Two Buns In The Oven-9/15/9

Who would have ever thought that WE would be having babies? Who would have ever thought that at 8 months pregnant, I would want to be photographed??? What a beautiful experience and I couldn't imagine sharing it with anyone else. After all you've gotta love all of the IVF shots, morning sickness,backaches,bed rest, and discomforts. But don't let me forget the wonderful massages, all of the T.L.C. from my family & friends, and the overall encouragement that kept me going, and going, and going!

 I have read in every  book about twins, that they come early... but that's not the case for us! Our little babies buns are not done cookin' yet! 37.5 weeks and still going strong!

"Would you like to make and appointment?" -6/2009

The Making of a Salon Queen! 

How does this happen... you give her every class possible, an amazing education...  and she want to work in a salon???

 What the...?

In June, our 2 years worth of construction on our other home was finally completed and we moved in. 

With that said... "Camryn's Hair & Nail Salon" was also finally open for business! She bought everything from a shampooing chair... to a pedicure hot towel caddie! She printed out her price list and even has an appointment book! It is so special! The minute she walks into her salon, she transforms into this other person who small-talks and wants to make you feel wonderful! FOR A SMALL PRICE :)  !   She has wonderful relaxation music or (for her special male customers) she offers her Direct TV with their favorite show. Anything to get you to stay... Oops I mean spend! Ha! Ha!

But on a side note... make sure you don't miss your appointment, she charges for missed appointments! BOY- OH- BOY! A girl after my own heart!

I guess after all of her hard work in private school... Completing the 5th grade with a solid 4.0 GPA and doing her SAT prep work (on her own)... she deserves a break.  So opening a salon over summer break, working on her inner creativity, and the paroles of running your own business does not surprise me!

YOU GO GIRL!!!!

Bryce's 8th Grade Pin Ceremony-6/4/9

Well... when they say, "it takes a village to raise a child." I say,"It takes a TEAM to raise Bryce!" 

8th Grade Graduation!

HURRAY! We made it! He is the smartest, funniest, most charming guy you ever met
that needs a whole team of support! From Chuck & I, Grandma Karyn, Dad (Dave) & friend Emma... to his tutors/friends at Growing Minds (Milly, Gina & Bob)! WOW! What an extra special surprise!!!!

Like I said," it takes a whole team to raise Bryce!"

We all stood there proud. Proud of all the blood and sweat that we put into him. Choked up that our "little Bryce"(5'7"tall) will officially be in high school. Hoping that next year will be easier... 

The good news is we have one more successful year behind us and the summer to regroup... and boy do we need that!

I guess when it is all said and done... I look at this last photo & smile. Because some how, some way he is going to grow up just fine and most of all be happy!

"GOOD JOB BRYCE! WE ALL LOVE YOU!"

I Know You Like Blue Eyes- May 2003

  We met at a mutual friends wedding (while married to other people)and stayed friends. 

Living in a small town is fun as well as difficult. It seems like the longer you live there, the more likely every one's lives become intertwined. After my first marriage failed, I found myself working my butt off (at a local salon as a manicurist) and raising 2 amazing kids on my own. Discretely dating while the kids were with their dad, I tried to find my way... then one day,out of the blue, I was reconnected with Chuck. He was having a party and needed my services. It was so fun seeing him again! To my dismay he was divorced! Unfortunately he was dating someone:( 

On and off for about a year, I was going over to his house for work and having these great conversations about our lives and our relationships. His was pretty crazy though! It was like a saga from some "B" rated movie and I couldn't wait to see him again to find out what happened next. It was so weird for me because the more time we spent together, the more I felt myself falling for him. He was so sweet and kind! But SO misunderstood! There was so much drama in his life! But what could I do? 

The next thing I knew,  he called me over for a manicure. He was broken up again... and so was I! OMG, what do I do??? I have totally fallen for him, this is my only opportunity .... shit!

He was telling me all about it, but all I could think about was "Why did I pick this outfit? Why didn't I get my hair done today? What do I say? How do I not seem desperate?Boy could I use a glass of wine!"

 I held my breath and said this..."I know the perfect person for you!" There was this awkward silence. 

He said,"You do?" 

I said,"Well I know you like blonde's..." "Yes" he says. "I know you like blue eyes..." I say. "Yes!" he says nodding his head.

But he was looking at me so strange and I was just dying inside! He was not getting where I was going with this... what the hell? Maybe he is not interested? Great I am going to be so embarrassed! Where's the wine? Now what?

He responded with,"Where can I find a girl like that?"

All I could think to say was,"Well she is sitting right here in front of you..."

There was that strange look again... and the awkward silence again... but now (like in a cartoon) I saw the light bulb appear above his head!

He slowly says,"Do you mean... you?"

All I could do was patiently sit there and smile. Of course batting my eyelashes though!

The doorbell rang... OMG! What? Who could that be? Now??? It was his esthetician here to do a facial?!  

He apologized and let her in. 

All I could do was quickly pack up my things, collect my pride, and with my head hung low say hello to her on my way out.

Chuck stopped me on the way out to say how much he would like to take me to dinner on Tuesday and asked for my address. I was shaking! I don't even remember writing it down. The next thing I know, he leaned over and kissed me on the cheek!