Simply Shabby Jess

Twinkle Toes

2012-02-12T18:21:00.000-07:00

Someone's Daddy bought her new Twinkle Toes this weekend.

The ones that light up.

Her previous {Mommy purchased} Twinkle Toes didn't light up.

Daddy also knows how to tie these new shoes better than I do.

AND, help her get her socks straightened out the way she likes them.

*Sigh*

Twelveness

2012-02-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Last week we celebrated

Tyler's 12th Birthday!

Tyler's birthday was on a Monday night and although I'd planned to make him a cheesecake, I was SICK and strore bought had to do. Aren't our {not so} babies cute?

This weekend was Tyler's party of choice: Laser tag with friend's. As my luck would have it, our main debit/credit cards wouldn't go through and paying for 10 games, 2 pizzas, 9 drinks and game tokens was a little less *fun* than it should have been. Knowing there was gobs of money in our account {lol!} Nathan & I both got a little sick worried that we'd been robbed. We later found out on Facebook {Like your bank!} that we were not alone and the problem was being fixed. Great reminder of how beholden we really are to banks.

:0/

Tyler requested a lime jell-o cake!♥

I think it was a good Birthday!

Welcome to the 90's!

2012-01-28T19:20:00.001-07:00

My current favorite songs:

Jeremy - Pearl Jam
Black - Pearl Jam
Come As You Are - Nirvana
Plush - Stone Temple Pilots
Interstate Love Song - Stone Temple Pilots

Seriously, this is my sound right now.

Nathan teases me about it saying, "Yeah, I liked that. 17 YEARS AGO!"

I'm glad I'm just now finding these songs. 20 years ago I didn't need these songs.

Now I do.

Chipwrecked

2012-01-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Friday night I packed up my babies and took them to see Alvin and The Chipmunk's latest film, Chipwrecked.

My original plan was to see The Muppet's movie, but Tyler is convinced that they're *dumb* and I didn't feel like listening to a bummed out almost 12 year old.... so we went with the Chipmunks and it turned out to be a fine choice.

{{I will make Tyler see the greatness of The Muppets one day. I promise!}}

Being an actual Alvin & The Chipmunk's fan, it hurts me to say that Chipwrecked was not my fav. I actually have The Chipmunk Adventure dvd in a special kid-free drawer just because I like it so much and don't want the kids to ruin it. I can watch it almost any time. Chipwrecked was only fun to watch because my kids loved it and it made my heart smile to hear their giggles.

I'm not a fan of the CGI & the part where the Chippettes are sitting on the beach singing a slowed down and way too *serious* version of Destiny's Child's *Survivor* is probably going to give me nightmares. Needless to say, I won't be hoarding my own copy in the future.

I did, however, enjoy the crazy island lady and her ball friends. And Tyler & I got a good laugh at a few of the references Trab & Keira didn't get.

By far the best part of the movie was just being with my kids. Keira sat on my lap a bit, Travis crunched popcorn the whole time & Tyler & I got to make a little fun of the movie. Good times!!!

Orange

2012-01-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

It all started when this orangey goodness caught my eye on the shelf of my grocer.

I hardly ever drink Crystal Light & I've never really been into orange flavored drinks, but just look at the package! It has crisp & refreshing written all over it. I can taste the orange just looking at it. So I bought it and on the first drink, I was hooked.

Soooo delicious!

A week a later, I come home and find Nathan's bought this Orange Sherbet & Vanilla Ice Cream.

And it is sooooo good!

Then a couple of days later, while browsing the internet {no orange searches involved} I come across a recipe for Orange Cream Cake.

I didn't make it, yet.

But I feel like the universe has pretty much requested I do!

♥

Speachless

2012-01-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I lose my words. Well... words I can publicly share anyhow.

So my blog is a little quiet. {{Hopefully not the year long quiet of 2010!}}

The good news is, I've found some other words lately that are keeping me busy.

Words With Friends ~ on my Kindle Fire
Words in the book I'm reading, "The Pocket Watch" ~ on my Kindle Fire
Conversations {lots of words} with friends

2012-01-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Travis {of course!}

Joey Cutie-Pie

Keira *Push Me Higher* Renee

On their "mount." {Geeky Family!♥}

Pretty Aaliyah

Our niece and nephew spent a few nights with us this week. A little too late, I had the brilliant idea of taking the kids to the park to run off some crazy. We only had about an hour before the sun went down and Auntie got cold, but it was a nice hour.

Did you notice Travis' shirt is on backwards? Yep, whole star wars print on the front but he was happy with wearing it backwards. I hope this means he'll always be his own person... in a good way. teehee!

Trabby's Treasures

2012-01-02T21:06:00.000-07:00

Didn't mean to leave anyone hanging, but Travis did VERY well with his Christmas shopping at school. He bought a frisbee for Tyler and a little bouncy ball for Keira.

Did I also mention he bought his Mommy some bling?...

It matches his eyes!

2012, Let it be.

2012-01-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Another year {2011} has come, been & gone. Welcome, 2012!

Other than the given fact that any year you're hear is a good year, I just don't have enough faith in my wishes to try speaking them into being. Years bring 365 days of what they'll bring, regardless. That said, my hopes and dreams for 2012 are that everyone I love and care about has many, many great life moments. I want everyone to feel loved, needed and content more times than not.

Most importantly, I pray we're all prepared for the Zombie Apocalypse.

♥

;0)

Our Merry Christmas

2012-01-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Today

2011-12-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

Keira & I got to join Tyler at his school for their Holiday Meal. Tyler ate my ham, I ate Keira's tamale and Keira at every, single pea that was on her tray. It was fun to see our biggest boy at his school & hearing from one of his teachers AND one of the other moms about what a great kid he is! I'm so proud of him, I can hardly stand it. ♥ Getting ready really wasn't much fun, because Keira wasn't happy with the way her pants fit her OR how I wanted to do her hair. And of course, we couldn't find the shoes she wanted to wear so that was pretty traumatic. I told her that I hated what I was wearing, need my hair cut and new shoes and I think she was happy at least not being alone in having a blah girl day. But, Lord please help me when this girl is a teen with teen girl emotions, because 5 year old girl emotions are craaaaaazy enough!

This should be interesting... tomorrow I'm sending Travis to school with a few dollars which he's to use to buy Christmas gifts at the holdiay shop - at his school. I L-O-V-E-D doing this when I was in school and am really excited for Travis to have this chance. We talked, at length, about how there's $3 for a small gift for Tyler & $3 for a small gift for Sissy... and no $ for a gift for Travis. Haha! ;0) I can't wait to see what he comes home with.

Santa Love

2011-12-12T22:08:00.000-07:00

Little Jessica Renee with Santa.

See how much I loved him?

Keira loves him too, but only from a distance.

We peeked on him at the mall this year

{from the second floor}

and that was close enough for Keira.

Keira & Santa 2011

Three Little Cuties

2011-12-06T21:32:00.000-07:00

These two little cuties were given to me by my Momma last Christmas and spent a whole year in a tote in the garage waiting to be set out this year! They're just so stinkin cute with their roundness, smiles and rosy cheeks. I absolutely love them! Definitely one of the funnest parts of decorating is getting out the goodies you collected the year before.

This little cutie was sitting next to me on the couch tonight while I was knitting. He was reading the book of John from his new Bible that his Papa & Gaw bought for him Sunday. Totally LOVE this guy.

2011-12-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

This weekend, Keira & Travis built a fire and summoned Zuul.

Kidding, Kidding!

The truth is that the kids & I enjoyed a fire and Christmas songs in the back yard. I don't know what the neighbors thought of it, but we had ourselves a jolly ol' time! Funny thing, both Keira & Travis add "EE-I-EE-I-O" to the end of Jingle Bells?!?...

This is my new favorite Christmas decoration. Mr. Travis made it last year, but I had a flash of genius today & put it in the frame. I really love how it looks on the wall.

♥

Nothing More Than Feelings

2011-12-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

The end of this work day took such a weird turn. A few relatively minor situations hit me all wrong and made me feel yucky inside. One, right after another. I hate when that happens.

It was just feelings over temporary situations & I told myself that I didn't need to let it eat me. That helped a bit, but then I came home and found this quote a friend posted on Facebook. I'd actually seen it earlier, but now it seemed like it was there just for me. I love when THAT happens!

Don't bother too much about your feelings. When they are humble, loving, brave, give thanks for them; when they are conceited, selfish, cowardly, ask to have them altered. In neither case are they you, but only a thing that happens to you. What matters is your intentions and your behaviour.

C. S. Lewis

Not SO Crazy

2011-11-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

Team Selph took the win over Wal-Mart & Target this Black Friday!

Emily, Brenda, Dad & I

Dad made his debut and proved himself a strong asset to our team as, with his help, we made record times on getting in and out with all the goodies we went in for!

Walmart's sale got a little jump start and even though it was supposed to start at 10pm, we were checking out at 9:57pm. It was almost too easy.

Target went similarly well with their check out process going considerably better/faster than in years past & we were out in a snap.

Fellow shoppers were {for the most part} kind, courteous and fun to chat with.

FUN STUFF!

♥

Pondering Black Friday

2011-11-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know about YOU,

but I need more days between now & Christmas!!

I was able to get a tiny, tiny bit of shopping done this weekend

& I have half a plan for Black Friday.

