emily

today i wish...

2009-03-10T13:03:00.001-07:00

i wish to be such as a vagabond...to wander this beautiful earth. Breathe is it's every scent and see its hills, alleys, mountains and meadows, beaches, rivers and sail the seas... i would search for those who are in need of help, give them the time they want, the love they lack, the strength they need and be on my way to my next destination where at the moment would be unknown... i would lay under the stars, in seas of tall grass, with my unkept hair swirled around me. Peace in my heart, a smile pulling my lips tight, goosebumps on my toasted skin as fresh winds sail thru the blades of grass.... searching the mulitude of stars (blow a kiss to my 7 sisters), watching star after star fall... this is what i wish for today.

Tanner

2009-01-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

Oh Tannerboy, why you gosta grow up? Remember all the times I held you on my hips? pushed you on swings? Walks around the square? Toy story? Babe? AhJuieeww? Kicking my back in the night? Dancing? Rocking you to sleep? Well, you are a little big for all that now... School,friends, sports,rockband...girls(better not!) I can't believe you are 14!!!
You are growing up into quite a little stud!(I use little only cuz, I still want you small!) I love seeing your smiley face, our grown up conversations and the sweet hugs you still give me!! I love you Tanner!

edward...

2008-12-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

I asked santa for him for Christmas... another human wrapped up in shiney paper with a large bow, against his own will...is that too much to ask? Apparentely so...(damn you santa). In a close second my niece made this creative and sweet frame with a comfy (quite lovely i might add) t-shirt of my man tucked under the heart...Josie got me the last of the Twilght books (um yum) which i'm still holding out reading the last few chapters, cuz i don't want it to end...(coo-coo)

I started reading this tale about a year and a half or so ago... I admit it, was hooked(what gave it away?).

My marriage was ending, living in my house alone..I'd curl up in my blankets that gave me comfort. My little light, I threw myself into the pages, and lost myself in...Edward.

It's hilarious and quite childish, at my age... to fancy such a fictional character, I know... but he was there, and I fell.

i love, love decorating the tree...

2008-12-18T00:15:00.000-08:00

free therapy that works...

2008-12-11T16:02:00.000-08:00

so the other day, i was upset, discouraged, and sat on my bed, was about to lose it... then i thought," this is LAME, i'm not gonna cry" (okay I let 2 fall)...
instead of laying back and letting them roll, i jumped on my bed, pushed play on my cd player, yelled for my sister and nieces to get in my room...

they ran in, only to see me jumping on my bed as high as I could (okay I probably have more hops than this but I have no springs), motioning for them to join in!!!
I've been to therapy, but this felt SO much better...

their excitement made my heart thump, and my tears dry up, and we were laughing ...

I love this one of GABBI!!!

Felt good to be me, to share my silliness with these girls

in moments of hurt a lot of emotions come up, embarrassment, some can be anger, some a little...sassy

and when you stop thinking about yourself and your wha wha life, you stop to help others-
and nothing feels better....

and your heart gets two sizes bigger, and your smile starts to hurt...

you think of those that you love, and how much they love you too...

your strength builds, and you can feel like anything is possible,

and suddenly, for a moment..or two you are free.

free therapy ingredients;

* bed

*good music

* letting it all go

(please excuse, my room messy and all. oh and the bras hanging out to dry, my mac is busted and I don't know how to edit on this one. lol)

you should be dancin Yeah...

2008-12-11T15:41:00.001-08:00

No clue what's up with my hands....

take it away Gabb's....

Mandy is totally getting into it!!

Nothing feels better than a good dance when you wake up !

thanksgiving

2008-12-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

i love when my silly, coo-coo family gets together (me included).

i love the smells, and food and weather,

love these two, more than they know.

i love the glitter and candles, though it's just for show

i love the hugs and and giggles,

and acting like we're 2!!!

it's even better when they end up copying you..

and no holiday is the same without the goose (my vampire bite)

and wearing a dress cuz she asked me too...

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2 bday

2008-12-03T12:31:00.001-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to....

ADAM
CHRISTIAN
JOHNNY
We have been going over and over how candles are HOT and DON'T TOUCH!

He was SO hesitant!

MISS LULU!!!

lOVE THE TONGUE!!

AND THOSE LASHES....

hAPPY bIRTHDAY, you sweet babies!!!

Spin goes the LU...

2008-12-03T12:28:00.001-08:00

Spin, spin, spin my Lu....

Lu's noble Stead, best friend, oh and dad.

TATTOOS

2008-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Don't trip, I know it looks so real, but... it's not.
Goose has had me draw this little crown "birthmark" several times.
We have watched every Barbie movie that has come out, (Nutcracker is the best!)
In "Princess and the Pauper," Princess Annaliese has this very birthmark which eventually outs the Pauper! So, you can so see the draw can't you?

So, don't think I'm all, "Ya kids go get Tats at this young age", gees.

I know next time I see you -you'll have one, hiding up your sleeve!

can I come in?

2008-12-03T11:39:00.001-08:00

This little lady LOVES my room.
Not so much that I'm in there, but ALL my things!
So much to look at, the big fan that almost tosses her back, and of course my music... She likes to move it, move it!

