What were you doing last night?

Click here to see what I was up to...

And last Wednesday, I was doing this. Sherry, Melanie, Kelly, will you PLEASE check your Costcos asap for me? It could get ugly when I run out of the stuff!

Broadway, Anyone?

ONE NIGHT ONLY! TWO PERFORMANCES
Saturday, February 7th - 6:00 and 8:30

Wicked, Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Rent, Thoroughly Modern Millie, West Side Story, Secret Garden, Children of Eden…a showcase of popular musical theater featuring some of Utah’s finest talent. Hosted by award winning recording artist, Jenny Jordan Frogley

With a cast of close to 100, performers have worked on Broadway, in national and international tours, film, television, in the recording industry, for Disney, in professional dance companies, and cruise ship/theme park entertainment

Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 227-8765 Ext. 252 (Mon-Fri 7:30-2:30)
$10.00-General Admission $15.00-Reserved

*All proceeds will go to the Syd Riggs Scholarship

***If interested in donating to the scholarship fund contact us at sydscholarship@yahoo.com

The information above is taken from the Facebook event, however I'd like to add a few things.

For this production, I will be singing two songs as Jo from "Little Women" and one song as Eponine from "Les Miserables." I know what you're thinking, because it's what I was thinking: "They couldn't find anyone else in the ridiculously talented Utah County to play two seventeen year old girls?" The truth is, the girl who originally sang Eponine in Syd's production is currently on Broadway (she also has a delightful blog) and couldn't make it, so they asked me. Hey, I'll be poor man's Broadway any day! OK, so I'm really nervous, but as always, love a challenge.

As for Syd, I first really met her when I auditioned for "Lucky Stiff" at the Hale in Orem in 1999. I was very nervous, but Syd was so welcoming and warm. I got cast and had a blast working with everyone involved. Syd was very kind to me, and I always felt guilty after "Stiff" that every time she asked me to audition for another play she was directing, I was either in a BYU production, or pregnant, or had some other valid excuse. I totally planned on working with her again some day, but she passed away unexpectedly in 2005. Syd has impacted so many people in a positive, life-changing way, and I feel lucky to have met her. I am very honored that I was asked to be a part of this benefit show. If you love Broadway music, I hope you can come!

P.S. I am only advertising this show because I know everyone already has their Mindy/Thrills tickets, right?

(Also, Ben said I look mean on the poster, but I told him it's only because I have a serious expression and I'm in a row with a bunch of smilies, and that if I were in a row with other serious people, I wouldn't look mean, I would simply look like the serious actress that I am. So what do you think? Mean, or just intense and mysterious?)

Change of Scenery

The bad news is that I'm not feeling so awesome today. The good news is that I'm hanging out over at Mindy's, so go check it out!

Going Under Cover (Like Jack and Tony)

My title reminds me that it is a really good time for TV right now. The BIG 4 are all on the air, all highly anticipated and all sure to be better than ever. But Hailey, what are the BIG 4, you might be asking? Well, I was just getting to that, even though this is not the true intent of my post. (But important, nonetheless.)

1) 24: Ben and I bailed halfway through the last season, whenever it was on last, like four years ago. As soon as we saw James Cromwell, we knew he was bad (LA Confidential, hello?) and so we decided we could now write the 24 scripts and we were out. But right now, it's going well, my Tony is back, and Ben likes the new redhead. So everyone's happy.

2) Lost: Oh wow, did you watch the season premiere? Anyone who complains about how nothing ever happens on Lost was surely eating those words on Thursday morning because wow. I love that show and its characters and its mysteries, and Lisa and I drank Bellagio sipping chocolate and we were in Lost heaven.

3) Battlestar Galactica: It's the final season of the sci-fi show and I'm DYING to have everything revealed. I am a huge geek of the week, and I seriously DO NOT CARE. And Ben loves it too, so there.

4) Friday Night Lights: You think I put this as a joke, but you are wrong. This is one of the best dramas to ever hit the small screen. The characters and relationships are so true to life it's frightening some times. Like, did they have a camera in my house? Since I refuse to watch real live football, this is a place in the middle where my husband and I can meet.

And now I've almost forgotten what I was really going to write about. Oh yes, I am making my blog private. People blog for all sorts of reasons: to be famous (or because they already are), to make a million friends, for therapy, for family members and/or for posterity. Since I blog for mainly the latter reasons, I figure it's a no-brainer. If I already have your e-mail address, you will be invited to be a reader. If I don't have it, please leave your e-mail in a comment, or you can send it to me via Facebook. If neither of those options work, I'm sure we will find a way!

And don't forget to set those Tivos.

The Sinking of Santa Isabel

I saw this movie last night at the LDS Film Festival and I loved it.



