Tutu Monkey

"Busy Fingers"

2012-01-17T11:10:00.000-08:00

This is one of my resolutions too!!

garbage monster

where all the garbage monsters live

"busy fingers"

While most kids are borrowing i phones to play games....... Sarah has been using her idle time with a round piece of cardboard and 7 strands of yarn. After an afternoon at the San Diego Children's Museum last week she has been thrilled with her new craft. An older woman stopped us at the grocery store and said "what is she doing?"....I told her making bracelets......she said it was nice to see "busy fingers" that weren't playing video games. I have to agree......I am not anti video games but still pretty old school.

"Let's go"

2012-01-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Each morning I start my day with Jenny!

I visit her blog.....dream about what color I should paint a room in our house, look at how she puts clothes together....try and copy her art projects. Well, I finally got to meet her in person!!! What a treat.....she is even more lovely in person!! I hope to see more of her in 2012....lots of fun classes to take at her studio.

I appreciate my friend Natalie ( and baby Em) saying "sure.....let's go"!!! Hope to have more creative adventures with you in 2012!!

Pancakes and Whipcream

2012-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

Starting 2012 with pancakes , whipcream, close friends and the ocean.........nothing better!!

2012 is going to be a great year......I hope for you too!!

It was worth it..........

2011-11-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

"really Mom....I sleep in these?""
"are you sure they will work?"

"It was worth it "

On my gosh how fast time is going by these days.........hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It is now game on Christmas!!

BlogHer..final day

2011-08-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

Stephanie Neilson
Ricki Lake

Hanging with 3000+ women at BlogHer for a weekend was just what I needed. It's reassuring to know I am not the only person that hears that little voice...."what do I want to be when I grow up?" This conference came at a perfect time.....Sarah just started full day Kindergarten and I need a kick in the pants to start this next phase of my life.

People come in our lives for reasons. Stephanie Nielson has influenced my life in such a positive way. I love her style, determination and feel like she is a long time friend . I follow Nie Nie Dialogues and am a much better mom for knowing her story.

Chatting with Ricki Lake about home births was an interesting experience. I really don't have an opinion about home births but I think if you want to do it ...go for it. She is lovely. She will be back on TV in 2012.

BlogHer also allowed me some time with my friend Natalie. Our lives are busy with kids, school, work but she is the type of friend you can pick up like no time has passed. All these women made an impression on me and it came at a time that I really needed the conversations and motivation. When people ask me about blogging I always think "well, I don't really know why I blog".......after this weekend I know why I blog.

Sunshine and Sausage

2011-08-06T22:16:00.000-07:00

Ahhhh Mr. Sunshine
one of the exhibit halls

Bravo TV's Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey co-owner of Stingaree

New friends
Lori Well Connected Mom and yikes I forgot her name..
Longtime friend Tonya Create-Celebrate-Explore

Second day of BlogHer was even better than the first. It is so inspiring to be involved in all the sessions and parties. These 3000 plus women are in all stages of life and I love getting ideas for my future. My little "tutu monkey" started kindergarten last week and I will now have extra time to go forward in a new direction. Just trying (like many women) to figure out what the new direction is.

Also, who doesn't like getting a picture with a BIG sunshine guy selling sausage?

Puppies and men in dresses

2011-08-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

Not the best photo of me but look at that little guy.......wanted to put him in my purse. I kind of get Paris Hilton now and her dog purse.New friends

Hot guys selling soup......Sure...it's July I will have some hot soup!

What EVERY cocktail party should have to help with lulls in conversations......PUPPIES and MEN IN DRESSES. First night of Blogher was so fun.....going solo is kind of fun and liberating.

Blogher...looking for my MoJo!!

2011-08-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

I am so thrilled to be attending BlogHer this year is the lovely city of SAN DIEGO!! Nice to have it in my backyard. Hoping to get my blogging mojo back. If you see me...please say hi!!

LEAPING in a New Year!

2011-06-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

I am LEAPING into a new year! Yup, today is my birthday. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful family and friends that made it extra special. We had a family weekend in Huntington Beach for my birthday and it was PERFECT!!!!!! I am truly blessed!

The room we stayed in had HUGE bean bag chairs that got us in the jumping spirit. Usually I am am the one saying "no jumping on the beds"........but man I can see why kids do it...it is fun!!

A new year ahead......Sarah starts the BIG K this JULY (yes July). New chapter of life starting.......lots of new "leaps". (Glad I have goods friends and family to jump with me)

Holy Smokes!! Happy Mother's Day!!

2011-05-08T20:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share with you the sweetest mom that I have run across in a long time. She is very busy, patient, loving, tiny bit cRAzY, and very crafty..............I can't wait to meet her new little babies. She is turning me around........I might just become a bird gal after all.

Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful Mom (and my many mom friends and family)

Bootcamp.......Hot Shoes!!

