We Love you Grandpa!

Lynne "Jay" Lundberg Will Be Missed ST. GEORGE- Lynne "Jay" Lundberg, son of Lynne and Elese Barlow Lundberg, returned to his Heavenly Home, Heavenly Father and his Savior May 11, 2008. He was released from his earthly suffering of eight years, eight years of fighting to stay with his beloved wife, Elaine Gwynn. Often he expressed his love of her and her beauty. She was able to care for him after years of him providing, lovingly and diligently, for her and their six children: Eric (Sue Randal), Janet (LaVere Mathie), Nancy (Robert Schonlau), Betsy Bates, Amy (Jay Marks), and Alice (Arlen Jones). He unselfishly helped provide for 13 foster children too. His family and church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) were foremost in his life. Service through teaching all ages and being a speaker at firesides and conferences were his favorites. He was drafted for service in World War II, attended West Point, left military service at the war's end to pursue a different course in life. He served a mission for his church in the Spanish American mission. He enjoyed many years of schooling. In the early years in Washington DC where he grew up, and the later years all over the country which led to five degrees and completion of seven majors, a doctorate and two careers. His career of 39 years with IBM was brilliant and kept him traveling the world. He contributed greatly. He programmed the first IBM computer and set up the first business manufacturing plant operations on computer. His second career as a marriage and family counselor, benefited many as he volunteered many hours at a free clinic and at home. Just before his death his wife, Elaine and he shared tears over the poem, "Can I go now" written by Susan A. Jackson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine, their six children, brother Gary Lundberg, 26 grandchildren and 55 great-grandchildren. Jay was preceded in death by his brother Don Lundberg, grandson Larry Lundberg, and great grandson Caleb Mills, and his parents. Funeral services will be held Wed., May 14, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Green Valley Stake Center, 511 South Valley View Dr., St. George, Utah. Friends and family may call on Tues., May 13th from 6-8 p.m. at Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S. Bluff St. and on Wed., at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be held Fri., May 16, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the Ogden City Cemetery, 20th and Madison, Ogden, Utah. Services under the direction of Myers Mortuary. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com Published in the Deseret News on 5/13/2008.

Its Getting Closer!!! Twilight Trailer...

Twilight in HD

The Bible in a Nutshell

This was sent to me in an email. I thought it was hilarious. Had to share.


A class was told to write a book report on: 'The Bible'. The teacher so loved one child's report that she put in on the school's website:

'The Bible in a Nutshell'

"In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one', but I think He must have been a little older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did, so then God made the world. He split an Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.
Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating a bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars yet. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.

Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be, like, a million or something.
One of the next most important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would like to have a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really colorful loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy was Moses, but his real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.

Then he gave them his Top Ten Commandments. These include don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the whole town.

After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that sure doesn't sound very wise to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then was barfed upon the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry much about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact I was, Mom!')

During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Republicans. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Judas was so evil that it's why they named that terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Republicans and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. The Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just stood there and washed his hands instead.

Anyway's, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of The Revolution."

I think this all pretty much sums it up!

I WILL WEAR PINK

Found this Poem. Love it.

I will wear pink

With pride

In celebration of those who have won their battle

Looking forward to the future, when one day we will find a cure

Living well, Loving much, and Laughing often

With excitement over the advances we have made

Eagerly awaiting the advancements yet to come

Always

Remembering those that we have lost

Promising to show my support

In honor of all of those currently fighting the battle

Never giving up….

Knowing that There Is Hope!

© 2007 Becky L Sabino

Braiden Got his WOLF!!

Braiden officially earned his Wolf in Cub Scouts! I must admit that it was through no help from me. I am totally retarded when it comes to Cub Scouts. Quinn has been really good to help Braiden acheive this goal.
Braiden was so excited to finally get his Wolf. He turns 9 on May 20th so the time was getting shorter and shorter. I was afraid it wasn't going to happen. I am so glad the Braiden has shown an interest in Scouts. I know its a good program for out little Hoodlums, I mean sons! :)
At the same pack meeting Braiden performed a disappearing paper clip magic trick. Very cool!
WAY TO GO BUDDY!!

