Merkley Adventures

Fun Looking for Presents

2026-09-24T01:24:08.638-07:00

Stationery card

2026-09-24T01:24:08.637-07:00

With Love Christmas Card

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View the entire collection of cards.

Temple Square Lights

2026-09-24T01:24:08.636-07:00

Christopher's Preschool Pictures 2013

2026-09-24T01:24:08.635-07:00

A Wonderful Year

2026-09-24T01:24:08.634-07:00

I have been away from my blog for quite some time this year. I have missed writing quite a lot in the last 6 months. The last time I wrote it was about what happened at Christmas time last year.

Many things in my life have changed since then.

Love Bug Ball Party

2026-09-24T01:24:08.633-07:00

Appendix Adventures this last Saturday

2017-04-11T15:12:00.000-07:00

My son had his appendix out last Saturday. April 7, at about 1 am or so, he woke up and was throwing up. He said he threw up for about 2 hours before I woke up. I woke up about 3 am and after he told me that his tummy was hurting more than ever before in his life, I took him to the Riverton Hospital which is very close to our home. We went to the Emergency Room He was seen after about a half an hour, and he was given an ultrasound to try to find the appendix. And after an hour or so, it was decided there that he had appendicitis. The Doctor there Diagnosed him, and transferred us to Primary's.

So, we were told to go to Primary Children's Hospital to have the surgery. We drove up there. By the time we got there, it was about 5 am. We probably saw about 13 different providers there. A Supervising Doctor, a Doctor, a Nurse Practitioner, lots of other Doctors, and the Nurses were amazing. After lots of poking and prodding, " Does this hurt?!" "Ow!"

It was decided that he should have his appendix removed. After it was already decided at the Riverton Hospital previously, and a Doctor there had basically referred us with a diagnosis to them. Go figure. I have no idea how these Doctor's work. Anyways, he was given saline several times since he was told he could not eat. He was given a few rounds of antibiotics before his surgery. And some pain medicine. The Riverton Hospital previously put an I.V. on his elbow, and it was very uncomfortable, so he got a lot of the medicine through his intraveinous method.

He finally got into surgery around 9:40 am The Surgical Doctor and Anesthesiologist were my favorite Doctor's for him, they were so kind to him, and explained everything to him. There were about 3 nurses I was very impressed with. One imparticular, was from Serbia. She had a very thick accent, and noticed he was extremely scared before his surgery. She explained the surgery to him and told him what it would feel like. I also had one of the Doctor's explain everything that would happen step by step in his surgery to him. And it helped him immensely with his nerves. Most of my pictures are on fb or my phone, and I have not put them on my computer yet. So, it might take me time to do that.

Just know,Robert and I were up for about 17 hours in a 2 day time frame. And it was pretty scarey.

Christmas 2014

2015-01-11T12:18:00.001-08:00

We have been sick off and on, not usually 2 or 3 of us at the same time, but, for about the last month we have been ill in some form. This is the first time, I have felt well enough to go to church as a whole family- since so many illnesses have been circulating.

And, this is also the first time I've felt like I have a few free moments to post about Christmas.

Christmas this last year was pretty crazy. We kept trying to go every which way we could all within the same day, or the same 3-5 days traveling to pretty much all sides of the state, so it seemed to me.

Coming from a Family, which is Blended, or Broken, and then put back together in a new way is pretty interesting.

Christmas EVE EVE is what I call the 23. I am so thankful for that day. It was the last day I saw my Maternal Grandfather alive. He passed away on January 1, 2015- from complications and the effects of Pancreatic Cancer and a rare form of Blood Cancer. I told him Marry Christmas on the 23 of December, and gave him a kiss on his cheek. He said, "Thank you Chelsea." And those were the last words I ever heard him utter to me. I just came from his funeral and he has been on my mind quite a bit these last few weeks. I am very happy that my son and my husband and I came to see him that night, and that we got to say our final goodbye to him then, in person, before he passed. He was 87 and had lived a wonderful life.He was a brilliant cardiologist and worked withe Elder Nelson on President Kimball's heart conditions and several other Prophets and Apostles of the Lord's Hearts and Health. I love him and miss him. He was kind, loving, forgiving, helpful and usually happy. He and my Grammy Joanne sang in the Tabernacle Choir together for many, many years and helped grow our families' love of music and singing. One of my gifts from God, that I try to emulate and work well on everyday. I love my Grandad. He always had a great sense of humor. He was witty and very silly in his jokes. He told wonderful stories of Jocko and Jinko Monkey living in the Jungle to his children and Grandchildren. He was always a servant of God and loved God and his family first.

