Christmas Letter

As 2008 passes and we look forward to 2009, mainly because it puts us closer to Disney World 2010, we reflect on the adventures of the passing year. 

We ventured to Disneyland in February where we also experienced Knotts and Universal studios.  Even though there were some husbands who felt that they could have done without Disneyland for a while they loved us enough to come.  However, if it came down to it we would have been just as happy to go without them. J

At the end of March I decided to further my education, mainly because I am a little nuts, but also because I am an educational miracle, as my mommy calls it.  It has been really time consuming and Chris feels a little neglected at times.  However, he has been pretty good at being patient and understanding, but he would appreciate it if I would not go for my PhD or at least wait a while before doing it.  With the way things are going I don’t know that he has to worry about that too much. My anticipated date of graduation is in March or April of 2010, just one more year.

During the summer Chris put together a couple of Polynesian shows for some friends.  This event put us back in touch with some old friends that he haven’t been able to get in touch with because…. well there is really no good reason. But we were able to get in touch with the Tongi’s.  They joined us for a few shows and we were able to catch each other up on our new additions, their little boy and our little puppy. 

In August we were able to take some time out for us, and head down to St. George.  It had been a few years since I had hiked for a few miles it was good to see that I could still do it will minimal aches the next day.  Also in August we purchased a home.  He has been enjoying having a home and a yard for the kids (dogs) to play in.  Chris has been working hard and enjoying fixing things up that need it.   We spent Thanksgiving with the Chris’ family, the Jensens and survived the family tradition of Black Friday.

Chris continues to work at American Lending as a loan officer.  Most of you might think that would be dwindling but the company he works feel is still going strong.  Due to some recent rate drops he has been busier and working longer to try and get people refinanced.  He has also taken up hunting this year.  From September to November it is hard to find him because he is usually scouting or hiking over mountain ranges in search of that perfect deer.  We had the opportunity to go hunting with Chris’ sister Carli and brother in-law Brian.  After experiencing their hunting I informed Chris if he hunted more like them I would be more likely to go with him.  Their theory is if you can’t get to it with a four-wheeler, truck or minimal hiking/walking don’t bother they will eventually come to you.  This theory seems to work because they usually always get something. 

I continue to work at Slate Canyon Youth Center and also continue to love my job.  There is never a dull moment and there is always some new event that is changing everyday with the residents.  There is also the ability to make fun of the residents who are from Carbon and Emery County.  They always think I am being mean until they find out that I, too, am from Carbon and it is always fun when they find that my husband is from Emery.     

No, we do not have any children…..Maybe one day. 

We hope you all had a wonderful 2008 and that you have a wonderful 2009. 

Coming Soon!

So after reviewing every bodies blog I have come to the conclusion that I may be a little behind....Okay, Okay like a month behind. Since we are not sending out any Christmas cards, because "We just did one last year", according to Chris, "there is not need to do one this year" and because I was lazy I just went along with it, I thought I should at least blog to let you know what is up and happening in the Lutu home. Thanks to those of you that sent us a christmas update Burks, Dimicks, Carlsons, Jennifer (and family). So by Tuesday, but planning on Monday, I am hoping to have a new post. Wish me luck... :)

TTFN

TWILIGHT THE MOVIE!

If you are planning on seeing this movie I would strongly urge you not to continue….

Not the Edward of my dreams... Not the Bella of my thoughts... And not the movie of my book!

For those of you who have no intention, as I had, not to see the movie because you felt that it just wasn’t going to live up to the book, proceed.

I have never read a book that was eventually made into a movie. Usually if there is going to be a movie I just wait for that to come out because I see no purpose in reading at that point. However, with the Twilight Saga it was a little different. I got into these books because so many people around me had said what great books to read and I would like them. So, one day last year as Chris and I were celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary up in Park City we came across a bookstore and decided to venture in. I noticed Twilight was in paperback for like 5 dollars so I decided to get it. It took me about 2 weeks to actually pick it up and start reading it after buying it and when I did it was history from there. I, like many others, was sucked into the Bella-Edward love story. (Excellent books)

When I heard they were going to be making a movie I was skeptical from the beginning. Usually Hollywood has a way of ruining things like these. Since, like I said before, this was my first book that was made into a movie for me; I knew I was going to be more critical. I started to think; well if they get a good cast then this may stand a chance.

The cast was picked and I knew from that moment this movie was going to be a disaster. That is when I decided I was not going to go. For the last 6-8 months I told everyone I have no desire I will most likely not go because I fear it will ruin my books.

