Everyday Sparkles

today

2012-02-18T20:03:00.000-08:00

I got the best surprise from my sisters for Valentine's

which really made my day!

normally I dance before work on Saturday, but not today

Wednesday I twisted my foot dancing and have to take a few days off = bummer

but this surprise cheered me up

and happens to be in my two favorite colors

pale pink and pale blue

love love love

many thanks Kris and Kay!

I love you!

love the vintage plates and ballerina necklace too

and I will pack it all, perhaps minus the plates, on an upcoming trip

hugs and kisses

2012-02-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

xoxo

a moment of silence

2012-02-14T16:22:00.000-08:00

for Jonny's last decorated elementary school Valentine sack

which is really hard for me

when your youngest child is having their lasts in elementary school

break out the tissue

but I absolutely love his sack

it is so him

and as I was reading all of his biking terminology

I came across pro porn

I was shocked!

until I realized it was pro form

that makes more sense

Jonny's Valentine's have become simpler each year

guess that's a boy for you

this year I tried really hard to think of something that would meet his approval

nothing too fancy

I created tags that said You're Cool from Jonny to be attached to a cold drink

but that didn't make the cut

this morning we quickly cut off the from Jonny and attached them to brown hershey bars

how is it possible my son likes no fluff?

but I couldn't love him more!

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T15:18:00.000-08:00

this came out today and I can't wait to read it

it's been a while since she's had a new book

wishing you a lovely day!

Eat cake

2012-02-10T16:09:00.000-08:00

in a mug

see here for an easy recipe

I already made the boys french vanilla and tonight we will try chocolate

with whipped cream and strawberries

enjoy!

Kobe today

2012-02-07T17:01:00.001-08:00

Jonny today

2012-02-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

just around the corner

2012-02-07T08:19:00.000-08:00

is Valentine's Day

7 days to be exact

I love this time of year because it gives me an excuse to break out even more pink

if you need fun ideas for little girls

checkout our Avery Amour doll here and be sure to enter the giveaway today on Studio Five

I'm still thinking of surprises for my boys

I want to do something unexpected

my Superbowl

2012-02-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hayden vs. Hannah

while the boys watched the Superbowl

I enjoyed my own type of competition

fear is exhausting

2012-02-03T11:35:00.000-08:00

this morning I'm home with our scared little lion

it was windy here last night and today which has Enzo terrified

he shakes and cries and won't go outside

so instead of running errands on my morning off

I'm home baby sitting

but he's totally worth it

and the boys' laundry is done

Let Me Entertain You

2012-01-27T19:35:00.000-08:00

amazing talent

pause playlist & enjoy

I also heard Sophia just set the record for most pirouettes

FORTY

what a wonderful world

2012-01-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

My Dad emailed this to me and I loved it

this has always been one of my favorite songs

and well, you know how I love my animals

pause my playlist and enjoy!

watch out world

2012-01-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

we are only about 2 years away from this

which may seem like a while, but not to me

I'm nervous already

Kobe is excited and ready to learn and Jonny is thrilled

because he has plans for his brother to drive him by all the cute girls' homes

don't say I didn't warn you America

the Carlson boys will soon be on the loose

while perusing pinterest

2012-01-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

this illustration caught my attention

then I noticed it had the comment

this is my sister Jeni

and was pinned by my sister Kay

Love it! Thanks Kay!

Life's motto

2012-01-14T12:45:00.000-08:00

go do something fabulous today

I'm excited to start reading Steve Job's book and all about his fascinating business practices

people like him inspire me to think outside of the box

La Vie En Rose

2012-01-07T21:44:00.000-08:00

I have heard that listening to music in a language you want to learn really helps

