Thursday, October 30, 2008

Movies for Halloween

What is the point of Halloween if you don't watch this? I think I have seen this almost every year on Halloween since I was a little girl. 

Another great classic. Seriously I think this is such a great movie for Halloween. It did however scare the crap out of me. For quite a few years I was convinced E.T. was hiding in my closet. That and I thought I saw Michael Jackson at a local gas station, but we will save that story for another post.

So I thought, hey, wouldn't it be fun to put some of the scarier movies I have seen in a post? Then I thought, hey, why not give you the trailers to watch. That way if you are to chicken, bock, bock, bock, bock,  to watch the scary movies that I have recommended, at least you can watch a snippet of them. Trust me they are way scarier than the run on sentences I just wrote. 

I know you might think, why didn't she add this movie? Or why didn't she add that movie? I only added movies that I have actually seen. I am very aware of other movies that might be even more frightening than the ones I have chosen. I didn't think it would be proper to add those that I haven't been frightened by. Some are not Halloween movies at all, but all of them have scared me. Some I will never watch again. 

So heres to a very Spookable Halloween. I would love to know what you think about the movies I have suggested. Feel free to leave comments, and suggestions of movies you think I might need to see for a good scream.

Happy Halloween!

*I did forget to add Silence of the Lamb, and The Orphanage to the list below.


P.S. The Exorcist trailer I had a lot of trouble with. I don't know how it loaded twice, at the same exact moment in time. It kind of freaks me out, and yes it is one movie I will never watch again. 

Poltergeist


Psycho



Still a very thrilling movie, but way scarier when I was younger.

I am Legend



This movie terrified me. Any movie dealing with mass annihilation of the planets population is just down right scary to me. Not to mention the dark seekers were pretty freaking cool. I really enjoyed this movie and I recommend it all the time.

28 Weeks Later



This movie not only has the whole "Almost all the population has been wiped out" factor going on, it is a little creepy to see innocent people being chased by fast, yes fast zombies.

Something Wicked This Way Comes



This movie scared me when I was a little girl. I read the book when I was in high school (this is a great Ray Bradbury story) Of corse the book version of the story is way better than the movie. Rumor has it Tim Burton is possibly remaking this movie (Yes!!!!) This is no longer scary to me now, but at one point in my life it kept me up at night.

The Abandoned



From the beginning this movie was very unnerving, visually disturbing and I kept waiting for all the craziness to make sense, even in an abstract sort of way. No such luck. I was so frustrated with the ending. It was such a cop out. Like they couldn't figure out how to wrap it all up properly. It would have been so much better if they had explained why the father decided to feed one of his babies to a pig and try to drown the other one. Little note here, both infants survive. So the ending sucked. However I added it for the creepiness factor of the home. It seriously gave me the creeps!

Amityville Horror 2006 Version



I bought this movie for I think $3. In a Blockbuster mark down bin. Thinking it was going to be a little goofy. I figured at least I get to see a cutie through the whole movie if it is stupid. Let's just say this movie scared me for days. They did a really good job of this remake. Explaining why the house was evil and how it became that way. Totally creepy. Plus the dude who played the dad/boyfriend was very frightening in his role. The whole woodchopping scene was terrifying.

The Birds



This movie is a classic. Not that scary in a horror film sort of way, but come on, it's Alfred Hitchcock for goodness sake.

The Exorcist



Um this movie is very scary. I watched all three of the movies in the series at a slumber party in high school. Shhhhh don't tell my mom.

The Exorcist

The Omen

The Shining



Who doesn't find this movie disturbing. Although the book is much scarier than the movie. Like way scarier.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

My Little Brother

I know I have posted a few pictures of my sisters here and there, but I haven't talked much about my little brother. Isaac is two years younger than me, Cristin is 13 years younger than me, and Brennan was born when I was 17 years old. Crazy huh? My mom and dad have been married for 33 years this December. 

