TV Shows I've Enjoyed from 2000-2009

I'm a little late with this but wanted to give you my version of the "Best of TV" from the past 10 years. I'll start off with the television shows then move on to movies. Thanks to Netflix on Hulu.com you can check some of these out. The list is not in alphabetical order and some of these shows are long gone. I'll bold the ones still on the air.

1. Survivor: The Reality TV King, memorable characters, awesome host and ton of unwelcomed nudity...Fun fact: Has never won an Emmy.

2. Scrubs : I never understood the appeal until I tuned in a few seasons ago. Hilarious show, great cast, funny dream sequences and touching moments. Even the new season is good. Doctor Cox has some of the funniest lines on all of television.

3. Fastlane: A 1 and done undercover cop program on Fox. Starred Bill Belamy and the guy who married Kelly Taylor from 90210 (Jennie Garth). Oh and Kelly Kapowski was on it!

4. It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia: 4 misfits own a bar, do stupid and completely inappropriate things, hilarity ensues. Not for anyone who is easily offended. Plus, Danny Devito drunk.

5. Deadwood: A profane look at the "Wild" West during the gold rush. Seriously, PROFANE, you've been warned. Brilliant story telling about a good sheriff and a money hungry bar owner. By the way, don't let my warning fool you, the writing is outstanding. Fun Fact: I have a man crush on Timothy Olyphant.

6. Dexter: I watched 5 minutes of this show and was completely hooked. Dexter is a forensics analyst for the Miami police department, he also has a very dark side or dark passenger as he calls it. See, Dexter is also a serial killer. I tell everyone to watch this show because the story telling is top notch, the characters are believable and because Michael C. Hall is so creepy I don't know if I'll ever look at him as anyone other than Dexter Morgan. I don't know if I want my Mom or Mother in Law watching because of the language and violence but it really is an outstanding show. This is their warning. Fun Fact: I've been known to telling people my name is Dexter Morgan.

7. Entourage: 4 guys living the high life in Hollywood. A fun behind the scenes type look at movie making. The real star of the show is Ari Gold, Vince's agent, played by Jeremy Piven. Loosely based on Mark "Marky Mark" Wahlberg's life breaking into Hollywood.

8. Lost: My guess is many of you haven't watched this show and it would be extremely difficult to start now (the final season starts in a month). It's a huge cast, with a ton of theories on what is going on and not a ton of answers provided, yet. Well worth dissecting all the literal, pop cultural and philosophical references that are mentioned in each episode.

9. Greek: A program about Fraternity and Sorority life in a fictitious Ohio college. A very funny cast and writing that sometimes out performs the best comedies on television. Great pop culture references, guest appearances and characters named Cappie, Beaver and Spitter. I had flashbacks to my KA days the moment the first episode began. Fun Fact: Kent Wyatt (See The Wyatt's blog on the right side of the page) was my pledge Dad.

10. Burn Notice: The coolest spy this side of the Atlantic (Bond, James you get everywhere else), who is trying to find out who "burned" him. Being "burned" means the spy is cut off from the government he worked for and left to survive on his own. Thankfully that was in Miami, FL. Michael Westen has to figure out why while helping out local citizens with their issues. The awesome Bruce Campbell is also on the show.

11. Smallville: I'm a huge Batman fan but this retelling of Clark Kent aka Superman is pretty darn good. Basically it's Superman the High School years before eventually moving on to the Newspaper reporter years. The scene stealer goes to Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) who you want to root for to be a good guy and be a good friend to Clark. We all know that doesn't happen.

12. Supernatural: I remember hearing a lot about this show before tuning in about how it was a cool concept (hunting supernatural monsters/demons, etc), two likable characters (Sam and Dean) and some fun story telling (pop culture references mixed with a ton of supernatural mythology). Excellent old school rock music soundtrack. Probably not going to be watched by many of you but well worth it (TNT runs reruns right now). Fun Fact: I plan on owning the 67 Chevy Impala (or Impaler in my Jersey accent) featured in the show.

13. One Tree Hill: A show I continue to question why I still watch, especially when two of the original characters (one of the main storyline protagonists) are no longer on it, one of which I really liked (and most hated), Chad Michael Murray aka Lucas. Breakdown: Two brothers, two mothers, one father, a ton of drama and Sophia Bush. The show was so well done the first season it was inevitable it couldn't keep it up. I'm not quite sure what the heck is going on right now. Fun Fact: My friends Haley/Grey Kinlaw stalk the cast as the show is filmed in their city of Wilmington, NC.