I found one of my favorite songs that has the translation below

Je t'aime

2012-01-06T17:06:00.000-08:00

I now know how to say this properly

and I've been saying it over and over

New Year's goals here I come

I am recording in my journal how many words/phrases I can learn this year

then I am just one plane ticket away from ordering myself a dozen macaroons in French in France

if you want to learn too

check out www.madeleinelamour.blogspot.com for details on our upcoming French class

you will absolutely love the teacher and hearing about her experiences in France

and there will be lots of surprises along the way

all his idea

2012-01-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Jonny has been asking me to send gifts to his friends in Texas since before Christmas

(his very adorable friends Caitlin, Kelsea & Alyssa that we wished lived here)

today while he was in school I mailed little surprises for him

I love this thoughtful little guy

need to smile

2012-01-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

this works every time for me

source: pinterest

p.s. if that big dog was for sell I would buy Enzo a friend

p.s.s. don't tell the Captain

100 mile ride

2012-01-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

one of Jonny's goals for the new year is to do a 100 mile ride

this boy loves to ride

I never have to ask him to workout

he just does it

and pushes himself

I really admire his drive

(Jonny age 11)

it's a happy New Year

2012-01-01T20:01:00.000-08:00

I love a new year (the Captain finds it a bit gimmicky, but he has always said that I on the other hand love anything that says new or improved). And he's right. I love a fresh start. A time to reflect about things that I would like to accomplish or change. Last night I took down all our Christmas decor which always leaves me a little sad, but I do like to begin the year with a clean house. Today I have thought about my goals. Among them are: travel somewhere new, take a class, spend more time with friends (including being a better friend and making new friends in our new area), take more photos of the boys (random everyday moments), journal more, and give up a bad habit.

I also want to write more thank you's.

There are so many people that I truly appreciate.

Like my friend Julie who gave me a beautiful vintage lipstick holder for Christmas. I love it!

And my Mom surprised me with this jewelry box that I had drooled over at the shop

and she added to my vintage dancer collection.

so this year if you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

p.s.

speaking of song lyrics
today I was listening to John Mayer's song Stop this Train
which was like a shout out to me
I have been a little sad about how fast my boys are growing up
and leaving our house filled with memories
I have wanted to stop or slow the train considerably

but here is my new motto

Don't stop this train
Don't for a minute change the place you're in

happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

hugs and kisses to you!

we wish you a wonderful holiday season

white elephant

2011-12-19T20:17:00.000-08:00

here's an idea

I'm going to tuck this into my boys' lunches tomorrow

just for a little holiday laugh

would also be fun inside Christmas stockings

enjoy!

source: pinterest

wrapping with doilies

2011-12-14T19:46:00.000-08:00

I found this idea on Pinterest

and had to give it a try

wrapping up a little something for my Mom

cheers to doily wrapping!

sleeping on the job

2011-12-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

Enzo is unavailable to give another one of his holiday tours due to his napping schedule

but that's ok because there's not a lot left to show

just my curtains

that finally got hung and make it feel like home

a little bit of Paris

2011-12-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

is now in my home office

it's hard to believe that the holidays will soon be here

December always seems to go by the quickest

normally I would be all ready by now, but with our move and work

my goal is to be finished by Saturday

wish me luck

thank you Kristy and Kathy for the pretty silver ornaments

I love them!

sights set on Stanford

2011-12-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

this morning Kobe and I met with his junior high counselor

to select his courses for his 9th grade year

his counselor is impressed with him

and when Kobe told him that he wanted to go to Stanford

he was very supportive

and signed him up with a good schedule

AP geography (the only AP class offered in junior high)

and if he passes the AP test he will leave junior high with college credit

Honors English

Honors Secondary Math

Spanish

{he actually requested Chinese which his counselor thought would be good for him,

but I talked him into Spanish because I think he will use that more}

Concert Choir

Kobe has a 3.8 GPA and near perfect math and reading scores,

however his counselor was equally impressed with his teacher comments and his attitude

he said he sees the most of no comments

followed by bad comments

and very few good comments

Kobe received many good comments from his teachers

I am so proud of this boy who has a gift that I certainly don't have

but even still I like to joke that he gets it from his Mom wink wink

{the green dots were those accepted to Stanford}

p.s.

last Thursday night was his Christmas concert

and it was a wonderful show!