~Lynn Jay Lundberg~ My Grandfather~

I am wrinting this post from St George, UT where my Grandma and Grandpa Lundberg (mom's parents) live. I decided to come down here because last week my Grandpa had a heart attack that set off his internal defibrillator and sent him flying to the floor. His heart has stopped numerous times since then and his doctor has assured my grandmother that his heart will stop , and will not start re-start, any day now.

I have had the awesome opportunity to gain a strong loving relationship with my Grandparents over the years as they have helped my family through times of trouble and always been around for times of celebration. They have been "foster" parents to us at certain points and have always been an example of strength, love, and righteousness to those they meet.

My Grandpa, Lynn Jay Lundberg, has always been a man of many stories and of lessons that have changed and strengthened me in times of need. He is a spritually driven, highly educated, mechanically inclined, and well spoken example of a person. Through his work as a marriage and family therapist over the years he has changed so many lives. We would joke that he would never make a living out of this if he didn't stop fixing people so fast. I knew that if I let him, Grandpa would begin "therapizing" me without me even knowing it but it ALWAYS made me feel better. Through our growing up years, it has been a well known fact that Grandpa, as the patriarch of his family, had to show approval for any big step that was to be taken in our lives. He has met just about every boyfriend and girlfriend of a serious nature in the family as his approval has always been whole-heartedly sought after.

When I go visit Grandma & Grandpa it is always known that all gum is to be spit out, no loud chewing sounds are permitted. Remove all visible body piercings and cover all tattoos. Do not use the word "try". Always wear shoes and for heavens sake: "In or out, but SHUT THE DOOR!" If you know my grandpa then you know exactly what I am talking about.

As I have spent the last few days with my Grandparents, in their home, I have reflected frequently on all the memories we have made across the years. I am so amazed by the love that they have for their children, grand-children, great grandchildren and for eachother. They have been married for 62 years. What an awesome feat! They were eachothers first loves. This family has had a fair share of trials over the years. Each of their children has suffered in one way or another and through it all, there they were, by their sides to help and support in any way they could.

I look at Grandpa now. Today. This morning. And I see a weary man. Who is tired of being sick and in pain. Who sits and listens intently to Grandma and my Aunt plan every detail of his funeral. Who watches us clean and de-junk his home and get rid of his personal things, knowing full well that soon he won't be here to enjoy them but that they will soon become a burden to Grandma. I see him look at Grandma and already miss her because she won't be where he is going for a while. I see him worry that she won't be ok without him. I look in his tired eyes as I give him a blanket or bring him his dinner and know that he loves me so much. He is so proud of me and what I have done with my life. He knows me. I see him looking at the pictures of my children with tears in his eyes and marvel at how beautiful a posterity he has. I see him asleep peacefully in his chair and wonder just how long it will be before he finally does leave us. That day has never seemed far off but also seems like it may never happen. I wish i could make him better. I wish he could be with us forever. But I know his time is near and he is going to a better place to gain his eternal exaltation that he has surely earned.

I love him and I love who he is.

My Grandfather.

ADDENDUM TO THIS ENTRY ADDED APRIL 23rd...

My Father's Heart
By Betsy Bates

The Dr. says it’s weakened
The heart within his chest
This never would be possible
I know my Father best.

He is a man of strength
His stride was never broken
Straight and strong were his steps
Complaining words not ever spoken.

He thrives on all there is
He is a man of knowledge
This man and all his wisdom
used the world as his college.

Its true as all will say
That never far behind
The man in all his greatness
Is his wife’s gentle mind.

The slowly beating heart
At the end of great men’s lives
Is just a way God prepares it
To hand it to his wife

My father’s love never faltered
He knew where it belongs
Within his children’s souls and minds
His heart continues to beat strong.

There is a part of him in us
The family he leaves behind
The hearts of all his children
Beat strong and intertwined.

The Dr. says it’s weakened
The heart within his chest
This never would be possible
I know my Father best.

