He recently received his Bobcat award, and is now working on getting his Wolf.
Here he is working on a jello creation with Daddy, for the Blue and Gold Dinner.
They decided to go with a Star Wars theme (no surprise there ;D).
Monday, March 30, 2009
My Cub Scout
Now that Dallin is 8 years old, he has the opportunity to be in Cub Scouts. He is really enjoying himself, and having fun with his friends.
He recently received his Bobcat award, and is now working on getting his Wolf.
Here he is working on a jello creation with Daddy, for the Blue and Gold Dinner.
They decided to go with a Star Wars theme (no surprise there ;D).
He recently received his Bobcat award, and is now working on getting his Wolf.
Here he is working on a jello creation with Daddy, for the Blue and Gold Dinner.
They decided to go with a Star Wars theme (no surprise there ;D).
Friday, March 27, 2009
Approaching Normal
Blue October's new album, Approaching Normal came out this past Tuesday. I have to say it does not disappoint. The songs were so great, just as I remembered them at the concert. As an added bonus for those of us who choose to buy the Clean version of the album, there is a different song for the last song that is not on the Explicit version. It is called Graceful Dancing, and it is very moving.
It replaces the song, The End, which was the one I posted about having to close my eyes during the concert. Well the verdict is in... although the music is very catchy, I can not ignore the very hardcore lyrics (probably the darkest song Blue October has ever put out, and that is saying a lot lol), so I won't be getting it.
Otherwise all the rest of the songs are super fantastic. I heart all of them. You can buy the album Here, or of course on iTunes. It is nice to see how much their music has grown and evolved.
I think Stephenie Meyer explained it perfectly when she said this about Blue October's music.."There is empathetic power in Blue October's music--the listener doesn't just sympathize with the feeling of the song, the listener has no choice but to feel the song as if the emotion was his/her own." That is exactly how I feel about them.
Speaking of Stephenie, My Never is the song on her Breaking Dawn playlist. Which is on the new album. So that is an added bonus for those of you that are Twilight Saga fans. It is such a pretty and emotional song.
Justin wrote it for his wife, who at the time (before their relationship) he never thought he'd have anything other than a friendship with her, even though he did have feelings for her. The only good quality version of the song I could find, was this acoustic version Justin sang at the Breaking Dawn Concert. Don't mind the Japanese animation. ;)
This next song, is the song that had me in tears at the concert. Justin wrote it about his daughter. It is called Blue Does.
And if I had to pick my most favorite song from the new album, it would have to be Jump Rope. This is the song Justin wrote for his daughter. It is so positive, upbeat, and just cute. It makes me happy to see Justin in such a better place in his life, than he was previously. And this song really shows that.
Here is a video from the concert we were at in Vegas. The sound isn't that great, it is much better in person and on the album. But it was the best I could find. Enjoy!
Here are the lyrics:
Remember how you used to say
You couldn't wait til tomorrow for a brand new day, and
No fuss when you had to ride the bus,
You just add a little blush to paralyze your school crush
Now your older and the weight is on you shoulder
Make the world a little colder
No more hiding in the old day
Be strong
Don't you give up hope
It will get hard
Life's like a jump rope
Up, down, up, down, up, down, up, down, yeah
Cause it will get hard,
Remember life's like a jump rope
Up, down, up, down, up, down, up, down, yeah
It will get hard,
Cause it will get hard
There'll be a bump and there will be a bruise
There'll be lumps and there will be a snooze
There'll be a path that you will have to choose
There'll be a win and there will be a lose, and
You gotta hold your head up high, and
Watch all the negativity go by
Don't ever be ashamed to cry
You go ahead
Cause life's like a jump rope
(Chorus)
I want to tell you that everything will be okay
That everything will eventually turn itself to gold
So keep pushing through it all
Don't follow, lead the way
Don't lose yourself, or your hope
Cause life's like a jump rope
(Chorus to jump rope chant with kids)
(Chorus to the end)
It replaces the song, The End, which was the one I posted about having to close my eyes during the concert. Well the verdict is in... although the music is very catchy, I can not ignore the very hardcore lyrics (probably the darkest song Blue October has ever put out, and that is saying a lot lol), so I won't be getting it.