(Kobe is very top right)

love you Kobe!

Believe in what your heart is saying
Hear the melody that's playing
There's no time to waste
There's so much to celebrate
Believe in what you feel inside
And give your dreams the wings to fly
You have everything you need
If you just believe . . .

sometimes all we need is a good soak

2011-12-02T18:59:00.000-08:00

note: this looks a lot like our Enzo but it's not,

however the way they both love a good belly rub makes me think they're brothers

it huffed and it puffed

2011-12-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

today we experienced hurricane force winds that wreaked havoc in our sweet Davis County

it has been a storm we will not forget

our power was out most of the day and night

school was cancelled today and Friday

we had no power at Madeleine L'Amour

Enzo was terrified

our statue in front of our home went bye bye along with the copper top on our home

however we did inherit our neighbor's trampoline

but the most upsetting to me

was to see the history of trees lost

we drove through neighborhoods that were just devastated

the bright side is that nobody was seriously injured

and that is a wonderful thing

making the magic happen

2011-11-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

one candy cane and chandelier at a time

our home is almost decorated and I have finally begun our Christmas shopping

which should be interesting

Kobe requested cash {no fun} and Jonny wants really expensive things {like father like son}

which means I need to get creative

because I love to make Christmas exciting with surprises without too much spoiling

I have a few ideas for this

love to hear yours too!

p.s.

my friend popped into the shop today and said that her 11-year-old son

mentioned that he would love a $8,000 motorcycle

which made me feel better about the $200 bike seat Jonny wants

she also gave me a great tip about gifting cash which I can't share here

in case of possible readers, but email me and I'll share

From our home to yours

2011-11-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Enzo will be back soon with another little holiday tour

he is excited to hear that his friend Tatiana thinks he should be on HGTV

he will work for ham, Wheat Thins, or Cheerios

Kobe recommends

2011-11-17T20:19:00.000-08:00

after Kobe finished The Hunger Games series he was in need of a good book

I took a recommendation from Elle and got him The Maze Runner

he devoured it

and gave it five stars

tomorrow I will get him the second book

if you enjoyed The Hunger Games give this series a try

and if you enjoy books of this genre and could recommend something for Kobe's Christmas

I would really appreciate it

he loves to read and I love that about him

p.s.

thanks Elle for the recommendation!

p.s.s.

Elle, Kobe asked me if perhaps you have a 13 year old sister?

because I love a red tutu . . .

2011-11-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

and a good cause

I will be here tomorrow

if you are in the area I would love for you to stop by

we are making a pointe to make it fabulous!

source: Repetto shoe store in Paris

Enzo gives a Christmas tour

2011-11-07T21:54:00.000-08:00

I might have eaten a few of these birds last year

and I have my eye on this one

which was discovered when my reflection was found in an ornament

thanks for visiting

love, Enzo

love list

2011-10-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous by Victoria Secret

my new favorite perfume

Tiffany's coming to Salt Lake City just in time for my spring birthday

even if I only get their signature mug (my tea will be happier in it)

that Ladurée has finally landed in the U.S.

now I really crave going back to the big apple

watch the Ladurée Dream and get excited for Christmas

that Christmas is just around the corner

tomorrow we receive a big holiday shipment at the shop

. . . and having all these girly loves in a home full of the most wonderful boys in the world

that let me be me

touchdown Enzo

2011-10-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

yesterday after two weeks at our new home

Enzo got to play football in the backyard

because our fence finally went in

he has had lots and lots of walks, but no running free until yesterday

he is a happy boy

Jonny rode his bike to our old house to retrieve a football he left behind

which made him even happier

Jonny won the award for taking him on the most walks

he even woke up at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday {during UEA break} to walk him