Family Photo Op

Last weekend we had PERFECT weather for a whole day before it started snowing again so we quickly threw together a Watson Family Photo. Turned out pretty good other then the fact that Braiden had his finger up his nose for EVERY picture. I was obviously in a spot that I could not see him so this was not discovered until I uploaded the pics. Don't worry...he has been beaten. :)
~Erickson Family April 2008~

Paiges First Mommy Photo shoot

I love taking candid photos of my kids and this was a particular favorite. I am certainly no professional photographer. I can barely turn the camera on but I do love to play with it and see what happens. Below is the slideshow of Paige's first Mommy photoshoot.

2 1/2 year old for sale or rent!!

So you would think that since I have been a mom for almost 9 years now that I would have learned that silence is NEVER a good thing especially when the child is nowhere to be found. Lately Paige has been fond of finding some devious thing to do or get into and she goes into her room and closes the door. So I now know that if I am not sure of Paige's where abouts and there is a strange silence AND her bedroom door is shut...be scared...be very, very scared.

So I came across this teddy bear homicide the other day after Paige figured out that if she could get her little fingers in between the stitching then she could probably disembowel the poor bear.

She showed no shame or remorse for that one...
Next Day...
I found the child covered head to toe in baby powder. Again, in her room, again, with the door shut.
Its a good thing I can't live without her because some days I am not sure I can live WITH her!
Silly girl...

What Happens in Vegas...

For all those who were eagerly awaiting the results of the Pizza Festiva Gourmet Pizza Competition here you go:

We went to Vegas last week, April 1-3rd and had a great time hanging out. My mom was there from day one working her rear off to get things ready for the competition and she did a great job under all the pressure. There were tons of people watching and waiting to taste the pizza as well as TV cameras from the Food Network catching every twist and turn of the competetors. But did she break a sweat? Oh no, she was smooth as a hot knife through butta...(butter).

Luke was also in the back running between ovens and getting everything ready. He was a huge help. There were eight total pizzas competing and my personal belief is that our pizza was the best. Really I am not biased whatsoever. I honestly think that I don't know what the definition of gourmet actually is. It must mean the freakiest combination of ingredients wins.
Cobblestone Cafe's Macho Nacho was cut after the first round. Boooooooo!! Some Austalian dudes (who knew Aussies could cook pizza?) won the first and second prize with some wierd "gourmet" combination of lamb, ,lettuce and mushrooms. Ick! Gag me. How do you like that sportsmanship? Well al that matters is that we had fun. Even at the Pizza Expo. We ate our way through that convention center and I can easily say that I will be happy to never eat pizza again. Ok, give me a week but you know how that goes. We also visited the regular mormon hot spots in Vegas. The M&M Factory, the Coke Museum, etc. I am surprised I didn't die of second-hand smoke exposure but the weather was beautiful and we did have a good time. We were certainly ready to come home when we did.

Check out the video. This is my mom presenting our pizza to the judges. She was awesome! So we didn't win any medals but hey, we made it to the Olympics. Darn Aussies...

Go Cobblestone!

BALD IS BEAUTIFUL!

So as I mentioned before, I have a co-worker who is undergoing chemo for Breast Cancer and she has officially lost her hair. She, however, is beautiful with or without hair. For fun my co-workers all decided to find bald caps and take this photo. I would shave my head for real but, um, it's still really cold here. I need my mane. I though this was pretty funny and we had a great time taking this pic. Love you Rebecca!

Post 110!!!

This is officially my 110th Blogger post. I was reminded to even look at how many posts I had by my beautiful friend Brenda who recently celebrated her 100th post. I am amazed that I have let my thoughts be recorded online for the world to see 110 times... All those who know me understand that I am a relatively quiet person and generally I don't share a whole lot about myself unless asked. Well this BLOG has been my correction of that problem so in celebration I am actually going to share 110 things about myself. Thanks Brenda!

