Sticky rice, much?

Lucy

Lane

15 months

Darby O'Thrill and the Little People (does that sound like a band name?)

Don't you think it's kind of sad when a day comes along that is supposed to be a holiday, but it feels like every other day? St. Patrick's Day is kind of like that for me. I mean, I have to admit, I've never had an experience like this on that day. (In my opinion, that has to be the funniest St. Patrick's Day story EVER. And I will always remember it because it happened to my friend Patrick.) So I wear my green and try to feel festive, but let's be honest, if you're not into heavy drinking, there's not really much else to this day.

Until now.

The Thrillionaires have decided to take matters into their own hands and make THIS St. Patrick's Day one to remember. We're bringing in the ultra suave, super dapper Orlando Seale from across the pond to join us for a rip-stomping Shakespeare play and all-out Irish fun. The show will begin at 8 pm at the Covey Arts Center in Provo. This performance also marks our two year anniversary as a troupe! You do not want to miss it! Go to www.coveycenter.org or call 801-852-7007 to buy tickets. Leave me a comment if you want to be on a "coupon guest list" that gets you in for $3 off the $10 ticket price. See you there!

For those of you who think I'm the creative one in the family...

Please watch this little movie that my husband and his twin brothers made for their dad for Christmas one year. It is truly remarkable to me that it came from the blood, sweat, and tears of two future dentists and one future lawyer. Job well done, boys. I never knew you had it in you!

P.S. Much like Pixar, Ben has included a special, "tasty" surprise after the credits!

It's a trilogy!

This is the final Jessica Belmont video. It's longer than the others because it's not the final cut, but I didn't want to leave you hanging. It also stars my friend Brett, who could write a book called "It's All in the Delivery!" (And no, he's not a doctor or mailman.)

I also threw in another car dealership commercial, just for the heck of it. This one aired in Wyoming! Yee-haw!

Rocking my world since February 25, 2003

Allow me to preface this brag by saying that it is my brag, so I can say whatever I want. OK, now having said that, I'd like to go ahead and say that I just might have given birth to one of the cutest, most awesome boy babies on the planet. He was a week overdue and still the doctor wouldn't induce me. When a non-stress test revealed that he was overcooked, they checked me in to the hospital that afternoon. That night, there was a blizzard, so at 3:45 am, after my epiderral had worn off, my doctor was a no-show and Ben and the nurse got to deliver him. (The Dr. was a real jerk about it, too, when he finally did get there, by the way) But he was healthy and beautiful and that's all that mattered to me. My boy baby is five today. He loves Star Wars and his twin sisters and eating. Recently, he decided to take Remy's advice (of Ratatouille fame) and savor two flavors at a time. His favorite? Apples and cheese. Here are some pictures of him from last week as he takes in the magic of those two flavors:




He closed his eyes every time he chewed. I love him!

Here he is with his girls:


And here are some of my other favorite pics of him, just cause:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ETHAN! (Stop getting big, and don't get married...)

More fun with Jessica Belmont

If you have not yet seen the first Jessica Belmont video, then episode 2 might not make sense. I had a fun time making these. Besides, who doesn't feel like screaming in public places sometimes?


P.S. Does anyone else think I look really pink? Let's blame it on the fact that this is a rough cut. Joseph or Theron, if you're reading this, where's my DVD, buddies?

The Things I Do For My Friends...

A while back now, my adorable, talented, amazing friend Matt tagged me to write six little known facts about myself. At least I think that was the assignment. I had already done the "Seven strange things about me" one, so it has taken me a little while to think up more stuff.

1. I...love...ellipses... Maybe you've noticed... For me, they convey just the perfect amount of subtle wit or wry sarcasm. I'm not really an exclamation point girl--too in-your-face. Periods just don't give me enough feeling. I use dashes a lot too--they seem conversational. Oh, and parentheses. They are like funny asides, or secrets between you and me. (I feel like a nerd right now...)

2. I do not wear yellow. I think the picture below is the last time I wore it. Notice the age of my kids! I think it is a gorgeous color, just not so much on me.

3. I had the best job ever from the ages of 15 to 18. My friend Rebecca hooked me up big-time with a cush job recording songs for elementary school kids for Macmillan/Mcgraw Hill School Publishing. We would go to the recording studio for about four to six hours, mostly during the summer, and sing all of these different songs, taking long breaks in between and eating a lot. We recorded many of the songs in different languages--we would just have the words written phonetically. Sometimes, we would get called in to lay down a solo, which was cool because you got paid extra. For whatever reason, I sort of rocked at the Asian solos so that was all I ever ended up doing. Our producers wanted to tell their boss that I was some little Chinese girl named Hai Lee. I was cool with that. I still remember one entire Chinese song and I will sing it for you next time I see you, I promise. But I tell you what, after having a job like that, waiting tables is just not as glamorous as you might think.

4. I had a total of five Norwegian live-in nannies as a kid. Consequently, I can count to ten in Norwegian and probably know some swear words.

5. I ran track and field in high school for two years because it was the easiest sport to letter in. I ran the 100m high hurdles. No, I was not the star of the team, but yes, I got that letter. The next year, my school passed a policy that allowed you to letter in choir and theater. All of those shin splints for nothing!

