Kirkinal Cheese

The nickname listed above is the edited version to what we normally call him and what his daughter choses to call him during family prayer. Anyhow, my brother-in-law, kirk, never lacks in the entertainment department. He's always doing something silly or telling a joke to gain attention. Kirk is a muralist and has done a lot of work around Utah and Nevada. He has pure talent in the arts and he taught himself. I am proud of him yet I envy him to be able to do what he loves all day and make thousands while doing it. If only I could turn my hobby into a career as he did. He is the father of three (soon to be four) and my sister's husband. He has been a part of our family for many years and I can only hope that he'll continue doing his job at taking care of my sis.
I love you Kirk-Off! ;)

Hollie's Top Ten + One

The following movies are ones that I highly suggest you watch if you haven't already. Enjoy!
1. Elizabethtown

This movie is my favorite so far. I thoroughly enjoy the way Cameron Crowe (director) portrays a truly disfunctional family. More often than not most movies show us what we want or expect to see. I love how believably real this film is.

2. Kill Bill Vol. 2

Where do I begin? I'll start with the fact that Uma kicks ass as the Black Mamba aka B*****x Kiddo, her role in Quentin's vision of a bride gone wrong. The cinematography in this film is so beautiful; its my favorite of the two because of this.

3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Jim Carey and Kate Winslet are easy to fall in love with while watching this movie. Both of them play their characters so well and I think that's why the movie was such a big hit. The idea that you could actually erase someone to ease pain is miraculous.

4. Smokin' Aces

I love movies that compile a bunch of different characters into one plot and allow them all to meet eventually. This movie doesn't deprive you of great action scenes and the coolest gun power you've ever seen.

5. A Lot Like Love

Your close to typical love story/chick flick. After watching this movie I wanted to find the kind of love that was expressed in it. The kind where no matter how much time passed, no matter how hard you tried, you just couldn't get pass the fact that you were meant to be with this one person.

6. Donnie Darko

Make sure you watch this movie all the way through. The ending definately explains the majority of the film. I think each person will find and take something different from Mr. Donnie Darko.

7. Death Proof

Not one of Quentin's finest, but a fine one at that. Even though you can feel the destined gloom and horrible gory fate upon each character you meet you can't help but want to BE them.

8. Requiem for a Dream

This movie is not bright whatsoever. There are parts in the film that sicken me to an extreme extent. I love it for the story it tells and the light it sheds on drugs and addiction.

9. Superbad

If you've seen previews for Superbad I don't have to say much to convince you of its greatness. The humour in this film is unbeatable. Crude yes, but priceless. Oh, and by the way, I love Michael Cera (see http://www.clarkandmichael.com/).

10. Mystic River

Again another morose film, but a great one. In the scene of the picture you are viewing above, Sean Penn's reaction to what he's just been told is very believable. As sad as it is, it's almost one of my favorite parts in the movie. If you love drama, you'll love this movie.

11. HOT FUZZ
Last but not at all the least. I love british comedy because you have to search for its humour, it doesn't just lay it out for you. Simon Pegg is incredibly sexy to me because he is funny without trying and that accent...grrr! This movie goes hand in hand with Shaun of the Dead. Watch them both.

Austin John Andersen

Twenty-two years ago today Austin was born, on March 28, 2007 he passed away due to a fatal accident. In the year and four months (almost five) that he has been gone, not a day has gone by where he hasn't crossed my mind. Some days are stronger than others, and some of course are harder than others.
I wish he were here today so that I could wish him a happy birthday, but since he's not I thought I'd honor him by writing this blog. Austin was a wonderful friend of mine, even though I only knew him for seven of his twenty years I feel special for having known him at all. I loved him for his infectious smile and his unbeatable hug. He and I spent many nights together laughing, talking, and trying to grow up in the world that we live in. I am certain that he touched not only mine but several lives in the time he had here on earth. I look forward to seeing him again one day when it's my time to move on.
The photo of him above was taken in my room, he had to have been about 15 or 16 yrs old. It is my favorite picture of him. The photo below is one I found of us (left and middle) being silly, we had to have been about fifteen years old, I'm guessing.
Anyway I miss the kid. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTIN! I love you.

