Books, Movies, Music. Brittany's List of 2012

Songs With Meaning

In the past when I have written about Songs with Meanings I have put piece of the song that have just simply stuck out. This year I bring a different twist. Below are a list of songs that made my top 10 songs of the year. Some are old, some are new. They are the ones that I crank up the volume and jam to it. The songs are list in no certain order.

1.     Some Nights. F.U.N
2.    You don’t know you are beautiful .One Dircetion
3.     Live Like You Are Dying. Kris Allen
4.    Lead Kindly Lightly
5.  Finally Friday, George Jones
6.  Jack and Diane, John Melchamp
7.   I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)- The Proclaimers
8.     I wanna Be, FFH*(gropu name unknown)            
9.    C’est La Vie, B*Witched
10.  Seize the Day, Newies

Some Good Books I read this year

1. .       What Papa Told Me
2.         Hunger Game series
3.         Wednesday Wars
4.         Mckenna American Girl Series
5. .         Keeper(still reading)

Think I need to read more this coming year!

  

Some good Movies that I saw this year

1 Hunger Game

2 Man on a Ledge

3 The Muppets

4 Twilight : Breaking Dawn part 2

5 Big Miracle

6 A 1000 Words

7  Meda Witness Protection Program 

8  What to expect when you are expecting*

9 Lincoln*

10 Skyfall*

Ones noted with the * were okay movies

Year End Review 2012

2012 Year End Review -A tradition is something you do every year or at least something to the short. Many years ago I start what I call my Year End Review, a snap shot of highlights from the year, this is one of my traditions that I do as well.

January
John had a birthday. We tried to go to LegoLand at Grapevine. They tell us we can’t go unless we have a kid who is under 18 years old with us. L So we went to SeaLife instead and came back with our 2 year old niece!

I also place my first MaryKay order.

February

I had a birthday. Didn’t have any blog post for the month either., must have been a crazy month.

This month I was paying $3.58 for gas.

My parents also came from Florida to Texas to see Lindsey and me. In the family now we have a lot of February Birthdays both on my husband’s side and my side of the family.

March

John and I celebrated our 2 wedding anniversary. We took a couple days off from work and went to Medieval times and the rainforest café.

This month made 5 years since Derek died.

April

John and I go to Texas Motor Speed way to see the nascar race. It was a lot of fun. But there was not a single wreck

This month also brought serve weather to North Texas. We were under a tornado watch for a few hours. Some tornados even touch down in the area.

May

John passes College Algebra with a “C”!

June

I get called to serve on a petty crimes jury. I head to down and set in an office for close to 2 ½ hours while I wait with other to see if we are picked to go and be on a jury.  I wasn’t picked, no one was that afternoon. But it was a good day off.

John also accepts a new position at the bank. He works in printing off bank statements and getting them ready to be mailed.

July

We head off to Disney World and the beach in Florida; to see my parents of course.  We had fun at all the kingdoms, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epoct, and Hollywood Studios (MGM)!

While we are on vacation we learn about the Aurora, Colorado Movie Theater Shooting.  

August

John and I start trying to get pregnant.

I am still busy working at the chicken hut, the bank and the temple.

September

By the end of the month we lost our last hamster Skittles, Rollie had died back in July.

October

I head to John’s old ward’s for trunk or treat! It was awesome I even decorated my trunk it was fun to decorate it!

I also take part in a deep clean in the house. It still amazes me how much junk we just hold on to and have.

November

John and I start some Christmas shopping and I start getting the Christmas decoration out.

Hostess the maker of twinkies and other snack cakes closes it doors forever and stops production.  All of their products fly of the selves and become hard to find. My kids will never know of their yummy goodness!

December

Sad news hits our nation. Someone walks into an elementary school in Newtown, CT and shoots a classroom full of 6 and 7 year olds. 27- Children and teachers  and the shooters mom were among the dead.  This happened 11 days before Christmas.

My parents come from Florida to see my sister and me for Christmas.

My sister and I also head to Preston wood to see the Living Nativity Christmas Play

It also snows on Christmas!

