Wish You Were Here...

Yesterday...my Internet went out for a couple hours. I spent the day working on my to-do list, playing with the kids and reading.

It felt good to unchain myself from my desk and iPad (I have the wifi version) and be more in the moment.

I took a lot of pictures.

I have a new favorite summer drink...working on a name for it, but it's the juice of half a lime, Sprite and lots of ice.

Why We Will Never be on The Amazing Race

For weeks Alex has wanted to climb the hill.  The hill is a little dirt path that Keith and Alex found last year near the Ogden River Parkway path.

Alex has never forgotten the hill.

We decided that Saturday would be the perfect day for a little family outing...breakfast, a walk along the river, climb the hill and as a bonus...we'd try to find our first (and last) geocache!  We started with one that was located at the MTC Ogden Botanical Gardens and was rated easy.

We looked and checked the GPS and sat on a bench and looked.  We looked from the backside and we looked up and we looked down.  iKeith dismantled a stone bench and we still didn't find the cache so we gave up.

The next thing I wanted to look for was a letterbox.  It was called The Arboretum and our clue was

The park entrance is at1750 Monroe Blvd. Park in the lot and find the paved asphalt trail which parallels the Ogden River. Walk toward the east. Leave the trail at the definite bend to the left at the 1/4 mile sign (about 0.4 mile from the parking lot). Walk through the large cottonwood trees on the south side of the trail and find A.A. Bennett’s tree. Then find W.L. Bennett’s tree. Then find SSgt Williams’ three small pines (two bristlecones and one Ponderosa).

The Arboretum letterbox is hiding in the branches of the Ponderosa pine. There are benches in the vicinity to sit on while stamping in.

After having trouble finding the Geocache...iKeith wasn't in the best mood to find the Letterbox and made me trapse around every single cottonwood tree that we came across. I knew where I thought the bend in the trail was but he wouldn't listen to me.

He commented that we should just walk and enjoy the scenery but I explained to him that I'm a Type A person and I need a goal and things to do while I'm hiking so that I feel like I'm accomplishing something.  This is why I thought these treasure hunting activities would be great for me. He rolled his eyes.

The boys hiked the hill while Mallory did this.  She wanted to go home.

Finally...we were able to search for the letterbox.  Here is a vlog of our adventure.  This is also proof that Keith and I should never attempt to go on The Amazing Race together.  We can barely survive looking for treasure and I'm pretty sure he was ready to throttle me when we were done.

Drinking Game while watching my vlog:

Take a sip of your drink each time I say:

• 3 pine trees
• Ponderosa
• Spider

Geocaching is a lot of fun and a good way to sharpen your GPS navigation skills. It's actually modern treasure hunting, except you don't get to keep what you find. With geocaching, you find the "treasure" and replace it with something else. Then you take what you find and place it in another cache. The item is usually some sort of collectible of minor actual value. Very helpful (or not) iPhone App.

Letterboxing is growing hobby that combines elements of hiking, treasure hunting and creative expression into an activity that the whole family can enjoy. Participants seek out hidden letterboxes by following clues that are posted on the Internet , and then record their discovery in their personal journal with the help of a rubber stamp that's part of the letterbox. In addition, letterboxers have their own personal stamps which they use to stamp into the letterbox's log book.

Blast from the Past

I guess some of you are wondering what happened to me.

I've been working on my little project: Operation Move That House. Or something like that.  Yesterday I decided to tackle my craft supplies.  I discovered that I have more fabric and felt than any one person should have and that I thought at one time that I was going to open a stamping store.

I had lots of hard decisions to make regarding my crafting future and purged lots of stuff. I know I love to quilt and make pillows so I kept most of the sewing stuff. And the stamping supplies because you never know....

I also got my new iPhone 4 yesterday and I had to spend some time getting to know my new friend.  I love it...by the way.  And it will probably be my last new toy since soon...my standard of living will be lowered. 

While decluttering yesterday, I came across a photo album from 1994-1995.  It only had a handful of pictures but the one's I saw made memories flood back.

I thought I had destroyed gotten rid of all of the pictures of my ex-husband but this one was hiding out in the album.  This was taken right after I met him and it appears we were at a red neck UFO convention sponsored by Coors Light.

I don't talk about my marriage to Billy very much because it was a really dark,  hard time in my life.  There were times that I didn't think I could live through it and I wanted to end it all.  I thought I was stuck....until the stars aligned and everything fell in place for me to leave and start a new life.

That was 10 years ago.....

Seeing these pictures prompted me to google his name and I was shocked at everything that came up!  Since I saw him at the Las Vegas Airport in the last year he has:

• Applied for a marriage license (but not married).
• Been arrested for Assault in the 3rd degree, menacing and child abuse.
• Re-arrested for violating his restraining order.
• Fathered a baby boy named Charlie.
• Graduated from a community college with a certificate in welding.

And 10 days ago...his baby mama was arrested for contempt.   I had that in spades for him...thank god no one ever caught me!!

I'm counting my lucky stars that I got away from him when I did.  And I'm so sad for little Charlie...2 1/2  months old and his Mom was in jail.

Today...I'm hitting the town with Shannon, Sara to have some drinks (milk for Shannon...she's 8 months pregnant) and see a movie.  I'm completely disgusted that Sex and The City 2 is not long playing in many theaters!  Whatever...

Muddy Feet

There's a boy in the bucket

Dear Liza, Dear Liza

There's a boy in the bucket

Dear Liza...a boy

iKeith's phone interview went great yesterday and they want him to have a second interview (maybe today at 5pm tomorrow at 9am) with another guy! Keep praying and thinking happy thoughts for us!

The Bachelorette: Suicide Watch

The Bachelorette is starting to feel like The Amazing Race meets The Love Connection! Bobbi and I got a little drunk last night because we decided to add a new line to the drinking game.

Every time Kasey says HEART...take a swig of your drink.

Good thing we were drinking Mountain Dew! After the show aired last night some rather upsetting fabulous news broke on twitter. Jake and Vienna have broken up.  I'm guessing that she hasn't become a big star after becoming engaged to Jake and he got tired of her being a tramp.

I wanted to post pictures but ABC is being a jerk and hasn't posted any on their website.  If they do...I'll add them later.