2011-03-19T21:15:00.000-07:00

Nat-Something for Sanity Tonya-Create Celebrate Explore

Ashley-Little Miss Momma "Hot....high.... shoes"

Boy, do those SITS gals put on a great day long boot camp....blogging boot camp. I started my blog as a journal for my daughter and a way to show off some of my handmade tutu's. I put the sewing aside when my husband deployed last year .This boot camp really helped get me inspired to tackle the tutu world again. I really recommend going to one of these conferences if you get the chance So many wonderful women with great ideas at all levels of blogging. I was a little intimidated to go.......thinking my blog is not "big" enough , organized enough or really worthy......but you know what I am SO GLAD I WENT. I now have a road map to get organized and some new people to call on if I need a little help.

Butterfly

2011-03-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

You know how we all get the pass along emails to special friends that we want to have good luck, prayers answered or special $$ winnings. This was in my email box today from my cousin and if I didn't pass it on to as many people as possible this butterfly would come live at my house (in wings only).

Made me laugh and a little concerned it might be true so I am putting it out there to as many people as possible!!

Hope you had a happy day!

Fat Tuesday!!

2011-03-08T12:31:00.001-08:00

Paul had a meeting in New Orleans last week and he came home with the MOTHER LOAD of bling. You can imagine the delight with the Mermaid necklace......

"No you can't wear all of these to school today Sarah...pick one......"

Whew...that month was fast!

2011-02-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

This entire month has been CrAZy!

Lots of fun changes on the horizon.......we are moving... got the keys yesterday! A few of these pictures are from our new backyard . The new house is not by the beach (sob!) but it has a lot more room to play and create!! We are only about 12 miles from the beach .......that will work.

Here is another great thing about February,

U2....."It's a beautiful day"

2011-02-01T08:05:00.000-08:00

"It's a beautiful day".............................................

Good bye....Adios....See ya later January!!

Good morning sweet February....I have many things to be thankful for!!!

Mouse Fever!!

2011-01-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

I know the days of hanging out with Mom and Dad and LOVING IT won't last forever so I am eating up EVERY minute while I can. Today we had a great day at Disney ......no coats.....no snow.....no lines......life is good!! Hope you had a good day too!!

foamboard and glitter =

2011-01-20T19:07:00.000-08:00

"Trashy Parisian Passion"
Last night I got to spend 4 hours at Paper Tale's taking a class from the fabulous mixed media queen Julie Haymaker Thomas and soldering goddess Terri Brush. The added bonus is I did all this with the felting princess and good friend Val. It is so fun to take classes with people who love to create.......this is my "clubbing". (yes I am a dork) I love to hear "oooo's and ahhh's" when a little crafting tips are given by the instructors......it is like the Superbowl for mixed media fans.

I have been in a creative funk and taking this class really helped shake me up a bit. This was my first time working with foam board. I was a little surprised that I was so timid with some of the different mediums....but Julie helped me tap into my "Trashy...Parisian Passion".

I am on week 2 of the Brave Girls Soul Restoration course........learning a lot about myself. ....I really recommend visiting this site......!

1-11-11

2011-01-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

Started my Brave Girl Soul Restoration 6 weeks online course today............these little homes don't have much to do with anything but I would love to hang out in one of them for a week and get caught up with my crafty self.

Hop on!!

2011-01-06T11:35:00.001-08:00

the

CREATE TRAIN!!

These 3 beautiful women

.....CREATE wonderful treasures!!!

Breathing Beside Us, Val's Art Studio and A little of this, that and the other having our seasonal "meeting"......I always leave wanting to make something. I am still creating special order tutu's, but the days of me making a bunch of tutu's to sell at art fairs might be coming to an end......I need a new creative outlet and hoping 2011 will open some new doors.

My 2011 road map includes surrounding myself with people who love to create....

I will be starting it off at

Paper Tales

January 19, 2011

4pm- 9pm with

Julie Haymaker Thomas and Terri Brush!! (great price)

Check it out.....join me!!

Thank you

2011-01-04T23:27:00.000-08:00

Sarah stayed home sick today......... giving us time to finish our Thank You notes! I am so fortunate to be able to have lazy days like this with my funny little girl.

What do you mean it's over!!!

2011-01-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

Don't we all have friends that "pick us up"?.....I am sure glad I do!!

The Christmas season started with a "Women's Tea"........the message came at a good time.....

"slow down......simplify.....enjoy" ....and that is what I did. (thanks for the invite)

We had a second Christmas with my sister, mom and family in Arizona. I love having pajama mornings for the kids to hang out and play. Since we have one child I really try to have Sarah feel grounded in love and family. I have said this before but I want her to have people close to her that can help decide the flavor of my jello in the nursing home....(cherry is good)

My girlfriend (in the first picture) had herself a Big (kid less) Birthday Bash . At her party I was thrilled to finally meet another "blog friend". I LOVE meeting blog friends.....she is just as sweet and funny in person. We bowled on New Year's eve......yes.....I know......bowled! It ended up being really fun .
Family...Friends(new and old, near and far) that's what it's all about!!