Look at those eyes, and pouty lips...oh man.

HApPy HaLlOWeEN...

2008-12-03T11:32:00.001-08:00

What a random looking bunch of trick or treaters!!!

I love to dress up and walk the babies (okay and the goose) around!!

She was the perfect little "NICE, PRETTY WITCH."

Christian was the perfect size for YODA.

Bethanne (what a babe) and I perfecting the 40's!!! We had so much fun!

HMMM... Jonathan's costume may have been a little too, well dead on. lol

Gabbi is High School muiscal, and Maddi is the lovely greek goddess...

Mandy the loveable, pouty pumpkin fairy.

Lulu, "I Barbie Pincess, Barbie pincess!"

The Goose shared all her pixie sticks with me!!!

Timmy and LULU

Pit stop... love the tail!!!

Yep, I really like this house and so uh there is me and that house...

"INNDIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

So cute!!

me, singing:" Halloween is coming, the pumpkin's getting FAT! Please put a treat in my little brown sack! If you haven't got a treat -- then a little trick will do. If you haven't got a trick... then heaven help YOU!"

goose: "That's not how is goes Em!"

me: "Yeah it does goose, my mom made it up."

goose: " No, there is no, "trick" in it."

me: "Silly goose, it sure does, it is part of the song."

goose: "not in my song!"

me: ".........hmmm, deal."

goose, singing: " Halloween is coming...."

A new love...

2008-11-20T10:59:00.000-08:00

On my way home, quite late last night I was listening to the radio.

After Alvin and Chipmunks finished their lovely Christmas carol ( I REALLY do love them, it's a MUST)

I changed the station.

This song was playing, "Come On Get Higher." (Another song written for me, Thanks Matt Nathanson.) yep, a new love song for me...

It really moved me and of course I wanted to dance.. again, but this time in someones arms.

And I thought of what being in love can do to you...

And how Iknow I'll try to run the other way, when it looks me in the eye.

(I can come up with many excuses, I'm creative.)

The joy and the pain, love and the laughter...

how we can't perdict the future, but wish we could.

Their scent, their touch, their voice,

how you can miss them, when you JUST left their side

how it can keep you awake for hours...

and how I just want to be drowned with love...

I miss the sound of your voice

I miss the rush of your skin

I miss the still of the silence

As you breathe out and I breathe in (yum)

If i could walk on water

If i could tell you what's next

Make you believe

Make you forget

(I love this part...)

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips

faith and desire in the swing of your hips

Just pull me down hard

And drown me in love

I miss the sound of your voice

The loudest thing in my head

And I ache to remember

All the violent, sweet

Perfect words that you said

If I could walk on water

If I could tell you what's next

I'd make you believe

Make you forget

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips

Faith and desire in the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard

And drown me in love

I miss the pull of your heart

I taste the sparks on your tongue (um, perfect)

I see angels and devils

And God, when you come on

Hold on, hold on, hold on, hold on

So come on, get higher, loosen my lips

Faith and desire in the swing of your hips

Just pull me down hard

And drown me, drown me in love

So wrong, so all wrong

It's so right

So come, on get higher

come on, get higher

'cause everything works, love

Everything works in your arms

(sigh)

PuMPkIn Patch

2008-11-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

On our way to the patch, I get a little excited...

Mak and Goose

Claire and Jane Sing at a Benefit Concert for their parents

2008-10-29T17:59:00.001-07:00

Or click HERE to see this same video, but by the professional camera and microphones!

Christian and Stephanie Nielson -Their Story

2008-10-29T17:37:00.000-07:00

NIE DAY at the New and Beautiful, Habit Salon

2008-10-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

NIE DAY AT HABIT SALON - NOVEMBER 22nd!!! (yes it changed)

BENEFIT FOR STEPHANIE & CHRISTIAN NIELSON

Here it is, I'm SO excited!!! But we need YOU to make it successful!! It's going to be a fun day. If you don't want to cheat on your stylist, (which is the only time to cheat and NOT feel guilty, lol) come get your hair washed and styled for your Saturday.

It is so important that we keep giving. Can I pull on the heart strings? After surviving a private plane crash, the Nielsons have spent the last two months in the Maricopa Burn Center. The first batch of cultured grown skin for them was placed for 100 pieces. Each piece of skin graph is about $1,500.00 EACH and they are little squares!! Stephanie will continue to have about 80 more surgeries in her lifetime. Her sweet Mr. Nielson was just able to leave the rehab center and move in with his parents. He is working with Legos to work his hands.

(The money is needed in so many different ways, besides all the lifetime of medical bills. Mortgage payments, car payments, water and electricity, health insurance, food, clothes for their four children. All the bills keep coming, even though Christian can not work, and will not be able to for a long time.)

I know you all are keeping up on these two, as I am. I've known Christian since I moved here 18 years ago. Same ward, one street over, my brother is his age and friend. He was in TwyceAround, the group my high school boyfriend was in. We had choir together and were both silly characters in the musical, "Music Man". And we sadly watched as his sister, Charity, pass away of a very rare form of cancer.

