SUMMERTIME FREEBIES

So, I have to say, one thing SLC is good at is dishing out free entertainment. And this summer is no exception. Here are a few of the things up for free coming your way soon.


MILLCREEK MOVIE NIGHTS

june 04 Monsters V. Aliens Canyon Rim Park
june 11 Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs Eastwood Elementary
june 18 Star Trek Evergreen Jr. High
june 19 Venture outdoors Festival Canyon Rim Park
june 25 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone Big Cottonwood Park
july 02 Sherlock Holmes Canyon Rim Park
july 09 The Blindside Eastwood Elementary
july 16 The Never Ending Story Evergreen Jr. High
july 30 Where The Red Fern Grows Big Cottonwood Park
Aug 06 The tree Amigos Canyon Rim Park
Aug 13 How to Train Your Dragon Evergreen Jr. High
Aug 20 Seven Brides For Seven Brothers Big Cottonwood Park
Aug 27 The Incredibles Canyon Rim Park

*movies start at dusk




FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS

june 04 Princess Bride Liberty Park
june 11 Star Trek Lindsey Gardens
june 18 Transformers Jordan Park
june 25 Three Amigos Reservoir Park
july 02 Field of Dreams Constitution Park
july 09 The Blindside Fairmont Park
july 16 Napoleon Dynamite Wasatch Hollow

*Movies start around 9 and there will be free popcorn while it lasts!



TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES

*all free, held at Pioneer Park

july 08 Modest Mouse w/Avi Buffalo
july 15 Girl Talk w/Memory Tapes
july 22 Beirut w/Twin Sister
july 29 The New Pornographers w/the Dodos
Aug 05 Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings w/Jamie Lidell
Aug 12 Matisyahu
Aug 19 Big Boi w/ Chromeo
Aug 26 She and Him w/Dum Dum Girls!



And there you have it! Free stuff this summer! Enjoy!

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1936291

I tried to embed it but it's not working. Go here for some LOST laughs.

LOST RECAP

Okay, so let's just get to it.

Lost Series Finale. Here's the thing. The episode started. I was into it. It keeps going. I was still into it. It keeps on going. Still enjoying myself. Then the last fifteen minutes came, and I was like what in the what? It was like I was given this big bowl of vanilla ice cream. And I really like vanilla ice cream, in fact, I've been eating vanilla ice cream for almost six years every Tuesday. And then right before I'm finished with my last bowl of vanilla ice cream I will ever have, maybe like the last 3 satisfying bites. I'm really looking forward to devouring with an almost sort of a type of reverence because you see, I know I'm NEVER again going to be able to have a new bowl of vanilla ice cream. Just the memories. And then bam, the last three bites turn into sauerkraut. Out of no where. Just bam. Replaced. And you see some people really like sauerkraut. There is a time and a place for sauerkraut. But not now. Not at the end of my perfectly delicious, perfectly sweet bowl of vanilla ice cream.

So yeah, I pretty much wanted to yell at the screen, who took my vanilla and left me here with this sauerkraut?

That's how I felt about last night's episode. I liked most of it, hated the ending. And I wasn't sure about using that word hate, but I just decided that yeah, it sucked. I almost sorta feel like in the words of Sawyer, "It was all a long con." In that I feel like the ending was a cop out. A way to not really have to answer all the questions. A way in which to keep people still interested. Still talking. An ending that will have them all go out and buy the previous seasons on DVD to watch again to see where they might have missed the long con. But I don't think the answers are there. I think the writers said, "Ooops, well. We've got one season left. We better wrap this up quick." So they did. And in an almost, "WE TOLD YOU THE ISLAND WASN'T PURGATORY" nah, nah, na, nah nah way, they make the flash sideways purgatory. A place where the characters could work out their issues, meet up at a church, and cross over to the other side as one big dysfunctional family. What a friggin' cop out. You mean to tell me this whole time, this is how it was supposed to end? That the plane really did crash, and that the purpose was so that they could all meet, and be a part of people's lives, then all cross over together? Uh, no.

That being said, I have to say I have loved watching each and every episode of this series. Even the ones that weren't my favorites kept me mostly entertained. And I guess that's what a TV show is supposed to do right? Entertain. And that it did. And I enjoyed every bit of it. Just not those last fifteen minutes. And here's why.

My main problem with the ending was that clearly this whole series was about the characters. Who are they? Where have they been? Where are they going? Where would they have gone had the plane not crashed? How will they act off the island? How do they interact with the other characters? Pretty much the whole show is all about the characters, some would argue, Jack being the main one. But this is where I differ. In my mind the creators and writers have done a fabulous job of developing the characters, and for the most part they did an okay job of wrapping up the main ones. But they forgot to wrap up, or answer questions, about the most important character of all. The island. We know all the back stories of all the people, but somewhere along the way the island, it's mystery and it's power, took on the leading role in the show. Bigger than any person in fact. It played such a major part in the series, so to not have any background, and information, any closure on where the island came from, and how it came to be was the most frustrating part about the finale for me.

Some people are frustrated about not knowing the little things, like about Aaron, or Walt, or what the heck the temple crap was all about. Not me. I don't really care about all that. I just care about the island. Where did it come from? Who created it? Why did it have special powers? And rules? Who made the rules? How did the first people get there? How did this cave with the light get there? How did smokey get made? How come the island can be moved. All that. That's the stuff I wanted answers to. Not necessarily all the B.S. Christian Shepherd handed us. And yes, I feel had i got the answers to my questions about the island, I could have finished my last three delicious, satisfying bites of vanilla ice cream. Instead, I'm afraid I'm going to be craving vanilla ice cream for the rest of my life, and having a really bad sauerkraut aftertaste left lingering.

So yeah, those are my thoughts. I'd love to hear yours.

Amy

LOST THOUGHTS

First off, sorry this post took so long to get up. Our laptop died so we are using an old laptop--seven years old to be exact. And it is so incredibly slow, I feel like I'm on a dial-up connection. Remember those? So yeah, sorry it took so long to get it up.

So, I have to be honest and say that I came into Tuesday night's episode with a bit of a chip, okay maybe a very large chip, on my shoulder due to last weeks ridiculous episode. The more I thought about last weeks episode the angrier I seemed to get about it. And really, I didn't want to feel foolish for sacrificing so much time over the last six years devoted to a show that was in the end just a bunch of crap. So, you can understand my relief when I discovered that this weeks episode would mean getting back to out lovely losties. So, without further ado, here are my thoughts on the episode:

• Okay lets start off with Jack and the flash sideways. He's got this thing on his neck. And he's having breakfast with his son who reminds him of his concert. Now this concert I am guessing is where almost all of the losties will reconvene for one serious lostie sideways reunion. I think this is the same concert that Faraday will be playing at. So that will make Widmore and Eloise there. Jack will probably bring Claire. Jack's son's mom will be there (who I am guessing is Juliet), Desmond is bringing Kate, Hurley is bringing Sayid, Charlotte will be there, and I'm sure Miles will somehow get Sawyer to come along as well. Not sure what this all means, but I'm sure Desmond will get them all to realize somehow that they are connected, and then the realization will occur. I'm not sure what this will all mean in relation to island life, but I'm sure it will be the reunion of all television reunions and I can't wait!
• So then we see Jack stitching up Kate --how very full circle of them. Reminds me of when he stitched her up (or was it her that stiched him?) after they first crashed. Don't hate me for sort of wishing that she had died. She is for sure one character that I will not miss once this whole shebang is over.
• What a night for Ben! Finally we get back to Ben, Richard and Miles. We find out that Ben's got lots of rage still left over from Alex's death with ultimately results in him promising to do all of Flocke's dirty work in killing the candidates as well as offing Widmore. In a way it was sorta nice to see him get back to the evil Ben we all know and love, cause I was really starting to hate the wussy Ben we were getting episode after episode. I am also sorta hoping he is long-coning Smokey and in the end will kill him or something. Redemption would be nice.
• But before Widmore is killed we find out the reason for Desmond. He is the failsafe. Should be interesting to see how this all works out. I'm thinking maybe he is the only one who can go into the light and survive? Oh, and what about Richard? I thought he couldn't die--i.e. was immortal? Or was I mistaken about that? And if he is dead, I'm kinda pissed cause I really enjoyed him and his eye-liner. So yeah, I'm really hoping smokey just threw him up in a tree somewhere and he's waiting to be rescued.
• The flash sideways where Desmond beats the crap out of Ben was wierd, and I didn't enjoy the dinner with Alex whatsoever, except it was nice to see Roussou normal. The relationship Alex and Ben have in the sideways world sorta creeps me out a little bit. Am I the only one who thinks that?
• Moving right along to the most important part of the night. Hurley sees young Jacob. Is this cause he had his ashes? Wierd. Then he runs after him, and suddenly he's adult Jacob? Even wierder. And he sits the Losties down and tells them why he brought them all to the island and chose them as his possible replacements (basically their lives sucked), offers them all the choice in the job opening, and as we've been predicting all season, Jack takes the bait, or rather the cup. Even though I knew Jack would do it, I was really hoping Hurley would. I just still love Hurley's character so much. I also found it interesting that Kate was also a candidate. And how funny was it that Jack had a cup in his backpack? Classic. So, Jack is now the replacement--and like Jacob. And it never fails to surprise me that Jack takes the job without making Jacob even answer a few questions. What is it with these people and not asking questions!!! Jack is now guardian of the mysterious, mythical, and slightly hokey light.
• So now the question is: Will Jack succeed?
• And remember at the beginning of this season when we saw the island under water? I am sure somehow this will come into play on Sunday I'm just not sure how. Is this how it all will end? Meaning that since the island is underwater, someone kills smokey, and Jack sacrifices himself on the island and drowns, so no one can live there and they all end up living in the sideways reality?
• One thing is for sure, I am really looking forward to how Desmond is pulling all the Losties together in the sidways timeline. And I'm excited to see how he's gonna pull this "connection" to the island off. And how is Jack going to save the island? Perhaps in some weird way he will 'fix' Locke on the operating table? Who knows.
• Best line of the night was for sure when Miles says to Ben: "I lived in those houses thirty years before you did, otherwise known as last week."

