Microphone

Paul here with another peachy post for all my fans.
Google is fun. They have this button that looks like a microphone in their search bar that allows you to speak the search into Google, so we will never have to type again. The problem is that Google does not always understand what you are saying. Jolynn and I tried to search for our blog vocally and Google didn't really understand us. This is what it came up with:

jolene to come talk to me

Jolene taken pot

joe limited some hot

joel limit takoma talk dot blog spot.com

children chicken pox

jeld wen tay come talk

george and up

dublin tatum pots

what is up ya megan fox

call mom

How these sound like Jolynn Tatum Tots at blogspot is beyond me. 

Artistas!

Paul and I found a cheap little kit that had four small canvases, tons of paint, a few brushes and a palette.  We decided that it would be a perfect date night.  We ate dinner then painted as we watched Big Fish (such a good movie).  Paul did a free style painting and I did a wanna be Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh.  We had a blast until the end when I was trying to get a picture of both of us with our canvases.  Paul kept smiling so big that his eyes were closed after two or three shots this is what I got.  Him sad cause I kept telling him not to squint.  I love it and think it is one of my new favorite pictures of Paul!

Winter in Venice with Blue Man!

                                               

 December 19th, last Monday, was our two year anniversary.  We decided to go down to the strip and check out the Winter in Venice.  Inside the Palazzo and outside the Venetain was decorated for the holidays.  We walked around and enjoyed seeing all the big Christmas trees, lights, ice skating rink and more.  After we walked around for a bit we decided to head over to the Grand Lux Cafe inside the Palazzo to eat.  It is one of our favorite places to eat even though it was only our second time there.  We like to order their "tapas" even though they really are just normal appetizers. We got some yummy fries topped with roast beef and cheese, goat cheese salad, chicken wing balls, and shrimp.  It was all super good and we were stuffed.  Last year I had tricked Paul and told him I found tickets to Love in the bathroom of the Mirage so this year I thought I would stick to tradition.  I hid tickets to Blue Man Group in the menu so that when it was time to order dessert Paul would find them.  Only problems was that Paul really didn't want dessert cause he was so full.  I pouted a bit and as predicted he opened the menu and found the tickets.  He thought someone had accidentally left them in the menu and was about to call over the waiter before he realized I had struck again! Below is a picture of him pretending to be surprised.  It was better IRL, in real life, but it will have to do.  We loved the show and had a great anniversary.  Whether it is something big and planned out like that night or just another night at home I always have a great time with Paul.  He is my best friend and I am blessed to have him in my life. 

Oh Christmas Tree!

On Tuesday Paul and I went down to the Tree Lot next to our house and picked out Doug to be our Christmas Tree this year.  It is a bit ironic that his name is Doug because he is a Noble Tree.  Oh well... Paul and I are ironic too so I guess it is fitting.  We went home and dressed him all up.  I of course put my ornament with my name on it at the very top and Paul got to put the star on this year cause I got to last year.  I am already finding pine needles everywhere but I don't mind. I love it!

A cop for cops..

I have always thought that I should be a cop for cops.  All the time I see cops breaking traffic laws and for no reason.  It drives me nuts.  I have even seen cops turn their sirens on to change the stop light, get through it, then turn off their sirens.  It is a joke!  Also I feel like a lot of cops are jerks for no good reason.  Some are nice but others are just plain rude.  I feel like motorcycle cops are normally worse than others.  I had a really bad experience with one about 2 1/2 years ago and still can't forget it.  The reason you find me blogging about this right now is that about every other day bike cops park in my work parking lot and give out one ticket after the other.  I feel bad watching people get pulled over all day.  They just sit there and chat it up with one another while they pass out tickets like its candy.  If you ever find your self on Reno off Las Vegas Boulevard make sure not to speed.  Chances are a cop is waiting to get you.  Another point made as I write this is my co worker just told me that he got a ticket today on his way to work.  He crossed a solid white line a few yards before he should have.  Lame!

No Taste...

