Sewing Class 101

I have always wanted to learn how to sew, but haven't had the courage to learn. Actually, I'll be honest...I don't have the patience either. i want it to be perfect the first time. I have a ton of friends that are expecting kids in the next few months so I wanted to make a few blankets.

I found this adorable free pattern at Joann's on one of my many crafting trips and decided that this was what I wanted to make. The instructions said that it was intermediate level and would take 3-4 hours to complete. I figured I would double the time since I have no clue what I am doing. Luckily Josh's Grandma Judy is a superb seamstress and makes tons of adorable blankets with embroidery. I called her up and luckily she was more than willing to teach me how to sew.

The entire process took 4.5 hours. Not too shabby if I say so myself. I had so much fun spending the day with Grandma Judy and her teaching me her craft. I can't wait until the next project!!

Ocotillo for New Years 2013

We ended 2012 and started 2013 with a trip to Ocotillo Wells. We normally go to Glamis, but we met some awesome new people back at our Thanksgiving trip to Glamis so we decided to join them in Ocotillo for this trip.

It was our first trip with the new larger enclosed trailer. With the new addition we sit at a length of 72ft. And I no longer have the desire to learn how to drive the motor home while towing.

We had a great time having the usual horseshoe tournament and Beer Pong. Cassie and Brian still rein as the most winning team for beer pong, but Kevin and Josh did win 1 out of 6 games.

We decided to leave the kiddos at Gramma & Grampa's since it was a short trip. We missed the, terribly, but I loved getting the updates on how much fun they were having with Bailee & Oli.

Happy New Year....2013....

I can't believe that another year went by in a blink if an eye. it seems as only a couple months ago I was writing New Years 2012.

2012 was a whirlwind to say the least. I'll give you the cliff notes version by months

January:
- We hit the ground running with our annual Anaheim 1 Supercross, that way we can see all of the riders healthy and hopefully no injuries. Most importantly though is to make sure it doesn't rain
-Charleigh Grace turned 4 years old and still as mischievous when she was 4 months old

February:
- Mr. made is arrival into the world on the 8th! I was so excited for him to be born and get to spoil the little man. I fell in love with him in a nanosecond.
-Kick off to cousin Elissa and Steve's wedding! Grandma Jean, Aunt Marti, & Melissa put on a gorgeous intimate bridal shower for Elissa at South Coast Winery in Temecula.
-San Diego Supercross with the usual gang. Man it was cold and drizzly too!

March:
-Ran my 2nd 5k, Finish Chelsea's Run in Balboa Park (participating again this March '13)
-Kick off to Chris & Tash wedding extravaganza!! Had a relaxing afternoon and Jenny's full of lots of laughter, champagne, and wine
-Scratched off going to Baseball Spring Training for Elissa's bachelorette party in Scottsdale, AZ. We rooted for the SF Giants and because of that they won the World Series in October

April:
-Natasha & Josh celebrated her/his last of their 20s
-Steve & Elissa make it official at The Cliffs Resort in Pismo Beach, Ca. A gorgeous wedding and a weekend filled with wonderful memories. I was so honored that she wanted me to be with her on one of the biggest days of her life. E you made a gorgeous bride!

May:
-Maverick Thomas turned 4 years old as well. He was happy it was a warm day and he got to go for a birthday swim in the pool
-Kick off to one of my best friends wedding, Catherine and Scott. Had a nice lunch at Casa Bendini in Carlsbad. I knew from this even alone Ashley, Catherine, & I were going to have a blast at her bachelorette party. The day was perfect day full of laughs, margaritas, THE BEST rolled tacos and tortillas. Also the perfect evening spending it with her family at the beach condo. There are some awesome moments that happened that day, but I think the best was hen C's brother became Capt. Jack Sparrow and telling us he "knows these waters and if we go whale watching we will see whales with him."
-Annual Memorial Day Trip to Lake Havasu with the family...a blast was had by all

June:
I'll start with this is the most EPIC month of the year!
-first was Tasha's bachorlette Brew Tour of 4 different brewies in SD on a party bus stocked full of alcohol
-being able to spend the day with my new sister as she prepares to become my brothers wife. Being able to stand by my Daddy and brother as Chris and Tash became husband and wife is something I'll cherish forever. The wedding was one of the best parties complete with "Smart Water", party bus, and a fun after party at the good ol' VEC bowling alley
-Manhattan Beach for Catherine's Bachlorette Party. A weekend filled with fun, fun, debachary and more fun.. We had more alcohol than ever, laughs, new friendships made, and some epic pictures and stories. Ashley's husband summarized our weekend the best. "Ash, your stuff smells like you went to Las Vegas instead of Manhattan Beach."

