JARON'S JUNK DRAWER

Uppercase Living Vinyl Borders

2010-02-11T17:28:00.000-08:00

I have been traveling all over the USA visiting our Uppercase Living Demonstrators and have loved every minute getting to meet and see them. There have been so many old friends that I have also been able to connect with that were also previously with Stampin' Up! that are now Demonstrators for Uppercase Living. I cannot wait to be able to see our Demonstrators at our Leadership training next month in Tampa....bring on the sun baby!!!

One product I love that our company has right now are the Borders. I attached some pics below for your viewing pleasure. These large borders are easily pieced together to fit any space, as you can see in the pics.

I LOVE this stuff. If you do also, you can go to uppercaseliving.com to see many more ideas and a plethora of vinyl expressions. I truly am blesseed to work for a company where I love going to work each day- Not everyone can say that! :)

The Christmas Sweater Contest

2009-12-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

Today at work we had a Christmas Sweater Contest. Now I don't know about you, but I cannot think of a better way to spend a dreary, snowy day, then to have one of these. I made the sweater myself.....well not the SWEATER, I certainly cannot knit a sweater for Heaven's sake and not many people can....but I digress. Anywho, I went to a local thrift store and purchased an old sweater that, due to the smell ot it, I am pretty sure was peeled off an old dead dude AFTER he died wearing it....but again, I digress. Even the angel on top of the sweater came from the thrift store. Now I ask you........who in their right mind makes a green-haired, ugly angel that looks strikingly like Tammy Faye Baker (the eyes)??? I just knew she has been watching down on me from heaven. So here are the pics of the WINNING sweater. That's right after a vote from the peers... (drum roll please) My HOMEMADE Christmas sweater took the prize.

I know many of you will want to be "hating" on my sweater....but please....just let me bask in the glory of this fresh win for a moment longer:)

The Rock Baby

2009-12-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I came home from work and lugged my worn out body to the door. And there sitting next to the front door was a large rock, wrapped in swaddling paper towels. In front of it was a cracker and some other food that I could not make out, as well as a toy. Well apparently my sweet little Sophie has found a new playmate. (Should I be worried about this?) Sophie has a new rock baby. Here is a pic:

A friend of mine, Julie Salva, once said in a presentation: "If you don't quite know what to say, just simply say 'Bless her heart'". Thanks for sharing that Julie because I was certainly at a loss for words. Soph, bless your heart

Uppercase Living- Facebook and Extreme Makeover Home Edition

2009-12-10T08:04:00.000-08:00

So my work has gone all techy on me :) We have our own Facebook page. It is going to be a great source for decor and product ideas. They are doing prize giveaways through the site as well. You have to be a fan of the page to win. All you have to do is go to Facebook and type in Uppercase Living and you will get our page.

Also, tune into Extreme Makeover Home Edition this Sunday. They will be using some Uppercase Living product during their renovation. How exciting is that??????? Make sure to check it out.

Live Nativity

2009-12-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Monday night the whole fam got to be in a live nativity. It was amazing. It is a tradition that has been going on for years in our area and to be honest, it is truly an amazing experience. An entire city of Bethlehem is built right behind our church. There is a cast over over 100 people all decked out in clothing of the time. There are tons of live animals: camels, donkeys, chickens, sheep and baby cows. And at the end of the walking tour of the city, you end up at the manger where there is Mary, Joseph and a live baby Jesus. When Sophie was two months old, they asked us to fill in for that role. She was the prettiest baby Jesus you ever saw. Here are a few pics from my cell phone- so they are not great.

Coltin and I were the Carpenter and Son

And Teresa, Malorie and Sophie were street merchants.

And here is a pic of the "streets" that you walk through to get to the manger.

Sorry I have been so LAME not updating more often. I promise to get back on track.

Snow? NO!!!!!!

2009-10-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

I just can't do this yet. I am NOT ready for winter to be here. Where have you gone summer? I will count down the days until I see you again.

Currently it is only 34 degrees and I cannot stand it. Here is the view from my office windows today:

Ugh!! I hope to see the sun soon or I am going on a trip to Texas. (I was there last week visiting our awesome demonstrtors there and the weather was perfect!!!)

Another Trip...Washington/Oregon

2009-10-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

To say that Washington and Oregon are beautiful states would be a gross understatement. If you live there, you are lucky! What stunning scenery, all of the time. Here are a few pics from my last business trip there:
The road from Spokane to Seattle. Ok, so not all of Washington is full of trees.

Soon the scenery turned into this:
Stunning!!

I was driving through the Cascade Mountains and came upon the coolest little village in the mountains called Leavenworth. It was well worth the drive to Seattle. The whole place looks like an old Bavarian town. It was amazing. The Hat Shop was my favorite. It was filled with thousand of hats and everyone was wildly trying them on and taking pictures and laughing. I need to own a place like this that brings so much joy to people.

It was getting late so I had to head out to Seattle and finish my drive through Steven's Pass in the Cascade Mountains. Wouldn't you know just as I was laughing about the fact it was going to snow back home, I ran into a snow storm of my own rolling through the canyons. I was the nut pulling off the road every twenty feet to get an even better picture. Sorry Washington drivers! (BTW- you are not very friendly drivers I might add) :)

Me at the Public Market Center (duh) in Seattle. Everyone was buying flowers because they are so cheap. I bought some too even though I had nowhere to put them but in the car. Oh well! And the famous Pike's Fish Market where they literally throw fish from one worker to the next. It was awesome. So glad PETA wasn't there that day :)

Jimi Hendrix grave/memorial in Renton, WA. I didn't really follow the dude's music but the concierge at the hotel said it was a must. Sorry dude in the back for posting you on my blog. I waited ten minutes for you to even flinch and you didn't so you are on the blog now mate.

I also got to see the sites of the filiming of Goonies (Astoria, Cannon Beach OR) and the Roloff Farm from Big People Little World in Hillsboro, OR. The mom was even outside at the farm. No pun intended but does life get much bigger than this? HA. As soon as I download the pics I will post them.

Traveling all over the place

2009-09-25T07:47:00.000-07:00

First I have to say, I LOVE my new job at Uppercase Living. The people here in the office , and our demonstrators in the field are too cool for words. I have been out visting our Demonstrators in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. When you are driving along the highway this is what you can see:

IOWA

Corn- and lot's of it!!

Middle of nowhere, IA

Here are other pics from the trips. They are all what I like to call "drive by pics" which means I didn't really stop to look much. I jumped out of the car snapped a pic and then jumped right back in.

ILLINOIS

The grave of THE John Deere. Still not sure why I went there:)

Moline, IL

Rolling through Nauvoo, IL

Carthage Jail

Springfield, IL

Abe Lincoln's home- An amazing man!

Chicago, IL

White Sox Stadium

The famous Chicago Theater

Millineum Park- where Obama gave is victory speech

The "Bean" sculpture in Millineum Park

INDIANA

Gary, IN-Michael Jackson's childhood home. Gary----is SCARY. I jumped out of the car, took a pic, and then jumped back in, peeled out of there and did not look back :) Seriously though, if you go there, take a gun!!! yikes

MISSOURI

St. Louis

View of "The Arch" from my hotel room

Busch Stadium where the Cardinals play

There was a Tums factory right across the street from my hotel. Each time I walked outside it either smelled like mixed berries or spearmint. ick!

