Life is wicked good

2011-12-29T20:54:00.000-08:00

This has to be the cutest video ever. I'm sure my new year's eve will consist of staying up until ~~ten~~ midnight and then straight to bed. This year I do have an excuse though with church being the next day. So yeah, that's my reason.

2011-09-25T17:45:00.000-07:00

It is hard to describe to someone what hugging my dad felt like. Two long, sturdy arms would wrap around and hold you so close. His large frame enveloped you as you held on to something that felt immovable, strong and solid. You were safe, calm, protected from the world around you. I loved being surrounded in that peace and knowing how much he cared for me. With a multitude of moments missed, I miss that most of all.

Last weekend I had the chance to go to one of his favorite places. He had spent the last few years of his life transforming a run down boy scout camp into wooded haven where young women could camp. I never shared his passion for the camp or the outdoors for that matter (stemming mainly to my aversion to mosquitoes), but I did admire the camp for its peaceful surroundings.

And although I haven’t been canoeing since dinosaurs roamed the earth, I decided on that day to go with my friend. After a few wobbly minutes and reorientation, we fell into a quiet pattern and were able to enjoy the scene around us. As I looked around, I was struck with the beauty of the evergreen trees. Their long, sturdy branches were held outstretched, standing tall and firm surrounding the perimeter of the lake. Nothing seemed like it could break the fortress these trees created between me and the world outside. And as the boat glided calmly through the water, I felt safe. I felt protected. I felt close to my dad.

The Artist

2011-09-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

I don't want you to think that all I do with my time is watch movie trailers...but this looks wicked awesome.

Despite the anachronism of using "Sing Sing Sing" in the beginning of the trailer (To get all jazz nerdy on you, that song came out in the mid-thirties and this movie is set in the late twenties) I would love to see this movie. I am already mesmerized by the actors and the emotions they can display without any speech. It comes out in November, hopefully in a theater close by. Fingers crossed!

I couldn't resist

2011-07-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

I promise this is not going to become a blog dedicated to all things Swanson (although who could complain), but seriously... could this be more awesome?

You can get it here for FREE. Yeah, that's how it got more awesome.

I'm not the favorite anymore

2011-07-27T22:32:00.000-07:00

When was the switch from my baby boy to this little man?

I'm not the favorite anymore. I went over my sister's to play with the nephews, and while they were happy to see me, I could tell I was the opening act. The boys were taking turns having me read to them and everything was running smoothly. Suddenly the front door opened and a familiar voice called out hello. A chorus of hosannas pealed forth from the boys like Santa Claus had just walked in.

"'Untle' Gavin?" Carter ran to the stairs to greet him. Hamilton also chimed in his delight and immediately requests were made to have a wrestle. I was left on the couch alone to find out what Elmo's favorite letter possibly could be. For I ask you, who would choose books over wrestling?

It's all right. I can handle it. I know they still love me... I. can. be. strong.

And I think Untle Gavin is pretty cool too. I couldn't ask for a better brother.

you had me at meat tornado

2011-07-25T17:23:00.000-07:00

Can I even describe how much I love Ron Swanson? It's incredible. So is this video:

Best 7 minutes of my life. Can't wait for Parks & Rec to come back in September.

found here.

my birthday boy

2011-07-11T21:49:00.000-07:00

As many of you know I share my birthday with my adorable nephew. It was one of the best birthday gifts I ever got. Well little H loves hats. He LOVES hats. See example above.

So I decided to make him his own custom baseball cap. One red cap, some tapestry needles and a bundle of blue embroidery floss later we were ready. I decided on the Copperplate font because it wasn't too fancy and I wanted it to look as professional as possible.

Because I am such a professional, I used scotch tape to hold the letter in place while I traced it with a ballpoint pen. Classy. Maybe I should spell that with a K. Like I said, Klassy.

I separated the floss in half so I would get three strands per length and then went to town. Two episodes of Wives and Daughters later we had ourselves a customized baseball cap.

I am pretty sure he liked it. He wouldn't take the hat off the whole day. One of my favorite moments of the day was putting him to bed in just a diaper (it was wicked hot out) and he was still insisted on wearing the baseball cap.

And please excuse my glistening forehead. Like I said it was wicked hot.

another year older and wiser too

2011-07-11T21:19:00.000-07:00

I went out with some of the ladies for a birthday dinner. It was thoroughly enjoyable, (minus having to sit on a saddle in front of the entire restaurant) but what I truly enjoyed was everyone coming back to my place for some cake and punch. My dear friend, Ashlee, made this ombre cake for me. She fashioned it after one that we have been drooling over at Call Me Cupcake. What made my night the most is that we did not even plan this little tablescape. It all came together in five minutes for things I had around the house. I rescued that vintage punch bowl set from the big yard sale Ma had a few weeks ago and I am so glad I did. I have always had a soft spot for it, but I hadn't seen it since I was little. I thought we had already given it away! Don't you love the matching glasses?

I need a hero

2011-06-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Shauna, pencil me in to your day planner because I think I know what we're doing October 14. Behold:

found via yahoo

I have seen this gem numerous times not just as a film, but in the theater my friend -- the stage. My sister tread the boards in the show not once but two times. Never has eighties fashion looked finer.

And nothing has made me laugh so hard as to watch Bret from Flight of the Conchords recreate Kevin Bacon's solo dance. As my family calls it my Oral-B Reach Top laugh came out. Does anyone remember that commercial?

video found here

keep the scissors hidden

2011-06-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

My hair is finally a little past my shoulders, but these photos have been lurking on my desktop for a little while. Curse you Michelle Williams and your adorable hair. Why do you taunt me so?

(That last pic is not really a great hair shot, but I am in love with that dress.)

More beautiful photos from this shoot found here via tom and lorenzo

sneak peek

2011-06-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Into my little world...

cousins

2011-05-31T18:29:00.000-07:00

Let's just say I have an awesome job being the coolest auntie ever.

2011-05-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

The sun finally came out this afternoon. It was a welcome sight after all the rain this week. Courtney & I took a 50 minute walk around town and when we came home I made dinner. As you can see IT. WAS. DELICIOUS. Shout out to miss molly b with the Hoodsies ice cream. I don't know why, but they just remind me of her. Oh, did I mention I finished the evening watching All About Eve? Some days can start awful and end up heavenly. Isn't that the best?

mother's day

2011-05-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

I was in charge of dessert.

Cute sign print-outs found here.

Remember that scene?

2011-05-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

found here

Remember that scene in Cinderella when Gus Gus was a greedy little mouse with the corn and Lucifer was after him?

Well that was me at Target tonight. I went in for one thing and of course left with: a 12 pack of diet root beer, seven bags of frozen fruit, two clearance lean cuisines, and a desk calendar. So I was hauling it from the produce department to the check out line when my "Lucifer" showed up. And by that I mean that the grey tights I was wearing tonight started to make the slow downward journey to my ankles.

So let us recap eleven plus items in my arms, frozen fruit bags that keep falling to the ground and every time I would bend down to grab them I would lose a half inch in my battle to keep my tights around my waist. So all around stellar night.

Thank you Target for reducing me to the same antics as an overweight cartoon mouse. It was a proud night. One for the journal.

Is it sad...

2011-05-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

that while listening to Pandora Radio this morning Marvin Gaye came on singing "I Heard it Through the Grapevine" and all I could picture were little raisins with sunglasses dancing around?

goodbye dear friend

2011-04-26T21:51:00.000-07:00

Well, dear friend, you are gone. You and your comrades were gleefully put into my hands by someone very special. How could I deserve such happiness? Chocolate and cinnamon combined into the shape of a teddy bear. Genius.

Sadly, we have parted. I thought it might have been sooner, but I exhibited such self control. I kept you in my life as long as I could possibly stand, using you to keep my emotions at bay. What are good friends for? You've done your job my friend.

Till we meet again,

Shelby

2011-04-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

Jason found a set of Dad's scriptures in his work van. It was a happy/sad moment. More happy than sad. I'm so glad I have them.

In other good news, spring is coming. I can't tell you how much I love spring.

Especially spring at the temple.

And the best news of all Shauna, Mom & the kids are coming back from PA today. Hallelujah.

finding the happy

2011-04-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

There is going to be a little series on this blog. I'm trying to find the good in my life as it is very easy to focus on the bad that has come lately. As I write, I am burning my sea salt candle and watching Tangled. It's not even my own copy and I have watched it five or plus times in the past few weeks. I may or may not tear up at watching the sad king right before they do the lantern thing. Don't judge me. This little image is my happy moment today. I bought some tulips at our local supermarket where you get "more for ya dollah."