14. Arrested Development: I remember not wanting to watch this because I thought it was a "smart" comedy, kind of like Seinfeld or Fraser. You know, intellectual jokes and snottie characters. I was completely wrong about AD. I think this is the funniest show of the past 10 years and probably my second favorite comedy (Married w/ Children) of all time. The story follows the dysfunctional Bluth family who are trying to clear their name after the head of the family George Sr. is arrested. There are 3 seasons of "callback" jokes (the chicken dance, "no touching," Tobias's sexuality), a great cast, great guest stars (Carl Weathers, Liza Minnelli, Scott Baio, Charlize Theron) and a supporting cast that included The Fonz (Henry Winkler). Fun Fact: Ron Howard does the voice over on the show.

15. Invasion: Another 1 and done. An invasion of water based aliens invade a small town in Florida during a hurricane. Not the most original plot but still an interesting show. Standout performances from Tyler Labine and William Fichtner (who needs a starring role in a strong TV series). Fact: The show probably failed due to a 10 pm time slot and began airing a month after Hurricane Katrina (promotions were pulled immediately due to a hurricane being a plot point).

16. Reaper: A story about Sam (Bret Harrison) whose parents sold his soul to the Devil. Sam then works as a bounty hunter tracking down escaped souls for the Devil. It's a heavy concept but it was a comedy and a pretty darn funny one. Another show starring Tyler Labine and another show canned too early. Ray Wise, as the Devil, should have netted an academy award nomination, he was that good. Fun Fact: Kevin Smith of Mallrats and Dogma fame directed the pilot episode.

17. The Office: Beats, Bears, Battlestar Gallatica. I think everyone knows this one.

18. The Loop: Another show that wasn't given much of a chance to succeed. Bret Harrison (also of Reaper) starred as an executive for TransAlliance Airways who always has the worst of luck. Funny supporting cast (Sully), hilarious boss and awkward tension. Fun Fact: Hank's fantasy football team name a few years back was named Derek Tricoli Out (named after a supporting character).

19. Family Guy (canceled and technically debuted in the 90's): I think most of you know this one too. Funny show, great cut aways (Conway Twitty, other TV shows/movies) and excellent use of pop culture.

20. My Name Is Earl: Interesting concept, a repeat law breaker wins the lottery only to be hit by a car. He loses the lottery ticket only to find it a few months later. He decides to change his life due to karma and start correcting all his wrong doings. He keeps a list of all of these and checks off one each episode. It's a funny show and reruns can be found on several networks. Fun Fact: Rednecks are funny.

21. Chuck: My second favorite TV spy. Ok, he's not a spy technically, he's a computer geek who has a ton of government secrets implanted in his brain. Good mix of comedy and action, strong cast and great guest stars (Scott Bakula, Chevy Chase). Support the show so it can continue on a few more seasons! Fun Fact: There is a character names Captain Awesome (that's enough for me to tune in).

22. Prison Break: One brother in prison, another brother who decides to join him only to break him out. A little like Shawshank Redemption minus the good writing & Morgan Freeman. Here's a spoiler, they break out. Once they do, you'd think the show would end but no, they go on the run and I'll stop there. It's a pretty good edge of the seat show, Michael Scofield's plan to break out is pretty cool (tattooed details covering his entire torso) and a wicked good villain (T-Bag played by Robert Knepper). Fun Fact: Prison is scary.

23. Man v. Food: Adam Richman travels around the country and takes part in the biggest eating challenges a restaurant can offer. I've never seen someone eat this much in my life and I lived with Elliott Wilson. I've seen him eat a steak the size of a small child, a huge burrito and some of the spiciest wings around. Check out the Travel channel for new episodes soon. Fun Fact: The second time I watched this show I got sick to my stomach.

24. 24: Ha, I was able to list 23 other shows. Anyways, this show takes place in real time and all events take place within 24 hours (I sat through 12 hours straight once). The lead played by Kiefer Sutherland is the type of dude I'd like to have a drink with. Of course, he's been known to tackle Christmas trees and fall over, so maybe I'll pass. Anyways, Jack Bauer fights terrorists, family members, the President and many others all to keep our country safe. Fun Fact: My cat is named after him. Also, Jack Bauer could beat up Chuck Norris.

25. The OC: Ryan is a troubled teen who gets a chance to turn his life around while living in Newport Beach (in Orange County, CA) with the Cohens. He befriends their nerdy son Seth, falls in love with the girl next door and gets in fights with water polo players. A witty show, strong cast and in my opinion the beginning of the nerdy/comic book loving/geek revolution on television due to the popularity of Seth Cohen (played by Adam Brody). Fun Fact: Not filmed in Newport Beach...filmed in Manhatten Beach.

A couple shows I enjoyed that you can look up on your own: Being Human, Torchwood, Merlin, White Collar, The Dead Zone, Jackass, Warehouse 13 and CSI (The original). The First three air out of England so they usually don't pop up in the US until a year or so later.