Dear ABC,

This is the second time you've sent a Bachelorette to the frozen tundra and I don't like it one bit.  There are a number of reasons that this troubles me beginning with the ugly hats and parka's that are impossible to pin a rose on, the inevitable extremity (wink wink) shrinkage from the guys going from the hot springs to the freezing cold temperatures to the frozen roses.  Also...dates on donkeys...really?  Poor Craig.

P.S. Thank you for the subtitles on Kasey during the reading of the shitty poetry.
P.P.S. No amount of money that Iceland Tourism paid you will make me what to go there.  Or Turkey.
P.P.P.S. If Justin *Rated R for Ruffian* is the next bachelor...I'm not watching.

Dear Chris Harrison,

Please talk to your people at ABC and tell them these freezing cold locations make for the most unromantic dates ever.  Also...guys writing poetry is lame unless they are doing it of their own accord.

P.S. You're no Dr. Phil.

Dear Chris L,

Dr. Seuss called and he wants his poem back.  I was really impressed that after realizing that riding the donkey wasn't your strong suit...that you found a way to stand out to Ali.  Going in the hole first and then giving her your gloves was a great gesture. I think you will make someone a very good husband someday.

P.S. You are still a bad kisser.

Dear RoBEARto,

Where the heck were you during this episode?   I really like you and I missed you.

P.S. I think you are too hot for Ali.

Dear Frank,

Your poem was very dramatic and heartfelt....too bad it looked like you were copying Kirk. I think it shows huge potential that after getting scolded by Ali, you had an AHA moment and are now on a mission to be Ali's man. This trait is very important in a husband.

P.S. Loved seeing your evil side trying to convince Krazy Kasey to show Ali his tattoo!
P.P.S. I thought it was funny that Ali likes that you think she's smart.

Dear Ty,

Look at you...all take charge cowboy, outdoorsman!  That is very sexy and why Bobbi is now on Team Ty...she's making a shirt and everything.  Love that you got the frozen rose for being a stand up guy.

Dear Kirk,

Loved your poem and that it earned you the one on one date.  I also loved that you have a silly side that was willing to goof off and try on ladies sweaters.  Something tells me that your guilty pleasure is wearing your girlfriend's underwear.  I hope that Ali doesn't have to be vaccinated from your infectious joy for life and your mold poisoning.

P.S.  You inspire me NOT to wear matching sweaters with my husband.
P.P.S. Your sweater looked very pretty on you at the rose ceremony.

Dear Craig,

Your poem was very funny, I really liked it a lot.  And when you rode the donkey...you even got it to trot.  You've made a great impression even though you get lame dates. I have to say the hand drawn tattoo...it really took the cake!

P.S. Why doesn't everyone call you The Lawyer?

Dear Justin,

I don't know what happened this episode...but I don't like you anymore.  I don't really care for your wrestler persona and when you were systematically bullying (it's a real thing...just ask Kelly) Kasey I found it really inappropriate and sad.

P.S. Wearing Ali like a championship belt is not okay.


Dear Krazy Kasey,

I think the reason we can't understand what you're saying is because you have a tiny mouth or you stuck your tongue to a frozen pole as a child.  You're a bit of a wack a doodle and your obsession with loving Ali and protecting her heart is a little....too much.  I felt like the guys needed to put you on suicide watch once you found out that you were going on a date with The Wrestler.  The fact that you love pain, love to love, love to give and love to share makes me think a restraining order is in your future.

P.S. You came, you sang, you got a tattoo!
P.P.S. I don't think your Mom is going to love that tattoo and she might want to have you committed.

Dear Ali,

I couldn't help but think that when Kirk was telling you his incredibly long story about his illness that he lost you along the way and you were thinking about shoes. I'm glad you pulled it out in the end and gave him the rose.  I was also happy to see you scolding Frank for not paying enough attention to you.  Something tells me you'd have to do this in real life too.

P.S.  Don't worry about the guy you pick not loving you back...I believe their contract with ABC requires them to love you for at least 6 months.

P.P.S. Totally sucks that you had to leave Kasey for dead (he did say this was Do or Die) on the top of that glacier...but it was the right choice for you, for him...and for America.


Dear Chris N,

Oh Em Gee...your poem sucked.  It was like you weren't even trying and you just randomly tried to come up with stuff.  And then when you were finally getting some airtime talking to Ali and you were so awkward and saying weird stuff like...my guilty pleasure is Mexican Food instead of say...gambling or wearing woman's pantyhose.  I still can't believe that you went in for a hug.  What was entirely believable was when you were in the limo and you were at a loss for words.

Next week:  The gang goes to Turkey and there is drama!

Alternate Post Titles:

• Kiss My Ast*
• Spelunking for Love
• Pin the Rose on the Parka
• Thank You for Being You...a Wack A Doodle
• How am I Supposed to Guard Your Heart From Here?

*Ast is Icelandic for Love

Not For The Faint of Heart

I spent 4 hours in the ER with iKeith last night.  Ever since he started working in Utah he's had *spells* where he thinks he's having a heart attack.  Two years ago, he had a full body scan and we found out that there is nothing wrong with his heart and that he was experiencing inflammation in his chest (from a car accident in 1996) that was caused by stress.

Yesterday he had a burning sensation in his arm and he'd been having chest pains since Monday...when he returned to work. 

After multiple tests and x-rays and EKG's they determined that there is nothing wrong with his heart (again).  They gave him an anti-anxiety med and he immediately felt better.  I've thought since the beginning that this was anxiety and not heart related but I'm not a doctor.  It just so happens that iKeith had chastised me for being stressed out the day before telling me there's nothing we can do about what's going to happen....yada, yada, yada.  My stress doesn't send me to the ER...it sends me to the liquor store.  Just sayin'...

Here's what I learned from my experience in the ER last night:

• iPhones & iPads don't work in the ER.
• I go slightly mad when I can't tweet or text.
• The ER is nothing like Grey's Anatomy.
• Dr Phil didn't look anything like McDreamy.
• Nurses bring you coke with crushed ice in the ER.
• Ladies that wear suits shouldn't wear tennis shoes.
• Hospital computers know too much. 
• It's freakin cold in the ER.
• iKeith is funny under the influence of Ativan.
• A Whopper tastes awesome when you take Ativan.
• Brownies are the best thing in the whole world when you take Ativan.
• iKeith needs to know the core ingredients of Brownies.
• iKeith believes that hypochondria paired with superior intelligence is a dangerous combination.
• If this keeps up...I'll have to put iKeith in an assisted living home soon.

