awesomeness blog style

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

Bartlett Costume Parade

Bella opted to wear her monkey costume

from 2 years ago.

{Notice how the "feet" are mid-calf.}

I don't know this girl but 2 snaps for creative costume!!

Mr. Lee as a pirate...ARGH!

It's actually pieces from George's costume. More on that later.

Our car all dressed up for the Trunk or Treat.

Was especially proud of the eyes...

{George, Saniah, Bella}

George refused to wear his pirate costume and instead opted for his Halloween PJs which fittingly said

"Official Candy Inspector" so kind-of a costume.

My fabulous Spider Head. I feel like the car was enough dress up for me.

How yoooooou dooooin?

{so hard to get a normal pic from this boy}

Actual Halloween, George still refusing to be a pirate, and Bella recognizing that the monkey was just too small.

Logical back up plan: angel.

I'm Back Bi***es! {my trip to SC}

2011-11-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Went to Charleston, SC all by myself. You might be saying, "Big deal! I go places by myself all the time!"

Well I do not.

I get about 3.5 hours a week to myself.

Hence, BIG DEAL!

I now present to you a pictorial tour of my trip:

Viv's Cute House

{Left side}
Actually that is a lie. These are the cute houses across from Viv's cute house. But really hers looks just like it.

Everyone has screened in porches...glad I didn't experience the things these screens keep out...

Historical outdoor market thingy...

Me and Viv @ the historical market thingy.

Fried Green Tomato Sandwich!

{how southern is that??}

Viv had Shrimp & Grits. After tasting the grits I proceeded to have them at the next 5 meals.

Charleston has so much gorgeous architecture

See?

This is at the Battery where the Civil War started.

Love the water...

Statue that proves the start of the Civil War.
{Not sure of the symbolic nature of the naked guy.}

The house of the Dude that owns the Piggly Wiggly.

He has stone pigs instead of bad-arse lions.

{sorry it's sideways}

Super cool bridge.

Best grits I seriously ever had in my LIFE! At the
Home Team BBQ on Sullivan's Island.

This is a super cool plantation that has no electricity or bathrooms. It's called Dayton Hall I think. And the tour guide was kind of possessive of it...

Honestly I fell in love with Charleston. Can totally see why it is a hot-spot for destination weddings...

Blue Man Group Audition.

2010-09-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

My son wants to be a Blue Man...

Last night my mom, Bret, and I were watching Survivor and

the children were (allegedly) asleep.

George poked his head out the bedroom door and we saw his face.

When Bret dragged him out I could not stop myself from laughing!!

The BEST thing is he took OFF his clothes and really got his bum good!

He's quite talented, don't ya think? To get all those parts?

I have an even more graphic one of his blue wiener but I will spare you...

Luckily the marker was a Washable Crayola and literally washed right off

when Bret hosed him down in the shower...no scrubbing needed!

And not a mark on any clothes or bedding or walls.

And more entertaining than ANY reality show...

The Big Balls!

2010-09-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Last summer we started watching the oh-so-entertaining

summer TV series "Wipeout"

And did you know that in front of EVERY Target store

in Las Vegas there are

BIG RED BALLS

not unlike the big balls of Wipeout...

So my children cannot enter a Target without jumping on

said balls and demanding their picture be taken...

Believe it or not there were many, many, more.

These were the only ones I saved in my phone...

(I have deleted many a red ball pic.)

Now I try to go to Target alone.

**Side note: this morning George decided to pour his own Cocoa Krispies. Yes, that is the ENTIRE BOX! ARGH!

Life is good...

First Day of First Grade!!

2010-08-30T13:33:00.000-07:00

My Bella girl is a first grader today!

And the ladies know it's all about the outfit...

Let's start with the FABULOUS shoes: Twinkle Toes

TV does such a great job of advertising...

she has been asking for these shoes for MONTHS!

Then we have the hand stitched yellow tee with ruffled collar...

And her skinny jean bermuda shorts...

(can't see in this picture)

When choosing a backpack Bella looked right over the princesses

and hello kitties...and chose:

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS*

(*side note: did I ever tell you about the time she said she wanted to marry spongebob and have little sponge babies? ew. maybe it's time for the talk about the birds and the bees. haha)

Today was her BFF's first day of school too.

Except that she is moving in a couple weeks so she won't

be attending Bartlett Elementary.

So sad.

George wants to go to school too. All day he has been asking, "Where's Bella?"