Otherwise all the rest of the songs are super fantastic. I heart all of them. You can buy the album Here, or of course on iTunes. It is nice to see how much their music has grown and evolved.
I think Stephenie Meyer explained it perfectly when she said this about Blue October's music.."There is empathetic power in Blue October's music--the listener doesn't just sympathize with the feeling of the song, the listener has no choice but to feel the song as if the emotion was his/her own." That is exactly how I feel about them.
Speaking of Stephenie, My Never is the song on her Breaking Dawn playlist. Which is on the new album. So that is an added bonus for those of you that are Twilight Saga fans. It is such a pretty and emotional song.
Justin wrote it for his wife, who at the time (before their relationship) he never thought he'd have anything other than a friendship with her, even though he did have feelings for her. The only good quality version of the song I could find, was this acoustic version Justin sang at the Breaking Dawn Concert. Don't mind the Japanese animation. ;)
This next song, is the song that had me in tears at the concert. Justin wrote it about his daughter. It is called Blue Does.
And if I had to pick my most favorite song from the new album, it would have to be Jump Rope. This is the song Justin wrote for his daughter. It is so positive, upbeat, and just cute. It makes me happy to see Justin in such a better place in his life, than he was previously. And this song really shows that.
Here is a video from the concert we were at in Vegas. The sound isn't that great, it is much better in person and on the album. But it was the best I could find. Enjoy!
Here are the lyrics:
Remember how you used to say
You couldn't wait til tomorrow for a brand new day, and
No fuss when you had to ride the bus,
You just add a little blush to paralyze your school crush
Now your older and the weight is on you shoulder
Make the world a little colder
No more hiding in the old day
Be strong
Don't you give up hope
It will get hard
Life's like a jump rope
Up, down, up, down, up, down, up, down, yeah
Cause it will get hard,
Remember life's like a jump rope
Up, down, up, down, up, down, up, down, yeah
It will get hard,
Cause it will get hard
There'll be a bump and there will be a bruise
There'll be lumps and there will be a snooze
There'll be a path that you will have to choose
There'll be a win and there will be a lose, and
You gotta hold your head up high, and
Watch all the negativity go by
Don't ever be ashamed to cry
You go ahead
Cause life's like a jump rope
(Chorus)
I want to tell you that everything will be okay
That everything will eventually turn itself to gold
So keep pushing through it all
Don't follow, lead the way
Don't lose yourself, or your hope
Cause life's like a jump rope
(Chorus to jump rope chant with kids)
(Chorus to the end)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Here's Our House
Here is a picture of the outside of our soon to be new home. :)
Everything still seems to be going smoothly.
Everything still seems to be going smoothly.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Blue October Concert
Dan and I had such a fun time in Las Vegas. The concert was awesome! It was very different from Justin's appearance at the Breaking Dawn Concert, that Dan and I went to in August.
Just a heads up for those that haven't had any experience with the band other than at Stephenie Meyer's book signing. Especially if you were planning on taking your kids. Justin isn't the calm and lovable guy that he was at the signing. He's a lot more hardcore and has a potty mouth. Actually watching his on-stage performance had me giggling, because it was so theatrical and in your face (in a good way, I liked it). I do wish he didn't swear like he did though. But he still was a cutie, even with his angsty, tortured act.
What I really enjoyed was the fact that the band sounds almost exactly the same live, as they do in their studio albums. There are some bands that sound great on their albums, but terrible once you hear them in person. Well this was not the case with Blue October. They were fantastic live!
They started the night with the songs from their new album, Approaching Normal. I really liked a lot of them. Four of the songs I had heard prior to the night, because of the Breaking Dawn Concert and other things.
During one of the songs, Justin had videos of his baby daughter playing on the big screen, in back of the band. And he sang the song while watching the screen for most of the time. It was so sweet, and I was very teary eyed during the performance. You can tell he loves his daughter more than anything.