About that, I'm not sure I like the *new* starting of BF on Thanksgiving day. I mean, shopping is generally a good activity any day, but I just don't know if I'll have enough time to lay on my tummy and digest dinner before I have to go out and be ruthless to get my hands on some sales.

Hmm...

Science Center Fummer

2011-11-13T19:52:00.000-07:00

Fummer = Fun + Bummer.

Doesn't my boy look handsome in purple?!

Travis & I went with his school to the Arizona Science Center last week for a very interactive field trip. I had Travis + 2 girls & 1 other boy in my group of little super stars.

The boys really, really liked the exhibit where they could connect pvc pipe like they were setting up the plumbing for a bathroom sink, shower & potty. Travis immediately made his into a gun, which I'm pretty sure wasn't a part of the exercise, but what do I know about plumbing?..

Both genders were able to appreciate the stomach room/slide complete with smells and sounds you might hear if you were able to pass through a stomach & slide through the intestines. I was glad to not have to participate in this exhibit myself. ;)

We all really liked the Forces of Nature exhibit where you get to *experience* a hurricane, tornado, thunderstorm, earthquake & volcano explosion. Water sprays down on you, the ground shakes, wind blows on you & you get warmed up under heat lamps. Very cool!

It was a very great day until I realized my camera was gone. Gone and no one turned it in so MAJOR bummer.

Lucky for me I have the bestest sister & brother-in-law EVER who gave me a camera. They totally saved me on this one... I owe them sooooo much free babysitting! {{One day, hopefully before I forget how to change a diaper!}}

Pie Day 2011

2011-11-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Some pictures from our 2nd Annual Pie Day

with my Momma & Sisters + a guest baker,

Aunt Connie!

Keira's area of expertice.

Grandma & Keira working on K's pie.

Sisters who bake together, stay together! ♥

Miss K & her finished pie!

Me, Aunt Connie & Keira

Brenda's gigantic cherry crumb pie!

Emily's PERFECT pecan pie. SOOOO good!!

All so delicious!

Tristan + knives = SHARP!

We had a great day and made pecan, peach, apple,

cherry and pumpkin pies as well as 16 crusts

to freeze and use later in this baking season!

Twinkle Twinkle

2011-11-06T18:45:00.000-07:00

It's time!

This lighted garland always goes up on top of the kitchen cabinets in November. The soft glow warms up the house and tells us all that BIG celebrations are near! I put it up today, even though my head is stuffy & body achy from a cold. It just could not wait... It's TIME!

{{Tyler let out a little sigh of delight when he saw it all lit up tonight.}}

Apparently...

2011-11-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

This is my two year old Travis & this picture cracks me up!

Something else that cracks me up is Travis' latest catch phrase, if you can call one word that?

He keeps saying, in an exacerbated voice, "Apparently...." and finishing his sentence with something not so shockingly apparent.

Today he said, "Apparently, I keep forgetting to take my books back to the library!"

Like he can't imagine how or that this happens

it's all news to him!

;o)

Apparently, this is the end of this post!

Tricks & Treats

2011-11-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know if it's just the fact that it's getting darker sooner or what, but I have been too tired and/or lazy to get my bootie upstairs and blog. I've had ideas & I have pictures, but by the time dinner is done, homework is checked... I'm just out of power. Plus, I have been taking extra time to enjoy holiday fun with my kiddos in the form of watching & adding to our Halloween movie collection. {{And that's some pretty important stuff, so I'm not sorry!}}

Today I realized if I didn't do a Halloween blog now, I wouldn't do it... so here it is:

Here are pictures from our trip to Schnepf Farms, 2 Halloween parties & of course, the big night of trick or treating in our neighborhood.

{Yes, Nathan too!Clicky Click to enlarge.}

THOR won 2nd place in the costume contest, we carved pumpkins using power tools and we got to hang out with family & special friends, old & new!

I also made 4 loafs of Pumpkin Bread and I just have to share a picture,

because... Hello, it's beautiful!

And last, I got a visit from THE Chuck Norris & his BFF, Mad Max {{at work}} on Halloween.

You can imagine my delight! :)

Our Halloween Movie List: Garfield's Halloween Adventure, Scared Shrekless, Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956), The Birds, Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein & The Creature from the Black Lagoon!

Now it's 8:23pm & I feel like it's 11:32pm. Am I just old?!

Well, on to Thanksgiving preperation and cellebration! Here's hoping I have more energy & the weather really cools down so it feels like it should.

♥

Officer and a Gentleman Ending

2011-10-17T20:10:00.000-07:00

Girls Gone Chino

2011-10-10T19:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend~

My Aunt Debbie & cousin Nicole invited the family ladies up to their place in Chino Valley for some girly fun. We painted nails, ate delicious meals & snacks, attempted to walk off said food, jabbered and crafted our hearts out. We were also, just a little naughty. Because we could be!

;o)

It was a great time & we hope the first of many such trips.

Doing Nails

Emily, Aunt Debbie & Nicole
{{And the beautiful view from the front door!}}

Check out that spread!

Chelsea, Aunt Debbie, Bren & Nicole

I don't know what I was doing?

Emily & Batman

Chelsea fixin to bring the pain to Aunt Alicia!

Being a girl is no easy task.

My loveley sisters!

Wearing my hat Aunt Alicia made.

My Momma, getting us home safe! (+ only a few u-turns!)

Random Tourist

2011-10-10T18:40:00.000-07:00

I adore this song and this line in particular speaks to me:

Because when you find yourself the villain in the story you have written
It's plain to see
That sometimes the best intentions are in need of redemptions
Would you agree?
If so please show me

You Are A Tourist ~ Death Cab For Cutie

Just a reandom picture, for a random post.

Hotel Genius

2011-10-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

When I mentioned in my last post that the hotel we staid at in Anaheim was cheap and no frills, I wasn't kidding. It was a mile from Disneyland, it had beds that rate slightly higher than sleeping on the floor and no coffee pot in the room.

It did have some good points to it, however. The pillows were fluffy enough to make the bed sleepable. The hotel staff were all kind and helpful. There was a mini fridge and microwave in the room, so that was cool.

The most very neat feature of the room was, hands down, the shower curtain!

Check it out!

You don't have to take your whole shower feeling creeped out & nervous that your butt nekid in an unfamiliar shower, because you'll totally be able to tell if some one's going to sneak up to Norman Bates you!

You still have to be on your game and ready to run if attacked, but Roadway Inn & Suites gives you the edge so you at least have a chance of survival.

Clear panel shower curtains, Genius!!

;o)

Disneyland - Tyler's Turn

2011-10-04T19:58:00.000-07:00

Tyler's gigantic & I love Disneyland so I decided we should go.

I found a cheap, no frills hotel & bought 2 tickets to Mickey's Halloween Party.

We hit the road early Friday morning and arrived in Anaheim just in-time to change into our costumes and walk to the fun. Tyler was a Ghostbuster & I was a ghost... or just a Mom with a ghost shirt on, but it was pretty snazzy for last minute planning. We hit Main Street USA when the gates opened for party guests at 4 and after eating corn dogs {sustenance, people!} we hit the rides! We got quite a few in before the party officially began. At 7pm, Disney kicked out the people who didn't have wrist bands and then rolled out the music, costumed characters and C-A-N-D-Y! Let me tell you... I went into this thinking that Tyler & I would just use the smaller crowd to take advantage of all the rides we could handle, and we did, but you just can't help getting into the other fun as well. There are stops where you can trick-or-treat for candy {{the good stuff too}} around every other corner and you are free to go through as many times as you want. Tyler & I probably hit 10 spots all together & made out pretty well. Then there was the special Halloween fireworks show and you better believe it's good. Here I am, 31 years old, and Tyler a pre-teen, often grumbly, 11 year old and we both watched the show with our mouths open in awe and our bodies covered in goosebumps. It's just magic.

Disney magic!

Still, that magic didn't compare to my favorite memory of our trip. Tyler was way into Big Thunder Mountain Railroad so we road it over and over and over and over! One round, my big ol' boy held my hand, arms in the air as we shot out over the fantastically fabricated red desert mountains and into our view was the whole park lit up with the most amazing pink and orange sunset framing the whole view for us. Our adrenalin was rushing, my heart was melting and it was just perfect. I couldn't help but thank God for the gift of that moment. I know it's one Tyler and I will cherish in our hearts for the longest time.

♥

Tyler & Geppetto

The Matterhorn

Me ~ Smelling Main Street = ♥

My candy, candy, candy!

All tuckered out after day 1!

Saturday we slept in a little and then made our way down to Huntington Beach. The weather was mildly breezy and just perfectly cool. The water was way too cold for me, but Tyler braved it and jumped some waves. We spent some time digging tunnels and watching the waves come in and flood them out, but mostly I just laid on the sand and watched him play.

Beach Boy

♥ Us Two ♥

We finished our trip up back at Downtown Disney where we enjoyed some real food for dinner, watched Rise of the Planet of the Apes & did some shopping. Tyler picked out a Pirates of the Caribbean shirt, I got a lanyard and a pin {{I'm going to trade pins my next visit, that's my goal!}} and we got some candy and prizes for Travis & Keira.

Tyler & I started out a tradition I hope to continue on; "Mommy & Me Disney Days." Next it will be Travis' turn and then Keira's turn. I haven't worked out the specifics, but I know , God willing, I have some great memories to look forward to making with my sweet babies.