6. I love hospitals. I went to visit my friend at the hospital last month and this feeling of peace and warmth washed over me as I walked through the doors. I just wanted to check myself in. Granted, I'd had a rough week, but everyone is so helpful and everything is so sterile. And I like hospital food. I hope heaven is kind of like a hospital for just a few days, maybe while you recover from your "journey" from the other side. All my loved ones can come visit and I can eat and rest and read magazines (although probably not Entertainment Weekly.)

OK, so I tag my mom and Mila and Aydan and I think everyone else has done this.

P.S. I did not purposefully delete my family links from the sidebar. Ben did. He was trying to upload a new template for me and he messed everything up, bless his heart. I haven't had the patience or the time to fix it. So don't be offended, family...

"Sexy? You're sexy. Shut up!"*

Even though you live at the Law School Library, I'll still let you be my Valentine, I guess...

*This quote is just one of the many reasons I love Ms. Tina Fey.

The Things You Do For Your Kids...

I am not a crafty person by nature. I am the type of person who walks into a craft store and starts feeling suffocated by the huge amounts of cute items that are supposed to go together in some awesome way, but I just don't know how! It baffles me. And so I leave the craftiness to my amazing sister-in-laws.

So how in the world did I get this daughter who LOVES to make crafts? She was giddy in the craft store on Saturday, poring over embellishments and exclaiming "Mom, these are soooo cute!!" She got excited over glue dots. I, on the other hand, was having a heart attack. "Please, Mila, hurry and pick out your stuff so we can go to Target!"

She wanted to make homemade Valentines, you see. She does every year, and last year I talked her out of it. "Oh come on, everyone wants candy. Let's just do bags with candy. Done and done." I know. Nice mom, to always encourage her creative endeavors. (Incidentally, my mom found a book I "published" in elementary school and the dedication read:"To my parents, who sometimes support me in my artistic endeavors." Not "always." See? I turned out OK.)

This year, I wasn't so lucky. I bit the bullet, made the trip to the store, spent the money, and then tried to avoid her yesterday, because every time I saw her, she batted her eyelashes and asked sweetly, "Is it time to start making my Valentines?" "Uh, no, I need a nap..." (which I did, to be fair--working in the Nursery could kill a person.)

But nap-time came and went and I found myself out of excuses. So we sat down at the table with all her loot spread out and went to town. We have only made eleven Valentines so far, but I have to admit, I am very proud of us. I am even going to post pictures of them with cheesy captions because this is such a momentous event. (Disclaimer: this is card-making 101 here--please do not suggest that I should give up my day job--I will know you are lying...)

This card-making business has not changed my mind about crafting. I am still just as perplexed as I was before. However, I feel satisfied that my daughter thinks that maybe her mom is cool and crafty, and that's enough for me.

Fancy scrapbooking paper: $.50

Cardboard sparkly hearts and stuff: $2.95

Cardstock cards: $6.95

Making homemade Valentines with your daughter: Priceless

A Humble Request

This goes out to those of you who love to say, "Your hands are full!" May I just suggest spicing it up a bit with a few alternatives? Maybe, when you're tempted to spit out your old standby, you should just bite your tongue and try one of these on for size:

"You are the luckiest woman in the world!"

"How did one person get so many blessings?"

"You are awesome!"

"You are Superwoman!"

"Can I have your autograph?"

That way, when this mom woke up to DiarrheaGate 2008 Part 2 this morning, she could have had all of those lovely thoughts buzzing through her head rather than, "Oh my gosh, my hands are really full, oh wow, they're full..."

Seriously. A little encouragement goes a LONG way...

A few more...

I got these pics off of my sister-in-laws' blogs because I didn't have any of these on my camera.

The whole family--I'm surprised we got this one!

Proud Grandparents--these were hilarious to watch!

Sisters-in-law--I have some of the best!

Holiday Recap

I know that the holidays are over, believe me, especially as I'm freezing my tail off in this never-ending January (almost February) weather. However, I'd like to bask in the warmth of the holidays long past for just a moment.

We kicked off December with a raging party for the twins on the 2nd.

The girls, when presented with their cakes, reacted in opposite ways.

Laney demolished the thing in twenty seconds, shoving fistfuls of chocolate in her mouth...

...while Lucy, the Felix to Lane's Oscar, sat there and stared in disgust at the pink frosting that had somehow attached itself to her finger.

Opening presents

My mom and Aydan arrived at the tail-end of the party, and stayed with us for a week.

We went with Grandpa and Grandma Cannon and Aunt Margy and Uncle Eldon to see the lights at Temple Square.

Ethan, Aydan and Mila riding TRAX

Lucy and Lane, looking cozy, with the other kids at Temple Square

Mom, Lucy, Grandma, Lane and Aydan waiting for the train

Mom LOVES those babies!

We made a stop at Build-a-Bear to pick up a Rudolph and Clarice with Travis and Rachel and Co. (It was mainly the moms who wanted the reindeer, let's be honest)

Mila, waiting to get her Clarice stuffed. Look at festive Rachel in the background...

