Crazy Weekend, True Love, and One Movie Review

This weekend we had planned to have a Saline Reunion Campout. We were very excited because we haven't ever all gone camping together - and it would be so fun to do it before Joy Lynn left on her mission (she is going to Bolivia).

So, Jon and I left early in the day to go scout out a spot by Christopher Creek. Everyone else had work or school, and we both had Friday off, so we were the"chosen scouts". It was a lot of fun though. We got there and saw two different trails that we could use. We hiked up a ways on one trail and never found a spot that would fit enough tents on flat ground. So, we decided to turn around and try out the other trail. We hiked a ways in and finally found the most perfect spot! It was near the creek but up higher than it, so the kids wouldn't get in, it had plenty of soft, flat spots for tents, and it had a huge fire pit. Perfect! The only down side was that it was across the creek. Not across a deep, scary part, but you did have to walk across some rocks to get there.

We decided that if we built a really good rock bridge, it wouldn't be a problem to get everyone across safely and settled in our perfect spot.

So, we set up our tent, our chairs, the food and water we brought, our sleeping bags, the dog's stuff, and then Jon stacked some rocks across the creek that would make it really easy to cross.

It was so perfect - the sun was shining, not a cloud in the sky, but enough shade from all of the trees to keep it nice and cool in the afternoon. We were excited.

Eventually, Mom and Dad Saline showed up with Joy Lynn and we started unloading the tables and chairs and tents that they brought. It was starting to get a little cloudy, but we had had a soft drizzle earlier in the morning and figured this cloud was merely a repeat of that wimpy storm. We lugged a bunch of stuff across the creek and started setting up.

Then it happened, the clouds burst open and it started pouring!! They were huge drops and we were getting soaked! Not only that but it was already 8pm and the sun was going down, but with this giant black cloud in front of it, it got very dark, very fast!

Then Beau and Shaunalee showed up with their kids, who were really excited to go camping. We tried to set some stuff up, the it got so dark and it was raining SO hard!! So, we decided to pack it up and give up on camping.

This was easier said that done.

We were trying to roll up sleeping bags, take down tents, carry heavy stuff across the creek (that was now raising and our lovely rock bridge was covered in slippery water) and things were muddy......it was really rough.

By the time we got everything loaded and we got in the car, Jon and I were covered in mud and our clothes were so drenched you could literally ring them out - and we were tired.......

Everyone decided that we would drive up the mountain and get some dinner in Heber (no, we hadn't eaten yet because we were going to cook out at the camp site.....). This was a great idea except that we were soaked and had mud all over us. So I changed into some sweat pants and a hoodie (my dry clothes) and bundled my hair on top of my head - and hoped I didn't see some long lost high school friend that I haven't seen for 5 years (that always happens when you don't look great, and they are always dressed to the nines.....). Luckily the town of Heber closes up pretty early, so there weren't many people at the restaurant and we were able to get some great food, and visit with the family and play with the babies. It was very nice.

Then we all drove up to Snowflake and "camped out" in real beds at Mom and Dad Saline's house.

PS - I brought my camera, but it was raining so hard it would have gotten ruined, so no pictures.....sorry!

The next day Jon and I got up and got ready for my dear friend Alex Brown's wedding. He married the beautiful Katie Evans and it was a wonderful ceremony. It was so nice to see so many friends that I haven't seen in a long time!
Congratulations Alex and Katie!!

PPS - I would have a picture of them on here, but my blog is being stubborn and not letting me post pictures - if you have any suggestions as to why this is happening, it would be great to be able to figure it out!!

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ARRANGED

Now that I have Netflix, I have access to all sorts of documentaries and independent films. Some of them do not look interesting, but Netlix suggested that I might like an independent film called "Arranged" based on some of my other selections.

Netflix was right!

The movie is about an Orthodox Jewish girl and a Muslim girl. They both end up teaching at the same school, and are treated differently at work because of their "strange" customs. Eventually they become friends because they can understand each other's situations - and become even closer when they realize both of their religions share a similar custom - arranged marriages.

The story shows them both going through the steps of finding a "match" - and learning about each other and growing closer and closer.

I loved this movie!! I loved the positive light it cast on both religions. I loved how it explained that even though you would think that they would be polar opposites - the two religions were actually very similar in their customs. And I especially loved how, in spite of their differences, and even the bigger political differences their cultures have, these two women were able to lean on each other and learn from one another, and encourage one another in their beliefs.

There is one scene where the Jewish girl is feeling very discouraged about finding a match, and the entire process, and she explaining her feelings to the Muslim girl who isn't having much success herself. The Muslim girl listens to the Jewish girls' concerns and then says, "we both have faith that God has a plan for us" - how interesting that they could encourage each other in faith.

Basically I loved this movie and recommend that you get your hands on it and watch it!!

Malori Reviews All Sorts of Stuff

Ok everyone - for some reason my computer is being stubborn about posting pictures....I need to spend some time researching what is causing this problem, but for now you get a picture-less post. Sorry!

LOST

Jon and I got Netflix (which is amazing!! We hooked our Wii up to the internet and we get all sorts of instant movies and shows!! So worth the $9 we spend a month on it. Netflix should really pay me for my mini commercial....) and we have been working on getting caught up on our new favorite addiction - Lost.

We just finished season 5, and are at a bit of a standstill because the next season isn't available until August 24th (and yes, I have been going crazy!) but I can say that we are absolutely loving it!!!!

I can't even pretend to explain the story to any of you "Non-Lost Watchers" I wouldn't even be able to! The story is so darn involved! Each character's story is so detailed. You learn their past stories, and their future stories all while telling their story in the present!! Crazy!

