Made Of Awesome

My brother in law Russ just emailed me this video and it has to be one of the greatest things youtube has to offer.


(you have to watch on youtube but totally worth it)
Debbie and I watched Chipmunk Adventure a lot when we were kids enough so that as teenagers we talked about being the Chipettes for Halloween sadly we never did manage it but we do have a friends blog and it is called The Girls of Rock n Roll.

When Debbie & Russ were living in Flagstaff I sent Debbie the DVD of Becoming Jane for her birthday and little William saw the package and asked what it was. Debbie told him it was a present for her from Connie, he told her to open it because there was something for him in it too. Debbie didn't know that I had also ordered The Chipmunk Adventures for William and was shocked to open it to see that William was right. Last Monday I was over at Russ & Debbie's and Gracie wanted to know if I wanted to watch Chipmunk Adventure with her, yes, yes I did.

Exciting Event

I know you have all wanted to come to a book signing with me, well I have got the perfect one! My friend Stephanie Perkins is finally coming back to Arizona and she is doing a signing! I briefly met Stephanie back in April 2009 at Project Book Babe then found her blog through Laini Taylors blog we have been online friends ever since. Sharing our love for Hot British Males, Thom Yorke, Pushing Daisies/The Pie Man and Paris

Her signing will be at Burton Barr Central Library (Phoenix) Saturday May 26th it starts at 1:30pm. There will be other authors with her as well. 

Ellen Hopkins, Barry Lyga, Lisa McMann, Matt de la Pena, Stephanie Perkins, and A.S. King will be here to do book signings and fun, hands-on workshops. The authors' books will be available for purchase on-site from Changing Hands Bookstore. [un]BookFest is sponsored by Maricopa County Library District and Phoenix Public Library. I am serious if you want to come call, text email me, it is going to be fun!

Sisterhood

Before Lauren left I brought over the Margo dress we have been sharing for almost the last ten years. I found it funny that Lindsey also returned a pair of jeans that her and Debbie had shared in high school. 

While looking for the pictures of Lauren and I wearing the dress I found the following picture taken at Gilbert High's graduation in 2001.

Out of the eight girls in the picture six (plus Mimi not pictured) were at Debbie's Cinco De Mayo party. I have been so lucky to have these amazing girls in my life. Speaking of the Cinco De Mayo party I only got pictures of the pinata. 

For The Moms

One night when I was babysitting my sister Debbie's kids and Joseph was a baby he was having trouble sleeping, and as I was holding him and walking with him my back and arms ached (Joe was a big baby). I kept thinking how does Debbie do this night after night with her tiny stick arms. It made me think of a quote that Morgan Freeman's character says in the movie Million Dollar Baby.
"If there's magic in boxing, it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance, beyond cracked ribs, ruptured kidneys and detached retinas. It's the magic of risking everything for a dream that nobody sees but you."
If there's magic in motherhood it's the magic of fighting battles beyond endurance. In the case of motherhood those battles of endurance are not just physical, they are emotional as well. 
Watching my sister and friends become mom has given me such an appreciation for all that mothers sacrifice for their children. Particularly my own mother who will and often has given anything and everything for her children. I always have to be careful what and when I ask my mom because she will drop whatever it is she is doing and do it then. 

"Look to your mother... No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness—in this life and forever." Elder M. Russell Ballard

Happy Friday

I am really excited for this weekend for three reasons. One being two of my wandering friends are back in town!

One of said friends (Lindsey) Brett was also in town but has already gone back  :( 

Two we are having a Cinco De Mayo party to celebrate! And Three the second season of Sherlock is starting on Sunday, hip hip hooray!

One day I was riding my bike and I saw the following graffiti, Gilbert has become a much cooler place in my opinion!

 Yep my bike and I are still having some great adventures, I love being out doors especially around sunset.

While Debbie and Russ were buying a minivan I was watching the kids. I couldn't find a swimming diaper for Joe so this happened.

One of my favorite things to do with my nieces and nephews is draw and color. 

 Gracie asked me to draw a picture of William her and I holding hands so she could paint it. I think we should do more.

 Joe is finally saying my name and as you can tell I am really happy about it!!! It kind of sounds like Co-ie.

The Evil Queen

When Debbie and I were leaving the Florence & The Machine concert I told Debbie if I was making Snow White I would cast Florence as the evil queen. Then I found out this week that Florence did a song for the soundtrack for Snow White & The Huntsman and surprise surprise it is through the queens perspective.
I am posting this for Debbie but maybe you will enjoy it too.

What do you think Debbie, are we going to go see this the day it comes out or what?