The Pageant theater, seemed so fitting so I took a pic

Good times. I will find a few obscure places on my next few trips. Can't wait. Sorry for not updating more frequently. You can see I have been traveling a bit. I'll try to do better.

Sophie Says...Bratz dolls

2009-09-23T14:09:00.000-07:00

Just got back from a business trip and Sophie was telling me all about a Bratz doll she got for her birthday and said:

"They are called Bratz Dolls dad. But not because they are brats sometimes like Malorie and Coltin. It's just their name."

She gets and extra $100 in my will someday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS SOPHIE

2009-09-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

My little baby Sophie turned five this week! Can't wait to celebrate this weekend! So here is my Sophie Top Ten things I love about her:

She is little!!! No surprise there.
She loves to sing all day long.
She says some of the strangest yet ridiculously funny things ever.
She loves to be with Malorie.
She has the cutest haircut, perfect for her.
She comes into our room in the middle of the night and makes a bed on our floor without us knowing.
She loves to play outside.
She loves anything High School Musical
She is learning how to play the piano.
She is more than a blessing in our lives. God loved us enough to send her to us, and I will almost always be grateful for that even when she is a teen!

Uppercase Living AWESOME deal

2009-08-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

So Uppercase Living is running a promotion right now that I wanted to tell all my closest friends about. I don't always put stuff like this on my blog but this one is honestly, too good to pass up.

The promotion is the Buy Two, Get One FREE!!!!!! Holy cow. Purchase any two items from August 5 to September 10 and you’ll get an additional item of equal or lesser value free. The best part is that it can be ANY item Uppercase Living offers such as the new Fall/Winter
accessories, expressions and embellishments, Chalk Wall kits and theme packs, or even a MyDesign Suite™ custom expression. Plus there is no limit to the number of FREE items
you can get! Seriously? Told you it was too good to pass up!!
If you want more information just go to www.uppercaseliving.com. Don't forget this promo ends on September 10th so you better hurry.

OH FINE... I will update!

2009-08-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks for waiting patiently for me to post again. Wow, life got crazy for a moment but I have a minute to update.

August 21st was my bday! What fun. My UL peeps took me to breakfast at IHOP and I advised them I only had one birthday request: It was for everyone to take motorboating pictures while we were at IHOP. For motorboating you take a picture while you are breathing out through your mouth like a horse; you know- while your lips are just a flappin'. Thank you mates for obliging me. Here are the pics (please don't be mad):

Rachel /Amanda

Katie /Brandi

Lisa /Christina

And one of my sweet Tito (Coltin). I swear his mouth was made for these. I find pictures that he has taken of himself on my camera and cell phone EVERY day!

Draper Idol

2009-07-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

I ran for Draper Idol this last week. I have never been more scared in my life I swear. I am up there on the stage with all these high school aged kids. How intimidating. I sang Feeling Good by Michael Buble' and then This is the Moment from Jekyl and Hyde. It was a good experience. I was the Second Runner-up. (I call it sceond loser for fun!!!) One of the judges told me I would have won if I had sung younger songs? What the? He told me I should try rock songs. HA- me singing rock songs, now that is funny. Anyway here are some pics of the big event:

Thanks to my family, my boss Brandi, and awesome friends like the Sanovich's and Schraders for coming out to support me- it's good to have "peeps"

Winder Weekend

2009-07-20T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last weekend the Winder's got together for our annual Winder Weeked. My parents, brother and sisters and their familes all met in St George Utah. It was fabulous. The guys went golfing one morning, so this girls went the next morning for pedicures. It was AWESOME. Of course it was a sweltering heat the whole time of about 105 degrees. I was LOVING the heat but I am pretty sure I was the only one. Thank heaven there was a pool that we rarely got out of. Here is some pics:

Sophie Says......

2009-06-30T15:17:00.000-07:00

This little Sophie Says insert is a little different than the others because this one made me realize that I should probably go on a diet soon. Everyone knows that kids do not have a filter, they just say whatever comes to mind. So here is my sweet conversation with my Sophie monkey. First of all let me say that we were hugging and having a very tender moment when she pulled her head back from my belly and looked right at it and said:

"Whoa, look at you."

Then she put her hands on my stomach and pushed in and said:

"Daddy, your belly is puffy."

Puffy? Puffy? Well I never.......

Guess I will have to stop posting all of my favorite treats and instead talk about different vegetables I like to eat. Just doesn't seem as exciting. However, my dear friend Linda Hansen is doing a bit of weight loss of her own right now and is a great example to me. So I guess I better try to step it up a little bit and get rid of some of this "puff".

So today I am sending love out to all my "puffy" friends.

Your friend,

Jaron

A new Favorite treat

2009-06-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

The girls here at the office know the BEST places around to get a good treat. While I will never give up my Paradise Bakery chocolate chip cookies, I have found a close second. It is this great store called Nothing Bundt Cakes. Per the name, they specialize in bundt cakes that I swear on all I own, literally melt in your mouth. Here is a pic:This pic does not do it justice. But the taste does! I swear I have gained about ten pounds since starting my awesome new job at Uppercase Living. Better hit the gym on the way home today. I'll take the route that takes me right past this bakery. Hope they are open!!!

Sophie Says.....

2009-06-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were sitting in church and Sophie was itching her arm like crazy down on the inside of her arm by her elbow. She gets a bit of eczema there and it itches terribly when she does. I immediately pulled out some lotion from our bag and put it on my little one's arm. She said it still itched so I had her bend her arm and pull it up to her chest so the inside of the arm was shut (does that even make sense, good grief?)

In a very loud voice Sophie says:

"Hey Dad, Look! My arm looks just like a bum."

Then she starts pinching her arm like a grandma would pinch a grandchilds cheek and says loudly:

"Oh you cute little bum, you are just a cutie pie."

How can she not know that she is so dang funny????

My First Uppercase Living Project

2009-06-05T16:43:00.000-07:00

I have official finished my first Uppercase Living project and I am happy to announce that it took me about 3 minutes to complete. Honest Pete, it really only took that long. I wanted to put some awesome welcome vinyl on the front door of our home. So here is a picture of my first project:

I am absolutely a color match freak when it comes to decorating in our house. So imagine how happy I was that with Uppercase Living vinyl I can customize not just the fonts, but also the COLOR that I needed from one of 34 colors. Crazy! I chose the color Warm Stone because I wanted it to match perfectly to the colored stucco around the door frame. Putting it on was a breeze because this vinyl had line guides on all sides to help me line it up straight and centered- hence why it took me all of three minutes to complete this. Next I think I will try their customizable vinyl and put "except solicitors" under the welcome!!! Take that cable guy! :)

Can't wait to enjoy the weekend with the family....

