Black Friday

I had to lie to my mother to get her out of the house at 4:30 a.m. by telling her that no one is really out at that time. :) We were done with almost all of our Christmas shopping by 3 p.m. We got some great deals and despite what she says, we had a great time. Some things we did NOT purchase:

Attractive rain boot purse.

Lend a hand vase sconce.
No, but it's on my list.

Make everyone feel comfortable in your home on the coffin couch. And my personal favorite, a ticket to heaven.

Happy Thanksgiving

Unfortunately, it was a hard Thanksgiving. The kids and I went to my mom's on Wednesday night to start the preparations for our feast. While there, Brynna was headed outside and my mom's dog, Izzy, bolted through the door. We all took off in different directions to find her; and not 5 minutes later, we found her in the road. She had been hit by a car. My poor mother was heartbroken, my daughter was traumatized with guilt. It was not a good evening.

Today, it was a bit easier, but still left a gloomy cloud to say the least. Now all we can do is let time work it's healing magic.

It wasn't all doom and gloom. We had a fabulous dinner, our Thanksgiving day at the movies, and the great pleasure to be together as a family. We have much to be thankful for, but it probably won't go down in the books as one of the better memories.

One of my favorite thanksgiving memories was a prank pulled on the wife of my boss in California. She was extremely nervous about cooking her turkey. If you haven't ever noticed, Butterball turkeys have a 1-800 help line. We just reversed the roles and had the husband of a co-worker pose as a Butterball associate to call and 'walk her through the process' for over an hour. Poor girl poured out her heart and soul, only to be ridiculed more so than if she would have just messed up her turkey. Future reference, don't buy any other turkey than Norbest...they actually ARE the best.

There will always be good days along with the hard ones. My joy is from the experiences of life. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from them and to share them with those I love.

A Night on The Town (In Style)

10 couples entered a limo and headed for Scottsdale. The Costley's (or should I say Rachel) had an itinerary full of fun, and of course, lots of food. First stop, Benihana's then on to the Melting Pot. Next, cruisin' with a little old school rap, lots of espanol, and things Ed said we would need to read an extra couple chapters of Isaiah for. The limo life was fun for a night, but couldn't do it regularly. No leg room, a little chlosterphobic, and no air circulation :-). It was like being on Space Mountain.
We had a blast and thank you a ton, Costleys!

Check out all the spacious leg room.

Ask me about my skinny jeans.

I couldn't help thinking this picture made Brian appear to be a genie.

This picture would have been perfect except for the glaring blonde.

'Cilio.' Only in America do we have a man from Mexico cooking our Japanese meal.

We were amazed at the way he could clear a table. He did NOT want his picture taken. He raced away anytime a camera came out. My theory was deportation.

The birthday girl. I thought she looked like the Statue of Liberty with her chop stix crown and cat torch.

The only picture I get of us, and my luck, the only one Ed chooses to be in.

One of the highlights of the night was body surfing down the limo.

I swear no alcohol was involved.

The boys have got some moves.

This is better than the image they left in my head later in the night.

We all have our crosses to bear. Sorry, Janice.

Twilight @ Midnight

Fat girl in a little coat. (Inside 'Tommy Boy' joke.)

To all you wusses out there---if Barbara can hack a midnight showing, what's YOUR excuse?

***Spoiler Alert***

I know you are all dying to get my review. Yes, like other women of all ages, I was captivated and suckered in by Twilight. I read every book in a day or two; neglecting my family, except for throwing them a few crackers here and there to sustain life. I knew I would see the movie and leave slightly if not horribly disappointed, yet couldn't help myself.

First, I will give my dislikes. I think I would have been embarrassed going with someone who hasn't read the books. I know they would have looked at me and said, "THIS is what the hype is all about?" Steph said it was like comparing a high school play to broadway. She was absolutely right. Although cute and sweet....the special effects were lacking something fierce. I thought they drug out Edward and Bella's quiet 'laying in the meadow doing nothing' parts and rushed the final (crucial to future story) scenes. I know it was important to build the story and characters, but come on, someone wake me up. For Edward to have a body as smooth as stone, he was sporting some serious chest hair. Still, he was beautiful and as the movie developed, became endearing, and had me wanting more. I have to say the casting was brilliant. I thought this would be the biggest turn off for me, but ended up being what I loved most. The actors who portrayed the characters is what saved this movie, along with the scenery. From Edward to Charlie to Billy, I easily believed that's who they were.

Would I do it all over again? The answer is yes. I had a great time and nothing beats going with other crazed fans. I banned Ultra Star and am forever with Harkins. Thankfully, I had some friends who ditched it as well. I think the two hours of waiting was more entertaining than the movie itself.

FINAL THOUGHT:

When I was younger, I used the excuse not to read because I figured it would be made into a movie anyway and I would spend less time watching a movie than reading a book. BUT--One thing I have learned over the years dealing with books to movies is no matter how good a movie can be, nothing can surpass what we create with the power of our imagination.

The Results....and A HUGE Thank You

Just wanted to say thanks to all of those who supported me. I was literally in shock of the number of votes I recieved and I know much credit belongs to you, my friends, who did all you could to spread the word. I am excited and nervous for this new journey. I already know that there is and will continually be opposition against me. I have been accused of various things so far....one of which is that Dr. Kellis used his church authority to have me run so I could further his career. If anyone has a question if I do whatever a church leader tells me like a mindless robot, you can talk to Bishop Klippel, I'm sure he has some choice words to say about me. Another favorite is that I 'brainwashed' people into voting for me. I can't even get my kids to put their shoes away or keep their rooms clean. Trust me, if I had the ability to brainwash, it wouldn't be used to get on the school board.

I know there will be times that decisions will be made leaving some with unanswered questions. I hope you all know that the student's best interests are at the top of my priority. Much thought and prayer will always go into my decisions, as they do in all aspects of my life. I do not take this responsibility lightly and will work hard and be an advocate for your kids. I strongly urge you to become involved. It is so important that the administration and school board hear your voice while making decsions that affect your children. It is my hope that the Dysart School District will start earning the respect it deserves and become a district where people are proud to be a part of.

It's Almost Time....

If you haven't seen the signs yet, that means someone's taking them down! We spent over 3 hours getting 20 signs up. For those who've helped get the other 80 up, words cannot express how thankful I am for your efforts. I have definitely felt tremendous support and it's an honor knowing there are amazing people in my corner rooting me on. I even had a little girl whom I'd never met, come up to me in conference and said, "If I were old enough, I would vote for you. I really, really hope you win." It was humbling looking back into her eyes knowing SHE is the reason I'm doing this.

Never in a million years would I have thought I'd ever be on the same ballot as the future president of the United States. Even though I know it's just this small little circle in El Mirage and Surprise, Arizona; it feels like a huge accomplishment. I have learned so much in this small amount of time and it just leaves me wanting and desiring to learn and do more in the community. I have a greater appreciation for anyone with a desire to run in a political race. There is much more entailed than I ever knew. I feel so blessed as an American. I am grateful to have choices and the right to exercise those choices. Whatever the outcomes are on Tuesday, I will acknowledge and support those who have been appointed by the people.

So if you haven't voted, get out there on Tuesday and if nothing else....vote YES on Prop. 102 and VOTE TANNER!!!

(Paid for by the Candidate)