Adventure

2011-09-28T19:02:00.000-07:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

Soon I'll be off on my next adventure with a super-special guy.

Pictures and stories of fun and folly will be posted upon our return!

♥

Bookalicious

2011-09-20T20:07:00.000-07:00

Tonight we visted the book fair at Trab's school.

Keira sat right down with her picks in our cozy reading nook.

I just set this area up. It's so cute in person.

This was my selection.

My mom used to read Amelia Bedelia books to me!

Travis had to have a *3D* book!

This one's a donation for the class.

Wish I'd gotten one for us as well.

Happy Reading!

Keira's Party

2011-09-18T18:30:00.000-07:00

I am ending my crazy-busy weekend with my very first cup of Starbucks Via instant coffee, vanilla flavored. I've always thought of instant coffee as an abomination, but you know what... this is pretty decent. Tastes better than the stuff that's been coming out of my Mr Coffee maker.

{ I don't know what I'm doing wrong! }

Here are some pictures from Keira's party we had yesterday.

Wish for the moon & the stars my darling daughter!

Tillie had the mic when the music stopped. Poor pumpkin.

Sooooo beautiful to me!

Emily, Brenda, Angela, Me & Ashlee {{I ♥ my Cousins!}}

I went a little crazy, but darn it... we ALL ♥ BIEBER!

I told Nana she needed proof she'd been to a Justin Bieber party. ;o)

Everyone's favorite party of a party!

Cutie Cousins!

After it all.

Keira had a great time and that's what it's all about. I wish I'd had more time to sit and enjoy it, but someone has to keep things rolling. It doesn't seem like we'll ever have a house big enough to invite everyone we want to over, but maybe one day...

After the party Aaliyah & Joey spent the night. It's so good to hear them playing and laughing together. Cousins are the best friends.

Joey's trying to fake me out.

The Birthday Princess, all tuckered out.

Caramel Popcorn

2011-09-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

Caramel Popcorn Recipe <--- Clicky

I got it from a random search on www.allrecipes.com. There are many different versions, but I tried this one and like it very much! It's so easy and so much better than anything you can buy at the store.

I haven't modified the recipe at all and it comes out perfectly every time. I did consider cutting some of the butter. Maybe I'll try that next time? I always air pop my popcorn, but some people say they've done it with microwave and it turns out good too.

Salsa Envy

2011-09-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Mine/Hers

I got an unusual urge to make salsa on Monday. It was okaaaaaay. I totally forgot to put onion in it for one thing so that was minus 10 points right there. Anyhow, tonight my neighbor sent her son over with a jar of her own homemade salsa. It is SO good. She is my new favorite neighbor, of all time! Even better than the lady from the condos who once gave me her *only slightly used* nightie.

LOL!

I told yummy salsa neighbor that I will pay her back for her salsa goodness, when the weather cools down and I can get my bake on!

Caramel Corn

Pumpkin Rolls

Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites

Fudge

Rum Balls....

Oh yeah!

Fall Fever

2011-09-07T21:03:00.000-07:00

It starts the last week of August.

My mind turns to dreams of crisp night air, shades of burnt orange, cranberry and gold, and all thinks pumpkin.

Pumpkin scented, pumpkin shaped or pumpkin colored. I ♥ it all!

By September 1st, images like these are on a constant rotation running through my brain.

I've got Fall Fever!

Handed down through generations.

2011-09-05T21:40:00.000-07:00

My title is a bit of a pun.

You see, the young woman in this picture is my Great-Grandma Selph, Vergie.

The little girl is her oldest daughter, Versie and that brand-new baby is my Papa, Bob Selph.

The hands holding that baby boy, are just like mine!

And Keira's!

(These are Keira's & my hands)

Isn't that neat?

My Papa had said I reminded him of his mom, but I didn't ever notice the resemblance in our hands until Brenda spotted the match in the picture today.

I LOVE it!

Here's some more fun. Wish I could spot some other bits of me in these...

My Great-Great Grandpa & Grandma Selph

*My dad's dad's dad's parents*

Elton and Allie (Maxie) Selph + 4 of 10 of their children!

My Great-Great Grandpa & Grandma Simpson

*My mom's dad's dad's parents*

David & Sarah (Nelson) Simpson

I think I have the lineage straight here, but it's been a long 3 day weekend and I'm undoubtedly coming down with a cold so I'll have to stop here for now. I should make up a tree with pictures so I can keep this stuff straight.

A lot of history went into making me!

♥

This & That

2011-08-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

My Tyler Mattie has his first middle school dance tomorrow night! I hope he shows everyone his wicked dance moves that he got from me.

Update - After the dance today, Tyler informed me that no one dances at the dance. You just hang out. Unless it's a really cool song and then there will be a dance-off. ;0)

Travis & I wish it would get cold already, so that we could eat soup and bread every day.

I saw this on my way home today and just had to capture it.

How precious is she?!

♥

Girls Gone Camping

2011-08-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was a *Moms Only* camping trip for the ladies of the Eastman clan. The three of us wanted to get into nature and have some down time. We worked hard to set up a cozy camp, ate food like we'd never get to again, hiked around the whole lake in a thunderstorm and got out a whole lot of sillies!

It was a GREAT time!

Things that went wrong included: the mallet broke half way into staking the tent down, a pole cracked while popping the tent up, a den of stubborn skunks lived near our camp, the potty was, at times, stinky & a lot of our stuff got soaked in a storm when we went for our hike.

All those things were stressful, but we were pretty proud of ourselves for overcoming it all and being able to laugh about it. I really love these girls. Really, really!!

We're all ready to head back up with our families.

30 Something

2011-08-24T20:16:00.000-07:00

Thirty sure didn't start out looking like it was going to be any good. It started out with a heady dose of female relational aggression that made daytime TV look bland. Saying it was harsh, would be a lie. It felt like my guts were ripped out, rearranged and put back inside my body in a way that didn't lend it self to normal functions like eating, breathing & sleeping. It turned my world into a place I suddenly didn't have a place in. Well, the good thing about this kind of pain and displacement was that it turned out to be just what I needed to actually be able to see and work on my own personal flaws. It was humbling and caused me to seek forgiveness for the ugly things I've done and resolve to be different.

{{Still - not now and not likely ever perfect, but better than I was!}}

Being at the end of this year and close to the start of the next year of my life, it's easier to see the pain of what happened as the tool that, through His grace and love for me, God used to refine my heart and open my eyes.

I have the freedom not to worry about what other people think about me. He knows me & that's enough. Other people will think what they want to anyhow.
I have the ability to face the fears of my twenties with an open heart & relax in knowing who's in control. {{Not me, not them, but He! God, fyi.}}
My view of others isn't what matters either. We all have issues!
It's okay to protect me and mine!
I have a gift and I'm being given the perfect chances to use it.

Enough self-affirmation for tonight. It's almost time to get my aging bootie downstairs so I can begin my nightly beauty regimen. Acting 30' something , not trying to look it!

XOXOXXO

A Touch of Fantastic!

2011-08-18T19:55:00.000-07:00

Behold, the fresh mozzarella, basil & tomato on chibatta bread with balsamic dressing sandwich from A Touch of European Cafe (<---click link for more details) in downtown Glendale. I've had this sandwich a hundred times and it is always fresh and delicious!

A Touch of European Cafe is the nicest spot to eat. The owners are also the operators and they are just as friendly as can be. Today's sandwich came with these teeny tiny grapes. I've never seen them so tiny. They were delicately wrapped up in the paper and opening it to find such a treat was almost the highlight of my day... so, I just had to write about it. If you visit this spot {{and you should}} make sure you're open to trying some of their homemade soups, because they're to die for. This is where I discovered that I love Red Borscht soup, a type of beet soup that tastes nothing like what you're probably thinking right now. I've also had their white borscht soup (♥) and my most favorite, cabbage with sweet onion. Don't be afraid to sample the soup, you may be like me and find out you're a European soup junkie! I can also recommend their freshly made pirogi and kielbasa. Sooooo good!

If you go there on a weekday, give me a call & I'll join you for lunch!

Any time!

Like, how about tomorrow?

(Call me!)

Scared Straight!

2011-08-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

The sun is down & the weekend's just about over. It was a great weekend though.

Friday night I was given some tickets to see the Diamondbacks play the Mets. I took two of my best guys with me (My Daddy & Tyler) and we had a great time. Dad taught Tyler & I how to calculate batting averages {{... something about 500, I'm not sure what...}} and we ate oodles of ballpark food including a hot dog, popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, honey roasted almonds and Macayo's mini chimis! The Diamondbacks won the game & we were treated to a fireworks show after the game. Honestly, the show was better than the ones we saw on the 4th of July!

Travis was invited to the game, but he said he'd rather stay at Gaw's (Grandma's) house so he & Keira spent the evening with her. When I picked them up, Keira came out the door carrying a pink purse, which she said Emily had given to her. Grandma said she wasn't sure about that, but we were planning on coming right back with a suitcase for Emily to borrow, so we took the purse and made the quick trip {{one street over}} back home. On our way back we saw a pair of Sheriffs and joked around telling Keira that we were going to tell the police men that she'd stolen a purse. So, of course, I got pulled over! She started crying and it took a while to assure her that the Officer didn't know about the purse and she did quiet down, but I'm sure the Sheriff wondered what we were laughing about. It turned out that my license plate lights were out and after teasing me about having an SUV and yet making my kid (Tyler) hold a suitcase on his lap, we were free to go. Keira promises to never steal again!

