Guess who WON the Halloween Contest?

The puppies won the Halloween Contest! Lincoln was the Tin Man, Franklin was the Scarecrow and Madison was Dorothy- we were only missing the Lion. Thanks to Nana who made Lincoln and Franklin's costume- and for adding the basket and Toto to Madison's costume! We can't wait until next year...

Move In Day and Life in General

Well I closed escrow on Sept 5 and I have yet to "fully" move in. After waiting a year to have the house built, you'd think I'd move in the day I got the keys. I have most of my large items, that have been in storage this past year, moved in (ie. new bed, dining room table, couch, etc). But I don't have my shutters and or curtains installed yet and I still have lots of clothes at my parents home still. Last weekend I did sleep over and it was great. I have yet to try the commute to work, from my new house. The puppies had a ball. We ended up going on 4 walks last Saturday. They loved sniffing around and exploring the new house and community. In September, Madison had her 2nd birthday. She is the youngest out of the 3 puppies. No large party this year, but maybe next year. I have been so busy lately and as soon as October hits, these last few months seem to whiz by...I have joined Junior League of Los Angeles and things are getting really busy. I have attended several trainings already and trying to complete my hours. I am having a great time and I am meeting some amazing women. And finally, I have yet to post my vacation pictures (New York and Tennessee)- so here are a few, as promised. Can you all believe that Christmas is 83 days away?I am looking for some unique gifts for family and friends, so if you have any ideas, please send them my way...I especially love monogrammed gifts! Any ideas???

Zarin Fabrics- Love it!

Central Park

The Parthenon, in Tennessee!

Welcome HOME!

Well...I closed escrow on Friday and picked up the keys to my new home that afternoon. This long weekend was pretty busy. My parents helped me move my stuff on Saturday morning. Thanks to my nephew, mom, cousin and friend I got lots done on Saturday and of course we had to go shopping for a few things for the new house. Sunday we went to brunch in Laguna Beach and today it was back to shopping for the house. Here are a few pictures from this weekend. It looks like it is going to be a busy week ahead...and I still have yet to update my summer photos from June (OMG!).

My Summer Has Been AMAZING!

In June, I went to New York City as part of a Teaching American History grant. I loved NYC! The following week, I met my nephew in Nashville, Tennessee. I fell in love with Tennessee last summer when I was there for an ASCD conference. I returned this summer with my nephew...we had a blast! We visited Nashville, Memphis and Franklin, Tennessee. I took close to 3000 photos and months later I am still sorting through them. The summer has been wonderful and I am looking forward to next summer- My plans are to visit Georgia and South Carolina next summer. Here is my newest hobby- Digital Scrap booking. Here is my first try...

Happy Independence Day 2009!

I just returned from a 2 week vacation- NYC and Tennessee! I have close to 3,000 pictures and I will posting them this week. For today I want to wish you all a safe and Happy 4th of July! God Bless America!

Two Giveaways & Two Great Blogs

Ok- two more great giveaways and two really fun blogs. The first blog is: Life with LuLu and Pete. Her giveaway has some cute items: adorable note cards*Vera Bradley*some cupcake/kitchen goodies*Bath and Body Works*and of course, a few surprises:)

The second blog is: Stuttering Shell. Her blog is adorable and her giveaway is just as adorable. She is giving away two gift sets of philosophy's Amazing Grace! Rush on over and check out her blog and don't forget to enter the giveaway!

I hope you enjoy these blogs as much as I do...good luck!

Fab GiveAway from Fantabulously Frugal

Hey! I just found a great blog and wanted to share her great giveaway. Fantabulously Frugal is hosting a Favorite Things Giveaway. She has great picks- some new to me and oh so cute! I love the fact that the giveaway is an eclectic group of really fun items. Hop on over to her site and let her know I sent you- that way we both get an extra entry!