I finally laid my weary head to rest at midnight and at 2am someone woke up and was missing a stuffed animal that I searched the house for and did not find.  I'm exhausted....

Keep us in your prayers....an employer in Denver is interested in discussing job opportunities with iKeith next week!

Dear Summer Please Visit Utah

In an effort to cut back our expenses...I've decided to resist using the Air Conditioning until the outside temps reach 86 degrees. I was thinking I could wait until it hits 90 degrees but our bedrooms are on the top floor and two of the bedrooms face the west. It gets hotter than a whore in church up there and I the kids have a hard time falling asleep.

Based on the temp this morning and the fact that there is FROST on my deck....I think it will be August before I need to turn the AC on.  I had to preheat my coffee mug, iKeith had to wear a jacket to work and the kids are bundled up in blankets on the couch like it's a snow day.

Summer...you arrive in just a few days?  Have you forsaken Utah?

Fresh dusting of snow on Ben Lomond Peak!

taken at 8:45am

taken at 4:00pm

Updates:
8:45am.....43 degrees burrrr
9:24am....52 degrees! Woot!
10:59am...58 degrees!
1:05pm.....62 degrees!
4:00pm......64 degrees!

It Takes a Village....

When iKeith and I decided that he was going to attend the World Wide Developer's Conference in San Francisco, I decided that I wanted to go with him.  I immediately thought about tricking  inviting my parents to visit.  They live in Dallas so visits are not very frequent and what better way to get to really know your grandkids than to be solely responsible for the care and feeding of them for 6 days.

The few times that I've left my little angels children in the care of relatives...it required two people to do my job.  In the past,  Nana and Uncle Andrew or Uncle Robert have cared for them and curiously they wouldn't return my phone calls for a few weeks once they returned home from their gig.  My guess is that they were too exhausted to answer the phone.

Before my parents even arrived they enlisted the help of Aunt Bobbi so she moved in to help.  Bobbi played the role of iKeith....taking over from exhausted Grandparents at the end of the day.  Grandpa Bob made the comment that iKeith doesn't pay me enough to raise his kids.  Oh, don't you worry...iKeith paid dearly on our trip! (hence the Eat Pay Love theme)

My Aunt Faith (sister of my Mom) arrived the day before my parents so that she could visit with all of us.  It also turned out to be very helpful to have an extra set of hands available while I finished packing and writing the Weiss Kid Instruction Manual.

Within minutes of the Grandparents arrival, Mallory put Grandpa to work drawing pictures for her.  This was the first step in her plan to wrap him around her little finger. Luckily there's lots of room there right next to her Daddy and her Poopa.  She also told us that we could leave for our trip now...she dismissed us with a wave of her hand.

 We all piled into my Armada for the trip to the airport (finally used that third row of seats) and before our plane even took off...Mallory was enjoying her first In-and-Out Burger after her first trip to Cabela's.  

A tent and tunnel (or a vestibule* as iKeith calls it) was purchased and erected in my living room.  Even though it is camo colored...I can still see it.  I believe there was an alterier motive in the purchase of this tent.  My suspicions are that it was used as a containment device since the tent can be zipped closed.  Since returning home...we've nicknamed it Kiddie Jail.

Much to the delight of the children, there were many trips to Lowe's for lightbulbs.  Our house was built by a crazy electrician who loved canned ceiling lights.  Many of them had burned out and in this poor economy....I didn't want to spend the money to replace them.  My Dad made it his personal mission to re-light my house.  Thanks Dad!

There were also many trips made to local fast food establishments.  When they took Alex and Mallory to  McDonald's they asked Alex what he wanted on his Burger Cheese (that's what he calls it) and he said Ice Cream.   They also went to Burger King.

One day they went to Chick Fil A and the kids said that they wanted to eat in the car while watching Tinkerbell.  Grandma went inside to get the food and Grandpa hopped in the backseat to get the movie started.  And then he couldn't get out because the child safety lock was activated.  Grandma returned to find all three of them trapped in the back....so they ate back there together while watching the movie.

Grandma and Grandpa like to read and Grandpa told the kids that the Grandparents Union requires him to take a 15 minute break every hour.  Pretty soon...Grandpa's reading glasses (both pairs) had gone missing.  When Mallory spied him wearing Grandma's glasses she informed him that those were not Papa glasses and he told her he couldn't find his.  She finally fessed up that she'd hidden them from him and brought them back.  She's so sneaky!

Once we returned we had a family dinner at Maddox in Perry to thank them for all of their hard work and for taking care of and loving our kids as much as we do. Thank you Grandma Diane, Papa Bob and Aunt Bobbi!

In the words of Mallory: All of us...We're a Family!

Definition of Vestibule:

1. Enclosed or partly enclosed space (vestibulum) in front of the main entrance of a Greek or Roman house or building, i.e. an entrance-court or fore-court.

2. Entrance-lobby or hall immediately between the entrance-door and the interior of a building.


*job update*
We are still unsure when the lay off will happen.  It appears that nAS.a will not be making any more payments on the FY2010 budget so now we wait to see if Keith's company is willing to play this game of chicken and wait out the decision from Congress.  It feels a lot like we're scheduled to go before the firing squad...except that most Death Row Inmates know when they are going to be executed. 


I just realized....if things really go bad....we can live in the tent.

Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.
- Serenity Prayer

The Bachelorette: Unicorns, Butterflies and Rainbows

Can someone please tell me when The Bachelorette turned into a horror movie? I spent 2 hours last night covering my eyes and ears. In fact, I think my daughter's ears started bleeding as she yelled...No More Singing!

I'm not going to do the usual recap. I'm just going to address some things I saw and I'd like to ask you one question...What kind of crazy crap would you do to fall in love?

Dear ABC,

I'm guessing by the Calendar, InStyle Photo Shoot and the appearance of singers we've never heard of that you got tired of these bachelor's trying to further their own careers and decided it would be better to make a buck and sell them yourself. If Wes appears in a future episode to sing to someone...then you will be dead to me. I'm serious.