He is sweet, handsome and charming. A friend of mine ran in to him months ago and asked how he was. Christian replied, " I have a wife, kids and a house. I'm living the American dream!" We got a little chuckle out of it at the time. Is he for real? Are there really guys out there like this? So satisfied? As I get to know them as a couple and a family through the blogs, and his beautiful, spunky wife and adorable kiddos...I believe so!

I'm so glad he is okay, though my heart still aches for him. I talked to his mom. Mary, for a moment at the Blissfest. She was sleeping with Christian in the hospital every night. He must feel so alone. ( I'm tearing up. ) You are in my prayers.

I remember at the balloon launch shortly after it happened (at the Mesa Temple) writing notes of love and hope to attach to the balloons. As I wrote them down, "WE love you!", " We are Here!", I could feel Christian and Stephanie. And I knew they felt all of us.

As my sister started to help out with a garage sale for NIE in Agritopia (Shout out to Carolyn-kisses) I joined in. What an overwhelming feeling of love!!!

My sister, Jolleen, just finished another successful garage sale for NIE, and with all of your help, $4,700.00 was raised for the Nielsons!!! Thank you to those of you who helped out, donated and supported!!! We love you! Seriously, we do! (Check out her blog for amazing stories and videos about the Christian and Stephanie.)

I've never met Stephanie before, so I always felt a little strange talking about her on here. But some how I know her, and I think we all do. She is a selfless mom and in love with her man. She is beautiful, talented and silly!

I adore you, Stephanie. I'm here to help.

Last Saturday was a concert for Nie at Mt. View. With sister, Josie, and our new friend, Mary, -we went after the Big Nie garage sale. The artist was Mindy Gledhill. (Cute!!) I hadn't heard her before.

She went to school with Stephanie. What a perfect way to end the day. Stephanie's girl's (Claire and Jane) sang with Mindy. It was breathtaking...Laugh, cry, laugh, cry!!

I also met a girl who had come from Phoenix sitting next to me... (Amy, if you are out there? Find me!) Nie has touched her like the rest of us. We were instant friends.

Yes, tragedy can bring us together... I can just see Stephanie in Mr. Nielsons arms, on their front porch, watching their kids chasing each other in the yard, as the sun goes down, on their new farm in Provo...

The Nielson's, the Adorable America Dream... Let's help make it continue...

Oh ya, and we are designing a Limited Edition NIE T-Shirt for the participants of NIE DAY at Habit Salon. You don't want to miss out!

NIE GARAGE SALE!!! OCT. 25th!!!

2008-10-24T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone!!! I'm sure you all know and love as I do, Stephanie and Christian Nielson, yes NIE!!
Tomorrow SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH my sister Jolleen is putting on the 2nd HUGE garage sale, in the name of NIE, where ALL proceeds will go to the NIE RECOVERY FUND!!! The last one hosted my Carolyn, we made over 5000.00. Can we beat it???? YES WE CAN!!(thanks Bob aka. the builder)

PLEASE click on my sidebar where it says "hopefornie" It will give you directions as well as a little more info on this great day!!! I know short notice but seriously who has the time??? Let's make it!!!

There will be Yummy handmade baked goods as well as other fun finds!!!! Come join us, come support NIE!!!

Oh Martha...

2008-10-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

I would love to have a smiggin of your brains. I'd even do the jail time.

sugar'd minds think alike

2008-10-11T14:35:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to my sister (jolleen, the one I'm currently kickin it with) telling me to "shut my eyes" (they were before you came in!) I squeezed them shut and tried to go back to sleep? But she was SO dang loud pulling things out of a bag and laying them by my pillow. She went out and these childhood treats were there. I love stuff like this, bringing up old fun memories. I smiled to myself and couldn't believe she had got these for me...

because last night I found gum we use to get when we were little and I bought her a bag to set on her pillow!

and yes these are only some of the treats we would write on the list we would make Timmy go get for us!

join me, won't you?

2008-10-11T00:07:00.000-07:00

Nothing like the Arizona sky

2008-10-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have a love-hate relationship with this state, but this is what i love...The billowy clouds when a storm is coming our way, they can get so huge and feirce looking. I'm in love with the Sunrises... when it changes from darkness into rays and rays of orange, pink, and yellow bursting through the clouds. The sunsets, when it looks like angels are about to decend from behind the clouds, or that you could drive right into it setting. A close tie for first is the HARVEST MOONS, oh my, It gets SO enormous and low, the color is such a deep orange, ooooh I love it. Hmmm... and then there are those nights when the sky is so clear and you can see SO many stars. I always search for the 7 sisters, not sure why, or even the story behind why they are called that but, I blow them a kiss just the same.

SOMEBODY has my ears..

2008-10-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

I HEART this candle!!!

2008-10-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is emily, and I'm a candleaholic. I found this one 2 years ago at Fry's. Last year when Halloween was over I bought, well ummm, A LOT of them (they were discounted - don't judge.)
It fills the room and smells DAHvoon!

