Random Thoughts and Some Holiday Dish

Happy New Year's Eve! Wow -- what a week. We got a Wii for Christmas with the Indiana Jones game. John and I are more addicted than Katie. At first, we were all cute and supportive of each other. It was like a nice date thing to do. After a couple of chapters when it started to get hard and Katie kept interrupting, then we got all ornery and competitive. This is why, even if I was in good enough shape, I will never do "The Amazing Race" with John. Your marriage should never be tested by a game.

I'm FINALLY getting my house to a point that's decent. I was so hardcore busy before Christmas that I've completely gone the other direction and now, I'm a sloth. I've decided this only gets to last until Saturday and then I'm turning a new leaf. Yeah for New Year's Resolutions that I probably won't keep anyway!

And here's a quick holiday leftover dish. We went and saw "Bedtime Stories". Yes, once again I caved and am appearing to only get to see kids movies. I think John and I are going to see "Benjamin Button" this weekend, so that might remedy it. Anyway, if you're an Adam Sandler fan like we are, you'll like it. It's more likable like "Wedding Singer" Adam Sandler, except honestly... Rob Schneider should thank the heavens every day that Sandler includes him in EVERY movie. What a loser! Anyway, it's a good mix of kid stuff and adult stuff, but not in a cute, charming way like say "Enchanted". There's some potty humor and a couple of jokes that fortunately went over Katie's head. The one part that I could do without was when Skeeter calls a guy a Buttkisser. Katie thought that was hilarious and came home saying it, then messed up and started saying Buttlicker. Nice. So, be forewarned. It's not a great movie, but if you're tired of animation like I am, it's a good choice for adult - older kid entertainment right now.

Have a Happy New Year!

The Annual Christmas Newsletter

I think it's funny how people rip on the Christmas newsletter. It's not a big deal. If you get one in the mail and you don't want to read it, then throw it out. But for a lot of people, it's the only chance they have to reconnect with people. Now, I say this, because my dad is the KING of the Christmas newsletter. He has been sending it out to 300+ people for decades. And let me tell you, these babies are novels. For the last 10 years, I've been in charge of putting his together. Can I tell you what a pain in the A it is? Trying to get my 6 siblings -- and two exes -- their entries and photos is a huge task. Then, I have to actually put the thing together, take it to the printer and update/print all of my dad's labels. Fortunately, he takes on the task of stuffing the envelopes, putting the stamps and labels on, and mailing them (with the help of whoever is living with them at the time). Yes, I'm complaining, but it's not because of my dad. I'd do anything for him. There's very little I can give back to him and if putting together his newsletter is what he wants from me, I'll bend myself in a pretzel to do it. All I want in return, I guess, is complaining rights.

I say all this, because the newsletters are FINALLY in the mail! Hooray! And John & I got our cards (sans a newsletter) at the same time. Relief!!! Since I'm trying REALLY hard to cut back this year (and not end up with a Christmas card list of 300+), I limited who I sent our cards out to. Not that I don't love you all! Instead, I'm going to do the very cheap, very easy way and post it on my blog. And even though not much has changed for 2008, here's my lame attempt at an interesting newsletter. (P.S., after this card, I'm retiring these pictures Opie took of us in November. They are getting REALLY old and I'm sick of seeing my big nose, not only on everything I've got but also my Editor's Letter picture. 2009 resolution -- skinnier me, much hotter picture in a couple, I mean...several months).



"Merry Christmas to all our friends and family! We hope this holiday season finds you happy and healthy. We are grateful each Christmas for your Christmas cards and letters, giving us a chance to catch up with dear friends.

"Here's an update on the year that was:

"2008 started with some challenges. I was pregnant and preparing to for a preventative cerclage at 12 weeks with months of bed rest afterwards. But at a 10 week ultrasound, we discovered there was no longer a heartbeat. Days later, I had a D&C at Intermountain Healthcare. Truthfully, it was an awful time. Although I wasn't far along, we were all bitterly disappointed. It had taken us years to get to the point of feeling we could handle another pregnancy. Even though we knew it would be another high risk pregnancy, requiring a lot of sacrifice, we were very optimistic. There was a lot of emotional, physical and spiritual preparation involved. When I miscarried so early, it just felt like we had been training for a marathon, but it was cancelled when we got to the starting line.