Hehehe!

Today, we all (Nathan included) went to see Cowboys and Aliens. I loooved it, but everyone else was only somewhat impressed. What can I say?... Daniel Craig makes as impressive a Cowboy as he does James Bond!

I'm a little naughty tonight!

;o)

Auntie Debbie's Day

2011-08-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend us girls went to our favorite place

for pedicures and time together.

What fun!!

Me, Aunt Debbie, Emily, Ashlee & Brenda

Everyone's toes but Emily's. She was inside enjoying her birthday
present from mom, dad & us - 2 hour massage! My toes are the uber pink & sparkly ones. {duh!} ;0)

My Aunt Debbie is a very special lady & I'm blessed to have such FAB family to get pampered with.

Next time we're bringing my Momma too.

No KOL For Us

2011-08-08T20:48:00.000-07:00

~~US Concert~~ Canceled.

Tickets have been refunded.

I'm SAD.

This was going to be my birthday present from Brenda. It was going to be the Selph Sisters' Second Annual KOL Summer Concert Funday.

Normally stuff doesn't start going to pot until closer to my birthday, but I guess the fun started early this year.

♥ I still love KOL & hope they can pull it together. ♥

These photos are of happier times ~ last year's KOL concert.

I have the most prettiest & sweetest sisters, don't I?!

Our beautiful AZ sunset ~ showin off for the Followills!

My Toes showing love.

♥

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's.... Jessica

2011-08-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday morning Nathan, Keira & I were playing around on the bed being silly. Nathan had the great idea that we should "..do Superman with Mommy!" and ~ although I protested~ it wasn't long before I was flying high above the bed. Like so:

(Nathan on the bottom, me high in the sky)

Flying went swell but we need to work on our landing. When Nathan let me down my left leg came down on the sideboard in a most painful way. {Where's an epidural when you need one anyhow?} I know I sound like a wimp, but it really hurt!

Here's the progression of the lovely bruise that followed.

Day 1 : When my dress pants flowing across my legs when

I walked hurt. My leg hurt all the way up to my hip!

Thankfully, Nathan felt bad and took me to the Dr where I got some meds.

{I'm a baby, I know it.}

Day 2 : Didn't hurt until that night after my

back-to-schoolshop-a-thon!

Day 5 (present)

All the yellowish part is still sort of numb. Bleh.

I really hate when people share pictures like these, but I just can't help it.

I'll probably hate myself later.

Flying Javelinas

2011-07-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

Early this week my friend Rose & I took our kids on a camping adventure at the beautiful Lynx Lake in Prescott, AZ. We had the perfect spot, lot 26 I think, in loop E. It was one of the wider spots we found with plenty of room for our big ol tent & more space on the side for an outdoor room. We were also right next to the entrance for the trail down to the lake and conveniently close to the bathrooms {{flushing toilets y'all!}} and water. Upon arrival the camp host warned Rose that we should make sure to put our food in our vehicles at night because javelina would come in at night for a snack. Tyler didn't know what a javelina is and when he thought he saw something in a tree he asked if they flew. Flying javelinas became a camp joke for us!

Over the next 3 days we had several adventures including a day visit from my parents, babiest sister & Nana. My dad helped a lot with the set-up and getting the boys ready to fish. Emily debuted her camp cooking skills, mom saved the day with hand sanitizer and Nana brought a big bag of really sweet & yummy nectarines. They are fabulous guests to have at one's campsite! Our next adventure was actually at the mall, where the boys tried out what it feels to experience hurricane wind forces. It was hot & the air conditioned mall was so very close! It was a nice break, but we were glad to get back to our camp site. We went on several walks down to the lake where the boys fished and everyone skipped rocks. Monday night came a whopper of a storm rolled in and the boys got caught in the rain down by the lake. I ran down to make sure they were okay and found them hunkered down under some umbrellas with some nice women and children. This resulted in my first rain shower drenching in years! The rain storm let up for a while giving us time to enjoy some hot, homemade chili. The chili was a nice touch as steam rolled off the ground and the air cooled down quite a bit. We had just enough time to get a few bites and get things packed up before the rain started again just as hard as ever and we all headed into the tent to stay dry. This adventure lead to tiny drops of rain sneaking into our tent & fears that we'd have to retreat to a hotel to survive the night. But, we reasoned that our conditions would make Survivorman laugh and think we were wimps and when we realized we were fine, we hunkered down and made it through the storm. It was after the storm that the biggest adventure hit. Rose & I were the only ones awake & there were some howling type calls in the distance. A while later, as we were discussing teachers and classes we had in JR High, there was a nasally-grunting & squealing noise in our camp! We were super glad we'd put all our food away. All of it except for maaaaaybe the brownies, Crunch N Munch & drinks we'd brought in to help us survive the night if the rain hadn't let up. {{Hey, there were two moms & 5 kids... it was necessity!}} I'll admit it, we were pretty creeped out right away. We suspected javelinas, but the night plays tricks on the mind & neither of us really knew that much about javelinas. And, what if it was something else?! I got brave enough to open the zipper on the screen door about 3 inches to try and peek outside very quietly. I didn't see a thing because after a second of putting my face close to the small opening I was repelled back by a strong skunk smell. It took over the tent & Rose said {{as I was thinking it}} that it smelled like rotted garlic mixed with skunk! We had NO idea javelinas smelled SO, SO bad! A frantic text message to KGB revealed that javelinas do indeed have a musky scent they use to identify each other eased a bit of nerves, but it didn't help much when we heard a strange sort of animal cry was heard 3 times, each time quickly coming closer and closer to the front of the tent! Full on freak out ensued! We whispered a plan to make some noise and on the count of three we clapped our hands like crazy ladies. {{All the while, kids sleeping like eminent doom wasn't creeping up on us all!!}} It seemed to work, because we only heard the noise once more at which time I blew a whistle. Still, Rose & I were up until at least 2 am talking and trying to calm down. Adventure, because we survived! Haha!

Flying javelinas, had the last laugh I'm sure!

Click to enlarge!

The lake was picturesque & I love this picture I took!

I ♥ this picture of my handsome Travis.

My boys!

Got this one on my camera phone. It's special.

Boys, being wonderful boys!

Hurricane!

Divas love camping too!

Took My Travis To Work Day

2011-07-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

This was a pretty eventful day. We started out early at Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center, or GRPSTC, where Travis helped me schlep stuff in for my department's table. Then the real fun began. We got a lesson in Continuous Chest Compression, met Ado - the very adorable and hard working police dog, saw a $250k robot used in potential bomb situations, got a close look at a police motorcycle, played various games, toured the Emergency Operations Center, had a nice visit with Grandma at EMS, learned about the importance of sun safety & most impressively... planned our own cities.

A little game I made for the kids so they could plan their own city. Shout out to clip art in Word AND my co-workers who helped me cut all the pieces you see here times 100!

Travis and some of the goodies he got in his swag bag.

Travis & I at the Planning Department Table

Travis, Officer ? & Ado.

You don't want him to pull you over!

Travis with a bomb robot.

Travis in the Emergency Operations Center. (Totally underwhelmed)

Making a map on Mommy's PC.

Plotting his map.

I think maybe he'll follow in my footsteps?!

A cool treat to end the day.

Time alone with my 2nd baby is priceless! His favorite part of the day was when Ado showed us how he *does work* by clamping down on an officer's heavily protected arm. He liked the motorcycle too, but when I asked him if he'd rather be a police officer with a motorcycle or one with a dog & a car, he picked the car. He told Grandma that's just *safety*! Ah, my boy. Love his squishy cheeks somehow even more today then I did yesterday .
♥

Keira's Style

2011-07-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Keira put this outfit together today &

she just looked so cute.

What outfit is complete without a JB bag?

Maybe I should have her style me for work tomorrow?

Crawfish!

2011-07-10T20:15:00.000-07:00

I haven't gotten off this kick yet,

so here's another.

It's so delicious, I almost want to eat some!

Oh Elvis! (You could never be evil!)

2011-07-08T22:32:00.000-07:00

I got to thinking about this scene from King Creole and thought I should share it. Enjoy!!

♥I will always love this guy!!♥

July 4th

2011-07-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day, America!

Jess & Nate

Our Cuties

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

♥

Cha Cha Changes!

2011-06-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

We've recently made some changes

in our household.

Tyler found a new identity.

Keira graduated to a

high back booster seat.

Minna (mean-uh) has jokingly been renamed

*Sparkles*

Courtesy of Keira & Travis.
{{She's content to answer to any name,
as long as you say it in a happy tone & rub her belly.}}

And.....

My rosemary has taken a turn for the worse.

Is there a use for sun-dried rosemary?
:/

I ♥ Houses

2011-06-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

I have this thing for houses.

I even dream about them! In fact, my most commonly reoccurring dream is one where we're moving into a new house & I get to explore, finding the {{sometimes hidden}} rooms & the amazing layouts. It's really never the same house, but the theme is always the same.

I can't even let myself click past HGTV on work nights, because if House Hunters happens to be on, I often end up being awake past my bed time. If they happen to be looking at a rustic country home in Italy {{like this one}}... forget about it! I can't even blink, much less close my eyes to sleep!

