A Fun Giveaway! And Friday is the New Thursday

Hello my lovely friends. Remember my friend Christina @ Pooh's Corner and how she made "100" using 100 candy corns for me when I reached 100 followers? Well, it seems she has an affinity for candy corn, because she's got a fun idea for a giveaway on her blog, using...you guessed it....CANDY CORN!

Here's the best part....Christina is giving away 3 prizes, and one of them is being saved for one of my personal minions. How awesome is that!? All you need to do is head over to her blog, tell her you're visiting from my blog, and guess the number of candy corns in the jar on her latest post. Whichever one of you is closest to the correct number of candy corns wins a prize! Fun stuff, right? Don't forget to tell her that you're visiting from my blog!

Now go and join in on the fun!

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Now...I know I'm a little late for this, but it was just too fun and I had to join in. My friend Marissa @ A Peek Into My Life hosts this fun meme called Quirky Thursdays.


To join in, click on the button above.

This week's topic....

Your top 6 (or just 6) of your favorite characters from a movie.

You all know how I love movies. *giant smile* So, here goes! (In no particular order...)

(1) Mr. Edward Magorium from "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium"

I don't think there's ever been a more inspiring character in movie history--not to say he hasn't been matched, but he's definitely special. He has this distinguished wisdom about him, but its buried beneath a childlike exterior. Overall, I think Magorium has the perspective on life that I strive for.

"Life is an occasion....rise to it"
Mr. Edward Magorium

(2) George Banks from "Father of the Bride"

One of the most real characters in any movie that I've seen. Sentimental is probably the best word to describe him. His sarcasm is trademark to the nervous closure of one chapter of life, and progression into the next. Aren't we all like that?

(3) Lucius Hunt & Ivy Walker from "The Village"

I know that's two, but can you seriously separate them? I've got to admit...to those people who find Pride and Prejudice to be the most romantic story of all time--The Village tops the list for me.

Ivy Walker: When we are married, will you dance with me? I find dancing very agreeable. Why can you not say what is in your head?

Lucius Hunt: Why can you not stop saying what is in yours? Why must you lead, when I want to lead? If I want to dance I will ask you to dance. If I want to speak I will open my mouth and speak. Everyone is forever plaguing me to speak further. Why? What good is it to tell you you are in my every thought from the time I wake? What good can come from my saying that I sometimes cannot think clearly or do my work properly? What gain can rise of my telling you the only time I feel fear as others do is when I think of you in harm? That is why I am on this porch, Ivy Walker. I fear for your safety before all others. And yes, I will dance with you on our wedding night.

*sigh* :)

(4) Shrek

Um...need I say more?

(5) Roy O'Bannon & Chon Wang from "Shanghai Noon" and "Shanghai Knights"

I know I know...I'm just breaking the rules left and right--but it would be a CRIME to split these two up! Jackie and Owen...how much better could you possibly get?

(6) Clark Kent from "Smallville"

I was never a fan of the whole Superman franchise, but then I discovered Smallville. I've got to hand it to the people who made Superman, the alien, into a relatable Kansas farm boy! (P.S. I am aware that this is not a movie...but TV shows officially count.)

Aaaaand there are about 10 googillion more, but there are the 6 that were required of me. :D

Later Peeps!

When We Fall Down...

Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.
1 Chronicles 16:11

Short Answers - Unspeakable Joy...

Chiropractor - Apparently playing the violin isn't very good for your back/neck. = 20 planned adjustments. O_O Yeah right...I'll be fixed in 8...

Orchestra Rehearsal - 3 hours of crazy violin work and a little talk of discouragement on my part, and encouragement on my family's part afterwards. = renewed perspective and some extra motivation.

Church - A few hours spent worshipping with fellow believers = A lovely afternoon, even with an evil cold.

And of course Starbucks, web design projects, etc. etc. etc. Just another few days in the blissful presence of my crazy, beautiful, amazing, wonderful, family. :)

Further proof of my family's awesomeness...


To grab this post banner, click here.

Where does popcorn come from?

Silas: Corn off of uh…fields? That one’s easy.

Jonas: Um, you mean how do you make it?
Uh no, I mean where does it come from?
A machine? Right?

If you had to decide between eating brownies all day or going to the park all day, what would you choose?