Anyhoo, I can't believe I there is only one episode left! It's a good thing I'm so excited, or else I'd be completely sad. Which I probably shouldn't admit, but I have really enjoyed this whole entire series so much. I am also getting excited for the accompanying shindig! I hope you all can make it! And if you didn't get an invite, and would like to come, it's probably cause I don't have your e-mail. Send me an e-mail to my naptime email and I will send you over an invite. Thanks so much to everyone who has participated in my lost "discussions" either on this blog or in real life. It's been a fun ride! Here's to Sunday!

LOST RECAP

Wow. Okay, so I'm not really sure how I feel about this episode. I mean, did I like it? Not sure. Did I hate it? Not sure. I mean I guess in a way in answered some questions for us, but in the classic LOST way of just creating more. So, without further ado, lets get into it.

• Okay, so the first thing I was bugged about is the fact that with only 3! episodes left here we are introducing more new characters. Uggg. Is anyone else sick of this? Just close it up already. I mean, I don't even really have closure with the characters that we've spent 5 years investing in already. Richard, Miles, Lapidus, Mr. Ecko. etc. We don't need any newbies at this point.
• Then, first they are speaking some weird language with subtitles and then bam, English. This was just weird. Is this some weird thing that the writers didn't want to make the actors speak weird for a whole episode with subtitles, or what? Just made no sense. So, yeah, we're not off to a great start here people. Two things I hate.
• The next thing we must discuss is the fact that Jacob & no-name (but I'd like to call him Esau. again, how lame is it that the writers still can not come up with a name for this MIB, smokey guy? I mean really. Brother is all we get?) are twin brothers. I feel like this answered a question, but really wasn't any surprise. Their mother comes to the island via a crashed ship, and shortly thereafter delivers the twins and then is brutally murdered by the crazy lady. Now here comes the third thing I hate. Could there perhaps been a more humane manner in which to kill Jacob & Esau's mother? I mean it was terribly violent and a little brutal -- Even for Lost.
• So there we are. Crazy lady --who again has no name --just mother.(This so bugs me because in order to engage or relate with a character I really feel like they need a name.) So, she raises the boys as if they were her own. Not sure if she is good or evil. Again with this whole theme. I mean she did murder someone for hecks sake, but apparently she is the guardian of this light--which is the light inside all of us -- or some mumbo jumbo. She also knows a lot about the rules. She somehow made it so the boys can't kill each other. But how? Who gave her the power?
• One thing that I thought was fabulous was the casting of the young boys in this episode. I think they did a great job of portraying the older Jacob and MIB.
• Moving back to things I hate, did anyone else just hate Jacob and his whole personality? NOt only as a child, but also as an adult? Just made his character weak. And I feel like with how strong of a character he has been throughout the seasons -- powerful and everything I really needed him to come off stronger than he did. And more likeable. I wanted to come out of this episode team Jacob, but I'm afraid that just didn't happen for me. I feel like he was bullied into his position of keeper of the light, and that he didn't really even stand up to anything. So frustrating.
• So really quick. This game that pre-smokey finds. Do you really think his 'mother' made it for him? I found it interesting that Esau can lie to her, but Jacob can not. Is this supposed to be some sort of metaphor for good and evil?
• Then one day Esau sees his real mother ala Hurley. Esau is the only one who can see her since she is dead. What does this mean? Another metaphor for good and evil? Esau's mother tells him what really happened to her, and shows him the other, other others. Sheesh. Are you still with me? I found it interesting that when Esau tells Jacob this, Jacob still wants to live with his fake mother the killer, rather than go with his twin --his actual flesh and blood. Again, terrible character flaw Jacob. Fake mother takes them both to the light where she really crapily explains to them and us what it is, and what it means. It's in all of us, if it gets out we're all doomed etc. She also tells them not to go into it. Apparently if ya do it's worse than death. I'm not at all satisfied with this. In fact it really bugged me. Again with the introducing a new thing with only three episodes to go. And apparently a pretty important thing. The very thing that's the whole reason for the island, and therefore the show. Not sure if this is a copout on the producers part or what. And how does this light correlate to the temple with that crazy water etc. Is the temple on top of the light source maybe?
• I thought it was interesting that fake mother tells Esau & Jacob that they can never leave the island. (Except we know that Jacob has -- to recruit the Losties) Esau spends years finding a way off. Eventually does with the donkey wheel-- that in past seasons has moved the island. I have to say that I for sure in this episode gained lots of respect for Esau/MIB. He was the thinker. The one who questioned authority. The one who ultimately followed his own conscience.
• So, fake mother talks or rather pushes Jacob into becoming the keeper of the light via a glass of wine. What does this mean? I thought it was weird and out of place and I didn't like Jacob one bit in this scene. Now Jacob and "mother" are the same? What does this mean?
• Crazy lady aka fake mother then goes wackadoodle and kills all the other other others. (Remember when smokey tells kate he once had a mother and she was crazy? He wasn't kidding!) Esau gets pissed and kills her. She thanks him--why? Jacob then gets upset and takes Esau to the light tunnel and throws him in --which is ultimately worse than death. So Jacob is now worse than a killer? Which by the way I thought fake mommy told them they couldn't hurt each other? Does throwing each other down the worse-than-death-light-tunnel not count? In which Esau then comes screaming out as Smokey.
• Then we find out that Adam & Eve are fake crazy momma and Esau. Except Smokey still lives, inhabiting his own and other's bodies I guess. The flashback to season 1 was stupid. How dumb do the producers think we are? Give us die hards a break. I sorta feel like they threw that scene in there to prove some point to us -- that they actually knew where this whole shenanigan of a series was going--even in the beginning. Which I don't completely believe.

I guess all in all, I am sorta pissed that in order to close up the whole series we have to be making things, characters and situations up at this point. And really huge, and important things. As much as I've loved this whole series, I think this whole light tunnel crap is sorta a cop out. A quick answer. I really missed all the Lostie characters we've grown to love. And I hope we can get back to them in the next two episodes.

I do have to say though, something I'm realizing now is that this whole show-- the whole premise for the show anyway is one of myth, legend, and fairytale. This sorta bums me out. I mean, I really thought that I was invested in real people, who survived a real (albeit fictional) plane crash and their stories. Seems however this is not the case.

And after reading this whole post again, I guess I can safely say that I wasn't such a fan of this episode. Too little too late Lost producers. And even though this wasn't my favorite episode -- I'm still enjoying it. Still looking forward to the last few episodes.

Now, I must know --what were your thoughts on this episode? Love it? Hate it? Thoughts?

THOUGHTS ON LOST

Okay, first off I want to say that I did not appreciate Lost taking a week breather. It was annoying how I had to catch myself up for a minute and remember why Jack was with Sayid etc. So, yeah, Lost producers? Bad move taking a week off. Just remember there are only a few episodes left, then you can have forever off. Moving along. . .

