Samantha May Shadow of Bean

My dog is gone. I am sad.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks!

Jeff has been wanting me to get this movie. At first I had no idea what he was talking about when he asked me to find the movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I thought that was the oddest name. He was telling me that it is the best movie having animation tied with it. After he said that, I said Oh my goodness I love that movie! :) haha I hardly remembered all of it but I remembered the talking fish and the old lady was a witch. Anyways we are watching it right now. I love this movie so so so glad we bought it! Jeff isnt too fond on musicals but seems to be enjoying the movie. Oh such a good classic!!! Here's a movie to have your kids watch, or even with a date (Mike and Brian) haha ;)

A Cool Benefit

Not that this is really important, but I wanted to pass on how much Brooke is enjoying the blog. She doesn't look at the comments (we're too boring to READ) but she has started looking up the Bean Blog every few days to see what new pictures are up. She just busted up laughing this morning when she saw Uncle Brian's Pudding Drop post. She enjoyed seeing the pictures of Jeff (said that he looked like he was trying to be a gorilla in the forest picture). Pretty much she just looks like at the pictures, but through that she is getting to know her aunts and uncles better. It will be fun when so many of the kids are older we can start them a Kid Bean Blog so they can stay connected rather then through more public domains. NOT that I want to see our kids grow up, but how much fun will this be?!?! We're going to have kids of all ages for MANY years to come- Crazy! Incidentally, she checks everyone elses blog to see what you're up to as a family, so thanks for doing those too.

Pudding Drop

Luckily I was able to go to FHE this week because I miraculously didn’t have work. This is what college students to when they have free time: it’s called pudding drop. The point of this game is to drop spoon fulls of pudding off a balcony to the people laying on their backs below. They try to catch it in their mouth, but end up mission 90% of the time, as indicated by the pictures. It is something that I would almost suggest for our family reunion. Lots of fun.

The Elements of Style

I never thought I would admit this, but I am a grammar snob. I am a stickler for good grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. I use that revelation to preface my review of a book that I usually would never read cover-to-cover, but actually found quite enjoyable.

My boss gave me The Elements of Style as a birthday present, and I started to read it when I had some extra time at work. Yes, it is filled with rules on word usage and puctutation, but it does it in a way that flows nicely and is easy to read. Each page I found something I had been doing wrong for years or some way to improve my writing. It helped that the book was littered with interesting and often humorous paintings.

I am not sure whether I think that being a grammar snob is a good thing. I love being able to speak and write clearly, and I think that if we master language, our thoughts and ideas will be more easily expressed and understood. Alternatively, I feel like a harsh and unyielding disciplinarian, ready to strike any fingers that place a period outside quotation marks with a ruler. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Oh, and this post is probably ironically strewn with gramattical errors.

The Fountain

This is a really good movie, it is different. But this is one of Jeff's favorite movies. My Mom gave it to me and we really enjoyed it.

I will have to say though, it is different and for some people it might take a while to get into or you will have to watch it several times to understand it. For a while there I thought that this movie was going to be a lot different,... You'll understand once you watch it but we thought it was really good one.

While we're at it

Here's another one to add to the list: August Rush. Some of the themes were a little silly, but overall, it was a clean, feel-good flick. The story is about a boy who gets separated from his mother at birth (she thinks he died in a miscarriage) and his journey to find her and his father. He feels a deep connection to them through music and that is how he tries to reach out to them.

It helps that I really love music, especially classic guitar, and enjoy a good soundtrack. Funny, there are more clean flicks out there than you would think.

Another Good Movie

I wanted to add another great movie to the list that have been collecting. Blair and I watched this a few months ago- great story, great morals and a good conversation starter. Our stake is actually encouraging people to watch it w/ friends and then using it as a talking point for strengthening our marriges. No matter how strong a marrige is, they feel that we should/could always be working on it. 100% clean- probably boring for the single guys though (sorry).

The Ultimate Gift

My friend Brandi let me borrow this movie last week and I finally got a chanced to watch it last night. I was so impressed that I think I'm going to buy it. It is a clean movie, I think the only bad thing was a girl in a short dress, and it taught some really good values. I completely recommend it although some of you might think it's boring. I really liked it though. It was quite a change from the movie "The Proposal" that I went to see last Friday. Although it has a funny story line there are a few VERY inappropriate scenes and I found myself being very grateful that Josh wasn't with me.