iphone photos taken from my car

Tuesday this was the first thing I saw when pulling up after work

it warmed my heart

live tv

2011-10-21T16:34:00.000-07:00

my Mom and I were on the Daily Dish this week

they happened upon our Madeleine blog

and invited us on to share our love of everything girly and French

they have asked us to come back

stay tuned for more info

Today Antelope Island

2011-10-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

tomorrow the Tour de France

{iphone photo sent moments ago}

I so love this little boy's love of cycling

it is him

our first nights

2011-10-09T22:17:00.000-07:00

we have slept our first two nights at our new home

the transition has been good

change is never easy and I think it will take awhile to feel like home

but so far so good

what I call our Phantom of the Opera chandelier is up

with about a million little crystals

that my Mom put together and still has the sore fingers to prove it

thanks Mom!

the first morning I woke up so exhausted that I didn't quite know where I was

my Dad created the greatest way to hide our DVR, yet leaving it exposed enough to operate

it's a custom shelf under my vanity

thanks Dad!

he also designed one into our white buffet

look at the tiny hole in our family room long white buffet

he hid all the components inside a drawer

now if I could only hide the Captain's tv,

but with all the girly crap he puts up with I better just be excited for him

my Mom brought me the softest white blanket tonight

which will come in handy because the boys like it cold and I froze last night

and our sweet doggie has returned

the last month has been rough on him

he noticed everything {especially his rugs} disappearing from our home and he was not happy

nor did he like unexpected guests and apparently he let them know

it got really bad one night a week ago and he got a pinched nerve in his neck and couldn't walk

stress was taking it's toll

but we have our old boy back

happy lazy Enzo

there have been so many people who have helped us with this move

we are so very grateful!!!

my parents, our good friend Rick, our old neighbors are the sweetest,

and we have met some nice new neighbors too

Jonny was even invited to night games last night

Kobe's friend from our old neighbor spent yesterday here which was wonderful

Cameron made it feel like home

and Tatiana stopping by with the prettiest pumpkin muffins was so lovely!

our many thanks!!!

We are calling her Madeleine

2011-10-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

Jonny thought that should be her name

and she will greet you when you come for a visit

our fountain is finally in and we are getting very very close

getting closer

2011-09-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

and getting the best of me

today the move has been stressful, but that's moving for you

just wanted all those out there who are in the same boat to know you have company

things are coming together

just not on my unrealistic time frame or without some hiccups

the Captain is still out of the country so this is his update

curtains hung in master; boy's rooms have bedding;

and I have moved a few pots and pans

yep, that's it

but the boys are healthy and happy and brought home near perfect grades

and they are so excited for this

my parents have a ping pong table that they love and now they have their own

which was an adventure on it's own

I found a family selling a brand new ping pong table for a great price

it had a black top {which I really wanted}

only problem: they live over an hour away and understandably couldn't hold it a day

so we took off way too late one night to surprise the boys

but it was totally worth it

they have already logged many games on it

oh happy day!

2011-09-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

it's official

my Mom only has 4 days before retiring from her long banking executive career

to become a full-time Madeleine girl

when I got to work this morning

I found this message from her on the mirror

and for those of you who have been asking what mollies are

I have been wearing these babies a lot these days

even to meet Mr. Lance Armstrong

here they are

comfy ruffled leggings

when my Mom popped into the shop before closing

look what she was wearing

I think we're both addicted

congratulations Mom!

I surprised her with this gold antique jewelry box when she announced her retirement

which is now in her room

what this means for us

she will be at the shop more {but working a lot less hours than what she is used to}

a lot less stress for her

more time for movies with my Dad

more time at home with the boys and the Captain for me

making after school cookies

more time to plan fabulous events at the shop

more time to dance

more walks with Enzo

all happy things!

we are excited!

