A-Squared.

(The girls! Roo, Traci and Kate, Gi, Ash, Me, Jady, Zoe, Steph, Tiffer and Nix.)

My baby sister, Ashley got married on August 27th to her husband Adam.  It's always fun gaining a brother in my life.  After all, I grew up with only one of them and so it's fun to add more to our fold.  Adam fits right in too, as well as his family!

(Baby Kate meeting Roo for the first time.)

(Cousins: Annie Pie, Roo and Jady.)

(Owen and Roo playing Brick Breaker on my phone.)

(Baby Kate!)

(My favorite face of Annie Pie's EVER!  Haha, makes me laugh every time.)

We all flew up to Portland and stayed with VJ and his family.  This was definitely no vacation, but hard work prepping for the wedding.  But being together as a whole family once again mad it so much fun!  Especially since all of the babies were together for the first time with Nixie and Kate!  Nothing like a wedding to bring everyone together again! :D

(Tiffer and I practicing in our heels while baking cupcakes.)

(The rehearsal dinner was at Mother's.  Such a fabulous place, I highly recommend it!)

The wedding took place at Adam's parents' gorgeous ranch.  They got married underneath a big tree with the horses and goats roaming in the background.  The ceremony was beautiful and the reception was fun with lots of good people, goat cheese and dancing.

(Blue shoes: Traci, Gina, Me, Tiffer.)

(The beautiful bride and her big sister.)

(Best cousins, Jady and Annie Pie.)

(Mom watching the first dance. Dad in his pimp fedora.)

(Me and Jady with the girl of the hour -- or 3 weeks in her case, lol!)

(Tiffer giving her speech full of silly Ashley stories.)

(Owen showing his mom, Tru, his dance moves.)

(Seanie, Nix and me.  Nails.)

(Note to self, don't do sparklers as the happy couple are leaving.  Things caught on fire and everyone was coughing because of all the smoke!)

On September 10, we had an open house at my parents' house.  It was so much fun seeing everyone there!  There were some ladies I hadn't seen in years, such as old teachers from church and my cousins and aunties.  And of course, more babies.

Ashley and Adam headed out to Reno where they are now living and I already miss my little sister so much.  It's always so much when we're around each other because she's so similar to me.  Maybe I'm just immature.  It's possible that that's why we get along so well, haha!

Congrats to A-Squared!  I cannot wait to see what adventures are in store for you!  Xoxo!

Summer Fun!

I know, I know.  It's been WAY too long since I actual wrote something about myself and what's going on in my life.  I apologize.  Life has been VERY busy with lots of changes!

Let's catch up on Hollie's Summer Fun, 2011.  I'll just add some highlights aside from the beach, the pool, Disneyland, my tan, etc.

July 4th:
There is no place I'd rather be on July 4th than in my hometown of Huntington Beach.  I have been lots of places for this holiday but NONE compare to HB!

This year, Ashley and her fiance, Adam flew down from Oregon to celebrate with us.  Most of the day was full of lounging, eating and pool fun.  Maybe throw a nap in there as well. ;)  Just before 7:00 pm, we loaded our bikes into Chris's truck and were off towards the beach.  We parked the card and prepped our bikes and blankets (yes, it's still a little chilly in the month of July to me -- no surprise, really) and were off to the the beach!  There's something amazing about riding a bike along the beach as the sun is going down over the horizon.

(Auntie Ash meets Baby Kate!)

(Let's do this!)

(Adam jumps in to help unload.  What a gentleman!)

(Team Jones!)

(Gi, Green and Traci with a romantic sunset background.)

(The rents and I are ready for some fireworks!)

(All the single ladies!  Me, Gi and Green (Chris in the background))

We ended up on Dog Beach and walked our bikes towards the water and found a spot for the big show. This year, we were joined by Traci and Chris's little girl, Kate.  It was her first 4th of July and she had a blast!  I know it's hard to tell in the pictures, but she did.  I promise.  In fact she's in for more fun and get together as she grows older with us. :)  The fireworks began and everyone was in awe at the spectacular show.  It's just under the Disneyland fireworks shows to me.  Just spectacular!

Runs N Goses' Final Show:
I have a bunch of friends that I've known since high school.  They've always played shows and had their various bands, playing various types of music.  They're all very talented and oh, so much fun!

(Runs N Goses)

One of the "projects" that decided to do was a Guns N Roses cover band.  They played a lot of shows, always with a full house.  It was always SO much fun!  They did a great job and poor Rob was always hoarse for 3 days after busting out his version of Axl Rose vocals.  But he put on a great front after studying live performances of the band.  He even got the hips/body swing thingy (I don't know what to call it) down.  AND they all dressed up like the band members, including Gash (Slash).

(Jr. High School BFF and Rachel. First reunion since elementary school!)

(Krista and Paul came out to see what the fuss was about.)

(I like to force Cassie to take pictures.)

(The groupies!)

They played their last show late July.  Now when I say their "last show" I mean their last show until they decide to do a reunion show a few years down the road.  Haha!  I'm pretty sure this is their 3rd last show but we'll see.

(I'm with the band.  Ryan and Doug here.  Oh and my 5 inch heels.)

