The Annual Christmas Newsletter 09 Edition

Oh little neglected Blog. How many weeks have I gone without Dish? And so much to talk about (Tiger, hello???). I promise to do a big happy end of the year wrap-up next week, but for now I wanted to post our Christmas, er... New Year's newsletter for all to enjoy! :)

Where to start? The start of 09 was pretty much the usual winter for us. Broken resolutions, Award season, hibernating from the cold, watching "Lost" and indoor house projects. Thank heaven for spring to get us out of our winter funk. This is when our year really starts and of course, we always bite off WAY more than we can chew.

2009 was no exception. We decided it was finally time to upgrade our ghetto bathtub and do more updates on the bathroom. Fortunately, John's mom's old house (she got married and moved into her new husband's home) was empty while they were getting it ready to sell. We moved up there for 2 months, which was a blessing and a pain. I had to drive Katie down to school every day. Her almost perfect record was tainted with 13 tardies in those two months. And with our church responsibilities, the commute just got annoying.

During this time, I was asked by the Stake Cultural Arts director to help direct one of the short plays for their upcoming stake activity "Comedy Tonight." Instead of doing one for a variety of people in the stake, I suggested I write and direct a play just for my ward. We're the lucky ward in the stake to actually have a good number of great young men and women: talented and willing to perform, so of course, I just wanted to do one with them! So, I wrote a 30 minute version of "The Wizard of Oz" and with the help of a LOT of people, we performed the beginning of May. I don't even have to fake humility -- ours was definitely the best!

I was also on the Highland Park Elementary Arts Night Silent Auction committee which is a BIG deal at the school. The Arts night raises about $20,000 each year. I helped get donations for the auction and worked the event that night. It fell on Katie's 8th birthday, but she actually had a blast running around unsupervised like she owned the school

Katie was baptized Easter Weekend. It was a dismal gray day outside, but definitely a wonderful, warm one in the Grant Stake Center. John performed the baptism and confirmation. It was attended by a lot of family -- real, ward and friends a like. We had a breakfast buffet at our ward building afterwards. It really turned out to be a special day.

No one was heartbroken when school let out since that also led to us moving back in our home and not having to do the mad rush back to the Brickyard every day. John really had worked his a-- off and the bathroom looks awesome! June was pretty low-key and it started what is now known as the "Summer of Parent Doctor Appointments", which little did I know would turn into the "6 Month Mom and Dad Health Saga." There was at LEAST one doctor appointment a week I was chauffeuring either parent to. Some weeks two and a few, I swear, three. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I know there were a lot.

Katie got to do some fun camps over the summer. We had the Mortimer Family Reunion, spent a weekend in Park City, and went to the Uintahs camping. Well here... if you really want to see what we did, check those posts from June - August!

Our Young Women's presidency was released in May (I think?) and I was called over the summer to be the Stake Cultural Arts director and a 4th-Sunday-teach-once-a-quarter Relief Society teacher. Leaders were definitely inspired, because there is NO way I could've handled an every week, demanding calling with all that's been going on. John continued serving as 1st Assistant TO the High Priest Group Leader. :)

In the fall, Katie happily started 3rd grade and got the "best teacher" at Highland Park. She also started piano with my mom, but my own rebellion seems to still be there because I don't even make her practice, much to Mom's chagrin. John got promoted to Sales and Marketing Director at AquaVeo. There was about a 6 week break from any medical drama with either parent, so we went on a much needed, fabulous 10-day vacation to So. Cal. We left the trip with our roof torn off the house and came home to a fantastic new one (that was NOT cheap - hence, all future house projects are on hold). And as most of you know, came home to all the latest stuff going on with my dad. In between his hospital stay, subsequent hospice stay, then back home with hospice care and back to hospice permanently, I was over the Stake's "Culture Night" - a dinner and entertainment night celebrating cultures around the world.

Update on my dad. His health is really declining, but he's still smart as a tack. Since he went to hospice the day before Thanksgiving, the last 6 weeks have been absolutely crazy since he was in the middle of a bunch of Christmas projects and other things. I've been playing secretary for him. As always, his spirits are good and we're just enjoying the time we have with him.

So, what people really want to know? The sum-up...

- We live in the same house -- updated bathroom, new roof = broke & no new projects on the horizon!

- Our jobs are the same, but John got a promotion. Katie is a total tween. Bailey is whining at me to get him a treat as I type, so nothing has obviously changed for him in a year.

- We still feel EXTREMELY blessed, despite (or maybe because of our) challenges. And we love all of you, our friends and family!

Merry Belated Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jude's Thursday Dish #51

We've all got gnarly colds, so I knew we needed to get to the library -- books to read, DVDs to watch. I picked out some DVDs for Katie, who's always very timid of trying anything new. I told her what I always say: "Trust me." And this time added, "Every movie you love now is something I either got for you, told you watch or took you to." The rest of the way home, she tested me and I guess I failed on "Mr. Magorium's Magic Emporium" which she hated.

As I'm typing the Dish, Katie is laying on a blanket on the floor with her American Girl dolls, her Cabbage patch, the 6 leftover babies from my Octomom costume (we gave 2 away). She starts "Horton Hears A Who" and lectures her dolls in a shrill mom voice, "Every movie you love is because of me." Nice.

Anyway, I have a lot on my mind, so here's some Dish. Actually on a Thursday! My dad got put on some sleeping pills, and he's had a pretty decent week. I think this is the first time he's gotten rest in years.

1. As I've mentioned in past posts, I'm not a big "Twilight" fan. I really liked the first book, wanted the 2nd and 3rd to be one book, and could've totally done without the 4th. And maybe this makes me a hussy but I thought it was all a little too tame for my taste. I'm not looking for "True Blood" here just maybe a little more sauce. The movie was pretty good -- of course, you'd have to be dead not to appreciate Edward. I'm not rushing to see "New Moon" this weekend, but I think I'd like to see it in the theater.

2. On that note, I put this on my FB status and when it got no reply, I figured it really should've been reserved for my blog. I was watching E!'s Red Carpet Live of the "New Moon" premiere and could NOT believe how objectified Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson were/are. It's not the fandimonium that bothered me, it's all the frenzy over their physiques. If a bunch of middle school aged boys were freaking out over hot-bodied girls, say Megan Fox, we'd say that they were pervy, oversexed boys. But it's totally okay for women and girls to do that to guys. I'm not on a high-horse here. I've done my share of objectifying men (Iceman, anyone? - and my latest celebrity crush: Jon Hamm), but I think it's just funny that it's such a double standard.