She is riding the bus and I was watching her to make

sure she got on okay and forgot to snap a pic.

Oh well.

I am loving the nice quiet day but gotta admit I'm having some anxiety about her eating lunch at school. And getting back home on the bus. And is her teacher kind? And will she make friends? And...And...And...

Time to go do some yoga.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Zhu Zhu Pets, But Were Afraid to Ask.

2010-08-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

You know the zhu zhu pet craze of late 2009? (pronounced, of course, zoo zoo)

We didn't go crazy but each of our children received a zhu zhu pet from Santa.

Of course after 3 weeks the zhu zhu pets were stashed in a dark bedroom corner.

Until now!

We have revived interest in zhu zhus! {yay?}

And why exactly am I blogging about these darn things?

Aside from the fact that they are sort of funny...

Kung Zhu!

These are the fighting zhu zhu pets.

And Bella wanted to spend her allowance on one.

A "good guy" of course.

Here were some questions for her:

Me: So how are these different from your other zhu zhu pets?

Bella: They have a hurt eye.

Me: You need a new one because of the eye? I could take a marker and mark up one of the ones you have...

Bella: {exasperated tone} Mom, they got it from FIGHTING!

Me: How do you know if you got a good guy?

Bella: {losing interest in my questions} they are red and the bad guys are blue.

BUT {renewed interest in conversation} Shayla's zhu zhu pet was a good guy but it turned bad.

Me: ??

Bella: My Kan Zhu's name is

Cotton Candy Bruise Monster.

'nuff said.

Nature! And temps below 100...

2010-07-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Camping at Duck Creek Utah 2010

Bret forgot which way the tent went...haha

Oh now he got it. Whew!

The ultimate tent decorator...Lizzy Lou Hoo

We stopped by the Ice Caves...George, Emily, and Bret loved it!

At the top...these weenies didn't wanna go down. Except for this guy Hooray! Bret is the only non-weenie in the bunch.

Until George stepped up his game and joined him.

The next day we went to the Mammoth Caves. Significantly scarier than the ice cave...very dark and lots of spots where you have to army crawl. No thank you! Emily tried and tried to convince Bella to go with her. Lizzy refused. I refused. Bret and George went with her into a dark, bat infested cave but she wanted to explore ALL the caves. :)

Back at camp: July 6th was Bret's birthday and I made him an AWESOME

dutch oven birthday cake....

It tasted WAY better than it looked...

We ate it community style.

Georgie chillin in his chair by the fire.

Bella in a s'mores coma. HAHA!

Another successful family camping trip!

The Lees Love You.

Trapped!

2010-07-12T18:36:00.000-07:00

Sunday mornings are not my favorite.

They are hectic and rushed.

No amount of planning the day before makes it easier.

The opposition really works on me....

Which brings me to last Sunday morning the 11th:

Bret had just hopped out of the shower and I came in to grab something, closing the door behind me. When I went to leave--the handle turned but nothing happened.

Not locked.

Not opening.

Broken.

To sum it up: Bret and I, at 8am (before 9am church)

were TRAPPED in our bathroom!

Luckily my mother was there to help get the 4 children ready for church (might have been my plan all along, hehe)...as Bret took the handle

to the door off and still couldn't get it open,

then pried the pins out of the hinges and still couldn't get it.

1 hour and 45 sweaty minutes later (did I mention Bret takes 1000 degree showers and our bathroom was a sauna??) we were FREE! And very late for church.

Actually I was quite productive, organizing our closet and cleaning the fan which was, by the way, super disgusting.

At one point my mother said, "stand back from the door and sit over by the tub" and we obliged thinking she was going to kick in the door but instead we saw the lens of her camera and she got this shot:

Was definitely not "Easy Like Sunday Morning"

Where's my camera?

2010-06-15T15:37:00.000-07:00

The cord to the camera has been found,

and pictures have been uploaded to the computer!

Yay!

So I was sorting through these little picture gems

and came across a bunch like these:

This girl loves to photograph herself!

I guess because she can immediately look at the picture...

Remember when we used to take pictures and had to wait to see them until they were developed? And you would have like 10 rolls of film to be developed and some were a total mystery? These kids will never know what that was like.

Have a fabulous day!

Summah!

2010-06-09T08:38:00.001-07:00

My tan is well under way.

Bella completed kindergarten.

My step daughters are here.

Summer is officially ON!

And so is the blog. Many random entries to come...

