High School Musical Mania!

Yesterday I took Tori and Taylor up to East High School for a High School Musical tour. We were met by Trudy, Lonni and kids. It was a lot of fun. My friend Salli even gave Tori a signed picture of all of the high school musical people. It was fantastic!!

We then had a fabulous steak dinner, cake and ice cream for Tori's birthday. We love you kiddo!

WTF!!!!

Seriously for the Snow. We came home to over a foot on Friday. Tori flew in the next day and she and Art made a really cool Fort. Happy Birthday Today Tori!!!

Later that night we bundled up and went to the lights downtown. We drank really "thick" hot chocolate, but it was fun!

Happenings

Yesterday afternoon I took a group of our students here from the school to BodyWorlds. It was really cool. I am not sure that I would have paid 20 dollars to go, but I would have paid 8. Luckily I didn't have to pay anything. It was crazy to see the real pieces of the body. I was especially interested in the part about pregnancy showing the development of the baby. At only 9 weeks you can see arms, legs, and even fingers. It was crazy-and sad to think that people often terminate at that time. I also got the opportunity to get my butt print in cool lights. This is mine and my friend Salli's! Consider yourself Mooned!

Also driving to work this morning I was following a car. The car pulled over to the side of the road and two kids jumped out and started walking up the block toward the school. (it was only a 1/2 a block) and then the car drove away. It made me laugh because it made me think of how my dad used to drop Elessa and I off at the corner on main street and we had to walk up that 1/2 block to the middle school. It was freezing out, and we would try to get out of it by saying that our boogers would freeze. I had to laugh because really how much time does that 1/2 block save, yet, because of that I have a really funny and good memories!

Rock a Bye Baby!

So my nephew Miles came up to visit me last night. They were all flying out to Indiana for Christmas. He is so cute. I just had to share!

I even got to rock him for a minute in my new rocking chair. Art's mom gave this to us. She got it from her Dad when Art was born. I think it is so pretty. I was really excited when we got it. I guess we are just waiting now for the little thing that we rock in it. Hopefully some day! For now I will just have to borrow for a while, thanks Pete and Frank for being so willing!

Ellett Family Christmas Party!

Art and I have officially decided that November and December are no longer ours. In fact, we have come to the conclusion that we will never have a weekend to ourselves in these two months, so we are working on adjusting to the busy holiday season. This weekend was just another weekend in "oh so many" of family events, however, we do look forward to the annual family christmas party and the ruthless gift exchange. The day began with the kids attending a Santa Christmas party with Grandma and Grandpa!


This event was followed, by a drive in the snow to Lu Peunta where we had dinner and our gift exchange. Yes I did in fact fight for wrapping paper, and Art did have to steal the starbucks giftcard. (I am still a little disappointed about loosing the beanie, but whatever Nesto!)



Yes we wear awesome hats every year, it is a tradition-Pete you were missed!

After enjoying lunch with the family we went back home where Miah and I had a girls night of Dancing and Princess Hair.


Sunday I worked hard tiling my shower. Ash I have finally started, although I did feel a little like a 21 year old drunk male at a bar crusing for a one night stand, you know wanting to get the job done, but not really caring about beauty. So those who come to stay, just understand my state of mind at the time, but at least it will be done!

Happy Holidays!

First Basketball Victory!!

Last night the girls had their first victory in a basketball game. They beat Juan Diego. They played well and hustled-finally:). I am so proud of them! Yeah go West!!! We are now 1-2 and moving forward!

Wedding Weekend!

We had such a fun weekend in Las Vegas for Elessa and Mike's wedding. We got down there Friday where we Elessa, Amber, Lisa and I went to dinner. Where we ate the entire plate of sushi, and ice cream that we hated, and laughed at Elessa's penis crown and flashing penis around her neck, while drinking our wine out of penis straws at the nice sushi restaurant, and then proceeded to dance down the halls-so much fun. We are vey classy.

The next day went beautifully. We spent the morning with Daniel getting our Hair done and then off to the ceremony, where I played my usual role of crying.

The next day Art and I won 42.00 on a penny machine after playing Rocky with Miles all weekend, I had to play the Rocky penny slot I passed, and we won! Yeah Go us. I also had my first experience at In and Out Burger, which was just divine. Amber and I also spent some time shopping where she looked fabulous in these glasses. What a great Weekend. Elessa you were beautiful!