Your Friend,

Jaron

The new job

2009-06-01T16:37:00.001-07:00

Well I have been at the new job now for almost a week and finally I have time in my life to post about it. I am working for an awesome company called Uppercase Living. Some of you are probably familiar with them. They are all about vinyl decorative lettering and images that help you personalize your home. I am new so my explanation probably leaves you with more questions than I can answer. So here is their website where you can read all about them. http://www.uppercaseliving.com/ I really like this company so far. They have treated me very well since arriving here. The company ia run by really great people. My team has taken me in and immediately made me feel like I was part of them. So today I brought in my favorite treat for them.....Beyond Glaze Doughnuts. Here is a pic before we devoured the box:

I only share these for the favorite people in my life, so that tells you how much I love this new company. I can't wait to show you projects I am creating with their products. I feel very blessed to be with this company and can't wait to present at their events. And for my Stampin' Up! friends out there, we CAN still remain friends. I will still be posting cards and projects that I work on with SU products and still want to hear about and celebrate your successes! And hopefully I can attend an event here and there as a guest so that I can see you all sometime as well.

Your friend,

Jaron

NEW JOB (insert a sigh of relief here)

2009-05-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that the "Find a Job for Jaron" campaign has officially been suspended. I have accepted a new job at a GREAT company. Many of you have been asking how the job search was going and I wanted to share this information right away with you. I had my first day of official employment and could not be happier about the company I have chosen to work with. In a couple of days I will tell you more about it in great detail!!! But I wanted to express a few things right now:

I am indeed grateful to all of you, my friends and family, that have sent good wishes, thoughts, and prayers my way. I do believe that you all played a role in the outcome.
This new job does not meant that we cannot stay connected. :) yea! I look forward to many years of us sharing creativity, memories, stories, and positivity together.
I am so HAPPY with this decision. As you know, when something feels right, it's because it IS right.

Can't wait to tell you all much more in my very next post (sorry to dangle a carrot but I need a couple of days to put my thoughts together, and of course to learn more about this new company). Plus tonight I just wanted to say thanks to all of you my dear friends.

Your friend,

Jaron

An Update and a Creative Color Challenge

2009-05-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Well I did not fall into a hole somewhere, just have been enjoying working in my yard and being with the family. Have been doing lots of interviewing at some really great, and a few not so great, companies! You always have to weed out a few right? But its funny and makes me laugh all the way back home after a really bad interview. Supposed to hear back from my top picks by the end of next week. SO EXCITED-Then I will be able to give a good update. Hopefully packed with fantastic news. Hope everyone is doing well.

I decided to do another color challenge because I loved seing all of the amazing ideas from the last time. So let's do it again. This color combo comes right from the cover of Malorie's Journal (and no I did not read inside- just looking at the outside- but who is this kid Cooper whose name is in hearts! kidding.) So hear it is:

Pretty in Pink
Rose Red
Regal Rose
Chocolate Chip
Kiwi Kiss

I like throwing in a color there that you may not normally put together. Now go enjoy creating someting. Like last time- post it on your own blog and then reply here with the link. That way we can all copy, I mean admire your work. Ha
Feeling very blessed today-Your friend,
Jaron

The Interview and our friend Jenn

2009-05-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

Well the interview I had last week went really well. I was very impressed by the company and very impressed by their employees that I was able to meet. Sometimes it is sad to close a chapter in your life, but as so many of you said, it is also a great time to look forward to what else is in store for you- and that is exactly the attitude I am trying to take here.

Today started out on a low note, finding out this morning that our family friend and neighbor, Jenn, left her cancer-ridden body behind and went back home to have peace and to dance freely without pain. She was a trooper, a shining example of faith, compassion, determination, a fighter, an amazing mother, wife and daughter, and truly one of the greatest spirits in a person I have ever met in my life. She will truly be missed by all of our neighbors, but because we knew her and saw her example, we will all strive to live a little better each day.

I worked my landscaping business today for a few hours and then just as I was leaving I got a call for a second interview to the place I interviewed last week. To say I was ecstatic would be putting it lightly! I was over the moon. Can't wait to meet with them again. I can already tell this next chapter in my life is going to be a GREAT one, whatever it is.

Ending today with a wrestling match with my little chickens was the perfect ending of my day. We tend to get a bit out of hand- who are we kidding- I tend to get a bit out of hand. I am usually the one breaking things and trying all sorts of sofa gymnastics. I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world.

Your friend,

Jaron

Good bye lay-off beard

2009-04-30T00:31:00.000-07:00

After I got laid off I decided to not shave so often- I was "giving my face a little vacation as well". But really, I just didn't see the point in shaving every single day just to work in the yard,the house, and to pick up the school carpool!!! You always think "Who is going to see me anyway". That is until you go out for a quick errand and run into a girl you dated in high school who then goes home thinking, "boy am I glad we broke up back then. Doesn't look like he has gone anywhere with his life! But last week I decided to go on a job interview/shaving strike. I was not going to shave again until I got a job interview. Sadly, (but not for Teresa), tomorrow morning I will be saying good-bye to the lay-off beard as I have my first job interview. Sad to see it go, but glad to be going in for a job interview. Can't wait to tell you all about it tomorrow! I am actually a bit sad about it because I loved working at Stampin' Up! more than any job I have ever had (sorry Dad, but it even beats that year you made me help you clean out the dryer vent- what a blast that was!) Wish me luck.

Pic of the "Lay-off Beard"

P.S. If you have a story about a time you ran into someone from your past looking, well, not your best, please add it here so we can all have a good laugh- at your expense! :)

Color Combination Creative Challenge #1

2009-04-23T22:58:00.000-07:00

I want to start something new here, for my crafting friends around the globe, that I have not done on my blog before. I want to start posting a "Jaron Winder's favorite creative color cobination" and then have everyone create projects using those colors. I get so much inspiration when I see all of the amazing things people create, and to be honest I often times copy their ideas on some of my own projects. That's right I said it. I copy your awesome inspiration amd I am not ashamed of it!

Today I was at Ace Hardware and saw a color combination that I really liked. It was on a label of a new hose I bought- see inspiration really is everywhere if you look. So here is the color combination (in Stampin' Up! colors): Old Olive, Taken with Teal, and Soft Sky. I just tried it at home and I LOVE it. It just looks fresh. Now I want you all to try your hand at creating something with it. When you finish, post it on your blog and then respond to this entry so that we can all link up and take a look at it. Everyone wins, if they try. However, there are no awards yet, since well.... I am unemployed and all :) Those will have to come later!!!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!!!!!!

Your friend,

Jaron

Today...is a gift

2009-04-23T22:36:00.000-07:00

Today was beautiful. For my LAD #8 (layoff day) I landscaped all day long with my friend, James. He lost his job a while back, so we just had a good laugh about how pathetic we are. Not in a negative way just trying to have a good old fashion belly gafaw! And we did. It was a great day and I am greatful for good friends. Plus I had a few calls today for some potentially awesome job prospects. I am ecstatic to say the least.

I allow myself one moment each day where I am free to to feel a wee bit discouraged. One moment-that is it! No more. But today in that moment, my thoughts suddenly turned to a neighbor of ours that has been fighting cancer for sometime now. She has two sweet boys cheering her on andan amazingly strong husband. She has been quite ill at times and yet still remains an absolute fighter with a huge smile on her face. Though I don't wish to have to go through what she has, I do wish to become more like her. The Winder's love ya Jen! Today is her birthday and a great milestone. So I am calling on all my good friends around the globe to throw a prayer Jen's way if you get a chance. I do believe there is strength in numbers! Thanks

Your friend,

Jaron

What a glorious day...minus the sunburn.