I don't know if you see it, but there is a little bit of blush pink on the tulips. This makes me wicked happy.

Another thing that makes me wicked happy -- DIY projects. I know I feel like everyone else and their cousin jumping on this bandwagon, but I can't help it. It gives me a creative release that surprisingly I don't find answering phones at the Routes. Here is a table that I am in the process of re-doing.

Before

Now don't be distracted by my very elegant table setting. When I first moved into my apartment I threw a very exclusive dinner party for some VIP's. Okay, so only Mom and Ashlee.

Long story longer I bought some IKEA chairs off of Mom and I decided the table needed some improvements.

After

So I got a tester sample of Martha Stewart's Glass of Milk and three dollars and 5 coats of paint later, we got this. I want to do some black detailing, but I am kind of stuck on what I should do. A simple border? Some geometric element? Let me know what you think. Stay tuned for my next edition of "finding the happy." Hopefully it will be a regular occurrence.

keeping a promise

2011-04-16T18:43:00.000-07:00

I promised my brother I would post this video. This one goes out to my nephew, Charles Harrison.

Pops

2011-03-24T21:39:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, my dad passed away unexpectedly. To be very cliche, I have felt like I have been on a roller coaster. Experiencing wonderful blessings of peace, love and acceptance and then crying myself to sleep because I want him to be here with me so badly. I love my dad so much. He worked so hard at what ever responsibility was given to him, whether it be his family, church or his job. I have had a very secure life because of his handiwork.

I don't want to share my experiences of the last two weeks because they truly have been sacred. But I think the reason I am writing this is to reassure myself of my testimony in the gospel. The Lord is aware of us. Strength is found is keeping His commandments and turning to Him. I know we hear that every Sunday, but truly when I had no where else to go, I prayed for help and I was given it.

I was having a good day today, aka not crying, and then the late night pondering came. I was staring at my scriptures telling myself "You need to read them" and I finally gave in and opened to Alma 7. I read these two verses:

11And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

I am grateful for the scriptures and the comfort I find in them.

I am grateful for the Savior's Atonement.

I know in my times of distress, He has known how to succor me.

second sighting

2011-03-11T12:09:00.000-08:00

Leather Do-rag came into our shop again today. He brought in another friend who needed glass for a "fish tank". How many friends can one person have who have "fish tank" needs? I don't know if he is expecting a commision or a tip for all of these glass referrals. I believe I already gave him one. Stop wearing a leather do-rag.

2011-03-09T19:38:00.000-08:00

This is my new mantra for 2011.

Dear Sir

2011-02-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

You have frequented my work's showroom a few times and I have a suggestion for you. Well I have many, but I'll share just one. Please stop wearing a leather do-rag. I will outline a couple of reasons why:

a.) you're white

b.) you're over 40

c.) it is not doing its intended job of hiding when the last time you washed your hair. Probably 2010.

d.) last time I checked this isn't 19th century England and you're name isn't Alfred P. Doolittle.

Sincerely,

Ms.Office Manager

this one's for heather

2011-02-09T17:08:00.000-08:00

So I have been packing and I came upon some old family photos. So here it is for posterity:

My First Date

Is that a rat tail you see? Why yes it is. My summer months were mainly spent at the Kane household where they had a lovely cafe (as you can see from the purple menu in the background). The young beau beside me is wearing a borrowed button up from Hezzie's dad. I am sporting a ruffled mandarin collar and puff sleeves. It is a comfort to know that some things don't change.

Do we all remember the time that my mother told me in high school that I was average looking and so guys might go after other girls first? I do. She's blunt because she cares. I saw this photo and thought maybe my mother was just trying to be honest with her daughter.

age 13

So that's why I wasn't chased around the playground by the boys. Or maybe I scared them off meditating on picnic tables, listening to the Beatles on my walkman, pretending to be a hippie. That's a men's sweater vest by the way. I wore that into my high school years.

And for the grand finale...

The Family Picture, 1992

According to my mother I requested to wear the doily collar around my neck. I really appreciate the sprayed bangs and the houndstooth scrunchie. Dad has his birth control glasses on, Mom has a rocking perm (remember that time she used to be a brunette?), Shauna is wearing a dress with big puff sleeves and rosettes on it and Gavin, I'm sorry, but you could be mistaken for Macaulay Culkin's twin.

Wow. There are times when you wish you could be a kid again, but then again, maybe not.

best for last

2011-02-07T17:27:00.000-08:00

So thank you for all the comments. I had a hard time reading all of them. (Thank you, Amanda) There is one final vintage sheet music cover that I wanted to share. This one was my favorite.

I love yellow and gray together (like everyone else and their cousin), but I also really love this song too. Win-win. But you know what is also a win? This matches perfectly with the new bedding that I purchased. Behold:

I think you might have some guess where I purchased this.

I am kind of debating what I should do with it. Should I frame it as is? The music measures about 9" x 12" and so I would have to cut a custom mat for it. Or I could print it in a "standard frame size" and that would also give me a chance to airbrush the pencil marks from the kind person who thought it was a good idea to write 50 cents in the middle of the sun. Does anyone know any good places to print posters and not have it be on photo paper? Any thoughts?

I know that you were all wondering which sheet music did I love the best. Here are some of my favs:

I think we all know I have a thing for Bing. Be still my heart. Plus this is a song I've performed before.

I think these other two would be great bookends around the Skylark music. And it just seems fitting to have Rosemary near Bing.

I thought this would be nice near my bureau. I am planning on putting a stained glass lamp that my Papa made for me on the dresser and this purple sheet music would pick up some of the colors from the shade. And I'm a sophisticated lady, right?

P.S. From the last post I put the 8 red/pink music covers as my desktop background in honor of Valentine's Day. If any of you know me that is a big step, but it looks wicked awesome. You are more than welcome to do the same.

new project

2011-02-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

I am moving soon & I am wicked excited to decorate. I have had this vintage music for a while now and I really want to use it for decoration in my room. I love the colors, the type, and some of those titles I have actually sung before. What are some of your favorites?

p.s. Carter saw the picture of Rosemary Clooney on "Botch-A-Me" and he said "Look Auntie!" Yep, I was proud.
But... Carter also saw this picture the other day and also said "Look! Auntie!" I can't blame the kid I did wear a very similar outfit to church the other week.

put a bird on it.

2011-01-28T06:39:00.000-08:00

found here

I have a severe aversion to birds. My feelings coincide to what the great scholar Cher Horowitz from "Clueless" once said "It's a full-on Monet...From far away, it's OK, but up close, it's a big old mess." From far away birds are okay and they make sweet chirping sounds, but get one close to me and I will have a melt down. I just think they are dirty and they give me the creeps.

But I especially dislike how they are wicked popular right now. Birds are everywhere. I am living in my own Hitchcock movie everday when I go to the store. So when I saw the clip above I just about lizzed in my pants from laughing so hard. Enjoy.

Dear Santa

2010-12-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011 Collection

images found here

I will take one of each for my closet.

Thank you.

2010-12-03T06:39:00.000-08:00

I think it is safe to say I have consumed more diet pepsi than water this week. I may or may not have had a 12pk. in my work fridge that is almost gone. I said to my sister the other week, "Is it sad that the world seems a little brighter after that first sip?" Here's to hoping I can get back to one a day.

i hate halloween

2010-10-29T06:24:00.001-07:00

...but this clip at about 2:40 is just about the cutest thing i've seen. It almost warmed this halloween grinch heart of mine.

candle people

2010-10-25T11:45:00.001-07:00

I am not a candle person. I am not a lotion person. I have a hard time going into places like Bath & Body Works, because there are just so many smells, so many candles...bah. I think it has something to do with growing up in the mid-nineties, where the classic middle school gift was gift bag filled with a mix of lotion and candles. Apparently people smelled really bad in the nineties and we felt the need to fix this problem. Every time I received one of those gifts my first thought was, "It would appear you don't know me very well, because there is no way in God's green earth I am slathering myself with Vanilla Peach Dream."

I would always rage inside sitting in the middle of Algebra, when sudden wafts of Country Apple/Cucumber Melon/"Let's take a baked good and make into some type of smell" lotion would siege the classroom asphyxiating my lungs like mustard gas. There would be the same girl, ever so coyly donning her fifth application for the day, rubbing her hands together with slow, deliberate motions. Her pastel contraband perched on her desk with its metallic cap glinting under the fluorescent lights.

