Brotherly Love

Being away from family is hard. As much as I try to make it sound like it's no big deal there are days I would like nothing more than to be able to hang out with my brothers, go shopping with my mom or watch countless hours of Dancing With the Stars with my father because we're the only two who like that sort of thing. Today I logged onto my Facebook account and saw a post from my brother that said:

Steph we need to chat more I'm slowly forgetting I have a married sister and I'm tired of feeling like a terrible person for forgetting :(

Oh Chris thank you for making me laugh. I think I will call you right now so you may be able to remember who I am.

Lucky Doesn't Even Cover It

While in his business class yesterday Jakob's professor asked the 180 students to write down 10 of their goals followed by 10 more. He then asked them to highlight their top three, then their #1. He went down the front row of the class and asked them to share their number one goal. They replied get my masters, graduate, own a house, become successful in my career, and so on. He then said I can see there is a reoccurring trend but I think we need to hear a few more. He then pointed at Jakob and asked the same question: What is your number one goal in life? Jakob replied: To make her smile everyday. No sooner had the words escaped from between his lips when all of the girls sighed "Awe!" The professor then asked: And have you found her? I truly am the luckiest girl in the world!

L. A, (Lack of Apprise)

On the Tobler party line 2 weeks ago, Kyle (Tobler brother #2) had suggested to Jakob that we meet them in L.A for the weekend. Last Sunday on the party line the suggestion was once again presented to us and Jakob and I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to spend some time with them if we could both clear our schedules. After some rearranging we rented a car a drove down to L.A. for a two night visit. Only they had no idea that we were even coming!

SURPRISE!!!!

I was under the impression that Jakob had spoken to Kyle and he was under the impression that I had spoken to Kim however neither of us felt the need to check just to be sure. I was so embarrassed to have just shown up on their step and 12:15 in the morning. Talk about humiliating!! Regardless Kyle and Kim were super accommodating and as always very sweet, we had a wonderful time!!

I have no idea what came over me but these are the only 2 pictures that we took! We spent the afternoon with Kimberly while Kyle interviewed at USC. The three of us went to this MASSIVE museum and I bet we only looked at about 1/4 of it. We left however feeling very cultured. After picking up Kyle we braved the L.A. traffic (which is ridiculous Jakob and I have vowed to never live in L.A.) to check into the next hotel in Santa Monica. It was only a few blocks away from the beach which was super cool and there was a faris wheel right on the beach.

It amazed me how fast the weather changes in L.A One minute it was warm and sunny and just like that (insert fingers snapping here) it was fogged right over. So instead of driving we walked to looking for a place to eat dinner in the nippy ocean air. (Let's remember I live in VEGAS now. If it dropps down below 80 I'm cold.) We stumbled upon Buca De Beppos and asked for a table for 4. After hearing it was a 45 minute wait we all said forget it and went on our merry way. Half way down the street the manager yells after us and says that they could seat us right now if we wanted to be in the kitchen. It was quite unique it was just like any other booth but instead of being surrounded by other tables we were right in front of the line watching our food being made. Slightly Strange but Very Cool.

We had a wonderful time even though it was short and unexpected. Next time I vow that I will check and recheck to make sure all parties are informed of our plans. Thank you to Kyle and Kim for being so wonderful! We love you guys and can't wait to see you all at Christmas!!

I Only Have Eyes For You

For awhile now I have been considering getting some new glasses. My old pair is a few prescriptions behind and I thought it was time for an upgrade, only I didn't want to fork out upgrade prices. I was so excited when Rachel (sister-in-law and a kindred spirit when it comes to deals) posted about this super cheap site for glasses. Here I am getting ready to head of to work sporting my brand new specks. I absolutely love them!! I have started an addiction that I am unable to contain, but they're so cheap how could one not go a little crazy?

Happy Birthday Jenna!

When I asked Jenna what she wanted for her birthday I didn't even mention the picture Jakob painted but I thought that I needed to do something for her. At once she said that she wanted a monkey hat. Done and done I thought, it's super easy, quick and adorable! That is my idea of a great birthday present. I made some variations on hers however. I wasn't all that fond of the ear covers so I scrapped those. I made the red "hat" part bigger, made the mouth curve a little bit, and put tan on the inside of the ears. Personally I like it better. Don't we look cute in our hats? Happy Birthday Jenna! I love you!