Thanksgiving and Black Friday!

We had a fantastic weekend. We first tried to cram as many people as possible into our house for Thanksgiving dinner. Two Turkeys, one ham, and all the fixings later-We realized we had a really great time.

Amber, Elessa, Miles and I rose at 3:30 in the morning to start the shopping extravaganza. We started at Kohls then to Walmart and we finished at RC Willey, where the Homeless Athole jumped to the the front of the line, pretending to be homeless, so she could take out the people who had been waiting for 10 hours, for an ipod, only to find that those of us who stayed at the back of the line, also got one too, but whatever! Amber didn't start having a good time, until we started threatening to beat people up, and scorning women for putting away their umbrellas, when they could be used as such good weapons. My stomach hurts from laughing. (really it still hurts)

We finished the weekend with a game of poker with me, art, mike, elessa, amber, kyle, miles, greg and stacy. Good times!

Art and I also put up our Christmas Tree and I just want to remind you all the Charlie Brown had a very good Christmas-in fact it is a classic, so that is the look we are going with here!

Dylan Hopkins! You will be missed!

Dylan Hopkins was a good friend to Elessa and I and will be missed. This world was a better place with him in it. I love you Pete!

http://www.truveo.com/Dylan-Hopkins-Laid-To-Rest/id/1452958010

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

In light of the holiday, and my previous cynicism, I wanted to make sure that I put in a post of all of the things that I am thankful for. These are in no particular order.

1-Art-I am so thankful for Art. He always scrapes my windows in the mornings so my hands don't have to get cold. He is always there whenever I need him, and he can always make me laugh. He is my best friend and I am so thankful that I found him.

2-Thankful for my family, my Dad who is my number one fan, my stepmom who came and supported my girls last night, my mom who will always be there whenever I need her even if it means trips across the airport or across country, my sisters, who are dorks but I love them anyway(really love them-don't know what I would do without them), my nieces and nephews who make me feel like I am the "coolest" person in the world(Tacey-your kids included). My step siblings-so lucky to have you. I know they say you can't pick your family, but if I could, I would probably keep it the same! The in-laws and Tori are great too, I got really lucky there! Not to forget the extended family, my favorite Aunt Trudy, and her whole clan, the grandparents-and all of the rest!

3-My Best friends, AJ and Pete, Tacey, Katie, Lindy, Dub, Jamie, Ash, Frank and Becky, Joe and Suzanne, Michele-Thanks for always being there-no matter what!

4-My house, even though it constantly needs work, it feels really nice to know it is ours.

5-My car-yes I love my car. I know how it sucks when you don't have one, it makes life really tough.

6-My job-that income is a nice thing, not to mention I really like what I do.

7-I am thankful for fires in the fireplace and little heaters that I can put just under the blanket by my feet while I watch TV, oh those blankets too-love them!

8-My doggies!

9-Mountain Dew-love that ingenious combination of flavors, fizz, and umph!

10-Volleyball and Basketball team and the girls-I love it-so much fun! And running too!

11-All those scientists who work long days in the lab looking for cures of these horrible diseases. Contribute a little extra to the arthritis foundation if you have some time and dollars. https://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?c=pkI2KfMUItF&b=3747181&en=hsIJKVOGIiINI0PJI8KIKYOMJsIUI1NJIcLRJ4MCLdJPJ7NYF

12-I'm Thankful for my shows that I love: Greys, Biggest Loser (although not thankful for Vicky-that B&@$%), 90210, Bones, Private Practice, Desperate, Brothers and Sisters, and Lipstick Jungle.

13-Sour Patch Kids, Sweedish Fish, and Hot Tamales-no further comment!

14-My Bathtub with good books, currently enjoying those shared by friends-thanks Mari, and Frank and Becky.

15-Google-I am so much smarter now you don't even get it!

16-Beautiful views and my camera.

17-Camping with the family, skiing, and boating! Some of my best memories.

18-Thankful today, that I am finally able to wear both of my rings, no I can't get them off, but that is beside the point!

19-My park in my back yard-Thanks Art!

20-Bloody Marys, especially Arts, Margaritas with the girls, and all those other fun drinks-it is the memories with them that are the best!