Homey features I especially love and covet are mud rooms, Arizona rooms, basements, and homes located on large property... perhaps fronting a lake. Oh, and fireplaces that are flesh with the floor and reach up high past your head. I think I saw that in an episode of The Tudors?

My favorite house are old and therefore have a story and great character.

Previously, I blogged about the house that is believed, by some, to have inspired "The Great Gatsby" & lamented the fact it was set to be demolished.

Yesterday I saw that the house from the movie, "Marley & Me" is up for sale. This house totally stood out to me in the movie.

I'm off to mine our couches for 1.5 million,

so I can buy this little beauty!

♥

Too Much Painting

2011-06-19T21:52:00.000-07:00

Recent decoration discussions with a SIL lead me to paint a wall in the boys' room this weekend. One wall, with a nook. A soft grey for most of said wall and an olive'ish green (actually named gecko green) for the back wall of the nook. A quart of each color. It turns out I need about a half a cup more of the grey to finish tough spots in the nook, but I'm just too tired and paint fume headed to do it this weekend. I promise MYSELF that I'll finish it up this week, one night after work. Once I buy the paint, it should be really quick and easy to finish. I'm just hoping the kids don't peel the blue tape off so I don't have to redo that before I can put this project to bed!

I wasn't the only one painting this weekend. The kids each had a paint project. One bird house, one wind chime and one bird house wind chime combo! It was really cute watching the earnest concentration and love that went into their work. Too bad I was too groggy headed after spraying on sealant to remember to take an afer picture! Duh.

Today was spent with my handsome Daddy & a whole bunch of other family celebrating the fathers in our lives.

I sure ♥ this guy!

And a BIG shout-out to my baby daddy who wasn't able to join us for the fun. I'm thankful for the hard work he does to take care of us, weekends and all.

♥♥♥

Keira's Good Day Song

2011-06-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Keira learned this at her school.

It's better than coffee in the morning!

♥

Eastman Family Fun Day

2011-06-15T21:52:00.000-07:00

I just spent the most lovely day with my sweet family.

We spent a day at Wet 'n Wild enjoying the Arizona sun and nice, cool, heavily chlorinated {{Thank God}} water! Unfortunately, I didn't get many pictures of that. For it's own protection, the camera spent most of our time there in the locker. I did, however, get pictures of Nathan & the kids enjoying a pit stop on our way home.

At the water park, the kids loved the wave pool the very most. They love to jump the waves. We also spent a great deal of time at the kiddie land, which if I ever get rich I will have replicated in my back yard because it is just too fun. One element of it is this giant bucket that gets filled up with gallons and gallons of water and tips over drenching whoever is under it. Nathan tried to trick me into standing under it, but botched it and I figured out he was up to no good. Travis & Keira both fell for it & thoroughly enjoyed their soakings.

After a quick stop at Baskin Robbins, we were home. It wasn't long before Nathan & I were alseep on the couch. The kids are still (9:40 pm) going strong. Figures!

~ So stylin in our water socks ~

~ Keira's cold in 110 weather ~

~ Waiting for Daddy & Trabby ~

~ Time for 31 Flavors ~

♥ Yummy chocolate lips ♥

~ He just realized he picked the wrong flavor ~

~ Spoiled Babies! (Daddy did it) ~

Rosemary

2011-06-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

There’s rosemary and rue. These keep

Seeming and savor all the winter long.

Grace and remembrance be to you.
- William Shakespeare (Winter’s Tale, Act 4, Scene 4)

I love this herb and I'm hoping it loves me.

Potted yesterday & still in fair shape when I got home today. Hopefully it will last through to winter so I can add savor to my dishes then. The Lord knows it's tough being holed up inside for an AZ winter without some savory dishes.

My Idea of Summer

2011-06-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Brenda & Tristan invited us to their new house for a BBQ Saturday.

My assignment was to bring dessert & I knew just what to make!

It's probably some neurotic condition or something, but I get fixated on trying to induce feelings of what I think seasons {{events, holidays, dates, GNO's, First Days of School, etc.}} should be like and it always starts with me picturing what the purest, most warm and fuzzy element of said event should be. Usually it involves food. {{I'll just come out and admit that now.}} Anywho... this year, Summer looks like chocolate cake. At some time in my past there was a book and in the story Minnie Mouse makes and packs up a chocolate cake for a picnic with Mickey Mouse. Something about that cake stuck with me and for whatever reason resurfaced as what the Summer of 2011 should be.

So, I googled recipes for chocolate cake & chocolate frosting and came up with this cake & this frosting. They are both very simple and easy to do & use very basic ingredients, but turn out fantastic!

Pizza Picnic

2011-06-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

My kids had the great idea to eat our take out pizza

at the park by our house.

How kids "play" at the park these days!

{My kids have FANTASTIC ideas!}

Waiting On Our Dinner

2011-04-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

Disney & Stars

2011-04-14T20:14:00.000-07:00

Keira has this night light that projects stars & the moon onto the ceiling. It's really quite comforting and serene.

Last night, as her & I lay on our backs looking at the sight, I pointed up and jokingly said that I saw Pluto. She said, "I see the moon!" We giggled a little and decided Daddy should join us. So we went and found him and brought him back to the bed to lay with us.

After a second Keira says, "I see Goofy!" I started laughing so hard it took me a second to explain to Nathan... earlier when I said I saw Pluto, Keira must have thought I was talking about Mickey Mouse's puppy friend. So precious!

Girl can't help it if she has Disney on the brain, because we were just there!!

We went the first weekend of April with our cousins, Mia & Aaron! We spent 3 days at Disneyland and made a stop at Huntington Beach on the way home. It was an adventure in so many ways. There was very little down time & there's hardly a bathroom at Disneyland we didn't visit because, well no one ever had to go potty at the same time.

The two little ones, Keira & Aaron, really enjoyed the Tea Cups {Aaron' called it the Coffee ride, too cute!}, Finding Nemo's Submarine & Francis' Lady Bug Boogie. Spinning in circles while spinning in circles just isn't my thing {I turn green} so Mia took the kids on those a few times each. I did do the submarine once, and did okay, but passed on the second round. Mia was a super-trooper on that one.

Travis got to enjoy some of the "bigger" rides for the first time this round. He did The Tower of Terror, Indiana Jones, Thunder Mountain Railroad & loved them all. He also talked me into going on Mickey's Fun Wheel, in a moving gondola! We lived, so it was fun.

Tyler utilized the Single Rider option to ride the Grizzly River Run, over and over. Somehow, what started out as a solo endeavor turned into him meeting a girl and the two of them managing to get placed on the same raft for multiple rides down the river. {Time to rub some ugly on his face, huh?}

Huntington Beach was fabulous. The weather was warm, but not enough to make the sand hot... just perfect. The water was really cold, but Tyler jumped right in and jumped waves like he was born in a coastal city. Travis got dunked by a wave and ended up soaked as well, but his favorite part was picking up seashells. Keira & Aaron loved the sand toys. Mia & I enjoyed fantasising that we could spend the day laying lazily on the beach soaking up all the goodness.

Then it was time to come home.

More Spice Than Sugar

2011-03-31T20:12:00.000-07:00

For just a moment I compared Keira to another little girl at the dentist today. Keira had dressed herself and was wearing a pink tulle pettiskirt, a pink halter top, pink jellies & her sparkly red bolero jacket {{from her Christmas dress}}... a spunky outfit, for a spunky girl. I loved it, although I would have taken Coco's advice and taken the last thing off. The other little girl was wearing a soft, sweet, "safe" outfit with a floral print button blouse, jeans and little maryjanes. Besides fashion choices, these two girls were as different as night and day in their demeanor as well. Keira absolutely loves going to the dentist and walked in with all confidence and flare her outfit deserved. She sat by me for a bit, but was soon across the room playing video games. The other little girl cried the moment her mom opened the door to walk into the dentist. She stuck right next to her mom and whimpered about not wanting to be there. Watching her it struck me that she was the little girl I had always pictured myself having: meek, delicate and a bit of a wall flower... like me. The thing is, two seconds after I realized that, it struck me how much more I love my daughter than I ever loved the one I'd pictured in my head. When God gave me Keira, he gave me a challenge for sure! Keira is fierce. She knows what she wants, when & how she wants it and you should move aside if you're in her way of getting it. My little girl is somewhere in the 15% for her size & age but all 30lbs of her are packed with willpower. She is sooooo not me {I can't make up my mind about anything and I normally just want whatever makes everyone else happy} but, she loves me with the same fierceness that she loves changing her clothes. Just the look in her eyes when she wants me to hold her is enough to make me forget there was ever "another" little girl to begin with.

Check out what $20 in Kohl's cash got us today!

~Keira's dress & my headband!~

+A Science Boy

2011-03-27T20:55:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Mommy-Brag: Tyler brought home his 3rd Quarter Report card & not only did he make honor roll, but he got an +A in Science! We're very proud of him. This kid loves science! He's considering being a Chemist one day.

Our Afternoon

2011-03-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

We had some extra time this afternoon,

so we were silly.

Doesn't this make you smile from ear to ear?

Check out that boy's smile!

Keira saw this & said, "I have bad lips."

Maybe it's her over-use of lip gloss?

♥

Birthday Bonanza

2011-03-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we celebrated

two very special

Birthdays!

Our niece, Aaliyah, turned 8!

This girl is extra special to us.

She's smart, funny & fun to be around!

Brenda crossed to the other side of her 20's!