Dear Kasey,

I can't understand a word you say. All this talk of unicorns and butterflies really freaks me out. When you sing...my ears bleed and I still can't understand what you're saying but mostly because you make no freakin sense. Even Ali looked confused and I've pegged her as a decent actress. Every time you say...Wow! This is insane. I think WOW, Kasey is INSANE! My last straw with you was when you went to get a Tattoo. Once again your words where muffled and I thought you had selected the field over a fart tat. (for those of you NOT watching...he got a Shield Over a Heart Tatto on his wrist) The one you ended up with isn't any better.  I have to admit I was really surprised when you got the rose.  Please don't sing anymore....I'm all out of seizure meds.

P.S. You looked like a flesh colored crayon at the rose ceremony.
P.P.S. Frank totally saved your ass and kept you from showing your tat.
P.P.P.S. You should probably be nervous that Ali sent home the guy with tats.
P.P.P.P.S. If this doesn't work out...you should hook up with Michele from Jake's Season.

Translation: I'm going to guard and protect your heart.

Dear Ty,

You really impressed me with your dancing and singing.  You were really putting your all into it and I'm sorry that you didn't win the competition.  The good news is that you didn't have to wear that ridiculous diaper looking thing and RoBEARTo did.

Dear RoBEARto,

How lucky was it that you thought to sing to Ali instead of singing to the director or the camera during the Lion King audition.  It's unfortunate that you had to wear that big diaper looking thing but you still looked hot.

P.S. I love you.

Dear Future Bachelors,

Please don't wear a plaid shirt unless you are a farmer or live in the country. Thanks.

Dear Justin,

Since you didn't get a date this week you should have gone to get your hair trimmed.  It's getting out of control and I thought maybe someone gave you a swirly.

P.S. Way to stir up sh!t....don't you feel badly now since Krazy Kasey considers you a brother and gave you a rock on his tattoo.

Dear Frank,

Even though you can't sing or dance, I still like you.  Please get contacts.  Thanks.

P.S. Taking a sick girl outside in the rain and wind to talk...not a great idea.

Dear Chris N,

Are you mute or something? Why are you here? 

Dear Craig,

I finally figured out who you remind me of and it's not helping me like you. I think you look like Paul Giamatti.

Dear Kirk, 

You are going to make a great husband someday but you lost a couple points with me when you kissed Ali when she was sick. You should learn the soft kitty song.

Dear Chris L, 

Happy Birthday!  You were a good sport about having your date in Ali's suite since she was sick and bringing soup and flowers was a great idea!  I'm glad she felt better later and was able to go out for a bit.  I'm disappointed that Ali didn't pull an Oprah and have your Dad on the show instead of just calling him.

P.S. You are a bad kisser.

Dear Weatherman, 

Your weather references were killing me and I'm going to miss them.  I think you are like the wind...pesky, annoying and likely to mess up my hair.   In the future, I'd suggest less gossiping/shrieking/singing/guitar playing and more talking.

P.S. If you are still looking for love and not out of the closet...Bobbi likes you.

Dear Ali, 

I thought you got new clothes for New York.  The only difference I saw was was that you exchanged your rolled up jeans (thank god) for cute boots and your tank tops for jackets.  I loved your black pantsuit.  Even though I am boycotting InStyle Magazine for false advertising...I'm going to buy the July issue.  I hope you feel better.

P.S. Let's just pretend that Lion King outfit didn't happen.

Dear Jesse, 

I hope everything works out with you and your cows. Milk's not free....

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Eat Pay Love Tour

Now that I'm home and have had a chance to look through my picture I thought I share a little more about our trip. More pictures HERE.

The first thing we did after dropping our luggage off at Hotel Abri was to find something yummy to eat and drink.  We walked around in a daze for about an hour and then we found it.  Johnny Foley's Irish House. We ordered Crispy Prawns in Lager Batter served with Cilantro Aioli, Lamb Sliders with Eggplant, Goat Cheese and Mint Aioli and Garlic Fries! It ended up being one of our favorite meals.

 iKeith is very excited because he got to order two beers at one time.

Monday Night we ate at Hana Zen Sushi. iKeith was pretty tired from the day and this place was right around the corner from our hotel...it was perfect. We ordered our favorite sushi rolls and a couple other's that we like with quail egg. It was the freshest we've ever had and we loved all of it (except the Spicy Tuna Roll...too spicy for me). We tried a flight of saki and enjoyed a bottle of our favorite.

On Tuesday  I did some more shopping walking at Union Square but I was bored and lonely without my favorite shopping partner in crime so I got some lunch and went to my room to read.  Once iKeith came back from another day of drinking from the firehose, we decided to eat at the Westfield Mall Food Court so that we could be back in time to see the GLEE season finale.  For our dessert, we got pastries from a Cocola Bakery. I also purchased and fell in love with my first French Macaroon...coffee flavored!

What a fabulous day Wednesday was!  Exploring the Ferry Building with Cynthia and a delicious lunch at Sinbad's was one of the highlight's of my trip. Such a historic building and the views of the bay are amazing. One of the most fascinating things I saw was a mushroom farm...so that you can grow and enjoy your own mushrooms instead of harvesting them from the yard.  I wanted one really badly...but I already have a hard time with TSA agents (they hate me) and I didn't think I could get it through security.

For dinner that night....we tried New Delhi Restaurant.  I had a different place on my list of places to try but poor iKeith was really tired every night when he got back from the conference so we took advantage of New Delhi being down the street from Hotel Abri.  This meal was one of our favorites and it's because we took a risk and didn't just order our favorites.  We did order Chicken Korma and Sag Paneer but we expanded our horizons and ordered Kofta Shah Jahani from the Historical Menu.  This recipe dates back to the 17th century and consisted of a meatball stuffed with an egg and cooked mughlai style.  It was amazing!  Unfortunately...I left my iPhone in the hotel and didn't take any pictures.