There are so many more things to add-but this is a good start! Thanks to everyone who has added so much to my life! Happy Thanksgiving!

Things I hate!

So in light of the holiday season and knowing full well that probably tomorrow I am going to get all sobby and talk about all the things I am thankful for, I thought I would start the week with a little resentment and anger, just to even things out. You see I have recently run into a lot of things that I hate so I wanted to share things with you. Maybe you can join in the bitterness-what fun!

1-I hated the movie twilight. WTF.... They took out all of the romance, the beauty, the intrigue, and instead replaced it with a steaming pile of s#%$ only to add to the torment with crappy no name acting. Seriously!
2-I hate when Art is out of town. Sleeping with a gun beside my bed, paying very close attention to the dogs, just in case, they make a move (which would obviously mean that some crazy person was breaking into the house) locking all of the doors, and checking them twice, sleeping with the TV on (I guess if you call that sleeping) and so on-followed by trying to pretend that everything is great, and that I am not tired and grumpy. (it does get better each night, but seriously-paranoia)
3-I hate when friends "loose touch" does that really happen? I don't know-I hate it when I call someone and say hello, "hey call me back" and they never do, and then three or four years later they say, "I can't believe we lost touch, it sucks", so it sucks to loose touch-yes Tessa this is so for you. I have many people I would love to talk to more often, but you can only try so hard-and then you just have to come to the point and realize, that they obviously think you are lame-Whatever, they just don't get me. (on that note, I hate living so far away from my nieces and nephews)
4-I hate fat-all kinds of fat in fact. We had a fantastic steak last night for dinner with an amazing home made horseradish concoction grilled onto the top, only to take a big bite-and find that it is full of fat. Yes I know, that is "the flavor" of the meat, but I could leave it. I'll take the texture instead any day. Lets add to this, I hate poor textures-mushrooms, shrimp etc. etc.
5-I hate the big red machine-those of you who are close to me at this point, know exactly what I am talking about.
6-I hate broken bones, they get in the way of me being able to to do the things that I want, not to mention they make me sound like a total looser (I broke my wrist playing basketball-people hear that and assume "you must suck" I hate assuming. I broke my finger playing football, again with the sucking thing")
7-I hate seeing kids with crappy lives trying to make something of themselves only to be pushed down again by their family or friends. I hate that-I hope the best for them. Sometimes I just have to say, "no wonder they are the way they are."
8-I hate it when people back into my car in the parking lot and then "drive away" I hate it even more when I investigate, find the car, and then look at it realize that they probably don't have insurance anyway-but I file a report just in case. I hate that.

9-I hate the dentist-enough said.
10-I hate the fact that when creepy janitor guy comes around and starts making me nervous, the tutors sit back and laugh instead of saving me-a phone call will do-seriously a$%holes!

I am sure there are more-but lets start there. Tomorrow I will fill it with flowery thoughts etc. with all of the things I am thankful for-although probably not as much fun!

Lunch with the Girls!

So I try to get together with my girls in Southern Utah a couple of times a year. We met in Richfield for Breakfast on Saturday. It was a lot of fun. I love catching up and just laughing. We had a terrible waitress, all had cold biscuits and gravy, the coffee came 45 minutes too late, but the company was great, and we will do it again soon! Love you ladies!

Also my dad has been working very hard on his deck off of the back of his house. It is really starting to come together. He even added a slide for the grandkids. I am very proud of his hard work and excited to sit out there in the summer and read my book! Josh stopped to pose for the picture with my Dad and Elessa (even though she is hiding in the shadows) He was just aching to go down that slide!

Miah's Midget Dance

So Miah has decided (I think from wating Little People Big World) That she wants to be a Midget when she gets older, and now has a dance, that she calls her Midget Dance. I just had to share it.

Elessa's Bridal Party!

Pete-I am so excited for you. We had her Bridal Party this weekend and it was a lot of fun. Thanks everyone who came.

Jacek Joshua Bernas

Congratulations Frank and Becky. Jacek Joshua Bernas was born at 1:27 AM on Friday, 11/14/2008. He was 6.5 lbs and 18.5 inches long. Both Mom and Baby are doing well. They are home now, and even though he was a little early, he is doing well. Congrats you guys and thanks for letting me a part of things!