When we first started season 1, I never could have imagined how the story would evolve. It has gone in so many crazy directions - between The Others, The Freighter People, Locke's group, The Dharma People in the 70's - I mean, it is all over the place! The amazing thing though is that the story is not confusing. If you have been watching since the first season it is not hard to follow at all! You fall in love with the characters - and actually hate some of the other characters! It's amazing to feel so strongly about television show characters!

So, I suggest that you find the DVDs of this show and start watching it! But make sure you don't have a whole lot of stuff you need to accomplish because suddenly watching the next episode to "find out what happens" becomes more important than other things - like sleep!



RED ROBIN (yum)

Jon and I are big fans of the restaurant Red Robin. We really enjoy the food and we also enjoy the prices. If you want a great burger, great fish and chips, great clam chowder - all in a fun "sit-down" environment, for not very much dinero - Red Robin is the place.

We love going there with friends and family because it is so fun and low-key!

A couple of weeks ago my mom and I went there and we got this amazing waiter named Chad. He was so nice!! I was looking to try something new and I asked him if their macaroni and cheese was any good, and he flat out told me that he didn't like it and I probably shouldn't order it. I really appreciated his honesty (that's not to say that their other food is not spectacular!). He was very helpful at suggesting things - for example, I asked for some ranch for my fries and he brought me ranch, but he also brought out some "onion ring sauce" just so I could try it - and it was awesome!!! I loved it! It was sort of like ranch mixed with bbq sauce and I'm sure they mixed some happiness in there.......I really appreciated him bringing it out for me just to try!

Then, when we were getting ready to leave - after we had already paid - he asked us if we wanted some to-go cups for our drinks. I said that would be very nice, and instead of bringing out a styrofoam cup for me to dump the rest of my drink in - he went over to the bar and made us brand new drinks (I had a freckled lemonade - yummy!) in these giant 32 oz cups so we could take it home!!! It was so nice!!!

Anyways, if you go to Red Robin by the San Tan Mall - request Chad! But if you can't make it to that Red Robin location, or Chad isn't working at the time you go, don't fret - we have never had a bad waiter at any Red Robin and the food is great!

Thanks Chad!



THE LAST AIRBENDER

M.Night Shyamalan directed The Last Airbender and I loved it. I am a huge fan of the cartoon on nickelodeon so I was excited and a little bit skeptical about this movie. There are a lot of critics who did not enjoy it - they say it didn't stay true to the show - but as a fan of the show, I can say that I was not disappointed in what they did. There are practically a million seasons of that show by now, so the fact that they could bring as much of the story in that they did was impressive. I thought all of the actors - in spite of how young they were - did a pretty darn good job.

I was also excited that they left it open for a sequel - if only the critics would just lay off and let us enjoy.

PS - after you watch this movie you will wish that you knew how to do tai chi........just warning you.



INCEPTION

Inception - starring Leonardo DiCapro - was a mind-excercising good time. I was hesitant about this movie because I had seen a review that claimed that the story was too complex and hard to keep track of. Heaven knows I don't want to watch a movie that takes so much effort, so I wasn't sure that I would like it.

I was pleasantly surprised!

The story was not too complex. Sure, the total concept - breaking in to people's dreams and planting ideas - is complex by itself, but they do such a great job of explaining all of the "rules" and everyone's jobs - you feel like this is something that can actually happen because the rules make complete sense!!

Not all of the characters had in-depth back stories, but that didn't make you care about them less. Leo had some deep background stories that seeped into his sub-consious and caused them problems in the dreams, but it never got confusing....

I appreciated that the story was not all blowing things up and running around shooting things - it was a good story for an action movie and Jon and I both enjoyed it!


SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

I am watching the finale of So You Think You Can Dance right this moment - yes, as I am writing this blog I am watching the show. They have not announced the winner yet - but we are down to Kent and Lauren - my 2 favorites!!!! I was sad when Robert went home, but I had to agree because I think Kent and Lauren are just a little bit better, but I could not have agreed with the bottom 3 more!!

I have to give you my opinion before we find out who actually wins - I think that Lauren is a better dancer and I hope she wins, but I love, love Kent and what a cutie-patootie he is!!

Oh man, here it comes.........waiting.......this is intense........stop talking and just tell us Kat.......it's...........it's LAUREN!!!!!!

Yipee!!!!!!!!!

I am seriously so excited for her right now, she is so stinkin' good!!!

This season of Dance has been so great! Such talented dancers, great dances for them to perform - it was a good time!

Tonight, I think the most novel moment was when Ellen DeGenerous came out and danced with Twitch. She is actually pretty darn good for having never been trained! Makes me think that somebody could teach me how to dance! LOL!!

Now it's time for the next season of American Idol....and I'm kind of scared of it without Simon.........we will see.......

Happy 3 Years Jon!!

My Dearest Love,

Three years ago today I was blessed to marry my very best friend, and I have only grown to love you even more since that day. In our three short years I feel like we have gone through a lot! Law School, the Bar Exam, moving three times, calling, jobs, late night studying, fertility treatments, being completely broke......and I have loved every minute of it because I have been able to spend it with you! I know that we are perfect for each other because our trials have brought us even closer together.

Jon, I love you with all of my heart. I have never known anyone who can make me laugh like you do, who can comfort me like you do, who will put up with me like you do. You are everything that I ever dreamed I would find in a husband plus so much more!!

I admire you so much. You have an uncanny ability to love everyone. You are so smart - you always know the answers to my questions no matter what the subject. You are incredibly patient. You blow me away with how talented you are. You honor your priesthood and are always prepared to use it if called upon. And, you always love me no matter what.

This next year is full of changes for us, but I am so excited to be able to spend another year with you. I am excited to spend eternity with you!

So, Happy Anniversary Jon. I love you more than all the things!

Always,
Me