Welcome 2011.......I am ready for you!!

Happy Birthday

2010-12-24T23:21:00.001-08:00

Jesus!!

"You know Mom....he isn't a baby anymore"............

Just back from church with some good friends and family dinner out. At dinner a famous opera star sang to Sarah. She got a little shy......was a beautiful evening.

Merry Christmas!!

Who?

2010-12-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

Sarah Who!!!

JOY!!

2010-12-15T22:25:00.001-08:00

Sarah always reminds me to be in the moment and joyful!!!

(Quick Disneyland trip today!)

San Diego Snow Day!!!

2010-12-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

Growing up in Idaho I always loved those winter mornings when my dad would come in my room and say "no school today....snow day". It was great to have the entire (unexpected) day to be spontaneous. Today was like that .....my girlfriend called ....Sarah just got out of school....nothing was planned so........let's have a quick beach day. 2 hours of 80 degree beach time in December. I love it when days work out like today.... spontaneous..... fun day!!

Hope you had a good day too!!

Yup.....

2010-12-03T23:10:00.000-08:00

That is me Thanksgiving weekend in Rocky Point Mexico (with my mom and sister). I always wondered if those wave machine sounded like the real beach .....and they do .....but this was

much better!!!!

Car Talk

2010-11-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

When I was trying to get pregnant I would dream about driving around with my daughter in the car. Now I have 4 1/2 years of enjoying my car time with Sarah.....singing Taylor Swift at the top of our lungs, discussing how far heaven is or playing eye spy.....

it is one of the joys of my life.

Ahhhh come on...........

2010-11-12T21:39:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhhh come on ........

3 years in a row going dark in November

would be too much to handle!!

Staying blonde...with a little dark mixed in.....thanks Mary!!

Now....that is enough about me and hair drama......

much more important things in the world going on.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Finally!!!

2010-11-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

(Grandma Herma's 95 Birthday ...on our adventure this past summer..Sequim WA)

Yesterday, I got to meet one of my favorite fellas....Dennis Prager. He was in town doing his live radio broadcast and a special lunch. The minute I heard he was coming I bought tickets to the lunch and FINALLY got to meet him . I have been listening to his Happiness Hour for almost 7 years now. ......and it has really changed my outlook on life.

Today, I FINALLY got my golf clubs out again. I met a new friend that has been saying the same thing....."I really want to golf again" .......so we are FINALLY making it happen!!

Hope you all are finding things that you want to do and DO IT!!

Which brings me to sad news......the sweet 95 year old woman, Grandma Herma, that we got to berry pick with this summer passed way. She will be missed by so many......her last words to me when I asked her what it was like to be 95 were..."don't hang around boring people that don't want to do things.....keep your mind and body active" I thought that was good advice. Thanks Grandma Herma for letting us spend some time with you.....and thanks Anne for sharing her with us......rest in peace.

Side note: If you haven't been to Brave Girls Club yet.....this is a good one!

Should I?

2010-11-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

Go dark................................. again?

Oh Man!! I do this EVERY year......something about November makes me want to cut my hair and go dark.....very dark. I haven't yet......but I have appt on Friday!

I hate to have a post all about my hair but ......but good hair helps in the happiness department.

They both come to visit

2010-10-31T22:17:00.000-07:00

The "NICE" witch........she basically lives here

but whew.......that "Not so Nice" witch visits

once in the while and can be a bugger.

Hope you had a nice Halloween!! ............Now bring on the Turkey!!

One of these days I am

2010-10-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

going to be a FARMER....

or Dancer.....or singer.......or soccer player.......teacher......doggy daycare owner

maybe all of the above.

Ahhhh to be 4.

Thank you Lifeartphotography for the FABULOUS picture!! You really captured her spunk!

Is this wrong?

2010-10-14T23:14:00.001-07:00

"5 more minutes and you can have some candy...."

Our turn!!!

2010-10-11T23:02:00.000-07:00

What is more fun than Disneyland at Halloween?

Give up?

Disneyland.......a GREAT friend......Halloween and NO KIDS!!!!

We only dressed similar at the end of the day this time!!

Abracadabra

2010-10-03T14:04:00.000-07:00

Waiting for our new brooms to arrive...................

Resting up....this is my favorite month....need lots of energy!!

This is what I do when the house is messy and I am procrastinating. Sure glad I have a fun little buddy that likes to do this as much as I do. Now if I could just get that magic potion to work and clean up this mess.

114

2010-09-21T12:31:00.001-07:00

Ahhhh now how cute is this guy....Walter!!

