Flashback Friday {A Year Ago Today Edition}

What were you doing a year ago today? How were you different? What have you learned? What changes have come into your life in one short year? These are all questions that come to my mind when I see pictures from a year ago today. The answers to the questions range from funny and silly to reflective and sad.

I love this picture of Carter, he's just on the verge of stepping into the road; exercising his freedom, and in doing so, changing his life forever. Ironically enough I was on the verge of life changing experiences at the time, and didn't even know it. So, it is with bitter-sweet memories I look back to what we were doing a year ago today.

Both pictures of Carter were taken on the first warm-enough-to-play-outside day after a long hard winter in Herriman. February 26, 2008

We took a trip to Castle Dale the first weekend in March, and I love this picture of my dad walking my kids down a country road. It's the same road I rode my bike on, the same road we played kick ball on, the same road I learned to drive on, and the road that takes us back when we come to visit.

Fundraising Boutique Updates

Thank you so much for all of your support and donations to the MS Walk 2009. Team Tootsie Roll is now within a few hundred dollars of our final $2000.00 goal. Fundraising is a hard thing to do. You take a cause that you are passionate about, make your emotions and your experiences public, and then rely on others to support you. I have been touched by the generosity, words of encouragement, and kind comments about my mom and her strength. I really could not have expected the change I have seen in my own life by participating in this event. I owe our team's success and my personal growth to you.



The only way we have to thank our donors is through a small token of appreciation. Hence, the MS FUNDRAISING BOUTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA 2009. Since I posted the original list of products, I have had other friends who so graciously donated the following items......



However, before I get to the items. I would like to extend the boutique prizes to everyone who has donated to the MS Walk. If you donated ANY amount of money at ANY time during my fundraising efforts, please {if you would like to} pick from ANY of the boutique items. Just email me your choice before March 20th.
cpollastro {at} msn {dot} com.



If you would like to donate, please click on the "thank you" Tootsie Roll wrapper on the right hand side of this blog. Doing so will take you to the National MS donation site and to my page specifically. NO donation is too small, anything will be greatly appreciated! Plus, with every donation you get to pick a prize!



There is a comprehensive list of all the items located here http://wildmeowzers.blogspot.com/2009/02/ms-fundraising-boutique-extravaganza.html and a scrolling slide show on the right had side of this blog. And now for the new items.....



Can't Get You Outta My Mind: Four "Thinking of You" cards.
By: Heather

Thanks and More Thanks. Four "Thanks" cards.

By: Heather

It's Your Birthday Shout Hooray! Four Happy Birthday cards {can be used as gift tags too}.

By: Heather

Mix it up. Four assorted cards.

By: Heather

My Money's On...

If you were a betting man {or woman} and you walked in on this little stand-off, who would your money be on? The odds are pretty even, in my opinion. Carter has speed and tiny fists of fury. His line of vision and strike zone fall just below the belt on this adult male. However, if Carter does land a jab to the goodies, and drops Christian....there is a possibility that Christian could fall on Carter. Which would mean game over for the little champ. What do you think?

Crazy Nights

As a mother you come to expect sleepless nights. It's not the most pleasant part of motherhood, but it's a fact. As babies you spend time feeding, changing, and rocking them in the middle of the night. You wake up to fevers, boogers, and barf. As toddlers they learn the art of stalling and you wrestle them to bed late at night, only to have them wake up hours later. Somewhere between toddlehood and teenagers they finally figure it out and go to bed willingly...and sleep through the night. I've become spoiled by having regular sleep patterns, so when I do have to wake up in the night...it makes me crazy.

Last night I dozed off on the couch somewhere between Nightline and Access Hollywood. This was brought to my attention as I heard tiny footsteps coming down the hall. It was Carter. "Mom can I lay by you?" I picked him up and carried him back into his bedroom. "No, Carter, you need to go back to sleep in your big boy bed." "Mom, I had a bad dream....every time I look over there {pointing to the shadow cast on his wall by his nightlight} I hear scary piano music that sounds like this {then he moved his arms really fast back and forth like a praying mantis}" I told him that there wasn't any scary piano music and told him to think of something happy, like the bunny who lives in our backyard.