3. I've finally realized why I hate "Showbiz Tonight" on CNN. I'll watch it sometimes and wonder why it always leaves me irritated unlike watching harmless Nancy O'Dell and Billy Bush on Access Hollywood. It's simply because stupid AJ Hammer is always using these fantastical adjectives to describe the show and it never lives up to it. "The most provocative entertainment show", "shocking", "startling", "scandalous", "outrageous" -- his news is the same as every other celebrity news. Their writers just pull a page out of the thesaurus and go off. Watching this show is like having someone hype up a ride and you find out it's totally like every other one you've been on.

4. So thrilled "Lost" is returning. They announced the date as 2/02/2010. Speaking of being a hussy, I'm usually a spoiler hussy but since this is my last year to get to enjoy my favorite show, I'm avoiding them like the plague. Still -- this isn't very spoiler-ish but just interesting stuff about the last season.

MILD SPOILER ALERT....

on the series-regular billing it includes Sayid, Richard, CLAIRE, Benry, Frank, Jack, Hurley, Sawyer, Jin, Sun, Kate, Locke and Ilana. Ilana must play a really big part if they bumped her to series regular. Other guest-star or recurring stars are JULIET (my girl crush), BOONE, CHARLOTTE, CHARLIE and Desmond???? Only guest star or recurring? Does that mean he doesn't play a bigger role in the show ending. If that's the case, I'll be really disappointed because I've had my own fantasy of Des saving everything. Sigh... the countdown is on... 74 days!

5. "America's Next Top Model" SPOILER ALERT in case you haven't watched it, which I think only Jennie and Emily are watching this with me.

Very happy with the winner. Models don't need to be the whole package. High fashion models are rarely spokespeople and you don't have to have some bubbly personality. Runway was a little awkward, but the winner took Kick A-- pictures. Nice to see someone win who might really have a career afterwards.

Quick bits:

- Not heartbroken that Oprah is going off the air in 2011. I rarely watch her. I do like her magazine a lot. That would make me sad if it stopped.

- By now, I'm totally starting my Oscar predictions and getting jazzed about the contenders. But I'm totally not into it this year. I have hardly seen any movies this year, because there's really nothing that fabulous out there. TV is doing everything much better.

- Please Sarah Palin. Go away.

That's it for this week!

I Miss California!

I need to go back to Cali! No, I just need another vacation which is REALLY sad since I just got back from a 10-day one in October. I caught John's stupid cold and I've been nursing a migraine all day. The good news is I've made myself stay home and been catching up on a bunch of silly things that make me happy. Like organizing my photos. So, it's several weeks past due, but here are some picture highlights of our trip!

Day 1: Drove to So Cal with John's 3 siblings, their spouses and our 4 nephews. Stopped at the first available In N Out burger in St. George.

Day 2: Spent the day at Sea World. The kids insisted we sit in the Splash Zone and we got soaked.

Me and Katie at the starfish pond. I think that Sea World is a little overrated for what you pay. Is it an aquarium, a zoo, a show, an amusement park? It was REALLY crowded (their Halloween celebration day), but we still had a lot of fun.

Day 3: It hits the fan. Several of our party get the stomach flu including John and Katie. Fortunately, the only thing on the schedule was lunch at Rainforest Cafe, shopping and swimming. But as you can tell, they both felt awful. John looks a lot like that gorilla actually.

Day 4: Katie is miraculously healed since we're going to Disneyland. Could I love my favorite holiday even more? Halloween at Disneyland ROCKS!!!

Katie with her Auntie Em and Uncle Chad. Loved the cute additions to "It's A Small World" -- if you haven't been there for a while, they've added a bunch of Disney characters throughout the ride.

The highlight of the day: 'Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas Haunted Mansion!

James, Katie and Ethan with Winnie the #2, as they called him.

The parade was a street party for their theme "Celebrations"
so the kids had a blast getting out there dancing.

Day 5: Fun day at Laguna Beach. The waves were crazy high, so the kids could only get in ankle deep. But all the adults got in and seriously, risked our lives. I biffed it into the sand so many times and my suit was so full of it, I ended up throwing it away (it was 3 years old, so it was about time and an excuse to buy a new suit next summer!)

Day 6: More Disneyland!!!! The lighting on this pic is whack, but Tinkerbell was so cute. This trip was really different than our last visit when Katie was 6. She was SO into the princesses. Now, she's all about the Disney Channel heroines (Alex, Hannah, Sonny) and Tinkerbell. Tink is VERY cool in the tween scene & the new Pixie Hollow spot was a totally cute, minus the 30 minute wait!

No trip is perfect. John was sick this whole day. He only made it until noon and went back to the hotel while we were at California Adventure. We only spent a few hours there and were totally rushed. I was in a pretty foul mood because I wanted John to be there. The two saving graces were California Screamin' which I've never been on and the new Toy Story Mania ride. Fortunately, John came back at dinner time much better and was able to enjoy the rest of the night there.

Day 7: No pics. We said goodbye to the Huts as some went home, some went to visit other family. With Disneyland out of the picture, Katie got sick again and John was still recovering. We shopped a little in the afternoon and went to see "Toy Story and Toy Story 2" in 3D, but Katie had to keep leaving the theater to go to the bathroom and my dad got admitted to the hospital during the movie, so I kept leaving to talk on my cell. Thankfully we had seen it before! That evening, we went to stay with my birth mother, Margaret, and her boyfriend, Billy. They live in Tustin and are the best hosts. It was nice to just relax and hang out, especially because I was really worried about my dad and Katie was recovering.

Day 8: New day and everyone sis recovered! So glad I didn't get it. Drove up to L.A. with Margaret and Billy and went to The Grove to shop and go to a little girl's mecca: The American Girl store. That place is crazy! It's like Bloomingdale's for an 8 year old. Two stories of doll loveliness! Margaret and Billy are so generous: Katie's doll, Mia, got a cleaning and new hairdo in the salon and then, we all had lunch in the Cafe. Margaret bought her a new doll, Kit, and some accessories. Now she has 3 dolls. She's not spoiled... much.

Day 9: More relaxing, getting caught up on "Mad Men", visit with my Aunt Maureen, and swimming in the pool.

We went to a local pumpkin patch. Again, John with the goats. I dubbed him "Man Who Stares at Goats" but he didn't think it was that funny.

Me, Katie and Margaret

Day 10: Drove home!

Such a GREAT vacation -- even with the bumps along the way.