For years it was just Isaac and I. Yes we used to fight, however I remember way more childhood memories of us making forts under the kitchen table on rainy Florida days. We used to read different Dr. Seuss books and record them on cassette tapes. I still have those tapes and they are one of my most treasured possessions. I do remember as we grew older he disliked me so very much. There were several years where we didn't talk. Always such a sadness, an emptiness in my heart during those years. Although Isaac and I are total opposites, I have always respected him so very much for who he is and how hard he is working to become the best person he can be.

Three years ago, on the very day I delivered my sweet little Zoe (Isaac and Zoe share the same birthday) Isaac called me to let me know he hoped things were going well. After two years of no communication, I was ecstatic. It was one of those moments that still warms my heart. Because despite all the bumps along the way Isaac is my very favoritest brother (my only brother). 

A few interesting facts about my brother. He is taller than me (all my siblings are). He is an excellent chess player. He is an excellent writer. Wants to travel the world. Is super duper intelligent (I can't understand a lot of the more complex issues he talks about, I still like to listen though). He just dropped out of graduate school to become an electrician. My most favorite fact about my bro is that we have the same sense of humor. So Isaac, I miss you so much. Oh and by the way, I am working on getting a copy of What's up Doc. We hope to see you soon. It's been much to long. Love you Isaac.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Karen, No Peaking!

I am almost too embarrassed to write this post. Yes it has seriously taken me this long to finish this piece for the lovely Karen. She was oh so very patient, good thing because I wanted to get it just right. Karen won my last giveaway where she got to choose what she wanted me to paint. The reason I hadn't done another giveaway for a while was all the guilt I had for not finishing her illustration before now. Life has been so busy, but I sometimes freak myself out when I know someone is counting on me for a painting. So needless to say, no more "Choose your own" giveaways for a while. Karen has informed me the painting is going to be a Christmas gift for her hubby (no pressure) I hope he likes it. 

Tomorrow I will post the last of the JDRF hands that I am finishing up. Then on to the next illustrations. 

Karen, if you DID decide to peak, thanks for being oh so patient with me. You truly are a sweetheart.

Sing, Sing a Song

Still one of my all time favorite songs. It always makes me think of Sesame Street. Yes, I still like watching Sesame Street.

Honor Choir Girl



Sloan with her music teacher Mrs. House

I didn't know what to expect when Sloan wanted to try out for honor's choir. I figured it would be fun for her to give it a try, and boy am I glad she did. Mrs. House is an amazing teacher. I was so impressed by the performance. The kids did an awesome job. Teachers for the most part have such a thankless job. So often volunteering many hours just because they love what they do. They love the kids and value the future, the kids are our future after all. You can tell that Mrs. House puts her heart and soul into this program. What a blessing to have teachers like Mrs. House.

Birthday Cake Time

The video is a little grainy, our singing is awful, but hopefully you can see how cute Zoe was while we sang her Happy Birthday.

Zoe' Birthday Presents

Monday, October 27, 2008

Happy Birthday Zoe!

Just a week old

A year and a half

Two and a half

Almost three

Happy 3rd birthday my sweet little Moser Doser

Sunday, October 26, 2008

And the Winner is................For Real This Time


My deepest apologies for taking so long in picking a winner. 

The winner is: Cordwood Cabin!

Seams fitting for my sweet friends down in the woods of Arkansas to win this little Halloweeny Kitty. They are the sweetest, and my very first blogging friends. All of their prim creations have such a fun story behind them, most are made of characters from very famous books and stories. I was lucky enough to buy quite a few of the Alice in Wonderland series that Eliza sold on EBay (That's how we met) I am pretty sure they are big holiday fans over at the cabin. So if you have a few minutes run over and say hello, you will find that they are the friendliest folks. Also check out their very fun prim creations.

Thanks Again to ll of you for joining me in this giveaway. I hope to visit with you all again very soon. Have a lovely Sunday!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Technical Difficulties of the Flu Bug Kind

Me & the birthday girl last Halloween

Hello everyone. First off I would like to thank all of you for joining in my very first Halloweeny giveaway. It is so fun to see old friends and to meet new friends too when I host these little giveaways.  Please feel free to drop by any time and leave a comment if you like. I plan on having at least two more giveaways before the end of the year. If you don't win this one, there will be others in the upcoming months.