1. I am the oldest of 10, yes, 10 kids. Flesh and blood. 11 if you count my sweet step-sister, Christy.
2. I grew up in Southern and Central Cali.
3. Still claim California as my home although I have lived in Utah for 13 years.
4. I play the flute.
5. I am a Registered Nurse.
6. I love traveling although I don't get to do as much as I would like.
7. I have been married twice. No others in the plans. :)
8. I am very quiet when I am in pain.
9. I really don't like being pregnant although I do love feeling my baby. My pregnancies are fairly uncomplicated so far but I hat getting fat, swollen, achy, sick, tired, headaches, etc.
10. I would have 5 more babies if they are all as sweet as my little Cameron.
11. I do, strangely, enjoy the labor and delivery part of motherhood.
12. I never actually aspired to be a nurse while growing up. It just happened that I was interested.
13. I am a scientifically inclined person vs artistic.
14. I hate cooking. Thank goodness Eric cooks or we would starve.
15. I ocassionally get a wild hair and cook a cool dessert or casserole. (Not totally domestically retarded)
16. I am a neat freak when it comes to my house.
17. I hate clutter.
18. I love it when Braiden walks on my back. He is the perfect weight right now.
19. I secretly LOVE frosted animal cookies. You know those ones that leave a waxey film on your mouth? ha.
20. My friends used to tease me because I rarely cried at sappy movies, etc.
21. I cried when all three of my kids were born.
22. I have 5 piercings in my left ear and 3 in my right. Sick, I know...teenage rebellion. I dont wear them now.
23. I have a tattoo on my right inside ankle of a hawaiin hibiscus flower. Got it in Hawaii after divorce...another rebellion? Who knows. I like it though, I am kinda attached to it. ha
24. My first kiss was when I was 14 in my front yard with Pat Eaves. Sorry Pat. Hope that doesn't ruin your reputation. :)
25. I hate it when telemarketers call.
26. I used to be a telemarketer.
27. I was a phlebotomist for 10 years. Still can't help but notice peoples veins.

28. I have a terrible self image and am scared to mass it on to my kids.

29. Have been told that I have a pretty smile.

30. Have naturally strawberry-blonde hair but work very hard to get the red out. Sorry Dad.

31. I prefer silver to gold.

32. I love wearing coordinating jewelry.

33. Not very good at coordinating jewelry.

34. I just took my Medical Coder Certification (AAPC) Exam this morning. Took 5 hours.

35. I love watching cartoons with my kids and reminiscing about the cartoons I watched when I was little.

36. I barely remember a word that the sealer said when Eric and I got married. Bad?

37. I like watching football only if I am there. Cant watch it on TV. Its too hard to follow.

38. I was there when the Cougars beat the Utes in Nov 2007.

39. I LOVE Disneyland.

40. I am a Mary Kay Independant Beauty Consultant.

41. My greatest fear is not being able to save my kids if they are in trouble.

42. I have a nightmare all the time where there is a flood and I can't get all my kids out of the car in time. Any one know what that means?

