A Vivid Grey Update

I've added a couple of paintings on A Vivid Grey.

Binky rehab??

Since the new findings that some plastics contain a chemical called BPA have been coming out, I've been throwing away all of Luke's sippy cups and all of our tupperware that has the toxic chemical. Well, as I put Luke down for his nap today I started thinking about the binky that he is currently sucking on as I type.... I looked it up here. It's on the list of "bad" plastics!! Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! We don't let Luke have his binky other than in his bed or car seat, but we haven't taken it away completely. As bad habits go the binky is down on the list for a 2 year old I'd say. Has anyone really seen someone graduate or get married with a binky? No! Yes there may be a few buck tooth kids out there but hey, I had braces and they make for a good smile. So most likely Luke will need braces anyway....right? I really have two options to avoid the most guilt, which is usually what I base most choices on.
1. Get rid of the bink completly- cold turkey style. (This option is not looking good.)
2. Replace the binky with it's non-toxic counterpart and take it away at a later date. (This option is going to win.)

Art Lessons

Today marks the day of Isabelle's first art lesson. Isabelle has basically been my surrogate daughter since she was born. If I didn't have a date on the weekend I would drive from Pleasant Grove to Salt Lake to hang out with her so her parents could go out. She is now 9 years old and is growing up into a beautiful, intelligent, thoughtful, talented young woman. I'm excited for our up-coming art lessons and love spending one-on-one time with the up and coming artist Isabelle Gwyn Hopkins.
Belle's first piece! She did such a great job!

Baby Steps

Lucas is just over two, as you well know, and Thursday night was the FIRST night I've ever been away from him. Wow! I can honestly say that both he and I were ready for the big night and everything went without a hitch. Luke stayed with my sister Shell and partied the night away with his cousins Isabelle and Ava. Thanks Shell! Jared & I flew to Minneapolis for a work/fun getaway. It was great to dress up and spend time with just the grown ups. We got home Friday night and this morning we all slept in until 10:30!! De-lightful!

Mother's Day Suggestions- wink, wink!

For the last several months we've been trying to be a little more conscience of where our money is going so real shopping has turned into window shopping. For each online want I've sent an email to Jared. I'm hoping that by the sheer volume of emails he receives that he can still create a surprise aspect that he claims he needs to give me a present. My family always calls to ask exactly what I want for birthdays, Christmas, etc.. , which Jared mocks. I've decided to start posting some of these fun things on my blog.

I found this fun umbrella via Omiru. You can buy it here.

I want to have a outdoor movie night/bingo party for my upcoming birthday and here's a great deal for a fun old fashion bingo game. Feel free to tell Jared.

Terra on GTU

Yesterday my sister-in-law Terra was the guest co-host for Good Things Utah. She didn't tell me until a couple of weeks ago and she didn't want a lot of people at the taping, but I didn't comply. Her husband Jonz, my friend Heather, and I were there to support her in the audience. She did such a great job and was a natural at hosting. I'm proud of her for doing something that she's always wanted to do. SUPER STAR!

Ava's Birthday Bash

My niece Ava's "friend" birthday party was last Saturday at Fat Katz. It was a crazy spectacle of kids, bowling balls, pizza, tokens, and balloons. Everyone loved it. My sister Shell is a great mom and always makes her girls birthdays and holidays so special. Happy Birthday to my favorite 6 year old!
Isabelle showing luke how to get a strike!
STRIKE! Ok, maybe just 4 pins, but look how proud he looks!
"The Boys" going for a ride.