Elder Russel M Nelson spoke at my Grandfather Allan Barker's Funeral about how much fun these 2 cardiologists had on a joint family trip to Mexico, pooling their funds to be able to drive buses to Mexico City and to get a bus to go to a different part of Mexico and to Go Deep Sea Fishing. They both caught huge Sailfish. My Grandaddy's was bigger than Elder Nelson's and the dissected the hearts of the sailfish and found out that they have 2 chamber hearts. Which they thought was pretty cool. Then they prayed to be able to get back to the city, because no buses went back to Mexico City from where they were at- and someone came and took their families back to their cars. I love hearing fun stories about my Grandfather. I miss him, and I love him ever so much.

On Christmas Day we had Christmas Morning at our home from about 8-9:30 am and drove from South Jordan to Cottonwood Heights to see my In Laws and have breakfast, open presents at their home. Then we went to my Mom's home also in Cottonwood Heights, and opened presents and had a bit of brunch with apple pancakes.

At about 4 pm we were beat, but were able to leave my mom's at about 4:30 to head to my Dad's home clear in Woods Cross, Utah below Bountiful. Which is quite a ways. We opened presents there and then left a while after we talked and said Merry Christmas. It was just a pretty crazy day. That is the night I got sick. Right on Christmas Day Night.

Here are the pictures from my Camera from Christmas and some from New Year's. Most of the pictures were from my phone and were put on fb that day or a few days after, these are the ones from our camera.

We gave Elena Native American Earrings

We Gave Grandma Cheryl a heart winged necklace that is pink

Christopher got some awesome legos from Grandma and Grandpa

We gave Grandma Cheryl some neat bottles she can display and use in her paintings.

Christopher got a TRex Shirt

And some cool clothes he needed new clothes!

He is helping Grandpa Joe open his present

Lots of Candy

A New Kindle Voyage from Grandma, he has been reading it every day since he got it!

A Michael Kors Wallet to fit my phone in

Humongous Lego Sets!

My Mom made him some great jammies

We gave blue earrings to Maren

Christopher got some fun new card games like Uno and War and Go Fish, he loves them!

I was sick on New Year's Eve but we still had some fun with sparkling Cider

Perspective on Life

2014-12-08T10:50:00.002-08:00

A Neighborhood Man who was very young passed away a few weeks ago, he was 39 years old, and left behind a young son, and an adoring sister, brother in law, and dozens of nieces and nephews who loved him so much. And his parents who were so devoted to him. His disease was Colon Cancer which ultimately claimed his life, 2 days after his 39th Birthday and on the day of Thanksgiving, is when he passed away. No longer in pain. Set free, in heaven, he can now run, jump, play and breathe freely.

Not due only to this event, but, also to many others which continue to happen in my life. A lady who is very dear to me lost her Mother just a while ago, and last year has just lost her husband.

I've come up with ideas on how to live a life more fully.

Ways to be thankful...

Write Thankful or Grateful notes or Letters to those I love.

These can be emails, sympathy cards, or notes delivered by mail.

Make homemade treats, cards or gifts for friends or family going through hard times.

Express genuine signs of gratitude by saying- "Thank You," more often.

Learning to be more thankful for trials and hard tribulations dealt to me in life.

Try to give to charities which provide food and shelter, and basic necessities to those in need.

Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen or Homeless Shelter or Domestic Violence Shelter, not just once. Learn exactly how lucky I am, in the situation I live in presently.

