This is pretty fun to see what people have done. All you do is bold any of the items that you have done.

1. started your own blog
2. slept under the stars
3. played in a band (clarinet in the 6th and 7th grade)
4. visited Hawaii
5. watched a meteor shower
6. given more than you can afford to charity
7. been to Disneyland
8. climbed a mountain
9. held a praying mantis
10. sang a solo
11. bungee jumped
12. visited Paris
13. watched a lightning storm at sea
14. taught yourself an art from scratch
15. adopted a child
16. had food poisoning
17. seen in person the Statue of Liberty
18. grown your own vegetables
19. seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. slept on an overnight train
21. had a pillow fight
22. hitch-hiked
23. taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. built a snow fort
25. held a lamb
26. gone skinny dipping
27. run a marathon
28. ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. seen a total eclipse
30. watched a sunrise or a sunset
31. hit a home run (in the park)
32. been on a cruise
33. seen Niagra Falls in person
34. visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. seen an Amish community
36. taught yourself a new language
37. had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. gone rock climbing (on a wall)
40. seen Michaelangelo's David
41. sung karaoke
42. seen the Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. visited Africa
45. walked on a beach by moonlight
46. been transported in an ambulance
47. received a prestigious award
48. gone deep sea fishing
49. seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. kissed in the rain
53. played in the mud
54. gone to a drive-in theater
55. been in a movie
56. visited the Great Wall of China
57. started a business (a lemonade stand in front of our house)
58. taken a martial arts class
59. visited Russia
60. served at a soup kitchen
61. sold Girl Scout cookies
62. gone whale watching
63. got flowers for no reason
64. donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. gone sky diving
66. visited a concentration camp
67. bounced a check
68. flown in a helicopter
69. saved a favorite childhood toy
70. visited the lincoln memorial
71. eaten caviar
72. pieced a quilt
73. stood in Times Square
74. toured the Everglades
75. been fired from a job
76. seen the changing of the guards in London
77. broken a bone
78. been on a speeding motorcycle
79. seen the grand canyon in person
80. published a book
81. visited the Vatican
82. bought a brand new car
83. walked in Jerusalem
84. had your picture in the newspaper
85. read the entire bible
86. visited the white house
87. killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. had chickenpox
89. saved someone's life
90. sat on a jury
91. met someone famous
92. joined a book club
93. lost a loved one
94. had a baby
95. seen the Alamo in person
96. swam in the Great Salt Lake (eww!)
97. been involved in a law suit
98. owned a cell phone
99. been stung by a bee
100. learned to play an instrument

YOU do it too. I mean it. I want to hear what you've done.

Twilight, Shmilight!!

It's such a shame, really. I was so excited to see this movie. I waited until my mom could see it with me, got a sitter and made an evening out of it. What a letdown!! Towards the end, I couldn't wait for it to be over. Here are my thoughts on what was wrong with this movie.

First of all, the dialog was SO SLOW! It was like a week in between each sentence. Grrrr! Very frustrating! Just say it already!

The supporting cast was ridiculous! It was like all of the high school kids were casted from a bad reality show. No one could carry a scene and I hated every moment Bella interacted with them.

I know everyone who read the books had ideas as to what the characters should look like, but did they have to be so effeminate? That Eric guy was as gay as the day is long and isn't he supposed to be Angela's boyfriend? And Carlisle looked like Noah Wiley with too much powder puff on. I laughed out loud when I saw him. I couldn't help it because of how ridiculous he looked. And Jasper was in a constant state of constipation, or whatever that facial expression was. I know the actor was supposed to be playing 'troubled' but did he even think to check a mirror when he was practicing his 'look.' Oh well, lame, bleh, whatever!

And I guess they blew all of the special effects money on the last fight scene because when it came to the climactic moment of when Edward walked out in the sunlight I was so disappointed! If I had not read the books, I wouldn't know what to look for. He looked exactly the same except for some body glitter. I mean really, if that's all that sunlight did, why hang out in Forks? Go to Miami or San Francisco and live it up where men's body glitter is a common accessory. Booo!

I guess that's all the gripe I can come up with. I was so let down and I'm seriously considering not seeing the sequels, which is a shame because I loved the books so much.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

I'm a WINNER!

We went to Sean's command Christmas Party. It was fabulous. Down to the free babysitting! We all got raffle tickets and the prizes ranged from a big screen TV to Best Buy gift certificates. After a yummy buffet dinner (our table got picked first to line up), we waited for the big event of the raffle drawing. The prizes were being handed out but we had a great table with good company. Then things got exciting. The DJ asked for 8 volunteers to come up onto the dance floor. Me, being a sucker for the lime light, scooted up there. It was easy since our table was right next to the floor. They set out 8 chairs and had us sit down. Then we played "Scavenger Hunt." This was when the DJ would tell us an item to get (a hat, napkin, nickel, business card, etc.) and as we searched for each item, one chair was removed and the last person back without a chair was out. I had a lot of help from Sean and those who sat at our table. He would get the item and toss it my way so I could be back at my chair before everyone else. Sean's CO even cheered me on. There are rumors that I beat down a girl in heels, but I claim she got caught up in my elbows. Anyway, I totally won! The prize was unknown and gift wrapped so I got to unwrap it in front of everyone and there in my hands was a Playstation 3!!! Whooo-Hooo! I don't think I touched the ground the rest of the night, I was so giddy. After a few dances, Sean and I left early to check that bad boy out. Besides, we didn't need to wait for the rest of the prizes. Before we left, my actual raffle ticket was chosen for a $50 gift card. I declined (they wouldn 't have let me take it anyway). I was bombarded with several congratulators and many wanted me to pick their winning lottery numbers. For someone who craves attention, this was the perfect evening!