We sure love this lady with her kind heart and intense love for her family!

Brenda's party included a bevy of handsome guys.

Go figure!

Bike Love

2011-03-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

The kids & I rode our bikes to the park tonight!

Tyler's SO embarrassed that I'm taking his picture... his friends are there.

Keira Ba-nay trying to ride on the grass.

Trabby's trick! You wish you were that cool, don't you?!

My adorable bike!

Dollar Store Discoveries

2011-03-10T20:46:00.000-07:00

Today I followed a tip and took a chance on the dollar store.

I found several things, including what I went there for.

I got these journals & pens.

We'll be taking these to Disneyland with us, so the little ones can collect autographs! The 3 pens {{Yes, they work! Bonus!}} came in one pack and so the total on what you see here was only $4! Compare that to $6+ per autograph book at Disneyland and I think I did pretty well. Hey, I can bring in my own pens and notebooks... NOT, my own delicious corn dogs and churros! Got to save money for the stuff that matters.

I also found these adorable birdies & this wooden "Welcome" sign.

It looks so cute and cost $3 total! I'm totally fixated on birds lately, so this was a super lucky find.

Last, but not least, I found this song. Turn it up, this is GOOD stuff!

It was playing in the store as I collected my goodies. Hearing it was an unexpected visit from a dear old friend.

I ♥ me some Carly Simon just as much as I ♥ me a good deal!

March 9th

2011-03-09T18:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got a reminder in my email that today would be my Grandma Simpson's birthday. It said I should remember to send her a card. Well, postage to heaven is "sky high" these days so I thought I'd give her a shout-out on here instead.

Grandma, your life was so precious. You were a beautiful, Godly woman. Almost daily I think of you, when I think about what kind of wife and mother I want to be. Not that you were perfect & you'd be the first to say you weren't... that none of us are as a matter of fact! But, your heart was in the job & pity the fool who might try to get in your way. When I'm feeling down I remember your strength and resolve to truly be your granddaughter and power on.

Thank you for loving Jesus & thank you for the legacy you knitted for me and my children (and their children) to hold on to as we face new days full of uncertainty and the harsh realities of this world.

Since I don't have a picture with you on your last birthday here, I'm adding a picture of my last birthday with you. I really can't explain how happy I was to see you at my parent's house that night for dinner. I hadn't known you'd be there.... although I should have known! You didn't miss much if you could help it. It was the sweetest of surprises and really made my night complete.

♥

If I Hit it BIG...

2011-03-09T10:07:00.000-07:00

If I won the lottery (big time) today, I would buy this house and find a way to save it!

It would be our family's summer home & you'd be invited to come stay a week or two with us.

I'd have it restored to it's former glory.

When you came to visit, we'd all dress in white.

Wouldn't it be lovely?

Instead, this home is going to be demolished.

Boo to reality!

Life

2011-03-04T14:42:00.000-07:00

"Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect. We take what we get and are thankful it's no worse than it is."

~ Ashley Wilkes, Gone With the Wind.

Oh, Life! What a two-faced friend you are. I woke up this morning thinking you were splendid and with a song in my heart I set out thinking this would be a good day. Come to find out, you'd been running around causing grief for people I love before my alarm even woke me up.

My heart is so heavy. Still, God IS Good & that's what matters. It does make days like this "livable" but it sure doesn't make them any more fun.

Keira Cuts

2011-02-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

So, Keira cut her own hair!

Some people thought this was pretty funny &

wanted to see pictures, so I shall oblige.

We talked with our Stylist about how it's important to go to school before you start cutting hair.

♥♥♥

2011-02-15T21:44:00.000-07:00

Developing the art of collaboration,

It's dinner and a movie and a baby or two.

Now we are in the midst of a revelation, mm-hmm,

We're doing what a modern world said we could not do.

And even when our love is mellow and aging,

Oh, even when we're old and wise,

And we know then what we don't know now,
Well, I know I'll still be

Sure enough to never want to be without you!

(Sure Enough, Amy Grant)

♥ From my Valentine ♥

Part of my outreach program :
Cupcakes 4 CoWorkers

My First attempt at Crayon Hearts.

♥ Travis was anxious to receive his Valentines at school and find out if he had a "secret admirer." He wrote "Love, Travis" on one, just one, little girl's Valentine.

♥ Tyler's class got to watch "It's Valentine's Day Charlie Brown at school & he got a Valentine Gram from a special friend.

♥ Keira talked Daddy into taking her to Wal-Mart & buying her new shoes and a pink bouncy ball.

Beautiful Friday, Beautiful Children

2011-02-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

♥ I sure love coming home to these babies! ♥

Keira had a "Friendship Party" at her school today.

Travis transforms into an Army Man the moment he gets home.

Tyler's taking a cupcake to his friend.

Tyler's Weekend

2011-02-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

In my family (The Selph's) no one's birthday is celebrated for less than one week. Some Birthday's {{BRENDA}} have been known to go on for the whole month. This blog entry is dedicated to detailing the fun & festivities surrounding Tyler's 11th Birthday, as they have taken place so far. Since Daddy had to work all weekend, there will be more fun to come later this week.

The fun began on Thursday. What's a Birthday without a new hair-cut? Nothing really, so not long after I got home from work, the kids & I set out to get the boys' hair cut. Here's Tyler mid-cut. Back when his dad was 11 (or 21) this would have been the end of the cut! Ha!

Then we were hungry!

But Travis, was very un-Travis & couldn't pick what to eat. He cried instead.

Sometime after we order I am racked with fear thinking maybe Travis has a nasty stomach bug that I've heard has been going around. I'm thinking how craptastic it's going to be if he chucks in the restaurant. Or on the way home in, Daddy's truck. Well, at least it wasn't mine! We got home without any chuckage & Travis went to bed with no problems. (Turns out, he is getting new molars = CRAZY!)

Then Friday came. While our boys were at school & Daddy was sleeping, Keira and I set out on a mission to find Tyler's present. We hit up Ross & Famous Footwear with no luck. But we struck it big at JCPenney's where we not only found shoes, shirts & pants for Tyler... we also found a coupon for $15 off! Score one for the girls' team shopping powers! Oh, and we actually saw a roach hop out of a woman's bag and onto the floor where she proceeded to stop it & mumble some excuses. Tummy-turning awkwardness.

That night we had an impromptu Birthday meal for Tyler. My Momma, Sisters & Daddy all helped me lay out a feast big enough for an 11 year old. We made meatballs, spaghetti, garlic bread, Cesar salad & green beans. Yum-Yum! We also had a blueberry Jello-cake & sherbet with a round of "Happy Birthday Dear Tyler!" And, what do the Selph/Eastman's do to burn off all that delicious food?

Dance I tell you, Dance!

*Warning, the following video may not be suitable for all audiences. If you are opposed to getting your grove on, or watching others shake what their Mommas gave them, please end your viewing at 01:13. Otherwise: shake it down shake it down, down... shake it down shake it down-now-now!*

Some day, someone will get smart {mean} enough to record me dancing. Until then, I'll continue to kick all their booties off camera and remain an unsung hero. Honestly, I beat them all. Several dance-offs.

Saturday night Brenda & I took Tyler to see "True Grit" at AMC Westgate. Man that was a good movie. If you haven't seen it, you should. There are slower parts where you have to pay attention to follow long conversations, but there is also much humor, gun-slinging fantasmia, and lovable, old & dorky cowboys. Just a great movie. After the movie we went over to Gordon Beirsch for some seriously serious garlic fries and salads. We also saw a DeLorean in the parking lot. I wish I'd thought to go Back to the Future when Tyler was a baby. Instead, I got this poor quality picture:

I desperately need to get a new camera!

On Sunday, Tyler's actual Birthday, we started things out right with Tyler's breakfast of choice: McDonald's. McMuffins were followed by a shopping spree at Super Target where Tyler selected several more items of clothing. His taste is a little eclectic, but you know if anyone can pull off a Shaun White shirt and camo shorts, it's Tyler. {{Or maybe I just let him pick his own clothes to keep the girls away?}} We ended our day with more incredible food & my Dad's Italian Creme Cake while we enjoyed the Superbowl & found a kitty for Brenda & Tristan to adopt. Tyler was the adoption agent and did a fantastic job. He'll miss seeing his kitty friend running around our street, but the kitty has a great home and Tyler will have visits to look forward too.

I'm proud of my boy. He's friends with everyone, even when his friends aren't friends with each other. He works hard in school and always earns much praise from his teachers for being a kind and thoughtful guy. Tyler has turned into quite an animal lover with one dog, a gecko and a goldfish who rely on him for most of their care. His gentle heart has room for more animal friends & he often talks about pets of his future. While Tyler is quite often annoyed beyond belief by his little brother, he is still very protective of him when it counts the most. He dotes on his baby sister with patience.

This time of year I always think back on what it was like for Nathan & I to bring home our first baby. He was so little that even his smallest sleeper was ridiculously large and hung from his feet. We put him on our bed and sat and looked at him for the longest time. He was such a mysterious little creature. Eleven years later, he's not so little but still such a sparkle in our eyes.