It was about this time that we were both distracted by a bright light. Cali was in the bathroom and she was talking to herself about something. I couldn't make out the words, but she was carrying on some type of conversation. I finished settling Carter who was only consoled by thinking about his friend Ethan from Herriman...

I went into the bathroom where I saw {what looked like an awake} Cali. Except for the fact that she was trying to pull Carter's jeans on over her P.J. bottoms. I asked her what she was doing....she mumbled something...I told her to put the jeans down, but she continued to struggle with the size 4T denim. I walked over to her and pealed the jeans off her shins, fixed her p.j's and directed her toward her bedroom. She stopped, picked up the jeans, folded them into a little ball and carried them back to her room with her. She them spread them out on her pillow and laid back down.

I was able to slide the twice worn jeans away from her face and before I left her room she was back to sleep. Mission accomplished! Carter asleep {check} Cali asleep {check} Christian STILL asleep {check} Cammie......AWAKE!

A Day at the Museum

Yesterday, since Cali had the day off school, we went on a quest to find something fun to do. We ended up at Western Wyoming Community College. They have an amazing dinosaur and natural history museum and display. You take a map, follow the numbers, and go on a wonderful journey through the school and back in time. We were there from 11am until 1:30pm. We even stopped to have lunch next to this huge dinosaur in the T-Rex Cafe {or as Carter calls it, "The T-Rex Af-Kay!"} Check out beautiful Rock Springs and the "mountains" in the background!

*Click to View Larger

We also may, or may not have, set off the alarm in the natural history museum {Do not get THAT close to the Lion for a photo-op} ...Carter may, or may not have, thought the crazy squawking alarm was the stuffed birds coming to life....

Duck Cakes

My neighbor Liz, is a professional cake decorator! No kidding, her cakes have been in magazines, movies, and all over the tables of the Utah elite {think Osmond's}. She so kindly and graciously took the time to show me how to make rubber duckies out of fondant. I was overjoyed, since one of my dreams in life is to become a cake decorator. It was much harder than it looked, but I got very good at rolling round balls for the heads. The bodies were another story, but after a lot of encouragement and Crisco, I got the hang of it.

She showed me how to apply the icing so that it looked like soap bubbles, we plopped the cute little duckies on top, and here's the finished product! Cute enough to eat!!

Thanks Liz!

HSM3

We are now the proud owners of all three High School Musicals! HSM3 came out last Tuesday. Christian was attending meetings in Salt Lake on Tuesday and planned to pick it up for us at his Alma mater, Costco. However, in true Utah/Wyoming winter fashion he had to cut out his shopping trip due to inclement weather.

So, not only did we have to wait until Wednesday to buy it....We had to get it at WalMart...Which, if you know me, is not something I do. To make matters even worse, that night I had a dream that Christian took a job in Montana working at WalMart for $17.50/hour. They promised him an "executive office" if he relocated to Montana, but the office was in a basement bedroom where a girl was raising chickens....That's what going to WalMart will do to me.

On a much better note. The opening scene of HSM3 involves a very sweaty panting Troy Bolton {if you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about}. A shot I AM SURE they threw in there as a subliminal "thank you" to all the mother's who have been supporting the HSM franchise. Thank you Disney!

Flashback Friday {Babies Having Babies Edition}

When I came across this picture my first thought was...."who gave this baby a baby?" Christian took this picture of me and Cali before we left for church on her blessing day. I don't know if it's the hair or because I'm getting older....Maybe it's because my younger sisters are now older than I was then? Not sure, but I can't help but think how young an unprepared I look in this picture.

MS Fundraising Boutique Extravaganza 2009

Thanks to generous and thoughtful contributions, we have increased our Team Tootsie Roll fundraising goal from $1,000.00 to $2,000.00. After posting a little bit about our family and my mom's battle with MS, I was surprised to find how many other people have been directly or indirectly effected by this disease. Currently there is no cure for MS. However, donations make it possible for significant and groundbreaking medical advancements. These advancements directly improve the quality of life for millions. My mother, being just one.

With that said, I give you the MS FUNDRAISING BOUTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA 2009. Here's the deal. ANYONE who donates ANY amount of money to the MS Walk 2009 through this blog between February 19th and March 19th {or while supplies last} may choose one item from the fundraising boutique. The items in the boutique will be pictured in this post, and will be featured in a scrolling slide show on the right side bar of this blog.