2009-04-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

What is the best part about being laid off? Spending time with the fam! But next to that? The sun was shining bright today and I swear I could hear it calling my name from inside the house. Jaron...Jaron....Jaron... you get the point. Let me give you a quick run down of LAD #5 (lay off day #5) . First of all, I wanted to sleep in- anyone that knows me can verify that I LOVE sleeping in. But not today. Teresa wanted me to get up and go jogging with her ( I think she just wanted me to get up today). I might point out that she is training for a marathon right now- so not your ideal beginning jogging partner. I final compromised to a fast-paced walk. I swear within 10 seconds I was already lagging behind. Perhaps getting in shape should be a lay off goal as well (there are so many stacking up). We ended up going about 5 miles-thank you to my Albuterol inhaler! Mama mia!! Since I could barely walk afterwards I decided to sit in the yard and rip up some grass for a new flower bed-which led to weeding-which led to fertilizing- which led to a picinic with Teresa and Sophie-which led to Sophie and I playing "house" (no not the nedical show- man I have got to get a job quick). Which all led to the uncomfortable sumburn I have on my arms. But you know what, the sun was shining today, we are all healthy, and we were all here together today. For the record the yard is spring-ready, the garage door is fixed, the clothes dryer is spinning again, and I have installed two new faucets in the house. And it is only LAD #5!! I can't wait to tackle the next project on the "Now-that-you're-laid-off Honey-Do List"- Unless it involves jogging again.
To end, I want to say a giant THANK YOU, to anyone that has posted on my blog over the last few days. Your kind words and encouragement are exactly what I need right now. Sharing your memories brings a great big toothy smile to my face.
Your Friend,
Jaron

Farwell to Stampin' Up...but not MY demos!

2009-04-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

I am soooo sorry for not posting yesterday. I needed to give myself 24 hours to think before I could write. I almost always just blurt things out without thinking and that gets me in heaps of trouble!!! :) Because of the sensitive nature of this post, I wanted to gather my thoughts first. Yesterday was one of the hardest days of my entire life- and I have had a few. We all knew that layoffs were coming. We had been told almost 30 days prior- but nothing can ultimately prepare you for it. I had seen and overheard a few things at the office that led me to believe I would be leaving. I felt prepared....until they called me in. They were generous in their severance for me. I respected that. I came out of the room and all my team mates were crying for me. I never felt closer to each of them. I cannot even begin to describe how much I will miss each of them. And I won't be able to pull myself together and finish this if I do. I walked into a conference room, called Teresa (my wife) on the phone and I sobbed like a baby for 10 straight minutes- I have rarely in my life experienced such pain and anguish coupled with a wee bit of anger :) I felt like I had failed my family. But I got it out and that was that; no looking back. I have been asked a lot if I feel like things could have been handled differently? Sure I do. However I do also understand that it was a difficult day and there really wasn't a good way of doing any of it. I hope SU does not have to go through this ever again. I wish much success to the company. I have a few other things I want to say:

First of all let me say, I LOVE every SU! demonstrator I have ever had the privilege to meet. I have formed friendships that I know I will have for the rest of my life. I have loved being able to talk to so many demonstrators at events and they just make being away from home so much easier because I always feel like I am with family. Makes it a little easier to be away from my little chickens (kids). My heart was truly warmed today when I literally received hundreds of calls, emails, blog entries, posts, and texts from demonstrators. I have felt your prayers all day today as I have struggled to make sense of all of this. So keep those prayers coming! I need every one of them :)

I LOVE Stampin' Up!, as a company. I strongly believe in it and what it stands for. Shelli Gardner created an incredible company and in doing so created many lasting memories for me. I respect her enormously. She has always treated me with the utmost respect and kindness. Once I even sat next to her on an airplane (I know, how jealous are you?) and talked her ear off (imagine that- me? Talking an ear off?) and she didn't even complain one time! Wow! Shelli loves every single employee and more importantly, every single demonstrator.

I LOVE the people I have worked with for the past 5 years. What incredibly talented people. I am sad for every single person laid off-very talented, dedicated people. I would love to say I understand why it had to be this way- but I do not and may not; not yet anyway. But what's done is done.

I LOVED picking the kids up from school yesterday for the first time ever. Malorie said "So did they give your job away?" I said "no but they did send me on an extended vacation." She was ecstatic! I looked in the rear view mirror and saw all three kids lined up across the back seat laughing and playing, put my sunglasses on and cried the rest of the way home with a giant smile on my face. Man I love those three rotten little things!!! :) I picked them up again today and loved it again. But also said " Don't get too used to it. Daddy loves it but Daddy needs a job! " :)

I will keep finding inspiration in little things, and finding ways of staying in touch so we can continue to bless each other's lives. And if you need somone to clean your stamp room- I am your guy! (mostly cause I am unemployed-ish) I hope our paths cross many more times throughout our lives and God willing, I know they will.

Favorite Indulgent Snack

2009-04-10T01:49:00.000-07:00

I want to discuss for a moment something that we all have. That's right... a favorite indulgent snack! It could be when you are feeling stressed, happy, sad, energetic, angry, or completely at peace...but we all have an indulgent snack. Here is mine...Paradise Bakery's Chocolate Chip Cookies. Good grief, what do they put in these things....meth? crack? What then...because I can't get enough. You know how one always come with your meal. Well I always order another one for on the side. Can you ever have too many? Undoubtedly the cashier will always say:

Cashier: "You know that these are buy one get one free right?"

Me: "Yes sir I am more than aware of that."

Cashier: "Well it's just that you already get one with your meal so then you would actually be getting THREE sir!!"

Me: "Do you work for Paradise Bakery or do you work for Jenny Craig? Now back off buddy and wrap me up thsoe cookies pronto!!! You know what, just bag the wrapping and give me those cookies STAT."

So what is your indulgent snack. What do you just love to eat? You HAVE to share. We'll be wating to hear from you..............

Happy Birthday my sweet Malorie Moo!!

2009-03-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

Moo's EIGHTH birthday was this week!!! Holy cow she is growing up so fast. I can't even stand it. I fear that all too soon I will be fighting of rotten little teenage boys at our doorstep. Oh no, she will not be allowed to date or even think of dating until at least 20!!! Heaven help us!! UGH.

So today's I will do a Top Ten things I love about my Moo:

10.Malorie has beautiful hair, and I love it when she flips it out of her face so matter of factly.

9. Malorie loves to wear dresses and dress up. She always looks cute, nails, lipstick, glitter!!

8. Malorie is a pianist. Getting good. Always plays with her tongue sticking out like her Daddy.

7. Malorie is a GREAT sister to Tito and Peanut. She loves to hug and hold them.

6. Malorie is a beautiful ballerina. She is graceful. Look out Miss America

5. Malorie will someday run for Miss America- actually she adamatly said no. I 'm devastated :)

4. Malorie almost always does her chores with only minimal proding.

3. Malorie has a smile that melts me to pieces-therefore she always gets her way!

2. Malorie hand-stamps me welcome home posters each time I go on a business trip.

1. I love to watch Maloire sleep- no its not creepy!! She has a slight smile and seems to always be carefree and at rest. She often times even sleeps with a eye mask on. It is hilarious and yet, so Diva-ish! Just seems fittting for her.

I love you the most Malorie!! (Shhhh don't tell the others- I tell them they same thing too)

Sophie Says.......