"We were all in a MAJOR funk, so we took an impromptu trip to our favorite place in the world: Disneyland. The first weekend of February, we packed up the car and drove to So. Cal. The cloud over all of us literally melted away as we drove out of the cold weather into sunny St. George. It was just a great time to heal, relax and have some fun. We really felt our trip was charmed. The first day we were there, we were walking out of the Tarzan Treehouse when a "castmember" handed the three of us Dream Fast Passes. It was awesome! We got to just hop on most of the really cool rides without waiting in line. On top of that, Katie was a character magnet. They all seemed to seek her out. We were having ice cream on Main Street when Bert and Mary Poppins came up, grabbed her by the hands, and danced with her in front of everyone. At the parade, she was crying because she didn't want to come home and Alice came OFF her float to talk to her and cheer her up. There's actually another half dozen examples of why our trip went so well. They were all simple things, even a bit silly, but just having things go our way, really boosted our spirits.

"It took a few months for me to get back on my feet, physically and emotionally. Spring was a bit of a blur. In May, I was promoted to be Editor at Utah Family magazine. It is something I've wanted for years and felt so good to FINALLY be doing what I had dreamed of. Now, the reality is a different thing. It's been a real challenge. The publication has a LONG way to go and right now, I'm still doing a lot of things I'd rather not. I'm still selling and managing some ads. That, and juggling Editor responsibilities, can be really daunting. But, I can't beat working form home and doing something I love. I hope with time I can work out the kinks and it will be really rewarding.

"Our biggest news was after 11 years at National Laser Company, John FINALLY got a new job! Many of you know, John finding a new job has been quite the ordeal. It's been either the wrong fit, the wrong salary, the wrong location or he's just the wrong guy. The stars really needed to align and we feel really blessed it finally happened. He's now the Marketing Manager at Aquaveo. It's another job that I don't understand what he does (Chandler, anyone?). He works for an environmental modeling software company. They map out water ways to find where it's okay to build bridges, streets, roads, etc. I think I got it. The company is in South Jordan. It's been a good change so far. With any new job, there's things you miss about your old one. For us, it's the time off and the travel opportunities. But, the environment is much less stressful and he truly works 9 - 5 p.m. It's been a great change for us.

"Katie finished 1st grade and our summer was busy, and fun. In June, we went to Moab with Jennie, Steve, Mitchell, Jimmy and Libby. Stennie took their dog, Oaklie, and we took Bailey. We took the dog's hiking which was a lot of fun. We river rafted, visited Arches and Dead Horse Point. We always have such a fun time when we travel with my younger siblings and their spouses. It was a great time. We also spent weekends in Idaho Falls, Park City and Heber. If you want to see pictures or read details about those fun trips, check out my archives!

"August through October was spent on our evil yard project (and again, see my archives for those gory details). Katie started 2nd grade in Mrs. Lemon's class and loves it. We celebrated our 10th anniversary with a fabulous trip to New York City. I can't believe it's been 10 years. Time really goes by fast. In November, John was released as Ward Clerk and made a high priest, serving as High Priest Group 1st Assistant in our ward. I'm still 1st counselor in the Young Women's presidency and Katie is VERY excited to get baptized in April. And of course, if you follow our blog, you know all about our Bailey drama. Fortunately, he seems to have completely recovered. He's back to his cute, but naughty, self.

"We end our year extremely grateful. We are "seriously so blessed." Not because our lives are perfect, they are far from. But, we are so thankful for loving relationships, shelter, food, health, jobs and most importantly, our savior, Jesus Christ. Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on our blessings and remember the sacrifices made by Him. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season and a fabulous New Year."

Love,
The Huts
John, Judy, Katie (and yes, Bailey too)

Jude's Thursday Dish: Christmas Edition

Dear Santa:

To fulfill my passion for Pop Culture, I would like the following for Christmas (or at least sometime in 2009, I'm not greedy):

1. Mel Gibson to come out of exile and get behind/in front of the camera. I miss me some Mel!



2. The U.S. release of "Ally McBeal" on DVD Seasons 1 - 5. The U.K. version (on their weird Region 1 or 2 DVD players) does nothing for me.



3. A new book/movie series I can get jazzed about like "Harry Potter". You know, the kind you can't wait until the next book or movie comes out. Sorry, "Twilight" just doesn't do that for me.



4. Music from my favorite artists that make me want to go out and buy a CD. I miss that. Right now, I just buy songs on itunes.



5. Stop the grim, violent, "dark" movie trend! I want an Oscars with movies I can root for, not films I haven't seen because they are too disturbing...