Rule Number One as Stated by Bella Lee

2010-02-28T20:19:00.001-08:00

Bella is watching you!

In case you were wondering...

Bella pointed out a VERY important rule in life.

She says: (and I quote)

"If you lay down in the street, and get run over by a car:

(pause) (point finger) BAD CHOICE!!"

Stay tuned for more Bella revelations....

Okay I Get The Hint...

2010-02-28T20:04:00.001-08:00

Will and Bella on the Kindergarten playground.

This weekend we watched Will Scott while his parents went to Arizona.

The Scotts are good friends of ours and Will is in Kindergarten with Bella.

Friday night we were at our fave place...Costco.

We had a fabulous time, as always. At one point we stopped at an example station and as we furiously grabbed at the burrito/nugget/sausage Will told the lady:

"This is not my family. I'm a Scott."

Then at the checkout Will told the gal behind the cash register:

"I'm not a Lee. This isn't my family."

And again when we were getting our receipt checked at the exit Will said:

"I'm not in this family. It's not mine."

I guess we won't be adopting Will anytime soon. :)

Happy Valentines Day!!

2010-02-06T22:18:00.001-08:00

I hope everyone is doing well this fine February.

(Ack! February!)

Here we are: Kids are getting sooooo big!

We're a pretty cute bunch, don't ya think?

Bella on Kings of Leon

2010-01-12T19:10:00.000-08:00

The song "Use Somebody" came on the radio in the car the other day. Bella: Oh this is the guy with the sad voice. He must be really sad. Me: Yeah, he does sound kinda sad. Bella: Why does he need to use somebody? Is he lonely? It was really funny and a little bit sweet... ************ One more Bella-ism. Our ward went to 9:00. I'm not going to pretend like it's easy...it definitely takes some getting used to!! 15 minutes into church last Sunday Bella announced, (loud enough for the few pews in front of us to hear) Mom I wanna go home and take a nap!! And our friend Darlene turned around and said, "me too Bella!" Again probably funnier when you are there... Hope everyone's 2010 has started off with fabulous-ness!

Angie's Top 5 Of 2009

2009-12-31T16:12:00.000-08:00

Don't be expecting a top 10 okay? Be thankful I have 5.

All these top picks make me sooooooo happy!!

Coming in at #5: CANADA!

From it's lush green landscape to it's crazy metric system, America Jr. (aka America's Hat) is the best place to road trip with your BFF. Like me and Vivian, who almost got us stopped by Boarder Patrol and banned from Canada for life.

Remember Viv?

Thanks Stephanie and Sven for getting married in Whistler!!!

I'm a Fanada... (look for Canada in this winter's Olympics; Vancouver 2010) At #4 comes my fave weekly dose of humor...located at PassiveAgressiveNotes.com, I subscribe to their usually thrice weekly posts. People are so funny when they don't attach their name! A fave example:

#3 Funniest Guy of 2009...

I love him because he is hysterical and if you have never seen Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog you better Google it RIGHT NOW!! Seriously...

#2 I'm On a Boat (clean version, bcuz I'm "Cougar Clean")

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iUjx4_X1qA

I have yet to figure how to put the video right here for your enjoyment...just click on the link and watch then come right back. I'll wait..

My NUMERO UNO of 2009

GLEEEEEEE!!

Best. New. Show.

You'll laugh, you'll cry, it'll change your life.

'nuff said.

Seahawks

2009-12-30T14:42:00.000-08:00

So Jan 3rd is the last game and people in Sea Town are rallying for everyone to wear brown paper bags on their heads to hide the shame of another crap season.

And we were so bad that we weren't bad enough to get a first round draft pick.

Thanks Rams.

The Hawks at this point are like a teenage son to me...I deeply love them, but they are doing crazy, irresponsible things and I just can't look at them right now.

They are grounded and I am taking away their CAR!!!

Deion Branch says to all the fans, "If you're not with us, stay at home!"

Uncool.

We have been fans since before Deion was even born.

Fortunately Houshmandzadah stepped up to say, "I'm a fan like everybody else. When I watch sports, I'm a Lakers fan, when they lose I'm (ticked) off. You should be upset because you're invested in it like we are."

Let's pull it together, Upper Mgt!!

And at the end of the day I still love my ~~teenage son~~ Seahawks!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-12-30T14:31:00.000-08:00

2010 means

I have lived in Las Vegas for almost 12 years...

I only meant to stay here for 2-3 years. Oops!