♥

Weekend Review

2011-01-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for work this last Friday was made "special" when I went to start up my blow dryer and it just wouldn't start. The reset button had popped out and would not go back in. I'm sure there was some reason for this & maybe it kept my house from catching fire or something, but it sure did stink! I had to go to work with wet hair & a head cold. Turns out 2 of my friends on FB also had their blow dryers go out while getting ready that day! Weird, huh? Turns out that Ulta sent me one of the coveted 20% off coupons and they were also having a sale on blow dryers. {{Did Ulta pull off some master plan to bring more customers in this weekend? You be the judge.}} Anyhow, thanks to my coupon & a gift card left over from my birthday {{♥ Hubby & Kids ♥}} I was able to purchase a new one. Keira picked out the one in the picture. She also picked out a nail polish, quite an affair in itself, and I gave her a mani/pedi when we got home. A full-service mani/pedi complete with a foot soak, exfoliating scrub, lotion massage and these PINK piggies.

((You may noticed that Keira painted my nails. And she has my hands! Sad for her, fun for me!))

Today was made special by a family battle at Gold Fish. Errr, Go Fish. Team Trab & Dad beat The Grilz Team by 3. This was a family first so it was pretty funny to try and explain the concept to the little ones. The cards are so darn big, it was hard for little hands to keep them all organized and held in one hand without showing their cards.

On the big kid front, Tyler's been schooling me on the art of CoD Black Ops. We did two player split screen, even though I can hardly see what's what. Tyler's proud of me though. He said, "We need more girls on here, Mom."

Nathan & I spent some quality time together in Azeroth. ♥ Ah, Romance.

My Shadow

2011-01-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

My Keira likes to do whatever I'm doing. If I'm doing laundry, she's there helping me load it into the dryer & all over that "Start" button. If I'm going shopping, after we come to an agreement {through MUCH negotiation} on what's okay to wear & what shoes to wear it with, we are out the door and out looking for deals & pretty things that sparkle. If I'm on the computer, she's either on my lap or playing on the floor next to me. She is almost always with me, and we like it that way!

Sunday, I was cozy in my bed reading my book & here she was next to me, "reading" hers.

I sure ♥ my little shadow.

2011-01-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Today I discovered FotoFlexer & using these adorable frames that I got as freebies from Shabby Blogs I was able to make this:

It was pretty easy too. Isn't the internet nifty?!

Long Weekends

2011-01-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

I always make grand plans for long weekends. I very seldom do anything I planned. This last long weekend was no exception. I had planned to scrub my house from top to bottom, but instead I spent precious time with my darling family. The kids & I started out Friday right with our ritual Super Target shopfest. Saturday night we went to my parent's for dinner & Mom made Brenda's special request, lasagna. It was delightful! Sunday we tanked up at SuperSalad in honor of my Grandpa's 80th birthday & then spent some time back at his place. Monday us girls (sisters, sister-cousins & Aunt) had planned to visit Dolceland but we were too late with our planning and it didn't really work out. So instead I read, gamed & read some more with loads of laundry in-between. After that was done I had to pick up after Travis & Keira's day of destruction & then it was time for bed. *Insert more reading!* Plans are nice, but sometimes not following the plan works out well too. ♥

Me & My Book OCD

2011-01-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Oh a whim, I decided to try and find a book to read while on my lunch break today. I'm lucky in that I work right next to a public library, it's great. Returning is never a problem as I know I'll be in the "area" five days a week.

So today I went and started at my usual starting point, New Releases. Nothing struck my fancy so I moved onto the closest row, Fiction, and up & down I went. I am SO a judge the book by it's cover girl. It's wrong, I know. But, I have some fantasy expectation that the perfect book, by the perfect author will have the perfect cover. Enough to pull me in. Anyhow, it's not long before I'm passing the large selection of "The Cat Who..." books by Lilian Jackson Braun. I am always soooo annoyed by these books, for no reason except all I can picture is some lady who can't think of anything better to write about than cats, which she must have at least 20 of. Don't get me wrong, I like cats. Just not in a "cat lady" way. I skip past these books, mocking them in my mind, and move on. Before long I'm running out of time and discouraged, acknowledging to myself that judging books by their covers doesn't really make sense or benefit me. Coming to grips with that, I move onto my next mental dilemma I always encounter when trying to chose a book: I'm looking for Gone With The Wind, IV. Of course, no such book exists. You see, I've read Margaret Mitchell's classic and both of the unauthorized sequels. I just want more. Besides wanting a fantastic cover, I want a fantastically complicated romance {NOT a Romance Novel} set in a time of big, floating dresses with stifling corsets, gentlemen, carpetbaggers, grand balls, war, & cotton. I don't know why I'm so fixated on it. I have read, and enjoyed pleanty of other books. Only, none quite as much. By the I get done thinking about all I want, but can not have, I'm almost to the end of one side of Fiction and almost out of time. Suddenly, I catch glimps of a book who's cover looks very much like the ones from those darn cat books & I'm irked, thinking the "library gods" are mocking me. It shouldn't even be here, Braun books are back 3 aisles ago! Picking up the book I read the title, "The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun: A Parody." I almost squealed in delight! I took it as a sign that at least one other person was as irritated by the cat book lady as I was. Maybe the "library gods" didn't hate me? Well, the author of this book's last name begun with a K and so before long I was at the M's. As I was getting ready to head back to work without a book, there it was, my beloved Gone With The Wind. I picked it up. It's been a while and besides, why not give it another read? I'm validated when the Librarian glances at my selection and says,

"Oh, you're going to read The book!"

Yes, I am! For the second time!

Funny side note: The cover is different this time. I sure hope it doesn't mess up the story!

Ode to My Lost Diet Coke

2011-01-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

I bought you in Wal-mart. For hours I had craved your crisp refreshment. In the check-out lane, I waited. I waited for the cashier to ring up everyone with smokes in another lane. At last, it was my turn to buy you. I put you down to be rung up first. Then I did not put you in a bag, oh no. You sat in the front of the cart, right next to my purse. Then came the groceries. Those stupid groceries. They went into my car first, while you had to wait. At last, the groceries were stowed away, snug in the back of my sport utility vehicle. I thought I grabbed you when I grabbed my purse. I got into my seat, put on my driving slippers and backed out of my space. I pulled out onto Glendale Avenue, mouth watering with anticipation of the way your bubbles would burn my nose on my first sip. But, you were gone. You were not there. I'm sorry, 20 oz bottle of Diet Coke. I must have left you in the cart. You were probably cold and lonely. I failed you. I failed my thirst. I am sorry!

Kinterviews, Part One

2011-01-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

What would you do if...
(Make sure you watch in 720p, it's much better!)

Attitude Adjustment Weather

2011-01-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was colder than I've been in a long time. At work I had my jacket on and my little space heater most of the day. When I got home, it was cold there too. I got under my heated blanky for a while, took a hot shower and then found warmth under my Snuggie. {don't hate on Snuggies}

When the boys & I went outside to leave for school/work there seemed to be more frost on the windows and I thought for sure today would be an even colder day than yesterday.

Then, lunch time came. I was able to take off my jacket & drive around Downtown Glendale with my moonroof open an put my windows down. It was cool still, but not cold. And it was beautiful outside!

What's the big deal? Nothing really. It's colder in other states. It's warm in other parts of the world. It's just that today is one of the days when everything outside feels, looks, smells wonderful. It is one of the days I can truly say I love where I live. It was attitude-adjusting weather. Just what I needed.

Happy NY! 2010

2011-01-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Someone should probably take the Flip away from me! This could be bad.

2010

2011-01-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

♥ 2010 ♥

Top 10 Reasons I Love Being Married to Nathan

2009-10-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

In honor of our 10th wedding Anniversary,

which is fast approaching,

I made a "Top Ten" list of reasons why I love being married to Nathan.

10. He "lets me" decorate our room in Shabby Chic! ;)

9. He gave me PINK sapphires!!

8. Sometimes when I'm so mad I want to hit him, he makes me laugh instead.

7. He has the craziest sense of humor, OH MY!!!

6. He drives a sexy truck!

5. When he's working nights, he calls me every night & before me & the kids leave in the morning.

4. He works SO HARD for his family! (And his uniform.... oh yeah!! LOVE IT!)

3. He has over-come mountains!

2. He is the BEST Daddy to our babies.

1. He loves me. He loves me.

What a blessing it is, to find someone on this planet who chooses to become family with you. Of all the people, in all the world, we chose take a chance on each other. Pros & Cons! Some days, I just can't get over that part! It's amazing.

My BFF turned 30!!

2009-09-23T20:03:00.000-07:00

On the 14th my BFF (since we were in the 8th grade) turned 30! We went to Roman's Oasis in to do some Country dancing.

It was supposed to be a surprise, but Adriane is a butt-head (you can say that about your best friend since 8th grade) and found out early what the plan was.

That's okay, it was a lot of fun anyhow. I hope she knows how special she is!!

Keira Turned 3!

2009-09-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is really late, but man have we been busy! Anyhow, my sweet baby girl turned 3 on September 13th! We had a small family party at a park in my parent's neighborhood. It was a little warm, but otherwise a great night! Her theme (after much consideration) was Tinkerbell. I made her a purple tutu and got her a tink shirt to wear. Auntie Brenda brought her a pair of wings that Brenda's sister-in-law (does that make her my sister-in-law in any way, because I really would like to have her as one?!) gave her for Keira. It was the perfect accessory. She truly looked like a little fairy fluttering around the park. She enjoyed the slides and the swings... swings are her favorite.

