Thursday, October 28, 2010

Hazey Showing her Smarts

A couple of weeks ago I got a notice from the school nurse saying that Hazel needed a further eye exam, as she was unable to see some of the lines she was expected to be able to see. So we went and had the exam. The eyedrops were traumatic, but surprisingly, the rest was a breeze, and even exciting for her. We went to pick out glasses and started with about 12 pairs to try on. She'd try a pair on and look at herself in the mirror, trying to surpress her smiles. She had a hard time narrowing them down, proclaiming, "I just look so cute in all of them!" I agreed whole-heartedly. Eventually we ended up with this pair. Isn't she a doll?



Wednesday, October 27, 2010

A {Very} Persuasive Argument

When I taught 3rd grade, I taught the students how to write persuasive papers by using a method called "Four Square Writing". We would fold our papers into four squares and write an outline. The thesis is in the middle and the first three squares contain different statements to support the thesis, and the last square holds the conclusion.

Like this:


You can see how this would easily flesh out into a nice persuasive paper. I recently tried my hand at the 4 square writing process again, and I think it turned out pretty well:


I'm sure you'll agree that there aren't any holes in this argument, and so if you happen to find yourself in the "bad human being" category, the only way to redeem yourself is to buy the Lower Lights album here. And I'll never tell anyone about how much you used to smell. It'll be our special deal.

And if I haven't convinced you yet (unlikely), here is the latest video Jed made. It is almost as good as my 4 square.

The Lower Lights // Chapter II from The Lower Lights on Vimeo.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Mindy Gledhill's Hourglass


(Remember to click twice if it cuts the screen in half)

Jed got to work with Mindy Gledhill again, this time behind the camera. I love this song. And Mindy has such a fantastic voice and she's too pretty for human kind.

It breaks my heart to think of my boys growing up. With Hazel it's different. I know we'll be best friends. We'll shop together and go to lunch and she'll bring her kids for me to play with. Boys grow up and fall in love with other girls and think they don't need their moms as much. My boys love me so much right now--they fight for me whenever Jed hugs me. Seriously. I ask them to promise me they'll always be my boys every day. I think the song captures this feeling I have perfectly.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010


My October Movies


Garfield's Halloween
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (cartoon)
The Skeleton Dance
That other Skeleton/Mickey one
Donald Duck's Trick or Treat
Charlie Brown's Halloween
That Donald Duck Gorilla one
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Psycho
Wait Until Dark
Vertigo
Charade
Rear Window
Dial M for Murder
The Others


What is on your list? Am I missing some important ones?

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Someone's Life is About to Change


(Reminder: if you're only seeing half the screen, double click)

Winners, send a shipping address to jayniewells@yahoo.com. Losers, keep those chins up. There's plenty of Sarah Sample music to be had and she won't mind at all if you buy it from her.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Welcome Home Little Brother!





Monday, October 11, 2010

Someday, Someday and a Giveaway, Giveaway



Jed does all my music research for me these days. I used to feel like I was really up to date in the music world and could feel all superior about that band that I loved that barely anyone knew. Motherhood has taken all that away from me (the time to research as well as all the CD players in the house, now all busted up with CDs smashed in them). But Jed knows me well enough, and so he hooks me up (you can count on me saying that in every post from now on).

So, while working on The Lower Lights project, Jed came home each night with more good things to say about Sarah Sample. "I know you'll love her music, it's just your style." He got me a disc, and the truth is, I do love her music. I do, I do. I loved it before her latest album, (neener-neener) but this latest, Someday, Someday, is pure pleasure. I listen and listen and listen.

And for heaven's sake, you should too. The album dropped Tuesday (that's the way cool people say 'it was released Tuesday').

Here's where you can get a free download of "Every Time I Go".
Here's where you can buy the whole thing (hurry up!)
Here's where you can watch Jed's teaser video (does that sound x-rated?).

And just because I'm doubting many people stuck with me and my silly blog through these last few post-less months, and I want to reward those who have (chances will be great!) I am going to GIVE a CD away! YEEEEEEEEEEEEHAWWWWWWW! Go ahead and leave me a comment (by Friday at 7 pm) and prepare to win!

But anyone who says "pick me, pick me!" as their comment automatically loses. I only get, like, 3 emails during the day and two are from US airways and Bank of America, so entertain me!

Go get your free download! Everyone's a winner!
To All Nay-Sayers of Monday



"Monday is the first day of the week. It is a peacefull day, whare everything is quite. School starts erley on Monday. Then there is onley 4 days left of school at bedtime. And I am always sad when Monday gose past, but Tusday is anouther day, whare people get up erley, but not quite the same as good old Monday. I'll talk about Tusday later. Monday we have homework. Wich is not much fun, but, that's what Monday takes. Monday is a giving day, that always keeps it's promise. Just like when you lose a tooth or when you feel homesick, it's allways there for you. Today is Thursday and it is not as quiet as Monday, but fun. I am waiting for Monday as days go past, such as Thursday and it also is fun. We usuley mark off days on our calender. Tomorrow will be Friday. Yae! Last day of school! See you when the Monday sun comes up!" --Hazel

Really and truly. Didn't change a thing. Found it on the counter this morning.



Friday, October 01, 2010

What Santa Sent in September

Remember these?
How could you forget? Well, they showed up at my house early last week and have been on my feet ever since. It has been a little uncomfortable to sleep with them on, but I know the season for sandles is coming to a close, so you do what you can. But I found out from this experience that Santa does not live at the North Pole, but somewhere in the Midwest and is, contrary to belief, a female. A kind, kind female.

I'll be wearing them tonight and you can touch them if you come to the Lower Lights Free Outdoor Concert in Provo. If you have size 7 feet you could try them on. Unless you've been wearing sneakers with no socks all day. Cause that'd be gross.

I've been carefully placing stickers for free downloadable songs on the cds to sell at the show. Don't let all that hard work be for naught.
See you there!