Summer "Slumber Party"

Tupperware parties are so passé. I mean, who ever said that attending a party that primarily focuses on food storage, food preparation, and serving food is exciting?

Candle parties are overdone, overpriced, and, in my opinion, over rated!

More often than not, when I receieve an invitation to a party, such as these, I turn it down or dread going.

Don't get me wrong, the interaction with friends is always fun, the food provided is always good, but I hate feeling obligated to buy something that I don't need or have an interest in owning when I go to one of these things...am I the only one?

Recently, I was invited to a party ...a "slumber party" unlike no other and my dear husband could not wait to have me attend!

Without sharing too many details, I will tell you this...it was definitely a party that focused on what women want {hee hee}.

Have you ever been to a Slumber Party? If not, and if you're ever invited...go! It is hilarious and fun! I was a little hesitant to attend, like all parties I'm invited to, but this one was definitely different and something my dear husband did not care to watch the kids for while I attended. For him, there is no dollar amount when it comes to "our marriage" and he could not wait for me to get home!! Who knew there were so many "antecdotes" to improving "your marriage."

The truth is, I desperately needed a night out with the girls away from the kids and it ended up being totally worth it! It was fun being with the girls and talking about A LOT of CrAzY things! All of the "marriage/romance" enhancing products were hilarious, entertaining, and very interesting (to say the least)!!

I laughed SO hard listening to other people share stories and watching other womens faces as they reacted to certain things that were said or passed around during the party....so funny!

I left feeling slightly rebelious. It was as if this 60's flower child was released from my inner soul and I was anxious to get home and share what I had learned with my hunny and my boy was anxious to hear it!

The night was history and the "antecdotes" were a proven success {ahem}!

Enough said. If you have the opportunity to attend one--go!

Hasn't my summer been so exciting...can't wait to hear more? Check back later with pics and news about the biggest event of the summer...my baby brother's wedding!!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation: Part 2

For years, the name Gerber has been a household name. It's hard to say the name "Gerber" without picturing an adorable, squishy, happy baby.

Not only does Gerber produce baby food, but they also own the rights to the name "Onesie."

As a matter of fact, any time you say or write the word "Onesie" you are referring to a trademarked brand!

The word "Onesie" has become such a commonly used generic household name for a one-piece baby bodysuit that many don't even realize that Gerber owns the right to that name. In fact, when you are talking about or referring to any "Onesie", Gerber brand or not, Gerber believes you are referring to their Onesies.

Who knew such a generic, simple, common word could cause so much trouble and problems???

About 2 years ago, we were contacted by a Gerber Lawyer asking us to "cease and desist" the use of the word "Onesie" in our website OR ELSE!

Our good friend, who happens to be a Lawyer, sent them a letter on our behalf and we didn't hear back from them for 2 YEARS!

That was only the beginning...

Who knew, 2 years later, this cuddly, happy, baby-loving, multi-million dollar company would care so deeply about sending our friendly, sweet, cuddly, baby-loving, create-your-own-onesie-business-to- support-husband-who-has-lost-his-job-and-is-going-back-to-school...OUT OF BUSINESS!!

A quick google search shows a lot of moms who have had the same problems with Gerber. One mom in particular said, "F@$% Gerber!!!" Well said, Sister...I know it's wrong, but her words give us comfort.

Long story short, Gerber, once again, asked us to "cease and desist" OR ELSE!

We had a few options:

1. Stop using Createaonesie.com, but we were #1 on the google search engine and were afraid of losing that business.
2. Gerber gave us the option of selling Gerber products on our website. However, Gerber "Onesies," in our opinion, are one of the worst one-piece bodysuits out there so that wasn't an option!
3. We could sell generic "Onesies" and refer to them as bodysuits and sell "Gerber Onesies" as well.
4. They would buy our domain name for the same amount we would get from collecting cans all day.
5. Let them sue us and try to fight saying the name is generic...like we have anything for them to profit from anyway!
6. Contact the media and dream about Good Morning America contacting us to come on their show to talk about how this multi-million dollar company is destroying the American Dream of a small mom and pop shop. All who watched would feel anguish for the young couple whose husband lost his job, had to move his family back in with his parents, and is trying to make ends meet while going back to school full-time and supporting his family. Can't you see it?!
7. No longer use the word "Onesie" and start all over...

Well, all seven options were great ideas...especially #6! After much thought, months of deliberation, and Good Morning America not calling, we opted to go with #7! After 5 years of running createaonesie.com that name is no longer. We built a new, cute website www.createabodysuit.com With good advertising on google, everything seems to be going well...we'll keep our fingers crossed!
Hasn't this summer been exciting? I know you're dying to find out more about my summer...stay tuned for news about the Slumber Party I attended and Michael and Anne's wedding!!

How I Spent My Summer Vacation: PART I

It's hard to believe that 3 years ago I was cradling this little boy in my arms and rocking him to sleep. Now, I can hardly get him to hold still long enough for a hug and a kiss!
He, of course, wanted a TRANSFORMER birthday party and so I did as I was told and in Blake's words "made the best TRANSFORMER cake EVER!"
Soon after turning 3, I decided to FINALLY take the plunge and potty-train Blake. Why is potty-training always so dreadful? Oh, because it is!!!