We spend most of the month sick with colds and stomach bugs.

Gas its down to $2.99 a gallon!
and yes we are still "trying"

This year has been a busy one, full of family and friends.  2013 looks like its going to be just a grand!

Christmas Fun in Pictures: Dec. 25

Felicity playing in the snow at Omas house. It was kinda cold outside. We weren't planning on snow on Christmas so no one came prepared to play in the snow.

Morning at John and I house. I had been fighting a bad cold that morning and we woke up to a thunderstorm.

My dad, Preston watching Cole and John fly their remote control helicopter 

Cole flying his helicopter.

John flying is helicopter that I got him for Chirstmas.

My mom and cole.

Me outside in the snow. I know where is my coat? In the car. It was raining when I came to johns parents house!

Harrison outside in shorts in the snow!

Happy Holidays

                             
                                               Wishing you and your families a Happy Holidays!

CFA party

Wanted to sum up today's CFA party with my post from Facebook! 

Today I saw camels, sheep, zebras, flying angels, fireworks, and Santa flying on his sleigh all at Prestonwood Church. There was some pretty cool Christmas songs. I love the TV Segment Scene and the kids Nativity was pretty awesome! I had a time! — with Lindsey McLain atPrestonwood Baptist Church. 

On my mind

In the past week there has been two shootings. One at a Mall in Oregon and the school shooting in Connecticut,,, there have been countless others through out this year as well, like the one in Colorado Movie theater.

It's sad because each case was just normal people going about their day and someone took their life. It seems to be happening more and more often.

Now I don't fear death; I embrace it. I know where I am headed and I know it won't be scary. I know there will be smiling faces when I get where I am going.

The one that is on my mind most right now is the school shooting. From what I have learned is that someone walked into the school and shot them. The kids where between the ages of 6 and 7; some of the teachers also died that day too.

What I know is that because they(the children) had not reach the age of accountability they are headed to the celestial kingdom. The Lord dose have a plan for them and their families. My heart breaks still for their families because loosing someone so young and so unexpected is hard A death like that is horrible.

I think about those children that died and then I think about my kids that I teach at church. They are the same age as those that died. So young, hopefully and full of life. We can learn a lot from children.

I know that there is a reason for everything. Sometimes we don't know what the reason is, but one day we will know the reason.

I know there is nothing I can say or  that can bring back those sweet children and their teachers that died. I know there's nothing, expect prayer that I can do to make it better, to ease the healing.

What I do know is that grieving will take time. Those that have left will check in on you from time to time. When you least expected you'll feel them near. I know that right now they are with their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and learning from them.  He has a special mission for them.I have a special friend who on that same mission right now. One day many years from now they will greet you at heaven gate with arms out saying, "welcome home, Mom and Dad."

Families can be together forever.

Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is full of special memories and the chances to create new ones. One of my favorites one is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. I love watching the floats, the balloons and the Broadway shows. It like a count down till the time I have to start cooking my green bean casserole and this year sweet potato casserole  John is not big on sweet potatos but me I love it! reminds me of home. The parade it also get's me ready Christmas!

When I was kid I would go to MawMaw(my great grandmothers) house and we would have a big feast and the kids go push to the kids table. That was a lot of fun!

When I was living in Arkansas for school I would go to Jasmine house for thanksgiving. I had a lot of fun there! I truly love her family.

Now, my thanksgivings are spent with my inlaws. There's always good food and fun.

I am grateful for these memories and ones that I will make in years to come.

Below is a list of things I am grateful for; they appear in no certain order.
1.My jobs
2. My car
3. My apt.
4.That I can worship God
5. Temples
6. Plan of salvation
7. friends
8. family
9. my husband
10. Education
11.laughter
12. Technology
13. Books
14. music
15. clothing
16. shoes
17 my bed
18. blankets
19. Journals
20. cameras
21. atonement
22. food
23. and many more things

Happy Thanksgiving!

'That's the stuff'

Maybe the world really is coming to an end. Today marks a sad day in history. It's the day that Hostess has chosen to close it's doors.  Hostess is the makers of Twinkies, dingdongs, cupcakes and some other yummy treats!