Judy's Thursday Dish #50 (Served Cold)

I had a bizarre afternoon -- I helped my dad write his obituary. It wasn't sad; we actually laughed a lot about it. But my brain hurts. I need a good distraction, so here's some cold Dish. 50 Dishes -- can you believe it?!!

John and I were talking to our friend, Camille, last night and she said she was anxious for my take on that Carrie Prejean chick. I've got a hungry family coaxing me off the computer, so this is going to be my one and only topic this week.

At first, I felt sorry for Carrie Prejean. She was pretty much railroaded for stating that marriage should be reserved for a man and woman. Now, by beauty pageant standards, I think she should have said it with a little more finesse as to not offend anyone, but I totally agree she should have the right to say how she feels without getting lambasted. Then followed all the craziness of whether or not she was meeting her obligations to the Miss California organization, blah blah blah. But then there was the lawsuit, the semi-nude photos and the of-course-it-was-bound-to-come-out sex tape. Sympathy gone. She's just a mess.

And to blow a Larry King interview? Puh-leez. King just phones it in. He reminds me of the TV host on "Reality Bites" played by Frasier's dad who doesn't even read his cue cards before the show starts, so Winona Ryder's character conveniently gets him to say (real) inappropriate stuff due to his lack of preparation. King is the softest interview around. He asked her a logical question. He pursued it, yes, but she's a Pageant winner. Aren't they supposed to handle grace under pressure? Or at least fake it? She could have said some pat answer and he would've moved on. And to tell him he's inappropriate? Um, inappropriate would be asking the details about the sex tape -- or pulling his pants off. He even looked shocked by her behavior, which is strange since he usually only has two or three expressions. Even Jerry Seinfeld showed more grace when Larry King forgot his show was off the air. What an idiot! If you didn't see it, check it out...

more

That's it for this week!

My Dad

There is so much I've wanted to post, but I haven't known where to start. So I want to write about my sweet dad.

While we were in California, he was hospitalized. I had made him an appointment before I left, because he was really struggling with fluid in his lungs. Quite a while ago, he was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, but when I took him up to LDS Hospital in August, the cardiologist (who I thought was going to be all great and helpful, because he was hot and British, I was thinking "House") declared his heart was just fine. Dad's fantastic primary care physician, Dr. Parkin, disagreed and said he knew there was problems with his heart, even if the latest tests didn't point to Congestive Heart Failure. He also had borderline kidney failure.

Now, here is a man who has survived so many things. He was never sick a day in his life. Almost instantly after he retired as publisher from the Deseret News in 2000, his overworked body caught up with him and he started having multiple health problems. He's had diabetes for years, but he was soon diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. He's endured 2 major back surgeries, a period of time where he had to use a feeding tube for a year, and survived 2 pulmonary embolisms, which should have killed him. This, on top of diabetic comas, falls, etc., we always joke that he has 9 (or more) lives. Dad being rushed to the hospital isn't uncommon. We are actually kind of used to it.

But when I heard that Dr. Parkin admitted him to LDS hospital while I was in California, I knew this was different. This last year, especially since Spring, he's been really declining. While he was at the hospital, they did many tests on him. They pumped 23 lbs. of fluid out of and around his lungs. They determined that his heart was much worse than those tests in August (I suspect Dr. Not-At-All-Like-House missed something). His right side of the heart was alright -- just aging, but his left side was almost shot. The doctor said it was some of the highest (meaning bad) numbers she had seen. They were worried he would get aspiration pneumonia due to food particles stuck in his bronchial tubes and suggested he have a feeding tube to keep him alive.

This is when my dad, prayerfully and thoughtfully, decided he was done with all these life saving treatments. He said that "being alive" doesn't mean you are happy, running, playing ball or dancing. It may keep you alive, but it doesn't build a lifestyle that makes you happy. He decided he would go under hospice care and enjoy the rest of the time he had left, so he could leave "with a smile on his face." His doctor wholeheartedly agreed and said he could go fairly quickly -- a few days or hang on for a few months.

That was 2 1/2 weeks ago. He was released from the hospital and admitted to CareSource in Holladay, the hospice residence, where he stayed for 48 hours. Since he didn't have unmanageable symptoms and he wanted to go home, they released him to have hospice at home care. It didn't take longer than another 48 hours for him to realize he really should go back to CareSource for full care. He's on the waiting list (now he's #1) to get in, but he's had great care at home with a CNA coming in every morning, nurse visits, social worker visits and help from my mom, Jimmy and Libby who live there and us kids, and his ward family.

He's not in pain, just very uncomfortable. It's so strange to see a body shut down and in a way, how long it can hold on under such duress. His mobility is almost completely gone. Since the hospital, he can't even stand without help. He's totally coherent and in most ways, still very much Jim. He's completely disobeying all the doctor's orders about food -- he says he wants to eat what he wants while he can! He really wanted to go up to Maddox in Brigham City one last time, so we went up with him, my mom, my younger siblings, their spouses and my nephews, Mitchell and Jack, for a Saturday afternoon lunch. He totally loved it! We're just helping him be comfortable, happy and enjoying spending time with him.

I've been so blessed during this time. I've been with him almost every day since we came back from California. For once, I actually feel like I'm giving back just a little for all he gave to me. It's been completely overwhelming and at times -- very hard. This is one of the worst things we will all go through in our lives. However, I've had a lot of peace and seen God's tender mercies all around me. I've been led by the Spirit to be at the right places, at the right times -- or to be inspired to remember things which I know I normally wouldn't -- or be impressed that I need to take notes or take action on something.

I could go on and on, but I've written enough. So many of my friends and family have inquired about how we're doing and expressed they are thinking about us and praying for us. Thank you for your kindness. It's reassuring to know we have such a great support system during difficult times.

Jude's Thursday Dish #49

Hi All. Quickly checking in. I can't even begin to start explaining about my life right now, but I'd like to at least enjoy a little Dish. Here are some quick bits:

- Have you seen the Office's webisodes for "Subtle Sexuality" -- the girl group Kelly and Erin formed? Very funny.

- For the record, I have not watched "Gossip Girl" since last season. Now they are doing a 3-some episode, I want everyone to know that I do NOT watch it.

- Speaking of what I'm watching, my DVRed shows are my only release. I've dumped a lot of shows and am exclusively watching the following:

"The Amazing Race" - still like the Globetrotters, even after that hilarious heckling of Mikah on the water slide; this last episode was awesome too
"Desperate Housewives" - one of those shows I wonder why I'm still watching, but I always do

"Brothers & Sisters" - a little bored, but loving the Sarah/Luke storyline

"Glee" - REALLY loving it, can't wait for the next episode (11/11) with a "Defying Gravity" duet!!!

