Well.....

So, I haven't blogged since July. I guess I'm just a facebook person!

I'll catch you up....August - ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. Steve directed, I built costumes with Valinda... you can check out photos here: http://www.signatureproductions.net/OOTIPhotosPage.htm

September...recovered from ONCE ON THIS ISLAND and worked on Princess dresses...had a photoshoot

for the launch of Fairytale Couture.... you can visit us at http://www.fairytale-couture.com/

October

Can you say costume-a-thon? Of course not. And why would you. It's stupid. But, my life in October.

From L-R Top: Snoopy, Ariel, Snow White, Scooby Doo

Bottom - Little Bo Peep, Belle, Victorian Vampire and Rockstar

November

10 Santa Jackets aka stretch velvet hoodies with ostrich boa around the hoods and cuffs. Very not fun. Also rehearsed for my Top Secret Canadian Project, which was niether top nor secret but most definitely Canadian....well, for Canadian audiences....

Also did a benefit performance for a friend. Sang Dolly Parton. Dug the costume but not the wig.

December

Had my first party booking...and second! Also played Belle in a parade in Boulder City....Froze my buns off, but it was fun.

Then, ventured to the great white north to star, well, supporting star in HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA with my friends Kellie and Tai and my new friend, Kevin. We had a blast! Survived snow and -43 degree weather. Went to the worlds largest mall....twice! But may I just say that I truly enjoy being flown out of town (or the country), staying in a private hotel room, having meals comped and being PAID to SING. It's really, really wonderful and I'm grateful for the opportunity. And Steve is just the best - never complains for a moment and takes great care of the kids.

Here I am, with Kellie, Kevin and Tai, in my really "lovely" beaded gown.

The photo in my current blog header is my other costume in the show.

Looking forward to a nice, quiet Christmas before the chaos of next year starts...which will actually begin on December 26th. I'll try to check in a little more often....or just follow me on Facebook under Sandra Stimmel Huntsman.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

We've got TALENT!

This past weekend was the North Stake's Annual Pioneer Days. It's quite an event - attracting thousands of people. I go for the corn. And the talent show.

The babies...waiting for fireworks.

The hubs, Lee & Sheree, also waiting for the fireworks.

Lulu!

Lola with her favorite cousin, Abbie!

Chloe, waiting for the Talent show.

Piper - the BIRTHDAY GIRL! In her lovely, Sleeping Beauty Esque dress.

What a cute trio, ready to perform!

And - here we are. Unfortunately, the sound system was pretty poor and Steve didn't realize the camera could zoom until I was performing. I wish it were the other way around!! The girls did such a great job - it was Piper's first time on stage.

Survey says....

Stolen from Valinda. Needed a break from costumes.

1. Your ex is on the side of the road, on fire. What do you do?
Pull over and help! Haven't seen him in 0ver 11 years.

2. Your best friend tells you she is pregnant. What is your reaction?
Depends on the friend (I don't have one friend I consider my best friend except my husband - in which case I'd be truly shocked.)

3. When is the last time you wanted to punch someone in the face?
Monday Evening

4. What is the last thing you spent money on?
TP, Underwear for Ryder, Snacks and a T-shirt for me (on sale) at Target

5. Do you think you gained or lost weight this past month?
Probably gained. :(

6. Crunchy or Puffy Cheetos?
Puffy

8. Congratulations! You just had a son. What's his name?
Ryder Owen, but it was 3.5 years ago

9. Congratulations! You just had a daughter. What's her name?
Lola Belle, but it was 2 years ago

10. What are you craving right now?
Stability

11. What was the last thing you cried about?
Frustration

12. When you buy something and your change is 2 cents, do you keep it or tell the cashier to keep it?
Put it in my cup in the car

13. What color is your tissue box?
Don't have one, TP is fine for me

14. Do you have a ceiling fan in your bedroom, and if so, is there dust on that fan?
No, so no

15. What was the last voicemail you received about?
Enrichment tomorrow

16. Have you ever blocked someone on Facebook?
Yes. People who can't express themselves without using explatives are GONE!

17. Scariest thing you've experienced in the last year?
Blow Me Bubbles

18. Do you wear a name tag at work?
Not since I was first married

19. What kind of car do you want?
Practical - Nissan Quest, Dream car - Fiat Spider

20. What do you order when you go to Taco Bell?
Beef Baja Chalupa if I don't care, Chicken Ranchero Taco Fresco Style if I do

21. Have you ever had a garage sale?
Yes. Good times.

22. What color is your iPod?
White. It's old school.

23. What is the last alcoholic beverage you had?
A Virgin Daqueri

24. Are you happy right now?
Mood - not particularly, no.

25. Who came over to your house last?
Sheree! She brough cute clothes for my kiddos.

26. Do you drink beer?
No.

27. Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted?
No, but I've told them.

