Just Shoot Me: Julyssa

Had to send a shout out and ginormous thank you to Julyssa for lending her magical talents at our photo shoot. She has a gift of making things beautiful. In fact, all of my friends have a special way of making life beautiful for me. Thanks a million, you. All of you.

Happy Birthday, Bear

Happy happy birthday, Maren Dear! You have truly enriched my life and brought me so much joy. Thank you for being such an example, and for being so much fun. I am so honored to have had you in my life since our wee years.

New Year's Delight

We had a great New Year's Eve...yes, I know it's February. Trav's fab mom had an overnighter at her house with the kidlets. We went to a yummy Japanese restaurant with friends and then to a comedy club. We used to frequent the comedy club when we were newlyweds, but hadn't been for a while. It was so much fun, and the comedians were hilarious. One downfall of this place is that you have to order something to eat/drink...they call it a 'comedy/cafe' aka more money, please. After a five-course dinner I still managed to pound some super high-quality Costco mozzarella sticks.

The older couple in front of us was on a date (see, you're never to old for another chance at love!). One comedian interacted with them a lot (teasing the woman for her East Coast accent and for not being nice about taking returns at her job working at Target), and another woman in the audience announced to the whole room that the reason she was wearing a coat was because she had low estrogen levels. You had to be there, but I could not stop laughing!

What struck me the most about one of the comedians is that he looked like a perfect cross between our friend Bryce and Kevin Bacon. That alone made my night!

Back in the Day

Per Judy's request, I'm going to provide a sampling of my old diary. I believe I'm about 16 at the time of this entry.
Here's a pic of it, but I'll transcribe as it's not so legible!

"I went to Newport also with my family over Memorial Day weekend. Last night, I went out with Nikki and Maren. We were in the parking lot when these two guys put there car in reverse and came to talk to us. Carston and Robert; anyway, they were in college and we told them we were seniors. They knew my friends Alex and Marian. Turns out they also knew my MOM! Surprise huh? They had a communication class together [at GCC]. Then we met two strange guys in a racecar. We thought they acted like rapists. Then there were these smokers who wanted to know what herbs we liked and if they could have a ride. NO THANX. BYE!"

Seriously, I know these toddler years are trying, but I don't think I'm ready for teenagers. Yikes. It really all was very innocent. We loved going to Burbank on 2 dollars and some change...cruising or walking from the mall movie theater to Penny Lane, and the other music store with the headphones to sample music. ("Gee, I hope they don't find out we've NEVER been paying customers here!")


And I'm not sure if it's a gift or a curse, but I do find that once someone has made a mark on this heart, they're never forgotten. All these funny stories in my journal are endearing because the people in them have shaped who I am today. I know it's cliche, but I'm grateful for everyone who has crossed my path over the years.

14 and Counting

We had a playdate at the park a couple weeks ago. Can't believe that about 8 years ago, 4 of Trav's childhood buddies all got hitched within approximately a year. Things sure have changed! I feel blessed. . .

Just the girls, minus the new arrival, Tessa, who must have been snoozing.

I Love You-lyssa

Boston had so much fun when his Nyomi was in town from Arizona. I hadn't met Adam and Julyssa's little Dylan yet, so it was great fun. The kids had a blast together (and so did the adults!). We love that Adam and Julyssa are so fun and easygoing, making them some of our fave traveling companions.

Some highlights include: water fun on the lawn, shaft!, kids on the train downtown, Discovery Gateway museum (with one hilarious diaper-blowout!), and furniture-moving madness. Love these guys and of course it's always fun to hang with girls you have a history with.

p.s. Stole this black and white off her blog...I'm never in any photos with my kids. Thanks, Julyss. See more of her lovelies on julyssaschenk.typepad.com


p.p.s Can't believe how much these two have grown since their first cruise together. (Boston 7 months, Nyomi 9 months)

Shorty Get Down

Bryce discovers a way to make use of jeans that get too holey...turn them into cut-offs!

Unflattery

Per Maren's request, I am extending Unflattering Photo Month. Don't be hating; some of you knew this was coming. All in fun.

Char and I used to never pass up an opportunity to perform cheerleading stunts...

Flock of Seagulls. . .

I wasn't the only one with an awkward pre-teen phase. Go Sara (my now 6-foot sister-in-law)!

Don't laugh too hard, Shannon. The pregnant bladder is a finicky thing!

Cousins

Just wanted to say I love you, Sarajane! And don't you worry...I'll find your superhero photo and post it soon!

Wedding Crashers

This photo ain't great of me either, but what makes it a funny one of Nikki is that she was always quite a tomboy growing up, yet her mom occasionally forced her into frilly frocks. This picture is from a wedding...I'm sure Nikki's parents knew these people, but the great thing is that Nikki's cooky Uncle Leslie (he'll be featured soon!) commonly brought us along to crash weddings. There was always a good meal and perhaps a table centerpiece to take home, so we went along for the always adventurous ride. Love you, Dr. Nikina!

Bear-y Delightful

One of my oldest and dearest friends came to town...Maren, aka "Bear". We got to play together out of mommy-mode one night, keeping it low-key (is there any other option in Layton on a weeknight?) with a late night breakfast at Denny's. We didn't leave the classy establishment until after midnight.

It was fun to see our kids play together. We've known each other since we were their age, so it did make me feel somewhat old. I just kept thinking how important good friends are and how much I will pray that my kids have friends like mine.











I love my Bear. She's more than microscopic pores and perfect cheekbones, she's the type of girl who makes you want to be a better person, but who’d never even think to judge you.

The Wombmate

I meant to have this blog done on her birthday, but alas, other duties called. My best friend, Charlotte, my wombmate, turned 29 on April 26, and folks, this girl loves birthdays!

For those of you unfamiliar with the ‘wombmate’ history: Charlotte’s mom and my mom were pregnant at the same time and once I entered this blessed world, dear Char only took 9 short days before she joined me. It seems in retrospect that we were always chasing each other’s tails in life’s milestones: who could drink her milk faster, who was taller (her mom would always have a stand back to back to compare—guessing she didn’t get the memo on basic genetics), who could sell more homemade hair bows in junior high, who would be the first to kiss a boy (thanks Jason Jamora, really unforgettable), who could score higher than 41% on our college bio test, etc. etc. But it’s important to mention that, though we were competitive, this crazy sisterly bond always prevailed. While some people have horrific memories of junior high and high school, I have these fantastic, funny (sometimes embarrassing), precious memories due mostly to the fact that I had a fiercely loyal best friend.

When I think about her, I either want to cry these tears of grateful joy or pee my pants, and, seriously, we all know the latter has happened. This may gross you out, but honestly, aren’t you a bit jealous that you haven’t laughed that hard?