July
-I start the countdown of my 20s
-Hadley Marie turns 1 and still thinks she is a lap dog at 97 lbs
-being able to stand as a bridesmaid for my best friend Catherine & Scott became husband and wife. It was gorgeous, the binder worked!!! There was not a single detail missed by Catherine

August
Our only month where we were able to relax and be spontaneous

September
-Took a trip to Los Cabo de San Jose and San Lucas for an early 4 year Anniversary trip. Where did the last 4 years go?!?!

October
-kick off to desert season, Glamis, perfect weather, great friends, and met some new ones

November
-glamis: did 6 days in the dirt for Thanksgiving and had a blast

December
-Spontaneous trip to Big Bear for the weekend. There wasn't any snow but that didn't stop us from having fun. We walked around the little shops and sampled food and drinks.
-coordinated Christmas with both families
-Ended the year at Ocotillo this year with friends!!


2012, you're going to be hard to top, but I can't wait to see what is in store for 2013

Pinterest Dinner

Hi, my name is Aubrey and I am Pinterest-oholic. Catherine introduced me to the website and I have spent countless hours pinning recipes amongst many other ideas to my virtual bulletin boards.

I was in the mood to change up our typical chicken, potatoes, and vegetable dinner. I remembered I had pinned some ideas so I pulled up the website and started searching. I came across a pin of Crash-Hot Potatoes and "the best asparagus" (which I never had, but was willing to try). 45 mins later dinner was ready and it was delicious! I highly recommend Crash-Hot Aussie potatoes and the asparagus was pretty tasty too for a vegetable.

Happy Birthday Paisley!

5 years ago I became an Auntie to an adorable little girl. I loved her when she was in her mommy's tummy and fell madly in love with her the moment I laid eyes on her and couldn't contain my excitement to hold her in my arms.

I was in dental hygiene school and was at a study group when Michelle My Bell called me. I didn't think much of it since I knew Paisley wasn't supposed to arrive for a few more weeks and continued on studying for multiple quizzes and exam that were coming up. When I got home my mom ask if Michelle got a hold of me and I said, "I missed the call and need to call her " My mom spilled the beans and said she had Paisley early. I immediately grabbed my truck keys and drove straight to the hospital.

I was in awe of Paisley. How could I have so much love for her when I just saw her for 1 second?! I mean she is amazing.

I have loved watching her grow up into the little lady she is becoming. One of my favorites is when she calls me and we can have a full conversation on her day, school, outfits, and her "boyfriend". She is wise beyond her years. I can't wait until I can see her again and spoil her rotten like an Auntie can!!

Miss. Paisley, I love you so much and miss you terribly. Hope you had a wonderful birthday party at Monkey Business baby girl!!!

To Do List: Garage Shelving-check

We have lived in our house for 2 years now and have had a list of things we wanted to do. We have accomplished some but not a lot. A couple of weekends ago Josh decided that he wanted to get some shelving at Costco. We went and purchased the shelves and came home to tackle the project. Josh said "don't worry it will only take two hours." SIX hours later we finished the garage.

The project took on a life of its own. We had plans to put it on one side of the garage so we cleared it out and after building the shelves we realized the wall was too short. Then we needed to empty out the other side

The six hours of cleaning, organizing, throwing out, and a donating pile, I am happy to say that the garage is finally organized and clean.

To be a kid again....

There are just times in life that you want to be a kid again. I had the sudden urge the other weekend when Josh an I were doing some shopping at Costco. Josh wanted to buy some shelving units so we could organize the garage. I was excited for the orange flat cart. While we had other shopping to do I decided that I was tired and didn't want to walk anymore. I jumped on the cart and made Josh push me. Needless to say he was embarassed and made me get off after pushing me just one aisle. I had a blast while it lasted and as you can tell Josh was annoyed.