I'm going to miss you...

On Thanksgiving morning, one of my close friends and boss, Clint Hubbard, passed away in a tragic accident. He was leaving a bar on Wednesday night, and was in an altercation with a couple that was walking to their car. He got punched in the face - one time - and that one punch, bursted a blood vessel in his head and he was left brain dead. His family took him off life support on Saturday, after donating all of his organs. Clint was an amazing boss and and an even better friend. I had the pleasure of working for him the past 2 and 1/2 years as his assistant. He made work so much more enjoyable for me. He was always making everyone around him smile and had such a contagious laugh. He treated me like a little sister, which of course meant that he teased me all the time. But he also looked out for me and always made me feel appreciated. He would always joke about giving me weekly "bonuses" for all my hard work - which were usually nothing more than a paper clip or a nickel that he would throw at me from across his office. He would often take Amber and I out to lunch to California Fish Kitchen and we would have a great time just hanging out and talking.

Today was the first day back to work since the Thanksgiving break. Staring at his empty office across from me, absolutely breaks my heart. I so badly want him to walk around the corner and for this all to be a big joke. Amber and I, and some of Clint's closest friends, went to California Fish Kitchen today to eat lunch together in memory of Clint. It definitely wasn't the same without him.

Clint - We had such a special friendship and I am going to miss you so much! You were way too young and had such a bright future ahead of you. You brightened my day and made my job so much more fun. I will miss the paper clips and coins that you threw at me more than you know. This office will never be the same without you. I know you are in a better place now and I hope you can look down on us and know how dearly you will be missed by everyone. We love you and will never forget you!

Love,
Kimberly "aka - Michael Johnson"

Genius!!

So I was looking at some of my friends' blogs this morning and came accross this amazing picture on Megan Spiers' blog. This is pure Genius! If only I had thought of this during my college years at UCSB!! I mean who wouldn't want a gallon of diet coke straight to the dome? Beer is so overrated anyways...

Happy Friday!

Happy Birthday Grandpa

My grandpa and I - I was probably 12 years old

My grandpa and I dancing at my wedding

Today is my Grandpa's 77th birthday. Sadly, he passed away just under 3 months ago in a boating accident while visiting family in Alaska. These past few months have been very hard for me. There are many moments when it suddenly hits me that he's gone...

Being the oldest grandchild, I was fortunate enough to have him in my life for 26 years. He was the best Grandpa a girl could have! He was such a big part of my life growing up. He always made it to all my soccer games, ballet recitals, award ceremonies, birthday parties, and any other important moments in my life. He had such a great sense of humor and was always telling stories and making me laugh. He lived such an amazing life and devoted so much of his time to serve the Lord and help others in need. He was such a good role model to my brothers on how to be a good father and grandfather.

The hardest part of losing him is knowing that he won't be around to see my kids. I wish so bad that my kids could have the chance to meet him and know how special he was to all of us. He would have been an amazing great-grandpa!

Since this tragedy happened, I have been reminded not to take my family (or anything in life) for granted. More than ever, I have realized how important family is and to enjoy every moment you have with them becuase you never know when it will be your last.

I miss you more than you know Grandpa - Happy Birthday!

Love,
your grandaughter
xoxo

Charlee

This is what I saw when I came out of the shower yesterday morning. Charlee had crawled to the foot of the bed becuase she wanted to be cozy under the covers. When she heard me get out of the shower, she poked her head out to watch me get ready. I just couldn't help but get a picture. So cute...

PS. Don't pay attention to the matress...all of our new bedding from the wedding is king size and we are still waiting to get our new bed! So ugly, I know!

Pretty Girl

Before I had a dog of my own, I would always make fun of the people who would dress up their dogs and take them out in public. I hate it even more when I see women pushing their dog in a stroller around the lake or at Fashion Island. What the heck is that about?? I mean seriously - stop torturing your dogs and wait until you have kids to play dress up and push them in strollers!

Then I got a dog...

And since Halloween is here, I just had to get Charlee a Halloween costume. I didn't stop there. We also got her this adorable little bandana - which she happily wears around the house. She looks so cute with it on! She even let me get some pictures of her in it. Thanks for being a good model Charlee.

P.S. I will never be the mom that puts you in a doggy stroller!

Blake and Casey's Halloween Party

Me and the convict - aka Frank

Me and Clark Kent - aka Kody

The hosts - Blake and Casey

Me and Sexy Football Player - aka Nicole

Sexy Cop - aka my soccer friend Kelly

Nicole and Rebecca

The contest winners - Kody and Nicole

Saturday night, our friends Blake & Casey threw a Halloween Party. Andrew had to work so I went with Nicole and Rebecca. All three of us dressed up...I was a Flapper, Nicole was a 50's girl and Rebecca was Sandy from Grease. When we got to the party, we were surprised at how scandelous some of the girl's costumes were! They had a contest for best costume and sexiest costume...obviously, the three of us girls didn't stand a chance against sexy cop, sexy race car driver and sexy football player! Blake and Casey had trophies made for the winners...they were so cute!

The rest of the night, we mingled with some old friends and ate yummy Halloween cupcakes that Casey made. It was a fun party and I'm glad I got a chance to dress up. I really liked my costume this year and I think I will wear it again next year!

I'm looking forward to Halloween this Saturday when we go trick-or-treating with our neice and nephew. Even little Charlee will have a costume. I will be sure to post pictures of that...it will be interesting to see how long she will stay in her costume.

Over the Top

I was reading my friend Kristy's blog this morning and noticed that she picked me as one of her top 6 favorite blogs to read! So I had to answer the following questions:

1. Where is your cell phone... on my desk

2. Your hair... needs a change!

3. Your mother... is one of the sweetest people I know

4. Your father... always knows how to make me laugh

5. Your favorite food... Italian

6. Your dream from last night... can't remember

7. Your favorite drink... Diet coke

8. Your dream/goal... to be able to stay home with my kids and also being an event coordinator part time

9. What room are you in... 5th floor at my work...wishing I was in my bedroom sleeping

10. What is your hobby... wedding coordinating and scrapbooking

11. What is your fear... losing my husband

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years... living in a house somewhere with my hubby and, hopefully, 2 kids

13. Where were you last night... at home watching a movie and hanging with my dog

14. Something you are not... good at saving money

15. Muffins?... zucchini walnut from Starbucks are the best!

16. Wish List items... a house cause I'm sick of apartment living

17. Where did you grow up... Orange/Mission Viejo

18. Last thing you did... went downstairs with Claudia to get a latte

19. What are you wearing... dress pants, a black tank top, a black jacket and black heels

20. Your TV.... is how I relax when I'm exhausted

21. Your pets... are a pain in the butt sometimes but worth it!

22. Your friends... are the best a girl could have

23. Your life... is pretty amazing. I feel blessed.

24. Your mood... tired. I hate Mondays

25. Missing someone... my Grandpa

26. Vehicle... just got a car wash, and now its starting to rain! I hate when that happens...

27. Something your not wearing... socks

28. Your favorite store... Target...Forever 21 is a close 2nd

29. Your favorite color... is turquoise (at least for right now)

30. When's the last time you laughed... about 10 minutes ago

31. When's the last time you cried... a week ago, like I said, I miss my Grandpa

32. Your best friend... there is more than one

33. One place you go over and over...Starbucks

34. One person who emails me regularly... my mom

35. Favorite place to eat?... Bagels N' Brew

Thanks for tagging my Kristy - I promise to do better at updating my blog so it is more deserving of this award!