Find the positive out of every conversation and situation.

Think more positively, be more positive.

Get a Massage and/or a Haircut.

Actually spend money to buy me new clothes which I love.

Spend time with my family; seeing the lights downtown at Temple Square.

Taking our Family to the Muppet Motab Christmas Concert with Santino Fontana.

Try to use kinder words when speaking to those I love.

Learn that forgiveness is for me, to feel freer, kinder, more full of life and charity for the person whom I forgive. And sometimes, that person is myself.

Temple Square Fun from last week

2014-11-07T16:09:00.001-08:00

My son has been out of school for a few weeks, on one of our adventures we explored Temple Square. We visited the Visitor Center and walked around the Temple. We had lunch at the Nauvoo Cafe and we took Trax back to our car. This same day we visited the Free Clark Planetarium.

I have no idea! Look at his face!

I think he is pretending to be an Officer in the Army or a King Giving Orders.

This is one of my favorites of him from the temple. I took a few more and I found the crown outside the temple and returned it when we were done.

This and the Crown one by the Bench are my favorite.

We also let him play in City Creek's Dinosaur Play Place for about 35 minutes.

Wheeler Farm yesterday

At an antique store yesterday a cute little Owl with eye troubles.

Silly Boy, playing with q tips last night

Pretending to be a Box Troll- playing with Boxes.

Total Alf Alfa Hair

Fun riding his bike earlier in the Fall

A note from my Grandmother who passed away seven years ago a few months after my Wedding.

My baby Brother got MARRIED today! Congrats Howie and Ellie!!!!

2014-10-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

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Wedding Reception

Stewart Falls October 3, 2014

2014-10-07T10:37:00.005-07:00

Family Pictures at Stuart Falls in Provo Canyon

I took some great pictures of Robert!

The pictures above were from our camera. The ones below are from my phone.

I though about not posting this, but he looks so cute! Even if he is wearing the wrong hat ;)

Super excited to see this beautiful foliage!

Fall really brings my Spirit alive! I love how there are elements of almost every season showing in fall! Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter is creeping up too now.

Part of the reason I enjoy fall is that it is a season of rapid change. Colors are bold and often change quickly.

The Foliage is so pretty with all the Fall Colors. Ignore the fellow hiker.

Elements of Spring, Summer and Winter are here within glorious Fall.

Part of the Stuart Falls, near the end of the Hike.

Wicked The Musical Capitol Theater in SLC, Utah

2014-08-11T17:19:00.001-07:00

We saw Wicked on August 7, 2014 It was a wonderful show!

This was supposed to be a photo of us, but the patron took a video instead.

Map of Oz

Us in the Theater Seats Row U.

These are my phone pictures, not as good of course.

Strawberry Kiwi Emerald City Slushie

Our Tickets

We love this musical, I tried to read the book recently- and sadly the book is quite a dissapointment. The Musical takes all the essential parts out of the book, and ads some that aren't there to really bring the great story that had so much potential in the book- to life!

So, if you want to read the book- I'd suggest skip it and watch the Wicked Musical instead.

Love, Chelsea

Ogden Temple Open House August 3, 2014

2014-08-05T19:38:00.001-07:00

Dad and Christopher

It was a very busy Open House Day

Lots of Children with their Families

I loved teaching Christopher little things about what we use the Holy Temple for, and it's special rooms.

Thanks Robert for taking this photo, it was bright- but it's still a great picture!

I like this one too!

Lots of Children were playing in the fountains trying to stay cool

Robert

I like this one of Robert

An Usher took a few family Photos of us

It was very sunny, but they look pretty good.

Robert took this photo of this gorgous angle

Me with the Christus

Christopher Merkley outside the newly renovated and remodeled Ogden, Utah Temple

Christopher and I

A nice Visitor took this photo of us.

Sun Valley, Idaho Burbidge Family Vacation and Draper Aquairium with the NYC Merkley's

2014-07-28T17:56:00.002-07:00

How I love my baby boy.