I get it. People have dry skin. I am not expecting you to suffer in bloody hand oblivion. But when my 13 year old brain is trying to focus on important matters, like trying to understand how the teacher got 22.5 for x or what Cary Grant movie was going to be on AMC that night, I don't want to be distracted by your fruity indulgence.

Now that my socially awkward days behind me (sorry as I pause to laugh for a moment), I have tried to open myself up to new experiences. And yes, I have found love.

Available at your local Target, this little number is $12.99 worth of pure delight. What's this? A candle you say?

This candle smells exactly like childhood for me. More specifically like the next door neighbor's house. I loved going to that house everything where everything was clean, bright, wooden and old-fashioned. They were the epitome of Kennedy-like preppy goodness from their boat shoes to their madras shorts. Their two sons had all the qualities as someone from Ipanema and would play soccer barefoot in their front yard. I would gawk with my chubby eight year old self pretending to play hopscotch hoping they would ask me to play. Yes, I honed my creepy stalking ways early in life. Needless to say, happy memories.

Walking into a Bath & Body Works still gives me slight panic attacks, but I can say with confidence that I am a candle person now. Well at least one candle.

(And if you are wondering Nivea body lotion also brings childhood memories flooding back of our next door neighbors. It only occurred to me a couple of months ago is that the mom probably used Nivea and that's why she smelled awesome all the time....I know, I'm slow but I usually can get there in the end.)

luck

2010-10-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Many a summer ago when I was working at the illustrious Measured Progress warehouse, I eavesdropped on a little conversation. Sally*, who's lunch break pastime was reading passionate novels with bare breasted men on the cover, was a warehouse buddy of mine working at the good ol' MP to supplement her social security checks. I heard her speaking to another coworker who had an itch on her right hand that wasn't going away.

"Well that's good luck you know, to have an itch on your right hand. It means good things will come your way."

"Oh really?" the colleague replied. "I have not heard of that."

"Oh yes," said Sally, "and you know bad luck is coming when you have an itch on your left."

Well any one who is familiar with the book of Matthew, chapter 25, can realize where this subtle superstitious behavior is derived from. Yet ever since that day, every time I have an itch on either hand/side of my body, I wonder what the fates have in store for me.

Well I think Lady Luck is on my side tonight. I have stressed myself out to the point that I have shingles on the right side of my body going from the back of my neck down to my chest. Having been sufficiently drugged up by the doctor, I'm feeling pretty dang good right now and the itchiness is subsiding.

There is luck is this situation. I have found a pretty good outfit to cover my abnormality. I wore a pretty snappy turtleneck with a kicking belted blazer combo to church and someone told I looked like Evita.

I'll take what I can get.

So Luck I think I am totally deserving of some good fortune coming my way. I am totally itching on the right side.

*Name has been changed to protect the innocent....or not so innocent. Serious Sally put the romance novels down.

heaven

2010-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Bought this little number on sale for $15 dollars. I would wear this everyday if I could.

Three things that scream it was made for Shelby.

1. shawl collar

2. sweatshirt made fancy with buttons and pockets

3. when I wear it with my typical styling (i.e. button up shirt with a ruffle mandarin collar) I clinch my official "I'm a mid-40's SAHM throwing on her sassy, dressed up yet casual outfit chitchatting with the other ladies on the soccer field while carrying her kid's equipment bag to her light blue SUV" status.

It's delightful.

Thank you, dear friend. Thank you.

because i'm having withdrawls

2010-09-15T08:10:00.001-07:00

The S clan is away in Pennsylvania and I'm having separation anxiety. I got a call from Carter this morning and he said "Hi Auntie! I love you!" and then my stinkin' phone lost reception. I was about to have a heart attack.

I love this picture of my grandma. She is wonderful. The cute mamma with Hamma in the background.

And I'm sorry, but this adorable.

Come home.

Please.

beautiful

2010-09-11T19:08:00.001-07:00

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo.

the zit theory

2010-08-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

So my sister and I have this long standing theory. The second we think our skin is looking dewy, fresh and acne free, and even perhaps say this sentiment out loud, Mt. Everest comes and relocates in a very visible spot on one's chin. I personally believe it God's funny way of humbling me for getting too vain about my appearance.

Whether it be God, or a poor diet choice, we all are humbled at one point or another. Recently I had a "zit" moment. I was patting myself on the back thinking of how at peace I was, how calm and collected and how I felt like I had everything on track. "I'm ready for the next step, Heavenly Father, I am so ready."

So I think the Lord took me up on this challenge because I stubbed my toe, and then I tripped and caught myself and then I tumbled. And I realized I'm not ready, I still have work to do.

I took this picture a couple of weeks ago, and while I like it on an aesthetics stand point, I also like the message that the viewfinder has written on it.

"Turn to clear vision"

I find comfort in believing in a God that has expectations for me. That I need to turn myself away from my selfish pride/desires and turn to Him to change my vision. Without Him my perception of life would be rather fuzzy and it is through Him that it can become clear.

And to make a long post longer...

I was driving home tonight listening to a Bing Crosby CD I just picked up (I know throw some polyester pants on me and some half melted Nips Candy in my pocket and I am your grandma) and this song came on.

A long time ago

A million years BC

The best things in life

Were absolutely free.

But no one appreciated

A sky that was always blue.

And no one congratulated

A moon that was always new.

So it was planned that they would vanish now and them

And you must pay before you get them back again.

That's what storms were made for

And you shouldn't be afraid for

Every time it rains it rains

Pennies from heaven.

Don't you know each cloud contains

Pennies from heaven.

You'll find yor fortune falling

All over town.

Be sure that your umbrella is upside down.

Trade them for a package of sunshine and flowers.

If you want the things you love

You must have showers.

So when you hear it thunder

Don't run under a tree.

There'll be pennies from heaven for you and me.

-Arthur Johnston / Johnny Burke

How fitting that this is what I would hear tonight. I just shared this quote with my Sunday School class and it is very close to going up on my wall:

In stories, as in life, adversity teaches us things we cannot learn otherwise. Adversity helps to develop a depth of character that comes in no other way. Our loving Heavenly Father has set us in a world filled with challenges and trials so that we, through opposition, can learn wisdom, become stronger, and experience joy...

It is your reaction to adversity, not the adversity itself, that determines how your life’s story will develop....

Let me repeat:how you react to adversity and temptation is a critical factor in whether or not you arrive at your own “happily ever after.”

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf

We all have a choice as to how we are going to affected by the things that are put in our path. I hope that I can look at my challenges as a chance to react positively.

felix dies natalis tibi

2010-08-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Happy 28th bro. I love you.

have mercy

2010-08-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

Glee's second season is less than a month away. wicked excited.

the three musketeers

2010-08-23T18:43:00.001-07:00

These cool kids let me annoy them for an hour as I practiced with my new lens. Which means I click a whole lot and hope for a good picture. Just kidding...maybe. Good thing they are adorable which helps out a lot.

to be continued...

p.s. a huge summer update is in order, but I have been so awesome/busy/too cool for school aka lazy to put everything up. soon though. soon.

2010-08-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

hello summertime.

you've been hot, but fun.

Have I mentioned...

2010-08-09T07:22:00.000-07:00

that my Grandma is awesome?

She taught him everything he knows.

Family

2010-08-09T07:15:00.001-07:00

...isn't it about time?

Mountain of the Lord

2010-06-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

photo by me

There is a place on earth
Where I can touch Heaven
Where I can leave the world
Remember who I am

Where I can stand on holy ground
Where peace and comfort can be found
A sacred part of truth restored
There at the mountain of the Lord

Inside His Holy House
There lies the power to bind
In heaven as on earth
The family of mankind

God's work on earth and beyond the grave
So many souls he wants to save
I will be part of these truths restored
There at the mountain of the Lord

So let us go up and He will teach us his ways
And we will walk in his paths to the end of our days
There is safety inside and power to spare
That come from the promises we make there

If hallowed walls could speak
What scenes have they beheld
Angels and heavenly hosts
The Savior, God Himself?

Yet to this place He lets me go
Commune with Him and fill my soul
And something strikes a familiar chord
There at the mountain of the Lord

There at the the mountain of the Lord

I've been listening to this song all week, but I didn't hear it until I was driving down to the temple on Saturday. I was belting my heart out, singing every harmony line I could find, until I realized what words I was singing. I broke down in tears. This song was an answer to prayers from someone who has been feeling so lost and alone lately.

The temple has been an answer to my prayers.

I am so grateful that it is a part of my life.

I'm so grateful it has become a part of who I am.

From the desk of miss shelby

2010-06-18T11:58:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have had sleepless nights wondering if I chopped all my hair off...

well I did

that side too

It's fun...for now.