I have always had a soft spot in my heart for little grandpa types. I would enjoy meeting Walter. Amazingly he is 114 today. ....lives in Great Falls , Montana where I was born.

Can you imagine living to 114..........sounds good to me if I could look and feel as good as Walter.

Classes fill up fast!!!!!

2010-09-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand..............TERRI BRUSH!!!

Terri will be teaching 3 classes in November here in the San Diego area!!!

You don't want to miss a class from the master!! Check out her site.....book now the classes fill up fast!! You will be amazed at what you are able to create.......treat yourself.

We all wear a lot of hats!!!

2010-09-15T13:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I was able to turn over "the daddy" hat I have been wearing for 6 months while Mr. P has been in the middle east. Sarah was beside herself with excitement to finally have her daddy home. She would not let go of his neck and kept chattering until she couldn't keep her eyes open. She is so thrilled that he brought her so many fun dress up hats. (I see community theater in her future). We are very proud of Mr. P ....it takes awhile after being gone to get back to "normal" life but we are on our way. I am now wondering what hat I am going to wear at the spa I check into SOON!!......? Hmmmmmm

Really?

2010-09-13T12:10:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you dressed in the exact same outfit as one of your best buddies? Until last week it was 7th grade for me.

I walked through the gates of Disneyland .....looked at the cute cap sleeve of my girlfriends shirt and thought "are you kidding me". After the shock of both us wearing flip flops, crop jeans and the cute Anthropologie white shirts......it was kind of fun. We got some looks and I am sure people thought "ahhhhhhh how cute they all decided to dress alike". The great thing about the experience is I have not laughed hard in a long time...........belly laughing is so fun.

Next time we go to Disney it is going to be without kids (so we can hit the good...fast rides) and you know what? We might just get matching face paint and wear our matching princess outfits!!

Enjoy your Monday!!

Go get it!!

2010-09-07T14:23:00.000-07:00

(My new Beth Quinn necklace!!....Love it)

I have a dear friend that has reminded me that it is up to me to "go get it!"

Being a mother often means putting yourself on the back burner......with phrases like "oh when she starts school I will start working out"......"I don't know how to paint so I will keep the room beige"........or......."I can't do that". We owe it to our daughters (and sons) to start today. So, for me, this means "going to get" the healthy body I want........the clear mind I desire and the JOY that I know is waiting to be tapped. By opening up with people that I love it has helped me realize that I am not alone.....you aren't alone either. What are you "going to go get?"

Brave Girls Club

2010-09-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

I have been getting a daily truth for quite some time now from the Brave Girl's Club. Well, yesterday they launched a new blog .............sometimes messages , people and blogs come into our life at just the right time. I think you might enjoy being in the Brave Girls Club too.

Check it out...............

Rock On!!!

2010-08-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

Since joining my gym in March I have watched Steve train to be the first person with cerebral palsy to climb "El Cap". He is faithfully training getting his body and mind strong. Please check out his story.......his smile and the way he is living his life is contagious. He has helped me to find "my mountain" to climb.

"Rock On Steve"!!

California Girls!

2010-08-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

Making the most of these last days of SUMMER!!

(I hear the Beach Boys ...."California Girls" everytime I see these silly gals!!)

Have a Happy Friday!!

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!

2010-08-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Heather from Wool Love...........YOU WON!!!!!

Thank you to all of you who have made my Blog Birthday so fun!! I love popping in on many of you and I am thrilled to have met some new blog friends!!

LIVE HAPPY is my motto for this new blog year!!

Live Happy!!.....................Give-a-way

2010-08-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I normally give -a-way a cake on my blogging birthday but this year I am going to give you one of Beth Quinn's beautiful necklaces. Every time I wear mine I get so many comments and I love the inspiring message that I walk out the door with.

I love to listen to Dennis Prager's "Happiness Hours" on Fridays so this "Live Happy" necklace fits right into how I TRY to live my life. (still a work in progress)

You have one week to enter......I will pick the winner on Friday morning. You will get an extra entry if you blog or FB about the give-a-way. So, if you put the give away on your blog or FB you can leave an extra comment.

Happy Monday.........Live Happy!

Happy 3 YEAR Blogging Birthday......to me!!

COTTAGE IN THE GARDEN

2010-08-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

Rita's lovely...lovely jewelry....

Sandra's amazing treasures

Ahhhh... our road trip....and recovery (for Mama) put me a little behind on my blogging.

A week or so ago we visited our friends at Cottage In The Garden. It was so fun to see our artist friends again. I hope they start rubbing off on me....I have been in a creating funk lately.

Cheering us on!!

2010-08-14T21:25:00.001-07:00

Cheering on friends starts early in life.

We have blessed with such wonderful people in our lives. It has made being a single parent

(for 6 months) tolerable.

The little phone calls......

The emails......

The postcards.....