Much love and happiness in the coming year!

The Girls

2009-12-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

So it was August when we last saw Lizzy and Emily...then they came for Thanksgiving. Yay!

They each have grown a couple inches!! It was a fabulous weekend. And Aunt Tara took our family pictures at Town Square which is all about Christmas right now.

Runner up for Christmas card...if only George had his eyes open!!

Bret and his Girls. He was in heaven!!

2010 New Year's Resolution:

Be a better Blogger...

Pap Smears: The Gift on Every Woman's Holiday Wish List, Am I Right? - MamaPop™.com

2009-12-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

I couldn't believe this PSA...and I saw it with my own eyes!! Pap Smears: The Gift on Every Woman's Holiday Wish List, Am I Right? - MamaPop™.com

Broken Camera

2009-11-26T14:16:00.001-08:00

My camera is broken!! I feel a post needs pictures! Stay tuned for pics of Thanksgiving weekend.... Don't give up on me!

You Say It's Your Birthday....

2009-10-27T19:38:00.001-07:00

This was me when I found out how old I was turning:

Luckily I was at my favorite lunch spot on the strip: Mon Ami Gabi.

And I was with friends...

Aren't we a darling group??

They are my first Vegas family...plus one.

It's Teresa, Viv, Melinda, Me, Julie B, and Manda.

No, not Amanda.

Yes I am 35. I'm not really sure how it's supposed to feel...only that I feel 25.

I still play with my kids on the playground at Town Square.

My BFF that I have BFF'ed since the eighties came to hang out all week! Vivian has celebrated 23 birthdays with me. We were friends for every single one.

Even the years we were roomies in college and I wasn't her favorite person.

Love you VIV!!

We always check out the atrium at the Bellagio. They totally reused that stuff from last year, just rearranged it.

It's a recession Folks. And she took me to see O at the Bellagio

SO AMAZING!!

Although the contortionists below were slightly disturbing...

They could SIT on their HEADS!

Viv's favorite part were these guys who were suspended high above the stage on a tic-tac-toe-lookin board that flipped and rotated. Oh yeah, and it was raining on them.

My favorite part was the russian swings...they were flinging themselves off these swing things. Looked like so much fun! Luckily I had enough self control not to jump up from the 3rd row and fling myself off...

This girl was pretty amazing, I GUESS. Being that she hung from one foot 100 feet in the air and did crazy twisties with her body.

It was eerily similar to this picture taken when I got my first strike for the night at Sunset Station:

I almost look like I'm missing a leg...

Viv and I did soooooo much fun stuff on my birthday week that it has taken 3 days for me to recover. Even though I feel 25, I don't quite bounce back like I am.

She must really love me. I want to give her a public shout out. She is my sistah. You know who else loves her? George and Bella. Come back soon Viv! And thanks to everyone who made my birthday week awesome!!

High Heels

2009-10-18T19:44:00.001-07:00

Today I had a VERY serious conversation with Bella. She was telling me that her cousin Hailey is older than her. "But she won't even be 5 until Tuesday. You are already 5. You are older" "BUT MOM!" she says, "Hailey wears HIGH HEELS! So she is older!" Oh...

I'm So Lame

2009-10-12T20:37:00.000-07:00

There has not been one post from me in October!

It's my favorite month and it's just slipping away...

I really want to blog more. Like at least twice a week.

This is my goal. Actually, let's start with once a week and work up to twice.

Most recent pic of Bella. She loves the bikes.

Here's the Baller George. Loves anything he can throw.

Will be turning 2 on Friday...

Bret went to the doctor for his cold.

They thought he had the swine flu.

They made him wear this mask.

hahahahahahaha

Turns out he did not have swine flu.

And now here's a story about the KC (Kindergarten Carpool)

I would like to announce that I am the Fastest Code Master of all the moms in the Kindergarten Carpool. Haven lives in a gated community that needs a code to enter. One afternoon I leisurely punched in the code and the gate opened. I punched my fists into the air and shouted, "YESSSS! I am the CODE MASTER!!!" Then proceeded to do a little song and dance routine. The next day: Arrived at the gate, put in the code, gate opens, "YESSSSSS!! I am the CODE MASTER!!!" My song and dance was then interrupted by Will who says "My mom is faster at the code than you." Oh REEEALLY?? It's ON now!!! I told Karen upon dropping Will off that I would be practicing my code skills in the dark of night and she better watch out. The next day: Arrived at the gate, paused bcuz this was an important moment, then furiously punched in the code. "YESSSSS" and as the gate opened Will actually said "You are way faster than my mom" hehehehehe song, dance, then a tiny voice from the back...Miss Haven. "Um my mom is really the fastest. She just has to push a button." (they live there) Competition, over.