My sweet Angel Boy before Church

I used to go Tubing and Golf Ball Hunting and Swimming in this Pond

I adore this view!

Playing in the Water and looking for Crystals

Me at the Paddle Boating Pond

Paddle Boating Pond

Paddle Boat Pond

Sun Valley Pond by the Round Pool

Darling Rivers

Silly Faces

Beautiful Duck Pond Across from Sun Valley Inn

Exploring Cousins

Duck Pond by Sun Valley Inn

Flying Kites

Christopher helping to Fly Courtney's Kite

These buildings were made from branches and weeds and thickets

The Sun ValleY Arts Counsel and Ketchum Residents helped build it

Beautiful Mountains

Throwing little Rocks and Crystals in the Lake

Collecting Crystals and throwing Rocks

Look at my Crystal Mom!

Discussing the Moss. Look at their Reflections!

Pretty Bird

Feet in the Pond

The first time we visited the cool 3 Little Pigs Stick House. We visited Twice. The earlier pictures were actually later in the week.

My sweet Niece Flying her Kite

My niece and her Daddy Flying Kites

Helping his Cousin Fly Her Kite, waiting for a Good Breeze.

Watching his Cousin Fly her Butterfly Kite

Duck Pond

Feeding the Duckies

Feeding the Ducks

Watching the Ducks

I love his Smile!

Ducks hiding under the tree

Swimming in the Pool

Midway, Utah Barker Family Reunion

2014-07-14T19:22:00.001-07:00

We went to my Uncle Doug's (Aunt Phyllis's Dairy Farm)

Adam Barker took this photo of us Thanks Adam Barker Photography!

The Howards

Some Candid Bryce and Margy Barker Shots

The Grandchildren

Grandmom Betsy with her Grandchildren

Grammy and Grandaddy with the youngest Great Grandchild Bjorn Olson (Anneka Himes Olson and Hyrum Olson's newest Addition, 5 weeks old)

Sofia Barker the youngest Granchild, with her father Howard Barker and her Grandparents Grammy and Grandaddy with the Youngest Grandchild Bjorn Olson

Allan Barker and Joann Gardner Barker and their children and their children's spouses

The Girls

The Boys

The Boys with Grammy and Grandaddy

All The Great Granchildren with Grammy and Grandaddy

Grammy, Charlie, Max, Blake, Ashton and my sweet Christopher

Grammy really loves her Great Grandchildren

Heber Valley Cheese Aging Room

5 Week old Baby Bjorn, being held by his Father Hyrum Olson

Petting the Cows

It licked his hand!

This Calf liked to lick his hand

This one licked his hand too, to say Hello! Mooooo!

My sweet Angel Boy.

A Female with Utters and Horns Robert really wanted proof such a thing exists He's silly. The Dairy Farm was fun!

Patriotic Celebrations

2014-07-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Blaney Family Neighborhood Firewords on July 3, 2013

Gardenside Firework we lit off in front of our house.

Silly Boy

Me and my Sweet Boy

Bees Baseball Games against Texas, we lost:( But it was a fun event to be at.

Bees Baseball Game

Baseball Game Fireworks

Finale of the Bees Fireworks show

Lady Liberty, Ellis Island, LDS Temple and MET and Museum of Natural History

2014-06-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

View of Battery Park and Manhattan from The Hudson Bay

I love how the Memorial Tower stands very tall

Gorgous Lady Liberty on Liberty Island

The City View from the Pedestal

We got there the 19 and went to Liberty Island the same day after not sleeping for 2 nights. So we look tired, for good reason. At least I look tired.