Last night our ward did a  Family Home Evening.  We all hopped on two hayride trucks and drove around in the rain singing Christmas Carols.  It was a blast!  Everyone had soggy bottoms by the end but we didn't let that stop us from having tons of fun.  After the hayride and caroling we went to the Frye's home and had yummy scones and hot chocolate.  The hot chocolate was so hot it burnt my tongue really bad so needless to say I am not tasting much today.  Good times!

Officially Christmas!

I love Christmas!  It is the best time of year.  From when I was a little kid until a few years ago my family would always get together and go to the Live Nativity.  It is a little reenactment that a stake puts on every year.  It got too big to do at a stake center so they have now moved it to Opportunity Village.  Paul and I were able to go with the YW from our ward last night before we had a YW sleepover.  It was beautiful and amazing.  I love it and always feel that after I watch it it is officially Christmas.  Merry Christmas to all!

  I am addicted to amazon.com.  It is hard not to be.  It is quick, easy and shows up on my door step 2 days later.  I go on there and I feel the need to buy something.  Lately I have been able to with the holiday season as I got 90% of my Christmas shopping done through amazon.  They have almost anything you would ever need to purchase.  As I went on their site today I was super sad as I realized I am done.  I have all my Christmas shopping done and no longer have the excuse to go on and order stuff.  My gifts for the in-laws have even arrived across the country.  It is truly a sad day. So unfortunately I must say goodbye for now until I think of something else that "I need."

Is it inappropiate?

With great respect to the man and his calling I ask. Is it inappropriate to have a church crush?  We have "man crushes", "girl crushes", "movies crushes" and  so on but when you start talking about a man of God is it inappropriate?  I hope not cause President Uchtdorf would be mine as well as most women in the church from what I have gathered (especially Kimmy Stewart who takes it to a whole different level).  President Uchtdorf is very handsome and his accent is icing on the cake.  I love is talks and really connect with the way he addresses things.  I love his simplistic attitude that I too try to incorporate in my life. His talk yesterday for the Christmas Devotional brought tears to my eyes.   Loved it.

Well a couple of weeks ago my mother Sister Joyce Jenkins serving in the Cove Fort Mission was able to meet this incredible man and his, I am sure just as incredible if not more, wife.  My parents are just over half way through their 18 month mission and loving it.  They give tours at the Fort and help get members to give referrals and non members to receive a free Book of Mormon.  They have met people all of the world and now have also met President Ucthdorf, an Apostle of God.  I am thankful for their service and example and can't wait until Paul and I can start serving missions again!

Ho Ho Go!

This morning was the first time Paul and I have ran the 5K Santa Run for Opportunity Village.  And we loved it!  We had a blast.  We walked/jogged cause I was still a bit under the weather but it did not hold us back.  The festivities were amazing.  They had a stage set up and had a lot of people come out. Show Girls, Mayor Goodman, Chip and Dale dancers, the Jabbawockeez, Terry Fator and more. The Jabbawockeez were by fair my favorite. They are so talented it is insane. One of my new goals is to learn how to pop and lock it. They also had three Santas parachute down from a plane. It was all truly entertaining. We think this will become a new Tatum Tradition. The race also encourages bringing your kids and dogs (I know they do not go hand in hand) and dress them up as well. My favorite though was Black Elvis! He and I wees tight. Paul's favorite was this Asian guy who still had his luggage cause he had just landed in time to come straight to the run.  He was dressed as a pink bunny, doing the rock n' roll marathon tomorrow and was getting married Sunday as well.  Anyway we saw alot of interesting people and had a great time.  We give it 5 stars!                    

Paul Tatum here for another episode of blog blog blog.
So what Jo Jo Claus didn't mention was that Terry Fator is kinda obnoxious and was like "oh what's this microphone thing? What do I say next? Oh yeah and I'm supposed to be a comedian but I am not even going to tell a joke!!" So that was Terry.
          The Yo Jabba Jabba's are pretty sweet, they's be luck I taught them some moves.
So onto some lame running news that no one else is interested in, I got this sweet watch, it is a Garmin 405cx that connects me to a satellite so that it can track my time, pace, distance and other cool stuff while I run so I used it for the first time today and when I got home the watch automatically transmits the info to the computer and even maps out where I run on google maps. Pretty rad huh? It totally works.
Closing words: Fin Fin.