Discoveries at the park

My husband and I found ourselves at the Ogden City Parkway on Sunday. After all this winter, last weekend was such a treat; we couldn't stay in our stuffy house any longer. Of course Attika and Gage, our children, (the dogs) needed to stretch their legs and explore the world as well. So we set off for the parkway. When we got there my first thoughts were, "Wow, this is packed!" There wasn't hardly anywhere to park the car; but we got the dogs situated and began down the nicely paved trail. I guess from here I'll get to the point; I noticed a few simple things while we were there and just thought I'd share them with you.
I first noticed the Ogden River; it was furious, rushing west and traveling to an end that I cannot picture. The sound was therapeutic; it was at first all I could hear. As we came upon the first opening I noticed the sound of an ice-cream truck, what seemed to be hundreds of little kids were surrounding it. The music playing out of the truck and the giggles and laughter I could hear brought me back to my childhood- when simple things in life, like an ice-cream truck circling the neighborhood, could bring me utter happiness and bliss. What a world that would be to live in again, right?
On Sunday the Parkway was very populated, I noticed several people grilling food at the provided areas, flying kites, riding bikes, roller blading, fishing, reading, walking their dogs, and the list could go on and on. I appreciate having such a place provided to us where we can do so many things. The dogs were so cute, Gage was his normal self-chill, laid back and then there was Atti-a three inch legged spitfire ready to fight and wanting to take down any dog that came in her way, even the huge Mastiff that could have eaten her up in one bite. This annoyed me and I began watching for dogs up ahead in our path so that I could distract her from them in some way as we passed. While doing this I noticed how many different dogs were there, big and small, black and white, spotted or solid, aggressive or timid, etc. As I noticed the diversity on a canine level, I began to notice it at my own "human" level. Again my differences can go from size, race, style, and personality. Fellow dog walkers would smile, some would nod, and others would actually say "Hello." We were approached by young children asking if they could pet our dogs as their parents watched. I couldn't help but to stop and notice the outward friendliness and the polite attitude of the people around me. Have you ever noticed while camping or hiking or in any "vacation spot" really that people are friendlier? People actually make eye contact and find it in their hearts to say hello; I've always wondered the reasoning behind this- Are they happier? Do some feel obligated when put in that element? I don't know, but I like it. You don't find that at the mall, or at Wal-Mart. I know I'm guilty of it at times, I don't make eye contact, I'm in too big of a hurry to smile or say hello...you lose what it means to be polite. This is the society we live that we have created. It is a new goal of mine to be more outwardly polite and friendly to those I come in contact with, whether they be total strangers or long time friends. :)
I began to dig deeper when glancing or watching the people I passed by or saw that day at the park. I noticed young love, friends, committed couples, family, and of course the ones that walked or sat alone. My heart went out to those who were alone. Some I could tell were just relaxing and enjoying a good book, some were determined athletes who were there for one purpose and couldn't be bothered. There were a few, of an older generation who were alone and I kept wondering why- Were they widowers? Were they just out for a nice Sunday stroll? I became sad for those that were alone and pondered what my life will be like at that age. Which brings me to this...enjoy now, the present, your life-notice and appreciate diversity.
I noticed a lot of things that day at the park as I walked Attika and felt the warm sun on my skin with beauty all around me. My advice to you is this-find the beauty in the world and hold onto it. You'll find it in places you never expected.
love-hollie

Movie Madness (Old Blog)

Have you ever had a "this is my life" moment?
It can happen in various situations. I think too often the lot of us passes from day to day without a thought that this...is...your...life. I'm not saying that we all take it for granite; but do you? I'm just suggesting that you try it sometime. What's sad to me (i'm guilty) that when an event takes place and slaps you in the face...that is when you step back and look at your life as if you're the star in your very own film. If someone asked you point blank unexpectedly "What kind of movie are you?" Would you claim yourself as a Drama, Action, Horror (let's hope not), are you sitting in the "Family" section at Blockbuster where it's always warm, fuzzy, and has a good ending? What signifies your life? In my case what makes me.. Hollie? I'll figure that out and let you know later.
So the next time you're at your favorite restaurant, watching your favorite movie or tv show, cuddling with your dog, gazing into the eyes of your lover...laughing with your friends, or crying over someone you've lost...in these random moments remember this is your life. Don't force it, the thoughts will come, remember them, use these moments to decide your fate, the ending to the film titled: _______ (your names goes here) then you can decide if you want to add a little ...drama, action, maybe even a little romance...live your life the way you want it, because don't forget ...it's the only one you've got. (at least for now)

Our CodiaK bear

He certainly started out small...but now at only 10 months he's a whopping 24lbs!

I don't know this little guy that much yet, but I'm betting he's going to be so much fun. He's such a happy baby, it's easy to get a smile out of him. He's got two diva's for older sisters...little do they know he's going to give them a run for their money! Codey is my brother's boy and so far the only one who will carry on the Jerel E. Arnell name.(my father). He is the latest addition to our family and what a sweet one he is...he makes us 14.

My thoughts-I don't need your penny, they come this time for free.

I want to be able to be real. always.
never fake. i don't even want to fake a smile.
just accept me. accept yourself.
stop pretending to be someone else.
start fitting into your OWN life.
you'll find true happiness there.
friends aren't anything, family is everything.
listen to the music around you. apply it to your life.
look at nature for what it IS, not what it can be.
find someTHING to love, not always someONE.
become successful, without money $0.00.
live in the moment, not in the future.
don't hold grudges.
your mistakes do not define you. they tell you who you're not.
when you fail. smile. hold your head high.
spare your life to save someone else's.
stop judging. you only make yourself look stupid.
love anyone who is worthy of your love.
realize when something is truly beautiful.
make a wish. make it real. anything can happen.
this is ME. whoever I want to be.

-hollie K.

Melanoma Cell

I wish I could give my sister the perfect life. I see that she sometimes struggles, and I can't help but want more for her. She has such a light about her, she's so silly and so sweet. She's got a heart of gold.
I wish I could be more like her. I will say that she's the one of us three that never cut the apron strings. I blame her for my parents wondering why I don't come around that often. Her and I are exactly ten years apart and despite the years strangers always thought we were twins. Weirdos.
I am working on gaining a better relationship with her. She means so much to me and I will do anything to show her that. I love you Mellybell, you are so beautiful.

They say having a sister is like having a best friend around for your whole life.