Things I Love, Part One - {{Pictures}}

2009-09-10T20:54:00.000-07:00

I love playing with the "classic" photo setting on my new camera. I spent a little time last night snapping shots of some things I love in Keira's room:

Of course I love Keira:

A Martha Stewart Mobile I made for Keira's Room:

A little jewelry box that belonged

to my Granny, my Great-Grandmother Britton.
{Miss her!}

A beautiful clock my Nana made for me, dated: 09/29/09 ~

My 3rd Birthday!

Selphish ~ Purses By Emily

2009-08-31T20:04:00.001-07:00

A Tutu for Keira!

2009-08-26T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is my first attempt to make a tutu for my

Princess Keira!

I did okay!

Is that a pita in your pocket?

2009-08-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

Another great find from MP!

Check the link out here: Pita Pocket Link

I'd like to take a bowl of cilantro jalapeno hummus to this, but that would be bad. And dumb. Maybe I'll just get one and stuff it with greens.

{dollar dollar bills ya'll}

Maybe Emily [my littlest baby sister] could make some of these to go with her purse line. Something reflecting part of our heritage. Or all of it? Something along the lines of a "Hardtack Indian Fry Satchel?" What would that look like?!

{new} Pink Picture Taker Fun

2009-08-24T22:06:00.000-07:00

My camera was broken for too long. Now I have a new, pretty pink one! Best of all I'm snapping memories once again! This puts me in the best mood! Here's the picture blog of my first day out and about with my new pink picture taker!

1st: I try to perfect my pucker pout, aka : myspace lips.

Yeah, I'll keep working on it.

2nd: I accidentally take a picture of my coworker eating his lunch and it's pretty cool:

3rd: I take a picture of my totally fab purse made by my very own littlest baby sister, Emily. She's calling her line Selphish! Adorable!! 4th: {Finally!} I come home to find 3 little monkeys, I mean babies, playing on my bed. I lay down with them and get this great shot... on the 1st try! Lucky day for a lucky Momma!
This is by far my favorite moment of the day!

Last: I bake, which is what I do. These are pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting!

Thank you for sharing my day with me!

Just because MY kids can do it...

2009-08-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

After church this afternoon, me and the kids stopped at our neighborhood Safeway to pick up some items for tonight's dinner. We started out in the dairy/cookie isle. While I was picking out a block of motzerlla cheese and having an internal debate about weither shredding it myself would really save enough money to be worth the extra effort, Travis had run down to the end of the isle, Spiderman style. I picked up my cheese and proceeded to walk down the isle towards my little superhero when I walked passed a lady and a young boy about 4 or 5 who were in the isle with us. As I'm walking by she takes her kid by the shoulder and says, "Just because he [pointing at Travis] can.." And that's all I heard.

Instantly this lady is my sworn enemy! I loath her. How dare she point at MY angle boy and use him as an example of how not to be?! How can she look at that face, with those big, blue eyes and think anything but that he should be able to do whatever he wants!? Does she not know he is perfectly perfect?!?! I do my best to keep my mouth shut and finish my shopping. I go pick out a soft, fresh garlic bread loaf, a lite Cesar salad kit and some Hansen's soda to enjoy with our dinner. And by the time I'm loading my groceries into my SUV I realize the only logical conclusion I can come to: She just must have been saying to her child, "Just because he can be the cutest kid on the planet, doesn't mean you can be to."

What kind of a mother would say that to her child?!

If you're crazy and you know it, drive like this:

2009-08-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

This technique was demonstrated to me today by a gentleman (not a senior citizen) driving an old Benz with stuffed animals clogging up the back window:

1. When approaching an intersection with a green light, STOP and look both ways. Then proceed through.

2. When approaching the next intersection with a 4 way stop, do not stop until you are half way through that intersection. At which point, stop just long enough to look insane and then be on your way.

I may try this some time.

First I have to raid my kids' stuffed animal toy box.

Travis says...

2009-08-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

that one of his teachers (not his regular one) "talks funny." He said she talks like an alien.

On the other hand, he remembered his teacher's name tonight! Progress!!

Well...

2009-08-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

The first two days of school went well!

This year Tyler gets to use an agenda where he has to log all assignments, including homework, and I have to sign over it each night. At first he was a bit frustrated with that, but tonight he told me he really likes it. I'm glad he's finding pleasure in organization! [Maybe he can teach me how to apply it better to my life!]

Here's an example of Tyler's humor that I love so much: Yesterday I had to fill out a paper for his teacher saying what subjects I think he enjoys or does well in and tid bits about his personality. I put that Tyler loves learning science, about animals and about space. And, that he is pretty good at math and getting better at spelling/writing. Well today Tyler tells me that I should have written that he's dyslexic and does really bad at social studies, math and science. [WHY, you ask?!] So that his teacher would've been really surprised with his improvement this year! Ha-ha-ha! That's my Tyler.

Travis is having a good time, from all accounts. He just doesn't want to go back?! Silly boy. Nathan told me that he's coming home wiped out... all day Kinder does that to a boy. I heard his BFF, Toby, is having the same issue! So far all I know is that they sing the "Days of the Week" song and that he gets to play on the playground. Hopefully I'll be able to get more out of him by the end of the week.

Here's a picture my bestie got of our two big boys on their first day of school!

They're bringing cuteness back!

Brudders' Big Day

2009-08-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow this baby goes to his first day of Kindergarten

& this little boy goes to his first day of 4th grade!

The day we brought Travis home from the hospital, Tyler told him, "I won't let anything happen to you." I hope Tyler looks out for his little brother tomorrow. It will make my day a little easier.

Here are most recent pictures:

Tyler Matthew [9] & Travis Andrew [5]

Tyler needs some cash, quick!

2009-07-27T20:58:00.000-07:00

Tyler recently saw a new air soft gun he wants really bad. He's been cleaning extra to try and earn more allowance. And, he told Nathan he wants a "Cash Advance" on his allowance. What?!? We (of course) ask Tyler where he learned about cash advances. His answer: Mr. Crabs! From Sponge Bob. Hahahaha!

You can't say Sponge Bob isn't informative!

"If you wash your body"

2009-07-13T20:50:00.001-07:00

[This blog was written a few nights ago. I think the children went all WWE on eachother before I could post and I forgot until now!]

Tonight Keira told me that I'm beautiful.

Then while getting ready for bed (brushing teeth, putting on pj's) Travis & Keira were singing "If you wash your body" to the tune of Rod Stewart's "If you want my body." Daddy must have come up with that while giving them a bath earlier today. I love it. He is a sweet Daddy to my babies. Sweet, with a little twist! ;)

Now all 3 are crying... something to do with the x-box and wanting attention and us all just being very tired. It is SO bed time.

Good-night!

Walk & Warner

2009-07-08T21:57:00.001-07:00

Walks-
I made myself take a walk at work today to try and wake-up. As I rounded the first corner of the park I thought about how great exercise is and how I wish I had magic to make myself be addicted to it. THEN I thought, "Duh, Self. If you had magic you could make yourself skinny/healthy and wouldn't NEED exercise." [this is how my brain works!]

Warner-
As in Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals, 2009 NFC Champions!

Yeah, this guy! Me, Emily, Tyler, Travis & Keira got to meet him tonight! He and his wife, Brenda, just released a new book "First Things First" and they were doing a book signing at the Family Life Christian Bookstore here in Phoenix. We waited in a pretty good sized line but it was fun. We got to chat with MP & mini MP. :) I didn't get a picture of me by them, it got sort of hectic at that point. But, you CAN see my arm as proof I was there! Travis got a high five too, pretty cute. A night to remember for sure! And I have a new book to read!

I just wish I would've told him thank you for the most exciting football season ever. That season was such an amazing ride! I hope this years is amazing too!

Talk About a Hero!

2009-07-01T22:04:00.000-07:00

This construction worker hung from a chain, hooked to a crane, to rescue this poor lady who was stuck in a dam, after several failed attempts from a fire fighter rescue crew. I'd say this guy has earned some bragging rights. But so far, he's been pretty modest. This is a very impressive picture though. Had to share!

Read more of the story!

Moonwalker

2009-06-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson

1958-2009

And when the groove is dead and gone (yeah)

You know that love survives

So we can rock forever, on

~ Rock With You

Took My Boy To Work

2009-06-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Every year my work hosts a "Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day." I used to go with my Daddy & now I get to take my kids, as soon as they turn 8 years old! This year was Tyler's second time going & we had an extra special time. We toured one of the City's water treatment plants, which was fun but so very hot! Then we went to tour Transit. We got to see a bunch of equipment and see a training room where the technicians are trained on any imaginable situation that might come up with the street signals. For lunch, Tyler got to join me and my division co-workers at Yard House at Westgate. [Here me & MP kept a look-out for a certain ML, who was no where to be found. #7!!]

Our last tour of the day was at the channel 11 studio, which is at Westgate just north of where the Cardinal's play, Jobing.com Arena. Here Tyler actually got to help record a mini kids' show! Tyler wasn't up for being in front of the camera, so the first shoot he was a camera man & the second he was a boom mic operator! He took his job seriously and it was just ADORABLE! Maybe a job in tv in his future? :)

The day ended with a raffle prize drawing and Tyler won the grand prize! The suspense as they read of the first and last of his 3 digit ticket number was unreal! And so was the size of the basket full of Cerreta's candy that he won! It was so big, it was hard for him to hold.

Tyler has said this was "The best day" of his life. I know I'll never forget it!