The evenings out.....

Thank you....thank you......thank you!!

(only about 30 days left)

Days 22,23,24,25,26

2010-07-31T20:08:00.000-07:00

Days 22 and 23 Montana and Southern Idaho
Amazing the beauty of Montana and Idaho
Hanging out in Missoula with my Mom and my Aunt (Cousin too)

Day 24- Southern Idaho

Potty on the road.....I few times I thought I might use it. It came in very handy......

Day 25 Ely, Nevada

Tutu Monkeying around!!

Grandma was a good sport!

Thanks Mom ....I love you!

Day 26

Vegas Baby -fun watching all the lights from our room
Whew....what a trip. Today is day 27 and we arrived home at about 5pm......4,000 miles of Mama driving 6 states. This adventure has reminded me that the United States is BEAUTIFUL and so are its people. The strangers I have come across traveling for 27 days has reminded me that we live in a great country and people are good. It has also made me appreciate (even more than I did) my friends and family. I love you all and THANK YOU for making July 2010 an AMAZING month. With Sarah being an only child I really want her to feel grounded , loved and know that she has a large circle of people that love her. Also, I want her to have people to call when she is picking out my favorite Jello flavor in the nursing home....(Cherry)

Now get the blender out it is time for a margarita!!

I am loosing track of time!! What day is it?

2010-07-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

Good bye for now Coeur ' Alene, Idaho!!
Picked up a traveler......my Mom is joining us for the rest of this adventure

See you soon wonderful friends......

and Washington family!! Love you all!

HELLO MONTANA!!!!

Days 14,15,16,17....18

2010-07-22T18:58:00.001-07:00

Yes!! I have a bird on my finger.......many of you know I don't like birds but this little guy was pretty friendly!!

Playing with friends on their front lawn....fun morning...........amazing house!!

Coeur d' Alene Lake with my dear friend Miss V!!

Lazy day on the front porch ........catching our breath for a day

More visits with great friends!

Would love some of our California buddies to see this fun slide in Spokane, Wa.

Day 13....whew was a long one

2010-07-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

We hit a festival at Mt. Si.........

got in a few dances with Sarah ,some local street fair food

and hit the road to Spokane and Coeur d'Alene.....

Snoqualmie Falls.....with a beautiful rainbow!

Lunch with Miss M......this sweet woman used to babysit me when I was 4

The day started out in West Seattle...with one of my old work buds and her family!
Thanks K!!

Days 10,11 and 12

2010-07-16T22:39:00.001-07:00

Vashon Island, Washington

Day 12....saying our tearful good byes (for now) to the Dehan family!!

We love you guys!!!!

Day 11

Notice Mt. Rainer in the background.........amazing!!

Day 10... got to love low tide

Vashon Island , Washington....Quirky and BEAUTIFUL!!

One of the prettiest place you could ever visit....3 days of greatness!!!

Thanks for the fresh crab Bob and Dean!!

Day 9 Downtown Seattle

2010-07-14T09:02:00.001-07:00

I know that I have missed a few days on here ........Whew what a day....Pikes Place Market, lunch and dinner with friends, Space Needle......Ferry rides. It is a great adventure so far!!

Day 5 and 6

2010-07-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

Elma, Washington

So happy to see longtime friends on their way to Spokane...we met in Elma!!

Started day 5 at the Sandy Oregon Festival

So far we are having a wonderful trip....I am a few days late posting....more to come!

Day 4

2010-07-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Santa Rosa , CA

Oh.....I love it here. It is BEAUTIFUL!!!! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends that have SPOILED Sarah......(and me) Next time I visit.......I am going to bring my special wine glass and staying a week!!

Thanks Mike and Judy!!

Day 2 and 3

2010-07-07T20:43:00.001-07:00

Salinas, CA

We have been catching up with old friends and it has been GREAT!! Loving the drive......my little monkey has been great in the car. She is starting to love Neil Diamond music.....( I am not too dorky......only a few Neil songs on my Ipod).

Day 1

2010-07-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Westlake Village, CA

We have completed day 1 of our Great Northwest Adventure!!

Thank you to our wonderful friends for being so GREAT....we love you!!

Freedom.....Liberty.......

2010-07-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July!!

We live in such a wonderful, diverse country. Thank you to all those serving , including my husband , that fight to keep us free.

Nice Hats!!

2010-06-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Another family road trip .......

(I think this was the year we were living as undercover spies.....)

I missed posting on Father's Day but I think of my sweet dad everyday and thank him for everything he(and my mom) did to make my childhood a good one. I wish he could see his grandchildren but I know he is with them.

I see little glimpses of him in their ,humor, actions and expressions.

I love and miss you Dad!

Ahhhh my sweet little niece
Sarah and "her Nate"

This year I was lucky to spend father's day with my family in HOT Arizona!! Hanging out with my sister is always fun.......it was nice to share our oddness......love ya!!

