The Voice

So I'm addicted to the new show The Voice. I love it more than American Idol in the early days...and that's saying a lot because I LOVED the first like 5 seasons of AI.

Here are a few videos of my favs. Cute little Xenia (sen-ya) is only 16 and has a voice I could listen to all day every day.



Dia Frampton is from St. Jeezy - shout out for St. Jeezy! - and has the same kind of thing - music I could listen to all day.



And last but definitely not least, Miss Vicci Martinez. Such a good cover of this song.

Bathrooms

I have thought this same phrase so many times since Luke has been potty trained. He chooses some of the most inopportune moments to have to poop. Target, grocery stores, restaurants, parks, you name it - he's pooped there. There are few things worse than leaving a spectacular little lunch gathering or shopping excursion or anything else really, and standing in a 2x3 bathroom stall while your child takes a crap. 

Seriously.

Brothers

I was "blessed" to grow up with 4 brothers. During the growing-up years I did not appreciate the people that they were, or acknowledge the people they were preparing themselves to become.

I appreciate them much more now.

About 6 months ago, an addition was made to our family that created room for a 5th brother. Nick. He doesn't look like us (except he kind of looks like Amb), but he fits in wonderfully and gets along with everyone. To read more about his story and how ended up as our new brother, read this article. He's kind of an amazing person.

So, brothers, on the eve of your High School Graduation, I give you this:

Jared, I so look forward to having you as a house-mate. (roommate seems like a weird word to use since I am married and not living in a dorm) I am so proud of the person you are becoming and the fearlessness in which you are beginning the next chapter of your life. I am excited to see where you will go and who you will turn out to be. I think probably a Dr. or airplane pilot or something - considering we are all living vicariously through you in some form or another. You've seen a lot of change in your life, and a lot of trials as well. You have come out the other side with the knowledge you need to be successful. Please do not abuse that knowledge. Use it to benefit your life. Oh, and convince Rachelle to marry you.

Nick, Where do I even start with you? I am so happy you are a part of our family now. I am so happy that you welcomed us all into your life the way that you did. I am so impressed by how you have handled the situations that have come your way, and the dignity in which you grew to be an adult. (maybe not a man yet, you are only 18...). You have stepped up when life needed you to, and I will always be impressed by that. Please know that you have a special place in our family forever now. There is no escaping it. I hope that you know you always have a friend in me, and an older sister if you need that too. Please be around for holidays, weddings, parties and anything else that life brings. I know you will be so successful in your life - you've already shown such determination. Thank you for being a great friend to all of us, for making me laugh and for giving Jake a serious fight for the title of Luke's Favorite Uncle. You may be the current front runner.


Jake, I'm proud of you too!


Love, your oldest sis.

Wisconsin!

So about a week ago Luke, Amber and I ventured out to the great white north to escape the terrible weather of the desert we supposedly reside in.

Oh, and to visit the family and meet our new brother Nick. But more on that later.

We had a most splendid time enjoying family time and letting Luke run free in the back yard with his cousins.

It was a much needed vacation and here are some pictures to prove it!






Time spent at uncle/brother Jake's baseball game - where he hit a double and two pop-flies into the outfield. I was so impressed.



Party time with cute Uncle Jake.






Party time with the cousins!





Amber being, well, typical.



Who needs a stroller when you are part koala?!


We had such a great time and enjoyed every minute of it! (except that awkward moment at lunch with my parents when they inquired about Amber's current bf. But we don't need to go there.)

Of course we missed Cory, but I'm still not convinced he missed us!

Those trips are never long enough and we never get enough done, and yet love it every time!



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It is what it is.

So, a few weeks ago my sister made a decision. (I know, it totally surprised me too) I have been struggling with it since then. Why couldn't she just stick with being indecisive? I mean seriously. So, I put together a little glimpse of our life together over the last three years. Partially as an ode to our sisterhood and how much I've loved being her bff, and partially as a way to make her cry. Because she doesn't even seem sad that she is leaving me. Probably forever.

I was hoping to capture a wide range of activities we have participated in, as well as some great pictures of Luke because I'm sure you'll miss him the most.

I cried for about an hour while I made this. Hopefully it has the same effect on you AMBER. LOVE!


(amber - i'll give you one last piece of advice...don't watch this at work, just in case your soul shines through and you feel an emotion. just sayin') Oh and it's a requirement that you listen to Adele's Don't You Remember while watching this. that will really get the emotions flowing.

Logan

After two days, just over 200 miles, at least two dozen cookies, a lot of lazy tv days full of chatting and reminiscing, Luke and I have returned from a much needed vacation in Logan visiting the besties. It was splendid and lovely and mellow and everything else a weekend getaway should be. Too bad Cory couldn't join us. Next time, next time.

I even took my camera with the hope of documenting the wonderful trip. This is the only picture I took. And it wasn't even with a normal camera.







Tyler and Megan were splendid hosts; Ty played with Luke as much as they both could handle (well, as much as Tyler could handle...Luke could play for 12 days straight), Megan cooked - as she always does - and stopped her life to spend it with me. A very big accomplishment for her. It was much appreciated.

I enjoyed every minute, and seriously wonder why it doesn't happen more often? It probably should.


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Parenting Success

Luke stood up at the kitchen table the other day, looks at me and says to me with all sincerity 'mom. will you help me get a dance party started?'

I looked at him, told him I've never been prouder. And then we danced.

He watches this video of himself over and over and over again.

I love it. (and definitely ignore my moment of commentary. i immediately regretted it. and then did even more when i heard myself sound like a man.)




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