My 30th Birthday Gift!

Page Journaling: Jared was given the opportunity to travel to Rome, Italy for a business conference. He was to leave on my 30th birthday and be gone for a week. Two years before I had asked to celebrate my 30th birthday over seas. I was hoping to take a trip to the British Isles. At the time that was possible because Jared had been traveling a lot and racking up air miles. But when we moved to Virginia and he stopped traveling I figured my wish wasn’t going to come true. When this opportunity presented itself I asked around to see if anyone would watch the children so I could go as well and make my wish come true. Jared’s mother was kind enough to fly out to watch the children for a week and with tax money and a new raise, I was able to join Jared on this trip to Rome. We were both excited for the vacation and the experience to see where ancient civilization was born.

We flew out of Lynchburg, on March 19th after two layovers, a manicure, a massage, and one long 9 hour flight we arrived in Rome on March 20th at 8:30am.

Celebrating St. Patrick's

St. Patrick's Day is such a fun holiday to celebrate with kids. We love it here in our house and have so much fun when the Leprechauns come to visit.

This year Savannah was invited to a friends house to make Leprechaun traps.

Our hostess was sweet enough to provide some yummy green snacks as well.

RJ's school celebrated with St. Patrick's day stories about Leprechauns. His first grade teacher explained to the kids that Leprechauns were make believe. RJ came home very upset, he didn't believe his teacher and she wouldn't listen to him when he tired to explain that he almost caught one in his trap last year. Later I helped out in the Library and the Librarian told the children that Leprechauns were fictional and RJ's hand shot up. Ms. Thomas, he said. I know for a fact that Leprechauns are real! Then is explained about all the candy he got last year and how his milk was green and that he almost caught one. The librarian dind't know what to say, she turned to me and I told her it was true. Then the other kids chimed in and told stories about the Leprechauns visiting their kindergarten class last year. Ms. Thomas later told me she might have to rethink what she tell the kids. You think?! Yes, Leprechauns may be fictional so is Santa Claus but do you go around and telling younger kids that he is not real? These are first graders!!

RJ understands that some people just don't believe and those are the people who don't get visited and experience the fun. He is happy to know that in our house, we have fun.

This year the leprechauns brought us new shirts, a box of Lucky Charms, dyed our milk green, and left some yummy chocolate.

The trail of chocolate started from the kids rooms and made it's way downstairs to the play room where all the green toys were piled on top of each other. Zachery enjoyed collecting the chocolate on his way down the stairs. He never made it to the play room.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

February Photo Shoot

So a lady in our ward is studying photography and graphic design, she asked if I would model for her for one of her homework assignments. I agreed. However, she asked me to dress in something I wouldn't normally wear or something that was out of my comfort tone. She was thinking Charlie Angel type attire. I searched my closet for something that wasn't me, but all my clothes were plain boring me stuff. So I decided to go with the classic white shirt and jeans look but I'd add a tie and do something outrageous with my hair to spice it up. After looking at the internet for ideas, I found hair tutorials for the Lady Gaga hair bow, so I went with it. Needless to say my photography was in shock when I should up with a big bow on my head. She said she would never have thought I'd have it in me to do something like that. It wasn't really the look she was going for but she did want something totally not me, and this was it. I had a fun time shooting pictures with her and they came out looking good. I did have to run some errands after my photoshoot, I was crazy enough to walk around the mall with the bow in my hair. Don't think I'd do it again, but it was an experience.


The inspiration-Lady Gaga's hair bow:

My Hair Bow:

This a layout documenting one of those reality check moment I had.

Journaling:
As I was standing in line to check out at the Wal-Mart (buying supplies for RJ's birthday party), I watched the friendly older cashier tease the college students in front of me. She asked about their majors and what year in college they were in. I thought to myself, it doesn't seem to long ago I was in college, I still feel as young as they look. I wonder if I could still pass for a college student or if I really do look like I am about to turn 30. I seriously thought I could pass as a college student. When it was my turn to check out, the cashier looked at me and asked, are you a teacher? Ouch, I certainly don't look as young as I feel. Where has the time gone? I look forward to my 30's but I swear these past 10 years have gone by way to quick!