Sarah's daddy is still away serving this great country we live in.....we are half way there!! Thank you for being such a wonderful father to our funny little girl.

Drafty?

2010-06-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

"Is it drafty in here?"

I think that is what I would be saying if I wore this outfit.

Embracing......

2010-06-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

I am starting to embrace birthday's.....first, there is nothing I can do about having them ( not having them would not be good)......second ,I am blessed to have good friends to share them with and third it is a great reason to go out and share sangria and good conversation !!

Thanks for the fun night out!!!

I so happy for my friend that just completed nursing school while having 2 young kids and a few major hurdles to over come!! I love to see my friends achieve their goals!! You will make a GREAT nurse!! Good job!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

2010-06-02T20:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary.........

we surprised them all , snuck off to Hawaii to get hitched!!

Be safe....sorry you are away....but very proud of you!

Finally getting our mojo back!

2010-05-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

"The Morning Greeter"

We have been spending our days lounging .......

getting rid of fevers and boogers.

I can't think of a better place to get over a cold than Southern California.

Have a great weekend!!

Defining A Movement

2010-05-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

I really love this video......you might too......enjoy.

(Thank you Val)

Happy Friday!!

Happy

2010-05-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Today I celebrate one of the biggest joys in my life.......my daughter. I thank Stephanie for helping me to be a better mother and live in the moment.

Happy 4th Birthday Baby Girl......

I LOVE being your Mama!!

Ribs......

2010-05-04T20:06:00.001-07:00

(Sarah thought you might need to know the store hours.....)

Who needs them.....for this cute little vintage dress I would have to have 2 removed. I love it and it is from one of my favorite shops, The Attic. If you are in Coronado you need to stop and pay them a visit..........always a fun treasure to be found.

Really?

2010-04-30T15:18:00.001-07:00

Well......not sure what to say other than.....Have a great weekend.
It is beach weather around here!!

Happy Friday!!

the little things

2010-04-23T14:00:00.001-07:00

Finding joy/happiness in the little things ...EVERY DAY. The Happiness Hour 2 weeks ago was all about finding and embracing your "little things".

So, today my little things were

1. reading a magazine on the deck in the sun

2. writing with a brand new sharpie pen

3. Sarah drawing a picture of me and saying "it is you Mama....you are so beautiful"

(Those are my knees not my boobs.....what I would look like in THIS shirt)

What are your little things today........?

Happy Friday!!

Suim Suit Season

2010-04-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Swim Lessons started up again today

What a difference 3 years makes........I have the "remember when" bug. The last couple of posts I have been really coming to terms with how fast this journey is going.

No getting around it this year.....this Mama has to get in the pool. My husband and Sarah are usually the "fish".....I am the "lounger". We are so fortunate to live in an area with a FABULOUS community pool with an amazing view........

Come on summer....I am ready for ya......!!

Girlfriends!!

2010-04-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

1 years old May 2007
3 years later.......

Tick Tock...Tick Tock.......time is going fast......we are happy that we have such fun friends to share this journey with. When we moved to San Diego.....this was the first little girl that Sarah met.

Happy Friday!!

Finally

2010-04-11T09:01:00.001-07:00

we meet IN PERSON!!!

Thank you Grampy for being such a good sport!!!
Dinner and walk at Ferry Landing in Coronado, Ca
(San Diego skyline is so pretty ...especially around sunset)

I have really enjoyed blogging as a way to keep up with friends and family,
also as a way to make new friends. This weekend I finally got to meet my longtime blog friend Grammy Staffy (and her great husband....Grampy ). We have been corresponding for a long time now....we both can't quite remember how we met .....but we are so happy we did. Sarah was so excited to share some hours with them......I know we will see them again soon.
Thank you for such a special day and all the hugs!!

Ho...Ho...Ho!!

2010-04-08T16:31:00.000-07:00

You never know where Santa vacations........

he is making sure you are naughty or nice ALL THE TIME!!!
Do you remember the last time you skipped?

I think every day might be a little happier if more people wore a crown and a big red flower.

Hope you had a good day today (we did).....Happy April!!

Peeps!!

2010-03-31T14:33:00.001-07:00

Hanging with my PEEPS!!

Settling into our "new normal"......(only for 6 months)

So far our day has consisted of cupcakes, frosting and peeps!! Better hit the gym before my sugar high wears off.

Send off......

2010-03-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Sending Daddy (Deep Sea Diver) off with some new pictures........

My friend Amber does such a wonderful job capturing special moments.

Buckets of Sand

2010-03-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

March 2010 Coronado ,CA
July 2008-Vasion Island , WA

What brings old friends together better than buckets of sand. We are so happy to have our long time friends living back in the states after being in Germany for the last 3 years.

Welcome home.....may we fill many more buckets with you !!