Since I successfully walked from the Ferry Building to my hotel on Wednesday, I decided to venture out to Japan Town to do some shopping.  I decided to walk rather than take a cab to save my money for a yummy lunch.  It was supposed to be 1.2 miles but I ended up on the wrong side of a six lane street and walked past the mall.  And I forgot to eat before I left so I was starving when I got there.   I shopped at the Japanese Mall for Bento boxes for the kids and finally found a spot to have a cup of coffee and a muffin.

I also found myself the coolest tote bag that fits my personality and my  iPad perfectly!

See the little apple? 

Do you know about these Angry Little Girls? I am totally a cross between Angry Kim and Disenchanted Debra!

As I was preparing to walk back to Union Square with my heavy shopping bags...iKeith called and wanted to meet me for lunch.  Carrie Bradshaw style...I hailed a cab and met him at Annabelle's Bar and Bistro where I had the most delicious Mahi Mahi sandwich!

Then I spent the rest of the afternoon reading in my hotel room.  iKeith came home with more energy than previous nights so we walked to China Town and had dinner at Hunan Home's.  It was recommended by Jonathan at our hotel and it was great!  All in all, I walked 4 miles on Thursday!

Friday....I did some last minute shopping.  Our hotel had L'occitane products in the bathroom and after 4 days of using the shampoo and conditioner, I was having the best hair day of my life.  I had to have it to take home!!  I sat outside of the Starbucks next door to the conference center and watched the Geek Parade while waiting for iKeith to get done.  I admit it...I'm a Geek Lover!

We checked out of Hotel Abri (Tyler...I'm going to miss you) and decided to high tail it to the airport before the Friday Afternoon rush.  Our trip on the BART was not scary this time....it would appear that all of the ganstas were either at work or at home watching Oprah.

We ended our trip by having real liquor filled (with extra shots) Margarita's at Chili's in the Oakland Airport.  We had a wonderful time and I can't wait to get my hands on the new iPhone4!!

iKeith told me not to give street people money....but as I was walking back to my hotel one day there was a guy playing a song on a trumpet that struck me so hard that I gave him $5.  It's our song now.....

Eat, Pay Love Playlist

Going to California.................................by Led Zeppelin

California Dreamin'.............by The Mamas & The Papas

Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.................by Otis Redding

San Francisco.....................................by Scott McKenzie

I Left My Heart in San Francisco...........by Tony Bennett

The Sweet Escape...................................by Gwen Stefani

Let's Get Lost.............................................by Chet Baker

Fire................................................................by Glee Cast

Magic...........................................by Olivia Newton-John

My Life Would Suck Without You......by Kelly Clarkson

I Will Follow Him....................................by Sandy Posey

Gifts....

SURPRISE!  Everyone that commented last week while I was on my trip was entered into a secret giveaway!  

I had a lot of fun shopping in San Francisco for a couple little things to giveaway to a lucky blog friend.  the items I selected were mostly from Japantown so you might be able to guess what it is.

I went through all of the comments from last week and Bobbi picked a winner:

Kate Coveny Hood

Then I decided to also give away the book I read while I was in San Francisco.  I enjoyed it so much because it's about Love, Loss and What I Wore.  I was really happy with all of my vacation outfits (but didn't photograph them because of poor lighting in my suite) and I picked up a couple cute items to add to my wardrobe that will always remind me of one of my favorite cities.

The winner of my copy of Love, Loss and What I Wore is:

Billie

Thanks for keep up with me on my trip!

I Left My Hope in San Francisco

I've been training all week for the big day...the day I would walk out of my comfort zone of Union Square! I wanted to go to Japantown and find some cool gifts for the kids (and for a giveaway) and after talking to Denise at Eat,Play,Love I knew where I needed to go.

Walking to Japan town might not have been my best idea. It was 1.2 miles according to my iPhone GPS but it was mostly uphill. Not straight uphill....just a gradual hill.

It kicked my badonkadonk.

My second mistake was not eating before I left my hotel because I couldn't find a Starbucks to save my life. I finally found a little place that had coffee and muffins AND THEN after I ate found an awesome bakery. That figures.

I purchased some great gifts for my family (and a lucky blog friend) and I was starting to walk back when iKeith called to see if I wanted to go to lunch. I told him I was in another country (japan town) but that I would hail a cab and be there in 5 minutes.

We had lunch at Annabelle's and it was great!

I spent the afternoon in my suite reading....it was heavenly.

iKeith came home and we walked to China Town for dinner. These hills really kicked my badonkadonk and an old woman carrying 18 rolls of toilet paper passed me.

We ate at Hunan Homes and it was the best Chinese food I've ever had!

As we were leaving China Town I got a tweet from my friend Monica that there had been bad news from NASA and that most likely everyone will be let go in the next couple weeks. I was in shock...I thought we had more time.

I'm so thankful that iKeith and I were able to take this trip together and I'm praying that this trip results in a job. He's made some great contacts and he has learned so much.

I was going to do some last minute shopping today before heading home but I think the best use of my time would be to sit on the corner with a sign...Down on my Luck, Husband works for NASA!

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Lunch, Shopping and Indian

How can it be Thursday already?

I had the best time with Cynthia yesterday. We met inside the Ferry Building and we walked around the little shops and talked. I bought some organic chocolate and my new obsession....French Macaroons. By the way...lavender blueberry chocolate tastes like potpourri and should be avoided.

Cynthia took me to Sinbad's for lunch and it was amazing! I had French onion soup and a crab melt with a glass of Pinot Noir. We talked and talked and made plans for my next trip to San Francisco. I'll be visiting her in wine country... And iKeith said it would be okay!

We returned to the Ferry Building and shopped more and talked more and then I waited with her for the ferry to take her back. I ended up walking back to Union Square and it only took me 30 minutes! And I did it in 3 inch tall wedges. I am Woman! I am invincible!

iKeith and I went to the New Dehli Indian Restaurant and tried an item from their historical menu...it was delicious and something we'll likely never find again. We ended the evening in the hotel bar because we were both too tied to go to the dueling piano bar. I was so tired that I knocked my drink over twice!

We tried to watch The Bachelorette but I fell asleep.

This morning I'm heading out to Japantown and I'm going to walk there. Wish me luck!!

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Breakfast at Tiffany's?

