Good Ol' T.O.

I'm so happy my parents decided to stay!! This is seriously the best place to grow up. So, in tribute of quite an emotional roller-coaster this last week thinking I'd never get to go back and have a "home" in Thousand Oaks. I've decided to list some things I love about it!

1) WEATHER - Seeing as I'm roasting in 100+ degree weather right now, it's no surprise, this would be on the list. Plus, you really can't beat the great utside-all-the-time environment!

2) FAMILY & FRIENDS - These are coupled, because you can't have one without the other. Especially in a place where everyone truly feels more like family than just friends.

3) SCENERY - Beautiful blue skies, Oak trees (of course), green grass, gardens, fountains, lakes, ponds, rolling hills, (Tarantula mountain), parks, hiking trails, sunsets (can't beat AZ, though), I'm sure there's more, just getting tired.

4) BEACH - Just 30-minute drive to Malibu. It was great! I can't tell you how many times I just wanted to get out of school early on Friday and go to the beach. It was almost like an itch in the air to get done with school and go to the beach, especially with the surfers.

5) TOPPER'S PIZZA - I loved hanging out there after football games. I have a lot of memories there! Plus, the pizza is good!!

6) SHOPPING - Topanga, Santa Monica, Ventura, Westlake,
7) ENTERTAINMENT - Not much to do right in Thousand Oaks, (Jack in the Box) but your surrounded with options: Santa Barbara, Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade, Universal City Walk, Disneyland, Magic Mountain, Comedy Clubs.

8) CELEBRITIES - I'll never forgot how fun it was when we T-P'd Will Smith's house...well we couldn't get to his house of course, but we made sure to decorate the fence. :)

and maybe I'll add on 2 more when I'm not so tired. :) Please, all you T.O. people out there, add to the list about your favorite things. Shout out to my best friends..you know who you are.

Friendly Update

So, I figured it was time for another post, however, without a working camera, I'm a little shy of cute pictures to display. Lately Jace has been showing his sensitive side. It's so sweet! Like yesterday, he saw someone crying on a movie and he walked over to the box of tissues, grabbed them, sat down and started wiping his eyes while fake crying. How funny is that!!! And any time he sees a baby, he says, baby, ohhhh. I love it. Other news, his mimi and bumpa got him a GUITAR! So, now he doesn't have to pretend with a drumstick, wooden spoon, crayon, etc. I'll be sure to post pics when I can of him rocking out.

As for me, work is going along smoothly. I've been busy at work doing what I enjoy most, which is the marketing/PR side of things. We'll be moving to a new showroom in September so I'll be going part-time so I can be with Jace! I can't wait. The real job I love is being a mother and seems like I will appreciate it so much when i finally get to do it full-time. :) So, until next time, nothing too exciting here, but life seems to always be changing.

The Power of...

MUSIC
Most anyone that knows me, also knows that I love music...singing it, dancing to it, listening to it, playing it on the piano...etc. However, lately I've realized how much I've missed music. It's crazy, before I was married, I can't count how many times I would just listen to music for the fun of it... studying the scriptures, just to rock out all alone in my bedroom, blast it while driving or motivate me while I'm cleaning the bathroom.

But, somewhere along the way I stopped letting music move me. Whether it was not having as many opportunities to dance around with a fake microphone, not driving as much or getting too busy with life itself, I'm not sure. But, I have these fleeting moments when I remember why I love music so much.

You can be having the worst day or have so much on your mind, and a song comes on the radio that just makes you feel alive again and reminds you of everything you have around you. It's like the sky wasn't as blue before you heard that song. And, isn't it crazy how one song can take you all the way back in time to that one moment or that exact feeling years before?

So, that's my profound thought for the day...music has the power to make you smile and see the world from a new perspective. And by the way, a couple songs that have made me smile lately are.... Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie, Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae & Do You Know- Enrique Iglesias. Funny huh, but seriously, these songs just get under your skin and you can't help but love life. So, maybe listen to one, count your blessings and rock out!

P.S. Just watched Jill's blog with Paul Potts and THAT was moving!!!!

Picture Perfect

Just a week ago, our digital camera broke. We've had it for over 2 years, but still...it seems like it should last longer than that. But just like all things in life, a closed door...opens a window. And in this case, a new camera! So, has anyone heard anything about the Cannon Power Shot A710 IS? It seems like an excellent camera with a lot of great features! So, if any of you out there have a recommendation for a great digital camera...I'm all ears. Price is obviously a large factor. :) Thanks. Can't wait to hear what you all use.

Sprawling From Grace, Driven To Madness

I like this video because it points out what is wrong with our cities and society. As a Planner, this is what I study, and I love it. It is a promo to a movie coming out soon about how we build, what it cost etc. It brings out the fundamental problems in how we think we should live the "American Dream". Enjoy, and if anyone has questions about this, I would love to share.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

I just wanted to give a shoutout to the best daddy anyone could ask for! Heath is such an example to me in how much he loves and spends time with Jace. They play drums together, guitar, listen to music, watch CARs, play on the computer, dig in the dirt, play basketball, and Jace's recent favorite...baseball.

For some reason, Heath knows just how to make Jace laugh. I love it! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful daddy for Jace. He has been especially helpful this summer as he's been Mr. Mom! I get home from work and the house is clean, Jace is happy and fed and I find out about all the adventures they went on that day.... Home Depot, grocery store, the park, etc. Even though our circumstances have been hard with my job, I am so happy that we have Heath to watch Jace this summer instead of a daycare. It was the right decision. So, Happy Father's Day Heath. We love you!!!!! love, Stacey and Jace.

On the lot - Lucky Penny

I thought this movie was pretty funny. Hope you enjoy the irony.

Shade Clothing

I just got a new bathing suit from Shades. I love it! Too bad they are almost out of all the cute styles. Be sure to check out their web site often because they are always coming out with new styles and close out deals. Let me know if you need a personal shopper code. :) www.shadeclothing.com

Golfer in the Making

Jace is testing out his new golf set He is seriously so good at golf. He swings with such accuracy. It cracks me up! He's a natural at sports. He must have gotten that from his daddy and grandpa. I'm going to try and post a video of his recent golf achievements. It's so fun to watch.

Two and Terrific

Who ever said, the two's are terrible? Jace is so much fun at this age. He's old enough to understand how to play together...and yes, old enough to know how to throw a fit. We had such a fun "Cars" Birthday party with my family in California. I can hardly believe how fast time flies. This birthday was harder than the first for me because now he is really not my baby anymore.

Favorite Sports to Play
Golf, Baseball, & Basketball

New Sayings
Wow, look at that!
Yes, I did it!
I got you!
More Please
I Wuv You

Quirky Habits
Playing the guitar constantly
Making drums out of anything you can imagine
Cooking at his play kitchen
Watching the movie, Cars & Wheel of Fortune
Jabbering so much gibberish but a lot of new words

Great Duet

Jace and his cousin, Haylee had a grand time playing on the piano together. How cute is this picture!!!