It's such a bummer the lack of good clean movies there are out there, especially when you love to watch them like me. If you can recommend any clean ones let me know. I hope that you enjoy " The Ultimate Gift." It's one you can actually watch with your kids in the room.

Happy Birthday Jeff

A few years ago I was thinking about my life growing up and I remembered how rotten I was to Jeff when we were young. I felt so bad about it and when I asked for his forgiveness

instead of being bitter and angry at me for making his childhood so miserable, he forgave me, and has continued to be kind to me ever since. It takes a strong person to forgive, and I am so grateful that he did and that we were able to move on and have a better relationship.

What I always remember about Jeff is that yes, he may buy the most annoying toy for my kids for their birthday. Or he may teach them to pick their nose; but he is such a good uncle. Ever since Emma was little he has loved her and played with her and I am so grateful for that. I miss living close to him.

I am also so impressed with how giving Jeff is. I remember when we lived in Pocatello, Jeff got tickets for the monster truck rally and took Josh to it. Josh had a blast. Jeff never let us pay him back for the tickets. He still does stuff like that all the time.

What I'm trying to say is that we love you Jeff. Our family would not be the same without you. Thank you for being a good example to me. I hope that you have a wonderful birthday.

I propose a Jeff week

I know Jeff secretly reads this blog, and even if he doesn't, I don't care! I propose that in honor of Jeff's birthday, we all post pictures, stories, comments, etc. about Jeff.

I appreciate and value Jeff's knowledge. Jeff has acquired a mass of information on a variety of subjects and I know that if I seriously inquire, he will give me an answer that is not only accurate, but that has withstood a battery of serious tests, both practical and theoretical, that Jeff requires. I never have to worry that Jeff is trying to sound impressive by asserting an opinion he can not support: Jeff is never embarrassed and always honest.

Thanks Jeff! Hope you have a superb birthday and we love you!

Dynamite Smile

I remembered this song from Napoleon Dynamite and it made me smile. Hope it makes you smile too.

Hayley's Top Ten

1. Greg, Emiline, and Oliver. Hands down my favorite people in the world. Greg is my best friend and means more to me than anything. Emiline is my little best friend, and I love her to pieces. Oliver is so darn cute, and I love every tiny bit of him.

2. Harry Potter. I am a freakishly obsessed fan and not at all ashamed of it.

3. Reading. I love to read all types of books, but historical fiction has to be my favorite. Throw in a little romance and I'm good to go.

4. Shopping. I get a serious high when I am shopping, so much so that the employees at the mall know me. Greg's favorite sentence from me is, "I can take this back."

5. Disneyland. Another freakish obsession. I am so happy when I am there riding rides, buying snowglobes, eating churros, and watching fireworks. Some of my fondest memories are from all my times at Disneyland. Greg and I went there for our Honeymoon, and I couldn't of asked for a more magical time.

6. Swimming. I love to swim or, as I like to say, "get my float on." I was born a fish and would spend all my time in the water if I could.

7. T.V. I'll admit it, I like the tube. A good show entertains me greatly. Watching Regis, Idol, Gilmore Girls, and so forth makes me happy.

8. Victorian England. I am fascinated with this time period. I sometimes wish I lived in that era...well, if I was a princess or a duchess.

9. Halloween. I love October: scary movies, haunted houses, costumes, candy, and fall weather. On Halloween night, Greg and I buy lots of candy, watch Hocus Pocus, and snuggle. It is one of my favorite nights of the year.

10. Getting involved in other peoples' loves lives. Brian and Mike know only too well.

Greg's Top Ten

1. My family. Nothing puts a smile on my face like cuddling with my Hayley, making my Emiline laugh, or having staring contests with my Oliver.

2. Fireflies. See previous post for spontaneous smiling.

3. The smell of a new ream of paper. It brings back so many memories of late night briefing parties and last minute copy work.

