Best Auntie EVER!

Yes, that is right, I am the BEST Auntie EVER, well to my Niece & Nephew that is :)

My Niece Caden is 19 months old and my Nephew is just barley over 1 month old. They live in Alaska with my Sister & her Husband. My Sister & Caden came out to Florida last August to spend some time with me, the timing couldn't be more needed, I was grieving and having that little baby girl and my Sister there, made it alright in those days to feel happy I went "home" last year because it was Caden's first Christmas and I had the time off. I wish I could make it back "home" this year for Parkers first Christmas.

It is crazy how much you can love a little one that isn't even yours. I love them both like they are mine. I know I will be in their lives forever, such a good feeling!

I always had to get Caden "Auntie" shirts, you know the ones that say, My Aunt is Awesome, My Aunt Rocks, All I want for Christmas is my Auntie. Well the tradition continues with Parker. I want them to know how much I love them, even if it is 2800 miles away!

I grew up an only child, and my Mom did SO much for me, that I want to be able to give that to someone, I'm not ready to be a Mommy yet, but I am ready to be an Auntie. I know they won't remember what I do for them now, but over the years they will be told, and I want a tradition to go with it. Like if every year I get them ornidements, or a Christmas movie, write them a letter. Something that I can keep consistent and fun.

Getting packages rock, no matter how old you are, but, being a kid and having a package come from someone else and have presents in it-that's one of the greatest things.

I just want to be the Aunt that I wish I had growing up, I want these kids to grow up and know that I am there for them, I care about them and love them so so much.

I know my Sister appreciates it, I am always thoughtful no matter what the occasion is. I'm sure she will do the same for me, when I have kids of my own.

Pics of course to follow, but I have to tell you (all of you) what I got them. Caden is my favorite to shop for, she's old enough to know what things are and to play with them. She LOVES Kitties, I call her Caden Kitty and then always say "Here Kitty Kitty" Even talking to her on the phone she lights up big huge smile and giggles. I got her a white kitty that looks real similar to her beloved "Taz" and you can pet the kitty and it purs, she is going to LOVE it!

I got her a "Big Sister" outfit, A Miami Dolphins outfit- Since my sister is a football fan they watch the Dolphin games too, Its a pink jersey, sooo cute. A few Auntie shirts, you know I have to remind them how awesome I am :)

More toys: A Tinkerbell play camera, tinkerbell play keys, Disney Princess bracelet set-which I am sure she is too young for but, its cute and I think she can handle it.

I did get both of them stockings-which I told my Sister NOT to get them stockings, with the exception of Peanut (Parker) because every baby needs a baby's first Christmas stocking. The stockings I got them are white and I got their names embroidered into them. I call Caden Boo & Parker Peanut, but I decided to leave it more of a timeless look. I just put "Caden" in red on hers and "Parker" in green in his. This way they can grow up with them and know Auntie Bee did this for them :)

For Peanut I went with just clothes, I mean, what else do you get for a baby?? He got a Dolphins outfit too, of course. Some really cute onesies and pants, the Auntie collection too (of course)

And I'm sure I am leaving things out, but pictures will show what I missed. I wasn't much into the Christmas spirit this year since I can't be "home" and I am still grieving the loss of my Mom :( But, shopping for them really brightened up my holidays. Thank you Boo & Peanut for making this season a little bit brighter.

Auntie Bee Loves you both!

Tunes!

Side Note: Brooke read Tunes not Tones K?

 I love music, I always have but I think I appreciate it more as I go through different things in my life. I am always open to new things, new styles and I really love when I can relate to the song or it fits that moment in my life. It’s amazing how that happens, the moment you're happy, sad, alone, excited, whatever it is, and the perfect song comes on the radio it just fits, you know?

 I’ve been through a lot and I am not ready to put it out there for the world to read. But I will tell you that I feel I heal sometimes even if it’s just a little bit from a song. Isn't that amazing? Words that are written can touch you so much. Relate to your life, define your best/worst moments and let you have an outlet for whatever you need it for. Sometimes I laugh, sometimes I cry, sometimes I scream the lyrics as loud as I can. It’s all just a part of my heart trying to find a way to heal.