Mother likes it. She tells me it gives me an "edge" and that I look like a professional young women. I personally think she likes it because it forces me to do my hair everyday and put on make up.

And yes, those are signs on the back wall that were printed in like 1995 that just read "Auto Glass" & "Foreign and Domestic" that were slapped on to a piece of black foam board.

And yes, that is a picture of our trucks, also from the nineties, just framed in gray mat board.

We're not fancy around here.

york beach

2010-06-03T10:13:00.000-07:00

Shauna and the kids came with us (the Young Women) for our mutual night up to York Beach last night. I would put the pictures up on facebook, but I think that would officially confirm my "I have no social life so I hang around my sister and her boys" status. You can look at the album here.

It was very foggy and cold at the beach. Perfect for working on my tan.

I also need to add I can't take credit for all the photography. I let Carter take his sandy little hands to my camera (gulp) and take some pictures. He obviously took the pictures of things that he likes, like his auntie and seagulls standing next to trash.

Oh who am I kidding? The pictures will probably be up on f-book by the weekend.

saturday

2010-06-01T17:32:00.000-07:00

images found here

I might be getting my hair done like this on Saturday. Because I've had my current hairstyle for almost four months and that is far too long.

I'm a little nervous to cut my hair that short, but hey you only live once right?

I'm also a little nervous to be a platinum blonde again because of the root factor, but I have an even greater fear of looking like a soccer mom. And let's just be honest, I need all the help I can get in that area.

So what do ya think?

little men

2010-05-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is my new desktop background.

Are they not the some of the cutest kids on God's green earth?

I have a hard time not staring my screen all day long.

2010-05-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

"I'm like Tinker Bell, Finn. I need applause to live."

-Rachel Berry

Can I tell you the excitement I feel on a Monday morning when I realize that Glee is going to be on the next night. It is like having Christmas Eve every week.

motivation

2010-05-10T12:02:00.001-07:00

Clearly I am not someone who is shy about wearing make up. I rather prefer it actually, as blush is one of the only tools I have to let people know I am still a breathing, living organism. I've been looking for motivation to get me into the gym. Obviously just getting fatter isn't working for me. A solution had to be made and yes my vanity was the answer.

Along with my fitness compadre and fellow temple worker, we have come up with some ultimatums in order for us to shake our grove thang. We work at the temple two saturdays a month, and surprisingly there are a lot of YSA's who also work on our shift. Yes people our own age...guys our own age. Now no love connections have been made yet, but I was not raised by a mother who never enters a store without a coat of lip gloss on for nothing.

So here it is, this is what my pride has pushed me too.

If I don't exercise five days a week, I cannot wear make up the next time I work at the temple.

If I don't eat healthy, I have to slick my hair back in a no nonsense ponytail.

Now before you start singing a certain Carly Simon song in your head, listen up. This isn't oh you can't wear make up to walmart or market basket. I mean c'mon have we seen the clientele? No one cares. But at the temple at least 9 times out of 10, I see someone I know or people look at my name tag and they know my parents or grandparents. Would you rather see a perky face with glowing cheeks (thank you NARS blush) or a haggard ghost with acne? Think about it.

I know what my answer is. Good morning PF, it's been a long time.

*picture taken by my fabulous, wicked talented friend Amanda Jones. Check her out.

POST EDIT - my sister would like me to mention that the hair and make up was provided by her for that photograph. If any would like her services, she will be able to give you a very good rate.

all right all ready

2010-05-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

I found this on the one healthy living blog that I read...

found here

curse you diet dr.pepper.

I guess I have to finish off the 6-pack of cans I just got for my work fridge.

You know so I can start fresh...don't want to waste...starving children in china and all that.

5K

2010-05-05T18:42:00.001-07:00

My friend Ashlee announced this on her blog so I am posting to let her know I am in it to win it. We unfortunately cannot participate in the YSA 5K happening later this month because we'll be at the temple. I could say that I am sad, but I have troubles enough in the dating field. So running/panting/dying in front the opposite sex, while sweating profusely, because I ran 3 miles is not going to help.

So with the humanitarian spirit in our hearts and wanting to prove our laughing families wrong we are going to go through with our 5K and donate to a charity afterwards. So in about 60 days, after very rigorous training at our local pf, we will be in top form to complete this massive feat. Wish us luck.

p.s. this is what I have so far for the logo for our t-shirt. If there are any suggestions for fun names for the run or ways to make it more awesome let me know!

the death of frank sinatra

2010-05-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

I know it is usually my sister that blogs about Idol, but tonight I felt justified. First of all...hub ba da hub ba da, if I had been an Idol contestant and we had a week where we sang jazz and oh wait Harry Connick Jr. was going to make my arrangement for me...I think I would have had a nervous breakdown and then died of happiness. I love Harry Connick Jr.. First of all, what's cookin' good lookin'. Second of all I really enjoy his arrangements as well...with the exception of this last album. "Your Songs" has some great songs and his voice melts butter, but some of the covers sound like dentist office fare...and this was the album produced by Clive Davis. Enough of my rant on to the contestants.

Aaron Kelley- What the heck? I was baffled when Randy and Ellen said excellent vocals. Simon said it perfectly that he was a timid little mouse. I myself have done an arrangement of "Fly me to the Moon" starting as a ballad and then going into swing. SWING being the key word. That was the squarest, popish most awful version I have heard of that song.

Casey James - "Blue Skies" I was really hopeful. Let's be honest I haven't really watched this season and the only impression I have of Casey is that he is attractive. Pitchy and machine gun vibrato. Painful.

Crystal Bowersox- "Summer Wind" Wow. You don't have to be obsessed with jazz music to sing the Standards well. Awesome job. She fit in the pocket. It was great. I don't know what crazy whackado thing she is doing with her hair or that insane feather earring on one side, but good vocals. It is really scaring me that I am agreeing with Kara and her commentary. A

Michael Lynche- "The Way You Look Tonight" This is general is not my favorite song. He did a great job with it and definitely has the swagger to go with it. But is anyone really surprised by that?

Lee Dewyze- "That's Life" I almost felt that if I closed my eyes I was listening to David Cook sing that song. But good vocals, nice swagger, but still humble. But yes I do agree with Shauna is that when I look at this kid, I can picture bagging groceries at Demoulas and singing at the local Barley Pub until he made it to the big time.

I would say Aaron Kelley should go home...and I love Harry Connick Jr. even more.

and p.s. I came up with the blog title when I first heard Aaron singing. I did get more hopeful towards the end of the show.

BUSYMOM

2010-05-04T12:39:00.000-07:00

Ash and I went to go see a movie the other night. I am not going to tell you the title because it was so horrible and awkward that I am ashamed to say I saw it.

I've purchased a new vehicle in the past few months and coincidently the car that I parked behind was completely identical to mine right down to the paint color.

Its license plate read BUSYMOM. I think this finally clinches my status as being a middle-aged soccer mom. I just wish my sassy counterpart was near me to drink Sam's Choice flavored waters and trade recipes with me. You know who you are.

the doctor

2010-04-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about Diet Dr. Pepper lately, but it has been like the sweet elixir from the gods.

The best moment is that first sip and its icy cold goodness fizzles on your tongue and as you swallow it wriggles down your esophagus burning all the way. Heavenly.

I was driving someone the other day and I mentioned that the full set of luggage resting beneath my eyes could be helped by stopping for a diet coke. To which the person replied "So I was just wondering what your thoughts are on keeping the word of wisdom and caffeine consumption?"

Being a natural shaker (and by this meaning my hands naturally shake all the time, not being a member of the 19th century religious group) you would think that I would keep myself from this stimulating drink. No, no my friends, I have yet to be freed from its siren call.

I've gotten my consumption to one can or 20 oz. every day or two, but I can't make any promises that when I'm passing the soda cooler on my way to the Target check out line that I won't be crashing upon the rocky shore. At least my death will be refreshingly cool.

apology to the young ambassadors

2010-03-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Young Ambassadors,

I am sorry for making fun of you and your love for musical theater. Also for using you as an example of singing something really corny and cheesy. I was a moody jazz singer who thought she was too cool for school.

Love,

Shelby

Hi. My name is Shelby and I am addicted to my XM radio's "On Broadway" channel. At first it was just a happy discovery flipping through the channels on my radio. But now I am dreading the day that my free "trial period" XM will stop. Where else can I hear Robert Goulet sing to me "If Ever I Should Leave You"?

And lately this obsession has combined with another addiction of mine.

Glee.

