How Spencer and I are like old people

We look forward all week to Masterpiece Theatre on PBS.

And sometimes watch Antique Roadshow.

Snow Day of Epic Proportions

We took today's snow day and ran with it. Wind chills of negative ten had me convinced we needed to stay indoors.

I knew as soon as I heard school was canceled that I was going to talk the crazies into making movies. But it wasn't until some time after breakfast that I had the brilliant idea to make Lego movies. That cut down on the mess and craziness. Not to mention how easy the set was to construct.

Come to find out, Lego men are much more camera shy than little boys. It was basically me recording the kids playing Lego's. Luckily, Reid was leaning on the card table that we used for our set and the whole thing collapsed. I busted a gut. (Don't worry, he's fine.) If it wasn't for that, the whole thing would have been boring (much like the real Star Wars).

Thanks Reid. You win for best leading actor.

And now, I present to you, my superior cinematography skills in Lego Star Wars as interpreted by the Smith brothers:

Prepare To Be Amazed

I was in the middle of a particularly bad moment at the library last Thursday. I had three boys struggling with the definition of a library voice (and library behavior). It was a moment of pure chaos.

I heard some one refer to me as "Darlin'." I turned to look at the man. I wasn't looking forward to what was coming next; sure he was going to chastise me for not being able to control my children.

Then he said, "One day they're going to be off in all different directions doing so many great things. You're going to be amazed."

Wow. What a change from, "You sure have your hands full." Or, "All boys, huh?" Or, "Would you please exit the library post haste and kindly not return until you learn to behave appropriately in a public place."

It was a breath of fresh air. And a nice reminder that these exhausting outings will pay off one day.

Livin' in the 80's

I told Gray to put his shoes and socks on.

He left the house like this today.

The Circle of Life

I finally get why parents embarrass their teenagers.

PAYBACK!

Spencer and I had a meeting to go to last night and the boys were banshees. Their behavior was most definitely embarrassing.

I plan to embarrass the heck out of them for that one.

They earned it.

Yay! Yay! Yay! for You!

Carrie is one of my very, very favorite people. Ever. No matter how long it's been since we've chatted, she remains at the top of my list.

Carrie has always been full of life and love (and hot chocolate). She was the perfect room mate for me. We had fun beyond measure and a closeness to match. She was always up for a dance party or a good cry. And I value her advice just as much now as I did then.

She is now the mother of four with a husband working on his residency and she makes it seem effortless. If that weren't enough, she's the most talented writer I've ever known. When she publishes her novel, I'll let you all know. I'm sure it will be worth reading.

My stack of favorite Carrie memories captured on film was so huge. I hate that I'm leaving out so many good ones.

Spontaneous Tea Party
...to get a laugh out of some one that was coming over...or something like that.

Freshman year...Up the canyon

Carrie came to visit me in So. Cal one New Years while I was home for winter break.

Ward Talent Show
For some reason Carrie and I thought it would be funny to sing "Take Back Your Mink" from Guys and Dolls. Looking back, it may have been a little inappropriate.

This is how we started the song:And this is how it ended: Our clothes scattered on the floor. I'm willing to bet it's the only church talent show in the history of church talent shows where a strip tease was one of the acts.

We spent a few days at Heidi's cabin one summer. Thinking about that trip makes me laugh. It was right before our junior year. It was the first time Carrie, Heidi and I would all three live in the same apartment. That year makes me laugh even harder.

A Sunday afternoon in the canyon.

Carrie's Fondue Birthday Party

Decorating for Christmas

Luau...I believe it was some one's birthday.

Granny Panties (bet you never expected my blog to go there)

Halloween 2001

I think this was around our last few days as roommates. Can't you just feel the love?

Some days I still miss living with Carrie. Hey Carrie...want to move in?

Poser

Let's pretend for about 10 seconds that I'm a fashion blogger.

(Right...as much as I love fashion, I feel totally vulnerable in front of the camera. Plus I'm like an amazon woman in comparison to my favorite fashion bloggers. I applaud you Kendi, Tania, and Sydney. It's a rough gig.)

My mom and I made new cowl neck scarves while she was visiting. All the cool kids are wearing them. See here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. (And yes, I'd jump off a bridge if they did it.)

Here's my version made from an old sweater. Ok, so it's not as great as a hand knit one. But I don't knit and this one was easy as pie. Actually, I don't make pie, either. But it was as easy as eating pie.


So much for my resolution to dress up a little more. But I did put a button down under my sweater. Baby steps.

Bring It On

Following the natural order of things... New Years came a week after Christmas.

We rang in the 2011 with some friends.

This year I'm putting my best foot forward. And by best foot, I mean a foot clad in heels. I'm going to stop feeling sorry for myself for having no reason to get dressed up and just dress up a little more. So if you see me (all dressed up and no where to go) I don't want to hear, "What are you so dressed up for?" I'm dressed up for life. Bring it on.

Of all the areas in my life that need improvement, this is at the very bottom of my list. But 2011 is going to be awesome. I might as well look the part.

Bringing me to my new mantra for 2011. (Thank you Barney Stinson.)

Welcome 2011!

And Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again...

So Christmas did in fact happen at our house and brought with it:

Christmas morning excitement,

Star Wars everything (games, legos, light sabers, shirts, action figures, pajamas, underwear, you name it),

a trampoline from Grandma and Grandpa Smith,

new pj's,

traditions,

and even a visit from Grandma Benson.

But the crazies favorite part was after-Halloween-clearance costumes they found under the tree.

It's 2011 Yo!

Happy New Year!