A Candid Shot

The city looks pretty behind me

The city looks very nice behind us

View up from the Pedestal

Beautiful Lady Liberty

Us at Ellis Island

The Registration Room Floor 2

Us on floor 2 The Registration Floor

Central Park

Lots of cool rocks to climb

We caught a squirrel on the run Robert took these photos

One of many cool tunnels in Central Park

The Beautiful NYC Temple near Central Park

It's a Multi-Use Church Building

We are on the 3rd Floor which is the Stake Center

View from the MET Roof

The Views from the MET Museum Rooftop

Robert took this not sure where it is- but these boats were racing I think it was in Central Park somewhere

MET Museum Exhibits

The whole 4th Floor had all sorts of Ancient Dinosaur and Early Mammal Bones

I only had about 30 minutes so we took lots of pictures

Robert was able to see more of the Museums while I was in a 5 hour Rehearsal

Central Park near the MET Museum

Egypt Exhibits

Van Gogh

I liked the Greek and Roman Mythology and The European Art

Times Square

At the Phantom of the Opera

The Chandelier going up during intermission

In a Metro, a not as crowded one as usual

But, still pretty crowded no where to sit for Robert

Central Park Vistas

I loved this Show, it's Robert's Favorite! We had Prime Seats!

George Washington and Company Crossing a Frozen River

I like this one, but some of it is because it seems she may be on a cell phone.

Julius Caesar Bust

Greek and Roman God and Goddess

Joan of Arc

Van Gogh

I love Monet!

Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh

Monet

Van Gogh

Renoir

Monet most likely from his Garden at Giverny

Beautiful Impressionist Work

Renoir

Degas

Renoir

I love the flowingness of Renoir

A Lady and her Family by Renoir

Diana The Greek and Roman Goddess Bust

Diana's Body above

Venus the Goddess of Love

I love Art so much! I had such a great trip!

Utah Voices Performed at Carnegie Hall in NYC Sunday June 22, 2014

2014-06-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

I had the most amazing experience to be able to perform at Carnegie Hall this Past Sunday with Utah Voices, as a 2nd Soprano- Under the talented Dr. Michael Huff! It was a wonderful once in a lifetime experience and I am so thrilled and flabbergasted that I was able to perform with them! I love that my Aunt Ann Merkley and Aunt Peggy Napoli sang in the Choir with me as well. What a great trip we had!

Photos Taken by DCINY Distinguished Concert International New York

Backstage In the Green Room

Our Warm Up Room

Backstage at Carnegie Hall in NYC

Before we started Singing

What the Audience Seats looked like full

The Stage Before we came On!

At the Backstage Entrance Carnegie Hall

Rehearsal Selfies

Statue of Liberty

Ellis Island

Pretty Pots in Gift Shop

Registration Room for Immigrants

Lady Liberty

We got to go up to the Pedestal underneath her feet

Museum Part

View from the Pedestal

Views from the Pedestal

Ellis Island

Below Memorial at Battery Park

Disney's Newsies on Broadway in NYC

Times Square with Robert

Before Newsies

Getting Ready for Les Miz

Before Les Miserables

Bricco Reception after the Concert

With Aunt Ann Merkley

With Aunt Ann Merkley and Aunt Peggy Napoli

MET Museum Roof June 19, 2014

I turned 30 on Monday! My Birthday Celebrations

2014-06-13T13:52:00.001-07:00

Opening my presents

We Watched this Willa Wonka and The Chocolate Factory a few nights after I got it. I love this version!

I love the Mickey Mouse Hot Cocoa Cup! And my Mickey Measuring Cups!

Two pairs of Cool New Glasses for the Summer

His 1/4 Cup of Hot Cocoa

Isn't he cute?

We had fun with my new measuring cups!

I was able to go to get Ice Cream with my baby Bro. Howie earlier the week before my birthday with the family. That was fun! Loved it!

I was able to go with Robert out to Dinner with my Dad and Step-Mom to celebrate my birthday. That was so nice thanks Dad and Leah! And I got a phone call from my big brother to wish me happy birthday and from my Mom and my Aunt Tina and her kids that are with her right now.

My big Sister sent me a sweet message for my birthday, thank you!

Robert took me out to Macaroni Grill on my birthday it was so yummy! I got sung to in Italian and had really good food! Cheryl and Joe gave me a Gift Card to Olive Garden we are going tomorrow! Yum! Thanks Cheryl and Joe Merkley!

