Madigan Matters: 2008

Sunday, December 28, 2008

another layout!

If you like the papers and elements of this layout check out one of my favorite blogs: Summertime Designs . Sorry I can't remember where I got the template but if you want it let me know and I will recreate it for you!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

This has been the snowiest Christmas I can remember. Of course my long term memory isn't all that good. It is certainly snowier than any that Lance had as a kid- growing up in LA! Christmas Eve we spent at my mom's house. This has been our tradition for many years. Charlie's family came over too. My mom was not feeling well at all but was a trooper through all the noise and chaos. We made pizzas and then read the Christmas story from Luke 2. JJ and Hannah played the parts of Joseph and Mary. Then Charlie read our family Christmas story - A Christmas Dress for Ellen. The Ellen in the story is my aunt. We had made it a tradition to read this story on Christmas Eve long before President Monson retold it and the popular children's book came out. I have many memories of my mom reading this story as my dad openly wept. He didn't have any memories of that particular Christmas but of many similar ones later on in childhood. I think this year the story made more sense to JJ and Hannah. They are old enough now to realize a little bit - how blessed our family really is and that not everyone has what we have. We are certainly not wealthy by any means but we do have what we need as far as basic necessities and then some. After the story time was over we opened a few presents. The hit as far as the kids were concerned was Chloe's gift to Dan. A set of nerf guns! Before long nerf bullets were flying everywhere. We found one of them in our stuff later after we got home!
Christmas Day was bitter sweet. Lance went to pick up my mom first thing in the morning so she could see the kids open thier presents. She was not feeling well by the time he got there and decided not to come after all. Lance got back and the kids were disappointed not to see Grandma. They were excited to open thier presents though so that is what they did and had a great time at it! Our main gift was the Wii. The kids have been playing it pretty much non stop since we got it hooked up. Hannah had asked for a microphone so she got Disney Sing It for the Wii which came with a microphone. But the game that really is the funnest for all of us to play (except for Asher) is the Lego Star Wars Wii game. It is addicting! I am the first to proclaim that I am not a gamer in any sense of the word - not even good at card or board games! But I have enjoyed the few times I got to play the Lego Star Wars and the Sing it games. Yesterday I came down with some kind of stomach flu and spent the entire day in bed or in the bathroom. Today I am a little better but still feeling a bit weak and blah so I missed out on the Madigan family get to gether today. I didn't think it would be nice to share this with the family if I am still contagious. Hannah's birthday is coming up on Monday and I am totally stumped on what to do for a party. I have had her presents for about a month now but I just can't figure out something fun and somewhat inexpensive to do for her party. I really don't want to have it here at our house if I can find somewhere else to do it. Ideas are alway welcome!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Snowed in = scrapbook time!

Due to the fact that I couldn't get out of my driveway yesterday I was able to get a little scrapbooking done! These pics are from Christmas 2003 - now you all know how far behind I am. In these pics JJ is the same age as Asher is now. Kinda fun to look back and reminisce though!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Our Christmas Miracle!

Ok so we consider it a miracle that we were able to take a half way decent family photo with the timer on our camera! Merry Christmas to all!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Be good - no coal

Hannah has been so funny with her prayers for the last week or so. She always adds the same thing ...

"Please, Heavenly Father, help everyone to be good so they don't get coal in their stockings."

Wisdom from a child ... if we could all pray with that kind of faith and sincerity.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Blog Security and other December Happenings

One of the highlights of this month was Hannah's dance recital. I believe the term "a born dancer" fits her well. She loves to perform and is able to pick up and remember her dance routines easily. I hope that she continues to love dancing and performing. Her teacher is just a high schooler, herself, but she teaches three age groups of girls and she put on a wonderful program. We are so impressed with her!

Today the kids both had Christmas concerts at thier schools. Since they were within a half an hour of each other I was VERY lucky to get to both. Lance and Asher saved me a place at JJ's school and I jetted there as soon as Hannah's class was done.

