Jonas Finn

meet my new nephew ... Jonas arrived on september 12th and he's absolutely precious! auntie julene is in LOVE.

A Family Adventure

trust me...we were all surprised when Mom decided to go snowshoeing with the fam. (she's usually the knit-a-scarf or sew-a-quilt type of gal) even Haylee puppy got to go. the quick trip up to Oregon, and our chilly adventures on 'Mountain Hood,' were a pleasant break from this desert life.

FBR Open

kenny newlin is obsessed with golf. but never had i been interested. until now. i was intivted to the FBR Open to sit at the rowdy 16th hole, in a 'sky box,' complete with endless food and drink. the weather was glorious and the entertainment exciting. i waited with much anticipation, as the many handsome golfers strolled by, until i finally saw Vijay! that night i made my Dad proud as we spent an hour talking about the Greatest Game.

Quarter Century

my dad kindly pointed out that i am now "a quarter of a century old." "at least there's still a 2 at the front of my age." i reassure myself.

this technology-savvy century was very obvious, as my phone vibrated from behind my teacher's desk, all day, with a flow of birthday text messages. thanks everyone!

my adorable 5th graders think im old. they told me. they threw their old-teacher-lady a surprise party complete with flowers, balloons, streamers, and a vanilla cake coated entirely with skittles, my favorite candy.

the evening was spent in the fine company of TFA girlfriends, uncountable bottles of red wine, homemade lasagna and birthday candle wishes.

thank you family, and thank you friends, for all the unmentioned surprises! 3 cakes, a batch of brownies and a plate of cupcakes later...a truly fabulous birthday, it was.

Cupcakes & Capricorns

may i recommend a little joint to all you Portlanders...visit Saint Cupcake (treats pictured below at Dave's party) in NW at 17th and Flanders. Its simply delicious! Dad and I celebrated our January birthdays eating carrot and red velvet cupcakes with the fam. the pumpkin, my personal fav, is not to be missed :)

30

happy, happy Davio! (my bro-in-law who officially turns old on the 18th).

sister jen threw a beautiful 30th surprise party at urban wine works this weekend - complete with personalized wine (Bell's Blend), fancy treats from Saint Cupcake bakery, and a slew of worldly family and friends. i must also make mention of mom's delicious french cheese tray and endless bowls of olives:) it was a fabulous celebration for a fabulous brother.

She's My Best Friend

Lindsay is a genuine soul full of spunk and sass. she's the type of friend who sends cards on all occasions, including ground hogs and saint patricks day. she makes me laugh incessantly.

Lindsay's visit to phoenix was much anticipated and far too short. the two days were barely enough to enjoy the poolside and palm trees, pedicures, a scenic trip to Buckeye and tasty treats from In-N-Out burger. i miss you Linds!

L.A and L.V.

the past two weekends have been a welcome change from my usual weekend ritual. i was neither in my classroom, nor hanging out with 10 year olds at my saturday school. instead, i was drinking caramel apple martini's in LA with Jon, my childhood best friend, and Melie, a fellow Pi Phi.

this weekend was spent in fabulous Las Vegas, where the only sin i committed was wearing the wrong shoes. by 3:00 a.m. my "fun" polka dot stilettos became the sole reason for my departure from the dance floor. i'm done with cute shoes. i'm wearing flip-flops next time.

It's Cotton Pickin' Time!

dear reader,
have you ever seen fields of cotton? i never had until i moved to arizona. now i have the great fortune of witnessing these dusty, white fields everyday on the drive to Buckeye.

my fellow carpoolers laugh, as i am strangely fascinated with the plant. and even more fascinated with the cotton pickin' machine. thanks Eli Whitney. i am thoroughly entertained.

FYI oregonians: phoenix temp estimated to be 80deg. tomorrow :)

Little Boogers

i can't get enough big squeezes with my two adorable nephews, Bennett and Gray. Gray was on a mission. and caught it the act! he always gives us something to smile about :)