• First off, lets talk flash sideways. Is anyone else confused by this nonsense? Jack seems to be getting closer to figuring out how they all fit together with flight 815, but Locke? His whole attitude was just weird. Makes me wonder if in some weird twist it's actually smokey in there not wanting to have Jack "fix" him. And really quick we must discuss the box Claire & Jack's dad gave Claire. I feel like I should know what this means, but clearly I'm missing something. The only connection I can make is that it's playing the song we've heard Claire sing to Aaron before. The "catch a falling star, put it in your pocket. . ." Anyone have any better insight into this? I feel like it must mean something since they put it in the episode when they have just precious few minutes left of the season, but maybe it was just to get Claire and Jack together again. Also in a weird sick way, I was sort of happy to see Locke's dad in a wheelchair. I know I am mean and terrible, but so was he. And lastly, nice to see Bernard again. Seems like he genuinely knows about the island life. HMMMMM.
• Let's talk Jack for a moment. What a crazy turnaround his character has had through out the series. He reluctantly takes the leader roll, then, we see him in the flash backs and forward being a drunk and addict, then we see him in the flash sideways as a dad, and now we see him as a serious candidate and committed to the island. It's certainly strange to see one character take on so many different rolls, but I do have to say Matthew Fox is doing a wonderful job making each character believable and making his personality so multi-dimensional. We definitely learned more about the "rules" of the island. Meaning smokey can't kill the candidates, but can kill other people on the island, but the Losties can kill each other. Interesting.
• So Fake Locke/Smokey decides to off as many candidates as possible. He can't kill them himself, so he must get them to kill each other. By taking an easily planted and very obvious bomb off the plane. How convenient. The most notable were Sun & Jin. I mean how sad was that? Even though I have invested so much time and energy into their relationship I still wanted Jin to swim away for his daughter. *Side note to Hubs. If we are ever in a sinking submarine, and I am stuck, and clearly going to die. Please swim away. Please. For our crazy kids. the end.* And even if you hadn't invested five years of your life into the relationship between Sun and Jin, it would have still made you just a little bit teary to see those hands floating away from each other in the water with the classic LOST music playing in the back ground. Sob. And I guess in a way we found out that Sun was the "candidate" of the two Kwans, cause Jin just basically kills himself, and I thought that was against the rules (remember jack in the black rock with richard?). Although I could be mistaken.
• Sayid finally decides to wake up in this episode. Finally, finally, finally, only then to sacrifice himself, and die. So sad. I'm wondering what was the key to waking him up? Was it something Desmond did or said to him? And yay, we know that Desmond is still alive. I'm thinking it will be fun to find out how he fits into the whole scheme. Also, did you catch when Sayid says to Jack "It's going to be you, jack." Hmmm. Does this mean Jack is the ultimate "candidate?" And how would he know? Something again, perhaps Desmond said to him?
• So, we know of the "candidates" left there is Jack, Sawyer (albeit unconscious), and Hurley. Kate of course is wounded but alive, but I'm thinking her time is coming as well. Especially cause she isn't a candidate and so neither Smokey nor Widmore see the point in keeping her around. Finally someone that agrees with me that Kate sucks! But an even bigger question I've got is what happened to Lapidis? Did he die, survive? I realize he's not a "candidate", but still. It'd be nice to know. And while we are on the subject, what about Miles, Richard and Ben?
• One thing I just thought at the end of the episod was if Smokey knew who was dead and who was alive, meaning he knew Sun, Jin and Sayid were dead, doesn't he probably know about Desmond not being dead?
• I am excited to see what role Widmore plays in this whole big mess. Whose side is he really on? And I am glad to see a return to Jacob and MIB next week.
• And finally what is the significance with all the Losties getting together at the hospital? What does this all mean? I seriously have no idea, but I can't wait to find out!!!

So, the big Finale event is going down on May 23rd. That's a Sunday night -- not a Tuesday. ABC always does this for some reason. Moves their big finales to Sunday. Must be a bigger TV night for people or something. But ANYHOO, I want you all to know that I will most definitely be having a LOST finale party at my place for sure!!!! And if you comment on my Lost posts you are most definitely invited!!!! I shall be sending out e-vites for all quite shortly, but in the mean time, be sure to keep that night Sunday May 23rd open!!!! CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH IT!

A FEW AWESOME THINGS

1. Thing 1's Mothers day program at school yesterday. For his talent time, he read a poem, and unbeknownst to me decided to do an impromptu drawing right on the spot in front of everyone as his talent. I had no idea this was going to happen. I thought reading the poem we wrote together would be the talent. But no. I was dying. It was hilarious. Just like an episode of Win Loose or Draw. We were all waiting in anticipation of what his drawing was going to be. In the end it ended up being a fabulous portrait of his grandma. Love that darn kid.
2. Speaking of Thing 1, did I tell you he finally learned how to tie? Yep, a few Sundays ago he decided to get serious about it, and so we sat down and within a half hour he had it mastered. He now has his very own pair of Chucks that are grey with skulls on them. And every time it rains he tells me how great it is that he has these Chucks to keep his ankles dry. Pure awesomeness.
3. Back to the Mother's Day program -- loved the kid who for his talent sang Bob Marley's Buffalo Soldier. And the girl who tap danced on the carpet . And the boy who did ten cartwheels in a row. And the boy who told the vampire who was "here to vash your vindows" joke which took a really long time, and in which I'm convinced made it funnier than any other time I've heard it told. But my favorite was still Thing 1's drawing on demand. Classic. Kindergartners are awesome.
4. One more thing about Thing 1, after some major luck we were able to get him into the dual immersion Spanish program next year (instead of the french program) which I'm thrilled about. Having him know another language will be awesome, but knowing Spanish will be fantastic. We had a huge cinco de mayo party to celebrate in which we ate nachos, and tacos and I made the most spectacular homemade salsa recipe which can be found here.
5. Finally decided on a car seat for the babe. After 2 previous purchases & returns I think this will be the one. And most importantly it carries babies up to 32 inches. Which is always a fantastic thing when your babies come out the size of a small pony.
6. I have good reason to believe that the nursery has a very good chance of getting painted today. I mean, I'm not holding my breath or anything, but I'm fairly certain come Sunday it will be done. This is the color I chose. A nice little warm gray. This is definitely awesome.
7. Thank you to all of you for taking the time to comment on my nesting post. I love all the good ideas and product recommendations.
8. It's Friday!!!
9. The kids have a primary party today. Which means mom gets a little alone time. Hip, hip, hooray!
10. Thing 2 has her dance recital tomorrow. This should also be awesome.
11. So many things to be thankful for. Have no idea why I'm in such a positive mood. Must be the fabulous mothers day weekend we've got right around the corner, and the fact that even though it's not super hot, it is most definitely the Spring, and therefore no longer Winter, and therefore no longer sucky.
12. My cup of vanilla Chi tea (herbal decaf of course) with a shot of skim and truvia that I whipped up myself and enjoyed last night. Heavenly. Only I'm not sure if they will have tea in heaven. But if they do, that's what I'm going to drink.
13. The new mid-day Real game time for tomorrow. We're taking the kids. Not sure if this is awesome or not. I'll let you know later.
14. This strange and unexpected, and totally out of the normal splash of optimism I'm having this morning.
15. This commercial. Thanks for the link hoddogs.
16. And this one. kinda enjoying the white haired lady. Makes me want to throw a shrimp on the barbie.

Hope you all have a fabulous Friday. I've got nothing but love for ya!

Oh, and for those of you waiting for a LOST post, it's coming. Sorry.

MY LATEST GUILTY PLEASURE

So, my latest guilty pleasure. 9 by Design. Have you seen it? It's like all the great things I love about HGTV, smashed up together with a little reality TV. It might possibly be my new favorite reality show. It is about these two designers Bob & Courtney Novogratz, who own a design company Sixx Design. It follows them as they build houses, design for clients, and raise their 7 (yes seven!) kids in downtown Manhattan. Sure they have a lot of kids, but don't even for a minute think Bob & Courtney are anything like the Duggars. These people may have a lot of kids, with awesomely different names (Wolfie, Tallulah, Bellamy, Breaker, Five, Holly, and Major), but they also know style when they see it, and you won't see even an inch of waist length hair on this show-- hallelujah!

The other day I was trying to get Hubs to watch it with me. He hates big family reality shows (think jon & kate, duggers, table for 12 etc.), but I was trying to tell him that this one, was nothing like those. If for nothing else he had to watch because of the awesome design, and houses showcased in each episode. But what I should have done, was send him over to Apartment Therapy where they recently did a house tour of Bob & Courtney's latest home. It's right on the Hudson River in NYC, currently on the market for a cool $25 million and is probably one of the most spectacular homes I've ever seen. Might just be my dream home. Think modern meets vintage, meets cartoon. If you are at all interested in design, jump on over to AT here, and take a tour. Trust me you won't be disappointed.

Oh, and if you wanna catch 9 by Design, you can find them on Bravo! Tuesdays at 8.

NESTING -- A CALL FOR HELP

So, here I am with just about 7 weeks to go, and I am absolutely in my nesting phase. Have been for a few weeks, but it's especially kicking in now. I'm feeling a big push to get the nursery done --just bought the paint yesterday--a nice warm grey, purchase any necessary baby gear, and be organized and ready for Thing 3 to make his arrival in June.

So, I was inspired by Design Mom's five posts about preparing for baby's arrival, and thought I would go ahead and do my own little version here right on Naptime. She divided hers into five different parts. Layette (things you'd need for clothing wise for baby), sleeping (cribs, swaddlers, etc.), bathing/diapering (cloth or otherwise), feeding (bottles, boppies etc.) and mom's needs (nursing, packing for the hospital etc.) I thought I'd just go ahead and lump mine into one post since I know there aren't zillions of you readers out there. Since it's been so long since I had a baby around - and we basically gave away ALL our baby gear, and I know a few of you that have just had babies, or are already seasoned moms, or frankly are just smarter than I am, so therefore, I would LOVE your input. So the question is:

WHAT BABY PRODUCT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND OR CAN'T IMAGINE LIVING WITHOUT?

In other words, what are the products that you reach for. For example for me, I hated the boppy, and just made sure I had a good pillow or two under my arms for nursing. I've heard Aiden & Anais swaddling blankets are great. And I'm looking into the Puj bathtub. I also loved with my first two those little onesies with the fold-over hands so the little babes don't scratch up their faces with those new nails. Or, do you have a carseat you LOVE? or maybe a sling or carrier you just think is peachy? Yep, it can be anything and everything. Bottles, diapers, wipes, etc. Anything you might have an opinion on baby-wise, I WANT IT! Even if it is advice. I'll take it! Anyone tried those wipes warmers? Are they worth the money, or just a waste? See, I've got all these questions and need your help.

So, take a minute, leave a comment, and help a sister out. Thanks!!!






