Celebration of Life

Last Sunday, we said Goodbye to GGPA (aka Great Grandpa Jack).  It was a simple yet beautiful celebration of his life. Dad cooked (in true Gary fashion) and everything was of course homemade. For those of you who don't know my Dad, he truly is the best chef ever. He did however use this crazy new spice on the meat that made everyone cough as they entered the kitchen, but that did not stop us from enjoying his fantastic taco bar.  Kathy gave a wonderful tribute to her Daddy focusing on his LIFE, LOVE, and the LEGACY he left behind. GGPA was a teacher and life long student of just about everything. I will always remember him for his well organized garage (something I admire - just ask Craig),  his jogging suit/athletic wardrobe (he was an athlete till the end),  his creepy ventriloquist doll (that doll scared me to death), and the LOVE he showed toward all of us.  So here we are, celebrating his life, on this beautiful Sunday afternoon.  We each wrote a wish or note to GGPA on a balloon and then released them into the sky for him to read.  The cousins we're screaming into the sky, "We love you GGPA!" and then when the last balloon was no longer visible Jackson  turned and said, "Nana, can we now have the cupcakes?" And WE did, just like GGPA would have wanted. xoxo

We are your LEGACY!

LOVELY Outtakes

Coming soon to a Mailbox near you, the Carlson's annual Valentine card.  Drum roll please...

Reading and Writing

Jackson is reading and writing. Granted, most of his story contains "license plate" spelling, but he has got the idea. As a Kindergarten teacher and as his Mommy, my heart is filled with pride. Way to go Pal! xoxo

LOVE Note

My sweet surprise from my little peach. xoxo

Okie

Happy Birthday to our BELOVED Okie.  I honestly could not have asked for a better mother in law.  She loves our kids, helps them with their homework, picks them up from school, watches them when they are sick, laughs with them and crys with them.  She was named "Okie" by Jilly and the name has stuck.  Craig and I often refer to her as, "THE GREAT OAK."  Proud, strong, and always there providing shelter and LOVE. All she askes for in return is... a good glass of white wine, an occasional dinner at the Outback, good conversation and LOTS of family altogether.  Here's to 71 years young!

Monday and Tuesday

Monday night, I had dinner with one of my best girls, Staci.  We met at the "Croc" although nowadays it's a Japanese restaurant (a pretty good one too).  We both felt a wave a nostalgia as we dined there. Laughing at where the bar was now located (in the 40's) and 82 was now a booth, reminiscing about playing tag as we served our customers on a Friday night. Having dinner as a "family" after our shift which always was followed up by a few drinks at Friday's.   My early 20's and the "Crocodile Cafe" were good to me.  It was where I grew up!

For the past 20 years, I have LOVED one store in particular. Tonight, I snapped a picture of that store that makes up about 75% of my wardrobe.  I can always find what I am looking for and I almost always have a coupon or am lucky with the SALE rack.  Fall into the...

Business Day

My kiddos go to a fantastic elementary school where they are exposed to variety of learning styles. One of these is Business Day, 6 times a year Jillian is either a consumer or seller. This month she was a seller and Cutie Pie Bakery was back in business. Here is a peek at our little treat maker. 

She made 50 of these yummy treats and sold 38. 

Good job, Cutie Pie Bakery!  

21,22, and 23

Such a BUSY weekend.  Here's a sneak peek.

Snow Day in Kindergarten with 80 degree weather. Only in So. Cal.

Create a little LOVE. I whipped up this Valentine banner for my fireplace in about 2 hours with Jorgia's help of course. Did I mention that I LOVE Valentine's Day?

Check out his eye. This is what happens when you are told by your Mom and Dad to NOT stand on the chair at the play table because you may fall over and smack your eye on the curtain tie - back. Sure enough, he did.

PJ's

Lovin' these pajama's tonight and every night. Thanks Grandma!

two beauties.

Jillian, my baker and treat maker. Jorgia, my crafter and seamstress.  They may not have my long black hair, but they definitely are my girls.

AURORA

Our BELOVED nanny. My kids may be growing, but they will never out grow Aurora. They just adore her, as do I. 

mirror. mirror.

Jojo has discovered the (Goodwin) art of dancing in front of the mirror with a belt no less. Props? I spent my entire childhood dancing in front of my bedroom mirror. Just ask my Mom or Sister.

Where the boys are...

 

On MLK Jr. night, I gave my kiddos an electronic break (as I often due) after dinner. I was busy with the girls when I noticed Vegas and Jackson had not been bugging us.  I started searching and no one was answering me. Then I went into my bedroom and what did I find, but an undercover Jackson playing the ipod touch and Vegas with a collection of Littlest Pet Shops. Boys!

Just giving it a try...

For years, my family (especially my Uncle Phil) has been after me to promote my LOVE of photography.  So, with a little help from Sara and lots of encouragement from Craig and Kimmy (my sister in law).  Here's what I capture behind the lens. I hope you like it. Whoever's looking...

Plant a little LOVE.

Bringing in Valentine's Day a little early this year.

Date.

The Dilemma, dinner, and drinks. Why wouldn't we be smiling?

One of the reasons...

There are a million reason why I LOVE teaching Kindergarten, but this is just one.One of my kiddos has worn this hat for an entire week (inside, outside, to the library, office, etc.) and she just makes me smile.

A Lover and A Late Night Rescue

Meet Vegas.

Our loveable Lhasa Apso. He is my late night lover.  He won't leave my side until we both go to bed.  Doesn't he look exhausted?



Meet Lumpy. Jorgia's beloved Elephant.

He was rescued, once again, from Target last night at 9pm by her grumpy Mommy (aka me). She went to bed screaming and when I can home she was fast asleep. I slipped Lumpy under her arm and I swear that elephant smiled at me. This elephant has a least nine lives.  But in the end, her face says it all.

A Smartie, Shoes, and a Smile

Day 10 - Look at that smile! A super smartie in science and social studies.

Day 11 - When I first saw these little gems, they were over $20 at this store (aka Target) where I rack up the frequent flyer miles. I wish... Anyway, the other night while I was waiting for the Pharmacy again, I strolled over to the shoes and look what I found!  30% off and size 8. SCORE!

Don't you just LOVE a deal?



tiki room training

Jillian the expert, taught Cameron the novice, all about the Tiki Room today. It was so sweet as she led  him 

all around the "pre show" features and showed him where to look. When the doors opened she led him to the front row where he sat between her and Jorgia with the biggest smile on his face.  Cousins!

buddies

Their daddies have been best friends since childhood and so the tradition continues...

My Favorite Things for 2011

Project 365. My friend Sara encouraged me to jump on board with this project and I am eager to do so. ONE picture everyday. I can do this!  Here I go...

 My New Canon! My good old Nikon DSLR had seen better days, 
so welcome to the family LOVE.

Christmas isn't Christmas, until I get a new Handbag. 
This is definitely one of my favorites.

 Lovin' this new water bottle from Klean Kanteen. 
I love the color and the fact that it is leak 100% proof. 

My Jilly. What's not to LOVE.

 

A delicious Mrs. Meyer's Iowa Pine Candle given to me by Sara. I already had the soap and hand lotion, but who knew there was a candle too. Heaven...

Ladies, He sings, he dances, and he fills water bottles.  He's a keeper!

One of my best girls (Jen), gave me this adorable camera strap from "Shey" B for Christmas. I love it! It is super comfy and fits over my camera strap perfectly. It's just my style.

My mini ME.  My creative, spunky, and funny "Peach."