Steph's visit:
I was so lucky to be able to join up with my dear friend Stephanie when she came down for a few days to visit.  She moved to Ohio a couple of months ago and we all miss her dearly.  I've known this wonderful girl since I started working at ACC.  She is one of the smartest, loveliest women I have ever met and I am so blessed to have her as a friend!  I miss her dearly but get to meet up with her when I go to Texas this next coming weekend. ;)

(My ACC girls!  Me, Danielle, Jaime, Steph and Karen.)

Brudencosas in the house:
The most recent excitement this summer is the return of Tiffer and her family to Huntington Beach!  (Well, that and Ashley and Adam's wedding, but that gets a separate post.)  Anyhoo, Seanie has been accepted into officer training and so the girls have moved into my parents' house for a few months until they make a big move to Wyoming, their next adventure!  Personally, I am very excited to visit Wyoming again as it has so much beauty and places I haven't been to yet!  Yay!

(Jaiden loves to cheese for the camera!)

And so I get to be with Jaiden and Nixe and play with them and watch them as they grow older.  I cannot wait to see their new experiences and learn new things.  I cannot wait to take them to Disneyland and buy them toys and all the things an auntie does!  It'll be so much fun to have them here with baby Kate and watch them interact and have so much fun as cousins!  YAY!

(Jaiden and Nixie.  So excited to have them here!)

Big Move:
Oh yes.  Last but not least, I moved!  I was having such a difficult time with the new roommate that I had to get out.  I relocated to Long Beach in Belmont.  I now live in an apartment by myself and absolutely LOVE it!  I have missed the ocean air and the beach city life.  I can now walk to the beach from my apartment, walk to local shops and restaurants, and even walk to Junior High School Friend's (Jamie) apartment!  I am moving on up and I LOVE it!!! :D :D :D

(Cousins!  Nix, Jady and baby Kate visiting my new apartment.)

And so, that is the latest.  Those have been the highlights of the summer since Costa Rica.  Very memorable times.  All in all, it's been a great summer and I cannot wait to see what else lies ahead!

I'll be honest though...  After seeing all of the Halloween stuff and the blazing heat everywhere I go, I'm ready for fall!

Twins?

These days, more and more often, I'm getting compared to Zooey Deschanel.  I don't mind.  I think she's adorable.  Maybe it's the big blue eyes, although mine seem to be more green now.  Maybe it's the bangs.

Ummm...

In the words of Ingrid Michaelson, "This whole thing just confuses me..."

Junior High School BFF

When I was in elementary school, I met a girl named Jamie.  We were both invited to a classmate, Amy's, birthday party.  We decided to walk home afterward and quickly became good friends.  She asked for my phone number and we went to the beach the very next day.  (She actually had to tell me this the other day because I had no clue when or how we first met but she remembered like it was yesterday!)

(Amy, me, Carrie, Jamie.  Before 6th Grade Camp, they made us take out temperature.)

We remained besties throughout junior high and quickly became fans of Glam Heavy Metal.  We rocked out to KNAC, Pirate Radio, and fell in love with any guy wearing their hair long.  We had such a blast hanging out at the beach or the mall.  We even met local bands and quickly became fans of theirs, ordering their cassette tapes and glossies.  We went to the KNAC baseball game and sat next to Tom Ayera of Slayer.  That's when I asked how long baseball games last for.  You know, who kept the timer of how long the game is going for?  Hey, I was  soccer player.  I was used to half time!  

(6th Grade Beach Party. Felicia (still trying to find her on facebook), me, Jamie, Carrie.)

While we were in 8th grade, I was invited with Jamie and her family to Boston and New York.  It was an amazing time! Jamie's sister was dating/engaged to a very well known heavy metal band member and they were all there in NY when we got there.  It was my first time being on the East Coast and we had such a blast!  I remember being in Boston walking around and visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame.  (Jamie reminded me of this last night, actually.)  We also did The Salem Witch Museum where I bought an arrowhead necklace.  New York was amazing.  It was the first time I'd seen the city and I was just awestruck!  IT was a tim eI will NEVER forget!  (We have many inside jokes from this trip that we still laugh at.)

By the time high school came, we were forced to go our separate ways.  I attended Ocean View like my older siblings and Jamie went where all the cool kids went, Huntington High.  It was hard going through a separation like that, but that's what happens in life.  Sometimes friends have to part for reasons of nothing other than life.

I saw Jamie once in college.  I went into the career center and she was in a study group of sorts.  I was sure to say hi but it was a little awkward.  We hadn't seen each other for years and she seemed so different.  I know I was different.  We each had our own group of friends.  Our own lives.  Our own college careers.

A few more years went by and a new media website called MySpace came out.  One day, out of nowhere, we became friends on MySpace.  (This is all according to her, btw.  I only remember the next part.  Not this MySpace stuff at all.)  I remember being on the bike, hanging out with Gym, when she came and sat next to me.  (She swears we met each other there but I sweat we ran into each other there.) We got to talking and slowly, but surely, we were back in each other's lives.