I Keep Getting in Trouble With the Kindergarten Carpool

2009-09-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

Will Scott is smarter than me. Today he is 5, so you can guess how I'm feeling. Today I drove the Kindergarten Carpool to school. Keep in mind I normally pick up. I am making a pan of brownies for Will's party, and after I said I was going to eat the whole box of brownie mix (joking obviously, ahem) Will proceeded to tell me how to make them: Actual conversation Will: "Step One: (he actually said step one) You turn on the oven. Step Two: You put in eggs and oil. Step Three: Bella! Quit saying that! I know how to make them! Step Four: you mix it and put it in the oven. You guys! Stop talking! Then you have to take it out when it dings." Me: yum! I can't wait to eat them all! Will: NO!! You HAVE to share! At this point we pulled up to the school only to find that the bell rang and the kids were starting to line up. Will: OH GREAT! We are late for school! Me: No, look you're right on time. Haven: We HAVE to play! Bella: Yeah MOM! We have to play before school and now there's NOT ANY TIME! Will: You made us late. Everyone runs out of the car without even looking back. Or shutting the doors. I'm in so much trouble with those kids.

Sunday with the Brothas

2009-09-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

On Sunday my youngest bro blessed his first child...

so the brothers came down from Utah. Brian, Blake, mom, Ben, me

Bret and George were twins!! Loves being daddy's twin.

Don't you love the hands in the pockets?!? It was such a lovely day, even though Ben and Blake were here less than 24 hours.

Will get a picture of baby Lily on here ASAP.

saturday of fun

2009-09-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

So last Saturday went like this: Bella and cousin Hailey up at 5 am. Bella and cousin Hailey wake up George at 6 am. Grandma has smartly locked her door. George says "mama" 317 times. George dumps FULL bowl of cocoa pebbles onto patio. Luckily I only put a drop of milk in. Vacuum patio. George dumps FULL bucket of crayons onto carpet. Lots of little papers and pieces of crayon. Vacuum carpet. George dumps FULL pitcher of Crystal Lite (yea no sugar!) onto kitchen floor. Mop kitchen floor. George says "mama" 242 times. You are probably saying to yourself "What the heck was Angie doing whilst George was causing all this seemingly preventable mischief?" You should tell yourself that George moves at the speed of light and it takes a mere nano second for him to do all these misdeeds. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!!

Earaches and Spoiled Brats

2009-09-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

So I have an ear infection. Who ever heard of a 28 year old getting an ear infection? But seriously I am on some antibiotics and heavy duty decongestants

so I'm good now.

I just have a few observations of popular figures:

Serena Williams is a spoiled brat. She should be banned from her next event.

Kanye West is a douche.

And I really like Kanye but it was so not cool what he did at the VMAs.

Beyonce was awesome about it and so was Taylor, who chose to not even comment.

That's all I have.

Except in the Kindergarten carpool this afternoon this was the conversation:

Bella: Guess What?

Will: What?

Bella: I like to sleep naked.

Will: That's a bad word.

Bret: laughing

Angie: Bella! (feign shock and horror) don't talk like that! Where did you even hear that?

Bret: laughing

Bella: It's just a joke!

Will: That's gross.

Bella and Bret: laughing

What Goes Around...

2009-09-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

Bella came home from Kindergarten yesterday and tearfully announced that she was on yellow. Ideally one stays on green then you get a star then you go to the treasure box after nine stars. There's no star for yellow. I asked her why she was on yellow. "I was talking too much." Crap. The comment most seen on Angie's report cards: (all grade levels) "Too much unnecessary socializing." My mom thought it was funny. Keep in mind it's only the second week of Kindergarten... Also: who signed me up for a subscription to Teen Vogue? They are a weird size and I keep getting them and heaven knows I didn't order it. I don't even get Adult Vogue. Just tell me, I won't be mad.

Georgie Boy!

2009-08-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write about my favorite little boy and put in some fun current pics.

But the reality is George has ran off with all my USB cords...to my Blackberry, the camera, etc.

He has a secret stash I am determined to find that contains the aforementioned cords, a glittery gold eyeliner, a set of car keys, remotes, and other items that when you can't find them

you go insane!