*Just wanted to let you know I have the names ready for the drawing. My hubby was very sick today. Which meant I was going it alone all day today, even though he was home. Please forgive me for the delay ( I really will have the birthday girl pick a name tomorrow) Hope everyone had a beautiful Saturday. Please check back tomorrow and I will have a winner posted. 

Friday, October 24, 2008

And the Winner is................


My little Halloween girls will be drawing the name right before our Trunk-or-Treat party. I thought since it is a Halloween giveaway it would be fun to pick the winner in festive attire. Please check back tonight to see who won.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

A Very Halloweeny Giveaway


ANYONE MAY ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN!!!!!!!

I have been wanting to host a giveaway for quite some time now. I have been blogging for over a year now. I must say, I couldn't be happier with all the blogging friends I have made during this time. To celebrate over a year of blogging and a super fun holiday I am giving away "Little Miss Halloween Kitty". She has  put on her favorite collar and party hat in hopes you'll have her along on the night of tricks and treats. 

All you have to do is leave a comment by 12 midnight on Friday October 24,2008 telling me what your favorite Halloween  memory is and I will enter you once into the drawing. Wait there is more if you post about my giveaway, and link back to it on your blog, I will add your name 5 more times. It doesn't stop there (hehehe do I sound like a game show host?) If you add a button to the side of your blog about the giveaway, I will add your name another 5 times. That is a total of 11 times. I would really love for all of you first timers to my blog and those that maybe haven't left a comment before to feel free to enter also. These giveaways are way more fun when everyone gets in on the action. The winner will be announced on Saturday October 25th.

* "Little Miss Halloween Kitty" comes protected in a 5"x7" black plastic frame. She is a one of a kind hand made illustration by me. I use acid free scrapbook paper and scrapbook embellishments. I also hand embroider all of the stitching.

* If you don't have a blog, feel free to leave your email address at the end of your entry. Like I said anyone is more than welcome to join my giveaways.

The Flu & a Halloweeny Giveaway


Yup. I spent all last night huggin' the toilet bowl. Won't go into gory detail, lets just say this morning I woke up with aches and a bit of the chills. Thank goodness. Thank goodness you say? Yes. Last night I had nightmares I was pregnant. I had horrible vomiting through the first 5 months of all my pregnancies. So needless to say the chills are not that bad compared to what could be. Babies are a joy. I would like to have at least one more in the next few years (a boy, a boy, pretty please a boy). Just not now. Had to clarify. So I really do hope everyone is having a better weekend than me. Take care and check back tomorrow for my  Halloweeny giveaway

* The above image was found while on a google search. It didn't give credit for the artist. I love it though. Isn't it cute? Wait, is that a bloody knife in his pocket? Oh my goodness.

** Update: The chills are finally subsiding. Thanks to a super wonderful hubby (who fixed dinner and watched the kids) I was able to sleep most of the evening. The bad news is sweet little Abby is sick with the same thing. I will be praying for her. Hope all of you go and get those flu shots if you haven't yet. Thank you also for all of the kind words and well wishes!

Friday, October 17, 2008

The Hurrier I go the Behinder I get


Just a little thank you to all of you sweeties who have sent me the three, yes three, lovely blog awards over the last week. Sorry I am a little behind on mentioning them. I am so very exhausted and glad for the weekend to be here. I look forward to a morning filled with waffles and giggles, snuggles and dancing, art and more music & last but not least a lot of sweet little arms around my neck and lots of kisses on sweet little cheeks. Yes. All these things are needed to help me recharge my batteries. Hope you all have a lovely Saturday morning.

* Just a little note to mention I still have an ETSY store. I have just cleared all the things out of it that hadn't sold. It motivates me to make new work. Gotta keep moving forward. 

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Halloween Costume Preview & JDRF Support Group

Sloan is wearing her lion costume from her ballet performance as her costume. Zoe is wearing the costume I sewed for Sloan when she was two. Thanks to my mom (who sent me all of my sister's dress up outfits) & all of Sloan's dance recital outfits, the girls are set for costumes over the next few years. Aris will be a ladybug, the costume Zoe wore last year. I try not to think of it as being "cheep" the way I reuse these costumes. I try to think of myself as "chic" because I am using one of the three "R's". Reduce, reuse, recycle.
 