We had our annual visit to Santa. We are always surprised at what the kids have to say to Santa. It is quite hilarious at times. As expected Asher didn't want to have much to do with Santa but this year Hannah got over being scared of him and had quite a long chat with him!

One of our family traditions is getting the kids each a new ornament for Christmas. This year we had three small trees that the kids got to decorate with thier ornaments from years past and of course this year's ornament. I try to get an ornament that represents something that each kid did or liked that year. Here are the photos of this year's ornaments from oldest kid to youngest.

It has been great to hear from so many family and friends this season. While we are very grateful for the technology available to help us keep in touch we also understand the need to be careful with what info we put out into cyberspace. Therefore, we are considering locking down the blog and only allowing people we invite to view it. I really hate do because it makes an extra step you readers but for children's safety we think this is best. We are keeping the blog open until January so that those who found out about our blog through the Christmas newsletter have a chance find us. Anyone who wants continue to read our blog can e-mail me at: sarey@hotmail.com.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

"NO WAY!!"

That was the theme of this year's Christmas card photo session. Asher was being about as "two" as he could possibly get -- absolutely, positively without any shadow of a doubt refusing to cooperate with Sara and I when we were trying to take pictures of the kids. We tried bribery. We tried threats. We tried distractions. We failed miserably.

I guess all parent's probably go through this, but with the other two hams, we haven't had so many issues before. Oh sure, they would have their moments, but not the ENTIRE time! JJ and Hannah were good about it, although they also got tired of sitting/standing still while Asher screamed at the top of his lungs and tried to run away (we were trying to take pictures at the railroad station and around some of the old buildings on State Street, so I am sure people were thinking we were torturing the child).

So when you see the picture, you will understand the tears and "frosted" upper lip (yeah, my sleeve was covered in snot before we got halfway done).

Oh the other hand, the Christmas tree looks really nice. Sara wanted to go with a more planned approach this year rather than the usual “let’s open the box and see what jumps out at the Christmas tree” look that I normally strive for.

Happy Holidays! (or, as the Utah Senator would insist, Merry Christmas!)

Friday, December 5, 2008

Festival of Trees

Me in front of one of the Twilight trees.

Bella's house!

JJ and Hannah loved the High School Musical tree!

Lance and I decided to try taking the kids to the Festival of Trees this year. We figured that they are getting old enough to enjoy looking at the trees and it would get us all in the Christmas mood. We did have a good time but the kids got tired of looking at the billions of trees fairly quickly. Hannah was fascinated by the kids that were dancing and singing on the stages. She would have been very happy just to sit there for hours and watch. JJ on the other hand was NOT interested in that. He, however, really enjoyed the gingerbread houses. Asher liked it all except when he was made to stay by mommy and daddy. He did his own dancing to the music that the kids on stage were dancing to. Lance and I had an indepth discussion on the pros and cons of the various popular color scheme for trees this year. I like the red, white and lime green look if it is done in a wimsical way or the rustic dark red and almost black green with cream. Lance likes the primary colors or very traditional red white and green look. So our tree this year is going to be done in jeweltone red and white with lots of bling! Maybe we will get it up before Christmas rolls around or maybe not! I have come to the conclusion that I am just not much of a decorator. My favorite parts were the couple of "Twilight" trees and gingerbread house made to look like Bella's house complete with Edward in the tree outside her window! Ya I am a freak! So I finished reading Midnight Sun this week and am waiting, and hanging on the hope that Stephenie Meyer really is finishing it as her website says. My family thinks I have gone a bit crazy. I don't know what the big deal is - I have only re-read the entire series since seeing the movie 2 weeks ago, seen the movie a second time and read Midnight Sun and screamed involuntarily when I saw a commercial for the movie. I would really love to see the movie in IMAX - not sure if it is available that way. I don't care if the actors are total dunces in real life (as I am afraid that they are) just give me my fantasy and no one will get hurt!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Give Thanks

It really has been an enjoyable holiday for me this year. Besides spending my birthday with some of the people that I love most in this world, I also was able to do a few fun things with my close friends. Having my birthday ON Thanksgiving has it's pros and cons. I love just being with my family on this day but all the extra attention is kinda embarrassing. It was a good day all in all.