Mila, Andrew, Ethan and Emma with the finished products!

We got to see Mila's Christmas play. She played Friendly the Elf and Rachel made her a killer elf ensemble.

Why yes, those are bells around the edge of her skirt! She jingled all over the stage!

After Ben got done with Finals, we headed to Scottsdale, Arizona, where we spent Christmas in condos with Ben's entire family. It was wild and crazy and some people were throwing up and others were playing Guitar Hero III all night long--basically our typical family gathering. Here are some highlights:

That would be SEVEN one year olds. Count them if you don't believe me! We were all pregnant together. The couch really clashes with them and it bugs me, but whatev

All the grandkids, looking content on this peaceful Christmas Eve

The boys--can you guess which one is the dad? Barely!

The ladies--no one pregnant in this picture! (At least, I think so...)

Mila and her American Girl doll--don't you think they look alike?

Melanie and I took nine kids to the train park by ourselves--what were we thinking?

Lane, enjoying the park

Lucy, with a sticker on her face


Ladies' day out was spent getting massages, pedicures, and a fantastic lunch at the Cheesecake Factory!

I look tired in this picture. Maybe because I was. Sleeping in the same room with five people who wake you up all night does not a good night's sleep make. Especially after you've stayed up half the night talking about hemorrhoids--I love this family.

I have more pictures of our trip but I feel like I have posted a million already, and I really need to take a shower...

Funny Famous Friends

My friends Jake, Matt, and Garrett made this short film for the 24-hour short film competition in last week's LDS Film Festival. They won "Audience Choice" and "First Place"!



Matt was in another short film in the festival called "Blind Faith" with my friend Brett. Finally, my friend Erin starred in TWO feature films that premiered at the festival, "Errand of Angels" about sister missionaries, and "Tears of a King" about Elvis' religious side. She was Priscilla! I am seriously star-struck by all of them!

Flu, you are not my friend

And so I'm asking you to leave. I'm not even going to ask nicely any more. I've said "Please," I've made subtle hints like, "Wow, you've been here a week--I bet you're getting sick of us!" But you just keep on hanging out in the twins' room, messing up the carpets, making me do loads and loads of extra laundry, and eating me out of applesauce and bananas. I never get to go anywhere because I have to entertain you all day and all night long. I can't have friends over because you're such a clinger and it's just embarrassing. I consider myself to be a pretty patient hostess, but I loathe you. So far, you've managed to keep your distance from me and I appreciate that, but if you so much as brush my cheek, I will lose it. GET OUT OF MY HOUSE AND FIND SOMEONE ELSE TO ANNOY!

And on the way out, try to convince your dude bro, Winter, to leave with you. I know it's futile, because I know from past experience that he's going to stick around for at least three more months. It's hard to believe that we were so looking forward to his visit back in November. He was still the life of the party in December and everyone commented on his good looks all the time, and he's still charming on occasion, but most days, just really hung-over. I still love him, and I'm sure I'll be happy to see him next year. But at the same time, he's the one who introduced me to you, and so I will never forgive him for that.

I Feel You, Cinderella...

Last night was magical. It really was. Almost 700 people came to see us. You might be saying, "Uh, they came to see Mr. Heyborne, not you!" But he was one of us for the night, and we had a REALLY great time! The set was amazing, the theater was gorgeous, the band was to die for, the audience was a joy, and the talent wasn't too shabby, either. (If I do say so myself...)


I know I say it all the time, but I adore these people and I am so grateful for this outlet in my life. Thanks a thrillion, you guys!


After it was all over, I came home to two major, up-the-back, down-the-leg diaper blow-outs, so don't you worry, I am keeping it REAL.

(Pictured, left to right, are Maclain Nelson, Brett Merritt, some chick in a red shirt, Kirby Heyborne, Jake Suazo, and Matt Mattson. You might be wondering why the poster is backwards in the pics. It's because none of us wanted to stand outside in the 2 degree weather and I don't have the patience or the know-how to flip the thing in Photoshop!)

January Blues Getting You Down?

Have no fear! The Thrillionaires can chase those winter blahs away! On Friday, January 18, the Thrillionaires are kicking off the New Year in their new home at the Stephen R. Covey Arts Center, located in downtown Provo. We have invited Kirby Heyborne to come and be a guest performer for our 1940's themed play and musical. A live jazz quartet, put together by this guy, will accompany us with improvised music. The show begins at 8 and tickets are $10, but contact me for a $3 off coupon that you can use for any event at the Arts Center.

For those of you who have no idea what a Thrillionaire is, we perform live, improvised theater complete with costumes and music. We perform many different styles and genres, including Shakespeare, Western, Film Noir, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Jane Austen, High School Musical, and Sitcom. Don't miss this event!

(I've been meaning to post this for the last few weeks, but somehow my crazy life, a little baby vomit, and a whole lot of nasty diaper business has prevented me from doing so...)

Happy 2008!

Happy New Year, everyone! I have lots to post about, but first up, I'd like to introduce a new blogger. I think she's amazing and her blog can be found here. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you!