*Note: Paul was rocking the whole time he wrote that.  And he says he has no permanent effects from the accident.  I say otherwise.

                                                        

Baby it's cold outside.

  I am sick as I get about every time the weather changes.  Sad.  Anyway I have been home for the last 48 hours without leaving so when Paul got home from work today I was ready to break out even though I still needed to rest.  I was staving and so we went to Oyshi Sushi Bar where we got lots of yummy food but the reason why we went there is because they have our all time favorite roll.  The Love Affair.  It is by far the best I have ever had.  Then as we were headed home we were about to pass CheeBurger CheeBurger.  The first time Paul took me there I was super sick so we thought we would stick to tradition and stopped to get a shake.  They have 325,0000 different combinations.  Tonight Paul wanted to try chocolate covered pretzels with Reese's Pieces.  It was super rich but good.  I am glad to be back in bed though.  I get tired after walking around for even a minute which is bad news cause our Santa Run is tomorrow.  Well for all two of you who read this you should most definitely try the Love Affair at Oyshi and then top it off with an amazing shake of your choice at CheeBurger CheeBurger (they have great fries and sauce too).

Literally Hot Dog Heaven

I believe I just died and went to heaven. Yummy hot dog deliciousness. You like a little spice on your dog? Try the Fire Dog with the Chicago toppings, some peppers, tomatoes and maybe some onions. Yum Yum. If that's not your thing you can go for the all American Chili Cheese dog and have your mind blown all stars and stripes style. To top it off the paper bag o' fries is to die for. Yes I believe in heaven and I believe that these hot dogs will be served there.

P.S. it's not just all doggy fun, if your in the mood for something else the Dirty Cow hamburger is great, bun, chili-cheese, meat, onion ring, more chili cheese and bun. How can you go wrong?

                                                                                                                       -Paul

Why it is okay...

 Last night Bubs, my friend of 20 years, and I went and saw the new Twilight movie.  It was one of the weirdest movies I have ever seen.  Why is it okay that I went to see it?  Well there are several excuses and justifications.  First it was with an old friend so it made us feel like teenage girls again. Second we got to see it at 7 P.M. instead of waiting for the midnight showing. Third I have read all the books and feel obligated to watch the movies. Fourth Bubs gave me a sucker that looked like vampire teeth which is hilarious. Fifth movie premiers are awesome because everyone is so excited to be there and they clap, cheer, and gasp throughout the movie. Sixth well you get the point I could keep going.  It was so weird but at the same time I know I will go see part two.  There were parts that seemed like a made for TV movie, scenes where the vampire's makeup was awful, some of the most graphic sex and birthing scenes I have ever seen in my life yet some how it was still a little good.  As much as I hate Twilight I love it.  But I must clarify that I am way more excited for The Hunger Games! 

Our New Sink...

Ever since Paul and I got our house I have complained about our kitchen sink.  I loved how big and deep it was but it was porcelain and all chipped.  It never looked clean and grossed me out. Anyway our friend got us this sink for free cause it had a small scratch on it.  We paid him $60 for the sink and to help Paul install it.  I am now a happy girl with a clean sink.  I love when things just work out!

The Santa Run!

                                  

   Paul and I just registered for the 5K Santa Run.  We are super excited as this will be our first year participating.  It is December 3rd at Town Square and proceeds go to Opportunity Village as they try to set a world record for the most Santa's gathered together in one place.  We invite everyone to join us as we kick off the Holiday Season.  If you register now it is only $35 and you can pick up your Santa suits at the Fashion Show Mall this Friday or Saturday. 
http://www.opportunityvillage.org/santa_run.php

Paul also registered for his first hal marathon. It is January 7th in Irvine California.  His dad will be running with him.  I on the other hand will not as I have no desire and probably couldn't make it if I tried but wish Paul the best of luck!