We won't go into details about the potty-training, but he is done and he is officially a "Big Boy" now! Yay! I have been changing diapers for the last 7+ years...it's amazing to not have anyone in diapers anymore...w00-hoo for me!
We also participated in the 4th of July parade and Pioneer parades here in town...both holidays are very festive here!
The boys had a blast running for candy and dancing in the street.
Oh, and POP ROCKS...you can't celebrate either one of these holidays without them. Luckily, their Uncle Michael hasn't shown them how to pop them in someones ear yet...ha ha (remember that Michael!)

Onto other exciting news...our Vinyl Wall Lettering website is complete!
Feel free to check it out www.iwallvinyl.com Since completing our website we have been contacted by Albertsons and will be providing wall lettering for up to 300 stores! YEAH!

We're still trying to figure out how we're going to handle all of the volume once orders start piling in, but we are VERY excited about this news and anxious to share it with you all!
And, last...the most exciting part of my summer...(drumroll, please!) Posing for SHAPE magazine!

Yeah, I wish! Devon has been taking some Digital Imaging classes and used me as his guinea pig. I have to admit, I do appreciate the digital enhancements (if you know what I mean) and the flawless, perfectly glowing skin!
As you can see, my little blogging peeps, we have had a very exciting summer! I know you've missed me, so stay tuned for Part II of How I Spent My Summer Vacation.

Here's a sneak peek..."Slumber Parties" and "F*$@ Gerber!"

Chips and Cake for Dinner!

Life, as always, has been HECTIC!

I always assume that once school is out (which it has been for 2 1/2 weeks) that life will slow down and I will be able to pamper myself with much needed "ME" time. However, that has not been the case!

As the saying goes, "When it rains, it POURS!" Well, it has been pouring at our house.

Here are a few things I have learned in the past couple weeks:

• Just because school is out and you are no longer in constant contact with other grimy/germy children doesn't mean you can't get STREP THROAT...you can and you WILL!!
• Recovering from strep throat is even MORE awful when your hubby is out of town and won't be home for 2 days!
• You will do WHATEVER it takes to make sure your husband completes his Bachelor's Degree by April 2010. Which includes sending him away for 7 1/2 weeks to take classes at another University (only seeing him on the weekends) and doing his homework for him for his online courses.
• Absence DOES make the Heart grown fonder!
• Chips, cake, and cookie dough provide much needed comfort when you're alone and especially when you're alone at home watching "The Bachelorette."
• Realizing your baby brother REALLY is getting married...since when did he learn how to Kiss and look so cute doing it?!
• Thinking you're the BOMB when you, your mom, and your sister host an awesome (if I say so myself) Bridal Shower for your soon-to-be sister-in-law.
• Feeling so glad when it's over, but still craving the Chinese Chicken Salad!
• Spending a week with my sister is, as always, a blast! Especially when WE get to do the spying and teasing to those who are engaged...life is great when the roles are reversed!
  

Friends

Melissa, Kimberly, Carol

Since our move, last June, I have missed my friends. So much so that it still makes my heart ache whenever I think or talk about it!

Last month, I met up with some good 'ole friends (Melissa from San Diego and Carol my roomy from Ricks) for some much needed "me" time. We decided to reunion at Womens Conference. Let me just say I LOVED it!

I felt like I was in College again...

• We wandered around campus without worrying about the kids or appointments
  
• Stayed up until the wee hours of the morning chatting, giggling, and crying
• We ate great food
• Went to the movies
• Stayed in the DORMS!! (need I say more?)
• Danced
• Just had TONS of FUN!!
  

Thanks girls!! What do ya say we do it again next year!!

Let's Start at the VERY Beginning...

What can I say...life has been busy!!

I can say, however, that I have deeply missed all of you blogging peeps and I am ready to give you some updates.

So, here is the first (of hopefully many more blogging updates)...
Luke graduated from Pre-School! He will officially start Kindergarten in the fall. Wow!
The whole fam was there...look at this cutie!
AND, this cutie too!!
Yay for Luke!

Seven

7 years ago, today, you came into this world! For 24 years, I had been "training", waiting, and looking forward to this moment. Up until that moment, I was just a daughter and a wife and had no mothering experience of my own. I was hesitant, but knew I had been trained by the best...my hero...my mother!

Because of her, I have you...

Once upon a time she was the one giving loves and kisses to my bruises, broken heart or ego. Now, I'm the one empathizing, loving, cuddling, and kissing you.

Once upon a time she was the one singing the silly songs at the piano and narrating stories. Now, years have passed and I'm the one who sings and reads to you.

Once upon a time, she was the one cooking, cleaning up my messes, driving me to school, and holding me when I was sick. Now, I'm the one cooking, cleaning, carpooling, and caring for you.

I don't know how she did it! Somehow, she gave me wings to fly and leave the nest...and now here I am...your mother!

Although you are 7, you are still my baby. I am so grateful for you and for the joy you have brought into our lives. I am also grateful for my mother. Without her, I would not be the mother you have today. Thank you mom, for teaching me, encouraging me, and helping me each step of the way!

Much love to both of you! Happy 7th Birthday Taylor! And, Happy (belated) birthday Mom!