> I was going to have breakfast here this morning but I was out late at a party last night and I'm having trouble getting moving.
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> I enjoyed my afternoon of relaxing and reading. I'm still trying to download The Bachelorette...my wi-fi keeps getting stolen by all of the Apple geeks here in San Francisco.
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> When iKeith came home from the conference last night we decided to eat at the Gourmet Foodcourt at the Westfield Mall. They have the most amazing food choices and we went with the Korean BBQ and sat down side by side at these long tables. IKeith got up to get more sauce for his food and a homeless guy tried to take his tray! A few minutes later another man dug through the trash, found a tasty treat and sat down across from us. I think we'll be eating in restaurants from now on.
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> We raced back to the hotel because we couldn't resist the finale of GLEE!!!
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> At 10pm...I did something I never do. I went to a party! Technically...it was 11o'clock back in Utah and I was a Momma on the town. We went to a WWDC party and iKeith's friend got me in. I was one of three women at the party and one of us was a belly dancer. I talked to a lot of nice people and was home before I turned into a pumpkin at midnight.
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> I'm feeling sad this morning because Mallory is sick and throwing up. Wish I was there to hold her.
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> I'm getting ready to grab a cab and head over to the Ferry Building to meet Cynthia from A Shimmy in my Spirit for lunch at Sinbads. I met Cynthia at SITScation in Vegas and I so happy to call her a friend.
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Geeks In The City

I'm having some trouble blogging from my ipad. At least with more than one picture. Either that or I'm doing it wrong.
Anyway...yesterday was the first day of Apple's World Wide Developer's Conference and iKeith was very happy with how the day went. The new iPhone 4 is going to be great and I think it will be a great tool for bloggers that like to post videos. And if you travel and you and your family get one...you can do facetime video conferencing.
I spent yesterday shopping at this giant beautiful mall just a few blocks from the Hotel Abri. There are so many great stores there and I found out that money can indeed buy you class and a Kate Spade handbag.
I had the forbidden experience before I saw Sex and The City 2 on a big IMAX screen, This woman who only knew enough english to sell her product tried to get me to buy her skin cream and insisted that I give her my card. I finally got angry with her and stomped off.
Then I ate Chocolate Duet Cake for lunch and had Raisinettes for dessert while watching the movie. I loved it by the way and can't wait to see it again with Bobbi and my friends in Utah.
We had Sushi at Hana Zen last night and it was some of the best sushi we've ever had. And we ran into a bunch of geeks that are here for the conference so iKeith talked shop through most of our dinner.
I went out shopping this morning at Union Square where there were MORE shops and a bunch of crazy people talking to themselves. I think I watched a guy loudly break up with himself and I think he was rather upset about it. I also took a picture of a big pile of steaming poop. Bet you're glad now that I can only post one picture at a time.....
I found a great place that make Clam Chowder and I brought it back to my room for lunch and I'm now sitting in my jammies watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey on my iPad. Next up...a glass of wine and The Bachelorette from last night.
Tomorrow I think I"ll shop for sunglasses on a stick.
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Hello from San Francisco!

I tried to do some blogging this morning with pictures from our first day of the Eat, Pay Love Tour...but Blogger wasn't cooperating and then Keith had to leave bright and early to get in line for the keynote speech.

He was so excited that he didn't sleep well last night...or it could be all the food and drinks we had and our harrowing experience to get half and half for my coffee. More about that later.

As Keith was leaving...I took his picture in his new Apple issued WWDC jacket (which I will be stealing when we get home) like it was the first day of school! I've been watching the local news trying to see him in the massive line.

I'll be leaving my suite soon to do some shopping. Oh yes, almost forgot to tell you...when we were checking in I told them I'm a rather popular blogger and they upgraded us to a suite. SWEET!

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Eat Pay Love and a Photo Tag

I've been tagged by Monica of Moon Over Maize for a photo game.

Here’s the game: in my photos go to the 8th folder and choose the 8th photo…then tell the story.

This picture is from the 8th folder in my 2010 photos and was taken a couple weeks ago. Alex is such a big boy now days that he rarely takes the time to cuddle. But this evening after dinner he curled up with Keith in the big leather chair and put his head on Keith's chest.

They grow so fast....


I'm almost ready to go on Vacation tomorrow.  My to-do list only has a few more items left to check off and my parents will be here this afternoon.

I'll be blogging from San Francisco and we're calling it the Eat Pray Pay Love tour!  I'm gonna Eat, Keith's gonna Pay and we're gonna LOVE!

Summer Alphabet Project

My friend J.J. at I'd Rather Be Laughing has a great post right now with Wicked Cool ideas for summer.  I'm taking #6 as a personal challenge and I'd like to challenge you to do this as a family project and make your own video.  Let's make a goal to post them on September 5th...the day before Labor Day.

6.  Take the kids on an alphabet scavenger hunt through your town.  Go through the alphabet and go around town and find places that start with each letter and take a photo.  Then put the photos together in a slide show and watch it later while eating buttery popcorn with Rod Stewart's "Forever Young" playing in the background.

What other fun things are doing with your family this summer?  I need ideas!

Photo Credit

Connie's Summer Reading List

I'm committed.  I probably should be committed but for now...I'm committing to reading as many books as I can this summer.

I've decided to only watch a couple of the summer TV shows:

Losing It with Jillian Michaels.
Bethenny Getting Married?
The Bachelorette...Ali

This frees up lots of time for...sitting in the sun on the deck with an ice tea and a book, curling up in bed at night with a cup of tea a glass of wine and a book, sitting on the couch during a rain storm with my iPad.

• Writing Motherhood:  by Lisa Garrigues
• Love, Loss and What I Wore
• Naturally Thin by Bethenny Frankel
• I was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
• American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
• Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth 
• What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
• After You by Julie Buxbaum (Jen Lancaster told me to read this)
• The One That I Want by Allison Winn Scotch (and this one too)
• Skinny Italian: Eat It and Enjoy it by Teresa Giudice
• The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond

Newly Added:

• The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (cuz of J.J. from I'd Rather Be Laughing) 
• The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell (cuz of Becca at The Texas Darlings)
• Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald (saw it in San Francisco)
• Promises to Keep by Jane Green
• Lift by Kelly Corrigan
• Father of the Rain by Lily King
• Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer 

 I know this seems ambitious...but I'm planning to read at least 21 hours a week.  I may even need to ADD to my list.