Then my sister called me up on Thursday to see if I would like to go to that movie. I told her no, and she said that is was going to be a girl thing because the boys were going to the movies that night to see 007. (Which I liked that movie) I had been telling family and friends that I was not going to see this movie because I knew it was going to be disappointing but everyone thought I was kidding and being way to cynical. So, like she has he ability to do, she eventually guilted me into going. So yesterday, Friday, November 21, 2008 my concerns about the movie became a reality.

The movie from the beginning had stupid written all over it. Bella, even though she could have made that part work because she was average, does not really know how to act or at least doesn’t do it well. Edward who is supposed to be tough seriously looked like he was about to cry 5 times in the movie, he should of played Bella. Bella I don’t think has the ability to cry on cue because she is such a mediocre actress, if you can call her that (actress). Because the movie jumped around so much you couldn’t tell a lot of the bonds these people were supposed to have. For example Edward and Alice they are supposed to have this close brother and sister relationship and you don’t get that from the way this movie was set up. Jasper was a JOKE!!! He looked like he was in a constant state of fright and surprise. He looked like he was trying to portray Edward Scissor hands. We wish it were Johnny Depp playing Jasper because then who would care, right, at least we would have someone to look at. Carlisle looked like he had way to much makeup on I don’t know if it was the white doctors coat or what but it wasn’t good. We got that Rosalie was a B**** she actually did alright but was in the movie more than the book.

What was the most irritating thing about this movie? They skipped and jumped around so much that it was ridiculous. Now, I know that they might have to cut some things out so that the movie would not be 10 hours long but when you cut things out it should not be the story line, which was what they ultimately did. Where was the part that Edward and Bella fall in love? It seemed like that just came out of nowhere there was no real climax to it either. It seemed as though Hollywood was trying to put more action into this movie then what there really was. They should have stuck to the original story line. Had “Bella” narrate more, like she does in the book, it might have been a lot better.

This movie was done way to fast and way too early. They should have taken time to think about it rather than just do. I think the entire cast would have benefitted had they read the books before playing the parts, because I don’t think they did.

One good thing did come from this movie, I realized I don’t have any ill feelings toward my books and actually feel like I need to read twilight AGAIN ( for the 4..5..6..7.. time I don’t remember I lost track) to put the universe back into perspective.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Chris decided that for this Halloween he was going to dress up as one of his bosses. His boss happens to be bald and white so we did the best we could. We shave his head leaving a little on the sides to get the "old man" effect. The he let me put my base on him. He thought he would need to get something else to be more white but I assured him that he was blessed with a pale wife therefore my makeup would be enough. Because this is the first and only time he will let me put makeup on him took advantage of it. So I thought today would be a good day to check in on my blog. Most of you would say, "It's about time." Sorry for the delays I have been extremely busy with school and work. I am not sure when I will be back on. I will try and keep you posted.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME! (My favorite subject)

Cassie Peet sent me this. Instead of sending it to all of you I thought it would be better to just post it on my blog. If you want to do it feel free but I will not tag anyone.

1. What is your occupation? Counselor

2. What color are your socks right now? Black

3. What are you listening to right now? IZ… White Sandy Beach

4. What was the last thing that you ate? 3 Chip Ahoy Cookies and some Milk

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Yes

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Sabrina. She work up in control.

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes…. She is one of the funniest people I know.

8. How old are you today? 28

9. What is your favorite sport to watch? None….. If I am at the game I will watch and then it really doesn’t matter the sport.. Baseball, Basketball, Football….

10. What is your favorite drink? Jones, Strawberry Lime..

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, Just yesterday.

12. Last time you hugged your child? I have to agree with Cassie on this I don’t have kids. But my dog Yesterday.

13.What is your favorite food? Cheekcake Factory…. I know food not restaurant.

14. What was the last movie you watched? Goonies with Chris, the best movie ever…. HEY YOU GUYS!!!

15. Favorite day of the year? My Birthday!

16. How do you vent anger? Definitely. It is more dangerous if I hold it in.

17. What was your favorite toy as a child? My American Tale mouse. Fievel.

18. What is your favorite season? Spring or Fall

19. Ocean or lake? Ocean, in Hawaii

20. Cherries or Blueberries? Cherries!

21. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? No because I am blogging this.

22. Who is the most likely to respond? Tara or Stephanie.

23. Who is least likely to respond? Kale

24. Living arrangements? Living with my husband in a house.

25. When was the last time you cried? Last week I think, I am sure Chris made me and I am positive it was his fault as it usually is.