a morning wherein a little boy's dream comes true

2011-09-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

this morning when we woke up we had no idea what was in store for us

it all began with an email from a former dance student letting us know that Lance Armstrong

was rumored to be competing in the Xterra Triathlon coming up at Snow Basin

she was right {thanks Lindsay!}

but then with our move and work I forgot all about it

until our neighbor John got us back in the loop

because he informed us of specific times we decided to try to make it

we left well after the competition had started and got there just in the nick of time

to see this

I thought it was going to be a very long shot to get a glimpse of Armstrong

but we got more than that

Jonny positioned himself by John so he could get a look at Armstrong on the high side of a curve

and then he raced down to the low side where I was positioned

Jonny got a little mountain rash on the way down to take home as his souvenir

I'm thinking this will be my Christmas card, Merry Christmas everyone, at least all you girls!

after the race we waited and watched the top three being interviewed

then just as Jonny said let's go we overheard someone saying that Lance may come out

he had not come out to interview with the winners

{probably out of respect because he would have taken the spotlight}

but he finally did appear

he was not out for very long, nor did he sign many autographs

but because of two young girls that took a liking to Jonny

Jonny was one of the lucky ones

we ran over to the side where he was signing but we were too far back

I started pleading to let the little boy through because there were all adults in front

the girls heard; grabbed his poster and pen; and pushed him through

you can see the young girl holding his marker

and here it is {thank you John for the poster}

event results

Nico Lebrum of France won (2:24:26)

Dan Hugo of South Africa was second (2:24:50)

amazingly injured Josiah Middaugh from Michigan came in third (2:25:37)

we later saw a female triathlete with the same road rash

I also overheard spectators starting to warn the late bikers coming through

of the gravelly area ahead (there was a really rough area)

Middaugh went inside for stitches

Lance came in fifth (2:29:25)

and gave us a great day to remember!

p.s.

I'm sad the Captain had to miss this! He's a huge fan too (like father like son),

but Jonny said he was going to share the poster with him

p.s.s. The Captain is in Italy so don't feel too sorry for him

Enzo goes to Orange Leaf

2011-09-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

after this loooooong week of work/moving I was looking forward to coming home and taking a bath

really just sitting down for one moment

but instead I received a call that we had a walk-through from 7:30-8:30 pm

which meant we needed to leave and take Enzo too

Kobe bailed to a friend's home {thanks Cameron} and Jonny, Enzo and I walked to Orange Leaf

Enzo didn't get a yogurt so after we went through the Burger King drive-through for him

I'm pretty sure he will now steer us in that direction for all of his walks

p.s.

I'm sorry that we surprised the guy by tapping on the window

but apparently the ordering station senses only cars

our home update

2011-09-20T13:13:00.000-07:00

the new carpet is in and we have begun moving some of our furniture

our beds are setup, a couch, my office desks, our kitchen table, my piano

and a few chairs and tables

today the television is being installed above the buffet

two special chandeliers have been rewired and hung

thanks to my Dad and the sweetest Madeleine customer

she gave us two of her Grandmother Josephine's antique chandeliers

and they match our master perfectly

ones hangs above our bed and one in my walk-in closet

this was such a nice gift because we are trying to stick to our budget

and I had already ordered chandeliers for our entry, kitchen and family room

but had not got anything for our master bedroom

more photos to come

my Dad has been a rockstar

he is at our home more than anyone

he has been working on a shed, lighting, gym floor, and tons of other little projects

he has even taken the time to involve the boys and teach them how to build

they have helped build the shed which has a built-in doghouse for Enzo

we want to make this a smooth transition for him

because he is the biggest baby in the family

Enzo goes to the bank

2011-09-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

seems like these days with bouncing back and forth between two homes

and working like crazy it has become a necessity to multi-task

so today when I needed to get Enzo out of the house for a showing

we walked to the bank drive-through

and I don't think they were crazy about it

they asked me to remove my sunglasses so they could see my face

never in a car have I been asked to remove my sunglasses

I guess I looked suspicious with this fierce dog

who has a bit of a bad reputation

it appears he is scary

which kind of makes me laugh

because you know the lion in the Wizard of Oz

our Enzo is 100 times more cowardly than that lion

he is afraid of just about everything

but it appears he doesn't like it when others come to visit

when his mommy is not home {he is a big momma's boy}

and so he barks and hides

we never hear him bark when we are home with him

but to be respectful to others

Enzo and I have lots of walks in our future

congratulations Captain!