28. What is your favorite key on your key chain?
One that's not there yet.

29. What was the last movie you watched at home?
First half of Atonement.

30. What is in your pocket?
Nothing

31. Who introduced you to your significant other?
Theatre

32. Where do you hurt?
My arm is sore from grommeting again.

33. Has someone ever made you a build a bear?
No, certainly not.

34. What's something fun you did today?
Bought myself a t-shirt in a color I really liked.

35. What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart?
Electronics. I like to drool.

36. When is your birthday?
May 4

37. Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror?
No

38. How many states in the US have you been to?
Hmm..I don't know, though I've driven across country twice in my life. I'm gonna say 25-30.

39. What kind of milk do you drink?
Fat Free (usually mixed into something)

40. What are you going to do after this?
Pattern Papa Ge's coat

41. Who was the last person you went shopping with?
Me, myself and I

42. What is something you need to go shopping for?
Need? Snacks for our trip this weekend. Want...Macbook.

43. Do you have the same first name as one of your relatives?
Nope

44. What kind of cars do your parents drive?
2 Honda's, I think

45. Are you rich?
Nope

46. What color is your couch?
Define your

48. What famous person do you look like?
Well, I got asked it I was a Katie Holmes impersonator the other day, I think it was just the hair. And the fact that I was on stilts.

49. Does someone like you right now?
No one around here.

50. Say you were given a pregnancy test right now. Would you pass or fail?
The result would be negative - it's not a pass/fail kinda test. And I would be happy that it's negative.

51. Favorite pop-tart flavor?
S'mores

52. Do you know anyone in jail/prison?
Not personally.

53. What are your plans for the weekend?
Family Reunion in the boonies

54. Do you like the color green?
Yes! But not forrest. HATE forrest green.

55. Who was the last person you sent an instant message to?
Erik

56. Last restaurant you went to?
Canes. Mmmmm.

57. How many hours did you sleep for last night?
6 ish

58. Do you swear at your parents?
Nah.

59. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
Probably not, and that's fine.

60. Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle?
Quite frequently in my princess days.

61. What is your ringtone?
The horn part in "You're Just Too Good To be True" by the 4 Seasons just before "I love you baby". When it rings and I'm in a crowded room, everyone always starts singing. It's fun.

62. What were you doing at midnight last night?
Video Editing

Drumroll please...

Here it is - a montage of my performances in SHOWSTOPPERS TOO! at the Northern Quest Casino in Spokane, WA.

(I'll post a higher quality version on my Facebook on monday...)

Yes, me too!

I have to say, I have never been that affected by the death of a celebrity before. I mean, I am usually sad to hear about it because I always feel bad for the families and loved ones of those people.

Though I have no way been in mourning or even shed a tear for his passing, I find myself pre-occupied with Michael Jackson. Perhaps it is because he is the first icon that I have experienced first hand to pass. I remember Thriller - not the video because we didn't have MTV, but the song. I loved how theatrical it was. I remember "BAD". I was so confused - was it good to be bad all the sudden? Why would you want to be bad? But that bassline - OH that bassline - who could forget that? I also remember Weird Al Yancovik's version - "FAT". I wanted a glove. I would sometimes take off one of my winter gloves in the freezing weather of an upstate NY winter just to be cool.

And then came the pinacle of my Michael Jackson experience. I'm thinking it was around 1988 - we took a family trip to Southern California to visit my Grandma. And we went to Disneyland. I don't remember much from that trip - I actually don't remember any rides, except for wimping out of Space Mountain (which my own children would never do in a million years). But I remember Captain EO.

Quick Tangent: My parents were not into pop culture at all - which was not a bad thing, but my husband still teases me that I've never really seen The Brady Bunch. We did watch The Cosby Show, but I was only vaguely aware of a lot of the 80's culture. I did listen to the radio and take note of classmates hammar pants and concert t-shirts, but mostly I lived in a world of classical music, Barry Manilow and childrens television. I DO remember She-ra, My Little Pony's, Smurfs and I had Whitney Houston and Debbie Gibson tapes...all that good stuff, just not a lot of MJ.

Anyway, Captain EO was special. The 3-D was cool, but the movie itself - well, I know it's cliche'd, but it really did make an impact on me. Something about the music and choroegraphy made me feel amazing! I remember leaving the theatre speechless. I couldn't describe how I felt - it's like I was in a daze, playing the music over and over in my mind, trying to remember the images I had just seen. And it made me long to be up there, on that screen . Whenever I go see a production that I love, I have this overwhelming desire to be up there, be invloved. That's the first time I remember having that feeling. I had some spending money - and I immediately bought a Captain EO sweatshirt. LOVED that thing! My sister was kind enough to post these photos to my Facebook today. She ROCKS!'