Oh, and for you mamas with multiples or any sort of medical background-- I've got a question for you. I swear I feel like this baby is right down in my pelvis. With the first two I felt like they were right in my ribs, but with this one that just isn't the case. I'm not sure if he's dropped early, or if I just have crappy stomach muscles now after three kids, but something is wrong. Here is the deal. This is going to sound weird probably, but it honestly feels like maybe from all the weight of the baby that I might have broken my pelvis. The under, or backside of my pubic bone/pelvis feels like it might have like a hairline fracture or something. Every time I stand up it is just really painful in my pelvis. And tender, and feels like it honestly might be broken or bruised or sprained or something. And if I stand on one leg --like to get my pants on -- it's terrible. Almost unbearable. So, I guess my question is -- is this even possible? Can you fracture your pelvis? I realize obviously they cant do an x-ray, so how would I find out for sure, and if it is, then is there even anything you can do? I mean, I guess you can't get a cast or anything. So yeah, if anyone has any thoughts on the subject that would be awesome. Thanks.

DETAILS

So, a few weeks ago, I was in a funk. Could absolutely NOT see any light at the end of this pregnancy tunnel. And I had absolutely no qualms about sharing that funk. People would ask me how I was doing, and I would easily say things such as, "Miserable." "Huge!", and "Go away before I punch you in the face." Yes. I was so pleasant to be around. And I am fairly certain that most of this negative sludge was coming from the fact that I was feeling oh-so-pregnant, looking oh-so-pregnant, and sick and tired of people feeling pity for me. There aren't a lot of great things about the third trimester, at least none that I was willing to focus on.

So as you can see, I wasn't exactly happily pregnant. I was in that stage of being so done with being pregnant, yet, you still have a good 2 and half months left. And well, I must have just been radiating my funk, cause my friend Kristin came up with this brilliant idea. She could tell I was just done, so she decided that we would schedule all these fun things to do from now until the baby was to come and just fill up my time with other things to look forward to so that these last few months would just fly by. She decided to call it the 68 days of Amy or something like that. We were going to fill it with massages and pedicures and just fun relaxing kind of stuff. And then a week came and went with nothing being added to my calendar, and my mood getting more and more sour. Not good.

Then, a few days ago I had a complete epiphany. And frankly, it couldn't have come at a greater time. I started thinking about the best way to distract myself and stop focusing on all the things I disliked about this baby not coming sooner. Get out of my own head if you will. So, then, going off my friend Krissy's brilliant idea, about the 68 days of Amy, I decided to revamp it, and so here is what I came up with. Technically I now have 58 days left before my scheduled C-section, and what better way to make the time fly by than to get out and do a little service. Something here and there, everyday to make the time fly by. Instead of focusing on me for the next 2 months, I've decided to focus on other people. Do a little something for someone else, each day. And since I tend to be a bit of a slacker, and could see myself counting pouring my kids bowls of cereal each morning as service, I decided that the service had to be for someone outside of my immediate family. Extend myself a bit. Get out of my comfort zone. And since I'm huge and prego, and can't help people wash their windows or anything, I decided to keep my service small. In the details. Cause really, I've decided that for me, the best parts of life, are in the details. For instance: A really meaningful, heartfelt compliment. A handwritten, thoughtful thank you note. A short, quick e-mail. A short, sweet text. Taking a neighbors kids for a play date. Baking a batch of cookies for a friend. Hosting a get-together with loved ones. Something. Everyday. And so I don't forget, I'm planning them out. Putting them on my calendar. Something to look forward to every day. Get myself out of my own head, and into other people's lives. Cultivate my relationships with the people who mean the most to me, and get back into the details of life.

And then because sometimes I second guess myself, come up with a killer idea (like this one) and then a day or so later, decide the whole idea is lame and never follow through, God sent me a big old sign. A sign that this was absolutely the thing I MUST do, if I am to survive. Out of nowhere I heard a slice of a song, that I've heard and sung myself probably hundreds of time. Perhaps even thousands. But today, when I heard it, it was as if I was hearing it all over again for the first time. Solidified my need to get out of myself and into the next 58 days of life. Into the details.

"Give" Said The Little Stream

give said the little stream.

give oh give. give oh give.

give said the little stream as it hurried down the hill.

i'm small i know but wherever i go

the grass grown greener still.

singing singing all the day.

give away. oh give away.

singing singing all the day.

give oh give away.

So, if you happen to get a strange compliment, text, e-mail or thank you note in the mail from yours truly in the next two months, just know that you're helping. In ways you wouldn't even realize. Helping me get out of and beyond myself. Helping me to cultivate and create a nest of positivity, and thankfulness, and gratefulness, and love for this baby to come home to. And a mentally healthy and happy mommy to hover over that nest. So, even though I'm not small, and well actually a bit large, I can still make the grass grow greener still, and can absolutely give oh give away. And suddenly, almost in a magical sort of way, even if only slightly, I'm beginning to see a sliver of light at the end of that tunnel. Yep, just a sliver, but something is definitely there. Here's to living life in the details!

LOST CONFUSION

SPOILER ALERT.

• Okay first off, is anyone else not completely enjoying the way the writers are wrapping up Lost? I mean I love the story of course, but the speed, and the way they are just jumping all over the place, it's hard to stay focused. Even for me. Seemed like a huge set-up episode to me.
• That being said, let's get on with the goods. One of the big "answers" we got this week was that Christain Shepherd (Jack's papa) has just been Smokey/Flocke all along. Not especially surprising really. Kinda figured, since we know that for some reason Smokey doesn't have his own body. However does open the question as to who was it who came to Jack in LA after the rescue, and to Michael on the freighter? Smokey?
• So, Jack jumps ship. Also not surprising. Although I'm thinking that made for a really terrible swim being in jeans and shoes and having a backpack on and all. Hey, I'm just saying.
• And if we may discuss the way all these Losties lives are interesecting in the flash sideways. Kinda creepy that Sun recognized Locke. Was she recognizing Fake Locke though? Finally it seems the two realities are beginning to merge. Not sure what this means exactly, but I'm sure it means somthin'. I'm also not sure if their actions off the island or on, are affecting the other existence. Some people really think one affects the other, but I'm not so sure about this. Or is it just destiny that their lives are meant to intersect? I'm sorta thinking that this flash sideways is how the show will end. At least I hope so. That little David (Jack's son) is too adorable a kid, not to ever have been made.
• Also speaking of Sun, let's talk about this reuniting scene she had with Jin. I don't know. Maybe it's just me, but it seemed a little hoaky, and honestly bugged the crap out of me. Mostly because I wasn't really able to enjoy it cause I wastoo busy yelling at the screen really loudly, "Turn off the fence! Turn off the fence! For the love of all that is holy, I hope they turned off the fence and do not get fried to smitherines!" And then I guess it was off. Wierd. And then I was all distracted about how they didn't have the fence turned on, and I couldn't really enjoy or focus on the reunion.
• One thing I want to discuss for a moment, is this whole idea that Smokey is telling the Losties about leaving the island. I'm pretty sure it's flawed, and he is lying to them. He tells them that before they couldn't leave the isalnd cause Jacob was alive. Except, they did. On the helicopter. Was that only cause they were together? And if this was the reason, obviously Jacob didn't care. Is this cause he knew they would be back? Or, is it because Smokey was really helping them get off the island (like he told Jack)? So is Jack right in wanting them to all stay on the island?
• Sorta think it's sad that no one cares if Miles gets off the island.
• Also even though I think Hurley's comment about Anikan and the dark side was funny, I also think there is more there. Can people come over from the dark side? Sayid, Claire? Smokey?
• Let's talk Desmond for a moment. I'm not sure what his whole purpose on the island is, but whatever it is, I just think that is a really shallow well. And for the question of the night. . . do we think Sayid went through with it? Killing of Des, I mean? My vote is that Sayid did NOT in fact kill Des, and that he let him go. Although I could totally be wrong on this one. But I'm pretty sure Desmond is too awesome to be dead.
• And finally, Widmore. What is his deal? Does he really want to kill all these Losties who are candidates? I am so confused as to whose side widmore is on. We know he's not on Smokey/Locke's, but is it Jacob's side, or just his own?
• And one more finally, so I guess Jack is "the last recruit"? He's officially on Smokey's side? Or is he? dun, dun, dun.

LINK LOVE

Okay, so I was gonna do this snazzy little Happy Earth Day post, but my friend Sabrena, beat me too it. And it was awesome. So, rather than waste time and energy (see- me being green--ha!) I decided just to link you over to her blog. Everything she says I ditto--except maybe the EC stuff. That in my book is just crazy. But you could always substitute ECing for cloth --and here is my opportunity to remind you all of my cloth diapering info night that is coming up real quick like. If you got lazy on me, and still want an invite shoot me an e-mail, or comment to this post, and I will send you an invite. Enjoy!

EARTH DAY ACTION VIA SUITE SPOTS

MY DAUGHTER THE KLEPTO

So yesterday I needed to run out to the distribution center so I loaded up the kiddos and out we went. Mid-stop Thing 1 announces he must visit the restroom. No biggie, only thing once you go out of the distribution center in midvale, you can't go back in from the back doors. You have to walk through Deseret Book. So there we are walking through Deseret Book to get back to the car, and everything seems fine, until we get outside (almost to the car) and I notice Thing two is grabbing her shirt with both hands. Which isn't really normal. So, I ask her what the problem is. She quickly blushes and says nothing. Which I know can't be true. So, I question her further, and ask to see what she's got down her shirt. She of course refuses, and that's when I realize the little klepto has stolen something.