43. I love participating in charity runs.

44. Hate to run but will for charity.

45. I love to work out. It helps me escape.

46. Used to swim butterfly in high school.

47. I really want to swim competetively again someday but not sure how.

49. I seek approval from others alot.

50. Always afraid to appear dumb to people.

51. I am a pretty smart person.

52. I am a perfectionist.

53. Eric and I had a perfect wedding day. No problems, no complaints.

54. I miss old friends.

55. Love keeping in touch with old friends.

56. Have had my heart broken a few times.

57. I have broken a couple hearts.

58. I have a birthmark on my right calf that looks like a fish.

59. I have 3 nieces: Abby, Baylee and Zoey

60. My family owns and runs a pizza restaurant.

61. I hate hearing people eat/ chew. #1 pet peave.

62. I cried at President Hinckleys funeral.

63. I love interior design. If i had it all to do over again, would have done that.

64. I love Kathy Van Zeeland purses. I have 5. Want more. Sick.

65. I am addicted to blogging.

66. I have a fairly messy car.

67. I have 3 kids.

68. I love Diet Coke.

69. Am currently NOT drinking Diet Coke too regularly. Yeah for me.

70. Love dressing up Paige in all sorts of girly fashion. She hates it.

71. Have a very full closet.

72. Love shopping for clothes.

73. I love having a pretty bed. I am anal about bed-making.

74. Love sleeping in with Eric but dont get to very often.

75. Eric and I go to movies often if we have a baby sitter.

76. My church calling is librarian for 2.5 years now. I can run that copy machine like no other.

77. I had my wisdom teeth until 1.5 years ago.

78. I have never had braces.

79. I love hanging out with my sisters and sis-in-law. We have a blast together.

80. HATE clutter. Did I already say that?

90. Hate Simpsons, Family Guy etc. I think those are the bane of humanity.

91. Love Home and Garden Channel.

92. Love period peice movies. Pride and Prejudice, Robin Hood , Braveheart, etc.

93. Enjoy reading muder and medical mystery.

94. Love Law and Order, Lost, CSI Las Vegas, Desparate Housewives, House and House Hunters.

95. Used to love Sex in the City. SSSSHHHHH!

96. LOVE Brighton Jewelry.

97. I will pester my husband when he is in a bad mood to talk to me about it. He hates that.

98. I like Gwen Stefani music and perfume.

99. I own 14 bottles of perfume and I wear them all. (Not at the same time)

100. I love my Grandma and Grandpa Lundberg like they are my parents. We are very close.

101. I wish my mom and I were closer than we are but I am grateful she lives so close by.

102. I used to collect Barbies. I have alot of them.

103. I love taking my kids to the zoo and the aquarium. They have so much fun seeing the animals.

104. I had a dogs named Milly, Nubby, and Georgie.

105. I am very forgiving. Sometimes too forgiving.

106. I am very grateful for my beliefs. They make me who I am, no doubt.

107. I love my husband.

108. Someday I want to have plastic surgery. On what? Not telling...

109. I am very dedicated...when I put my mind to something I do it.

110. I am a sucker for anything having to do with Breast Cancer Awareness. I love pink ribbons.

Twilight Obsessed Anyone?

My friend Cathy Bitter is a total Twight Fanatic (See her Twilight BLOG at www.twilightconfessions.blogspot.com). I can't say that I am as big a fanatic but I did love the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer (my house was a mess and my husband did not see me much for about 2 months while I finished the series) and I am very excited for the 4th book, Breaking Dawn, to come out as well (see my countdown on the side). So here is a really cool Breaking Dawn Poster that she found online and I had to post it. Very cool. Sick isn't it?

Easter Fun!!

Don't you just love how a single holiday tends to start a few days before and just keeps on going? I won't even get started on Christmas but I think Easter is one of those holidays. I love Easter. It means Spring is here and that is always a plus in my book.
The adventure began with a visit to the mall to see the Easter Bunny. I have to admit that is was a little dumb and I think Braiden is growing out of the Easter Bunny but Paige loved it. I mean seriously what is the point of the big giant bunny? Its not like you get to ask him for anything. He doesn't talk. Braiden was not amused. He qizzed me the whole way home about whether the easter bunny and tooth fairy were real. How long can I keep up the show? Braiden is pretty smart. It won't be long.



Braiden and Paige got their Easter baskets on Saturday because Braiden had to go to his dad's house but I think we decided that we are always going to do it that way from here out. That way the bunny represents Spring and not Easter. The bunny has nothing to do with Easter. I never could figure that out.
Can I just say that bubbles are awesome. They are cheap. They Can be purchased in mass quantities at the dollar store and the kids love them. A bottle of bubbles will keep those two entertained for HOURS!!! Thats frieking amazing! PS they did get more than just bubbles but I forgot to take pictures of their baskets. Bad mom!


Cameron eats anything he can get his hands on of course so this is him eating his Easter present.


Cameron and Paige were in their cute Sunday best Easter morning. That pic of the two of them was snapped just as Paige dropped him on his face. It was very sad. She doesn't quite get that when she holds him that she actually has to HOLD him.

Sunday afternoon we went to Bonnie's house for food and Easter egg hunt. They have a huge back yard so it was really fun for them. There were a few tears shed as with all 3 years old in any competetive situation but no bones were broken.

The adults had a great time taking the eggs out of their basket and rehiding them (after taking out all the good candy, of course).

Bonnie and sweet Baylee (Bonnie is sweet too but you know)
Whitney and her new hunk a burnin love ( no he is not chinese)...
The girlsRod carrying in the loot. Little did they know that I went through and chucked half the candy... while eating all the chocolate stuff.