The only song I did not like from their new stuff, was the last song they performed. I can't recall the name of it, and honestly I can't really remember how it went. Maybe I'll end up liking it when I hear it again. The reason I didn't like it was they played a yucky video. I ended up having to close my eyes about half way through. So my experience with that song was very unpleasant. Other than that though, I liked all their new stuff.
After a short intermission the band came back out and played some of their well known stuff. Most of it was from their Foiled album, with one song from their History For Sale album. They sang a ton of my favorites, so I was happy. :D
I wish I had pictures, but they didn't allow cameras.
Thanks Danny for such a wonderful birthday present. Love you!
Just a heads up for those that haven't had any experience with the band other than at Stephenie Meyer's book signing. Especially if you were planning on taking your kids. Justin isn't the calm and lovable guy that he was at the signing. He's a lot more hardcore and has a potty mouth. Actually watching his on-stage performance had me giggling, because it was so theatrical and in your face (in a good way, I liked it). I do wish he didn't swear like he did though. But he still was a cutie, even with his angsty, tortured act.
What I really enjoyed was the fact that the band sounds almost exactly the same live, as they do in their studio albums. There are some bands that sound great on their albums, but terrible once you hear them in person. Well this was not the case with Blue October. They were fantastic live!
They started the night with the songs from their new album, Approaching Normal. I really liked a lot of them. Four of the songs I had heard prior to the night, because of the Breaking Dawn Concert and other things.
During one of the songs, Justin had videos of his baby daughter playing on the big screen, in back of the band. And he sang the song while watching the screen for most of the time. It was so sweet, and I was very teary eyed during the performance. You can tell he loves his daughter more than anything.
The only song I did not like from their new stuff, was the last song they performed. I can't recall the name of it, and honestly I can't really remember how it went. Maybe I'll end up liking it when I hear it again. The reason I didn't like it was they played a yucky video. I ended up having to close my eyes about half way through. So my experience with that song was very unpleasant. Other than that though, I liked all their new stuff.
After a short intermission the band came back out and played some of their well known stuff. Most of it was from their Foiled album, with one song from their History For Sale album. They sang a ton of my favorites, so I was happy. :D
I wish I had pictures, but they didn't allow cameras.
Thanks Danny for such a wonderful birthday present. Love you!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
33 Whole Years!
March has the privilege of being my birthday month. ;p On the 8th I became the ancient age of 33. lol Since it was on a Sunday, we didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Dan got me flowers and a card (such a sweetie). And we went out to dinner a few days before.
A few days after my official birthday, my beautiful friend Erica planned a get together to celebrate, with a bunch of our friends.
Erica (the party planner), and Victoria
Myself (what a terrible picture, blaah!), and Marcie (who looks fab as usual)
We went to Applebee's for some good food and fun company. I had an awesome time. Thank you Erica my dear. And also thank you for the book. I can never have too much Twilight stuff. :D
V again, Candice, and Krista
The whole gang: Season, Aubrey, Me, Marcie, Mandee, Peggy, Jenny, Erica, Victoria, Candice, Krista
As for my bday present from my hubbie, he is taking me to Las Vegas tomorrow for a concert from one of my favorite bands; Blue October! Their new album is coming out this month, so they are doing a world tour. Oooh I am so excited!!
The kids are staying at our friends Becky and Brett's home, and we leave tomorrow morning.
In honor of the concert, I've put a few of my favorite songs by Blue October, in the flash player. --------------------->
Danny and I were discussing who the band reminds us of, and he suggested Dave Matthews Band (who is another favorite of mine). I can definitely see the similarity. Blue October is just harder and darker that DMB. But their musical sound is similar, both use a wide variety of instrumentals.
Also Dan said that lyrically they remind him of Bruce Springsteen, and at first I was like "What?!" (I am not a fan of Bruce, sorry babe). Justin Furstenfeld (the lead singer of Blue October) tells stories with his lyrics, just like B.S. So in that aspect, I do agree with Dan (although it pains me to say it LOL).
And I must say that normally I do not like makeup on men whatsoever. But for some reason I think the eyeliner really suits Justin.
Oh and I just have to add this last picture from the other night. Season thinks it's hilarious that I take pictures of my food. So Season, this one's for you. ;)
This was a hot apple crumble w/ icecream. Very yummy!
