A Brave New World

Well the past couple of weeks have certainly been a whirlwind. After my last post, everyone except me became ill with a stomach bug that was as unpleasant as it could be. I did a lot of laundry and disinfected everything anyone touched. My hands were chapped from incessant washing.

Once that was over and done with, I was back at work for a few short days before learning that I would be back on the job market. Ouch. Being laid off is pretty painful. Not to mention scary! We've got a mortgage, we've got kids to feed, for goodness sake! But really, after about 24 hours, a calm set in and a strong sense of determination took over. Then a little excitement trickled in and ideas started flowing. I've gotten a couple job leads from good friends (resume updating will happen tonight), I connected with another friend who will help design a company logo and packaging for our spice business and I am heading into each moment feeling pretty good about things.

Life is funny that way - just when you think you have everything figured out, it all gets turned upside down.

So, I'll go ahead and put it out there - if you know anyone in the Phoenix area who is in a business that's hiring (copywriting, marketing, tourism, etc.), shoot me an email! Or if you have a business and would like some help with your materials, proofing, editing, writing, etc., let me know. I'm available for hire :o).

Time Flies!

Yes, it's been a while since I posted here. And the ironic part is I've been avoiding it because there's just too much to post about! There have been art masterpieces, exciting outings, Mia's and Bodhi's birthdays, my own birthday - not to mention the time period when Mia spilled lemonade on our old laptop so we were computer-less for a while. It's been a bit crazy to say the least. So you'll probably be seeing a whole bunch of new posts in a short amount of time as I try to catch up.

And for everyone I have yet to send a thank-you to - I haven't forgotten, I am just the world's most lousy thank you card writer. But I assure you, I am thankful not only for the gifts for me and my children, but more importantly for your love, laughter and good company! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! And in the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photos I hope to post tonight :o).

AaRON - My Favorite New Album

I'm not typically the kind of person who seeks out and follows emerging, international artists, but I chanced upon a duo called AaRON (Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland) and I cannot stop listening to the entire album. Every song is good. Moody, but good.

And although the group is French, all of their songs on their album are in English (except for one which is simply gorgeous in French). I would love to see them make it big here in the States so I can see them in concert. Check them out and let me know what you think!

If you go to www.deezer.com and search "AaRON" you can play their entire album, "Artificial Animals Riding on Neverland" for free.

Or visit them on myspace at www.myspace.com/aaronrecordings.

Mia Turns 3!

I think I invited everyone under the sun to Mia's party next week but just in case I missed anyone - you're invited too! The party will be very casual and I'm letting Mia call the shots as far as decor and activities go. She definitely has opinions about everything. Here are the details:

Where: Our home in Gilbert (email me if you need the address)
When: Sunday, February 1, 2009 - 12:30 p.m.
RSVP: Candice 480-208-1514 or shoot me an email

Bodhi's Blessing Day

On December 27, 2009, Bodhi Grayson was blessed by his Grandpa Call at Traci's church in Queen Creek. Making the day extra special, Traci's son Ethan was also blessed the same day. Our boys are destined to be great friends! Here are some pictures from the "dress rehearsal" and the actual day. Enjoy :)

Dress Rehearsal with The Grammys

Blessing Day - December 27, 2009

Picture Update!

It's 80 degrees in Phoenix on 1/19/09?!?

Better break out the swimsuit!

Silly Naney

The many faces of Mia

Bodhi 10 months old

Chaz reading New Moon :)
Uncle Cammo and Mia

Silly Sisters demonstrating the year's latest fashion trend: wearing fancy dresses over pjs

Mia Modeling her Turbie Twist - Ooh la la!

Grandpa Call's Lil' Cowgirl at Christmastime

Mia loves Grammy Tammy

Delaney and Bodhi snuggle

Aunt EM and Bodhi on Christmas Day

Delaney and Ethan at Traci's on Christmas Eve

The Kids hanging out in the back of the car while we put Xmas lights on the house

Art with Heart - Melanie Banayat

As I think all of my readers know, I am an avid supporter of breastfeeding. I didn't really think too much about it until I was pregnant with Mia and it wasn't until after I had her that I realized how important it is for babies and how difficult it can be for moms who don't have a good support system within their family and community. The American Academy of Pediatrics and The World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby's life and support for breastfeeding for the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired by mother and child. And these basic recommendations don't even detail out all of the reasons why breastfeeding is so important for both mothers and babies! However, since I actually just wanted to share some beautiful mother/child artwork by an Arizona artist, I will step down from my soapbox (but, if you are interested in more info about breastfeeding, I would LOVE to talk with you about it).

So here are additional pictures - the artist's name is Melanie Banayat and I think that she captures the beauty and tenderness between a mother and her child like nothing I've seen before. She also has paintings that are not mother specific which are equally beautiful. I wish I could afford all of her works :) Enjoy!