26. What is on the floor of your closet? Carpet

27. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Probably Kale… Since the 3rd grade. Wow the 3rd grade that was a long time ago.

28. What did you do last night? I got off at 10pm stayed up for about ½ hour, ate some cookies and milk, talked with Chris and went to bed.

29. Hawaii? or Florida? Florida… Disney World baby 2010!!!

30. Who inspires you? I know a I won’t live this down but, Steph.

31. What are you afraid of? Bodies of Water…

32. Plain, cheese or spicy hamburgers? Cheese, Unlike Cassie I didn’t give them up.

33. Favorite dog breed? I don’t think I need to write this but I will for those of you who are slow. Golden Retrievers.

34. Favorite day of the week? It doesn’t matter really. No special one they are all the same to me.

35. How many states have you lived in? 3

God does have a sense of humor!

As many of you know I hate psychology. I have always had a hard time with it. I took it when I was a senior and hated it ever since. As a matter of fact I attempted to take it 3 times at CEU and each time I would get out of it with in a couple of weeks. It wasn't until Hawaii that I actually got through an entire semester of the dreadful class. I tell you this because many of you know I hate psychology but few of you know why. I am about to tell you.

When I was a senior in high school, good ol' Carbon High, I took this class thinking this is going to be fun. Boy, was I wrong. I had a teacher that was horrible. He was new teacher and come to find out a bit of a pervert. He was the type of teacher that would have a female student go to the front of the class raise their arms up to "make sure" that her shirt wasn't too "short." He would do the same things with girls in skirts that were above the knee. I know this because he did it to one of my friends.

Now, this teacher never really did anything to me. However, psychology ended up being really hard for me. I would try in his class and still had troubles understanding. One day this teacher said something to me (I don't remember exactly what) that was so offensive and rude that I am pretty sure he could of been reprimanded for it if I took it to the education board. Instead I chose to tell him what I thought of him. I pretty much called him EVERY name in the book. EVERY name. I was so mad at this person that after telling him exactly what I thought of him, in front of the class, I walked out of his class never to return. The ironic part of this too is that this man was also in my ward, and yet it still didn't stop me from saying what I had to say. This is the only time that I can recall ever crying at school because I was so mad at this teacher. Of course the crying only lasted a couple of minutes because there were a couple of friends there to cheer me up. I never knew what happened to that (I am going to say it) Bastard. He only lasted 1-2 years there. I am not sure if he got fired or just left, because it was Price.

Now I told you that story to tell you this story. Yesterday Chris and I went for a walk with the kids (dogs). We returned home at about 7:30ish. As I was unloading the kids from the back of the truck Chris started to talk a little with the neighbor who lives a couple doors down. While we are doing these things there is what sounds like an annoyed honk. We turn to see what is going on. Apparently a couple of kids had run out in front of this Landrover and the person had to slam on the breaks to avoid hitting these children. Well this car happens to belong to the people who live across the street from us. So this person pulls up to the front of his house and exits his car. My husband being the people person he is says to the guy "Why did you stop?" In reference to just hitting the kids. I don't remember exactly what this man said because a couple of things happened all at once. As I looked at this person now talking with my husband from across the street the sound of his voice, his posture, and his face (which is a little more aged) all triggered so many memories and took me back about 10 years ago. Mr Braudhead (I don't know the exact spelling of his name), my high school PSYCHOLOGY teacher was standing less then 30 feet away from me. I turned to stare at my husband with eyes wide and a gaping mouth. When the conversation that lasted only minutes ended I walked up to my husband trying not to laugh still a little in shock. I reminded him of the story and then proceed to tell him that, that man he just talked to was the same man in my story. He couldn't believe it at first but a minute he did. We both think it is funny that once again this person and I have once again crossed paths. He has yet to recognize me but it is a matter of time until they find a way to talk to us and he finds out were we are from and so on and so on.... This teacher lives across the street from me!

Which brings me to the conclusion that God does have a sense of humor.

Husband Tag

Husband Tag
*My Husband Tag*
1. Where did first meet? In scofield at the Jensen cabin hanging out Shawndra. He doesn’t remember that though.

2. How long did you date before you got married? 14 Months

3. How long have you been married? 6 years in January

4. What does he do that surprises you? Nothing is a surprise when it comes to Chris because he does so many things. If I had to choose probably when he sends me flowers out of the blue for no reason.
5. What is your favorite feature of his? His Smile

6. What is your favorite quality of his? He is always willing to help where ever he can and he has a loving and caring personality.
7. Does he have a nickname for you? Bella, He has called me this since we first met so for about 7 years now.

