"The Hunger Games" In Review

I'm not a movie critic but every once in a while I see a memorable film that I have to share my thoughts on. Sometimes my review serves as a warning to stay away from the film, other times it serves as a recommendation to go on your "must see" list. After seeing the newest Hollywood hit "The Hunger Games", I realize I need a new category for my movies. I'm not sure whether or not to give it my highest recommendation or warn you against it. 

I must confess though before you read this, I have not read the book, so take this for what it's worth. But in saying that, after seeing the film, I am grateful I did not read the book. I got caught up in all the hype of the book due to my very literature savvy friends and family. They are always reading and giving recommendations on their latest reads. This was on the top of my reading list after hearing such great praise. 

I asked a friend and she told me the premise of it. 

Apparently it's about a civilization in the future which was separated in to 12 geographical locations and were ordered by the government to fight to the death in a "last man standing" tournament. Oh, did I mention that these "warriors" were children? Yes, 24 randomly selected children would fight to the death to bring "honor" and food to their district.

After hearing about the plot, I was a little skeptical. I was assured by all previous readers of the book that "it's not like that" though. I was told it wasn't very gruesome, it didn't have a lot of details on the violence and it wasn't as bad as it sounds. Well either the movie was COMPLETELY off, or these people are lying to me. 

The movie was one of the more disturbing films I've seen. Right up there with Saving Private Ryan. 

It was a very well made movie. Props to the director for his direction on such an amazing film. The costumes were awesome, the acting was fantastic, the scenes were breathtaking and the stunts were incredible. 

I'm just not sure what to think of this movie though. I do have a weaker stomach than most and some of the violence was a little too much to handle, but overall, I enjoyed the movie. With that being said, after seeing that film, in no way do I ever want to read the series. I have a very vivid imagination and books are way more detailed than movies. I am a little anxious to fill in a couple points, but IT IS exactly what it says it is. It's a blood bath, to the death until one man (in this case, two people) were left standing. There were throats slit, necks broken, multiple stabs and slits from knives and swords, bows and arrows, a lethal attack of wasps, and endless acts of violence and killing throughout the entire movie. 

When did this become okay??? This book was on the Best Selling list for quite some time and became one of the most talked about movies in Hollywood. I think the movie was very well done, but since when did it become okay for children to murder other children for entertainment purposes? I'm very disturbed in the thought of these books making it so big and this kind of violence becoming so sought after. 

I'm in no way against violent films. I love a good action packed movie every now and again. But I would not classify this as an action film. It is somehow portrayed as a love story because of a forced alliance with two of the tributes. I'm very confused. Very confused. Not about the story per say, but about why it got to be so big. I have no doubt that the books are good reads, but I also know that they are EXACTLY what they say they are. Gruesome and violent. 

So take this review for what it's worth. I will be seeing the rest of the movies just because they were well done, but I won't be touching the books. And I would definitely not recommend either to children.  


Meanwhile I got to experience yet another midnight movie with amazing friends and even better treats :)

Fifty Favorites

No it's not V-Day, it's not his birthday, it's just time for a cheezy moment. 


Blake and I have been together for a little over one year now and have been engaged for 83 days now. It is exactly 50 days until we finally get to spend the rest of our lives together. I thought I would  take some time to reflect on what he actually means to me. So I've compiled a list of my top 50 things that I love about him. Yes, cheezy. Get over it.