Raw Talent

It was my friend Jenna's birthday back in August however with so much going on in both of our lives we weren't able to see each other until this past Friday. Crazy!! Anyways, one day she came over and saw the painting that Jakob gave me for Valentines Day and she said she wanted one. Perfect birthday present. I'm so excited to finally be able to show off what Jakob's done!

I love watching Jakob paint. There is something so calming about it. I love seeing how talented he is! He boggles my mind. Yes, I am crafty but artsy no way. I can hardly draw stick figures. Some would say it takes a degree of talent to paint a screaming child's face which I would have to agree, but at the end is just a face paint, it in no way compares to what my husband is able to accomplish with just a pencil and some water colors.

The image to the left is "Robert Best's" version of Barbie. We loved the green dress so Jakob kept it fairly similar.

The mini girl to the right was his trail and error girl.

Tada! Here's the artist with the final embossed and signed copy for Jenna. She loved it which made him oh so very happy. He's now starting to organize his own website so he can sell paintings. I'll post more information on that as it unfolds.

Isn't she stunning? I'm so proud of Jakob! It was really hard to part with the original but she was painted specifically for Jenna and I know she'll love her. I can't wait to see what Jakob decides to do next! Happy Belated Birthday Jenna!!!

Vegas, Baby!

Two days ago Jakob and I finally got to go on our much needed date. For awhile now we have wanted to go and see "Vegas! The Show." It is a musical featuring artists that originally made Vegas popular. Several famous artists such as Frank Sinatra, Sunny and Cher, Elvis, and Tina Turner were impersonated in a tribute to talent.

Before we got there however we went to Capos Italian restaurant for more of the experience than the food. Mind you, the food was good, this isn't just a regular restaurant, the door is hidden and there is a heavy mobster atmosphere and everyone is telling you to just "forget abaut it." I shall not spoil all of the secrets for it would take away from the experience but I will say that we had a wonderful time. There was even a Italian gentleman who sang some good ol' Frank Sinatra and dedicated it to the customers. I would have taken some pictures but it had a no flash photography vibe if ya know what I mean.

Then we were off to see the show...

What Jakob and I loved was the size of the theater... small!! Every seat in the house was a good seat and you could see everyone's expressions on stage. Fabulous! Granted we were by far the youngest couple to attend seeing as how most of these people died before we were even born but I am proud to say that I recognized most of them. The real treat however was being able to see our friend Adam Dyer. He was one of the 4 male dancers. You wouldn't have guess it however in this photo (which I also stole from online because you couldn't take pictures) he's the one almost front and center (in the lunging position). He is one of the most humble men I have ever encountered with an enormous wealth of talent. It was a true pleasure to watch him perform and do what he loves.

On a side note Jakob and I wandered into a little shop called Bettie Page. I would strongly advise looking at some of her dresses. I vow that I will make and wear most of them. Jakob has decided that I will single handily bring the 60's back and I agree. Freaking stunning!

Pretty In Pink

This is our darling new niece Lucia Tobler. She was born on August 28th, isn't she precious?!?

Jakob and I love our nieces and dear nephew so much! We always look forward to Tobler gatherings so we can see how big they've gotten or new things that they've learned. I just had to make a quilt for the newest Tobler addition. Janet asked for it in pink and purple and it just screamed girl! This time around however I had 9 months to make the quilt instead of 7 days. So much better! I am very pleased with the end result.

We once again send our congratulations to Chad, Janet, Violet and of course Lucia. We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon! Love you!!

A baby is sunshine and moonbeams and more brightening your world as never before.
-- Author Unknown

Reading Frenzy!

As per several peoples recommendations I jumped on the Hunger Games bandwagon and I was hooked. I use the word was because I finished each book in a day. The last and final book of the Hunger games trilogy came out on August 24th and I just had to get it. 24 hours later I was finished. I think I'll have to read them all again to pick up on all of the details that I missed the first time because I simply flew through them, nevertheless, I would highly recommend these books to those who are looking for something to sink their teeth into. I was just as addicted to these as I was Twilight. Susan Collins did a fantastic job... the third one was alright, just not what I was expecting. Alright enough beating around the bush... just read them.