A few I never had a chance to watch: The Wire, The Shield, True Blood, Heroes and Alias.

A few I wish would go away: Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, American Idol

Christmas at the White House

Christmas 2009 was a special one for us! Here are some highlights...

Avery has been practicing sitting up quite a bit - this was her first extended period of un-assisted sittin' on our bed on Christmas Eve. She is modeling Christmas pj's Grandma Bricker got her.

Here is a close up of that cute little tushie...

Avery set out her cookies and milk with a letter to Santa, then retired for the night.

On Christmas morning Avery enjoyed watching Jeff and I exchange gifts then we helped her rip into a few of hers. Her "auntie" Stacey sent some fun toys that make lots of noise. Avery just ate the wrapping paper, yum yum. (Later she started slamming her hands all over the toys making lots of noise).

Avery also enjoyed finally getting into her farmyard exersaucer.

She especially likes the "dirty piggy."

She wasn't the only one that enjoyed the exersaucer...

After many failed attempts at taking a family photo with the timer on our camera, like this lovely one...

We got the next one which wasn't much better. Not sure why we didn't think about the fact that Avery wouldn't just look and smile at the camera.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

xoxo~

Hap- Hap- Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

For our New Year celebration this year we headed to my (Kate's) mom and dad's place in Sun City Hilton Head. The long weekend was filled with MANY laughs (we especially liked when "Grandma" played the hula hoop game on Wii Fit), LOADS of yummy food (we love you chef Martin!), and TONS of cuddle time with the cutest babies in the world (just quoting my mother here... haha).

Baby Parker has learned a little chuckle laugh that is a very low and hearty "huh huh huh." His smile is the best and it's so awesome to see how much he adores his mommy and daddy! He is also still doing his little "Touchdown" arms whenever he eats, poos, sleeps or, well, does just about anything. He just loves to throw his arms straight up over his head.

Parker hanging with "Uncle Jeff"

Avery was so much fun to watch as she opened up more gifts. She especially loved the crunchy elephant from Aunt Erin and immediately recognized her little red friend Elmo when she opened up her "Tickle Me Elmo" doll from Grammy. She had previously met him in one of her favorite books, "Where's Elmo?" She thinks his laugh is funny, however the whole shaking thing when he laughs was a little overwhelming at first.

In honor of our NYE trip with our friends Kent and Kirsten two years ago, Jeff put our gal Ave in her first Mexican wrestler mask - La Parka. She didn't seem to mind it at all, so maybe she will be keeping that tradition from year to year. We will let her decide.

Two HUGE milestones were met this week... I discovered Avery's first TOOTH cutting through on New Year's Day & she can officially sit up on her own now!

Avery's Christmas List

All I want for Christmas is...(interpretation provided by Mom and Dad).

1. My first tooth.

2. To Sit up without falling over. I do not enjoy toppling over.

3. That Lady Gaga thing to go away. I'm not sure what it is but it scares me, plus I'm the one whose vocab contains "ga ga."

4. To spend an evening watching action movies with Daddy. (Check)

5. Candy canes. Mom took away the first one I got a hold of. Actually, I'd like any food that's not been blended.

6. For Mom and Dad to get my exersaucer out of the box...they've been talking about it for weeks now!

7. I would like to grab Stormie's tail. She's my cat and she's fluffy.

8. L.A.M.B hoodie by Gwen Stefani. Mom says she's really stylish. Not sure if my size is available.

9. Snow

10. To spend Christmas with all my Grandmas, Grandpas, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends.

Ain't no party like a half-year party... Avery is 6 months old!

Last Thursday Avery celebrated her half-year birthday! This is such a fun time for all of us. For those of you that don't get to see Avery very often, she is a very content, relaxed little girl. She is giggling, babbling up a storm and she LOVES fashion. It's really quite comical actually. She loves shoes, hats and bows. When I put them on her, it's as though she just KNOWS she's the little style-ista. In other news, she loves to put her feet in her mouth...

Here is Avery and her "smise" (this is in reference to a term coined by Tyra Banks - for those that know, "smise" is smiling with your eyes)...

Avery has started fake "coughing." Some of the girls in her little daycare have starting communicated with one another by fake coughing to get each others attention. Donna fake "coughs" back and they crack up. Avery also has learned how to hold her bottle by her self...

Last Friday Avery went to her 6 month well visit with Dr. Ryan. She is developmentally right where she needs to be. Dr. Ryan feels sure she will be sitting up on her own very soon, which is hard to believe! Avery is in the 10th percentile for babies her age, so she is very much on the petite side. I already feel like she is getting very heavy, so I can't imagine being one of those moms that is carrying around a 20-lb 6-month old - ha!