Fall to me... is Nickel Creek

2008-10-06T23:50:00.000-07:00

I have been listening to this band for about six years now. The first song I heard was "When You Come Back Down".
I remember the car I was driving and what street I was on. The beautiful way the instruments were played and the singers voice...I was in a trance, I was in love.
Soon after I bought the CD and have loved every song, and each CD there after. I have been to 3 of there concerts, they are truely AMAZING! Serious skills! The mandalyn is delicious!!! They are also very witty and play well off each other, which only added to the great concert. (oh and the lead singer, I think we had a moment :))
I do listen to them all year round- but especially this time of year. I sometimes get emotional. I feel like I'm in the countryside, with beautiful leaves changing....
They are unlike ANY sound I've heard. I also love that they each take turns singing songs, and each voice is fantastic. I wish I had just ONE song to suggest, but they are ALL good! Seriously? Seriously. Go get them.

my little goose goes to preschool

2008-10-03T09:46:00.000-07:00

and she loves it!!!

oooooooohhhhh...

2008-09-29T23:53:00.001-07:00

I have WANTED you for SOOOoooo long...
So many years I have DREAMT of you...
I once put PICTURES of YOU in frames around my HOME, (bitting lip)
Well not you, but look a likes, YES, that's how BAD I WANT you!

There is SO much I want to DO with YOU...
You are so Tall and STRONG, and the way you SMell..
A woodys scent, MMMmmm...So INTOXICATING...
I have INVISIONED "us" together...
thru the seasons, oh EVERY season!
with my friends and family and PARTIES,
oh and DANCES, yes many, MANY dances!
I see ROLLING in the HAY, music, CHILDREN and LOTS of laughter!!!
(grimace) Am I saying TOO much?

Oh HOW you GET to me...
These dreams, no FANTASIES I have CREATED because YOU exist!!
I ACHE for you, you are HOME to me
I FEEL you CALLING to me...

I DREAM and hope that IN time, YES in TIME...
WE will be INSEPERATABLE!
OOooohhhhhh YUM, I'm tingling ALL over!!!
now I just NEED to know...

are you WHITE?

Or RED?

No really... I did.

2008-09-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

sherbet and keyboards DON'T mix

2008-09-29T21:53:00.000-07:00

Darn it!!! My yummy little niece left her THRIFTY sherbet ice cream cone next to my keyboard!
First of all, Why did she NOT eat it all, HELLO?
Second, it MELTED so quickly onto those nice WHITE keys... and BYE BYE keyboard!
Which has left me borrowing old ones from both of my sisters, which both are missing some keys and for awhile, NO @ !!! I couldn't get on to my dear blog, or emails.
ANyHoo, life is rough huh? But seriously, why didn't she finish it?

umm... timmy

2008-09-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

Combine these Adorable and Hilarious men and you have...

THIS GUUUUUUYYYY!!!
I give you... Larry Justin Timothy Johnson.

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (so cool, you don't have to go to school on your big day anymore, so... thumbs up.)

Second, have a great day cuz you like SO deserve one !!! ( cuz member like when you were little and um- we'd make long lists for you, you'd jump the back fence (ran like hell) to Wayne's Liquor (only candy) and the Pharmacy (only candy here too) then you'd book it back before Mom and Papa got home? - Meh, member that? That was awesome.)

Third, thanks for ALWAYS making me laugh!!! (Okay well like NOT always. I mean like for YEARS you'd try to make me laugh and I'd look at you like you had crap on your face. It's cool that's changed huh?)

Fourth, I SO LOVE the way you LOVE the Wace! (Like when you bought JT tickets for Bethanne and let her take me. We were about to leave and you were looking down at the Wace as you rocked her and I saw something watery in your eye and I was ALL," Did you want to go with BA? Cuz I can stay here with the Wace?" By then I think the fan was blowing in your eyes cuz you eyes were FULL of water. Still lookin' at Wace you said "She's just getting SO big." I later heard you had post-partum or somethin'- total bummer.

Fifth- okay no more numbers!
- It's fun how much you like the Lakers. You are NO fair weather fan, even under the weather you drive to Cali for games!
-Thanks for letting me sleep with you when we were younger,( when my heart would get broken I would crawl in your bed in the middle of the night (with the family dog in there too) trying to cry quietly (dumb boys) you are such a comfort to be around. I'm sure this bothered you but you NEVER led on, thank you.
-Bono is your man (were you really gonna name the Wace that?) One of my favorite things is our random texts to each other over the years, one starts a U2 song and the other finishes the rest of it. We are cool.
-You are always there for me, ALWAYS.

So Like HaPpY BIrThDaY bro! You are the cooliest, intelligent, sweetest, funniest little bro like EVER!!!

umm.. timmy, l love you.

Rachel Roy

2008-09-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

I'm adoring this Fall line by Rachel Roy... the cap sleeves and waisted belts, the sheen on the fabrics and I love the orange!!!

So beautiful.......

2008-09-02T11:35:00.001-07:00

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

Oooooohhhh Lisa..... It's your BIrTHDaY!!!!