One time I thought he stashed my phone but it turns out my friend Karen Scott stole it.

So anyways...

I found a few preexisting photos, will follow with a cute little blurb and you can fall in love with him all over again.

This is George's very first NFL game. We always go to the Seahawk/Charger preseason game in fabulous San Diego (except this year, as noted here) He was 10 months at the time and a total trouper...he loved it!

Notice the old school colors of his onesie...

(side note: Bella has been to probably 6 Seahawk games, all in either San Diego or Arizona. We start young with our football ~~brainwash~~ enthusiasm.)

This was funny because we were sitting at the dining room table enjoying the fabulous dinner I just spent hours creating and George got off his chair, which he does a lot, and emerged 5 minutes later with these blue reading glasses and a clipboard! Like a little health inspector...all on his own. That kid knows how to entertain!

This of course was his super stylin' Christmas suit.

When I see this picture I can't help but smile...

That's why I used it for his Valentine cards. Sorry if you didn't get one. You really missed out! The little monster has awoken from his nap. He needs constant mom patrol. We had to put away many of our chairs since he learned to push them around and climb on things like the kitchen counter and the knife drawer.

Gotta go...

Ideas for FOX Network

2009-08-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

The robot football guy on FOX's NFL games really bothers me.

I can't pinpoint why, so please don't ask.

I was hoping they would come up with something totally different and better this year. This thing's been around a long time...

I have come up with a few new ideas for a "mascot" of sorts...these ideas are being offered up for free, no strings attached.

That's just how I roll. You're welcome, FOX.

This guy could be jumping around and like whacking people with his stomach.

And all the beer drinking fans could totally relate and be like,

"I love this channel! It's like they KNOW me!"

Nothing says football fan like getting a tatoo on your head when your 85.

Not a tatoo? Says you.

This one might be one of the best ideas I've ever had. Especially since there are tons of protesters at Eagles games, so I know there's already a huge fan base. I think if you can outrun a big angry dog like this one, you totally belong in the NFL.

Or maybe just prison.

1st Day of School!

2009-08-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

My baby is in Kindergarten.

At 6:00 am on Monday morning I felt a little tap tap tap on my arm. I groggily looked over and saw Bella fully dressed in the outfit she had laid out the night before. She was so excited.

In Kindergarten you don't really need a backpack, but she picked her fave...

It could fit enough stuff for a weekend vacation.

When she came home it had one piece of paper and her chapstick.

With her buddy Will. Doesn't really want to pose for pics...

just wants to PLAY!

Georgie walked around the house calling, "BELLA!" He was confused...

The Verdict:

School was a blast, but she didn't want to talk about it.

She wanted to watch SpongeBob.

She did open up during dinner telling us all kinds of random tidbits.

And then she said, "What if you had to go to school every day?"

Oh, honey....

CD Review: Kings of Leon

2009-08-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

The musical genres I lean toward are usually more bumpin than this, except for a few years of classic rock and country in college. And I am not much of a music critc. I either love it or I just change the station/push next on the ipod.

This CD, from Nashville rockers Kings of Leon, is smashin!

To put into perspective:

Soundgarden + Pink Floyd - LSD + armless drummer from Def Leopard= Kings of Leon.

My favorite song is #10. I don't know the name of it because I stole the CD sans cover from my friend T-Bone and it doesn't have a track list.

If I had to give it a name I would call it "Awesome Air-Drum Solo" because seriously your arms get a work out! It's also very inspiring so you should listen to it in your car when you are driving to a job interview.

I listened to the whole album 3.5 times so far...once when I was painting Bella's room, once and a half when I was making potato salad (man all that chopping takes FOREVER!) and once when I was in the pool. Loved it every time. Thanks to T-Bone for letting me steal his stuff... If he has anymore copies I'll let you know and you can steal it too! Final Verdict: give Kings of Leon a listen!

To Comment on my Blog:

2009-08-18T15:20:00.001-07:00

1. Hit the comments button found right after the time beneath each post. 2. Type your comment. 3. Click on the pull down menu next to comment as. 4. Select: Name/URL 5. Type in the name that will appear in the comments section. You do not have to put a URL. 6. Click continue. 7. Click post comment when finished. Voila! You have done it!