2011-09-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

for finishing the Lotoja

206 miles, 7,915 feet of climbing, the longest day race in America

this is BIG!!!

While teaching dance this afternoon I receive this text from him:

126 miles down. 80 miles to go. All 3 mountains behind me. Feeling strong.

I turned to my dancer and said we needed to push harder.

congratulations to the Captain (in red)
and his friend Rick Tennant (in yellow)

you boys rock!

p.s.

The Captain's mini me rode twice today and pushed hard in preparation for his race someday.

a little home update

2011-09-05T23:13:00.000-07:00

over the weekend, with my parents help, we hung 21 pieces of art/mirrors

everything we hung we brought from our last home

and it translated well

tomorrow the landscapers begin and Friday we get carpet

we are getting very excited!

today my Dad built a little ledge so these mirrors won't slide off

then I added lace

in this home I get a bathroom all to myself

living with all boys this is a big deal

these are from my Grandmother's home

they used to hang in her bedroom and remind me of how much she loved pink

the Captain even got his airplane prints hung in his garage

more photos to come

thanks Mom and Dad

and neighbor John for lending your muscles

furniture and decor

2011-08-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

selected furniture and decor

for sale

at our old home

text or call for an appointment (801) 628-5364

anyone welcome

merci!

3 queen beds, dressers, chests, 2 couches, large chair, mirrors, desks and more

everything well below 1/2 of original price

making it home (part one of many)

2011-08-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

today while the Captain was flying I worked on our move to surprise him

because after he landed he headed to the emergency room

because of a pinched nerve/cycling related injury

and terrible pain

he's feeling a bit better but is pretty bummed that he might miss his next race

so I thought I would work extra hard

to give him something to smile about

we are getting new carpet next week so I focused on cleaning bathrooms today

I brought sentimental things to make it start feeling like home

the pink perfume bottle was a gift from the Captain from one of his trips

behind it is the vintage mirror I brought home from a special trip with my Mom to Farm Chicks

on this trip we decided to open Madeleine L'Amour

the Captain graciously gave me full reign of the master closet

I'm pretty excited about this!

taking photos helps me design and seeing this photo

has put drapes on the top of my list!

the black and white purse was my Mom's very first just be purse

which she gave me after Suzi and I became business partners

there is also a purse Suzi designed out of my Grandma's tablecloth

that I had made (one for me and one for my Mom) after she passed away

the very first thing I purposely brought into our home yesterday

were my grandma's dishes

they hold many childhood memories

there is still a lot to do

but the journey is always half of the fun

p.s.

forget all my girly crap {as Jonny refers to it}

this is what the boys will be most excited about

a stocked fridge

a new place to call home

2011-08-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

welcome to our new home

here are the views going up and down

today we began our move

I can hardly believe it

less than two weeks ago we didn't even know we were going to move

and now we have begun the process

we are excited to landscape and change a few things inside

to create our little French like chateau

Dear home,

2011-08-26T14:55:00.000-07:00

you are loved and you have served us well

so it is bitter sweet that we say goodbye

and move to a new home that is only a mile away

the boys will stay in the same schools; keep the same friends;

but we will miss being here

this has been our home and my home for a very long time

and it holds many precious unforgettable memories

my parents built this beautiful home when I was in the fifth grade

Shane came here to pick me up for dates and always loved it

so when they decided to build another home we decided to buy it

when Kobe was just one

even though we are excited for something new

this move is going to require lots of tissues

especially for me

an unforgettable night

2011-08-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

tonight was Kobe's first outdoor concert with the band

it was super cool

I was surprised how well they did because they have only been together for the summer

they were amazing!

Dear Kobe,

I am so proud of you!