4. Office Max/Staples. Not only does it smell like 10,000 new reams of paper, but there are more practical tools and fun gadgets than you can shake a number 2 pencil at.

5. Family History. She is my secret lover that I spend hours and hours with without a decrease in excitement.

6. Fyodor Dostoyevski. Not the person, per se, although I imagine it would be wonderful to meet him. I know I will enjoy whatever work of his I pick up: I have yet to be disappointed.

7. The smell of coffee and books. I have to stop for whatever fraction of an instant when I enter Barnes and Noble to breathe it all in.

8. Discovering new music. I find a song/artist on Pandora, listen to it/them ragged, then move on to the next song/artist (right now its Beyonce, making me feel quite eclectic).

9. Looking up at the stars while laying in the fresh snow of some secluded winter forest. I know it is specific, but that combination brings a solitude that truly allows me to become a pinprick in this amazing universe.

10. Soccer. My teams: Malmo (Sweden), Stoke City (England), Holstein Kiel and Hamburger SV (Germany), AaB (Denmark), Real Salt Lake (USA), Virginia Legacy (Williamsburg). There are so many leagues and tournaments, I never have a week that is void of soccer. Number of games I am looking forward to this week: 15.

By the way, Hayley got nine out of ten with ease: She knows me well.

I was talking with Brian earlier, and we were laughing at the total randomness of the family post. He had an idea for a top ten- and maybe he'll post that- but I wanted to get every one's top 10 fav's. I don't get to hang around you very often, so if asked, I couldn't say what your favorite food, music, or past time is. Thought this (very random) post might let us get to know the grown up siblings a little better.

In no particular Order:

1) Reading. I love to read- anything, everything, all of the time. I enjoy mystery and western, and dad has got me into reading Lee Child books. I LOVE Jeffery Deaver as an author and WW II books (The Hiding Place being at the top of that list). If go blind when I am older and can't read- Just put me out of my misery.

2)A long Hot Bath. Every night (almost) I get to have alone time and go take a bath- and read for 30-45 minutes. Blair is on call for all baby wake ups, bad dreams, etc. He will go so far as telling people I can't talk on the phone. He protects my 1 hour of personal time and I LOVE it!

3) Being a Mom. I love my kids. I can't imagine what I would do without them. Being a stay at home mom is the most awesome/rewarding job ever...even with all of my student loans!

4) My Family. Really, we have the coolest family ever!

5) Boating. We don't have a boat, but someday we will. I hate being in the water (I am sure a fish is going to eat me. Yes, I am 33, but a real fear none the less). I love to sit in the front and picture that I flying.

6) Carpenter's Christmas CD. Odd, I know, but this is the best way for me to get into the Christmas mood...

7) Christmas!!! I love how it makes everyone so happy. I love that as an adult and a parent I can truly focus on what will make my family happy. I love that we spend weeks talking about Jesus in casual conversation, and that we spend so much time thinking about the welfare of others.

POOP_ This is much harder then I thought!

8) The first of the school year. I love the smell of new books, and a clean notebook will make me dance with excitement. I go school supply shopping every fall for my OWN stuff. I love teaching and I love kids and I LOVED having my own classroom full of school Stuff!

9)Pizza. Peperoni or a Meat Pizza- oooo and the marinara dipping sauce w/ bread sticks.

10)Traveling. I love to go and visit new places and seeing friends and family. If I had all of the money, and my own jet, and didn't have to worry that we'd miss Dane's nap- we'd travel all over. We took the train w/ my kids on a vacation, and it was great. We love to go to Vegas and the beach. I am eagerly planning my next trip, for 10 years from now, when I have money and no small babies.

Happiness and Flowers

Most of you know how much I love flowers. I think they are one of the happiest of Heavenly Fathers creations. So I wanted to spread the happiness and show you these beautiful daisys that are growing in my flower bed. I didn't think that they were going to bloom because it took so long but when they did they were so pretty and now every time I see them they brighten up my day. I hope that you all know how much I love you. You brighten up my day every time I talk to you or read one of your comments. I hope that you all have a wonderful day!!

Knowing (Or Maybe Not)

Brian will have to counter this post, because he told us he likes this movie.