Ilona, my siser, and me just back from Disneyland. My sunglasses had Minnie Mouse on the lenses. And I am actually wearing shorts. :) That's my grandma Stimmel in the background.

Ah, yes. The short hair/perm years. Camping in upstate NY. At least I don't have a mullet like my sister Jessica (to my right). Well, at least not in this photo. My brother Jimmy is to the left and Ilona, also in an unfortunate short hair stage, is behind me with my dad.

I don't want to say that I became a performer because of Captain EO because that wouldn't be true. But it is definitely one the earliest memories from my childhood that I can pinpoint where I recognized that excitement - the excitement from good, energizing entertainment. I mean, all those rides at Disneyland and I can't for the life of me remember any from that trip. I remember "We are here to change the world!"

I can't say I was a huge fan of MJ after that - I knew I loved "We are the World" and the video for "Black or White" - it was just cool, especially the end with all the people morphing together. Still total coolness. My sister and I used to love to make movies with our video camera. One time, we made this murder mystery and my sister Ilona played Michael Jackson in it. As I type, I am cracking up just thinking about it. Genius! (Even better than our Wayne's World movie.)

As for his controversial years, I just feel badly for him. None of us can imagine what his life was like - to have that much power with absolutely no perspective on what real life is.

So, thanks Michael Jackson! I hope you are finally at peace.

Back to life, back to reality!

Ok - well, I'm back. Made it home on Sunday night - even with a 3 hour flight delay. I was so excited to see me family again! I had a wonderful time, but it's good to be home! Here are a few more pictures of me in the show!

Before the show - see my new bangs, though I should have brushed them!

My Maria costume!

"Our Favorite Son" - You should youtube it - we did the original Tommy Tune choreography.

Me as Christine and Chris Coyne as the Phantom - so much fun!!

I even got a boat!

There are also lots of pictures on my facebook - facebook.com/sandrahuntsman. I hope I get the opportunity to do something like this again. And, as soon as I can, I'll post some video! I should be getting my copy before too long.

I'm ON THE ROAD!

First of all, my movie shoot was a blast! As soon as I can, I'll do a couple of blogs on it with all sorts of fun stuff - but for now, my non-disclosure agreement is in effect...so you'll just have to wait until August!

The shoot did end up going an extra night, so, on Monday night, I got on set at 8:00pm. We wrapped at about 6:15am. My flight to Spokane was at 10:05 am, which meant I needed to get to the airport at 8:30 am. Needless to say, I didn't get any sleep before getting on the plane, which was fun. I did sleep on the plane the whole way to Spokane - a whole 2 hours. Once we got off, we went straight to the hotel, got our keys and were told we didn't have to be to rehearsal until 7 pm. Music to my ears! I slept from like 2 to 6pm and was actually able to rehearse with some level of dignity.

Wednesday was a long day of rehearsals - 11am to 11:30 pm, and then yesterday was a dress rehearsal at 2pm and our opening night show at 7:30 pm. I think it went well! I do wish that I had my husband in the audience to give me an honest opinion of the show, but oh well!

So, here are few shots of me in costume and rehearsals. I'm hoping to get some video before long.

In my Christine (from Phantom of the Opera) costume which I made myself!

Rehearsing for "There's No Business Like Showbusiness" with Lynn Steinhurst, Steven Midura, Kellie Wright (she was in Millie with me), and Chris Coyne.

Oh, Kelly and Chris!

"Let's go on with the show!"

My Grizabella makeup!

This is the costume and wig I wear in "No Business Like Showbusiness"

That wig has prompted a new hairstyle I've been thinkin about...

Seeing as how I'll have a lot of free time, I'll be working on getting some of the things I've missed out on lately up. I have new photos Thoroughly Modern Millie as well as the video to post, pics from our recent trip to Disneyland - ya know, the stuff I've been too busy to post about!

My (secondary) dream job!

Wow. So many crazy things are happening. 

First of all - the title of my post. I just spent the last 3 months supervising costumes for Thoroughly Modern Millie as my readers (both of them) will know! I love it. My duties were taking the design of the show and making it happened. I supervised costume builders and bought lots of costumes. It was awesome!

Well, now I'm supervising wardrobe for a film! A very special top secret project for a NY Times best selling author. It just kinda fell in my lap and I'm loving it. And, it's not every day that you get to discuss a book with the AUTHOR! (On our first meeting, he signed a copy of the first book in his series and I read it. I really liked it! So, this time he gave me #2!) I'm able to hire people I know who are very good at what they do to handle stitching, hair, etc. It's AWESOME! Their goal is for this to be a very high profile thing. 