My Report on Nuclear Energy, by, Angie Lee

2009-08-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

Here’s a riddle for you: ΔE = Δm.c² Get it? Neither do I. But thanks to Wikipedia, I am on my way to learning more about the clean air benefits of nuclear energy. Over eggs and tomatoes at Egg Works, my two friends and I tried to discuss the benefits of nuclear power and if it’s something desirable and great for the environment. This discussion began with: “I have no idea why it’s considered clean.” and “I have no idea what the heck nuclear power is!” And thus the beginning was the end. Then Manda changed the subject to “Drop Dead Diva.” Since that morning, Wiki taught me that nuclear energy is released when you split or merge the nuclei of atoms. Scientists use the fancy words fission and fusion. This energy is used to heat water to create steam to create electricity or propulsion. Which I think is like in submarines and stuff. This is considered clean because it’s carbon-free, and produces no air pollutants or greenhouse gases. So it’s great for the air, but it’s completely messing up the land. Each nuclear plant uses millions of gallons of fresh water daily, necessary for cooling all that heated fission. That water becomes contaminated and so does the glowing green rods portrayed in the opening sequence of Fox TV’s “The Simpsons.” So where does it go? Where do we put all that spent nuclear fuel? Here's a clue: not space.

The Environmental Protection Agency cheerfully tells us, “After 10,000 years of radioactive decay the spent nuclear fuel will no longer pose a threat to public health and safety.” Thank goodness! And don’t get me started on the solid waste. This is all I have time to report on. Be on the look out for part 2 of my riveting series “When Nuclei Attack” p.s. The above equation is ΔE = energy release, Δm = mass defect and c = the speed of light in a vacuum. Still don’t get it. I don’t think I’m smrt enough for nuclear energy.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

2009-08-15T09:35:00.001-07:00

Today is the first Seahawk preseason game in San Diego. For the past 4 years we have journeyed to SoCal to enjoy a little beach/football action.

(Not at the same time.)

This year our trip is just not happening.

(excuse me while I grab some Kleenex...sniff)

I don't profess to be a fountain of football knowledge. Really, if you asked, I couldn't explain the zone blocking scheme, or relay a bunch of stats. But I looooooove watching football. And I love my team...

I am excited about this guy:

As you can tell from this picture, he is really, really, fast. His name is Aaron Curry. He went to Wake Forest. Which is the same school that Eric Hansen went. You remember Eric: he pitched for the Mariners in the early nineties with Randy Johnson. I can't believe you don't remember him.

I loved him. Don't tell Bret.

I also like T.J. Houshmandzade.

(pronounced hoosh-man-zah-da)

Because his name is awesome and because he dropped out of Barstow High School. Barstow is funny. (don't worry, he did get his GED)

This is how I do my sports.

I Wish My Lawn Were Emo, Then It Would Cut Itself.

2009-08-09T20:29:00.000-07:00

Currently I have a cut on the "armpit" of my thumb/forefinger, a cut along the top knuckle of aforementioned forefinger, and two cuts on my arm just above (below?) my elbow at the precise spot it sits on tabletops when my hand is under my chin in "The Thinker" pose.

None of these cuts were made with knives, so banning me from the kitchen is not the answer!

Bret says he doesn't understand why/how I am always cutting myself.

And I can't figure out spacing or font sizing on my blog.

Blogit! (That's blog swearing.)

How was your day?

What Recession?

2009-08-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

If there is a decline of folks vacationing to Vegas,

thank goodness!

Last Monday we adventured down to the Strip for a fabulous staycation to the Luxor.

It was a MONDAY evening, people, and there was a Disneyland ride-type line just to check in. With every twist and turn of the line I thought, "What day is it?" and "Are they sure there is a recession?" and "I'm hungry."

Our fabulous view from the 27th floor.

Unfortunately that was just about the only fab thing about our room in the Luxor hotel and casino! I hate to say it, but hieroglyphics decals on veneer would be acceptable at the Hotel 6 Luxor. Not at the one on the famed Las Vegas Strip!

Georgie on an overused armchair...thank goodness for the portable DVD playah!

And the beds were sucky. Five inch mattresses and flimsy sea foam green spongy blankets. (do you know which ones I mean?)

My bed and room at the Best Western in Whistler blows this one out of the water!

But the hotel itself is pretty fantastic...during the late 90's many a weekend night was spent shakin' it at RA with the girls.

And there are big Egyptian statues everywhere.

Our trip was super fun, despite the sleepless nights. And we had so much fun doing Vegas-y things like squeezing through M&Ms world.

With ba-jillions of other travelers.