6. ...instead, I'm loving this musical film trend. Bring on "Wicked" the movie!!! (But they MUST cast the two original leads, come on!).



7. Closure on all those TV shows that broke my heart. I'm talking about every show I get into that cancels and goes to the MIA network. I'm talking to you, "Veronica Mars". I'll take a TV special, a movie, even a comic book installment just so all the loose ends will get tied up.



8. Daytime soaps to become watchable again. With such great primetime shows, why can't they step it up in daytime? I used to love "Days", but if I turn it on now, I can seriously only watch 3 minutes before I'm completely annoyed. Then again, I really don't need another addiction, so maybe strike this one out?



9. Have Oprah stop doing things that make her likable to me. I really enjoy NOT liking Oprah, but then she does something human like putting her heavy picture on her magazine and I start to cave. That, and the "30 Rock" appearance. Stop it, O!



10. Keep those great TV romances lingering. Puh-leez, I don't want to see Jim and Pam get married until the final episode of "The Office". And don't ruin "Gossip Girl" for me by having Chuck and Blair hook-up already. Remember "Moonlighting"? We don't need any more Dave & Maddie letdowns.



I realize, Santa, that your influence over Hollywood is minimal -- or they wouldn't have made those terrible "The Santa Clause" movies. But, anything you can do for me, would be very much appreciated.

Love,
Judy

P.S. No more dish until 2009 since the last two Thursdays are holidays. But, if anything amazing comes my way, I'll be sure to post my thoughts. Lucky you.

Feedback For My Next Editor's Letter

I am racing to get everything done for my January issue before Friday, so I don't have to work next week. Since we go to press on December 26th (!!!), I'm terrified I'm going to be working through Christmas. Sooo, maybe you can help me? I'm throwing together -- no, just "expediting" my article for the Editor's Letter. It's on resolutions. The focus I want to write about is that as parents it's great to have our own personal resolutions to improve ourselves, but what about picking resolutions that will improve our families? How can YOU be a better parent, aunt, uncle, friend, teacher to the children in your life?

I won't be using any names, but I need some concrete examples. If you've got anything to share, please leave a comment. THANKS!

Jude's Thursday Dish

I've had a full plate today, so I'm going to have to give you a skimpy serving of dish this week. Here you go:

1. Award season for me is like football or baseball season to other people. And the Academy Awards is like my Super Bowl. So, I've been very excited that several nominations have already come in. The Golden Globe nominations were announced this morning and all I can say is "Boo! Hollywood Foreign Press!" I don't know much about the movie nominations, because I haven't seen any of those movies yet. I am very irritated by the "The Dark Knight" snubs. Yes, it totally disturbed me, but I recognize it was a terrific film. The TV nominations have a LOT of snubs. Why can't they show "Lost" some love? Last season was awesome with such a fabulous twist that you HAVE to award that kind of creativity. And there's some excellent acting going on. I get sick of all the cable shows getting the love (which is probably because I don't HAVE cable, so I'm out of the loop). And Tony Shaloub...again? He's been nominated for "Monk" SOOO many times. I'd love to see someone else get the chance. At least there were no nominations for James Spader or William Shatner in "Boston Legal" because I can't stand either of them. Anyway, the Golden Globes need to step it up. Remember how terrible last year's "awards" ceremony was? With all those entertainment reporters giving out the awards in a press conference venue? UGH!

2. Speaking of awards season, I was listening to 101.9 The End the other day and Tony Toscano brought up a very good point that I've been thinking about. Why is it in Hollywood they feel like they have to give someone award just because they didn't get it before? Just because someone hasn't won for the upteenth time they've been nominated, they shouldn't be given a "pity" win. There's several examples I can name, but one I'm thinking of is when Al Pacino got the Oscar for Best Actor for "A Scent of a Woman." There's no way that was his best role, but it was his 5th nom and the Academy must've felt he deserved it for his body of work. That's stupid. If you want to give an award for a body of work, that's what Lifetime Achievement awards are for. And when people like Alfred Hitchcock or Cary Grant never won an Oscar, let's not just hand-over the Oscar to Denzel Washington for "Training Day" when he had much better performances other years. If someone never wins, then wait and give them a Lifetime Achievement award instead of playing silly Hollwood politic games. Like Tony Toscano said, these actors aren't children. You don't just give them something so they don't feel bad. I'll take that even further. You don't award a sports team, an Olympian or even a Reflections entrant an award just because they've done good work in the past. You reward them for THAT year's performance. If that was the case, the Red Sox would've "won" the World Series years before 2004 because people felt sorry for them. That being said, I TRIPLE HEART Kate Winslet (for some reason, she's the only actress that doesn't bug me when she does nudity -- weird, I know), but I REALLY hope they don't just hand her the Oscar for either of her two films just because she's been nominated 5 times before. If she's the best this year, THEN reward her. And the same goes for Heath Ledger. He was awesome in "The Dark Knight" but if he's not truly the best supporting actor in his category, don't vote for him out of sympathy just because he's passed on. So, there's my rant... I'll be interested to see what happens in February.