Don't worry - I will certainly be able to tell you all about it in due time, but for now, it's staying on the downlow. This is a GREAT experience that may someday lead to so much more! I'm so blessed. My first dream job will always be performing - which I get to do in 2 weeks. But this is my #2 dream job - wardrobe supervisor/coordinator. :) :) :) :) :)

Ok, so next order of business - Steve and I have been planning a trip to LA/Disneyland for this weekend for quite sometime. Well, Steve gets a call on Monday that they might need him to go do another cruise last minute. He told them no initially, but that he'd see if he could work it out.  He decided it was too late in the game and didn't want to cancel our trip, so he was ready to tell them no if they called back and said it was a go. Well, when they called him, they begged. They couldn't book the job without him and the offered more money. EEEK! He was still ready to tell them no, mostly because he knew that I would be really disappointed that I wouldn't be getting to go and I was really looking forward to it. We have been so busy lately that our 10th anniversary and my birthday both passed by with no celebration to speek of. (Steve did get me a massage for mothers day - he rocked it!) 

Anyway, he called me to let me know that that they were being persistant. I was really sad! So, I was on my way home and told him we'd talk then. On my drive, I thought - well, maybe I can go anyway somehow. I mean, our hotel room was paid for, I didn't want to just forfeit that money.... I can take Chloe and Piper! I've been wanted to take them without the babies - so why not?  I came home and told Steve to go. He started to tell me he was going to tell them no when I said - I'm still going to Disneyland. I'm just going to take the girls with me instead of him! He thought it was a brilliant idea. So, that's the plan.  

So, Steve may get to go to BERMUDA! (I'm really jealous, I've always wanted to go there.) but I get a very special weekend with my very special babies. And my dear friend Alda is watching the babies. They are going to have a wonderful time and be spoiled rottin!!!

I'm so grateful for this time of joy and success in my life and am not taking a moment of it forgranted.

All Good Things...

It's true what they say about all good things - they must come to an end. But the truly good things are often unexptedly so and leave you with enough fond memories and gained knowledge to sustain you until the next good thing. Such was the case with Thoroughly Modern Millie - a production I had originally wanted nothing to do with, but fate stepped in and it has become an incredible experience that has tinted my future a soft shade of pink.

I will post production photos and video when I receive them. In the meantime, you can check out video of Steve and my cabaret performance of "The Song That Goes Like This" from Spamalot and video of the actual show on my Facebook.

Enjoy!

Blessed

Blessed - that's just how I feel right now. I have so many wonderful things going on in my life right now, I can't help but feel humbled and grateful. Let me count the ways:

1. My tooth is back!

See in the first photo, the gaping hole in my teeth - well, I recently had a root canal done on the tooth and went in for the build up this week. Before - it's been this way for over 2 years, since that fateful night I bit into a filet-o-fish and my tooth broke. I usually photoshop it out, I just felt so trailer with it and it's one of the reasons I have hesitated being a princess again.
After! It's a perfect match. It still needs a crown, but it feels great to smile on both sides again!

Thanks SOOOO much to my friend Joe - he finished up dental school on Friday and is going to Arizona to be a dentist. He is fantastic and is going to be so successsful. Good luck to the Hale family!

2. My oldest baby is 9!

On April 8th, Chloe turned 9. We celebrated with cake and ice cream on her birthday and I also built her a birthday/easter gown in the style of Thoroughly Modern Millie - her very own 20's dress, complete with coordinating cloche hat. Unfortunately I forgot to take photos with her at the show when she came the night after her birthday, but here are some photos from Easter.

She's a natural poser!

Now, where have I seen that before?

3. Piper at the show!

The next night, Piper came to the show. For easter, she wanted a dress just like one of the ones I wear in the show, and I had extra fabric, so I did it for her! She loved it and was precious as can be. I did get pictures of her at the show, as well as Lola and Ryder who showed up as well. Enjoy!

Close-up of the blondie bugs!

2 of a kind in Miss Dorothy's signature pose!

Little Dorothy and the evil Mrs Meers - AKA the fantastic and sweet Kellie Wright

Little Dorothy and Jimmy - AKA Eddie Gelhaus

Little Dorothy with the star of the show - Millie (Kelly Albright, one of my oldest and dearest friends)

Stop the cuteness!

In the dressing room with Lola!

And my little love bug, Ryder!

4. Thoroughly Modern Millie - a smash success!

The show is a hit! I've never recieved so much positive feedback about a show or my performance. I'm so grateful I had the opportunity!