The story was heartfelt and unique, the characters made you fall in love with them, and the screenplay was hilarious and touching at the same time. I am so sad that it is not going to be released in theaters. When it comes out on DVD, please rent it. I am going to buy it so I can watch it with my kids some day. And Jake and Maclain, I am seriously so proud of you guys.

Looking Forward to:

Monday, February 2 at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo! The Thrillionaires will be the guest performers at a benefit concert given by singer/songwriter Mindy Gledhill for Christian and Stephanie Nielson. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the family. It's totally win-win, because not only are you donating to a worthy cause, but you get to be entertained and touched and laugh and cry--I can't wait! Now, a little back story on how this benefit came to be:

A couple of years ago, the Thrillionaires were asked to emcee the big show for Women's Conference at BYU. We did, and it was awesome. A beautiful lady by the name of Mindy Gledhill was one of the performers that night. Upon being introduced, Mindy and I went back and forth playing the "Where do I know you from?" game. We never did get to the bottom of it, but we figured it was some class at BYU and left it at that. The first time I heard Mindy sing one of her songs, I was just riveted. Not only did she have a gorgeous voice, but she sang with such passion and her lyrics were introspective and emotional.

Flash forward two and a half years. Mindy, a friend of Stephanie's, decides to put on a benefit concert in Provo. She wants it to be a fun and carefree night and so she brainstorms comedic relief options. She remembers our little group and calls Chris Clark, Stephanie's brother. "Do you, by chance, have any connections to the Thrillionaires?" Chris was like, "Are you kidding?" She had no idea that Chris was actually in the Thrillionaires and that his wife was one of the founding members. She got in touch with Lisa and I and we were absolutely thrilled.

For my part, since hearing about the plane crash, I have wanted to do something to help. The trouble is, my crafting skills are extremely sub-par, I don't have a blog with lots of traffic, and my husband is in school, making us the poor ones. The only thing I can do is perform with my friends, and hopefully make people laugh sometimes. And so this opportunity is exactly what I've been waiting for--I cannot even tell you how excited I am! Thank you, Mindy--you are a beautiful person and I'm honored to share the night with you! (Not like she'll read that, but I just like to put it out there in the universe...)

So please come! You will have a wonderful time, I promise! And even if you don't, you can still leave the building with a smile knowing you've contributed to NieNie. You can buy your tickets here. To find out more about the silent auction taking place that night, go here. Also, you can buy Mindy's new cd here. Mila and I love it.

What are you gonna do about it, huh?

So what if I didn't get out of the house today until 11:45 AM? Everyone was fed, some of us were bathed, had clean underwear/diapers on, everyone was wearing shoes--it was a HUGE success!

So what if Ethan tried to run away while I was loading everyone into the car because he decided today he doesn't like school any more? I backed out of the driveway anyway, and he totally came a-runnin'.

So what if Ethan's lunch consisted of Costco samples? Today was a good day for that very thing and he feasted on: a smoothie, an Uncrustable wedge, edamame, yogurt, and some chicken thing.

So what if the guy who was putting my groceries in the cart asked me if Ethan was my son, then told me some lady had brought him over, and I had not only not noticed any lady, but had never even noticed he was gone?* I was able to use lots of coupons, the twins never cried, and Maclain and I got some important business done over the phone. You can't have everything!

So what if Ethan was 10 minutes late to Kindergarten because of my Costco shopping? I know, I know--not good! Well, I'm going to have to blame it on him for trying to run away...twice.

*Ethan is not a wanderer nor a clinger. He is more of a hoverer. He is always there when I'm shopping, just sort of hovering around the cart, always moving with me. So for him to get lost was very out of character. I just always expect him to be hovering there, so I didn't even notice that he wasn't there...hovering. When I asked him where he was, he said he was turning in circles by the shirts and got lost. But he also made sure to tell me that he didn't cry because boys get embarrassed and worried but don't cry.

Looking back on '08, even if I'm a little late

I realize I have blog ADD. I jump around in time and don't really stay relevant or current. But I'm the same way in real life. I start paying some bills, I get up to go get some stamps, and all of a sudden I'm sorting through coupons by the stamps. Next thing you know, I'm writing a shopping list, when I check to see if I'm out of flour. Ooh, I see brownie mix--I'm now making brownies. I get tired of standing and so I go watch Jon and Kate while I fold some laundry. The glare from the playroom light bugs me so I go to turn it off. The toys in the playroom irk me so I start cleaning them up. I find that Lego piece Ethan was looking for so I take it up to his room, where I find my cell phone I left in there earlier while putting clothes away. I see missed calls and so I return them. See where this is going? Sometimes I work all day without ever completing one whole task. Total ADD.

That said, I have stuff I really want to write down. And so I continue to blog in my own peculiar way. Now, because it seems appropriate for this time of year, and because I, once again, managed to keep up my streak of not sending out Christmas cards, I give you my 2008 highlights!

