Bad Day No More!

So it's 12:30 a.m. and technically it isn't "today" anymore, and I could say that yesterday was my "BAD" day, but I'm not in bed yet, so I'm going with that, and I'm still dealing with the here and now, and saying today was just one of those REALLY BAD DAYS. Monday started out rough at work and it carried itself over into the rest of my entire day today. EVERYTHING was just difficult, wrong, and extremely stressful. You know those days right? Those days when you are like, "Why was it exactly did I get out of bed today?" And then you remember the job, or the 15 kids (okay FIVE), the dumb dog that keeps running away, the laundry, the cleaning... oh wait, I'm still listing reasons why I should have stayed in bed. Right! Moving on...anyway, today just was not good. Jaxon found his way into my room around 4 AM again, I guess he's still adjusting to NOT being in the same room as me anymore, and of course a California King is Never big enough for you and your 4-yr old. So I was up early; even earlier than Chris I might add! So sleep deprivation didn't help my emotions today!



My work day started about 4.2 seconds after I turned on the computer and didn't stop until I had a meltdown around 6:00 this evening! At that point I had two very close co-workers talking me off a ledge and convincing me that "I'm valuable" and "All this is worth it" or something like that. But really all I wanted to do was watch American Idol, see who was kicked off DWTS, and play Guitar Hero with my little guy! So that's what I did!



How quickly my mood changed? Jaxon and I had ourselves quite the little competition going on. He "won" every time! Well not really, but I have to say the kid is really quite outstanding. He's almost better than his dad at the game! Ha! What a great stress reliever that was! Rock n' Rollin with Pookie! I love his little face and all the concentration he puts into it and how he taps his little foot with every strum of the guitar! You go dude! You rock!




As far as American Idol is concerned...Hi, can someone tell Syesha to put her shoes back on? She hasn't had any on since her first on-top-of-the-piano Broadway like performance, and she needs to put them back on. And Jason honey...it's time to go home. And while your packing up, can you take Brooke with you. I think three more weeks of just listening to the David's is FINE BY ME!!!!! Hmmm...I wonder who the Cole's are voting for????



My day was made happiest when a very close friend told me that I inspired her to start her own Blog. And she did an outstanding job! It was a big step for her. And knowing how much fun I'm having...I'm way excited for her. So thanks again Britt for pushing me and pushing me!



So now, I'm going to go to bed, having realized that today, though rough, well more than rough, ended quite nicely. And the reason is that what matters most has nothing to do with all that had me all upset in the first place. In the words of the wise Maxine..."In a hundred years this won't matter. It barely matters now." Hugs!

A few Royal Recommendations

So with spending one last funfilled night in St. Helens, to flying home with Jaxon, to spending the weekend with all the kids, it's been a whirlwind of a weekend! A whirlwind of fun that is...and lots to discuss. But I thought for this Post I would keep it to some fun recommendations that are related to items that I participated in this past weekend! Hope you enjoy...even more I hope you'll partake!


First, I think my sisterships will be the only ones at this point who will understand this next statement, but let me introduce you all to another world of the Immortals, outside of Twilight. Yeah, I know it's hard to imagine, even for a freak like me, but it's true. And I'm pretty proud to say that I found this one all on my lonesome! His name is Mick St. John and he is the main character of the CBS show "Moonlight". Mick is a Private Investigator living in Los Angeles where he hides from the sunlight, runs around protecting his love interest Beth, a reporter of Buzzwire, and oh, is a Vampire. One of the most incredibly HOT 30-something (80-year old) Vampires ever! The series just started this year and after a slow start, 18-30 somethings like ourselves helped keep the show alive and it actually won the People's Choice Award for "Best New Drama 2007!" So now after the dreaded Writer's strike, Friday evening found me on Tiff's sofa in complete Immortal Heaven, texting the sistership every minute of the way! Every show is available to watch on CBS.com and ladies...just go for it! It is a true Guilty Pleasure! Oh, and it's been picked up for another season! Woo Hoo!




Okay, Second...For those of you looking for good ol' Family entertainment, or truly just a good wholesome movie to watch, "Nim's Island" is it! As you may recall, Tiff and I attempted to take the kids to see "Horton Hears a Hoo" only to be turned away due to it being Adult only night! So on our second attempt, despite the Internet listing Horton being listed as the movie playing, we were once again disappointed and nearly went home when we found out the theatre had switched movies. Fortunately we decided to give "Nim's Island" a try seeing it was a Family movie and we just didn't have the heart to tell our kids once again that they couldn't go into the "movie feater". I am beyond thrilled that we chose this route because this movie was fantastic. I personally don't feel the previews did this movie justice. The movie has a little bit of something for every age. It reminded me of the Romantic comedy found in "Romancing the Stone", the childlike innocence fantasy found in "A Little Princess" and the giggles and laughs of "Home Alone". And the acting crew was outstanding! So whether you're looking for a Family night activity or a Mommy & Movie date, this one will do the trick! Promise!


