Memory Monday

I did the fun movie quote quiz. It got me to thinking how much movies have played a part in my life. Some people may see that as sad, but it is true. We literally owned hundreds of movies when I was growing up. Sometimes it is hard now because I will want to watch a movie and it is not there. Like yesterday I was in the mood to watch Sneakers. Anyway, there are some movies that stand out with memories attached to them. (I am only linking obscure titles.)

Sleeping Beauty and Mary Poppins - We were blessed to be able to spend a lot of time with my cousins. Christina is the youngest in her family. I got to watch her a lot. She loved certain movies so much we would watch them over and over all day, sometimes 3 times. Sleeping Beauty had a glitch and would automatically rewind itself after they discover Prince Phillip escaping the dungeon. I still have these 2 movies memorized.

The Black Cauldron - I remember seeing this in the theaters and being so scared that my mom had to take me out. We hung out in the lobby. I think I was Anneke's age. It is still a pretty dark and scary movie to me.

The Land Before Time - My dad would take us on Daddy - Daughter dates for our birthdays. We went to see this for my eighth birthday. They gave me a big stuffed Little Foot (That I still have and Anneke is sleeping with) and a frilly lavender dress for after my baptism. I usually went to see a Disney movie, but I loved dinosaurs. Oliver and Company was the Disney movie that year and I still haven't seen it. Too bad they now have a million stupid Land Before Time knock offs.

Newsies or The Gnome Mobile - After church some Sundays my parents let us have our church friends over to play. We would often watch a movie and these two were favorites. Oh, before Christian Bale went crazy.

A Hard Day's Night and Help! - My sister Heather went on a Beatles kick in high school. We loved everything to do with them. We had songs memorized and knew all sorts of trivia. We watched these movies a lot and would quote lines from them. Neither one of us used it in our movie quiz, though.

Hercules - I went with my boyfriend and sisters to see this in Gunnison. We tried like 3 times before it was actually working. They were doing plates as a promotional at McDonald's and my boyfriend made sure I got them all. We still use them. (Andy was thrilled that I brought such fine china into our marriage.) Pam still loves this movie, I think it is okay, but love that there is an alto(ish) female lead for once.

Pillow Talk - This is a fun movie that could probably not be remade, but I may be surprised. Anyway, we watched it a lot. When I was high school I dated a guy (see Hercules entry) that took me to the play of this for our 6 month anniversary. I think he did it because I liked the movie so much. Our next date we watched the movie with his brothers. They were not impressed.

Armageddon - Not the best movie, but still significant. Andy's parents had a rule that before the mission they could not date the same girl twice in a row. Since he wanted to go on a date with his girlfriend, I was the in between date and he took me to see this movie.

X-Men - Andy and I went to this as our first date after he got home from his mission. It, too, was in Gunnison. We also took a few of his brothers. So, does that count as a date?

Monsters vs. Aliens - Our first movie as a family since Christmas Day 2006. Luke was fine until all his Twizzlers were gone. Then I guess the sugar hit and he needed to work it off. The movie was predictable, but had some good laughs. The kids loved it.

Any movies significant to you?

Heifer Cow

Hey There Lou! I will never be as old as you.

I hope you had a great day since your birthday was yesterday in Japan.

My Wednesday

Yesterday morning both Andy and I were able to go to Marcus's school for an award's ceremony. He was in the 1st grade in Mrs. Decker's class, so they were the first to receive their awards. Luckily sitting there wasn't too long. Andy entertained Luke really well with his lens cleaner and case.

This is Marcus receiving his award from his principal. (According to him, she is pretty scary.)

Marcus with his Certificate of Achievement in reading.

Last night we went to Skate night at Crystal Palace. Adults could skate free and it was for Marcus's school. He thought that it was great to see some classmates and his teacher. Anneke couldn't stay on her feet and held the wall the whole time, but she loved it. I got her skating pretty good and then she got so excited and tried to jump. Back to the drawing board. Since the skates pinched Andy's feet and Luke couldn't go out I got to do a lot of skating. It was so fun! I haven't smiled that much in a long time. I felt like a little kid and could let all worries go away. I highly recommend trying it again sometime.