I got lots of birthday shout outs and messages on Social Media and I loved it! Thanks for all the Love!

30 has been great so far! I also got sweet Cards and gifts from my Dad, Leah and from My Step Grandpa Burt. I love my family! Thank you!

Love, Chelsea

Review of Malificent from a Die Hard Sleeping Beauty Fan!

2014-06-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Maleficent photo Courtesy of eonline.com (http://www.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/2014212//rs_560x415-140312101524-1024.Angelina-Jolie-Maleficent.jl.031214_copy.jpg)

photo courtesy of fanpop.com

photo courtesy of (http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/37000000/maleficent-maleficent-2014-37052304-1996-3000.jpg)

photo from screenonline.com

Beware this review has spoilers.
If you've read any if the reviews of this film from Rotten Tomatoes or other sites the majority of them are mixed. I am still in large part utterly confused about this movie. It does not tell an old story anew, it changes the story completely.

I am a huge fan of the 1959 Movie Sleeping Beauty by Walt Disney. In this film, Aurora is doted on by her parents King Stephan and his wife, and they are very much in love with each other and her. They had struggled to have a child, she was their ray of sunshine. She is the dawn in their lives of barrenness. A child that was prayed for and hoped for and deeply wanted!
They were deeply saddened and shocked to see Maleficent at the celebration of their daughter & heartbroken at having to take their blessed child away to try to keep her safe; as the result of a huge curse would come upon her on her 16th Birthday. When Maleficent cursed Aurora, she had Cursed her to die after pricking her finger on a Spinning Wheel. Merry Weather or Fauna, one of the Fairies had said not in death but in sleep this curse you keep. Until true love's kiss the curse break( something like that.) Maleficent is supposed to be one of the most, if not THE MOST ULTIMATE EVIL in Disney's Creation ever! She turns into a Dragon, and fights Prince Phillip who chivalrously and bravely show courage and devotion to Aurora even as she sleeps. My husband was saying that in the new version they were trying to tell an old story anew; (make it like Wicked, where the Witch was just misunderstood)meaning keep the same traditional elements and basis of the story of the same. Beware that is not the case! But, as my husband indicates; hell hath no fury- than a woman scorned!

The Fairies in the original 1959 film; Flora, Fauna and Merryweather were not completely incompetent twits who neglected the child- they loved her and cared for her. They tried to hide their magic and true selves from her, to protect her. They were often bickering in the film, but not so much as to completely neglect and ignore Aurora. Prince Phillip was enchanted by Aurora's singing voice and love for animals and everything living. Her singing was an outward expression of her grace and beauty. My husband said Maleficent did not showAurora having Grace in the way she moved or her mannerisms. I did not notice this as much as he did; this was the fault of the screenplay, director and producers though. Phillip and her were supposed to dance and sing to "I know you I Walked with You Once Upon a Dream". Which was not in Maleficent. Phillip fights the Dragon who IS Maleficent in the 1959 Film with his Sword of Truth and Shield of Virtue. His Gift is one of Courage and bravery. The Fairies help him overcome Maleficent with Magic and concern for Aurora. Aurora was often called Rose, or Briar Rose in the Sleeping Beauty Film in 1959, because of her love of all things living, she cared for the garden and the woodland creatures; and was gentle and kind.

In Maleficent, Stephan is a huge disappointment. He is the pure evil. So Bad becomes Evil, and Evil is more good than the supposed Hero of the Story, Phillip and King Stephan and his Wife. Stephan becomes a senile man. He starts out as a peasant thief and ends up falling in love with Maleficent. Then, in an effort to secure the throne; warns her the King is trying to kill her & betrays her by cutting off her wings ( which according to the 1959 movie she never had). Stephan does not care about his wife or child in Maleficent, the Bad Fairy watches over the Princess and helps to keep her alive, while the 3 fairies seem completely unaware Aurora has been around The Bad Fairy- or even gone from the cottage. Phillip is put in a trances and lifted to the castle by Maleficent after the curse she tries to stop or revoke; but can't, takes effect. She wants Phillip to break the curse. (In the original movie Maleficent takes Prince Phillip to the Dungeon and chains him up, and comes to mock him because he cannot save his Princess. She is utterly evil and her Raven does not turn into a human, or a Dragon)