Who wants to join me reading this summer?  Make your own list on your blog and link up so that we can all get more idea for books.  And if you haven't already joined GoodReads...do it now and add me as a friend!

What I Wore to Kidnap Jessica Bern

Have I told you about the rain? Every time I wear shorts...it rains. Utah's rainy May is my fault. And yesterday...chilly and rainy (I was NOT wearing shorts) and I had to turn the heat on.

Saturday was supposed to be rainy but it ended up being perfect and I didn't even have to wear a jacket! I had been planning my outfit for my big night out and I decided that I wanted to wear a red shirt and my new grey pants.

The pants were too tight.

Plan B was this lovely grey cropped jacket with 3/4 sleeves that I bought on clearance at Target and it finally fits me! I put it on and spent a lot of time looking in the mirror. I took my picture and decided that it didn't feel right. I couldn't figure out what it was but I didn't like it.  I consulted with my friend Jennifer Margolin of Red Sole Diary about this and she told me to try a white or black and white striped shirt with the jacket.  I'm going to bring it to San Francisco and see if I can find a shirt to go with it.  Oh and she told me I need some funky jewlery! Thanks for the advice Jen!

Plan C...Red shirt, jeans with my cute little red heels!

Shirt: Macy's

Jeans: Macy's

Shoes: I've had them forever...can't remember!

Jewelry: Juicy Couture and I bought a necklace and earrings at Target 

As you can imagine...Bobbi was in no condition to go to Salt Lake City to help me and Chris kidnap Jessica Bern.  As it was...I had to bring her home with me after her lipo and turn my guest suite into a hospital and I had to put on my nurse hat and tend to Bobbi and the puncture holes all over her body.  She even made me go buy her depends because she was too embarrassed.  Let me tell you....LOVE is being willing to put your sister's dirty underwear in your purse, clean her bodily fluids and change her bandages!  You're Welcome Bobbi.

First of all, you wouldn't believe how much planning it takes to kidnap a celebrity like Jessica Bern.  Chris and I spent hours and hours on the phone last week putting this plan together.  Based on how much I enjoyed talking to her on the phone...I knew this was going to be a fun night. We decided that Chris would be in charge of kidnapping Jessica from her hotel and I was in charge of shopping.  HA!  They met me at Cafe Trio in what is called the Cottonwood part of Salt Lake.  It's right up against the mountains and is just beautiful!

When we arrived I informed the hostess that they were very lucky to have the Jessica Bern from Hollywood in their restaurant and would they please keep an eye out for the paparazzi for us.  Jessica told her that she really hates when people interrupt her meal to ask for an autograph.  She also told us that she sometimes get's mistaken for Jennifer Aniston. We held Jessica captive for a couple hours and forced her to eat this giant meatball and Tollhouse Cookie Pie with Ice Cream.

Look how surprised she is by the size of that meatball!  The amazing thing about being with someone that you really click with is that the time flies by.  I had the best time hanging out and talking with these ladies and Jessica is just so full of energy and I love her accent.  And she's such a cute little thing...I just wanted to put her in my pocket and take her home with me.  Keith would have loved this...by the way, because he has a slight crush on her after I showed him Jessica's commercial reel.

Jessica just did a little commercial for Kodak that is really funny.  I'd love you forever if you could go watch it and leave a comment.

Chris and I are BFF's with Jessica now and she's invited us to Hollywood to stay with her.  Who wants to watch my kids for me?

P.S. I'm a dork and didn't get my picture taken with Jessica...or Chris.

Linking up with the beautiful and talented Lindsey at The Pleated Poppy!

Focus on the Family: June 2010

Wow...May sure went by fast. Next thing you know I'll be back from San Francisco and wondering what happened! I wasn't very good about getting things done my list last month but having surgery kind of messed everything up.

Family Time....quality time together.

• Family Outings (bookstore, movie, bowling)
• Celebrate Father's Day
• Plant herbs
• Bake something together

Kid Time....play and preschool.

• See Shrek The Movie   Toy Story 3
• Get a library card
• Practice writing letters
• Really Start Geo-Caching (one per week)

Me Time....cuz if Mama ain't happy....

• Read Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth 
• Read Love, Loss and What I Wore by Ilene Beckerman
• Restart The Shred
• Girls Night to see SATC2

Couple Time....all because two people fell in love.

•  2nd Honeymoon to San Francisco

Home Time....it's where the heart is.

• Declutter and plan for possible move
• Americana Theme for Summer
• Start planning for Christmas

Gratitude:

This month....I'm grateful for my husband. He did an amazing job of taking care of me and our kids while I was laid up getting my wisdom teeth removed. It's not easy for me to relinquish control but he made it easy. With all of the uncertainty we're dealing with...it sometimes feels like Me and Keith against the world. One thing I know for sure...we're good at taking care of each other. 

You're my bread when I'm hungry

You're my shelter from troubled winds

You're my anchor in life's ocean

But most of all, you're my best friend.

~Don Williams...You're My Best Friend

The Bachelorette: Love is Dangerous

I'm feeling good about my decision to avoid Reality Steve and his nonsense. There are a bunch of mean people on twitter that like to leak his information without a Spoiler Alert and so when I see these I tend to cover my eyes as if I've just scene my father in law naked and try to make my mind erase the information. I'm enjoying the show much more not knowing the secrets.

My Drinking Game.

I think the show started 2 minutes early and my DVR didn't get the message because I walked in on the show with Frank getting the 1st One on One card. I didn't get to hear the door bell ring and all of the guys run to the door like little girls.  Frank's card says All Signs Point To Love.

Ali is excited to be dating 17 guys and she's wearing a yellow shirt so I get to take a drink of my martini! She picks Frank up at the Frat House and everyone is excited to see her. They drive away in an classic car which promptly breaks down on the highway. * Why didn't Ali let Frank drive? First rule of Man Code..the man always drives!

They abandoned the car on the side of the road and Ali goes rogue and forces Frank to hike along the highway to the nearest exit where they catch a cab and continue their date. They do some sightseeing, get recognized by fans for the show and pose for pictures like a couple of dorks.