A few days after my official birthday, my beautiful friend Erica planned a get together to celebrate, with a bunch of our friends.
We went to Applebee's for some good food and fun company. I had an awesome time. Thank you Erica my dear. And also thank you for the book. I can never have too much Twilight stuff. :D
As for my bday present from my hubbie, he is taking me to Las Vegas tomorrow for a concert from one of my favorite bands; Blue October! Their new album is coming out this month, so they are doing a world tour. Oooh I am so excited!!
The kids are staying at our friends Becky and Brett's home, and we leave tomorrow morning.
In honor of the concert, I've put a few of my favorite songs by Blue October, in the flash player. --------------------->
Danny and I were discussing who the band reminds us of, and he suggested Dave Matthews Band (who is another favorite of mine). I can definitely see the similarity. Blue October is just harder and darker that DMB. But their musical sound is similar, both use a wide variety of instrumentals.
Also Dan said that lyrically they remind him of Bruce Springsteen, and at first I was like "What?!" (I am not a fan of Bruce, sorry babe). Justin Furstenfeld (the lead singer of Blue October) tells stories with his lyrics, just like B.S. So in that aspect, I do agree with Dan (although it pains me to say it LOL).
And I must say that normally I do not like makeup on men whatsoever. But for some reason I think the eyeliner really suits Justin.
Oh and I just have to add this last picture from the other night. Season thinks it's hilarious that I take pictures of my food. So Season, this one's for you. ;)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
BookSwim
So I went ahead and took the plunge. I signed up for the renting books website BookSwim, and can I just say I am loving it! It has already saved me so much money.
I started with the 3 book at a time plan, but ended up upgrading to the 5 book plan. It is a great deal. I also like that if they don't have a book you really want you can recommend it to them. If enough people keep voting for it, they will add it to the list. You just have to go back and keep voting. I've gotten 3 books added so far, by doing that. I definitely recommend this website. :)
I am also loving GoodReads. I am glad friends finally convinced me to join. I have found a ton of interesting books to read, because of people's recommendations on the website. If you want to add me as your friend, my name is Amber - DancingQueen.
I started with the 3 book at a time plan, but ended up upgrading to the 5 book plan. It is a great deal. I also like that if they don't have a book you really want you can recommend it to them. If enough people keep voting for it, they will add it to the list. You just have to go back and keep voting. I've gotten 3 books added so far, by doing that. I definitely recommend this website. :)
I am also loving GoodReads. I am glad friends finally convinced me to join. I have found a ton of interesting books to read, because of people's recommendations on the website. If you want to add me as your friend, my name is Amber - DancingQueen.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Our SF Anniversary Trip
Dan and I had a wonderful time on our 9 year anniversary trip to San Francisco. We arrived in SF on Friday. It was beautiful weather. Blue skies and warm spring breezes.
Friday we walked down to Pier 39 and took a tour of the aquarium (I forgot to bring my camera to our outings on Friday). It was small, but nice. We tried to get on a tour of Alcatraz, but all the tickets were sold out. So next time, maybe.
Then we walked around the piers, to various stores. We went into the Boudin Bread Factory, so I could get my favorite sourdough bread. Then walked to Fisherman's Wharf for dinner. Dinner was okay, not the best I've ever had. After dinner we walked up to Ghiradhelli Square to get super yummy ice cream sundaes. We finished the night with a movie (Push) down at Union Square. Then walked back to our hotel.
The Bay Bridge
Saturday we started out the morning on a walking tour of Chinatown. This was so much fun. We learned a lot of interesting stuff about the Chinese culture and this unique part of the city. Our tour guide was great and a lot of fun.
Linda, our tour guide
We ended the tour eating some dim sum together. So tasty! And I convinced Linda (our guide), and few other ladies to read Twilight (I'm ever vigilant). lol
A Buddhist temple
A Chinese pharmacy
There happened to be a funeral procession go by, while on our tour
They eat some interesting things. Those are live turtles.
Dan was sick about seeing all these bass in tanks, ready to be bought and eaten
We got to see how fortune cookies are made, and got samples. Yum!