2008-08-20T23:40:00.000-07:00

Lisa I hope this is a perfect day for you!
You hun, are the sweetest gal I know. You are not only BEAUTIFUL, and so put together, ( am I right ladies?) but you are generous and humble. I love this about you. I could kick it with you all day!!!
We could talk clothes, bargains, decor, FOOD, kids, boys, church, pain, laugh,the newest excercise,skin, hair, helping others, music, running and everything in between! I'm so unbelievably grateful you are in my life and are my friend. Thanks for ALWAYS being there. I love you friend and simply adore you!

Keepin It COOL

2008-08-12T10:24:00.000-07:00

Since this picture was taken, this crazy little 18mth Daredevil, swims under water without floaties (parents are there). He also slides down the slide himself and also jumps off the divingboard!!! (with floaties..but not for long, Ahh!!)

As for Mandy, well.. she is still deciding...

I absolutely adore this Picture. My brother Tim has his beloved Lulu in his arms, goes down the slide into the pool and keeps her above the water at ALL times!
Let's hear it girls, AAWWW...

Big brother and lil' sis!

No time for swimsuits!!!

HOLY FUNKY BULLJER!?!

"MAHM..MAHM.MAHM.. watch."

Goose and I running thru Chris's sprinklers!!

We LOVE Jo's pool...

Once upon a dream...

2008-08-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

"One Shoe Can Change Your Life." -Cinderella

I think this Cinderella gal may have something here.

Pocket Full of Sunshine.

2008-08-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

I found a little bit of myself this week. Now I know this will be a continuing process as long as I live...
But it's been awhile since I've seen myself or even remembered I'm here....
I'm by no means the girl I thought I was or tried to be, to think I was good enough, for myself or for others...I'm me, just me.
and I love her....

This song I've heard a few times and thought, NAh changed the station...
Now when I listen to it, I have an overwhelming sense of peace. I get chills, and I'm dancing in my room like I'm sixteen!!!!
It's funny what you can hear when you change your listening cuz this song is ALL me...

I've gotta pocket, gotta pocket full of sunshine
I've got a love, and i know that it's all mine
Do what you want but ya never gonna break me
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me

(let's hear it girls....)
Take me AWAY, Take me AWAY
A SECRET place, a SECRET place
A sweet ESCAPE, a sweet ESCAPE
Take ME away, Take ME away
To BETTER days, to BETTER days
Take me AWAY, Take me AWAY
A HIDING place, a HIDING place

I've gotta pocket, gotta pocket full of sunshine
I've got a love, and I know that it's all mine
Do what you want but ya never gonna break me
Sticks and stones are never gonna shake me

I've gotta pocket, gotta pokcet full of sunshine
I've gotta LOVE, and I KNOW that it's all MINE
Wish that you could, but ya ain't gonna own me
Do anything ya can to control me, (ya can't control me) OH NO

Take me away, take me away
A secret place, a secret place
A sweet escape, a sweet escape
Take me away, take me away
To better days, to better days
Take me away, take me away
A hiding place, a hiding place

There's a place that I go,
but nobody knows
Where the rivers flow,
and I call it HOME
and there's no more lies,
and the darkness is LIGHT
and nobody cries,
There's only BUTTERFLIES!!!!

(HERE"S where you jump up and down!!!)

Take me AWAY, A secret PLACE
A SWEET escape, take ME away
Take ME away, To better DAYS,
take me AWAY, a hiding PLACE

I gotta pocket, gotta full of sunshine
I got a love, and i know that it's all mine...

The SUN is on my SIDE
Take me for a RIDE
I SMILE up to the SKY
I know I'LL be ALRIGHT

My tiny Dancer

2008-08-03T11:33:00.000-07:00

SNEAKY SNAKE dance, so cute and silly.
I just adore her little belly, in this one.

I was lucky enough to get her all ready and take her to her very FIRST recital.
I snuck in some pink tulips to add to my praise and how proud i was that she didn't freeze!

Again, here I am...

These costumes were so sweet and wouldn't you know it was a ballet to Sleeping Beauty, one of her favorites!

This is her OTHER best friend. What dolls!!!

The girls, waiting for the stage.

LOVE you!

I was really sick that day I took her, I was allergic to some antibiotics and from my neck up had seriously quadrupled in size. She had slept over the night before and when she saw me in the morning she asked very sweetly ."What happened to your face EM?" I said "I don't know Goose." (Very calmly)
Then she said, "Well.. think about it , your ear? is it from yr tummy.." (like a little mommy)
Oh she is too funny, and she still gave me hugs and kisses eventhough I looked like Shrek...( very humbling) I didn't really want to be seen, but for this gal.. the show MUST go on!

Happy Birthday Joshie!

2008-08-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

This handsome little devil turned 9!!!
He ABSOLUTELY loves action figures, mostly DC comics, and Star Wars.
I think he secretly thinks I'm cool because I ABSOLUTLEY love Smallville.(but for totally different reasons)
And I'm glad he is not into girls yet!!! What a cutie!

Bubble Gum Race.....

Water Games!!!

I have a dream....