"America's Next Top Model" - please kick off that stupid Erin!!!

"Parks & Rec" - this show is getting better -- I still think everyone should check it out

"The Office" - getting a little tired, but I'll always heart it

"30 Rock" - actually, I've only seen one episode!!! I need to get caught up.

"Mad Men" - totally behind on this too. John and I will watch "Mad Men" together and then an episode of "30 Rock" to cheer us up. We just haven't had the time.

Critics and viewers are raving about "Modern Family" so I tuned into that last night. It was pretty funny. I think I'll give it my 5 episode run to see if I'll season pass it. Anyone watching it?

I know there's SO much that I'm missing. I'll blog more later.

Blogcation

Instead of going into early, and ineffective blogging retirement, this time I'm announcing a blogcation. There's OODLES to Dish about (um... Letterman being a smarmy cheater, Jim & Pam's wedding tonight, etc.), but I need to take October off.

October is my FAVORITE month for many reasons. But this year, it's racing by me. We are replacing our roof which was supposed to happen this week, but it looks like it will be next.

We are going on a 10-day So Cal vacation (all you wanting to break into my house, be forewarned -- my tough neighbor, Jamie, is keeping an eye out!). We're SO excited for this trip. We haven't been on vacation since last October, so we're really ready to go. We will spend the bulk of it with John's siblings, their spouses and the nieces and nephews doing Sea World, Disneyland, the Beach, etc. For the last couple days of the trip, we'll be staying with my birth mom, Margaret, and her boyfriend, Billy. This is ALL Katie can take about right now. She definitely has her mom's obsessive genes.

I've got to get ALL my November issue work done before October 15th, because we come home the day before we go to press!

I'm also prepping my first Stake Cultural Arts event that will be held on November 6th.

When we get back from our trip, we host a big family Halloween party, so I'm trying to get everything ready now and the yard cleaned.

And, our anniversary is on October 28th. 11 years!!!

So, that's more info than you need to know, but needless to say, blogcation, here I come! I'll be back in November. Happy Haunting!

Jude's Thursday Dish #48 (REALLY cold leftovers)

I don't think I've ever been 2 days late on the Dish. But, we had a terrible deadline week, so I'm now able to breathe and take a moment to do something else. I only have time for one quick Dish item, because we're getting ready to do a bunch of house stuff while we listen to conference.

This Roman Polanski thing makes me sick. I think all of us in the real world like to believe that celebrities really aren't that different than us. They just have fame and money. But when something like this comes up, once again, I'm totally reminded how amoral Hollywood can be. Defending a child molester/rapist by signing a petition? Shame on all those who support him. Chris Rock said it best on his interview with Jay Leno (no, I'm still banning the show, but I read this):

"This Polanski thing got me, man," Rock said. "What the hell? People are defending Roman Polanski 'cause he made some good movies?"

"Yeah, I don't get it," Leno added, before Rock continued on.

"Are you kidding me? He made good movies 30 years ago, Jay. Come on! Even Johnnie Cochran don't have the nerve to go, 'Well, did you see O.J. play against New England?' "

That's all I got -- have a great weekend!

The Buddy Walk

Last Saturday, we attended our first Down Syndrome Buddy Walk for my nephew, Mitchell. What an event! There was a carnival (with awesome prizes - Mitchell got a big Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal and Katie got a Ty Beanie Baby -- at the FISH POND!!!) and then, there was the Walk. Team Mitch Man was happy to be there to support our favorite guy.

Me and Mitch Man (ignore my stupid bent glasses -- it was bright and I needed something!)

Katie "helping" her cousin

Very patient boy waiting for his "U" face paint

Much happier with the whole get-up

Grandma Paula and the awesome Fish Pond prize

Mitchell and his B.F.F., Tommy

Katie and the Alta Hawk (boo!)

Baby brother Jack slept through the whole thing

Mitchell loved hearing everyone cheer "Mitch Man! Mitch Man!" as we entered the starting line

Mitchell and his Uncle Aaron

Jude's Thursday Dish #47

Lunch, er breakfast, rush today! Utah Family magazine is FINALLY going glossy. No more newsprint! Which after 15 years and my 4 years of employment is VERY cool. But, my boss made the decision 2 weeks before deadline. All our ads need to be resized, editorial streamlined, etc. Since we all wear many hats there, as most of you know, I also sell on top of my editorial duties. We all sell. That's what happens when you work for a small business. So, everything needs to be done tomorrow, so I can proof layout on Monday and we go to print! Look for us conference weekend! We're also going to be having City Weekly add us to 400 of their high profile, public drop-off locations around SLC. I hope we'll be hard to miss.

So, here's some quick Dish today:

- LOVED "The Office" premiere. That episode was CLASSIC "Office" with Michael being extremely awkward. I love contained episodes where everyone is involved. I hope they keep it up. Last season felt very "Jump the Sharky" near the end. Watch season 1 & 2 episodes and you'll see what I mean.

- Speaking of old "Office" eps, I'm so happy that KJZZ is doing re-runs from 10 - 11 p.m. each night. I've exhausted "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Sex and the City" on TBS. I think I've seen every episode of SATC a half dozen times by now. I need something new. I can't watch news at 10 p.m. It freaks me out and I can't sleep, so sitcoms are the way to go!

- "Parks & Rec" was so funny. If you didn't see Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope singing "Poker Face" drunk, then you missed out.

- I promised I'd tame the "Glee" references, but can I just say? "Single Ladies" last night killed!

- The Emmy's were much better than last year. Liked having the different genres be awarded all together, the stage was awesome, the P.C. guy doing random trivia -- very funny. Could definitely leave out the mini-series genre -- make them go to the "Schmemmy's" (Creative Arts Emmy's) as Kathy Griffin would call them. Thoughts on winners:

* Although I adore Alec Baldwin in 30 Rock, I was really hoping someone else would win just to mix it up.

* Same goes for "The Amazing Race" - love the show (it premieres this Sunday!) and I realize it's terribly difficult to produce, but yawn... let someone else win.

* Annoyed that Toni Collette beat out all those other great ladies. Same goes for Jon Cryer and that stupid "Malcolm in the Middle" guy for beating my hubby-in-another-life Jon Hamm.

* THRILLED (I actually shouted out loud) that Michael Emerson finally got the kudo's he deserved for playing Benry on "Lost". He was so gracious and perfect in his speech. Too bad that's all the love "Lost" got.