When the tour was over, Dan and I walked down to the Old Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. I love this place. Every Saturday they have a big farmer's market there. And they have a bunch of specialty food stores and restaurants in the building. I just love the atmosphere there. It makes me happy. :)
We finished shopping, and decided to take a nap, because we knew we were going to have a late night that night. After the good sleep we got ready for our dinner. We had reservations at a place called Franscati's, located in the Nob Hill area.
Dinner here was divine! It was so good that I forgot to take pictures. Dan had steak and I had venison. Then we finished it off, with a chocolate souffle for dessert.
Back at our hotel, we decided to watch Twilight while getting ready for the Vampire Ball! We had to get in the mood for the fun ahead. :D
The Ball was so fun. Kellan Lutz, Michael Welch, and Christian Serrantos (Emmett Cullen, Mike Newton, and Angela) were there to meet the guests at the beginning of the dance. Talk about surreal. It was so neat to meet them, especially Kellan. Unfortunately the powers that be wouldn't let us take pictures of the stars while they were talking to us at our tables. So the pictures I did get aren't very good with my camera.
L-R: Kellan, Christian, and Michael
But really neat thing is I got a big ol' bear hug from Kellan!! I have heard he gives great hugs, and I was not disappointed. ;)
Another thing I was happy about was I got to see some of my Twilight Mom friends there. It has been a few months since the last time we got to hang out. So it was nice to catch up for a few minutes. They all looked gorgeous in their fancy dresses.
Britten, Dette, myself, Kirsten, and Kim
After the meet and greet with the actors it was dancing time. And you know me, I have a passion for dancing. So I was in my element. Dan and I had so much fun! We were out until about 2 AM.
Once we left the hotel were the ball was, it was pouring down rain. So we decided to take a taxi to our hotel. But we got a nice treat. A limo driver saw us waiting for a taxi and pulled up to give us a ride. I thought that was so nice of him. And this was my first time ever in a real stretch limo (I know, I'm so deprived lol).
Sunday was our day to drive home. We drove to Salinas to picked the kids up from Grandma and Grandpa's. And then took the long drive home.
We had such a nice trip. I love you Danny Boy. Thank you for a wonderful 9 years of marriage. It just keeps on getting better.
Friday we walked down to Pier 39 and took a tour of the aquarium (I forgot to bring my camera to our outings on Friday). It was small, but nice. We tried to get on a tour of Alcatraz, but all the tickets were sold out. So next time, maybe.
Then we walked around the piers, to various stores. We went into the Boudin Bread Factory, so I could get my favorite sourdough bread. Then walked to Fisherman's Wharf for dinner. Dinner was okay, not the best I've ever had. After dinner we walked up to Ghiradhelli Square to get super yummy ice cream sundaes. We finished the night with a movie (Push) down at Union Square. Then walked back to our hotel.
Saturday we started out the morning on a walking tour of Chinatown. This was so much fun. We learned a lot of interesting stuff about the Chinese culture and this unique part of the city. Our tour guide was great and a lot of fun.
We ended the tour eating some dim sum together. So tasty! And I convinced Linda (our guide), and few other ladies to read Twilight (I'm ever vigilant). lol
When the tour was over, Dan and I walked down to the Old Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. I love this place. Every Saturday they have a big farmer's market there. And they have a bunch of specialty food stores and restaurants in the building. I just love the atmosphere there. It makes me happy. :)
We finished shopping, and decided to take a nap, because we knew we were going to have a late night that night. After the good sleep we got ready for our dinner. We had reservations at a place called Franscati's, located in the Nob Hill area.
Dinner here was divine! It was so good that I forgot to take pictures. Dan had steak and I had venison. Then we finished it off, with a chocolate souffle for dessert.
Back at our hotel, we decided to watch Twilight while getting ready for the Vampire Ball! We had to get in the mood for the fun ahead. :D
The Ball was so fun. Kellan Lutz, Michael Welch, and Christian Serrantos (Emmett Cullen, Mike Newton, and Angela) were there to meet the guests at the beginning of the dance. Talk about surreal. It was so neat to meet them, especially Kellan. Unfortunately the powers that be wouldn't let us take pictures of the stars while they were talking to us at our tables. So the pictures I did get aren't very good with my camera.
