Where's my Umb-er-ella, ella, ella...

Well we finally got the big thunderstorm I've been waiting all Summer for! It's been raining all night. And not just sprinkles. Heavy freaking downpours with thunder and lightning! Even if I did lose of the Internet and cable TV for a few hours, it was still worth it. I got my windows open and the smell is amazing. And with only a few hours until Labor Day none the less, nothing like waiting until the last minute Mother Nature! If I have my way, tomorrow will be another lovely rainy day. Just as long as the web stays up this time.

My Punk Princess...

A few after-party shots of Brylee and I. She's totally rocking her new punk 'jammies that I gave her. Yes I am as tired as I look! Perhaps I need some punk PJ's of my own.

The Birthday Girl...

We had a little party for Brylee's birthday for cake and ice cream... and presents. I didn't go too overboard with the gifts. The big ticket gifts were a bike and a baby doll from Grandma & Grandpa; and a pink digital camera from her parents. (Yes she's already a budding photographer, watch out!) As for me, I got her a new pair of Converse sneakers, A Bug's Life DVD, some killer pajamas, a piggy bank and a bike helmet. See, I showed some restraint.

WTF!?...

Happy Labor Day Utah!

Happy Birthday Bubbas!...

My Bubbas turns three-years-old today. It's hard to believe! (She's starting Preschool next month!) Where does the time go? She is the sweetest and smartest niece and deserves the major spoiling that I give her. I love her with all my heart! She's my girl!

Happy Birthday Bubbas!

Open Wide...

I'm doing something today I haven't done in ages. Wish me luck.

Dentist Update!

Okay, so it wasn't as bad as I feared. While I do have a few small cavities, there were not dozens of them. Phew! Dr. Reber was awesome! He said I have great teeth. Now I'm gonna take care of them. I'm turning over a new leaf and will visit the tooth doctor every six months.

Happy Birthday Kim...

Happy Birthday Kim! You are an absolute joy to be around and I'm blessed to call you my friend. You radiate joy and always bring a smile to my face. All the best to you on your special day and the days to follow!

Welcome Perry...

Congratulations Derek on your new little nephew, Perry!

(Just so you know, the gold medal for World's Greatest Uncle is already taken by me... but the silver is still up for grabs!

Love List: Summer Edition...

11 Things That Are Rocking

My World This Summer

1. Beijing Opening Ceremonies

I was blown away by the artistic portion of the opening ceremony. From the first drum beat right until the parade of athletes (kind of a snooze from there on out) I was hooked. And needless to say I will be buying my own copy to relive the magic again and again. Plus they were phenomenal enough to completely erase that horrid Mummy/Olympics trailer I saw before The Dark Night. That says something! Three cheers for Beijing, I can only imagine what's in store for the closing ceremonies.

2. Kim & Aggie on

How Clean is Your House?
Not afraid to get down and dirty, oh how I love Kim & Aggie! (Especially Kim!) These Brits make me laugh, gross me out and inspire me to clean all at the same time. Thanks to Youtube I've been watching several HCIYH marathons while I do homework on the weekends. I prefer the old-school BBC episodes over the American ones (product placement overkill) because I learn fun facts like you can clean a grimy tub with lemons and salt Who knew?

Kim and Aggie do, that's who!

3. Keith on Project Runway
How often do you get to cheer on a home town boy on a reality show? ...okay, who's not named David Archuletta. Through the good (the Lipstick Jungle dress) and the bad (the drag queen mess) local SLC boy Keith keeps drawing me back to Project Runway each week. He may not speak in the third-person nor call things fill-in-the-blank-licious, which is all the more reason to love this Utah stud. For me he definitely "Makes It Work."

4. Tide Simple Pleasures

Lavender & Vanilla

detergent & dryer sheets
I love love love it! It makes my laundry smell amazing!

I now count down the days until the next Laundry Day.

Heaven. Simply Heaven.

5. Dexter Season 2 on DVD
Since I don't have Showtime I had to wait all year to get my Dexter fix. This show is super addicting and has me on the edge of my seat. (Probably more than any show on my current Watch List.) Michael C. Hall is amazing. Don't believe me? Well I never thought I'd be rooting on a serial killer, that is until I met Dex.

6. Edamame and

Sandies Butter Pecan Drops
My two favorite snacks of the Summer!

(Not to be eaten at the same time, mind you.)

One is super addictive, very delicious and also healthy while the other one is also super addictive, very delicious and... well... deliciously addictive. If there was a Edamame or a Sandies Butter Pecan Drops eating contest, I surely would be king!

7. Michelle Obama
Laura Who?! She's my generation's Jackie-O.

Come November, she's our nation's First Lady. Write it!

8. Re-bags.
I love walking to the remodelled Smiths Market Place with my Re-bags in hand. It's a good way to save gas, ($80 SUV fill-ups, oy!) burn calories and also save the planet... one bag of groceries at a time.

9. Deep V's

Hot. Will be even better when I have a chest to wear with it.

Hopefully the trend is not over by then.

10. Neil Patrick Harris
He's just a charming normal celebrity who deserves all the attention he's been getting this Summer. He's everywhere. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. And he sings too!

11. Heath Ledger is 'The Joker'
"And the Oscar goes to..."