*You can't tell from her award-winning smile, but Lizzy has a raging case of swimmers ear. She was a trouper!

Emily appears to be posing for paparazzi while flying above Vegas...

And one last shot...Bella was tired of all the peeps by this time. And Bret had let George out of the stroller so he was running down the front of the MGM trying to catch him. We did lots of other fun things...with the millions of other vacationers in Vegas.

And we enjoyed each other.

Here I could insert a witty twist on the "What Happens in Vegas..." slogan but I won't.

I will just wrap-up our vacay with a picture of Bret and the kids squished into a photo booth. Thank goodness I took this picture because the one we paid $5 for was Lizzy's chin surrounded by little m&ms. Hilarious.

Look What Bret Did...

2009-07-25T19:44:00.001-07:00

I said, "Hon, could you give George a haircut?"

This is what I got. Bret said he could only find

the #1 and the #6 for his razor.

So he went with #1.

I am currently going to the store for #'s 2-5.At least now I can see the bumps on his head. (see above picture)

He falls and/or hits his head at least 3 times a day.

He has also learned to say "Hep Me" instead of whining when he needs help.

I will try to get a sound bite because it is so stinking cute.

Bellagio....like Formaggio

2009-07-25T07:08:00.001-07:00

So last night I took my girls down to the strip for a

Friday night of crazy Las Vegas fun.

Actually we just went to the Bellagio to see the atrium and the water show. I was trying to explain to them that Vegas is a very famous town. And most places don't have a 10 mile stretch of road filled with elaborate themed hotels. They never really got it. The Atrium was of course GORGEOUS!

Bella does not enjoy having her "picture made."

These two enjoy it a little too much :)

But the water show, which is my favorite thing, was

SPECTACULAR!

Even though there were a gazillion people.

***And BONUS!!***

There were a couple guys dressed like Batman and the Joker.

These were the best shots I could get.

They were more popular than the smut handlers!!

Complete with full make up and persona!

Scared the crap out of Bella.

I really wanted to get a picture with them,

but Bella burst into tears so no picture.

But all in all, a good night.

Lizzy says, "Awwwwww, Yeah!"

IT'S VEGAS BABY!

Baby's Got Baby Back

2009-07-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

*Separated at birth?

Tonite my hubby channeled his inner Guy Fieri and cooked me some AMAZING ribs!

They were sticky and sweet and fell right off the bone.

I will tell you how he did it because it was super easy and you can impress all your friends.

p.s. Guy Fieri went to UNLV

Preheat oven to 200 degrees.

Put a couple racks of ribs into an oven safe pan. Bret used a 9 x 13 glass dish.

Pour a cup or two of water into the bottom of the pan.

Cover the ribs with brown sugar then cover the pan with tin foil.

Cook for about 5 hours. Your house will smell like Lucille's BBQ restaurant for at least 3 days.

Remove from oven, smother with BBQ sauce. (We love Sweet Baby Rays Honey BBQ)

Throw on the grill for a few minutes each side so sauce and sugar turns into sticky goodness.

So effortless! And if you use paper plates, clean up is a SNAP! Unless you have kids, then you must bathe them.

Use for your next event.

You're welcome.

Utensils!

2009-07-20T10:18:00.000-07:00

These are my step daughters with their cousin. Lizzy, Emily, and Emily. And Bella, who does not actually participate in the jump but looks on longlingly as little sisters often do.

And yes, I did say two Emilys. That is an interesting story for another time.

They are always looking for new ways to jump into the pool.

With this jump, each one announces their apparatus: "KNIFE! FORK! SPOON! UTENSILS!"

SPLASH!!

They are a crack up.

Additions to my already super cool jive...

2009-07-19T23:16:00.000-07:00

So these are the things I want to incorporate into my daily nomenclature... 1. "Loo" in lieu of bathroom. 2. Brilliant!! **Can you tell I just saw Harry Potter? 3. You Ponzi-Schemer!! (use only if you are really, really mad at someone) That's all I have right now. I guess I didn't really need to make a list.

These are my confessions....

2009-05-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make.... My name is Angie. I am LDS. And I hate scrapbooking! No, not hate. It's more like an aversion. And really, really, no likey. Scrapbooking takes lots of time and frankly I am too ADD to look through an actual scrap-booked photo album and be able to "see" the pictures. Do you know what I'm talking about? So I'd rather have random boxes full of pictures, more on my computer (completely unorganized) and some from 3 years ago on my camera and blackberry.