So, against Thing 2's wishes I stick my hand down her shirt and remove the stolen item. I take one look at it, and it's all I can do to stifle my laughter. My daughter the klepto stole a pencil from Deseret book that said, wait for it, wait for it, CHOOSE THE RIGHT.

Classic. Oh the irony.

SO MUCH BEAUTY IN THE WORLD

Loving this new song by Macey Gray. It's perfect for this spring, and typifies everything I am feeling at this moment.

I beg of you to find this song, download it, play it and dance.

Happy Spring Everyone! It's finally here!

A LITTLE COUPON LOVE

So I came across a few coupons that I thought some of you might be interested in. I know I am.


Mmmmmm. Jamba. The one thing I for sure have been craving this pregnancy. And of course it's the healthy one. Peanut Butter Mood hold the banana (nothing healthy in there please!). Valid April 12-25th.
Einstein Bagles is offering free bagles every Friday before 11 a.m. Offer good through May 22nd.

This is one I will be taking advantage of for sure. Discovery Gateway (a.k.a the children's museum) is offereing $5 admission for up to 4 people for a limited time. Of course like with all these deals, you must print off the coupon and bring it in.

Also a few more of note: if you are a coffee drinker, bring your reusable tumbler into any starbucks today (April 15th) and they will fill in for free!

Free Grilled Taco at Rubios good today only April 15th.

15% off P.F Changs today only.

Enjoy!

LOST THOUGHTS

SPOILER ALERT FOR LOST AIRING 4/13

Okay, so let's get right down to business. So much to discuss. Shall we?

• Okey dokey. First off I want to say, that even though I thought this episode was good, I didn't think it was great. Seemed kind of choppy and all over the place, and honestly, a little rushed. But, it was still good. I mean, there was lots of Hurley so that's definitely good in my book.
• So it's pretty evident here that the time lines flash sideways and island life are beginning to overlap, and merge if you will. Not sure what this all means, other than it's happening.
• So if we know they are merging and the characters off the island in the flash sideways are remembering their island lives, are the characters on the island also remembering their flash sideways lives? Is that maybe why Hurley all the sudden has so much gusto? And maybe why Desmond is so calm and fearless?
• Okay, so it really was great to see Libby again. I guess I didn't realize what a love connection those two had. It was interesting that in the flash sideways Libby was the one who was crazy, and Hurley was "normal". I also think it's interesting who can remember "island life", and how. Charlie being drugged out, Desmond in the MRI & when he touched penny, Daniel when he saw Charlotte, Libby (not sure how she remembers) and Hurley when he kisses Libby. I'm sure there is something significant here, just not sure what.
• So Ilana dies, and honestly, it was a little shocking but truly, I didn't even care. And still don't. Without any back story on her, it was kinda hard to connect, and therefore care. I mean it sucks that she died cause death sucks, but like Ben said, the island was done with her.
• Michael. Okay, I didn't really appreciate his return. I never really liked his character, and honestly I was a little disappointed in his "answer" well, rather the writers answer, that the whispers were those that are stuck on the island. In the past seasons these whispers have always preceded the others. And we've been repeatedly told in interviews with the producers that the island is NOT purgatory. So I just did not appreciate this "answer". Seems like a quick fix to me. Boo.
• Sayid is really bugging me. I mean, his character was one of the more enjoyable ones in the last five seasons, and this year, it's just so annoying. I want the old sayid back.
• Was it just me or did Smocke seem a little confused to see Desmond? Clearly he wasn't appreciating the fact that he couldn't control, manipulate and scare Des. Do you think this is because Desmond remembers the flash sideways and his other life? Love his whole Zen attitude though about asking Smocke "What is the point of being afraid?" Makes you sort of think that he's asking the devil himself what the point of his existence is? So then Smoke just pushes him down the well. Saw that one coming for sure. Too bad Des didn't. I'm glad though that we got a little sneak peak teaser for next week and we can see that Des ends up being okay. Few. And so then what if he stands up and walks over and turns the wheel? Could it just be that easy? I highly doubt it.
• So lets talk about the one great thing in this episode. The shocking ending. Des runs over, or under, Locke. I've got a couple theories on this. I did notice that his car had two different license plates in this episode, that they showed very prominently. One when he was stalking Libby & Hurley's date (finally!) on the beach, and another when he runs over Locke. Not sure of the significance, but since we know the writers and producers are so detail-oriented I can't imagine this is a mistake. But I'm just not sure what it means. Is it a third alternate reality (I sure as heck hope not!) or is it Des just changing it so no one can track him down and get him locked up?
• And why we are on the subject, why does Des go bananas and run him over? Is it to get him to remember the "island" somehow like he did in his near-death experience, or is it because the flash sideways Des remembers Locke pushing him down the well and is pissed, and gets him back?
• So Sun. I'm thinking a Sun/Jin reunion might not come until the season finale.
• We must discuss the little smirking boy we saw this episode. Is this an older version of the other little boy we saw a few episodes back? Is this Jacob as a boy, growing older, trying to remind Smokey that his time is running out? Whatever he is, I'm over the producers introducing new characters at this point. I can hardly keep the 15 million currently straight.

Well, as you can see, I've got nada as far as insight goes on this episode. It seemed confusing and jumbled and just wasn't my favorite. Oh well, you win some you lose some. Did you hear that the season finale is going to be five hours?! Well, sorta. A two hour recap, which at first I thought I would just skip since I've seen every single episode of the last five seasons, but honestly I'm thinking it would be nice to just have a little refresher and see how the producers tie everything all up. Then of course the two hour finale, and then an hour on Jimmy Kimmel after the finale. This hour I will probably skip, and just catch the best moments the next day on youtube. But yeah. I can't believe this show is finally winding down. What will I blog about? I guess I will have to start blogging about my actual life again.

GLEE RETURNS. . . FINALLY!

Finally. Glee has returned. And it did NOT disappoint.

"Did you know that dolphins are just gay sharks?" Best line of the night.

And This little ditty above? Brilliance. Can't wait for the all-Madonna episode next week!

For some reason, the video isn't allowing me to embed it. Probably cause it's so awesome. You can go here to watch Sue Sylvester rock the Vogue!

LOST RECAP

SPOILER ALERT. LOST THOUGHTS AND RECAP FOR EP AIRING 4/6

Okay, first off, how completely awesome was this episode?! Satisfying in so many ways. I feel like I might be on a slight LOST high if that is even possible. We got to see Desmond again, and Charlie, and Daniel!!!!! Oh yes!!! So many things to discuss. Let's get right too it.

• First off we must take note that for the first time we didn't get the whole "previously on Lost" bit. Which I have to say it's about time they did. Cause really, if you're not caught up on island life at this point, it's kinda silly to catch you up in 30 seconds when there is only 5 episodes left.
• Finally it feels like the writers are trying to tie this whole fiasco up. Answers are finally coming, and quickly. Almost too quickly it seems.
• So we found out for sure that the island was indeed not finished with Desmond. And I was confirmed in my thoughts that it was because of his electromagnetism (or energy) specialties. I'm not sure why this is, other than the fact that maybe it's because he spent so many years down in that hatch next giving himself all those immunizations? This episode seemed oddly familiar to the one where he was on the freighter going back and forth to different times trying to find his constant. Something special about this here time-traveling Desmond. Especially when he finally finds Penny and touches her hand and flashes back to the island. Maybe this is why Eloise didn't want him to find her? Then he would have a constant?
• I did want to note that Desmond is one of the only Losties who alternate life is actually worse off island. I mean, I guess he is in some way powerful, working for Widmore and all, but no Penny, no child, no love.
• So fun to see Charlie, although he sounded a bit like a crazy man. Talking all the mumbo jumbo of choice and free will. Even though this was confusing I feel like it was a way for the writers to get the larger point of the entire series across, that Sometimes a choice isn't really a choice. And also how about the crazy dejavu drowning thing?! Really creepy writers.
• I thought it was interesting to see that it was LOVE that ultimately pulls all three (Desmond, Charlie & Faraday) to their alternate island universe. For Charlie it was Claire, and clearly he would rather have love for a short time and die, then live this other life he is now living. For Desmond it was Penny, and For Faraday it was Charlotte. (Also remember when Jack did sort of a double take with Kate in his flash sideways ep? Maybe it's because he loved her).
• Speaking of Faraday. . . . He's BACK!!!! Finally. I loved this little twist of him being Widmore's son, and of Eloise being Widmore's wife. She comes off a little gangster and mobster though in that it may seem like Widmore is running the show, but clearly it's Eloise who is really the one making all the decisions.
• But how does Eloise stack up against Jacob and the Man in Black (Locke/Smocke)? Are they (Widmores) the ultimate manipulators, or just pawns in the whole Jacob/MIB thing? I'm thinking the latter since we've seen Widmore and Eloise on the island before as youngsters. So perhaps that is when the MIB/Jacob reels them in to do their work off island? Just a thought.
• Really quick though about Eloise, clearly she knows whats going on. Speaks to Desmond like her all-knowing self, and reapeatedly tells him how great his life is and to not mess with things. Do you think this is because Eloise can't truly get over the sacrifice the island took, of her son Daniel? Is she on the side of the flash sideways because she knows DAniel will die if he goes to the island? Is this whole universe being manipulated by Eloise just so she can be with Daniel?
• Jumping back to this constant thing really quick, do you think that is why Desmond wants to find all of the people from flight 815? If he can help them find their constants (and does it HaVE to be someone you love or not?) then they will all be okay?
• I thought these were some significant lines dealing with the bigger issue LOST writers are tying to get across: Desmond to Charlie: "There is always a choice brotha." Eloise to Desmond: "What happened, happened." and Faraday to Desmond: "What if all this wasn't supposed to be our life? What if for some reason we changed things?"
• One thing I am sorta, well really actually, confused about is the whole time travel thing. I wish there was a big visual timeline thing someone could make. It sure would make understanding this whole thing a lot easier. For instance their flash sideways lives (as if the plan had not crashed) do not line up with their flashback lives. Remember how Desmond and Widmore did not get along? This is confusing. Very confusing. Because how would their lives change so dramatically just because the plane didn't crash? Suddenly everybodys lives are better? Hurley doesn't have the jinx/curse, Jack has a son, etc. But Kate is somehow still running from the same guy? I'm so confused.
• If anyone has any insights on this or anything else from this great episode just be sure to leave a comment below. Thanks!