Happy Spring!!

Pretty pink tosies!

The day before Easter Paige and I had a little beauty session and she actually let me paint her fingers and toes this time. I have tried in the past and she was sure I was putting some flesh eating poison or something on her. She seriously screamed. I totally had her when I painted one of my own toenails and she just melted and was "ooooooooooooooohh"ing and "aaaaaaaaaaahhhhww"ing like crazy. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Well of course the nail polish thin didn't last very long. I think she has already picked it all off and probably eaten it. Is nail polish toxic? Hmmmm. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

Dedicated to a Cause...

So those of you who know me well know that I have a passion for supporting Breast Cancer Awareness. I don't know if its some fortelling of a future trial that I or someone close to me will have to endure or if its that I just love the color pink. Maybe that's why I am a Mary Kay consultant too! But seriously, the chances that I or someone close to me will have breast cancer are so incredibly high that I feel a real serious duty to do my part to support the cause. And actually a good friend and coworker of mine was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer and just started her chemotherapy. You can read her story here. So I tell you that I am a sucker for anything that has a pink ribbon on it. If its to raise money for Breast Cancer, I am all over it.

So anyway, for that purpose I am organizing a team to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to be held in downtown SLC on May 10th. It has been named "HCI's Pride for Pink" which is so fitting for the fact that I love the color pink and am more than proud of it. The main people on my team are my coworkers in honor of Rebecca but we are opening it up for anyone to join. If you are interested in joining or just donating go to our team fundraising page here. My whole family will be participating. I am so excited. This will be the coolest experience. I actually did this 2 years ago and it was a really neat to see all the people with names on their shirts and the "survivors". And many who were bald and probably currently undergoing treatment but determined to reach the finish line. Its so symbolic of the difficult journey that people who receive the devastating news of the word "cancer" go through.

I found out the 75% of the money raised in local events goes to the local cancer treament and research centers and 25% is for the American Cancer Society. I cannot believe how excited and willing to participate people are so far. What a neat thing to be able to show our love and support to a friend who is fighting for her life.

I am so grateful for my health right now and for that of my children and my family. But if any of us should ever have to deal with anything like this in the future, I am grateful for good friends and family who I know would love support me through any trial.

Cameron and Baylee

The other day my sister Bonnie came over with her little girls Abby and Baylee. Baylee is 6 weeks older than Cameron. You would never know by looking at them. Cameron just had his 6 month check up and he is 18lbs 6oz and 28 inches long. That qualifies in the 99th percentile. Freaky isn't it?

Isn't Baylee cute. She looks like a little elf with her little ears poking out. She just barely started growing some hair but before that she was as bald as could be. I had to remind my sister to put headbands on her so she didnt look like a little old man!

As you can see Cameron has not yet mastered the art of sitting up but Baylee was willing to lend her shoulder.

BFFs.................

I love this picture of my little BayleeBoo. She has such an angel face.

What's in your purse?

You have been tagged! Did you know that the items in your purse tell a story about who you are and what your daily life consists of? So stop and go get your purse and a camera. Take a pic of your purse and ALL items in it. Don't screen the contents. BE HONEST! Then make a list and describe all the items. Pass this on to your BLOGGER friends. Inquiring minds want to know... Ok so once again I have been tagged but I thought this one was pretty good. Plus it made me clean out my purse.

Here are the contents of my new Kathy Van Zeeland purse (isn't it cute?):

Wallet: exploding with receipts (I am a reciept keeper), cards, coupons, checkbook, pennies, etc, IPod, Post-its with grocery lists and coworker Mary Kay orders, Paystub from 3 pay periods ago, makeup bag with four different shades of MK lipgloss/lipstick, blush, compact mirror, Pair of Cameron's socks, Paige's blue haired fairy doll, Satin Hands Lotion, Ibuprofen, travel size Lysol (I am a germ freak), pens, picture of Kathy Van Zeeland's new purse I want (it's a sickness), Weight Watchers Points Calculator, gum, sunglasses, card key for work, this morning's protein shake tupperware container, keys. It's amazing how much a person can cram into one little space.

