Yesterday, we rang in the new year by taking a little trip to the ER. It seems Brandon can jump out of a tree and be perfectly fine, but walking past the handle of a wagon just did him in. He tripped, fell, and somehow broke the end off the bone in his arm, right above the elbow joint. This break required an emergency surgery during which 3 metal rods, or 'pins' were inserted into his arm to hold the bone in the right place. So, it seems we will remember the first day of 2009 fondly :)

In other news, we got 2 new puppies this past Saturday. We rescued them from the local Humane Society, and they are just adorable! When I get the time I'll take (and post) a picture of them. Both are female, and the tiny Lab/Golden retriever mix is named Juliet, while the other, a husky/? mix with brilliant blue eyes is named Bella. They are supposed to be the same age, but we think maybe not. Juliet weighs MAYBE 5 pounds, and Bella is at least 25 pounds. The vet thinks Bella may be older than they told us. We will go to get them spayed, and figure out their age and Bella's other 'component' while we are at the vets.

We had a nice Christmas and other than the above incident, a Happy New Year. My hubby's sister and her hubby told us all they are expecting their 3rd child, so it made for happiness all around. I hope it's a BOY!!! We currently have the only grandson, causing us to have 5 nieces but no nephews, so we'd like them to have a boy this time. We shall see......

Hope everyone had a good holiday season, and here's hoping the rest of the year is not as 'fun' as the first day (at least for us!!)

I have been participating in four online classes this semester, and this is finals week for web students. How tiring! If I had known that at this age I would get so frustrated with taking tests and other stuff, maybe I would not have begun this journey. Alas, I must be dedicated since I registered for FIVE classes for the Spring semester!! I know at some point there will be an end to this course of study (2 more semesters, actually) and then just a few more classes till the degree---YEA! Then I can search for my 'dream job' (well, the one that does not include bottles, diapers, potty training, dishes, laundry, etc...I already HAVE that reality and LOVE it!), hopefully in the literary field as an editor or copywriter.

So, it is a trying week, but surely worth in in the end. In all this has been a pretty good week, but next week will be better--NO FINALS!

Today I will be fully participating in making a wish a reality. I have helped with one other wish, but I am actually a "Wishgranter" this time around. It's so exciting! The little gal we are doing the wish for is nonverbal and has some MAJOR health issues, but we are going to be able to make her far more comfortable and make things a bit easier on her Mom and Dad. It has been so much fun getting all the needed things for her...even Livi has helped. She made a drawing for the girl today, with lots of bright colors and cute stickers.

Anyway, during this season when we all attempt to make our world a better place, it's nice to be able to help a family care for their daughter better. It's such a blessing to be able to give time, energy and love to others. It's something I am striving to do more of...it makes you feel good!!

If you can, get involved with Make A Wish or any one of the many worthwhile organizations in your area. And involve your children, too!

I will be going to Paragould (not too far) today to see the Twilight movie with my good friend, Steph. Neither of us have been to a movie in ages...the last thing I saw in the theatre was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, so it's been awhile. The theatre in Paragould is very nice, and they said yesterday there had only been about 35 tickets sold. Thet is good news, because when I pay to watch a movie, I would like to actually WATCH it and get to hear it. I am afraid those midnight showings were a bit loud for my taste! :)

Anyway, it's finally here and I am very excited to see the world on the big screen. Some reviews are out already, and while the fans think it's a great movie for the most part, the critics are being very nitpicky and well, critical. We'll have to see, and maybe I'll post a review another day. Today, I will just enjoy Twilight in this medium for what it is, and enjoy having a rare bit of time to myself.

If you have seen the movie, let me know what you thought of it. What was your favorite part/scene? Which actor portrayed their character the best, in your opinion?

Since Teresa told me how, we'll see if this works. Here goes nothin'......