WHOOT WHOOT FOR KYM!!!

If you've read this blog at all you know that I adore this woman. I have a girl crush on her. I consider myself a better person because I call her my friend. Today is Kym's birthday. She's so smart, brave, clever, beautiful, talented and funny. If you get all that wrapped into one person, and that person is willing to be your friend, you've just one the jackpot!

BABY, YOU ROCK!

Subtitle: Happy Day Rockstar























It's Nate's birthday today. He's 33. This morning I wanted to slow down just a bit and spend some time with him; I will be late for work for anyone who is looking for me.
Last night I made dark chocolate cupcakes and added semi-sweet chocolate chunks for extra rich chocolatey flavor. Topped off with vanilla icing, I think the cakes-on-the-go will be perfect for our hectic lifestyle. After Nate went to bed I hung up the birthday garland that Dayna made for me, wrapped his presents, and tidied up the living room. {sorry, my camera is still broken so you'll have to use your imagination}
This morning Nate opened his presents. BBQ accessories from his family, and a music-themed birthday from me. He got tickets to see Franz Ferdinand tonight at The Great Saltair {one of his favorite live shows}, a double guitar stand to accommodate his acoustic and electric guitars, a custom designed, earth friendly guitar strap {looks like this} from Souldier Straps {check out her Etsy store} for his new Fender Jaguar, music magazines for pleasure reading, and a London Moleskin journal for our trip there in July to see Blur. I also found a nearby guitar shop that gives reasonably priced guitar lessons so it's just a matter of finding an open slot in his busy calendar.
Happy birthday to the music-lovin' birthday dood. Baby, you ROCK!

HAPPY DAY HUGO!

It's Hugo's birthday today. He's lucky to share his birthday with the Rockstar {pictured together on their birthday in 2008}! Hugs and kisses to Hugo...hope your day is full of trucks, trucks, and trucks!

Love, Aunt Tonia

HOORAY FOR BRANDI!

She turns something like 23 today!! And she has promised to name her forthcoming baby boy Nathonia in honor of the Mister and I.





























{cake photo via of marthastewart-dot-com}

HOW TO PICK UP DOG POOP

I live in a great neighborhood. Lots of parks and walking paths, big front porches, and a lake for kayaking. They send us an email every few days for updates and reminders on fitness classes. So when I saw this super helpful email I knew I had to share.

How to Pick Up Dog Poop

Whether you like it or not, you are responsible for cleaning up after your dog. Not only is the waste not a pretty sight (or smell), but it’s also a breeder of germs and disease. Dog feces plays a significant role in water pollution, especially in cities, and the bacteria that makes its way into streams, lakes and the water table can make people sick. Here are some ways to minimize the unpleasantness of this task.

Steps

1. Take your dog for a walk, Keep them on a leash, and bring a plastic bag for yourself to hold. You could also tie the bag onto the leash.
2. Walk and enjoy the day out, but once the dog stops and smells the ground, be ready start removing the bag from your pocket, and start opening it.
3. Hold the leash with your one hand, as you maneuver the bag with the other. Or, if you are not alone, ask the other person to hold your dog’s leash. Put your hand into the bag, grab the bottom of the bag with your fingers, and pick up the mess on the ground.
4. Use your other hand to pull the top of the bag over your fist, retaining the poop inside the bag.
5. Tie the bag tightly, and dispose of it in the nearest trash receptacle.
6. Continue to enjoy your walk with your dog.
7. Wash your hands thoroughly when you get home.

Tips

1. Always carry more than one bag.
2. Some pet supply stores have doggy bags that are scented. You may want to try some!
3. If you can’t bring yourself to handle the poop, even through a plastic bag, purchase a commercially made “Pooper Scooper”. These usually consist of a handle on the one end of a long arm, with a double-sided shovel on the other end.
4. When picking up with a plastic bag: On Grass, make a claw like circle with your fingers-get as far under the poo as possible, then lift.
5. Plastic grocery bags work great for picking up dog poop. These bags do sometimes have a tear or two, so it helps to use two bags – one inside the other.
6. Holding your breath until you’ve picked up the poop and tied a knot in the bag helps a lot.
7. Assert yourself when you see an irresponsible or unprepared pet owner who fails to pick up their pet’s poop by offering them one of your own extra bags, and if they don’t take the hint Contact the XXX Community Association at XXX-XXX-XXXX to report the incident.
8. Violators will be immediately assessed a $25.00 Fine per occurrence.