Marcus had his last field trip on Monday. He went to the Mirage Secret Garden. While there he dressed up like a dolphin. I was given some grainy pictures but am hoping I can get Mrs. Decker to e-mail them to me. He, of course, looked very cute.

On a side note I found a blog that is right up my alley, besides "THE MEANEST MOM". It is called Bookie Woogie and you have to check it out. Plus, it is a really fun idea.

Examples of the Believers

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

That scripture was the theme of our stake Youth Conference last weekend. (Being in Nevada we have them earlier because of the heat thing.) I was bummed that I am the counselor over the Beehives and couldn't go. However, the stake young men's president called and asked Andy and I to be on a panel with a bishop and his wife from another ward. It was a Q&A about pretty much anything they needed answered and we would use the scriptures, For the Strength of the Youth and True to the Faith to answer them.

Saturday we got a babysitter for 4 hours and went to the stake center. They asked some tough questions. We relied heavily on the spirit and I shared some very personal things that I wouldn't have otherwise. Yesterday they had a special testimony meeting and one boy bore his testimony and mentioned the Q & A. It was exactly what he needed and helped him so much. I am so glad that I did it. We were spiritually exhausted and drained when it was over, but felt excited that it went so well.

Andy had never been to a Youth Conference before. He was sad that he didn't get a shirt. The shirt said "Examples of the Believers" with the Las Vegas temple spires incorporated very nicely into the XAM of examples. They made sure Andy got one and he was thrilled to have his first youth conference t-shirt. He already wore it this week.

Stupid Movie

I finally watched the Twilight movie. I wasn't expecting much and of course several things disappointed me. I thought the tree climbing/hopping thing was unnecessary. But, the worst thing for me is that I went to reread the books and saw the movie characters as the story characters. Argh! I can usually distance myself from the visual aspects when it comes to movies and books, but not this time. I do not think that anyone fit what I thought of in my head except a few, so I am especially irked. Edward, Bella, Jasper and Rosalie being my big complaints. My solution is to stop reading the book and hope that by the time I pick it up again I can put "my characters" back where they belong.

Memory Monday

Heather Lou Bailey Nordell turns 30 this week!!! Specifically on Saturday March 28th. In honor of her I am doing memories of her. Sadly I do not have the collection of great photos that I do with my other two sisters. I am sure I will come up with something, though.

*She and I thought we were twins because we were both born in San Antonio.

*She played the flute in middle school and lost it.

*I did a few things before her, not on purpose, and she as furious!

*We would watch the X-Files together.

*Her room was above the living room and she could hear everything. She is not a pleasant person when woken up.

*She was a CNA and worked at a nursing home. She loved her job and was very good at it.

*She nannied in New York and New Jersey for a year.

*We both dated the same guy 4 years apart.

*We both home schooled at the same time for a few years and became good friends.

*She was in love with her husband for about 8 years before he noticed her "in that way".

*Heather has always been Popi's girl and he even wrote her a poem after she was born because he was there and my dad couldn't be.

*She loves the Beatles and bonded with my high school boyfriend over them.

*We would sing the Beatles songs and each had a part. She would sing if it was John or George. I would sing if it was Ringo or Paul.

*She had weird pets: a paper trained bunny she would take on walks with a leash named George Hare-isson, a crazy bunny named Ringo and a duck that was scared of the water named Lucky.

*She is great at finding deals. She can always find cute things or items with potential at the DI/thrift stores.

*She is my closest sister in age.

*She has always loved computer games, from Rome down to World Of Warcraft.

*She is a great artist and has great fashion sense.

*She has always wanted to adopt a child.

*She had a life like baby doll name d Isabelle and now her oldest daughter is named Isabella.

*She let me tag along to San Antonio and hang out with her friends.

*She drove me around a lot.

*I don't want to bore people, so let's just say I miss her a lot. (Japan is too far away.)

Personal Progress Help

They started a new Personal Progress program in 2002 (after I had finished). It feels a lot more involved than it was when I did it. Also, not so age oriented, you can work at your own pace. Plus, you can now earn a gold or silver necklace. You choose.

As a leader I can earn the award after being in the program for a year, so I am working on it right now. I wanted to have your opinions. What qualities do you think you should be teaching your children now in order for them to have faith and make decisions based on Christ?