BECAUSE I CAN

Dear Former Facebook "Friend",

Just so we are clear.

I know we haven't spoken in ten years, but I "friended" you anyway cause I mostly thought what the hell. We were friends then, and I thought, against my better judgement perhaps, that you might have, oh I don't know, grown up in the last ten years. But then you go and post half nude photos of yourself in skanky lingerie every three days for all your "friends" to see. And well, I just thought you should know that it makes you look really, really, really tacky. And desperate. Clearly you want to be sure everyone knows what you look like in your skivies. Congrats. You look like a ho.

Cheers,

Amy

8 ESSENTIALS FOR A NEWBORN

Saw this little post on simplemom.net, and since there are so many bloggers out there that I know of who are prego I thought I'd go ahead and link it.

First off have to say I love the Ergo baby picture. {wink} I agree with almost everything on the list. Except maybe I'd exchange# 2 for a co-sleeper or crib. My kids never slept well in a pack-n-play although it was great to have for traveling and we still use it when friends' kids come over to sleep.

I also might add a great nursing chair--if you plan on nursing--one that rocks and reclines and just is uber-comfy since you will be spending many a hour in it. And add to that list a great nursing bra. Something with support and also easy to undo with one hand. But other than that, I agree that people way over buy and tend to not use most of the baby crap they get.

Anything you seasoned moms would add to the list?

SMATTERING OF THOUGHTS

• I am almost positive I have self-diagnosed VW. That's vacation withdrawal in case you aren't familiar. I know it's been a good few weeks since we've been back, but it was the absolute perfect getaway. And I miss the beach.
• So, after finding out that Thing 1's shoes had two enormous holes in the toes, I decided to go out and look for some high tops for him. He was very excited about it, and talked about it for a good two days leading up to our adventure. After shlumming all over the valley I am 100% certain that there are NO high tops in the valley that don't require tieing. Trust me on this. We went to almost every shoe store on the planet. I found out what he really wanted were Chuck Taylors. Which was funny when I asked the lady at Nordstroms if she had the high top version of Chuck Norris'. Yeah. I'm that awesome. She just looked at me like I was crazy, then laughed. And I did too, cause it's pretty lame. So, we tried them on, and honestly, it's just a lot of laces. And well, I can't even bend over to tie my own shoes at this point, let alone someone elses. So, until he learns to tie, he will just have to wait on the Chucks. But we did get a sweet pair of mid-top Schetchers that are velcro. Not all the way high tops, but higher than low cuts. It's very technical people. But now that he's had his shoes for a week, he tells me he hates them and wants the slip on Vans he also tried on. Man this kid is picky about his accessories.
• I am officially in my third trimester. Crazy. I can't wait for this baby to come. I'm ready to not have two chins, and to be able to see my toes again, and not have heartburn, and reclaim my waist. Oh, and getting to meet the kid will be cool too.
• So, Thing 2 turned 4 years old yesterday. I know, on Easter. I was afraid her day would be spoiled by the big bunny, but no, it was just extra special, and filled with lots of candy. She got spoiled rotten by her grandmothers, and had a fantastic day. She is a fabulous little girl, and I'm so grateful she is mine. It was really adorable when she went over and kissed her brother on the cheek (who woke up with a fever and couldn't attend her party--ended up being strep!), and said, "I hope you feel better brother. Come to my party when you do."
• Speaking of Thing 1 (sheesh this is a kid heavy post), last week to celebrate Thing 2's 4th birthday, I temporarily lost my mind and took 7 kids to Classic Skate, and while he was skating around he fell and smacked his face on the ground knocking his front tooth out. And he just came over cool as a cucumber, grinning with a mouth full of blood about how he had "lost" his tooth. Lost is not quite right there buddy. Not sure it was even wiggly, but it's out now, and the tooth fairy came and he earned his second dollar from the generous lady.
• So I can't tell you all my level of excitement that Glee is soon to return to TV. It is gonna be total and pure awesomeness. I'm just sure of it.
• So did you know we have two pet frogs? Well we do. Sara and Tyson. And the only reason I, I mean Santa, got them for the kids was because pretty much the only thing Thing 1 asked for was a pet Dog for Christmas. I just told him Santa was getting old, and his hearing must have failed him, and he brought you a pet Frog. Well, he bought it hook line and sinker. But really, I got them because they are way awesome-er than having a pet dog. No shedding, no poop, no barking, no slobber. But apparently you do have to change their water twice a year. And well, it's been about six months and I can tell the water needs-a-changing. And honestly, I am totally freaked out. Animals scare me. Even ones as little as frogs. I am freaked out I will kill them when i change the water. I am sure I am going to somehow mess the process up, and then they will die, and my kids will hate me, the end.
• My favorite moment of conference this weekend was during the last session on Sunday when Thing 1 turned to me while Elder Russell M. Nelson was speaking and said, "Mom, that guy has the biggest ears I've ever seen." Pretty sure I laughed for a good ten minutes. I'm hoping with all that laughing I lost a pound. Maybe a half?
• So my new calling is in the primary. Teaching the valient 11/12s. It's much more low key than the R.S. presidency. Hubs however just got called as the Elders Quorum President. I think it's hilarious when people call him president. And I thought it was even more hilarious when he told me of this great idea his friend Hans had told him about to help with calling and recording home teaching. After he explained the idea to me, I tried to be supportive and not laugh, but what he had just explained to me was a glorified calling tree. Yep, something that women around the world in the PTA and Relief Society have been implimenting for years. He thought it was the best idea he'd ever heard. Hilarious. He really is going to be an awesome EQ pres though. Super excited and motivated. Fun to see him all hyped about the gospel. I really did marry an awesome guy. Have I told you that lately? Well I did.
• I bought some tulips for our Easter/birthday party for Thing 2 that didn't end up happening, and can I just say how much I love having freshly cut flowers in the house? Makes it feel all springy. Which is more than I can say for the weather.
• So, have you seen the newer TV show Modern Family? I was introduced to the awesomen-ess of it whilst on vacation and fell in love. If you are not watching/tivoing this show, you must. Or catch it on hulu. Total genius.
• Still no progress on the nursery, although now that I'm in my third trimester I'm feeling like something is going to happen soon. Especially if I go to home depot and buy the paint and put it on hubs side of the bed.
• k, think that is all for now. I'm fat, and pregnant, and am happy that spring break is officially over tomorrow. Back to School. Those words never sounded so good. Love you kids!

CLOTH DIAPERING

I have a confession to make.

I used disposable diapers for my first two children.

Something about this statement makes me feel a little guilty. I guess it's mostly because I feel a little bit terrible about the amount of waste I've literally contributed to the local landfill. And all because I don't want to take the time to rinse out a poopy diaper.

So, much to Hubs' dismay, I have been muling over the idea of cloth diapering for this third time around. I know most of you might think that's just plain disgusting and quite archaic, but I've heard that the cloth diapering arena has really made great strides and improvements in the last five years. I know it's much cheaper than using disposables (around $300-$1000 total versus $1700-2000 for disposables), much greener (better for the planet), and much cleaner as well (less diaper rash, and blowouts). So, even though it sounds like a wonderful idea, honestly I'm a little concerned about cleaning all those diapers. Listen I hate poop as much as the next person, and the idea that I would have to clean it up is enough to almost make me think twice about this whole endeavor. But then I found out that they have all sorts of different options out there now for cloth diapering. 2 in 1's where you actually have a disposable/flushable insert, all in ones - which are convenient, one-size diapers that fit infancy through toddlerhood, and many others just to name a few. All this information can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Plus since it's not really all that popular (yet), there aren't a whole lot of options in the stores where you can go and see them for yourself. So when I heard about about http://www.uncommonbottom.com/ from my friend Aimee, I went there, educated myself, and then quickly booked a little home consult for myself which then quickly turned into a home consult for me and my twenty closest friends.

Uncommon Bottom is a local company started by a mom who wanted to cloth diaper. Now she does home consults, and sells the different cloth diapers on her website. I am having Laina (the owner) come and give a little information night where she will go through all the different options of cloth diapering, and narrow down with me a brand, and type that we think will be best for us and our situation. Plus she will go through all of the most common misconceptions, and frequently asked questions. I'm hoping it will help alleviate some of my fears about the whole thing, since I really would love to save some money, and help the planet at the same time. Now I want to give a little disclaimer here. Just because I'm having this cloth diaper get-together doesn't mean I'm 100% sold on the idea. Honestly, I might decide after being educated on the whole process that it isn't just for me. And that's totally okay. I just feel like I can't make a really good decision without finding out all the facts and seeing them up close for myself.