Silas: Eating brownies. *grins* See, I like to eat all day…but I don’t like to play all day. It gets boring. Anyway, brownies are delicious.

Jonas: The park. I hate brownies. They taste weird with nuts and stuff. And too much chocolate for me. I hate chocolate.

What’s your favorite movie and why?

Silas: Huh. Star Wars is my favorite movie because it’s got all the cool sounds and all the flips and cool moves…and the colors. It’s cool.
But star wars is 6 movies.
Yeah, I like all of them.

Jonas: Because it’s action.
Well, what is it?
I have hundreds of them. Men In Black…Indiana Jones…and that’s it. And Spiderman and Batman.

What exactly is it that an author does?

Silas: Author?
Yup.
Probably plublish his books? Is that right?

Jonas: What is that?
You know…books?
It makes you learn how to read? So it teaches you how to read? I have an author book what’s red and it’s an owl and it’s a two layer…I can read the whole book.

If you could look just like anybody, who would it be?

Silas: Anakin.
Why?
I don’t know. He just…he’s got a cool face.

Jonas: What?
If you could look just like anybody, who would it be?
James Bond. That’s all.
Why?
Because I like his costume, but I don’t like him. And I like his gun.

There are a few disadvantages....

...to having 2 avid bloggers in the same house. You know the saying "Great minds think alike"? Well, think about how much truer that statement is when both of the "great minds" live in the same house.

I had my post aaaall planned out for last night. You see, I got a really cute video of Harrison with Mom's iPhone...but guess what happened...

I caught my mother last night posting the SAME THING!!!! Same video, no...she got her own, but the video is of the exact same thing!--that is Harrison quickly and efficiently navigating Mom's iPhone to find the latest preschooler app.

As cute as it was, I--like a lovely, respectful, and overall honorable daughter--let my mom have the topic, taking with me the satisfaction that I thought of it first and that I would get to write this post. So, my wrongs have been rectified...and I'm happy...until the next time it happens (please note, this happens quite often).

Buuuut...Oh, I can't help it. Here's the video I got of Harrison, just in case (1) you read my blog, and don't read my mom's (which would give me great satisfaction. heehee. Just kidding of course), or (2) you're curious to see whose video is better (of course, that is no mystery to me).



No, you're not hallucinating..you saw correctly--mother WAS sitting right next to me when I was getting that video. And afterwards I even said "Ooh! Great blog material!"...but she still claims it was completely accidental. Oh well...never fear, I'll get her back. ;)

Wow...

So, technically I no longer have 100 followers, I have 105 (yay!)...but look what my sweet friend Christina did for me today in honor of my 100 followers...


Isn't that adorable! And she even said she ate about 100 candy corns in the process of creating it. Heehee. ^_^

I have a problem...

My mom and I absolutely LOVE taking pictures, and we do it all the time...but thus far, we haven't had any baby girl subjects. :( I want to take pictures of a little girl really really ridiculously bad! So, I'm blowing out that candles on that terribly pathetic 100 layer cake, and wishing for a little girl to grace the lens of my mother's camera.

I'm not kidding...if this goes on much longer, I will beg strangers to let me take pictures of their kids! (I almost did while I was on vacation).

Mind you, I'm not complaining about my current subjects--but you can only see so much of this...


...before you want some of this...



I'm not saying boys aren't just as precious and adorable as girls (I don't know what I'd do without my little models!), but there's a balance, ya know?

Someday people...someday...

Arividerchi!

Short Answers - And 100 FOLLOWERS!!!

Yay! So happy! I just checked my blog and I finally hit 100 followers! You guys are awesome!

I'm still brainstorming the plan of action as far as celebration goes...but don't worry yourselves about it...I'll think of something. ;)

I'm super disappointed...I looked up 100 layer cakes, and this is what I found.

What kind of a cake is that!? I'm looking for some giant crazy awesome cake, and this is what I get?! What is this world coming to?...

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P.S. Don't forget to click on the button below and vote for me in the Love This Site Body and Soul Blog Award! If I win, I'll do something really really ridiculously nice for you! How's that for bribery? haha. :D

By Body & Soul

To grab this post banner, go here.

To join in, just ask the following 5 questions to the kid(s) in your life. Post their answers on your blog, then come back here and link up so we can read the brilliance of the child's mind!

What is soap made out of?