Family Stuff:


The twins started walking and sort of talking this year and broke records for cuteness and screaming louder than any known persons on the planet. They love shoes, clothes, babies, jumping in their cribs, "Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree," fighting with each other, and eating. Their favorite TV show is the Wiggles.

Lucy

Lane

Ethan continued his devotion for all things Star Wars and discovered a passion for Indiana Jones and Legos, and won the "Best Friend" award at pre-school. He spent the summer living outside in the park pretty much and then began Kindergarten in the fall. He recently lost his first tooth after using it to tear Legos off of creations instead of his fingers. He continues to be his mother's living, breathing Id. His favorite TV show is The Suite Life of Zak and Cody, so he says, but his mom refuses to let him watch it so she makes him watch the Wiggles with the girls.


Mila discovered her inner tomboy this year as she developed an affinity for Pokemon, Legos, and Club Penguin. But she still loves American Girl so she's "girly-girl" enough. She spends her recesses with her male friends wearing out holes in her jeans because she is "Evee and Evee goes on all fours." She loves school and drama and is quite the little actress. She got baptized in August and it was a happy day. She continues to be her mother's living, breathing Superego. Her favorite TV shows are Ace of Cakes and How It's Made.



Ben has been at school every single day this whole year. Not really, but it sure feels like it. He did spend a month in Bucharest, Romania, and a week backpacking with his brothers in California and a weekend in St. George golfing, and took a couple trips to New York to get wined and dined so don't feel too bad for him. He got a job for next summer with a firm in Manhattan, so I guess he's doing good at that school of his, where they call him by his last name only. Ben also started biking this fall, and by biking, I mean he rode his bike to school about three times. BUT he's going to ride it tons more in 2009, I'm sure. Ben's favorite TV shows are The Office, 30 Rock, Psych, Friday Night Lights, Battlestar Galactica and Iron Chef.



As for me, you know what I've been doing this year: mom stuff, wife stuff, church stuff and friend stuff. And I went back to being a redhead. My favorite stuff to eat right now: the white pizza from Pizzeria 712 (had it last night), Bangkok Grill Thai food, Red Mango frozen yogurt, panini sandwiches (try one with Nutella and sliced bananas-trust me!) I think my favorite movie of last year was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and I say that because I saw it last night and I was trying so hard not to bawl out loud that it hurt me inside. So bring Kleenex. My favorite TV shows are Mad Men, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, The Office, Lost, Pushing Daisies, SYTYCD, Project Runway, The Amazing Race, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Jon and Kate, and I think and hope that's it.


**Family pictures taken by Travis Deming


Performances of 2008:

There were many Thrillionaires shows last year. My favorite moments included the musical portion of the Kirby Heyborne show, the Shakespeare play in the Orlando Seale show (our best to date), the uniqueness of the Laura Bedore show, and the fun had by all at the Alex Boye show. I also loved performing on the outdoor stage up at Sundance, where I was once given the secret from an audience member that I was, in fact, a man. Don't worry, it all worked out, and I got to cradle carry Maclain in the end. I will also remember the 80's show in September, which was seamless from start to finish. Then there was that Christmas show with a ridiculously small audience, but Lisa and I giggled all the way through and I loved every minute of it.





In April, I was asked to play Becca in a performance of Rabbit Hole at UVU. I had to warm up my dramatic chops but it was nice to know that they were still in there somewhere. Performing this well-written piece with Chris, Jenny, Chris, and Laura was truly awesome and challenging and I was grateful for the chance. I loved watching Chris C. and Jenny's scene, and my favorite scene in the play was the "lemon bars" scene I had with Chris B.



The summer brought Little Women. It was the first time I had done a musical in nine years. It was also the first time I was a thirty-one year old playing seventeen. It was great to be able to sing so much again and I had a blast finding the "Jo" in me. Once again, I was able to work with close friends and met many new ones.




Jet-Setting:

In 2008, I travelled to Romania and Paris, and found within me the burning desire to travel to many other places. I adored Paris, but I don't think that is a secret. I also got to go on a last-minute trip to Manhattan and found it to be lovely and thrilling. Again, something about staying in Times Square overlooking the TKTS booth brought forth this yearning in me to see every single play that was in that town. I am so going back. Especially since I will most likely be living there. We took family trips to Eden, Utah, Arizona and California and loved being with cousins and grandparents. Our families are amazing and so are our friends and we are truly lucky.




Other highlights of 2008:

Many nights at Lisa's, eating popcorn with M&Ms while we watched our stories, theater dates with Jenny, highly anticipated visits from Mimi (my mom), birthdays and holidays with Rachel and Co., Jake and Matt got married (not to each other), beautiful girls Margaret and Ella were born, all of our parents came to town for Mila's baptism, Brett and Amelia's sealing, the Clark family miracle, Thanksgiving with Dad and Janine and Michelle and Jacqui and families, and partying in AZ for Christmas with Ben's awesome (loud) family.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!