But really neat thing is I got a big ol' bear hug from Kellan!! I have heard he gives great hugs, and I was not disappointed. ;)
Another thing I was happy about was I got to see some of my Twilight Mom friends there. It has been a few months since the last time we got to hang out. So it was nice to catch up for a few minutes. They all looked gorgeous in their fancy dresses.
After the meet and greet with the actors it was dancing time. And you know me, I have a passion for dancing. So I was in my element. Dan and I had so much fun! We were out until about 2 AM.
Once we left the hotel were the ball was, it was pouring down rain. So we decided to take a taxi to our hotel. But we got a nice treat. A limo driver saw us waiting for a taxi and pulled up to give us a ride. I thought that was so nice of him. And this was my first time ever in a real stretch limo (I know, I'm so deprived lol).
Sunday was our day to drive home. We drove to Salinas to picked the kids up from Grandma and Grandpa's. And then took the long drive home.
We had such a nice trip. I love you Danny Boy. Thank you for a wonderful 9 years of marriage. It just keeps on getting better.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
The Temple
Unfortunately the media and Hollywood like to portray the LDS church in a bad light a lot of the time. The most current example being the HBO show, depicting things that we hold sacred in a terrible and false light. While my first, human reaction would be to write angry letters to the network. The Savior has given us the example of how we truly should treat others, when in these situations. Turning the other cheek, and showing an increase of love towards even the most unlovable.
In response to the uproar of the show, the Church has put together this small video message on the reasons The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints build temples. It is a beautiful and uplifting video. I hope you enjoy it.
To add to the message I just want to write my own heartfelt thoughts and testimony. I know that temples were restored to the earth today and that the work done there, is God's work. It is sacred and needful. I can truly say I have found peace, direction, and revelation for my own life, within the walls of that holy place. I am so grateful to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ for such blessings.
In response to the uproar of the show, the Church has put together this small video message on the reasons The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints build temples. It is a beautiful and uplifting video. I hope you enjoy it.
To add to the message I just want to write my own heartfelt thoughts and testimony. I know that temples were restored to the earth today and that the work done there, is God's work. It is sacred and needful. I can truly say I have found peace, direction, and revelation for my own life, within the walls of that holy place. I am so grateful to our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ for such blessings.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Great News!
We got a home! We're so excited!
Actually I am in shock. I wasn't expecting us to get it. This was a home we put an offer on 2 months ago, but they went with someone else. Four days ago the home came back on the market, so we re-submitted our offer, and just found out yesterday afternoon that the bank accepted it. So we've signed the papers, and now just have to wait for it to go through escrow!
We'll be moving in May, if not sooner. The sad news is that we'll be in 1st ward at church, instead of 3rd ward. I'm sorry guys. :*( I'm sad about leaving, but this home is just too good a deal to pass up. It is my favorite house out of the three million homes (okay that is a slight exaggeration, but not by much) we've looked at. Two story, 3,200 sqft., with a 13,000 sqft. lot, in a great area!
Now we are just praying that everything goes smoothly, and that it can close escrow before we have to move out of this house.
Yippee!!! :D
Actually I am in shock. I wasn't expecting us to get it. This was a home we put an offer on 2 months ago, but they went with someone else. Four days ago the home came back on the market, so we re-submitted our offer, and just found out yesterday afternoon that the bank accepted it. So we've signed the papers, and now just have to wait for it to go through escrow!
We'll be moving in May, if not sooner. The sad news is that we'll be in 1st ward at church, instead of 3rd ward. I'm sorry guys. :*( I'm sad about leaving, but this home is just too good a deal to pass up. It is my favorite house out of the three million homes (okay that is a slight exaggeration, but not by much) we've looked at. Two story, 3,200 sqft., with a 13,000 sqft. lot, in a great area!
Now we are just praying that everything goes smoothly, and that it can close escrow before we have to move out of this house.
Yippee!!! :D
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