* Also SO happy that Kristin Chenowith (aka the Original Glinda from "Wicked") won for "Pushing Daisies". I miss that show. I'm just happy Kristin will be on "Glee" next week. Oops, another reference.

* I thought the glasses thing for the best supporting actress nominees was really cute, even with pole-up-her-butt Vanessa Williams pretending she refused to do it. But better still was Sarah Silverman's stache. Genius. I hate her, but that was REALLY funny.

* I really liked Neil Patrick Harris. Hosting gigs are brutal. No one is ever happy. Way to go, Doogie!

That's it for this week!

Jude's Thursday Dish #46

First matter of business, I've forgiven John. But enough of that, there is a LOT to dish on. It's been a busy Pop Culture Week.

1. ORY MAINE!!!! That would be Patrick Swayze. Again, someone who I totally grew up with died prematurely. It's so strange. My best friends Leslie, Anne-Katherine, and I were OBSESSED with the mini-series "North and South" parts 1 & 2 (part 3 sucked, and Patrick Swayze wasn't in it). This show was his big break. He was 30 when he started it and even though he had appeared as secondary characters in other films, this is what put him on the map and led him to "Dirty Dancing." He played Ory Maine, the Maine character - ha ha. It was just a Civil War soap, but he was actually really good in it. The dialogue could be cheesy "I'm worried about the children, the ones you ain't giving me!" (said by Justin, played by David Carradine -- another person who died too young, but I can't say I'm really sorry about him). There was this sex scene between Leslie Anne Down and Patrick Swayze that by today's standards isn't anything worse than you'd see on a daytime soap. But back then, it was kind of racy (think how "Thornbirds" was when that came out). We SO loved it. Even now we're older, we still talk about it and A-K and I even had a marathon, but FFed through it (each part was 24 hours! long). Leslie and I are discussing another one to memorialize our Ory. There's my favorite Patrick Swayze memory. It really is sad. I love that he was married and devoted to the same woman for like 30 years, which is unheard of in Hollywood. RIP, Patrick.

2. Okay, so yes... Kanye is an idiot. What he did to Taylor Swift was obnoxious and classless. He was obviously drunk or on something. Taylor handled the situation like a real pro for being only 19. BUT, I think the media crucifixion of him is out of control. Honestly, how many times does the guy need to apologize? Don't make a bigger deal out of it than it was. Let those two work it out. This goes back to my earlier post about forced apologies. I swear, let people apologize if they mean it, not because they are guilted into it! He may be truly sorry, but as we know, celebrities/politicians, etc. HAVE to apologize or they are run out on a rail. This is what bugs me about our uber-politically correct society. I'm not saying we should be allowed to run around and behave badly without consequences or apologizing when we've offended, but our society is so L.T.B.O. that there's 0 freedom of speech! Anyway, I'm on a tangent. I will say that I thought it was HILARIOUS that President Obama called him a "jackass" off the record and ABC's Terry Moran Tweeted it. Again, he/ABC was forced to apologize, but I'm just cynical enough to think that ABC was probably thrilled he did it, just for the publicity -- maybe TOLD him to and said, "We'll apologize later." Maybe that's how I should start behaving. Do stupid things and think, "I'll just say sorry later" like when you think, "Oh, I'll sin and repent later!"

3. When I heard Jessica Simpson's little pup got taken by a coyote, I got all teary! Not that I like JS at all, but how awful is that! It's Meryl Streep "the dingo ate my baby" all over again. Since I've totally become one of those "my dog is my baby" people, it really made me sad. I opened my fat mouth yesterday and started telling the story to my S.I.L. Libby (talk about someone who is a "my dog is my baby" person) and Katie overheard me. She burst into tears, ran to her room screaming and slammed the door. She was furious with me for telling her that and cried for 15 minutes. Call child protective services.

4. I promise for all you non-"Gleekers" out there, I won't talk about "Glee" every week. I just have to do a quick follow-up. Last night's episode was great. I feel like it's moving into it's groove. Not so over-the-top (they've established that) and a little less satire. Not saying that won't happen, in the future, but it seems like they are making it a little more real. Fortunately last night, Terry (the wife) wasn't as obnoxious as earlier episodes. I like the complicated quadrangle. Loved seeing Mercedes get to shine. I absolutely love that Will is stuck in the late 80's/early 90's. That's so my generation. He's into disco revival and his songs of choice were "This is how we do it", "Poison" and my 90's guilty pleasure, "I Wanna Sex You Up." The latter just made me smile. The "Acafellas" were hilarious with the addition of the Cougar lover kid and that creepy ex-teacher. Josh Groban has some acting chops. Love Victor Garber. I hope people stick with this show because not every episode can have a "Don't Stop Believin'" moment. However, I understand if people feel it's too sexual. It's definitely not for young teens. Fortunately, last night was a lot tamer than last week. It was on par for primetime TV. But I understand if it's too much for some viewers. There... I promise, that's it for now (maybe).

5. What do they call NBC's comedy line-up now? It's not Must See TV, but Comedy Night Done Right? Anyway, who cares?!!! It's the return of "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation." I gushed about "P&R" in an early post ( was going to link to it, but I don't have the patience right now to find it). If you haven't seen it, you should definitely DVR it and give it a chance. Remember, 5 episode trial before you dump it. I'm looking forward to the "SNL Weekend Update" (I heard Tina Fey might make a Sarah Palin appearance) and I'm going to try out Joel McHale's new comedy "Community." Just bummed that "30 Rock" doesn't start until something like mid-October.

Quick bits:

- The Emmys are on Sunday. I heart them! Can't wait to see "30 Rock" and "Mad Men" sweep all the competition. But, I would love a little surprise. Benry MUST win from "Lost"

- Pictures of Chris Brown doing his community service makes me giggle. What a D.B.

- Not going to support Leno hogging up the 9 p.m. time slot that could go to cool shows.

- I casually pop in to "The Biggest Loser". Didn't it premiere this week? Should I watch?

- Katie and I watched "The Princess Diaries: 2" for the first time last weekend. Chris Pine ("Star Trek" hottie) was in it. Kind of fun to see him before he was famous. And with brown hair.

- Michael Douglas is going to play Liberace in an upcoming movie with Matt Damon as his lover. I'm just not seeing it. MD just doesn't have a lot of range; he's really going to have to sell me on that idea.

- John is devouring "The Lost Symbol" and I'm impatiently waiting for him to finish. Anyone reading it?