I heard that they choose to close there doors because the workers would not go of strike!

I loved the cupcakes they made they were so yummy! The frosting on them was the best part! Even if I was to buy up the last of the supply it would expire so I couldn't keep it forever!

Questions through my minds
Maybe its away to help American loose weight?
What will future generation do with out their twinkies?

Good by yummy treats! With the funny commercials with the shark and the lady in the swimming tube.

Election Day

This year marks the 3rd year I have vote in a presidential election. The first two, I vote on Election Day. This year I opted to early vote. I thought I would save time and make sure I had time to vote. Rather you early vote or vote on election day it all still counts.

Every time I vote its still exciting!

Voting is an American right. That I am proud to have and that I am able to do. Many years ago Women could not vote. So voting today is every more special.

No mater who you vote for, vote for the right reason. Vote for what you know and not what the media, friends or family tell you to. Only you know what values are important to you.

Whatever the outcome tomorrow is it is what it is. No matter the results it will forever change us as a country.

Happy Birthday Derek

Even though you are in heaven dear friend. I wanted to wish you a Happy 30th Birthday! Hey at least there aren't any gray hairs in this picture!

Happy Birthday Derek!

I just love the month of October...

It's hard to believe that it's already October! Not much is going on the Dean house. I did a deep clean this past weekend and took 4 bags to Goodwill and 4 bags of trash out of our bed room. took nearly 6 hours but the bed room got a deep well need clean.

I add some Halloween window clings to our window.

I just love the month of October... i just wish the leaves would change here in Texas.

Only 2 1/2 months left till Christmas. I need to do my Chrirstmas shopping.

Church

Today during Sacrament they did something really interesting. Typically the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month. Some members of congregation are assign to speak in Sacrament on a certain topic assigned by a member of the bishopric. On the first Sunday those in the congregation if they choose can get up and bear their testimony of Christ, Church, Temples, ect. However, this Sunday was a little different then ones in the past.
     They started the service by talking about Music and how it's important to have them. A member of the bishopric stated his favorite song and the proceed to say that's how we would continue with our service today. Members of the congregation if they wanted could get up and share theirs, after you did that then the ward would sing the first verse of that song. It was a really neat experience to hear what others favorite hymn's were and why. I didn't get a chance to say my favorite song, but a lot of the ones were mention that I do dearly love. So tonight's blog I feel I should share some of my favorites. Below are some of my favorites in no particular order.

There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today
This song makes me happy. It reminds me to be happy. When I was little my family and even teachers said I was like a ray of Sunshine. This song reminds me of that. Below are the first two verse of the song.  The second verse is one of my favorites because I can't sing, but the Lord knows it and he can't hear me and it still makes Him happy.
 V.1 There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

V,2 There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King,
And Jesus listening can hear
The songs I cannot sing.

Because I have been Given Much

This was one of my grandmother, Meme's Favorite songs. She stated that because it made her happy. It also reminds me that the Lord has given us a lot and because of that we must given. 

V.1 Because I have been given Much I too  must give

Because of thy great bounty Lord each day I live

My glowing Fire My loaf of Bread,  My roof's safe shelter over head

Who has the need of help from me.

If you could hie to Kolob

The first time I ever heard this song I was in Logan, Utah with Brittany. It was the summer of 2007.  The chorister in that sacrament service stated that we would sing all 5 verses of the song. I didn't understand why but by then end of the song I was touch by the spirit. And reminded that life truely goes on after we die. That summer was a very hard time for me. A few months back I lost a very special friend Derek. The song gave me comfort to my trouble soul. This past week I was remind of this song again; when I found out my sister from Utah, Catie and Josh lost their little baby.He was a stillborn baby. It made me very sad to hear what happened, but also joyful because Families are forever and that the Lord has a plan. 

V.1.  If you could hie to Kolob

In the twinkling of an eye,
And then continue onward
With that same speed to fly,
Do you think that you could ever,
Through all eternity,

Find out the generation
Where Gods began to be?