Mr. Matthew Morrison (Will Schuster) was in a show called "Light in the Piazza" that has the most gorgeous music you have ever heard. He stars in it with Kelli O'Hara and he plays an Italian speaking in broken english.

Are you swooning yet?

image found here

Adam Guettel wrote the music. He is the grandson of Richard Rodgers and let me tell you there is something in the genes.

You may or may not be able to watch most of the show on this YouTube channel. I may or may not have it saved on my bookmarks. Sadly this pbs special was done after both Morrison and O'hara left the show. But it is amazing music and show. The original Broadway cast album is on iTunes though.

I also may or may not have bought the revival cast album of South Pacific because it had both Matthew and Kelli were on it. Maybe.

miss ashlee

2010-03-19T09:19:00.001-07:00

Well it was this one's birthday yesterday...and we're not going to talk about how old she is.

We of course painted the town red by getting Thai food then going to institute. Then these ones showed up...

When Carter left, he exclaimed from his car seat, "Bye Ash! I woooove you!"

Carter has good taste.

Who wouldn't love this girl?

Obviously I do.

Ash you're fabulous.

I couldn't think of any one better to be mistaken as my twin sister.

You are one the kindest and nicest people I have ever met and I hope one day I can be mistaken as you on that accord.

And to toot my own horn...

I wrapped Ashlee's gift in brown kraft paper. I really liked how it came out.

Happy 2- Ash!

hope

2010-03-15T11:36:00.000-07:00

There are times when i don't have a steady relationship with that word.

Things are great for a while and then all of sudden I am adrift.

Sometimes it is not as sudden as I think it is, but that is a discussion for another day.

I hate getting in funks like this and the fact that it has been raining for three days does not help.

Well I've been stupid enough times to know that there is only one place to go to push me back on track. I found these quotes in the LDS Gems section on the Church's website...and yes I looked under the YSA section. Because well I am young and single...and kind of an adult. These two quotes were something that I needed to hear today.

“Everybody in this life has their challenges and difficulties. That is part of our mortal test. The reason for some of these trials cannot be readily understood except on the basis of faith and hope because there is often a larger purpose which we do not always understand. Peace comes through hope.”

-James E. Faust

“He [Heavenly Father] is our perfect Father. He loves us beyond our capacity to understand. He knows what is best for us. He sees the end from the beginning. He wants us to act to gain needed experience:

“When He answers yes, it is to give us confidence.

“When He answers no, it is to prevent error.

“When He withholds an answer, it is to have us grow through faith in Him, obedience to His commandments, and a willingness to act on truth.”

-Richard G. Scott

I am praying for hope tonight.

the d word

2010-03-03T18:33:00.000-08:00

diet.

yes you heard me diet.

I really don't know if you knew, but if you eat less and actually shake what your mother gave ya, you can become thinner. I hope I've enlightened some of the public tonight.

I, like many, made a new year's resolution to go to the gym and get into shape. PF and I were pretty good friends for January, but the February came with small heart shaped boxed chocolates and cold viruses.

We lost touch.

Well now Easter is coming and I think I found a goal dress to push me to greatness.

I will give you three guesses where this dress is from and the first two don't count.

What?!? Shelby wants to buy an article of clothing with a mandarin collar and ruffles down the front? That never happens. Let me just tell you the color matches my eyes perfectly. I'm wicked excited.

Well I need to get to bed. I have an early date with the elliptical machine.

find the dress here.

night music

2010-03-02T18:13:00.001-08:00

Well watching American Idol has put me in the mood to share a good singer aka not someone who completes the Boston Marathon every time they sing by throwing in a vocal run with every phrase.

I once went on a first date/road trip/three day camping trip with someone I barely knew. Started out well and then just more awkward with every hour we spent in his toyota celica. In trying to get to know each other I shared with him my music. yes jazz. Now this was a guy who thought it was appropriate to turn on his punk rock music just as we were leaving the Sacred Grove. So at one of our fun moments of silence, I decided to introduce him to Miss Sarah Vaughan. After listening to this for a couple minutes, he says "so you like night time music...." Yes I am a brazen hussie of the night...me and miss sarah.

Well if liking night time music puts me in the company of this woman then call me mata hari.

I have fallen in love with Melody Gardot. I bought her album "My One and Only Thrill" and listened to it for three straight days at work. I know...I know, how can you trust a girl who professed her secret love for a certain "Chasing Liberty" star. But I am very picky when it comes to my jazz music, especially when it comes to lady singers. She wrote everything on the album with the exception of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." But let me tell you, her version of that song is light years better than that stinkin' ukulele version that everyone is in love with from that "50 First Dates" movie.

So check her out, you will not regret it.

miss you

2010-03-02T17:38:00.001-08:00

So I was cleaning my room last night and I found some old pics from the Provo days...

west side provo what up

our tyra eyes

molly b I miss you lady

but I'll be seeing you soon...

sister sister

2010-02-18T13:53:00.001-08:00

she's pretty cute, huh?

My best friend came and spoke at a YSA conference.

Her class was the most attended...

and had the biggest laughs.

Are you surprised?

the concert

2010-02-15T11:31:00.001-08:00

The theater before it started...and yes gray was the hair color of 3/4 of the people there.

From left to right

Kenny Barron piano

Regina Carter violin

Russell Malone guitar

Kiyoshi Kitagawa bass

Kurt Elling vocals

Johnathan Blake drums

These two did a duet together called "Up South." Wicked good.

Their encore was one of my old standbys "Centerpiece." Kurt tried to impersonate a horn player by using a paper cup as a mute. I don't know how I felt about that.

From our balcony seats, the audience rippled with a sea of heads afflicted with temporary jazz parkinson's disease. I started chuckling looking down on them, but then realized I had the same affliction. It was like I was giving my best Katherine Hepburn impression from "On Golden Pond." After I calming myself, (shauna can attest I was trembling with excitement) I attempted to take pictures, but this couple in front kept getting in the way. I was not aware that one could physically put one's entire set of lips into another's ear drum to whisper something every five minutes.

Long story longer it was a wicked good concert. I forgot how much I love Russell Malone (I had seen him in concert before as well). He is such a classy fella and so dapper. I love the sound of electric guitar with jazz. Synthesis(at BYU) had a wicked good guitar player named Kristin. I would sheepishly go up to her and tell her that. Then continue an awkward conversation how I like to listen to Russell Malone because I was cool and knew other jazz guitarists that she would know. Yeah I'm a rockstar. Regina Carter was a true virtuoso at her instrument and reminded me how I would beg Ma every year for a violin. I love the emotion that comes out of it. I was glad I went. Shauna was glad she took her migraine medication. The drummer (Johnathan Blake) enjoyed taking 5 minute solos. Shauna said she had to look away at times because "it was almost like he was having special couple time with his drum set." Well I guess everyone needs a valentine.

"Happy Anna Howard Shaw Day"

2010-02-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

Congratulations lovers for having such a wonderful holiday. I spent my Valentine's Day watching british cinema and cuddling up that night to a two year boxer who can't control his flatulence. Another day for the journal... but I did treat myself to an early gift. I had a sister date with Shauna (woo hoo no kids!) and we went to the Monterey Jazz Festival concert that I have been wicked excited for. We went to the Friendly Toast, to a shoe store that didn't have a single shoe in it and then off to the Music Hall in the brisk Portsmouth air.

grilled cheese with anadama bread and cheddar. never fails.

yes this is my sister

and yes, we look nothing alike

You like that? I thought I photoshop the picture to have that Joel Schumacher "Phantom of the Opera" look to it. Yes, I'm just that classy.

concert report in the next post...

ten points to who knows where my blog title came from

personal progress

2010-01-25T09:59:00.001-08:00

A couple Wednesdays ago, we had a personal progress night to which the girls jumped excitedly up and down and joyfully clapped their hands. Well what really happened is that we got a lot of eye rolls and sighs of disappointment. Color yourself shocked, I know. Well in efforts to make this a positive experience, Mary and I decided to make this a slight craft night. Bringing in scrapbook supplies to decorate our official personal progress/YW binders, we tried to jumpstart our program for the year. I made these value dividers and all I have to say is God bless Pages '09 because these totally came out a lot cooler than if I did it on my own. I kind of gave up when it came to designing the faith value. What do you do with white?

I think my fave is the integrity value one. I came up with the concept on my own and with the fonts and rounded shapes it kind of has this seventies vibe to me.

To go look at a truly awesome and professional graphic designer, check out my friend Amanda. She is pretty rad.