Friday night we celebrated her half-birthday with cupcakes from our favorite local bakery. Avery was in a fabulous mood for her celebration... I informed her that one day in the future she would be sure to enjoy cupcakes as much as I do!

Speaking of sweets, I thought it would be cute to get a picture of Avery with a candy cane. I gave it to her, turned to get the camera and within .2 seconds she had peeled back the wrapper and stuck the end of it in her mouth. Pretty sure I would be put in the "bad mom" category in some guide-to-motherhood book. But Avery's face tasting the sweet peppermint was PRICELESS!

xoxo~

Kate

Get in the spirit!

Aaahhh, it's that time of year. This past Friday night we went to the Christmas Tree Farm to pick out our Christmas Tree. Avery loved looking at all the lights as it slowly got dark around us while we were there. After my annual Christmas Tree negotiating ritual (I'm not satistfied until I get the tree I want at the price I want), a very nice young man loaded it up and were on our way home with a nice tall, slightly thinner version of last year's tree.

Each and every year I look forward to decorating for the holidays. I love to play Christmas music, drink spiced cider and make comfort food while we take out time getting everything out of the attic, unpackaged and put up around the house. There is just something so comforting to me about unwrapping each of our ornaments and finding the perfect spot for them on the tree! There is also nothing better than the fragrance of pine when you bring the fresh tree in the house.

The cats always get the crazies when we bring in the tree... they resort back to their wilder days living on the streetz. Jack Bauer cat has punching matches with the lower branches. When he bats at them they bounce back and he jumps up with all four feet off the ground. Stormie is more enthralled with the tree skirt. It's insta-fun for a kitty that loves to run and slide all over the place. When she gets scared watching "Jack Vs. The Tree" she does this running in place thing where all feet are moving, but she's not going anywhere. They certainly offer another source of entertainment for Jeff and I... Avery also cracks up watching the cats and their antics.

Ever since Avery joined us, we have started to do everything at a quicker pace. We rush through the grocery store or running an errand... I get ready faster, I eat faster. But, the one thing I found that I absolutely cannot speed up is the Christmas decorating. I like to savor each and every moment of it. Jeff and I really took our time getting up the lights, the wreath, the tree... all of our little holiday odds and ends. OK, it actually took the whole darn weekend (If you've seen our place, IT'S NOT THAT BIG!). I like to think we were savoring it all, but it was probably because we just have a lot more time that ends up being spent with Avery playing and laughing between each task.

Another landmark event this weekend was that Avery tried her very first rice cereal at our Saturday brunch. She loved it, and kept diving in for every bite. She also opened her very first ornament from Jeff and I - a glittery gold owl ornament that I bought because it reminded me of her owl-themed nursery (she also has big ol' eyes like an owl).

I feel quite certain next year's Christmas will be 100x more crazy with a toddler getting into everything, so we are enjoying this year's holiday season with that in mind. This is always the time of year when I reflect on family and on God's love, and how blessed we are to have one another. It truly is "the most wonderful time of the year!" but I wish I took the time to reflect like this more often!

Hope you all have taken the time to embrace the holiday season... it's certainly upon us!

Lots of love.

xoxo~

Kate

First Thanksgiving, First sickness, First word?

The White Family had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration. We started the fun last Tuesday evening when MIL and FIL came to Charlotte, (otherwise known as Jeff's parents Doug and Bev... or to Avery as "Grandpa" and "Grandma" - until she makes up names for them herself). They were able to stay through the Thanksgiving weekend, which was a nice long visit!

Grandma White hangs out with Avery on Thanksgiving

Avery got to sit at the table with us for the big meal

Grandpa does "This little piggy" with Avery

Avery attacking Jack, the cat - "petting" is more like "grabbing" at this point

(Jack was surprisingly calm and collected)

Our gal Avery woke up on Thanksgiving NOT giving thanks for her very first cold. She was a sniffly and a bit congested, but still in a pretty great mood overall. She was wonderful on Friday and Saturday too, making it through a big visit on Saturday with Aunt Jeanne, Uncle Ellison and her cousins Brooks, Ford and Mary Ellison followed by big fun with Chad and Adrienne.

This great mood lasted until Sunday morning when she woke up crying and was NOT a happy camper all day. She looked up at me on Sunday evening and said "mamama" in this sad little voice. It very apparent she needed extra cuddles from her mama. After a complete day of her not being herself at all, we made a decision to take her to the Pediatrician Monday morning. Avery's cold had developed into a double ear infection! No wonder she was being so moody!

Here is Avery feeling slightly better after receiving her ear drops...

And being the tough girl she is, she continues to push through. We think she is definitely working on cutting teeth, so it's been a bit of a rough week, but we are making it through just fine.

"Nothing new here... I love the chew on everything"

"Look at me - I may be sick, but I can grab my feet!" - Avery, almost 6 months