Sorry so brief... that's it for this week!

Tis The Season To Be Jolly (even when you feel like crap)

So, it doesn't really matter whether I'm sick or not, it's Christmas and when you have a child, you have to suck it up. It's like that all year round. Moms never get sick days. Dads do. They can take a day off of work and lie in bed like big babies, but Moms have to keep going and going and going like the damn Energizer Rabbit. Now I'm lucky, because when I'm sick and John's home, he totally lets me rest and does everything else. He's great that way. I'm never as patient with him. Plus, I have one child, so I'm off the hook a bit. But still, it can wear me out. Especially during the Christmas season.

Of course, I caught Katie's cold and we've had non-stop holiday functions to go to: John's work dinner, the ward Christmas party, our annual visit to Sinter Claus and a Dutch party with John's siblings and our annual Soup & Lights party hosted by my cousin. All this since last Thursday. I totally pushed myself too hard and spent most of the day in bed on Sunday. That's probably backwards, but oh well. I don't want Katie to miss out and truthfully, I don't either. I look forward to these kinds of things. I just drug myself and put on a happy face. I mean, it's Christmas time, what else can you do?!!




And my nephew Mitchell, just because he's so cute!

Jude's Thursday Dish

I'm sitting here with Katie watching probably the 48th hour of kid shows this week. She's on her 4th day of being home sick. It's just a viral cold, but she can't seem to break her fever of about 101. We saw the pediatrician yesterday, so hopefully she'll be on the mend soon. Still, I've had it up to my eyeballs with PBS Kids and her 4 tivo-ed Disney shows ("Hannah Montana" drives me crazy). At least we got a "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" and "Elf" thrown in there for some variety. Thank heaven for TV or I wouldn't get any work done.


1. Due to our drama week, I didn't get a chance to see "Twilight" yet. But, John and I did go and see "Australia". I LOVED it! It's not a perfect movie by any means. There's some implausible parts of the plot and I have no idea the historical accuracy or whether they were true to it or not. The first 20 minutes felt over the top and madcap like classic Baz Luhrmann. But then it turned and started feeling like a "real" movie. It doesn't fit into Baz's Red Curtain Trilogy ("Strictly Ballroom" -- awesome!, "Romeo + Juliet" and "Moulin Rouge"), but it stands on it's own. It reminded me of a big 80's or 90's epic, like "Far and Away" (but not as cheesey). I can see why critics don't like it, because it's not cynical enough. And epics are out (an epic film hasn't won an Oscar since "Gladiator" in 2001 -- and that was grizzly). Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was 3 hours long, which I absolutely detest long movies, but I only felt bored once in the middle and checked John's watch. For the most part, it was fast and entertaining. Nicole Kidman really has come into her own. She definitely got better since divorcing psycho Tom Cruise. And Hugh Jackman. Oooh, he's perfect in this. I'm so glad Russell Crowe didn't take the role (he wanted too much money). Hugh's a really hottie! He should've shown this side of him years ago and he'd have a heart throb reputation long before now. So, I recommend it -- but truth be told, I'm not sure it's for everyone. If you do see it, let me know what you thought!


2. Yes, I swore I wasn't going to cave in and go see anymore kid's movies in 2008. But if you know me at all, I obviously say a lot of things and always either give in or change my mind. My MTC branch president said once of my best qualities is that I'm "teachable", but I think it's just that I can't commit to anything -- even my own choices. Anyway, a bunch of my family went to go see "Bolt" the night of Thanksgiving, so of course, John and I went along with Katie. It was 3D, so it was kind of a pain. I had being crying for 2 days straight, so I got a headache. And John gets motion sickness, so he got one two. Aren't we just old farts? The movie was cute. John Travolta drives John crazy and Miley Cyrus' voice does the same for me (doesn't she always sound like she has a gumball or a retainer in her mouth?) so that probably didn't help us enjoy it. But, the hamster in the ball was hilarious. And the story was original. Of course the kids loved it, but I would've rather had stayed home and watched "Kung Fu Panda" again.