V. 3 The works of God continue,
And worlds and lives abound;
Improvement and progression
Have one eternal round.
There is no end to matter;
There is no end to space;
There is no end to spirit;
There is no end to race.

 V.5There is no end to glory;
There is no end to love;
There is no end to being;
There is no death above.
There is no end to glory;
There is no end to love;
There is no end to being;

There is no death above 

I know that my Redeemer Lives

I remember when I first learn this song. It was to sign language for girls camp. When ever I get scared I sometimes will sing this song. It brings calmness to my soul. 

V.1 I know that my Redeemer lives.
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, he lives, who once was dead.
He lives, my ever-living Head.
He lives to bless me with his love.
He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed.
He lives to bless in time of need.

There are others that a special to me for different reasons. But the ones above are very special to me and I wanted to share them with you. 

To learn more or hear these songs for yourself click the following link. http://www.lds.org/cm/catalogsearchalpha/1,17929,4782-1-1,00.html 

Sad News Take 2

Last Sunday, our last Hamster Skittles died next to his water. He looked like he was getting old. He was a good hamster, much like Rollie, he's a hamster that only lives 1-3 yeas. and I had them both for nearly 1 1/2 years.

Picture above is the hamsters, Skittles in Front and Rollie in back.

Sunday School with the 5 and 6 Year Olds

Teaching the 5 and 6 years old's is such a blessing. They end up teaching me more than I could ever know. Today at then end of class they were eating their snack and talking amongest them and one of the kids accidently step on another kid..The kid who got step on Miles, started crying he thought it was on purpose. The kid who did the stepping, Preston didn't mean to do it. When Miles started to cry, Preston started to cry because he felt bad. Within 5 or 6 mins they had stop crying. And by then the parents had start to come to pick up the kiddos. I told both Preston and Miles parent's what happen. Preston's dad stated that he has a tender spirit. I have to agree. He has a very wise spirit and a wise kids.

I love teaching my primary kids, I will be sad when I get new kids, I just don't want to let mine go.

Vacation take 1

July is one of my favorite times of the year, one because we are halfway through the year and two it's typically when I go to on vacation.

This year we went to Florida to see my parents! We went to the beach and to Disney World! It was so much fun! I didn't want to come home.

I loved just sitting at the beach listening to the waves, looking for shells with my husband, and going on the back lot tour at Magic Kingdom.

This year at Disney we went to all four parks! Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epoc, Hollywood Studios!  Every park I have different favorite rides. My all time favorite is Figment! I have loved it ever since I was a kid! Who is figment? He is a figment of your imagination!

His motto, " One little Spark"


John even went deep sea fishing. He caught 5 fish, but only one was big enough to eat.

Here are some pictures from our vacation

Here is a great family picture! 

Sad News

While John and I were on vacation. Our hamster Rollie died. He was at my sister's house and she went to check on him and he wasn't moving. He had died. We learned that moving hamsters from one place to another can scare them to death. Any ways he was a good hamster and died fat and happy.

Rollie February 2011- July 2012

Celebration and Memories

Tonight in Addison, Texas is there big to do Firework Show known as Kabooms Town. It's in the top 10 in the country as one of the must see firework shows. John and I didn't get chance to go to this year mainly because when we left work we want to get out down town Addison because traffic was going to be a nightmare getting home if we had stayed so we stayed home and enjoyed one of a few evenings off. Thinking about the firework show going on in Addison got me thinking about my childhood memories of Fireworks.

Watching fireworks has been one of my family's traditions ever since I was a little kid.One of my earliest memories comes from Stone Mountain, GA and the Lazar Show. The last time I saw it was back in 1994 or 1993, so I can image that a lot has changed since the last time that I saw it. One of the things, I remember at the end of the show was a song called, "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood. I would stand up tall put my hand over my heart and sing a long with the song. Even today in 2012 that's something I still do. I do it for the same reason I did when I was little, it's away to honor those that have gone on before me, those that serving for our country and those that in the future will serve. I can still remember the burning feeling I felt inside of me when I was kid of how important those rights and how I have to honor my country. I may have been the only one standing and sing that song as a kid, but it's something that I felt I should do.