That's it for this week!

Replying to Comments

I'm totally cracking up on the comments left from the White Trash! pet peeve post. But I have a question. How do you reply to someone who's left you a comment? If I comment on MY comments, you won't see it, right? Do I have to go to your blog and leave a comment? So confused!

Quickly, a new pet peeve to add to my list. When your husband says he's going to get gas in the car the night before and you jump in the car the next morning, late to take your daughter to school, and realize the car is COMPLETELY on empty. Your daughter is freaking out in the car you're going to run out of gas and you stall in the school parking lot. You barely make it up to the Maverick, but since you need a new cell phone and you haven't replaced it yet, and you don't have a purse because you were ONLY taking your kid to school, you have to dig up 50 cents and call said husband on the public phone. He drives up, ANNOYED WITH YOU (Hello?) for making him late to work. You swipe his debit card and when you hand it back to him before you start pumping, your sale is cancelled. Oh, and he's already driven off! Then, you have to dig up 50 more cents, call him and make him come back.

Obviously, that's not a pet peeve. Just the crappy thing that happened to me this morning. John is SO on my list.

White Trash!

I can't say this without thinking of Mister formerly of 101.9, The End. He and Chunga were on a remote at Disneyland and Mister saw Paris Hilton walking by. He screamed "White Trash!" at her and mortified Chunga. Later, they had Mister record it and they would play it all the time. It totally amuses me.

Anyway, I've mostly been blogging about Pop Culture and our summer activities. I realized it's been a LONG time since I vented about pet peeves. I mean, what's a blog without a pet peeve rant once in a while? So, this is kind of weird, but one of my biggest pet peeves is White Trash.

I consider myself a really tolerant person. I try to be really accepting. I'm a little L.T.B.O. (looking to be offended) when people use slurs or make inappropriate jokes. I credit this to my completely irreverent brother, Dave, who I swear, does this just to get a rise out of me. Since no one is without prejudice, I know I fall short sometimes. I have a really hard time tolerating people who know better, but make bad choices. It's easier for me understand someone who perhaps doesn't have the knowledge or experience then for someone who's had it all, but thrown it away. But I digress. The other thing I can't tolerate is White Trash. I know, I know. That's a slur and I shouldn't use it, but really... how else can you describe it? Anyway, this isn't about being of lower financial or economic status. I mean, I am fully aware I'm probably one big accident, one financial tragedy or one layoff (me or John) away from that. What drives me crazy is the lower social or cultural behavior that seems to accompany some of these people. Just because you don't have money doesn't mean you have to act like it. These are the people that wear their lower class on their sleeve. And most do it with pride. The neighbors across the street fall into this category. They seem happy as clams not working all day, sitting on their porch in their living room furniture, smoking and BBQ-ing. The girl will come out in what looks like a bra with fabric flowing down her midriff, but when I look closer it's actually some kind of weird bustier shirt that looks like it was shredded. Aaah, I love the Sugarhood.

Why is it that when you go on a family outing to a place that costs a pretty penny (i.e. Lagoon, water park, concerts, events, etc.), there are always a lot of white trash there? I'm sure this is coming off really judgmental, but I'm talking about these groups of people who really don't seem like they have jobs, let alone the money to pay for an expensive activity. This has been on my mind this summer with several things we've attended. And I'm saying this because I, for one, rarely spend on things like this because I have a lot of trade through work. When I have to pay for a family outing that's pricey, I struggle a lot because honestly, I don't have a lot of extra income to pay for it. Example: Lagoon. We haven't been in a couple of years and the last time, we got to go for free. This summer, my friend Leslie and I decided to take advantage of a Stake Lagoon Day and took her two kids and my Katie. Even with the discount passes, the whole experience was a fortune. But what shocked me more were all these W.T. people there buying a ton of food and dropping money to play games. And I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but these people seriously didn't look like they had the money. I've seen this a lot lately. I understand when you go somewhere like Disneyland, because let's face it -- all kinds of families, no matter what their income -- will make a vacation work even if they don't have the money. But maybe I'm totally off base. It's just really curious to me.

I googled to see what the difference was between White Trash and Redneck. First of all, white trash was coined in the 1800's and was a very derogative term. I guess ultimately while White Trash and Rednecks live in the same places and look the same, in the South, Rednecks are more fun loving, happy, religious and productive. White Trash are more hateful -- some would support the KKK, trespass on people's property to hunt, void of religion, etc. A Redneck is happy to be called such, White Trash would want to kill you for saying it. Since we don't really have Rednecks in SLC, I think we basically make a blanket classification as people being White Trash.

Does this bug anyone else? And if not, what is one of your similar pet peeves?

Jude's Thursday Dish #45 (Leftovers)

If my blog was really a meal I served up and I kept giving my family leftovers, they'd rebel. Hopefully, my blog audience is a little more forgiving. Yesterday was crazy busy, but here we go...

1. I usually hate this "saying", and feel it's inappropriate, but it's the only way to describe how I felt when hearing this news. Ellen as the new judge on Idol? WTF? I love Ellen, but this is TERRIBLE news. The show doesn't need a comedienne and music lover as a judge. It either needs to stay with 3 judges or they should find someone who has some real expertise. I prefer 3 judges. The judges table was way too crowded last season. The show isn't about them; it's about the singers. The more antics and screen time the judges get; the less time the singers get. It's been REALLY bad the last couple of years and I'm afraid it's only going to get worse. The only bright side of this news is since Ellen is new judge, you know she'll care a lot and take it seriously unlike phoning-it-in-bored-to-tears-making-too-much-money-to-care Simon.

2. Happy to have new TV to watch this week! Stayed up Wednesday night until 1 a.m. watching "Glee" and "America's Next Top Model." I've been exhausted ever since. That totally makes me feel old. I was really entertained by "Glee", but like the conversations I had with people on Facebook, the 2nd episode was a bit polarizing. It was obvious it's going to be a show with much more broad comedy, stereotypical characters, and unfortunately -- true to the creator's style (the same dude who did "Nip/Tuck"), it's racy. I know it's not going to be everyone's taste and to be honest, I'm not sure how much of that I can take. Still, I'm on board for now and looking forward to the rest of the season. The thing I love best about it is the music. The actors need to work on their lipsyncing abilities, but they all do their own singing. It's just SO fun to watch and I love seeing something totally different on TV.