2009-03-16T15:12:00.001-07:00

Yet again Sophie has managed to produce another great comment for the blog. A few days ago Teresa was telling Sophie that she needed to stop playing in her room and start getting ready for music class. Here is the last part of the conversation:

Teresa: (growing imaptient) Sophie I said you need to get ready now or you will be late!!

Sophie: Wow, you're in a mood.

She just has a way with words!

~J~

ALOOOOOOOOOOOOOHA!!!!!

2009-03-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

I know that I am lame and have not posted in awhile so I must apologize profusely! I had the wonderful opportunity recently, to travel to HAWAII to visit with our demonstrators over there. What an INCREDIBLE time. What wonderful, caring people! I just felt so welcome in their beautiful land. They even threw us a little Luau, complete with Lei's, AMAZING food, and some beautiful hula! Here's a few pics of my work crew and some of our Hawaiian friends:

Thanks my Hawaiian buddies! Cannot wait to come back and see more!!

We also got to do some great sight-seeing (thanks to our great tour-guide Jennifer) of the North Shore (saw some great Lost, and Baywatch filiming locations), Pearl Harbor (such a feeling of pride and reverence there), the Punch Bowl, the Pali Lookout, the Dole Plantation, and beautiful Waikiki! Wow. I will post a few of those pics soon.

Jaron

More funny comments from my Sophie

2009-02-02T10:37:00.000-08:00

If I kept a journal of all the funny things Sophie (4) says each day, I would have volumes and volumes to share.

Last week she came to me very upset and said:

"Dad, Malorie just kicked me in the nuts".

I replied: "Soph, you dont have nuts honey."

This made her very upset and she screamed:

"Yes I do!!!!!!!" Then ran to her room and slammed the door.

I laughed and laughed and laughed.

I had to go back in to her room later, and to make her happy again I said:

"Ok Sophie, you have nuts"!!!!

Back from Orlando Leadership & Regional Seminar

2009-01-14T12:59:00.001-08:00

HOLY COW. I am back from the Stampin' Up! Leadership Seminar in Orlando. Man am I tired. Here are a few pics from that trip:

You can see how exhausted we were by the end. I love being able to go out amongst our demonstrators and getting to know each one of them. It is such a rewarding job to have.

So to all the Stampin' Up! demonstrators out there: Thank you sooooo much for an absolutely amazing week!! Now respond & tell me your favorite things about the week. I'd love to hear it!

Kid's and the things they say

2008-12-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

Anyone that has kids, teaches kids, or is around kids, can tell you that sometimes they say the funniest, strangest and most hilarious things. I have two of these that I need to share for you all to enjoy.

Yesterday at church I had the great "opportunity" to substitute in Malorie's class(on the left in picutre). I even got to give the lesson. To go with the time of year, it was all about the birth of baby Jesus. I aksed the kids what three presents the Three Wise Men brought with them to give baby Jesus. Of course Malorie's hand shot up like a lightning bolt. I called on her and she proudly proclaimed "Gold, Myrrh, and FRANKENSTEIN." What the????? What a terrible gift to bring. I can't think of anything worse than bringing a MONSTER with you to the birth of the baby Jesus can you?

A couple of weeks ago my brother-in-law was doing some yard work. He cut a branch down that fell right on his face. His nose swelled up huge. Coltin (in the middle in the picture) and I went to go check on him. After seeing him, on the drive back home, I turned to Coltin and said:

"Isn't it sad that Tony probably broke his nose?"

Coltin responded: "How can someone break their nose? There aren't even bones in there. Isn't it all just a bunch of CLEAVAGE???????"

I almost died laughing. I had to pull over and get my inhaler out of the glovebox! I almost had to give it to Coltin as well after I explained to him that he really meant Cartilage!!

Gotta love it! Tell us all something funny a child has said to you recently.

Deck the Halls

2008-12-12T09:44:00.001-08:00

I LOVE decorating our tree each year for the holidays. We have a tradition- Teresa puts on the lights and I decorate the tree. I just don't have the patience for the lights! No seriously, no patience at all. Last year Teresa decided her job would be a lot easier if she just purchased a pre-lit tree. Brilliant! Now if I could find a pre-decorated one! Here are some pics of this years tree. Click to make them bigger.

I AM THANKFUL FOR...

2008-12-02T17:23:00.001-08:00

I am sure many of you have that dreaded tradition where you go around the table, after Thanksgiving dinner, and each say a thing or two that you are thankful for. I used to DREAD this tradition when I was younger. I mean really, how many years in a row can you say "Uh... my family, I guess", and get away with it? Well today I feel thankful for many things and I need to write my top ten. A little longer entry but worh it. (I have a lot to be thankful for)

TOP TEN THINGS I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Uh, my FAMILY, I guess :) My wife and Kids. The picture is off to the side- Who wouldn't be thankful for them? Truly the #1 best thing in my life.
That I live in a free and democratic country. No matter how hard of times we may fall on, I still will always be grateful to live here.
My job- I love working for Stampin' Up! It is an amazing company and I love, and strongly believe in, all that they stand for.
Television- I am a news and Hollywood junkie. I know, two extremes- but love it.
My home- all 2400 square feet. I always thought Iwould need so much more than that. I thought it would be a starter home; just a step to something greater. I realize now it is all I need and that what I truly need in my life is to be giving a lot more of what I have to other people. Besides I could live in a bunker if I knew I would be with my wife and kids- most days anyway! :)
Diet Coke- though I am giving it up for Lent (not being Catholic I am really not sure what that entails but I hear people around me giving up something for a time called Lent. Sounds kind of fun. I think I will try it- yea right.
My Brother and Sisters- Each one brings such special traits to our family. We have a riot when we are together. I know that I always need to pack my inhaler because we will be laughing for hours and hours and hours- and my poor little lungs can't take it. Brian is a riot! The family clown. You never know when you will come around a corner and be greeted by a "full moon". Buffy-so calm and nurturing and thoughtful. Wants everyone to be happy. And Jen, incredibly patience, has tons of love to go around, and laughs like a witch (you know you do- we have been telling you for years).
My parents- two wonderful people that care so much about other people that they always put themselves last. Mom-surviving cancer for the second time and doing so without any complaints (I didn't get that trait) and Dad- cares deeply about making our city, state and country a better place to live and spends much time volunteering to do so.
Music- hearing someone singing in the shower, whistling at work (Linda), humming while working, snapping to the beat of music (Shannon), hearing songs of the season by the Mo Tab Choir, Donny Osmond and Mariah Carey, hearing Malorie and Coltin play a song on the piano that they have learned and are so proud to share, and hearing Sophie constantly walk around the house singing made up words to familiar tunes. Life would be so boring without the blessing of music.
Cars- even though I live about 5 miles from work, can you imagine how long that would take me on a horse, skates, walking, jogging (well that one would probably kill me long before I got there) skateboard, in a carriage or wagon. UGH! I forget how convenient they make life. I can easily go see my familf members. Sometimes in just minutes.

I want everyone to reply with at least one thing you are thankful for. It feeld good.

God bless!

My SWEET little Sophie

2008-11-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Miss Sophie (4) is our youngest, she has a personality like none other in our family. Sweet one minute but can turn on you without any notice. She keeps us on our toes. Here is a conversation that will help you see what I am taking about.