In 1994 I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. Every year on Labor Day they put on a big firework show called Booms' Day! Where they shoot of Fireworks of Neyland Street Bridge! It's an awesome display set to music.  It was there that I was with my friend Maya and her Mom where we saw the new smiley fires works to the lyrics of "Put a smile on your face and make the world a better place." It was awesome! I just wish that more places would celebrate Labor Day like that! In my opinon that is the best firework show ever! it far exceeds Addison Show. But then again Addisons is the July show and K-town is the Labor day show.

Then I think about the fireworks show in Alcoa and how my parents manged a the city pool there and how we closed the pool early and got to watch the firework show. One memory comes when I was with my Aunt Fran and my family after the pool closed. She and I were having a staring contest. I was 10 and I though I could out stare her. During the staring contest my best friend Samantha comes up and taps me on the shoulder. I had been conctrating so hard on the staring contest I hadn't notice that she taped me on the shoulder. It was what made me loose. Then everyone laugh, still remember everyone's laugh. Sami had come with her parents and brother to come get me to watch fireworks together. It was a lot of fun with them and we got these really cool glow stick bracelets.


Another firework memory comes from the Mcgee family renion in Cali in 2005 and how we had spraklers and shot of fireworks at Larry's house from the ladder in the the street it was a lot of fun. Epecially since I was with my sister.

Looking back I have had a lot firework memories and 4th of July memories. All which I have grained in to my head but felt it was time to type it out. I hope to start sharing more memories of my past and of course the future.

Summer Time

Summers as a teenager were spend at the pool, going to the mall, sleeping, EFY and vacation. Now as an adult they are spent at work, work, chores, little bit of swimming, work, and vacation. 

What's happening with the Dean 4 clan? 

I, get to full fill her civic duty and has Jury duty this month. I am still working at the Bank and the Chicken place. It's keeping me busy. I am so ready for July when I go to see my parents, go the beach and to Disney World. I am still selling Mary Kay make-up. I am still teaching the 6 year-olds in Primary. I love my class they are so sweet and so knowledge able about the gospel. In the year that I have had them I have seen them grow soo much. 

John, is enjoying the summer off from school. He has accepted a new position at Bank. He will be working printing off the credit card statements. It's full time and he is very excited about the new opportunity and for change.  He too is ready for vacation. 

For those that are reading NO we are no pregnant. 

Muffins

"Do you know the muffin man?"
"Muffins are simply cupcakes that are naked."

As you can tell my mind is on muffins. In fact I have some cooking right now. They are chocolate muffins! It's been a while since I have had muffins. It's also been awhile since I have posted something on this little blog of mine.

It's been so long that blogger has change they way you publish post. Gonna take bit to get use to but it's cool.  Looks a little more user friendly. Oh, well enough about them and more about the Life with the Deans.

John, is doing well. He passed College Algebra! For those that know us math is not our forte. He pass with a "C". I am so proud math is hard. Letters and numbers just should not mix. He is still working at the bank and is ready for summer. Mainly summer vacation. We are head back to Florida to see my parents and visit, Mickey Mouse's house. Every time I go there I feel like I am kid again and I can leave my worries at the car.

As for Roll and Skittles the hamsters they are doing well and happy and health. They were interview for my friend's blog called, Arkansas Pet Gazzete. I still need to get there mug shots to her.

Me, I am doing well. Working two jobs right now. I actually really am enjoying it keeps me busy and the extra money helping pay off those lovely student loans a bit faster.

John and I are still working at the temple and loving it. It's been a huge blessing in my life to be able work at the temple. It's truly a place where heaven meets earth.

A very dear friend of mine is getting married tommorw in the Washington, D.C. Temple. I am very happy for him. He help me out a lot when I was at school. Thinking about his up coming wedding made me think about mine and how special it was. I had my grandfather seal"marry" me and my husband. I look back on now and wish I could remember more like what was said at the ceremony. I know that i had really really bad headach that day and neither me or John could sleep the night before. The weather was prefect my friends came all the way from Arkansas to see me. It was wonderful, to this day I am so greatful that they were able to come. It was very special.