Speaking of polarizing, I love Tyra Banks. People seem to love or hate her. I think she's great and she cracks me up. She was SO over the top on the season premiere of "ANTM" with her stupid French accent. But that's what I like about her. However, I love that she really tries to show that every woman is beautiful and for being a super model, can actually relate to people. Her current season is featuring petite models and it was kind of heartwarming to see how excited the girls were to get this once in a lifetime chance. On top of that, she came out on her show without her extensions. True, her hair didn't look that bad, but I think it takes guts in that industry. Like when she wore her swimsuit and told the tabloids to "kiss her fat a--" or when she had everyone wear a swimsuit with their weight on it on her show. Anyway, excited about the new season.

Quick bits:

- This isn't really Entertainment Dish, but it was very entertaining. When Joe Wilson yelled out "You lie!" during President Obama's speech, I totally laughed. Nancy Pelosi looked like she was going to murder him. That said, I am SOOO sick of the divisiveness and the drama between Democrats/Republicans. I know this isn't realistic and it's too simplistic, but seriously, "Can't we all just get along?"

- I kind of pity that Jon Gosselin guy. I only caught that show a couple of times, but Kate was a beast to him. He totally had verbal turrets during that interview though. I can't believe he said he "detested" her or that he loved his new girlfriend more than he ever loved her. Um, dude? Your 8 kids could see this one day. It would be wise to keep your mouth shut. He obviously doesn't have the best judgement because he's considering doing a "Divorced Dad's Club" with Lindsay Lohan's dad and Kevin Federline. Yikes.

- We On Demand-ed "Race to Witch Mountain" last weekend and watched it with Katie. She was totally traumatized. It was a little intense, but mind you -- Katie is super sheltered with what she watches and can't handle ANYTHING scary. She cries in ever movie as soon as they have a conflict, even if it's a small one. Anyway, she was mad at me after and said, "You need to pick our movies better." Katie's critique aside, it was kinda lame and I don't really recommend it. It'll bore parents, I think.

- We saw "The Scarlet Pimpernel" at Hale Center Theater on Saturday. It was AWESOME. I never had seen it before, except for that cheesy movie with Jane Seymour. I'm thinking I might need to give the movie another try though, because I totally dug the story. The play is pretty much sold out, but they have some openings during their matinees. I DEFINITELY recommend you go see it if you haven't yet.

- I HATE they are making a 4th Pirates movie. The title has been announced as "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides." I'm saying this now. I will NOT see this movie. The 3rd one was SO painful. (But another movie who's title has been announced that I AM excited about is "The Cheapest Muppet Movie Ever Made.") I wish Pirates would just stop. I know I've said this before, but I am SOOO anti 2 types of sequels: any more than 3 -- and 3 are only allowed if it's a series. Or if it's planned out, which leads to an exception because Harry Potter is fine. The other type is completely unnecessary sequels of movies that haven't been out for YEARS. Next year, we're going to get "Beverly Hills Cop 4" and "Wall Street 2" for two examples. "Beverly Hills Cop 4" meets both offending types. And a movie that has tired itself out, "Shrek Forever After" sequel coming out next year or "Spider Man 4" in 2011. Unnecessary sequels will include: "Little Fockers" (Meet the Parents) and "Hairspray 2", although I'm kind of looking forward to the latter. Sequels in 2010 that I am excited about "Sex and the City 2", "Toy Story 3", "Iron Man 2" and of course, "Deathly Hallows part 1" in November.

That's it for this week!

Jude's Thursday Dish #44

I need to start cleaning my house, but I've been messing around on the computer for an hour. Here's my dish and then I'm REALLY getting started. No pictures or videos today. Gotta get going...

1. We doubled with friends, Marcy and Brandon, on Saturday. We saw the movie "(500) Days of Summer." So good! A very fresh take on the romantic comedy with some real laugh out loud moments. If I had seen this in my 20's, it would have really resonated with my dating life. Now, it's fun to watch recalling those memories -- and made me grateful I am NO longer dealing with break-up drama.

2. I'm an official "Gleek" now. I heart the new TV show "Glee." If you're going to add one of the new fall shows to your DVR list, this needs to top it.

This will segue me into my FALL TV schedule. I always compare the new fall season to dating terms. I've got standards for my DVR. Not just anyone gets a coveted spot on the Season Pass list. I'll "casually date" these new shows to see who deserves to get bumped up. I have to make sure if it's lust, infatuation, a passing crush -- or true love. I'm a sucker for word of mouth favor and critic buzz. If I hear a show is really good, I always try it out. This is how I've found some of my favorite shows. I'll give a new show 5 episodes before I decide to dump it. This is serious stuff! My time is precious and I can't watch everything! None of this was possible before I first got Tivo, then upgraded to cable and a DVR that record more than one show. I don't watch daytime TV, so my recorded shows are what I tune in when I need a break during the day or my treadmill TV. I never watch what I consider PG-13 shows around Katie, so most of my TV watching is done after 9 p.m. at night. This is telling why I never really sleep, because I'm watching TV until midnight. The other reason I take this seriously is scripted TV shows aren't like they used to be. You can't really casually watch anything anymore. Everything has continued stories and cliffhangers. Even sitcoms. So, there's Jude's philosophy of Fall TV 101. These are my high-hopes for fall. Check back at the beginning of October to see who made the final cut.

SUNDAYS

Too much on Sundays. Plus, I'm hardly ever home those evenings, so I watch these shows the next couple of days. The only one I dare watch live is "Amazing Race" because like I want Katie catching any of the others!

MAD MEN (8 p.m. AMC) - This is one of the few shows John and I watch together. Instead of renting a movie, we'll watch 2 or 3 episodes in one sitting.

AMAZING RACE (7 p.m. CBS) - Katie loves this show, so we watch it together.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES (8 p.m. ABC) - I'm lukewarm on this show as of late, but I haven't had the heart to dump it yet.

BROTHERS & SISTERS (9 p.m. ABC) - B & S was a bit off last year, but it started to pick up steam again near the finale, so I'm giving it another shot

MONDAY

I used to HEART "Gossip Girl" but I decided I want to leave that show on a high note with Blair and Chuck ending up together and the end of high school from season 2. Unless my sis convinces me that it's AMAZING and I'm missing out, "G.G." is retired. I also don't get into "Dancing with the Stars" because that blasted show takes forever and there's so much filler! "Heroes" is dead to both me and John now. I do like "Chuck" and heaven help me, "The Bachelor" so the night might change once those shows pop up as mid-season replacements.