Alayna and I!!

So I had a funfilled night with Alayna last Thursday. She has given me a new appreciation for Hannah Montana. We had such a great time, dancing, and playing. Here are the top five things that I learned from her that night:

1: When monsters dance, they do the hula, only they get really low.

2. I learned Karate, my favorite move being the one where I punch and kick at the same time with the same side-Totally awesome -(and very effective against the monsters)

3. She thinks my dancing is cool, and even copies me. When I see her do a totally sick dance move and ask her where she learned it, she says "you silly!" I love it, but really, good luck in life, those kinds of dance moves won't take you too far!!

4.Some blankets have a protective barrier that will keep you from harm, where others can't. I never saw the consistency in the pattern, so I guess I will just have to call her next time I need a protective blanket identified.

5.She loves her grandpa. She told me how sometimes when she missed him she has to take out pictures that she drew so she can just look at him, also she thought Stephens hot chocolate was the best ever because it has his name. She can't wait to move down there and be his little sidekick. I have to admit I am a little jealous, that was my role, and I miss it somtimes. I am glad he will have her to take over.

Here are a few pictures of our fun time. I am going to miss her when she moves!

See these forcefield blankets used in our fort!

Just and example, of those sick dance moves!

Dinner Party with the Girls!

Over the weekend, I had a really great Girls night out with my Nieces. I picked up Melina and Alayna in the afternoon. We met Lonni and her girls to watch High School Musical 3, which they loved! It was a lot of Fun. We ent back to our house after, where Art had a restaurant Set up, called Arturo's restaurant. He acted as the hostess where we cheked in under our reservation and then were escorted by the good looking man in the coat and tie to the candle light table. We were given our menu's of Shirly temples, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Homemade Chicken Strips with our shoice of dipping sauce, and Chocolate sundaes for Dessert. Our Server Ramone, took great care of us, and kept our drinks full. The the chef of the resturant even came out covered in flour to check on our meals. Alayna was so confused, she kept telling me that "Art is acting really funny" and "how can he be three people at once?" They loved it. Then the nights entertainment came out where The nightly singer performed Miley Cyrus and danced with the girls. Alayna informed me that it was the "best night of her life" and Melina said, "We should do this every girls night out" Thanks Art for being so supportive-I love that you will do this stuff with me-it makes it more fun! Here is a picture of the night. (Sierra and Microphone Included) And the girls dancing!

Tacey, Taylor, Lonni, and Carly-You totally missed out-Sierra could have used some backup dancers!!

Also Amber and Kyle came up on Sunday-we had a lot of fun! Love you Guys!

Election '08

Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

I just wanted to tell Frank, Becky, and Jacek (Duke) That I am so happy for them. We can't wait for our little man Bernas to come and join us next month! Although based on this, I am not sure who is due first!

Also look how cute my nephew Jackson is. This is Mike, Arts Brother, and his wife Marissa.

Miles Talking to Mommy!

Too Cute! You may want to pause my blog music at the bottom of the blog first!

Happy Halloween!

I just wanted to tell everyone happy halloween! Last night for volleyball we all dressed up. Tacey as an 80's workout awesome girl, Mari as Wonder Woman, Me as Sandra, Sandra as a medusa like lady, and Melissa as cat woman. Totally Awesome. Good thing we won, so people can still believe in super powers!

And Happy Halloween Today! Thanks Amber for the costume/ideas!

Food and Fingers!

No I am not flipping you off in this picture, although maybe I should be! But I broke my middle finger and I thought I would share the image. I don't know what is going on here, but for some reason, this year, I just keep breaking things, and then not knowing it. I was plkaying football with Art last week. I jammed two finders (or so I thought). One of them, which I thought was originally worse is now better but the other once, was hurting worse and still really swollen, so I went to the Dr. and sure enough it is broken, chipped right in the middle joint. This comes right after I was complaining that obviously I am not flipping people off, or using my middle finger enough because the fingernail polish is never chipped, so I guess this is to show me.

Also mom I thought you would enjoy these, Like mother like daughter. I think you have a similar drawer to this at your office. I just finished the hot tamales or they would be there too. At least there are some healthy things in the fridge. This is how I get through my day. Love ya Mom!