Silas: Milk, plants, cream…I bet? Is that it?
Well, no.
Oh. Well that’s good. Next.

Jonas: Soap? Water and soap. I’ve made it a lot of times.

Why does Batman wear a cape if he can't fly?

Silas: Fashion. I don’t know. Fashion.

Jonas: Just that it look cool. That’s what dad told me…and Si.

What's the hardest thing in the world to do?

Silas: Hm…carry the…carry a…house.
When have you ever carried a house?
Never.
Well then, how do you know?
Because they’re big and heavy and they have walls and they’re interesting…and they’re kinda big.

Jonas: Hm…um…building 3000 houses. That’s the hardest thing, right? Well, probably not. Ok, well digging all the way to outer space!

What’s something you wish you didn’t have to do?

Silas: Clean.
Why don’t you want to clean?
I don’t know.

Jonas: Um, clean. And school. And always have to doing these answer things!
(Jonas always has ants in his pants!)

If you had a blog, what would you name it?

Silas: Scooter’s Court!
That was quick. Have you thought about that?
Um, no.

Jonas: Um…Let me think for a second. The Blog Person. Yup.

HAVE FUN!!

Harvest of Friends Blog Party - Happy Fall!

For those of you who stopped by from the Harvest of Friends blog party @ Dancing Barefoot, welcome to Rear Window! You may or may not like what you find here, but you’re welcome anyways. It’s up to you to decide if that’s a good thing or not. ;)

Ok…now for 20 Questions….

1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while you’re blogging?

Oh, the irony…I actually don’t usually eat when I’m blogging. As a matter of fact, there are some evenings when I want to eat really bad, but I decide that I shouldn’t (for whatever reason), and I blog to keep my mind off of it. Ha! If I am eating though, it’s typically pretzels…they’re uber delicious.

2. What is one thing you wouldn’t want to live without?

Soap.….the world would be a very terrible place without soap. No, I’m not necessarily a “clean freak”…I don’t mind getting dirty, but that’s only because I know I can get clean afterwards.

3. Beach, Mountains, or Farm? Where would you live if you had a choice?

Eeeeasy….beach. No question. The mountains make for terrible car rides, and farms are deeeeeefinitely not my thing. I don’t like stinky animals, hay, mud, cowboys, or overalls…give me SoCal and an iced café Americano please!

4. What’s your least favorite chore/household duty?

I feel wrong answering this question on my mom’s blog party. :P Anyways, it’s between laundry and dishes…Can’t really say for sure. Actually, I very much dislike cleaning my bedroom too. OOH! But I would rather do any of those than clean the stinky nasty bathroom!!!! KILL THE BATHROOM!

5. Who do people say you remind them of?

Snow White...All. The. Time. Three guesses why.


6. Prefer parties and socializing or staying at home with the fam?

About a year ago, I would have quickly chosen parties and socializing, but I’ve kind of changed recently—my ideal evening is probably spent at home or at Starbucks with my awesome family, maybe watching a good flick or just chazillaxing.

7. What’s your all time favorite movie?

Oh come on!!!! That’s not even fair. I’ll name like…10. “Shanghai Noon” and “Shanghai Knights”, “Mr. Bean’s Holiday”, “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”, “Ratatouille”, “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton”, “The Holiday”, “Star Trek”, “Big Fish”, “Father of the Bride”….etc. etc. etc.

8. Do you sleep in your makeup or remove it like a good girl every night?

Pff…who removes their makeup? I’m too lazy to do that.

9. Do you have a hidden talent or a deep desire to learn something that you’ve never had a chance to learn? What is it?

No hidden talents here...However, I’ve always wanted to learn Kung Fu. But not just to learn it…I want one of those awesome old guys who owns a restaurant to teach me.

10. What’s one strange thing that you’re really good at?

Teehee…I can moonwalk like nobody’s business. I also have a great talent for using caffeine to my advantage and everyone else’s grief.

11. What first attracted you to your spouse?



12. What is something you love to smell?

Dishwasher soap!!!!!!! I posted a question on Yahoo Answers once asking if anyone else was addicted to the smell of dishwasher soap…I got told by 3 people that I needed psychiatric help. Ha.

13. Tell something about you that you know irritates people.

I thought this was 20 questions…That’s not a question, and thus I refuse to answer.