1 - He loves his family
2 - He is amazing with kids
3 - He loves football just as much as me
4 - He has the nicest body ever!
5 - He loves the church and makes it a priority
6 - He is not afraid to try anything new
7 - He takes care of me when I'm sick
8 - He has great taste in music 
9 - He loves to travel
10 - He is a kid at heart
11 - He loves Disney
12 - He honors his priesthood
13 - He cares about taking care of his body
14 - He makes me feel good about my awful cooking
15 - He knows how to work, hard!
16 - He has a crooked smile with gorgeous teeth
17 - He is the best athlete I've ever seen
18 - He loves my family
19 - He loves just being with me no matter what
20 - He encourages me to achieve my goals
21 - He wants a dog
22 - He knows how to dress
23 - He can carry me on his back for hours without complaining
24 - He is an amazing kisser!
25 - He lets me win wrestling matches
26 - He can make me laugh harder than I've ever laughed before
27 - He thinks I'm sexy with no makeup, hair in a pony tail, sweats and a t-shirt
28 - He is motivated in school and one of the smartest people I know
29 - He gives me the confidence to overcome anything, including my crippling fear of heights
30 - He is willing to look past my flaws
31 - He is good at everything he tries
32 - He doesn't wear tank tops :)
33 - He IM's me all day at work just to see how I'm doing 
34 - He sends me flowers for no reason
35 - He is going to be an amazing dad
36 - He has mesmerizing blue eyes
37 - He loves Christmas
38 - He keeps me in line
39 - He looks great in blue
40 - He gets along with my friends
41 - He dances with me anywhere and everywhere
42 - He brings out the little kid in me
43 - He gives the world's best massages
44 - He holds me for hours no matter how numb his limbs might be
45 - He will do anything to make me happy
46 - He is quick to forgive
47 - He has more patience than anyone I know
48 - He knows how to handle money
49 - He has made me into the person I am today
50 - He loves me more than anyone has ever loved me before

I thought it would be hard to come with all 50, but I actually had to revise my list several times to take some off. He's just that amazing. I love you, Blake! I couldn't be happier. And while I know we have our differences and our moments, I couldn't have asked for a better match to complete my life. I literally can not wait to spend forever with you!

- Megan

Bridal Shower

My amazing neighbors offered to throw me a bridal shower this past weekend. I was so thrilled because one particular neighbor is incredibly crafty and I couldn't wait to see what she came up with. She did not disappoint! She made the shower look amazing! Everything had this rustic antiquey look and it turned out so cute! So I had to share some pictures on my blog. 

My hot mama!! None of this would have happened if she hadn't helped me through everything! Thanks mom!

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. Such gorgeous weather!

Such delicious food!!!! I think I may have gained ten pounds, but it was so worth it!

My MOH. Couldn't have been more helpful!

My grandma and her sister in super bright colors! We are done with Winter. 

The ladies behind the magic :) Thanks Steph!

So many incredible presents!! I'm so grateful!

My gorgeous fiance came for a few minutes at the end to say hi to everyone. He's so handsome!! :)

Apparently all of the ideas came right off of Pinterest. I'm not sure exactly how that site works, all I know is it was responsible for making my bridal shower look awesome!!

I am so grateful for the people who took the time to bake and provide the most delectable treats ever. Thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy Saturdays to enjoy this day with me! Thanks for all the amazing gifts and all of the fun times. Blake and I are so appreciative for all the support we've received throughout this entire process. It really does take a village. 


- Megan

Grad School Update

1) University of Hawaii, Manoa

2) Texas Tech University

3) University of Arkansas

4) Florida International University

5) Weber State University

6) University of Nebraska, Omaha

7) University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

8) Montana State University, Billings

9) Long Island University, Brooklyn

10) Oklahoma State University

All Good Things Come to an End

In recent events, my favorite NFL player of all time, Peyton Manning, has been let go from his team of 14 seasons. While it was extremely heartbreaking to watch him give his goodbyes to Indianapolis, it just goes to show that when one door closes another one opens. This could be one of the greatest opportunities for him to go to the Super Bowl for a second time. 

Rumor has it he is down to three teams to sign with for next season. One is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos currently have a quarterback who may eventually be Super Bowl material, but isn't quite there yet. He is the one and only, Tim Tebow. He doesn't quite have what it takes to take the Broncos to a title, but he is young and definitely progressing. These two quarterbacks would not co-exist if Manning decided to sign with them, so we would either see one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time take over and have Tebow fans everywhere be distraught, or Timmy would continue to progress as he keeps his reign in Denver. The Broncos have some very big decisions to make. 

Miami has also shown great interest in the HOF quarterback, Manning. With WR Brandon Marshall at the top of his game, Peyton may have a chance to take the Dolphins all the way. And with their need for a quarterback, Peyton would be a great fit. 

