Music Monday and More

Let's start with the more portion of this post. This morning started off with car trouble, a missed PTA meeting and a to-do list the size of China. By 5:00 pm most things were accomplished so of course we got some grub with the Ganems and headed over to my mom's for some SYTYCD therapy. (I can't even begin to tell you how much Tiffany and I needed it). Here are some photos.

Boys to Men

On to Music Monday. I love musical theater. So much so that I shelled out big bucks one year for us (including Xander and Ben), my in-laws and my parents to go see Lion King at Gammage. Ian and I had already seen it in LA and LOVED it. So it was no wonder that I loved Across the Universe. Afterall, the same woman who brought Lion King to the stage directed Across the Universe. Sure, it's trippy in parts, but the overall film is gripping (yes, gripping) and wonderful. Very artistic and beautifully done. And the actors all have great voices (unlike Pierce Brosnan in Mama Mia - UGG! - atleast he's nice to look at). Here's a clip (it was so hard to pick just one)(give it a chance - it's only 3 1/2 minutes of your time):

Also, I have to mention Mama Mia (again). When the play comes back to Gammage I will be going. The movie was creative, cheesy, funny and highly entertaining. Here's the trailer:

P.S. Any one who wants can borrow Across the Universe. And we will be going to see Mama Mia this weekend again - so leave me a comment if you want to come - WARNING! I will embarrass you by dancing at the end. And not the pretty kind of dancing, either.

P.P.S. I already paused my music for you so that you can watch the videos. That's just the kind of friend I am.

The Happening(s)

Evan is becoming quite the character. He does this thing where if he wants to sit on your lap he back up slowly then plops down. Now that I think about it he seems to like to walk backwards. Like a truck in reverse. I keep waiting for that beeping sound. He also is talking more and more. Whenever I give him something, I make him say it first. In the past week he's learned "ippy" (sippy), "cucu" (cookie) and "oooo" (shoe). I love his little voice and the kids get so excited when he says something new. He loved David Archaletta's song the other night and was singing "oh, oh, oh" all night.

Lately I've been feeling like Max has been chewing me up and spitting me out. I think this kid might break me...seriously. However, today Max and Addy played together for over an hour without any major problems. We had Liam over a few weeks ago and it was the same. Whenever he has a successful play date I feel such a sense of accomplishment. See! He can play well with others...it's just his family that he has trouble with.

Ben has also been acting out. He has a stubborn streak the size of China. Everyday he tells me he doesn't want to go to school. Knowing my child the way I do I know this is because school requires work and he'd much rather stay home and play. He finished his report and can I just say I would rather someone pull out my toenails than to have to do another one of those. He has a science project coming up but luckily he seems excited about that.

The older Alexander gets the more ill-equiped I feel. In some ways I love it because I can talk to him as a friend. He's such a bright, inquistive kid that I forget he's only 9. He is a lot of help with the younger boys but he can get carried away. I have to remind him that I'm the parent, not him. It's so funny sometimes - when he tells Max to stop doing something it's like I'm hearing Ian. He is like Ian in so many ways and that's the greatest compliment I can give him.

Tomorrow 21 comes out! We're going to the 7:30 showing so if you want to go with us - call or e-mail me! I have been saving my movie passes that Kim got me for my birthday. I am so excited I can't even say. Also Jim Sturgess is supposed to be on Jimmy Kimmel tonight. I'm going to have to stay up and watch it. The more I watch Across the Universe the more I love it. But it's becoming a bit of a problem...like the other day when I was dropping Alexander off at his game I could hear the soundtrack playing in one of the other boys car. When the boy came over to walk with Xander I gave him the third degree, "Do you guys love Across the Universe? What's your favorite song?" All sorts of things came tumbling out of my mouth and the kid looked at me like I was insane. It's partially Ian's fault - I swear he invites someone new over to watch the movie every weekend. Maybe I should just invite everyone I know over for a showing and then be done with it?

P.S. Good news! I finished writing the skit for girls camp (thanks to some help from Kim). I'm the camp director this year and I was getting a little stressed but yeah!