Last night was Sloan's diabetic support group. The theme was a Halloween one of coarse, and the girls were so very excited to give their costumes a trial run. I was excited to hear all about the insulin pump that Sloan is hopefully going to get in the next few months. The pump is by One Touch and produced by Johnson & Johnson. It's called the One Touch Ping. There are so many benefits of the Ping I could write a small novel about all of them. If you are interested in finding out for yourself go here. I like all the many friendly features, Sloan is excited they come in different colors. I am excited to get this process started. I hope it will even out all of her "ups & downs" that she has each and every day with her sugar levels. Sometimes she's around 350 and then drops to 56 in less than an hour. These drops and spikes are terrible for her little body. I want to see this sweet little girl live the longest life possible. I will do anything within my power to help her achieve all her dreams of living a long healthy and happy life. If you want to know more information about the JDRF go here. Please feel free to ask me any questions also. If you know someone with a family member who has diabetes, please encourage them to reach out to their local JDRF support group. It is a wonderful way to connect parents and kids with other families dealing with type 1 diabetes. 

How I Spent my Afternoon




Can you say holy cuteness? This is the only time in her life that legs this chunky will be considered adorable.


My little pumpkins making mud pies in their outside kitchen.



Frick & Frack or BFF

Sloan showing off some of her mad ninja skills.

Little Bologna.

Daddy and Aris Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Sloanie Sing's the Blues

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

To Follow, or not to Follow, That is the Question

So I am wondering. Should I add the follow button to the right of my blog, or not?

Monday, October 13, 2008

Whole lot o' Cleaning Goin' On


I have been Cleaning up a storm. I have been organizing like crazy. I have washed, folded, and put all the girls winter clothes in their dressers and closets. I have packed away all the clothes that don't fit the girls anymore. Made a run to Goodwill with all that we no longer use. Packed up baby toys (the ones that are no longer age appropriate) sniff sniff. Packaged up all the mail to take to the post office tomorrow. Scrubbed down the bathroom. Cleaned the girls room......................... again. Organized our bedroom closet. 

Now that all of that is done I can focus. On the fun stuff. Like ART, and sewing, and other fall activities. Let me just tell you I feel so much better. I become a little edgy when things are not in order. If things aren't in order I can't relax and then nothing creative gets accomplished. 

Now on to other things. I know I mentioned Sloan was having some trouble with her eyes. We were blessed enough to take her to a wonderful eye Dr. who due to our lack of insurance for her a the moment, offered to give her an exam for a reduced charge. I was so touched at his kindness. He ran several different tests and the last one proved to be beneficial. He wants Sloan to go and see a neuro opthamologist. He is unsure about what exactly is causing her left eye to see lighter than her right eye. Hopefully the neuro opthamologist will be able to figure that out. When the nice eye Dr. was done with her eye exam and we were at the check out desk he informed me we had said thank you way too many times, he just wouldn't be able to charge us. I was floored. I had probably said thank you too much, but I was so grateful. I started crying, and told him thank you one more time. He seriously ran all the tests possible on Sloan. I am guessing it would have cost us a few hundred dollars if we were paying like any other patient. It was such a humbling experience.

The other thing that has been consuming all my spare time is working on getting my citizenship. I was born in Canada. Moved her with my folks when I was a month and a half old. Mom was an American, Dad Canadian. I just found out my dad never filed the paperwork that would show I was an American born abroad. My dad has been so wonderful in providing the documents that I need to file for my citizenship. He even lent us the money (I have promised to pay him back) to file all of the expensive forms. This has probably been my biggest stress. Until this is completely resolved, Sloan only has temporary insurance. With her diabetes temporary is not an option. 

Things are good, and blessings keep coming into our lives. I feel very blessed. Now back to all that art I keep promising..........................

Saturday, October 11, 2008

As Promised

So its that time of year again. Time to get out the Halloween decorations, pull out the winter clothes, and get the house ready for fall.

