Props to My Girl Kiki

I have some great friends, but I really need to give a "shout-out" to one person in particular. This is going to embarass my friend Kiki...but she knows I love her!

This is my friend Kiki. She is also my neighbor. I have known her for almost 3 years, and from the very moment I met her, I felt very comfortable with her and we started talking immediately about some really "deep" things and became fast friends. She has that effect on people. I don't think I am the only one.

The last couple years have been really hard for me on a very personal level and she has always been there for me. She offers a listening ear without judgement, a shoulder to cry on, an open heart with love and understanding and words to inspire and comfort.

She is one of the most honest people I know. She has no problem pointing out her own weaknesses and faults, which is so refreshing. It has taught me that it is okay to be imperfect as long as you are aware of it and trying to change. I don't have to BS with her, she accepts me for who I am and there is no superficial crap to muddle through. She is also one of the most "aware" people I know. The last year I started a journey of self-awareness and I think she is the only one that "gets me" and can speak my language. In Ed's professional opinion, she is "highly developed".

On a lighter note....the girl is hilarious. She always makes me laugh, pee in my pants laugh! She's from the South, you should hear her say the word "oil"... it's cute. She is the only one I can call or IM and say "wassup dog" "fo' sheezy" "fo' shizzle my nizzle" etc. and totally get it and banter back (LOL). She is so fun and has "Joie de vivre". She is a beautiful person, inside and out.

Kiki, if you read this (eventually, if Wyatt gives you a break), you are the bomb. I love you so much, "my sistah from anotha motha"!

Running Shoes

I just got back from the gym and I wanted to blog about my shoes because they may be seeing their last days. When I first saw them, I fell in love. I bought them on a whim last spring at the Salt Lake Marathon Expo. They are so cool and make me HAPPY!! They are so flashy in all their HOT PINK glory. I just don't think I'll be able to find such cool replacements. Thanks for the miles my COOL shoes.

Christmas Report

This is one of the very few years in our 19 years of marriage that we have not gone to California for Christmas. I was pretty sad about it, but it turned out to be great. We kept things simple and enjoyed some quality family time with the start of some new traditions. Here is a little synopsis:

Ed & Ryan after opening presents and waiting for our new tradition of French Toast casserole. A BIG THANKS to Melissa Griffin for the recipe and syrup. My family thought I was a rockstar! I made it the night before and popped it in the oven before opening presents.

Brennan playing in the snow. Can't get that in the California Desert.

Brennan's personally decorated cookies for Santa.

The boys decorating a Gingerbread House. Can I just say I LOVE these premade kits! Such a time, mess and money saver.

Christmas Trees

It's time to take down our Christmas trees and I never took or posted pictures of our trees. Here they are before I start taking them down today.

Note: Ed was not crazy about the flocked tree with the white, red and silver ornaments. He said it was too psychedelic. I thought it was FUN! I also got a complaint from Ryan that I didn't put up the "family tree" with our miscellaneous homemade ornaments. I felt really bad about it, I didn't think anyone cared. So, I felt validated that someone does pay attention. Thanks Ryan!

Decorating Nightmare Revisited

Someone asked me for an update on what happened with my decorating help "shoutout" when decorating the foyer at Ed's work. As you recall, I was having a really difficult time with the burgundy walls, black and white checkered marble floor and what type of seating arrangement and pattern and textures I should use.

Thanks so much for those of you that posted on my blog and offered your suggestions. I took them all to heart. I did end up using the settee because it was so darn cute. I was concerned about what to combine with it, but these chairs worked out perfectly. I did need to ground the space with a rug. We tried like 3 different rugs that weren't the right color, size or texture. We found a rug at Target (my favorite store) that had the colors I wanted, but not the right size, so we got two of them and took them to a carpet place to get it bound together. They didn't think they could do it because of the backing, but they worked miracles. You can't even see any seams. I do wish it were a little plusher, but it works for now.

The table was also a problem. I didn't want to add in another wood or use glass, but this was a find that Ed found all on his own. It has a suede/microfiber suface. Perfect for the space.

My next projects are decorating my bedroom and scrapbook room.