All Things Thankful For.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Baka and Djedo stopping by. It reminded us all of how much we love being surrounded by family and friends during the holidays.

There's nothing quite like having three generations at the table.

Because, there is always someone there to finish your sweet potatoes, if you're not digging them.

Or someone to take a second helping so there are less leftovers.

Or someone to encourage you to try something new - just this once.


We hope that this year, you have a chance to catch up with your family and friends. There's nothing quite like it even if you're up until midnight making pies and up at 5:30 a.m. to make the stuffing. Your family is around you and they're helping, fetching items, chopping or queuing another movie for you to watch. Truly, there's nothing better than that.

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All Things New Moon.

Oh you, expected this post, right? Yes, for all of you who know, I am by all means "one of those" Twilight obsessed people. And well, because I have kids, I take it to a whole other extreme.

For example, on the day of New Moon's Premiere, Bella (no, she's not named after the main character, I solemnly swear!) and I ventured into Burger King for lunch. And well, look who we, literally, ran into. Yes, Edward. To all my Twilight Mom Friends, yes, it's Edward and Bella!

Edward may be a vegetarian vampire, but Bella and I enjoyed his burgers nonetheless. And the fries. Oh, also the commemorative cup of Diet Coke. Why not?

Then, yes, my two wrist bands. There a was a showing of "Twilight" prior to the Midnight Show of "New Moon". So, let me just say, that there are definite advantages to being an adult because you immediately purchase tickets to both shows. That way, you don't have to wait in line. Just sit in the warm theater reciting lines and giggling with your friends.

Okay, see, this is proof that I'm not the only one? Really, I'm not. Our local yogurt shop, U-Swirl, is also "bitten". By the way, if you haven't stopped by U-Swirl on Damonte Ranch, do so. They're yogurt is Beyond Divine and no, not just for the Twilight Tie-In!


The best part of it all was seeing this sign as we walked out. Yes, folks, the saga continues this summer with "Eclipse".



Or the next day, when I received a little package from a Twilight Mom Friend Who Shall Not Be Named in which there was a Prince Caspian ornament (okay, it's the actor, Ben Barnes, but work with me people - it's still funny). It reminded me that next year at this time Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader will be released. I am suppressing a silent squee.

Oh, and my darling son, made me my own Vampire Edward ornament. Because he loves his Mama. It says, "Be Safe at Xmas, Mama" on the back. For those wondering, he did indeed design, color and complete it himself.

Just as an aside for those friends and family who are reading this and wondering What In Heavens? My love of Twilight has introduced me to some incredible women - creative, fun, funny, challenging. I am very lucky to know you all and you all know who you are.

For those who haven't read the Twilight Series, go on and read the books. Fabulous, romantic, sometimes silly drivel but at it's heart are some important themes - love, family and sticking together in spite of it all. Now, at the very least, go see the movie. This one is actually good.

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All Things Oh Say Can You See.

Alex's School Choir was asked to sing the National Anthem at the Wolf Pack's Men's Basketball Opening Day game.

Alex loved standing at center court and singing. And you know, they were actually on pitch.

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All Things Thank You for Serving.

On Veterans Day, Alex's Den was asked to march with one of the Boy Scout Troops in the parade.

I, as usual, wasn't completely thinking and dressed the girls in Peace Sign shirts instead of a more traditional red, white and blue. Honest mistake. Imagine my surprise when as we're standing there, waiting for the parade to start, none other than the Silver State's very own, Governor Jim Gibbons was standing right next to the girls and I. And as any good politician always is, he was ready for this photo op. As I told Kata later, there are only 50 such dudes in all of America, and you stood next to one of them today. I think she got the importance of being governor, don't you??

The parade was truly inspiring and motivational and uplifting.

In the haze of soldiers, bands and ROTCs, I barely caught the boys as they marched by.


And then these soldiers scared Bella. Their Practice Maneuvers were very intimidating. Kata kept asking if those were real rifles. You can picture how the girls and I huddled in our Peace Sign emblazoned shirts.


But, it was an amazing sight to see all the men and women who have served and those who are currently serving. Our thoughts turned to Uncle Rick and Uncle Tak, immediately. And to all those MIA/POWs. May they all come home, one day.

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All Things It Was A Dark and Dreary Night.

Halloween. It's the beginning of the holiday frenzy for us. And sure enough, this year, we had a gazillion things to do - Halloween Parties, Pumpkin Carving, Pumpkin Seed Roasting, Costume Decisions to be made. The list was never ending.

But the costumes were chosen, at last. A Death Eater. A Witch. And for the second year in a row, A Sleeping Princess. Yes, Bella was determined to be Princess Aurora one more time. Here's to recycling!

I wore my Witches Hat again. I mean, if the hat fits then by all means, wear it. Right?


Here's a sampling of the pumpkins we carved. The Headless Horseman's Head was carved two times. Once for scouts (see post below) and once again on Halloween. Kata requested Snow White. And Bella really wanted Ariel (again) for the second year in a row. Are you noting a trend with her?? She's a Do-Over kind of person. Bella also gussied up a little pumpkin for her Preschool Contest. She won a ribbon for "Best Use of Glitter". She is so like her Mama. One can never have enough glitter in one's life.

Below is the pumpkin our dog "helped" carve. Yes folks, it was going to be Tinkerbell but I left it on the patio and uh-huh, the dog ATE it!

Before long, it was time for the little Trick Or Treaters to go out into the night to greet everyone. So they did. One door at a time.

While Ken took the kids out, I stayed home and passed out candy. Oh, it was so fun to see all our friends and neighbors stopping by. We had about 60 little ones.

I also enjoyed my wonderful set of Twilight Pumpkins that my talented friend, Annie, carved for me. And yes, I queued "Twilight" on the Blu-ray. Why not?? It was a necessary indulgence with my glass of merlot and the spotlighted pumpkins.

This was last year's pumpkin -

And debuting this year, The New Moon Pumpkin -

I know. Annie's uber talented. The carvings are unbelievably life-like.

And where was Ken, you ask?? Well he was scooping out FIVE pumpkins and helping with the costumes. But mostly, he was enjoying these -

Wishing you a peaceful start to what will no doubt be a busy holiday season. Enjoy.

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