You should know that we were visitng Grammy and Papa (my parents) when Sophie put a popsicle stick in the toilet and FLUSHED it!

Me: Sophie say sorry to Grammy.

Sophie (grunting): uh uhhhhhhhhhh

Me (losing patience): Sophie say sorry!

Sophie: uh uhhhhhhhhhhh

Me (Hoping someone from DCFS isn't listening): Sophie just say the words "Sorry Grammy" for heaven sakes.

Sophie (defiantly): I already did.

Me (flabbergasted): No you didn't! I am standing right here and never heard it.

Sophie (adamantly): That's because I said it in SPANISH!!!!

Who knew that at four she had become bilingual? Now how can you ever get mad at that?

Photo Tag

2008-11-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

So I got blog photo tagged over the weekend. This si quite fun acutally. Acess your own picure folders on your computer. Go to your fourth folder and find your fourth picture in said folder. If you do not have that many folders do two and then two. Then post that picture on your blog. So here is mine.

This is me at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Cafe two years ago. Anyone trhat truly knows me, knows that I am addicted to Hard Rcok Cafe. LOVE IT.

Now it iis your turn, post your own pic on your blog and leave a comment here so that we can all go look at it.

Stampin Samples

2008-11-03T17:07:00.000-08:00

People ask me to post art work on my blog all the time. They want to see what projects I am working on when I am not traveling. To be honest, I do not get a lot of time to stamp when I am not traveling. I am Daddy to 3 energetic, priceless souls, (10,7, and 4), a soccer coach, local Miss America Pageant Director, and I am addicted to spending time in my yard. So I don't get a great deal of time to create. But here are a few projects I have been working on for all the stampers out there.

I use Stampin' Up products almost exclusively because I find they have almost everything that I need. This is using the Gratuitous Graffiti background stamp, and the Flower Fancy stamp. I used Craft Ink for the watercoloring to get a more vibrant look than classic inks.

Here's another project that was way easy to put together:

Two quick and easy 4x4 notecards. Used Pink Pirouette cardstock and Seriously Sassy stamp set, rhinestone brads and pearls, adhere with mini glue dots. EASY. I don't like projects that take a long time because I don't have a lot of time.

Let me know what you think......

Ahhhhhh Halloween!!

2008-10-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have to admit to LOVING Halloween- not the dark stuff, but the fun you get from dressing up in interesting costumes and , well, generally making complete fools out of ourselves. I love it! At work we dress up every year and make it a big deal. Here are pics of some of my faves from the past.

The Flying Elvi- we all made Elvis costumes

Pirates

Clue- we each dressed a a different character

You can click on any of these to make them larger.

I can't wait to add a few pics from this year.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS? if so, please share them with all of us.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-10-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday is pictures that speak for themselves or even with all the speaking in the world it could not explain the picture at all. With that said..........

To quote a line from Monty Python:

2008-10-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

"I'm not dead yet"!!!! And that is the good news. HOLY COW that P90X is an AWESOME workout. You don't even realize how much you have worked out until you try to get out of bed the next morning! :) Maybe that is my age coming through now? UGH.

I can tell that the next 90 days are going to be intense but worth it. On another note, the Power Yoga last night....what the.....? As far as flexibility goes, I can barely bend over and touch my own knees versus my toes or the floor for that matter!!!! :)

Tonights workout is DAY 5: Legs, Back, and the Ab Ripper- sounds daunting and perhaps slightly cripling! :)

Saturday is Kenpo and then Sunday(praise the Lord) is my rest day- no workout, and perhaps a pop Tart and Diet Coke for good behavior.

Calling all pallbearers.........

2008-10-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

I am about to embark on something tonight (and for the next 90 days) that could possibly be the end of me. That's right.. i am talking about my mortal enemy....exercise. (What am I doing!!!!) A non-exerciser married to a avid exerciser is just embarrasing. TW has been jogging almost daily this past year and does a big run (she calls it a big run, i call it a death wish) of about 14 miles on Saturday's. UGH! She is getting fit, and I am making sure that our great TV does not go to waste. And to my credit i am doing a VERY good job. Besides maybe I am staying completely out of shape to help her feel better about herself.. yeah right!

So tonight I start the "P90X" workouts:

So in the off chance that I actually make it through the workout tonight and can walk tomorrow, or for that matter at all this week- then I will let you know how it goes.

In the mean time friends---get the ice packs, ben gay and hot pads ready!!!!

I am calling for a boycott...... 90210.

2008-09-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

My friends, I am calling for a boycott of the new 90210 series. There are many impressionable teenage girls watching this show and seeing actresses that are WAY TOO THIN!! Because young women look to these actresses as role models, I am calling for a boycott of the show until we see pictures posted on line of each of the girls eating a Big Mac, PLUS they each need to put on at least 10 pounds. Until they do, i will not watch this show again! Feel free to join me!

Wordless Wednesday.. It speaks for itself

2008-09-24T11:37:00.000-07:00

Call me Crazy but we LOVE this book

2008-09-12T16:36:00.000-07:00

I have a book that was given to me a few years ago by some friends that know of my absolute love for funny gag gifts and white elephant gifts. it is called " The Gas We Pass". It is a very detailed book about how and why our bodies create gas. I bring this up only because yesterday our 3 year old gave me a very discriptive version of "Old McDonald had to poo". It was hilarious.

Here is the book (you will love it):

And not to be disgusting, but if you ever want to laugh more than you have ever laughed then ready this book aloud with friends. I have this one too and always get a migraine from laughing so hard when Teresa and I read it!!

There is a whole series of these books, and while they are supposed to be great children's books, they also make great adult laughter!!!! So I challenge you this week to pick up this book and read it without laughing!

Do you have other books that you love to read and laugh through? If so add them in a comment for us all to enjoy!!

Party hat for Baby "D"

2008-09-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

People ask me all the time if I do any crafting outside of work. Well once in awhile I get a request from a family member to "throw" something together for them. I normally do not take requests....but for family, I just can't say no to the people I love.

Well my niece Baby "D" turned one this weekend and I was asked to make her a party hat. Here is what I came up with. It uses mostly Stampin' Up! product (DSP, chipboard letter covered with heat and stick and glitter, pearls from pretties kit) the fur boa came from a craft store. Hope you enjoy. If you have any great party supply ideas that you want to share as well (invitations, decor etc.) , just respond back and put a link to your blog in the comments.

My Olympic Rant... The Anthem

2008-08-20T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ok so I have turned into an absolute Olympic junkie. I can't even comprehend howI continue going without much sleep right now! UGH! But I LOVE the Olympic Games. There have been so many awesome experiences this time that just give me a real patriotism boost. However, (I feel a rant coming on) I have noticed that not many American athletes know the words to the national Anthem. Sure they start to mouth them but what on earth are the words they are singing? :) I'm watching their mouths and it is NOT the Anthem that I know :) I swear one guy was just saying the word watermelon over and over!

I have watched other countries athletes win and sing their own national anthems with such pride. It is an awesome site. We need to make it a prerequisite for athletes to memorize the anthem before they are allowed to compete. Perhaps they get a little quiz right before the step up the diving board ladder or before they are even allowed to mount a gymnastics aparatus!!!!!

