New Moon/New Abs

As my friends and I headed off to the midnight showing of New Moon, whether we were Team Edward or Team Jacob, the one thing we all agreed on, was that Jacob had undergone an amazing transformation for this film and we couldn't wait to see it.

But before the night came, we had to prepare by purchasing new shirts for the occasion. Usually I order one off the internet with a quote from the movie, but this time I waited too long and had to head off to Hot Topics to buy one. When I walked in, a young man asked how he could help me. I told him I needed a shirt for the New Moon premiere. He said, "Oh, I have the perfect shirt for you." Then he picks up a shirt with Jacob on it. "Oh, no," I told him. "I need Edward." So then he picks up a $50 hoodie featuring Edward.

Now, as much as I would love it, I knew if I spent $50 on something with Edward's face on it, the man who pays the bills in my home would not be pleased. So I told the salesman I needed something cheaper.

He then tells me there's Twilight shirts in the back of the store on clearance. He was speaking my language -- I love sales. So I headed back and found the perfect Edward shirt for my movie night.

When I returned from shopping, I had a great surprise waiting for me. My sweet friend Deborah had made me a necklace that had Jacob's face on it. I told her I loved it and thanked her for it, but told her she made a mistake and it should've been Edward's face. She's trying to convert me to Team Jacob. I told her I'd wear it anyway, considering how yummy Jacob looks in this film.

We left for the theater almost 3 hours early and they were already seating the theaters. So instead standing outside in long lines, we were able to sit in our seats and chat, eat, and take pictures.

Going into the movie, my friends and I were split on Edward and Jacob. But the scene where Jacob first takes off his shirt and you can't help but gasp at his amazing abs, we were all for that moment in time, united as Team Jacob. Then when Bella tells him, "You're sort of beautiful," you could hear the "Oh, yes" from the females in the audience.

Of course when Edward comes back and says things like, "I don't know how to live without you," I forgot all about Jacob's amazing body and was back to Edward.

I already have a date with all my friends for next summer to see Eclipse, which I loved more than New Moon so I can't wait.

I do want to see New Moon again though, so I'm dragging Chris to go with me. Although I don't think he'll be squealing with me at the sight of Jacob's new look.

What a Difference a Grade Makes

This week is American Education Week and parents are invited to go into schools to observe their children. So since Chris and I had the day off, we decided to go visit all the kids at school and had very different experiences.
First we headed off to middle school. As we walked in, I saw Alec walking to his locker and hurried over to him. He turned around and I wish I had a picture of his face when he saw me. It was shock, disbelief and yes, even a little horror. He looked around, making sure none of his friends were watching and asked why we were there. It was his lunch time and I said we came to eat with him. He said he didn't want to stay and couldn't we just go out to eat. I really wanted to eat with his friends, but Chris was more sympathetic and agreed we'd go out for lunch. So instead of observing any of his classes, we just ate at Taco Bell and drove him back to school. He pleaded with us not to walk him back into the school, so I just walked him to the door and watched him disappear into a pool of pre-teens. I realize this is the age where I'm an embarrassment to my little boy, but I can't wait for this stage to end.

Next we went to the elementary school and had a very different reaction when Selena saw us. She smiled, waved and gave us hugs and kisses. She didn't want us to leave and told us she wanted us to come back again another day. Even all of her friends loved us being in the class.

Then we went to see Sophia who was in art class. She was polite to us, but not overly affectionate. She showed us her work, then quickly said goodbye as she ran off to recess.
The kids are at very different stages in their lives and as a result, treat us very different in front of their friends. But the good thing is that when we're home, they're all much more loving and not embarrassed to be around us.
The day was great, because not only did Chris and I spend the day visiting our kids and grocery shopping together, but he also helped me and my girlfriends buy Bon Jovi tickets. And yes, we got great seats and are going in March!

Fall Fun, Fiddler & 44

I'm so behind on blogging, so the easiest way to catch up is with pictures. We had a great Halloween. I tried to talk the girls into being pretty princesses with big, flowing gowns, done up hair and makeup. But my little girls had different ideas. Sophia was adamant about being a burglar and Selena loved her shiny race car driver outfit. It was hard for me to accept that they no longer wanted to do the princess theme. I told them maybe next year we could be matching princesses, to which Sophia replied, "I want to be a hobo." (Sigh) I have a year to change her mind.

I love our church Halloween party, because all my friends dress up. Julie, the ghost bride. Laurrel, the cave woman. I went as a pirate this year, even though I was mistaken for a wench and a gypsy. I should've invested in a sword or a patch.
My fellow Twilight fan, sweet Scarlett.

Alec has worn the same costume the past couple of years -- a football jersey. He was excited that he didn't have to come home after the party. He was able to go hang out with the boys, watch football and exchange candy -- he's a man now!

I went for the second year in a row to see the So You Think You Can Dance Concert. It was great sitting next to Mendy, even though she made me deaf from screaming in my ear. Being with her super hip sister Amber made it even more fun. A fun part of the night was Mendy running into an ex-boyfriend. She didn't tell me until after he went by who he was. I was so upset that I didn't get a picture of them together. I don't think his wife would've cared.

We saw lots of friends sitting close by, even our much missed Jenni and Cami who came from Denver and Utah. (Next visit I need to see more of you two!)

A major highlight that the kids were able to experience was their first Broadway play. We all went to see Fiddler on the Roof, and it was Topol's final tour. It was amazing. We had great seats so they had no problem taking in all the amazing singing, dancing and acting. On the way home and for days after they sang the songs -- Matchmaker was their favorite. When we left the theater, we saw the actor who played the rabbi and he gladly posed for a picture with us, which thrilled the kids -- and me!

The biggest event this month though, has been my hubby's birthday. He wouldn't let me give him a party with friends, but agreed to a family bowling party. Chris had an amazing game where he got 4 strikes in a row and then a spare. He was bummed when our time ended and he wasn't able to bowl more strikes. I tried to tell him that I let him win because it was his birthday, but we both know he'd beat me no matter what. He thinks it's silly that I still make him hold up a paper showing his age, like he's a little kid, but I told him my mom used to make my dad do it when he was in his 40's. Maybe when Chris is in his 50's I'll stop. He thought it was funny to catch the paper on fire -- the girls enjoyed it.
I used to think my parents were so old when they were in their 40's, now I know better, because Chris and I are still young!