14. When you have extra money, what’s the first thing you think to do with it?

Starbucks…and after that, if there’s some left over, I’ll stick it in some envelope to save for a Mac…until I run out of money again…then I pull it out and use it for Starbucks.

15. Are you a silent laugher or a loud laugher? What makes you laugh the hardest?

I’m loud…I’m not always loud…I’m quiet most of the time, but if you’ve got me laughing then I’m really loud. I laugh hard at a lot of things. Really loud noises are hilarious—I don’t know why, they just are…Also, people getting a huge kick out of things that aren’t funny.

16. Where is your favorite place to shop?

I’m not a snobby shopper…I’ll shop anywhere as long as a Starbucks is close enough to visit during the trip.

17. What’s one thing you’d do more often if you had more time?

Drawing…I miss it, but my life’s gotten so busy, it’s really hard to find time for it.

18. Are you a big spender or frugal?

Given enough money, I’m a big spender. As of right now, I’m frugal….ish. heehee.

19. Who is your favorite character of all time (from a movie or book)? (Can’t be real)

Mr. Bean! He’s so British and snobby and naïve and amazing. ^_^

20. Would you want to be famous?

It depends…if it means getting to live in Hollywood, having a black 1967 Chevy Impala, and Arnold Schwarzenegger & Jackie Chan knowing my name, then BRING IT ON! If it means random people driving by my house just for the thrill of doing it at all hours, stalkers, paparazzi, etc...then like…no. I like my privacy.

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If you still like me now, then you should definitely come back, because I promise you I’m not one of those people who’s all like “Hey, thanks for following my blog!” and then never talks to you again. I like to make friends and keep them. I also have a meme that I host every Tuesday called Short Answers.



It’s a fun link-up where I give 5 questions for you to ask the kids in your lives, and you post them on your blog for everyone to read. You might be surprised at how hilarious and insightful their answers may be!

Hope to see you around. Ciao!

Jackie Chan....is the MAN!

Jackie Chan's favorite number is 32!!!! Yay.

So there.



I'm really excited. Know why? Know why!?!? *spoken as Willy Wonka* Momma's Harvest of Friends Blog Party starts this Monday! Guess who I met through her last blog party? Only the lovely Marissa, who is now my tweeting/Starbuck's buddy! Yay. ^_^ So, you should definitely grab the button off of my mom's blog so you can join in! It's going to be awesome!



I'm feeling really really schizophrenic right now...I'm kind of wondering if I'm sleeping....don't think I am. Oh my word, I love the sound of the keyboard.

Ooh, I just remembered...I was nominated for a blog award! So, if you get a chance, skip on over there and vote for me! Or not, if you don't want to... :( lol.

By Body & Soul

The End.

Guess what...

I am very forgetful these days. I forgot completely about Short Answers! 8| By the time I thought about it, my bros were already sleeping. So, I guess I'll just take one week off. So sorry! I'm really mad at myself for being so lousy. :(

Anyway...more later, but I'm too tired to think of anything to write right now.

Ciao for now!

*Facepalm*

I'm so utterly depressed right now! I missed my blog's first birthday! By 3 days! I believe I'm officially a horrifically terrible blogger! GAH! I think I'm going to cry...

I've only been...

...pondering the pure splendor of the day since my first post...

...picturing the thousand (give or take a few) comments I would get congratulating my dearest Rear Window...

...planning the perfectly enthralling and fantastic birthday post...

...almost able to smell the venti triple latte I'd be drinking as I curled up with a pillow and my laptop to spend some quality time with RW...

...trying to think of a poem to write that would include each of my lovely followers' names...

...pouring over special sentiments to declare to the amazing e-dwelling that has given me such special friends...

This is deeply saddening....

=(

Short Answers....and I'm Pretty Sure My Parents Rock with a Vengeance

It's time for Short Answers again, but...first things first.

I would like to wish my dear mother (and bosom friend) a happy "what's-that-number?" birthday! No, I shall not disclose her age, because that would be rude of me....

Then again...I was never very tactful...

Hm.....

Ok, I came this close, but I really don't want to get whacked upside the head tomorrow morning, so I think I'll do my best to remain on her buttered up side for now. ;)

I was a bad blogger and didn't post on my daddy's birthday last Friday. So, I'll throw that in too--happy birthday to my perfectly incredible pops! ^_^

I would put up touching pictures of me being awesome with each one of them...but unfortunately all of my uber photogenic pictures of me are on my mom's computer...so you're going to have to settle for this totally un-adorable photo that I took several months ago...