Aloha

2010-03-18T21:43:00.000-07:00

Sarah started each morning with a song .......or 12

(from the patio of our cabin on the beach)

off to do some body surfing

Meeting some locals......Wow...now that is a "Noggin Topper"

The "Brown Family"

(special trip...my Mom got to come with us)

The Beach Family

Playing with old friends..........

right before a down pour.... so nice to see and play with old friends!!!

Cruising around looking for some local handmade treasures....

Wow....where does time go? We have been packing in lots of fun before my husband leaves on a 6 month deployment next week. We just got back from spending a week on the beach in Oahu.

Got back home and feel like I am still on vacation .....feel blessed to live where we live!!

Sleep-overs!!

2010-03-01T21:49:00.000-08:00

Do you think they got any sleep?????

Sarah's new fun thing is to "toot" under the covers and have her sweet friend but her head under. Oh my gosh ...... it is time to get the Miss Manners book.

(AND NO SHE DID NOT GET IT FROM ME!!)

Pop over here too!!

We found her

2010-02-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Ahhhhhh can you hear angel music??

We FINALLY found Ariel!!!

She hangs out at the "Ariel Grotto"(silly us for not looking here first)......in California Adventure. For a little coin you can have a "pricey pancake" with her (so they say). Actually, you get a picture with her when you first walk in and "poof" she is gone again. She doesn't make the rounds of the tables like the other royals. It was worth doing once but if you think you are going to get Ariel face time.....don't get your hopes up. Sarah was happy but this Mama thought we would at least get to have a small conversation with her......oh well.

I am really pushing having Snow White be our new favorite......

she seems to be around a little more......

and spends time talking to the "mini princesses".

Princess Etiquette

2010-02-22T21:37:00.000-08:00

We surprised Sarah with a 2 day trip to Disney. She didn't know where she was until we ended up at the park doors on Sunday morning. She was so thrilled. The first day we basically hung out at "the castle" and "It's a Small World" ride......(kind of a freaky ride after 4 times). On our fourth and final time she yelled to her Daddy (from the little boat to the him waiting on the sidewalk)

"I want to live in this ride"!!

I am not sure about "princess etiquette"

but Sarah expressed her frustration with Jasmine that she hadn't met Ariel yet.

Amazing work......

2010-02-17T15:08:00.000-08:00

Sarah has really amazed me with her sand castle art.........

she keeps improving with each trip to the beach.

Okay, this one is hers........still a work of art. Sarah made tourists take pictures of her castle after they got done taking a picture of the elaborate castle. 5 different families have a picture of Sarah and her castle as a souvenir.

Tweet Tweet

2010-02-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

Look what I made.......cute huh?

I took Val's class at Paper Tales a few Saturdays ago.

I officially have a new obsesson....felting!!

I am also the WINNER of the heart necklace from Lizzy B's....what a fun way to start the week!!

This is better

2010-02-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

This is better....that last "guy-girl" was kind of creepy.

Tick-tock-tick-tock......only a few days left to get your sweetie a little sweet.

Really?

2010-02-09T07:45:00.000-08:00

I am not here to judge but ..........

REALLY?

This gal (or guy) will eventually get a little older.......

the plug won't fit as snug anymore.........

and food will continually drip out of her chin.

This is NOT me

2010-02-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

YET!!!!

I have been trying to get back into yoga.

Doesn't this gal look "at one" with the earth?

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Good Bye January!!!

2010-02-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Is it gone?......January 2010......ADIOS!!!

I hate to wish time away but I couldn't wait for January to be OVER!!
Tutu Monkey Creation...( little self promotion...just so cute )

Pat

Pat's play horses

This is how I feel about February!!
WELCOME !!!

I met this talented gal, Pat, at Mermaid Mercantile last Sunday. She makes these adorable play horses. I think they would be so cute for photo sessions with your children. They are really soft and each of them have their own personality.

I am also showing off one of my cute creations!! This Cherry Creation is one of my favorites!! It will be available in my etsy store later today....

Out and about....?

2010-01-29T23:01:00.001-08:00

Out and about in the San Diego area this Sunday.....pop in and say hi!!

Lot's of fun stuff!!

Out of the Blue

315 South Cedros Ave

Solana Beach, California 92075

10:00-5:00pm

Show some love

2010-01-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

Pop over to Gina's place for a wonderful

Valentine give-a-way!!!!

Moving Day

2010-01-25T13:30:00.000-08:00

Moving day ceremony

Moving day breakfast...puppy loves cereal!

One of the movers took our picture.........

Well....I tried to put my head in the sand and pretend the day was not going to come

but......darn it ......it did.

Saturday our good friends and cross the street neighbors moved ( only 2 hours away...whew). We will sure miss popping over to visit , afternoon bike rides and instant play dates.

there is Good news!!

We know where they live!!