All of your questions answered:

How do I donate?: Click on the Team Tootsie Roll logo on the upper-right side bar of this blog. Doing so will take you directly to my MS Walk donation page. Follow the instructions to donate via credit/debit card. The site is hosted by the National MS Society and is completely secure. However, if you would like to donate by check, email me cpollastro {at} msn {dot} com and I will provide you with a mailing address.

How do I let you know which item I have selected?: On the donation website where you enter your personal and credit card information there is a field for "Gift Message". Simply type the name of the item in the comment field. Or, email me cpollastro {at} msn {dot} com. This is a first come first serve reward.

How do I get my free item?: I will mail the item you select to the address entered {by you} on the donation portion of the website.

Easy enough? If you have any questions or have an item you would like to donate to the boutique please email me cpollastro {at} msn {dot} com.

MS FUNDRAISING BOUTIQUE EXTRAVAGANZA 2009

Damasking the Day Away: One 4X6 custom picture frame

By: Cammie

Growing Green: One 4X6 custom picture frame.

By: Cammie

Black and Blue Memories: One 4X6 custom picture frame.

By: Cammie

One seasonal or holiday table runner. You pick the holiday or season. An example of a Christmas one picture here.

By: Vicki

One seasonal or holiday table runner. You pick the holiday or season. An example of a fall one picture here.

By: Vicki

One seasonal or holiday table runner. You pick the holiday or season. An example of Valentine's Day picture here.

By: Vicki

Assorted Blues: A set of six assorted handmade cards.

By: Cammie

Cheers to You: A set of six birthday or special occasion cards.

By: Tami

Mix it Up: Four assorted cards.

By: Heather

It's Your Birthday Shout Hooray: Five Happy Birthday cards {can be used as gift tags too}

By: Heather

Thanks and More Thanks: Four "Thanks" cards.

By: Heather

Can't Get You Out Outta My Mind: Four "Thinking of You" cards.

By: Heather

Pink on a String: Handcrafted jewelry.

By: Mari

Petals in a Row: Handcrafted jewelry.

By: Mari

Wishing for Spring Hair Bow

By: Tatum

Wild and Sweet Hair Bow

By: Tatum

Brown on Pink Headband

By: Tatum

Beautiful and Blooming Headband

By: Tatum

Smart and Sophisticated Hair Bow

By: Tatum

One Down East Basic tank top. Size small.

From: Bethany

Ode to Jay

This picture was taken at the end of August 2007. To which Jay said, "This is the perfect before picture, you look so ugly."

Since I mentioned him in my previous post, I thought it was fitting that I dedicate a post to my hair stylist. Some of you know him, some of you have even met him, and you have to agree that this man deserves his own blog....possibly his own universe.

Jay and I have been together since March 2005. My friend Nikki cut my hair for several years, but during some trying times in her life she gave up the hair cutting business. I was looking for someone to replace her, this was no easy task. My friend Clint suggested that I try his stylist. I did, and here we are four years later.

Jay has not only brought me so many wonderful hair cuts and colors, he has also provided me with endless hours of entertainment, drama, and hilarity. Here are just a few of my favorite Jayisms...

When asked if he was dating anyone: {paraphrased} "No, I need two lovers, one on each arm. When we enter a room they would each break dance on either side of me. People would have to refer to us as , 'Jay and the Unstoppable Danger'."

When explaining a fight he had with his friend's boyfriend: "I punched him in the mouth in front of the homeless shelter, and then I told him, 'don't bring your drama up in my house....especially on my laundry day!'"

When I first walked into the salon on Saturday: "Cammie, you have lost so much weight....Your clothes don't even look right on you..." {I haven't lost any weight...but thanks, I think?}

When describing himself: "Gay men love me....Straight women love me....Straight men REALLY love me....I have universal appeal!"

He is also a dedicated father and community activist for foster parenting, earning him the honor of Utah's Foster Parent of the Year two years ago. He is a great hair stylist, and even better entertainer. I will be visiting with him again in 9-11 weeks!!