 It really is a big part of who I am. I bought a painting in the beginning of the year while in Vegas. It is four guitars, it is beautiful and it spoke to me. I do not play guitar, although I do have the desire to learn. But I am touched by music and wanted to appreciate this beautiful piece of art in my home. It reminds me that someone out there understands me, my feelings, and my thoughts and expressed themselves through music. That right there is just beautiful to me.

This all came to me tonight, as I was watching my DVR'd One Tree Hill, which I love that show...go ahead and laugh that I watch it, I'll wait. Done? K, they have some great music on it. I always find myself going to the website and checking who it was. Most of the time its people I've never heard of, but I like that one song so I check out the whole album. I don't want to miss out on anything in life, and exploring music is a BIG realm!

I was just telling Brooke today after our work out we need to go to the Dueling Piano bar in Tampa, Howl At The Moon. I went in Orlando a few weeks ago and I love it. There is a place in Denver, Sing Sing, that I just love too. I love live music and there isn't anything better than some good friends, drinks and some great live music.

  I find that now I am a Music junkie, I blame Rebecca & Justin; ever since I went to Texas and was sent home with some 40 gigs of music...it just started the process! My poor little 30 gig iPod is overloaded. Thanks guys!

 

Take a Ride on the Wild Side

Seems like everyone has one these days, or just bought one (Becca&Justin) I'm not complaining since I get to pal around in them, what is there to complain about? Today was one of those days I was able to let my hair down, crank up the music and laugh as loud as I wanted to while Brooke and I took her "lil red" out for a spin around Tampa. We of course took it for a spin up to Gainesville yesterday too, I apparently got a little too much sun, but it was worth the ride. We rode "topless" (with the top down) all the way up there. On the way back it was WAY TOO HOT to do it again, so we caved and put on the air, made for a much cooler ride!

I've had several friends over the years who have owned convertibles, and I have enjoyed them. But, I find living here I enjoy them more than I have previously. Granted there are days where it is just TOO humid to even walk outside, let alone roll around town with the top down. On the days where it’s bearable, it’s worth it. Well, minus the sun burn that can/will happen.

It’s like something magical. I'll never forget a picture message I got from a very dear friend of mine on his way to California for a trip. The picture was of the sky, all you could see was stars and he said "Wish you were here." While I never had the feeling he did on that night, I could only imagine how beautiful it was. I had that same feeling a few weeks ago coming back from Orlando in Heather's Mustang 'vert, I just happened to look up at the sky and I had that "magical" feeling he told me about. That text flashed back in my mind, and we're talking a text from almost four years ago. It’s amazing what the mind chooses to hold on to :) I told him about it and he told me "now you finally understand, it is something magical" he was right. In that moment it was just breath-taking. I love being caught up in those moments, where nothing matters, I try to savor all of them!

I've never considered myself a convertible-gal, I always considered myself a coupe-gal. I like things that match and I didn't care much for a Grey Mustang with a Black Top (at the time) But, after having several friends here have them, I've learned to appreciate the wilder side to convertibles. I would love to own one at some point in my life. The wild hair blowing in the wind, loud music, all of the attention that goes with owning one....it’s all a part of the experience. But for now, I am a convertible-loving-gal who is confined to a beautiful coupe :)

Let the Presents Begin!

Remember that slip I told you about I got Monday? Went into the office to pick up my package of suprise.

It was my Lightning Hoody that Hubby sent me! Its black and plain on the front and the back is embrodered with the NLOC Logo in Blue and Silver. I love it!

Its not as random as it sounds. He was in IL when I was this July, he went for a Lightning meet and I was there because my mother had called me home, and ended up passing away that Friday the meet started. I couldn't come out because of what had just happened, I was in shock and too emotional to do much of anything and I had family coming down from Wisconsin. I asked hubby to get me a hoody from the event. He tried, they were out and he told me he would order me one.

I came to Denver about a month after loosing my Mom to handle legal things. Hubby told me he would have it for me then when he saw me. He didn't see me nor have it there, it did prompt him to order it and he said he would ship it to me. He texted last week while in VA to ask for my addy and low and behold...a week later!

I'm shocked he actually did what he said he was going to do. Weird. Just when you have someone figured out in your head..they surprise you!

Time will tell with the rest of what he says comes to life :)