We were really lucky to have Paul Canaan (he's done like a million shows on Broadway - including Millie, and was also a judge on MTV's Legally Blonde: The search for Elle Woods) come and do a workshop for us and he also saw the show - and LOVED and RAVED about it. That was awesome! I auditioned for him and a casting director at a workshop the next day, and though they had a lot of constructive criticism for me, they were really impressed with my voice. Awesomeness! (http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/legally_blonde_search_for_elle_woods/cast_member/cast_member.jhtml?personalityId=9959)

PS - if you want to check out some real video of the show - visit my myspace page! If you aren't my friend, search for me. I even have a fanclub I share with my onstage love interest, Erik Ball! You can see photos of the show at http://www.signatureproductions.net/ReheasalPicturesTMM.htm

I can't tell you what an amazing experience it's been for me to do this show. My skills have improved and my confidence has grown leaps and bounds! My waist size has shrunk and I feel a keen awareness of the direction I want to do go in the future in my life and with my family. Blessed, indeed!

and, drumroll please......

#5. MY TURN!

You know how Steve went on his cruise as a performer for 2 weeks back in February? Well....

The woman who plays Mrs. Meers - Kellie Wright, is doing this show called Showstoppers, Too! that's touring to Spokane, Washington in June. She posted an audition notice to the cast of Millie and I though about going. Steve told me I absolutely should go. I decided I'd give it a shot. I don't take too much interest in most of the professional auditions here in Las Vegas because they are't usually my genre, but because this one is a broadway review, I decided - why not?

Well, the night before, I realized all of my music was in storage, I didn't have a headshot and I left my dance shoes at the theatre. I almost didn't go, but stayed up late finding music, creating a resume and figured I could just dance barefoot if I had to. Why not?

Kellie told me that they wanted to do some music from Phantom of the Opera, so I auditioned with "Think of Me." I got nervous when all of the other auditioners sang belt songs, but I had a belt number with me if they wanted it.

So, I sang my piece, but my cut didn't include the end with the high note. They asked me to do that part, which I did acapella. When I was done, they guy says "A word of advice - always do that high note in your auditions. That will get you the job." And - it DID!

I got a call last night at the show from the director. He wanted to know if I thought I could do "You've Gotta Get a Gimmick" from Gypsy along with the Phantom stuff. I was like - of course? Are you kidding me? I am THRILLED to get to perform that number. So, he said he'd like to add me to the cast.

I start rehearsals on my birthday and I'll be gone for about the first two weeks of June. And, I don't have to be stuck on a cruise ship!

I'm so in shock that all of these great things have been happening to me..but more than shocked, thoroughly grateful and blessed. YAY!

Lights, Camera....ACTION!

So, I filmed my first commercial today. It was a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for building permits, and Steve and I were the actors. We played a married couple - duh! Anyway, it was fun. I was in the kitchen making a cake while Steve kept passing by the window, working on a patio addition or something. We filmed in a really beautiful model home. I'll probably hate the outcome because I'm so critical and I feel "on the fat side", but it was a good experience. The producers were really happy with us - that's the important part.

Here I am - I just took the cake out of the oven.

Whalah! Frosted cake, ready for slicing.

Oh no! Steve should have gotten a permit. Instead, he got a black eye.

The STARS of the show.

The really cool part came later in the day. Because it was a PSA, we were volunteering our time - it's good experience and exposure for us. But they were SO impressed with us that they are going to send some money our way. Wow. Very nice.

Good Reviews are always nice.

"Sandra Huntsman makes for an elegantly loony Miss Dorothy. She suggests a delicate ingenue who's escaped from a Victor Herbert operetta."

Cool.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/42467067.html

OPENING NIGHT!

A special treat - a video blog from OPENING NIGHT of Thoroughly Modern Millie!!!

(I know I'm totally dorky - deal with it!)

It's showtime!

Tomorrow is opening night. I wish I had a photo of me in costume - it's really quite, well - frilly and pink comes to mind. But never fear...I'll have a special treat soon.....stay tuned!

It's been a while...

But I am still here. Working hard on Thoroughly Modern Millie. I got my husband back 2 weeks ago and it's been so great to have him home.

I will have some pictures of the show soon - in the meantime, check out the awesome flapper costumes my amazing friend Valinda built! I designed them and picked out the fabrics....she built them from scratch. She makes me look good! http://onceuponacostume.blogspot.com/2009/03/thoroughly-modern.html

And while they are cute on the dummies, they are amazing in person!!

I'll be back....soon!

The right one, I think...

Ok - I'm not dead, I haven't even crawled under a rock...it's just that every time I have a minute to blog, I'm in a crappy mood and don't want to blog with that mood. I miss my hubby, but I'm doing really well.