And last, but certainly not least, I certainly would not make recommendations without including something Twilight related! And this is a real keeper! This if for the music lovers folks. I have found this band through the TwilightMoms.com site. They are called The Mitch Hansen Band. I wasn't sure who they were all about, but now I know. They are based out of Atlanta, GA, which you all know is my home-away-from-home and their entire music base is inspired by the Twilight Saga. HELLO! Their album is now public and available for purchase either through their website (which I've posted under Twilighters Welcome!), or you can also get through iTunes. I wanted to add one of the songs to my playlist below, but it is not yet available. So you'll just have to go the links and check it out yourself! It will be worth your time and money to purchase! It is unreal! I highly recommend reading the lyrics and reasons for each of the songs! My favorites so far are "Lullaby", "The Last Thing" and "Twilight Hour"..but that's truly because I can't get past those three. It's the Obsessive Compulsiveness in me!



Here's a Glimpse of "Lullaby":

Lullaby(Edward's feelings for Bella)

Being made of stone will make you strong

But I've been alone for oh so long

Then there you were a silent mind

And beauty that I thought I'd never find

Something Strange is happening

And I don't know what to do

I haven't felt my heart beat in over 90 years

I love the way you look at me

When you're thinking no one else can see

I feel like someone different when you're near

So sleep now and hold me tight

Everything will be alright Just lay down and rest your weary eyes

Calm down, you're safe with me

I love you more than you can see

You need your rest and so I wrote you this ....Lullaby

Could someone who has a soul

Have such a hard time staying in control

Eternity can wait a while

I'll miss the way you blush when you smile

My Trip to the set of Twilight - Part II "Vampire Siting"

Alrighty "Twilighters", I cannot even begin to tell you what an amazing HIGH I am on right now! Last night was one of the coolest nights I have had in a very very long time. As I stated in my previous Blog Tiff and I spotted the beginnings of some action taking place on the set of Twilight. So yesterday afternoon after we concluded a very long work day, we packed the kids in the car and headed back down to 1st Street, St. Helens! We picked up food along the way, and as we turned the corner I nearly choked on my grilled chicken wrap from McDonald's as we saw the entire Twilight movie set all geared up and ready to start shooting! I started screaming like a girl! Oh wait, I am a girl! Whatever! We proceeded down to the Marina and that is where we then saw all of the actor's trailers, wardrobe trailers, food tents, etc. Thus, more screaming ensued! Next came the texting and phone calls to my sisterships at home! He he he!

Tiff and I parked the car, loaded up the kids and headed down to where they were all set up. It appeared as if they were preparing for the Port Angeles Restaurant scene. We were sneaking down the sidewalk, trying to keep the kids very quiet when suddenly someone screamed "ROLLING!" I thought I was going to freak out! It was sooo exciting! We stood there for a good 15 minutes when Tiff decided to take the kids down towards the Marina while I tried to get more pics. She no more walks away and the director clears the set and I am standing in the middle of all the extras and everyone heading towards the Marina for their Dinner break. One of Edward's doubles walked right passed me and as I was gawking at him and a large white van pulls up next to me with you know who in it....EDWARD & BELLA! I nearly tripped over myself! So I took off for the Marina and that's where the fun really began!

We stood on the Pier right above the wardrobe trailer and watched as everyone gathered around the food tent and ate their dinner. After mingling with a few other Twilight Moms for about 30 minutes, they finally finished their dinner. Bella was the first to come out! She walked right over to us and started choosing her outfit for the next scenes. Normally they say that she doesn't like to be seen by fans, etc., but as you can, see, she wasn't hiding from us! Woo Hoo! We haven't been able to figure out who the funky-haired chic is that is with her!

As we were watching Bella, that is when my heart skipped a million beats! Edward came out of the tent! We were all freaking out! We started just snapping our cameras as quickly as we could. We truly were a bunch of fan freaks! But oh well! I didn't fly to Oregon to NOT see him!

We took pictures for about another 30 minutes and after that the kids had had all that they could have and they also had frost bite! It was only 45 Degrees and we were by the water! And the most tragic part is that my camera battery died!

After we came home and put the kids to bed, that is when I prepared myself to venture out on my own. Tiff went to bed and I headed back to the land of Vampires! And what an exciting world it was! What was once a typical old home style town of St.Helens, was now the glorious, lit-up backdrop of Port Angeles and the romantic Restaurant scene that we all know and love. I was delirious with happiness! The restaurant was now uncovered and completely lit up with tiny white lights and beautiful red flowers. All the homes that lined both sides of the street had lights in the yards lighting them up in many different angles. Trees throughout were lit up. It was beautiful. There were dozens of people buzzing around on platforms and cranes just moving about getting so many different things ready for the scene. I could not believe how much work went into getting the set ready for what ended up being a two-minute section of the movie!