So, if you are prego, or planning on being sometime soon, or have a baby in diapers, or are just interested in learning more about cloth diapering, leave me a comment with your e-mail and I will send you an invite to my cloth diapering information night. Or, you can e-mail me directly at naptimenostalgia{at}hotmail{dot}com. I'd love to see you there.


Also, I totally understand if you think I'm nuts and you love disposables diapers. I used to too.

LOST RECAP -- AND THE QUOTE YOU PROBABLY MISSED

SPOILER ALERT: LOST RECAP & THOUGHTS FOR EPISODE AIRING MARCH 30TH~

Okay, so here are some of my thoughts about Tuesday night's Lost episode.

On Island:

• Episode starts with someone looking through night vision goggles at the Losties following Smocke. We later come to find out that odds are it's Widmore's people from Hydra island scouting out the place for Jin.
• Okay, now is as good a time as any I suppose. Let's discuss this cave where all the candidates names were that Smocke showed Sawyer. Okay, first off, do we believe this is really the correct list? I highly doubt for some reason that this is/was Jacob's cave. I'm thinking this is Smokey's interpretation of the candidates. For example Kate's name was crossed off in the cave, yet she was a candidate or option in Jacob's lighthouse thingy. So, in the end will it be Smokey's bad that he doesn't think Kate is of importance (other than to get the other Losties on the plane) as he tells Claire? For some reason I am thinking this might be a big screw up on his part. The way the island can continue (because of her) even if she & Smocke can somehow talk Jack and the others on the plane and off the island. Just a thought. Could be way off here. Again love the light and dark. Smokey has a cave, Jacob a lighthouse.
• Why is poor Miles always playing games in every episode? That kid needs something to do!
• Loved the whole Miles/pilot interaction where he says, "unless Richard is covered in bacon grease, I'm not sure Hurley could track him." And then the best line, "Hey, don't talk about bacon."
• Anyone else feel like Jack is really slipping himself into the whole Jacob role? All faith, and calm and stuff? No more doctor, angry, power trip Jack here.
• Love that Sun doesn't trust Smocke. Smart lady. She knows she's being used.
• Again, I must ask, why will none of the other women (Sun, Kate, Ilana) will share their shampoo, smoothing creams, or brushes with Claire? Can they not see the situation that is forming atop her head? She is three seconds away from a full head of dreads. Just so funny that Claire's hair looks like a rats nest, and Sun's looks almost nice.
• Poor Jin, locked up in room 23. Finds out Widmore's crew took him for the electromagnetism information maps that Jin drew up back when he worked for the Dharma.
• Loved the question Sawyer poses about Smokey flying his ass over the water to the other island. "Oh, cause that'd be ridiculous". Love it.
• Smocke has a little conversation with Widmore. Seems those two are not on the same side, like I once thought. A wise man once said, "War is coming to this island." If I'm not mistaken, I thought that was Widmore who said that to Ben. Am I right?
• How sweet was it that Jin got to see his daughter for the first time? Very touching. Come see the softer side of Widmore. Awwwwww.
• Widmore tells him about the package. Who ends up being Desmond. Now. Desmond. I'm thinking he was brought back because we've been told (by Eloise) that the island wasn't finished with him yet, and we've also been shown that he is different. Doesn't react the same way when exposed to electromagnetism and time and space travel etc.. So, perhaps he is the key. Maybe he will end up saving the island and having the ultimate showdown with Smokey.

Off The Island:

• I am beginning to really enjoy these flash sideways lives. Interesting to me how they usually somehow mirror or echo what is going on on the island. For example Jin being captured, and Sun only being able to speak Korean.
• I think it was to Jin's advantage that the 25 grand was confiscated. Bought him some time. Interesting that Sun & Jin aren't married, yet are still very much involved.
• Really quick, did anyone else notice Sun looking into the mirror in the hotel room? And Jack looked in the mirror in his flash sideways? I'm thinking Sun is the candidate. Something about looking into mirrors, and Jacob's mirrors, that somehow connects them as candidates in my opinion.
• How creepy is that Keamy guy? He is just sooooo evil.
• Mikal enters the scene. Fun to see him again. Remember him from the Dharma? You might remember that he used to wear and eye patch. Again, very creepy.
• Okay, now I would like to discuss a little conversation and quote that you probably missed that I'm pretty sure is huge. It's really confusing, and I'm not sure what it means, but it was a two second blurb, that you probably missed. If you've got it recorded, go back and listen. It's worth it. Trust me. So Keamy and Jin are in the fridge of the restaurant, tying him up, and, I could be mistaken (cause I had to rewind it about 4 times to be sure) but I think Keamy says to Jin "hold still okay, I'm going to strap you in here, just in case you figure out what's about to happen to your island. Can't have you freaking out." Um, What?!?!?!!?? Did he (Keamy) just mention the island in a flash sideways??!!! Crazy. I even made Hubs listen to the line again, and we both have decided that yes, he definitely mentions the island. I think this is the first time someone has mentioned the island in a flash sideways. I guess Ben's dad did in Ben's flash sideways when he talked about the dharma initiative, but he was talking about the island as it was in the past. Not like Keamy discussing it as it is now, or in the future as it could be. I mean, this whole quote is huge~!!! Wonder what it all means!
• Creepy that Mikal ends up getting shot in the eye by Jin. Same eye as the one with the patch on the island. Really hope Sun somehow ends up being okay pregnant and all.

Okay, so those are my thoughts about Tuesday's episode. Have any more to add?

WE HAD EIGHT YEARS OF BUSH AND CHENEY, NOW YOU GET MAD!?

We had eight years of Bush and Cheney, Now you get mad!?

You didn't get mad when the Supreme Court stopped a legal recount and
appointed a President.

You didn't get mad when Cheney allowed Energy company officials to dictate
energy policy.

You didn't get mad when a covert CIA operative got outed.

You didn't get mad when the Patriot Act got passed.
You didn't get mad when we illegally invaded a country that posed no threat to us.

You didn't get mad when we spent over 600 billion(and counting) on said illegal war.

You didn't get mad when over 10 billion dollars just disappeared in Iraq.

You didn't get mad when you found out we were torturing people.

You didn't get mad when the government was illegally wiretapping Americans.

You didn't get mad when we didn't catch Bin Laden.

You didn't get mad when you saw the horrible conditions at Walter Reed.

You didn't get mad when we let a major US city, New Orleans, drown.
You didn't get mad when we gave a 900 billion tax break to the rich.

You didn't get mad when the deficit hit the trillion dollar mark.

You finally got mad when the government decided that people in America deserved the right to see a doctor if they are sick. Yes, illegal wars, lies, corruption, torture, stealing your tax dollars to make the rich richer, are all okay with you, but helping other Americans...oh hell no.

IS THIS HELL?

SPOILER ALERT. LOST RECAP AND SUCH FOR EPISODE AIRING MARCH 23RD!~~

Okay, so I finally get my Richard episode, and it's well, just eh. I mean, I loved it, cause it was LOST, but I really feel like I didn't learn a whole lot. Just had some previous thoughts and hunches confirmed. But that doesn't mean there isn't much to discuss. So let's get right to it. And we're off. . . .

ON THE ISLAND:

• So the episode starts off with a little information about how Jacob and Ilana met. She is the ultimate Jacob protector. Then, we are hit with a little fireside chat involving Jack, Hurley, Sun, Richard/Ricardo, Miles, the pilot and Ilana. We learn that Ilana is told by Jacob that Richard will know what to do next, since I'm assuming Jacob's dead and the island is without it's fearless leader.
• K, so that leads us into this next whole enchilada that bitter Richard is now convinced, since Jacob's dead, that he has been lying this whole time and that the island is in fact hell. That he is dead, and that they all are. And that the island is basically purgatory. One thing that confuses me about this theory that Flocke/Smokey/MIB proposes to Richard is that Ben and the oceanic 6 have all gotten off the island. Sure they came back, but they got off. And I guess my question then is, how do you get out of "hell"? Very confusing.
• Richard decides to leave and go find Smokey and let him know that he has decided to switch sides and follow him.
• Now there was so much religious mumbo jumbo going on in this episode that it was almost too Biblical if you ask me. Slightly too much for my liking. I mean, I like a good parallel, allegory even, but this was a bit much.
• Hurley and Richard have and Isabella have a Ghost moment. It's touching, and slightly lame all at the same time. Hurley tells him that Isabella wants Richard to stop the man in black from leaving the island, and if he doesn't they all will go to hell (at least according to Isabella). Confused much?
• But on a quick little side note here, what if it is all just about Hurley? The ultimate connector. Man he is awesome. I just love his character, especially when I found out that ultimately he wasn't even supposed to be a main character, but the pilot audiences responded so well to them that the writers decided to keep him. Three cheers for Hurley/Hugo.

So, some thoughts. So all these seasons and episodes I've thought Richard was the ultimate and knew so much, but really, he is just as clueless and you and me. Nice. Although I do think it will be fun to go back and watch all the seasons again some day just for fun, now that we know what we know. Ya know? Ha. So, in my opinion, the episode was definitely necessary in order for them to tie up loose ends, and make sense of the whole series, but since I knew most of the stuff already I didn't find it very enlightening. No new info, really, just more questions. Ahh, the awesome-ness that is LOST. Love it.