Oh my

2010-01-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

Oh my it is sure rainy around here!!

2 of my favorite guys!!

2010-01-20T09:05:00.000-08:00

I had a few things made for myself this winter.......first one of Deb's purses with a picture of my Grandpa lifting a heavy sack of wheat over his head. He was probably about 20 at the time of the picture. I also had one made for my Mom and her sister...they loved them!! It has a beautiful charm made by Rita attached to the purse too.

Second, Gina took my Dad's watch (that was sitting in a drawer collecting dust) and made it into a great bracelet. This picture of my Dad always makes me smile.....he was quite a character. (She also made something else but someone special is going to be getting it as a gift so I won't post picture.)

Both of these great men are up in heaven ...........I love being able to wear them around with me each day. Thanks Deb , Rita and Gina for you fabulous creations!!

Step by step!!

2010-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

Gina- Lizzy B's

Karin- Creative Chaos

Helle from Paper Tales

Okay, I dug out the work out clothes and figured getting my

body moving again would help me get out of this funk.

It is S...L....O....W.....L...Y helping.

Visiting Paper Tales the other day helped chip away at my funk too. I got to see Gina (her jewelry is the best) and meet Karin from Creative Chaos (I have been stalking her for a year) and Helle made Sarah's day with a sweet necklace. I also signed up for Val's Felt Bird class. So, working out my body and getting my creative juices moving again will surely help shake the January blahhhhs.

Arg!!

2010-01-13T13:19:00.000-08:00

So far this is what 2010 feels like around the Tutu Monkey house. My heart is hurting for some friend's going through some very heavy life experiences, another good friend is moving..........my husband is out of town most of the month.......I don't feel like tutuing!

Arg!

2010

2010-01-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

A year of new adventures.
My husband is deploying later this year for 6 months so I am planning lots of little adventures with the Tutu Monkey. Here we are today planning them out.

We are finally back to normal....stomach flu is out of here!!

Sarah kissed her mini pancake yesterday and told me she missed and loved them SO MUCH!!

Happy Jack!!

2010-01-04T07:53:00.000-08:00

It started out so great!!!
Igloo's
Playing with cousin Nate!!

Grandma rubbing a sick tummy

The rest of our vacation was in here................

Last week my side of the family headed up to my sister's cabin in "HAPPY" Jack, AZ. It started so great.......the kid's couldn't wait to play in the snow....the cabin was toasty warm for Wii competitions and day 2 it HIT!!!! ...and HIT HARD!! The 3 of us got the stomach flu ......total bummer. Kind of took the "Happy" out of Happy Jack........was more like "Jack $%^"!! (Sorry...I am still a little bitter that the bug got our New Year Celebration)

We are back home now.....feeling a little bit better (after a trip to the Doc).....now time to take down all the Christmas Stuff.

Happy 2010!!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T17:51:00.001-08:00

San Diego style!!

Hope you all had a wonderful day!!!!!!

What a fun day!!

2009-12-20T20:32:00.000-08:00

Hmmmmmmm got to love San Diego in December
Singing Christmas songs to the Sea Lions

Later that night singing Christmas songs to all of our neighbors.

Oh man.......

I think I had one too many glasses of wine last night at our neighborhood Christmas party.......I am dancing like this in about 20 pictures. Secretly I want to be on Dancing with the Stars. When I bring out "jazz hands".....I know I need to switch to water.

Holiday Mullet

2009-12-19T08:35:00.000-08:00

Nothing says Christmas like a mullet........

"business in the front....party in the back".

Sarah got some hair cutting scissors Wednesday and cut about 4 inches of hair off both sides of her head. I was on the phone and hubby thought she was playing in her room.........

well, the little beautician was in the bathroom cutting a way.

Mary from the Electric Chair in Ocean Beach (she is great if you need a new doo....she is the one that saved my hair disaster) was able to help us. She had to cut off the remaining hair...it looked too goofy to have a strip of long hair in the back.

The next morning Sarah asked ...

"Mama can I be on the naughty and the nice list at the same time?"........

Finally

2009-12-16T07:38:00.001-08:00

I FINALLY found a mermaid that really resembles me after eating all these Christmas cookies.

This fun ESTY seller must have been peeping in my windows.

Mermaids on Ice

2009-12-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

Rita's lovey necklaces

Breathing Beside Us- Deb Hodge

ME!!

Mermaid Dolls from My Little Buttercup

This is Nicki Glades "Middle Age Ariel" ...love her

Okay, not really on ice but CHILLY!!

The Mermaid Merchantile is the last Sunday of every month and WOW there are some AMAZING sellers!! Mark you calendars and join us. Here are a FEW pictures from yesterday.

Last Chance of 2009!!

2009-12-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

I will be selling Tutu's and "Noggin Topper" hairclips Sunday....

along with many wonderful sellers!! Come visit!