The opened door I was referring to earlier was the opportunity Manning has to play with the Arizona Cardinals. With Fitz and Doucet ready to rock and the possibility of taking Reggie Wayne as a package deal with Peyton, this new Cardinals team would be a force to be reckoned with. 


Peyton's final decision is apparently based off of what city would be best for his family. Well, Peyton, if you ever did read this, it doesn't get much better than AZ! Great weather, great schools and so much to do! It's within driving distance to everything. The beach, the snow, lakes, and one of the 7 wonders of the world, all only a few hours away. You don't have to worry about floods, hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, or anything like that. In Miami, obviously you have hurricanes. You may or may not freeze your bum off in Denver. But in Phoenix, the worst thing you have to worry about is third degree burns from your steering wheel. Nothing a little remote starter or some oven mitts can't fix. 

If there was one thing I could say to Peyton Manning, it's that Arizona is the next best fit for him besides the Colts and he would be more than welcomed here. I can not wait for this NFL season to start up. He apparently decides in a couple days so I'll be watching Sports Center religiously until he decides. There are so many exciting things happening in the NFL right now! I literally can not wait to see who he chooses. 

On a side note: for those of you who know me, I will always be a Colts fan. I will never desert my team because of the loss of a player, even one as great as Manning. However, I will be jumping on the band wagon for whatever team Peyton decides to sign with. I will always have a loyalty to both Peyton Manning and the Colts and will always support both wherever they go. It looks like I get to buy a new jersey this year though. Yay!!

Susan G. Komen's 3-Day Walk

Donate to my sister's 3-day walk for breast cancer! She's a first-time walker and is so excited to participate. We've know several people that have survived breast cancer so she walks for them and every other woman in America trying to fight this tragic disease. I couldn't be more proud of her. Thanks for the support. I know she appreciates it! I'll be doing it next year. I can't wait to take part in such an amazing cause!

No One Mourns the WICKED!!!

This past weekend was awesome! We put aside wedding planning for a weekend and just had fun. It was so relaxing and very much needed. Friday night we had tickets to go see the Broadway musical, Wicked. It tells the story of how the good witch Glinda and the wicked witch of the West met in witch school and how they became friends. It gives one a different perspective on the Wizard of Oz. It was quite the event. We had such a great group with us. We went out to dinner and had amazing steaks (some of which, were still alive) and then headed off to the show. I found out earlier that week that Blake had never seen a musical before in his life. Sad story, but that was about to change. I was a little nervous he might not enjoy as much as I expected, but I was so wrong. He loved it! I'm so glad we can now add musicals to our list of things we do together without wanting to stab our eyes out. Believe me, there have been some things we don't particularly enjoy doing with each other. (For instance, wedding planning haha). 

Saturday was pretty chill. Literally, we watched three movies and just talked all day. It was probably one of the best days I've had in a while. Blake let me fall asleep on his lap while he did homework. I can't recall a better nap. We went out with some friends that night for my friend's husband's birthday and played cards, which of course Blake and I dominated at. Don't play games with us. It's not pretty. And you will lose. 

Sunday we attended church together, which is one of my most favorite things to do with him. He is so ridiculously handsome in his shirt and tie. Cool story, Danny White, ex-NFL quarterback, attends the same church as me, and he said he would help Blake get on to ASU's football team if he wanted it. Blake has been training for quite some time, so he's physically ready, but it's always nice to have an in like that to put in a good word. I thought that was so cool! He said some amazingly nice things about Blake and his ability to be great in that career path. I might be more excited than Blake to have him play again. It's kind of incredible to see someone you love doing something they love and makes them happy. 

All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better weekend. I can't wait to get this wedding planning behind us so we can spend most weekends that way in our OWN home. Now it's back to the grind. T-minus 38 hours left in my work week. TONS of wedding plans to take care of this week. So many things to do and so little time to do it in, but it was so worth the sacrifice to have a weekend like that. This weekend is bridal shower weekend so that'll be a blast too! Yay for weekends that don't suck! haha

- Megan