As I look back on the last 30 years I see what a blessing it has been for me to be an aunt to some really special people. I get a little choked up when I think about how different my life would have been had I not been given the opportunity to know and love 8 very special people. I know at times I have been selfish, self absorbed, judgemental and unfair but through it all I am so grateful that although the Lord didn't see fit to give me siblings close to my age at least he gave me these 8 individuals to help me learn about being a part of a family. The one birthday present I have always wanted these past 30 or so years has been to be with my family on Thanksgiving. I know it is kinda weird to say it but I love watching my nieces and nephews interact with one another. Now that my kids and the great grand kids join the crowd there is nothing that makes me happier than to see them welcomed and loved into the group. I look forward to getting to know Mary Ellen's kids and grand kids and seeing them find their place in the family as well. So this Thanksgiving I am truly grateful for my Jeppson nieces and nephews and the impact that each of them have had on my life. I know I don't always show them how much I care but they each have a special place in my heart and I want more than anything to see them happily find their place in this world. My greatest hope is that a year from now finds us gathered together again closer than ever.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

UCHD Introduces New Logo

Reprinted with permission ....

UCHD introduces new logo

UTAH COUNTY, Utah (November 25, 2008) - - On Monday evening during the Utah County Board of Health meeting, the Utah County Health Department (UCHD) introduced a new logo to represent the department.

"The new logo is a stylized image of the Utah County mountains, with an individual representing the health and well-being of our community," said Lance Madigan, UCHD public information officer "We feel it helps represent our motto -- creating healthy communities -- which is also included in the logo."

The logo was developed by a talented local artist, Ryan Moore, who donated his time and effort. The logo will be incorporated in all UCHD materials over time, using up current materials rather than discarding them.

The mission of the Utah County Health Department is to promote health, and prevent avoidable disease and injury by monitoring the health of our community, and assuring conditions in which people can be healthy.

For web link, go to ...
http://www.utahcountyonline.org/News/DeptNewsDetails.asp?ID=73725&WN_System=HEALTH
;)

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Get your flu shot

I have been accused by some that I can't get on the radio or tv without saying "nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea" – which is simply not true, as shown below.

Experts recommend getting flu shots before the holidays

November 24th, 2008 @ 12:30pm
By Randall Jeppesen

Local health departments says you should get a flu shot before Thanksgiving to make sure you aren't spreading more than just joy to your relatives.

It was a quick stop for those getting a flu shot at the Utah County Health Department today. Get the shot, rub your arm, and just like that you're on your way.

Many health experts say having the vaccine before everyone gathers together for Thanksgiving is something to be grateful for. Health department spokesperson Lance Madigan said, "Flu's one of those diseases that you're actually contagious before you have symptoms. So besides spreading love and cheer, you're also spreading a virus to those around you."

Madigan does mention, however, that it takes 10 to 14 days for a flu shot to be fully effective, so getting one this week might not protect you during the big turkey feast, but your immune system will be ready to go before Christmas comes and before the peak of the flu season.

E-mail: rjeppesen@ksl.com

For full story and audio link, go to ...
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=4888918
;)

Friday, November 21, 2008

A girl can dream . . .