In Maleficent The 3 Fairies tell Prince Phillip to kiss her and he feels bad about it, that it doesn't feel right but decides to anyway. This is supposed to wake her up! It is true loves kiss, but Malificent thinks it doesn't exist because of how her heart has been broken and blackened by the evil King Stephan. But Phillip's kiss it does not wake Aurora up, and the Fairies say he did it wrong; Malificent apologizes to Aurora and kisses her it breaks the curse- what?

So confused. Then the Raven turns into a Dragon and fights off the knights and Stephan tries to kill Maleficent who gets her wings back because Aurora frees them from their cage. Maleficent tries to spare Stephan's life but he does not stop trying to kill her and he falls and dies on the castle pavement. The 2 kingdoms are united at the end, because of her love for Aurora and their genuine concern for magical creatures and each other; Phillip does not get to do much of anything except flirt! Maleficent combines all his courage and love and just takes over the movie and is the bad and the good, but Stephan is the Ultimate Evil. She becomes Evil Redeemed. Just not a good rewrite of the classic tale. Poor Phillip and King Stephan! Poor King Stephan's Wife the Queen! He has no regard for her int he film! Goodness! I will not buy the film. I prefer the 1959 version.

Walt Disney would not have stood for this rewrite in his lifetime!

Chelsea Merkley

Review of XMEN: Days of Future Past

2014-05-24T17:42:00.000-07:00

The first X Men Movie I saw

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8c/XMen1poster.jpg)

X MEN 2

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3e/X2_poster.jpg)

Most of you know that i love X Men Films by Marvel. Well, the ones that are done extremely well.
I started liking them years ago around 2000 and 2003. With the first Xmen and Xmen 2. I really was not a big fan of X Men 3, because the story was so heartbreaking and bleak. And the outcome was, inevitably similar. X Men First Class was my husbands favorite installment of the franchise so far, even to this day. It was a great film! I prefer the new installment to First Class; with few exceptions.

First of all, this movie is not for children. Neither are most super hero related movies marketed towards an adult audience who grew up with them. Please do not take your 3 year old or 6 year old or anyone under 13 to this film. Even if they are mature for their age. The result will not be something you would want them to see. I was appalled at the use of some bad words in this film and an unneeded showing of a body part that was clearly not needed in the movie at all. As with all movies I think it is wise to go to http://www.kidsinmind.com to see the content of the film before you see it, or decide to take your children or family to see it.

Now down to nitty gritty. As the name of the new film suggests future and past will coexist, subside, change or be rewritten- by the deeds and collaboration of one particular person with other mutants. If this person can convince other mutants that he's not crazy, fighting for a cause to change the past and the future, to try to protect mutants and humans from a common enemy created by a human who gets a hold of a secret weapon, from an unsuspecting mutant. The fabric of space and time continuum is the most fascinating i've ever seen in a film before, as is how they show what mutant(s) have developed certain abilities not present in past films.

Think of Back to the Future. Even now, decades later it still has an amazing fan base. Although I wish we could get those cool shoes for cheaper, now that they are being made. But, I digress... Do you remember the amazing actor who portrayed the younger Charles Xavier in First Class? And the captivating pick for the younger Magneto? They are back! I would tell you who else is in it, but it spoils lots of the story. There are some new Charachters, with magnificent abilities who help the story move along. As is the case for most Marvel movies, you'll want to stay until the end of the credits. Although, I'm not sure who or what that thing was at the end there, but it was definitely intriguing.

Enjoy the movie!

We saw the 3D Film today! It was fun! Chelsea

Easter Festivities 2014

2014-04-20T14:01:00.002-07:00

We are so thankful for our Savior Jesus Christ and the Joy and Love he has brought to our lives with his Atonement, and his Ressurection. That he came back to life so that we could repent and be more like Jesus every day. I am a Child of God and I know my Father in Heaven and Jesus Love me and my family.