 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

 I really liked this book.  It was great! I thought the story was fun and the pictures were amazing.  It really helped me visualize the characters as I read along in the story.  The only beef I have about it which is big is the fact that it is part of a series.  Don't get me wrong, I don't mind reading series in fact sometimes I love it but when I start a book I want to know whether it is a series or not so I can plan on the level of closer I will probably get at the end of the book.  I found out about 20 minutes before finishing Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children that it is part of a series.  Ugh.... besides that though it was a good book.  Anyway,  I would wait until they all come out.  That is my personal opinion but then again I have a patience issue when it comes to things like books, movies, and other sources of entertainment. 

Alien Jerky!

Alien Jerky from Baker California is amazing!  I love beef jerky but alien jerky is even better.  It is so delicious and I am always craving it.  Paul and I use to go to California a few times a year but for some reason we haven't this year.  Going to California gave me the excuse to buy Alien Jerky while passing through Baker.  It is an hour and a half from my house and I have seriously considered driving to Baker and back just to get the Jerky.  The other night though we ran to Smith's to pick up a few things and happened to park next to an Alien Jerky van.  I stopped the guy getting into his car and told him how much I love their jerky and crave it.  He said there are a few places in Las Vegas that order it from them and carry it in their stores.  He didn't know exactly where but said to try all the convenience stores in town.  So I am officially on a mission to find me some Alien Jerky here in town.  If I don't I fear I will finally be at my breaking point and just get up early one Saturday and do a quick trip to Baker to get my fix.  If you have seen Alien Jerky here in town PLEASE let me know where. Thanks.  

Top Ten Pictures of Paul 2010-2011

10.  Paul pretending to eat a huge candy cane.  

 

9. Eating a slice of pizza the size of his head. 

  

8. Paul and I always look "Special" when we open Christmas gifts. 

  

7. Paul doing the truffle shuffle at our family talent show up at the cabin.

(He should have won!)

 6.  Wearing our vinyl bowl like a hat.

5. My niece calls him Pablo the Penguin.

4.  Showing off his artistic side.

3. Being like Jack. Whom we love dearly.

2.  Showing off the tool belt his parents got him for his birthday.

1. Wearing a baby's costume!

Murder Mystery Party!

All the most elite and dangerous criminals showed up, from Mary Poppins to Madam X-Ray belly, all to find out who killed Hal Capone.

So Monday October 24, 2011 we hosted a costume/halloween/murder mystery dinner. It was a party for the ages. We had plenty of delicious treats, Brain Punch, teeth apple slices, mummys in a blanket and pizza a la egyptian. For recipes ask Jolynn, we forgot to take pictures of the food but believe me (the fat kid) it was tasty.

The murder mystery part was enjoyable but there was a lot of info to digest, ends up that everyone wanted to be the murder but only one was smart enough to suceed. The crowd included a Baseball player, an assasin, a crooked D.A., a gambler, a club owner, and a casino owner. Not suprising, Jolynn killed the man. It was a confusing process that should have taken a lot longer to complete, but even in speed mode we were in character for a good 1 and a half hours. If you want to host a murder mystery party do it, but plan on 3 hours at least. (the instructions said 7pm to 11pm.)

The next night we did trunk or treat, we kept our same Jack and Sally costumes, but by night two I replaced the mask for face paint and lost a good chunk of the masking tape that I had on my suit so I wasn't as pin stripy. We did a little trunk decorating and made all the kids who wanted seconds tell us some jokes to get their candy. Best joke winner was "knock knock, Who's there? Ya... Ya who....dot com" Brilliant. Halloween has been great so far, just a few more days to go.

Pumpkin Carving

    Halloween is my new second favorite holiday. Christmas is still in the lead but in a few years we will see. On Saturday Southern Highlands had a 5K at their annual Fall Festival. Paul ran it in 28:29 & I walked/jogged it in 38:55. We both beat our goals and were happy with the results. We decided that this will be a new Tatum Family tradition for us each year. Lets just hope I can do better on the 5K next year. After the race we got free pumpkins from the pumpkin patch. Thank you Albertsons! Anyway, the next day we had Jim and Kevin, Paul's dad and brother, over for breakfast then carved pumpkins. Kevin and Jim did a bat smile face and Paul and I did a mummy face. It was a lot of fun and great to spend time with the family. Both pumpkins turned out great and this might be  the best I have ever done in my entire life. Happy Halloween!