3. It's time for my midterm report on the TV I've been watching. My shows have dramatically dropped from all my high hopes of shows I'd start up in September, but it's good because I really don't have the time to keep up.

First, shows I bailed on: Dancing with the Stars (too much time), Biggest Loser (missed a few episodes and couldn't catch up), Private Practice (sucks), 90210 (sucks more), Grey's Anatomy (sucky-ish, come on... dead Denny is back in visions, gag!) and sadly, no more Pushing Daisies after the next couple of episodes even though it was GREAT!


The Amazing Race: B+
This hasn't been my favorite season, but it's been a blast watching it with Katie. She gets really into it. Our favorite team got the boot (they lost their passports AND their money on Sunday -- an Amazing Race first). And I just found out the Dallas had a naked picture of himself circulating on the Internet, so that drops it down a 1/2 grade. We're not really invested in any of the final 3 that will race to the finish line on Sunday. But I really heart this show.


Desperate Housewives: B
The smarm factor has been dialed down a bit, so that really helps. Plus, having Gabby (Eva Longoria) being a frumpy housewife has been really entertaining. They stole a page out of the "Lost" handbook jumping 5 years ahead, but it gave the show a shot in the arm. I was ready to give up for good, but I'm glad I gave it a 2nd chance.

Brothers & Sisters: C
This season is DULL. When I feel like "Oh, I really need to watch this because it's STILL on my Tivo" and watch it on a night I can't fall asleep at midnight hoping it WILL put me to sleep -- that doesn't say much for that show. That show needs a pep-up to keep me watching in January.


Gossip Girl: A
Love it!!! I didn't see season 1 and I've heard this season isn't as good, but since I'm a newbie, I'm totally into it.

My Thursday Night Line-up -
My Name is Earl: C
It's gotten better since Earl's back doing the list, but I only watch this if I'm around
Kath & Kim: B
Funny, but kind of the same thing with Earl. If I'm home, I'll watch it. But I don't bother to Tivo it for later
The Office: A-
Great season so far, especially looking up now that Pam is back!
30 Rock: A
There's only been 4 episodes, but it's just classic 30 Rock. And that Oprah episode was sublime!

4. This is completely random, but did you see the Macy's Thanksgiving parade? I always think it's so bizarre when stars are on a float singing their contemporary hits. Here's Idina Menzel singing a song from her new album on the M & M float, just because she was Elpheba on Broadway and the green M & M is dressed as the same? But, nothing was MORE bizarre than the Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends. The cartoon figures started to sing a song from the show when out of the blue, Rick Astley showed up and started singing "Never Gonna Give You Up." It was so bizarre. It wasn't until after that I looked into it online. I guess it's called being "Rick Rolled." It's an Internet Meme (like an Internet inside joke). Someone sends you a link to something that they say is relevant, but the link actually takes you to the Rick Astley 1987 video for "Never Gonna Give You Up." If you're a child of the 80's, it will definitely bring you back. On Wikipedia, it shares all these examples of how Rickrolling has extended into disrupting all kinds of situations. So, I guess I would've enjoyed the parade interuption a lot more if I knew that it was meant to be funny. I guess I'm not as Internet savvy as I thought. Here's the clip I'm talking about.



That's it for this week!

The Polar Express

On Saturday night, we went up to the Heber Valley Railroad for the Polar Express train. We had some trade through my work which is a good thing, because it's REALLY expensive! Anyway, it was a lot of fun. You get hot cocoa and cookies served by elves and chefs in white hats.


They pass out the storybook to everyone and it's told over the loud speaker. Then, everyone sang carols...badly. The Conductor comes by and hole punches each child's ticket.



Mrs. Claus walks down the aisle greeting everyone and gives the parents a recipe for the cookies they served. After about 45 minutes on the train, you get to the North Pole where you can see Santa outside. This is when our car completely freaked out. The kids were out of control. Katie turned to me and said, "Santa's coming. How do I look? How do I look?" You would've thought she was going to meet Bono. I mean, Santa really is a rock star, and better, for a kid. It took some time, but Santa made his way to our car and each kid got a photo op. It was too insane for him to sit with each child, but they all got to meet him and got a silver reindeer bell to take home. I love the book, but I'm not a fan of the movie -- so it was just right for me and of course, Katie had a blast.