Last Christmas, I watched her parents' dogs and house while they were in Hawaii on holiday.  It was so good to see her parents again and be in that house that i'd gone to so many times as a kid!  All the memories came back.  We took modeling pictures in the living room.  We called radio stations in the living room while watching MTV.  I ate Frosted Flakes with Mountain Dew because they were out of milk.  It all came back and I couldn't help but smile.

(This was a couple weekends ago.  Hanging out listening to my friend's GnR cover band, Runs 'N' Goses.)

(Some things never change, haha!)

We've since hung out quite often!  In fact, I see her probably once a week these days!  She's on a gluten free diet too, so she cooks up experimental meals to help me get out of Ana-crime.  We have such a blast with our random memories and our favorite topic: boys.  It's like time hasn't really passed at all.  Our friendship is there and we're still as silly/crazy as we ever were!  Just more adult, I guess.

Until we were in her kitchen cleaning up last night and we busted out this little beauty:



I am so so happy for our little reunion!  She's such a wonderful girl and I am super happy to have her bak in my life!  In fact, I'm moving bout 4 blocks away from her in Belmont!  (Yes, that's another story.  I miss my ocean so I'm moving closer to it.)

Here's to friendships that remain true, no matter how long it's been!

On A Lighter Note: Bounce!

I borrowed the following post from my new favorite website: hellogiggles.  I've been trying to figure out how to help out on recycling and reusing and this is the perfect way!  Growing up, my mom ALWAYS used Bounce dryer sheets.  It has now become a staple in my life so, of course, I have these sheets for every load of laundry I do.  That's a lot of sheets considering I change multiple times in any given day!  Hey, I'm a girl, all right??

Anyhoo, here are some great uses for Bounce dryer sheets.  I have yet to try any of them but i'll tell you what.  The sheets overnight in my stinky flats will definitely be the first I try!  Oh, and dusting, of course, when I run out of my Swiffer sheets...

#1. Mouse Repellent:

Trust me, I don’t want to think about this either or ever. However, in college, when I lived off campus with my roommates in a house in Brighton, Massachusetts we had a mouse spotting. It was a dark period in my college years, but I got through it. Why? Because I Googled “What can you use to keep mice away before your landlord can set mousetraps?” And of course, I found some really great internet advice: peppermint extract and dryer sheets. In a pinch, I subbed extract for peppermint tea bags and put those, as well as dryer sheets, all over our house and surrounding my entire bed. Guys, let’s just say it worked. I mean, I really don’t know if it did but I felt protected and that’s what’s important.

#2. Dusting:

This one is really true. If you’re ever feeling like dryer sheets are wasteful and you want to be more green, you can reuse your used dryer sheets to dust around your apartment or house, so make sure you save them. I know you’re probably all, “No way, that doesn’t work!” But it does – especially on TVs.

#3. Odor Eaters for Flats:

I think we’ve all lost a pair of flats because they start to smell. What do you expect when you wear these things with bare feet? I mean, I know you can wear those little ped socks, but they’re kind of freaky. So what do you do when odor starts to creep into your favorite dancing flats? You stuff dryer sheets in them any time you’re not wearing them. It works. Never again will you toss a pair of flats before their time.

#4. Static Guard:

Yes! My godmother taught me this one. If you ever find your hair standing up a little bit from static or your clothes getting a little clingy, dryer sheets will work in the place of static guard. You’ll be best friends. Just take one sheet and rub it on your hair and clothes and it will help to reduce static cling. You’re welcome.

#5. Keep Bees Away

Summer is full of outdoor BBQs and picnics. While these are fun times with friends, it often comes with a lot of pests like bees. Who wants to get stung by a bee? No one. Not me. Not ever. So the next time you see bees buzzing around when you’re outside, rub your clothes with a dryer sheet and place some out by your BBQ/picnic food to deter bees from hanging around.

Discrimination.

(My apologies, but please note that this post is heavier than most.)

Cancer does not discriminate.  Cancer does not care who you are.  It does not care how much money you make.  It does not care about the color of your skin.  Cancer doesn't even care if you are male or female.  Cancer does not care how healthy you are either.

Cancer does not discriminate.

I did not know my grandfather, Joseph Phineas Dunham, who died of lung cancer, but he was the first person I'd ever heard of to die of this horrible disease.  We believe this is what helped my grandmother quit smoking.

I have known a handful of other people who have been diagnosed with different types of cancers.  Some have passed away and some have survived.  Some of them very, very close to me.  I remember talking to my sister in law a couple years ago.  Her very best friend, whom my niece was named after, died from cancer.  When talking to her, I discovered it was such a sudden thing that she still can't believe it.  My brother and I talked after that.  Her friend was a health nut, constantly running and keeping in shape.  Cancer found her anyway.

Cancer does not discriminate.

This morning I got a text message from my boss:

"So sorry to tell you this, Sue passed away this morning."

Sue began feeling symptoms only a week and a half ago.  Her boss finally talked her into going to the doctor's Friday afternoon.  She was admitted immediately.  She was only having symptoms of difficulty breathing.  We all figured it was pneumonia since that summer cold is going around.  It's amazing how quickly it happened.

Cancer does not discriminate.