Zoe & Aris enjoying the last of the cool fall afternoons. Digging of course.




My little Sloan. She is growing up too quickly.


Snow! In October! I know. This is what we woke up to yesterday morning. I still took the kids for our morning walk, however it was a miserable experience. All but three of the kids screamed and cried. All the moms bundled up all the kids. I think it was just the pure shock of how bitter cold it was. It didn't get above 37 degrees and snowed on and off all day into the night. 

So after school we headed over to Hillary's for a little Wii action and some popcorn.

There was a little of the snowball action going on also.

Little Aris playing with Hillary's American Girl doll. Yes she is not much bigger than the doll. She's just the most petite little girl I know. Still wearing some 6-9 month things.

My favorite little Zoe outfit. I love the brand Oilily. It is by far one of my favorite clothing lines for kids and moms. I usually can't afford to buy their clothes due the the price tag. The pants above retailed for $150. I got them on eBay gently used (seriously like brand new) for around $12. I was jumping up and down for joy. They are lined and made of a super thick wool fabric. I didn't have any shirts to match the pants but I found the t shirt as seen in the picture at old Navy for $5. The cream colored long sleeved undershirt at Target for $5. now she has a super toasty complete outfit for winter.

What is this? A pile of clean laundry? Nope, a pile of clothes that are hand me downs for Zoe. Almost all are winter clothes. How grateful I am to have found these in the garage? How grateful I am that I saved so many of Sloan's clothes from when she was this age? What a blessing to find them now. Last but not least I am helping to reduce reuse and recycle! How cool is that?

Last but not least, one of the things I am working on this weekend. This is for sweet Karen who won my last giveaway. She has been oh so patient with me and I hope to have it finished by tomorrow and off in the mail by Monday.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Friday, October 10, 2008

SNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes you read correctly, SNOW! Can you believe it? I am watching it come down pretty good right now. Did I mention that it's pretty stinking cold too? Like 36 degrees cold. So I just put the little ones down for their naps after a lunch of soup and grilled cheese sammies. I think I will go and join them. A girl deserves a nap every now and then right? 

I have a very touching story to tell you all about later today, and art (yes I really do still paint and craft) to share. For now, I'm off to snuggle up my Zoe and catch a toasty little snooze. 

Thursday, October 9, 2008

A Little Explanation

I just want to say that I am thankful for many things, but I am touched by the kindness of the eye Dr. whom is willing to see Sloan today for a reduced charge. I want to apologize for my lack of posts on truly creative things. I have a lot on my plate right now trying to get Sloans insurance back. Don't want to burden you with our drama, but I promise I will be back to my normal posting self as soon as all this blows over. Hope to post a little sneak peak on what I have been working on later tonight or early tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a beautiful day.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Thanks Lori!

Look what Lori over at Morning Glories and Moonflowers gave me! I love it. It is my very first award. Lori is hosting a giveaway to celebrate Halloween. So run over and leave a comment to have a chance at winning her darling handmade bracelet.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

My grammie, Rita Stauss. This was her graduation photo. Wasn't she beautiful? I should show a picture of her now. She is one of those ladies that gets better with age. Every year I think she gets prettier. Grammie started going grey when she was 21 years old. She had one streak of grey for the longest time and then went grey. I love her dearly and this picture is one of my most treasured earthly possessions. 

My Mom, Melodie Sloan. This was her graduation photo. I love this photo. My sister Cristin looks so much like her its down right freaky. The only way you can tell them apart is my sister has darker hair. I love my mom so much. She is a teacher. She is so very loved and many parents ask to have their children in her class. The crazy thing is she has taught for so many years that now she is teaching the kids of students she once taught years ago. My mom rocks. 