You were amazing tonight and to see you this happy makes me happy.

I hope this is a night you will remember. I will. You have so many gifts.

Thanks for sharing your love of music with us.

Love, Mom

a little boy dreams

2011-08-25T13:17:00.000-07:00

the other day the Captain noticed Jonny riding his bike without his hands

on the handlebars but hovering slightly above them

he asked him what he was doing

his response

preparing for going across the finish line

this is what makes life awesome

it was so clear to him and so inspiring to me

love you Jonny!

note: thanks Graham Watson for an amazing photo

back to school

2011-08-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

for these two boys

Kobe who is now sporting braces started eighth grade today

and it's sixth grade for Jonny who broke out his new favorite cycling tee

perfect timing for Josh

2011-08-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Saturday was our wedding anniversary

and the Captain wanted to get me something romantic

so he took me to the Gateway to get an iphone

romantic right

but as we were parking the attendant asked

are you here for the concert or to shop?

Shane questioned,

who's in concert?

Josh Groban

then he turned to me and said something I can't repeat

basically that he was a loser and I should divorce him for not getting tickets

to my favorite singer in SLC on our actual anniversary

I laughed because

I actually love a great personality as much as romance

but then he did both

got my iphone and just by chance we ran over and were able to get tickets

great tickets

and Josh sang to us on our anniversary

and it was a big one

that's what happens when you are engaged at 18

can't believe I did that

but so happy I did

I was one smart 18 year old

I love my Captain!!!

{photos from inexperienced iphone user in a very dark arena}

we loved every single second of his concert

he is funny

off the charts funny

which you may not expect from this type of singer

but he is

and he was personal

walked through the audience and took questions

one girl asked what his dog did when he sang at home

he said

he rolls on his back, feet sprawled out, and looks a bit like a pornographic otter

funny right

and so talented I could cry

if you have the opportunity take it

and get yourself some tickets

thanks Captain!!!

playing in an outdoor concert

2011-08-16T21:42:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 25th
6:30 p.m.

more info to come

not just a bike ride

2011-08-15T21:10:00.000-07:00

Jonny is taking this cycling thing very serious

and I think it's adorable

tomorrow he has another great opportunity

photos coming home from his ride (training) tonight

he returned with red checks and ears

the roar of the motorcycles

2011-08-15T18:59:00.000-07:00

let you know that the cyclists were not far behind

and that was very exciting

as the peloton quickly approached

they are like a pack of hot calves

see what I mean

above is my favorite moment captured

George, or Georgie as I call him, is in the red jersey

Levi, in the yellow jersey, won the tour the next day!!!

I'm pretty sure he is using every single muscle in his legs and then some

we had so much fun cheering them on

they are all amazing athletes!

I heart Hincapie

2011-08-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

perhaps why I am a fan of the sport

Jonny knows he is my favorite and mocked me by saying

Mom, George touched me yesterday when signing my jersey

I said

I want him to touch me

it may not have come out right

but it is no secret that I heart George

Hincapie humbly assisted Armstrong in winning the Tour de France and is one of the oldest cyclists

which makes me respect him even more

p.s.

this is another amazing photo compliments of photographer John Perry

and this one is for me

Amazing

2011-08-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

yesterday was an amazing day from start to finish

it was our wedding anniversary

and the second to last day in the Tour of Utah

which we went to watch as a family

we positioned ourselves on the steep hill by the Capitol in SLC

the racers had to climb this hill and then the one to the University of Utah

ELEVEN TIMES!

I was snapping away trying to get a good photo for Jonny each time they rode by

when I made friends with an awesome photographer

shooting with better equipment and a much better knowledge of photography and the tour

I asked him if he would mind sharing a photo of Levi, one of Jonny's favorites,

and told him that he hoped to be riding in the tour someday

he emailed the above photo

one amazing rider & one amazing photo

thank you John!