TUESDAY
I think this is going to be my experiment night. I tune in to "Biggest Loser" once in a while, but it's kind of the hey-it's-convenient-let's-hang-out-cause-I'm-bored kind of date. I think I might try out "Melrose Place" or "The Good Wife." The first out of pure curiosity and the second because Big (Chris Noth) is starring in it. Plus, in 2010 -- Tuesday will totally be all about "American Idol" and it's too hard two-timing "Idol."

WEDNESDAY
ABC has some sitcoms that look mildly amusing that I think I'll try out. I am especially interested to see if Courtney Cox's new show "Cougar Town" is any good. NBC's nurse drama "Mercy" looks interesting. But ultimately, the night is reserved for "Glee" of course and "America's Next Top Model." And in January, I don't watch "Idol' result night -- I just go online afterwards and find out who got booted. I have to free up my time for my one and only, true, committed TV love: "Lost." That's almost a "Fatal Attraction" like obsession with me.

THURSDAY
Damn you, Thursday. Best night of TV, worst night for scheduling. I'm almost completely committed to the NBC line-up, except I'm a little sad there's no "Kath & Kim" or "My Name is Earl" anymore. I can NOT miss "The Office," "30 Rock" or "Parks & Recreation." I'll give Chevy Chase's new show "Community" 5 eps to win me over to finish that line-up for me. I used to totally be into "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice", but I'm over both of those shows. From what I'm hearing about "Grey's", it doesn't sound like that show will be improving anytime soon. I am interested in "Flash Forward" on ABC, so if I can squeeze anymore time in - I may check that out. I'm also watching "Project Runway" so that night is PACKED.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Catching up on my overstuffed DVR.

And just some quick Lunch Rush:

-- What kind of stupid message is Chris Brown sending out when he claims he "can't remember" hitting Rihanna on Larry King Live? That's going to be the next great excuse for wife/girl friend beaters out there. Yes, he came out later and said that wasn't true, but you know there are going to be tools out there that only hear the first part and use that as their defense.

-- Speaking of Larry King, remind me NEVER EVER EVER to watch anything about kidnapping and rape again. I watched that interview with the poor victim of that Garrido Kidnapper/Rapist guy on Larry King and I couldn't sleep all night. And I totally know better. This stuff always freaks me out, but I watched against my better judgement.

-- And in that same vein, take that stupid Nancy Grace and Jane Valez-Mitchell of the air! Even if I'm channel surfing, those two make me want to find something sharp and stab it into my eyeball. Seriously!

-- Am I totally out of touch that I have no idea who D.J. AM is? Sure, I've heard who he was hooked-up with (Nicole Ritchie, Mandy Moore, etc.), but what is he famous for exactly? Being a D.J.?

-- Reuben won "Dance Your Ass Off" which was no big surprise. The judges favored him and he lost the most weight. I can't wait for the reunion show on Monday to see who really kept off the weight. I have my doubts on some of them.

-- I was home sick on Sunday night and watched the Daytime Emmy's. So stupid. I used to be totally into daytime soaps. My mom would never let me watch them, so I would sneak and watch "Another World" and "Days of Our Lives" in middle school and high school. When I went away to college, watching soaps, rated R movies, and drinking caffeine were my big rebellions (well, and a few other things that happened later that I won't write here!). I was an art major for one semester at Ricks and my classes were done by 10:30 a.m. I would come home and work on my art projects while my other roommates were still in class, watching soaps from 11 - 4 p.m. That didn't last, but I stuck with a few of my favorite soaps into my early 30's. I think as nighttime TV got better and I got busier, I just grew out of them. Now, I can't even stomach watching them for more than 5 minutes. I'm not saying this as some judgemental snob. If you like Soaps, more power to you! I just find they are unbearable now, especially when there are such better stories in prime time that move faster. Soaps seem so dated to me. Anyway, my point is that I found it really interesting that most of the actors haven't changed at all and neither have the story lines. I could start watching again and not (hardly) miss a beat. I must say though, man... Peter Reckell sure has aged well!

That's it for this week!

Jude's Thursday Dish #43 (Leftovers)

I'm in the middle of deadline, which means EVERYTHING else falls by the wayside. But while I'm waiting for people to send me their stuff, I thought I'd take a minute to share some Thursday Dish leftovers.

-- I feel even more skeevy for watching "Megan Wants a Millionaire" (it's cancelled now, of course) that the contestant wanted for murder killed himself. This may scare me straight from trashy reality shows for good.

-- How can critics hail Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Bastards" as the "Most Fun You'll Have This Summer" when it's about scalping Nazi's during WWII? Yeah, a barrel of fun.

-- Spoilers circulating about an upcoming Pam/Jim wedding on "The Office" and there are even photos. I'm avoiding them like a plague, because seriously... who wants to be spoiled for a 30 minute sitcom? There's not that much to spoil!

-- Seen the new EW cover? "Seinfeld" cast reunited on "Curb Your Enthusiasm." SO Great!

-- Finally watched the end of "Twilight" and can I just say.... YAWN FEST! Although that Robert Pattinson sure is dishy when he doesn't talk.

-- When I'm surfing through the news stations at night, is it just me or do Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity always have these hot blondes discussing politics with them? I think it's totally weird. Where are the average looking Republicans? And who did those girls sleep with to get those gigs?

Everybody have a GREAT weekend. That's it for this week!

"What I Did On My Summer Vacation"

School starts tomorrow! I can't believe I have a 3rd Grader. I gave Katie an assignment to list the stuff she did this summer:

• Saw the play "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" on the last day of school
• Playdates with friends
• Art classes at Camille's
• Discovery Gateway
• Activity Days
• Swimming at Ga Ga and Paula's
  
  
• 

  "Puppet Camp" at Bad Dog

  
  

  "Where The Wild Things Are" camp at Children's Theater and UMNH

  4th of July parade, breakfast and fireworks

  Lagoon and Lagoon-A-Beach

  Mortimer Family Reunion and Boondocks

  Butlerville Days and 24th of July Fireworks

  Wheeler Farm Camp

  "Flying Wild" camp at Tracy Aviary and UMNH

  Park City with Mom and Dad

  Drive-in movie

  Going to park

  Chalk Art contest in South Jordan

  Camping in Uintahs and hiking at Mirror Lake

On top of all that, John and I finished the bathroom, painted the living room and helped get his mom's house fixed up and up for sale. My sister and bro-in-law welcomed their new son, Jack. And I somehow managed to chauffeur my parents around to all their doctor appointments and still work 25 hours a week on top of all the other not-worthy-to-mention-on-a-blog things going on. Not bad for a crazy, short summer!