Afternoon at the Movies

It seems like there is nothing more relaxing than an afternoon at the movies. With the temperature climbing, I thought a family movie day was in order. You'd think that would be easy... Trust me, it's not! First, consider the age spread of our flock. At the high end, we have the Senior Citizens (No! Not me!!! grandma and grandpa! sheesh...), at the low end we have the kindergarten-graduated Little Buddies. Between, we have the teen, the tween, The Mister, and myself... Now try finding a movie that everyone is willing to see!

Enter, the second dilemma... We settled on a movie--UP--but, lucky us, it comes is two versions, 3D and 2D...

For those of you who haven't met JJ, let's just say he has issues. And 3D cinema comprises a major portion of his entertainment issues... He hates 3D. And no, hate is not too strong a word... Of course, everyone else (I thought) was excited to see the 3D version of the movie. After all, how many 3D movies are released each year--it's a fun change of pace, right?

Grandma and I decided to accompany JJ to the 2D version, leaving the rest of the clan to attend the 3D showing. Thank heaven I confirmed with everyone before purchasing my tickets in advance!

As it turns out, The Boy didn't want to wear the goofy glasses, and Zeke wants to sit next to JJ. So that leaves The Mister, grandpa, HRH, and Max in the 3D showing.

Of course, there are still issues because HRH doesn't want to be the only girl in her group, but she doesn't want to sacrifice the 3D experience. And just as a side note, Max (while insistent that he must attend the 3D version) has problems with his vision. Technically, we are paying more for his 3D ticket (3D showings cost $2/person more) so he can attend the 3D showing, but he physically cannot see 3D. He has no depth perception, so the 3D technology is lost on him... Geez!

After much discussion about which theater, what time, and who will sit by whom, we made it to the movie(s). The kids claimed to love it. Grandma said it was cute. I'm going to tell everyone how much I loved it, and how cute it was too... But don't tell my kids... I actually fell asleep! I'm sure glad mine wasn't one of those expensive 3D tickets!!!

"Fresh" is a relative term.

While staying in Rome, we found a mercato where we could buy just about anything. Although we didn't buy much, it was interesting to poke around a little bit. It was fun to see Coke Light, Nestle' Cereal, individual serving sized Nutella... Definitely things you don't see in our local grocery stores.

I know that different cultures have different ways of doing things. But there are a few things (in my opinion) that just defy good sense. Case in point: We stumbled onto the fresh section of the store. Fresh produce, some of it familiar, some of it not so much. Cold milk. The butcher's counter. And we then we noticed this:

Here, let me give you a better look...

Yep. Those are eggs. Fresh eggs. Six of 'em. And are they in a cooler? No, no they are not. They were sitting on a warm shelf in the back of the store. And more disturbing, the sell by date was three weeks out. Eeeew! Does that kinda make you feel oookie, too?

2009 Graduation

This is how a 2009 Lone Peak High School Graduate looks.

Isn't it awesome?!

Proud Momma

I'm gonna brag just a little bit (ok, maybe a lot!). If you don't like that kind of stuff--feel free to move along.

You've been warned... Here goes...

The Boy started his senior year of high school in a precarious situation. He had not passed many classes, due to lack of effort, not lack of ability. He claimed to be bored, and never seemed to stay focused long enough to get his assignments finished and handed in. The past few years have been a frustrating struggle. But at the end of last year, he decided to make a run at graduation. I really didn't think he'd make it, but today I got a text message from him that said,

Cap and gown in hand.

Last summer, and for the whole of this school year, The Boy has worked like a madman. He attended school, working hard to keep his grades up. And after school, he worked with a private tutor to get some independent study courses done. I think his tutor must be part slave driver, and part magician. When she said she could help him to graduate with his class, I thought she might even be a little delusional... But no, she's just amazing!

The Boy worked under the supervision of his tutor-extraordinaire, and took his last exam today. He had it done by about 9am, which is cutting it a little close given that his grades all needed to be turned in by noon to qualify him for graduation... But he did it! YAY! My boy is graduating!

I know that his Senior Year wasn't all he hoped it would be. There were not many afternoons left free for friends. Nearly all his time was taken up with course work, reading, commuting to the tutor, going to BYU for testing, and listening to us tell him how important this is... And I couldn't be prouder of him for all his hard work. It has really paid off. And someday, I hope he realizes what a great accomplishment this is. He has achieved what I thought was going to be impossible. And he's done it well. Congratulations! You did it! I'm so proud of you!