Unless you have been living in a cave for the past few months you know about Twilight. The movie opened last night and of course I was there! A friend of mine helped organize a huge Twilight preparty and bought out an entire theater of tickets. There were neat decorations and treats at the preparty and raffle prizes and grab bags after we got into the theater. The festivities started at 8:30 pm and the movie started at midnight. This was my first experiance with a midnight premier and I would definatley do it again - especially for the new Harry Potter (that should have come out this month too!!!) I saw the first preview for it and it looks AWESOME! So what is with the title of this blog entry you may ask. Missy had shirts made and on the front it said "A girl can dream" and on the back it said "bitten 2008". It is a really fun souviner of that night. And now for my review of the movie. If you don't want to hear it before seeing the movie yourself stop reading HERE!
Having been fully warned, read on to hear what I thought:
1. Robert Pattinson was amazing. I really wasn't at all sure that I would like him in the role but I thought he pulled it off very well. He generates a lot of heat (no pun intended!) on screen. The chemistry between him and Kristen Stewart is pretty good.
2. Kristen Stewart was a dissapointment. I realize that it must be difficult to portray a character in a book who is primarly dealing with her own inner struggle. In a movie you can't hear what is going on inside her head. However - Robert Pattinson pulled it off! I found the copious amounts of staring somewhat annoying. She did great when she was writhing in pain. I guess that is just her forte.
3. The audience laughed out loud in several parts of the movie. Yes, what I feared the most came to pass . . . several important moments were rendered completly hokey, due to acting, camera angles and total lack of real special effects. For example, the meadow scene or Edward in the sun. As my friend Jen said. "All the technology in the world and that is what we get!"
4. Long stretches of the movie were completely devoid of music. We all take for granted the importance of the musical score in a movie. This is one case where it would have really helped you stay in the storyline had there been some music to evoke the mood.
5. All that said I really did like the movie. I will see it again in the theater if I can and buy it when it comes out on video. I truly hope that they make the next one. They left some pretty heavy forshadowing at the very end suggesting that they plan to. I hear that the next one is already in the works. One would hope that like the girl who plays Hermione in Harry Potter, Kristen Stewart will invest in some acting lessons and blow us all away in the next movie. I also hope that they get rid of the actor who played Jasper - he was just plain creepy.

There you have it. I would love to hear everyone's comments and opinions about the movie. I must say that the evening was really capped off by fact that I walked out of the theater next to Lisa Bearnson, the creator of Creating Keepsakes Magazine, and her daughter. Yes, she looks just like her photo! The night could not have been better. Good friends, good movie, and a brush with fame! Who could ask for more!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Roar!

We decided to go to the dino museum for family night- we haven't used our membership for a while and Asher was a tiny baby the last time we went. As usual Asher LOVED everything! He wanted to see and touch it all. Thankfully this museum has lots and lots of things that are ok for him to touch. The kids had a good time.

My mom had her 2nd chemo treatment on Thursday. She had done really well considering everything. She is expecting her hair to fall out in a day or two. The waiting for something like that to happen is almost as hard as the event it self. She is keeping in good spirits most of the time.

Asher and Hannah have lately become the best of friends. Asher is never far from his "ahh aww" (think of the sound a donkey makes!) They play quietly all morning long with the stuffed animals, dolls and dishes. Asher has taken to holding Hannah's hand when we are at the grocery store. The only person Hannah will share the blue recliner with these days is Asher. They also like to snuggle up together in Hannah's bed and giggle. Asher wanders around a little lost while she is gone to school and asks "Where ahhh aww?" If he wakes up before her he has to throw open her door and yell her name until she wakes up. I am so glad to see a wonderful sibling relationship blooming.

At this Thanksgiving time of course my mind turned to all the things I'm grateful for. My next thought was how can I help my kids to recognize all the little things that they have to be grateful for in thier lives. So we instituted the Thanksgiving Love jar. We all put a kernal of corn into the jar when we notice someone doing something for us that we are thankful for. For example - JJ is grateful when I make a dinner that he really enjoys. Hannah is thankful when Asher brings her her favorite toy. You get the idea. It has been fun to see all the things they notice that they are thankful for. On the flip side we also remove kernals for bad behavior. This has been really effective so far because they DO NOT want to take kernals out. This is a good reminder to us all to say thank you to the people around us that do little things everyday to help us.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Fablehave 2 Book Review

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star (Book 2)

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a fun book to read around Halloween. It certainly had it's spookier elements. Although I find some of the characters annoying (Seth) and somewhat flat, I did enjoy this book. I felt it was a bit better than the first, especially in the storyline department. Seth and Kendra are pulled into another adventure at thier grandparents estate called Fablehaven. Seth again makes many rash decisions and Kendra shows her self as being the cautious one. I am hoping that Warren turns out to be a larger character in the next novel. Guess I will have to go pick it up and find out.