Once filming actually started I watched as the scene played itself out over and over...which was completely fine by me! It would start with Jessica and Angela walking out of the restaurant only to bump into Edward and Bella....conversations would ensue, and then Edward would lead Bella inside! Be still my heart! I watched them do this for nearly an hour. They fixed her hair, fixed his make-up and on and on! It was magical! I loved every moment of it!

So we will be going back there today. I don't know what they will be doing tonight. Actually, don't really care. I just want to see Edward one last time! I hope you enjoy this update and I hope you enjoy the pics! (And for all the pics I didn't post...please go to the Cole Family Album!)

My Trip to the set of Twilight - Part I

For all you fellow Twilighters out there...here's the first of my postings of my trip here in St. Helen's, Oregon, and the set of Twilight. Jaxon and I hopped on a plane last Saturday and last night was the first day that we've been able to see any "action". I've been disappointed a little more and more each day that we haven't seen anything going on, but after yesterday evening and our siting of the gigantic Semi-Truck pulling into the Set-Lot and the security guards blocking "Bella's Alley" sent my heart into overdrive!!!!

So Jaxon and I stood on the main street that the filming takes place at for the Port Angeles scenes. We also drove right up to Charlie's house! That was surreal! It's exactly as I pictured it in the book. The guard watching over the house just waved and laughed at me as I took my pictures! He must be used to all the fanatic Twilight Fans coming to the home!

On a quick side note...our trip downtown was actually to take our little angels to a movie at the only movie theatre in St. Helen's. We were taking them to see "Horton Hears a Hoo!". The three little kids waited all day, took their naps, got all dressed up and were soooo excited for their trip to the "moovee feater". As I walked up to the window to purchase the tickets and the little ones were jumping up and down screaming with joy....the ever so hideous I-clearly-hate-my-life-and-job woman behind the booth said with oh so much sympathy, "Not with those kids! It's Adult ONLY night! We serve BOOZ in here!" Come again sister? Are you kidding me? At 7 o'clock on a Wednesday night, for "Horton Hears a Hoo" you are telling me you are keeping us out? As I turned around to the three completely broken hearted children and my very pregnant and highly "hormonal" best friend, I tried my best to act my happiest, sorriest Mommy self. But I truly wanted to Kill that woman behind the Glass. (Am I allowed to say that on a Blog?) Any "HOO"... We put the three broken-hearted children back in the car, I took my Twilight pics and we headed back home where we had our own Movie night...no Booz included! Welcome to St. Helen's!

Okay, one last plug about the set, although I haven't seen "him" yet, the pic of Edward below is with my little Drewsy!!!! I'm hoping that I get as lucky as she was tomorrow! Check back for more updates and pics!

My Favorite Sister-In-Law's Birthday Party!!!!

Well...here it is, my first official Blog posting! I guess it is only fitting that it is all about my FAVORITE sister-in-law, Brittany! Oh wait, she is my ONLY sister-in-law, but Still, she is my favorite! Since she has been bugging me for months and months to start my own blog, I'm glad to say that I finally have one up and going!

Before I go on about Britt's fabulous birthday party, I would just like to say that this entire Blog concept is entirely overwhelming. I do not know how all of you Bloggers out there do what you do. Hopefully, I will get a picture or two actually attached to this posting!

So, last Saturday we had this totally FANTASTIC birthday party for Brittany. I'm sure Britt is going to post her thoughts about how much she loved it and loves me any day now on her blog site! I just know it! I can feel it! :-) Britt, Jett and the kids met us, along with David Jr. and Mom at Training Table for dinner and then we headed back to our house - The designated "Party" house for Game Night! We had lots of food, cake & ice cream...and lots of Guitar Hero! Overall, I think it was a total success and I believe Britt had a great birthday! (I guess we'll have to check her Blog to really see!)

And while on the subject of Guitar Hero...We have been waiting for Jett and Britt to come to our house since February to play this highly addicting game with us. We knew Jett would entertain us and would love the game, I just don't think we expected him to have an aneurysm over it. I don't think, no, I know that he didn't hit one single correct note on the first several songs. All he cared about doing was playing air guitar and swarming around on the ground like some heavy metal head-banger rocker from the 80's. He had us all laughing so hard. He and David were battling. David stood still hardly moving his fingers while Jett was completely freaking out all around him! Ahhh, so worth the wait!

Although Jett tried to steal the attention away, the evening was all about Britt, as is the ending of my post! In all seriousness now... I HEART you Britt!

***For more pictures of this happy occasion, please visit the Cole Family Album!***