The month of May also marks NF awarness month. I have NF. I have post a blog about NF in 2008 and even wrote a newpaper article about it. NF simply sucks! There's no cure and it can only get worst over time. Everyone is affected differently.

Enjoy the muffins!

5 years!

Today marks 5 years since my bestfriend died. It didn't really hit me of the death day till I remember the date and that it was my sister's birthday and her nephew's too! It amazes me how much time does fly. And as it flies we are growning. It's not till we stop and look at where we were and where we are now do we see how much we have grown. And how eventually the pain of his death does fade to dull and I now remember more of the good and the promises and things that were taught then the saddness with his death.

I guess that's how it's suppose to be. Death never meant to be sad but a new beginning.

In the last 5 years, my testimony has grown-because of that I am willing to share it more, because of my friend's challenge. I have grown for a love of the temple-now I am a temple worker and loving every minute of it. I am bless with a wonderful husband who loves me for me and understands me. I have graduated from College something I thought that I never would do. I have meet many people. My family has grown. I have gained a deeper understanding for the love of the gospel and the plan of salvation. And that heaven really isn't that far way. I have learn that when one door closes, there's usually a window to go out and new door to go through.

Death gives us experiences that we otherwise wouldn't have. People are placed in our lives at certain time sometimes for a season, for a moment, or forever. The Lord know's what he's doing even if we don't. Just gotta trust.

Life is what we make it. We can either make lemonade or make lemon juice.

Now to just apply this positive vibe to my job more. the Job is what we make it, better make good!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to an awesome sister! Love you Brittany!

The 2nd

Today makes two years that I married my wonderful husband.

Happy 2nd Anniversary! I love you!

February was gone in a flash.

It's been way to long since I last wrote. The month of February was a long month. I celebrated my 26th birthday and My parents came for a visit. We had a lot of fun. Played games, went out to eat, went shopping and got to go to this really cool theater. Where they have Lounge chairs that are big and comfy and you can prop your feet back and lean back and watch a movie! It was really cool. We saw Man on a Ledge. Pretty good clean movie. I like it it!

At the end of January I join Brittany M's team for selling Mary Kay. I haven't sold much. But then again I really haven't had a lot of time. I have been really busy working. When I am not working I am at the temple, when I am not there I am cleaning my house or sleeping. It's amazing how fast the week goes by. But I am loving every bit of it.

For those reading the blog, no the Dean4's aren't expecting anytime soon. ;)

February also made 18 years since I was baptized into the church. What a great blessing it's brought my life and more so for my future family as well.

It's hard to believe that in just a few days John and I will celebrate our second wedding anniversary can't believe how much time has flown.

Makes me think of the country song, "Don't Blink" by Kenny Cheseny some of the song goes... Don't blink

Just like that you're six years old and you take a nap and you

Wake up and you're twenty-five..... Naw, don't blink

Life Goes Faster Than You Think...

Makes me think about how when I was 14, I wanted nothing more than to be 18 years old. I thought that's when life would start. Boy was I wrong. My theme song then was, "I am in Hurry" by Alabama. Not so much in a hurry any more. There's no rush to getting old, it'll happen when it suppose to.

LegoLand

Dear World:

On 1.13.2012 my husband and I both plan to go to Legoland in the town we live in. Why? It was my husband's birthday. We like legos. We bought our tickets the night before on the official website. To ensure that we would be able to get in. Plan to go at time when school was still insession. Only to get turned away at the door. The website states nothing about having children to get in. Nor is written ANY where outside of this Discovery Center!

My husband and I have been playing with legos for around 20 years(off and on of course). It makes me never want to by legos again. (But since they are the only good block building thing out there, it eliminates that idea).

At least I go to DISNEY WORLD and have fun and ride Dumbo without being told I have to have a kid with me.

What if we wanted to just look and see what was in there? Instead of just the website tessers or seeing the small amount through the glass? What if we want to see if that was something we really wanted to take our family too?

Bright side is they gave comp tickets to SeaLife.. which was cool. I got to touch a star fish it was rough....

Maybe I'll find away go another time...