2008-07-28T13:57:00.000-07:00

i have a DREAM...
a song to sing,
to help me COPE with anything...
if you see the WONDER,
of a FAIRYTALE...
you can take the FUTURE,
even if YOU fail...
i believe in angels,
something GOOD in everything i see...
i believe in ANGELS,
when i know TIME is right for ME,
i'll cross the STREAM...
i have a DREAM.........

i have a DREAM, a FANTASY...
to help me thru REALITY....
and my DESTINATION,
makes it WORTH the while....
pushing THRU the darkness,
still another MILE...
i BELIEVE in angels,
something GOOD in EVERYTHING i see...
i believe in ANGELS,
when i KNOW the time is RIGHT for ME,
i'll CROSS the stream....
i have a DREAM,
ill cross the STREAM...

i have a DREAM........

hhheeEEEYYY JOsie It's Ya Berfday, We Gonna PaRTy Like It's Ya Berfday!!!

2008-07-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

10 things you may not know about my sis...

1. She owned a large scrapbooking company which started in my parents (now hers) garage.
2. She is incredibly smart. (duh) she practically did my debates for me in school..(what can i say? I'm a lover not a fighter.)
3. She has two girls 10 and 8, and last year adopted a boy and girl 5 months apart!!!!
4. She has adopted me, and I'm now living there too. (yes, 30 year olds can be adopted too.)
5. When she gets upset, vibrant pink splotches appear on her skin.
6. She is very strong, " My sister can kick your sisters butt!"
7. This gal has incredible selfcontrol, 2 years ago she lost 140lbs, in one years time. She went to EVERY workout, NEVER cheated on her food plan not on her b-day, holidays, ziltch, ziP, NADA! She would have won biggest loser!!!
8. She is so much fun to hang out with, we giggle like school girls. Which usually irritates the men.
9. She will have your back to the end, she values others and their potential, she excudes unconditional love.
10. She has the BIGGEST heart, she wants and does help those in need.

Josie is BEAUTIFUL inside and out. I just love her!
HApPy HapPY BErfDay!

I hope you get the chance to meet her.

me...

2008-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

The reason for calling my playlist this, is that music is such a big part of me. It moves me, inspires me, gets my anger out, cheers me up, can make me cry, laugh and laugh, but for SURE dance! ( not all at once) I don't know why it has such a big effect on me, but it ALWAYS has... I remember walking around the house when I was little with a walkman, taking in each song, daydreaming, dancing , getting a little emotional, or taking that brush and letting the fans enjoy the show, okay so stuffed animals and barbies (never said i was normal).

So when I put a new song on here, I'll put the words on too. I seem to have to know the words, and I'm one of THOSE people that relates songs to my life or it was meant for a friend etc., I've got to have them take a listen...
It is the easiest and most effective way for me to express my feelings, I'm so thankful others write MY feelings and sing these songs for ME, how kind, how did they know?

Matt's 30!!!!

2008-07-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

The boys rockin Vertigo!!! I love it!!!

What can we say? " HE was a SkaterBoy!"

We had a fun time decorating the night before, and then the big bash!!

Yes we kareoked till 3 a.m. AGAIN... played games and saw lots of old friends!! Very fun, we really get into it NO?

Here is the Bigger little bro and i ... lookin a little hung over from his bash the night before... so fun, Happy Birthday Mattu!!

Last, but certainly not least... Gary, Aim and I bustin' out ABBA!!!!

LuLu and the Goose

2008-07-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

This was a summer night when it actually cooled off... we were hanging out on a blanket in the backyard, being super silly and enjoying the slight breeze...

My Aunt Denise

2008-07-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

OFF they go to Johanesburg, South Africa to serve a medical mission for 18 months. Denise and Ralph have already had there share of adventures out there. I'm so proud and excited to hear more. This couple i just love and really look up to. They are adventurous and there lives have always consisted of others. So it's no suprise they are gone again to serve others in the middle of AFRICA... Miss them already.

eyebrows

2008-07-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, I love to wax eyebrows... Maybe it's that I've had these Honkers (eyebrows) since I was born and have done many things to try and rid myself of them, they have been SoO many shapes, yep there is that much there that I can make SHaPeS. In sixth grade I took a BIC razor and went straight down the middle (unibrow) , and then the sides against my hairline.... ummm have you ever hung out with my family? It could be worse than my tortured years on the playground... so clever me, i put bandaids on my eyebrows.... they'd never know.... How did I pass 6th grade?

I'll have to get some old pics of all my interesting shapes... it really makes a difference.

Spring sprung, and you'd think I'd missed it...

2008-06-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

All I know is I prayed and tried to stay away from all germs when training for the January marathon so I wouldn't be sick during the training or on the day which worked... and then it all snuck up on me, And I do mean ALL of it. I believe I had it all, all the flus and colds out there hit me in April and I'm just now feeling like me again. So I'm back to planet earth, and THANKFUL for my health. So, I need to do some recapping here soon. On the days I was coherent....

Mmmmm.....

2008-04-03T07:57:00.000-07:00

I might add a shirt with this one..

miss nezzas bday

2008-03-31T12:08:00.000-07:00

One my fav things to do is to spend a day going to movies, lucky for me it's one of Venessa'a too!
We ate.. watched a movie, ate...went to a movie and ate!!! Happy Birthday, i love ya Nessa!