So there you have it. Not too shameful. Truth is I just changed to a new purse 5 days ago so it was much worse. It's your turn...

It's Official...The results are in. This announcement was sent out to all subscribers of Pizza Today Magazine!

February 27, 2008

International Pizza Expo
The World's Largest and Oldest Pizza Tradeshow!
Las Vegas Convention Center
April 1 - 3, 2008

Pizza Festiva - The Results Are In

After careful, deliberate review, a most difficult decision was made and the field was narrowed down. This year's entries into Pizza Festiva were the best ever and the most difficult to select. You responded in record numbers and the following finalists have been notified that they will compete at International Pizza Expo for a grand prize of $5,000 and the title of World's Best Gourmet Pizza.

Betsy Bates, owner of CobbleStone Cafe and Pizzeria in American Fork, Utah - her entry is called Macho Nacho. Betsy operates a family-owned business and this is her first time to enter Pizza Festiva.

Raffaele Brotzu, owner of Delizioso Cafe in Perth, Western Australia - his entry is a Mushroom Trio Pizza. Raffaele is the winner of Dairy Farmers' Best of the Best Pizza Contest, a sanctioned pre-qualified Pizza Festiva event.

John Gutekanst, owner of Avalanche Pizza in Athens, Ohio - his entry, Pesto Chicken Pizza, is one of his best sellers. John is no stranger to Pizza Festiva having made the finals in 2004 also.

Theo Kalogeracos, owner of Little Caesars Pizzeria in Perth, Western Australia - his entry is called Greek Lamb Pizza. This is Theo's first time to compete in Pizza Festiva, but he was the winner of the first Italian Chef Wars in 2006.

Dave Schy, vice president of R&D for Figaro's International in Salem, Oregon - his entry is Pepperoni Latino Pizza. This is Dave's first time to enter Pizza Festiva and the first time a chain has made it to the finals.

Jeff Trevino, owner of Brooklyn Pie Company in Round Rock, Texas - his Chicken Chori-Queso Pizza won the Roma Gourmet Pizza Making Contest, another sanctioned Pizza Festiva event.

Paul Wilson, owner of Casa Ristorante in Ft. Wayne, Indiana - his entry is a Calamari Pizza. Paul is also the winner of a sanctioned event, the SOFO Foods Pizza Making Contest.

Dave Winchester, owner of Black Rock Pizza Company in Sparks, Nevada - his entry, Poker Brown Pizza, is named after a camp on the immigrant trail and near several early mining settlements.

These talented pizza-makers will compete in the Elite Eight on Wednesday, April 2. The top four scores will be announced at the World Pizza Games Finals & Rockin' Party Wednesday evening. They will compete in the Final Four for the grand prize of $5,000 on Thursday morning.

Congratulations to our finalists and our appreciation to all who entered. This year's culinary contests promise lots of excitement and plenty of great pizza for the sampling.

Pizza Festiva and the International Pizza Challenge are sponsored by Pizza Today and California Milk Advisory Board. Hobart is the official mixer, General Mills is the preferred flour, Red Gold is the preferred sauce, and Lloyd Industries is the preferred small wares for the competitions.

Registration for International Pizza Expo is in full swing and there's still time to make your plans. Unsold hotel room blocks will be released on Friday, February 29, so timing is urgent for hotel accommodations. To register online (and save $10) and to book your hotel, visit www.PizzaExpo.com.

See you in Las Vegas.

Show Management




International Pizza Expo and Pizza Today's Northeast Pizza Show are sponsored by Pizza Today magazine (The #1 Foodservice Guide for Independent, Chain and Franchise Pizzerias) and NAPO - the National Association of Pizzeria Operators.

Say hello to Benjamin Franklin...

Last week Braiden sprung the fact that he had to do a "Famous Person" project the very next day. After a little bit of a rant on my part, we got it together and I helped Braiden do a great little poster and oral presentation on Benjamin Franklin. He had already been doing the research himself so he knew exactly what he wanted to say. His step-mom, Sarah, put together the cute costume (thank goodness) and he did an awesome job. His dad and I were extremely proud. See the following video!