8. What is his favorite color? Red and Black

9. What is his favorite food? He is Polynesian so just about anything.

10. What is his favorite sport? I would tell you but I don’t know that it is a sport. But it isn’t appropriate for the blog either. It is a work out though.

11. When and where was your first kiss? On the couch down stairs in the basement of my parent’s house, unlike Stephanie I had to corner him.
12. What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Making fun of people… Just kidding he doesn’t like to do that. I have to find other people to do that with. I would have to say going on walks together with the kids (dogs).

13. Do you have any children? Sammy who is turning 8 this year I can’t believe it and Sia who is about 13 weeks old. (Both dogs for those of you who don’t know we don’t have children).

14. Does he have a hidden talent? He is a great entertainer. (No that is not supposed to be taken dirty)

15. How old is he? 28

16. Who said "I love you" first? He did, it scared me so bad that I talked to one of my guy friends about it because I was ready to run away from him. But thanks to my friend I stuck it out. YEAH!!

17. What is his favorite type of music? Country
18. What do you admire most about him? The fact that he balances me out. We are so opposite from one another that we are a great balance together. He is also very adventurous. He is will to try or do just about anything once.
19. Do you think he will read this? One I tell him there is something on here about him yes. He won’t be able to resist.

20. I tag: Kale, Kelly, Shawndra, Kattie, Liz

August

So I also caved on this.  I wasn't going to spend the time to track down the pictures of who my picks would of been for the cast of the Cullens and Bella BUT I did anyway...  So here it is......

Bella 

Edward

Alice

Esme

Carlisle

Emmett

Rosalie

Jasper

August

Slacking again, I know!! So this month has been really busy. I finally finished my last semester of summer. We are starting to get settled into or house which is taking longer than it should. But that is my fault, partly, because I don't want to do anything. This month (August) as most of you know is my birthday month. Chris and I went down to St. George and did a little hiking and then went to watch the Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas. Phantom was good but Vegas was a little creepy. Not to mention the fact that Chris was so paranoid that someone was going to kidnap me that he would not let me out of his sight. Io and LIz came down to help Chris do a show for his boss. As always it was good to see them. Other than that nothing to exciting has happened lately which is probably why I don't blog as much because I don't have kids and half the crap that happens to Kelly rarely happens to me. :) So this is what I leave you with.

PS. My take on Stephanie Meyer and her Midnight Sun book - Midnight Sun could possibly be better than Twilight.... I know it is hard to imagine. I told my self I wasn't going to waste my time even reading what little she had on it but then I thought I could glance at it without getting into it..... WRONG!!! Edward is FREAKING Hilarious.... If she doesn't finish writing this not only will she be stupid but I may hunt her down, kidnap her, and force her to finish....... Who is with me?

Interesting!!!

What Kathleen Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Tag time!
Something to entertain all.....
A Tag worth doing! wooo! :)

YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car): Pam 4-runner

YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fav hobby/craft, fav weather element + “Tour”): The Lounging Fall Tour

YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie): Vanilla Sugar

YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name): K-lut

YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal): Black Tiger! (My color changes everyday)

YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born): Marie Dodge City

YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first): Lutka

SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink): The Pink Jones

STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy):Daisy Twix

WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names): SueRay

WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter): Donaldson Denver

SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower): Thanksgiving Plumaria

CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”): Peach Jeany

*** I tag.....Kelly, Liz, Tara, Steph (I didn't relly like the pictures so I took them off. Sorry)

FINALLY!!!!!

I know it has been forever since my last post. Because of all of your complaints about getting something posted I decided it was time. For the past few weeks I have been VERY busy.

There was a two week period where my classes overlapped and then we were also in the process of moving. Chris and I bought a house in Spanish and even as I write (while at work) he and his family are moving us in. It is actually nice not to have to worry about the moving process since I have done it the last few time.

There has also been a new addition added to our little family. NO it isn't a baby so don't let that thought enter your mind again. :) We bought a new puppy, an early birthday gift for me, and we have named her Sia. She is a Golden Retriever so now Sammy will have, not only a playmate but a girlfriend. She is adorable and full of energy.

We also just got the opportunity to see Liz and Io this weekend along with their two little boys, whom I would mention their names but fear I would spell them wrong, so I will refer to them as the adorable ones. It was really nice to see them and hopefully we will get to spend more time with them since they are only 30-45 minutes away. Plans for Cheesecake Factory have been put into place.