Anyway, I finally found a minute to edit my new headshots. The first one is the one I picked (first in B&W and then color) and then the other two - which are still good photos and might be used for other things.Did I make the right choice?

Oh, many thanks to Angela for taking the photos and Alda Tomasic for my awesome makeup! It's so fun to be pampered like that!

Kinda freaked....

My hubby is leaving on his cruise tomorrow. He'll be gone for 2 weeks. That's a really long time. I'm so excited for him that I'm going to deal with being alone with the kids and trying to rehearse for all that time with a smile and a great attitude. But I'd by lying if I said I wasn't freaked out. It's just kinda surreal! I have found out we'll be able to stay in contact pretty easily - so that's good.

I'm sure he'll have wonderful adventures to share with us when he comes home. And how fun will that be to be re-united- we've never been apart for more than a few days in our whole married life. That's nearly 10 years, folks. Anyway, trying to take deep breaths and just not be freaked out for the last day we have together for 2 weeks. Breath...Breath

By request!

I posted this on my facebook, but my sister Ilona said it was funny and I should post it on my blog. So, here I go, with one minor edit because one of them might offend someone, so I've replaced it!

25 Random Things About Me:

1. I had a stalker in Kindergarten named Bonnie. One day she had a fever and was sent to the nurse. She gave the nurse my name, my phone number and my mom's name. When my mom came in to pick "me" up, she was like....um, that's not my kid. SCARY!

2. I used to be a big time Trekkie (as in Star Trek) when I was a kid. My mom even made me a star fleet uniform in 7th grade and I made a com badge that played "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" I won 2nd prize

3. I have an extra vertabrae in my lower back.

4. I totally wish I still had my She-Ra dolls. Loved those things.

5. I began sewing and crocheting in 1st grade.

6. I have had 2 serious relationships in my life. My high school boyfriend, Gavin - who played Perchik to my Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof and my husband Steve - who played Perchik to my Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof. I will never audition for Fiddler on the Roof again!

7. This one's kinda gross - I once got this really bad ear infection - it was oozing stuff - it hurt like you know what and was just disgusting. Well, after it went away, I could not hear out of that ear very well - I kinda figured I had hearing damage. BUT - I thought I could feel something in there. When I would stick a q-tip in there (I know we're not supposed to, but c'mon - EVERYONE does it), I would meet some resistance when I got down the canal a ways. So, after like 3 years of not hearing well, one day, I got all aggressive with whatever it was in my ear with a hairpin and finally worked out this enormous ball of - well, I don't know what it was! It was like sinewy with a hard center. Anyway, it was like a re-birth! I could freaking HEAR again! I felt like I was in a crazy echo tube for like 2-3 days. That was less than a year ago and I still have NO idea what it was.

8. I have never been hospitalized for illness, only for having children.

9. I love fabric - I love just having yards of cool fabric. Sometimes it makes me sad to cut into it.

10. My dad was always a techno junkie. I was the first kid in my class to have a vcr, cd player, dvd player, computer, video camera - you name it. My first computer was a Commodore 64 and I had an AOL account in the mid 90's, when all it was was chatrooms and this weird thing called e-mail.

11. I was a total smarty pants over achiever as a child. I got strait A's, won all the spelling bee's, won a state wide poster contest, was in choir and always got the solos, played trumpet and french horn, wrote, directed and starred in competition pieces for the Odessy of the Mind program - yada yada, yada! What happened?

12. The first time I sang publicly as a teenager was a church talent show. I sang Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" and people thought I was lipsinking, but that's kinda random because I sound nothing like Amy Grant. I still took it as a compliment.

13. My cousin owns the Star Wars prop of Han Solo frozen in Carbonite, although I've never seen it. But my sister sent me a picture!

14. The only celebrity I've met was Donny Osmond, thanks to my dog - the only dog I've ever owned and we only had him for like 4 months.

15. My sister, Ilona, has seen Penn and Teller naked. Ewww.

16. I used to work at the MGM Grand theme park and worked on the Sky Screamer, where I "flew" over 80 times. Fun stuff!

17. I grew up in upstate New York. Cows, farmers and snow.

18. I was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho - in the same hospital where my mother in law was born AND our birth dates are 2 days apart - May 2nd and 4th!

19. I have lived in 16 different homes.

20. I have never received a traffic ticket, even though I have been pulled over twice. The first time, I was half in a Cinderella costume and the officer just told me to slow down a little bit, after he asked me where I was going. I really wish I would have said "The Ball." The other time, I was in a borrowed car from out of state with expired proof of insurance and no drivers license. Yup - warning. I also ran a stop sign in Ceder City, UT and was broadsided. They didn't cite me because "the accident was punishment enough." I'm sure someday my luck will run out....