Question.

In the "old days" when everyone seemed to share a bed, what did they do with bed-wetters? Just wondering.

Movie Quiz Answers

I decided to post this early. Only one is left and unless Carianne guesses it will remain unknown. (I know she is out of town by the way.) The first one is from my all time favorite movie. It has Rex Harrison in it, you can't go wrong. Maybe if I had done, "Marble Arch five-one-ohhhh-one" it would have been easier. It is not on DVD yet and I am sad. The third one was from a movie I watched with my sisters at our weekend getaway last year. It is pretty silly, but Amanda Bynes movies tend to be. I left up the links in case anyone was curious to see them. Thanks for playing, it was fun. Check out Andy's blog for his version.

1. "About your mother, darling..." "Well, I'm afraid she's dead, actually." Reluctant Debutante

2. Y'know you inspired me, doing what you did, going off on your own like that. Penelope

3. I tried to eat a plastic flower once, kinda hurt. Sydney White

4. No hugging, dear. I'm British. We only show affection to dogs and horses. What a Girl Wants

5. Look at you, you have a baby... In a bar. Sweet Home Alabama

6. Care for a chaw of tobaccy? Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

7. Maybe it's a celebrity, coming to knit with you! Raising Helen

8. He pulled a Panama! Sahara

9. Poole was right! You are an ox *and* a moron! Oscar

10. Some people read because they cannot think for themselves. Ever After

11. I'm handsome even when I sleep? Enchanted

12.You've been crying for 60 miles. Pillow Talk

13. My feet are made of clay. Made of clay, did you know? Good niiiggghhhttt little man! The Philadelphia Story

14. I wonder what grass tastes like. The Sound Of Music

15.The fate of the world will now be decided. LOTR: The Two Towers

Andy's - Monkey Business

Mom/Heather's - Top Hat

Pam's - Empire Records

Marisa, this was the quote that led me to your answer, sorry. To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance. An Ideal Husband

St. Patrick's Day

Anneke made a butterfly trap and checks it everyday. Still no butterflies, but it sure is pretty. I am not sure if it will work (almost positive) but don't know what a butterfly would leave. Maybe a fairy will get caught and leave pixie dust or something.
Marcus made a leprechaun trap. He planned it out a few week ago, gather the supplies and made it on Saturday. Yesterday he forgot to set the trap out. Somehow a leprechaun found it's way in because there were chocolate gold coins. Marcus was disappointed there was no note. I pointed out that the little guy was probably trying too hard to escape. Luckily no other mischief ensued from this venture. I have heard that those green guys can be mean!

P.S. There are 4 movie quotes left to guess. I am impressed there are that many left.

Movie Quotes Quiz

1. Pick 15 of your favorite movies.
2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie (one-liners are best).
3. Post them on your blog for everyone to guess.
4. Strike it out when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie. (I don't know how to strike through. So, I underlined them. Help me out someone?)
5. NO cheating. If you don't know any of them, that's just too bad.
6. You DON'T have to be tagged in the note to play.

I will post the movies in 1 week if not guessed. I am also going to limit guesses to 3 or 4. These may be too easy. ;) Popcorn anyone?

1. "About your mother, darling..." "Well, I'm afraid she's dead, actually." The Reluctant Debutante - Heather (Good job!)

2. Y'know you inspired me, doing what you did, going off on your own like that. Penelope - Pam

3. I tried to eat a plastic flower once, kinda hurt.

4. No hugging, dear. I'm British. We only show affection to dogs and horses. What a Girl Wants - Mom

5. Look at you, you have a baby... In a bar. Sweet Home Alabama - Mom

6. Care for a chaw of tobaccy? Seven Brides for Seven Brothers - Julie

7. Maybe it's a celebrity, coming to knit with you! Raising Helen - Julie

8. He pulled a Panama! Sahara - Jenny

9. Poole was right! You are an ox *and* a moron! Oscar - Cammie

10. Some people read because they cannot think for themselves. Ever After - Summer

11. I'm handsome even when I sleep? Enchanted - Cheryl

12. You've been crying for 60 miles. Pillow Talk - Pam

13. My feet are made of clay. Made of clay, did you know? Good niiiggghhhttt little man! The Philadelphia Story - Pam

14. I wonder what grass tastes like. Sound of Music - Mom

15.The fate of the world will now be decided. The Two Towers - Jenny

For Andy - Terrified tissue? Monkey Business - Andy

For Mom or Heather - My dear, when you're as old as I am, you take your men as you find them - if you can find them. Top Hat - Mom

For Pam - The long arm of the law has embraced our dear friend Warren. Empire Records - Pam

(Anyone can guess those if they want, but they remind me of those guys.)