Now I need to close by saying how truly impressed I was with the USA Women's rowing team that took the GOLD. They all stood on the podium and everyone of them sang the USA Anthem so loud that the camera picked them up! It almost brought a little tear to my eye! They didn't care if they could sing well or not. They cared about winning a Gold for them AND their country and showing that with their Anthem show. It was beautiful.

So I call on all parents to teach your children your country's national anthem. ( I make mine sing along each time our coutry wins a gold medal). They are getting good practice thanks to all those talented athletes.

Top Ten Reasons I LOVE summer

2008-08-14T17:27:00.000-07:00

Shannon (my co-worker) wanted us all to write our top ten reasons we are excited to be done with summer. To which I could only say....What the?????? NO WAY can I write about the close of summer. Don't get me wrong, I do love me some of that winter.... but summer is my favorite by far. So here are the reasons I love summer and don't want it to end:

10) End of summer means school starts again, and even though I am no longer in school I still get a little anxiety when it is about to start.

9) Playing in the sprinklers with the kids.

8) I LOVE my flower garden. Ugh! I hate to see it all die back at the close of summer. It is more than I can bear... all of that hardwork.

7) My neighbors dog does a LOT of #2's on my grass. Now that I could do without. But what is fun about it (stay with me here) is making a game out of throwing it back in their yard. 5 points for their lawn, 10 points for their walkway, and 100 points for their porch. Hey it is not my dog!!!! You reap what you (and your dog) sew!

6) Awesome movies always come out in the summer.

5) Hiking on our beautiful mountain trails.

4) Body image- I am a little more concious of taking care of my body in the summer incase a passerby sees me mowing my lawn without my shirt on. However, when summer is over......bring back my beloved Poptarts.

3) I don't watch as much TV (My sweet TW will say this is not true-but it is). Because it stays late longer, there is so many outside activities we can do.

2) SOCCER season! As the coach, I love it, love it, love it!

1) Sun. The sun makes me happy- I would stay in it all day everyday if I could get a guarantee that I would not ever look like Bob Barker or George Hamilton.

NOW YOU WRITE: What do you LOVE about the summer months.

Stampin' Up! Convention 2008 SLC

2008-08-08T12:25:00.000-07:00

I am finally getting back to normal life now that our Convention is over! Holy cow! I was so tired after Covention this year that I felt I should hibernate for a few months and get some sleep. The excitement and anticipation of Convention, new products, announcements and presentations makes it so I can hardly sleep at all!!!

I LOVED this year's Convention more than any other one ( I probably say that every year- but I mean it this year). What a great fun time we had celebrating all of our amazing, fabulous demonstrators all over the world. I love our demos! They are the greatest people in the world.

I have tried over and over to explain to my kids what I do for a living. How do you explain geting up on stage and stamping in front of 6000 women and 3 men :) Well, the kids got to come down to the Salt Palace and see me present on the maainstage. It was awesome. There they were on the front row, my little chickens and Teresa!! Everytime I saw them on the big camera screen I almost got a little teary. SOOOOOO cute. Of course I threatened to take away everything they own if they ran around all over the place :) As any good parent would. On the way home in the car Coltin asked his mom "Is Daddy famous mom?" HA HA HA HA HA - "Only one week a year sweetie!"- she said. It is good to shrink that big head of mine!

So what was your favorite part of Convention??? I am dying to know all the things that you just LOVED?

Don't BUG me.........(not intended to offend anyone)

2008-07-23T17:15:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile so I promise to make this one worth it. I am getting ready for our HUGE convention in Salt Lake City!! WAHOOOOO! I am completely beside myself with stress, and also anticipation.

For today I want us all to discuss things that just absolutely BUG us! Trust me-- this can be very fun.

So here are my big gripes for the day:

1) Wal-mart lines: seriously people, you are busy at the same time every single day yet you only have two stands open and one of them is a new trainee? What the???..... My tip for you is to always check to see if there is someone in jewelry. They will ring you up there most of the time.

2) Again with the Wal-Mart: but my gripe is for the people that are there after 11:00 PM and have their KIDS with them. And they are always yelling at their kids to not whine and to shut it! Parents please, your children are TIRED and should be home in their bed waiting for the tooth fairy to come. Now there is ONE exception and that is people that go there at 5:00 but are still waiting in the TWO open lines to check out.

3) This will be my LAST regrading Wal-mart. But they took away those great music listening stations in the CD area. I like to know what i am buying before I Purchase it. Plus sometimes I am just chep and just want to HEAR a song and not OWN the song.

4) This is not about Wal-mart but many people that shop there. There is absolutely no reason to stand at the Guitar Hero station and play for three hours at a time. it is almost always a fully grown man, with several children that he keeps telling to shut up, plus it is after 11: pm (see above). Sir- maybe you should save some aluminum cans and buy one, or go home and read a book to your children.

5) People that DO NOT wash their hands coming out of the restroom. It is not like we dont know what you were just doing in there. But you can forget about all high fives and knuckle bumps for the rest of the day pal. My sanatized hands are off limits to you. Oh and leave the magazine at your desk please! What's next? Will you take in a picnic basket and make a day of it? You are not going for a drive in the country- you are going to the bathroom!!!

6) People that go to work when they are sick. SERIOUSLY? Because you are feeling ill do you think we ALL need to feel ill? (to my co-workers I know I broke my own rule this week but to be fair... I never threw up AT work!!!!!) :)

7) Ugly Parade floats- GASP! There is nothing worse (expect numbers 1-6) I am a director of a local Miss America pageant and our float this year is pathetic. I need to post a pic. Pieces have fallen off, broken, the float engine broke down in the first parade. One element is held on by a bungee cord. That right... a BUNGEE cord. I LOVE a good parade... but I HATE an ugly float.

8) Diet coke prices- UGH $1.39 for a small bottle now? It is not made out of gasoline is it? Maybe my blog needs to turn to my next attempt to go off caffeine all together. WHAT? did someone just take over my body and write that??????

9) people that smoke in cars with children in their car seats. Not that I would like it if they weren't in car seats...that is a whole other story. I don't care if the windows are slightly cracked. That just tells me that the smoke is just slightly going in your kids lungs. Adults have the right to smoke- I do believe that- however I do not believe in making that choice for the minors in YOUR car.

10) So you went to BYU- big deal. So you went to UTAH big deal. I dont care and I don't want to hear about the rivalry in every single conversation anyone in the state of Utah has. (BTW I did graduate from one of those schools- and i STILL don't care) Do you think anyone that went to an IVY league school ever sits around and talks about BYU beating the U or the U beating BYU? No- and you know why- because people DONT CARE! And I certainly do NOT want to see your stupid bumper sticker showing a cartoon character "peeing" on BYU or on the U of U.

I have soooo many more, but I need to save that for my next post. So now write your biggest gripes so we can all get a good laugh at what really bugs all of us!!! :)

The Bachelorette- What the.....

2008-06-24T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you are watching The Bachelorette this year then you may understand what this rant will be about, and please feel free to add.
But seriously, does De Anna really need to cry in every single episode? UGH! You know how people get that really weird "cry face" well this girl has definitely got one. I enjoy watching the show but find myself making those fake gagging faces every time the water works starts up.
Am I just totally insensitive or is anyone else getting a bit weary of the tears?