View all my reviews.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Halloween Hijinks

I thought I would upload a few photos from Halloween and give an update on my mom. Hannah and JJ both had fun Halloween parties as school and they each had a costume parade. Unfortunatly the timing was such that we all couldn't go to both parades so Lance, Asher and his parents went to Hannah's parade and I went to JJ's. We couldn't find our small digital camera so I had to take my old 35 mm camera. I had forgotten how heavy that camera is, and how hard it is to focus a manual camera quickly. I am really out of practice. It will be interesting to see how the photos turn out. After the parades I ran over to Missy's house to have her help me with my witch makeup - she knows lots of fun tricks - she should be a makeup artist! Can I just say that false eyelashes make your eyelids feel really heavy. Later in the afternoon we trick or treated to Lance's parents house. Asher looked so cute in his cowboy outfit but he just didn't want to have anything to do with it. The chaps were too long so it made it hard for him to walk so we finally ended up just taking them off. The cowboy hat didn't stay on for long either. An interesting side note - the cowboy boots that Asher wore were some that Jake and Carolyn picked up at DI for a doll they have in thier living room - they were just the right size for Asher!! Asher's hat and gun were ones that I had when I was a little girl - no doubt they belonged to my brother's before I played with them. JJ wasn't supposed to wear a mask (he didn't really want to anyway) so that is why his hair was colored. Hannah was thrilled to be a cheerleader - she really wants to be one when she grows up. She and I got our hair cut the day before so I couldn't get her hair in ponytails so we went for the "bow on the top of the head" look. I dressed up as a witch and Lance did not dress up although he claimed he did (he said he was dressed as a psycho killer because they look like everybody else). The ward Trunk or Treat was fun as usual (thank goodness it was in a barn because it started raining!). I entered the chili cookoff - I didn't win but all my chili got eaten so that is saying something I guess. Several of my girlfriends also dressed up as witches so that was fun. The best costume of the night went to our friend Jamie Barnes. She is currently doing chemo for breast cancer so she shaved her head except for a mohawk and she spiked it up. It was awesome! After the ward party we went to visit my mom. Lance and the kids didn't stay long - we could tell that she wasn't feeling well and all the noise from the kids was bothering her. I stayed the night and into the next day. The anti nausea medications that she is taking make her extremely sleepy and groggy. Sometimes it was hard to wake her up to give her the next pills or get her to eat. I can tell when the medications are wearing off because she is more alert and like herself. She has been hallucinating/talking in her sleep alot which kind freaked me out. There wasn't a lot for me to do other than make sure that she was taking the right meds which she seemed to be doing just fine when she woke up. She seemed a little aggitated to have me there so I came home about 11 pm last night and have just called her about every 3 hours today. I feel really torn as to what is the right thing to do. My family needs me here but I also worry about her alone there. I decided that the best was to just keep checking in on her by phone and she seemed happy with that idea. Because the chemo pretty much destroys her immunity to illnesses I am going to have to keep the kids away for a while. I took her my huge bottle of hand sanitizer so I am sure that she will ask her visitors to use it when they come. For anyone who is reading this and wants to visit her please be sure that you are not sick. I am sure everyone understands the importance of her not getting a cold or the flu during her chemo treatments.

Jen, Me, Jamie and Missy

Optimus Prime- JJ

Cheerful Hannah

Dancing Cowboy - Asher