SUPERPOWERS

2008-03-27T20:47:00.000-07:00

If you know me well, you know my nose has a mind of it's own. You know that as I pass a building, home, person,
street that has a fragrant ;

1. I smell it like in the cartoons. You know like when that long finger floats through the air and under the nose,( enticing the character)
2. It can remind me of a place or a memory, some that can go back as far as my childhood
3. It can make me sick if it doesn"t agree wth my nose
4. or I get really HAPPY

I'm always smelling candles, perfumes, and lotions, flowers, fresh cut grass, rain on the cement, laundry detergent, the beach, campfires, B.B.Q.s, the different scents in the air when the seasons change, babies after a bath, that smell right after you blow out a match??? and if a guy is wearing the right cologne... my head will turn....sigh, recently I smell blossoms in the air, ORANGE blossoms. This is one of my favortie parts of Spring and my favorite thing about running lately.

So today I am thankful for my SUPERPOWER ... my ability to simply smell.

EASTER EGG HUNT and PICNIC

2008-03-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you Easter Bunny!!!
BAWK, BAWK!

31!!!

2008-03-18T17:52:00.001-07:00

A very fun couple of days... On my birthday I saw the movie Penelope.. very girl movie..I loved it!! And James McAvoy ??? Where did he come from? So good and delicious in this movie! I left with a smile...

Sunday my sister had a party for me at her house. It was fun, I like to play games. But I especially love ones that make you look like and idiot (even myself). We had fun playing little kid games ...candy bar game and Chubby bunny, As you can see I am the LAST Bunny standing.. yep I won. (and not because I have a BIG mouth) I just won that's all.

My family is the best, so very fun to hang out with. There is a lot of laughter and teasing, and also a lot of love!
Thanks again for a fun birthday!!!!

Ragnar 2008

2008-03-05T22:29:00.000-08:00

180 miles in 28 hours....

This has sealed it for me I love to run!!!
I haven't had this much fun in a long time, even with our stomachs in pain,
NO sleep, and Port-a-potties....I'd do it again tomorrow!!!
Of course only with team ZIPFIZZ!!!
We laughed, giggled, talked, ate, drank (zipfizz) and ran!!!
Thanks to LIsa and Eric for putting this together, I love these two.

We each had 3 different legs through out the race. When it came to hand off
we slapped these bendy?? bracelets on the next runners wrist.
I really enjoyed cheering for our team.
Everyone was so positive and NEVER gave up!!!

My first one ( and favorite) was late at night, up hill
in the middle of nowhere, running on the highway, pitch black....
I was in heaven. I didn't listen to any music which i normally do,
just the sound of my breathing and feet hitting the pavement
The stars felt so close, and again i was free...
My next leg, was just about sunrise.. hello? My FAV time of day....
So off again on the highway, It felt great, love hearing the girls cheer,
and laughing cuz we know the guys are making fun of the different ways we run.
My last leg was actually in Mesa ... nice and warm...
Christy came around the corner to the finish and we all joined her.

I love these girls, I had a blast!!!!

Happy Birthday PAUL...

2008-02-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

This is my brother-in-law, he is so much fun, but you'd never know it....
When first meeting Paul he is quite reserved, but don't let that fool you...
his laugh and sense of humor is what draws us to him.
In fact if there is one person you'd like to see a funny movie with.. you know
cuz hearing his laugh only makes you laugh harder Paul is the one.
We also love to hear his funny little voices he uses to communicate to his kids when they are little.
Like nothing we've heard before..... and it's actually very endearing.
He adores his kids, this you will see right away... he is the sweetest dad.
I also LOVE to shop with Paul, he has great taste, and it's more expensive than mine.... ouch!!!!
His attention to details on the fabrics of clothing and shoes would put him in close competition with
Christian on Project Runway....
Most of all We love Paul for all he IS and does for US,
his smile, hugs, his laughter and kind heart.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAUL!!! I love ya!

Happy Birthday ASHLEY!!!!

2008-02-17T06:30:00.000-08:00

Besides being hard not to stare at.... Ashley is such a fun-loving, and very down to earth person.
I'd have to say she has it all, and is still so humble in every way. She has many family and friends coming out to Baltimore ALL year round and spends the time making sure everyone is taken care of, and she loves having them.

Not only does she run after her yummy 2 year old boys, her mini-me daughter, and NFL hubby she also has a crazy split life of the east and the west coast. Going back and forth, I'd get very tired but she never complains. She loves her Family and always puts them first. I've always admired the way she is with her kids, she really takes the time to spend time with them individually.

As many of you might know this girl is a LITTLE competitive in sports and games , which is one of the many reasons she was meant for Todd!!!

One of my favorite memories of Ashley is when she took the girls to the HERSHEY HOTEL , we shared a room and stayed up all night talking and laughing.

Things have changed a lot lately and we have only gotten closer... Thank you Ashley you will always be my sister!!!

My Funny Valentine

2008-02-09T21:48:00.000-08:00

This girl makes my HEART skip a beat!

Everytime I hear her little voice say, "I wanna hold you." ........My heart swells!

When she asks me what my favorite color is at least TEN times a day..... I snicker.

Everytime she says to me, "Emily ..Let's dance!!!!, Oh that's a good idea!"...... How could i not?