Hm...I guess I'm a little disappointed in myself right now. Almost every paragraph in this post has started with the unintelligent interrupter "Hm..." the annoyingly overused "Ok..." or the stereotypically discouraged "I". I'm lame.

Anyways...since I obviously have nothing of any consequence to say, I'll leave you with this week's questions and my bros' crazy answers!


To grab this post banner, go here.

How are you planning on staying healthy this winter?

Silas: Um…*clicks tongue*….uh…colloidal silver? Breathing colloidal silver. Barley green, sauna…number 4, that’s it.

Jonas: Going in the sauna…and taking colloidal silver and drinking water.

How do you spell CD?

Silas: Uh...C-D?

Jonas: C….no…S….
nope.
Ok, C….D….E-E. No, C-D….Y I think?

If you found a wallet full of money on your property, what would you do with it?

Silas: Spend it.
What would you spend it on?
Well, if it were a thousand dollars…’k…3 thousand and 55 trillion! I would spend it on a house, three mustangs, and a farm.

Jonas: I would put it underground where no one would find it. I would put it deeper so it would be in the Journey to the Center of the Earth.

Why do you sweat when you’re hot?

Silas: Um, I don’t know I guess you got water in your body and you have to. I don’t know. Because the flames of your water connect inside your brain and explode out your insects!

Jonas: Because….What do you mean? Well, I know why you have to sweat. Because it’s good to sweat because when you eat hot peppers, they’re kind of hot.

If you were a superhero, what would your name be?

Silas: Give me an hour….Super boy…..Ok, Bob….Bob the Hero. Because I like that name…and I like the name “Hero”…and…and…and I like “and”. And I like more of it. I know I’m going too far.

Jonas: Um…I don’t know. There’s many names that I know, so they’re all cool and I don’t know which one. Actually, I can’t even think of one. Um, what about…Super Jo? Or something?

Faith, Trust, and a Little Bit of Pixie Dust!

"I'll teach you to ride on the wind's back, and away we go!"
--Peter Pan

Looking into my little brother's mischievous eyes this morning, one thing kept wiggling it's way deeper and deeper into the coils of my mind--imagination is so important!

This doesn't seem like a deep or profound thought, but it struck me as extremely true this morning. My parents have always been wonderful about letting our minds run wild until we find our passions. Passion is one thing that I believe everyone needs in order to feel satisfied, but so many, sadly, lack.

I listen to Jared's music and I can firmly say: he has found his passion. I read my momma's words and I doubtlessly believe: she has discovered her expressive avenue. How exciting is that!? Don't we all want that kind of perfectly unique and God-inspired identity?

"When a new baby laughs for the first time a new fairy is born, and as there are always new babies there are always new fairies."
--Peter Pan (Spoken by Wendy)


"Do you believe in fairies? If you believe, clap your hands!"
--Peter Pan

You're probably wondering "What's up with all the Peter Pan quotes?". Well, as I thought more about this, a specific line of "fairy lore" entered my thoughts--"Every time a child says 'I don't believe in fairies,' there is a fairy somewhere that falls down dead." I suppose it's a slightly macabre parallel, but it struck me as interesting. Every child is born with his own aspiration, but the moment he gives up believing in that aspiration, it evaporates into nothingness. Like anything, achieving dreams takes discipline, hard work, and faith--but we often don't take the time to look into the imaginings of our young people. Like anything else, achieving dreams also requires encouragement--and if children aren't getting that, then their passion's light will quickly go out.

I have not yet embarked on the journey of adulthood and been given all the blessed challenges that accompany it. All I can say is I'm so incredibly grateful to have parents who have always encouraged following your calling. When I do reach the adventure of having my own life and family, what will I deem important? Will I take the time to delve deeper into the hearts and minds of my children?

I feel so amazingly blessed that my parents find it important to allow me time to do the extra things that I love--playing violin, learning web design...even watching movies with my brother into the wee hours of the morning! They don't have to allow me to do these things, but they see the value of everyday things, and it makes all the difference to me.


"All you need is faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust!"
--Peter Pan