True Love

Christian and I have been in love since I was 18 years old. We've been married for almost ten years, and have been together for almost eleven. There are so many things I love about him, and so many things he has done to show his love for me over the years. However, this Valentine's Day he went the extra mile...and by mile I mean 400 of them...in a blizzard...so I could get my hair done in Salt Lake...An all new definition of true love!

I've had a hair appointment scheduled with Jay {this man deserves his own blog} at Ardeo since we moved to RS in December. At the time I scheduled the appointment, I thought it would be a fun Valentine's Day trip to ride to SL and spend some time shopping and eating for Valentine's Day. What I couldn't for see was the bad weather and bad mood that this trip would put us in. After almost turning around several times, we pressed on and made it to SL right on time. I'm not going to say it was the most enjoyable trip, or that either of us were very happy on the ride, but that's not the point. The point is Christian drove six hours round trip for me to get my hair done, and spend the better part of an afternoon with another man. He is so wonderful!!

While I was at the salon, Christian and the kids went to visit Carl and Vicki at Carl's new apartment in SL. They also got to see Melissa, Devin, and {our favorite} Parker. They had a wonderful time and discovered that the apartment complex has a swimming pool....so they are ready to bring their swim suits next time.

After my appointment Christian picked me up and we headed to the Gateway to do a little shopping. We were able to find Cali and Carter some badly needed new clothes, but were in a hurry to beat the storm so we ended our shopping adventures there.

It just so happened {OK it was totally planned} that we ran into Bethany and Tyler at the Gateway and then headed for an early dinner at TGI Fridays. Bethany gave the kid's some cute Valentine gifts and sugar cookies! It was so nice to spend some time with them.

We thought about getting a hotel and calling it quits, but the sun came out, so we made our trip home. Thankfully the sun had melted some of the snow and we enjoyed slushy roads most of the way home. It's not exactly how I picture spending Valentine's Day, but it was an adventure nonetheless.

Thank You Grandma's

It wouldn't be Valentine's Day at our house without some goodies from the two best grandma's ever. Living farther away from family sure has made going to the mail a lot more enjoyable!

A Valentine's box from Grandma Vicki. Carter waited for Cali all day to come home from school to open this beauty.

Grandma Vicki sure knows how to pack a box. After sending out five missionaries she has the care package packing down to a science, no, make that an art. The kids loved the coloring books, but Cali was most excited about the box of Oatmeal. This girl loves the Oatmeal!

The next day another wonderful package arrived from Grandma Gwennie. Once again Carter waited all day for Cali to come home so they could open it together.

The kids loved the buggy Valentine's, candy, and especially Grandma Gwennie's Rice Crispy Treats. We don't know how she does it, but they are perfect every time. I have yet to have a better Rice Crispy Treat. Cali, of course, had to save the envelope so she could incorporate it into her dress-up collection.

Thanks again grandma's! We love the US Postal Service!

Flashback Friday {This Day in History Edition}

For flashback Friday this week I picked pictures from the past with date stamps closest to today's date. Enjoy a small trip back in time!

Feb 14, 2004:

Cali's first Valentine's Day. These pictures were taken at our apartment (C306) in Sandy. She was a such a good eater, those cheeks don't lie, that girl could pack away tubs of baby food! On this Valentine's day the power went out and Christian and I ordered Cafe Rio and ate in the dark sitting on the floor with Cali.

Feb 14, 2005:

This is the day of Carter's conception. No pictures available...Use your imagination....or don't.

Feb 12, 2006:

And here he is! Carter was three months old and Cali was two years and seven months old. These are just some random silly pictures I took of the kids playing on the Love Sac.

Feb 12, 2007:

I took this picture just before Valentine's Day so I could make some picture Valentine's for family and friends. I love Carter's hair in this picture.

Feb 12 & 14, 2008:

Just a year ago there was a giant church cancelling snow storm which Christian dug us out of before he had to go to work. I have never {and hope to never} see that much snow again. Bethany was also tending the kids while I was at work, and we made our first trip to Build a Bear.

Feb 13, 2009:

And here we are! Today. Older, wiser, and a lot less chubby! Cali all ready for school waiting for the bus, and Carter ready to go with me to the Rec Center to play while I work out. They were feeling pretty festive this morning with some Valentine balloons that we blew up yesterday.