21. I LOVE baths. Love them. When I was pregnant, I would take several a day. Love them.

22. I have never tried sushi, but I would like to try. I think.

23. I have only been to 1 family members funeral - my Grandpa. Meaning not a lot of them have died. I lived across country when my other Grandpa died. I'm bracing myself for the future, though.

24. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people call me Sondra. It's Sandra - the San rhymes with Fan. It especially annoys me after I have corrected them. I once had someone try to convince me it should be Sondra because that sounded better. Whatever!

25. I absolutely and totally adore my husband. Even when he drives me mad, he's the perfect man for me. I'm a better woman for having him in my life. I'm lucky to have the family I do!

My names - thanks V!

I honestly haven't been avoiding the blog, I just haven't had anything to say. So, a name game, compliments of my gal pal Valinda.

Oh, one thing - Steve got his passport today, so it's official. He's really leaving for 2 whole weeks and I have less than 2 weeks right now to prepare! AYE YI YI!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Candy Monterey

2. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR'S NAME:
("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Musical Theatre Thunderstorm Tour.

3. YOUR GANGSTA NAME:
(fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Mint Chocolate Chip Caramel deLites

4. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME:
(first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
S-Hun
(aka S'Atilla)

5. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME:
(favorite color, favorite animal)
Pink African Grey

6. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME:
(middle name, city where you were born)
Rose Idaho Falls

7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME:
(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Hun-Sa
(Han Solo's long lost sister)

8. SUPERHERO NAME:
("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Teal Dr. Pepper

9. NASCAR NAME:
(the first names of your grandfathers)
James Marlow

10. STRIPPER NAME:
(the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Plumaria Hot Tamales

11. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:
(mother’s & father’s middle names )
Gay Russell
(Seriously)

12. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME:
(Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Kane Kalamazoo

13. SPY NAME:
(your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Spring Rose

14. CARTOON NAME:
(favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Pinapple Pantsy

15. HIPPY NAME:
(What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Slimfast Willow


And for a special treat - My Hubby!

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car)
Peppy Mercury

2. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR'S NAME:
("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Acting Rain Tour

3. YOUR GANGSTA NAME:
(fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Cookies 'n Cream Chocolate Chip
(Now that's hard core!)

4. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME:
(first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
S-Hun
(same as me!)

5. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME:
(favorite color, favorite animal)
Green Hyena

6. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME:
(middle name, city where you were born)
Sheldon Las Vegas

7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME:
(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Hun-St

8. SUPERHERO NAME:
("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink)
The Black Dr Pepper

9. NASCAR NAME:
(the first names of your grandfathers)
Sheldon Lawrence

10. STRIPPER NAME:
(the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy)
Hugo Mamba
(yeah baby!)

11. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME:
(mother’s & father’s middle names )
Francis Delores

12. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME:
(Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Woolsten Worchestire

13. SPY NAME:
(your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Fall Snapdragon

14. CARTOON NAME:
(favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Kiwi Sneakie

15. HIPPY NAME:
(What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree)
Nada Fig

So what's YOUR name????

Yippeee Freankin' Skippeee!

YAY for my husband! I'm so excited - so proud!

He was just booked as an entertainer in a Four Season's tribute show on a cruise! He leaves in 3 weeks, and will be gone for 2 weeks while he does 2 cruises back to back. YAYYYYYYYY!

While I'll admit I'm not particularly looking forward to having him gone for 2 weeks, it's such a great opportunity for him that I'm happy to deal with it. He is going to have a wonderful time! YAYYYYY!

What an unexpected surprise!

Well, as you all know if you paid attention to my last blog, I am working on costumes for the theatre company's production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. Well, I had considered auditioning because there is a part in the show that would be great for me, but I decided against it for a lot of different reasons.

I'll spare you the boring details and cut right to the chase! I'm playing the role of Miss Dorothy Brown in the show! I'm excited because it will be a ton of fun! I will still be working on the costumes. But it's about dang time! I feel really blessed that it has all worked out - I'm excited to work with some of my favorite people.

Here's a rendering one of my costumes. I play a wealthy ingenue who comes to New York to experience the lower class side of life - seeking experiences and romance. I have a couple of great numbers and some fun stage business. It's coolness and I'm excited for the adventure.

Well, ya know!

It's been a really weird week for me, so I'll just give ya a "Loewe List"

1. THANKS Jessica for the whole Pandora thing. (I'm listening to Pink radio right now!) I've never heard of it, but I LOVE it. I've tried a few internet radios and they've all driven me crazy! (Pandora) I just need to introduce it to my cute little sister (in law) McKayla. She likes music. Three songs to be exact. ;) Kayla - you know I love you!