I loved that John's wife was equally a fan

{more to come}

and his luck continues

2011-08-11T21:23:00.000-07:00

Monday when Jonny went to his favorite bike shop Biker's Edge

he was all decked out in his Liquigas/Cannondale biker gear

it is so cute how much he loves his Cannondale

and when Jonny loves something he really loves it

and apparently they took notice at the shop

because today when they were given a SIGNED hat from the Cannondale Team

they thought of one of their youngest fans

and wanted him to have it!!!

Jonny is now wearing his new favorite thing

and hanging in his room is a signed jersey from Lance Armstrong

wow is he lucky

and such a nice boy

Many thanks Biker's Edge and Captain's friend Rick

you have made Jonny's day times two!

a little Degas of my own

2011-08-05T20:05:00.000-07:00

my favorite piece of art is the Degas dancer

It is stunning in person and now I have a little version of it

to add my vintage dance collection

just a brown-paper package

2011-08-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

tied up with string

and it's contents are even more charming

here it is

my friend's new book fresh off the presses

congratulations Dallas!

I am so happy to be your Peaches

it is clever and charming and it's message is beautiful

loved that you included a little bit of Paris

Yvette is my favorite

and thank you for the lovely morning brunch at this beautiful French restaurant

we might be a bunch of posers

2011-08-02T22:50:00.000-07:00

our family in Boston the night before the big day

the next night arriving in NYC

the crowds parted for this new bride

the Captain not only carried our purses he did it with flare

I think he should be a calf model (apparently he feels the same)

why we needed free hands

the lady behind us is not humored

after the show we ran into a celebrity talking to the actors

he graciously posed with me

one of my favorite moments was doing a photoshoot with a celebrity photographer

and celebrity makeup artist for Smashbox cosmetics

the after party

2011-08-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

after the wedding we took a train from Boston

so that we could dance in the streets of New York

my Dad got a little jiggy with it

and the Captain got a lot of jiggy with it

a well-dressed musician played music for me and Kay to dance to

I thought Kris was just taking photos

there were jazz hands

and someone suggested finger gestures at one point

but this is the only way for me and my mom

mine is a turkey with nice pointer fingers from mom

we danced with friends from Brooklyn to celebrate

Dallas's published book and TJ's dance performance earlier that night

all to celebrate this wonderful couple

beauty

2011-07-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

on a beautiful day

in a beautiful dress

a beautiful couple

made beautiful vows

and married after seven beautiful years

congratulations Kris and Kay

we couldn't love you more!

the cutest

2011-07-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Palsson girls came for a visit from Texas

yesterday we took our boys and their girls to Boondocks

good odds for our boys

and they are sandwiched in the middle

Alyssa- Kobe- Kelsea- Jonny- Caitlyn

these gorgeous girls have adorable personalities and are so talented

they came back to our home and all three played the piano beautifully

Kobe played his guitar and Jonny flexed his biker calves

today the girls came to the shop for a little girl time

I love these girls like daughters

Jonny hopes daughter in laws wink wink

I would love that too

these three girls are precious

it was so much fun watching them dress up

more to come . . .

Woo Hoo!

2011-07-22T15:15:00.000-07:00

it's almost the weekend

wishing you a wonderful one!

p.s.

I'm loving these new sticker sets that arrived today

they include 160 individual glittered stickers

$16

taking a set home for me

have I mentioned that I like things that sparkle?

Madeleine L'Amour

2011-07-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

we will be having a lovely event tomorrow night

and would love for you to join us

6-8 p.m.

Amazing

2011-07-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

his center leap

his fouettes into perfectly centered pirouettes

his one handed handspring

amazing!

I was describing it to a friend who missed seeing it

and gave her every last detail

she said it sounds like you have it memorized

perhaps I do

because it was that good

Arms

2011-07-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

currently dancing to Arms by Christina Perri

love this song

enjoy

source: National Geographic

Madeleine L'Amour

2011-07-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

will be open late tomorrow

July 13th 11-7

bring a girlfriend and receive 20% of an item of choice