I have decided that I am not a big fan of violence. Burning bodies, bloody fingers, creepy little girls with deep set eyes: Not for me. I have a difficult time seeing those types of things and really enjoying it.

It did not help that I didn't understand the premise of the entire show. What is the point of strange men who enter childrens' bedrooms to show them visions of the end of the world, trying to save them by guiding them through cryptic matrices revealed in the 1950s to said deep-set-eye-girl and passed (luckily) to an MIT math wizard in 2009?

Pretty convenient. Maybe they thought, "We only want the children of really smart MIT professors to create our next world, so we are going to create countless universes with countless inhabited worlds and place our predictive puzzles in time capsules in order to weed out all the dead-beat dads who can't figure out our sweet number game."

Maybe, but that seems like a stretch. Oh, and in the end, the numbers didn't actually do anything for anybody: The Children were going to be saved no matter what. So really all the puzzle did was give Nicholas Cage indigestion for a few more hours than everyone else.

Ah . . . I love criticism. Back to my old ways.

Oh, and Hayley wants me to warn you that the film is near the top of the creepy spectrum, so watch out (you can thank said deep-set-eye girl for that one, too).

Confessions of a Shopaholic

Ashamed I am not. I enjoyed this film. I think any film that can keep me laughing consistently throughout must be worth it, even if it is about an obsessive shopper trying to land the hunky editor of her magazine. I unabashedly had a good time.

I'll start with the bad (I am good at that). The character development for all but Isla Fisher was poor. I barely even knew who the main squeeze was before he and Fisher hooked up. Additionally, the entire idea of securing a position as a writer in a nationally syndicated magazine with a drunken letter is hilarious (not in a good way). Finally, a couple of characters were a bit extreme (darn desire for realism).

BUT, it was a comedy, and it was supposed to be silly and outlandish. AND, I am getting better at opening my horizons to new and different genres, including Credit Card Fetishism. Lines like "I need these gloves because . . . I HAVE HANDS" bring a smile to my face. And an airhead slapping a Finnish man? That's funny stuff. I also appreciate that the movie was rated PG and I didn't have to worry about the content.

Men, be proud to watch this movie . . . but maybe not alone.

Ode to Corn on the Cob

I don't know what every one's favorite food is. I personally really like Pizza (hold the mushrooms and olives), and Spinach, and BACON (cooked really crispy, not wiggly at all) and I really enjoy cheese and yogurt- and Johnny Carino's Chicken Parmesan, and Zucchini- but right now I am savoring some fresh corn on the cob- smeared with LOTS of butter, doused with a little bit of salt, and it's HEAVEN! My face is juicy and oily and gross, and I have bits of crap stuck in my teeth, but for right now I don't care. Corn on the cob is the "bestest".

All Hail, Master Oliver!

Congratulations to Greg, Haylee and Emiline on the arrival of Oliver. We're so excited for you! Oliver is the first "BEAN" baby boy to be born- the first to carry on the family vine/ I mean tree! We know that you'll be busy with two sprouts, but post pictures as often as you can- we're all so far away, but we'd love to be able to watch him grow! LOVE YOU GUYS LOTS!

Frisbee Golf

This isn't necisarilly a post to be commented on, although you should feel free to if you wish.
I just wanted to share with everyone the joy of home-made frisbee golf. Our Elder's Quorum President Bryan Tanner (Center) developed a frisbee golf corse in our appartment complex weaving in and out of apparment buildings. Last night, after the fireworks we decided we hadn't had enough of the Fourth of July, so we went and played firsbee golf. The golf course resembles something that we would have come up with when we were kids. It starts in one of the apartment bedrooms with the first hole ending on one of the apartment balconies. Other holes includ drier #58 in laundry room, the barbeque on the patio, the basketball hoop, and the grand finaly of the course ends in the hot tub. Needless to say, I won this round by scoring par with 47 strokes. My next task is to devise an urban course on BYU's campus.

Here It Comes

Early as usual.

Fireflies

Few things make me spontaneously smile like a flurry of fireflies in the forest.

Couple that with a Pearl Jam ballad followed by Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, and you can count your trip home from Wal-Mart a smashing success.