I will not tag anyone specifically, but thought Pam, Carianne and Melissa would have fun with this.

Memory Monday

I understand things better now that I am older.

I remember that when my dad came home from work he and my mom would spend 15-20 minutes alone. Now I know that they wanted time together after all day apart.

I remember the doors being closed in the parents bedroom when I was over at friends houses or babysitting. Now I know that you need your own private space.

I remember the playroom being clean and organized when we would get home from school. Now I know that there is only so long you can handle a mess.

I remember Mom just locking herself in her room for a bit. Now I know that somedays you just need to regroup.

I remember eating ravioli from the can for dinner every once in a while. Now I know that cooking is not always desirable.

I remember not being able to sit with our friends at church. Now I know it was probably disruptive when we did.

I remember my dad making us go to the bathroom and get a drink before sacrament meeting started. Now I know the getting up and down probably drove him nuts.

I remember sitting in "our" row at church each week. Now I know that we are creatures of habit.

I remember thinking that our young women leaders were the best. Now I know that the Lord chooses people to touch our lives.

I remember crying in the temple because I could not have a baby. Now I know the Lord humbled me so I can better enjoy His spirits and raise them like He wants me to.

I remember when life was so hard in high school. Now I realize that life is always hard in different ways.

I remember crying when I was in 4th grade because I was getting older and things were changing. Now I know that things like that never change.

Photo Tag

Here are the rules:

1. Go to the 4th folder where you keep your photos on your computer.

2. Post the 4th picture in the photo.

3. Explain the photo.

4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers.

This is the 4th photo when you do it from the desktop: After I chopped my hair Spring 2007

The 4th photo when done from blog (I like this one better.) - Luke trying to climb onto Marcus's bed. (Summer 2008)

I tag Carianne, Marisa, Andy and Annemarie. It is interesting.

DMV does not stand for Department of Motor Vehicles

This is our current vehicle. Don't be jealous.

The title was going to be something very clever, but I couldn't come up with anything. Dumb, Mean Vermin didn't work. Let's just say that I had a less than pleasant day. TMI warning: Exacerbated by the fact that I started my period, don't mess with me.

Andy and I finally decided it was time to register our car and get Nevada driver's licenses. I know, it is supposed to be done within 30 days, blah blah blah. We did not have the money and then just kind of forgot. Our Colorado plates were good until this month anyway. We got all the documents and the smog check. We stood in long lines and 3 hours later we had Nevada plates and Andy's drivers license will be here in 2 weeks. I still have my Colorado DL and am thinking of keeping it until it expires in 2011.

When we got to the front of the first line the lady says that she needs proof of my married last name. (My current DL and SS card are not enough apparently.) So I asked, "Like what?" thinking I could pull out my check book, credit cards, Sam's club card, etc. to use. She responds very sarcastically, "Like a marriage certificate." She finishes the paperwork then says, "Well, I will let you through but I doubt they will do much without a marriage certificate." Well, they didn't. I could use my non existent passport that I have in my married name, but they won't except the only marriage certificate that I have...the one from the temple saying Andy and I are sealed. So, I can pay $30 and order it online or $9 and go the snail mail route, also sending copies of my Colorado DL and SS card. They will accept those forms of ID, but the state of Nevada will not!

I am only frustrated because each time I do this another official form is added that I need. In Colorado it was a birth certificate. In Utah was the marriage license. I have been married for 8 years and have not used my maiden name much since. I have 2 diplomas with my married name! How long are you supposed to be married before you don't have to show proof that you are?

On the plus side, Anneke was an angel. She caused no problems and drew a beautiful picture of a princess with a crown. It was quite elaborate. Luke was busy and when we went to meet Andy he got a bit fussy, so I set him down thinking he wanted his dad. No, he went right over to the red square and smiled up at the camera. He wanted his picture taken, too. He gave a good chuckle to the people in line and behind the counter. My children can brighten your day.