They take their cab up to the HOLLYWOOD SIGN and break in. Ali make Frank hike down some steep terrain to the sign, then Ali pulls a blanket out of thin air and they sit and admire the view. She asks him about Paris and he explains that he is following his dream...to be a screenwriter.

Ali believes that Frank would keep her from being too driven and remind her that love and family are more important. OR she'd resent him for not pulling his weight and dump his ass after they have a couple kids.

  I'm Frank...I like Passion, Paris and letting Ali drive.

Ali and Frank share their first kiss in front of the Hollywood Sigh. How Romantic right? YAY! The car is fixed and they drive it to some other lovely location with a great view and open a bottle of bubbly.

Back at the Frat House...The Picture Us Together Date card arrives and it's a 12 man group date. Craig M is stirring up sh!t and his hat is ridiculous!

Frank gets the rose and she tells him she's glad that he's there, they kiss and he says this is his best first date ever! Ali tells the camera that Frank made her believe that everything she is looking for is possible.

12 Months of Banana Hammocks

The group date takes place at a beach house in Malibu and Ali forgot to wear her shirt and brush her extensions. Justin tells the camera that he's going to take no prisoners but that's just because he can't...due to the fact that he has a broken ankle and can barely get from point A to point B.

They discover that they are shooting a Sexy Man Calendar and most of the guys are forced to wear these very small, very revealing trunks. Hunter is wearing a bright yellow get up that showcases his pasty skin and The Weatherman is forced into the bikini bottoms that Ali was supposed to wear. Craig M is photographed in long trunks, no shirt but with a sweater tied around his neck...while smoking a cigar and drinking a glass of scotch. He looks exactly like the man you don't want your man to smell like.

I smell like hair gel, Polo and Beef Jerky.

There is a game of tug of war, Ty plays his guitar  and sings to Ali and then a group shot of everyone on the beach. (Ali's wearing a yellow dress...DRINK).

Everyone changes clothes and they go to a bar for some one on one time to pick on The Weatherman.  Ali looks great in a black dress that zips up the front and she's wearing a cool cocktail ring. Ty tells Ali that he's divorced, thinks he's a great husband and loves being married.

Craig M is bullying The Weatherman again. When it's his turn, he tells Ali that Craig M shows lack of character, is a dangerous person and is looking for a fight.  When will he actually talk TO her?

DING DONG...back at the house a date card arrives and it says 'use these when the time is right' and it's a pair of cufflinks with the initials JB. Jesse!!

The group date rose goes to Ty but I have no idea why.

Come Fly With Me

Ali meets Jesse at the airport in skinny jeans and heels. They board a private jet and head to Vegas. Once they land they jump in a Red Ferrari (Ali drives again) and they head to a pool called Liquid. They eat oysters and play around in the pool. Later they dress up and Jesse meets her in a AMAZING suite with the most AMAZING view of the city. Ali is wearing the dress she should have worn for the meet and greet!

Back at the house...The Weatherman gets picked on again and Craig M puts his clothes on and does a fashion show.

Ali gives Jesse the rose because he's solid and genuine and says she feel closer to him after talking to him. DUH! She has one more surprise for him and they go to a nightclub called Haze where there is some unknown guy that plays music for them while they dance. SHOT! Jesse says this is the best first day he's ever had.

Cocktail Party

Ali arrives in a gorgeous white dress with a great ring! We find out that 3 guys will be going home and 3 guys didn't get dates this week. Chris L talks to her and tells her he's the oldest but still doesn't spill the beans about his mom.

I missed Roberto this week...he tells Ali that he was drafted by the Rockies and Twins and they go out front to play catch with mitts that he brought from home. Ali throws well!

Kasey only gets a few minutes of her time before he's interrupted by Frank (who already has a rose....HELLO) and he tells Ali he feels like she's his girlfriend. They kiss.

Craig M is picking on The Weatherman again and he runs to Ali to tell her again that Craig is a mean guy and dangerous. She finally confronts Craig and he is struggling to defend himself. She questions if he even likes her because he hasn't tried to ask her anything and he doesn't make eye contact with her. He stutters around the question because he was planted there by the produces to bully The Weatherman.

Craig M performs his last dramatic scene by confronting all of the men and trying to get to the bottom of who called him dangerous to Ali. He accuses The Weatherman and he responds by stuttering and reminding him that he already told him he doesn't like him since he wore his underwear, purple dress shirt and fancy white jacket in front of the guys. My Gaydar is strong with this one....

Finally....the Rose Ceremony and then there were 14 left. Exit stage left...Tyler V, Chris H and Craig M..the bully monster who left us with some parting words ...You can't be serious with someone who's shorter than you.


Jesse  24, General Contractor from MO. Got 1 On 1 date to Vegas. Tattoos.

Ty  31, Medical Sales from TN, loves his dog, great accent. Sings to Ali on the Beach. Divorced.

Craig R  27, Lawyer from PA, tattle tale.

Frank  31, Screenplay writer from IL, bold. Got Hollywood sign date. Looks good without glasses.

Chris L 33, Landscaper from Cape Cod, failed to tell Ali his Mom is dead.

Kirk  27, Salesman from WI, brought her a scrapbook, made a rose out of a hankie.

John C  32, Hotel Business from WA.

Chris N 29, Entrepreneur from FL, looks like Ryan Sutter.

Hunter  28, Account Executive from TX, sang song. Yellow trunks.

Jonathan  30, Weatherman from TX. Rode hard by Craig M. Wore bikini bottoms in calendar shoot.

Kasey  27, Account Executive from CA, Dad is an A-hole, looks like Jake.

Steve  28, Salesman from OH.

Justin  26, Entertainment Wrestler from Canada, voted most likely to be Wes, broken ankle, looks like the gardener from Desperate Housewives. Taking no prisoners. Ali likes to cuddle with him.

Roberto  26, Insurance Agent from SC, Salsa Dancer, happy parents, got 1st impression rose. Baseball player.

Tyler V  25, Advertising from VT, seems shy.
Chris H 28, Real Estate Developer from Canada
Craig M  34, Dental Salesman from Canada, bad boy, looks like Dean McDermott or Patrick Dempsey. Bullied The Weatherman.

Later today...Focus on the Family for June!  Tomorrow...What I Wore to kidnap Jessica Bern.

Linked up with MamaKat!