Girls Up North

Our newfound relatives drove in from Duluth today for our winter visit. Despite how I worry beforehand, we had a wonderful day! They are fun, kind people who have blessed us beyond compare. We spent the day with Tasha & her daughter Alice, Tasha's mom Cindy, Tasha's sister Tanya & finance/horse jockey Jacob and their little girls Abby & Audrina. Got that? We had a big breakfast, opened more birthday gifts for Nor and just caught up. In the afternoon they went to explore the Science Museum while we Seltzes wisely stayed home to relax. When they came back, we baked Valentine's Day cookies and then went out for dinner at TGI Friday's. We have such a natural, open relationship and we feel very comfortable and enjoy spending time with them! It is amazing to see and feel God's hand in all of our lives.

Abby, Baby Audrina, Norbo and Alice

Cherry bombed

I had a cherry bomb. And then a sake bomb. In my blue shirt.

In case you are wondering...yes, I got my laundry basket from my husbo! And flowers, a BPA-free water bottle and gift card for a massage. What more is there?

Thanks for all the cards, phone calls, and Facebook birthday wishes! I survived another year without having to wear a dumb party hat so that is success in my book. Nori & I had very chill day together enjoying story time at the library and a nap in the sunshine. Later we met up with some favorite family members & best friends for dinner downtown Saint Paul at Sakura. It was a special day!

She liked the ginger!

Equal number of sippy cups and beer mugs. We must be 31.

Casey sports his blue shirt - nature or nurture?

Missy made me a delish pink cookie cake!

Ellen tries sushi for the first time...and lives

Go me! It's my birthday!

31 short years ago my mother, bless her privates, pushed me forth into the cold, cruel world. No, I take that back! The world is misunderstood and is truly a warm fuzzy just waiting to be squeezed. I shall spend today with my soulmate, Nori, whilst being showered with flowers and vibes of birthday love from my fans. Tonight it's dinner at the Ivy with my family and our good friends the Jolie-Pitts and Stefani-Rossdales. Paparazzo beware.

One year ago today...

Can you believe this lil bugger has grown so much in just 365 days?

Update:
Go immune system! Seems like her last high temp (102) was last night before bed because she woke up this morning cool (96) and content. As Jake said "she is making happy noises again". So the ped did not want to see her day after all and I am comfortable with that because she seems to be getting back to her old, adorable self. Like mother, like daughter.

The Bachelor

True story. While watching a commercial for The Bachelor (um, during The Bachelor) the announcer says "Do you have what it takes to be the next bachelor?" and Jake looks into the TV and replies "Why, yes, I do". Ladies, here is what you are missing. 6'2, lanky and loves dogs.

A real man rolls his sweatpants to avoid dog hair and show off his black socks/slippers

Sexy squat to Furminate beloved pooch

Jon & Kate plus 8

Jake & I DVR this show weekly so I guess you could say we are fans (although Kate's anal retentive, rigid personality drives us nuts). Anyway, I came across this blog called Gosslins Without Pity. The authors feel that the kids are being exploited by working on a reality television show, not having a normal childhood and being pimped out for free trips, new clothes, and other fun stuff. Where the family was once struggling financially (using food shelves, heating assistance and other government aid), they are now wealthy because of the show, recently buying a $1.3 million dollar home. The authors don't think there is anything wrong with them being successful but rather have an issue that the free stuff continues to roll in as some people are not aware of how lucrative your own show & books can be (or maybe they are and just want the free publicity?). Some of the posters are pretty mean but it is an interesting in perspective.

BTB, I don't really care about how much money they do or don't have but get irked by the attitudes. Did you see the ep with the new house when Kate went bonkers telling the kids they may never set foot in her new bedroom ever again without "severe punishment"? Sad.

Ladies only!

Have you noticed all the free tampons around? At the U, the are now free in the dispensers and also at Target. When did this glorious miracle happen? I have a feeling Oprah was behind it.

Happy Belated Birthday to my Aunt Wendy!