Gobble, Gobble, Ahoy!

I know this is late but I need to post something new.

We had an interesting Thanksgiving this year. Sean had duty on board ship (of course!!) and so my mom came out to make sure I wouldn't be alone. Fortunately, we had permission to board the ship at the docks and had a lovely turkey dinner with the sailors. It was buffet style and we had cafeteria trays but I was determined to have a festive time. I packed up a tablecloth, cloth napkins, napkin rings, and a centerpiece. I arranged it as best as I could, considering we had a booth to sit in. It was great. We had turkey, stuffing, veggies, green salad, sweet potato casserole, shrimp cocktail, and lots of pie and cheesecake. After we ate, we worked off the pie calories with a tour of the ship. Then it was time to leave because Sean had to get back to work. It wasn't the fanciest of Thanksgivings, but it was interesting and memorable.

Wreath Crazy!

I am ADDICTED to wreaths! I first wanted one to go on my front door at Christmas time. But there were so many cute fall wreaths so I had to get one for the fall. Then spring and summer. Then things got out of hand. I needed a wreath on the inside of the door as well as the back door, and the inside of the back door, and so on. I think I have a problem. Anyway, since cute wreaths can carry a hefty price tag, I had to get crafty to feed my addiction. I had a ratty old evergreen one that I had once decorated but it was looking pretty sad over the years. I stripped it and started from scratch. I found a cute inspiration piece in the Pottery Barn catalog, got some inexpensive glass balls and my trusty glue gun and went to town. I love my new wreath and despite the poor lighting in my photo, it really does look just like the catalog.

Pottery Barn - $99

Mine - $12

Cute Thanksgiving Kid Craft

Just came back from another fabulous playgroup activity. I had to share with you this craft.

1. Paint your kid's palm and thumb with brown fabric paint.
2. Paint the other fingers fall colors.
3. Press the hand onto a dishtowel. (You may need to do some touch-up with a paintbrush!)
4. Add a beak, waddle, legs, and feet with fabric paint and brush.
5. Write a sentiment or name and date with a fabric paint pens.

This was somewhat tricky with a 2 year old but so worth it! What grandma could resist a couple of turkey towels?!

(By the way, the big turkey hand was mine. William was DONE after two imprints!)

Trick or Treat!

I finally figured out how to upload video from our video camera.

This Halloween William was very well rehearsed at saying, "Trick or Treat." He cleaned up on getting candy (or as my dad would say, "He made out like a fat rat!"). His little bag was so full when we got home. Good thing we live on a small street because he was tuckered out after about 8 homes. He was a sweet little pumpkin this time!

My Sad Little Pumpkin

Today was our playgroup Halloween party. We were originally going to have it outside at a park, but it rained so we held it in the mall play area. It was fun seeing everyone in costumes. They had Halloween story time, Spooky Bingo, and coloring. The spooky treats that everyone made were so clever! We all got a treat bag full of goodies on our way out. It was a great party.

William, however, wasn't feeling very festive. He wanted me to hold him the whole time and didn't enjoy wearing his pumpkin costume. It was such a shame he didn't wear it for long because it was so cute. I wish I could have passed on my 'festive' gene to him. He was such a sad little pumpkin!

Pet Rock

A few months ago we went to a playgroup activity where the kids painted pet rocks. The older kids put pipe cleaner legs and googly eyes on theirs. William was content with just painting his rock. Once it dried, he would NOT put it down. It was his little friend. I didn't have the heart to toss it, or chuck it outside in the yard to be lost. I put it in his room on his dresser so he could see it. Every morning, he wants to take the rock down and carry it around throughout the day. Knowing how he has a thing for throwing stuff, I had to convince him the dresser was the best place for "Rock." Now that William is in his toddler bed, he has discovered that he can get out of bed at night. For the past three mornings, I've found Rock somewhere in William's bed. Sometimes it's under his pillow, other times it's at the foot of the bed. Why couldn't he bond with something more cuddly and less dusty?

Community Helpers: Firefighters

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

We had such a great playgroup activity today! A Norfolk Fire and Rescue team came and talked to us about their job as firefighters and fire safety. The kids got to line up and hold the fire hose and play on the fire truck. They LOVED it. William, however, didn't want anything to do with it! It was such a shame. He fell asleep in the car on the way over and didn't want to get out therefore he missed out on the coolest demonstration. At least he perked up when it was snack time.

Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

We had a great kick off to Fall at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, CA. Ever since I was little we've gone there to ride the hay wagon, sip some homemade apple cider and pick a pumpkin from the field. It's been upgraded since I was a kid and they have added a lot more attractions, like a hay covered trampoline, a three story tree house, and giant mountain slide. I'm so glad I got to go there with my own little family. Good dirty fun!

More Memories of California

I love visiting my family. It's the best thing about going to California. Sure, there are lots of things to do out there, but just relaxing and laughing with my aunts, uncles and cousins is my very favorite thing to do. Here are a few pictures of my trip.

Grandma Payne's

Visiting with Sean's cousin, Corrin and her mom, Michelle

William and Great Grandma Payne

Up in the foothills

My Mom's Backyard
William and Grandpa on the "Gramp-oline."

My favorite place to relax is by the pool.

Doughnuts at the Barrows

William and Grandma, the Doughnut Queen

Unk and Marc

Sean and Parker

Fun With the Jones Family

The Jones' were our closest friends while we lived in Chico. Thankfully, through blogs and phone calls, we have been able to keep in touch since our move 2 years ago. As soon as we knew we were going out to California, we set a date to meet up with our old friends. It was like old times and it was really fun to watch our kids play together. We miss you Richard, Krisha, Kenzie, and Adam!

This is Me, Jumping on the Bandwagon!

I've been rebelling against it long enough! I have seen the Twilight series books on shelves at the book store for months and at first I thought, "Oooh, teeny-bopper vampire love story, how lame!" I'd pass it by. Then I saw a bunch of my friends and family members mention it on their blogs and I still said, "No, thanks." Then I heard that the author went to BYU and I REALLY said, "No!" I hate when I'm expected to read and love something just because it's by a Mormon (I'm not a fan of Jack Weyland and John Bytheway is not really that clever).

Anyway, I was looking for a book to read on the airplane during the long cross country flight to California and I got curious. I mean, Twilight was on the New York Best Seller list so there must be something to it, right? So, I thought, "I'll just read this one book and see what all the hub-bub is about." Holy cow!! Who knew that was all it would take to have me hooked. I raved to my mom and Sean about how much I loved it and ran (almost literally) to the nearest store to get the sequels. Sean proceded to make fun of me for the same reasons I mentioned before. Before too long though, he was no where to be found, and neither was my book! He totally swiped it and couldn't put it down either! I should have said "Swiper, no swiping!" Now we're both almost done with the series and can't wait for the movie to come.

Hurricane? More Like Hurri-CAN'T!

Well, Tropical Storm Hanna came and went. We had been warned to get ready, board windows, store water and flashlights, have an evacuation route and everything. Our ward emergency coordinator called to make sure we were prepared. Never having experienced a hurricane before, I was more than a little worried. Especially when they were reporting that the Navy fleet was shipping off to calmer waters and leaving us family members to fend for ourselves. Fortunately, Sean's ship was one of the very few that stayed in port so I didn't have to be alone again this weekend.

So, after getting nervous and having a bag packed and ready for quick getaway and making arrangements with Robyn to come and wait the storm out with her if we were to be evacuated, we waited. And waited. And waited. There was a bunch of much needed rain and a strong breeze came through and knocked some small branches off our trees and our garbage can blew over, but other than that, NOTHING. I canceled our yard sale and stayed cooped up all day for this?! Okay, you can't have a yard sale in the rain, but really, Hanna, is that the best you can do?!

Seriously, I'm glad it was just a weak tropical storm and everyone was safe. I guess now I know how to be prepared for the next one. Hurricane Ike, you hear me? Bring it ON!!

The Fence is Finally Done!

We finally have a fenced in back yard! We had been without for over a year. I wish I had before pictures to show you. Just imagine an old rusty chain link fence around the whole property. I love having a wood privacy fence. It was definitely worth the wait (Sean did it all himself). It keeps the kids from cutting through my yard and we can barbecue and jump on the trampoline in peace. Next project. . . . the front yard!

Command Picnic

William LOVED the bounce house.

Sean taking down the Command Master Chief in the dunk tank.

Sean loved showing off his little man.

Mmmmm . . . . free popcorn!

Sean's ship had it's command picnic and it was great. It took me a while to get there. After going to the wrong picnic and wondering why I didn't know anyone, I finally took off and luckily found the correct place. There was a bounce house, a pinata, a raffle, dunk tank, and barbecue. We didn't win anything but there were free snow cones, popcorn, and cotton candy for everyone. The best part was probably the fact that it was only a half day for Sean and he got to come home early.

Oceanfront Playgroup

I know I say this a lot, but I LOVE living by the sea! I love going the beach on a weekday for a couple of hours and home in time for lunch and a nap. My playgroup went to Oceanside in Norfolk. It's a smaller beach than Virginia Beach, but it has free parking and less crowds and no hikes to the water. Great beach day!

That's me (the fool with the umbrella!).
He wanted the umbrella at first. I guess he didn't like the direct sunshine. It also hid the scary waves from his view.

William was NOT a fan a first. I was determined to get him to like the beach.

I brought some sea water over to him to splash around with.

After a while, he liked the idea of playing in the sand with the water. Maybe next time he'll like coming to play on the beach.