RICHARD'S PAST:

• K, so we know that he lived originally in the 1600s. His wife was dying and tries to ultimately save her, and ends up accidentally killing a man, and being thrown in jail. I think it's nice that he's passing his time in the slammer productively -- learning English. Then we meet the corrupt Priest, who will not accept his penance, then he ultimately ends up selling him. Not sure how a priest has all that power, but whatever. I must say between this episode and all the stuff going on in the press, it's not a great time to be a catholic. Sheesh.
• My suspicions were confirmed about Richard coming to the island as a slave via the Black rock. Thought it interesting that Smokey refrains from killing him. Ultimately I'm sure it's so that he can use Richard to his advantage.
• Thought the pig eating all the dead guys was pretty gross. But nice to see the pig finally getting some revenge after years of wonderful BBQ. ;)
• Richard sees his dead wife. Strange, not sure about that part. Maybe Richard is dead? How can smokey get her again, if she is already dead? So weird, although it's not the first time we've seen dead people on the island (Jack's dad).
• The man in black comes to recruit Richard to kill Jacob. MIB tells him that this is hell, and the devil is Jacob. Is it strange that I think that the MIB is sorta hot? For an old guy. On vacation we were talking about old hot guy celebrity crushes, and I had a hard time coming up with one, but now I pick the devil. Or not-the devil -smokey, or MIB. Whatever. Moving along. Richard fails in his task to kill Jacob. How creepy was it for MIB to say, "It's good to see you out of those chains?" Hmmmm. Sounds a bit like something Jesus might say,no?
• Find out that the black rock destroyed the statue, and that he must again kill Jacob before he speaks. Only one chance. He says that the devil betrayed him, and took his body. But really, if were are speaking biblically, that we know that the real Devil was the one to never receive a body. So is MIB the devil, or Jacob? Decisions decisions.
• For someone that's supposed to be "good" Jacob can sure pack a punch. A bit violent if you ask me. Also a bit brisk, and bossy too. I'm not sure I like Jacob in this episode. Is this so I will maybe consider him as the Devil? Probably. Jacob reassures him that he's not in hell, and that he's not dead. Jacob says, "No one comes in unless I invite them in" while pouring wine. Hmmmm again with the jesus mubo jumbo. Jacob tells Richard he brings ships, and planes to the island for the sole purpose of proving Smokey wrong. This seems a bit like messing with people's free agency if you ask me. Tells him the island is the cork, keeping the darkness/evil/devil inside. He says that Smokey thinks that everyone is corruptible, and that it's in everyone's nature to sin. Jacob wants to prove him wrong, but without telling them what to do. Jacob doesn't want to force them or step in. That's not very christ-like. Oh man. Confusing. At first I thought that this was just like the bible. God giving everyone their free will. However, that free will came with a price. A savior--if we are speaking biblically and you believe that. So, Jacob wants everyone to choose good, without having to tell them to do so. So pretty much he is asking Richard to be his representative to tell the people to do good so he doesn't have to. Then Richard asks him to bring his wife back, says he can't. Then Richard asks to be forgiven of his sins, Jacob apparently can't do that either. Which doesn't sound very God or Christ-like. But living forever, he can do. That seems kind of creepy and almost like he is making a deal with the "devil." So, who's the devil, and who is good? Oh, so confusing. Just like I like it. Smokey tells him that Jacob can be very convincing. Just like the devil. And that his offer still stands.
• My favorite scene though was the one with Jacob and MIB. Riveting in every way. I was trying to dissect that entire conversation. Who is good? Who is evil, and who darn it, is the devil? And does good gloat? MIB says he just desperately wants to leave. Jacob says he can't leave as long as he is alive. But --- and big but here, isn't Jacob dead now? Real time I mean? So why hasn't smokey left yet? Is it because of the the candidates? Seems like a lot of killing needs to happen. And only with that one sword, and only through the chest, and only if he doesn't speak first. Ugg, that is a lot of rules. Thought it weird that Jacob gives MIB wine to pass the time, and he breaks it? What was that all about? Are we to think that all MIB has to do, is break the glass, and he's free? If only it were so simple.

So, my head is spinning, and I'm loving it still. I'm hoping there will be some more information soon about Ilana. I still can't believe she has such a big role in the whole island Jacob thing, but yet we don't really know a lot about her. But I really can't wait till the next episode, where we can get back to all the other losties and their crazy antics. I've missed them.

OFFICER SAWYER?

Yay, okay so it's time for a little LOST recap. Spoiler alert. This is for the episode airing on 3/16, so if ya haven't seen it yet, ya might want to hit next blog. And so we begin.

FLASH SIDEWAYS:

• Well, so Sawyer is still a conman. Only this time, he's on the right side of the law. So did not see that one coming. Sawyer as a cop. Kinda reminded me of when he was the security guy for the Dharma initiative. Pretty much basically the same guy, only not. Inneresting. Loving that miles is his partner. Love that the go word was "LaFleur". Classic.
• Saw in the recap ep, that Sawyer is looking for Cooper, the guy who killed his family, which is also John Locke's father, who eventually did make it onto the island and held prisoner by the others. And then Sawyer got to kill him? Remember? Vaguely? yeah, me too.
• Nice to see Charlotte again. Nice to see she wasn't a total beotch like on the island. Too bad he doesn't call her ginger in the flash sideways like he did on the island, but I have to say it was nice to see her all glammed up instead of spewing blood all over the place. But, in all honesty, seeing Charlotte again mostly just made me miss Daniel Faraday. He really was one of the best Lost characters wasn't he?
• Not sure about the fact that he watches Little House On The Prarie. Downgrades his hotness a bit if you ask me.

ISLAND THOUGHTS:

• Okay, how creepy is Claire's baby thing? Ewww. And does that dharma initiative not have any leftover hair brushes or hair smoothing cream, cause Claire could really use some. Oh, and some prozac.
• How weird is Sayid acting? So am not a fan. Interesting that he and Claire have the same "sickness" only it makes Sayid placid, and boring and Claire, wacked out and crazy. Does this mean that the "sickness" affects people in different ways depending on their personalities or something. They are both such departures from their previous selves.
• Lets talk Fake Locke. How strange is it, that in this episode the writers wanted to make him off as almost fatherly? (Oh there it is again -- daddy issues). He comforts, he understands, he tells the truth, he breaks up fights, he's insightful, he's consoling. He's so nice, I almost want to call him up and make lunch plans, except then I remember that he kills people. And that's kind of terrible.
• Locke finally admits out loud that he is the smoke monster to Sawyer, and sends him to hydra island on a little mission. Tells him it's because, "he is the best liar he knows." Now, has smokey been following the Losties lives as well as Jacob? Or is this a Locke thought? Anyway, he finds his old stomping grounds where he was held hostage with freckles. Finds her dress. Ahh, little lost moment. Remember when Flocke/Smokey told Ben to go to hydra island? Maybe he wanted Ben to run into Widmore and have him killed. Just a little thought.
• Locke has a little sit down with Kate where he unleashes his mommy issues. His mom was crazy. Says he still has issues with her. Yeah, well welcome to the club Smokey. My only crazy thought here, is what if he's just using Locke's past thoughts and life to draw sympathy from Kate, playing the crazy-mom card. That whole Aaron bit. Plus, is it just me, or does Smokey, talk and sound an awful lot like Locke? Using even the same phrases etc. Is this just a misstep on the writers parts? I highly doubt it. They seem to be pretty keen on details. My head is all a flutter at who Smokey's mother will turn out to be, if she exists, that is! I really hope she makes an appearance at some point if she does. Oh the possibilities! If her name however ends up being Rebekah, as in the bible story Jacob and Esau, well, that would make a lot of sense. Just a little thought there.
• But Claire almost killing Kate at the beginning of the episode, to hugging it out at the end seems a bit much to me.
• So the whole double scheme, con Sawyer is pulling on Fake Locke/Smokey and Widmore is awesome. He's not on either team (Jacob or Smokey), he's on team Sawyer. Can't wait to see who he ends up conning in the end. I finally feel though, like he really, really, really wants to get off the island this time. In the past it's just sorta been like it feels like he only kinda wants to get off the island. But now, he really does. Like he realizes that if he gets off, he might get to see Juliet again somehow.
• Now, for just a moment I want to discuss the dumb locked door in the sub, cause well, they pointed it out and made such a point of doing so, that I think someone or something is inside of it, that will affect the story somehow. I'm hoping it's Daniel Farraday of course.
• And on a side note, can I just say that I HATE, how Lost keeps introducing all these new groups of characters? First its the one plane crash with the original losties, then it's the tailers (those that were in the tail end), then it's the others, then Rosseu, then it's the dharma initiative, then its the freighters, then the other flight, then Ilana's people, then it's the temple people, then it's the new "team smokey" people, and now it's Widmore's sub characters. It's just so much to keep straight. And really, do we need any more new characters when there are only like 8 episodes left? Yeah, I didn't think so either.
• Really, really, really, excited about tonights episdoe. I've been asking and asking for a Richard ep, and apparently it's finally here. So, I'm going to stop typing, and go watch, and revel in it. Oh, how I love you lost.
• And just one final thought. What if, and I am really hoping here, that Hurley is the answer to it all? How cool would that be? I mean, I'm just sayin'.