2010-01-25T08:11:00.000-08:00

This was the little scripture gift I made for the girls. See why I wanted to have an art deco theme? Black 4" x 6" frames and BAM... cute addition to their rooms to remind them of this year's theme. Hezzie, are you still interested in this for your girls?

p.s. I love websites that let you download free fonts.

Young Women in Excellence

2010-01-21T13:51:00.000-08:00

Every year for Young Women's we have an event celebrating our program and the accomplishments of our girls. I decided to take on the aesthetics for the evening which was interesting. I wanted to go for an art deco theme to match the vintage fonts I had used for a scripture gift I had made for the girls. But after a frustrating search at the Christmas Tree Shop, I decided to give up and go with a harvest theme. They were reasonably priced and when I got to the checkout, they were half off plus I got 20% off the whole purchase. Don't you just love a bargin?

I had to have some pizzazz. Those were rocking gold frames.

All the candy had to have gold wrappers. I am my mother's daughter.

What?! Is that a smile from our girls?

And also the incredible Mary Hunting with our stake leader Sister Gish.

It went way better than expected. It was a stressful week, but everything came into place and I was glad we were able to do this for our girls.

part two

2010-01-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Music Hall

Did I forget to mention that Kurt Elling is coming to The Music Hall touring with the Monterey Jazz Festival? Yeah that's right. Coming with him are:

Kenny Barron (jazz pianist)

Regina Carter (jazz violinist)

Russell Malone (jazz guitarist)

-- he did a few albums with this little known singer you may have heard of... Diana Krall!

Just checked on ticket prices. Oh how I miss being a student and getting into concerts for dirt cheap. Oh well I think it may be worth it. It'll be a wicked good night.

swooning

2010-01-20T12:42:00.000-08:00

We all have moments that pop up in our memories that make us smile or laugh. For Shauna, it is remembering how I approached a girl on campus and questioning her over and over again, if we had a class together or if I had worked with her at one time. She politely said no and walked away. Then a couple of months later, singing in an Easter program, the conductor introduced our choir's harpist for the night. I lowered myself in my seat and tried to hide my face for this was the same girl I had harassed. It was Elizabeth Smart.

One of my memories that makes me smile, was with my friend Amanda attending a jazz workshop together given by Kurt Elling. For those of you who don't know who Kurt Elling is...well I'm sorry. You're missing out. He is one of the best jazz male vocalists in the world (yeah I said it, move over Michael Buble). Wicked creative, amazing vocalese (putting lyrics to established jazz instrumentals, such as "So What" by Miles Davis), and did I mention his voice melts butter?

All of the jazz students were twitching in their seats, waiting for the grand master himself to arrive. Garin, our TA, kept glancing at the door like a child who waits for their name to called when they know they have early dismissal from school. With every flutter by the door, Garin's eyes would flicker in hopes of seeing the idolized hero. Kurt Elling breezed through the door spouting off his hep cat phrases (it's all about taking it in, man), sang a few songs and answered Garin's hundred questions and then he was gone. After the Whirlwind had left the building, we sat back in our chairs and Amanda says:

"He had greasy slicked back hair and I was swooning" to which I replied,

"He was wearing a tight green late 90's sweater with slight man boobs and I was swooning."

Back and forth we said shared our thoughts on the man and ended each phrase "and I was swooning." Well now every time I look, hear or smell a Kurt Elling album, I think of Amanda and how we swoon for him. So Amanda prepare yourself: new album from 2009, LIVE IN CONCERT, "Dedicated to You" : the music of Coltrane & Hartman.

image from my cd booklet

Creepy soul patch...I'm swooning.

Garish red suit... swooning.

Finishes the concert with a gorgeous Lorenz & Hart number called "You are too Beautiful" which last lines are these:

If, on the other hand, I'm faithful to you

It's not through a sense of duty

You are too beautiful

And I am a fool for beauty.

Swooning.

Check it out.

i've done it again

2010-01-05T10:20:00.001-08:00

So I asked Shauna where she gets her hair done and by who, and when I go to make an appointment they tell me that person is too busy and they schedule me with someone else. Let's cross our fingers and hope that I don't turn into a certain tv mother again. Why do I do this to myself? I am so desperate to have something done to my hair though, I don't do well with it long. I'm starting to look like Jesse Spano or a member of some bad eighties hair band.

I thank Thee

2009-12-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

I thank Thee for:

my family

that I have so many people in my life that love and support me

teaching me

answers that come when I need them too

a home

nephews that I love so dearly

Thy gospel

the peace that comes when I do what Thou requires

the temple

letting me know that Thou are there when I feel alone

Thy love

This might seem a little late for Thanksgiving, but my heart is full today with love for the Lord and knowing He is there. Just when I am about to say "Lord, why me? Why do I have to struggle?" He sends so many answers telling me that I don't have to do it on my own. A line from a hymn I've always loved says "I loved to choose and see my path; but now, Lead thou me on!" Almost everytime I sing that I tear up a bit (I know that is really hard to imagine) and I know the only way I am going to get through something is if I humble myself and depend on Him. This week started off awful, but now all the pieces have fallen into place and everything is working out great. I didn't think it could have happened this way and I am so grateful it did.

...and c'mon what is a shelby blog post without the obligatory pictures of my handsome nephews.

tough love

2009-11-12T08:25:00.000-08:00

With my job I have the pleasure of associating with delivery drivers on a daily basis. There is one in particular that is very open with his opinions on my life. Now I am used to tough love (have we forgotten who my parents are?), but coming a relative stranger it is a little different. Some of his comments have been:

"Hey I thought this job was just a temporary thing for you? What are you still doing here?"

"Are you feeling okay?"

translation "you look like crap"

and today...

"Not to offend you, but you look really tired today."

translation "you look like crap"

Now being the perfectly polite individual that I am, I reply:

"Oh yeah well I'm just saving up money" or "Yep I'm still here..."

"Oh I'm all right just having an off day"

and today...

blank stare

What I would have like to reply:

"So this job you have, was that just a temporary thing or do you really like being a 65 year old windshield delivery man?"

"Ponytails should not be worn by men old enough for the senior citizen discount. Correction: ponytails should not be worn by men. Period."

And yes I am tired today, but I don't want people to acknowledge it. Just kindly avert your eyes and please keep your comments to yourself.

hair night

2009-10-29T09:25:00.000-07:00

One of the things that I do miss about Provo are the hair schools. For a mere $25.00 and a trip to Bon Losse I could get a full foil and be back to my natural blonde self. Being back in NH, I some how can't bring myself to go to a hair school considering that I went to school with some of the participants. But with going to the professionals I was being raped for about six times the amount of the Bon Losse special. What is a girl to do?

While in Provo, Shauna worked with this lovely lady and I believe my sister and I were destined to love her for we share an equal love for the big red bulls eye and of course icy diet cokes. She has mastered doing home highlights for some time now and graciously shared her wisdom with me. Yes she does them herself. I wasn't so bold and had Mother do them, who was all to eager to free me from my dowdy, mousy brown, color of dishwater blond hair.

Here is her advice:

All you need is:
1. A packet of Quick Blue - 2 if you have thick hair or are covering your whole hair shaft as opposed to just doing the root area

Developer - I would recommend level 30 for your hair since as I remember, your base color isn't too terribly dark to begin with. 30 is the highest number you should do. 20 would work fine, too. 10 is too weak and 40 will make you look too bleachy

A brush to mix the developer and bleach

Foils - In my opinion, it's worth it to buy the box of foil at Sally's. You just rip each one in half along the seam, and voila, perfect foils

Fine toothed comb with the metal shaft - Essential. The thin metal shaft is what you use to fold the edge of the foil over and keep it close to your scalp while you put the bleach on your hair. Plus...you can eternally use it to create a very natural zigzag part and backcomb the living daylights out of your roots. haha

As far as tips, be sure to take thin slices. This looks more natural.

Also, be sure to get close to the root, but not closer than about 1/4 inch from the root with the solution when you're starting out. The more experienced you are, the closer you can get to the root, but the closer you get to the root, the greater the chance of bleeding, which will just give you leopard spots of blonde where you don't want it.

Also, you want to add the developer a little at a time, mixing thoroughly, until you get the consistency of pudding. It shouldn't be stiff like a mousse, but if it's runny, then that means you've added too much developer and the color will process too quickly and will be more likely to bleed. So find that happy medium. Sometimes I think I have it perfect, then it gets a little stiff after I do a foil or two. If that happens, just mix in a little more developer until you get it how you want it.