When she wants my lotions, perfumes, makeup, or GLOSS on.... it's, "Which one would you like?"

When I come over to her home and she runs to give me a hug....my arms crush her!

When she asks," So, how was your run?"..... I'm amazed that she knows what I'm up to.

I love that she doesn't mind that I give oh a few DOZEN kisses each and EVERYTIME she's in my arms..... priceless!

When we laugh and sing and she'll tell me , " Em turn it up!" .... just like her aunt!

Everytime I'm at her house and she says...., "I don't want you to go, I wuff you." ....I MELT!!!

Run away, run away....

2008-01-27T18:58:00.000-08:00

This song from Sugar Ray played in my head over and over , along with a picture of Forrest Gump running on wide open streets in the middle of nowhere (with beard and all..) for months, until I finally did it... I ran.

I had run a little bit here and there before but now I wanted to take it serious..I wanted to do the Turkey trot, 6.2 miles.

One day in October I was sitting on my bench outside and my neighbor invited me over , we did some catching up and I decided this girl is a godsend. . . Yep it's Lisa. I told her I wanted to do the turkey trot and she asked if i wanted to start running with her in the mornings..."Ya That'd be great!" Then she asked if I'd like to do the PF Chang Rock and Roll half marathon in Jan, with her...
GULP... "Sure." We started our runs, and I REALLY enjoyed them despite my aches and pains. Our conversations made the time pass quickly and I looked forward to getting up when it was still dark..just to feel that cold air, and see Lisa's smile.

November hit and one day out of the blue, Lisa text me.."Let's do the FULL marathon..I know you think I'm crazy but I REALLY think we can do it!" As I'm icing BOTH my ankles... I text "let's do it!"
So in less than 3 months we RAN and RAN, and somedays I felt like I was Forrest, (no beard) but certainly free.

So there we were and the starting line... giddy with laughter we toasted each other with our zipp fizz .... slid our large sunglasses on... (What were we doing here with ALL these ATHLETES!!!!) Amy Yetter was there with us... this girl knows what's up. The gun shot off and so did we... this was so big for me, (beside the fact I'd NEVER worn a tank top in public... don't worry em, nobody is looking at you.. EXCEPT for maybe the PAINTED on black tights, and that nasty blue GIRDLE you have on!!!)

It was fun... hard.. and fun. Listening to different songs as I ran, that reminded me of different people I love, usually funny memories. Seeing my FAMILY at at least eight different points!!! I love you guys! So proud of us.. and I've definately caught the bug!!!

Thanks to Josie, You've inspired me with all with your success, and you look hot! You ran around like a crazy woman getting All the pictures and cheering me on thru it all.

Master Trainer for kicking my butt in the gym, and helping me to believe in myself, asking me to not over do it..(I never listened) but thanks!

MOST of all, thank you MY Lisa.. you have made me see myself a little differently. You have been there for me thru a hard time... I will remember this time forever, the sound of our feet , our breathing and especially the sunrises! I'm counting on many more. . We never had to say much we'd just look over smile..and we knew. I love ya!!!

RAGNAR..here we come!!!

Best of 07"

2008-01-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Grandma Pat turned 80!

Emily's boobie.....Cancer Free!!!! ( no picture, you are VERY welcome!!!)

I turned the Big 30! Two very fun suprise parties!!! I was suprised...both times! Still loving my Camera, Thanks again everyone!!!

Baby Amanda (Mandy) joined the Hansen Family!

Greg graduated ....where does the time go? Such a sweetheart, even cuter on the inside ..is that POSSIBLE?

The Frutos gang moved BACK!!!! OH YEAH!!!!!

Carli got HITCHED....

Shnepf Farms, pumpkin patches.... always a must

A Silly Happy Halloween.

Started training for the marathon!!! Might be the best part, still deciding....

My MOM got HITCHED!!!

Cali trip... Disneyland-Knotts- and WICKED!!!

4 nephews and 1 neice turned ONE.( In less than a month.)

Emme sleep overs!!!

The Fabulous and FUN NEW YEARS party..... we kareoked till 3:00 a.m.

30

2007-03-15T00:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, I turn 30.... HMMM...30. I use to wonder what that will be like.. ya know... being 30. Does 30 FEEL different? Will I KNOW so much more? Will I be let in on the SECRET? and will my face really SAG? I thought in my 20's I would have found myself, done it all, accomplished many things...truth is I haven't, I didn't. My 20's were not what I imagined, and I did imagine.... Embarrassed to admitt i sat and watched everyone else. Instead of having regrets, being ashamed, wishing I could go back and do some creative REwriting and wake myself up. I can't. This is me....

A few days ago i got a phone call after a lump was removed from my left breast, "It's not cancer, everything is fine." (payback for making fun of them for so long) ... I have a chance here if you're giving them out.. I will take it THANK YOU VERY MUCH! Waste it, not this time. I know deep, DEEP inside this akward girl, is the REAL me. She's fun, strong, crazy? (well yes) unique, and somewhere, somewhere.... she's beautiful. So, 30? Why YES... I'd love to THANKS! Bring on the birthdays, and on and on and....