Last but not least, I too, like a lot of you, was able to get my hand on "Breaking Dawn." So for Sunday and Monday I was suspensfully reading to see what was going to happen. Loved it by the way!!! I was so into, like the other three, that even when I was at work I wasn't really at work. The residents that I work with even knew not to bother me unless they were bleeding or dying. They understand though because a few of them are also fans of the book. And they are all boys, so it isn't just a girl thing.

Well this is all I have for now so I will try and stay more up to date. Thank you for your comments.

Tag...I'm it!

Tag...I'm it!

~So here's how this "Tag" works. List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 surprising facts about yourself. Then tag 5 people at the end of your post and leave them a comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.
3 Joys
~#1~ Spending time with family.  Chris, My family,his family, sammy
#2~ Surprisingly, my job.
#3~ Disneyland with Kelly and Rabici. (But mainly Kelly because Rabici and Chris complain about us when we are there. :))

3 Fears~
#1~ Large bodies of water. (Ocean, Lake Powell, etc)
#2~ Someone breaking into my house and Chris killing them.
#3~ Heights

3 Goals~
#1~ To become better at my job.
#2~ Have a child and if that goes well maybe more. :)
#3~ Spending more time with Chris

3 Obsessions~
#1~ Friends (The TV show.  Yes even still it is pretty much the only thing I watch)
#2~ School & Work
#3~ My Sammy (my dog)

3 Surprising facts about me~
#1~ I am working on my Masters.  (Currently struggling with motivation)
#2~ I love shoes.  Because of shopping with Kale and Stephanie I always hated shoes until I got a job at Macy's Department store in the shoe department.
#3~ I LOVE DISNEYLAND!!!!!

Tag... You're it! Kale, Liz, Carol, Shawndra, Suzy

Jensen's

A couple weeks ago we spent the weekend with the Chris' family.  They all helped build a shed for their dad except for me who was taking pictures and creating memories.  Later that day we attended Lorna's family reunion and then ended the day with sometime on Huntington lake.  It was nice to get a way from everything and just enjoy being out and among family.

Family

             

Yesterday we attempted to take some family pictures.  Even though Dana's family wasn't here.   In our family it takes somebody dying to get everybody together.   In fact it was grandma Irvines funeral that we were all the kids were together.    Anyway, Isabelle is afraid of plants so she was not happy to be on the grass.  It is very difficult to get little Max to smile in a pictures about 1 every 50-75 pictures he will smile.  He does smile though when the camera isn't there.   It was an eventful day though one that I hope we don't have to do for a few more years.  :)  

Weeding

Joshua

 

This weekend we were able to visit with the Lutu clan.  Jenny Graduated so a lot of us all went up to support her on this big day.  It was held at the Provo Tabernacle and wasn't to bad as far as graduations go.  Definitely shorter then a BYU graduation. 

It was good time there was a barbecue at her friend Tishina's house and after eating and mingling we played a game.  

We are very proud of Jen and her accomplishments and wish her the best in the future.

May 30, 2008

Today was a warm day. I was supposed to be at home working on homework, doing laundry, and cleaning. However, I am essetially a very lazy person and decided to go and run around with Steph instead. While we were out and about my mom called and said that Heidi and Isabell were down visiting so we ended up going to visit. Heidi brought a pool down for Isabell and they put them in. BOY, they enjoyed themselves. With a few slip and falls into the water on Joshuas part and trying to steal Isabells hat they made it out a live. They are ADORABLE.

First Post!

Let me give you a little update on the Lutu family.

Chris graduated from Brigham Young University Hawaii in June 2005.  There he received his Bachelor in International Business.   He is currently working at American Lending where he is a loan officer an has been for the last 3 years.  He is also dabbling in a lot of other things that I try to stay out of, because it is easier that way.  Now that it is summer time he is always on the go and does not believe in getting any sleep.  He feels that sleep is an unimportant past time that should not be practiced much. 

I graduated from Utah Valley University April 2007.  There I received my Bachelor of Criminal Justice.  I am currently working on a Masters of Corrections and working at Slate Canyon Youth Center full time.  I do enjoy my job even though I really wanted to work for Adult Parole and Probation.  However, Chris was not at all excited about that idea so I tried out the Juvenile sector.  I have to say that I am very glad I did.  There isn't a day of work that isn't in some way entertaining.  Some things is always happening which makes work enjoyable and always changing.

No, we do not have any kids yet and don't bother asking cause we don't know when we will either.  

I know our little blog seems bare I am going to try and get some pictures on soon.