Once all the foils are in, you want it to process for about 20 minutes, but check after 10 minutes to see how things are looking. Sometimes the earlier foils will be close to done and the later foils are just getting started. If that happens, just aim a blowdryer on the slow ones (low air, high heat) and that will catch them up to the others.

The color is done when it is the color of whipped butter or a VERY pale lemon yellow. If it has any yellowness like a bad margarine or any red/orange, keep the foils on until that is gone. You really want it closer to white. Remember, it is better to lift it too light than to rinse before it's done. Let the color run its course even if you get some weird orange color along the way.Applying heat like I explained before can help you get rid of any orange.

Finally, when you're done, it's a good idea to let a liberal amount of good conditioner sit on your hair for 10-15 minutes. It will help prevent breakage and make everything look shiny and healthier.

If you notice after washing, conditioning and styling that you have some red tones you're not happy with, using purple shampoo (the kind for old blue-haired ladies) can help with that. Just don't let it sit on your hair for any period of time, because it can turn your hair purple/gray if you're not careful.

That should do it! Let me know how it goes.

the supplies

the other supplies

before

(remember boys don't make passes at girls who wear glasses)

after

(sans glasses and my natural hair color back)

For my ma's first attempt at this I have to say bravo. There are a few spots I wish were a little bit better, but it still looks pretty good and if I actually do my hair, and not be lazy, it looks even better.

Total Cost: about $30.00

and I still have a ton of left for next time and in this economy*...

*p.s. have I ever told you how much I hate when people say that

Thank you Holly!

(and I hope it's okay that I put up your expert hair advice)

Lord give me strength

2009-10-28T07:49:00.000-07:00

checklist

1. Amazing sixties inspired cocktail dress. Check.

2. Fake eyelashes and black eyeliner to add to my Mad Men aesthetic. Check.

p.s. I love the fashion from that show but sadly the plot line has gotten a little too racy for me, so I'm being strong. no more.

3. A few strong pieces to make my "business casual" day look. Check.

4. A pit in my stomach (and TUMs in my hand) at the thought of having to be social with 600+ YSA's. Check.

I may have mentioned a certain event I'm attending a little bit ago. While I am wicked excited for the speakers and the possible fun to be had, I am a nervous nellie right now with having to be social. Living at home has not really helped this flaw of mine, where going to a NH YSA activity is more like a social mixer between the Monastery of St. Jude and the sisters of St. Mary's Convent. Ashlee talked me off the ledge the other morning, but my hands are starting to shake again.

Concerns

1. People might be worried that I am having an epileptic seizure standing up.

2. That my shyness/social awkwardness will be perceived as "Cold Yankee Shelby"

(a loving term my family gave me and how I am viewed as slightly austere when I first meet people)

3. My stored topics of discussion are comprised of old movies, working for my father, and cute things Carter did the other day.

Wish me luck.

shelby

2009-10-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

I like my name.

Not a lot people have it.

And it has been years since rude middle school boys would tell me that their dog was named Shelby and therefore I too was a dog.

But can I tell you that I love my name now.

This one said for the first time yesterday.

And it about made my heart burst with joy.

Now we're trying to get him to put my names together.

Auntie Shelby loves her Carter Boy.

Is it sad...

2009-10-26T09:50:00.000-07:00

when you buy face powder named "Soft Ivory" and it looks like "Tahitian Goddess" on you? Am I really that white?

This picture might confirm the answer. Well at least I am in good company.

baby blessing

2009-10-04T17:47:00.000-07:00

The group shot.

The menfolk.

Siebachs.

I love this picture because Carter looks like GOB from Arrested Development.

baby blessing con't

2009-10-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

Carter wasn't too happy about pictures. He just wanted to go to nursery.

The new family of four.

my first holga roll

2009-09-30T18:21:00.000-07:00

I took this little lady for a spin for the first time.

Here are some of the results:

This picture pretty much sold me on holga. I am in love with it.

the most gorgeous saturday.

2009-09-29T19:00:00.000-07:00

Reasons why Saturday was amazing:

1. Fabulous weather

2. Two of the cutest nephews the Lord has ever bestowed

3. Tractor rides

4. Risking burns to shove delicious cider donuts down my gullet

5. Turning my head and seeing my sister do the same and laughing hysterically together

6. Drinking apple cider from a plastic apple juice box

7. Playing with my new holga camera

8. Chomping on wicked good apples

9. Carter barking at horses that went by

10. Completing my perfect apple picking outfit with fry boots and shauna showing up with the same. Basically we were the best dressed ladies there.

24 years

2009-09-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have been best friends with this lady.

How can you not smile when you see that face?

I did something awful.

I forgot to call this lovely lady...on...her...birthday.

She was my own personal "tartar sauce" (name that movie reference)

Here is a poem to share my love for her.

Hilarious, I have laughed my hardest spending time with this lady

Energetic, any one who knows Hezzie-this goes without saying

Amiable, she is so good at talking with people and making friends.

Thoughtful, she always thinks of wicked creative ways to do service.

Helpful, she is always there when I need her.

Encouraging, she is a perfect PE teacher and always makes me feel better about myself and my 'attempt' with sports.

Ravishing, with her gorgeous brown hair, good looks, and adorable outfits she pulls it all off with flair.

HEZZIE YOU ARE AMAZING AND THANK YOU FOR BEING MY BEST FRIEND FOR 24 YEARS AND COUNTING!

p.s. we have talked and she has been gracious enough to forgive me. thank you heather.

hamilton ralph

2009-09-11T06:29:00.001-07:00

so we blessed this cutie on Sunday.

I would load more pictures but it is taking forever and a day.

p.s. went to my first dance class last night. wow. details later.

mr. bojangles

2009-08-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

I think my sister has convinced me to take adult beginner tap with her.

Finally our time has come.

Maybe I'll get to wear the white overalls with paint splattered on them

that I had coveted when the Kane girls took dance classes.

Dare to dream.

cinnamon

2009-08-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Market Basket Cinnamon Donut,

You sit very neatly with eleven of your closest friends taunting me with the glint of your sugary goodness. "I'm only 99 cents shelby, at those prices who couldn't afford to take a pleasure cruise to carb paradise?" Well not today, c.d., not today. We may have run into each other in the past with me leaving the incident licking my lips like I've just eaten someone's grandmother, but today I walked past you. I held my chin out high and went to go look at the frozen dinners for fatties. Oh sure they cost more than you and try to pass off a packing peanut as a potato covered in gravy, but they make me feel better about myself. I've made the Healthy Choice. Fare thee well my friend, I can't cuddle up to you at night and hope to snuggle with someone in the near future. So it's goodbye old chum, it's for the best.

-Shelbs

awesome.

2009-08-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

Add this one to your stalking list, Gavin and Kate have started their blog!

heaven help me.

2009-08-26T20:58:00.000-07:00

I spoke too soon...

the one on the right looks a lot cuter in person

Houndstooth cardigan? Yes, please.

I think I'm in love.

(Would anyone like a beautiful navy and cream pattern trench from the spring season so that I don't feel like a heel buying this? I'll give you a really good price.)

Who doesn't love a cute driving moccasin?

Did I feel queer taking cell phones pics in the middle of target? Yes.

Did I suck it up so that I could show my sister? Of course.

Is it taking everything inside me not to buy every piece I've just shown you? Indeed.

Curse you, Target fall line, curse you.

p.s. i love you

2009-08-26T12:06:00.001-07:00

sort of looks like a gift from some heavenly messenger doesn't it?

well maybe it is gav-a-roo & katie-lou maybe it is...

went out yesterday on 2 day priority. keep you eyes peeled.

p.s. i love automated postage centers

no i kind of hate them.

let's say our prayers and hope this gets out to you.

p.p.s. a certain movie that has the same name and this blog post has to be one of the most depressing/hilarious movies and was only redeemed by the gorgeous Gerard Butler. Let's just be honest he already won my heart with "Dear Frankie." Which ironically is also centered around postage.

wicked excited

2009-08-17T12:51:00.000-07:00

Hell might have just frozen over because I am really excited for a YSA event.

Diet starts Monday (so today)

2009-08-17T12:40:00.000-07:00

Every once and a while I get to the point where I'm just frustrated with my lack of doing anything and not being in control what so ever. Usually this involves my eating/exercise and so yet again I'm committing myself to doing better. I think it's because the summer is almost over and the school year is starting again. I don't know something about September coming makes me want to buy planners and maybe a new outfit or two (just kidding - I have way to much already & plus Target isn't really blowing my hair back lately). So I've set some material and also spiritual goals which I'm really excited about. So here goes nothing. Watch out world, Shelby Lynn is going to be disciplined.

so...