2. Mission! - I will post some photos later because Steve has the camera, but my Brother in law Daniel left on his mission last Wednesday - they day we took Ryder to Disneyland, he entered the MTC. He will be missed - but I'm excited to support him. Now I just need to send him a letter.

3. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - At Disneyland, we took the kids to see Playhouse Disney which features Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - among other things. It was great! Lola was SO excited about Mickey! I've been letting her watch a mix of the theme music (which is by They Might Be Giants, who I LOVE!) on You Tube and now she's saying "Hot Dog" and tries to spell the letters M-I-C-K-E-Y and so on. She gets so excited when I start playing it for her. It's just CUTE!

4. My new Shoppe! I just opened an Etsy shop selling some of my graphic designs. Blog headers, backgrounds, etc....check it out and tell your friends! I have some more great projects in mind, I'll add them. I really like Etsy - they have some cool and amazing stuff. I have a handbag and arm warmers all picked out! I'm also keeping a blog for my designs and costume work now - www.monetrose.blogspot.com. Come visit!

5. Thoroughly Modern Millie - It's the show my theatre company is doing this spring - www.signatureproductions.net. I was hoping to not be too involved, but I am going to be working pretty heavily on costumes. I'm actually doing the men's costumes - I know, crazy, but I should be able to buy most of them. But, it may lead to good things....

6. The Four Seasons - Love them? I do! Steve was hired a year ago to perform as one of them at a Bar Mitzvah!http://sandrahuntsman.com/blog/?paged=3 (It's so funny to me the things we get paid to do sometimes.) Anyway, he was recently hired to perform in a For Season tribute show called "Oh What A Night." He may even get to go on a cruise - the producers say they have a lot of interest in booking the show. So it could be a really good thing. I'm very excited for him - oh, and the producers want to meet me, too. :)

7. LOST - Less than a week until the Season 5 Premier! Oh my gosh, I'm so excited! I re-watched the season finale on Wednesday - I can't believe how much I forgot. Anyway, I am NOT watching any previews or reading anything that might possibly have spoilers. I do wonder how long it will take for the Oceanic 6 plus 2 (Locke and Ben) to make it back. That's my biggest question. Oh, and where the Island "went" and what will become of Penny and Desmond and who will manipulate who for what. Yeah. Anyways, looking forward to it. Don't bug me on Wednesday night, ya'all!

8. Knitting - I was inspired by all the cute wrist warmers on Etsy so I picked up some yarn and some knitting needles and started to knit again. I've completed 1 pair of arm warmers which were to small so I gave them to Piper. I did finally master the rib stitch, so that's cool. I'm working on some for me now - if they turn out well, I'll post a photo!

Anyway, that's me for today.

Happy Birthday, Ryder!

Yesterday - Januray 7th, was Ryder's 3rd birthday. I'm just posting about it now because we surprised him with a trip to DISNEYLAND! Here's a photo-documentary of our trip!

Here he is, all ready to go! He fell asleep the night before at about 10pm, then woke up at about 1am full of life! I only slept for the duration of Peter Pan and then woke up to leave at 5:30 am. Good times! But it explains whey he was awake and chipper - ready to go at 5:30 am! Lucky for him, he fell asleep in the car and slept straight through to Anaheim.

It took him a while to figure out we were in Disneyland, but he got really excited when he saw the castle. Like his cool, blue shades? Good. You should. He never took them off - all day. Not on dark rides like Pirates of the Carribean, not even when it got dark outside. He loved his blue glasses. Who knew he would talk more about his $1 bin glasses than his whole trip.

On the tea cups. We avoided the Fantasyland dark rides - Lola was not a fan. Oh, I should mention - we left the Chloe and Piper at home. It was Ryder's special day. Well, Lola tagged along, but her opinions on rides aren't that strong - yet.

Hey - it's Pluto! See - the kids were thrilled.

At Playhouse Disney - one of the few photos without his blue glasses, but they are in his hand.

It's Lola's favorite - Wall-E!

Sippin'n on that Bottle with some 'tude. I know, I know. Trust me, we're trying.

On the King Arthur's Carousel on "Nemo"

With Mater and Lightning McQueen. Oh yes, he was also thrilled about meeting these guys. What is it with my kids and characters!

It was a long day! They both konked out around 6pm, so we headed out. Stopped for some dinner - which Ryder slept through, and then home! We made it home around 12:30 pm - a long day, but so worth it! They did sleep the whole way home, which was nice.

Special thanks to Hillary and Valinda for tag team watching Chloe and Piper, who will be getting a trip with just mom and dad later this spring for their birthdays!