This is the only graduation photo I have of myself. I was kind of a stinker back in the day. I thought graduation pictures were "Lame" and so I never asked my mom & dad to get any. Our graduation was super special though, even if I thought high school was the lamest thing I ever had to endure. So in case you hadn't noticed the wet spot on the front of my pants yet I just figured I would point that out. No I didn't wet my pants. Graduation started at the local football field but due to a sudden downpour it was moved to a church, which was to small to fit everyone and then eventually moved to the school auditorium. Every student was soaked to their underwear. The dress that I was wearing shrunk as I was standing on the field. I had to give it away. So everyone changed quickly and met back at the auditorium so the ceremony could continue. Kids were wearing flip flops, shorts, all sorts of craziness. Me I wore my vintage sweater shirt with my favorite pair of bell bottoms and fake Berkie's. My gown was still soaked (everybody's were) because my gown was soaked it got my pants wet when I sat down. That my friends is why the only graduation photo of me looks like I was so excited to graduate I peed myself. Don't get me wrong I was excited to graduate. I will admit High school was my least favorite, but College was a perfect fit. As I look back I realize that I really don't have as many horrible memories as I thought I once did. 

*I have been working on art. Things are just crazy with Deans new work schedule. So I am having to rearrange how I work art in. Please don't give up on me. I hope to have some new art in the shop by the weekend. Hope everyone is enjoying the fall weather as much as I am.

Sunday, October 5, 2008

My Bizarre Nose

Dean Swanson

Yes even before I fell for Dean, I always thought he had an amazing nose. I still stare at it on a daily basis and thank my lucky stars that his nose is as amazing as he is. I know, I am a total geek.

Jason Lee & son

I loved this, the whole father & son profile. How cute is that?

Jason Lee

Yes ever since Mall Rats I have lusted after Jason Lee's beautiful nose. Not only is he a talented actor, but an incredible artist, photographer, and at one time a professional skater. Sexy nose, amazing talent, what more could a girl want?

Jonny Depp

Need I say more? I think he's at his nose hottiest when he is in full pirate mode. Scruffy face and messy hair. It's almost too much to handle. Seriously, as Jack Sparrow his nose has never looked so wonderful.

Ryan Gosling

Most of you may have first spotted this lovely work of (possible) rhinoplasty in the very mushy lovey dovey movie The Notebook. Yes I fell hard for his beautiful nose right then and there. However I think his nose looks better as he has gotten older as witnessed in the movie Lars and the Real Girl. If you haven't seen it yet I highly recommend you take the time to check it out. You will laugh through the whole movie and maybe cry at the end like I did. It has now become one of my all time favorites. (Along with Ryan Goslings very perfect nose)


Patrick Dempsey

Oh and who could pass up McDreamy's very hot and perfect nose? So I know I don't have a McDreamy but I do have a McDeeny. (hehehehee) OK on to the next perfect schnoz.

Luke Wilson

I love it that he is in so many of my most favorite films. It means I can watch his perfect nose over and over and over again.

Adam Sandler

Ever since Billy Maddison I have thought he had the most perfect nose. It doesn't hurt that he's so darn funny. In college all my friends knew how crazy I was about Adam Sandler and his perfect nose, so my friend Kevin Lehman made a poster with a picture of Adam Sandler and on his shirt he put I love S.S. Then said posters were placed in every bathroom stall at the school. I still have the master copy. It is lamented and in my box of memories.

Gene Kelly

The grandaddy of hot noses. When I was a little girl I used to watch his movies. I seriously thought one day I would grow up and we would get married. I thought he was the hottest guy. I didn't really understand the vast age difference when I was 9 years old. I still think he is one of the most handsome men who ever lived.

Christian Bale

I saw Christian Bale when I was a little girl in the movie Empire of the sun. From then on out I have had such respect for this very talented actor. It doesn't hurt that he has such a perfect nose either.

Ray Lamontagne

Love the nose, love his music, love it! Seriously, have you seen a more perfect profile of a nose?

So their are many other perfect noses that have not been included for lack of pictures and time. However if I receive enough comments on this post, I promise to post more. I guess when all is said and done it is pretty safe to say I like big strong defined noses. So you might be scratching your head and asking yourself, why the strange obsession with noses? One day I will post some pictures of my crazy crooked nose. This my friends is the root of my obsession. That which we don't have, sometimes makes us want it all the more. So since I never will have a perfect nose, I enjoy looking at those who do.