2009-08-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

it's a Friday night. And my usually lovers: Bobby, Freddy, Jimmy, Frankie, and Tommy are all clamoring to be with me, but the Regal just got (500) Days of Summer. So Bobby, Freddy, Jimmy, Frankie, and Tommy, I'm sorry but I might just have to tear myself away from you to meet up with this one at 7:30.

I'm sure Joey and I will have a perfectly enchanting evening.

photo taken from www.collider.com

my favorite movie

2009-08-01T18:11:00.000-07:00

"Love in the Afternoon"

This movie runs a tight race with "Funny Face" for my fav Audrey Hepburn indulgence, but now that I'm thinking about it "Roman Holiday" with Gregory Peck (what's cookin' good lookin') is up there too. Well here is why I love this movie:

1. Audrey Hepburn.

2. Gary Cooper.

I believe my devotion to him has been stated already.

3. Maurice Chevalier.

c'mon how can you not smile when you see that face?

4. Billy Wilder.

One of the great American directors.

Also I've been feeling a little sentimental about France this week (long story), so this film feeds my maudlin moods. Not that I'm an expert on this subject, (I've never left the US of A before) but I love/intrigued of how a lot of old movies romanticize Paris, but interestingly enough it is usually an Americanized version of it. Little tid bit of info: Did you know "An American in Paris" with Gene Kelley (another crush of mine) was shot entirely on sound stages? I thought that was fascinating. Any who watch this movie, Audrey is adorable and Gary is grand in it.

Magnus has it ruff

2009-07-31T13:40:00.000-07:00

This is my parent's dog Magnus.

On one of my wild nights out with my mother, we took this dog with us in my beautiful '94 Subaru Legacy. For our errands that night, we stopped off at the Kohl's in Rochester to get some newborn clothes for Hamilton (for Carter's old ones got lost in the move). Driving up to the parking lot we became about the fifteenth car to be in the lot. We are in the store for less than five minutes when an announcement comes on the speaker: "Would the owner of a green Subaru Legacy please come to the front." The embarrassed Kohl's worker tells me that there is a man outside threatening to call the police because there is a dog in my vehicle with all the windows rolled up on the brink of death. (I might have added that last phrase). Despite these man's claims, there was no one at my car and Magnus was sitting in the backseat with all the windows down a couple of inches and the sunroof open. Besides the fact that it was barely 70 degrees out. Yeah this is a tortured dog.

Magnus, I don't know how you survive everyday. It must be a struggle.

You wish you had a mac

2009-07-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

I've already announced that I've joined the cool kid ranks with my rad MacBook laptop...and thanks to my guru Ariane, I have learned lots of cool stuff to do with it. First I was able to create a new header for my blog with a picture that I took of the lake I live on. Then last night after a mini lesson from Ari I was able to record a song that I had written for an assignment. Then I could send it to my professor. Now if only I could figure out how to put it on here.

I guess I wanted this...

2009-06-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

So it is no secret that I have never been a huge fan of single wards. But that is another discussion for another day. I always say that I love being at home because I feel useful and that I'm not the bulletin board coordinator on every other Sunday. So I wanted more responsibility and I got it I guess. I have been gospel doctrine teacher for the past year and I LOVE it. Then I got an ominous phone call on Sunday and I was thinking to myself "NOOOO...." I kept thinking of the My Turn on Earth song "I'm not ready, I don't want to go now..." And also "Heavenly Father if you're going to call me to be YSA rep for Rochester this might be a perfect time for me to move out." Well that wasn't it. I got a second calling as the Young Women's secretary. So here I am being useful. We shall see how it goes.

man snatching

2009-06-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been told by your mother, that while you have cute clothes, they aren't "man snatchers"? Mom and I have a special relationship. In Relief Society on Sunday the lesson was on forgiveness and sometimes we hold grudges. And I thought to myself "yeah remember that time when you were in high school and your mom told you that you were average looking. And that other girls were getting the guys because they had something more. Yeah I remember that time." Now I may be skewing that, but you get the gist. Frequently mother has voiced her opinion about my appearance claiming me to be a project that needed highlights and contacts. Or that when I dyed my hair brown (while to my face she told me she loved it) at a later date when I was blond again, that she had hated my hair that way.

Well her new words of wisdom are that a number of my church outfits are not "man snatchers." Actual conversation:

Mom: Shelby you need to wear a man snatching outfit.

Shelby: What do you mean?

M: Well some of your outfits...well they're cute and women appreciate them, but... well you know you're little Norwegian dress it's cute but guys aren't attracted to it.

Shauna: Yeah Shelby like your yellow flower dress. It's adorable, but it's not a man snatcher. You can wear that after you get a boyfriend, but when you're in pursuit maybe you should wear something else.

Now before Shauna gets upset, they both did voice their opinions of other cute outfits that look good on me and are "man" appropriate. It comes from a place of love, I know, but sometimes it's harsh love. So men beware, you're about to snatched by the power of the pencil skirt.

Aren't these just gorgeous?

2009-06-19T13:15:00.000-07:00

Too bad I'm not a size two and have a few hundred bucks lying around...I would be in trouble.

what I've been listening to...

2009-06-13T09:20:00.001-07:00

So I know many clamored to read my thrilling review of Mandy Moore. So here are couple of other albums I am listening to. I just want to send out a caution to readers that iTunes is dangerous. With one click of the button, I can download a new album and $9.99 has mysteriously disappeared from my bank account. So here is where my hard earned paycheck is going to.

I was in this musical in high school. I was secretary number two and a "Paris Original" girl and sang one of my solo lines "All slinky with sin" in front of my grandparents. Classy.

I heard about this album and wanted to check it out. Decent. It is definitely an Andrews Sisters throwback. I appreciate this lady trio wanting to bring back some of the old good music. They actually have a version of "I Will Survive" on the album that does not bring back traumatic memories of youth dances.

My friend Amanda mentioned this on her blog so yet again I was curious about it. I like it a lot. Although it is slightly annoying that Zooey Deschanel has an acting career, but oh wait she writes really cool music. It's like hating the pretty, skinny girl in the singles ward who gets all the guys and then realizing she is wicked nice too.

And the best for last. I love Madeleine Peyroux and she just came out with this new album, Bare Bones, which like all of her others is amazing. I think my BIL might call it rainy day music, but I think just plain relaxing and awesome.

guilty pleasures

2009-06-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

We all have our guilty pleasures. Mine might be Cold Stone's 'peanut butter cup perfection', Hallmark movies, and Zac Efron. Although I kind of feel like a pedophile for that last one. Well here is another guilty pleasure...Mandy Moore. I've been slightly ashamed of this one because well...let's just take a rundown on her filmography: "How to Deal", "Chasing Liberty", "Princess Diaries"...you get the gist. But she is just so stinkin' adorable. You want to be like her bad acting and all. She seems so nice and normal. Mandy was the reason I dyed my hair brown. I wanted to "Mandy Moore it up". But of this I am not ashamed. Her new album Amanda Leigh is amazing. I have listened to it over and over again at work for the past two days.

Isn't she gorgeous?

I think we all know I love my jazz music, but this album is just so fun. She's wicked humble too realizing she hasn't been setting the world on fire with her previous breathy singing and has made an effort with this one and worked with some great people. So Mandy, A+ my friend, you are coming into your own...and I will secretly adore you for life.

I almost died last night

2009-06-05T06:51:00.000-07:00

and by almost died, I mean almost getting sprayed by a skunk. If any of you are familiar with my family's history with these creatures you must know that panic attack I was having. But yes there was one that was scampering in the parking lot by Coldstone last night and hid himself beneath my car. Luckily Becca was there to save me. Once the vile thing found greener pastures away from my vehicle, I ran with all my might and sped out of there like I was being chased by a serial killer. Who said I don't have adventure in my life, because clearly I do.

No husband yet...

2009-05-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

much to my father's chagrin. So I did not find my Gary Cooper in my week out to Utah. Oh well, life moves on. In recent updates on my life, I bought a laptop. I am at this very moment, I'm casually sipping a diet pepsi while making use of Panera's free wifi. How hip am I? I bought a MacBook and she is adorable. With its' many features, besides making the most awesome gospel doctrine lesson on Keynote, I play "the photobooth game" with Carter Boy. He loves computers and wants to press every button. So being a Pouliot and knowing only the concept of 'controlled fun', I let him sit on my lap and press the enter button and we count down and wait for the picture to be taken. Here are a few examples.

Carter's "Hallelujah Hands"

He's getting that he can see himself.

He can't escape Auntie. I love him too much.