How are you rooting for on the Bachelorette? Graham (too bad), Jeremy, Jason or Jesse? I myself am totally cheering on Jason- even though I think DeAnna could walk all over him?

Respond with your vote, and why, and we will compare notes.

My HAPPY Father's Day!

2008-06-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

What a GREAT Father's Day I had. I feel so blessed to have such beautiful children, not to say that if they were not so beautiful that i would love them any less! They are my kids and I love em'. Here are the picks of my special day and thoughts about each of my little chickens.

This is my little peanut Sophie. She is so sweet and tender and hugable...unless you cross her path unexpectedly then you better watch out. She can hold her own. (She is constantly having to fight off her siblings) Sometimes you think she is going in for a sweet kiss and you get a slap instead. Oh well it is worth it. She is a princess!

This one is my sweet, sweet "Moo", Malorie. She has such a sweet nature to her. Always willing to help and always up for a big squeeze. She loves to cuddle up and watch American Idol together. Plus she is the sweetest big sister ever. Especially when she looks up with her toothless little smile. I melt. She also LOVES to smother her face with lip gloss! She is a diva. I find it very difficult to ever tell her no! UGH! I am doomed.

My little twin "Tito", Coltin- What a ladies man. He is devilishly handsome, witty, a brilliant little mathematician (gets that from his mother) and quite a soccer player. Would stay in the shower all day long if the hot water didn't run out. He is smart which is great, unless he feels the need to correct you when you have spoken incorrectly about something :) He is my best little man!

I have been blessed greatly (though I find I am having to remind myself of that more and more as they get older and even more sassy)!!

NEW!!!! Top Ten Tuesday

2008-06-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

Has a week gone by already? It is Top Ten Tuesday again. In the spirit of the great political experience we have happening in the USA right now, Today's top ten will be:

Top Ten Vice-Presidential Candidates

10. Bob Barker - we would even let him carry around an ultra-skinny microphone to speak into at all times, supply him with mega bronzer, and have his name announced every time he "comes on down" to a legislative session.

9. Tyra Banks- Everytime they asked her for a comment she would just simply reply "That is FIERCE"!

8. Mike Tyson- If the President, or anyone else, gets out of line he can just bite them.

7. Jeff Gordon- everytime a bill was passed he would spray down everyone on the Senate floor with champagne to celebrate.

6. Martha Stewart- the Capitol Building will get a well deserved make over with all the extra time she has (everyone knows the VP doesn't do much anyway-kidding). Perhaps she could make themed rooms in the whtte house like a jungle room, french cottage, or an old mining lodge and then rent out the rooms to guest. Oh wait- that last idea was already done by the Clinton's.

5. Simon Cowell- because he would have no problem telling the President when he is being "an idiot", "unbearable", "the worst ever", "annoying", or "absolutely dreadful". And he would just look away and not feel like he had to apologize for it.

4. Elmer Fudd- because he carries a gun too and could just as easily take a shot at his good buddies like Dick Cheney did.

3. Oprah Winfrey- it is inevitable, she is taking over the world anyway. So why not give her another channel to do so. (no hate mail here, I quite like Oprah)

2. Ellen De Generes- because this country needs a good laugh from time to time. Wouldn't she be great to send to other countries to negotiate us and others out of war.

1. Warren Jeffs- he seems to be keeping thousands of women quite happy on the YFZ ranch. Why not let him take a stab at keeping the rest of the nation happy too. Plus he would have to work for some of the money he is currently making off of the government.

Anyway, it is all meant in good fun. Feel free to leave me a comment with a few names that you would include -even though most of you won't :)

Top Ten Tuesday

2008-05-28T12:22:00.000-07:00

My brilliant work pal Shannon started a Top Ten Tuesday on her blog. I am totally going to steal, I mean, add to that idea. I missed it yesterday but I am going to throw it on here today. Drum roll please....

TOP TEN FAVORITE TV SHOWS- CURRENT
10. NBA play off's- not as fun without my jazz, but still exciting to watch

9. Funniest Home Videos- especially the clips where people get hurt. I know that is sick, but if you are also honest with yourself, then you know that those ones are much more funny. And sadly- even when older people fall- I am sick -what is wrong with me???

8. One Tree Hill- A teen-ish show

7. Bachelor/ Bachelorette

6. Dancing with the Stars- loved this season the most- Kristi Yamaguchi rocks.

5. Gossip Girl- another teen show. I need help!

4. American Idol- best season yet

3. So You Think You Can Dance- except for the guy that danced in his "skivies" last week.

2. Brothers & Sisters- I love this crazy little family. So much drama, hilarious moments, family bonding. Slightly reminds me of my own family. But we just might have it a little more together than them.

1. America's next Top Model- How can you go wrong with this show. Loved that Whitney won this year (see my first blog entry).

Feel free to comment back and add your favorite shows!

Short people got.......

2008-05-23T17:22:00.000-07:00

For those that do know me, I take great pride in my home decorating abilities. I change paint colors often and have been known to sew new pilows for the couches more than once. I don't really know how to sew, but I try. Perhaps the fact that the last ones I made are basically dsintagrating at the seam is a sign I may need to read the sewing machine manual before trying again.

Anywho, as I said I take great pride in my home. All the pictures are hung just so, every decoration has a specific place and a specific reason for being there. I don't like bare walls, they need to be dressed up. So we have a few wall hangings in most rooms of the house.

Recently, a friend came over to the house and had a very interesting question. He wondered why we put our pictures so low on the walls. I did not know what he meant so he explained that the picture groupings seemed to be lower then normal on the walls. He said he thought they were supposed to be just above eye level. Then thinking about it broke into laughter. You see, I am 5 foot 5 inches tall... or short! So too me, all of the pictures are just above eye level. For that matter so are all of the sinks, counters, cupboards...... :)

A very funny experience that I thought all could enjoy..... HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

P.S. All pictures have been moved up a few inches on the walls!!!

I am exhausted.... Shannon

2008-05-23T17:15:00.001-07:00

At work I am priveledged to sit next to "The Great Shannon" - at least that is what she makes me call her. She is eccentric, hilarious, and well, TOTALLY on one this week! Yes Shannon, that is right. I have kept quiet all week long, but alas.... no more!!!

So I send out a messgae to all.... be kind to your co-workers come Monday morning or they just may write about YOU on THEIR blog!! :) Love ya Shanny

I really do enjoy sitting by Shannon and hope for many, many more years of office fun.

PLUS SIZE???? What the....

2008-05-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to rant about one of my favorite shows, America's Next Top Model. I have really enjoyed watching this seasons episodes. However, I grew more and more outraged by a label they kept using to describe one of my favorite models, Whitney. They called her "PLUS SIZE". You may be saying what is wrong with that. Perhaps you should not have asked because here I go: Whitney is a size ten. Yes that's right, a size TEN. When did that become plus size? I guess in a modeling world where girls starve themselves to look more like 12 year old little boys- that would be considered plus size. I am outraged. This "full figured" girl, who by the way did end up winning, was stunningly beautiful and modeled clothes that looked fit and tailored instead of just draped over a body of bones. I have two daughters that also like to watch the show. I take every opportunity to let them know that most of the girls are not taking care of their bodies, and that men like women who have at least a little bit of meat on their bones!! :) Wow for a first post this was quite serious- especially for me. Stay tuned for more great rants and ravings in the near future!