HOORAY FOR KATHY!

It's my sister's birthday today. If you've ever met a woman dedicated to her family and committed 100% to everything she does...you know Kathy! Love you sis.

HOORAY FOR LILLY FAITH FREY!

She is here. She is healthy. And she is completely lovely. Her cheeks are as kissable as they look.
Congrats to Kym and Martin!

TWO IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN ONE!

On Wednesday my brother Ryan and his wife Ruth had a baby girl {welcome Ruby Rose} to the world. And on Friday my brother Andrew and his wife LaShel had a darling little boy {hooray Tucker Joshua}. Both babies and moms are doing well and I am especially grateful that they were mindful of my schedule so I was able to see and hold each of them before all the new shine was rubbed and kissed off!

Ruby Rose






















Tucker Joshua

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAYNA {AND MATT}

Nate and I are disgusting. Dayna and Matt both turned 29 this last week and we didn't send cards or gifts. I really do aspire to acknowledging family and friend birthdays better; what will be the catalyst for my change? How will I manage to improve on lousy? I guess just one birthday at a time!

That said, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Matt and Dayna. They are a beautiful couple with two beautiful kids. I think we might fly out in January and visit them. That way I can deliver belated birthday gifts and hugs in person.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY

My mother-in-law Becky's birthday was yesterday. Lame that I'm posting late; thank heaven for the mantra "better late than never". Happy Birthday Becky. Hope you take some time this weekend to relax.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYM

It's Kym's special day today. And since she sent out the informative email to anyone that matters, I feel okay adding it to my blog. She's pregnant. Yay! She's had a big year; marriage and a baby on the way {in that order...}.
Love you Kym. You are one of the loveliest women I know. My very own fetus en fetu.

HOORAY FOR ABIGAIL

Abby is my very first ever niece. We've shared many beauty regimes, shopping excursions, and a love for triathlons {although she keeps doing them and I'm sadly out of shape}. Hope you have a great time in Orlando with your family Ab. Good luck with the jump roap competition.























{abby is the one looking at the camera}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RYAN

Happy Birthday to my brother Ryan. I still remember him reinacting the He-Man intro wearing underoos and his plastic, glow-in-the-dark sword. "...by the power of grey skull..."
Love you RJ, hope you had a splendid birthday even though you are far away from family. We'll celebrate {hopefully sometime this year} when neither of us is traveling.

HOORAY FOR ADELIA

Adelia turned one on Saturday. Nate and I were lucky enough to have Andrew, LaShel and Adelia stop by on Friday before they went to the airport so it was almost like we saw her on her birthday. While her parents played guitar hero, Adelia and I hung out on the floor. She is a great dancer and loves to boogie to classic rock.
Also, this just in, Andrew and LaShel shared some super secret exclusive news on Friday that I had to wait to share. Now that all family is in the know, Adelia will be a big sister later this year. Double Hooray!

YAY FOR RYAN, RUTH AND HUGO

It's official. Ryan and Ruth are having no 2. They make such good baby.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE AND HUGO!!

Happy birthday to my hot husband. He's 32 but still rolls like he's 22! We celebrated Hugo's birthday this weekend and I snapped this photo; isn't it shocking how much the two birthday guys look alike? So sweet! April 21 rocks with hotness!

HOORAY FOR MOM!

Today is my Mom's birthday. I drove to Ogden with Ryan, Ruth and Hugo and we met my Dad, Mom, Andrew, LaShel, and Adelia for lunch. After a long week, being with my family was a great recharge. And spending time with my Mom on her birthday was an extra treat; she is wonderful.
This is what it looks like when two best friends get to spend the afternoon together. Love you mom!
















Oh, and we also kissed these four cheeks all afternoon.





















Hugo

















Adelia

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIS

Kathy has paved the way for me from the beginning. I love you sis and I hope today has been special somehow. Next time you feel like going to a matinée...do it!

HOORAY FOR JORDAN

Happy Birthday to Jordan. I hope you get treated extra special today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMES

James is 10 today! Remember when you were ten? I do, it was 1981 and I was in the 4th grade. That was the year I had my appendix removed and discovered my love of pain medication.
Hooray for James!