Christopher knows that at Easter it is fun to have Easter Baskets and Egg Hunts. But, more importantly he knows the true meaning of Easter. Jesus Christs' Ressurection and Life. He Is Risen! Happy Easter!

Saturday Morning Community Easter Egg Hunt

It was really sunny!

Daddy being silly with Christopher's Yoda Easter Basket

Before the Community Hunt with Dad

This hunt was over in 2 minutes

Hunting for Eggs at my Dad and Step-Mom's Home

Thanks for such a great time Grandpa and Nana, and our extended family!

Easter Morning at our house

Before the Community Easter Egg Hunt

He found a few

Because of Jesus and His Life, Death and Ressurection we can live again

2014-04-13T13:53:00.001-07:00

Because of Jesus Christ's Sacrifice and his infinite Atonment for all mankind. We have repentance. We have our agency, we have the gift of our Savior's Death and his Atonement. We have his love and kindness, his mercy, his healing and forgiveness. We have his respect and comfort. The Comfort of the Holy Ghost and our Heavenly Father in our lives. We have on another and God's love, and the love and healing for sicknesses and sins and for heartaches- is the Savior. God be thanked for the matchless gift of his son.

To this end was i born; https://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/to-this-end-was-i-born?cid=HPTH041014718&lang=eng

Because of Him http://easter.mormon.org/

Utah to Vegas and then Disneyland

2014-03-19T16:30:00.001-07:00

We drove to Primm, but stopped in Vegas for some Tourist fun

Us with Ms. Green M & M

And of course, the Coca-Cola Bear photos

Cabrillo Aquairium Touch Pool

Beautiful Sea Stars, Sea Urchins and Sea Anemones

There are some Sea Cucumbers hidden in this Aquarium too

Beautiful Sharks and Fish

Lots of fish

This Purple Sea Star feels like a Cushion it is so soft, no missing legs or parts yet.

This Aquairium was free, and the beach was a fun place to play too!

Daddy and Christopher Loved the Aquairium touch pool!

Beautiful Marine Life

Zebra Shark

That is the Mooray Eel

It's sort of coming out of it's Cave

Abelone, Anemone, Sea Stars and Sea Urchin

Sea Horses

"Mommy, you look funny from inside here!"

We went to the Fish Nursery where they raise baby fishies to grow up and be a part of the Aquairium

Playing Dress Up

He chose to be a Sea Turtle

Then a Sea Horse

Then a Diver

Baby Moon Jellies

A Fish Hiding under the Sand

Shark Egg Sacs you can Touch

Bigger Sharks and Sea Stars

That Creepy and Cool looking Orange and White HUGE ANIMAL, is a Sea Cucumber!

We approve of this FREE PLACE!

Cabrillo Beach

The Water was cold but he didn't care!

He wrote his name!

Hmm, looks like while I was in the Restroom he couldn't not climb.

Fun pretending to be fishies

Mickey Mouse at Disneyland's California Adventure 3-9-14

Toy Story Mania

With Walter Elias Disney and Mickey Mouse

Toy Story Mania, he loves this ride!

The Tree House with Dad

He is very scared of the Dark and did not want to go on Space Mountain

We took him once He got a Zurg Gun for it

He says his favorite ride is the Radiator Springs Racers Ride! And he loves the Tomorrowland Astroblasters defeating Zurg, and Toy Story Mania.

He was so scared of Splash Mountain, he cried on the ride. He used to love this ride!

We Met Lightnin' McQueen!

Christopher Danced with the DJ Car and some other kids

He met Tow Mater and Posed with him.

We waited 1 hour and 15 minutes for the Cars Racers ride, he entertained himself climbing some bottles.

Starting out on the Radiator Springs Racers Ride.

We all shared 1 ice cream

Christopher Merkley in Front of the Castle

Trying to pull the Sword from the Stone

Our Family in Front of the Castle