Anneke's Occupation

Early this afternoon Anneke had a beauty salon in the bathtub. She came running in and said, "Mom, I think my stuffed animals locked the door." I got off the phone with my mother and sure enough the door was locked. Luckily, Daddy came home and rescued all the poor animals in various stages of style.

Then this afternoon she was a "shutographer". She takes pictures for the front page.

Followed by, Marcus and Anneke pretending they had "secret identities". When you stand on the balcony and sing loudly that you have a secret identity, is it really secret?

San Diego Temple

I have now been inside 9 temples. (I planned on hitting double digits before I died and I think that I will make that. ;) This temple was amazing! They could not find a plot of land big enough, so they built it UP. You have to go up a lot of stairs, to the dressing rooms, up to the chapel, etc. At the very top are the sealing rooms and in the center is a garden. You can only see this garden from the inside. It is amazing! I highly recommend going to this temple if you get a chance. It is literally right off of the freeway.

While we waited we learned trivia, which I love. They use an eight pointed star throughout. I counted about 500 or so. There are more than 1000! It was the last of the "big" temples and the most expensive to build. It was announced in 1984, but not completed until 10 years later. I have more little facts, but I won't bore you.

As a side note, we have 3 friends that read this blog that live in California, but I have no idea where. If you want us to visit next time we need to know where. If you don't want our big family invading your home, I totally understand, we are a bit overwhelming. (We are not too many hours away from California.)

A Great Story

For Memory Monday this is going to be a little different. It will explain where we were this weekend and how we got there, but also look back like I normally do. If you read through I hope you think this is as great a story as I do.

Andy and I wrote to each other his whole mission. He didn't mention much about his mission. So, when he did it was important to pay attention to it. When he was in Portland, Texas he wrote this exactly 9 years ago (March 2000), "We had a good family come to church yesterday for the first time. I believe they are going to be kingdom builders. They're not quite ready for baptism, but I think it could be fairly soon."

The next letter he wrote me (April 2000) said, "Cheryl Sinclair, the wife of the family that was coming to church, got baptized. " (see Photo)

L to R Elder Downs, Chris, Cheryl, Andy

Christopher Amanda and Emily

"Amanda (10) and Emily (8) should end up getting baptized before the end of the month. Chris (Dad) and Christopher (4) are going to take some time. They are a great family in any case. She came to all four sessions of conference!" (Yes, HE used an exclamation point, weird I know.) After Andy left the area Chris was baptized. A few years ago they moved to San Diego. Since we last saw them, they also added 2 more boys. Cameron Andrew (5) and Gabriel (2).

L to R Andy, Heidi

Cheryl, Emily, Christopher, Gabriel and Chris

Cameron Andrew

Saturday March 7, 2009, Andy and I were the witness couple for their endowment session in the San Diego temple. Andy was a witness as they were sealed to each other and then as a family. (Amanda is an adult and needs to receive her own endowment when the time is right. She was unable to be there.) Andy was so excited he could hardly stand it. I can't imagine what it must have been like. He met this family and has been there through so much. He loves them and keeps in contact with them. They are a part of of our family whether they like it or not.

We had a marvelous time and they are a great family like he said in his letters. I mentioned this a lot while we were there, but I LOVE that Andy's namesake, little Cameron, was a male Anneke. It was so funny!

Caspian update

My youngest has always been a pretty big kid. He grew a size a month for his first 5 months of life. Well, now his pediatrician is worried about his weight. He is already showing his Bahlmann genes and is long and skinny. He has not gained much weight since he started walking. Luke's stats:

Weight - 25 1/2 pounds (50%)

Height - 32 1/2 inches (90%)

Head - 49 1/2 cm. (97%)

I have been advised to give him more dairy. He is not a big fan of milk, but likes cheese okay. He doesn't like things that typical kids like. Most breakfast foods are a no go, no mac and cheese, no bread, etc. I am baffled by this weird child.

Marcus is excited to go to the beach for the first time tomorrow. I hope it meets his expectations, but no sharks. (He thinks that would be neat.)