His reply was simply, "Today is the 12th." I didn't type my exclamation. I nearly checked the girls out of school to practice piano but I decided that would be crazy.

I finally signed the older three up for ski school. For family home evening we went and rented skis. The kids were so excited. Only my oldest daughter gets it, though. Three hours in the cold. What she doesn't get is the other part of it. Three hours in the cold falling down. Oh, yes, I remember skiing as a child. It was quite miserable at times. It was also terrifying to watch my sister, on her first day of ski school, not know she was supposed to get off at midway. Six hours later, I found her. That's how long it took to get off the slope. I am not chuckling right now. That would be rude.

This was on #3's birthday with the family. She turned 11!

Here's the rundown: #3 is the Emporer from Star Wars. #2 is a Banshee. Really. #4 is an elephant. Duh. For trick or treating, #1 was Hobbes and #4 was Calvin.

It was quite the bash! There was cookie decorating, game playing, opening presents, and, of course, pictures! Here are a few.